www.drgranny.com » Respiratory System

What is Whooping Cough?

admin — Tue, 06 Dec 2011 05:28:50 +0000

Whooping cough is also called pertussis. It is an infectious bacterial ailment that affects respiration. Whooping cough is so called because the patient makes a “whoop” sound while inhaling after suffering a coughing spell. Though whooping cough was contained through vaccination, it has made a comeback in recent years. In 2009, 17,000 whooping cough cases were reported in the US.

Incidence
The World Health Organization reveals that 195,000 people died from pertussis worldwide in 2008. As recently as 2010, there was a whooping cough epidemic in California. Earlier, it was thought that only children were affected by whooping cough. But of late, more adults have been impacted and they account for about 25% of the cases. However, in adults the disease is milder.

Causes of Whooping Cough

It is caused by bacteria named Bordetella pertussis. Only humans harbor these bacteria.
When a diseased person coughs, the droplets have contamination which spread pertussis on contact.
Whooping cough is most contagious in the initial stage of the ailment.
People living in a household with an infected person are vulnerable to the infection.

Symptoms of Whooping Cough
There are three stages of pertussis:

In the first stage, there is runny nose. It lasts for about two weeks. Symptoms of this phase are: occasional cough, sneezing, low-grade fever and nasal congestion besides runny nose. Antibiotics can halt the progress of pertussis only in this stage.
The second stage is called the paroxysmal stage. It can last for 10 weeks. The symptoms are intense coughing bouts. The attacks occur more frequently at night. Babies turn blue in color due to the coughing spasms. Vomiting is a common symptom in this stage.
The third stage is called the convalescent stage. It can last for months. The leading symptom is a chronic cough.

Diagnosis of Whooping Cough
First, mucus taken from the throat and nose needs to be checked for the Bordetella pertussis bacteria. Tests like PCR and serologic testing can also reveal pertussis. A complete blood count is also required.

Treatment for Whooping Cough

Children need to be hospitalized as they are more vulnerable than adults.
The infected child should be isolated in a separate room during the treatment period of antibiotics which lasts for five days. Others should cover their faces with surgical masks to avoid infection.
Frequent and thorough hand washing is essential as pertussis is spread through contact with infected objects like dishes.
To prevent dehydration, drink lots of soups, juices and water.
To minimize vomiting, eat smaller meals.
Do not take any cough medication without getting permission from your doctor.
Use a cool-mist vaporizer to soothe whooping cough and loosen secretions.
Keep your home free from triggers like fumes, aerosols and smoke.
Monitor the sick child for symptoms and dehydration and if found, consult your doctor immediately.

How to Prevent Whooping Cough

Wash your hands frequently and use surgical masks to cover your face to prevent infection.
Children should be vaccinated with DTaP (diphtheria, tetanus and pertussis) inoculations.
In 2005, a pertussis booster shot named Tdap was approved by the US health authorities for children between 10 to 18 years of age.
For adults aged between 19 to 64 years, a single Tdap dose is recommended.
Tdap is also recommended for women before they commence pregnancy.
The side effects of this vaccine are mild and include fever, lump at the point of injection, redness and tenderness.

What is Tuberculosis?

admin — Mon, 05 Dec 2011 04:55:20 +0000

Tuberculosis (TB) is a contagious ailment caused by a bacterium named Mycobacterium tuberculosis. Most often TB impacts the lungs. But, it can also affect organs of the circulatory system, lymphatic system and central nervous system among others. TB multiplies the bacteria inside the lungs and causes pneumonia, prolonged cough and spitting up of blood. In severe cases, TB affects bones, kidneys and the meninges lining of the brain and spinal cord. TB is a feared killer disease in Asia and Africa, claiming about two million lives annually. HIV/AIDS patients are more prone to this disease.

Causes of Tuberculosis
As mentioned earlier, the Mycobacterium tuberculosis spread TB among people through airborne particles. People with strong immune system are able to resist infection. But, those with weak immune system get infected. In some people, there is latent TB infection and they carry the dreaded bacteria without showing any symptoms or becoming contagious. Others immediately fall sick and start spreading the disease to others.

Symptoms of Tuberculosis

Loss of appetite
Chills
Night sweats
Fever
Shortness of breath
Fatigue
Tiredness
Unexplained weight loss
Coughing
Pain during breathing
Chest pain
Coughing up blood

Diagnosis of Tuberculosis
Diagnosis requires a combination of imaging, blood and skin tests. The Mantoux test is a simple skin test that can reveal TB infection. Blood tests can reveal if the TB is latent or active. Computer Tomography (CT) and chest x-rays can also reveal TB infection.

Who Gets TB?
The following people have a greater risk of contracting TB:

Those who stay with TB infected patients
Homeless and poor people
People who are born in countries that have endemic TB
Prison inmates, nursing home dwellers and older people
Intravenous drug users and alcoholics
People suffering from malnutrition
Those with weak immune systems, HIV/AIDS patients, cancer patients and diabetics
Health-care workers
Workers in shelters or refugee camps

Treatment for Tuberculosis

Latent TB is treated with an antibiotic named isoniazid (INH). But, pregnant women should not use INH, as it can cause side effects like peripheral neuropathy and liver damage.
Treatment for active TB is done with INH and other drugs like pyrazinamide, ethambutol and rifampin. For severe TB, streptomycin is prescribed. Sometimes, drug therapy for TB can last for years.
If the TB is resistant to drugs, several additional medications are used. In this case, treatment extends for longer duration and surgery may be required to remove impacted lung tissue.
In most cases, patients stop taking medication as soon as they start to feel better. This is harmful as the medication should be continued for the full course to completely eliminate the TB bacteria in the body.

How to Prevent TB

BCG vaccine can protect infants and children from TB. But, even if you have been vaccinated as a child, you can still get TB in adulthood.
Eat a healthy diet to boost your immune system.
If you live in high risk areas, get a TB checkup done regularly.
If you get infected, prevent transmission of the disease by staying at home, covering your mouth and ensuring proper ventilation.
Finish your TB medications to ensure complete eradication of the disease.

What is Sinusitis?

admin — Sat, 26 Nov 2011 05:16:08 +0000

Sinuses are air-filled hollow spaces that lead to the nose cavity. There are four main paired sets of sinuses. Sinusitis occurs when the mucus membrane of a sinus becomes inflamed. Sinusitis commonly affects the maxillary sinuses, which are the biggest sinuses. Sinusitis is caused by fungal, bacterial or viral infection. It can also be caused by an autoimmune or allergic reaction. Sinusitis is often called rhinosinusitis as it causes nose inflammation (rhinitis). This condition is connected to asthma and symptoms like cough are linked with it.

Types of Sinusitis

Acute sinusitis:

can last up to four weeks. It can be caused by common cold, fungal infection, allergies or bacteria. Treatment depends on the cause. In most cases, home remedies are sufficient. But, persistent sinusitis can create serious complications and infections. Acute sinusitis makes the sinuses swollen and inflamed. This prevents drainage and mucus starts to accumulate. Patients find it difficult to breathe through their nose. There may be facial swelling, throbbing pain, headache and fever. Antibiotic treatment is necessary to cure this condition.

Subacute sinusitis:

This type can last up to 12 weeks. It is a progressive condition of acute sinusitis, if left uncured. Symptoms are similar to acute sinusitis, sometimes less severe.

Chronic sinusitis:

This type lasts for at least 12 weeks and can recur also. Infection is the common cause. Other causes are a deviated septum and nasal polyps (growths inside the sinuses).

Symptoms of Sinusitis

Yellow or green nasal discharge
Facial pressure and pain
Blocked nose
Cough
Congestion
Sense of smell is affected
Tooth pain
Tiredness
Bad breath
High temperature
Puffy face
Pus in nasal cavity

Treatments for Sinusitis

In most cases, sinusitis gets cured without treatment. Meanwhile, you can try home remedies and OTC medications for relief. The following treatment methods can provide relief from sinusitis:

Steam inhalation:

Add a few drops of menthol oil to a bucket of hot water and inhale the steam. You can also take a steamy shower to get a similar effect.
Nasal irrigation:

Also called sinus lavage, sinus rinse or sinus irrigation. This procedure involves cleaning the nasal passages by rinsing them with salt water.
Warm compress:

Apply this to the face to get relief.
Use high pillows:

This will raise your head and reduce pressure on the sinuses, pain and discomfort.
Painkillers:

These can treat your fever and headache.
Decongestant sprays and tablets:

These will reduce swelling and drain out the sinuses. But, do not use decongestant sprays for more than a week as it can worsen the blockage.

Prescription Treatment for Sinusitis

If the above remedies prove ineffective, go to your doctor for advice. He/she will prescribe antibiotics which can treat severe symptoms such as high fever, and severe facial swelling and pain.

Home Remedies for Pneumonia

admin — Fri, 06 May 2011 05:15:15 +0000

Pneumonia is a lung disorder that may strike people of any age. Air sacs in lungs absorb oxygen, however due to pneumonia infection air sacs will not function properly. Instead they are filled with fluid which causes lung inflammation. Often fluid retention may cause parasitic, fungal, bacterial or viral infection. Symptoms of pneumonia in adults may include muscle pain, headaches, trouble breathing, fever, chest pain, wheezing, coughing, etc. If proper measures are not taken for treating the ailment on time, it may become fatal too. It is observed that pneumonia can have serious effects if it afflicts children or old people. Even the people with weak immune system are also at higher risk. You must also note that old people and weak immune system may not show severe symptoms of this ailment. The treatment for this disorder depends on the health condition of the patient. Usually

home remedies for pneumonia

are taken in conjunction with medications as home remedies take a long way in treating the condition.

Home Remedies for Pneumonia:

Pneumonia is a life threatening condition and thus, home remedies can help along with main treatment and must not be considered as the main treatment. Following are some effective natural cures for pneumonia that you must follow along with medications:

One should prefer raw juices for at least 5 – 7 days in the initial days. You can take a glass of fresh fruit or vegetable juice and it must be diluted with warm water on 1:1 basis. You must drink this at an interval of 2 hours. Fruits such as orange, apple, pineapple, etc are very helpful.
Stay away from strong coffee, tea and other carbonated beverages. This may have bad effect in pneumonia.
You must also avoid white flour, white sugar and all food items made out of them. These foods are heavy for digestion and can worsen pneumonia.
Alcoholic beverages and meats must not be consumed in this condition.
Massaging with turpentine oil on your rib, then wrap with cotton wool. This method aids in reducing the pain associated with pneumonia. This is an effective remedy to treat this respiratory disorder.
Smoking works like a poison in this case. It gives much trouble to the lungs and puts extra burden to get appropriate levels of oxygen.
In the initial and acute stage of pneumonia, the herbal tea with black pepper and fenugreek seeds will be very effective. This is a most simple natural cure for pneumonia.
Black pepper, fenugreek, ginger and turmeric are mucolytic and thus are considered to be good to expel mucus from the body particularly from respiratory tract. You can take these herbs in any form like cooked or raw it is good for the lungs.
Also simple lukewarm water along with lime juice and a pinch of rock salt can give temporary relief from congestion and coughing during pneumonia attack. This is a beneficial remedy for pneumonia.
Some traditional Ayurvedic therapist suggests application of garlic juice together with sesame oil on the chest. This is a highly useful remedy for this condition.
Another efficient home remedy is rubbing turpentine oil on the ribcage externally. This gives relief from chest congestion.
Some Ayurvedic medications such as kantakari, lahsuna, methika, aardrak, yashtimadhu, vaasa, punarnava, etc are useful for pneumonia. You can either choose a single drug extract or can choose several formulas that contain the above herbs.
Drink 300 ml of carrot juice and 200 ml of spinach juice every day. This helps in making the lungs stronger and also a good remedy for pneumonia.
Sesame seeds are another favorable natural treatment for pneumonia. Add 15 grams of sesame seeds to 25o ml of water and also add a pinch of common salt, a tablespoon each of linseeds and honey and mix them well. Drink this mixture every day. This aids in removing excess mucus from bronchial tubes.

These are a few

home remedies for pneumonia

. These must not be considered as main treatments. These must be used along with medical treatments.

Treat Walking Pneumonia at Home

admin — Fri, 29 Apr 2011 05:33:28 +0000

Walking pneumonia is also referred to as

atypical pneumonia

. This is a condition where a person suffering from walking pneumonia doesn’t have to be hospitalized or bedridden. In contrary to normal pneumonia, a person with walking pneumonia can move around even though he is suffering from this condition. It is believed that nearly 2 million Americans suffer from this condition yearly and nearly 70 – 75% of them are children between the age group of 5 – 16 years. There are some

home treatments for walking pneumonia

apart from clinical treatments. Scroll down to read more about

walking pneumonia home remedies

How to Treat Walking Pneumonia at Home?

There are several antibiotics for treating walking pneumonia which are used conventionally. Even natural cures work similarly without producing any adverse effects. Here are home treatments for walking pneumonia, which are found in household and which also give positive effects.

The best and effective home remedy to treat walking pneumonia is ginger juice and honey. Take one tablespoon each of ginger juice and honey and have it. This remedy must be followed twice or thrice a day. This aids in destroying bacterial infection in respiratory tract and lungs.
Prepare a tonic from linseeds, honey, table salt and sesame seeds and take it at regular intervals. Take a saucepan and boil two cups of water in it. Now let sesame seeds to steep in it. Now add salt, linseed and honey when the water is still boiling. This helps to clear the mucus from bronchial tubes.
Another best herbal remedy is to use spices such as black pepper, garlic, chili powder and ginger. Make a paste with these spices or add them in concoctions and apply it on the chest directly to clear respiratory passage.
Consume more foods that are rich in vitamin C and vitamin A. This also helps in curing the condition. Also, the consumption of these vitamin supplements aids in strengthening inner lining of the lungs and act as a protective shield in preventing occurrence of walking pneumonia. This also accelerates recovery process.
Another effective remedy is taking parsnip juice daily. Parsnip juice can be prepared from the leaves and roots of the same. Drink a glass of parsnip juice every day to reduce the intensity of respiratory tract infection.
Also taking Echinacea and thymus extracts in limited dosage helps in strengthening immune system and triggers white blood cells production to get rid of virus and bacteria completely.
Herbal teas are best home remedies for walking pneumonia. Make herbal tea by steeping fenugreek seeds or dry fenugreek leaves, with a few drops of lime juice. Drinking this concoction at regular intervals for a couple of days give relief from walking pneumonia. Fenugreek acts as a detoxifying agent and also filters toxins from body, thereby clearing nasal and respiratory passage.
Fresh juices of vegetables such as spinach juice, beet root juice and cucumber juice aids in curing walking pneumonia. These juices supply essential nutrients to the body which prevent further infections.

Besides these home treatments for walking pneumonia, take ample rest and making a few changes in diet will help you in speedy recovery.

Symptoms of Walking Pneumonia:

Even though walking pneumonia doesn’t show noticeable signs in the early stage, a person suffering from walking pneumonia can experience the following symptoms as the days pass.

Sudden chills
Cold (the severity of cold increases when the disease reaches the chest, this symptom differentiates common cold and walking pneumonia)

Lethargy

Patient can experience mild to severe headache along with fever and throat problems like rashes in throat
Patient can also experience sore throat due to severe cough
Pain in chest, muscles, eyes, ears and abdominal area
Annoying runny nose

Prominent walking pneumonia symptoms take 1 – 3 weeks to surface. This period is also called incubation period. This begins with energy loss and the person may feel exhausted. The person may not show any significant symptoms before this period.

Walking Pneumonia Symptoms

admin — Thu, 07 Apr 2011 05:30:39 +0000

An inflammation or infection of the lungs that is caused by fungi, parasites, viruses and bacteria is often known as pneumonia. This is quite serious and needs immediate medical attention to ensure proper treatment. In some cases, however, pneumonia may not be severe and such a mild pneumonia is called walking pneumonia. This condition got its name because of the fact that the person affected with pneumonia need not confine to bed. Briefly, the person can carry out his every day chores. However,

walking pneumonia symptoms

may be quite uncomfortable. Let’s take a look at the symptoms of walking pneumonia.

Walking Pneumonia Symptoms:

The early symptoms of walking pneumonia are similar to the symptoms of flu and common cold. Hence, the symptoms of atypical or walking pneumonia may be confused with the flu symptoms. Usually these signs are similar in both children and adults. The signs may develop gradually and last for many days. Following are the most common

symptoms of walking pneumonia

in children and adults.

Skin rash
Fatigue and lethargy
A lump in neck
Diarrhea and vomiting
Abdominal pain
Muscle pain
Enlarged lymph glands
Poor feeding in babies or decrease in appetite
Malaise
Labored breathing or breathing problem
Joint stiffness
Chest pain
Wheezing
Rapid breathing
Chills
Dry cough which worsens with time
Runny nose
Nasal congestion
Sore throat
Headache
Low grade fever

Sometimes atypical or walking pneumonia may result in sinus and ear infections. In addition to aforementioned symptoms, some may experience eye soreness also. Besides these, children may also develop other walking pneumonia symptoms such as persistent cough and skin rashes. These symptoms may become productive over time. Certain symptoms of walking pneumonia like chest pain, vomiting, difficulty in breathing, nausea and diarrhea are the most common signs in children.

What Causes Laryngitis?

admin — Tue, 29 Mar 2011 05:50:15 +0000

As the name suggests, laryngitis is a medical condition associated with the voice box that is larynx. This condition is primarily an inflammation of the voice box due to the infection, irritation or excess use. Laryngitis may be acute that is it may stay for a short span of time or it may also be chronic that is it may last longer. Here are the

causes of laryngitis

What Causes Laryngitis?

Following are the causes of laryngitis:

Acute Laryngitis:

Most of the cases of laryngitis are not permanent and improve after treating the underlying condition. Following are the causes of acute laryngitis:

Bacterial infections like diphtheria. This is a rare condition.
Viruses like mumps or measles.
Vocal strain is caused by excess use of voice or yelling.
Viral infections those cause a cold.

Chronic Laryngitis:

Laryngitis which lasts for more than 3 weeks is referred to as chronic laryngitis. This is generally caused by irritants. Chronic laryngitis may cause growth on vocal cord (like nodules or polyps) or injuries and vocal cord strain. These injuries are triggered by:

Smoking
Habitual over use of the voice (like with cheerleaders or singers)
Excessive consumption of alcohol
Chronic sinusitis
Acid reflux, also known as gastroesophageal reflux disease
Inhalation of irritants like smoke, chemical fumes or allergens.

Less common causes of this condition are:

Infections with some parasites
Fungal or bacterial infections

Other causes of chronic laryngitis include:

Bowing of vocal cords in old age
Paralysis of vocal cord, which may result due to an injury, lung tumor, stroke or other health problems.

Symptoms of Laryngitis:

In many cases, symptoms of laryngitis vanish in a couple of weeks and are triggered by something minor like cold. Rarely, symptoms of laryngitis are caused by some serious condition. Symptoms include:

Dry cough
Dry throat
Sore throat
Rawness of the throat and tickling sensation
Voice loss or weak voice
Hoarseness

These are symptoms and

causes of laryngitis

. You must consult the doctor immediately if the symptoms do not improve by following some home remedies.

Exercises for Emphysema

admin — Tue, 06 Apr 2010 14:02:20 +0000

Exercises are very important for people with emphysema. Some useful exercises developed by the American Lung Association are given here. The best time to do these exercises, is in the morning and the evening after you have cleared your lungs of mucus.

Exercise #1

(1) Raise your arms and breathe in deeply, filling your lungs completely.
(2) Lower them slowly as you breathe out. Repeat three times and gradually increase the number of repetitions as it becomes easier for you.

Exercise #2

(1) Lie on your back with your knees bent. Raise your right knee toward your chest as you breathe out. Breathe in as you lower your leg.
(2) Repeat three times, then switch the legs.

Exercise #3

(1) Lie on your back, bend your knees, and place your hands behind your head. Breathe in.
(2) As you raise your head and shoulders as far as you can, breathe out. Feel your stomach muscles tighten. You don’t have to sit all the way up. Start with three repetitions and gradually increase.

Exercise #4

(1) Lie down with your knees bent and relax as you breathe in.
(2) Tighten your stomach muscles and buttocks as you breathe out. You should feel the small of your back press toward the floor. Repeat three times.

Exercise #5

(1) While sitting in a chair, lean back, and raise your arms as you breathe in.
(2) Then lean forward slowly, tucking your chin into your chest and letting your head fall to your knees as you breathe out. Repeat three times.

Health Tips for Emphysema

admin — Tue, 06 Apr 2010 13:49:21 +0000

Emphysema is a disease that slowly destroys the fine tissue of the lungs that is essential for oxygen to reach the bloodstream. People with emphysema should make every effort to be in good physical shape.

Walking is one of the most useful and enjoyable ways to strengthen the body, say experts at the American Lung Association. Start with a short daily walk and try to walk a little farther each day. Breathe slowly and deeply. Walk with your arms hanging loosely and your chest and shoulders relaxed.

As you walk, strive for an easy, even speed. Try to take the same number of steps with each breath. Try, for example, to take two steps while you’re breathing in and four steps while you’re breathing out. Experiment to find the number of steps that works best for you.

Take caution as you venture outdoors, however. Outdoor air pollution is an irritant that is all-too-easy to find these days. Avoid highly polluted areas. If you live in a city, consider perhaps walking indoors at a local mall on days of smog alerts and if you have allergies, the same advice holds true for days when the pollen count is high.

Cold weather can be anything but a breeze to those with emphysema. Cold itself can be a trigger that tightens the bronchial airways. Take special care to dress warmly.

Chronic Cryptic Tonsillitis

admin — Mon, 17 Aug 2009 11:46:21 +0000

Tonsillitis is the two almonds – shaped glands which are located on either side of narrow passage where the mouth and the throat join. Tonsillitis has the structure resembling to that of a lymphatic gland and also has the elevation of the mucous membrane of the mouth which presents 12 – 15 openings.

Chronic Cryptic Tonsillitis:

There are various types of tonsillitis. Chronic cryptic tonsillitis is one of them. Tonsils play an important role in immune filter as they are responsible for filtering out the bacteria and germs that enter the body through nose and mouth. These two are the most common ways through which the bacteria can enter the body.

Tonsils are constantly in touch with the germs and infections. As the results they are always at the risk of getting infected any time. One such type of infection is chronic cryptic tonsillitis. It is caused when the food particles or any bacteria gets trapped in the folds of the tonsils causing an infection. Tonsils can be seen clearly when the mouth is open wide. Normal tonsils are pink in color but when they infection in them then they are yellow in color.

Effects Of Chronic Cryptic Tonsillitis:

Chronic cryptic tonsillitis are not major health issue but they can cause great inconvenience. They can result in sore throats, and periodic inflammation of the entire throat area due to the stones that are lodged in the folds of the tonsils. This condition can create mild to severe halitosis which can not be corrected with the help of traditional cleaning methods.

Prevention For Chronic Cryptic Tonsillitis:

There few steps which can be followed to prevent this disease:

Antibiotic can be used to ease the inflammation and give them some time to heal.
But if the disease is very chronic as it has trapped the bacteria in huge quantity then removal of the part is the only solution for curing it.

www.drgranny.com » Respiratory System

What is Whooping Cough?

What is Tuberculosis?

What is Sinusitis?

Types of Sinusitis

Acute sinusitis:

Subacute sinusitis:

Chronic sinusitis:

Symptoms of Sinusitis

Treatments for Sinusitis

Steam inhalation:

Nasal irrigation:

Warm compress:

Use high pillows:

Painkillers:

Decongestant sprays and tablets:

Prescription Treatment for Sinusitis

Home Remedies for Pneumonia

home remedies for pneumonia

Home Remedies for Pneumonia:

home remedies for pneumonia

Treat Walking Pneumonia at Home

atypical pneumonia

home treatments for walking pneumonia

walking pneumonia home remedies

How to Treat Walking Pneumonia at Home?

Symptoms of Walking Pneumonia:

Walking Pneumonia Symptoms

walking pneumonia symptoms

Walking Pneumonia Symptoms:

symptoms of walking pneumonia

What Causes Laryngitis?

causes of laryngitis

What Causes Laryngitis?

Acute Laryngitis:

Chronic Laryngitis:

Symptoms of Laryngitis:

causes of laryngitis

Exercises for Emphysema

Exercise #1

Exercise #2

Exercise #3

Exercise #4

Exercise #5

Health Tips for Emphysema

Chronic Cryptic Tonsillitis

Chronic Cryptic Tonsillitis:

Effects Of Chronic Cryptic Tonsillitis:

Prevention For Chronic Cryptic Tonsillitis: