Chronic Lung Disease

Number of Lung Disease(Respiratory Problems) is rising day by day,mostly due to continues smoking, increasing pollution(Vehicle Emission) and occupational hazards where the work exposes you to chemical fumes or dust.There is a significant increase in the number of youngsters who have started smoking.Patients as young as 40 years of age are suffering from chronic lung disease. COPD and Bronchial Asthma are the leading causes of respiratory ailments amongst Indians.COPD shows a strong relation to heart diseases,hypertension,stroke and diabetes. Many women can suffer if they are constantly exposed to fumes from cooking stoves (chula) or 'Sigri'.

What is COPD? is the short form for Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease.Chronic means that it will last for a long time and you will need long-term treatment for the disease.Obstructive means that there is some blockage in the air tubes which carry air in and out of the lungs.Pulmonary means that it is related to the lungs.Lungs and chest feel full and you feel short of breath.Disease means illness.

COPD is often a mix of 2 disease.

1. Chronic Bronchitis,the airways that carry air to the lungs gets inflammed and secrete a lot of mucous.This can    narrow or block the airways,making it hard for you to breath.

2. Emphyesma,the air sacs are damaged and lost their elasticity.Less air get in and out of the lungs,which make    you feel short of breath.

COPD is not caused by germs and hence cannot spread from one person to another.Smoking is definitely the most common cause of COPD. Family members of chronic smokers can suffer if they breathe in the smoke for a long time.People whose Asthma has not been treated properly can get COPD.Some people may be more at risk than others for getting the disease,especially if they have low levels of protein 'Alph-1'antitrypsin',a disorder that runs in families.

Do not ignore early symptoms of shortness breath or tightness of chest.The earlier you start treatment,the better you can control COPD. Your family physician will ask first details about your illness,your general health,your habits,your home and its surroundings,place of work and other relevant details which will help him in finding out the causes of your illness.He many has you to undergo some tests,like blood test,chest X-Ray or a breathing test with the help of an instrument called a Spirometer.These tests are useful for knowing whether your COPD is mild,moderate or severe.

Taking treatment regularly will help you in many ways.You will start feeling better.You will be able to breath more comfortably and will cough less.You will sleep better,which will make you feel more fit,hence you will be in better mood and move around more easily and confidently.You can go for your morning walk regularly,run around and play with your relatives and friends,which will make you feel happier and enjoy good days ahead.Look forward to the benefits of your treatment and be more active.  

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Mammography:You Need To Know

Did you know mammograms are still the best tool for breast cancer screening? It is true,and U.S.Food and Drug approves mammography to help keep you safe.

How Does the Test Work-and Is It Painful?

A mammogram is a low-dose X-ray picture of the breast.Getting a mammogram is the best way to find breast cancer early,because it can show breast lumps when they are too small for you or your health care provider to feel them. Thermograms and nipple aspirate tests are not substitutes for mammograms.You should ask your health care provider when and how often you should schedule a mammogram,says Helen J.Barr,M.D.,director of the Division of Mammography Quality Standards in FDA's Center for Devices and Radio logical Health(CDRH)

To get a mammogram,you will need to take off your shirt or your bra.While standing in front of the Machine,a technologist will position your breast on a small platform.A clear plastic plate will press down on your  breast while acquiring the mammogram.If you are worried about how the procedure feels,you should know that most women do not find it painful.Some women may find the pressure on the breast uncomfortable,but it lasts for only few seconds."Compression of the breast is important because it helps spread out the breast tissue so it doesn't overlap,allowing better visualization,"explains Barr.As a rule,you should call your health care provider if you notice any change in either of your breasts.A lump,thickening or nipple leakage or changes in how the nipple looks can signal a potential problem.

Difference between 3D and 2D Mammograms?

Advanced mammography devices that perform 3D digital breast tomosynthesis,a technology that creates cross-sectional (3D) images of the breast from X-rays taken from multiple angles.These devices provide informative images of the breast tissue and are helpful in evaluating dense breast tissue. "Dense breast tissue can make cancers more difficult to find on a mammogram," says Barr.After conducting premarket reviews,FDA determined that there was reasonable assurance that the new 3D devices were safe and effective for their intended use."FDA's approval of 3D mammography devices was based on a review of clinical studies involving multiple radiologists and hundreds of cases," says Ochs."FDA also sought input on the safety and effectiveness of the devices from a panel of non-FDA clinical and technical experts.You can ask your doctor if 3D mammography of additional 3D imaging methods,such as ultrasound or MRI,is an option for you.Ochs adds,"The results from multiple studies show that the combination of 3D & 2D imaging can improve breast cancer screening for all."

Facility Certification

Please note that FDA, or FDA-approved certifying agencies,certifies mammogram facilities and "Consumers should look for that certificate which should be prominently displayed."

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