Some Emphysema insights

A very commonly known lung disease is emphysema.

It is affecting millions of people each year and causes shortness of breath and reduces your ability to take part in physical activities. The most common cause of emphysema is smoking but not all people who contract it are smokers.

Emphysema causes damage to the small air sacs and the tiny airways in the lungs. This damage will obstruct the airways when you breathe, blocking breathing and making it difficult to breathe and painful to exhale.

Chronic Emphysema

Emphysema is a progressive disease which means it gets worse over time. The longer you have it, especially if untreated and if you continue to smoke, the worse it will get. When emphysema becomes advanced, the person will have to work very hard to be able to breathe out. Expelling air can become a difficult task in itself. The bad thing about emphysema is that since it develops over many years, many people don’t notice significant symptoms until the disease has already progressed beyond repairs.

How to identify emphysema symptoms

What are some signs and symptoms of emphysema?

The most obvious signs are usually shortness of breath and a reduced ability for physical activity. Other symptoms may include a chronic, mild cough, loss of appetite, weight loss, and fatigue. Symptoms will worsen over time. At the first suspicious signs of symptoms or that something is wrong, you should seek the assistance of a professional. There are certain tests that can be performed to help determine if you may be suffering from emphysema and also to see what kind of damage there is to the lungs.

The Emphysema Stages

There are four stages of emphysema:

At-risk, which would be characterized by a chronic cough and sputum production.

Mild emphysema, during which there might be a mild reduction of airflow a chronic cough and some sputum production.

Moderate emphysema features a noticeable reduction in airflow and shortness of breath when working hard, walking fast, or doing other mildly strenuous activity. At this stage of emphysema, a person usually often begins to feel the need to see a doctor.

Severe emphysema is characterized by severe airflow and breathing limitations. Complications like respiratory failure or signs of heart failure may even develop. Quality of life can be greatly greatly reduced and the condition may even be life threatening.

Care and Prevention

Prevention is an important part of lung care and avoiding emphysema. The more you learn about how to take care of your lungs, eat healthy and avoid harmful chemicals such as cigarette smoking, the better your lungs will be and the better your overall health will be. If you have questions or concerns about emphysema or your own lung health, speak with a qualified health professional right away to learn more about how you can improve your lung health and quality of life.

There are certain circumstances that can increase your risk factor of obtaining emphysema. Some of these risk factors include age (those 50-60 may first experience tobacco-related symptoms), exposure to secondhand smoke, exposure to certain indoor and outdoor pollutants, and exposure to chemical fumes from your job, hereditary exposure (if someone in your family has emphysema), HIV infection and certain connective tissue disorders.

If you are at risk and then experience shortness of breath, frequent breathing trouble and difficulty with physical activity, it is important to see your doctor for a series of tests to determine the cause and possible treatment if you do have

Sourced and published by Henry Sapiecha 24th August 2009

Bronchitis and chronic bronchitis

Without clean air and plenty of it going into your lungs, you are running the risk of infection in the lungs and complications in all parts of your body from the lack of clean oxygen.\

Someone you love or yourself is living with bronchitis, you know how frustrating in can be to have this lung/breathing condition. So what exactly is it and what can you do if you have to live with it? Bronchitis is basically an acute inflammation of the airways in your lungs. When these airways (the trachea and the large and small bronchi) become inflamed, it is difficult or impossible to breathe.

Chronic bronchitis is a form of bronchitis that continues for a long period of time or keeps coming back.

See below for more information on chronic bronchitis and ways to identify a bronchitis symptom.

Bronchitis causes

Infection is a common cause of bronchitis or a trigger for it. Both children and adults can get bronchitis and it affects them the same. When you have bronchitis, the mucous lining of your airways will become irritated and swollen, making it hard for sufficient air to pass through. In addition, the cells that make up this lining might leak fluids into your lungs and in severe cases, when left untreated it can develop into other conditions such as pneumonia.

The main cause of chronic bronchitis is smoking. The more a person smokes, the more likely they’ll eventually get bronchitis and it will become chronic bronchitis.

Some people have a more severe risk of getting bronchitis such as people who smoke, people who have had it or pneumonia before, people with a weakened immune system and anyone with exposure to lung irritants. Secondhand smoke may also cause chronic bronchitis. Air pollution, infection, and allergies make chronic bronchitis worse.

Chronic bronchitis is one of several forms of COPD or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Chronic bronchitis, emphysema, and asthma are among the leading lung diseases in the United States.

Identifying a bronchitis symptom

One of the most common symptoms associated with bronchitis is a severe cough. Often this is what leads people to seek medical treatment in the first place. Because bronchitis usually comes along with the common cold or an upper respiratory infection, you may have symptoms such as fever, muscle aches, sore throat, nasal congestion and more.

Coughing is a typical bronchitis symptom. Your cough from bronchitis may be dry or it may have phlegm if fluids are already developing there. Your cough may last two weeks or more. Severe coughing for long periods of time will make your chest sore and abdominal muscles sore and can lead to bruising. In some cases, bronchial cough has been severe enough to injure the chest wall or even cause a person to pass out.

Wheezing or shortness of breath is another common bronchitis symptom. So how does someone get bronchitis? Usually it is caused by a virus or infection such as influenza (A and B), common colds, or a lung infection. Certain bacteria can cause bronchitis as well as irritations from certain fumes or dust. Tobacco or cigarette smoke is a common cause for many people, especially children.

Bronchitis treatment

What kind of treatment is there for bronchitis? Most types of bronchitis are caused by viral infections which can not be treated with antibiotics. Usually doctors will help you treat the symptoms until it heals and goes away on its own. If it is determined that your bronchitis is caused by a bacterial infection, then antibiotics may be given.

One way to treat and prevent bronchitis is to avoid the causes and triggers of it in the first place. You can also self-treat discomfort at home with Tylenol (acetaminophen), drinking fluids, using a vaporizer, etc.

Never allow your bronchitis to go untreated, especially if you see the symptoms are getting worse since it may develop into a more serious condition such as pneumonia.

Death is a serious and real option if this condition is neglected.

Sourced and published by Henry Sapiecha 24th August 2009

The  Legionnaire’s Disease syndrum

Can be fatal if not treated

It  is an extremely severe form of pneumonia. The cause of Legionnaires’ disease is a bacterium, specifically the bacterium called legionella. This is a disease that is difficult for people to transmit between each other.

Most people come down with this disease by inhaling bacteria out of the air. There are specific groups of people that are more at risk for coming down with this disease. The specific groups of people that are at a high risk for this disease are people that smoke, adults that are older, and people with weakened or damaged immune systems.

Legionella bacterium is also a type of bacterium that can result in a specific type of fever called Pontiac Fever. The Pontiac fever is a milder type of fever that resembles the common flu.

Has been found in commercial air conditioner units and potting mixes with a high level of stagnant moisture.

The good news is that this fever is usually an illness that clears up on its own without serious medical treatment. Most people do not realize that Legionnaires ’ disease can be fatal if it is not treated. The good news is that antibiotics can easily cure the disease, but catching the disease early on is the key to successful treatment.

There are several common symptoms that are related to this unusual disease. In most cases the first symptoms develop anywhere from a couple to fourteen days after taking in legionella bacterium.

Some of the symptoms that you can come down with include headaches, muscle pains, chills, and a fever of over 104 F. By the time you actually have the disease in your system you can also have symptoms of chest pain, fatigue, and loss of appetite. In very severe cases you can even come down with a symptom of mental confusion.

Knowing when to see a doctor can be difficult if you think you have this disease. If you have any of the symptoms you should monitor them extremely closely. If you think you have the disease because of symptoms that you have you should immediately seek medical attention at the doctor’s office.

The key to stopping this disease in its tracks is catching it early in the piece. If you fail to catch this disease early on it will be more difficult to treat. By diagnosing it early you can stop it from spreading to other parts of your body.

If you do come down with the disease you should not panic.

Be aware that it is a disease that is completely treatable so just stay calm and take care of your body!

Sourced and published by Henry Sapiecha 24th August 2009

Tuberculosis or “TB?”

IS IT STILL WITH US?

Tuberculosis was a common and very deadly infectious disease that luckily is affecting fewer people since the world has available to it now a vaccine for it. Unfortunately, there are still a high number of people dying from this infection yearly. This disease, often abbreviated TB, is caused by mycobacteria such as Mycobacterrium tuberculosis. It most commonly attacks the lungs which is why it is associated and classified with other lung diseases and conditions. However, TB can also attack other parts of the body such as the central nervous system, circulatory system, bones, joints, skin and even the lymphatic system.

It may be shocking to know that over 1/3 of the world’s population has been exposed to the bacteria that cause TB at some time. However, not everyone who is exposed will contract TB. Some also have asymptomatic or latent tuberculosis infections. One in ten of these latent infections will develop into active TB. Untreated tuberculosis will kill more than half of people infected with it so if you know or suspect you have it, prompt treatment is crucial.

You should get to a doctor right away to be tested and treated for your TB infection before it worsens and causes death or severe, irreversible lung damage. TB also commonly affects people with AIDS, HIV and other immune-declining conditions. When the immune system is weakened, such as with these conditions, it makes it easier for the person to contract TB and harder for the body to fight it.

Symptoms of TB

Some symptoms of TB are chest pain, prolonged cough for more than three weeks, coughing up blood, fever, chills, night sweats, appetite loss, weight loss, pallor and fatigue. These symptoms are also common in other conditions and diseases and other lung conditions so if you think you may have been exposed to TB and are now showing these symptoms, you will need to see your doctor for a definite diagnosis.

How do you get tuberculosis?

There are different ways of contracting TB. It is contagious if you are around someone else who has it. The person with TB may expel the bacteria when they breathe, cough, sneeze, talk, kiss or spit. It can also be contracted from sharing needles with a person who is infected. People in high risk conditions such as health-care workers or those people on immune-suppressant drugs will need to be extra careful of contracting tuberculosis.

Treatment for tuberculosis involves an antibiotic to kill the bacteria that are causing the disease. You may also be given medications to ease your symptoms until the bacteria is gone. You many be quarantined until the active stage is passed and you are no longer contagious. Treatment is very important to ensure you can live a long and healthy life, even after you’ve had tuberculosis.

There have been numerous peoples who have fully recovered from this disease called TB.

Sourced and published by Henry Sapiecha 24th August 2009

What is sleep apnea?

Do you snore?

Lung and throat problems?

Has there been times when you have been told that you snore and keep others awake? Have you ever awakened yourself from loud and excessive snoring? Do you feel like you are not getting enough sleep at night or wake up still tired? If so, then it is possible you are suffering from sleep apnea.

Apnea is Greek work that means “without breath”

and that is essentially what is happening when you sleep.

Anyone of any age can get sleep apnea, even children. However, there are certain conditions that make you more likely to suffer from it. Some risk factors that increase your chances of getting sleep apnea are excess weight, a thick neck circumference, high blood pressure or hypertension, being male, being a person over age 65, having a narrowed throat or enlarged tonsils or adenoids, a family history of sleep apnea, being a smoker, or using alcohol, sedatives or tranquilizers before bed.

There are also certain conditions that can increase your risk of having central sleep apnea. For example, if you are male, if you live in high altitudes, if you have a heart disorder such as atrial fibrillation or if you have had a stroke or brain tumor, it will increase your risk. If you feel you may have sleep apnea, see your doctor right away to find out what kind of treatment works for you.

Remember your sleep is very important and if you can’t breathe, it will affect your sleep.

Types of sleep apnea

There are two main types of sleep apnea–obstructive sleep apnea and central sleep apnea. Both will have the same symptoms but they are caused by different things. Obstructive sleep apnea is the most common type and occurs when throat muscle relax and obstruct breathing. Central sleep apnea happens when the brain doesn’t send the right breathing signals out during sleeping. Sleep apnea is more common in older adults than young people and more common in men than in women.

Sleep apnea symptoms

What are some signs and symptoms that you may have sleep apnea? Difficulty staying asleep or marked daytime sleepiness, loud snoring, cessation of breathing during sleep, shortness of breath, awakening due to cessation of breathing, morning headaches, waking with dry mouth and sore throat are all some common signs and symptoms of sleep apnea.

There are different types of sleep apnea treatment ensure you get the proper sleep at night and that you continue breathing properly. Some people undergo treatment to remove tissue from certain areas like the nose, mouth or throat to prevent obstruction and other people may need to use a breathing device at night to keep breathing.

Some people with sleep apnea are not aware that their sleep has been interrupted. They may wonder why they have fatigue and feel sleepy throughout the day. Often the awakening during the night is so brief, you may not remember it by the next morning.

Who gets sleep apnea? Do you?

Sourced and published by Henry Sapiecha 24th August 2009

What You Should be aware of about Asthma

From early onset to full diagnosis & possible cure

You have heard of asthma, even if we do not know exactly what it is. How much do you know about asthma, its causes, its symptoms and its treatment? You’re not alone if you discover that you don’t know as much as you thought you did. Here are some revelations about asthma.

First, know that asthma can affect anyone, regardless of age, sex, race or other factors. It is most common in children or people with a family history of asthma although it can occur in families with no history and early-onset asthma is also possible.

We know that asthma is caused my inflammation in the airways of the lungs which leads to the common symptoms of asthma but we do not know exactly what causes this inflammation. We do, however, know what types of conditions and circumstances can attribute to or cause a flare-up of asthma. We call these asthma triggers.

Exercise is one of the most common triggers of asthma and even people with mild asthma can experience symptoms triggered by exercise. However, getting exercise is actually good for your body and your asthma; you just need proper treatment while doing so.

Pollen and certain types of molds are another trigger for people with asthma. During the season of hay fever, many people with asthma need additional treatment and may have trouble going outdoors. Indoor molds can also contribute to asthma flare-ups.

Upper respiratory infections are another common trigger for asthma. If you have a cold, flu or other type respiratory infection, you will likely have an occurrence of asthma symptoms.

Certain foods and certain medicines can also trigger asthma symptoms. These can vary from person to person and can be allergy-related so your doctor can help you determine your triggers and avoid them as much as possible.

Emotions can also affect your asthma. While asthma is not directly related to your nerves or your emotional state, there are certain emotions such as stress or even laughter than can cause or aggravate the symptoms of asthma.

Please note that these things do not cause asthma, nor do allergies cause asthma, they just contribute to the condition and often lead to flare-ups or “attacks” as they are often called. If you have asthma, your children could be at a greater risk for getting it too so it’s important to learn the early warning signs and keep an eye on it.

There is no cure for asthma but there are many treatments available. Advancements in technology and medicine every day are leading us to new treatments and possibly a cure in the future but for now, we have to settle for the treatment plans our doctors deem best for us.

Sourced and published by Henry Sapiecha 24th August 2009

Lung Cancer is a serious disease?

What do you know about it?

Lung cancer or lung carcinoma results from an abnormality of the cells in the lung. This is the same way that cancers anywhere else in the body work. This abnormal growth is usually called a tumor and a lung tumor can cause serious problems.

The main types of lung cancer are small cell lung carcinoma and non so small cell lung carcinoma.

Knowing the difference is important because lung cancer treatment varies depending on the type.

Causes of Lung Cancer

The body is a complex organism made up of many different cells all working together, Cells are constantly dying, splitting and re-growing but sometimes things go wrong and cancers develop. When this happens in the lungs, it can greatly affect the lung’s ability to function properly.

Lung cancer kills more men and women each year than any other type of cancer. It is made worse by cigarette smoking although many cases of lung cancer exist that are not directly related to smoking. Smoking greatly increases your chances of developing lung cancer, however. If you suspect you may have lung cancer, you should stop smoking immediately.

In addition to smoking, some other causes of lung cancer include passive smoking, or second hand smoke, asbestos exposure, radon gas, air pollution, genetics, heredity, and other lung diseases or conditions. There are different types of lung cancer. If you are already predisposed to getting lung cancer from one of the reasons listed above, it’s very important that you take care of your lungs and learn all that you can about lung health.

If possible, you need to avoid the pollutants that may cause your lung cancer and seek the help of a professional if you think you may already have contracted lung cancer or if you are having breathing problems. In many cases, lung cancer is fatal but it doesn’t have to be for you. The sooner you seek treatment, the better your chances of recovery will be.

Lung Cancer Symptoms

While some 25% of people with lung cancer have no symptoms at all, there are many who will begin to notice some of the early signs and symptoms. Talk to your doctor immediately if you

• cough up blood,
• have persistent and frequent cough,
• wheezing or shortness of breath,
• chest pain or tightening when breathing,
• unexplained weight loss and fatigue,

You are also at risk if you have previously been diagnosed with a lung previous lung cancers or abnormal growths like lung nodules.

What Is a Lung Nodule?

A lung nodule is a small abnormality in the lung. It is also known as a pulmonary nodule that can be seen on a chest x-ray if it is larger than one centimeter.

Most lung nodules, which are sometimes called “lung spots” are noncancerous or benign lesions. Nonetheless, anyone diagnosed with a lung nodule should investigate it further because it may actually be an early stage of lung cancer. It might also be an indication that cancer is present and is spreading (also called metastasizing) from another part of the body to the affected lung.

A needle biopsy, which is also known as a needle aspiration, may be necessary to determine if a lung nodule is cancerous or benign. A biopsy involves removing some cells from a suspicious area within the body and examining them under a microscope to determine a diagnosis.

Sourced and published by Henry Sapiecha 214th AUgust 2009

The Effects of COPD or Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease on the Lungs

Really value & respect the term  - Took his the last breath.

Having a lung disease (also called a pulmonary disease) is never an easy thing to cope with.

Living with COPD, or Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease, can be especially challenging.

Our lungs are very important to healthy life and function. If you have Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease, or COPD, you know that breathing doesn’t always come easily.

COPD is basically a combination of two other respiratory diseases- emphysema and bronchitis. With these pulmonary diseases, just like with COPD, the flow of air through the lungs and bronchial tubes is blocked. This is usually a permanent condition which gets worse over time, making it very difficult for the sufferer to breathe.

Causes of COPD

The number one cause of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease in the United States is smoking. Statistics show that nearly 15% of smokers will develop COPD. Cigarette smoke damages the lungs in several ways. One of the best ways to prevent COPD or to prevent it from getting worse is to stop smoking immediately and try to avoid being around smoke since the exact effects of second hand smoke on COPD are not completely known.

There are other things that can cause or contribute to COPD as well. Indoor and outdoor air pollution can cause or worsen COPD. Stoves used for cooking as well as silica and similar pollutants are dangerous as well. Another cause of COPD is a rare genetic condition called AAT. This causes about 1% of the cases of COPD each year.

COPD Treatment and COPD Management

In most cases, a certain amount of COPD management is possible even if the disease can’t be fully cured.

Certain types of COPD therapy that can help reduce obstruction of the airways, making it easier for you to breathe normally again. There are many medications that can assist and even reverse many of the symptoms of COPD. The earlier you seek treatment for your condition, the better your chances of reversing damage.

If you have COPD, it is important that you learn as much as you can about what caused it and what type you have. Get COPD help by working together with your doctor and talking about your past, medical history, family history and symptoms. Working together with your doctor, you can find the best plan of treatment for your COPD. Untreated COPD will most certainly always worsen.

Sourced and published by Henry Sapiecha 24th August 2009