The Flu
The Flu Dr. Claire Arcidiacono, ND Flu season, the dreaded time of the year when it seems like everyone has the flu. Flu season or the time of the year when the flus is at its peak usually occurs from October – May in …
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COPD
Dr. Claire Arcidiacono, ND
COPD stands for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. In COPD there is damage to the airways and our lungs. This damage can block the airways and make it hard to breath. COPD often entails production of mucus, which triggers a cough. COPD is considered to be a chronic, progressive disease that worsens over time. In the US COPD refers to emphysema and chronic bronchitis. Most people who have been diagnosed with COPD have a combination of emphysema and chronic bronchitis. (1)
Just a quick rehash on chronic bronchitis. This is a condition that involves inflammation of the bronchial tubes and is characterized by a chronic cough and mucus production. For more details please see my blog on bronchitis. Emphysema, the other part of the equation of COPD is a condition where the alveoli (part of the lungs) are destroyed due to expose to irritating gasses, cigarette and particulate matter. (2)
People who have CODP develop a chronic, smoker – like cough that is chronic and does not subside even after months or even years. COPD also involves excessive mucus formation that may be transparent, white, pale green or yellow in color. One of the symptoms that most people with COPD find to be the most problematic is shortness of breath. The shortness of breath usually worsens with physical exertion. Another common symptom is a feeling of tightness in the chest, usually when you are inhaling. There may also be wheezing, which can impact speech as well as breathing. As the COPD becomes more advanced it can begin to affect oxygen levels and thus can lead to cyanosis or blue lips and nails. This can also lead to mental confusion. As the heart tries to get oxygen rich blood around the body it will try to compensate for the lower oxygen levels by pumping faster to get more blood to circulate. Thus you will feel a rapid heart rate. In later stages there may be weight loss. (3) Lastly there may be a lack of energy and even swelling of the ankles, feet or legs. (2)
In the US one of the leading causes of COPD is smoking. In the developing world one of the most common causes is actually air pollution. Another causes of COPD is a rare genetic condition called Alpha -1 antitrypsin deficiency. (1) Risk factors for developing COPD include exposure to things such as tobacco, fumes from burning fuel, and exposure to dust and chemicals. Having asthma is also a risk factor. Lastly having the genetic disorder Alpha -1 antitrypsin deficiency is also a risk factor. (2)
COPD can have severe complications. Having COPD increases your risk of respiratory tract infections such as colds. COPD also increases your risk of heart disease such as heart attack and even high blood pressure. COPD also increases the risk of lung cancer. Lastly COPD can increase the risk of developing depression. (2)
Just like with bronchitis we want to concentrate on our overall lung and immune system health. How can we do that? Well there a number of things that I will review.
Our next product highlight will be L Lysine!
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APRIL HEALTH AWARENESS~ AN INTODUCTION TO OUR TOPIC OF THE MONTH By: Allie Might, FMC, INHC, ATT April is an interesting month when it comes to health and wellness. It’s Public Health Awareness Month, but as always, awareness months are always sharing and overlapping. …
Renalaid for Going Beyond Bladder Health Dr. Claire Arcidiacono, ND Today’s product highlight probably seems out of place in a conversation mostly about respiratory health. However the health of our respiratory tract is inherently linked to another system. That is our immune system. Keeping …
Bronchitis
Dr. Claire Arcidiacono, ND
Bronchitis is one of those things that you may have heard of but what exactly is it? You’ve probably heard some people say they have acute bronchitis while other people have chronic bronchitis. Is there a difference? What cause’s bronchitis? Is it contagious? These ae just a few of the questions that people call and ask about bronchitis.
What is bronchitis? Basically bronchitis is inflammation of the tubes or airways that go into your lungs. As a result of the inflammation in the airways these passages become irritated and swell. They also became filled with mucus which triggers us to cough. (1) Please see the attached picture to compare normal a lung health vs a lung with bronchitis. (2)
While both acute bronchitis and chronic bronchitis are both inflammation in the lungs they are different. Acute bronchitis is associated with a viral infection. It normally goes away in a few weeks even without treatment. Chronic bronchitis is a cough with mucus most days of the month for 3 months of the year. This goes on for at least 2 years. (1) Chronic bronchitis is associated with irritants such as smoke, air pollution and chemical fumes. (3)
What can cause us to develop bronchitis? Well as I’ve said to develop acute bronchitis it is usually triggered by a virus. Common viral triggers include the flu, RSV, adenovirus, and Rhinovirus (common cold). In addition to viral infections certain bacteria can trigger bronchitis. These bacteria typically include Bordetella pertussis, Mycoplasma pneumonia and Chlamydia pneumonia. As I’ve stated chronic bronchitis is associated with pollution and smoking. (1)
Let’s do a quick review of the symptoms most often seen with bronchitis. The most defining characteristic is a cough. You may have a dry cough or a productive cough where you cough up mucus. There may be sinus and/or chest congestion. You may have shortness of breath and wheezing. The cough may trigger chest discomfort. There may be body aches and even chills. Many people experience fatigue. Less commonly experienced is bad breath, coughing up blood, and trouble sleeping. You may notice that you have a lack of physical endurance. (2) Other symptoms can include fever and a runny nose. (1) Now I just wanted to point out that those with acute bronchitis vs chronic are slightly more prone to certain symptoms. I’ve included a comparison chart to help highlight the differences. (2)
Acute Bronchitis | Chronic Bronchitis |
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What are the risk factors for bronchitis? Anyone can get bronchitis but there are some risk factors that can increase your risk of developing it. Smoking and being around air pollution is one. Having asthma, COPD or other lung disorders, and GERD all increase risk of developing bronchitis. Having an autoimmune disorder also increases your risk. (1)
What are the most common complications associated with bronchitis? You can become vulnerable to other respiratory infections including pneumonia. Chronic bronchitis can strain our heart putting us at risk for heart disease or even worsening the symptoms of the disease. You may also experience bronchorrhea (excess discharge of watery mucus from the lungs). (2)
Now to the interesting question – is bronchitis contagious? NO! However the virus or bacteria that triggered the bronchitis is contagious. So while Bob may cough on you and give you his cold you can’t get his bronchitis. (1)
What can you do to help to strengthen your lungs and help reduce the signs of bronchitis? Well there are a few things that can help!
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