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Tag: respiratory health

Dr. J C SuriNewsrespiratory health
pneumonia
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What increase risks of Pneumonia?

Pneumonia is a contamination of the lungs that is frequently caused by microscopic organisms, infections, or organisms. Whereas it can influence individuals of all ages, the elderly, those with pre-existing wellbeing conditions, and babies are at the most elevated hazard for contamination. Knowing the chance variables for pneumonia is a critical step in anticipation, as it can offer assistance decrease the chances of contracting this possibly serious ailment. This article will cover what increments the hazard of pneumonia. Keep on perusing till the final to know approximately it!

Risk factors with pneumonia:

  1.   Age:

Age is a critical risk factor for pneumonia, with heightened vulnerability observed in both young children and the elderly.In young children, particularly those between 1-3 years of age, the risk is amplified due to their still-developing hygiene practices, which can lead to an increased likelihood of inhaling or ingesting pathogens. Additionally, infants in this age group may have immature immune systems, making them more susceptible to respiratory infections such as pneumonia.Elderly individuals are similarly at increased risk, primarily due to the natural decline in immune function that accompanies aging. This age group is also more likely to be on multiple medications, which can further compromise their ability to fend off infections, including pneumonia.

  1.   Lifestyle:

Certain lifestyle habits can significantly elevate the risk of developing pneumonia.  Alcohol consumption has been associated with an increased incidence of pneumonia in adults. Smoking, on the other hand, substantially raises the risk of both bacterial and viral   pneumonia.It is crucial to maintain regular vaccinations, such as the annual influenza vaccine, to help reduce the likelihood of respiratory infections, including pneumonia.

  1.   Health Conditions:

Individuals with certain underlying health conditions are at an increased risk of developing pneumonia. This includes those with diabetes, chronic heart or lung disease, sickle cell anemia, HIV, or a compromised immune system. These conditions can impair the body's ability to combat infections, making it more challenging to clear pathogens that may lead to pneumonia.

pneumonia
  1.   Environment:

Exposure to certain environments can elevate the risk of developing pneumonia. This includes healthcare workers, travelers to specific regions, and individuals exposed to air pollution or with weakened immune systems. Elevated levels of air pollution in particular areas can increase the likelihood of contracting bacterial or viral pneumonia.

  1.   Stress:

Stress can increase the risk of pneumonia by impairing the immune system’s ability to combat infections.The hormone cortisol, released during periods of emotional or physical stress, can diminish the body’s immune response, making it more susceptible to infections, including pneumonia. 

  1.   Poor Nutrition:

Poor nutrition can elevate the risk of pneumonia by compromising the immune system. Maintaining a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains is essential to provide the body with the necessary nutrients to support a robust immune response. 

  1.   Poor Hygiene:

Poor hygiene practices can heighten the risk of viral or bacterial pneumonia.This includes infrequent handwashing, inadequate oral hygiene, and failure to clean surfaces that may be contaminated with pathogens. 

  1.   Malnutrition:

Severe malnutrition can increase the risk of pneumonia due to its detrimental effect on the immune system. Malnutrition, resulting from either an inadequate diet or chronic illness, weakens the body’s ability to fend off infections, making individuals more susceptible to pneumonia.

  1.   Obesity:

Being overweight or obese can elevate the risk of pneumonia due to inflammation and other    complications related to obesity. Inflammation associated with excess weight can impair the availability of immune cells crucial for fighting infections, thereby increasing the susceptibility to pneumonia caused by bacteria or viruses.

Causes of Pneumonia:

Pneumonia can be caused by various pathogens and factors, including:

  • Bacteria: Common bacterial causes include Streptococcus pneumoniae, Haemophilus influenza, and Staphylococcus aureus.
  • Viruses: Respiratory viruses such as influenza, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), and coronaviruses can lead to pneumonia.
  • Fungi: Fungal infections, such as those caused by Pneumocystis jirovecii or Histoplasma, may cause pneumonia, particularly in individuals with weakened immune systems.
  • Mycoplasma and Other Pathogens: Mycoplasma pneumoniae and Chlamydophila pneumoniae are atypical bacteria that can also cause pneumonia.
  • Aspiration: Inhalation of food, liquids, or vomit into the lungs can lead to aspiration pneumonia.
  • Environmental Factors: Exposure to certain pollutants or toxic chemicals can increase the risk of pneumonia.
  • Underlying Health Conditions: Chronic diseases such as diabetes, heart disease, or chronic lung conditions can make individuals more susceptible to pneumonia.

Treatment for Pneumonia:

Treatment for pneumonia depends on the cause, severity, and the patient's overall health. Common approaches include:

  • Antibiotics: For bacterial pneumonia, antibiotics are prescribed based on the specific bacteria causing the infection.
  • Antiviral Medications: If pneumonia is caused by a virus, antiviral drugs may be used, especially in cases of influenza or COVID-19.
  • Antifungal Medications: For fungal pneumonia, antifungal medications are prescribed.
  • Supportive Care: This includes rest, hydration, and over-the-counter medications to relieve symptoms such as fever, cough, and chest pain.
  • Oxygen Therapy: For patients with low blood oxygen levels, supplemental oxygen may be required.
  • Hospitalization: Severe cases may require hospitalization for intravenous antibiotics, more intensive monitoring, and respiratory support.
  • Physiotherapy: Chest physiotherapy or breathing exercises may help improve lung function and clear mucus.
  • Complementary Therapies: Some patients may benefit from complementary therapies such as yoga, meditation, or nutritional support to aid recovery.
  • Vaccinations: Preventive measures include vaccinations against pneumococcus and influenza to reduce the risk of pneumonia. 

Symptoms of Pneumonia:

The symptoms of pneumonia can vary based on the cause and severity of the infection, but common signs include:

  • Cough: Often persistent and may produce phlegm or mucus, which can be green, yellow, or even blood-streaked.
  • Fever: Typically high, accompanied by chills and sweating.
  • Shortness of Breath: Difficulty breathing or rapid, shallow breathing.
  • Chest Pain: Sharp or stabbing pain that worsens with deep breathing or coughing.
  • Fatigue: Feeling unusually tired or weak.
  • Headache: Often associated with fever and general malaise.
  • Muscle Aches: General muscle pain and discomfort.
  • Nausea and Vomiting: May accompany fever and can be especially common in children.
  • Confusion or Delirium: Particularly in older adults, confusion or mental changes may occur.
  • Loss of Appetite: Reduced desire to eat and drink.

 

How to beat seasonal allergies
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HOW TO BEAT SEASONAL ALLERGIES

Summer is lovely, but it’s also  a seasonal allergies season. Millions of hay fever sufferers’ sniffle and sneeze as pollen are released by plants.

There is no cure for summer allergies, but there are things you can do to help, from medication to changing your habits.

Causes of seasonal allergies

Pollen is the most common seasonal allergy cause. To fertilize other plants, trees, grasses, and weeds release these tiny grains into the air. They drive the body’s defenses haywire when they enter into the nose of someone who is allergic to them.
When the immune system misinterprets pollen as a threat, antibodies are released that fight the allergens. Histamines, which are substances, are released into the bloodstream as a result of this.
Pollen has the ability to travel great distances, so it’s not just about the plants in your area.
Trees: Alder, Ash, Aspen Beech, Cottonwood, Oak, Olive, Palm, Pine etc.
Grasses and weeds: Bermuda, Fescue, Johnson, June, Orchard, Perennial rye, etc.

How to beat seasonal allergies

 

How allergies can affect your child’s skin?
If your child comes in contact with an allergen their skin may appear:
• Red
• Itchy
• Scaly
• Bumpy
• Swollen

They can get hives if they come into contact with, inhale, or consume an allergen. These are itchy, raised welts that might grow on their skin.

Eczema is a skin condition that affects some children who have allergies. Even if they haven’t come into contact with an allergen, their skin becomes inflamed, itchy, and irritated as a result of this ailment.

OTHER SYMPTOMS OF ALLERGY
• Dizziness
• Cramps
• Vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Queasiness
• A tingling sensation in their mouth
• Swelling of their tongue or face

HOW CAN YOU PREVENT ALLERGIC REACTIONS?
Avoiding allergens is the most efficient strategy to avoid allergic responses. Ask our doctor how they can avoid the allergens and what medications they need.

 

Lung Cancer
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What is Lung Cancer ?

Lung Cancer (LC) may be a sort of cancer that starts within the lungs. Cancer starts when cells within the body begin to grow out of control.

Cancer cells develop because of multiple changes in their genes. These changes can have many possible causes.

Lifestyle habits, genes you get from your parents, and being exposed to cancer-causing agents in the environment can all play a role. Many times, there is no obvious cause.

Certain genes control a cell’s life cycle – growth, function, division, and death. When these genes are damaged, the balance between normal cell growth and death is lost.

Cancer cells are caused by DNA damage and out-of-control cell growth.

What is Lung Cancer

WHAT CAUSES LUNG CANCER?

SMOKING- Tobacco usage is by far the most common cause of LC. Around 80% of lung cancer fatalities are caused by smoking, and many more are caused by secondhand smoke exposure.

Although smoking is by far the most significant risk factor for LC, it frequently interacts with other factors.

Smokers are at a significantly greater risk, as are those who are exposed to other known risk factors like radon and asbestos. Because not everyone who smokes develops lung cancer, other factors such as genetics are likely to play a role.

CAUSES IN PEOPLE WHO DON’T SMOKE– Lung cancer does not affect everyone who smokes. Many patients with lung cancer have smoked in the past, while many others have never smoked.

Small cell lung cancer (SCLC) can be diagnosed in people who have never smoked, but it does happen.

Exposure to radon, secondhand smoking, pollution, and other factors can cause carcinoma in nonsmokers.

Some persons who don’t smoke can develop carcinoma after being exposed to asbestos, diesel exhaust, or other pollutants at work.

A small percentage of lung cancers arise in patients who have no known risk factors. Some of them could just be random events with no external source, while others could be the result of unknown influences.

Lung cancers in nonsmokers are frequently distinct from those that occur in smokers. They grow in younger persons and frequently have gene modifications that differ from those observed in cancers detected in smokers.

These gene variations can be utilized to guide treatment in some circumstances.

GENES CHANGES THAT MAY LEAD TO LUNG CANCER- Scientists have figured out how some lung cancer risk factors can cause DNA mutations in lung cells.

These modifications may result in aberrant cell development and, in some cases, cancer. Our genes, which determine how our cells work, are made from DNA, a cloth found in our cells. Our DNA, which comes from both parents, has an impact on more than simply our appearance.

It can also increase our chances of contracting certain diseases, such as cancer.

Some genes play a role in determining when cells divide, grow, and die:

Oncogenes are genes that help cells grow, proliferate, or survive.

Tumor suppressor genes help control cell division or induce cells to die at the appropriate moment.

DNA alterations that turn on oncogenes or turn off tumor suppressor genes can cause cancer. Lung cancer is frequently caused by changes in many distinct genes.

TYPES OF LUNGS CANCER

There are 2 main sorts of lung cancer:

NON-SMALL CELL LUNG CANCER(NSCLC)-
NSCLC accounts for about 80% to 85% of lung cancer cases. Adenocarcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, and giant cell carcinoma are the three primary subtypes of NSCLC.

Because their therapy and prognoses (outlook) are typically similar, these subtypes, which start from distinct types of lung cells, are classed together as NSCLC.

Adenocarcinoma: Adenocarcinomas begin in cells that ordinarily release mucus or other substances. This type of carcinoma is commonest in those that smoke or have smoked within the past, but it’s also the foremost common sort of carcinoma detected in nonsmokers.

It affects more women than males, and it’s more common in younger individuals than other sorts of carcinoma.
Adenocarcinoma is most commonly detected in the lungs’ outer layers, and it is more likely to be discovered before it has spread.

People with adenocarcinoma in situ (formerly called bronchioloalveolar carcinoma), a kind of adenocarcinoma, have a better prognosis than those with other types of lung cancer.

Squamous cell carcinomas begin in squamous cells, which are flat cells that line the liner of the lungs’ airways. They are usually seen within the middle region of the lungs, near a main airway, and are associated to a history of smoking (bronchus)

Large cell carcinoma, also known as undifferentiated carcinoma, can develop in any area of the lungs. It has a tendency to spread and grow quickly, making treatment more difficult. Large cell neuroendocrine carcinoma, a subtype of huge cell carcinoma, may be a fast-growing malignancy that’s remarkably almost like small cell carcinoma.

Other subtypes: Adenosquamous carcinoma and sarcomatoid carcinoma are two other NSCLC subtypes that are far less common.

SMALL CELL LUNG CANCER(SCLC)-

SCLC is a type of lung cancer that accounts for 10% to 15% of all lung malignancies and is also known as oat cell cancer.
This kind of lung cancer grows and spreads more quickly than NSCLC. At the time of diagnosis, almost 70% of those with SCLC will have cancer that has already spread.

Chemotherapy and radiation therapy work well for this cancer because it grows quickly. Unfortunately, the cancer will return for the majority of patients at some point.

How to improve your respiratory health during winter
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How to improve your respiratory health during winter

Respiratory health during winter: Winter has arrived in many parts of the country. With misty mornings and cool evenings, the chilly weather marks the start of some festivals.

However, for some people, the weather brings with it various fitness problems, including serious respiratory ailments.

In addition to the chilly environment, which triggers fitness issues, disease transmission can also increase in cold weather due to the dreadful airflow in crowded places.

People with pre-existing breathing conditions, including bronchial allergies and chronic obstructive pulmonary disorder (COPD), are more likely to see an increase in their conditions because even low temperatures can make it difficult to breathe comfortably.

How to improve your respiratory health during winter
How to improve your respiratory health during winter

Which breathing sicknesses are greater universal all through winters?

Though breathing sickness can manifest at any time all through the yr, a number of them are greater universal all through winter.

Common bloodless: It is the most contagious disease seen throughout the winter and can be caused by over a hundred different types of viruses.

Influenza: Commonly known as the flu, influenza is a viral illness that looks like an unusual spot that is bloodless but more intense. A person with the flu may also groan along with frame pain, congestion, fatigue, and chest pain.

Bronchitis: Bronchitis manifests as inflammation and infection within the airways and lungs. This is often preceded by the aid of using an unusual blood thinner or flu. An uncommon, not uncommon, symptom of bronchitis is a chronic cough.

Pneumonia: Pneumonia is maximum normally visible all through winters and reasons the small air sacs of the lungs (alveoli) to get stuffed up with fluid.

Whooping cough: Whooping cough (additionally referred to as pertussis) is on the whole visible in younger youngsters and is exceedingly contagious in nature. It gives as uncontrollable violent coughing.

Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV): RSV is on the whole visible in babies and youngsters and may bring about continual bronchitis and pneumonia. It gives with intense ache withinside the chest and is frequently visible all through top winters.

Sinusitis: Sinusitis is a higher breathing tract contamination that could gift in congestion, headache, and cough. Sinusitis is normally visible in closed areas with terrible airflow.

How the frame typically responds to a virus

As you may be aware, the viruses and microorganisms responsible for abnormal spotting, flu, and other respiratory illnesses, enter the human frame through the nose.

Normally, when those germs enter the nose, they may not be able to leave it because the lining of the nose contains mucus and cilia (the hair-like system within the nose), which allow those germs to get into the respiratory tract.

Prevents These viruses get trapped in the mucus and later reaching the stomach due to the non-stop movement of the cilia. Belly acid neutralizes viruses, therefore preventing disease and contamination.

Does wintry weather resource the unfold of breathing sicknesses?

Let us tell you that, when bloodless air enters the nasal passages, it slows down the build-up of mucus.

When this microorganism passes through the nasal passages, the immune machine is activated and fights off the invader.

However, the test also showed that even bloodless air impairs this immune function, allowing the microorganism to spread infection.

According to the investigation using Harvard, because humans spend more time indoors during the winter season, in which the airflow is terrible, it is easier for the disease to spread to humans living within the same habitat.

They are all breathing the same kind of air as a person who gets the infection. Research has also proven that due to the exceptionally low humidity levels during winter, microorganisms including E. coli, poliovirus, and influenza virus are preserved for longer periods of time.

Researchers have conducted several experiments on guinea pigs to understand the capability of influenza viruses to spread in different temperature and humidity levels.

This turned into mentioning that as the temperature changed to 43 degrees Fahrenheit and the humidity decreased, the virus survived for more than 23 hours.

However, at better humidity levels and temperatures above 90 degrees Fahrenheit, the virus subsided after an hour.

What may be performed to guard the lungs all through winters?

The great and simplest manner for human beings to guard themselves against all sicknesses all through winters is with the aid of using washing their fingers with cleaning soap and water frequently, heading off touching their eyes, nose, or mouth, and staying far from folks who are already ill.

There are a few different precautions that could assist someone copes with wintry weather ailments:

  • During wintry weather, our frame receives worn-out effortlessly as it’s far already running tough to hold the frame temperature normal. Layering the frame with heat garments could assist the frame to modify the temperature lots easier.
  • To save you sinusitis all through winters, one needs to drink masses of the heat of water, hold their environment easy to keep away from dust, and inhale steam to open up the blocked breathing tract and sinuses.
  • People need to get flu shots (vaccine for influenza) each yr to lessen the chance of having the flu.
  • Consumption of multivitamins could assist in boosting immunity all through winters.
  • Vitamin C-wealthy ingredients which include lemon, orange, Indian gooseberry, and guava, could assist in stopping numerous breathing ailments.
  • People with pre-current breathing sicknesses need to carry out respiration sporting events on an everyday foundation to keep their lung function.
  • If the air first-class is horrific around your place, keep away from morning jogs because the poisonous pollution withinside the air is at a top all through that time.
  • Consume warm liquids which include tea, coffee, or soups to assist in keeping the frame temperature.
    Use a humidifier at domestic to save you the drying of the airway.
  • If someone reviews trouble in respiration, has chest ache, weakness, bellyache, dizziness, chronic cough with fever, they need to touch a medical doctor as quickly as possible.

 

Conclusion

By taking all of the important measures, it is simple to save you the incidence of breathing ailments all through winters.

Consuming a balanced diet, carrying heat garments, getting flu shots, and spending at least an hour below the solar could assist you to hold breathing sicknesses at bay all through wintry weather.

For any queries associated with breathing fitness, talk to a pulmonologist for respiratory health during winter.

 

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