Tag: wellness

Understanding Lung Diseases

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Today I am looking at the so-called common lung diseases are conditions that affect the airways, lung tissue or blood vessels in the lungs. They can make breathing difficult and reduce the body’s ability to take in oxygen. Some illnesses develop suddenly, while others last for years and require ongoing care.

Common Types

·       Asthma: Inflammation and narrowing of the airways can cause wheezing, coughing, chest tightness and breathlessness.

·       Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD): A long-term condition involving airflow limitation, often associated with emphysema and chronic bronchitis. Smoking is a major risk factor, although other exposures and genetic factors can also contribute.

·       Pneumonia: Inflammation of the lungs, often caused by a bacterial or viral infection. It can cause coughing, fever and difficulty breathing.

·       Pulmonary fibrosis: Scarring of lung tissue that makes the lungs less flexible and can cause increasing breathlessness.

·       Bronchiectasis: Damage and widening of the airways, often associated with an ongoing mucus-producing cough and repeated chest infections.

·       Lung cancer: Uncontrolled growth of abnormal cells in the lungs. Smoking increases the risk, but people who have never smoked can also develop it.

Common symptoms include a persistent cough, shortness of breath, wheezing, tiredness and repeated chest infections. These symptoms can have several causes, so they do not confirm a particular disease. A cough lasting more than three weeks, unexplained weight loss or increasing breathlessness should be assessed by a doctor. Coughing up blood also needs prompt medical attention. Severe difficulty breathing, blue or grey lips, confusion or difficulty speaking because of breathlessness requires emergency help.

When you see a doctor the doctors assess symptoms, medical history and exposure to smoke, dust or chemicals. Depending on the suspected condition, tests may include breathing tests such as spirometry, chest imaging and blood tests. Treatment varies with the disease and its severity, and may include prescribed medicines, pulmonary rehabilitation or specialist care. Avoiding smoking and second-hand smoke, reducing exposure to harmful dust and fumes, and discussing recommended vaccinations with a healthcare professional can help protect lung health. Early assessment and appropriate treatment can improve symptoms and quality of life, even when a condition cannot be cured.

Blood Supply to the Lungs:

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Two Circulations, One Vital Organ

Today I am looking at the bloody supply to our lungs

The lungs have a unique dual blood supply. One circulation makes gas exchange possible, while the other nourishes the lung tissue itself. Together, they keep oxygen moving into the bloodstream and carbon dioxide moving out.

Deoxygenated blood leaves the right ventricle through the pulmonary trunk, which divides into the right and left pulmonary arteries. These arteries follow the branching airways and form capillary networks around the alveoli. Across the thin alveolar–capillary membrane, carbon dioxide diffuses from the blood into the air spaces, while oxygen diffuses into the blood. Oxygenated blood then returns to the left atrium through the pulmonary veins.

The bronchial arteries arise from the systemic circulation, usually from the thoracic aorta or nearby branches. They deliver oxygenated blood to the bronchi, connective tissue, visceral pleura and supporting structures of the lungs. Some bronchial venous blood drains through the bronchial veins, while some enters the pulmonary veins, creating a small normal contribution to the physiological shunt.

The pulmonary circulation is a low-pressure, high-flow system designed for efficient gas exchange. The bronchial circulation operates at systemic pressure and supports the metabolic needs of the lung tissue. Connections between the two systems can provide some backup blood flow, but they can also become clinically important in conditions involving inflammation, obstruction or bleeding.

Let’s look at what happens if there is a blockage a blockage in a pulmonary artery, most often caused by a blood clot that has travelled from a deep vein in the leg or pelvis, is called a pulmonary embolism. It reduces or stops blood flow to part of the lung, so that area may still receive air but cannot exchange gases effectively with the blood. This can lower oxygen levels, increase pressure on the right side of the heart and, if the blockage is large or there are multiple clots, cause haemodynamic collapse or death. Possible symptoms include sudden shortness of breath, chest pain that may worsen with breathing, a rapid heart rate, coughing up blood, dizziness or fainting. A suspected pulmonary embolism requires urgent medical assessment.

Emphysema causes and treatment

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Today I am looking at Emphysema which is a long-term lung condition and a form of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). It damages the tiny air sacs in the lungs, reducing the surface area available for oxygen exchange and making it difficult to breathe out fully. The damage cannot be reversed, but treatment can relieve symptoms, slow further decline and improve quality of life.

What causes it are things like

Smoking: Cigarette smoking is the leading cause. Cigars, pipes and repeated exposure to second-hand smoke can also contribute.

Airborne irritants: Long-term exposure to dust, chemical fumes, smoke or air pollution—especially in some workplaces—may damage the lungs.

Alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency: This uncommon inherited condition can cause emphysema, sometimes at a younger age or in people who have never smoked.

Age and susceptibility: Risk rises with age and may be influenced by genetics, childhood lung development, recurrent respiratory illness and other individual factors.

Most people with emphysema are diagnosed after age 40, commonly in their 50s, 60s or later, because lung damage usually develops slowly and symptoms may be present for years before diagnosis. People with inherited alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency can develop emphysema earlier, sometimes in their 30s or 40s, especially if they smoke or are exposed to lung irritants. Age alone does not confirm emphysema; diagnosis usually involves breathing tests such as spirometry and sometimes chest imaging.

Symptoms often develop gradually and may include shortness of breath, reduced exercise tolerance, persistent cough, wheezing, chest tightness, tiredness and unintended weight loss in advanced disease. A clinician may use a medical history, examination, breathing tests such as spirometry, oxygen measurements and chest imaging. Blood testing may be recommended when alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency is suspected.

How does someone treat this condition well here is what I found.

Stop smoking: Quitting is the most important step for people who smoke. A GP or pharmacist can discuss counselling, nicotine replacement therapy and prescription medicines.

Inhaled medicines: Bronchodilators relax the airway muscles; some people may also benefit from inhaled corticosteroids, particularly when exacerbations are frequent or asthma features are present.

Pulmonary rehabilitation: Supervised exercise, breathing techniques, education and nutritional support can improve stamina and confidence.

Vaccination and infection management: Recommended influenza, COVID-19 and pneumococcal vaccination may reduce complications. Respiratory infections should be assessed promptly.

Oxygen therapy: Long-term oxygen may help selected people with persistently low blood oxygen levels, but it must be prescribed after proper testing.

Specialist procedures: For severe disease, selected patients may be considered for lung-volume-reduction surgery, bronchoscopy valve procedures or lung transplantation.

Alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency care: Management includes avoiding smoke, specialist monitoring and, in some settings, disease-specific augmentation therapy.

Airway Problems

~ joannerambling ~ 6 Comments

Today I am looking at the problems we can experience with our airways, ya know those passages that carry air into and out of the lungs.

Problems can arise when said passages become narrowed, blocked, irritated, or inflamed. These passages include the nose, throat, voice box, windpipe, bronchi, and smaller breathing tubes in the lungs. When airflow is reduced, a person may find it harder to breathe, speak, sleep, exercise, or clear mucus from the chest.

The common causes are infections, allergies, asthma, chronic lung disease, smoke exposure, choking, swelling, injury, or structural narrowing of the airway. Some problems are short-term, such as a cold or allergic reaction, while others can be long-term and need ongoing medical care.

The signs and symptoms to look for include

·       Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing

·       Noisy breathing, such as wheezing, whistling, or stridor

·       Persistent coughing or chest congestion

·       Tightness in the chest

·       Difficulty speaking, swallowing, or sleeping because of breathing symptoms

·       Blue, grey, or pale lips, gums, or fingernails in severe cases

As a severe airway problem can be life-threatening, we need to call for help sooner than often we may if someone is choking, cannot breathe or speak, has swelling of the face or throat, becomes confused or very drowsy, or develops blue, grey, or pale colouring around the lips or fingernails. It is time to stop scrolling and time to ring your emergency number here in Australia that is 000.

Treatment depends on the cause. It may include inhalers, allergy medicines, antibiotics for certain infections, oxygen support, removal of a blockage, or procedures to open a narrowed airway. Prevention can include avoiding smoke and known allergens, following an asthma or lung disease action plan, staying up to date with recommended vaccinations, and seeking medical advice when breathing symptoms are new, worsening, or unusual.

Next week we will look at specific conditions that block our airways.

Our Lungs

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This week we are looking at our lungs.

The human lungs are a pair of soft, spongy organs located inside the chest, protected by the rib cage. They are an essential part of the respiratory system, which allows the body to take in oxygen and remove carbon dioxide. Every breath brings fresh air into the lungs, where oxygen moves into the bloodstream and is carried to cells throughout the body.

The rib cage plays an important role in protecting the lungs. The ribs form a strong, curved frame around the chest that helps shield the lungs and heart from injury. The rib cage also helps with breathing because the ribs move up and out when a person breathes in, allowing the lungs to expand, and move down and in when a person breathes out.

Air enters through the nose or mouth, travels down the trachea, and then passes into two main bronchi, one leading to each lung. These bronchi branch into smaller tubes called bronchioles, which end in tiny air sacs called alveoli. The alveoli are surrounded by small blood vessels, making them the main site where oxygen and carbon dioxide are exchanged.

A person’s lung capacity or the amount of air the lungs can hold varies from person to person depending on age, body size, fitness level, and overall health. People who exercise regularly often use their lungs more efficiently, while smoking, illness, or pollution can reduce how well the lungs work. Measuring lung capacity can help doctors understand how healthy a person’s breathing system is.

The right lung has three lobes, while the left lung has two lobes to make room for the heart.

The diaphragm, a large muscle below the lungs, helps pull air in and push air out during breathing.

Healthy lungs help supply oxygen for energy, remove waste gases, and support the body’s overall function.

The History of Glue

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Glue may seem like an ordinary household item, but its history stretches back thousands of years. Long before modern bottles of white glue, super glue, or tape, people discovered that sticky natural substances could help them build tools, repair objects, make art, and construct furniture. The story of glue is really the story of human ingenuity: finding ways to make things hold together.

Some of the earliest adhesives were made from materials found in nature, such as tree resin, plant gums, tar, and animal products. It is believed that prehistoric people used sticky substances like birch tar to attach stone points to wooden handles, helping them make stronger spears, axes, and other tools. It is known that Egyptians used animal-based glues in woodworking, furniture making, papyrus production, and decorative objects, while Greeks and Romans used adhesives in mosaics, construction, and everyday repairs.

For many centuries, the most common glues were made by boiling animal hides, bones, or connective tissue to extract collagen. These “hide glues” were widely used by cabinetmakers, instrument makers, bookbinders, and artists. Although they were not waterproof and had to be heated before use, they were strong, reliable, and could be softened again with heat and moisture, making repairs possible.

It was during the nineteenth and twentieth centuries, glue changed dramatically.  It  was in the 1800s that natural rubber adhesives appeared, and with the growth of chemistry came new products such as casein glue, nitrocellulose glue, epoxy, polyurethane, and synthetic rubber adhesives.

Of course, wars and industrial manufacturing speed  things up as stronger, faster, and more specialised adhesives were needed for vehicles, aircraft, packaging, and construction.

Today, adhesives are everywhere: in schools, homes, hospitals, electronics, cars, packaging, and even spacecraft. Modern glues can be waterproof, heat-resistant, flexible, instant-drying, or specially designed for medical use.

So from way back when to now and beyond there will many different types of ways to stick on thing to another.

The Role of the Mouth and Nose When Breathing

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This week we are looking at the role of the mouth and news when breathing.

The nose and mouth are the two main entry points for air when we breathe. Although both can bring air into the respiratory system, they have different roles. The nose is usually the preferred pathway because it filters, warms and moistens the air before it travels down the throat, through the windpipe and into the lungs. Tiny hairs and mucus inside the nose help trap dust, germs and other particles, making the air safer and more comfortable for the lungs.

The mouth acts as a second pathway for breathing. It is especially useful when the nose is blocked, such as during a cold or allergies, or when the body needs more air during exercise. However, air that enters through the mouth is not filtered, warmed or moistened as well as air that enters through the nose. This means frequent mouth breathing can sometimes lead to a dry mouth, throat irritation or poorer sleep.

Overall, the nose and mouth work together to help the body take in oxygen and remove carbon dioxide. The nose protects and prepares the air for the lungs, while the mouth provides an extra route for airflow when needed.

When we have a cold, the inside of the nose can become swollen and filled with extra mucus. This makes it harder for air to pass through the nose, so breathing can feel blocked or stuffy.

Because the nose is blocked, we often start breathing more through the mouth. Mouth breathing lets air still get into the lungs, but it does not filter, warm, or moisten the air as well as the nose does. That is why a cold can sometimes make your mouth or throat feel dry.

A cold can also make us sneeze, cough, or have a runny nose because the body is trying to clear away germs and mucus.

Diabetic Retinopathy

~ joannerambling ~ 2 Comments

Let’s start with what the hell is wrong with me I wrote this and forgot to hit   publish on Tuesday and the Wednesday and now here we are at Thursday, talk about getting distracted and having a scatter brain. 

This week we are looking the eye condition called Diabetic retinopathy. This is a condition that some who has diabetes may develop it causes damage to the tiny blood vessels in the retina and can lead to vision loss or blindness if untreated.

It’s a complication of both type 1 and type 2 diabetes where high blood glucose gradually harms the retinal blood vessels. These vessels can:

Swell and leaks

Close off, stopping blood flow

Grow abnormal new vessels that bleed easily

Over time, this damages the retina and affects vision.

There are two stages the first is non‑proliferative diabetic retinopathy (NPDR). In this stage the following may happen

The blood vessels weaken and leak

The retina swells

The macula may swell known as macular oedema, this causes blurred vision.

The next stage is proliferative diabetic retinopathy (PDR) in this advanced stage, the following happens new fragile blood vessels grow, these can bleed into the vitreous (causing floaters or major vision loss) and scar tissue can form and pull the retina away as in retinal detachment.

Early on, there may be no symptoms at all.

However, as it progresses, people may notice:

Blurry or fluctuating vision

Floaters (dark spots or cobweb-like shapes)

Dark or empty patches in vision

Poor night vision

Sudden vision loss

How is this diagnosed?

To start with a dilated eye exam is essential during this the eye specialists may use the following.

Optical coherence tomography (OCT) to measure retinal swelling

Fluorescein angiography to detect leaking or blocked vessels (the dye test shown in the widget above)

Treatment depends on the stage, usually starting with

Control of diabetes, blood pressure, and cholesterol which is the foundation of preventing vision loss

Anti‑VEGF injections (e.g., Eylea, Lucentis) to reduce swelling and stop abnormal vessel growth

Laser therapy to seal leaking vessels or shrink abnormal ones

Vitrectomy surgery for severe bleeding or retinal detachment

Your risk increases when these things apply

Long duration of diabetes

Poor blood sugar control

High blood pressure

High cholesterol

Smoking

Beechband

~ joannerambling ~ 2 Comments

Today I am writing about the Beechband, what is it you may wonder well it is a device to help control the symptoms of Parkinson’s Disease.

The Beechband works by delivering steady, rhythmic vibration pulses on your wrist to help calm and regulate movement, speech, and anxiety symptoms—especially for people with Parkinson’s.

It’s essentially a wearable version of a therapeutic tapping technique that its creator originally used manually.

It produces rhythmic pulsing vibrations (around 85 beats per minute in many cases). These pulses mimic a metronome‑like tapping that can help the brain stabilise movement patterns and reduce anxiety.

For some people, the effect is immediate, while for others it builds gradually over several weeks.

It can help with the following symptoms anxiety and stress, dyskinesia, rigidity, freezing of gait and other walking problems, speech difficulties, sleep issues and tremor of course.

However not everyone experiences the same benefits—some feel a big change, others only subtle effects, and some none at all.

You wear it on your wrist (or try switching wrists or even the ankle if results vary). Turn, it on and ignore it—most people stop noticing the vibration after 15–30 minutes.

It is recommended to use it daily for at least 6 weeks to judge whether it helps. Friends or family often notice improvements before the wearer does.

The vibration can be loud for some people; the battery life is often short around 3–4 hours.

Some users report major improvements in gait and freezing; others report no change.

The Beechband is a non‑medical wearable that uses steady vibration cues to help regulate movement and reduce anxiety. It doesn’t treat Parkinson’s itself, but for some people it provides meaningful day‑to‑day relief.

I have this device and it works great for me it calms my body, stops the internal tremor and helps clear my mind allowing me to focus and connect.

Glaucoma

~ joannerambling ~ 4 Comments

Today I am writing about glaucoma, I always thought it to be a single disease concerning the eye; however, my research says it is a group of eye diseases that damage the optic nerve, usually because of increased pressure inside the eye.

It’s one of the leading causes of irreversible blindness worldwide but with early detection and treatment, most people keep their vision.

The optic nerve is like a high‑speed cable carrying visual information from your eye to your brain. When pressure inside the eye rises (or when the nerve is unusually fragile), those nerve fibres slowly die. Once they’re gone, they cannot be repaired.

Your eyes are filled with fluid that constantly flows in and out of your eyes, bringing nutrients to your eyes.

If the fluid doesn’t leave your eye as easily as it enters, pressure can build up inside the eye.

The increase in eye pressure can damage your optic nerve. Your optic nerve links the back of your eye to your brain and allows you to see. Damage to your optic nerve results in damage to your vision.

Glaucoma can sometimes occur even when the fluid pressure in your eye is normal.

Most glaucoma develops silently over years, which is why it’s often called the “silent thief of sight.”

There are 2 main types of glaucoma.

Open-angle — where fluid pressure builds up in the front part of your eye, even when the fluid drainage pathways are open.

Closed-angle (or angle-closure) — where the eye’s fluid drainage pathways are narrowed or closed, so fluid pressure builds up quickly. This may cause pain in the eye and sudden loss of vision.

It can also be categorised as either, primary glaucoma, with an unknown cause or secondary glaucoma, caused by an eye condition, such as surgery, trauma, drugs or eye disease

Primary open-angle glaucoma is the most common form of glaucoma in Australia.

Usually, the deterioration in vision is very gradual and not noticeable. From the age of 40 regular eye examinations.

Once found, glaucoma can be treated to prevent or delay further vision loss.

You are at higher risk of developing glaucoma if you:

have a close relative with glaucoma

have high eye pressure

are aged over 50 years

are either short or long sighted

use (or have used) cortisone (steroid) medicines for long periods

have diabetes or either high or low blood pressure

get migraine headaches

have had an eye operation or eye injury

If you have chronic angle-closure glaucoma you sometimes get vision problems. This may be halo-like images around lights or you may have no symptoms.

If you have acute angle-closure glaucoma you may get:

sudden, severe eye pain

nausea and vomiting

headache

watery eyes

blurred vision

halos around bright lights

Since acute angle-closure glaucoma is an emergency, you should seek treatment straight away so you don’t lose vision. You need urgent treatment if:

one or both of your eyes quickly becomes painful and red

your vision gets blurred

you notice halos (rings) around lights

Treatment for chronic angle-closure glaucoma is designed to prevent or slow further damage, mainly by reducing the pressure in the eye. This may involve, eye drops, oral medicine or laser surgery or other surgery to open or create a new drainage channel. The surgery is usually an outpatient or day-surgery procedure.

Nerve cells damaged by glaucoma can’t be repaired.