Everything One Wants To Know About Lung Cancer

Lung cancer is the top cause of cancer deaths in both men and women. But this wasn't always the case. Before the widespread use of mechanical cigarette rollers, lung cancer was rare. Today, smoking causes nearly 9 out of 10 lung cancer deaths, while radon gas, pollution, and other chemicals play a smaller role. Newly developed drugs can offer hope for people diagnosed today.

Smoking Causes Lung Cancer

Cigarettes are not only packed with cancer-causing chemicals, but they also disarm the lungs' natural defense system. The airways are lined with tiny hairs known as cilia. These hairs protect the lungs by sweeping out toxins, bacteria, and viruses. Tobacco smoke stops the cilia from doing their job. This allows the cancer-causing chemicals to collect in the lungs.

Symptoms

Lung cancer begins quietly. There are usually no symptoms or warning signs in the early stages. As it gets worse, symptoms may include:

• A cough that won't go away
• Chest pain, especially during deep breaths
• Wheezing or shortness of breath
• Coughing up bloody phlegm
• Fatigue

 Screening

Can lung cancer be found early? A type of scan called spiral CT may pick up up early lung cancers in some people, but it's not clear whether it finds them early enough to save lives.
The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force recommends annual screening for lung cancer with low-dose CT in adults between 55 and 80 years who have a 30 "pack-year" smoking history and currently smoke or have quit within the past 15 years. Doctors figure out the pack year by multiplying the number of packs of cigarettes smoked every day by the number of years the person has smoked. Screening can stop once a person has not smoked for 15 years.

Diagnosing

In most cases, doctors don't suspect lung cancer until it causes symptoms like a chronic cough or wheezing. At that point, your doctor will most likely order a chest X-ray or other imaging tests. You may also be asked to cough up phlegm for a sputum test. If either of these tests suggest cancer, you'll probably get a biopsy.

Lung Biopsy

If a suspected tumor is visible on an X-ray, or cancer cells show up in a sputum test, a biopsy is used to confirm the diagnosis. A small sample of the suspicious mass is removed, usually with a needle, and doctors look at it under a microscope. By studying the sample, a doctor can learn whether the tumor is lung cancer, and if so, what kind.

Types of Lung Cancer-

There are two main types of lung cancer. Small-cell lung cancer is more aggressive, meaning it can spread quickly to other parts of the body early in the disease. It is strongly tied to cigarette use and rarely seen in nonsmokers. Non-small-cell lung cancer grows more slowly and is more common. It's responsible for almost 85% of all lung cancer.

 

Lung Cancer Stages

Staging describes how far a patient's cancer has spread. There are different systems for the two main types of lung cancer. Small-cell lung cancer is divided into two stages: "Limited" means the cancer is confined to one lung and maybe nearby lymph nodes. "Extensive" means the cancer has spread to the other lung or beyond. Non-small-cell lung cancer is assigned a stage of 1 through 4, depending on how far it has spread.

Survival Rates

The National Cancer Institute's latest statistics for lung cancer are for the years 2004 to 2010. Those statistics show the chances of living for 5 years after a lung cancer diagnosis varies from 4% to 54%, depending on the stage of disease. The 5-year survival rate continues to rise over time, research shows.   

Treating Early-Stage Lung Cancer

When non-small-cell lung cancer is found before it spreads beyond one lung, surgery can sometimes help. The surgeon may remove the part of the lung that has the tumor, or if necessary, the entire lung. Some patients get radiation or chemotherapy after surgery to kill any remaining cancer cells. Surgery is usually not helpful to patients with small-cell lung cancer because it probably has already spread at the time of diagnosis.

Treating Advanced Lung Cancer

When lung cancer spreads too far to be cured, treatments can still help patients live longer and have a better quality of life. Radiation and chemotherapy can shrink tumors and help control symptoms, such as bone pain or blocked airways. Chemotherapy is usually the main treatment for small-cell lung cancer.

Targeted Therapies

Targeted therapies are a newer form of cancer treatment that can be used together with chemotherapy or when other therapies don't work. One type prevents the growth of new blood vessels that feed cancer cells. It may help people with advanced lung cancer live longer. Other targeted therapies interrupt the signals that cause lung cancer cells to multiply, as shown in the image here.

Life After Diagnosis

Being diagnosed with lung cancer can be a shock, and if it's linked to smoking, you may feel guilty as well. But don't waste time blaming yourself. Instead, experts suggest looking forward. It's never too late to make healthy changes to your lifestyle. There's evidence that patients who quit smoking after learning they have lung cancer do better than those who keep smoking.

Lung Cancer and Secondhand Smoke

While smoking is the top cause of lung cancer, it is not the only risk factor. Breathing in secondhand smoke at home or at work also appears to raise your risk. People who are married to smokers are 20% to 30% more likely to develop lung cancer than the spouses of nonsmokers.

Lung Cancer and Work Exposures

Some jobs can raise the risk of lung cancer in both smokers and nonsmokers. People who work with uranium, arsenic, and other chemicals should try to limit their exposure. Asbestos, which was once widely used in insulation, is a notorious cause of lung cancer. It is rarely used now, but workers who were exposed years ago are still at risk.

Lung Cancer and Radon Gas

Radon is a natural radioactive gas that occurs at higher than normal levels in certain parts of the U.S. The gas can build up inside homes and raise the risk of lung cancer, especially in people who smoke. It is the second leading cause of lung cancer in the U.S. About 12% of lung cancer deaths are linked to radon exposure. The gas can't be seen or smelled, but can be detected with simple test kits.

Lung Cancer and Air Pollution

While it causes far fewer cases than smoking, air pollution may raise the risk of lung cancer. Experts think that pollution from cars, factories, and power plants may affect the lungs like secondhand smoke does. Worldwide, air pollution may have caused about 223,000 lung cancer deaths.

Other Risk Factors for Lung Cancer

They may include:

• A family history of lung cancer
• Drinking water that's high in arsenic

Lung cancer does happen to people with no well-known risk factors -- including those who've never smoked. Researchers don't know the cause yet, but lung cancer in nonsmokers appears to affect more women than men. And one type, adenocarcinoma, is more common in nonsmokers than smokers.

Prevention

Lung cancer may be one of the deadliest forms of cancer, but it's also one of the most preventable. In two words: Don't smoke. And if you do, get the help you need to quit. Within 10 years of quitting, the risk of lung cancer will drop 30% to 50%.

THIS IS ONLY FOR INFORMATION, ALWAYS CONSULT YOU PHYSICIAN BEFORE HAVING ANY PARTICULAR FOOD/ MEDICATION/EXERCISE/OTHER REMEDIES.








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7 home remedies for enlarged adenoids and tonsils in children

Children with a respiratory infection often find it difficult to breathe through the nose and are likely to breathe through the mouth. Especially when asleep, this results in a noisy breathing that sounds like snoring, but isn’t. This condition is a result of enlargement of the adenoids – a patch of tissue located high in the throat, at the back of the nasal passage. Sometimes, there may also be a swelling of the tonsils – the two circular lump-like structures in the back portion of the throat.

Both the tonsils and the adenoids work to trap germs entering the body through the nose and mouth. Therefore, when there is an infection, these tissues swell temporarily and cause pain in the throat. While antibiotics may be required to deal with the infection, some natural remedies are useful in reducing the pain and discomfort due to the enlarged adenoids and tonsils.

Salt water gargle
When your child begins complaining of pain in the throat, the first remedy to try is a saltwater gargle prepared by mixing in one tablespoon of salt into a glass of warm water. The high concentration of salt helps to draw out the liquid from the inflamed tissues and this reduces their swelling. As a result of this dehydrated condition, it becomes more difficult for the bacteria to multiply and thrive. Through both these actions, a saltwater gargle can provide relief from the pain of enlarged adenoids and tonsils. However, you must ensure the child is old enough to manage the act of gargling without drinking the saltwater or it may result in vomiting. (Read: How does warm salt water gargling help with cough and cold?)

Honey and lemon
Honey has antibacterial as well as anti-inflammatory properties; as a result it can help to reduce swelling of the tonsils and adenoids. Take a teaspoon of honey and mix in 2 – 3 drops of lemon juice and make your child consume this about thrice every day for relief from throat pain. (Read: 9 reasons how honey and lemon can do wonders for your health)

Garlic
The sulfur-containing compounds in garlic have a strong antibacterial and anti-inflammatory action. This makes it one of the best natural remedies to deal with infection in the throat. For best results, raw peeled garlic must be crushed, mixed with some honey and lemon juice and consumed. If this unpalatable to the child, you could crush the peeled garlic clove and lightly sauté it in the minimum quantity of ghee. (Read: 15 health benefits of garlic)

Warm beverages
When the adenoids and tonsils are swollen, it can be quite painful to swallow anything solid and this is the reason why most kids refuse to eat. Giving them a warm beverage to sip helps to provide them nutrition but it also has a soothing effect on the enlarged tissues in the throat. A mild tea with a little honey, a clear soup, broth, or a few drops of lemon juice and honey in warm water are some of the most soothing natural remedies to deal with enlarged adenoids and tonsils.

Turmeric
Turmeric contains curcumin which has anti-oxidant, antibacterial and anti-inflammatory action. For best results, turmeric powder must be added into a glass of warm milk and drunk just before the child sleeps at night. The turmeric relieves the inflammation and milk has a mild sedative action; in combination, they work to help the child feel comfortable enough to sleep well. (Read: Try turmeric for quick relief from a sore throat)

Fenugreek
Fenugreek or methiseeds have an anti-inflammatory effect and have traditionally been used in the form of a poultice on the skin to treat localized swellings. For swollen tonsils and adenoids, fenugreek may be made into a gargle by simmering 2 tablespoons of the seeds in about 3 – 4 cups of water. The child can be made to gargle with the liquid after it has cooled down sufficiently. (Read: How to use methi or fenugreek for 20 health problems)

Basil
Basil or tulsi leaves have anti-bacterial, anti-viral and anti-inflammatory actions. This helps to reduce the swelling of the adenoids and tonsils. Basil is also known to hasten the healing process and this makes it a good natural remedy for throat infections. Take about 10 basil leaves in 1 ½ cups of water, boil for 10 minutes, strain and mix in the juice squeezed from one small lemon along with a teaspoon of honey. Make your child drink this mixture about thrice a day for three days to notice a significant reduction in the throat pain. (Read: 9 reasons tulsi or basil leaves are good for your health (Gallery))

Along with all these natural remedies, there are other ways to soothe the pain of enlarged adenoids and tonsils in children. Get your child to give up fried, crunchy and spicy foods such as nuts and chips during such times. Give him or her foods such as baked fruits, boiled and mashed vegetables or cooked oatmeal that are easy to swallow and do not irritate the already inflamed throat.

THIS IS ONLY FOR INFORMATION, ALWAYS CONSULT YOU PHYSICIAN BEFORE HAVING ANY PARTICULAR FOOD/ MEDICATION/EXERCISE/OTHER REMEDIES.








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10 Ways Oranges Keep You Healthy

Oranges are delicious, juicy and packed full of vitamins (A/B/C) & nutrients (Magnesium, Phosphorous, Potassium, Calcium & more) as well as antioxidants & anti-inflammatory nutrients. You’ll be amazed to know that drinking a glass of its juice is more effective than taking a vitamin C supplement!

Here are 10 reasons why this miracle citrus fruit is so good for you: 1. Boost your immune system Like most citrus fruits, the Orange is packed full of vitamin C, which is much needed to keep your immune system running efficiently and boost the production of white blood cells, plus vitamin A, copper and folate – all essential for the immune system. 2. Lower your cholesterol Research shows that the flavanones in orange juice lower bad cholesterol (LDL) and improve the good-to-bad cholesterol ratio. Oranges also contain Pectin, it’s a soluble fiber that locks up bad cholesterol and expels it from the body.   3. Fight aging Rich in antioxidants, oranges earned their reputation of anti-aging fruit, as well as the fact that they contain beta-carotene which helps in repairing skin-damage.   4. Keep your eyes healthy Beta-carotene also is turned into vitamin A by the body and vitamin A is known to be vital to the function of our eyes. Along with it, the Orange contains carotenoids that help prevent chronic eye diseases.   5. Rejuvenate your skin The antioxidant properties of vitamin C helps fight sun-damage as well as environmental pollutants that can damage the skin. It also is a key ingredient in the production of collagen, which helps keep the skin tight and elastic. The citric acid in the peels lightens and brightens the skin and also opens up clogged pores, so making a face mask from them is also a good idea.   6. Cancer Prevention We mentioned antioxidants already, but did you know they also help fight free radicals which are a leading cause of cancer? Not only that, but you parents out there would like to learn that research shows that regularly giving orange-juice to children in the first 2 years of their life will reduce the possibility of the developing Leukemia.   7. Helps you lose weight Need a helping hand in losing weight? Eat more oranges. Rich in fiber – oranges keep you feeling full for longer, and thanks to the vitamin C the body can burn fat faster! except those having asthma/ COPD avoid citrus fruits, as it aggravates your condition. 8. Healthier heart Being rich in antioxidants, folate and potassium, oranges are great for heart health. The antioxidants, particularly vitamin C, present in oranges protect the arteries from free radicals and prevent the oxidation of cholesterol. Also, oranges have phytochemicals that prevent platelets from sticking together and strengthen blood vessels that carry oxygen and nutrients to the body’s cells. Folate, or vitamin B9, processes the amino acid homocysteine in the body.   High levels of homocysteine may cause a heart attack, irrespective of a person’s cholesterol levels. Potassium is another crucial nutrient for heart health as it plays a key role in heart functions and muscle contractions. Plus, research has found that the flavanone hesperidin present in the fruit and its juice contributes to vascular protective effects.   9. Helps prevent Arthritis According to a study published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, drinking one glass of freshly squeezed orange juice daily can assist in reducing the risk of developing rheumatoid arthritis. Vitamin C, Phytonutrients Zeaxanthin and Beta-Cryptoxanthin protect against oxidative damage that can result in inflammation.   10. Prevents you from getting Kidney stones Finally, vitamin C also helps increase the amount of citrate in your urine, which in turn reduces your likeliness of getting Calcium Oxalate kidney stones by reducing the crystallization of Uric Acid & Calcium Oxalate.    Don’t overdo it though, oranges are rich in sugar and acids, and can lead to tooth-decay and might upset your stomach if consumed in large quantities.     THIS IS ONLY FOR INFORMATION, ALWAYS CONSULT YOU PHYSICIAN BEFORE HAVING ANY PARTICULAR FOOD/ MEDICATION/EXERCISE/OTHER REMEDIES. PS- THOSE INTERESTED IN RECIPES ARE FREE TO VIEW MY BLOG- HTTP:GSEASYRECIPES.BLOGSPOT.COM/  FOR INFO ABOUT KNEE REPLACEMENT, YOU CAN VIEW MY BLOG- HTTP://KNEE REPLACEMENT-STICK CLUB.BLOGSPOT.COM/ FOR CROCHET DESIGNS HTTP://MY CROCHET CREATIONS.BLOGSPOT.COM

Now a saliva test to detect dengue in 20 minutes

Here's one potent weapon in your fight against Dengue. A team of researchers in Singapore has developed a paper-based disposable device that will allow dengue-specific antibodies to be easily detected from saliva within 20 minutes.

The rapid diagnostic kit can detect a key dengue antibody from saliva that is present in early-stage secondary infection, said researchers from the Institute of Bioengineering and Nanotechnology (IBN).

"The ability to differentiate between primary and secondary dengue infections makes it a valuable early diagnosis tool that would help to ensure timely treatment and proper care of patients," explained professor Jackie Y. Ying, executive director of IBN.

Currently, dengue infection is diagnosed in the laboratory by testing the patient's blood sample for the presence of dengue antigens or antibodies.

The new device is capable of detecting IgG, a dengue-specific antibody found at the onset of secondary infections, directly from saliva in one step. To make the device, the IBN researchers used an innovative stacking flow design to overcome key challenges faced by existing lateral flow designs such as those used in pregnancy test kits.

Patients with secondary infection, who have previously been infected with other serotypes of dengue virus, stand a higher risk of developing dengue hemorrhagic fever or dengue shock syndrome.

The diagnostic kit can also be adapted to detect other infectious diseases such as HIV and syphilis, the researchers noted. They are also investigating the use of other common fluid samples, such as blood, urine and serum for rapid, high-sensitivity test kits.

The results are detailed in the journal Lab on a Chip.

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Chronic Pain Causes and Solutions

What Causes Pain?

Pain results from a signal sent from your nerves to your brain. It can serve as an alarm, a warning -- that you're stepping on a nail or touching a hot stove. But sometimes the signals keep firing, and the pain continues. That’s when it becomes chronic.

 Signs You Need Pain Relief
Anybody with frequent or daily pain -- even mild -- should see a doctor. That's especially true if the pain is interfering with your life -- limiting activities or the ability to work. Keep in mind that chronic pain can creep up on you. What starts as occasional and bothersome can, over the years, become serious and debilitating.

Pain Relief Measures- 1)Walking
Walk more: It's one of the best prescriptions we have to help chronic pain. Daily pain tends to make people less active, and that often makes pain worse. Exercise also releases endorphins -- the body's natural painkillers. Aim to walk -- or exercise in other ways -- five times a week for 30 minutes a day. Work up to it slowly, adding a few minutes a week.

2)Pain and Sleep

Not only can pain ruin your sleep, but not getting enough sleep can make chronic pain hurt more the next day. It's a vicious cycle. If pain is making it hard to sleep, talk to your doctor. Getting into good bedtime habits -- including keeping a regular bedtime and wake time schedule -- can help too.

3)Distract Yourself

We sometimes think of distraction as a bad thing that stops you from getting stuff done. But it can actually be a treatment if you have chronic pain. Studies show that when you're distracted -- by a conversation, or a crossword puzzle, or a book -- the areas in your brain that process pain are less active. Getting your mind off your pain really does help -- even on a neurological level.

4)Diet Changes

Could food be affecting your pain? It's possible. People with migraines often find that specific foods -- like red wine and cheeses -- trigger attacks. Fatty meats or milk may worsen the pain of inflammatory arthritis. Keep a food diary for a few weeks to see whether any foods seem to increase your pain. Then cut them out and see if your symptoms get better.

5)Track Your Hurts

Pain is elusive -- it can be hard to describe. Make it more concrete by keeping a pain journal. Note how much you hurt each day using a pain scale. A popular one asks you to rate your pain from 1 to 10, from least severe to worst. Others use smiling and frowning faces and add details about what you did that day. After a few weeks, you'll have a valuable record to share with your doctor.

6)Breathe Deeply

Take a minute to breathe deeply and slowly. Put your hand on your belly and feel it rise and fall. After a few minutes of deep breathing, you may feel some pain and tension melt away. What's great about deep breathing as a pain treatment is you can do it anywhere -- when you're stuck in a traffic jam or at your desk.

7)Strength Training

Strengthening muscles -- with weights or resistance exercises -- may reduce pain as effectively as many drugs for back pain and arthritis. Building strength also improves your balance and flexibility. Aim to strengthen muscles twice a week.

8) Biofeedback

Biofeedback teaches you how to control certain body processes that normally happen without thinking -- like heart rate and blood pressure. By using sensors connected to a computer, you learn how to relax your muscles, ease tension, and reduce pain.

9) Supplements

Ask your doctor about supplements for daily pain. Studies show that some seem to help. Fish oil, glucosamine, chondroiton sulfate and SAMe may help with the stiff, painful joints of arthritis. 

10) Yoga

The gentle stretching and mind-body techniques of yoga can help with daily pain -- from sore backs to fibromyalgia to arthritis. Studies show that regular yoga can ease pain, increase function, improve mood, and reduce the need for pain medication.

11) Avoid Prolonged Bed Rest

In the old days, people treated pain with rest. Now, doctors say that while a little rest is OK after a new injury -- like an ankle sprain -- it won't help with chronic pain. Lying on the couch for too long will weaken muscles and may make pain worse, not better. Instead, try to keep active.

12) Physical, Occupational Therapy

Physical and occupational therapy both can help with chronic pain. In physical therapy, you'll learn exercises and get treatments that help increase mobility and build strength. Occupational therapy helps you work around pain -- teaching you new ways to do things, from buttoning buttons to cooking dinner.

13) Talk Therapy

Some people with pain feel reluctant to get help from a counselor or therapist -- they think it's an admission that the pain is not real, that it's "all in their heads." That's not true at all. Therapists can help you grapple with the impact of pain on your life -- and work through practical solutions to the problems you face each day.

Don't Overuse OTC Painkillers

When it comes to pain treatment, don't do it yourself. Over-the-counter painkillers -- such as acetaminophen, aspirin, and ibuprofen -- are good for occasional pain, but they may be risky if you take them in high doses or for a long time. Always follow the instructions on the medicine bottle and don't use OTC painkillers for more than 10 days in a row unless a doctor is supervising.

Seeing a Pain Expert

If you're in chronic pain, see a specialist. A pain specialist focuses on one thing: getting rid of your pain. Many work at specialty pain centers. There, you may get all sorts of treatment -- from medication to massage -- under one roof. Ask your doctor for a referral -- or call local medical centers to see if they have a pain management clinic.

How to Talk About Pain

Don't just tell your doctor it hurts. Have specifics so your doctor can really understand how pain is affecting you.

• Describe exactly what the pain feels like. Aching? Burning?
• Describe how pain affects your life. Does it slow you down? Make it hard to work?
• What makes the pain better or worse? Specific times of day or activities? Medications?

Medications

Painkillers aren't the only medications that may help -- some drugs for depression and epilepsy work well to help treat chronic pain. Antidepressants alter levels of chemicals in the brain that affect pain levels and your mood. Drugs for epilepsy seem to block pain signals going to the brain.

Surgery

For hard-to-treat pain, surgery is sometimes an option. Possibilities range from operations to correct the underlying cause -- such as a slipped disc for back pain -- to implanted pain control devices. Although surgery can bring relief, it has risks and works only in specific circumstances. Talk about the possibilities with your doctor.

Substance Use

Don't rely on alcohol or illicit drugs to control pain. Self-medicating may ease pain in the moment, but over time substance abuse can make chronic pain worse. Alcohol and illicit substances can have dangerous interactions with your other medications. If you're leaning on alcohol or substances to get through the day, get help.

THIS IS ONLY FOR INFORMATION, ALWAYS CONSULT YOU PHYSICIAN BEFORE HAVING ANY PARTICULAR FOOD/ MEDICATION/EXERCISE/OTHER REMEDIES.








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