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.

A New Breath Of Life: Latest Management Techniques For Copd Patients

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COPD, or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, is a progressive inflammatory lung disease that causes obstructed airflow from the lungs. Its symptoms include breathing difficulty, cough, sputum production, and wheezing. Cigarette smoking is its leading cause. Long-term exposure to lung irritants such as air pollutions, chemical fumes, and even dust can also cause COPD. The disease affects more around 24 million Americans and is the third leading cause of death in the country.

Because COPD has no known cure yet, lifestyle changes are recommended to manage the disease. Below are three of the latest management techniques that people with COPD are embracing to cope with their illness:

Digital technologies. Advancements in technology have made it possible for a growing number of companies to offer digital health solutions for COPD management. Most of today’s health technologies, including mobile apps, spot warning signs earlier to reduce costly emergency care. An example is the COPD Navigator, an iOS mobile health app developed by LifeMap Solutions and Mount Sinai – the National Jewish Health Respiratory Institute that helps patients achieve effective self-management of their disease. The app tracks data including symptoms, medication, treatment adherence, and quality of life. Healthcare professionals meanwhile can also use the app to achieve COPD quality-of-care goals. An example would be physicians using the app to send health alerts and reminders to patients.

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Mobile devices. COPD patients who experience difficulty in breathing require a constant supply of oxygen. However, this usually means carting heavy cylinders of oxygen behind them. But with the development of portable oxygen devices, patients can carry and “wear” such gadgets without lugging heavy tanks. The lightweight devices also enable patients to go about their daily routine with fewer disruptions.

Chinese exercises. A recent study revealed that COPD patients may benefit from traditional Chinese exercises known as liuzijue qigong (LQG), which consist of traditional Chinese breathing and meditative movements. COPD patients who participated in an LQG program for six months showed marked improvements in their lung function, mental health, and overall well-being after their stint.

Subscribe to this Dr. Lisa Marie Cannon blog for other articles on COPD.

Climate Change: A Fuel for Allergens

For most people, daffodils and flowers blooming mark the end of winter and the start of spring. But for 40 million Americans, the start of spring means endless sneezing, nasal congestion, and discomfort.

According to researchers, pollen allergies will worsen because of climate change. There are three main factors on how climate change will affect those with seasonal allergies: (1) carbon dioxide increases the growth rate of plants and pollen potency, (2) rising temperatures allow for longer “allergy season,” and (3) more flowers and fungal spores will worsen allergy symptoms.

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Carbon dioxide is needed for plant growth, alongside water, nutrients, and light. It also produces extra nutrients for plants, that even the smallest increase will cause a bigger effect. Because of change in carbon dioxide composition, all caused by climate change, these signs will make things worse for those with asthma and allergies.

With climate change, even people who do not have pollen allergies at the moment could develop it eventually—when air quality is much worse.

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People who have grass and pollen allergies for now can avoid the upcoming sneezefest by staying away from all possible allergens. They should keep a mask at hand, and drink lots of fluid. They should also take anti-allergy medicines from time to time, too.

Dr. Lisa Marie Cannon is a specialist in internal medicine and pulmonary care. Follow this Twitter account for updates on similar topics.

REM sleep behavior disorder: Symptoms, risk factors, and treatment

The rapid eye movement (REM) sleep phase occurs approximately 90 minutes after a person goes to sleep.  During REM sleep, the brain is very active, often resulting in vivid dreams. REM sleep is marked by rapid eye movements, irregular breathing, and temporary paralysis.  The temporary paralysis in REM sleep prevents the sleeper from acting out dreams.


Symptoms

A person with REM sleep behavior disorder (RBD) experiences loss of paralysis, which results in him or her acting out dreams.  While people without RBD rarely make any movements during REM sleep, people with the disorder perform actions they made in their dreams, such as:

• Jumping out of bed

• Kicking

• Punching

• Talking or yelling


Unlike sleepwalking, people with RBD do not have their eyes open, walk, or leave their rooms. 

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When they have awakened, people with RBD remember details of the dream they were having.  However, they might not be aware that they were acting it out. 


Risk factors

Risk factors for RBD include being male, being older than 50 years of age, and having a neurodegenerative disorder. 

Recent research published in the journal Neurology also suggests that environmental factors, such as smoking, a recent head injury, pesticide exposure, are possible risk factors for RBD.

Treatment and management

Management and treatment of RBD involve injury prevention and medication. 


The patient's sleeping area must be made into a safe environment, and sharp objects and weapons must be removed.  If the patient has a bed partner and tends to become violent during sleep, his or her partner might need to sleep in another room.  Other precautions include padding the bedroom floor and reinforcing windows.

Clonazepam, a drug used to treat seizures and panic disorders, has proven to be very effective in treating RBD in 90 percent of patients.  Clonazepam needs to be taken by RBD patients indefinitely, as stopping can lead to recurrence of RBD.  It controls the symptoms but does not cure RBD.

Other drugs used to treat RBD include tricyclic antidepressants and melatonin. 

Patients who have RBD with no discernible cause can rely on management and medication to treat their symptoms for the long-term.  People who suspect that they might have RBD should consult a physician for a diagnosis and to determine whether an underlying neurological condition causes it. 

Dr. Lisa Marie Cannon is a physician who specializes in treating sleep disorders.  For related articles and news, subscribe to this blog.

Obese Men Face Higher Risk of Pneumonia, Study Says

Obesity among men has been linked to an increased risk of pneumonia, according to a study conducted by Danish researchers. The authors, however, cautioned that the link occurs more strongly with diseases associated with obesity, rather than with obesity itself. Previous studies on the relationship between the two conditions had been plagued by inconsistent results. To gain a better understanding of the link, authors looked at data from the Danish Diet, Cancer, and Health Study, which recorded samples from nearly 50,000 Danes.

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Statistical analysis of the sample showed that moderately obese men (those with a Body Mass Index (BMI) between 30 and 34.9) had a 40 percent higher risk of developing pneumonia compared to those who were of normal weight (a BMI of less than 24.9). Morbidly obese men (those with a BMI greater than 35) were seen to be twice as likely to suffer from pneumonia. There was no risk difference seen in women. 

Authors of the study are unsure why there is a gender difference, but postulate that fat distribution may be a major factor. An apple shape – which is usually the shape men form when they gain weight – can reduce ventilation in the lungs. 

However, obesity was seen as a working factor for most of the comorbidities of pneumonia. For example, diabetes (which several studies conclude is related to weight) has also been associated with a 25 to 75 percent increased risk for pneumonia.

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This study was concluded in 2010 and many health professionals have asked for newer research to be conducted. With more advanced medical technologies, scientists can determine the exact relationship between obesity and pneumonia. 

As a leading pulmonologist, Dr. Lisa Mare Cannon has extensive knowledge on respiratory disorders and their associated diseases. Follow this Twitter account to learn more about her field of medicine.