Health: Respiratory Diseases

1.      Asthma

Cause:

The fundamental causes of Asthma are not completely understood. The strongest risk factors for developing asthma are a combination of genetic predisposition with environmental exposure to inhaled substances and particles that may provoke allergic reactions or irritate the airways, such as:

1.      Indoor allergens (for example, house dust mites in bedding carpets and stuffed furniture, pollution and pet dander.)

2.      Outdoor allergens (such as pollens and moulds)

3.      Tobacco Smoke

4.      Chemical irritants in the workplace

5.      Air pollution

Symptoms:

1.      Wheezing

2.      Coughing

3.      Chest Tightness

4.      Shortness of breath

Treatment:

Asthma is a long-term disease that has no cure. The goal of asthma treatment is to control the disease. Good asthma control will:

·         Prevent chronic and troublesome symptoms, such as coughing and shortness of breath

·         Reduce your need for quick-relief medicines (see below)

·         Help you maintain good lung function

·         Let you maintain your normal activity level and sleep through the night

·         Prevent asthma attacks that could result in an emergency room visit or hospital stay

To control asthma, partner with your doctor to manage your asthma or your child's asthma. Children aged 10 or older—and younger children who are able—should take an active role in their asthma care.

Taking an active role to control your asthma involves:

·         Working with your doctor to treat other conditions that can interfere with asthma management.

·         Avoiding things that worsen your asthma (asthma triggers). However, one trigger you should not avoid is physical activity. Physical activity is an important part of a healthy lifestyle. Talk with your doctor about medicines that can help you stay active.

·         Working with your doctor and other health care providers to create and follow an asthma action plan.

2.      Epiglottitis

Cause:

·        Hib bacteria (Haemophilus influenzae type b) - infection can cause epiglottitis as well asmeningitis and pneumonia. Since widespread vaccinations, incidence of epiglottitis has dropped dramatically.

·        Other bacteria - such as the one that commonly causes pneumonia - streptococcus pneumoniae.

·        Fungi - especially individuals whose immune systems are weak.

·        Chickenpox.

·        An injury - if you swallow a very hot drink too quickly there is a risk that the epiglottis will swell.

·        Other injuries, caused by a blow to the neck may also cause epiglottitis.

Crack cocaine - crack cocaine users are more likely to experience sub-acute epiglottitis symptoms.

Symptoms:

·        Fever

·        Swallowing difficulties, often painful

·        Drooling

·        A hoarse or muffled voice

·        Stridor - a high pitched sound that accompanies respiration, especially when breathing in

·        Severe sore throat

·        Cyanosis - skin may take on a blue tinge if the patient is not getting enough oxygen

Treatment:

Treatment for epiglottitis includes securing a breathing tube in order to get enough oxygen. Sometimes, a tracheotomy (creating a hole in the lower throat region to help in breathing) may be necessary. Intravenous antibiotics can be given to treat the bacteria causing epiglottitis.

3.      Pneumonia

              Cause:         

Bacteria and viruses are the primary causes of pneumonia. When a person breathes pneumonia-causing germs into his lungs and his body's immune system cannot otherwise prevent entry, the organisms settle in small air sacs called alveoli and continue multiplying. As the body sends white blood cells to attack the infection, the sacs become filed with fluid and pus - causing pneumonia. 

Symptoms:

·        Cough

·        Rusty or green mucus (sputum) coughed up from lungs

·        Fever

·        Fast breathing and shortness of breath

·        Shaking chills

·        Chest pain that usually worsens when taking a deep breath (pleuritic pain)

·        Fast heartbeat

·        Fatigue and feeling very weak

·        Nausea and vomiting

·        Diarrhea

·        Sweating

·        Headache

·        Muscle pain

·        Confusion or delirium

·        Dusky or purplish skin color (cyanosis) from poorly oxygenated blood

Treatment:

Treating pneumonia involves receiving intravenous fluid and antibiotics, such as levofloxacin, amoxicillin or cefuroxime, to destroy the bacteria. Drinking fluids, resting and taking over-the-counter cough medications or pain relievers are additional ways to manage pneumonia.

4.      Bronchitis

Cause:

Bronchitis is caused by viruses, bacteria, and other particles that irritate the bronchial tubes. 

Acute bronchitis is usually caused by a viral infection in the bronchi - often the same viruses that causes cold and flu. Bronchitis is actually part of the immune response to fighting against the infection, since additional swelling occurs in the bronchial tubes as the immune system's actions generate mucus. In addition to viruses, bacteria, exposure to tobacco smoke, exposure to pollutants or solvents, and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) can also cause acute bronchitis. 

Chronic bronchitis is most commonly caused by cigarette smoking. However, it can also be the result of continuous attacks of acute bronchitis. Air pollution, dust, toxic gases, and other industrial fumes are known to be responsible for the condition.

Symptoms:

·        Inflammation or swelling of the bronchi

·        Coughing

·        Production of clear, white, yellow, grey, or green mucus (sputum)

·        Shortness of breath

·        Wheezing

·        Fatigue

·        Fever and chills

·        Chest pain or discomfort

·        Blocked or runny nose

Treatment:

In most cases you are advised to get plenty of rest, drink plenty of fluids and to stay in a warm and moist environment. This would be your best cure. 

 

5.      Tuberculosis

Cause:

Tuberculosis is ultimately caused by the Mycobacterium tuberculosis that is spread from person to person through airborne particles. It is not guaranteed, though, that you will become infected with TB if you inhale the infected particles. Some people have strong enough immune systems that quickly destroy the bacteria once they enter the body. Others will develop latent TB infection and will carry the bacteria but will not be contagious and will not present symptoms. Still others will become immediately sick and will also be contagious.

Symptoms:

·        coughing that lasts longer than 2 weeks with green, yellow, or bloody sputum

·        weight loss

·        fatigue

·        fever

·        night sweats

·        chills

·        chest pain

·        shortness of breath

·        loss of appetite

Treatment:

Treatment of tuberculosis begins with seeking regular medical care throughout your life. Regular medical care allows your health care professional to best evaluate your risk of becoming infected with Mycobacterium tuberculosis (M. tuberculosis) and developing the disease, and to promptly order screening and further diagnostic testing as needed. These measures greatly increase the chances of diagnosing and treating tuberculosis in its earliest and most curable stage.

Tuberculosis is treatable. Prompt diagnosis and treatment can reduce the risk of developing serious complications, such as meningitis. You can help cure tuberculosis and eliminate its transmission by consistently following the treatment plan designed by you and your health care professional.