A patient with mesothelioma typically demonstrates symptoms between 20 and 50 years after initial exposure to asbestos. The cancer can take decades to develop and symptoms do not arise until after the cancer is present. Many patients are unaware of the severity of their condition because mesothelioma symptoms often resemble those of less serious illnesses.
If you have a history of asbestos exposure, the primary cause of mesothelioma, it is best to seek immediate medical advice. Informing your doctor of previous asbestos exposure may alert them to the possibility of an asbestos-related disease. An early diagnosis can significantly impact a patient's mesothelioma life expectancy.
Early Symptoms of MesotheliomaMesothelioma symptoms rarely arise at an early stage, which is why the disease is commonly diagnosed at a late stage of development. In the interest of early detection, those who were exposed to asbestos but have not yet exhibited symptoms should undergo regular chest X-rays or pulmonary function tests to monitor any signs of asbestos inhalation.
When a doctor informs a patient of a mesothelioma diagnosis, patients and their loved ones may become very confused since the cancer is relatively unknown. Asbestos.com provides a complimentary packet with comprehensive information about mesothelioma symptoms and next-step guidance following a diagnosis.
Pleural Mesothelioma SymptomsPleural mesothelioma is the most common form of the cancer, comprising approximately two-thirds of all mesothelioma cases. Known symptoms of pleural mesothelioma include:
Persistent dry or raspy cough (typically non-productive, meaning there is little or no phlegm)
Coughing up blood (hemoptysis)
Difficulty in swallowing (dysphagia)
Night sweats or fever
Unexplained weight loss of 10 percent or more
Fatigue
Persistent pain in the chest or rib area, or painful breathing
Shortness of breath (dyspnea) that occurs even when at rest
The appearance of lumps under the skin on the chest
Symptoms of pleural mesothelioma occur as a result of thickening of the pleural membrane. This is caused by the rapid production of cancerous cells, which can lead to the buildup of fluid between membrane layers. Tissue thickening and fluid buildup place added pressure on the lungs, leading to reduced respiratory function.
Peritoneal Mesothelioma SymptomsPeritoneal mesothelioma accounts for approximately 25 to 30 percent of mesothelioma diagnoses. Symptoms of this type may include:
Night sweats or fever
Unexplained weight loss
Swelling or pain in the abdomen
Anemia
Fatigue
Diarrhea or constipation (in general, any change in bowel habits or regularity)
Nausea or vomiting
The appearance of lumps under the skin on the abdomen
Symptoms are caused by the thickening of the peritoneal membrane and the resulting buildup of fluid between membrane layers. These changes in membrane composition place pressure on the abdominal region and organs, causing a patient to demonstrate symptoms of the cancer.
Pericardial Mesothelioma SymptomsPericardial mesothelioma accounts for less than 5 percent of all mesothelioma cases. Symptoms are caused by thickening of the pericardial membrane and fluid buildup. Symptoms of this form of mesothelioma are known to include:
Heart palpitations or irregular heartbeat
Chest pain
Difficulty breathing, even when resting (dyspnea)
Fever or night sweats
Generalized fatigue
Pericardial mesothelioma is so rare that the recognized body of symptoms is not as well-developed as with more common types of mesothelioma. It is a particularly difficult type of mesothelioma to diagnose and this correlates to a poor prognosis among pericardial mesothelioma patients.
Testicular Mesothelioma SymptomsTesticular mesothelioma is an extremely rare form of cancer, as less than 100 cases of testicular mesothelioma have been recorded in the last 60 years. With so few cases recorded, very little is known about the symptoms of this disease. The only known symptom of testicular mesothelioma is the appearance of testicular lumps and the lumps may or may not be painful
Monday, February 21, 2011
Thursday, February 10, 2011
Alcohol Abused and Rehabs
Unfortunately in this day and age we still have thousands of people suffering from addiction to alcohol and drugs that are in need of treatment for this serious disease. People of all ages are suffering and many of them know they need help but are afraid to seek treatment for several reasons.
It has to be extremely hard for a person to admit to others they need help let alone admit it to themselves.
They don't realize that those who love and care about them already know they're in trouble and that they need help. Even though their dependency to drugs or alcohol is destroying their lives they fear the unknown so they stick with the familiar which is 'continue the abuse'.
After doing some extensive research, I realized there are numerous people out there that would seek help but they fear the withdrawal and detoxification process. This is totally understandable but the process is necessary when working toward abstinence and sobriety. Anyone who has used drugs of any nature for any length of time or heavily abused a substance for any length of time will experience withdrawal symptoms when they stop using. It is never safe to detox on your own and by yourself. No matter what your age is or what substance has been abused it's important not to do this without experienced supervision. Just remember that withdrawals may last for a few weeks but sobriety and recovery can last a lifetime.
There are several treatment approaches that are effective when treating dependency to alcohol and drugs. Medications can be used during detoxification which helps decrease the symptoms of withdrawal and sometimes continued during treatment. Detox and treatment varies for each person, and there are many issues that need to be taken into consideration during the detoxification process.
One of the most important things to remember is honesty, no matter how embarrassing or humiliating it may be the professionals that are assisting you with detox need to know just how extensive your drug use and drug history has been.
You're not going to tell them anything they haven't heard before so there isn't anything to be ashamed of,As stated above there are several different medications that can be administered during detoxification depending on the substance or substances that have been abused. If there were more than one drug abused (this is called polydrug) treatment is necessary for each substance.
Remember that medically assisted detox is just the first step in the treatment process. It's crucial that you continue on with the rest of the treatment. When the treatment process isn't completed from beginning to end you will be right back where you started.
If anything it's honorable being straightforward with the truth. This will make a huge difference with your detox process on your part and theirs.
Medications many times are necessary to help restore the normal function of the brain, this will reduce the cravings for the substance that was abused and help prevent relapse down the road.
Buprenorphine first came on the market in the United States in 1985 as a schedule V narcotic analgesic (anesthetic). Not so long ago you could only find Buprenorphine in a low dose injectable formula under the brand name Buprenex. In 2002 the FDA approved 2 buprenorphine products Suboxone and Subutex for treating narcotic addiction. Both of these products are high dose tablets that dissolve under the tongue (sublingual).
This study has found that babies that are born to opioid addicted women do better when their mothers are treated with buprenorphine or methadone compared to mothers that had no treatment at all. In this trial study buprenorphine appears to be a remarkably better choice compared to methadone when it comes to reducing withdrawal symptoms in newborns.
Right now methadone is the recommended treatment for opioid dependent pregnant women. When methadone is administered correctly it is considered to be relatively safe for the fetus but it is associated with (NAS) neonatal abstinence syndrome. This is an array of symptoms that stem from opioid withdrawal in newborns. This usually requires medical treatment and longer hospital stays.
The FDA has approved a drug called Vivitrol which is used to treat and prevent relapse in patients who are opioid dependent after they are done with their detoxification treatment. This is an extended release formula of naltrexone which is given as an intramuscular injection one time a month. Vivitrol blocks the effects of certain drugs like morphine, heroin, and other opioids. In 2006, Vivitrol was approved to treat alcohol dependence. It's important that the patient doesn't have opioids in their system when they start using Vivitrol so the detoxification process must be completed first.
Ibogaine is a natural psychoactive substance that is found in several different plants. Some countries have banned this substance that has hallucinogen effects but in other countries Ibogaine is used to treat dependencies to opiates, methamphetamine's and other drugs. Many people have said after the first use cravings were reduced. There is some controversy concerning Ibogaine therapy for drug dependency.
Unfortunately even though there are several medications marketed to medically assist withdrawal symptoms and help with the treatment process, there are people abusing them. Many people are upset with the system saying that some of these treatments are just trading one addiction for another. These treatments are designed to help the individual while detoxing and prevent relapse as long as the individual continues with therapy and works hard toward recovery.
These medications aren't miracle drugs; determination and commitment are part of the treatment process also. For those that are dedicated and want to be alcohol and substance free these medications will be successful during your treatment process. Just remember to be honest with yourself and those that care about you, work hard and stay committed, because there is life after addiction!
Many times Naltrexone (brand name ReVia) is used in combination with counseling to help people who have stopped using alcohol and street drugs continue to be abstinent. This medication is not to be used if the individual is still drinking or using street drugs. Naltrexone is an opiate antagonist, and helps the individual by decreasing their craving for alcohol while blocking the effects of opioid street drugs. It's critical that Naltrexone be taken as prescribed meaning no more or no less and it's only effective if combined with treatment. Counseling sessions, support group meetings, education programs or other treatments that are recommended by your physician must be combined with Naltrexone in order for it to be a successful treatment.
source of articles : HERE
It has to be extremely hard for a person to admit to others they need help let alone admit it to themselves.
They don't realize that those who love and care about them already know they're in trouble and that they need help. Even though their dependency to drugs or alcohol is destroying their lives they fear the unknown so they stick with the familiar which is 'continue the abuse'.
After doing some extensive research, I realized there are numerous people out there that would seek help but they fear the withdrawal and detoxification process. This is totally understandable but the process is necessary when working toward abstinence and sobriety. Anyone who has used drugs of any nature for any length of time or heavily abused a substance for any length of time will experience withdrawal symptoms when they stop using. It is never safe to detox on your own and by yourself. No matter what your age is or what substance has been abused it's important not to do this without experienced supervision. Just remember that withdrawals may last for a few weeks but sobriety and recovery can last a lifetime.
There are several treatment approaches that are effective when treating dependency to alcohol and drugs. Medications can be used during detoxification which helps decrease the symptoms of withdrawal and sometimes continued during treatment. Detox and treatment varies for each person, and there are many issues that need to be taken into consideration during the detoxification process.
One of the most important things to remember is honesty, no matter how embarrassing or humiliating it may be the professionals that are assisting you with detox need to know just how extensive your drug use and drug history has been.
You're not going to tell them anything they haven't heard before so there isn't anything to be ashamed of,As stated above there are several different medications that can be administered during detoxification depending on the substance or substances that have been abused. If there were more than one drug abused (this is called polydrug) treatment is necessary for each substance.
Remember that medically assisted detox is just the first step in the treatment process. It's crucial that you continue on with the rest of the treatment. When the treatment process isn't completed from beginning to end you will be right back where you started.
If anything it's honorable being straightforward with the truth. This will make a huge difference with your detox process on your part and theirs.
Medications many times are necessary to help restore the normal function of the brain, this will reduce the cravings for the substance that was abused and help prevent relapse down the road.
Buprenorphine first came on the market in the United States in 1985 as a schedule V narcotic analgesic (anesthetic). Not so long ago you could only find Buprenorphine in a low dose injectable formula under the brand name Buprenex. In 2002 the FDA approved 2 buprenorphine products Suboxone and Subutex for treating narcotic addiction. Both of these products are high dose tablets that dissolve under the tongue (sublingual).
This study has found that babies that are born to opioid addicted women do better when their mothers are treated with buprenorphine or methadone compared to mothers that had no treatment at all. In this trial study buprenorphine appears to be a remarkably better choice compared to methadone when it comes to reducing withdrawal symptoms in newborns.
Right now methadone is the recommended treatment for opioid dependent pregnant women. When methadone is administered correctly it is considered to be relatively safe for the fetus but it is associated with (NAS) neonatal abstinence syndrome. This is an array of symptoms that stem from opioid withdrawal in newborns. This usually requires medical treatment and longer hospital stays.
The FDA has approved a drug called Vivitrol which is used to treat and prevent relapse in patients who are opioid dependent after they are done with their detoxification treatment. This is an extended release formula of naltrexone which is given as an intramuscular injection one time a month. Vivitrol blocks the effects of certain drugs like morphine, heroin, and other opioids. In 2006, Vivitrol was approved to treat alcohol dependence. It's important that the patient doesn't have opioids in their system when they start using Vivitrol so the detoxification process must be completed first.
Ibogaine is a natural psychoactive substance that is found in several different plants. Some countries have banned this substance that has hallucinogen effects but in other countries Ibogaine is used to treat dependencies to opiates, methamphetamine's and other drugs. Many people have said after the first use cravings were reduced. There is some controversy concerning Ibogaine therapy for drug dependency.
Unfortunately even though there are several medications marketed to medically assist withdrawal symptoms and help with the treatment process, there are people abusing them. Many people are upset with the system saying that some of these treatments are just trading one addiction for another. These treatments are designed to help the individual while detoxing and prevent relapse as long as the individual continues with therapy and works hard toward recovery.
These medications aren't miracle drugs; determination and commitment are part of the treatment process also. For those that are dedicated and want to be alcohol and substance free these medications will be successful during your treatment process. Just remember to be honest with yourself and those that care about you, work hard and stay committed, because there is life after addiction!
Many times Naltrexone (brand name ReVia) is used in combination with counseling to help people who have stopped using alcohol and street drugs continue to be abstinent. This medication is not to be used if the individual is still drinking or using street drugs. Naltrexone is an opiate antagonist, and helps the individual by decreasing their craving for alcohol while blocking the effects of opioid street drugs. It's critical that Naltrexone be taken as prescribed meaning no more or no less and it's only effective if combined with treatment. Counseling sessions, support group meetings, education programs or other treatments that are recommended by your physician must be combined with Naltrexone in order for it to be a successful treatment.
source of articles : HERE
Tuesday, February 1, 2011
Primary Pulmonary Hypertension
Picture : courtesy of google image
What does it mean if you have primary pulmonary hypertension? I have heard all of those words on their own, but certainly upon first glance didn’t know what they meant together. With a little reading, though, I understood what primary pulmonary hypertension was. Pulmonary hypertension is actually a disorder where your blood pressure in the arteries is higher than it should be, it is primary if there are no other disorders present. This can cause a number of health issues.
For one thing, in severe cases of primary pulmonary hypertension, the right side of the heart ends up working harder than usual to pump your blood against the high blood pressure in your arteries. After long periods of this, the right side of your heart becomes enlarged which causes it to function poorly. Fluid will begin to collect in your ankles and belly and then, eventually, the left side of your heart will begin to fail. If your heart fails as a result of primary pulmonary hypertension it is called cor pulmonale.
Heart failure as a result of pulmonary hypertension is caused by varying combinations of a number of disorders like emphysema, fibrosis, or chronic bronchitis. However, if you get pulmonary hypertension without any of these other disorders it is called primary pulmonary hypertension. It is more commonly found in men than it is in women, but its cause is not known at this time.
When the pulmonary hypertension comes as a result of the other disorders, it is called secondary pulmonary hypertension. It is more common than primary pulmonary hypertension. Secondary may be a result of pulmonary thromboembolism, COPD, or congenital heart disease. Since any of these can cause that rise in blood pressure that results in the symptoms discussed above.
Obviously if you find that you have either primary pulmonary hypertension or secondary pulmonary hypertension you are already under a doctor’s care. He or she may try oxygen therapy that will help to improve alveolar oxygen flow. You may also be asked by your physician to avoid vigorous exercise and to go through chest physiotherapy. The treatment for either type of pulmonary hypertension is basically the same. What is most important, though, is that you follow the advice of your physician closely as primary pulmonary hypertension can be very serious as can anything relating to the health of your heart.
Whether you find that you have primary pulmonary hypertension or secondary pulmonary hypertension you may find that you are a little upset or nervous. You have good reason because they are very serious disorders. However, if you listen to your doctor, take care of yourself, and keep a positive mindset you may find that you can overcome the problem. Heart conditions of any sort are obviously something to take seriously, so if you have any questions or concerns about primary pulmonary hypertension you should consult your physician and make sure you completely understand what is happening and what you should be doing to help yourself.
If would like to find more of my personal articles on hypertension [http://www.ppprimarypulmonaryhypertensiontips.info], please feel free to visit my website on health tips [http://www.pphprimarypulmonaryhypertensiontips.info/directory-topic-primary-pulmonary-hypertension/pulmonary-hypertension-science-direct.php]!
source or articles : Here
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