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Lung Cancer

Lung Cancer

Lung cancer is one of the leading causes of cancer-related deaths. Cigarette smoking is the most likely causes of lung cacner. Tobacco smoke contains thousands of carcinogenics. In fact passive smoking is also a major risk factor for lung cancer. Persons suffering from chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) are at increased risk for developing lung cancer. Other potential causes for lung cancer include radiation and exposure to asbestos.

Usually most occurences of lung cancer are NSCLC (non-small-cell lung cancers). They tend to grow slowly. A small percentage of lung cancers are of the rapidly-spreading type. Typical symptoms of lung cancer include shortness of breath and chest discomfort, persistent cough, loss of appetite and coughing up blood. Often symptoms of lung cancer do not show up in some people. Patients with lung cancer may also show symptoms such as cyanosis that is indicative of compromised lung functioning.

Chest x-rays and phlegm sample examination is done for patients suffering from the symptoms that may suggest lung cancer. A bronchoscopy is done to photograph and take cell samples of the lung airways. Lung cancer can be diagnosed with lung biopsy. CT scan of the chest area is done to examine any tumors. A spiral CT scan is very effective in locating even small lung cancer tumors. MRI can give deatiled imaging of tiny structural changes. If the lung cancer is likely to have metastasized to the bone, a PET scan will show that up. Thoracentesis involves aspiration of a small sample of the fluid that accumulates in the space between the lungs and chest wall. Image-guided fine needle aspiration is done to retrieve cells from tumor nodules in the lung. Chemotherapy and radiotherapy are used individually or together to treat lung cancer tumors.

Laryngitis

Laryngitis is a condition that causes a characteristic hoarse and weak voice. This infection is irritating but is usually self limiting. It can occur due to environmental factors such as pollutants, cigarette smoke or irritating chemicals. Laryngitis indicates an inflammation in the larynx, either due to infection, irritants or overuse. Children who have cried a lot or singers and politicians face this condition due to irritated vocal chords. Acute laryngitis can occur during an infection of influenza or pneumonia. Heavy smoking or gastroesophageal reflux disease can bring on an attack of laryngitis.

Patients suffering from laryngitis experience sore throat and tickling sensation at the back of the throat. There is difficulty in swallowing and persistent hoarseness in the voice. Other symptoms accompanying laryngitis are throat pain and dry cough. Laryngoscopy aids in detecting any inflammation of the vocal chords. You can get relief by sucking on a throat lozenge or candy. Warm liquids often help. Warm shower or warm inhalation can provide relief from symptoms of laryngitis. Laryngitis associated with croup is treated with corticosteroids like dexamethasone.

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (CPOD)encompasses a group of lung disorders that include chronic bronchitis, emphysema, chronic obstructive airways disease and chronic asthma. CPOD affects millions of people worldwide and this disease is mostly attributed to smoking. Air pollution, working in an environment with harmful effluents and passive smoking are also likely causes for Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease. Sometimes a patient may suffer an inherited form of emphysema due to a deficiency of alpha-1-antitrypsin. With chronic bronchitis, the air passages and mucus glands are enlarged thereby leading to severe cough. Over time, the enlargement can lead to reduced oxygen supply to the lungs. Elevated blood pressure is noticed. This condition is more predominant in those who smoke or have a history of respiratory illness. While some patients develop wheezing and shortness of breath, others notice mucus while coughing. Chronic bronchitis is noticed with symptoms such as continuous cough, rapid breathing and cyanosis (bluish tint to the lips and nails). Morning headaches may be noticed on account of inability to remove carbon dioxide from the blood. Patients with severe case of COPD may face hemoptysis (blood while coughing). Emphysema occurs when the tiny alveoli in the lungs are destroyed thereby hampering efficiency of the lungs. It leads to labored breathing and the patient often feels out of breath. Other symptoms are loss of weight, disturbed sleep and tight constriction in the chest.

Diagnostic tests for COPD include blood tests and pulmonary function test. The pulmonary function test is an indicator of the extent of blockage of the lungs. Chest x-rays help in identifying damaged areas of the lungs and areas of fluid collection as well as any masses in the lungs. Sputum culture can identify any respiratory infection. A spirometry test measures the amount of air a person can blow in a second. Arterial blood gas analysis indicates how efficiently the lungs bring oxygen into the blood and remove carbon dioxide.

Antibiotics can help in tackling the bacterial infections in the lungs. Bronchodilators open up the air passages in the lungs thereby alleviating some of the symptoms of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease. Inhaled corticosteroids will reduce airway inflammation. In severe cases, oxygen is administered. In addition, some lifestyle changes must be followed:

Avoid smoking

Avoid exposure to secondhand tobacco smoke

Adopt physical fitness regime to maintain good lung health

As far as possible, avoid environmental irritants, hazardous inhalated substances such as paints, chemicals and cleaning agents

Balanced diet

Plenty of water and fluids

Steam inhalation