ASTHMA

Asthma is a chronic respiratory condition that affects millions of people worldwide. It is characterized by inflammation and narrowing of the airways, which can make breathing difficult. Asthma can be triggered by any number of things, including allergens, toxic substances, and emotional or traumatic events. A person who has been diagnosed with asthma often has allergies as well. An allergic reaction occurs when the person is exposed to a specific allergen that causes a reaction in the body. If the reaction is severe enough, it can trigger an asthma attack.

Causes of Asthma:

The exact cause of asthma is still unknown, but it is believed to be a combination of genetic and environmental factors. People with a family history of asthma are more likely to develop the condition. Exposure to allergens and irritants, such as dust mites, pet dander, pollen, mold, smoke, and air pollution, can also trigger asthma symptoms. Infections, especially viral respiratory infections, can also cause asthma attacks.

There are several different types of asthma.

  • Allergy induced asthma is triggered by exposure to allergens.
  • Exercise-induced asthma is brought on by prolonged levels of intense activity.
  • Some asthma attacks are triggered by uncontrolled bouts of coughing, while others may be triggered by stress or emotional upset.
  • Occupational asthma often presents itself in the workplace and can be brought on by high levels of stress or exposure to certain types of chemicals.

Symptoms of Asthma:

  • Wheezing: A high-pitched whistling sound when breathing
  • Shortness of breath: Difficulty in breathing or feeling out of breath
  • Chest tightness: Feeling of pressure or tightness in the chest
  • Cough: Especially at night or early in the morning

These symptoms can vary in intensity and frequency, and can be triggered by different factors.

Treatment of Asthma:

Doctors treat asthma using both quick relief methods for acute attacks and long-term treatment methods as a means to control breathing patterns and keep acute attacks from occurring. Medications that dilate the bronchial tubes are used to open the airways when an attack is underway. Corticosteroids and other anti-inflammatory medications are used to keep the lungs and airways stabilized so that if an attack does occur, it is easily brought under control. Doctors will often prescribe both treatments. The long term medication will be used on a daily basis, while a rescue inhaler is prescribed to control acute attacks when they occur. Some of the common treatments include

Inhaled Corticosteroids: These are anti-inflammatory medications that help reduce the swelling and mucus production in the airways.

Bronchodilators: These are medications that help relax the muscles around the airways, making it easier to breathe.

Immunomodulators: These are medications that modify the immune system to reduce inflammation and prevent asthma attacks.

Allergy medications: These medications are used to treat allergies that can trigger asthma symptoms.

Oxygen therapy: This is used in severe cases of asthma when breathing is difficult.

Prevention of Asthma: While asthma cannot be cured, there are steps that can be taken to prevent asthma attacks and manage symptoms. These include:

Avoiding triggers: Identify and avoid allergens and irritants that trigger asthma symptoms.

Taking medication as prescribed: Follow the treatment plan and take medication as prescribed by the doctor.

Regular check-ups: Schedule regular check-ups with the doctor to monitor the condition and adjust the treatment plan as needed.

Staying active: Regular exercise can improve lung function and reduce the risk of asthma attacks.

Managing stress: Stress can trigger asthma attacks, so it is important to manage stress through relaxation techniques such as deep breathing, meditation, or yoga.

If you or someone you know is experiencing Asthma symptoms, it is important to consult a doctor for proper diagnosis and treatment. With the right treatment and management plan, people with asthma can lead normal, healthy lives.

Archana Hospitals has a fully equipped Pulmonology Department ready to answer any of your questions.

Hypothyroidism

Hypothyroidism is a condition in which the thyroid gland is not able to produce enough thyroid hormone.It is especially prevalent among women, In fact, as many as 10% of women may have some degree of thyroid hormone deficiency.

Risk Factors for Hypothyroidism

Anyone can develop hypothyroidism, but you are at increased risk if you:
Are a woman
Are over the age of 50
Have a family history of thyroid disease or any autoimmune disorder
Have an autoimmune disorder, such as type 1 diabetes or rheumatoid arthritis
Have taken antithyroid medications (a treatment for hyperthyroidism) or have been treated with radioactive iodine
Have had thyroid surgery (partial or total thyroidectomy)
Have been exposed to radiation to your neck or upper chest area
Were pregnant or had a baby within the past six months.

Hypothyroidism Symptoms

Symptoms of hypothyroidism vary depending on how severe of a deficiency in thyroid hormone production you are experiencing, and the length of time your body has been deprived of the proper amount of hormone.

Symptoms also vary between people; what may be one person’s main complaint might not affect another person at all and vice versa.

Most people will have some combination of the symptoms listed below. Occasionally, a person with hypothyroidism will have no symptoms at all,or the symptoms are so subtle that they go unnoticed.

Fatigue
Weakness
Weight gain or increased difficulty losing weight
Coarse, dry hair
Dry, rough pale skin
Hair loss
Cold intolerance (you can’t tolerate cold temperatures like those around you)
Muscle cramps and frequent muscle aches
Constipation
Depression
Irritability
Memory loss
Abnormal menstrual cycles
Decreased libido

How Is Hypothyroidism Diagnosed?

Hypothyroidism can often be diagnosed with a simple blood test called a thyroid hormone panel (also known as thyroid function panel), which measures the amount of thyroid hormone in your blood. In some people, however, diagnosis is not so simple and more detailed tests are needed.

If you have one or more of these symptoms,or if you have already been diagnosed and treated for hypothyroidism and continue to have symptoms, it’s important to discuss it with your physician Left untreated, the symptoms of hypothyroidism will usually progress. This can lead to complications including birth defects, infertility, elevated “bad” (LDL) cholesterol, and mental health problems. Rarely, untreated hypothyroidism can result in severe, life-threatening depression, heart failure, or a type of coma called myxedema coma.

Knowing What is Multiple Sclerosis

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic autoimmune disorder that affects the central nervous system. It is characterized by the damage and scarring of the protective layer, known as myelin, that surrounds nerve fibers in the brain and spinal cord. This damage to the myelin causes a range of symptoms, such as 

  • Blurred or double vision
  • Pain in one eye
  • Fatigue
  • Tingling and numbness in your arms and legs
  • Muscle spasms and weakness
  • Difficulty with balance and coordination
  • Tremors
  • Dizziness
  • Electric-shock sensations with bending your neck forward

The exact cause of MS is still unknown, but it is believed to be a combination of genetic and environmental factors. Researchers believe that MS may be triggered by a combination of an individual’s genetic susceptibility and exposure to environmental factors such as a viral infection, low vitamin D levels, or smoking.

MS is diagnosed through a combination of medical history, physical and neurological exams, imaging tests, and laboratory tests. While there is currently no cure for MS, there are several treatments available to help manage symptoms and slow the progression of the disease. These treatments include medications to reduce inflammation, symptom-specific treatments for muscle weakness, spasticity, and other symptoms, and physical therapy and rehabilitation to improve mobility and function.

Living with MS can be challenging, but with the right support, individuals with MS can lead fulfilling and productive lives. This includes developing a strong support network, learning coping strategies, and being proactive in managing the disease.

It’s important for individuals with MS and their loved ones to be well-informed about the disease and available treatments, and to work closely with healthcare providers to develop an individualized plan for managing the disease.

Disease-modifying medications taken as early as possible and throughout the disease course can help stall the progression of relapsing-remitting MS. These medicines are available in the form of injections, oral medications, or infusion treatments. In conclusion, understanding MS is crucial in the journey of living with the condition. With the right support and treatments, individuals with MS can lead full and productive lives. Regular communication with healthcare providers and being proactive in managing the disease is crucial in achieving this goal.

Archana Hospitals has an excellent department of neurological care, including diagnosis of Multiple Sclerosis. Do schedule a visit by calling our office at Madinaguda, Hyderabad.