Pulmonary Fibrosis is a chronic malady whose exact cause is unknown and therefore, it is termed idiopathic. In this progressively worsening condition, the lungs get scarred, and the healing process for unknown reasons repairs the damage with scar tissue, an inelastic fibrous connective tissue. These scar tissues cannot be replaced. Pulmonary fibrosis is not very uncommon. The individual types are rare and difficult to identify.
It is believed that various factors interact in the development of this disease, with heredity having an important role. Exposure to certain toxic chemicals, certain medications, and medical conditions, coal and silica dusts, asbestos fiber, heavy metal dust, radiation therapy, grain dust, and animal and bird dropping are all the major contributors. Long term smoking also seems to be a factor. With loss of elasticity the lungs cannot expand and contract restricting breathing. Loss of normal tissue affects the gas transfer resulting in shortage of oxygen in blood. As the disease progresses the lung becomes more and more scar tissue and restricts the blood flow leading to pulmonary hypertension which drags the heart into complications.
The disease normally starts with shortness of breath, inability to breathe deep, and reached a stage when breathing itself becomes painful. Constant tiredness, a dry hacking cough, weight loss which has no discernable cause, ache in muscles and joints and clubbing of fingers and toes are other symptoms of pulmonary fibrosis. The intensity of symptoms and the course of the disease vary widely among patients.
The progress of the disease can, in some cases, be slowed down by some modern drugs like pirfenidone and nintedanib the former produces rashes, nausea and diarrhea while the latter produces diarrhea and nausea. There are newer drugs for pulmonary fibrosis treatment which may have greater effects but have not got FDA approval yet. Some of the complications are pulmonary hypertension with later right ventricular failure –cor pulmonale and finally respiratory failure.Lung transplant in certain case can be an effective pulmonary fibrosis treatment.
It is fairly clear this is a disease with inferior prognosis and lots of suffering. Many studies are being conducted to find a cure to this illness and only time can tell how successful these would be.
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4 effective treatments for heel spur relief
Read moreA heel spur is a bone growth that develops on the heel bone, specifically on the underside of the bone. It happens due to calcium deposit that causes a bony protrusion of nearly half-inch to develop on the heel bone. The calcium deposition occurs gradually over months. An extreme, persistent strain on the ligaments and foot muscles, repeated instances of heel bone membrane tearing, and plantar fascia stretching are some of the common causes of heel spur. Also known as help spur syndrome, the condition is detected and diagnosed based on X-ray test results.
Painless, heel spurs are often associated with plantar fasciitis. Heel spur relief treatment options include cortisone injections, anti-inflammatory medications, exercise, customized orthotics and so on. In certain cases, surgery may be required. Here are a few effective treatments for help spur relief:
- Stretching exercises: If the heel pain persists for more than a pain, consult a physiotherapist. The therapist will recommend a set of stretching exercises that will help to provide heel spur relief by alleviating the pain. The goal of such physical therapy is to treat and give relief from plantar fasciitis, which aggravates the symptoms of heel spur.
- Orthotics and shoe recommendations: Orthotic devices are used to correct biomechanical imbalances that cause arch and heel pain. The devices such as heel cushions, heel pads, insoles, shoe inserts, and special orthotic shoes give relief from the excess pressure exerted on heels and the Achilles tendon. Such devices also control additional movements that put a strain on the plantar fasciitis ligament. Special shoes help to alleviate the effects on inflammation on the tendons and muscles of the heel.
- Anti-inflammation medications: Most often heel spur is caused due to plantar fasciitis. Plantar fasciitis occurs due to inflammation of the plantar fascia that is located at the bottom of the foot. Popular over-the-counter medications such as naproxen, acetaminophen, and acetaminophen are often used to get heel spur relief. It is recommended that a doctor is consulted before taking any medications. Doctors may also suggest cortisone injections to alleviate the symptoms of pain.
- Surgery: When none of the non-invasive heel spur treatments work, doctors may recommend surgery. Surgery is done in only 10% of the cases since most people get heel spur relief from conservative treatments. Surgeries are done to release stress from the plantar fascia or to remove the spur. Post surgery, a person may be required to use surgical shoes, crutches, bandages, splints, and so on.
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The basics of the post menopause stage
Read moreMenopause marks the end of a woman’s reproductive life. During the years of transition the woman suffers symptoms like hot flashes, redness of skin, anxiety etc. Most of these symptoms fade off in a year or two. With the topsy-turvy menstrual patterns, it is extremely difficult to ascertain the exact date of ovulation and plan sex. It is easy to conceive in this milieu. This, if not exactly dangerous, is undesired as babies conceived during the transitional period run a very high risk of abnormalities like Down’s syndrome and many physical defects.
With the resetting of hormones at new levels, it is not uncommon to develop lingering chronic conditions. The conditions that linger on into post menopause are vaginal dryness and itching, vaginal discharge, insomnia, weight gain, stress incontinence and urinary infections. One becomes more susceptible to more serious ailments. There is increased chances of some major ailments such as heart diseases and osteoporosis.
Osteoporosis: Estrogen, a female hormone, has a beneficial effect on preserving the bone mass in women. Post menopause, the levels of this hormone come down, which results in loss of bone material. A systematic physical activity, like regular walking etc. helps control the loss of bone mass. A lot of conventional medications are available for treatment in severe cases.
Heart diseases: There is a theory that tendencies for atherosclerosis increases post menopause due the decreased estrogen levels. This is contested. However, there are increased tendencies for other heart diseases like myocardial infarct and other conditions. Conventional management practices like controlling hypertension, cholesterol with statins, lifestyle changes etc. are generally adequate. At one time MHT or menopausal hormone therapy was standard. Later research has revealed serious drawback to it. It is now resorted to only in extreme cases.
Regular exercise, and balanced diet are all that is needed in most cases.One need not develop a notion postmenopausal life is all a misery. There are a lot of positives to take. Set up a regular exercise regime like walking, indulge in a happy social life, eat a balanced diet and visit your healthcare provider regularly. There is enough evidence to support an active sex life is good for health in many ways. One has fulfilled all their responsibilities and no fear of a pregnancy. There are enough and more choices in the market to counter postmenopausal dryness of vagina. There are no reasons for anyone to have restrict their sex life. It is one of the blessings of menopause.