Sunday, September 21, 2014
Peripheral arterial disease (PAD)
Peripheral artery disease is usually caused by atherosclerosis. In atherosclerosis, the accumulation array of arteries and reduced blood flow.
Definition
Peripheral artery disease is a common circulatory problem in which narrowed arteries reduce blood flow to the limbs.
When developing peripheral artery disease (PAD), extremities - usually the legs, not getting enough blood flow to keep up with demand. This causes symptoms, especially leg pain when walking (claudication).
Peripheral artery disease is likely a sign of a more accumulation of fat in the arteries (atherosclerosis). This condition can reduce blood flow to the heart and brain, as well as legs.
Typically, the treatment can successfully peripheral arterial disease quit smoking, exercise and eat a healthy diet.
Symptoms
While many people with peripheral artery disease have mild or no symptoms, some people with leg pain when walking (claudication).
Continuous symptoms include muscle pain or cramping in the legs or arms triggered by activities, such as walking, but disappears after a few minutes of rest. The location of the pain depends on the location of the clogged or narrowed arteries. Painful muscle mass probably the most popular.
The severity of claudication is constantly ranging from mild discomfort to debilitating pain. Continuous severe claudication can make it difficult to walk or other physical activity.
Symptoms of peripheral artery disease include:
Painful cramps in the thighs, hips or leg muscles after activity, such as walking or climbing stairs (claudication).
Leg numbness or weakness.
Cold in the lower leg or foot, especially when compared with the other leg.
Pain in the toes, feet or leg wound would not heal.
The color change of foot.
Hair loss or slower hair growth on the legs.
Slow development of toenails.
Shiny skin on the legs.
No circuit or circuit weakness in the legs or feet.
Erectile dysfunction in men.
If peripheral artery disease progresses, pain can occur even when resting or lying down (ischemic pain at rest). It can be powerful enough to break sleep. Legs hanging over the edge of the bed or walking around the room can temporarily relieve the pain.
Go see a doctor when
If you have leg pain, numbness or other symptoms, do not give them as a normal part of aging. Call your doctor and make an appointment.
Even when no symptoms of peripheral artery disease, may need to be checked if:
Over 70 years of age.
Over 50 years old and have a history of diabetes or smoking.
Under 50 years old but diabetes and the risk of arterial disease, other factors, such as obesity or high blood pressure.
Cause
Peripheral artery disease is usually caused by atherosclerosis. In atherosclerosis, the accumulation array of arteries and reduced blood flow.
Although the heart is often the focus of discussion of atherosclerosis, the disease can and usually does not affect arteries throughout the body. When it occurs in the arteries that supply blood to the arms and legs, it causes peripheral arterial disease.
Less common, PAD can cause inflammation of the blood vessels, damage to the hands and feet, abnormal anatomy of the ligaments or muscles, or exposure to radiation.
Risk Factors
These factors increase the risk of developing peripheral artery disease include:
Smoke.
Diabetes.
Obesity (body mass index 30).
High blood pressure (140/90 millimeters of mercury or higher).
High cholesterol (total cholesterol over 240 mg / dL, or 6.2 millimoles / liter).
Increasing age, especially after age 50.
Family history of peripheral arterial disease, heart disease, or stroke.
Exceed the level of homocysteine, a protein component helps to build and maintain tissue.
People who smoke or have diabetes are at high risk of peripheral artery disease by reducing blood flow.
Complications
If peripheral artery disease is caused by a buildup of plaque in blood vessels (atherosclerosis), there is also the risk of developing:
Details ischemia. This condition begins as sores that do not heal, an injury or infection foot or hand. Ischemic important detail (CLI) occurs when injury or infection progress and can cause cell death (necrosis), sometimes requiring amputation of the affected limb.
Stroke and heart attack. Atherosclerosis is the cause of the signs and symptoms of peripheral arterial disease is not limited denchan. Also from fatty plaques in the arteries that supply the heart and brain.
Tests and diagnosis
A number of tests, doctors can rely on to diagnose peripheral artery disease:
Examination. Your doctor may find signs of PAD in a physical examination, such as absent or weak pulse under a narrow area of the artery, sounds (bruits) in arteries can be heard with a stethoscope evidence of poor wound healing in areas where blood flow is restricted, and reduce blood pressure in affected limb.
Ankle arm index (ABI). This is a test commonly used to diagnose PAD. It compares blood pressure in the ankle with the blood pressure in the arm. To get your blood pressure, your doctor uses a regular blood pressure cuff and a special ultrasound device to evaluate blood pressure and flow. Can walk on the treadmill and read before and immediately after exercise to capture the severity of arterial narrowing in walking time.
Ultrasound. Especially ultrasound, such as Doppler ultrasound can help doctors evaluate blood flow through blood vessels to narrow and define or blocked arteries.
Angiography. By injecting a dye into the blood vessels, this test lets doctors see blood flow through the artery as it happens. Doctors can monitor the flow of the contrast material, using imaging techniques such as X-ray or procedures called magnetic resonance imaging (MRA) or computerized tomography (CTA). Catheter angiography is a more invasive procedure, involves guiding a catheter through an artery in the groin to the affected area and inject dye that way. Although invasive, this type of angiography allows simultaneous diagnosis and treatment - finding an area to narrow the blood vessels and then extend it with an angioplasty procedure, medication management to improve blood flow.
Blood tests. A blood sample can be used to measure triglyceride, cholesterol and diabetes to test.
Treatments and drugs
Treatment for peripheral artery disease has two main objectives. The first is to manage the symptoms, such as leg pain, to be able to resume physical activity. The second is to prevent the progression of atherosclerosis throughout the body to reduce the risk of heart attack and stroke.
Can accomplish these goals with lifestyle changes. If you smoke, quitting smoking is the most important thing you can do to reduce the risk of complications.
If lifestyle changes are not enough, need additional medical treatment. Your doctor may prescribe medication to prevent blood clots, lower blood pressure and cholesterol, reduce pain and other symptoms.
Medications
Cholesterol-lowering medications. Can be used cholesterol-lowering drugs called statins to reduce risk factors for heart attack and stroke. The goal for people with peripheral arterial disease is to reduce low density lipoprotein (LDL), "bad" cholesterol less than 100 mg / deciliter (mg / dL), or 2.6 millimoles / liter (mmol / L). The purpose even lower if there is a major risk factor in addition to heart attacks and strokes, particularly diabetes or smoking continues.
Drug treatment of hypertension. If you have high blood pressure, your doctor may prescribe medication to lower it. The goal of this therapy is to reduce systolic blood pressure to 140 millimeters of mercury (mm Hg) or lower and diastolic blood pressure (bottom number) to 90 mm Hg or lower. If you have diabetes, high blood pressure goal of less than 130/80 mm Hg.
Medications to control blood sugar. If you also have diabetes, it becomes more important to control blood sugar (glucose). Talk to your doctor about target blood sugar levels and the steps to take to achieve these goals.
Medications to prevent blood clots. Because peripheral arterial disease is related to reduced blood flow to the limbs, it is important to reduce the risk of blood clots. A blood clot can completely block blood vessels narrow place and cause tissue death. Your doctor may prescribe daily aspirin therapy or other medication to help prevent blood clots, such as clopidogrel (Plavix).
Symptom relievers. The cilostazol (Pletal) increase blood flow to the limbs, both by preventing blood clots and blood vessels expand. It especially helps the symptoms of claudication, leg pain, for people with peripheral arterial disease. Common side effects of this medicine include headache and diarrhea. Replacement for cilostazol is pentoxifylline (Trental), however, are often less effective. But rare side effects with this drug.
Angioplasty and surgery
In some cases, angioplasty or surgery may be needed to treat peripheral arterial disease, claudication caused constant:
Angioplasty. In this section, a small hollow tube (catheter) is threaded through blood vessels to the affected artery. There, a small ball on top of the tube will rise to reopen the artery and flatten the blockage in the artery wall, while at the same time extending the artery open to increase blood flow. Your doctor may insert a stent into a grid called the artery to keep it open. This is the same procedure used to open heart arteries.
Surgery. Your doctor may need to create a loop using a vessel from another part of the body or a blood vessel made of synthetic fabrics. This technique allows blood to flow around - or bypass the blocked artery narrowing.
Thrombolytic Therapy. If a blood clot blocks an artery, your doctor may inject a drug dissolves blood clots in the arteries of the clot to break it.
Monitoring exercise program
In addition to medication or surgery, your doctor may prescribe an exercise program supervised training to increase the distance you can walk. Regular exercise improves symptoms of PAD using a number of methods, including helping the body use oxygen more efficiently.
Lifestyle and home remedies
Many people can manage the symptoms of peripheral arterial disease and prevent progression of the disease through lifestyle changes, especially to quit smoking. To stabilize or improve PAD:
Stop smoking. Smoking contributes to tighten and damage the arteries and is an important risk factor for the development and worsening of PAD. If you smoke, quitting smoking is the most important thing you can do to reduce the risk of complications.
Exercise. This is an important component. Success in the treatment of PAD is often measured by how far you can walk without pain. Appropriate exercise helps muscles use oxygen more efficiently. Your doctor can help develop a plan appropriate exercise. Can refer you perform recovery program claudication.
Eat a healthy diet. A diet for heart health in saturated fat can help control blood pressure and cholesterol levels, contributing to atherosclerosis. Diets rich in nutrients - like vitamin A, B-6, C and E, folate, fiber; and omega 3 fatty acids - associated with a lower incidence of peripheral arterial disease.
Some cold pills. Cold Remedies containing pseudoephedrine (Advil Cold and Sinus, Aleve, Claritin-D, Sudafed, Tylenol Cold, Zyrtec-D, others) constrict blood vessels and can increase the symptoms of PAD.
Careful foot care
In addition to the above suggestions, take good care of feet. People with peripheral artery disease, particularly those who also have diabetes, are at risk for ulcers on the lower legs and feet healed poorly. Poor blood circulation can delay or prevent appropriate treatment and increase the risk of infection. Follow these tips to care for feet:
Wash feet daily and dry thoroughly moisturize regularly to prevent cracks can lead to infection. Do not moisturize between the toes, however, as this can encourage fungal growth.
Wear properly fitted shoes and thick socks dry.
Promptly treat any fungal infections of the feet.
Be careful when trimming nails.
Avoid going barefoot.
There is a doctor (podiatrist) treat bunions, corn or callus.
Go see a doctor when the first signs of pain or skin damage.
Alternative medicine
The blood-thinning effects of ginkgo may allow those with claudication constantly walking long distances with less pain. However, this herb can cause bleeding when taking high doses, and it can be dangerous if combined with antiplatelet drugs, including aspirin, are often prescribed with PAD. Talk to your doctor before considering using ginkgo to reduce foot pain.
Coping and support
Peripheral artery disease can be very frustrating, especially when the exercise will be painful. Do not be discouraged, however. As exercise continues, will increase the distance you can walk without pain.
May find useful to enhance bedside by 10-15 cm, because retention is often below the level of the heart to reduce pain.
Another tip to reduce symptoms is to avoid cold temperatures as much as possible. If you can not avoid the cold, wear warm clothing.
Some people find it helpful to talk with others who are in similar situations. Support groups can provide encouragement, advice and understanding. Heart Association provides an online forum for the PAD. can also ask your doctor if he knows of any support groups in the area.
Prevention
The best way to prevent claudication is to maintain a healthy lifestyle. This means that:
Quit smoking if you are a smoker.
If you have diabetes, keep your blood sugar in good control.
Exercise regularly. Goal in 30 minutes at least three times a week after receiving doctor OK.
Lower cholesterol and blood pressure levels, if necessary.
Eating foods high in saturated fat.
Maintain a healthy weight.
Monday, June 23, 2014
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease - COPD! Shown vary prominent pulmonary disease: Stretch alveoli or chronic bronchitis ... Risk factors: Exposure to tobacco smoke, occupational dust exposure, Gerd, at least 40 years of age, genetics .. .
Definition
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a group of lung diseases block airflow and make it increasingly difficult to breathe.
Emphysema and chronic bronchitis are the two main conditions create COPD, but COPD can also be caused by the damage caused by chronic bronchitis in asthma. In all cases, damage to the respiratory tract ultimately hinder the exchange of oxygen and carbon dioxide in the lungs.
COPD is a leading cause of death worldwide disease. Most COPD is caused by long-term smoking and can be prevented by not smoking or quitting soon after you start. Damage to your lungs can not be reversed, so treatment focuses on controlling symptoms and minimizing further damage.
Symptoms
In general, the symptoms of COPD not appear until lung damage has occurred and it is usually worse with time. People with COPD also have the ability to experience called exacerbations, in which their symptoms suddenly get much worse. In addition, signs and symptoms of COPD can vary, depending on the most prominent lung disease. It can also have many of these symptoms at once.
Stretch alveoli
Signs and symptoms of emphysema include:
Shortness of breath, especially during physical activity.
Wheezing.
Chest.
Chronic Bronchitis
Chronic bronchitis occurs mainly in smokers. Defined as a cough that has at least three months a year for two consecutive years. Those who continue to smoke may continue to develop emphysema, but in smokers can quit, they may clear in a few days or weeks.
Signs and symptoms of chronic bronchitis include:
There phlegm throat in the morning, especially if you smoke.
Chronic cough that produces yellow sputum.
Shortness of breath in the later stages.
Frequent respiratory infections.
Chronic bronchial asthma
Bronchial asthma Chronic bronchitis is often associated with chronic asthma (bronchospasm). Asthma can occur when infection stimulates secretions in the airway smooth muscle. Symptoms similar to chronic bronchitis, but can also be interrupted or even daily wheezing.
Cause
How the lungs work
The air goes down the windpipe and into the lungs through two large tubes (bronchi). Inside the lungs, the tube split times as many branches of the tree into many smaller tubes (bronchioles) that end in clusters of tiny air sacs (alveoli). The airbags have very thin walls full of small blood vessels (capillaries). Oxygen in the inhaled air enters the bloodstream and enters the bloodstream. At the same time, carbon dioxide - a waste product of metabolism, is removed then exhale.
Breathing of the lungs based on the natural elasticity of the bronchial tubes and air sacs. When damaged, it lost its elasticity and the boss part exhalation, trapping air beyond the boss area.
Causes of airway obstruction
COPD mainly refers to the congestion in the lungs from two chronic lung conditions. Many people with COPD have both.
The disease alveolar stretch. This causes pneumonia, which can destroy the walls and some elastic fibers, allow small airways to your boss as you breathe out, weakened the airflow out of the lungs.
Chronic bronchitis. This condition, which is characterized by coughing repeatedly, causing inflammation and narrowing of the bronchial tubes. Chronic bronchitis also increases the production of mucus, which can further narrow the bronchial tubes blocked.
Bronchial asthma refers to chronic bronchitis accompanied by contractions of muscle fibers in the lining of the airways (bronchospasm). Chronic asthma is sometimes classified as COPD.
Tobacco smoke and other irritants. In most cases, the resulting lung damage caused by COPD is a long-term smokers. However, other irritants can cause COPD including smoke cigars, smoke, pipe smoke, air pollution and smoke certain professions. Gastroesophageal reflux (GERD), which occurs when stomach acids back up into the esophagus may be more severe COPD and may even cause it in some people.
In rare cases, COPD is the result of a genetic disorder that causes low levels of a protein called alpha-1 antitrypsin.
Risk Factors
Risk factors for COPD include:
Exposure to tobacco smoke. The risk factors most important for COPD is smoking long term. Years of smoking and smoking more packs the bigger the risk. COPD symptoms usually appear about 10 years after starting smoking. Pipe smoking, cigar smokers and those exposed to secondhand smoke large quantities are also at risk.
Occupational exposure to dust and chemicals. Long-term exposure to chemical fumes, vapor and dust can cause lung irritation and inflammation.
Gastroesophageal reflux (GERD). This situation is a serious form of acid reflux. GERD can cause more severe COPD and may even cause it in some people.
Age. COPD develops slowly over, so most people at least 40 years of age when symptoms start.
Genetics. A rare genetic disorder called alpha - 1 - antitrypsin is the source of some cases of COPD. The researchers suspect that other genetic factors may make some people susceptible to tobacco smoking.
Complications
The complications of COPD, including:
Respiratory tract infections. When you have COPD, likely to have frequent colds, flu or pneumonia. Plus, any respiratory infection may make it more difficult to breathe and the more irreversible damage to lung tissue. Talk to your doctor about yearly flu shots and pneumococcal vaccines regularly.
Pulmonary arterial hypertension. COPD can cause high blood pressure in the arteries that bring blood to the lungs (pulmonary hypertension).
Heart problems. For reasons not entirely understood, COPD increases the risk of heart disease, including heart attack.
Lung cancer. Smokers with chronic bronchitis are at high risk of developing lung cancer than smokers who do not have chronic bronchitis.
Depression. Shortness of breath may limit the activities they love. And it can be very difficult to deal with an incurable disease and. Talk to your doctor if you feel sad or helpless or think may experience depression.
Tests and diagnosis
If there are symptoms of COPD and a history of exposure to other lung irritants, especially cigarette smoke, your doctor may recommend these tests:
Pulmonary function tests (spirometry - Spirometry). Spirometry is a pulmonary function test most popular. In this test, will be required to blow into a large tube connected to the spirometer. Spirometry can detect COPD, even before symptoms of the disease. It can also be used to monitor disease progression and treatment monitoring how.
X - ray. X - ray may show emphysema - one of the main causes of the COP. X - ray may also exclude other lung problems or heart failure.
Arterial blood gases. This blood test for lung said oxygenating the blood and remove carbon dioxide like.
Check the sputum. Analysis of cells in sputum can help determine the cause of lung problems and help eliminate some lung cancer.
Computerized tomography (CT scan). CT scanning is a technique X - ray that produces more detailed images of the internal organs than produced by X - ray conventions. CT scan of the lungs that can help detect emphysema and help determine could benefit from surgery when COPD.
Treatments and drugs
There is no cure for COPD, and irreversible damage to the lungs. But COPD treatments can control symptoms, reduce the risk of complications and exacerbations, and improve the ability to lead active lives.
Stop smoking
The most important step in any treatment plan for smokers with COPD is to stop smoking all. That is the only way to keep COPD from getting worse - which ultimately can lead to loss of the ability to breathe. However, quitting smoking is never easy. And this task may seem difficult especially if you've tried to quit before. Talk to your doctor about products that can help replace nicotine and drugs, as well as how to handle relapse.
Medications
Doctors use a few basic groups of medications to treat the symptoms and complications of COPD.
Bronchodilator. The drugs in an inhaler that often - relaxing muscles around the airways. This can help reduce coughing and shortness of breath and make breathing easier. Depending on the severity of the disease, the drug may need short-acting bronchodilator before the operation, a bronchodilator that long-term effects of daily use, or both.
Inhaled steroids. Inhalant corticosteroids can reduce airway inflammation and help breathe better. But prolonged use of these drugs can weaken bones and increase the risk of high blood pressure, cataracts and diabetes. It is usually reserved for those with moderate or severe COPD.
Antibiotics. Respiratory tract infections, such as acute bronchitis, pneumonia and influenza can aggravate the symptoms of COPD. Antibiotics can help fight bacterial infections, but only recommended when necessary.
Surgery
Surgery is an option for some people with some form of severe emphysema who do not respond to medication:
Reduced lung volume. In this surgery, the surgeon removes a small part of the lung tissue is damaged. This creates more space in the chest cavity for the remaining lung tissue and diaphragm work done more efficiently. This surgery has some risks and possible long-term results are not better than the non-surgical approach.
Lung transplantation. Lung transplantation may be an option for certain people with severe emphysema who meet specific criteria. Implants can improve your ability to breathe, but it does not appear to prolong life and may have to wait a long time to receive a donated organ. So, the decision is complex lung transplant.
The therapy
Doctors often use complementary therapies for moderate or severe COPD:
Oxygen therapy. If there is not enough oxygen in your blood may need supplemental oxygen. There are many devices to deliver oxygen to the lungs, including light weight, portable unit that can take with you to run errands. Some people with COPD use oxygen only during operation or while sleeping. Other people use oxygen all the time. Oxygen therapy may improve heart function, exercise capacity, depression, mental clarity and quality of life. In some people, it can also prolong life. Talk to your doctor about your needs and choices.
Program pulmonary rehabilitation. Comprehensive pulmonary rehabilitation can reduce the length of any required hospitalization, increased ability to participate in daily activities and quality of life improved. These programs typically combine education, exercise, nutrition advice. If there is a program that can be worked with a variety of health care professionals, including physical therapists, respiratory therapists, fitness experts and nutrition experts. Experts can change rehabilitation programs to meet needs.
Managing exacerbations
Even with continuous treatment, symptoms may encounter when suddenly worse. This is called acute severe, and it may cause lung damage if not treated promptly received. Exacerbations can be caused by respiratory infections or changes in temperature or air pollution. Whatever the cause, it is important to seek medical help quickly if you pay attention more when cough, a change in mucus or if you have a breathing more difficult.
When exacerbations occur, which may require additional medications, oxygen supplementation or treatment in hospital. Once symptoms improve, will take measures to prevent future exacerbations. This can include quitting smoking, avoiding pollutants in indoor and outdoor exercise as much as possible, and treat GERD.
Lifestyle and home remedies
If you have COPD, can take steps to feel better and slow the damage to lungs:
Breath control. Talk to your doctor or respiratory therapist about breathing techniques more effectively in the day. Also be sure to discuss the position and breathing relaxation techniques that can be used when you are short of breath.
Respiratory clear. In COPD, mucus tends to collect in the aeration period and can be difficult to clear. Control cough, drink plenty of water and use a humidifier can help.
Exercise regularly. It may seem hard to do when there is difficulty in breathing, but regular exercise can improve overall strength and endurance and strengthen the respiratory muscles.
Eating healthy foods. A healthy diet can help maintain strength. If you're underweight, your doctor may recommend nutritional supplements. If you are overweight, losing weight can significantly assist breathing, particularly during exertion. .
Avoid smoking. In addition to quitting smoking, it is important to avoid places where others smoke. Cigarette smoke may contribute to lung damage more.
Pay attention to the frequent heartburn. Frequent heartburn may indicate gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), a condition in which stomach acid or, occasionally bile flows back into the esophagus. This can often aggravate COPD patients, but the treatment of GERD can help. Talk to your doctor if you have frequent heartburn.
See your doctor regularly. Appointment scheduling, even when you're feeling good. It is important to regularly monitor lung function.
Coping and support
Living with COPD can be difficult, especially when it becomes more and more difficult to catch his breath. It is possible to abandon the previously enjoyed activities. Family and loved ones may encounter significant changes and challenges in an effort to help. May also find themselves facing some tough questions, such as how long to live and what to do if you can no longer take care of themselves.
It may help to share fears and feelings with family, relatives and doctors. May also want to consider joining a support group for people with COPD. And can benefit from counseling if you feel depressed or overwhelmed.
Prevention
Unlike some diseases, COPD have a clear cause and a clear path to prevention. Most cases are directly related to smoking and the best way to prevent COPD is to never smoking - or quitting smoking.
If you are a longtime smokers, these statements can not simply seems so simple, especially if you have tried to quit once, twice or many times before. But it is important to find a smoking cessation program can help break the habit. It is the best opportunity to prevent damage to the lungs.
Occupational exposure to chemical fumes and dust is a risk factor for COPD. If working with all kinds of lung irritants, talk to the supervisor about the best way to protect yourself, such as wearing a mask.
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease - COPD! Shown vary prominent pulmonary disease: Stretch alveoli or chronic bronchitis ... Risk factors: Exposure to tobacco smoke, occupational dust exposure, Gerd, at least 40 years of age, genetics .. .
Definition
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a group of lung diseases block airflow and make it increasingly difficult to breathe.
Emphysema and chronic bronchitis are the two main conditions create COPD, but COPD can also be caused by the damage caused by chronic bronchitis in asthma. In all cases, damage to the respiratory tract ultimately hinder the exchange of oxygen and carbon dioxide in the lungs.
COPD is a leading cause of death worldwide disease. Most COPD is caused by long-term smoking and can be prevented by not smoking or quitting soon after you start. Damage to your lungs can not be reversed, so treatment focuses on controlling symptoms and minimizing further damage.
Symptoms
In general, the symptoms of COPD not appear until lung damage has occurred and it is usually worse with time. People with COPD also have the ability to experience called exacerbations, in which their symptoms suddenly get much worse. In addition, signs and symptoms of COPD can vary, depending on the most prominent lung disease. It can also have many of these symptoms at once.
Stretch alveoli
Signs and symptoms of emphysema include:
Shortness of breath, especially during physical activity.
Wheezing.
Chest.
Chronic Bronchitis
Chronic bronchitis occurs mainly in smokers. Defined as a cough that has at least three months a year for two consecutive years. Those who continue to smoke may continue to develop emphysema, but in smokers can quit, they may clear in a few days or weeks.
Signs and symptoms of chronic bronchitis include:
There phlegm throat in the morning, especially if you smoke.
Chronic cough that produces yellow sputum.
Shortness of breath in the later stages.
Frequent respiratory infections.
Chronic bronchial asthma
Bronchial asthma Chronic bronchitis is often associated with chronic asthma (bronchospasm). Asthma can occur when infection stimulates secretions in the airway smooth muscle. Symptoms similar to chronic bronchitis, but can also be interrupted or even daily wheezing.
Cause
How the lungs work
The air goes down the windpipe and into the lungs through two large tubes (bronchi). Inside the lungs, the tube split times as many branches of the tree into many smaller tubes (bronchioles) that end in clusters of tiny air sacs (alveoli). The airbags have very thin walls full of small blood vessels (capillaries). Oxygen in the inhaled air enters the bloodstream and enters the bloodstream. At the same time, carbon dioxide - a waste product of metabolism, is removed then exhale.
Breathing of the lungs based on the natural elasticity of the bronchial tubes and air sacs. When damaged, it lost its elasticity and the boss part exhalation, trapping air beyond the boss area.
Causes of airway obstruction
COPD mainly refers to the congestion in the lungs from two chronic lung conditions. Many people with COPD have both.
The disease alveolar stretch. This causes pneumonia, which can destroy the walls and some elastic fibers, allow small airways to your boss as you breathe out, weakened the airflow out of the lungs.
Chronic bronchitis. This condition, which is characterized by coughing repeatedly, causing inflammation and narrowing of the bronchial tubes. Chronic bronchitis also increases the production of mucus, which can further narrow the bronchial tubes blocked.
Bronchial asthma refers to chronic bronchitis accompanied by contractions of muscle fibers in the lining of the airways (bronchospasm). Chronic asthma is sometimes classified as COPD.
Tobacco smoke and other irritants. In most cases, the resulting lung damage caused by COPD is a long-term smokers. However, other irritants can cause COPD including smoke cigars, smoke, pipe smoke, air pollution and smoke certain professions. Gastroesophageal reflux (GERD), which occurs when stomach acids back up into the esophagus may be more severe COPD and may even cause it in some people.
In rare cases, COPD is the result of a genetic disorder that causes low levels of a protein called alpha-1 antitrypsin.
Risk Factors
Risk factors for COPD include:
Exposure to tobacco smoke. The risk factors most important for COPD is smoking long term. Years of smoking and smoking more packs the bigger the risk. COPD symptoms usually appear about 10 years after starting smoking. Pipe smoking, cigar smokers and those exposed to secondhand smoke large quantities are also at risk.
Occupational exposure to dust and chemicals. Long-term exposure to chemical fumes, vapor and dust can cause lung irritation and inflammation.
Gastroesophageal reflux (GERD). This situation is a serious form of acid reflux. GERD can cause more severe COPD and may even cause it in some people.
Age. COPD develops slowly over, so most people at least 40 years of age when symptoms start.
Genetics. A rare genetic disorder called alpha - 1 - antitrypsin is the source of some cases of COPD. The researchers suspect that other genetic factors may make some people susceptible to tobacco smoking.
Complications
The complications of COPD, including:
Respiratory tract infections. When you have COPD, likely to have frequent colds, flu or pneumonia. Plus, any respiratory infection may make it more difficult to breathe and the more irreversible damage to lung tissue. Talk to your doctor about yearly flu shots and pneumococcal vaccines regularly.
Pulmonary arterial hypertension. COPD can cause high blood pressure in the arteries that bring blood to the lungs (pulmonary hypertension).
Heart problems. For reasons not entirely understood, COPD increases the risk of heart disease, including heart attack.
Lung cancer. Smokers with chronic bronchitis are at high risk of developing lung cancer than smokers who do not have chronic bronchitis.
Depression. Shortness of breath may limit the activities they love. And it can be very difficult to deal with an incurable disease and. Talk to your doctor if you feel sad or helpless or think may experience depression.
Tests and diagnosis
If there are symptoms of COPD and a history of exposure to other lung irritants, especially cigarette smoke, your doctor may recommend these tests:
Pulmonary function tests (spirometry - Spirometry). Spirometry is a pulmonary function test most popular. In this test, will be required to blow into a large tube connected to the spirometer. Spirometry can detect COPD, even before symptoms of the disease. It can also be used to monitor disease progression and treatment monitoring how.
X - ray. X - ray may show emphysema - one of the main causes of the COP. X - ray may also exclude other lung problems or heart failure.
Arterial blood gases. This blood test for lung said oxygenating the blood and remove carbon dioxide like.
Check the sputum. Analysis of cells in sputum can help determine the cause of lung problems and help eliminate some lung cancer.
Computerized tomography (CT scan). CT scanning is a technique X - ray that produces more detailed images of the internal organs than produced by X - ray conventions. CT scan of the lungs that can help detect emphysema and help determine could benefit from surgery when COPD.
Treatments and drugs
There is no cure for COPD, and irreversible damage to the lungs. But COPD treatments can control symptoms, reduce the risk of complications and exacerbations, and improve the ability to lead active lives.
Stop smoking
The most important step in any treatment plan for smokers with COPD is to stop smoking all. That is the only way to keep COPD from getting worse - which ultimately can lead to loss of the ability to breathe. However, quitting smoking is never easy. And this task may seem difficult especially if you've tried to quit before. Talk to your doctor about products that can help replace nicotine and drugs, as well as how to handle relapse.
Medications
Doctors use a few basic groups of medications to treat the symptoms and complications of COPD.
Bronchodilator. The drugs in an inhaler that often - relaxing muscles around the airways. This can help reduce coughing and shortness of breath and make breathing easier. Depending on the severity of the disease, the drug may need short-acting bronchodilator before the operation, a bronchodilator that long-term effects of daily use, or both.
Inhaled steroids. Inhalant corticosteroids can reduce airway inflammation and help breathe better. But prolonged use of these drugs can weaken bones and increase the risk of high blood pressure, cataracts and diabetes. It is usually reserved for those with moderate or severe COPD.
Antibiotics. Respiratory tract infections, such as acute bronchitis, pneumonia and influenza can aggravate the symptoms of COPD. Antibiotics can help fight bacterial infections, but only recommended when necessary.
Surgery
Surgery is an option for some people with some form of severe emphysema who do not respond to medication:
Reduced lung volume. In this surgery, the surgeon removes a small part of the lung tissue is damaged. This creates more space in the chest cavity for the remaining lung tissue and diaphragm work done more efficiently. This surgery has some risks and possible long-term results are not better than the non-surgical approach.
Lung transplantation. Lung transplantation may be an option for certain people with severe emphysema who meet specific criteria. Implants can improve your ability to breathe, but it does not appear to prolong life and may have to wait a long time to receive a donated organ. So, the decision is complex lung transplant.
The therapy
Doctors often use complementary therapies for moderate or severe COPD:
Oxygen therapy. If there is not enough oxygen in your blood may need supplemental oxygen. There are many devices to deliver oxygen to the lungs, including light weight, portable unit that can take with you to run errands. Some people with COPD use oxygen only during operation or while sleeping. Other people use oxygen all the time. Oxygen therapy may improve heart function, exercise capacity, depression, mental clarity and quality of life. In some people, it can also prolong life. Talk to your doctor about your needs and choices.
Program pulmonary rehabilitation. Comprehensive pulmonary rehabilitation can reduce the length of any required hospitalization, increased ability to participate in daily activities and quality of life improved. These programs typically combine education, exercise, nutrition advice. If there is a program that can be worked with a variety of health care professionals, including physical therapists, respiratory therapists, fitness experts and nutrition experts. Experts can change rehabilitation programs to meet needs.
Managing exacerbations
Even with continuous treatment, symptoms may encounter when suddenly worse. This is called acute severe, and it may cause lung damage if not treated promptly received. Exacerbations can be caused by respiratory infections or changes in temperature or air pollution. Whatever the cause, it is important to seek medical help quickly if you pay attention more when cough, a change in mucus or if you have a breathing more difficult.
When exacerbations occur, which may require additional medications, oxygen supplementation or treatment in hospital. Once symptoms improve, will take measures to prevent future exacerbations. This can include quitting smoking, avoiding pollutants in indoor and outdoor exercise as much as possible, and treat GERD.
Lifestyle and home remedies
If you have COPD, can take steps to feel better and slow the damage to lungs:
Breath control. Talk to your doctor or respiratory therapist about breathing techniques more effectively in the day. Also be sure to discuss the position and breathing relaxation techniques that can be used when you are short of breath.
Respiratory clear. In COPD, mucus tends to collect in the aeration period and can be difficult to clear. Control cough, drink plenty of water and use a humidifier can help.
Exercise regularly. It may seem hard to do when there is difficulty in breathing, but regular exercise can improve overall strength and endurance and strengthen the respiratory muscles.
Eating healthy foods. A healthy diet can help maintain strength. If you're underweight, your doctor may recommend nutritional supplements. If you are overweight, losing weight can significantly assist breathing, particularly during exertion. .
Avoid smoking. In addition to quitting smoking, it is important to avoid places where others smoke. Cigarette smoke may contribute to lung damage more.
Pay attention to the frequent heartburn. Frequent heartburn may indicate gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), a condition in which stomach acid or, occasionally bile flows back into the esophagus. This can often aggravate COPD patients, but the treatment of GERD can help. Talk to your doctor if you have frequent heartburn.
See your doctor regularly. Appointment scheduling, even when you're feeling good. It is important to regularly monitor lung function.
Coping and support
Living with COPD can be difficult, especially when it becomes more and more difficult to catch his breath. It is possible to abandon the previously enjoyed activities. Family and loved ones may encounter significant changes and challenges in an effort to help. May also find themselves facing some tough questions, such as how long to live and what to do if you can no longer take care of themselves.
It may help to share fears and feelings with family, relatives and doctors. May also want to consider joining a support group for people with COPD. And can benefit from counseling if you feel depressed or overwhelmed.
Prevention
Unlike some diseases, COPD have a clear cause and a clear path to prevention. Most cases are directly related to smoking and the best way to prevent COPD is to never smoking - or quitting smoking.
If you are a longtime smokers, these statements can not simply seems so simple, especially if you have tried to quit once, twice or many times before. But it is important to find a smoking cessation program can help break the habit. It is the best opportunity to prevent damage to the lungs.
Occupational exposure to chemical fumes and dust is a risk factor for COPD. If working with all kinds of lung irritants, talk to the supervisor about the best way to protect yourself, such as wearing a mask.
Sunday, June 22, 2014
Peripheral arterial disease (PAD)
Peripheral arterial disease (PAD)
Peripheral artery disease is usually caused by atherosclerosis. In atherosclerosis, the accumulation array of arteries and reduced blood flow.
Definition
Peripheral artery disease is a common circulatory problem in which narrowed arteries reduce blood flow to the limbs.
When developing peripheral artery disease (PAD), extremities - usually the legs, not getting enough blood flow to keep up with demand. This causes symptoms, especially leg pain when walking (claudication).
Peripheral artery disease is usually caused by atherosclerosis. In atherosclerosis, the accumulation array of arteries and reduced blood flow.
Definition
Peripheral artery disease is a common circulatory problem in which narrowed arteries reduce blood flow to the limbs.
When developing peripheral artery disease (PAD), extremities - usually the legs, not getting enough blood flow to keep up with demand. This causes symptoms, especially leg pain when walking (claudication).
Sunday, June 15, 2014
Interstitial lung disease
Interstitial lung disease! Interstitial lung disease actually describes a group of disorders, most of which cause progressive scarring of lung tissue. This affects the ability to breathe and have enough oxygen in the blood. These disorders vary greatly.
Definition
Interstitial lung disease actually describes a group of disorders, most of which cause progressive scarring of lung tissue. This affects the ability to breathe and have enough oxygen in the blood. These disorders vary greatly.
Most cases of interstitial lung disease develop gradually, but some sudden appearance. The doctor can determine why some cases of interstitial lung disease occur, but many people have no cause.
In any case, once lung scarring occurs, often irreversible. Sometimes medication can slow the damage of interstitial lung disease, but many people never regain full use of the lungs. Researchers hope that newer drugs, many people still experimental, may eventually prove effective in the treatment of interstitial lung disease.
Friday, June 13, 2014
Brain Cancer
Brain Cancer
Brain cancer might well be caused by a form of factors. The brain is a crucial organ in charge of organizing all the activities on your human body. Whether or not consciously or otherwise, within the whole second one there may be a large number of items that happen within the whole brain.
Every the main brain have completely different functions that enable the brain to firmly perform multitasking. Every the main brain might well be affected by tumors / cancer is dangerous and destructive functions and structure on your central nervous system.
LIVER CANCER
Cancer is a division and abnormal cell growth that can not be controlled so that disrupt the function of affected organs. cancer is also known as malignant neoplasm. Neoplasm is formed by the time the cancer cells, while malignant means malignant. liver cancer is one form of disorders of the liver, caused by the growth of liver cells are usually uncontrolled preceded by cirrhosis, where cirrhosis is a Premalignant condition.
Thursday, May 29, 2014
Crohn's disease
Barrett's esophagus
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