Asthma And COPD - What's The Difference?

Asthma and COPD are not the same thing, even though their symptoms - and their damaging effects on your ability to breathe - often resemble each other.

Asthma and COPD are both forms of lung disease, and either can cause severe respiratory problems. When you have either asthma or COPD, you are likely to experience wheezing, shortness of breath, chest tightness and coughing. But there are significant differences when you look at their causes, and the age when they are most likely to appear.

Asthma causes smaller airways in the lungs to become more narrow than they should be, which in turn causes asthma symptoms. Furthermore asthma is often diagnosed during childhood or adolescence. although it can happen at any time during your life. As you grow older, asthma symptoms may become less noticeable and may also occur less often. Genetics may play a role too - this disorder generally runs in families.

COPD, however, is a disease that occurs in adults - especially those who have reached middle age and have smoked cigarettes for a long time. Many individuals who have COPD are still smoking at the time of their diagnosis.

There are some other differences that help you tell the difference between asthma and COPD. When you have an asthma attack, it's often the result of external factors over which you have little or no control. Typically, these would be allergens, exercise, pollutants or even cold air. COPD symptoms are usually generated inside the respiratory system itself, and often occur due to some kind of respiratory infection.

COPD and asthma also affect the air passages in different ways. Asthma sufferers often have no symptoms or few symptoms between their attacks, which are also known as exacerbations or episodes. But those with COPD experience symptoms that present themselves consistently, day after day. Symptoms usually continue even when the COPD sufferer stops smoking or uses a bronchodilator to ease their breathing difficulties.

COPD, which stands for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, is a general term which includes several lung diseases. Two of these diseases are well-known and, unfortunately, fairly common: emphysema and chronic bronchitis. A third form is a condition called chronic asthmatic bronchitis, which is a type of asthma that can be especially persistent. There is very little that can be done to relieve the symptoms of chronic asthmatic bronchitis. Like chronic bronchitis and emphysema, it can be caused by smoking, genetic susceptibility, or excessive exposure to pollutants like dust at home or in the workplace.

Smoking can be dangerous even for those who don't smoke cigarettes themselves. Children who are raised in homes where either or both parents smoke have a statistically higher risk of developing COPD when they get older.

How is COPD Treated?

First of all it is important to know that chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, COPD for short, is a progressive disease and that there is no cure for it. The damage that has been done to the lungs, primarily through smoking, is irreversible.

On the other hand there are treatments which allow patients to lead more active life styles- much better than at any other time in history. This cannot be over stressed as one of the major goals in any treatment that is developed for COPD must pursue the recovery of the patients quality of life.

As the main goal in COPD treatment is to allow the patient to pursue his or her life in the best possible health, this means:

• first and foremost, to help the patient absorb the amount of oxygen needed


• provide relief from COPD symptoms


• increase the patients ability to stay active


• prevent complications

Another vitally important point for anyone, but specially for COPD patients, is to quit smoking. Smoking is by far the primary cause of COPD. When you look at our aging population, a large number of them have smoked or still smoke, and this places them at risk. Over 90% of COPD patients have been smokers.

Treatment will depend on the diagnosis and the severity of the illness as well as individual aspects of the patient (age for example).

Available Treatments:

- Medication

* Bronchodilators that help make breathing easier by relaxing the muscles around the airways.

* Inhaled Glucocorticosteroids, which can help by reducing swelling of the airways

* There are also preventive medicines that are applied to reduce the risk of flu or pneumonia that for COPD patients can create much discomfort and too much risk.

- Pulmonary Rehabilitation. This will generally include exercise, disease management training as well as nutritional and psychological therapy.

- Oxygen Therapy. For sever case of COPD Oxygen Therapy can be one of the treatment options. The patient receives supplemental oxygen.

- Surgery. Usually as a last resort when the severity of the illness demands it.

* Transplant

* LVRS - Lung Volume Reduction Surgery where damaged tissues are removed.

* Bullectomy. As the walls of the air sacs are destroyed as series of bullae (larger air spaces) are formed. Through surgery these bullae are removed.

Although the number of patients that are being diagnosed with COPD is increasing, mainly because of previous smoking habits, the available treatments, specially oxygen therapy, are allowing for many more people to continue to enjoy active life styles.

Treatment Options of COPD

COPD is an irreversible disease with no cure. However, using a variety of treatment options, the goal of COPD management should be to improve quality of daily living by relieving symptoms, recurrence of flare-ups, and slowing the rapid advancement of the stages in this progressive disease.

Giving Up Smoking:

The most important therapeutic intervention remains immediate cessation of smoking. Seeking help and information from your pulmunologist can help decide on various methods like nicotine replacement aids, transdermal nicotine patches, chewing pieces and other relaxation techniques that help with quitting smoking. Though damage caused to the lungs by smoking in COPD is not reversible, quitting smoking helps with halting further damage.

Other treatments for COPD may include medicines, vaccines, pulmonary rehabilitation programs, oxygen therapy and surgery in very advanced stages of COPD.

Medicines - Bronchodilators

Medications used to primarily relax muscles affected by airway constriction are called Bronchodilators. They help ease breathing, control occurrences of flare-ups, combat inflammation and bacterial infections. These medicines may be administered using a device such as a metered dose inhaler, dry powder inhaler or nebulizer. Often a combination of different types of medications falling under bronchodilators such as pills, tablets, or IV is used by doctors.

Beta-Agonists

Short-acting beta-agonists are used when symptoms are episodic as when exercising. They are also used when shortness of breath starts as a pre-cursor to a full-blown attack, effectively preventing it. Long-acting beta-agonists are used to treat daily symptoms that last over 12 hours.

Phosphodiesterase Inhibitors

Methylxanthines or theophyllines are used to improve diaphragm muscle contractility and stimulate the respiratory center.

Inhaled Glucocorticosteroids (Steroids)

Inhaled steroids are normally used in moderate or severe COPD to reduce airway inflammation. Normally, they are used in patients of COPD for a trial period of about 6 weeks to 3 months only. They are believed to be less effective in the treatment of COPD than with other diseases they are used for.

Mucolytic Agents

These agents reduce sputum viscosity and improve secretion clearance as cough associated with excessive mucus is one of the earliest symptoms that continues to advanced stages of the disease also.

Oxygen Therapy

COPD commonly is associated with low levels of oxygen in blood. Oxygen stored in a portable tank is administered to the patient through a flexible nasal tube or face mask. Oxygen administration reduces mortality rates in patients with advanced COPD because of the favorable effects on pulmonary health.

Surgical Options

When advanced COPD has resulted in significant lung damage surgery may be suitable. Bullectomy is advised in cases where spirometric breathing tests show poor lung function. This procedure removes air spaces that sometimes form when air sacks break and interfere with breathing.

o Bullectomy is advised in cases where spirometric breathing tests show poor lung function. This procedure removes air spaces that sometimes form when air sacks break and interfere with breathing.

o Lung volume reduction surgery (LVRS) is a procedure to remove sections of damaged lung tissue.

o Lung transplant is undertaken in very severe cases of COPD to replace a diseased lung with a healthy donor lung.

Other Lifestyle Changes

Along with the above treatments, patients would be well advised to follow a pulmonary rehabilitation program that gives a holistic approach including but not limited to nutrition advice, breathing exercises and other types of exercises for COPD patients. As infections such as flu and influenza worsen COPD, annual flu and influenza shots are a must.

Chronic Sinus Infection Treatment - Ways of Treating Chronic Sinus Infection

Inflammation of the sinus is known as sinus infection. But what is sinus? It is the cavities located in the nose. Sinus helps in pushing out the dry and mucous that is present inside the body. Therefore, when inflammation occurs in the sinus the dry and mucous is blocked inside the sinus. This, in medical parlance, is known as sinusitis. Those affected with sinusitis suffer from severe headaches. However, there is a vast difference between common cold and sinusitis. You should consult a doctor who will diagnose the ailment and prescribe medicines for you.

Chronic sinus:

Those with chronic sinus suffer for about three to eight weeks more or less. What is chronic sinus infection treatment then, one may ask. But before going into the details of chronic sinus it is pertinent to know about the symptoms. Generally, the symptoms for chronic sinus are unbearable headaches, trouble in breathing and tiredness, fever, painful jaws and yellow discharge from the nose.

Chronic sinus infection treatment more often than not begins with antibiotics. Patients may be prescribed antibiotics for approximately 12 weeks. But that may vary depending on the patients. Doctors may also put the patients on corticosteroid in order to ease the inflammation of the sinuses.

Other chronic sinus infection treatment:

Patients could be prescribed by the doctors to use decongestants so that it could reduce the clogging of the nasal membrane. It is also recommended that inhaling steam through a vaporizer could bring in the much needed relief. Drinking warm fluids will also help a lot.

Sometimes chronic sinus infection treatment could also involve treatment for allergy if the infection is due to allergy. Both the treatments are done simultaneously.

Chronic sinus infection treatment, which lasts about three to eight weeks, is bound to cause the patients with terrible pain and discomfort. For chronic sinus infection treatment patients must consult doctors as soon as possible to avoid severe pain. Also ensure that your doctor analysis your symptoms in detail, the cause for the infection and nature of cure that is most appropriate for you.

Symptoms Of Lung Cancer!

You must have surely heard the saying 'health is wealth.' With the increasing inflation, the stress in our lives is also increasing. It is extremely important to safeguard our health against diseases. Whenever anyone hears the word 'cancer' it brings a very negative impact on the person as medical science is yet to find a permanent cure for this rapidly spreading disease.

Young and old people from all walks of life are getting lung cancer which is one of the most severe and fastest spreading diseases today. It is vital for all of us to be aware about the initial symptoms so that we can get early medical help and thus stop it from spreading in the body.

Some of the symptoms are as follows:

Unexplained weight loss:

This is one of the most common symptoms of lung cancer. Unexplained weight loss is one of the first signs and you should keep a tab so that your records can help you quantify.

Incessant fever:

Most of the patients suffer from continuous fever. Whenever the cancer spreads or impacts the immune system of the body, the patient will suffer from fever. In fact, doctors all over the world feel that incessant fever is one of the earliest signs of cancer especially in the case of lung cancer. Fever causes weakness and thus makes it difficult to cope with the disease.

Tiredness:

It goes without saying that fatigue is one of the most common symptoms of lung cancer. A sense of tiredness will always prevail in all cancer patients. This is among one of the earliest symptoms and you should be aware that if there is continuous fever and tiredness for a long period it could be cancer that has infected the immune system of the body.

Wheezing:

Pain, discomfort, and wheezing are some more symptoms of lung cancer. In fact, shortness of breath and constant cough accompanied with hoarse voice are definite symptoms and signs of this dreadful disease.

Chest pain:

Another very definite symptom is chest pain. This is in fact a warning sign of the development of lung cancer in the body.

The above listed symptoms are warning signs and you should not ignore them. Hence, all of us should be aware of the early signs and symptoms of lung cancer so that we can seek medical attention at the earliest. Cancer can attack both young and old people alike so it is necessary that all of us are aware about the disease.

GERD and Shortness of Breath

The sensation of difficult or labored breathing out of sync with the patient?s level of physical activity is known as dyspnea or shortness of breath. It can be a symptom of several different diseases or disorders and can be acute or chronic.

Sufferers describe dyspnea as a horrible feeling of shortness of breath, a sensation of increased effort or tiredness in moving the chest muscles, a feeling of being smothered, or a sense of cramping or tightening of the chest wall. Add to this a searing pain in the chest, a hallmark of GERD, and your cup of woes is brimming over.

There are various causes for shortness of breath such as hyperthyroidism, hypothyroidism, chronic anxiety disorders, deformities of the chest or obesity which can limit the movement of the chest wall and the decrease the ability of the lungs to fill completely. GERD or gastroesophageal reflux disease may also be a cause of dyspnea.

GERD is the backward flow of stomach acids into the esophagus. Generally, the contents of the stomach and stomach acid are prevented from backing up or refluxing into the esophagus by a valve at the bottom of the esophagus known as the lower esophageal sphincter. When this valve misfunctions, acid enters the lower part of the esophagus, resulting in the rather familiar burning sensation referred to as heartburn. If left untreated, GERD can ultimately lead to lung damage, ulcers in the esophagus and esophageal cancer.

To isolate shortness of breath resulting from GERD, the patient?s history which records necessary information such as history gastroesophageal reflux disease, asthma, or other allergic conditions, the presence of chest pain, recent accidents or surgeries, information regarding smoking habits, level of physical activity and exercise habits and any psychiatric history would be useful to the physician.

Once the cause of dyspnea it can be treated accordingly. If GERD is the cause then it can be managed with antacids, other medications and dietary changes.

However effective over-the-counter medicines may be self medication is not the key. Getting an accurate diagnosis and treating the root cause is a better way of preventing the problem from escalating.

Pancytopenia - What is This Condition?

In a patient with pancytopenia, there is a shortage of certain kinds of blood cells. These include platelets, and red and white blood cells. In contrast, there are other conditions in which only one of these deficiencies is present. For instance, leukopenia is a low white blood cell count, while in anemia there is a reduction simply in red ones, and thrombocytopenia is a medical condition involving a lower count of platelets.

Different medical signs and symptoms can be present in a case of pancytopenia. Some are in the area of easy bleeding, including that under the skin, such as: bruising easily, nose bleeds, petechiae, and others. Some pancytopenic patients may have issues such as shortness of breath (also known as dyspnea), a rapid heart rate, and general weakness. Pallor, headaches, and frequent infections are also possibilities. Additionally, symptoms of the aforementioned conditions involving lowered counts of one particular type of blood cells -- such as anemia for red blood cells -- can also occur.

Pancytopenia can be caused by different issues. Some are infections or diseases, such as HIV (human immunodeficiency virus) and SLE (systemic lupus erythematosus). Medications and treatments can also cause this, for instance, it can occur in rare cases due to taking antibiotics or blood pressure medications, and is a possible side effect of having chemotherapy. Deficiencies in certain areas, like vitamin B12 and folate, can also lead to pancytopenia.

Undergoing a bone marrow biopsy is a common method of diagnosis to be used in order to detect whether pancytopenia is in fact the condition that a patient is in.

Modern Miracles: Stem Cell Therapy and Lung Disease

Stem cell therapy is big business. Florida is the top growth area for anti-aging clinics and new research. It appears to be the state most dedicated to the establishment of this new medical treatment. These are widely found in south Florida. The aging Florida crowd has money to fund spending new healthcare products.

Several clinics are associated with research facilities located outside of America in the Bahamas, the Caribbean, and Switzerland. Cutting edge results of anti-aging medicine reverse mental and physical declines associated with aging of past generations. Looking and feeling better often impact other life choices.

Florida clinics specializing in lung disease treat all types of lung disease including emphysema, chronic bronchitis, COPD, Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, interstitial lung disease, severely punctured lungs, trauma injuries in the lung area, and chronic low lung function due to smoke inhalation from fire or paint fumes. Local stem cells injections can improve lung function, restore bronchi, and increase oxygenation in the body. It may be possible to recreate missing areas of the lung in the future. These modern medical miracles require multiple treatments and benefit from good nutritional and vitamin protocols.

There is a wonderful lung clinic in Sarasota, The Trinity Stem Cell Institute in Odessa is another great location for this medical miracle. Tampa Orthopaedic and Sports Medicine offers stem cell treatment for spine and skeletal injuries. Stemedix, Inc. is a Florida based Stem Cell Therapy center in St Petersburg which treats multiple sclerosis with this therapy.

All injections must be screened for factors such as blood type and diseases. Some clinics will include other medications in the injections like growth factors. It is very important to exclude stem cell injections which do not match the patient's blood type. Adult stem cells can be obtained from the patient's fat cells. These are washed and treated for re-injection into the patient. They are not as effective as embryonic cells.

Umbilical cords and cord blood can provide embryonic stem cells without the need for a fetus. It is also important to continue to take medications for underlying diseases and inform the doctor of any prescribed or recreational drugs take by the patient in the preceding thirty-day period.

It is very important for patients to refrain from using recreational drugs, drinking, or smoking to allow the cell colony to grow and differentiate into the appropriate organ or tissue. Choose the clinic by its specialty and stay away from one size fits all clinics. Ask about the number of patients successfully treated by the doctor and/or clinic.

Cholinergic Urticaria - Is There a Cure?

Cholinergic urticaria is a condition, which affects the skin. Fortunately it can be cured fairly quickly. Many people make the mistake of using the old medical approach, which is based on treating the symptom, and not the root cause. That is a sure way to keep living with the condition all your life. Keep reading to learn more.

Auto-immune diseases in general are not studied enough, and most doctors do not have enough of experience with them. That's why patients still keep being treated in a way that is not working. Although urticaria is often an auto-immune disease, it rarely responds to steroids, or other similar methods of treatment. Treating it with immune system suppressants is also useless, and the disease quickly returns. That's why it is very important to use the right approach, when treating cholinergic urticaria.

We still do not know a lot about this disease. The new natural treatment does work, but it is not completely clear what makes it work so effectively. The urticaria disease is often triggered by an allergen, which starts the process of skin degeneration. Removing the allergen does not solve the problem, as it is a trigger, and not a root cause. Urticaria is caused by a combination of certain environmental factors, genetics, and diet. It is still not clear how anyone can prevent the disease, but we do have a way of effectively treating cholinergic urticaria. When certain clinical trials were conducted it has become clear, that people who observed the so called 'spontaneous remission', did something very specific to achieve that. When hundreds of such cases were observed, a new way of curing the disease was distilled, which has already proven to be effective.

Cholinergic urticaria is a condition which needs to be eliminated immediately, as it completely eliminates any chance for patients to lead happy and normal lives, and they need to be constantly aware of their environmental factors, diet and nutrition.

Cord Blood Treatment For Parkinson's Disease

Parkinson's disease is known as a degenerative and neurological condition. It is indicated by the decline of muscle function, motor skills, and speech patterns. This disease is likely to happen most on men. Compared to women, men have twice greater chance to suffer this kind of disease. Yet, the main factor which can cause this disease is still in debate.

Some clinical researches have been conducted to find out the treatment for Parkinson's disease. The significant evidence has been found and it suggests treating the Parkinson's disease through umbilical cord.

This kind of disease typically attacks the neurons of the central nervous system in the brain. The nerve cells are known as the "substantia nigra." Some clinical trials show that the regeneration of the damaged neurons can be done through transplantation of the stem cells in the cord blood. It has been proven to be able to improve the Parkinson's systems. Stem cells are able to help the brain work its normal function like talking, walking, and also cognitive reasoning.

Stem cells can be collected through the cord blood collection during giving birth. Nowadays, there are a lot of women who prefer to store the cord blood as the safeguard against any possible degenerative diseases in the future. The blood will be stored in liquid nitrogen for indefinite time until it is needed. Instead, it can also be donated to help others who need it.

Instead, the stem cells can also be collected from the embryonic and fetal source. Yet, it is controversial. These cells can be found in the bone marrow. However, the process of this collection will be painful and invasive as well. The bone marrow must genetically similar to the patients. Or, it must be autologous match or from the identical twin with exactly the same DNA. However, it is very difficult to find.

If you plan to save the umbilical cord blood during the delivery, there will be some advantages you can take from it such as long storage life and also higher rate of acceptance. Stem cells contain new immature DNA so that these cells will be more effective than the adult cells, such as bone marrow cells.

Furthermore, collecting umbilical cord blood has no controversy since the process does not cause the destruction on the embryos and fetus. In addition, these cells are ten times more regenerative than the bone marrow cells. To treat the Parkinson's disease, you only need a few of blood.

What Causes Chronic Vaginal Yeast Infections - Natural Remedies For Yeast Infections

The number of women who get yeast infections each year is estimated to be in the millions and most women have no knowledge on how to get rid of it. Learning and understanding yeast infections will allow women to treat and cure this annoying, embarrassing and painful chronic irritation.

Learning About Candida

The disorder is associated with other names which might come up when discussing yeast infections; they are Thrush, Candida and Monilia. A study was conducted and it divulged that 3 out 4 women will become infected with the disorder at some time in their lives.

The assumption among many women is that the infection is located only on the exterior and the diagnosis is to treat the disorder with antibiotics or creams which might cause a reaction or create complications. One of the myths of candida is that it is a surface problem, which is partly true it is also an internal problem.

The symptoms are sometimes misleading and the persistent condition may come from more than one source so using a remedy like creams or other types of medicines is only a temporary solution which never cures the root cause of the problem.

Why Yeast Infections Are Confusing

Those individuals who contracted the infection and who are suffering from it seem not to take personal responsibility for their condition. The amount of information out there is overwhelming and many women become confused on how to treat candida. Much of the information is ambiguous and misleading and many decide to not seek treatment or pay a fortune for treatments that don't work.

Yeast Infection Treatment Facts

The options that exist today are cheap, healthy and natural which will completely do away with the infection and stop the leading cause regardless of how severe or where it is located.

Individuals need to be proactive by using a self-test to diagnose the condition. Understand the results will allow the individual to pin point the root cause and effectively understand how to overcome the problem.

Allowing the body to control the fungal growth from the inside out is the first step in tackling the candida.

Feeling healthier, more alive and having more energy is just one of the benefits, others include better looking nails, smoother glowing skin and shiny hair. Studies show that those women who understand the problem have the advantage in curing the infection compared to those who don't have the proper knowledge.

Lung Atelectasis - Is It Life Threatening?

Atelectasis is a partial or total lung collapse that causes sudden chest pain, difficult and rapid breathing, and a cough. While this condition can be scary, it is not typically life threatening in an adult because the remaining area of the lung can take over for the collapsed region. In an infant or small child or a person with a concurrent lung disorder, atelectasis can become a life threatening condition requiring immediate medical attention.

This article shares how to recognize the signs and symptoms of atelectasis, what causes the condition and available treatment options.

Atelectasis is caused by an obstruction (i.e. foreign object or mucus) in the airways (i.e. bronchus or bronchioles) leading to the lungs. Other causes can include a compression of the airways by a tumor or enlarged lymph node, or a complication following abdominal surgery. Atelectasis may be present in a newborn if the lungs fail to expand at birth.

Symptoms include difficulty breathing, chest pain and there is frequently a cough associated with the lung collapse. Other less common symptoms include dizziness, fever, and possibly shock.

When forming a diagnosis of this condition the aforementioned symptoms are usually first noticed by the person. An evaluation of the patient by a physician will be necessary to confirm the presence of atelectasis and this evaluation may include a physical examination, bronchoscopy,chest x-rays or CT scan, or blood tests.

Treatment varies depending on the cause and severity of the atelectasis. The condition may resolve spontaneously when an obstruction is removed. Surgery may be necessary if a tumor or enlarged lymph node is compressing the airway. Pain relievers (i.e. acetominophen) may be taken to relieve pain.

A patient who develops atelectasis should be observed for the development of pneumonia, which can develop quickly after a lung collapse.

Is Bronchitis Contagious? Yes and No

Bronchitis is the swelling of the bronchial tubes, otherwise known as the airways. These airways are the windpipes that directly connect to the lungs. Bronchitis happens when there is an irritation that occurs in the bronchial tubes. Next to the irritation, the formation of thick mucus will soon follow. Hence, the air passage will be blocked by the mucus, leading to difficulty in breathing. Bronchitis can be identified into two types: acute and chronic. The acute bronchitis is normally an illness that lasts for a short period of time. Usually, this is caused by severe cold. But most often, this is triggered by the viral infections. Acute bronchitis is characterized by the pain in the middle of the chest, cough that comes with green sputum. Fever might also happen, and a slight difficulty in breathing might also occur.

The Chronic bronchitis on the other hand is identified with a cough that produces mucus. And this lasts for longer period of time as compared to the acute bronchitis. The sufferers of bronchitis are also identified to suffer from different level of breathing difficulty. These sufferers may also have the possibility to attain lung infections sometimes. Hence, the breathing difficulty is worsen. There are certain occasions where chronic bronchitis is termed as "chronic obstructive lung disease" and "chronic obstructive airways disease." From the terms themselves, the problem can already be identified-difficulty in air circulation that goes in and out of the lungs. Now, the question comes, is bronchitis contagious? The answer is yes. Bronchitis is extremely contagious. The virus can be transmitted by the means of cough, sneeze, and yes, even by simply touching the things that has been touched by the person infected. Bronchitis, basically, is the swelling of the bronchia, thus, it is not contagious. However, as the bacteria starts to form, the disease then is contagious the moment the bacteria was emitted into the air. In fact, there are already several affected people who confessed that they had the disease when they had a close contact with the infected person. Now, the question is how long is bronchitis contagious? According to the medical experts, the length of time of the disease contagiousness actually depends on the cause and type of the person's bronchitis. For a person who suffers from bronchitis, it is suggested for him to visit and consult to a medical specialist of respiratory and pulmonary to assure whether he is already contagious and until when will it last. It is advisable for the infected person to consult to a medical specialist when bronchitis tends to occur, if not, it may possibly lead to pneumonia. Both the acute and chronic bronchitis have the threat to become contagious. Even the healthy person is not safe from the attacks of acute bronchitis. This is because of the viral infection. These viral infections can be transmitted from one person to other through indirect and direct contact.

However, the spread of bronchitis can still be avoided. The affected person only needs to maintain a healthy hygiene by regularly washing his hands and by using hand sanitizers afterwards. Most importantly, the affected person should cover his mouth whenever he is coughing. Hence, the possibility of transmitting the disease is reduced. People who suffer from asthma may also develop an acute bronchitis. Such circumstance reduces the risk of acute bronchitis to be contagious. It is the effect whenever the acute bronchitis acts as a complication of a certain disease. To totally eliminate the risk of spreading the disease, it is best to cure it. Antibiotic are not regarded as an effective way to treat acute bronchitis. This is because bronchitis is caused by viral infection. Only an ample amount of rest, an extra liquids intake, and a non-prescription medicine for cough are the suggested effective treatment for acute bronchitis. The antibiotic are only prescribe by the doctors whenever there is the presence of bacterial infection. Antibiotic will then serve to lessen the risk of secondary infection. For the asthmatics, the doctor may recommend a medication for asthma, most likely an inhaler. These medications will widen the contracted lung airways.

Finding Treatment for Chronic Constipation

Chronic constipation is a condition of long term decrease in quantity and frequency of bowel movement, including difficulty in passing bowel movements. Constipation can afflict most people at some time, but it is rarely disabling or life threatening. Chronic constipation can be caused by different factors including colon cancer and neurological condition. Knowing its cause can go a long way in finding a specific treatment to resolve the condition.

Some of the signs and symptoms of chronic constipation include excessive straining while having a bowel movement, abnormally hard and dry stool, pain while passing bowel movement, bloated feeling, infrequent bowel movements, irritability and abdominal discomfort. Many patients with constipation have no underlying medical condition. These patients may have what is known as "functional constipation," a condition that can be resolved using self-help remedies.

Colonic disorders such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) can cause chronic constipation. Constipation can also be caused by pelvic floor dysfunction or secondary constipation such as colon cancer, diabetes, hypothyroidism, medications, Parkinson's disease, etc. Treatments for chronic constipation include the following:

Laxatives

Laxatives can be used in the treatment of recurring constipation. Fiber supplements or bulk-forming laxatives absorb water in the intestines. The stool becomes easier to pass. Stimulant medications induce contractions in the intestines while stool softeners such as ducosate provide fluid to hardened stools. Other laxatives contain lubricants such as mineral oil to help stool move easily through the intestines. They reduce the amount of straining while having a bowel movement.

Surgery

According to the Mayo Clinic, less than 1% of constipation sufferers undergo surgery to remove hardened stools. A subtotal colectomy or total colectomy may be performed to remove all or part of the colon. The amount of time that the food spends in the intestinal tract will be shortened, and the patient may have one up to four bowel movements a day.

Lifestyle Changes

One of the most effective treatments for constipation is lifestyle and diet changes. Consuming high-fiber foods such as carrots, bran, oats, barley, cabbage, fresh fruits, Brussels sprouts and the like can relieve constipation. Experts recommend a daily intake of 20 grams to 35 grams of dietary fiber for soft and bulky stools.

Oftentimes, drinking 8 to 10 glasses of water and physical exercise can effectively treat chronic constipation. Drinking tea or coffee also helps to stimulate the bowels, while jogging or brisk walking enhances the contraction and relaxation of stomach muscles to help the intestines pass stools through the digestive tract.

Lung Cancer Life Expectancy - Some Things You Should Know

About Lung Cancer Life Expectancy

Lung cancer is generally divided into two types, small-cell carcinoma, also know as 'oat cell', and non-small cell carcinoma. The second is further broken down into 'squamous' which involves cells from the lining of the airways, and non-squamous cell, which includes other cells. The patient's lung cancer life expectancy depends on which type is diagnosed, what stage the cancer is in when diagnosed and the course of treatment followed.

Small-Cell

This variation of cancer affects nearly fifteen percent of patients. It spreads quickly and is difficult to detect. These factors contribute to a low survival rate. Chances of successful treatment are improved in younger patients and when the problem is found in the 'limited stage', when it is localized and easier to remove. Cancer in an 'extensive stage' has spread and will require aggressive treatment.

One study puts small cell survival rates at 2 percent to thirty percent, depending on how progressed the disease is. Radiation therapy or 'thermal ablation' can prolong life, but the latter destroys or debilitates organs or tissue in the process. Small-cell carcinoma of the lungs left untreated is expected to kill within a year or less.

Stages

Stage 3 is advanced cancer, and the gender, age, health of the patient and carcinoma type affect the chances of extending the patient's life. Statistics show that women, younger patients and people in good health are expected to survive longer at any stage. General health complications or a tumor located near vital organs will make it harder to eradicate the disease.

Statistics from Lynn Eldridge, MD, show that the average life expectancy at stage 3A and the more advanced 3B, is fifteen months and thirteen months respectively. They also show the five year survival rate to be 23 percent for patients in stage 3A and 10 percent for those in 3B. Stage 4 is more advanced and considered only two percent curable. According to Eldridge, at least 40% of lung cancers have reached this stage by the time they are diagnosed. Treatment and coping are emphasized for these patients, and may prolong the patient's life.

Ongoing research hopes to improve these statistics and develop a cure.

Besides the Lungs, Other Organs Affected by Lung Cancer

Unfortunately for many sufferers, lung cancer is seldom diagnosed when it is in its early stages, and is usually only discovered by accident when either a routine chest X-ray, or a CT (computer tomography) scan is ordered by a doctor for another health issue. Some 25% of all lung cancer sufferers tend to show no signs of having lung cancer present, meaning that when the disease is eventually diagnosed, it is usually in its late and final stages. Other organs in the body at this stage have also usually been caused some degree of damage. This damage is usually permanent.

As the disease develops within the lung, the outer tissues of the lung are invaded by cancerous cells, as are other nearby tissues. This development enables the lung cancer to be able to spread to other organs in the body with relative ease. The disease can infiltrate the liver and adrenal glands, which often occurs over a period of time without any noticeable symptoms to the sufferer. When symptoms of visual problems begin to occur, it is usually because the lung cancer has spread to the brain, which may cause the sufferer to have a seizure. A loss of strength may also be noticed.

Bones can also be affected by lung cancer, usually noticeable with a discomfort in either the vertebrae (backbone), or the ribs and thighs. The nerves can also be attacked, which causes many sufferers to experience continuous aching pains in the (deltoids) shoulders, and a pain that runs along the outer side of the arm. Vocal chords may be affected when the cancer has spread to the esophagus (the conduit that connects the mouth and stomach) causing difficulty in swallowing. This is usually caused when a portion of the lung has collapsed, resulting in a severe, difficult to treat lung infection.

Other common symptoms caused by lung cancer are a lack of appetite, a noticeable weight loss (usually occurring rapidly), headaches, sluggishness, memory loss problems, bleeding and clotting. These symptoms often go untreated for long periods of time before a sufferer feels the need to deal with them, as they often get associated with other less serious health issues. When a sufferer has been diagnosed with late stage lung cancer, most of the damage has already been caused to the body, resulting in a sufferer having a low prognosis (life expectancy), usually under five years from when the disease was first diagnosed.

Sarcoidosis Cure - Natural Treatments For Sarcoid

Looking for a sarcoidosis cure? It is often true that nothing works better than natural treatments when it comes to finding a sarcoid cure. There is an array of contemporary medicines available these days, however, they all come with their share of side effects, many of which can actually make the condition worse.

Alternative Sarcoidosis Treatment Methods

People suffering with chronic Sarcoidosis often respond better to alternative sarcoidosis treatments, especially the natural and ayurvedic ones which are very good in treating this problem.

Sarcoidosis is a disease which starts by inflammation of different body organs. The lungs are normally the first part to get affected, however, the issue gradually spreads to other parts of the body. Inherited strain and extreme pollution levels may cause sarcoidosis, though the precise cause of sarcoid remains largely unknown.

Herbal Solutions for Natural Sarcoidosis Relief

Herbal solutions for natural sarcoidosis treatments include home made and natural treatments. There have been instances when patients may see small lumps in their stomach. These usually cannot be treated without the use of medicines. Through natural sarcoidosis cure these medicines can be treated and you can stay away from harsh medical treatments.

Sarcoidosis patients usually witness symptoms like:

• Breathlessness


• Unrelenting cough


• Low feeling or depression


• Pain in chest


• Lack of appetite

Physical exercises is one of the most suggested natural solutions or sarcoidosis cures. This way you can stay fit and avoid many other diseases also. Through exercising immunity levels of the body improve, which helps as a sarcoidosis cure.

Always consult a doctor before you start off with any kind of exercise regime. There are many simple techniques that you can try here like sleeping in a well-ventilated room. A room with fresh air allows lot of oxygen to enter the patient's lungs

Some herbal medicines and natural sarcoidosis cures include ayurvedic herbs:

• Ginger


• Peppermint


• Milk thistle


• Chinese herbs that balance immunity levels


• Maha-Manjishthadi-Qadha


• Ras-Sindoor


• Guduchyadi-Qadha


• Saarivasav

These are herbs that help often help people suffering with sarcoid. Using them may further enhance the immunity status of your body and reduce inflammation of the tissue.

More Natural Herbal Remedies That You Can Use to Treat Sarcoid

• Shatavari and Asperagus racemosus


• Ashwagandha or Withania somnifera


• Tulsi or Ocimum sanctum

Before trying any natural approach to reducing sarcoidosis symptoms you should consult your doctor. An initial examination by a chest physician or even a Rheumatologist is suggested to ensure that the condition is not at a serious stage. Even though herbal treatments are affective in treating the disorder, it is always safer to get a second opinion

Alternative Natural Sarcoidosis Solution-Searching For Answers?