Types of Lung disease

Lung disease is any problem in the lungs that prevents the lungs from working properly. There are three main types of lung disease:

1. Airway diseases -- These diseases affect the tubes (airways) that carry oxygen and other gases into and out of the lungs. They usually cause a narrowing or blockage of the airways. Airway diseases include asthma, COPD and bronchiectasis. People with airway diseases often say they feel as if they're "trying to breathe out through a straw."
2. Lung tissue diseases -- These diseases affect the structure of the lung tissue. Scarring or inflammation of the tissue makes the lungs unable to expand fully (restrictive lung disease). This makes it hard for the lungs to take in oxygen and release carbon dioxide. People with this type of lung disorder often say they feel as if they are "wearing a too-tight sweater or vest." As a result, they can't breathe deeply. Pulmonary fibrosis and sarcoidosis are examples of lung tissue disease.
3. Lung circulation diseases -- These diseases affect the blood vessels in the lungs. They are caused by clotting, scarring, or inflammation of the blood vessels. They affect the ability of the lungs to take up oxygen and release carbon dioxide. These diseases may also affect heart function. An example of a lung circulation disease is pulmonary hypertension.

Many lung diseases involve a combination of these three types.
The most common lung diseases include:

• Asthma
• Collapse of part or all of the lung (pneumothorax or atelectasis)
• Swelling and inflammation in the main passages (bronchial tubes) that carry air to the lungs (bronchitis)
• COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease)
• Lung cancer
• Lung infection (pneumonia)
• Abnormal buildup of fluid in the lungs (pulmonary edema)
• Blocked lung artery (pulmonary embolus)

Patient Instructions

• Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease - adults - discharge
• COPD - control drugs
• COPD - quick-relief drugs

Types of Heart Disease

Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death in the United States. More than 62 million Americans have some form of cardiovascular disease. At Covenant HealthCare, we want to see individuals live a long and healthy life. That’s why we’re working hard to tackle the issue of heart disease here in mid-Michigan.
There are many different types of heart disease. Some are congenital (people are born with heart problems), but a majority of heart diseases develop over the course of time and affect people later in life. You’ll find some of the most common heart diseases listed below.
Coronary Artery Disease
Blockage in the coronary arteries is called coronary artery disease—a condition in which the heart muscles don't get enough blood and oxygen. The most serious effect of coronary artery disease is sudden death without warning. This usually happens in individuals who have had heart attacks or other heart damage.
Silent Ischemia
A form of coronary artery disease in which the blood flow to the heart muscle is reduced but produces very little pain or symptoms. When discomfort is experienced, it is usually during physical exertion.
Angina
Angina is discomfort or pain that occurs when your heart is not getting enough oxygen and nutrients. Angina may be caused by a narrowing of the arteries or muscle spasms in the coronary arteries. These spasms may be induced by cigarette smoke, cold temperatures, strong emotions, and other sources. It is important to note that angina isn't a heart attack and doesn't usually cause permanent heart damage, even though it causes pain.
The causes of angina are generally atherosclerosis or coronary artery spasm. Angina is not the same for everyone. While it usually occurs when the heart is working harder than normal, such as after a meal or during physical or emotional stress, it can also occur when resting.
Traditionally, angina occurs primarily in the chest and radiates down the left arm. However, it can be any discomfort that radiates in the chest, across the shoulders, in the upper back, arms (both left and right), neck, throat, or jaw.
Symptoms of Angina 

• Aching
• Burning
• Cramping
• Discomfort
• Fullness
• Heaviness
• Indigestion
• Numbness or Tinging
• Pain
• Pressure
• Shortness of Breath
• Sweating or Dizziness
• Squeezing
• Tightness

If you experience any of the symptoms above:

• Stop your activity, sit or lie down, and relax.
• Take a nitroglycerin (NT6) tablet or use NTG spray as prescribed by your physician.
• Be sure to notify your physician if these symptoms increase in frequency or severity but are not so severe that you feel the need to go to an emergency room.

If angina lasts longer than 15 minutes or worsens, call 911 or get to a hospital emergency room immediately. Never drive yourself.
Heart Attack (Myocardial Infarction)
Part of the heart muscle can be damaged or die as a result blood flow is blocked. If the blockage is brief, and the heart eventually receives enough blood, oxygen, and nutrients, the damage is often reversible. This is why it is especially important for the heart attack victim to get medical help fast.
Warning signs of a heart attack include:

• Heavy feeling, pressure, or intense pain or squeezing in the chest that lasts for more than a few minutes.
• Lightheadedness or fainting 
• Nausea or vomiting
• Pain that radiates to the shoulders, neck or arms. 
• Profuse Sweating 
• Rapid heartbeat
• Shortness of breath 
• Severe weakness

If you experience any symptoms for more than 15 minutes and believe they are heart related, call 911 or have someone get you to the nearest emergency room as soon as possible.
Heart Failure
Heart failure happens when the heart isn't pumping enough blood to meet your body’s needs. While many people believe the misconception that heart failure means an individual is about to die or that their heart has stopped, this is not true. Heart failure simply indicates that the heart is not squeezing as well as it should. It usually does not occur suddenly but gradually worsens over the time.
Heart failure can be caused by:

• Cardiomyopathies (diseases that damage the heart muscles)
• Coronary Artery Disease
• Diabetes
• Diseases of the Heart Valves
• Heart Defects present at Birth
• High Blood Pressure
• Lung Disease such as Emphysema
• Past Heart Attacks

If you have the following symptoms of heart failure, please see a doctor immediately:

• Fluid which builds up in the lungs, known as pulmonary congestion
• Swelling in the feet, ankles or legs, known as edema
• Other symptoms may include wheezing, sleep apnea, cough, and fatigue

Arrhythmia
Sometimes the heart’s electrical system does not function normally. It may race, become slow, irregular, skip beats or sometimes the heart’s electrical signal does not move in the proper sequence. This causes the heart to beat faster or slower than normal, or erratically. These abnormal rhythms are called arrhythmias. They can cause a variety of symptoms: dizziness, fainting, fatigue, shortness of breath and chest pain or rapid palpitations that may feel like flutters or pounding of the heart. If left untreated, arrhythmias can be life threatening. 
There are four major types of arrhythmias:

• Bradycardia: Occurs when the heart’s electrical signal is delayed too long or blocked, resulting in a slower than normal heartbeat. If it happens only once in a while, bradycardia is not a problem. However, if it continues over a long period of time, the body will not receive an adequate blood supply, which can be very serious. Heart disease and some drugs can cause bradycardia, and a physician should evaluate it to determine if treatment is required. Treatment can include a pacemaker to make sure the heart beats at a normal rate and/or discontinuing a mediation.
• Irregular or extra heartbeats: Even people with excellent health have irregular or extra heartbeats every once in a while. In some cases, irregular or extra beats can lead to rapid heartbeats.
• Ventricular Tachycardia (VT): Occurs when the heart’s electrical signal begins in the ventricles (lower chambers of the heart) and the heart beats too rapidly. When the ventricles pump too fast, they cannot deliver enough blood to the body. In some cases, VT can create a very rapid, erratic heartbeat (ventricular fibrillation), or cardiac arrest. If VT lasts for only a second or two, it may not be noticed and probably will not cause any serious problems. However, if it lasts longer, it can be very serious and should be evaluated by a physician.

Poor blood supply to the heart, diseases of the heart valves or chemical imbalances in the body can cause VT. It often occurs during or after a heart attack. No matter how long it lasts, a physician must evaluate it. Normal heartbeat can be restored with electrical shock treatment (the paddles). Long-term control of VT may require an implanted defibrillator and/or medication.

• Supraventricular Tachycardia (SVT): Occurs when the heart’s electrical signal begins above the ventricles (the lower chambers of the heart) causing the heart to beat very rapidly or erratically. As a result, the heart is strained, and the body receives an inadequate blood supply. There are three types of SVT – Atrial flutter, Atrial fibrillation and Paroxysmal SVT. A number of underlying conditions can lead to SVT. Medication and/or electrical shock treatment (cardioversion) can restore normal heartbeat. To prevent recurrences, additional treatment and medication may be necessary.

Several diagnostic tests are available to identify arrhythmias including an electrocardiogram (ECG), Holter Monitor, a stress test, a tilt table test, and/or sometimes an electrophysiology study (EP) if necessary. In addition, if an arrhythmia is not revealed with routine testing then an implantable loop recorder may be indicated.
Heart Defects
An obstruction is a heart defect that partly or completely blocks the flow of blood. Obstructions called stenosis can occur in the heart valves, arteries or veins.

• Aortic stenosis
• Bicuspid aortic valve
• Mitral valve prolapse
• Pulmonary stenosis
• Subaortic stenosis

Peripheral Arterial Disease
Like the heart, all tissues of the body need oxygen and other nutrients to survive and work. Fatty plaques or atherosclerosis can also affect arteries that supply oxygen-rich blood to other areas of the body. For example, peripheral arterial disease (PAD) occurs when the flow of oxygen-rich blood to the legs and feet is blocked or decreased. This blockage in the vessels deprives the feet and legs of oxygen and nutrients, and produces symptoms usually in the thigh, calf muscle and feet.
Symptoms of PAD

• Brown spots on the skin
• Changes in color of the skin on the leg: foot goes from pink to blue
• Coldness
• Loss of hair on the lower leg
• Numbness and tingling
• Pain or cramping after walking short distances
• Slow healing of wounds
• Swelling
• Ulcers

Basic Health Tips

1. Copy your kitty: Learn to do stretching exercises when you wake up. It boosts circulation and digestion, and eases back pain.
2. Don’t skip breakfast. Studies show that eating a proper breakfast is one of the most positive things you can do if you are trying to lose weight. Breakfast skippers tend to gain weight. A balanced breakfast includes fresh fruit or fruit juice, a high-fibre breakfast cereal, low-fat milk or yoghurt, wholewheat toast, and a boiled egg.
3. Brush up on hygiene. Many people don't know how to brush their teeth properly. Improper brushing can cause as much damage to the teeth and gums as not brushing at all. Lots of people don’t brush for long enough, don’t floss and don’t see a dentist regularly. Hold your toothbrush in the same way that would hold a pencil, and brush for at least two minutes.

This includes brushing the teeth, the junction of the teeth and gums, the tongue and the roof of the mouth. And you don't need a fancy, angled toothbrush – just a sturdy, soft-bristled one that you replace each month.
4. Neurobics for your mind. Get your brain fizzing with energy. American researchers coined the term ‘neurobics’ for tasks which activate the brain's own biochemical pathways and to bring new pathways online that can help to strengthen or preserve brain circuits.

Brush your teeth with your ‘other’ hand, take a new route to work or choose your clothes based on sense of touch rather than sight. People with mental agility tend to have lower rates of Alzheimer's disease and age-related mental decline.
5. Get what you give! Always giving and never taking? This is the short road to compassion fatigue. Give to yourself and receive from others, otherwise you’ll get to a point where you have nothing left to give. And hey, if you can’t receive from others, how can you expect them to receive from you?

Read: Mind aerobics
6. Get spiritual. A study conducted by the formidably sober and scientific Harvard University found that patients who were prayed for recovered quicker than those who weren’t, even if they weren’t aware of the prayer.
7. Get smelly. Garlic, onions, spring onions and leeks all contain stuff that’s good for you. A study at the Child’s Health Institute in Cape Town found that eating raw garlic helped fight serious childhood infections. Heat destroys these properties, so eat yours raw, wash it down with fruit juice or, if you’re a sissy, have it in tablet form.
8. Knock one back. A glass of red wine a day is good for you. A number of studies have found this, but a recent one found that the polyphenols (a type of antioxidant) in green tea, red wine and olives may also help protect you against breast cancer. It’s thought that the antioxidants help protect you from environmental carcinogens such as passive tobacco smoke.
9. Bone up daily. Get your daily calcium by popping a tab, chugging milk or eating yoghurt. It’ll keep your bones strong. Remember that your bone density declines after the age of 30. You need at least 200 milligrams daily, which you should combine with magnesium, or it simply won’t be absorbed.
10. Berries for your belly. Blueberries, strawberries and raspberries contain plant nutrients known as anthocyanidins, which are powerful antioxidants. Blueberries rival grapes in concentrations of resveratrol – the antioxidant compound found in red wine that has assumed near mythological proportions. Resveratrol is believed to help protect against heart disease and cancer.
11. Curry favour. Hot, spicy foods containing chillies or cayenne pepper trigger endorphins, the feel-good hormones. Endorphins have a powerful, almost narcotic, effect and make you feel good after exercising. But go easy on the lamb, pork and mutton and the high-fat, creamy dishes served in many Indian restaurants.
12. Cut out herbs before ops. Some herbal supplements – from the popular St John's Wort and ginkgo biloba to garlic, ginger, ginseng and feverfew – can cause increased bleeding during surgery, warn surgeons. It may be wise to stop taking all medication, including herbal supplements, at least two weeks before surgery, and inform your surgeon about your herbal use.
13. I say tomato. Tomato is a superstar in the fruit and veggie pantheon. Tomatoes contain lycopene, a powerful cancer fighter. They’re also rich in vitamin C. The good news is that cooked tomatoes are also nutritious, so use them in pasta, soups and casseroles, as well as in salads.

The British Thoracic Society says that tomatoes and apples can reduce your risk of asthma and chronic lung diseases. Both contain the antioxidant quercetin. To enjoy the benefits, eat five apples a week or a tomato every other day.
14. Eat your stress away. Prevent low blood sugar as it stresses you out. Eat regular and small healthy meals and keep fruit and veggies handy. Herbal teas will also soothe your frazzled nerves.

Eating unrefined carbohydrates, nuts and bananas boosts the formation of serotonin, another feel-good drug. Small amounts of protein containing the amino acid tryptamine can give you a boost when stress tires you out.
15. Load up on vitamin C.We need at least 90 mg of vitamin C per day and the best way to get this is by eating at least five servings of fresh fruit and vegetables every day. So hit the oranges and guavas!

Viral Fever Complete Guide: Causes, Symptoms, Home Remedies & Prevention Tips

A viral fever is generally caused by an airborne viral infection, although it can be caused by waterborne infections too. While you can take measures to prevent waterborne infections, there is little that you can do to prevent airborne viral infections as they spread through the very air we breathe.

A viral fever is rarely a cause for concern and in most cases, it clears without any medical intervention. However, it is not easy to differentiate between a bacterial infection and a viral fever as they share many of the same symptoms, which is why it is important to consult a doctor if your temperature reaches 102 degrees Fahrenheit or if it shows no signs of abatement after 48 hours.

Viral Fever Causes

A viral fever can be caused by any one (or more) of a number of viruses. The most common cause of viral fever is the common cold which is caused by a viral infection that affects the upper respiratory tract. The common cold is known as acute viral rhinopharyngitis and it is the most common infectious disease.
While it can leave a person weak and fatigued, the common cold rarely causes any further medical complications. There are over 200 different viruses that are associated with colds and very often, more than one virus is present. Some of the other common viral fever causes include sinus infections, viral gastroenteritis, mono (kissing disease), and seasonal influenza (the flu).

Symptoms of Viral Fever

A viral fever is characterized by a very high fever that is often remittent – where the fever abates for a little while and then shoots up once again. Some of the other common symptoms of viral fever include extreme fatigue, malaise, and muscle aches along with chills. OTC (over the counter) drugs provide little to no relief from viral fever symptoms. Some of the other symptoms of viral fever include:
* Severe joint pain
* Vomiting
* Nasal congestion
* Cough
* Headache
* Skin rashes
* Diarrhea
If you experience a high fever along with one or more of these symptoms, visit your doctor right away to determine if you have a viral fever.

Viral Fever Prevention

Anti-viral drugs cannot destroy the infectious viruses and all they can do is prevent their development; this is why, when it comes to viral fever, prevention is better than cure. The only way to prevent viral fever is to boost your immune system so that it can fight off any infectious viruses. This is why the best way to prevent viral fever is to follow a balanced diet, drink enough water, exercise daily, and get a good night’s sleep.
Your immune system is particularly susceptible to nutritional deficiencies – zinc and vitamin C play a very important role in preventing infections so make sure that your daily diet contains these nutrients. Make it a habit to drink a glass of water every hour, throughout your day.
In addition, it would be a good idea to get physically active. You don’t need to follow a high-intensity workout on a daily basis, instead just go for a 20 minute walk every morning – this will also ensure that you meet your requirement for vitamin D – the “sunshine vitamin” which will strengthen your immune system and prevent viral fever and viral infections. Inadequate sleep has also been linked to several health problems, including lower immunity levels, so sleep for 7-8 hours a day and follow a regular sleep schedule.

Diagnosis Of Viral Fevers

A viral fever is often indistinguishable from a bacterial infection, as many of the symptoms are common to both types of infection. Sometimes, the doctor will be able to make a diagnosis based on your symptoms alone, but if the infection is severe, he might ask for a blood test in order to make a definite diagnosis.
In cases where the doctor suspects a particular virus, such as in the case of malaria, dengue, or chikungunya, he will ask for a blood test before he puts you on a treatment course. Apart from a CBC (complete blood count) test, here are a few of the tests for viral fever that your doctor may recommend.

Viral Antigen Detection Test For Viral Fever

When a virus infects a cell, it causes viral antigens to develop on the surface of the infected cell. It is these antigens that cause your immune system to produce antibodies to fight off the viral infection. A viral antigen detection test is often suggested to determine the cause of a viral fever, as it is a low cost test that offers rapid and accurate results.

The Antibody Test For Viral Fever

Your body produces antibodies to fight off an infection. Each antibody is specific to a virus and so an antibody blood test will determine the type and quantity of antibodies in your blood. This test will therefore help to identify the specific virus that is causing your viral fever, so that your doctor can determine the best course of treatment.

Viral Culture Test For Viral Fever

A viral culture test is sometimes required if the viral fever lasts for over a week. A viral culture test takes a small sample of infected fluid (blood or urine) and allows it to remain in conditions that support the growth and development of the virus. The cellular changes that the virus causes can be seen using a microscope. The main drawback to this type of test is that it can take several days to get the results of the test.

How Long Does A Viral Fever Last

A viral fever generally lasts for 3-4 days although it can even last for 10 days or longer, especially in case of a severe infection. The intensity of the viral infection depends on the type of virus as well as the person’s age and health status. A viral infection in kids tends to last longer as their immune systems are not fully developed.
In cases where the viral fever is caused by a stomach bug, the fever can come down within a day or two if the infection is brought under control. Viral fever caused by a flu virus generally takes longer to subside and can last for up to 5 days. Keep a track of how long a viral fever lasts as this will help your doctor determine the type of virus so that your treatment course can be modified.

Treatment For Viral Fever

The treatment for viral fever is based solely on alleviating the symptoms of the infection. If your temperature is very high, your doctor may suggest antipyretic drugs to help control your fever. Similarly, if you have severe muscle, joint, or body aches, your doctor may recommend analgesic drugs to relieve the pain. If your viral fever is brought on by a respiratory infection, you can use a nasal decongestant but if your viral fever has been brought on by a stomach infection, you can have a probiotic supplement instead.
Do not try to self-medicate using an antibiotic – no matter how “strong” the antibiotic is, it will have no effect on the virus and in fact, it could leave you more susceptible to secondary infections. Antibiotics are meant to kill bacteria and they cannot damage a virus so make sure that you consult your doctor instead of trying to treat yourself. Have plenty of healthy foods that are not too oily or spicy.
Stick to foods like soups, idlis, jau roti, and dal khichdi as they are easy to digest. Have a power packed yogurt smoothie as a mid-day snack to revive your flagging energy levels.

Home Remedies For Viral Fever

Garlic

Garlic has several health benefits, which is why it is often used in home remedies and folk medicine. Garlic works as an expectorant and it has antiviral properties that make it so effective in treating viral fever and respiratory infections. Allicin, a sulfur compound in garlic has been proven to be effective in treating the common cold and flu. Chop 3-4 cloves of garlic and add this to a glass of hot water. Once the water cools down a little, drink it and then eat the garlic pieces. Do this at least twice a day to speed up the recovery process and reduce the severity of your viral fever.

Oranges

Oranges contain phytochemicals called limonoids that have anti-viral properties. These compounds also help to increase a person’s white blood cells (WBC), which is very important in the case of an infection as white blood cells fight off infection. Have oranges or homemade orange juice at least once a day to help get rid of your viral fever. Do not have packaged orange juice as this would not have the same nutritional or therapeutic benefits as fresh orange juice.

Honey

Honey contains antiviral compounds and it also works well as a cough suppressant which makes it the ideal home remedy for viral fever. Honey contains enzymatic and non-enzymatic antioxidants, which helps raise the level of antioxidants in the blood, in turn, helping improve overall health. Honey also contains several types of sugars and it is a healthy carb food; by including a couple of spoons of honey in your daily diet when you have a viral fever, you can boost your energy levels and help your body fight off the infection. Honey is a commonly adulterated food, so make sure that you only buy brands that are well known.

Ginger

Ginger has anti-inflammatory properties and it studies show that it can help to reduce muscle and joint pain. This is why ginger is a common home remedy for fever as it helps to reduce the severity of the pains and aches associated with viral fever. You can make a cup of hot ginger tea by steeping grated ginger in a glass of boiling hot water for 3-5 minutes. Alternatively, you can add half a teaspoon of freshly ground ginger paste to 5 tablespoons of honey and have a teaspoon of this syrup every hour to help relieve the symptoms of viral fever.

Yoga Poses For Viral Fever

While high-intensity exercise is not recommended for people with viral fever, very mild yoga poses can help to reduce the severity of the infection. Most of the yoga poses for viral fever are deep breathing techniques that will ease respiratory distress and make it easier for you to expel excess mucus.
Some of the best yoga poses for a viral fever include Sukhasana (Easy Pose), Padmasana (Lotus Pose), Marjaryasana (Cat Pose), Balasana (Child’s pose), Ananda Balasana (Happy baby pose), and Trikonasana (triangle pose). These viral fever yoga poses will also lower your fever and improve your body’s immune response to the pathogen.
The majority of viral fevers are mild and clear up within a matter of days but there are a few that can pose a serious health threat. Viral hemorrhagic fevers (VHFs) are a group of illnesses that are characterized by fever and hemorrhage.
Ebola and dengue are VHFs and they can prove to be deadly if they are not treated in time. This is why it is important to visit your doctor if your symptoms get worse or if you notice any type of rash or petechiae (small red or purple spots).