New study links cancer-related incidental pulmonary embolism to VTE

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A recent article discussed the relationship between cancer and incidental pulmonary embolism (IPE). In the study, it was found that cancer patients who have this comorbid condition should ask their specialist for a long-term anticoagulant treatment. Analysts found that the risk of developing symptomatic recurrent venous thromboembolism (VTE) doubled among patients who did not receive an anticoagulant treatment.


 Most importantly, the study confirmed the possible side effects of two common types of anticoagulation treatments. These are low-molecular-weight heparin (LMWH) and vitamin K antagonist. Data showed that patients who take vitamin K have a higher risk of major bleeding as compared to those undergoing LMWH.

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IPE is said to occur in around 3 percent of all cancer patients, regardless of type or stage. Perhaps because of this low percentage or maybe because of the lack of studies analyzing the relationship between the two (as of the moment), treatment options designed for cancer-related IPE is limited. Medication and diagnosis is largely based on small observational studies.

Authors of the study agree that the results need to be further analyzed and tested. They note that there may be some ethical obstacles, but clarify that emphasis should be placed on cancer-related IPE. They resolve that unless greater importance is placed on this relationship, people of this condition will not receive the proper treatment. This may or may not delay their recovery period. 


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As of now though, health professionals and pulmonary internists highly recommend the use of LMWH to treat cancer-related IPE. This treatment option significantly reduces the risk of developing VTE or any major bleeding. 


Dr. Lisa Marie Cannon is a recognized internist, specializing in pulmonary medicine. Like this Facebook page for more medical news and updates.

Pulmonary rehabilitation: Three types of exercises to reduce COPD symptoms

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is an illness that causes symptoms like shortness of breath, wheezing, and chronic cough. It is a progressive lung disease, meaning it gets worse over time. While there is no cure for COPD, the symptoms can be treated and the progression of the disease delayed.

Shortness of breath makes daily tasks, such as climbing stairs or walking, difficult for patients. As a result, many people with COPD lapse into a sedentary lifestyle. Lack of activity leads to deterioration of their health, worsening of symptoms, decreased muscle mass, and a decline in cardiovascular function. Many people with COPD also report feelings of loneliness and isolation.

Pulmonary rehabilitation is a comprehensive program designed to promote the physical and mental well-being of those with COPD. It can decrease symptoms associated with COPD, increase muscle strength and endurance, manage anxiety and depression, reduce difficulty in performing daily tasks, and thus improve patients' quality of life.

Exercise keeps chest muscles active and is the backbone of pulmonary rehabilitation programs. The following are the types of exercise typically used:

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Aerobic. This is defined as steady physical activity involving large muscle groups, usually performed at moderate intensity. Aerobic exercise lowers blood pressure and improves cardiovascular health, walking endurance, and breathing. Some examples of aerobic exercise are walking and using a stationary bicycle.

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Strength training. Muscle weakness is another common symptom of COPD. Strength training causes the muscles to contract against resistance and is performed to increase muscle mass and build muscle and bone strength. For those with COPD, resistance exercise builds endurance, helping make daily tasks easier. Squatting, walking with ankle weights, and performing arm curls with light dumbbells are some examples.

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Stretching. Stretching lengthens the muscles and prepares them for further exercise, decreasing the risk of injury, and enhances breathing coordination. In addition, exercises that incorporate stretching, such as yoga, may also help improve lung function in COPD patients for a short period.

People with COPD should talk to their doctors to rule out any contraindications and obtain medical clearance before embarking on a new exercise program.

Dr. Lisa Marie Cannon specializes in respiratory and critical care medicine. Learn more about respiratory health by subscribing to this blog.

Five home remedies for asthma

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The cases of asthma attacks have increased dramatically over the past decade. In fact, the American Academy of Allergy Asthma and Immunology estimates that 300 million people worldwide suffer from asthma, a figure that leads to 250 deaths yearly.

For those who have loved ones suffering from the disease, managing the residence, the immediate environment, is the first line of defense. Here are some home remedies that can alleviate and prevent asthma attacks:

Avoid pets and other allergy triggers. A chronic respiratory disease, asthma normally activates around furry pets, which are known as carriers of a strong allergen called dander found on fur. Bathing pets regularly, however, can reduce the allergens they produce. Other triggers include cigarette and furry clothing.

Have a good diet. Certain types of food like milk, eggs, fish, and chocolate can lead to allergic responses including common symptoms of asthma. To be safe, one’s diet must be managed properly by checking on product contents.

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Be drug sensitive. Most asthma patients are allergic to certain drugs like aspirin. Hence, talk to your doctor and ask which drugs are allowed for you to take in case of emergency. It would also help to get your blood tested to know other allergic triggers associated with asthma.

Create a calm and relaxing atmosphere. Stress and emotional upsets can aggravate asthma attacks. Manage the home by changing its vibe through different color and furniture arrangements. Make it as homey as possible.

Stock natural home remedies in the kitchen. Coffee, onions, citrus fruits, and chili peppers are just some of the most effective cures for asthma. Keep them in the kitchen just in case you need them.

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Following these simple home remedies can help prevent asthma attacks. Remember to recognize the triggers to make sure your medication is keeping the symptoms under control.

Dr. Lisa Marie Cannon is an internist specializing in pulmonology and critical care. For more resources about respiratory diseases, subscribe to this blog.

Kicking the habit: Self-help tips to quit smoking for good

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Cigarette smoke contains more than 7,000 chemicals, of which 69 are known carcinogens. Smoking is the number one cause of preventable death in the United States and adversely affects every organ in the human body.

Despite these facts, many people still find it hard to quit the habit. One reason is the fact that cigarettes are designed to be addictive. They're also more addictive now than they were in the past: a recent study has found that cigarette manufacturers have improved the nicotine delivery system in their products, increasing the amount of nicotine received by a person while smoking.


However, no matter how difficult it seems to quit, it is possible. Several celebrities have spoken of their own nicotine addiction and how they managed to kick the habit for good: Barack Obama, Anthony Bourdain, Cameron Diaz, and Jennifer Aniston are just a few examples.

Meanwhile, those who are bent on getting started on their own smoking cessation program should do the following:


Set a “quit date”

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When it comes to goals, it's best to have a target date in mind. A quit date gives smokers time to prepare mentally for the challenges ahead. 
 

Jot down reasons for quitting

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Smokers should make a list of their motivations for quitting smoking. Some examples are: for better health, to save money, and to become better role models to kids. Smokers should also keep the list somewhere they're likely to see it every day, such as on the refrigerator door.

Choose a smoking cessation method

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Programs for smoking cessation can be found nearly everywhere, and research says that people in smoking cessation support groups have a greater chance of kicking the habitfor good. Other methods that could work are individual counseling and nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) in the form of patches, lozenges, or inhalers. 


Identify smoking triggers

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Certain places, activities, and emotions can trigger an urge to smoke. Smokers should identify these triggers and avoid them, if possible, or craft strategies to help them deal with these triggers without lighting up.

Don't give up


When their first attempt to quit doesn't work, smokers shouldn't be too hard on themselves and should try again. Many people who have tried quitting smoking had to try five or more times before they were finally able to kick the habit for good.

Dr. Lisa Marie Cannon is an internist specializing in pulmonology. Like this Facebook page for helpful links and posts on health-related topics.

Study: Obese patients more likely to survive from sepsis

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Researchers from the University of Michigan Health System found an obesity paradox among older patients suffering from sepsis. The study, which was published in the August issue of Critical Care Medicine, observed 1,404 Medicare beneficiaries and found that heavier patients had higher rates of survival from the life-threatening condition that may require a stay in the intensive care unit.

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The study’s aim was to look into the association of body mass index to survival, health care use, and functional deficiencies after hospitalization due to sepsis. Sepsis cases have doubled in the last 15 years, thus leading to an increase in research efforts and Medicare spending.

The findings run contrary to the belief held by many physicians that obese patients will do poorly when faced with such a condition. Unfortunately, this belief may affect the care and counseling that doctors provide to patients and their families. The study, however, is expected to reverse this with proof that obese patients suffering from sepsis actually have lower mortality rates and similar functional outcomes as patients with normal weight.

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Still, the authors of the study noted that maintaining a normal weight is linked to many health benefits. The findings, however, do suggest that the body may respond differently to critical illnesses when it has excess weight. A better understanding of this phenomenon is important to health care providers to find ways to improve care for patients with sepsis and other critical illnesses.

Dr. Lisa Marie Cannon specializes in pulmonology and critical care medicine. For more articles about critical care, visit this Facebook page.

A positive shift in critical care medicine

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The responsibilities of doctors who specialize in critical care medicine have vastly changed along with the times. Primarily, this field of medicine was focused on ensuring patient survival from severe illnesses. However, the treatments involved looked at the short-term and may come at cost. Some treatments and therapies have adverse effects to the patient’s quality of life after their confinement in the ICU.

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With the advancements made in the field, driven by the input of patients and their relatives, as well as numerous studies on the matter, critical care is moving into a more positive direction in the selection of treatment and therapies.

Because of the shift in priority, the measure of success in critical care now goes beyond ensuring the patient’s survival. Critical care now takes a well-rounded approach that ensures that patients’ quality of life is restored after their time in the ICU. This is achieved through taking into account the input of patients and their relatives, carefully defining any problems that arise, and testing through research hypotheses on the long-term effects of therapies.

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Critical illnesses may have effects on patients that linger even after they have been discharged from the hospital. Taking note of this and preventing such cases is now among the primary concerns of critical care professionals.  

Dr. Lisa Marie Cannon is a known specialist in critical care medicine. For more articles about care for critical illnesses, subscribe to this Facebook page.