Take Charge of Your Health - Just Breathe
Breathing is the greatest pleasure in life.
-Giovanni Papini
With so much conversation around the increased risk of COVID-19 with underlying respiratory issues, we thought it would be helpful to describe some of these problems in greater detail. First though, let's begin with coronavirus infections. There are seven known coronavirus infections which cause human illness ranging from mild to severe. A mild-to-moderate coronavirus infection is like the common cold, according to the CDC. Worldwide, people get sick from four coronavirus types that cause only mild infections. However, three types, SARS, MERS, and COVID-19 (SARS-CoV-2) can be fatal.
People with COVID-19 can experience fever, coughing, shortness of breath, and
tiredness. About 80% of those infected experience mild to moderate symptoms. Twenty
percent experience more severe symptoms and may require hospitalization for oxygen
therapy or breathing support. Vaccine as well as antibody testing development is underway in numerous labs across the globe.
SARS, (Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome), has similar symptoms and some patients develop pneumonia. SARs coronavirus emerged in November of 2002 and disappeared by 2004 likely due to intensive contact tracking. Approximately 8000 feel ill and 774 died. SARs patients often needed oxygen and mechanical ventilation. There are no medications for SARS treatment and no vaccine is available at this time.
There have only been two cases of MERS, (Middle East Respiratory Syndrome), reported in the U.S. since it was first reported in Saudi Arabia in 2012. As of the end of November 2019, there have been approximately 2500 cases of MERS and 850 deaths, primarily in Saudi Arabia.
Diligent hand washing, wearing masks and disposable gloves, careful disinfection of surfaces, and social distancing are highly recommended for all coronavirus infections.
The human respiratory system is complex taking in oxygen, delivering it to the cardiovascular system, and expelling carbon dioxide. The body depends upon oxygen to support itself; in fact five minutes without oxygen will cause brain cells to die. For most Americans, infections will be the most common respiratory ailment they face and recovery will only take a week or two. However, others will face the heavy burden of a respiratory disease affecting every aspect of their life, for years. The most common respiratory conditions are:
Asthma
Asthma is a common, chronic condition caused by inflammation and narrowing of the
airways which leads to trouble breathing. Infections, environmental allergies (ex: pollen,
dust mites, mold spores), pollution, smoke, and physical activity can all trigger asthma
attacks. Symptoms include dry cough, wheezing, chest tightness, and shortness of
breath. For asthma sufferers anti-inflammatory medications and inhalers can help open
airways and provide relief.
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease encompasses several respiratory illnesses that
cause shortness of breath. One in 17 adult Americans has COPD and it is the third
leading cause of death in the U.S. and is not reversible. People can experience different
severity levels of the inflammatory condition and the most severe cases often prevent
people from doing their everyday activities. The most significant risk factor for COPD is
long-term cigarette smoking. Treatment of COPD includes stopping smoking,
broncho-dilator therapy, and pulmonary rehabilitation. Properly managed, people can
experience quality of life with COPD.
Chronic/Acute Bronchitis
Chronic bronchitis, a common condition that contributes to COPD, is marked by a
chronic cough. Patients also often spit up extra mucus secreted from the airways in their
lungs. Acute bronchitis is not a long-term disease but caused by a viral or bacterial infection
and treated with antibiotics.
Emphysema
Emphysema is a serious respiratory disease, often caused by smoking, which damages
the air sacs in the lungs and may damage the small airways. Most people who have
emphysema also have chronic bronchitis. Since emphysema can prevent the lungs from
delivering oxygen into the blood, it can lead to respiratory failure and the need for extra
oxygen therapy. Although there is no cure, those who quit smoking may feel the
disease’s progression slow down.
Pneumonia
Pneumonia is a common lung disease caused by a bacterial, viral, or fungal infection in
the air sacs of the lungs that causes them to fill with liquid. Symptoms of pneumonia
can be mild or severe and include cough, fever, chills, and shortness of breath
Pneumococcal pneumonia is caused by a bacteria, not a virus, and can be treated with
antibiotics. Viral pneumonia can be treated with an antiviral medication and supportive
care can help manage the symptoms. Most people recover in one to three weeks, but for
the very young or very old, pneumonia can be life-threatening.
Pleural Effusion
Pleural effusion is a collection of fluid between the lung and the chest wall, (the pleural
space), and can be caused by pneumonia, cancer, or congestive heart failure. Symptoms
include increasing chest discomfort and shortness of breath. Diagnostic tests often
include a chest x-ray, CT scan, or ultrasound. Most patients have a procedure to remove
the fluid, which allows the lung to re-expand. The fluid is then tested to determine the
specific cause and a treatment plan is formed.
Pulmonary Embolism
Pulmonary embolism (PE) is when a blood clot forms, (often in the leg), travels to your lung and blocks blood flow causing damage to the lung tissue. These blood clots most
commonly come from deep veins in your legs –,a condition called deep vein thrombosis.
Medical conditions that put people at risk for a clot include heart disease, cancer, and
recent surgery. PE can be life-threatening and symptoms include chest pain and
coughing. The spot where the clot forms may be swollen, warm, and tender. Treatment of
an embolism includes blood thinners and surgery.
High Altitude Pulmonary Edema
The most important respiratory disorder associated with acute high-altitude exposure is high-altitude pulmonary edema (HAPE). HAPE is a non-cardiogenic pulmonary edema that may occur in un-acclimatized people within 2-4 days of ascent to altitudes above 8200 ft.
Lung Cancer
With lung cancer, DNA mutations in the lungs cause irregular cells to multiply and create an uncontrolled growth of abnormal cells, (tumors), which interfere with lung function. Small cell and non-small cell are the two main types of lung cancer. Generally, small cell cancer is more aggressive. Cigarette smoking is a leading cause of the cancer, but other risk factors include exposure to radiation, chemicals, asbestos, diesel fumes, air pollution, and second-hand smoke. Symptoms include chronic coughing, a hoarse voice, fatigue, and coughing up blood. Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer death among both men and women in the U.S.
Cystic Fibrosis
Caused by a defective gene, cystic fibrosis (CF) is a genetic respiratory disease which
creates thick mucus and clogs up tubes and passageways. The sticky mucus causes
dangerous lung infections and also obstructions in the pancreas that prevent the break-
down of vital nutrients for the body. This can lead to digestive problems and potentially
malnutrition. As a hereditary condition, CF occurs when both parents have a defective
gene. 75 percent of those affected are diagnosed by age 2. Symptoms include: chronic
coughing, shortness of breath, frequent lung infections, a poor growth rate in children,
and salty tasting skin.
Swine Flu (H1N1) & Bird Flu
Swine flu is a respiratory illness caused by the Influenza-A virus. It can cause throat
pain, fever, chills, headache, and joint pain. There is a vaccine for swine flu that
exposes the patient to a small dose of the virus to build their immunity.
Bird flu is also caused by the Influenza-A virus and symptoms include fever, headache,
body ache, diarrhea, sore throat, and difficulty breathing. This flu can be life-threatening
and treatments include antiviral medications, oxygen therapy, and breathing support.
Preventative Measures:
These are some routine preventative measures found to be helpful in Respiratory Disease:
See your doctor annually and openly discuss any symptoms you may be experiencing
Get vaccinated every year against the flu
Stop smoking and avoid second hand smoke
Avoid areas with high air pollution and the high use of chemicals
Be physically active to strengthen your lungs and keep your lungs healthy
Practice good oral hygiene
Avoid exposure to people with the flu or other viral infections
If you feel sick, quarantine yourself and call your doctor.
As always, join us on the Health-E³ website blog page. We look forward to hearing your thoughts and experiences. Feel free to ask questions about anything on the website or suggest ideas for additional helpful information. And remember, it's up to you to Take Charge of Your Health.