Antibiotic-resistance and the need to revise lung treatment strategies

The proliferation of antibiotic-resistant bacteria is feared to be an event that might plague the 21st century if the problem is not addressed now. Desmond Heng Wen Chien of the A-Star Institute of Chemical and Engineering Sciences forewarns that antimicrobial resistance could be the leading cause of death by 2050 if proliferation cannot be stemmed.

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These superbugs have increased the mortality rate of respiratory infections to as high as 80 percent in some clinics. A study of antibiotic resistance in Pseudomonas aeruginosa, a type of bacteria that causes lung infection, found that the bacteria has enhanced fitness and can survive in a host even with an onslaught of various antibiotics.

Awareness among the public is key to mitigate the indiscriminate consumption of antibiotics. Physicians should communicate to their patients that for non-fatal respiratory infections such as the common cold and cough, the illness often resolves over time without medication. Doctors recommend taking vaccines for common respiratory illnesses to defend against infections and their subsequent need for treatment.

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Dr. Lisa Marie Cannon is an internist based in New Jersey specializing in pulmonology, sleep medicine, and critical care. For more blogs on respiratory health, follow this link.

Recent Study Links Antidementia Drug With High Risk Of Pneumonia

Memantine, an antidementia drug, has been linked with a high risk of developing pneumonia, concludes a new study by the University of Eastern Finland. Rivastigmine patches, another treatment agent for mild to moderate cases of dementia, have been associated with high-risk factors as well. Authors of the study concluded the memantine and rivastigmine led to a 1.6 and 1.15 times high risk of pneumonia, respectively. However, authors caution that the number may be even higher since only cases of the condition that led to hospitalization or death were recorded.

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This is a breakthrough study since there has been no previous research on the link between different antidementia drugs and pneumonia risk. The authors began their study with the knowledge that there is currently no cure for Alzheimer’s disease, and many of the patients often have comorbid conditions. Usually, these illnesses are related to their psychological well-being; a lot of patients with Alzheimer’s being diagnosed with anxiety or depression. However, most patients also complain of failing health.

For the most part, health practitioners attributed this to the patient’s inability to take care of themselves – their forgetfulness being used as a reason. Nothing was suspected of the patient’s treatment plan. Scientists then began to notice that pneumonia became one of the most common causes of hospitalization among patients with Alzheimer’s disease. It is also the leading cause of death in this population.

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These conclusions can be used to forewarn families of patients of the various side effects of their loved one’s medication. This can also be used by internal specialists when designing their treatment plan.

Dr. Lisa Marie Cannon specializes in pulmonary conditions such as tuberculosis and pneumonia. Learn more when you subscribe to this blog.

Physical Activities for Asthmatic People

For people with asthma, intense exercise can trigger coughing, wheezing, and difficulty in breathing. But experts have noted that asthmatic people do not necessarily have to give up physical activity. It has been found that the right kind of exercise can actually reduce symptoms and improve breathing. Furthermore, a recent study also shows that active asthmatic people showed slightly less lung decline compared to their inactive counterparts.

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The key is to exercise safely. The best type is one that is not too difficult and gets a person only slightly out of breath. When asthma is threatening to attack during the exercise, the person should stop immediately. It is strongly recommended to consult with a doctor before beginning any kind of exercise, and to always warm up before and cool down after working out.

Walking is a low-intensity and manageable exercise ideal for asthmatic people. Experts advise moderate to brisk walking for half an hour, thrice a week.

Yoga is not only a good source of physical activity; the breathing exercises expand the lungs and expose them to warm, moist air.

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Swimming is one of the best exercises as studies have shown that the sport increases lung function and improves cardiopulmonary fitness.

Dr. Lisa Marie Cannon received her pulmonary fellowship from Mount Sinai Hospital in New York and has her own private practice in New Jersey. For more news about pulmonary medicine, visit this Twitter page.

Limit-Setting Insomnia In Children: What Is It About?

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Teenagers and adults are not the only ones who suffer from insomnia. Insomnia is a term for difficulty in staying or falling asleep. It is commonly caused by certain behaviors, and it can affect the quality of life of those who suffer from it.

Young children suffer from insomnia, too, be

Toddlers and young children do not recognize how much they need sleep to recharge their energy. When they are left unsupervised, they might develop varying sleep schedules which will disrupt their circadian rhythm. Children will feel tired day after day, and can get sick because of their lack of sleep.

A lot of parents see this as a difficult time for learning with their children. When the child refuses to sleep, parents give in to their demands by giving them food or toys, which can delay their progress in learning how to sleep on their own. To prevent this, parents must establish appropriate sleeping schedules even on weekends. Quiet activities like book reading before bedtime can also help children establish a sleep

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schedule.

If the child continues to have difficulty in sleeping, it is best for parents to bring them to a board-certified sleep specialist and physician.

Dr. Lisa Marie Cannon is a New Jersey-based board-certified physician. She specializes in sleep medicine and pulmonary care. Visit this Twitter page for updates about her fields of specialization.

Aasm: Undiagnosed Sleep Apnea Costs $150B Per Year

Around 25 million Americans suffer from the sleep disorder sleep apnea, a condition when a person stops breathing for a few seconds while asleep. This occurs because the throat muscles relax and then contract involuntarily. There are obvious risks to the condition; left untreated, patients may find themselves not breathing for a longer period – affecting their quality of sleep and overall health. Sleep apnea is also heavily related to other serious illnesses such as diabetes, hypertension, and other forms of cardiovascular conditions.

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The American Academy of Sleep Medicine (AASM) recently released a report that found the condition to have a financial impact on society as well. It is estimated that annual financial burden of undiagnosed sleep apnea is around $150B. This is divided into $87 billion in lost productivity, $26 billion in car crashes, and around $7 billion in accidents that occur in the workplace.

Sleep apnea in itself is potentially deadly, but it is the cumulative and associated effects that are most worrisome. Authors of the study believe that undiagnosed sleep apnea is responsible for another $30 billion every year in increased health care and medications for its comorbidities. The authors further go on to state that if this condition is immediately diagnosed and treated, the country could see an annual saving of around $100 billion.

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The standard treatment for sleep apnea is the usage of a continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) machine that forces the airway open by pumping air through the nostrils. This stops the throat muscles from constricting and improves the quality of sleep. Those who sleep regularly and well are said to have a more positive view on life and are generally healthier compared to those who have bad sleeping habits.

Dr. Lisa Marie Cannon is an internal specialist dealing with various sleep disorders. For more information, like this Facebook page.

Want To Sleep Well? Drop The Cigarette.

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People try a lot of things to help them sleep better. They do breathing exercises, diet, physical activities, and they even drink sleeping pills for a satisfying snooze. However, research suggests smokers are prone to insomnia, and giving up smoking might be their best bet towards better sleep. Nicotine is a potent stimulant, and those who smoke closest to their bedtime are more likely to develop insomnia.

According to studies, smoking disrupts the body clock by bringing complications to the brain and lungs. This can disrupt a person’s sleeping patterns, causing anxiety, mood disorders, and cognitive decline.

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Cigarette smoking has a huge impact on a person’s neurophysiological and pulmonary functions. It can increase snoring and the predisposition to sleep apnea. Chemicals and pollutants present in smoke could cause airway swelling, especially in soft tissues found in the nose and throat. These airflow changes could result in vibration in sleep that causes snoring. Even those who receive secondhand smoke could be at risk for complications like these, especially younger children.

Nonsmokers are the soundest of sleepers. Quitting smoking can help people sleep, function, and live better.

Dr. Lisa Marie Cannon is a physician who specializes in critical care, pulmonary disease, and sleep medicine. Visit this blogto read similar articles.

Medicine Safety: Are Expired Drugs Still Okay To Take?

Some people consider expiration dates as mere estimates, while some believe that they're really not set in stones. Is there any truth to these? These axioms may make you think twice about tossing out your expired medicines into the trash, and this is quite a sensible thing to do, at least according to this study. According to Lee Cantrell, a professor of clinical pharmacy at the University of California, San Francisco, and the study's lead author, the results show that "time frame doesn't necessarily correlate to a drug's potency."

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So what now? The current regulation on expiration dates set by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is considered the benchmark for safety: "To assure that a drug product meets applicable standards of identity, strength, quality, and purity at the time of use, it shall bear an expiration date determined by appropriate stability testing."

Expiration dates stand as the date by which the full potency and safety of the drug can be assured. The time frame may appear as a conservative estimate, but this also serves as a barrier against risks that come from the potential spoilage of the chemical make-up and loss of potency in various drugs. Since the pharmaceutical and medical communities are split on their views on drug expiration, consumers are rethinking whether to keep or flush their expired medications. Despite the conflicting statements on expired medicines, your best bet is never to take the risk. Discard all expired medications and follow what the label says to make sure that you're getting what you paid for and maximize what it can do for your health. It's also recommended to consult your physician or pharmacist to get some clarity around the longstanding debate on drug expiration.

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Dr. Lisa Marie Cannon is a board-certified internist based in New Jersey. Follow this Twitter account to learn more about her practice.

The Relationship Between Sleep Deprivation and Anemia

One of the lesser known effects of sleep deprivation or insomnia is iron deficiency anemia. It is because anemia usually comes as a co-morbid condition with the more common effects such as snoring, sleep apnea, and restless leg syndrome (RLS). Recent medical studies have found that typically individuals who suffer from RLS have some form of anemia, or show a greater risk of developing the condition. Such is of great concern among health practitioners as it is estimated that 10 percent of the American population suffers from RLS.

It must be noted that lack of sleep does not lead or cause anemia. Sleep deprivation is when a person consciously or unconsciously does not gain enough quality and uninterrupted sleep for a certain period (usually six to eight hours). Anemia, on the other hand, is a condition caused by either cell destruction or the insufficient production of blood cells. There are many forms of anemia, the most common being related to iron deficiency.

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Various factors influence the production of iron, but a large part is how often and how well a person sleeps. If or when a person is deprived of sleep, the body will not regenerate itself properly. Iron production is affected and may worsen a person’s anemic condition. Also, as mentioned earlier, other effects of insomnia, such as RLS, increases the chance of developing anemia.

It is a frustrating cycle. Those who lack sleep do not produce enough iron to combat everyday stresses. Iron deficiency – with or without anemia – can impact sleep. Medical data has found that dopamine and serotonin play a role in a person’s sleep and wake activities. Iron is essential to the brain’s dopamine system.

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Individuals who do suffer from any form of sleep deprivation should immediately consult with their local doctor.

Dr. Lisa Marie Cannon is a respected specialist in internal medicine. Part of her practice includes sleep disorders and their associated conditions. Learn more by liking this Facebook page.

Is It Asthma Or Copd?

Wheezing, coughing, shortness of breath, and tightening of the chest are the usual symptoms of asthma. However, these are also symptoms of other more serious lung diseases. In fact, millions of people are living undiagnosed with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), an umbrella term for chronic bronchitis and emphysema. According to U.S. National Institute of Health, COPD is considered to be a more serious disease because it had less favorable prognosis and linked with greater morbidity and mortality. 

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Different tests can be conducted to determine if the symptoms are because of asthma or other lung conditions. Some of these tests are peak flow test, spirometry test, and methacholine test. These tests examine how well the air moves out of the lungs, how much air is exhaled and how quickly, and the last test mentioned is inhaling a chemical to see how it affects the lungs. 

As mentioned, the symptoms of asthma and COPD are the same, but the causes are different. A person with chronic bronchitis has swollen and mucus-filled airways. The same happens to people with asthma, but it is a reaction to a trigger such as dust, pollen, or cigarette smoke. 

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Another difference is that asthma diagnosis often occurs in childhood. However, COPD is often a result of years of smoking, which makes the disease to progress throughout the years. Thus, COPD diagnosis does not usually happen until the person is 40 years old or older. 

Always remember that before getting the best treatment, patients should get the right diagnosis first. 

Dr. Lisa Marie Cannon specializes in pulmonology and internal medicine. Follow this Twitter account for more articles on health and medicine.

Pulmonary Embolism and Pregnancy: What You Need to Know

Pulmonary embolism occurs when one of the pulmonary arteries in the lungs becomes blocked. Several medical studies found that pregnant women are at greater risk of developing the condition. For most cases, pulmonary embolism develops in conjunction with deep vein thrombosis. This is known as venous thromboembolism.

There are three risk factors to consider: abnormal clotting, damage to the veins, and reduced blood flow. Pregnant women have increased potential because of the changes in hormones and blood composition. Pregnancy also reduces the amount of blood that flows in the legs due to the fetus’ weight. Obese women, those older than 35, or those who have a family or personal history of blood clots are considered at-risk patients.

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Conditions for these women are carefully monitored during the first few weeks after delivery, where the risk of blood clots is at its peak. It must also be noted that delivery through caesarian section also increases the potential for developing pulmonary embolism. Blood clots can be prevented during pregnancy by wearing compression stockings or taking anticoagulant medicine.

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Pregnant women diagnosed with either deep vein thrombosis or pulmonary embolism should discuss with both her OB-GYN and pulmonologist whether she should take an anticoagulant medicine during her pregnancy. One of the more recommended anticoagulants is heparin as it has been shown to have little to no effect on the fetus. Other anticoagulants may be taken after childbirth.

Dr. Lisa Marie Cannon is a certified physician specializing in pulmonology and internal medicine. For more health news and updates, follow this Facebook page.

Pneumonia During Pregnancy:

Pneumonia is a medical condition where bacteria infect the lungs. This causes difficulty in breathing, and in some cases, severe chills, fever, and headaches. Pneumonia is a serious condition and medical professionals recommend immediate intervention once initial symptoms appear.

The disease takes a more critical turn when it is contracted by a pregnant woman. Medical research has shown that pneumonia during pregnancy increases the risk for preterm birth and low birth weight of the baby.

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Pneumonia can spread in a variety of ways; though the most common manner of transmission is through airborne pathogens emitted by coughing or sneezing. The disease could also be transmitted through blood – especially during or shortly after giving birth.

Women who already have existing conditions such as anemia or asthma are at an increased risk of developing pneumonia in pregnancy. Thankfully, advancements in medical technology have improved the efficacy of antibiotics to dramatically decrease maternal mortality rate. Still, women with histories of respiratory disease are advised to speak with their OB-GYNE and internist for a thorough assessment of physical condition or readiness for pregnancy. Pregnant women should also closely work with their physicians for the duration of their pregnancy.

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Pregnant mothers with pneumonia are informed of the high potential for fetal complications borne by their condition. Infants could be born premature and could eventually have developmental problems. In more severe cases, intrauterine and neonatal death may occur. Pregnant women with pneumonia also have to take a compulsory test for HIV, as the fetus could bear the brunt of maternal conditions arising from other grave diseases.

Dr. Lisa Marie Cannon specializes in internal pulmonary medicine. Follow this Twitter account for more information.