chest and lung – Hello Doctor

How does your doctor diagnose and treat TB?

March 19th, 2020 by Content Editor

Tuberculosis (TB) is a disease caused by bacteria that spreads from person to person through the air. When people with lung TB cough, sneeze or spit, they spread the TB germs into the air. Inhaling only a few of these germs can cause an infection in another person.

Having a strong and healthy immune system can prevent you from becoming sick.

There are two types of TB:

1. Latent TB: Also called inactive TB. This isn’t contagious. The bacteria remains in your body in an inactive state and causes no symptoms. Treatment is important if you have latent TB to help control the spread of the disease, as it can turn into active TB.

2. Active TB: This type makes you sick, and in most cases can spread to others. It can develop either in the first few weeks after being infected with the TB bacteria, or many years later.

Signs and symptoms of active TB include:

A cough that lasts three or more weeks
Coughing up blood
Chest pain, or pain with breathing or coughing
Unintentional weight loss
Fatigue
Fever
Night sweats
Chills
Loss of appetite

TB can also affect other parts of your body, including your kidneys, spine or brain. When it develops outside your lungs, signs and symptoms differ according to the organs involved.

For instance, TB of the spine may give you back pain, and TB in your kidneys might cause blood in your urine.

Tests used to screen for TB:

There’s no single test that can be used to test for TB in all circumstances.

1. A chest X-ray (best used to screen for active TB) is taken to look for changes in the lungs that could show signs of active TB or scars from a previous TB infection.

2. A tuberculin skin test is done by injecting a solution containing a protein made from tuberculosis bacteria just under the top layer of skin on the forearm. If after 48-72 hours the skin at the injection site develops a raised red bump, it indicates that you may be infected with TB.

If a skin test is positive, doctors will consider your risk factors and order additional testing to determine the best course of treatment. For this reason, doctors don’t rely on the skin test alone to confirm a diagnosis.

3. Blood tests may be ordered on their own or after a positive skin test. The different blood tests offer ways to measure the body’s immune response to the presence of bacteria.

4. Imaging tests

If you’ve had a positive skin test, your doctor will likely order a chest X-ray or a CT scan. This may show changes in your lungs caused by active tuberculosis. CT scans provide more-detailed images than X-rays do.

5. Sputum tests

If your chest X-ray shows signs of TB, your doctor may take samples of the mucus that comes up when you cough. The samples are tested for TB bacteria.

Sputum samples can also be used to test for drug-resistant strains of TB. This helps your doctor choose the medications that are most likely to work. These tests can take four to eight weeks to be completed.

Treatment

TB treatment takes much longer than treating other types of bacterial infections.

For active tuberculosis, you must take antibiotics for at least six to nine months. The types of medications and duration of treatment will depend on your age, health, possible drug resistance and the infection’s location in the body.

Preparing for your appointment

If you suspect that you have TB, see a doctor. At the time you make the appointment, be sure to ask if there’s anything you need to do in advance. In addition,

Write down any symptoms you’re experiencing
Write down key personal information; include any recent life changes or international travel.
Make a list of all medications, vitamins or supplements you’re taking.
Write down questions to ask your doctor.

Some basic questions to ask your doctor include:

What’s the most likely cause of my symptoms?
Do I need any tests?
What treatments are available? Which do you recommend?
What if the treatment doesn’t work?
How long do I have to stay on the treatment?
How often do I need to follow up with you?
I have other health problems. How can I manage these conditions together?

References:

This form of TB cannot be treated!

January 27th, 2020 by Content Editor

Commonly known as TB, Tuberculosis is one of the top 10 causes of death worldwide, according to the World Health Organization.

It’s caused by bacteria that spreads from person to person, usually through the air. This condition usually affects the lungs but can also affect other parts of the body like the kidneys and spine.

With the correct care and treatment, TB can be cured. However, a form of TB called multidrug-resistant TB (MDR TB) cannot be treated.

What is MDR TB?

Multidrug-resistant TB is usually caused when the TB bacteria become resistant to even the strongest TB drugs called isoniazid and rifampicin.

This means, the drugs become ineffective and can’t treat the condition. MDR commonly develops as a result of the mismanagement of TB treatment and the continual spread of TB from person to person.

In some countries where MDR TB is common, it’s becoming increasingly difficult to treat the disease. This is because either treatment options are too expensive or some medicines aren’t available.

MDR TB is most common in people who:

Don’t take their TB medicine regularly
Take their TB medications incorrectly by not following their doctor’s instructions
Develop TB disease again, after having taken TB medicine in the past
Come from areas of the world where drug-resistant TB is common
Have spent time with someone known to have drug-resistant TB disease

Can you prevent MDR TB?

In 2017 alone, MDR TB was detected in 161 000 TB patients globally. Since there’s no available treatment for MDR TB, prevention is better than cure.

If you have TB, take all your medication exactly as your doctor prescribed it. Don’t miss any doses and don’t stop your treatment earlier than you should, even if you feel better.

Stay on top of your medication refills. If you’ll be travelling, check with your doctor to ensure that you have enough to last your entire trip.

If you don’t have TB, steer clear of those infected with TB and particularly MDR TB. Exposure is especially a risk in crowded places with TB patients like hospitals and clinics.

When to see your doctor

If you think you’ve been exposed to someone with TB or you suspect you have developed the condition yourself, see your doctor immediately. Tell him/her exactly when and where you spent time with anyone infected with TB.

Pay attention to the most common symptoms:

Weakness
Weight loss
A fever
Night sweats
Coughing and chest pain
Coughing up blood

If your doctor thinks your symptoms point to TB, you may be given a TB skin- or blood test. The faster you are diagnosed, the faster you’ll be treated. If you follow your treatment by adhering to your doctor’s orders, your risk for MDR TB is lowered significantly.

References:

Scientifically proven hay fever hacks

October 7th, 2019 by Content Editor

The onset of an allergy is the hypersensitive reaction of your immune system. The immune system is activated when it senses an invasion of a foreign body. A sort of “false alarm” is triggered which activates mast cells, further releasing histamine and causing adverse reactions.

Here are a few hacks to relieve you from the dreadful symptoms.

1. Pineapple power

Add pineapple to your diet. This fruit contains bromelain, a natural protein-digesting enzyme. It’s a powerful anti-inflammatory which on its own may be useful for reducing inflammation, especially of the nose and sinuses.

Bromelain has also been shown to enhance the efficacy of quercetin. Quercetin is a flavonoid that may help stop the production and release of histamine.

The naturally-occurring bioflavonoid can be found in cruciferous vegetables and onions, and is commonly used as a remedy to relieve seasonal allergies. Eat lots of fruit and vegetables, especially cranberries, peppers and onions which contain quercetin.

2. Good ‘ol Vaseline

Before heading outdoors, spread a bit of Vaseline on the inside of the bottom of your nose to act as a trap for at least some pollen particles. This method can trap pollen and prevent it from entering the airways. Apply a bit on your lashes too, to prevent itchy eyes.

3. Shades on

The eyes are usually a target for pollen. If you don’t wear prescription glasses, you should consider wearing a pair of shades to minimise their exposure.

4. Wash your face after being outdoors

Wash your face as soon as you get home. Water will slough away allergens so that they can’t cause a reaction. Place a cool compress over sore eyes. Shower at night before sleeping to remove pollen particles and pet hair from your hair and body.

When changing clothes after a long day, get changed in the bathroom. Just like your hair, pollen can get trapped on clothes. This way you won’t be spreading pollen around your home, and leaving pollen-laden clothes in your bedroom while you sleep.
Wash these clothes as soon as you can, or leave them in a laundry bag in the bathroom.

5. Hydrate more

Research suggests green tea can have an antihistamine effect, which should help relieve your symptoms in the short term at least. Chamomile tea is also recommended; you might want to try using the teabag as a cold compress to sooth those swollen eyes too. Ditch dairy and alternate with almond milk or coconut milk. Dairy increases mucus production which can be a nightmare for hay fever sufferers.

6. Vitamin C

Pump up your Vitamin C intake and fill your diet with plenty of oranges, blueberries and strawberries. Vitamin C acts as a natural antihistamine to calm allergic reactions.

7. Add some zing to your food

Add a generous portion of garlic, ginger and chilli to your food, they’ve been shown to ease the symptoms of congestion.

References:

Get control of your asthma this spring

August 8th, 2019 by Content Editor

Ah, spring! Flowers are in bloom; warmer weather is here, and the skies are blue. Unfortunately, so are spring allergies. If you have asthma, these affect you even more. Asthma is a chronic condition where your airways are narrowed and swollen. This makes breathing difficult and can cause coughing, wheezing and shortness of breath. Asthma flare-ups are particularly common during spring.

Common triggers for an asthma attack include:

Cold air.
Exercise.
Outdoor allergens: spores and pollens from flowers and trees, air pollution.
Indoor allergens: dust mites, mould, pets and smoke
Changes in temperature.

There’s no cure for asthma, but there are ways to manage the condition. Talk to your doctor about getting tested for common allergens. This is usually done with a blood test or skin prick test. Allergy testing can help you identify triggers so you can avoid them or manage your treatment when you’re around them.

Aim for prevention

Avoid allergens as much as you can. If you’re indoors, steer clear of indoor allergens like pet dander and dust mites. Vacuum regularly to get rid of both. If you’ve been outdoors, wash your hair and clothes to get rid of allergens like pollen. If possible, use an air conditioner in your house and car to limit pollen exposure. Lastly, use a nasal wash to clear out your nasal passages.

Keep your inhaler handy

Your inhaler is your best friend when it comes to managing your asthma. Always know where your inhaler is. Keep track of how much medicine it contains and when it will need to be replaced. Using it properly is important for getting medicine into your lungs. If you don’t know how to use it properly, ask a doctor or a pharmacist.

Some inhaler guidelines:

Shake the canister for 10 seconds and take off the cap.
Attach a spacer device to the inhaler to get more medicine into your lungs.
Breathe out completely and then take a slow, deep breath just after you press down on the canister. Hold your breath for 10 seconds. After 30 seconds, repeat with a second puff and a third, if needed.

Keep treatments handy

To minimise your allergic reaction, you need to be prepared with proper medication. Keep antihistamines (treatment for allergies) and nasal sprays handy. If your symptoms are particularly bad, talk to your doctor about a prescription medication that can help ease your asthma. You should start your allergy medication at least two weeks before you expect allergens to become a problem.

Minimise your local pollen count

Maintaining your garden is important, especially during spring, but it can trigger your symptoms. Try gardening in the early morning or evening when the pollen count is at its lowest. Consider asking someone to help you. Freshly cut grass and fertiliser can worsen your asthma symptoms. Wear a mask to prevent yourself from breathing in harmful particles.

When to see your doctor

Although you can take certain steps to manage your symptoms, for severe asthma, you need to see your doctor immediately.

Signs of an asthma emergency include:

Breathe out completely and then take a slow, deep breath just after you press down on the canister. Hold your breath for 10 seconds. After 30 seconds, repeat with a second puff and a third, if needed.

Keep treatments handy

Minimise your local pollen count

When to see your doctor

Although you can take certain steps to manage your symptoms, for severe asthma, you need to see your doctor immediately.

Signs of an asthma emergency include:

Rapid worsening of shortness of breath or wheezing.
No improvement in symptoms even after using your quick-relief inhaler.
Shortness of breath after minimal physical activity.

References:

What is idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis?

June 17th, 2019 by Content Editor

Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is a type of lung disease that results in scarring (fibrosis) of the lungs for an unknown reason. Over time, this scarring gets worse making it hard to and it becomes hard breathe effectively.

IPF affects approximately three million people worldwide. The disease mostly affects patients over the age of 50 and more men than women.

Risk factors may include:

Smoking.
Lung injury.
History of smoking.
Genetics.
Abnormal acid reflux.
Environmental exposure like working around dust or fumes.
Chronic viral infections.

Symptoms of IPF usually develop gradually and may not be noticed until the disease is well-established.

Symptoms include:

Dry cough.
Shortness of breath, especially during or after physical activity.
Fatigue.
Weight loss.
Clubbing; a widening and rounding of the tips of the fingers.
Swelling of the legs.

Diagnosis 

Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) can be difficult to diagnose. Many lung diseases can cause breathlessness and cough, and some of these diseases have similar symptoms and X-ray results. You may have to see more than one specialist, including a respirologist, to help with the diagnosis.

Your doctor will ask you questions about your home and work environment, as well as your smoking and medical history.

Although no single test can diagnose IPF, your doctor may recommend a few different tests. A physical exam of your lungs will be done to assess other parts of your body including your heart, joints, fingernails, skin and muscles.

Tests include:

Pulmonary function test (PFT): A PFT, or breathing test, measures how much air you can blow in and out of your lungs and how well your lungs can absorb oxygen.
Six-minute walk test: This helps determine your physical fitness, and the amount of oxygen in your blood at rest and with physical activity.
Chest X-ray: Chest X-rays are images that can screen for interstitial lung disease and can sometimes be useful to help monitor progression.
Blood tests: Your doctor may request several blood tests to help identify other causes of interstitial lung disease.
Computed tomography (CT scan): The radiology images will determine if there’s scarring in your lungs and help identify the subtype of interstitial lung disease.
Bronchoscopy: Bronchoscopy is a procedure where a small flexible tube called a bronchoscope is inserted through your mouth or nose and into your lungs. Some patients with possible IPF undergo this procedure to help identify the presence of infection or to look out for other subtypes of interstitial lung disease.
Surgical lung biopsy: When a patient has an unclear diagnosis, they may undergo a surgical lung biopsy. This test involves small incisions in the side of the chest, and the removal of lung tissue for an examination under a microscope.

Treatment  

Work with your family doctor or pulmonologist (lung specialist) to find the best treatment for you. There’s no cure for IPF and there are currently no procedures or medications to remove the scarring from the lungs. Treatments are used to slow the progression of the lung and manage the other symptoms of the disease.

There are currently two medications approved for use in IPF.

Pirfenidone, an antifibrotic compound approved for the treatment of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis that slows the progression of IPF. Some patients who take Pirfenidone have side-effects, most commonly stomach upset and skin rashes, particularly with exposure to the sun.

Nintedanib, an anti-scarring (anti-fibrotic) medication that slows the progression of IPF. Some patients taking Nintedanib have side-effects, most commonly including diarrhoea.

Lifestyle changes 

IPF is an irreversible and progressive disease. It will be crucial to learn good coping skills and educate yourself about the disease as much as possible.

Quit smoking. It will help slow down the progression of any lung disease.
Get a flu shot each year.
Ask your doctor about getting a pneumonia shot.
Keep away from people with chest infections and colds.
Wash your hands properly and regularly.
Stay active and fit.

References:

Myth-busting: The truth about allergies

June 17th, 2019 by Content Editor

Beliefs can be hard to change even after you’ve found out that they’re scientifically wrong. Allergies are no different; let’s bust the myths of allergies.

Myth 1: Cut flowers trigger allergy symptoms.

Fact: Store-bought flowers aren’t to blame for your allergies. Pollen made by grass, weeds and grass are usually to blame for your sniffles.

Myth 2: Food allergies aren’t serious.

Fact: Food allergies can cause symptoms like hives, a stuffy nose, vomiting, difficulty breathing and loss of consciousness. If an allergic reaction is severe or spreads to other parts of your body, it becomes what’s called anaphylaxis; which is a severe and potentially life-threatening allergic reaction.
People with food allergies must always be alert and aware of what ingredients are used in their food.

Myth 3: Moving to another part of the country can get rid of allergies.

Fact: Allergens (foreign substances) exist everywhere, so relocating probably won’t help you escape allergies. Airborne allergens like pollen can travel distances, and indoor allergens, like pet dander and cockroaches, exist anywhere. A change of climate may reduce your exposure to certain allergens. Dust mites, for example, thrive in heat and humidity, so they’re less common in drier climates. But if you have allergies, you may also develop new allergies in a different environment.

Myth 4: Food allergies are the same as food intolerances.

Fact: When it comes to food allergies, your immune system produces an antibody called immunoglobulin E (IgE for short) when it notices a food allergen. IgE antibodies fight the “enemy” food by releasing histamine and other chemicals. These chemicals then trigger the symptoms of an allergic reaction which can be deadly.
Food intolerances don’t involve the immune system. They can cause great discomfort, but aren’t life-threatening.

Myth 5: A food allergy always develops in childhood. Then you’re stuck with it for life.

Fact: According to the Food Allergy Research and Education (FARE), you can develop a food allergy at any age, even to a food that you’ve safely eaten before. Children may outgrow a food allergy over time. This is common with allergies to milk, egg, soy and wheat. Allergies that are harder to outgrow include peanut, tree nuts, fish and shellfish.

Myth 6: Allergies aren’t dangerous – they won’t kill me.

While it doesn’t happen often, in extreme cases, a person can go into anaphylactic shock which may cause death. Always take an allergic reaction seriously.

Reference:

Is mould causing your asthma?

June 17th, 2019 by Content Editor

Mould spores are extremely small and can only be seen if enough of them grow together. Clumps of mould spores appear in different colours, like white, yellow and green, depending on the age of the spores. They look fuzzy or rough and give off a musty smell.

Mould blooms in dark, moist places. Common indoor places for it to grow is on wallpaper, flooring, tiles and window frames. Outside, it’s common for it to grow on rotting wood, fallen leaves, grass and grains.

Although mould seems harmless, research shows that it can have a big impact on those with asthma. that’s because individual mould spores are so small they can be spread into the air and inhaled.

If you notice that your asthma symptoms get worse around mould, you may be allergic to the spores. Here’s what you need to know.

How does mould affect asthma?

Asthma is when the airways of your lungs become inflamed and narrow. This causes symptoms like coughing, chest tightness and shortness of breath. If you have a mould allergy and are asthmatic, breathing in mould spores could cause your immune system to overreact. This can cause sneezing, coughing and watery eyes. It can also make your asthma symptoms worse.

On the other hand, if you aren’t allergic to mould, you won’t react to it at all.

Protect yourself from mould

With a mould allergy, your safest bet is to avoid it completely.
Stay away from areas where there is visible mould.
Manage your asthma symptoms. Take your preventative medicine as prescribed and your inhaler when needed. Carry it with you when you go out.
Check for water leaks under your sinks, fridge, dishwasher, bathtub and shower.
Keep your home well-ventilated by opening the windows regularly. This will prevent mould build-up.
Rake your garden to get rid of loose leaves.
Avoid storing clothes in damp cupboards, packing clothes too tightly together and drying clothes indoors.

Good to know

If you think you have a mould allergy, talk to your doctor immediately. Tell him about your symptoms.
If you have a mould allergy, you should get any mould indoors or outdoors removed with the help of a professional. You shouldn’t do this on your own.
Get advice from mould inspectors. For example, from Home Inspection Services South Africa. This is particularly important if mould covers more than one metre squared or is caused by rising damp.
When mould is being removed indoors, keep your windows open to get rid of any spores.

References:

Does your baby’s cough sound like a dog’s bark?

May 13th, 2019 by Content Editor

If so, it could be croup. Croup is a viral illness that makes your baby’s voice box and windpipe swell. The high-pitched or barking cough develops when air is forced against a narrowed.

The smaller your child is, the more noticeable the sound. Some children with severe croup get a harsh, tight sound while breathing in. This is called stridor.

When does it happen? 

The virus that triggers croup can be passed on by breathing in respiratory droplets from a cough from an infected person, or from playing with toys that have the virus on them. Croup normally affects infants and children between the ages of six months and three years. As children grow, so do their airways. Therefore, children older than six don’t often get diagnosed with croup.

What are the symptoms? 

You may notice the typical symptoms of a cold, like a runny nose and fever. Usually, the barky cough begins at night and gets worse when your child gets upset and cries. Croup usually lasts for around five days.

How is croup diagnosed? 

The doctor will usually listen for a cough and stridor. They may also ask if your child has had any recent illnesses that caused a fever and congestion, and whether the child has a history of croup or other breathing problems.

He may also perform an X-ray if the croup is severe and doesn’t get better after treatment. An X-ray, in this case, will help show the top of the airway narrowing to a point, which doctors call a “steeple sign”. This is a narrowing of the airway below the vocal cords.

Home treatment for croup

If your child wakes up in the middle of the night with croup, try to keep him calm to help ease his breathing. Crying can make croup worse.

For a fever, medicine like paracetamol, or ibuprofen for kids older than 6 months can help make your child more comfortable. Ask your doctor for guidance before giving your child any medication.

Help your child breathe in moist air. This can make him feel better.

Use a cool-mist humidifier or run a hot shower to create a steam-filled bathroom where you can sit with your child for 10 minutes. Breathing in the mist will sometimes stop the severe coughing.
In cooler weather, take your child outside to help ease symptoms so they can breathe fresh air.
Make sure your child is well-hydrated. If needed, give small amounts of liquid more often using a spoon or medicine dropper. Children with croup should also get lots of rest.

When to call the doctor 

If you’re concerned that your child’s croup is not improving, contact your child’s doctor, especially if you see the following symptoms:

A sound that gets louder with each breath.
If your child speaks or makes verbal sounds for lack of breath.
Seems to be struggling to catch his breath.
Has blue lips or fingernails.
Has stridor when resting.
Drooling or extreme difficulty swallowing saliva.

References:

How does air conditioning affect my health?

January 23rd, 2019 by The Hello Doctor Team

On a scorching hot day, a cool blast from the air conditioner feels glorious. But there’s a catch. If the AC hasn’t been well-maintained, then the breeze could carry germs too.

Unlike heating systems, the process of cooling hot air creates lots of moisture and condensation, which must be filtered out. If it isn’t filtered properly by the AC, thanks to inadequate maintenance, for example, the units may become infested with health-harming bacteria and fungi.

Health hazards

Mould growth

When air is cooled inside an air conditioner, moisture is created. It’s the machine’s job to get rid of the excess moisture through a vent. If the ventilation system isn’t working properly, or if you don’t empty the water pan regularly, it becomes the perfect breeding space for mould. Mould can set off health problems as it circulates in the air. Watch out for symptoms like coughing, wheezing, and eye and skin irritation.

Fluctuations in temperature

The human body is usually easily able to adapt to changes in temperature. This means that moving from being outdoors to an air-conditioned indoors isn’t much of a problem. However, if you have a health condition like diabetes, adjusting to different temperatures can be difficult.

Low humidity

Air conditioners reduce the humidity inside your home by absorbing moisture from the air. Although this is helpful during sweaty days, it can be hazardous too. Low humidity could contribute to the risk of health problems like sinus, congestion and inflammation.

Nippy air

Yes, the point of an AC is to cool you down but if you keep things too cold, it ups your risk for viral infections like colds and flu. These viruses thrive in low humidity and cold environments. What’s more, extremely cold temperatures make the arteries in your skin constrict to protect your body from losing heat. This makes it difficult for blood to flow and particularly, white blood cells, which are what protect your body from illnesses. Being exposed to very cold environments can also cause extreme shivering. This can leave you with symptoms such as sore muscles, fatigue and headaches.

Heat intolerance

Have you ever noticed that it can feel uncomfortable being outside after sitting in an air-conditioned office all day? If the weird feeling escalates to discomfort, it may be heat-intolerance. This can cause symptoms such as dizziness, headaches and breathing difficulties. In severe cases, heat intolerance can cause a heat stroke.

Keep cool and safe

Clean or replace the unit filters regularly. Keep up to date with the manufacturer’s timelines.
Have a technician check your air conditioner once a year.
Turn the AC down or off when no-one’s home. This helps minimise harmful particles from circulating in the air.
Fresh air is important to reduce harmful indoor pollutants. Open your windows and turn off the air conditioning at least once a day to ventilate your home.

References:

Practise breathing to improve your health

January 23rd, 2019 by The Hello Doctor Team

Breathing is an automatic process driven by the part of your brain that controls other life-sustaining functions like your heartbeat and sleeping patterns.

Learning to breathe correctly can benefit your immune system by optimising oxygenation; the addition of oxygen in your body. It can also help to lower your blood pressure, reduce stress and balance your nervous system.

By paying careful attention to your breathing and breathing at a different pace, it is possible to engage different parts of the brain.

Controlled breathing

A 2017 study found that controlling your breathing calms your brain. Researchers stumbled on the neural circuit in the brainstem that appears to play the key role in the breathing-brain control connection.

This circuit is part of the brain’s “breathing pacemaker” as it can be adjusted by altering breathing rhythm. Slow, controlled breathing decreases activity in the circuit. Fast, erratic breathing increases activity, which, in turn, spurs on extreme emotions.

Controlled breathing exercises like the 4-7-8 method can help regulate the circuit. The numbers in the name 4-7-8 refer to the time taken breathing in (4 counts), holding your breath (7 counts) and exhaling (8 counts). Breathing techniques like these help you tap into your body’s natural relaxation response to help reduce stress and enhance wellness.

Take a deep breath

Thanks to Dr Andrew Weil, a Harvard-trained medical doctor, who developed the 4-7-8 breathing pattern; the pattern can give your organs and tissues a much-needed oxygen boost. Do it often enough, and it’s possible that this technique could also start to help your sleeping patterns too.

Breathing and relaxation techniques help you balance and regulate the fight-or-flight response you may feel when you’re stressed.

4-7-8 breathing

To get started with 4-7-8 breathing, find a place to sit or lie down comfortably. It’s important to hold a good posture. If you’re using this technique to fall asleep, it’s best you lie down.

Rest the tip of your tongue against the roof of your mouth, right behind your top front teeth, and keep it there throughout the session.

Do the following steps in the cycle of one breath:

Start by letting your lips part. Make a whooshing sound, exhaling completely through your mouth.
Next, close your lips, and inhale silently through your nose as you count to four in your head.
Hold your breath for seven seconds.
Make another whooshing exhale from your mouth for eight seconds.

When you inhale again, you start a new cycle. Repeat this pattern for four full breaths. The held breath for seven seconds is the most important part of the exercise.

It’s also recommended that you only do 4-7-8 breathing for four breaths when you’re first starting out. Gradually work your way up to eight full breaths.

Other techniques that can help you dial down your stress responses:

Progressive muscle relaxation
Mindfulness meditation
Yoga, tai chi, and Qi Gong
Repetitive prayer
Guided imagery

References:

New asthma treatments for better control

October 8th, 2018 by The Hello Doctor Team

Asthma is a chronic disease that affects your airways, making it difficult to breathe. With asthma, your air passages are temporarily narrowed, either by inflammation or increased mucus production. This affects the amount of oxygen that travels in and out of your lungs. Common symptoms include coughing, shortness of breath, wheezing and chest tightness.

Triggers for asthma include sinusitis, cold and flu, allergens like mould and spores, tobacco, weather changes (e.g. cold air), irritants like perfumes, strong emotions like stress and anxiety, and medication like aspirin.

With treatment, you can live with this condition, but asthma that’s not treated properly may lead to severe, uncontrolled asthma. This includes an asthma attack. An asthma attack is when symptoms of asthma suddenly worsen. For example, your chest will tighten more, it may fill up with mucus, swell up and cause you pain. If asthma isn’t controlled properly, you could land up in the hospital.

The common treatment for asthma includes inhalers, steroids and anti-inflammatory medication, bronchodilators to open your airways and a nebulizer (breathing machine).

New asthma treatments

Scientists are always working to improve medication. The latest asthma medication in the works is called monoclonal antibodies. Monoclonal antibodies are targeted medicines that can help if you have severe asthma. They help block the activity of some immune system chemicals that trigger inflammation in your airways.

This lowers your risk of an asthma attack and prevents your airways from becoming inflamed, resulting in milder asthma symptoms. If you have severe asthma and the usual treatment options haven’t been working for you, then monoclonal antibodies may help you.

Here are a few monoclonal antibodies, as well as other new treatment for severe asthma.

Xolair

Also known as omalizumab, Xolair helps treat severe allergic asthma. This type of asthma Is triggered by allergens like pollen. When you encounter an allergen, your body makes immune system chemicals called antibodies. These antibodies play a role in how inflammation triggers your asthma symptoms. Xolair helps regulate this.

Mepolizumab

Mepolizumab (Nucala), is used to treat a type of asthma caused by a white blood cell called eosinophil. The treatment involves lowering the number of cells causing the inflammation. The symptoms of people with this kind of severe asthma aren’t triggered by allergens. This makes it an effective, targeted treatment.

Reslizumab

Also known as Cinqaero, Reslizumab is another treatment for asthma that’s caused by the eosinophil white blood cell. It lowers the number of cells that cause inflammation, making your symptoms milder and easier to control.

Bronchial thermoplasty

If medication doesn’t work, a surgery may be necessary. Bronchial thermoplasty is a surgical technique that applies radio frequency to your airways. The heat from the radio frequency destroys some of the smooth lining tissue in your airways which helps to prevent some of the narrowing. It isn’t a cure for asthma, but research says it helps reduce symptoms.

Leukotriene modifiers

Leukotriene is a chemical that tightens and narrows your airways when you have an asthma attack caused by allergens. A leukotriene modifier blocks this from happening. It comes in the form of oral medication to prevent and treat asthma attacks.

Good to know

To choose the right treatment, ask your doctor about your triggers. You can help by keeping track of these when you have an asthma attack.
Severe asthma treatments like monoclonal antibodies aren’t available over the counter at pharmacies.
Research new asthma treatments and ask your doctor if they’re available locally. Also ask if you’re a good candidate to try the new treatment.
Nucola hasn’t been approved in South Africa yet. It’s been approved in Canada, Australia, Japan, Switzerland, Chile, South Korea and Taiwan.

References:

Weed is legal now. Here’s What you need to know

September 19th, 2018 by The Hello Doctor Team

Today, the court legalized private use and possession of weed (cannabis / ‘dagga’) for South Africans.

What exactly is legal?

You can now grow cannabis in “a private place”.
You can smoke weed in the privacy of your home.

What is still illegal?

You cannot sell weed to anyone, in any form.
You cannot smoke weed in public.

So, we can smoke as much weed as we want to, as long as we’re at home?

Not quite. This is only the first ruling in the process. In the next 2 years, Parliament needs to sort out the following details:
* They didn’t specify how much you’re allowed to smoke or possess, so it will be up to the Police to decide how much is “too much”. If the police think that you’re selling it on the black market, they are allowed to enforce the law.
* If you’ve previously been arrested for personal cannabis use, you could still have that on your criminal record. (Until the government decides to drop those charges. This has not been decided).

Even though it’s legal now, is weed good for you?

Just because something is legal, doesn’t make it healthy. Although marijuana has several health benefits, there are also some risks. It’s also too early to know just how much risk, and more research is needed.

Here’s what we know so far:

Benefits of Medical Marijuana:

Chronic Pain
Alcoholism and drug addiction
Depression
PTSD
Social anxiety
Epilepsy

Risks of Marijuana:

Possible mental health problems, like suicidal thoughts, and schizophrenia.
Lung disease, such as obstructive pulmonary disease and asthma.
Addiction. Although you don’t get chemically addicted to weed, many people struggle to break the habit once they’ve started.

For those of you who don’t smoke weed, we could discourage you from starting. If you’re looking for something to calm you down or cheer you up, there are various healthy alternatives!