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Information & third-party resources we trust
Alpha 1 Deficiency
What It Is
Alpha-1 antitrypsin is a protein that is naturally present in your bloodstream and monitors the function of the white blood cells. The white blood cells play a role in the immune system and work to destroy foreign substances and infections in the body. Alpha-1 antitrypsin usually protects the normal tissues in your body from being destroyed by the white blood cells.
Deficiency in alpha-1 antitrypsin can cause emphysema, which is a type of chronic obstructive pulmonary disorder (COPD).
Some people have a genetic condition that causes them to have lower levels of alpha-1 antitrypsin than normal. If you have a deficiency of the protein, the white blood cells will be less well controlled and can attack the tissue in your lungs to cause damage.
With time, most individuals that have very low levels of alpha-1 antitrypsin will develop lung tissue damage and symptoms of emphysema. Some people with alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency also experience problems in other organs of the body, such as the liver.
Symptoms
The symptoms of emphysema associated with alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency are the same for someone with emphysema from another cause, such as smoking.
Shortness of breath is the most common symptom, which usually gets worse during physical activity. It can sometimes inhibit people from taking part in everyday tasks and activities, or even at rest. Other symptoms may include cough, wheezing and frequent chest infections.
How to Test for it
People with emphysema caused by alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency tend to be diagnosed at an earlier age than those that are associated with a history of smoking.
There are several diagnostic tests that can help to make a diagnosis of emphysema, including:
- Imaging tests such as X-ray and computerized tomography (CT) scans to view the structure of the lung tissue
- Blood tests to measure the oxygen and carbon dioxide concentration in the blood and the level of alpha-1 antitrypsin.
- Lung function tests such as spirometry to assess the breathing and function of the lungs
A blood test can also confirm a deficiency of alpha-1 antitrypsin as the cause of the condition.
Here at Central Arkansas Lung, we can perform all these diagnostic tests.
Treatment
There is no cure for emphysema and the aim of treatment is to prevent the condition from getting worse and improve symptoms. Smoking can hasten the progression of the condition and worsen symptoms, so if you are a smoker that has emphysema, it is a good idea to quit.
Bronchodilator and steroid medications are available in an inhaler device to deliver the medication directly to the airways to improve symptoms. It is important that the inhalers are used correctly for it to have the greatest benefit. We can demonstrate how to use an inhaler for you in the clinic if you would like help with this.
Some people may also need antibiotics to fight off a bacterial infection or theophylline tablets to relax the airways and help you to breathe. Oxygen can also be used to aid breathing when the symptoms of emphysema are severe.
What else can you do?
If you have emphysema, there are a few things that you can do to help reduce the severity of the condition such as:
- Quit smoking (if you smoke)
- Avoid irritants such as chemical fumes and air pollution
- Exercise regularly
- Eat a nutritious diet
If you make an effort to do these things, you can help to prevent further damage to your lungs so that you can get the oxygen you need to stay healthy partake in the activities of your day-to-day life.
Want to know more?
If you think that you may have symptoms of emphysema, it is important that you talk to medical professional as soon as possible to begin managing the condition. At Central Arkansas Lung, we will be happy to give you personalized and professional advice about treatment options and how you can live well with emphysema.
Simply call us if you’d like more information or to organize an appointment to discuss your symptoms.
Further Reading
https://patient.info/health/alpha-1-antitrypsin-deficiency-leaflet
https://emedicine.medscape.com/article/295686-overview
https://ghr.nlm.nih.gov/condition/alpha-1-antitrypsin-deficiency
Asthma
Asthma is a chronic respiratory disease that involves inflammation and narrowing of the bronchial tubes in the airways, which can make it difficult for you to breathe. It is a common condition, and more than 22 million people are known to have asthma in the United States.
Symptoms
The symptoms that people with asthma may experience include:
- Wheezing (whistling sound when breathing)
- Chest tightness
- Shortness of breath
- Coughing
It is common for the symptoms get worse at certain times of the day such as at nighttime or in the early morning, particularly when the air is cold. Additionally, the symptoms may become more noticeable for several days or weeks if you are run down with a cold or the flu.
If asthma is poorly managed, the symptoms can suddenly become much worse and lead to what is known as an asthma attack. Someone having an asthma attack usually has rapid breathing, severe wheezing, chest tightness, and may have difficulty breathing or talking due to the symptoms. In serious cases without treatment, an asthma attack can be fatal.
Diagnosis
Although asthma can be diagnosed at any age, the symptoms usually begin in childhood, which prompts diagnosis.
The first step in the diagnosis is a discussion about symptoms and medical history, followed by a physical examination. There are also several lung function tests that are used to measure how well you breathe. For example, spirometry measures the volume and speed of air you can exhale after taking in a deep breath and peak flow is a test to measure the force when you breathe out. Both of these tests help to estimate the inflammation and narrowing of the airways. During the diagnosis of asthma, you may be asked to perform one of these tests and then repeat it after taking a bronchodilator medication. This is because the symptoms of asthma are usually reversible with this medication and your results improve with the second test.
The severity of asthma is also determined during the diagnostic process as follows:
- Mild intermittent asthma: Mild symptoms up to two days a week and two nights a month
- Mild persistent: Symptoms several times a week
- Moderate persistent: Symptoms once a day and several nights a week
- Severe persistent: Symptoms throughout most days and nights
Treatment
Although there is no cure for asthma, the symptoms can usually be well managed and allow you to live a normal and active lifestyle. The intensity of the asthma symptoms naturally fluctuates, and flare-ups or exacerbations when symptoms become worse in certain time periods are common. If you have asthma, it is important that you recognize when your symptoms are becoming worse so that you can take steps to reduce the inflammation and prevent an asthma attack.
Your doctor will create an asthma action plan for you to refer to when your symptoms are getting worse during a flare-up or an asthma attack. Most people need to take preventative medication every day to control their symptoms over the long-term and also use a reliever medication to reduce symptoms when they get worse.
What else can you do?
There are several things that can make your asthma symptoms worse, known as triggers. These things are different for each person with asthma and may include:
- Allergens such as dust, animal fur, cockroaches, mold and pollen
- Irritants such as smoke, pollution and chemical fumes
- Medications such as aspirin, ibuprofen and beta-blocker drugs
- Sulfites in consumer products
If you have asthma, it is important that you try to avoid these triggers, particularly if you know that they tend to worsen your symptoms.
Want to know more?
If you think that you or your child may have symptoms of asthma, you should seek advice from a medical professional as soon as possible. At Central Arkansas Lung, we will be happy to give you personalized and professional advice about management options for asthma.
Simply call us if you’d like more information or to organize an appointment to discuss your symptoms.
Further Reading
https://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/health-topics/topics/asthma
https://www.aaaai.org/conditions-and-treatments/asthma
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/asthma/basics/definition/con-20026992
COPD
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a progressive lung disease that makes it difficult to breathe normally and gets worse over time. Ongoing damage to the lungs causes the disease, and it is most common in people with a long history of smoking because the tobacco smoke irritates and damages the fibers in the lungs.
People with COPD have inflamed airways that produce more mucus than usual, leading to narrowing of the airways and difficulty breathing. It also affects the tiny air sacs in the lungs, which become more rigid and cannot expand or contract as you breathe in and out, which can make you feel short of breath.
The damage to the lungs in patients with COPD cannot be reversed and, if exposure to the irritant such as cigarette smoke, dust or air pollution continues, the symptoms will progressively get worse. However, there are several ways to prevent further damage and help you to manage the symptoms of the disease.
Symptoms
The symptoms of COPD are usually mild in the early stages of the disease and gradually progress to become more inhibitive as time goes on. Symptoms may include:
Chronic cough
Mucus present when coughing
Chest tightness
Shortness of breath (worsens during physical activity)
As the symptoms become more severe, shortness of breath may become problematic even for simple tasks such as getting dressed or other parts of your daily routine. This can then lead to loss of weight and weakness.
Occasionally a COPD exacerbation may occur, which is a flare up of symptoms for a period of time. Depending on the case, this can be quite mild or life threatening, particularly for people who have had COPD for a long time.
Diagnosis
If you have symptoms of the disease, such as shortness of breath and chronic coughing, your doctor will start by asking you about a history of smoking or exposure to other irritants. Most patients are diagnosed over the age of 60 and have a long history of smoking or exposure to chemical fumes, air pollution or dust.
There are several breathing tests that can help to diagnose COPD. Your doctor may listen to your lungs to hear how you breathe. Spirometry is a specialized breathing test that measures the function of your lungs to diagnose COPD.
It is important for COPD to be diagnosed as soon as possible, as steps can then be taken to prevent further damage and reduce the symptoms of the disease.
Treatment
The first step in the treatment of the COPD is to prevent further damage to the lungs and progression of the disease. Quitting smoking should be the main priority for smokers in the beginning, as this will help to prevent more lung damage.
There are also several medical treatments that can help to reduce the severity of symptoms and to improve your breathing. Most are administered with an inhaler so that you breathe in the medication and they work directly on your lungs. It’s important to know how to use an inhaler correctly to ensure that you get the most benefit out of the medication. We can help you learn how to do this and demonstrate how to use it in the clinic.
For patients with more severe disease, administration of oxygen can also help at times when breathing is more difficult. As people with COPD are more likely to get lung infections, being vaccinated for influenza and pneumonia can help to reduce the severity of these infections if you do get them.
What else can you do?
There are several other things you can do to increase your quality of life and help you to live well. You can:
- Avoid irritants such as smoke, fumes and air pollution
- Use an air filter at home
- Exercise regularly
- Eat healthily
These things help your body to stay strong and healthy so that you can fight off infections and live a more fulfilled life. Your doctor will also give you an action plan so that you know what steps to take if you have a flare-up of COPD and your symptoms are getting worse. If you are having difficulty breathing, you should seek medical advice as soon as possible.
Want to know more?
If you think that you may have symptoms of COPD, it is important that you talk to medical professional as soon as possible to start taking action. At Central Arkansas Lung, we will be happy to give you personalized and professional advice about treatment options and how you can live well with COPD.
Simply call us if you’d like more information or to organize an appointment to discuss your symptoms.
Further Reading
https://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/health-topics/topics/copd
https://www.nhs.uk/Conditions/chronic-obstructive-pulmonary-disease/Pages/Introduction.aspx
https://patient.info/health/chronic-obstructive-pulmonary-disease-leaflet
Emphysema
Emphysema is a type of chronic obstructive pulmonary disorder (COPD) that involves damage to the air sacs, called alveoli, in the lungs that cannot be repaired. Approximately 3.1 million Americans have been diagnosed with emphysema.
For people with emphysema, the air can become trapped in the damaged lung tissue when breathing, and the lungs get bigger and less delicately shaped, allowing less air to pass through. As a result, your body is unable to get the oxygen that it needs to function normally and you may have a cough or feel out of breath, particularly during physical activity.
The damage to the lungs is usually caused by cigarette smoke over many years and quitting smoking can help to stop the condition from getting worse. People who smoke are six times more likely to suffer from emphysema than non-smokers.
Symptoms
The symptoms of emphysema may not be noticeable in the early stages of the condition and tend to gradually get worse over time.
Shortness of breath is the most common complaint, which often gets worse during physical activity. Many people begin to avoid strenuous activities as the symptoms get worse and it can become problematic when shortness of breath interferes with everyday tasks and activities. Eventually, shortness of breath can also be present at rest.
Other symptoms of emphysema may include a cough, wheezing and frequent chest infections
Diagnosis
When the symptoms progress to have an impact on your daily life and it is difficult to complete simple activities such as climbing stairs, you should see a medical professional to investigate the symptoms.
There are several tests that can help in the diagnosis of emphysema. After your doctor has discussed your symptoms and risk factors, such as a history of smoking, diagnostic tests may include:
Imaging tests: X-ray and computerized tomography (CT) scans to view the structure of the lung tissue
Blood tests: measurement of the concentration of oxygen and carbon dioxide in the blood to determine the extent of oxygen transfer in the lungs.
Lung function tests: spirometry to assess the function of your lungs and breathing
Treatment
There is no cure for emphysema and the damage to the lung tissue cannot be reversed, but it is possible to prevent the condition from getting worse and to improve symptoms.
Initially, the treatment of emphysema should address the cause of the condition. For example, quitting smoking should be a priority if you smoke to prevent further damage to the lungs.
Additionally, there are medications that can help to reduce shortness of breath and allow you to carry out your daily activities as normal. Bronchodilator and steroid medications can be administered in an inhaler device so that the medication is directly specifically to the airways. It’s important that you understand how to use an inhaler correctly in order to benefit from the medication. If you need help with this, we can demonstrate how to use an inhaler in the clinic.
You may also need other treatment. Antibiotics can help to fight off a bacterial infection of the respiratory system and some people also need oxygen to help with breathing when the symptoms are more severe.
What else can you do?
If you have emphysema, there are a few things that you can do to help reduce the severity of the condition such as:
- Quit smoking (if you smoke)
- Avoid irritants such as chemical fumes and air pollution
- Exercise regularly
- Eat a nutritious diet
If you make an effort to do these things, you can help to prevent further damage to your lungs so that you can get the oxygen you need to stay healthy partake in the activities of your day-to-day life.
Want to know more?
If you think that you may have symptoms of emphysema, it is important that you talk to medical professional as soon as possible. At Central Arkansas Lung, we will be happy to give you personalized and professional advice about treatment options and how you can live well with emphysema.
Simply call us if you’d like more information or to organize an appointment to discuss your symptoms.
Further Reading
https://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/emphysema.html
https://www.emphysemafoundation.org/index.php/the-lung/copd-emphysema
https://emedicine.medscape.com/article/298283-overview
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/emphysema/basics/definition/con-20014218
Interstitial Lung Disease
Interstitial lung disease is a large group of disorders that involve scarring of the lung tissue between and supporting the alveoli, the air sacs in the lungs, that progressively gets worse.
There are many possible causes of the damage to the lungs, including:
- Environmental factors: exposure to smoke, asbestos, dust and mold
- Medications: use of chemotherapy, cardiovascular drugs and antibiotics
- Radiation: exposure to radiation of use of radiotherapy as a treatment
- Autoimmune conditions: pulmonary vasculitis, rheumatoid arthritis, sarcoidosis, scleroderma, Sjogren’s syndrome, lupus erythematosus
In some cases, there is no clear identifiable cause of interstitial lung disease.
Symptoms
As a result of the scarring involved with interstitial lung disease, the lung tissue can become stiff and make it difficult for you to breathe normally and get the oxygen your body needs to function.
The symptoms of interstitial lung disease are general and may include a dry cough and shortness of breath. In the early stages of the condition, shortness of breath may be worse during physical activity but it can even be problematic at rest in severe cases.
Diagnosis
It is important to seek medical advice as soon as possible if you notice signs of interstitial lung disease, as the damage to the lungs is irreversible and should be stopped as soon as possible. In many cases, significant damage has already occurred at the time of diagnosis.
Diagnostic tests that may be used to check the structure and function of the lungs may include:
- X-ray or computed tomography (CT) scan of the chest
- Bronchoscopy or lung biopsy
- Pulmonary function tests
- Echocardiogram
- Blood tests to measure oxygen and other gas levels
Blood tests can also provide information about autoimmune diseases that may be involved in causing the damage to the lungs.
Treatment
The damage to the lungs due to interstitial lung disease is usually irreversible. However, people with the disease can reduce or slow the damage to the lungs with specific treatments.
The first step is to determine the cause of the interstitial lung disease so that we can prevent further damage. For example, exposure to environmental factors or medications that may be causing the condition should be avoided. If an autoimmune condition may be causing the damage, medication to suppress the immune function in your body can help to slow the progression of the disease.
Anti-inflammatory and anti-fibrotic medications can help to reduce inflammation and further damage to the lungs in some cases. Some people may need oxygen therapy to help you to breathe and cope with the symptoms of interstitial lung disease. Although this won’t prevent damage to the lungs, it can make breathing easier and increase oxygen levels in your blood to improve symptoms and overall wellbeing.
For severe cases when symptoms continue with treatment, a lung transplant may be the best option.
Want to know more?
If you have noticed symptoms of interstitial lung disease, you should talk to medical professional as soon as possible to prevent further damage. At Central Arkansas Lung, we will be happy to give you personalized and professional advice and discuss treatment options for interstitial lung disease.
Simply call us if you’d like more information or to organize an appointment to discuss your symptoms.
Further Reading
Lung Cancer
Lung cancer is a type of cancer that involves abnormal growth of cells that begin in the lungs. The lungs are located in your chest and are responsible for taking in oxygen from the air when you breathe and release carbon dioxide on exhalation. Lung cancer can affect the function of your lungs and make it difficult for you to breathe, as well as spread to other areas of your body.
Lung cancer is the type of cancer that causes the greatest number of deaths in the United States. It is strongly linked to a history of smoking, which is the most common cause of lung cancer, although it can also occur non-smokers.
Symptoms
In the very early stages of lung cancer, they may not be any noticeable symptoms. As the disease progress, people with lung cancer may notice symptoms such as:
- Persistent cough
- Wheezing
- Shortness of breath
- Chest pain
- Bloody mucus
If you notice any of these signs and are worried about the possibility of lung cancer, it is a good idea to make an appointment with your doctor.
Diagnosis
There are several diagnostic tests that can be used to check for the presence of cancerous cells in your lungs and exclude other conditions with similar symptoms. These may include:
X-ray or computed tomography (CT) scans: to detect abnormal mass or nodule in your lungs.
Sputum cytology: to examine the sputum from coughing for the presence of cancer cells from the lungs.
Tissue biopsy of abnormal cells: to investigate for cancerous growth.
If you have been diagnosed with lung cancer, the next step is to work out how advanced the cancer is, known as lung cancer staging. Several imaging tests may be needed for this, including magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), positron emission tomography (PET), CT scans and bone scans. It can then be categorized as:
- Stage I: Cancer is less than 2 inches in diameter and is localized to the lung.
- Stage II: Cancer is larger than 2 inches or has several structures in the respiratory tract. It may also be present in nearby lymph nodes.
- Stage III: Cancer is very large and has spread to other organs near the lungs. It may also be present in lymph nodes distant from the lungs.
- Stage IV: Cancer has spread throughout the body to distant areas and organs.
For people at high risk of lung cancer, such as if you have a long history of smoking cigarettes, screening for lung cancer is a good idea so that early intervention is possible.
Quitting Smoking
Smoking is the greatest risk factor for developing lung cancer. The longer and heavier that you smoke, the higher the risk of lung cancer becomes. Therefore, the earlier that you can quit smoking or reduce the amount you smoke, the better your chances of staying healthy become.
If you currently smoke, the best way that you can protect yourself from getting lung cancer is to quit smoking. This is not always easy, particularly if you have smoked cigarettes for a long time. It is often useful to seek medical advice if you are trying to quit, as there are several options that can help to make the process more successful.
Treatment
The treatment of lung cancer depends on the specific case and how much the cancer has spread to other areas of the body.
Surgery can be used to remove cancerous cells from the lungs or other areas of the body that are affected, such as the lymph nodes. There are various techniques that your surgeon may use that involve the removal of a portion of the lungs. Over time, the remaining healthy portion of your lungs will grow back and make it easier for you to breathe once again.
Chemotherapy is a generalized treatment that targets and destroys quickly dividing cancer cells. It is often given after surgical removal of the main tumor to destroy any remaining cancer cells in the body.
Radiotherapy uses high-energy radiation directed towards the area to destroy the cancer cells. This can be done with external beam radiation or with brachytherapy from inside. Similarly to chemotherapy, this is often used to destroy any remaining cancer cells after surgery.
Finally, if you have lung cancer due to a genetic mutation, there are some targeted therapies that can help to treat lung cancer.
Want to know more?
If you would like to know more about lung cancer or to be screened for the condition, you should see a medical professional. At Central Arkansas Lung, we will be happy to give you personalized and professional advice about how to quit smoking or treatment options for lung cancer.
Simply call us if you’d like more information or to organize an appointment to discuss your symptoms.
Further Reading
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/lung-cancer/basics/definition/con-20025531
https://www.cancer.gov/types/lung/patient/lung-prevention-pdq
https://www.cancerresearchuk.org/about-cancer/type/lung-cancer/about/the-lungs
Obesity
Obesity is a known risk factor for many health conditions such as heart disease, diabetes, liver disease, and cancer. However, it can also have a significant impact on respiratory health and often causes symptoms such as shortness of breath that can inhibit your lifestyle.
Weight
As weight increases, the volume of the lungs is reduced, which restricts the entry of air and your ability to breathe.
The distribution of fat is also an important factor and fat deposited around the abdomen is associated with worse respiratory symptoms. This is because the fat tissue around the abdominal organs inhibits the movement of the diaphragm and restricts the expansion of the lungs that allows air inside.
Symptoms
The symptoms linked to obesity are often similar to those of respiratory disease such as chronic obstructive lung disease (COPD). These include:
- Shortness of breath
- Chest tightness
- Coughing
Additionally, obesity is also a risk factor for respiratory diseases, such as obstructive sleep apnea syndrome, asthma, pulmonary embolism and aspiration pneumonia.
Diagnosis
Body mass index (BMI) is used to categorize adult body weight adjusted to the height of the individual. Although it does not account for muscle mass, it is a good indicator of excess weight of an individual. A BMI > 30 is considered as obese.
If you are obese and experiencing respiratory symptoms, it is important that your weight is considered when your doctor is making your treatment plan. This is because your weight can have a great impact on your symptoms and making changes to lower it to a healthy range can help to improve all respiratory conditions and overall health.
Treatment
The ideal treatment for an individual with respiratory symptoms linked to obesity is to lose weight. Initially, this can be challenging because physical activity can cause symptoms such as shortness of breath to worsen significantly.
It is important for individuals to participate in regular physical activity, such as light walking for 30 minutes each day. In the beginning, this may cause difficulty breathing and patients may require administration of oxygen to meet the demands of the body.
Nutrition is also a critical factor in maintaining a healthy body weight. Your doctor will help you to understand how you can alter your diet to lose weight and improve your overall health.
Want to know more?
If you are overweight or obese and are experiencing respiratory symptoms such as shortness of breath, it is important that you talk to medical professional about how you can improve your health.
At Central Arkansas Lung, we will be happy to give you personalized and professional advice about what you can do to lose weight and reduce your symptoms. Simply call our office if you’d like more information or to organize an appointment to discuss your situation.
Further Reading
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2990395/
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2683280/
https://jap.physiology.org/content/108/1/206
https://www.news-medical.net/health/Obesity-and-respiratory-disorders.aspx
Obstructive Sleep Apnea Syndrome
Obstructive sleep apnea syndrome is a condition that involves very shallow or completely stopping of breathing for a short period while you sleep. It can occur several times each night in some people and is caused by a blockage of the upper airway as the muscles in your throat relax.
It currently affects approximately 4% of men and 2% of women who are middle-aged in the United States and the prevalence is growing as the prevalence of obesity, which can cause the condition, continues to rise.
Symptoms
When your airways become partially or completely blocked while you sleep, your diaphragm and chest muscles need to work harder to open the airways and receive air to breathe. This can cause you to make a loud gasp, snort or body jerk that may wake you or your partner up.
As a result of sleep apnea, many affected people sleep poorly. They may find it difficult to wake up and have a dry mouth, sore throat or headache in the morning. It can also affect performance throughout the day and you may feel tired or have problems with concentration, memory and temperament.
Many people with sleep apnea also report night sweats, restlessness when sleeping and sexual dysfunction. It is also linked to irregular heart rhythms, known as arrhythmias.
Causes
Obstructive sleep apnea occurs because there is something that blocks the airways when the muscles in the throat and neck relax while sleeping. This is more likely for people who are overweight or obese, have a large neck, tongue or tonsils, or have smaller airways.
It is more likely to affect men than women and people with certain health conditions, such as diabetes, high blood pressure and heart disease, are also at a greater risk.
Diagnosis
To diagnose obstructive sleep apnea syndrome, you doctor will spend some time talking with your about your sleeping habits and the symptoms you are experiencing.
In some cases, your nighttime sleep may need to be observed to make the diagnosis. This involves monitoring certain characteristics while you sleep, such as breathing, airflow, oxygen levels, electrical activity in the brain, eye movements, muscle movements and heart rate.
A diagnosis of obstructive sleep apnea syndrome can then be made based on the description of symptoms and observation of sleep.
Treatment
The treatment of obstructive sleep apnea syndrome will depend on the likely causes of the condition.
If you are overweight, it is a good idea to lose some weight, as this can reduce the pressure on you neck and reduce the likelihood that your airways become blocked while sleeping. If sinus or nasal congestion is an issue, nasal sprays can help to clear the airways and reduce the risk of sleep apnea.
Alcohol and sleeping pills should be avoided before bedtime, as they can increase the likelihood of airway collapse while sleeping and increase the time without breathing.
For some people with mild sleep apnea, the way you sleep can help to reduce the symptoms of the condition. For example, sleeping on your side rather than on your back can be beneficial.
A continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) machine can also help to aid breathing, as it constantly forces air through the nose and mouth via a mask to prevent the upper airway tissues from collapsing while you sleep. A BPAP machine is another option, which has two levels of air pressure to replicate breathing in and out.
For some people, surgery may be the best option to treat sleep apnea. For example, large tonsils or a small lower jaw can contribute to narrow airways that are more likely to become blocked and surgery to correct these can sometimes be beneficial. However, surgery is usually only recommended if other treatments are unsuccessful.
Want to know more?
If you think that you may have symptoms of obstructive sleep apnea syndrome, you should talk to medical professional about your options to manage the condition.
At Central Arkansas Lung, we will be happy to give you personalized and professional advice about treatment options. Simply call us if you’d like more information or to organize an appointment to discuss your symptoms.
Further Reading
https://emedicine.medscape.com/article/295807-overview
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/obstructive-sleep-apnea/home/ovc-20205684
https://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/000811.htm
https://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/health-topics/topics/sleepapnea
Pulmonary Hypertension
Pulmonary hypertension is a health condition that involves high blood pressure in the arteries of the lungs and the right side of the heart.
If the tiny arteries in your lungs become narrowed, blocked or destroyed, it is more difficult for the blood to pass through the lungs. This can raise the pulmonary blood pressure, putting the right ventricle of the heart under greater stress to pump the blood through the small arteries in the lungs. With time, this can cause the health muscle to become weaker and, ultimately, fail.
Symptoms
Initially, the signs and symptoms of pulmonary hypertension can be subtle and you may not notice them. However, they become more obvious with time as the condition progresses.
Symptoms may include:
- Shortness of breath
- Fatigue
- Dizziness
- Chest pain
- Swelling in your ankles, legs and abdomen
- Bluish tinge to lips and skin
- Fast heart rate and palpitations
Diagnosis
As there are many possible causes of pulmonary hypertension, the diagnosis of the condition is relatively complicated, involving a complete medical history, physical exam and other diagnostic tests.
In the physical examination, you doctor will usually check for:
- Abnormal rhythm or sound of your heart
- Enlargement of the jugular vein in your neck
- Fluid retention in your ankles, legs or abdomen
- Bluish tinge to nail beds
Additionally, a blood test is required to monitor levels of hormones, antibodies, gasses and certain proteins. Other tests that may be used in the diagnosis of pulmonary hypertension include an echocardiogram, X-ray, computed tomography (CT) scan and pulmonary function tests.
Treatment
There are many medications that can help to treat pulmonary hypertension and allow you to live life with less severe symptoms of the condition.
For example, oxygen therapy can help to increase the oxygen levels in your blood so that you feel more energized. Anticoagulant medications such as Warfarin help to stop the blood from forming clots so that it flows through the blood vessels with less resistance.
If you have edema, and there is pooling of fluid in your ankles, legs and abdomen, diuretics can help to remove the extra fluid and reduce the swelling.
In some cases, surgery may also be needed. For example, if there is a blood clot in the pulmonary artery that blocks the blood flow to the lungs, this can be removed in a surgical procedure. Lung transplantation is also recommended for severe pulmonary hypertension that doesn’t respond well to other treatments.
The treatment that is best for you will depend on your specific circumstances. Your doctor will go through the possible options and help you to make the best decision to improve the symptoms of pulmonary hypertension and your overall health.
Want to know more?
If you think that you may be affected by pulmonary hypertension, it is important to talk to medical professional about the next steps you should take.
At Central Arkansas Lung, we will be happy to give you personalized and professional advice about management options for pulmonary hypertension. Simply call us if you’d like more information or to organize an appointment to discuss your symptoms.
Further Reading
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/pulmonary-hypertension/home/ovc-20197480
https://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/pulmonaryhypertension.html
https://www.nhs.uk/Conditions/pulmonary-hypertension/Pages/introduction.aspx
Pulmonary Rehabilitation
Pulmonary rehabilitation is a program that helps you to breathe as well as possible through various methods of exercise, education and support.
Assessment
Pulmonary rehabilitation can help to manage the symptoms of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) in the best way for you to live a healthier lifestyle that is less inhibited by your symptoms. To qualify for the program, you need to have a referral from your doctor with spirometry test to show that you have COPD.
At the beginning of the pulmonary rehabilitation program, you will have a consultation with the medical team about the history of your health, lifestyle and current symptoms. During this conversation, goals are usually set according to what is most important to you in improving your overall health.
Exercise
Exercise is an important part of pulmonary rehabilitation but can be difficult if the symptoms of COPD such as shortness of breath leave you feeling tired as soon as you begin.
During rehabilitation, your heart rate, blood pressure and blood oxygen level can be measured while you engage in light physical activity, such as walking. If you can only walk slowly or for short periods due to shortness of breath in the beginning, you can use supplemental oxygen to help. In this way, you can do physical activity safely and gradually improve your pulmonary function.
Education
Learning about your condition, medications you may need to take, breathing techniques to manage symptoms and how to go about daily tasks without exacerbating symptoms is an important part of pulmonary rehabilitation.
There are various aspects of this education, including medical advice, nutrition advice, lifestyle advice and coping techniques. The aim is to allow you to understand the condition better so that you can respond to the changes of your body in the best way.
Support
Community and support is an important aspect of human health and individual wellbeing. Discussing struggles or experiences with other people who have the same condition can help you to feel understood and cope with the symptoms and changes associated with COPD.
Additionally, many people with COPD develop psychological disorders such as depression, anxiety and panic disorder. Have access to a strong support network can help you to deal with struggles in a positive way.
Want to know more?
If you suffer from COPD and would like to participate in pulmonary rehabilitation, you should seek help from a medical professional. At Central Arkansas Lung, we will be happy to give you personalized advice and have a rehabilitation program to help you improve your quality of life with COPD.
Simply call us if you’d like more information or to organize an appointment to discuss your situation.
Further Reading
https://emedicine.medscape.com/article/319885-overview
https://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/health-topics/topics/pulreh
Sacroidosis
Sarcoidosis is a condition that involves inflammation of multiple organs in the body, including the lungs and lymph glands. People with sarcoidosis have abnormal growths or nodules, called granulomas, in these organs that can affect the function of the organs.
It is most common in women between the ages of 20 and 40 years, although anyone can be affected. Approximately four people per 10,000 population in the United States are affected by sarcoidosis.
Symptoms
People with sarcoidosis with a granuloma affecting the lungs, often experience respiratory symptoms such as persistent dry cough and shortness of breath.
There are also many other symptoms that may present, depending on which organs are affected. These may include:
- Skin rash
- Blurred vision
- Inflamed and painful joints
- Enlarged lymph glands
- Enlarged liver
- Kidney stone formation
- Heart abnormalities
- Depression and anxiety
- Fatigue
Some people find that the symptoms tend to suddenly get worse and then subside in short time periods, whereas others find that they gradually get worse over a long time.
Diagnosis
It is difficult to diagnose sarcoidosis because all of the symptoms can also be present in other health conditions. For this reason, there are several different diagnostic tests that may be used, including:
- Chest X-rays to detect cloudiness or enlarged lymph nodes
- Computed tomography (CT) scan to examine lung structure in more detail
- Pulmonary function tests such as spirometry to measure how well the lungs are working
- Bronchoscopy to detect the presence of granulomas in the bronchial tubes or an infection that may be causing the symptoms
These tests, in combination with a history of symptoms and a physical examination, can help to determine the cause of the symptoms and make a diagnosis of sarcoidosis.
Treatment
Although there is no known cure for sarcoidosis, the symptoms often resolve spontaneously over time. Additionally, some people with mild symptoms may not need any treatment. For people with severe symptoms that affect the function of the organs and have an impact on their daily life, treatment is usually needed.
Oral corticosteroid medications such as prednisone are often recommended to reduce the inflammation associated with sarcoidosis. This can also help to improve symptoms such as fatigue, cough and shortness of breath. Other medications that may be used in the treatment of sarcoidosis include Methotrexate, Hydroxychloroquine and other drugs to manage the specific symptoms that are most problematic.
What else can you do?
If you have sarcoidosis, it is important that you keep track of your health and symptoms so that you can seek advice if your symptoms start to get worse. Things that you can do to help improve your health include:
- Quitting smoking
- Eating a nutritious diet with adequate fruit and vegetables
- Staying hydrated by drinking adequate water
- Getting enough sleep (7-8 hours each night)
- Exercising regularly to stay fit
Want to know more?
If you think that you may have sarcoidosis, it is helpful to discuss your symptoms with a medical professional to decide upon the best course of action. At Central Arkansas Lung, we will be happy to give you personalized and professional advice about how you can manage sarcoidosis.
Simply call us if you’d like more information or to organize an appointment to discuss your symptoms.
Smoking Cessation
The use of tobacco can lead to dependence on tobacco or nicotine, in addition to various health conditions, some of which may be fatal. It can be difficult to quit smoking due to the withdrawal effects of nicotine. However, successfully quitting smoking can help to reduce your risk of developing health conditions that can be caused by smoking and improve your quality of life.
Nicotine Dependence
Nicotine is the substance naturally present in tobacco that most smokers become addicted to. In fact, nicotine is the most common drug addiction in the United States, surpassing heroin, cocaine and alcohol.
It can be difficult for smokers to quit smoking because they often experience withdrawal symptoms including:
- Stress
- Irritability or anger
- Difficulty concentrating
- Craving tobacco
- Hunger and weight gain
As a result of these withdrawal symptoms, many people need several attempts to quit before they are able to stop smoking for good.
Benefits of Quitting
Smoking increases the risk of many health conditions such as:
- Lung and other types of cancer
- Heart disease, stroke and peripheral vascular disease
- Respiratory symptoms (e.g. coughing, wheezing, shortness of breath)
- Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
- Infertility and low birth weight baby
People who smoke that are able to quit can reduce their risk for these conditions significantly.
Quitting Smoking
Most smokers in the United States report that they would like to quit smoking completely, although it is difficult for many. However, the number of former smokers now exceeds the number of current smokers, indicating that it is surely possible to overcome the withdrawal symptoms and quit smoking.
If you are trying to quit smoking, seeking medical advice can help you to get the support and treatment you need to quit. Techniques that can help to increase your likelihood of successfully quitting smoking include counseling, behavioral therapy (e.g. problem-solving training) and programs to improve follow through, such as those utilizing mobile phones.
Nicotine replacement products can effectively help in the process to quit smoking. These products, available as a patch, inhaler, gum or spray, allow a controlled amount of nicotine to be released to prevent withdrawal products. This reduces the exposure to other harmful chemicals in cigarettes that have the potential to cause cancer and can gradually be reduced until the dose of nicotine is negligent.
Other medications such as bupropion (Zyban) and varenicline tartrate (Chantix) can also help to reduce cravings and help you to quit smoking. This is best for people who have tried to quit smoking several times without success.
Staying Tobacco-Free
Just as important as quitting smoking is continuing to avoid tobacco products and returning to the addiction after you have successfully quit smoking. There are several tips that can help you to stay smoke free, including:
- Avoid people or places that tempt you to smoke in the early stages
- Change habits to opt for foods or activities that you do not associate with smoking
- Stay active to reduce stress and fight the urge to smoke
- Breathe fresh air in deeply as you used to inhale the smoke and picture your lungs with clean air
- Delay the urge to smoke for a short time until it passes
- Reward yourself when you are able to reduce or quit smoking
Want to know more?
If you would like some support to help you to quit smoking, you may benefit from advice from a medical professional.
At Central Arkansas Lung, we will be happy to give you personalized and professional advice on how to quit smoking. Simply call us if you’d like more information or to organize an appointment.
Further Reading
https://www.cdc.gov/tobacco/data_statistics/fact_sheets/cessation/quitting/
