Respiratory and Pulmonary

What causes COPD (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease) Smoking tobacco is the most common cause of COPD. Other factors such as air pollution and genetics play smaller roles. Typically these exposures must occur over several decades before symptoms develop.  Smoking tobacco - This is the most common cause of COPD. Twenty per cent of smokers will develop COPD. Among lifelong smokers, about half will develop COPD. Women are more susceptible to the harmful effects of smoke than men. …

Born with Down’s Syndrome, Dev, now 10, leads a life full of activity and learning. His mother, Parul Kala, shares their journey towards self-reliance.  Dev came into this world on June 29th, 2005. At birth he was diagnosed with Trisomy 21, commonly called Down’s Syndrome (DS), a common genetic birth defect. He had a flat bridge of a nose and small stubby digits on his hands and feet. The diagnosis was further confirmed by genetic testing. All through my pregnancy…

Can lung cancer be prevented?  You can lower your risk by doing the following: Stop smoking Avoid second-hand smoke Avoid carcinogens at work Work with other people to keep your environment pollution-free Eat low-fat, high-fibre diet and do regular exercise Screening Screening: Screening is recommended for high risk individuals which includes: Those between the ages of 55-79 Smoked for 30 or more years Person who has quit smoking within the past 15 years Screening test includes:  …

Can it be prevented? Take these steps to ensure you keep asthma away as much as possible. •    Take the prescribed medicines regularly. •    Visit your doctor regularly for check-ups. •    Make sure you keep your inhaler with you and are using it properly.  •    Use a home peak flow meter to measure how well air is flowing through your lungs. It can also stop prevent an attack. •    Avoid all known triggers whenever…

There are different aspects to management of asthma Treatment: http://www.patientsengage.com/conditions/asthma/treatments Food and nutrition There’s no special asthma diet. Avoid foods that exacerbate asthma symptoms. Some research suggests the following may help. You can discuss it with your doctor: Diets higher in vitamins C and E, beta-carotene, flavonoids, magnesium, selenium, and omega-3 fatty acids may help asthma. Many of these substances are antioxidants, which protect cells from…

Asthma is treated with two types of medicines: Long-term control and quick-relief medicines.  Long-term control medicines help reduce airway inflammation and prevent asthma symptoms. These include: Inhaled corticosteroids: These are the most effective line of treatment for long-term relief of the inflammation and swelling that makes airways sensitive.  Cromolyn: This medicine helps prevent airway inflammation. It is taken using a device called nebulizer. As we breathe in, the…

What tests do you need to have done Medical history and physical examination: The doctor will ask about your family history of asthma and allergy. He will listen to your breathing and look for signs of asthma or allergies. The signs include wheezing, a runny nose or swollen nasal passages, and allergic skin conditions (such as eczema). He may recommend some of the following diagnostic tests: Lung Function test: One example is Spirometry test. In this test, you will take a deep breath and blow…

Types of asthma  Allergic asthma: Allergies can make asthma symptoms worse. So it is best to avoid the things you are allergic to.  Asthma without allergies: Sometimes asthma can be triggered without allergens. For instance, an upper respiratory infection, such as cold and flu, can set off the asthma. Exercise induced asthma: Some otherwise healthy people can develop asthma symptoms only when exercising. Any type of physical exertion or sports leads to coughing, difficulty breathing…

Symptoms include the following: Wheezing: There is a scratchy or whistling sound when you breathe Coughing: Coughing is worse at night or early in the morning, making it hard to sleep Chest tightness or pain: You feel like something is squeezing or sitting on your chest Shortness of breath: This may feel like you can't get air out of your lungs Children may also exhibit the following: Fatigue (your child may slow down or stop playing) Problems feeding or grunting during feeding (infants)…

Are you at risk of developing asthma Are you: Prone to developing allergies (known as Atopy). This is an inherited tendency. Have parents with asthma Had respiratory infections during childhood Exposed to airborne allergens or to viral infections during your chidhood when your immune system was developing Exposed to chemical irritants, industrial dust or pollutants in your workplace What causes or triggers an asthma attack These include: Allergens from dust, animal fur, cockroaches, mould,…