health sectionhealth sectionGardeners who notice signs of distress in their trees may wonder about the right course of action. Typically, the best plan involves learning as much as you can about the nature and severity of the difficulty. Knowing the exact cause of the distress usually indicates the steps you need to take to solve the problem.
Nebulizers are most often used by children and elderly people who can't hold their breath long enough for an inhaler to be effective. A nebulizer turns liquid medication into a mist form for easy inhalation. The medicine, typically an asthma medication, is poured into the chamber of the mouthpiece and a tube is connected from the mouthpiece to the nebulizer machine. Nebulizers are available in a variety of sizes and styles to fit your needs. There are options for mouthpieces as well to maximize comfort and effectiveness of the treatment.
Chlorine is a gaseous chemical element that is heavier than air. It is green to yellow at room temperature, and it has a pungent, irritating odor. If chlorine escapes from its container, a harmful concentration of the gas in the air will quickly result, according to the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health. Inhalation of this poisonous gas, as well as all routes of exposure, has harmful effects on health, both short-term and long-term.
Inhalants are chemical vapors that are breathed in, or "huffed", resulting in mind-altering effects similar to alcohol intoxication. Inhalants include a number of common household products, such as dust remover. These products are inexpensive and readily available, but they can cause harmful effects after just one use Long-term use may cause damage to the central nervous system and vital organs, and may result in addiction or death.
In order for a medication or medical device to be as beneficial as possible, the user must use it properly. In the case of respiratory disorders like asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), it can be especially important to use medicine administering devices like inhalers properly in order to receive maximum relief for shortness of breath.
Inhaling duster, also known as huffing, is a dangerous method of using the compressed air found in computer dusting cans to achieve a short-term high. Children are the most likely to abuse inhalants because of their accessibility, according to the National Institute on Drug Abuse. The warnings associated with inhalant abuse are intended to prevent the harmful side effects of abusing gas duster.
Under no circumstances should one drink and drive. However, when used responsibly, portable breathalyzers can be an invaluable tool to tell someone's blood alcohol content (BAC). Portable breathalyzers come in two varieties, according to the Personal Health Monitor Blog. The first kind is the fuel cell variety, and the second is powered by a semiconductor. The fuel cell breathalyzers are more expensive, but they are more accurate and often the type used by law enforcement. Semiconductor breathalyzers make up the bulk of the home market. They are not as accurate, but they are more affordable.
The pleural cavity, in humans, refers to the body cavity that surrounds the lungs. This cavity is composed of a bi-layered membrane termed pleura. Bilateral pleural thickening refers to thickening of this membrane in both lungs, normally resulting from inflammation. A variety of potential causes trigger inflammation of the pleura.
Air dusters are part of a group of household chemicals that are inhaled for a hallucinogenic, mind-altering high. The high is short, which often leads to repeated inhaling of these toxic chemicals. Huffing, as it is often called, is more common among children. The National Institute on Drug Abuse conducted a survey in 1999 that showed more than 19 percent of eighth-grade students had used inhalants at least once. The ease of obtaining inhalants like air dusters, and the serious effects of huffing, are why parents need to discuss with their children the dangers of inhaling air dusters.
Free radicals are unstable cells with an odd number of electrons. They steal electrons from cells' membranes, which eventually causes cells damage. When you have enough cell damage, it causes aging and eventually death. You can slow the aging process by changing your diet to fight free radicals with antioxidants and provide nutrients necessary to keep free of age-related diseases, while maintaining stamina, a youthful appearance and beautiful skin.
Bonfires may seem harmless and controlled, but the smoke emanating from them is extremely dangerous. Regardless of the source, smoke can contain a variety of chemicals and compounds that are life-threatening in high enough doses. Before starting a bonfire or any kind of controlled fire, it is important to know the possible complications that can arise from inhaling smoke and its by-products.
Buttered popcorn is a popular snack, especially at the movies where it comes warm and freshly popped in cartons. Without the addition of butter, popcorn is a low-fat, low-calorie snack that's also surprisingly filling. Adding butter makes it tastier and easier to eat by moistening the corn, so it's less likely to catch in your throat or cause a dry cough. Unfortunately, adding butter also makes it a lot more fattening.
A nebulizer is a machine used to administer medication that helps loosen mucus in the lungs. Breathing becomes easier because the medication relaxes the airway muscles. Receiving medication through a nebulizer allows the medication to go straight to the lungs so the medication can work faster. Asthma sufferers commonly use a nebulizer. You can learn to administer nebulizer medications at home.
Freon gas is a colorless chlorofluorocarbon previously used in cooling systems. It was most commonly found in air conditioning units and refrigerators. It was banned by the EPA in 1994 due to environmental concerns. Deliberate freon gas inhalation is the most common form of freon gas inhalation exposure today. Deliberate inhalation causes severe effects. Accidental exposure also causes unpleasant reactions, but they tend to be less severe.
Helium is a colorless, odorless, non-flammable gas typically used to fill balloons. Inhaling a small amount of helium makes your voice high-pitched and squeaky; this may seem entertaining, but inhaling helium is actually extremely dangerous. Inhaling helium displaces the oxygen in your lungs, which may cause serious injury or death.
Smoking cigarettes fills your body with toxins and can damage almost all your organs. The smoke and nicotine fills your body with toxins that, over time, can prove fatal. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), side effects of smoking cigarettes account for an estimated 443,000 deaths each year in the United States. Once you decide to quit smoking, there are steps you can take to detox your system and get the cigarette smoke and nicotine out of your body.
Cadmium is an atomic element used in industry as a noncorrosive coating. It is applied to other more corrosive metals by platting, giving the surface high conductivity, low oxidation and a low coefficient of friction. Cadmium also gives plated objects a smooth surface for applying adhesives. However, cadmium is a toxic metal and can cause several health concerns if handled improperly.
Carboplatin is an intravenous chemotherapy drug, used in treating several types of cancer. Like many medicines of this type, proper dosage and administration of Carboplatin are required for it to be effective.
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) consists of three main lung diseases that affect airways and make it difficult to breathe: chronic bronchitis, emphysema and chronic asthmatic bronchitis. These conditions damage airways over time and interfere with your ability to breathe properly. Symptoms of COPD can vary depending upon which chronic condition is more prominent; therefore, you can suffer from varying combinations of symptoms. Only a doctor can diagnose COPD, but understanding which symptoms to look for will help you determine if you have COPD and should seek medical attention.
COPD stands for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. The term is used to describe two conditions: chronic bronchitis and emphysema. These diseases are the fourth leading cause of death in the United States and are strongly associated with smoking. Asthma is sometimes considered a form of COPD, although it is not usually caused by smoking.
Authorities generally measure a person's blood alcohol level with a device known as a breathalyzer. After a suspect breathes into the machine, the amount of alcohol in the breath is calculated and then extrapolated to indirectly measure the BAC (blood alcohol concentration). If the BAC is high enough, then a person may be charged with a crime, especially if they were operating a vehicle at the time of offense. However, there are some substances that can alter a breathalyzer's results. Asthmatic medications such as albuterol are referred to as interferents because of their ability to distort a breathalyzer's validity.
The early stages of bronchitis can easily be treated with herbal remedies. Prepare the perfect decoction with the helpful tips provided by an expert herbalist in this free video on how to treat bronchitis without antibiotics.
A premature infant is an infant that is born earlier than 37 weeks gestation. Premature infants are born before their bodies have completely developed; thus, there are often significant physiological differences between these infants and full-term ones. Premature infants may exhibit low birth weight, lanugo, respiratory distress, poor muscle tone, immature genitals, and thin, translucent skin.
A complete or partial blockage in either the large or small intestine is defined as an intestinal obstruction. If the blockage is severe, then surgery might be necessary to alleviate the problem. Intestinal obstruction can be caused by a number of reasons including adhesions from scar tissue following an injury, hernias where part of the intestines pushes through the abdominal wall, cancerous tumors, kinks or knots formed in the bowels, etc. Diagnosis of intestinal obstruction is necessary to avoid further pain, and if it is caught early it can be treated without surgery.
Respiratory therapists provide management, treatment, evaluation and monitoring of patients with respiratory and cardiovascular disorders. Respiratory therapists can administer oxygen, give drugs for lungs, measure lung function and manage mechanical ventilation.
Sandblasting is a process in which abrasive materials are forcefully sprayed using compressed air to remove rust, paint and dirt from concrete or metal surfaces. It may also be used for sand carving and glass etching. Safety measures for sandblasting are important, particularly when using silica sand, a commonly used abrasive, since crystalline silica dust poses health hazards.
COPD, or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, is a type of lung disease that can affect your ability to breath. Two conditions are often associated with COPD: emphysema and chronic bronchitis. While smoking is a common cause of this lung disease, other factors such as exposure to secondhand smoke and gases can also increase the risk of developing COPD. There is no cure for this condition, but you can treat the symptoms and improve breathing.
In chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) inflammation limits airflow to the lungs. According to the Mayo Clinic, COPD is a group of diseases consisting of emphysema, chronic bronchitis and asthmatic bronchitis and is usually caused by smoking. COPD develops over a period of years, with symptoms including productive (mucus-filled) cough and persistent shortness of breath. These symptoms may eventually lead to difficulty performing everyday activities. Acute exacerbation of the disease occurs from time to time, requiring specialized treatment.
The function of dopamine as a brain hormone in well known, however, its essential role in lungs and kidneys have been overlooked Some decades-old studies demonstrated that dopamine inhibits lung cancer growth and lung disease, and boosts the immune system.
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, or COPD, is the medical term for chronic obstructive damage to the lungs and airways. It involves emphysema, chronic bronchitis, and other long-term respiratory disorders. Smoking is one of the chief causes of COPD, and smoking cessation is the first line of treatment, along with drugs that help to keep the airways open. Because the surface area of the lungs has been damaged, a patient with COPD finds it difficult to take in oxygen from the air that she inhales, and she might require oxygen therapy.
The National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute reports that approximately 12 million people suffer from COPD--Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease--and in 2007, this disease was the cause of over 127,000 deaths in the United States. As of 2010, the COPD Foundation is conducting research aimed at enhancing the quality of life for those suffering from COPD.
Scarring of the lungs, also called pulmonary fibrosis, interstitial lung disease, fibrosing alveolitis, interstitial pneumonitis and Hamman-Rich syndrome, is a chronic disease that involves swelling and scarring of the air sacs and tissue between cells (interstitial tissue) of the lungs. This scarring can make your lungs stiff and leads to difficulty breathing. There are several causes of lung scarring and the severity can range from mild to potentially fatal.
We eat popcorn in movie theaters, at home in front of our TVs and even at work. It's hard to believe such a popular snack could hold hidden dangers. As with any other food, we need to be aware of how eating popcorn can affect us.
Nebulizer treatments in the office can be a significant cost of time and money for primary care physicians. They require expensive equipment, trained staff and time-consuming counseling and follow-up care. Each visit requires the appropriate ICD-9, or International Statistical Classification of Diseases and Related Health Problems, codes. This is the most widely used coding system in the world. ICD-9 codes are created by the World Health Organization to better classify the clinical picture of every patient visit. Coding correctly for nebulizer treatments will identify those patients who require more time in the office and a higher level of care.
Cans of compressed air used to clean computers are safe and effective when used properly. However, if misused they can be dangerous and potentially lethal. A can of compressed air contains a propellant that maintains the pressure needed to force the substance through the can's nozzle. Popular with teenagers because it is cheap and easy to buy, inhaling computer cleaner is also called "huffing" or "dusting" and results in serious consequences.
One of the biggest health benefits of quitting smoking is the increased lung capability that former smokers regain after constantly polluting their lungs with tar and other damaging chemicals. While the lungs naturally clear themselves, there are certain strategies a former smoke can employ to expedite the process, including consuming certain foods and trying different holistic techniques. However, in the end, the best way to ensure that your lungs clear after smoking is to continue to live a smoke-free lifestyle.
Metered-dose inhalers (MDIs) are used in the treatment of asthma, allergies and other chronic and acute respiratory conditions. MDIs deliver drug product to the respiratory tract in aerosol form, via a propellant. In 2005, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) required inhaler manufacturers to cease use of chlorofluorocarbon (CFC) propellants, due to potentially harmful effects on the environment. The CFC propellants in inhalers have since been replaced by hydrofluoroalkane (HFA). If you have used a CFC inhaler in the past, you may feel HFA inhalers do not provide the same level of benefit. However, the overall form and function…
The Triflow Incentive Breathing Spirometer is a disposable plastic device used to expand the lungs. It’s designed to promote slow Sustained Maximal Inspiration (SMI), which is important for general well-being and to help those with certain diseases or who have just undergone surgery. Used on its own or as part of case-specific exercises, a Triflow device benefits those who use it. There are cautions to be aware of, since incorrect use can damage the respiratory system.
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Diseases, or COPD, include emphysema and chronic bronchitis, disorders that cause difficulty breathing. The lungs cannot get sufficient oxygen into the blood. A doctor may prescribe oxygen therapy for COPD patients. The at-home supplements can be provided through oxygen tanks, liquid oxygen and oxygen concentrators, all of which allow the patient to inhale oxygen through a nasal tube called a cannula. Oxygen is a gas that supports combustion; therefore, the patient must take precautions against fire and other risks.
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is the recurring affliction of both emphysema and chronic bronchitis. It is a disease that causes the air sacs in the lungs to stretch and lose shape. As of 2006, the American Lung Association reports that COPD is the fourth leading cause of death in the U.S. Although there is no cure for COPD, you and your doctor have options for treatments used to manage the symptoms.
No matter what you are placing in the freezer, maintaining a stable and proper temperature is essential in making sure the contents remain stable. Printing out a temperature log to place on the freezer door allows any individuals who observe the temperature reading to record it on the sheet. As each person records the temperature, any fluctuations will be noted and adjusted. Many logs suggest checking readings at least twice each day to accurately determine freezer temperatures.
Nebulizers aerosolize specific topical medications that affect the lungs and airways. Inline nebulizer treatments deliver these medications to patients dependent on ventilators to breathe for them. In the past, extra air used to drive the nebulizer affected the amount of air delivered to the patient, but modern ventilators used in hospitals have built-in computers that compensate for this, thus not affecting the delivered volume of air.
Laser printers use what is known as “toner cartridges” to help deliver printed copy to the page. Anyone who has ever changed a toner cartridge knows the cartridges do not contain liquid ink, but rather have a fine, black “dust” or particulates that can get on everything.
Certain people have a high risk for developing lung disease because of protein abnormalities that make them deficient in lung-protective cell development. According to the National Institutes of Health, defective proteins can cause lung diseases including chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), cystic fibrosis and lung fibrosis.
Syndromes, or disorders, that are an outgrowth of genetic lung disease are considered inherited conditions. There are a range of genetic lung diseases, but the most common are cystic fibrosis, primary ciliary dyskinesia, Niemann-Pick disease and alpha-1 antitrypsin—or AAT—deficiency. Since the 1990s, treatment has focused on gene therapies, specifically with respect to cystic fibrosis and AAT deficiency. According to NIH Public Access, researchers are hopeful.
To treat bronchitis in babies, they need to be evaluated to determine whether they have bronchitis or bronchiolitis. Learn more about treatments for bronchitis with help from a pediatrician in this free video on diagnosing and treating baby problems.
While some kind of traumatic event usually causes the collapse of a lung or pneumothorax), something as simple and seemingly harmless as coughing hard can cause the same condition. Traumatic or spontaneous causes can, in rare instances, lead to a tension pneumothorax. Usually associated with chest pain (often localized to one side or the other) and sudden shortness of breath, a collapsed lung will not heal without medical intervention and in some cases—especially when it affects both lungs—can be deadly.
Lung disease can be contracted through a fungus found in the droppings of chickens and other bird species. Many farmers and workers have a higher exposure risk when working closely near chicken coops. The fungus is spread through the air and is contracted through inhalation. Histoplasmosis is a temporary, treatable lung infection that generally affects the lungs, and the fungus that causes this infection thrives in soil that is covered by chicken droppings.
The pancreas releases the substances trypsin and chymotrypsin during normal digestion, according to the website Medline Plus. A test can reveal shortages of these substances when performed on collected stool samples.
Lung scarring can be a highly dangerous condition and is usually caused by inhaling dangerous chemicals or by infections. Lung scarring is generally defined by which area of the lung is injured, with the perihilar area, which is the major entry way for the major veins and arteries of the lungs, being the most common.
