At its most basic, doctors agree that asthma is a respiratory disease that results in ‘chronic inflammation of the airways’.
People often show symptoms well before asthma develops, because asthma can start with something as simple as a common cold or cough.
Other symptoms that could potentially become asthma include sneezing, mild shortness of breath, or even something outside your lungs or respiratory tract such as a headache.
The bottom line is that it is extremely common for the initial signs of asthma to be ignored, because they appear to be nothing more than the symptoms of a common, everyday condition such as a cough or a cold.
This lack of awareness is one of the main reasons many people do not seek treatment for their asthma.
According to the Asthma Society of Canada, as many as six out of every ten Canadians who have asthma do not control their condition. This figure is expected to be similar in other developed Western nations.
Because asthma is a chronic condition, it is one that has to be dealt with throughout your life. It causes inflammation, and therefore constricts the airways that carry air in your lungs. Consequently, this restricts the passage of air from the outside world through an asthma sufferer’s lungs, making it difficult for them to breathe.
Asthma sufferers’ airways are sensitive to many conditions, such as moist, warm or cold air, allergens, stress or physical exertion. The muscles that surround the airways react to these conditions by contracting and narrowing the airways of a person with asthma.
The problem is generally made worse by the fact that the muscles also cause excess mucus to be produced at the same time as the contraction, further blocking the airways.
However, many of the most common signs of an asthma attack can often be recognized well before the condition itself is fully developed.
Some of the signs of asthma are obvious, whereas others might not be as easily recognized and possibly the result of another medical condition. The less obvious the symptoms are, the earlier in the development cycle of asthma or the less likely that the symptoms will turn into asthma.
Less acute indicators that might fall into the ‘early warning’ category could include any of the following:
• Frequent mood changes
• Regular bouts of sneezing
• Restlessness
• Glassy or watery eyes
• Unexplained increased tiredness
• Dry mouth
• Persistent or constant headaches
• Sleeping difficulties
• Exercise intolerance
• Dark circles under the eyes
• Pale complexion
Obviously, all of these ‘early warning’ indicators could suggest that asthma might become a problem, but they could also be the result of another serious medical condition.
Consequently, you would not necessarily assume that any of the symptoms in the previous list is a clear indicator or precursor of asthma. However, if these symptoms are ignored, the condition is likely to worsen for anyone who is at risk to develop asthma.
When the condition worsens, the symptoms become increasingly obvious. These symptoms could include:
• Wheezing, coughing and general tightness in the chest
• Shortness of breath, especially after basic exercise such as walking or climbing the stairs
• Inability to talk
• Inability to think clearly
• Drooping posture or hunched shoulders indicating that the sufferer is struggling for breath
• Obvious nasal flaring as they struggle to inhale
• Contraction in the area below the ribs and in the neck while struggling to breathe
• A grey or grey-blue tint gradually appearing on the skin, often starting around the nose and mouth area
Any of these signs would be indicative of what we would normally recognize to be an ‘asthma attack’.
Everything about asthma up to this point seems relatively straightforward because you will probably recognize the asthma ‘symptoms’ - especially if you know someone who suffers from the condition. Asthma is a surprisingly common condition and one that most of us are familiar with to some degree.
Showing posts with label symptoms. Show all posts
Showing posts with label symptoms. Show all posts
8/24/2009
7/30/2009
Tennis Elbow - Things To Tell The Doctor
If you start experiencing the symptoms of tennis elbow, you should take note of when they began, if they are getting any worse
over a period of time, what type of symptoms that you have, how the pain radiates and if you are losing your grip on doorknobs, sporting equipment, etc.
If you have other symptoms, you should make note of them as well. This would include frequent headaches, a feeling of numbness in your hands or arms, forgetfulness or loss of sensation in any part of your body.
The doctor will ask you a series of questions, so you should write down any symptoms that you have to make answering easier.
Tennis elbow is not crippling and get life threatening out of your mind. But it can interfere with your life.
over a period of time, what type of symptoms that you have, how the pain radiates and if you are losing your grip on doorknobs, sporting equipment, etc.
If you have other symptoms, you should make note of them as well. This would include frequent headaches, a feeling of numbness in your hands or arms, forgetfulness or loss of sensation in any part of your body.
The doctor will ask you a series of questions, so you should write down any symptoms that you have to make answering easier.
Tennis elbow is not crippling and get life threatening out of your mind. But it can interfere with your life.
Symptoms not Caused by Tennis Elbow
While most people will not rush off to the doctor the minute they get a pain in their elbow, if you do repetitive movements with your arms and elbows, you should be aware of the symptoms of Tennis Elbow and what to look for. This is one syndrome that should not scare you as 90 percent of cases are cured within 6 weeks after physical therapy treatment and will not impede your life.
On the flip side, if you experience the following symptoms, they may not be caused by tennis elbow but by a more serious condition that requires immediate medical intervention.
These symptoms include:
Pain that wakes you from your sleep.
Tennis Elbow, while painful, rarely wakes you up. Any pain that awakens you from your sleep should be examined by a medical professional. Pain is your body’s
way of telling you that something is wrong. When pain awakens you, it is time to go to the doctor.
Pain that continues for more than a week.
This can be Tennis Elbow as well as other types of pain. Any pain that persists is
something that you should talk to your doctor about. This is especially true if the pain gets continually worse.
Bruising in the area.
This is an indication that you can have a contusion or a fracture in the arm. This should be looked at by the doctor. Any bruising or swelling can indicate a contusion (which is really just what happens when you badly bang your arm) or a fracture. When you bang your arm, you will get a black and blue mark. But if the swelling does not go down after a day and remains discolored, see your doctor.
Unable to bend your wrist without pain.
This can be indicative of a more serious condition or even a broken wrist. Some people experience fractures without even realizing that there is something wrong. You should talk to your doctor if you cannot bend your wrist, hand or arm without experiencing pain.
Losing your grip on doorknobs, dropping things, etc.
This can also be indicative of a more serious illness or syndrome and should not be ignored. Talk to your doctor about this. While we all drop things occasionally and lose our grip, if it is happening repeatedly to you, it can be indicative of carpal tunnel syndrome or another condition.
On the flip side, if you experience the following symptoms, they may not be caused by tennis elbow but by a more serious condition that requires immediate medical intervention.
These symptoms include:
Pain that wakes you from your sleep.
Tennis Elbow, while painful, rarely wakes you up. Any pain that awakens you from your sleep should be examined by a medical professional. Pain is your body’s
way of telling you that something is wrong. When pain awakens you, it is time to go to the doctor.
Pain that continues for more than a week.
This can be Tennis Elbow as well as other types of pain. Any pain that persists is
something that you should talk to your doctor about. This is especially true if the pain gets continually worse.
Bruising in the area.
This is an indication that you can have a contusion or a fracture in the arm. This should be looked at by the doctor. Any bruising or swelling can indicate a contusion (which is really just what happens when you badly bang your arm) or a fracture. When you bang your arm, you will get a black and blue mark. But if the swelling does not go down after a day and remains discolored, see your doctor.
Unable to bend your wrist without pain.
This can be indicative of a more serious condition or even a broken wrist. Some people experience fractures without even realizing that there is something wrong. You should talk to your doctor if you cannot bend your wrist, hand or arm without experiencing pain.
Losing your grip on doorknobs, dropping things, etc.
This can also be indicative of a more serious illness or syndrome and should not be ignored. Talk to your doctor about this. While we all drop things occasionally and lose our grip, if it is happening repeatedly to you, it can be indicative of carpal tunnel syndrome or another condition.
Symptoms of Tennis Elbow
Tennis elbow can have various symptoms, all of which involve tenderness or pain in the elbow region. Some of the symptoms of tennis elbow include:
Pain or tenderness on the bony part of your elbow
If you hit your elbow and it is black and blue in this area, chances are that you are suffering from a contusion. However, if the black and blue area does not go away in a week, or if the pain does not subside, you should see a doctor. It is also important to note that not all contusions cause a black and blue mark or swelling.
Pain when holding an object or squeezing and object
The pain will become worse the more you hold the object or squeeze the object. For example, if you are holding a golf club and you find the pain shooting into your elbow that gradually become worse each time, you have a good chance of having Tennis Elbow.
Again, you will want to see if this is a one time occurrence, or if it continues to happen. If you continue to get the pain, you will want to look into some sort of diagnosis.
You may notice the pain when you are trying to open up a jar or even turning a doorknob. Take note of the pain that you have and how often it occurs.
Soreness or pain that radiates from the forearm when bending the wrist
A lot of people confuse Tennis Elbow with carpal tunnel syndrome - they are two distinct syndromes. The pain that is associated with Tennis Elbow is more of an ache rather than a shooting pain, although it will get progressively worse over time if you choose to ignore it. This is why it is so important to take care of this pain as
soon as possible.
Weak grip in your hands when shaking hands or turning a door knob
Many people who have Tennis Elbow really notice it when they find that they have such a weak grip that they cannot properly turn a door knob. This often prompts a trip to the doctor for a diagnosis. Again, Tennis Elbow symptoms can mirror other, more serious symptoms such as MS, this is why a diagnosis is so important.
Pain in arm when wrist is extended
Another common symptom and one that the sufferer often compensates for by slightly bending his or her wrist all the time. The person who has this symptom may find that their arm does not hurt if they bend it slightly so they gradually begin keeping
their arms from being extended. This only temporarily relieves the pain.
Pain or tenderness on the bony part of your elbow
If you hit your elbow and it is black and blue in this area, chances are that you are suffering from a contusion. However, if the black and blue area does not go away in a week, or if the pain does not subside, you should see a doctor. It is also important to note that not all contusions cause a black and blue mark or swelling.
Pain when holding an object or squeezing and object
The pain will become worse the more you hold the object or squeeze the object. For example, if you are holding a golf club and you find the pain shooting into your elbow that gradually become worse each time, you have a good chance of having Tennis Elbow.
Again, you will want to see if this is a one time occurrence, or if it continues to happen. If you continue to get the pain, you will want to look into some sort of diagnosis.
You may notice the pain when you are trying to open up a jar or even turning a doorknob. Take note of the pain that you have and how often it occurs.
Soreness or pain that radiates from the forearm when bending the wrist
A lot of people confuse Tennis Elbow with carpal tunnel syndrome - they are two distinct syndromes. The pain that is associated with Tennis Elbow is more of an ache rather than a shooting pain, although it will get progressively worse over time if you choose to ignore it. This is why it is so important to take care of this pain as
soon as possible.
Weak grip in your hands when shaking hands or turning a door knob
Many people who have Tennis Elbow really notice it when they find that they have such a weak grip that they cannot properly turn a door knob. This often prompts a trip to the doctor for a diagnosis. Again, Tennis Elbow symptoms can mirror other, more serious symptoms such as MS, this is why a diagnosis is so important.
Pain in arm when wrist is extended
Another common symptom and one that the sufferer often compensates for by slightly bending his or her wrist all the time. The person who has this symptom may find that their arm does not hurt if they bend it slightly so they gradually begin keeping
their arms from being extended. This only temporarily relieves the pain.
2/19/2009
Alternative Ways to Enjoy Milk If You Suffer From Milk Allergy
Suffering from an allergy against milk and dairy products? Then, no more full-cream milk, cottage cheese, cream cheese and you can also say goodbye to pizza! These are only some of the numerous types of food you have to do without if you develop milk allergy.
Although milk is good for your health, there are people who develop adverse pathological reactions when they take milk or any food product that contains milk. These people have to do without the world’s number one food drink. Most common of the reactions is skin irritation (which is considerably benign), which completely goes against the dietary benefits of drinking milk. However, not all is lost because there are means you can employ to avoid developing or strategies you can use to go around milk allergy that can allow you to still enjoy the benefits of highly nutritious milk. First, you have to know some basic information on milk allergy in order to properly manage and cope with the situation and in the process, enjoy its benefits regardless of the allergic condition you may have.
What is it?
A milk allergy is the pathological bodily response to any food product that contains milk or dairy products. The reaction however is not to milk as a whole but to one of the major protein component present in cow’s milk – the most commonly used milk product in the market. Cow’s milk contains two protein compounds – whey and casein; casein accounts for 80 percent of the protein content in cow’s milk which makes food products that contain cow’s milk an almost overwhelming obstacle for individuals with this particular type of allergy and sensitive reactions.
However, medical studies reveal that infants who initially have an adverse reaction to milk, intriguingly enough develop their resistance in due course and grow up to enjoy the benefits of milk and other dairy products. Then again, there is still the remote chance that they may exhibit the same allergy reaction to milk later in their adult life; there is no clear-cut explanation why or how this occurs later in life.
Symptoms
Common symptoms of allergic and sensitivity reaction to cow’s milk are signs that affect the skin, the body’s respiratory system, including the gastro-intestinal system. The most common symptomatic reactions are skin-related and digestive-system related physiological reactions although in very rare cases there are also people who exhibit aggravated respiratory symptoms, which is highly dangerous.
The Answer?
Unfortunately, the only solution to milk allergy is to entirely avoid cow’s milk and products that contain derivatives of cow’s milk as ingredients and supplements. Nevertheless, there are substitute milk products that are now widely available in the market that is not from cow that allows you to enjoy the nutritional benefits of cow’s milk. There are food products that are produced using soymilk and lactose-free milk instead of the traditional cow’s milk. These products can still make you enjoy your milk and cookies; however, the saddest part is foregoing the cream on your strawberries but it’s a lot better than not having the benefit of a milk substitute at all!
Although milk is good for your health, there are people who develop adverse pathological reactions when they take milk or any food product that contains milk. These people have to do without the world’s number one food drink. Most common of the reactions is skin irritation (which is considerably benign), which completely goes against the dietary benefits of drinking milk. However, not all is lost because there are means you can employ to avoid developing or strategies you can use to go around milk allergy that can allow you to still enjoy the benefits of highly nutritious milk. First, you have to know some basic information on milk allergy in order to properly manage and cope with the situation and in the process, enjoy its benefits regardless of the allergic condition you may have.
What is it?
A milk allergy is the pathological bodily response to any food product that contains milk or dairy products. The reaction however is not to milk as a whole but to one of the major protein component present in cow’s milk – the most commonly used milk product in the market. Cow’s milk contains two protein compounds – whey and casein; casein accounts for 80 percent of the protein content in cow’s milk which makes food products that contain cow’s milk an almost overwhelming obstacle for individuals with this particular type of allergy and sensitive reactions.
However, medical studies reveal that infants who initially have an adverse reaction to milk, intriguingly enough develop their resistance in due course and grow up to enjoy the benefits of milk and other dairy products. Then again, there is still the remote chance that they may exhibit the same allergy reaction to milk later in their adult life; there is no clear-cut explanation why or how this occurs later in life.
Symptoms
Common symptoms of allergic and sensitivity reaction to cow’s milk are signs that affect the skin, the body’s respiratory system, including the gastro-intestinal system. The most common symptomatic reactions are skin-related and digestive-system related physiological reactions although in very rare cases there are also people who exhibit aggravated respiratory symptoms, which is highly dangerous.
The Answer?
Unfortunately, the only solution to milk allergy is to entirely avoid cow’s milk and products that contain derivatives of cow’s milk as ingredients and supplements. Nevertheless, there are substitute milk products that are now widely available in the market that is not from cow that allows you to enjoy the nutritional benefits of cow’s milk. There are food products that are produced using soymilk and lactose-free milk instead of the traditional cow’s milk. These products can still make you enjoy your milk and cookies; however, the saddest part is foregoing the cream on your strawberries but it’s a lot better than not having the benefit of a milk substitute at all!
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