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Tag: coughing

Weird medical treatments from 100 years ago

January 27th, 2020 by Content Editor

When you’re sick and in need of treatment, you pretty much know what you’re in for: Medication and bed rest or at worst, an injection in your behind!

Back in the day though, scarier treatment options were common. Here are some hilarious and even downright creepy medical treatments from 100 years ago.

Heroin for cough

Most of us know that the drug heroin isn’t good for our health. If you had a bad cough in the 19th century though, it was highly likely that you’d have been prescribed some heroin! Yikes.

It was marketed as a treatment for coughs, wheezes and even morphine addiction. The company who marketed it as such, had to take it off the shelves once it was discovered that heroin converts into morphine in the human body, essentially making it a fast-acting form of morphine!

Today: Over-the-counter cough suppressants or antibiotics (if a bacterial infection is the cause).

Bloodletting for headache

Do you have a pounding headache? Feeling stressed out? Have an STD? In the 19th century, you’d probably have been told to lose some blood. Back then, it wasn’t yet discovered that blood circulates. Instead it was believed that it would stagnate in certain parts of the body and could cause illness this way.

Another belief was that the body contained four different substances called humours (blood, black bile, yellow bile and phlegm). What’s more, it was thought that if there was an excess or shortage of any of these, it would result in illness. Due to this, bloodletting would balance out the humours.

Today: Over-the-counter pain killers, a trip to your doctor for medication or lifestyle changes to help with stress

Mercury for wounds

While today known as a toxic, poisonous substance, in the past, mercury was often used as a treatment for wounds and ironically, prolonging life. One Chinese emperor, Qin Shi Huang was obsessed with eternal life and ingested mercury given to him by doctors and scientists. He, of course, didn’t live a long life and was killed by the so-called “miracle elixir”.

Today: Antibiotic ointment to prevent any infection in the wound and a clean bandage.

Trepanation for evil spirits

Having a hole drilled into your head sounds terrifying, but as far back as 7 000 years ago, it was a sure way to cure certain illnesses. This ancient surgery involved literally boring a hole into the skull. The common theory was that the hole could release evil spirits that caused illnesses. It was also used as a method to treat headaches and blood clots.

Today: Today, surgeons may perform brain surgery to remove tumours, or give medication for epilepsy: a condition that was previously thought to be caused by evil spirits.

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:

5 reasons you’re coughing constantly

June 18th, 2018 by The Hello Doctor Team

It’s annoying to sit next to someone who just keeps coughing. What’s worse, is when that someone is you. The coughing reflex has an important purpose, but what do you do when it doesn’t go away?

When you cough, you bring up mucous and harmful substances from your airways: it keeps your airways clear, so you can get oxygen into your lungs. You could also cough if you’re i’ll, and your lungs secrete mucous to get rid of the germs.

Most coughs only last for a few days or weeks and then you feel better, but when . If your cough lasts for eight weeks or more, we call it a ‘chronic cough’.

A normal cough shouldn’t cause too much discomfort, but a chronic cough can leave you feeling exhausted, cause you to vomit, feel lightheaded and even interrupt your sleep. A chronic cough usually has a hidden trigger and if it’s found, it can be treated.

Other symptoms that can accompany a chronic cough include:

  • A runny or stuffy nose
  • Liquid running down the back of your throat (postnasal drip)
  • Frequent throat clearing and a sore throat
  • A hoarse throat
  • Wheezing and shortness of breath
  • Heartburn or a sour taste in your mouth
  • In rare cases, coughing up blood

Coughing culprits

There are a few unexpected chronic coughing triggers. These include:

Postnasal drip

If your nose or sinuses make too much mucous, it can drip down the back of your throat. This condition is also called upper airway syndrome (UACS) and may trigger your cough reflex, causing chronic coughing.

Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)

Your oesophagus is a tube that connects your stomach and throat. If you have GERD, stomach acid flows back into the tube. This causes a constant irritation which may lead to chronic coughing. This also makes the symptoms of GERD worse.

Asthma

In one type of asthma called cough variant asthma, coughing is the main symptom. Asthma-related coughs usually come and go with seasons and triggers, but because of the condition, the lining of the airway is swollen and inflamed. Air pollution, certain chemicals, being exposed to cold air, dust, pollen and stress are common triggers for asthma symptoms. Other symptoms include wheezing, tightness in the chest, and shortness of breath.

Heart failure

In some cases, the heart and coughing could be related. With heart failure, blood backs up in the pulmonary veins and fluid leaks into the lungs. The fluid build-up may cause chronic coughing and wheezing. The American Heart Association says that if you have a chronic cough, and symptoms like coughing up white or pink coloured mucous, nausea, shortness of breath, fatigue, light headedness, and a fast heartbeat, you should see a doctor.

Chronic bronchitis

Smoking-related illnesses are major culprits of chronic coughing. Chronic bronchitis causes inflammation in the major airways. A common symptom of this condition is chronic coughing that brings up colour fluids. Most people with this condition are current or past smokers. Besides chronic bronchitis, smokers can also develop “smoker’s cough” which is chronic, too. There are thousands of harmful chemicals in tobacco and when they’re released into the body, the body tries to remove them which can make you cough.

References

What exactly is TB? Here are the basics

October 31st, 2017 by The Hello Doctor Team

In the past, TB was called ‘’consumption”, because of the way it literally consumed infected people from the inside. Luckily for us, today TB is treatable. Here’s what you need to know about it.

What is Tuberculosis?

Tuberculosis (TB) is an infectious disease caused by bacteria. While it mostly affects the lungs, it can also affect organs in the central nervous system, lymphatic system, gastro-intestinal system and circulatory system.

TB is classified as being either latent or active. Latent TB occurs when the bacteria are present in the body, but this state is inactive and presents no symptoms. Latent TB is also not contagious. Active TB is contagious, and it’s this type of TB that makes you sick with symptoms.

What Causes TB?

TB is caused by bacteria that are spread from person to person through airborne particles.

While some people have immune systems strong enough to quickly destroy TB bacteria when they enter the body, others will develop latent TB, and a fair number of people will become immediately ill and contagious with active TB. Anyone with a weakened immune system, including people with HIV, are more prone to developing active TB.

Signs and Symptoms to Watch Out for

A lot of people who become infected with the TB bacteria don’t actually show symptoms, but when symptoms are present, they include:

  • Sudden weight loss and loss of appetite
  • Tiredness or fatigue
  • Shortness of breath
  • A cough that lasts for more than 3 weeks
  • Coughing up blood
  • Chest pain
  • Pain when breathing or coughing

Can TB Be Treated?

If you’re at high risk for TB, there are anti-TB drugs that stop it from progressing to active TB.

People with active TB are usually treated with several anti-TB drugs to kill all the bacteria and stop them from becoming drug resistant. This usually means daily oral doses of medication for six months.

Home remedies for every type of cough

February 6th, 2017 by The Hello Doctor Team

Your chest is tight, your nose is stuffy and you have a terrible cough!  Coughing is your body’s way of helping you clear your airways of mucus and any other irritants like dust. Although a cough is meant to help you, it feels very uncomfortable and can often be painful if it goes on for a long period.

You could try home remedies for relief before going to the doctor.  Before you try them though, it’s important to understand what kind of cough you might have. Speak to one of our doctors to make sure it’s not serious.

Types of cough

Wet cough
Coughing up mucus or phlegm is characteristic of a wet cough. One of the common causes of a wet cough is bronchitis, a condition where your airways swell up and produce mucus.

Dry cough
If you’re coughing but there’s no mucus, then you have a dry cough. If a dry cough doesn’t seem to go away, it may be a sign of asthma, especially if you seem to cough mostly at night. Most people with asthma also have chest tightness, wheezing, and shortness of breath.

Bloody cough
If you’re coughing up blood, call your doctor as soon as possible. The blood may be coming from your lungs or airways, and may be frothy because it’s mixed with air from your lungs. A bloody cough is a sign you might have a more serious medical problem.

Cough with cold symptoms
A cough may be a symptom of a cold, especially when accompanied by a stuffy nose, body aches, or a sore throat. Rest and over-the-counter medications may help you feel better. Talk to Hello Doctor if your symptoms aren’t manageable.

Get better at home with these handy remedies

Turmeric
Turmeric is a spice that could have a therapeutic effect on dry coughs. Heat half a cup of water in a boiling pot. Add one teaspoon turmeric powder, and one teaspoon black pepper. You may also add cinnamon sticks. Boil for about two to three minutes. Add one tablespoon of honey. Drink this daily until your cough subsides.

Ginger
Ginger is one of the most popular natural cures for a cough. Cut fresh ginger into small slices and crush them slightly. Place them in a cup of water and bring to a boil. Drink three to four times a day for relief from a sore throat, non-stop coughing and even congestion. You can also add some lemon juice and honey to your mix.

Hot milk with honey
Hot milk with honey is yummy, and can relieve a dry cough and reduce chest pain from continuous coughing. For best results, drink it before going to sleep. For added benefits from the analgesic properties of honey, swallow a teaspoon of plain honey on an empty stomach.

Garlic
Garlic is thought to have both antibacterial and antimicrobial components that help treat coughs. Boil two to three cloves of garlic in a cup of water and add a teaspoon of oregano. Allow to cool to room temperature, add some honey and drink. This will help your breathing and alleviate other cough symptoms.

Good to know
Talk to Hello Doctor if your cough lasts longer than three weeks after a viral infection and if you have the following symptoms:

  • Breathing difficulties.
  • Chest pain.
  • Coughing up blood.

References

What kind of cough is that?

October 14th, 2015 by The Hello Doctor Team

Been coughing for a while? Maybe it’s time to start paying attention to the type of cough you have! Although a cough is merely a symptom of an underlying medical condition, the type of cough you have can definitely give some helpful clues as to the possible cause… Continue reading “What kind of cough is that?”

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