An ounce of prevention: Vaccinations can prevent serious lung diseases in adults

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Many adults mistakenly believe that they no longer need vaccinations to protect themselves against certain preventable diseases. However, vaccinations can actually prevent the onset of two potentially dangerous lung diseases: pneumococcal pneumonia and influenza.

Pneumococcal pneumonia is a lung infection that, if left unchecked, can lead to more serious conditions such as meningitis, bacteremia, and even death, particularly among older adults. The disease is caused by the Streptococcus pneumoniae bacteria and can be transmitted through airborne droplets.

Common symptoms of pneumococcal pneumonia include fever and chills, difficulty breathing, chest pain, and cough.

Influenza, commonly called the flu, is a contagious illness caused by a variety of flu viruses. Although most people who contract influenza usually recover within a few weeks, some people will develop serious complications such as pneumonia and bronchitis. People with weakened immune systems, such as individuals with HIV and organ transpant patients, older adults, pregnant women, children, and people with chronic illnesses are at a higher risk of developing these complications.

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Treatment for both pneumococcal pneumonia can be very time-intensive, involving various tests, medication, bed rest, and even hospitalization.

To prevent pneumococcal pneumonia, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends the pneumococcal vaccine, especially for individuals 65 years old or older, have a long-term health condition, low resistance to infection, and are Alaskan Natives or a Native Americans.

For influenza, the CDC recommends that individuals over the age of six months get a flu shot once every year. The vaccine is seasonal and differs from year to year, to account for the highly variable influenza virus. The vaccine comes in traditional, high-dose, intradermal, and egg-free variants, and also comes as a nasal spray.

Those considering getting either the pneumococcal pneumonia or influenza vaccine should speak with their health care provider for more information on its risks as well as its benefits.

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Lisa Marie Cannon, MD is a pulmonary disease specialist in New Jersey. Like this Facebook page for discussions on lung disease vaccinations.

REPOST: Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis: Patient Needs, Perceptions and Experiences

What is Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis (IPF) and how does it affect the quality of life of the patient? This article shares that understanding the difficulties that people with Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis (IPF) experiencing may help healthcare providers give a better support for these patients and might improve their quality of life. 

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A new study provides improved understanding of the challenges faced by people with Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis (IPF) and their caregivers, which could help in the development of supportive care and could also improve quality of life in people afflicted with IPF. The study appeared December 23rd, 2014, in the Journal of Advanced Nursing.

IPF is a progressive lung disease. Once diagnosed, individuals with IPF live on average between 2-4 years. Pulmonary fibrosis (PF) is characterized by thick, scarred tissue of the lungs, causing difficulty with breathing. In spite of the recent FDA approvals of Ebriet and Ofev in October, there is no cure, few medications currently exist to treat it, and lung transplant is often the only viable option.

Very few studies examining life quality and patient experiences exist that focus on IPF, unlike in the lung cancer literature. Such studies are greatly needed to help improve patient care.

Researchers at the University Hospital of South Manchester NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester, UK sought to better understand how IPF impacts patient quality of life. This was a qualitative study that took place from 2007–2012.

Led by Annette Duck, they studied seventeen patients with a diagnosis of IPF at a respiratory and lung transplant center in North West England. The patients were being treated by a multidisciplinary team of healthcare professionals and had moderate to advanced disease severity. The researchers also interviewed six of the “informal” caregivers for these patients.

Interviews were recorded and based on a guidebook developed by the research group. They transcribed the interviews word-for-word and used a technique called “Framework Analysis” to extract the data. Framework analysis is a systematic technique for analyzing qualitative data, particularly in teams conducting healthcare research.

The research team identified three primary themes expressed by the patients based on their interviews: 1) Struggling to get a diagnosis, 2) Loss of the life I previously had and 3) Living with Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis. According to the study authors “Patients reported struggling to get a diagnosis and coping with a life-limiting, rapidly progressive illness with no good treatment and few support structures.”

The authors further stated that “Participants in this study struggled to get an accurate prompt diagnosis. They experienced functional limitation, rapid disease progression with limited support and few positive treatment options. Participant stories centered round loss of sense of self, the life they had and the person they were. Learning to live with IPF was a struggle, with increasing dependency on partners and specialists. Oxygen became a lifeline to many and helped them to feel ‘in control’.”

The study provides a comprehensive view of how IPF impacts the life and personal perceptions of people with IPF. Understanding of these findings may assist healthcare providers in providing better support for these patients and in improving their quality of life.

Dr. Lisa Marie Cannon is a physician based in New Jersey who is specializing in pulmonary disease, critical care, and sleep medicine. Like this Facebook page for more updates.

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.