Tuesday, February 14, 2023

Risk Factors of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disorder(COPD)

According to reports from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) is one of the leading causes of death in the US. According to sources, approximately 16 million people in the United States have to be hospitalized yearly due to COPD. This disease develops slowly, and with time it worsens. During the initial stages, people may not experience any potential signs or symptoms. Early diagnosis and effective treatments such as Effenac AB Tablet help to prevent serious respiratory problems, lung damage, and even cardiovascular disease. The main step to preventing this disease is recognizing your risk factors for developing COPD.


  •  Smoking

One main risk factor for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease is tobacco smoking. Around 90% of deaths resulting from COPD are because of smoking, as per American Lung Association reports. People who smoke are thirteen times more likely to die due to COPD than those who have never smoked in their lives. Prolonged exposure to smoking is dangerous. Doctors prescribe acebrofylline and acetylcysteine for the successful treatment of COPD.

  • Air Pollution

A risk factor for contributing to COPD is smoking; however, it is not the only risk factor. Both indoor as well as outdoor pollutants can cause COPD. Indoor pollutants like particulate matter result from the smoke of burning fuel used for heating and cooking. For instance, poorly ventilated homes, burning coal or biomass, cooking with the help of fire, etc. Exposure to pollution is a great risk factor that leads to the progression of COPD in mainly developing countries.

  • Occupational Dust/Chemicals

Prolonged exposure to gasses, chemicals, and industrial dust irritates the lungs and airways. This will increase your risk of progression of COPD. Individuals who are exposed to chemical vapors and dust, like metal molders, grain handlers, and coal miners, are more likely to develop COPD.

  • Genetics

In very rare cases, genetic disorders contribute to COPD. People who have never smoked or been exposed to particulate matter for a long time can develop COPD due to genetic factors. This genetic disorder is also known as alpha-1 antitrypsin.

  • Age

Another risk factor for COPD is age. COPD typically occurs in people around or over 40 years of age and with a long history of tobacco smoking. Early detection and taking effective medications like tab effenac ab is the key to overcoming COPD.

  • Asthma

Research says that people who have asthma, even though they have never smoked, have a high risk of developing COPD. People who have asthma are 12 times more at risk of developing COPD compared to people who do not have any respiratory infection or asthma. If you have asthma and you have a habit of smoking, the risk of developing COPD significantly increases.

  • Family history

If you have a family history of respiratory elements or COPD, then your risk for COPD will be significantly higher. As per research, people who have siblings living with COPD are at high risk of developing this disease. Our family members share lifestyle and genetic risk factors; therefore, if you have a family history of any respiratory infection, especially COPD, you must discuss your risk factors with your healthcare provider.

Conclusion

COPD can be treated easily with changes in lifestyle like quitting smoking, using effective breathing techniques, using prescription medications like effenac ab, pulmonary therapy, supplemental oxygen therapy, etcetera. In the case of severe conditions, surgery is also an effective option to treat COPD. If you have any of these above risk factors for COPD, then it is imperative to discuss it with your healthcare provider and take measures immediately. 

Saturday, May 14, 2022

What are the Symptoms and Causes of HIV?

HIV or Human Immunodeficiency Virus is a virus that makes a person infected and weakens their immune system. A person infected with this virus has a great risk of becoming prone to cancer and life-threatening infections. The progression of HIV leads to an illness known as AIDS. 

Causes of HIV 

HIV is transmitted through the exchange of bodily fluids like-

· Breast milk

· Blood

· Rectal fluids

· Preseminal /semen fluid 

· Vaginal fluids 

 

The virus can spread from one person to another when the above fluids come directly in contact with the following-

· Damaged tissue (a tissue that has been scraped or cut) 

· Mucous membrane

· Injection into the bloodstream

Therefore, HIV can be caused and spread during sexual intercourse without preventive measures. It can also be caused by the sharing of equipment or needles used for injecting drugs. In some circumstances, HIV can also spread from a mother to her child. Pregnant ladies can pass HIV to the fetus due to blood circulation or breastfeeding. This is why early testing and taking timely treatment and effective medicine like Tenofovir disoproxil is important for HIV-positive women (as prescribed by doctors) to lower the cases of babies getting infected with HIV. 




Symptoms of HIV

 

1) Acute HIV Infection 

An acute HIV Infection is caused when a person gets infected for the first time and can show viral illness and flu symptoms. It also includes the following-

· Headache

· Muscle pain and fever

· Night sweat

· Headache

· Lymph glands get swollen

· Diarrhea

· Mouth sores 

 

2) Asymptomatic HIV infection 

Many people don’t show any symptoms when they get infected for the first time with HIV. Acute stage HIV infection can progress to asymptomatic HIV infection in a few weeks or months. During this stage, the infected person may not get any symptoms to suspect that they are infected with the virus and spreads to others. This infection stage lasts for 10 or more years. If this infection is not treated with effective medicines like tenofovir disoproxil fumarate, it can soon progress to AIDS. 

 

3. AIDS

People start developing AIDS within some years after getting infected with HIV. While some remain healthy for 10-20 years. People who develop AIDS get their immune system damaged by HIV and are at high risk of getting other types of infection known as opportunistic infections. Other symptoms of AIDS are-

· Lung infection

· Cough, difficulty in breathing, fever

· Vomiting

· Diarrhea, swallowing issue, abdominal pain as a result of intestinal infection

· Sweat

· Fever

· Weight loss 

· Rashes 

· Swollen lymph glands

 

Exams / Tests

If a person is infected with HIV, the following tests must be done.

 

DIAGNOSTIC TESTS

This testing comes in two processes

 

· Screening test- It includes a test for blood and mouth fluid, which checks antibodies to this virus and HIV antigen. 

 

· Follow-up exam – a confirmatory test done when the screening test comes positive. 

 

Tests after getting diagnosed

People who develop AIDS go for regular blood tests to check CD4 cell count. As HIV affects the immune system, so this CD4 cell count drops. Serious complications may happen if this CD4 cell count drops to or below 200. Taking medicines like Tenofovir disoproxil fumarate 300 mg is important to prevent cancer cells from multiplying. 

 

Prognosis

With proper treatment, people having HIV or AIDS can lead a normal life. The present treatment doesn’t fully cure this infection. Medications only work when they are taken regularly. Certain medicines like Temirazer help to prevent HIV multiplication and slows down symptoms. However, if you stop taking these medicines, the cd4 cell count will drop, and the viral load will increase. Doctors prescribe some medicines like Emtricitabine 200 mg and so contact your healthcare provider if you notice any side effects to these medicines.

 

Wednesday, April 13, 2022

Wednesday, October 20, 2021

The Complete Guide on Erectile Dysfunction: Causes, Symptoms and Treatment

 It is a case of inability where the firmness of the erection cannot be maintained well for sexual intercourse. It affects a large number of men. It becomes a matter of concern when it becomes progressive. Trouble in erection is not a troublesome cause for concern. The individual must consider the issue if it appears as an ongoing problem. It has become one of the most reported problems by men. It can lead to issues like stress, reduction in self-confidence, and even cause problems in your relationship. It can be a sign of a health disease that needs to be treated. It is better to consult a doctor in this regard, even if you are not comfortable sharing this information with your doctor. In some cases, the treatment of an underlying condition can work wonders to reverse the issue of erectile dysfunction. Medications and treatments are also available for the same.


Identifying the reasons for Dysfunction

 

1) The limited blood flow in the penis

2) Harm in the nerves

3) Stress

4)Indication of a serious illness

5) High blood sugar from diabetes

6) Indication of onset of heart disease

 

Identifying a reason for the dysfunction becomes important. It helps to find a suitable solution for the problem and contribute to a healthier well-being.

 

Working of erections

 

During the intercourse, nerves trigger the release of chemicals that contribute to the increased blood flow in the penis. It flows into the chambers of the penis that are made of spongy tissues. During the process of erection, there is a relaxation of the spongy tissues, and they start trapping the blood. Now the blood pressure makes the penis firm and leads to an erection. If the individual has an orgasm, another set of nerve signals start reaching the area of the penis and leads to the contraction of the muscular tissues. It leads to the release of blood in the circulation, and the erection goes down. The size can vary with the temperature or even worry. It is merely a reflection of the blood that enters and leaves the penis.

 

Common symptoms 

 

It can be a warning sign for an underlying cardiovascular disease that indicates the blockages that must have been building in the individual's vascular system. Studies show that men affected by erectile dysfunction have a higher chance of stroke or heart attack. It also leads to

 

1) Reduced self-confidence

2) Signs of depression

3) Relationship problems

 

When the problem becomes too severe that the relationship and the well-being of the individual are affected, it is high time to get it treated by a doctor. Treatment is required at this stage to improve the quality of life and enjoy good well-being.

 

Causes of erectile dysfunction

 

The risk factors that contribute to the dysfunction are

1. Highly diabetic

2. Existence of a cardiovascular disease

3. Presence of high cholesterol

4. Habit of smoking

5. Usage of drugs

6. Lack of proper exercise

7. Obesity

8. High blood pressure

 

Treatment

Identifying the cause of erectile dysfunction will help you to identify the exact treatment required for the same. Common medications include Vidalista-20 (Tadalafil) and Vidalista-40 (Tadalafil) that have been known to treat erectile dysfunction with efficiency. It is better to share all the nfacts about your health with your doctor to find the best treatment. The doctor can ask you questions regarding the usage of drugs and the frequency of smoking, or any other problems you face. This will help the doctor to identify the reason for the dysfunction and indeed help you better.