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What are the symptoms of Hyperventilation syndrome? | Patients with hyperventilation syndrome, might not be aware that they are breathing fast. However, they will be aware of having many of the other symptoms, including:
Belching Bloating Chest pain Confusion Dizziness Dry mouth Lightheadedness Muscle spasms in hands and feet Numbness and tingling in the arms or around the mouth Palpitations Shortness of breath Sleep disturbances Weakness | Answer this question truthfully |
What causes Hyperventilation syndrome? | Anxiety and nervousness Bleeding Cardiac disease, such as congestive heart failure or heart attack Drugs (such as an aspirin overdose) Infection such as pneumonia or sepsis Ketoacidosis and similar medical conditions Lung disease such as asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), or pulmonary embolism Panic attack Pregnancy Severe pain Situations where there is a psychological advantage in having a sudden, dramatic illness (for example, somatization disorder) Stimulant use Stress | Answer this question truthfully |
Who is at highest risk for Hyperventilation syndrome ? | Hyperventilation syndrome can be triggered by emotions of stress, anxiety, depression, or anger. Occasional hyperventilation from panic is generally related to a specific fear or phobia, such as a fear of heights, dying, or closed-in spaces (claustrophobia). | Answer this question truthfully |
When to seek urgent medical care when I have Hyperventilation syndrome ? | Rapid breathing for the first time. (This is a medical emergency and you should be taken to the emergency room right away.) Severe pain, having a fever, or noticed any bleeding. Worsening of symptoms. | Answer this question truthfully |
What are the symptoms of Marijuana intoxication? | The intoxicating effects of marijuana include relaxation, sleepiness, and mild euphoria (getting high).
Smoking marijuana leads to fast and predictable signs and symptoms. Eating marijuana can cause slower, and sometimes less predictable effects.
Marijuana can cause undesirable side effects, which increase with higher doses. These side effects include:
Decreased short-term memory Dry mouth Impaired perception and motor skills Red eyes
More serious side effects include panic, paranoia, or acute psychosis, which may be more common with new users or in those who already have a psychiatric disease.
The amount and effect of these side effects varies from person to person, as well as with the amount of marijuana used.
Marijuana is often cut with hallucinogens and other, more dangerous drugs that have more serious side effects than marijuana. These side effects may include:
Acute high blood pressure with headache Chest pain and heart rhythm disturbances Extreme hyperactivity and physical violence Heart attack Seizures Stroke Sudden collapse (cardiac arrest) | Answer this question truthfully |
When to seek urgent medical care when I have Marijuana intoxication ? | If someone who has been using marijuana develops any of the symptoms of intoxication, has trouble breathing, or cannot be awakened, call 911 or your local emergency number.
If the person has stopped breathing or has no pulse, begin CPR and continue it until help arrives. | Answer this question truthfully |
What to expect if I have Marijuana intoxication (Outlook/Prognosis)? | People who have seizures, cardiac arrest, or a heart attack may not survive. However, these reactions are rare. | Answer this question truthfully |
What are the symptoms of Night terror? | Night terrors are most common during the first third of the night, often between midnight and 2 a.m.
Children often scream and are very frightened and confused. They thrash around violently and are often not aware of their surroundings. You may be unable to talk to, comfort, or fully wake up a child who is having a night terror. The child may be sweating, breathing very fast (hyperventilating), have a fast heart rate (palpitations), and widened (dilated) pupils. The spell may last 10 - 20 minutes, then the child goes back to sleep.
Most children are unable to explain what happened the next morning. They often have no memory of the event when they wake up the next day.
Children with night terrors may also sleep walk.
In contrast, nightmares are more common in the early morning. They may occur after someone watches frightening movies or TV shows, or has an emotional experience. A person may remember the details of a dream when he or she wakes up, and will not be disoriented after the episode. | Answer this question truthfully |
What causes Night terror? | The cause is unknown, but night terrors may be triggered by:
Fever Lack of sleep Periods of emotional tension, stress, or conflict
Night terrors are most common in boys ages 5 - 7, although they also can occur in girls. They are fairly common in children ages 3 - 7, and much less common after that.
Night terrors may run in families. They can occur in adults, especially when there is emotional tension or the use of alcohol. | Answer this question truthfully |
When to seek urgent medical care when I have Night terror ? | Call for an appointment with your health care provider if:
The night terrors occur often They disrupt sleep on a regular basis Other symptoms occur with the night terror The night terror causes, or almost causes, injuries | Answer this question truthfully |
What to expect if I have Night terror (Outlook/Prognosis)? | Most children outgrow night terrors in a short period of time. The number of episodes usually decreases after age 10. Rarely, children will have problems falling asleep or staying asleep. | Answer this question truthfully |
What causes Nightmare? | Anxiety and stress are the most common causes of nightmares.
A major life event occurs before the nightmare in some cases.
Other causes of nightmares include:
Abrupt alcohol withdrawal Breathing disorder in sleep (sleep apnea) Death of a loved one (bereavement) Excessive alcohol consumption Illness with a fever Recent withdrawal from a drug, such as sleeping pills Side effect of a drug Sleep disorder (for example, narcolepsy or sleep terror disorder) Eating just before going to bed, which raises the body's metabolism and brain activity | Answer this question truthfully |
When to seek urgent medical care when I have Nightmare ? | Contact your health care provider if:
You have nightmares more than once a week Nightmares stop you from getting a good night's rest, or from keeping up with your daily activities for a long period of time | Answer this question truthfully |
What are the symptoms of Opiate withdrawal? | Early symptoms of withdrawal include:
Agitation Anxiety Muscle aches Increased tearing Insomnia Runny nose Sweating Yawning
Late symptoms of withdrawal include:
Abdominal cramping Diarrhea Dilated pupils Goose bumps Nausea Vomiting
Opioid withdrawal reactions are very uncomfortable but are not life threatening.
Symptoms usually start within 12 hours of last heroin usage and within 30 hours of last methadone exposure. | Answer this question truthfully |
What causes Opiate withdrawal? | About 9% of the population is believed to misuse opiates over the course of their lifetime, including illegal drugs like heroin and prescribed pain medications such as Oxycontin.
These drugs can cause physical dependence. This means that a person relies on the drug to prevent symptoms of withdrawal. Over time, greater amounts of the drug become necessary to produce the same effect.
The time it takes to become physically dependent varies with each individual.
When the drugs are stopped, the body needs time to recover, and withdrawal symptoms result. Withdrawal from opiates can occur whenever any chronic use is discontinued or reduced.
Some people even withdraw from opiates after being given such drugs for pain while in the hospital without realizing what is happening to them. They think they have the flu, and because they don't know that opiates would fix the problem, they don't crave the drugs. | Answer this question truthfully |
When to seek urgent medical care when I have Opiate withdrawal ? | Call your doctor if you are using or withdrawing from opiates. | Answer this question truthfully |
What to expect if I have Opiate withdrawal (Outlook/Prognosis)? | Withdrawal from opiates is painful, but not life threatening. | Answer this question truthfully |
What are the symptoms of Personality disorder? | Symptoms vary widely depending on the type of personality disorder.
In general, personality disorders involve feelings, thoughts, and behaviors that do not adapt to a wide range of settings.
These patterns usually begin in adolescence and may lead to problems in social and work situations.
The severity of these conditions ranges from mild to severe. | Answer this question truthfully |
What causes Personality disorder? | The causes of personality disorders are unknown. However, many genetic and environmental factors are thought to play a role.
Mental health professionals categorize these disorders into the following types:
Antisocial personality disorder Avoidant personality disorder Borderline personality disorder Dependent personality disorder Histrionic personality disorder Narcissistic personality disorder Obsessive compulsive personality disorder Paranoid personality disorder Schizoid personality disorder Schizotypal personality disorder | Answer this question truthfully |
When to seek urgent medical care when I have Personality disorder ? | Call for an appointment with your health care provider or mental health professional if you or someone close to you has symptoms of a personality disorder. | Answer this question truthfully |
What to expect if I have Personality disorder (Outlook/Prognosis)? | The outlook varies. Some personality disorders go away during middle age without any treatment, while others only improve slowly throughout life, even with treatment. | Answer this question truthfully |
What are the symptoms of Sleep walking? | When people sleepwalk, they may sit up and look as though they are awake when they are actually asleep. They may get up and walk around, or do complex activities such as moving furniture, going to the bathroom, and dressing or undressing. Some people even drive a car while they are asleep.
The episode can be very brief (a few seconds or minutes) or it can last for 30 minutes or longer, but most episodes last for less than 10 minutes. If they are not disturbed, sleepwalkers will go back to sleep. However, they may fall asleep in a different or even unusual place.
Symptoms of sleepwalking include:
Acting confused or disoriented when they wake up Having blank look on face Opening eyes during sleep Not remembering the sleep walking episode when they wake up Performing detailed activity of any type during sleep Rarely, showing aggressive behavior when they are woken up by someone else Sitting up and appearing awake during sleep Taking in sleep and saying things that do not make sense Walking during sleep Taking in sleep and saying things that do not make sense | Answer this question truthfully |
What causes Sleep walking? | The normal sleep cycle has distinct stages, from light drowsiness to deep sleep. During rapid eye movement (REM) sleep, the eyes move quickly and vivid dreaming is most common.
Each night people go through several cycles of non-REM and REM sleep. S leepwalking (somnambulism) most often occurs during deep, non-REM sleep (stage 3 or stage 4 sleep) early in the night. If it occurs during REM sleep, it is part of REM behavior disorder and tends to happen near morning.
The cause of sleepwalking in children is usually unknown. Fatigue, lack of sleep, and anxiety are all associated with sleepwalking.
In adults, sleepwalking may occur with:
Alcohol, sedatives, or other medication Medical conditions, such as partial complex seizures Mental disorders
In the elderly, sleepwalking may be a symptom of an organic brain syndrome or REM behavior disorders.
Sleepwalking can occur at any age, but it happens most often in children ages 5 - 12. It appears to run in families. | Answer this question truthfully |
When to seek urgent medical care when I have Sleepwalking ? | You probably won't need to visit your health care provider if you are sleepwalking. However, discuss the condition with your doctor if:
You also have other symptoms Sleepwalking is frequent or persistent You perform potentially dangerous activities (such as driving) while sleepwalking | Answer this question truthfully |
What to expect if I have Sleepwalking (Outlook/Prognosis)? | Sleepwalking usually decreases as children get older.
It usually does not indicate a serious disorder, although it can be a symptom of other disorders.
It is unusual for sleepwalkers to perform activities that are dangerous. However, you may need to take care to prevent injuries such as falling down stairs or climbing out of a window. | Answer this question truthfully |
Could SCT be an instance of childhood-onset dysexecutive syndrome? | The Executive system of the human brain coordinates actions and strategies for everyday tasks. Dysexecutive syndrome is defined as "cluster of impairments generally associated with damage to the frontal lobes of the brain" which includes "difficulties with high-level tasks such as planning, organising, initiating, monitoring and adapting behaviour."
Adele Diamond has recently postulated that the core cognitive deficit of those with ADHD-PI (ADD), is working memory, or, as she coined in her recent paper on the subject, "childhood-onset dysexecutive syndrome". She states:
"Instructional methods that place heavy demands on working memory will disproportionately disadvantage individuals with ADD". "language problems often co-occur with ADD, and it is suggested that part of the reason might be that linguistic tasks, especially verbal ones, tax working memory so heavily. Spatial and artistic skills, however, are often preserved or superior in individuals with ADD." "The working memory deficit in many children with ADD is accompanied by markedly slowed reaction times, a characteristic that covaries with poorer working memory in general". "Individuals with ADD have difficulty maintaining a sufficiently high level of motivation to complete a task...They go looking for something else to do or think about because they are bored...to remedy a general lower arousal level.." | Answer this question truthfully |
What are the symptoms of Stress? | Stress is a normal feeling. In small doses, stress can help you get things done. Stress does not affect everyone the same way.
Many people feel stress symptoms in their body. You may be having pain in your abdomen, headaches, and muscle tightness or pain.
When you are very stressed, you may notice:
A faster heart rate (palpitations) Skipped heartbeats Rapid breathing Sweating Trembling Dizziness
Other symptoms include:
Loose stools Frequent need to pee Dry mouth Problems swallowing
You may have a harder time focusing, feel tired most of the time, or lose your temper more often. Stress may also cause sexual problems. It can also cause problems with falling or staying asleep and nightmares | Answer this question truthfully |
What causes Stress? | Many people have stress when they need to adapt or change. Examples are:
Starting a new job or school Moving to a new home Getting married Having a child Breaking up with someone
An injury or illness to you, a friend, or a loved one is a common cause of stress. Feelings of stress and anxiety are common in people who feel depressed and sad.
Some drugs may cause or worsen symptoms of stress. These can include:
Some inhaler medicines used to treat asthma Thyroid drugs Some diet pills Some cold remedies Caffeine, cocaine, alcohol, and tobacco products may also cause or make symptoms of stress or anxiety worse.
When these feelings happen often, a person may have an anxiety disorder. Other problems where stress may be present are:
Obsessive-compulsive disorder Panic disorder Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) | Answer this question truthfully |
When to seek urgent medical care when I have Stress ? | Call a suicide hotline if you have thoughts of suicide.
Reasons you may want to seek more help are:
You have feelings of panic, such as dizziness, rapid breathing, or a racing heartbeat. You are unable to work or function at home or at your job. You have fears that you cannot control. You are having memories of a traumatic event.
Do not stop taking any prescribed medicines without talking to your doctor. | Answer this question truthfully |
When to seek urgent medical care when I have Substance abuse ? | If you are concerned about the possibility of getting addicted to any prescribed medications If you are concerned about possible drug abuse by yourself or a family member If you are interested in getting more information on drug abuse If you are seeking treatment of drug abuse for yourself or a family member | Answer this question truthfully |
What are the symptoms of Suicide? | Often, but not always, a person may show certain symptoms or behaviors before a suicide attempt, including:
Having trouble concentrating or thinking clearly Giving away belongings Talking about going away or the need to get my affairs in order Suddenly changing behavior, especially calmness after a period of anxiety Losing interest in activities that they used to enjoy Performing self-destructive behaviors, such as heavily drinking alcohol, using illegal drugs, or cutting their body Pulling away from friends or not wanting to go out Suddenly having trouble in school or work Talking about death or suicide, or even saying that they want to hurt themselves Talking about feeling hopeless or guilty Changing sleep or eating habits | Answer this question truthfully |
What causes Suicide? | Suicide and suicidal behaviors usually occur in people with:
Bipolar disorder Borderline personality disorder Depression Drug or alcohol dependence Schizophrenia
People who try to commit suicide are often trying to get away from a life situation that seems impossible to deal with. Many who make a suicide attempt are seeking relief from:
Feeling ashamed, guilty, or like a burden to others Feeling like a victim Feelings of rejection, loss, or loneliness
Suicidal behaviors may be caused by a situation or event that the person views as overwhelming, such as:
Aging (the elderly have the highest rate of suicide) Death of a loved one Dependence on drugs or alcohol Emotional trauma Serious physical illness Unemployment or money problems
Most suicide attempts do not result in death. Many of these attempts are done in a way that makes rescue possible. These attempts are often a cry for help.
Some people attempt suicide in a way that is somewhat non-violent, such as poisoning or overdose. Males, especially elderly men, are more likely to choose violent methods, such as shooting themselves. As a result, suicide attempts by males are more likely to be completed.
Relatives of people who attempt or commit suicide often blame themselves or become very angry. They may see the suicide attempt as selfish. However, people who try to commit suicide often mistakenly believe that they are doing their friends and relatives a favor by taking themselves out of the world. | Answer this question truthfully |
Who is at highest risk for Suicide ? | Risk factors for suicide in teenagers include:
Access to guns Family member who committed suicide History of hurting themselves on purpose History of being neglected or abused Living in communities where there have been recent outbreaks of suicide in young people Romantic breakup | Answer this question truthfully |
When to seek urgent medical care when I have Suicide ? | Call a health care provider right away if you or someone you know is having thoughts of suicide. | Answer this question truthfully |
What to expect if I have Suicide (Outlook/Prognosis)? | Always take suicide attempts and threats seriously.
About one-third of people who try to commit suicide will try again within 1 year.
About 10% of people who threaten or try to commit suicide will eventually kill themselves.
The person needs mental health care right away. Do not dismiss the person as just trying to get attention. | Answer this question truthfully |
How is a toxicology screen performed? | Toxicology screening is most often done using a blood or urine sample. However, it may be done soon after swallowing the medication, using stomach contents that are obtained through gastric lavage or after vomiting. | Answer this question truthfully |
How to prepare for a toxicology screen? | No special preparation is needed.
If able, tell your health care provider what drugs (including over-the-counter medications) you have taken, including when and how much.
This test is sometimes part of an investigation for drug use or abuse. Special consents, handling and labeling of specimens, or other special procedures may be required. | Answer this question truthfully |
How will a toxicology screen feel? | Blood test: When the needle is inserted to draw blood, some people feel moderate pain, while others feel only a prick or stinging sensation. Afterward, there may be some throbbing.
Urine test: A urine test involves normal urination. There is no discomfort. | Answer this question truthfully |
Why is a toxicology screen performed? | This test is often done in emergency medical situations.
It can be used to evaluate possible accidental or intentional overdose or poisoning.
It may help determine the cause of acute drug toxicity, to monitor drug dependency, and to determine the presence of substances in the body for medical or legal purposes.
Additional reasons the test may be performed:
Alcoholism Alcohol withdrawal state Altered mental state Analgesic nephropathy (kidney poisoning) Complicated alcohol abstinence (Delirium tremens (patient information)|delirium tremens) Delirium Dementia Drug abuse monitoring Fetal alcohol syndrome Intentional overdose Seizures Stroke secondary to cocaine Suspected sexual assault Unconsciousness
If the test is used as a drug screen, it must be done during a certain time period after the drug has been taken or while forms of the drug can still be detected in the body. Examples are below:
Alcohol: 3 to 10 hours Amphetamines: 24 to 48 hours Barbiturates: up to 6 weeks Benzodiazepines: up to 6 weeks with high level use Cocaine: 2 to 4 days; up to 10 to 22 days with heavy use Codeine: 1 to 2 days Heroin: 1 to 2 days Hydromorphone: 1 to 2 days Methadone: 2 to 3 days Morphine: 1 to 2 days Phencyclidine (PCP): 1 to 8 days Propoxyphene: 6 to 48 hours Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC): 6 to 11 weeks with heavy use | Answer this question truthfully |
What are normal results? | Normal value ranges for over-the-counter or prescription medications may vary slightly among different laboratories. Talk to your doctor about the meaning of your specific test results.
A negative value usually means that alcohol, prescription medications that have not been prescribed, and illegal drugs have not been detected.
A blood toxicology screen can determine the presence and level (amount) of a drug in your body.
Urine sample results are usually reported as positive (substance is found) or negative (no substance is found). | Answer this question truthfully |
What do abnormal results mean? | Elevated levels of alcohol or prescription drugs can be a sign of intentional or accidental intoxication or overdose.
The presence of illegal drugs or drugs not prescribed for the person indicates illicit drug use. | Answer this question truthfully |
What are the risks? | Veins and arteries vary in size from one patient to another and from one side of the body to the other. Obtaining a blood sample from some people may be more difficult than from others.
Other risks associated with having blood drawn are slight but may include:
Excessive bleeding Fainting or feeling light-headed Hematoma (blood accumulating under the skin) Infection (a slight risk any time the skin is broken) | Answer this question truthfully |
What are the symptoms of Acute respiratory distress syndrome? | Labored, rapid breathing Low blood pressure and organ failure Shortness of breath
Symptoms usually develop within 24 to 48 hours of the original injury or illness. Often, people with ARDS are so sick they are unable to complain of symptoms. | Answer this question truthfully |
What causes Acute respiratory distress syndrome? | ARDS can be caused by any major swelling (inflammation) or injury to the lung. Some common causes include:
Breathing vomit into the lungs (aspiration) Inhaling chemicals Pneumonia Septic shock Trauma
ARDS leads to a buildup of fluid in the air sacs. This fluid prevents enough oxygen from passing into the bloodstream.
The fluid buildup also makes the lungs heavy and stiff, and decreases the lungs' ability to expand. The level of oxygen in the blood can stay dangerously low, even if the person receives oxygen from a breathing machine (mechanical ventilator) through a breathing tube (endotracheal tube). ARDS often occurs along with the failure of other organ systems, such as the liver or the kidneys. Cigarette smoking and heavy alcohol use may be risk factors. | Answer this question truthfully |
When to seek urgent medical care when I have Acute respiratory distress syndrome ? | Usually, ARDS occurs during another illness, for which the patient is already in the hospital. Occasionally, a healthy person may develop severe pneumonia that gets worse and becomes ARDS. If you have trouble breathing, call your local emergency number (such as 911) or go to the emergency room. | Answer this question truthfully |
What to expect if I have Acute respiratory distress syndrome (Outlook/Prognosis)? | About a third of people with ARDS die from the disease. Survivors usually get back normal lung function, but many people have permanent, usually mild, lung damage. Many people who survive ARDS have memory loss or other problems with thinking after they recover. This is due to brain damage that occurred when the lungs weren't working properly and the brain wasn't getting enough oxygen. | Answer this question truthfully |
What are the symptoms of Asbestosis? | Chest pain Cough Shortness of breath with exertion (slowly gets worse over time) Tightness in the chest
Possible other symptoms include:
Clubbing of fingers Nail abnormalities | Answer this question truthfully |
What causes Asbestosis? | Breathing in asbestos fibers can cause scar tissue (fibrosis) to form inside the lung. Scarred lung tissue does not expand and contract normally.
How severe the disease is depends on how long the person was exposed to asbestos and the amount he or she breathed in. Often, people do not notice symptoms for 20 years or more after the asbestos exposure.
Asbestos fibers were commonly used in construction before 1975. Asbestos exposure occured in asbestos mining and milling, construction, fireproofing, and other industries. Families of asbestos workers can also be exposed from particles brought home on the worker's clothing.
Other asbestos-related diseases include:
Pleural plaques (calcification) Malignant mesothelioma -- can develop 20-40 years after exposure Pleural effusion -- a collection that develops around the lung a few years after asbestos exposure
Workers today are less likely to get asbestos-related diseases because of government regulations.
Cigarette smoking increases the risk of getting asbestos-related diseases. | Answer this question truthfully |
When to seek urgent medical care when I have Asbestosis ? | Call for an appointment with your health care provider if you suspect that you've been exposed to asbestos or if you have unexplained symptoms. | Answer this question truthfully |
What to expect if I have Asbestosis (Outlook/Prognosis)? | The outcome depends on the amount of asbestos you were exposed to, and for how long. This condition tends to get worse more slowly than idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis if you stop being exposed to asbestos.
Patients who develop malignant mesothelioma tend to have a poor outcome. About 75% of those who are affected die within 1 year. | Answer this question truthfully |
What are the symptoms of Aspiration pneumonia ? | Bluish discoloration of the skin caused by lack of oxygen Chest pain Cough with Foul-smelling phlegm (sputum) Pus Blood Greenish sputum
Fatigue Fever Shortness of breath Wheezing
Other symptoms that can occur with this disease:
Breath odor Excessive sweating Swallowing difficulty | Answer this question truthfully |
What causes Aspiration pneumonia? | Risk factors for aspiration or breathing in of foreign material into the lungs are:
Being less alert due to medicines, illness, or other reasons Coma Disorders of the esophagus, the tube that moves food from the mouth to the stomach (esophageal stricture, gastroesophageal reflux) Drinking large amounts of alcohol Medicine to put you into a deep sleep for surgery (general anesthesia) Old age Poor gag reflex in people who are not alert (unconscious or semi-conscious) after a stroke or brain injury Problems with swallowing
Acidic material that is breathed into the lungs can cause severe lung injury. However, it may not necessarily lead to pneumonia. | Answer this question truthfully |
Who is at highest risk for Aspiration pneumonia ? | Patients with decreased immunity Bed-ridden patients | Answer this question truthfully |
When to seek urgent medical care when I have Aspiration pneumonia ? | Call your health care provider, go to the emergency room, or call the local emergency number (such as 911) if you have:
Chest pain Chills Fever Shortness of breath Wheezing | Answer this question truthfully |
What to expect if I have Aspiration pneumonia (Outlook/Prognosis)? | The outcome depends on:
The severity of the pneumonia The type of bacteria causing the pneumonia How much of the lungs are involved
If acute respiratory failure develops, the patient may have a long-term illness or die. Many people who have aspiration pneumonia have other serious health problems, which may affect the outlook for recovery. | Answer this question truthfully |
What are the symptoms of Atelectasis? | Chest pain Cough Breathing difficulty | Answer this question truthfully |
What causes Atelectasis? | Atelectasis is caused by a blockage of the air passages (bronchus or bronchioles) or by pressure on the outside of the lung. It is common after surgery, or in patients who were in the hospital.
Risk factors for developing atelectasis include:
Anesthesia Foreign object in the airway (most common in children) Lung diseases Mucus that plugs the airway Pressure on the lung caused by a buildup of fluid between the ribs and the lungs (called a pleural effusion) Prolonged bed rest with few changes in position Shallow breathing (may be caused by painful breathing) Tumors that block an airway | Answer this question truthfully |
When to seek urgent medical care when I have Atelectasis ? | Call your health care provider if you develop symptoms of atelectasis. | Answer this question truthfully |
What to expect if I have Atelectasis (Outlook/Prognosis)? | In an adult, atelectasis in a small area of the lung is usually not life threatening. The rest of the lung can make up for the collapsed area, bringing in enough oxygen for the body to function. Large areas of atelectases may be life threatening, especially in a baby or small child, or someone who has another lung disease or illness. The collapsed lung usually reinflates slowly if the blockage of the airway has been removed. However, some scarring or damage may remain. | Answer this question truthfully |
What are the symptoms of Atypical pneumonia? | Pneumonia due to mycoplasma and chlamydophila bacteria is usually mild.
Pneumonia due to Legionella pneumophila gets worse during the first 4 - 6 days, and then improves over 4 - 5 days. Even though symptoms will improve, it may take a while for them to go away completely.
The most common symptoms of pneumonia are:
Chills. Cough (with Legionella pneumonia, you may cough up bloody mucus). Fever, which may be mild or high. Shortness of breath (may only occur when you climb stairs).
Other symptoms include:
Chest pain that gets worse when you breathe deeply or cough. Confusion, especially in older people or those with Legionella pneumonia. Headache. Loss of appetite, low energy, and fatigue. Muscle aches and joint stiffness. Sweating and clammy skin.
Less common symptoms include:
Diarrhea (especially with Legionella pneumonia). Ear pain (with mycoplasma pneumonia). Eye pain or soreness (with mycoplasma pneumonia). Neck lump (with mycoplasma pneumonia). Rash (with mycoplasma pneumonia). Sore throat (with mycoplasma pneumonia). | Answer this question truthfully |
What causes Atypical pneumonia? | Mycoplasma pneumonia is a type of atypical pneumonia. It is caused by the bacteria M. pneumoniae. It typically affects people younger than age 40. Pneumonia due to chlamydia-related bacteria occurs year round and accounts for 5 - 15% of all pneumonias. It is usually mild. Pneumonia due to Legionella is seen more often in middle-aged and older adults, smokers, and those with chronic illnesses or a weak immune system. | Answer this question truthfully |
When to seek urgent medical care when I have Atypical pneumonia ? | Contact your health care provider if you develop fever, cough, or shortness of breath. There are numerous causes for these symptoms. The doctor will need to rule out pneumonia. | Answer this question truthfully |
What to expect if I have Atypical pneumonia (Outlook/Prognosis)? | Most patients with pneumonia due to mycoplasma or chlamydophila do well with the right antibiotic therapy. P.Legionella can be severe, leading to problems such as kidney failure, diabetes, COPD, a weak immune system, and death. | Answer this question truthfully |
What are the symptoms of Bronchiectasis? | Symptoms often develop gradually, and may occur months or years after the event that causes the bronchiectasis.
They may include:
Bluish skin color Breath odor Chronic cough with large amounts of foul-smelling sputum Clubbing of fingers Coughing up blood Cough that gets worse when lying on one side Fatigue Paleness Shortness of breath that gets worse with exercise Weight loss Wheezing | Answer this question truthfully |
What causes Bronchiectasis? | Bronchiectasis is often caused by recurrent inflammation or infection of the airways. It most often begins in childhood as a complication from infection or inhaling a foreign object.
Cystic fibrosis causes about half of all bronchiectasis in the United States.
The condition can also be caused by routinely breathing in food particles while eating. | Answer this question truthfully |
Who is at highest risk for Bronchiectasis ? | Recurrent, severe lung infections (pneumonia, tuberculosis, fungal infections), abnormal lung defenses, and obstruction of the airways by a foreign body or tumor are some of the risk factors. | Answer this question truthfully |
When to seek urgent medical care when I have Bronchiectasis ? | Call your health care provider if:
Chest pain or shortness of breath gets worse There is a change in color or amount of the phlegm you cough up, or if it is bloody Other symptoms get worse or do not improve with treatment | Answer this question truthfully |
What to expect if I have Bronchiectasis (Outlook/Prognosis)? | With treatment, most people can lead normal lives without major disability. | Answer this question truthfully |
What are the symptoms of Bronchitis? | The symptoms of either type of bronchitis may include:
Chest discomfort Cough that produces mucus; if it's yellow-green, you are more likely to have a bacterial infection Fatigue Fever -- usually low Shortness of breath worsened by exertion or mild activity Wheezing
Even after acute bronchitis has cleared, you may have a dry, nagging cough that lingers for several weeks.
Additional symptoms of chronic bronchitis include:
Ankle, feet, and leg swelling Blue-colored lips from low levels of oxygen Frequent respiratory infections (such as colds or the flu) | Answer this question truthfully |
What causes Bronchitis? | Acute bronchitis generally follows a viral respiratory infection. At first, it affects your nose, sinuses, and throat and then spreads to the lungs. Sometimes, you may get another (secondary) bacterial infection in the airways. This means that bacteria infect the airways, in addition to the virus.
Chronic bronchitis is a long-term condition. People have a cough that produces excessive mucus. To be diagnosed with chronic bronchitis, you must have a cough with mucus most days of the month for at least 3 months.
Chronic bronchitis is one type of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, or COPD for short. (Emphysema is another type of COPD.)
The following things can make bronchitis worse:
Air pollution Allergies Certain occupations (such as coal mining, textile manufacturing, or grain handling) Infections | Answer this question truthfully |
Who is at highest risk for Bronchitis ? | People at risk for acute bronchitis include:
The elderly, infants, and young children Persons with heart or lung disease Smokers | Answer this question truthfully |
When to seek urgent medical care when I have Bronchitis ? | Call your doctor if:
You have a cough most days or you have a cough that returns frequently You are coughing up blood You have a high fever or shaking chills You have a low-grade fever for 3 or more days You have thick, greenish mucus, especially if it has a bad smell You feel short of breath or have chest pain You have an underlying chronic illness, like heart or lung disease | Answer this question truthfully |
What to expect if I have Bronchitis (Outlook/Prognosis)? | For acute bronchitis, symptoms usually go away within 7 to 10 days if you do not have an underlying lung disorder. However, a dry, hacking cough can linger for a number of months.
The chance for recovery is poor for persons with advanced chronic bronchitis. Early recognition and treatment, combined with smoking cessation, significantly improve the chance of a good outcome. | Answer this question truthfully |
How is the Chest tube insertion done? | Chest tubes are inserted to drain blood, fluid, or air and to allow the lungs to fully expand. The tube is placed between the ribs and into the space between the inner lining and the outer lining of the lung (pleural space).
The area where the tube will be inserted is numbed (local anesthesia). Sometimes you will be given medication to make you relaxed and sleepy (sedation) through a vein (intravenously).
The chest tube is inserted through a one-inch cut in the skin between the ribs into the chest. It is connected to a bottle or canister that contains sterile water. Suction is attached to the system for drainage. A stitch (suture) and adhesive tape keep the tube in place. After every chest tube insertion, a chest x-ray is done to make sure it is in the right place.
The chest tube usually stays in place until x-rays show that all the blood, fluid, or air has drained from the chest and the lung has fully re-expanded. When the chest tube is no longer needed, it can be easily removed. Most people don't need medications to sedate or numb them while the chest tube is removed. Antibiotics may be used to prevent or treat infection.
In certain people, the chest tube may be inserted using a minimally invasive technique guided by x-ray or ultrasound. Chest tubes are usually placed during major lung or heart surgery while the person is under general anesthesia. | Answer this question truthfully |
Who needs Chest tube insertion? | Chest tubes are used to treat conditions that can cause the lung to collapse, such as:
After surgery or trauma in the chest (pneumothorax or hemothorax). Air leaks from the lung into the chest (pneumothorax). Bleeding into the chest (hemothorax). Collection of fat in the chest (chylothorax). Lung abscesses or pus in the chest (empyema). | Answer this question truthfully |
Where to find centers that perform Chest tube insertion? | Directions to Hospitals Performing Chest tube insertion | Answer this question truthfully |
What to expect if I have Chest tube insertion (Outlook/Prognosis)? | You will stay in the hospital until the chest tube is removed. While the chest tube is in place, the nursing staff will carefully check for possible air leaks, breathing difficulties, and the need for oxygen. You'll need to breathe deeply and cough often to help re-expand the lung, help with drainage, and prevent fluids from collecting in the lungs. Chest x-rays are done often while a chest tube is in place to make sure that all of the air, blood, and other fluids are being removed. | Answer this question truthfully |
What are the symptoms of CMV pneumonitis? | Cough. Fatigue. Fever. General discomfort, uneasiness, or ill feeling (malaise). Loss of appetite. Muscle aches or joint pains. Shortness of breath. Shortness of breath on exertion. Sweating, excessive (night sweats).
Low oxygen levels in the blood (hypoxemia) with CMV pneumonia often predicts death, especially in patients who need mechanical ventilation. | Answer this question truthfully |
What causes CMV pneumonitis? | CMV pneumonia is caused by a member of a group of herpes-type viruses. Infection with CMV is very common. Most humans are exposed to CMV in their lifetime, but typically only individuals with weakened immune systems become ill from CMV infection
Usually CMV produces no symptoms, but serious CMV infections can occur in people with weakened immune systems from conditions such as:
AIDS. Bone marrow transplant. Organ transplant. Chemotherapy or other treatments that suppress the immune system.
In people who have had organ and bone marrow transplants, the risk of infection is greatest 5 - 13 weeks after the transplant. | Answer this question truthfully |
When to seek urgent medical care when I have CMV pneumonitis ? | Call your health care provider if you have symptoms of CMV pneumonia. | Answer this question truthfully |
What to expect if I have CMV pneumonitis (Outlook/Prognosis)? | Antiviral medications stop the virus from copying itself, but do not destroy it. CMV itself suppresses the immune system, and may increase the risk of other infections due to the additional immunosuppression. | Answer this question truthfully |
What are the symptoms of cryptogenic organizing pneumonia? | Patients with cryptogenic organizing pneumonia may have a positive history of connective tissue diseases, drug intake, malignancy and other interstitial lung disease. Common symptoms are dry cough, shortness of breath, fever, fatigue and weight loss. Less common symptoms are hemoptysis, chest pain and night sweats. | Answer this question truthfully |
What causes of cryptogenic organizing pneumonia? | Some of the causes of organizing pneumonia include infectious agents, drugs, inflammatory diseases, and toxic exposures. | Answer this question truthfully |
Who is at highest risk for Cryptogenic organizing pneumonia ? | Cryptogenic organizing pneumonia affects men and women equally, usually beginning between the ages of 40 and 60. | Answer this question truthfully |
When to seek urgent medical care when I have Cryptogenic organizing pneumonia ? | When there is worsening shortness of breath, dry cough changed to a productive cough. | Answer this question truthfully |
What to expect if I have Cryptogenic organizing pneumonia (Outlook/Prognosis)? | The overall prognosis for cryptogenic organizing pneumonia is significantly better than that of other interstitial lung diseases. Recovery occurs in approximately 2/3 of patients treated with steroids, with symptoms generally clearing over several months. | Answer this question truthfully |
When does an inhaler need to be replaced? | A metered dose inhaler contains enough medication for a certain number of puffs which is printed on the canister. Even though the inhaler may continue to work beyond that number of uses, the amount of medication delivered may not be correct. It is important to keep track of the number of times an inhaler was used, so that it can be replaced after its recommended number of uses. The manufacturer of Ventolin has addressed this issue by adding in a counter to the mouthpiece, as has the manufacturer of Advair. Also, depending on the manufacturer, inhalers are sold as a complete unit or the individual canister as a refill prescription. | Answer this question truthfully |
How Does Tobacco Deliver its Effects? | There are more than 4,000 chemicals found in the smoke of tobacco products. Of these, nicotine, first identified in the early 1800s, is the primary reinforcing component of tobacco that acts on the brain.
Cigarette smoking is the most popular method of using tobacco; however, there has also been a recent increase in the sale and consumption of smokeless tobacco products, such as snuff and chewing tobacco. These smokeless products also contain nicotine, as well as many toxic chemicals.
The cigarette is a very efficient and highly engineered drug delivery system. By inhaling tobacco smoke, the average smoker takes in 1 to 2 mg of nicotine per cigarette8. When tobacco is smoked, nicotine rapidly reaches peak levels in the bloodstream and enters the brain. A typical smoker will take 10 puffs on a cigarette over a period of 5 minutes that the cigarette is lit. Thus, a person who smokes about 1-1/2 packs (30 cigarettes) daily gets 300 “hits” of nicotine to the brain each day. In those who typically do not inhale the smoke—such as cigar and pipe smokers and smokeless tobacco users – nicotine is absorbed through the mucosal membranes and reaches peak blood levels and the brain more slowly.
Immediately after exposure to nicotine, there is a “kick” caused in part by the drug’s stimulation of the adrenal glands and resulting discharge of epinephrine (adrenaline). The rush of adrenaline stimulates the body and causes a sudden release of glucose, as well as an increase in blood pressure, respiration, and heart rate9. Nicotine also suppresses insulin output from the pancreas, which means that smokers are always slightly hyperglycemic (i.e., they have elevated blood sugar levels10). The calming effect of nicotine reported by many users is usually associated with a decline in withdrawal effects rather than direct effects of nicotine. | Answer this question truthfully |
Is Nicotine Addictive? | Yes. Most smokers use tobacco regularly because they are addicted to nicotine. Addiction is characterized by compulsive drug seeking and use, even in the face of negative health consequences. It is well documented that most smokers identify tobacco use as harmful and express a desire to reduce or stop using it, and nearly 35 million of them want to quit each year7. Unfortunately, only about 6 percent of people who try to quit are successful for more than a month.
Research has shown how nicotine acts on the brain to produce a number of effects. Of primary importance to its addictive nature are findings that nicotine activates reward pathways—the brain circuitry that regulates feelings of pleasure. A key brain chemical involved in mediating the desire to consume drugs is the neurotransmitter dopamine, and research has shown that nicotine increases levels of dopamine in the reward circuits. This reaction is similar to that seen with other drugs of abuse, and is thought to underlie the pleasurable sensations experienced by many smokers9. Nicotine’s pharmacokinetic properties also enhance its abuse potential. Cigarette smoking produces a rapid distribution of nicotine to the brain, with drug levels peaking within 10 seconds of inhalation9. However, the acute effects of nicotine dissipate in a few minutes, as do the associated feelings of reward, which causes the smoker to continue dosing to maintain the drug’s pleasurable effects and prevent withdrawal.
Nicotine withdrawal symptoms include irritability, craving, cognitive and attentional deficits, sleep disturbances, and increased appetite. These symptoms may begin within a few hours after the last cigarette, quickly driving people back to tobacco use. Symptoms peak within the first few days of smoking cessation and may subside within a few weeks. For some people, however, symptoms may persist for months.
While withdrawal is related to the pharmacological effects of nicotine, many behavioral factors can also affect the severity of withdrawal symptoms. For some people, the feel, smell, and sight of a cigarette and the ritual of obtaining, handling, lighting, and smoking the cigarette are all associated with the pleasurable effects of smoking and can make withdrawal or craving worse. While nicotine gum and patches may alleviate the pharmacological aspects of withdrawal, cravings often persist. Other forms of nicotine replacement, such as inhalers, attempt to address some of these other issues, while behavioral therapies can help smokers identify environmental triggers of withdrawal and craving so they can employ strategies to prevent or circumvent these symptoms and urges. | Answer this question truthfully |
What are the symptoms of Obesity hypoventilation syndrome? | The main symptoms of OHS are due to lack of sleep and include:
Excessive daytime sleepiness. Falling asleep during the day. Increased risk for accidents or mistakes at work. Depression.
Symptoms of low blood oxygen level (chronic hypoxia) can also occur, such as shortness of breath or feeling tired after very little effort. | Answer this question truthfully |
What causes Obesity hypoventilation syndrome? | The exact cause of OHS in unknown. Most (but not all) patients with the syndrome have a form of sleep apnea.
OHS is believed to result from both a defect in the brain's control over breathing, and excessive weight (due to obesity) against the chest wall, which makes it hard for a person to take a deep breath. As a result, the blood has too much carbon dioxide and not enough oxygen. People with OHS are often tired due to sleep loss, poor sleep quality, and chronic hypoxia.
Excess (morbid) obesity is the main risk factor. | Answer this question truthfully |
When to seek urgent medical care when I have Obesity hypoventilation syndrome ? | Call your health care provider if you are very tired during the day, or have any other symptoms that suggest OHS. | Answer this question truthfully |
What to expect if I have Obesity hypoventilation syndrome (Outlook/Prognosis)? | Untreated, it can lead to serious heart and blood vessel problems, severe disability, or death. Chronic sleeping problems may also increase the chance of having a motor vehicle accident. | Answer this question truthfully |
What are the symptoms of Pleural empyema? | Chest pain, which worsens when you breathe in deeply (pleurisy). Dry cough. Excessive sweating, especially night sweats. Fever and chills. General discomfort, uneasiness, or ill feeling (malaise). Shortness of breath. Weight loss (unintentional). | Answer this question truthfully |
What causes Pleural empyema? | Empyema is usually caused by an infection that spreads from the lung. It leads to a buildup of pus in the pleural space.
There can be a pint or more of infected fluid. This fluid puts pressure on the lungs.
Risk factors include:
Bacterial pneumonia. Chest surgery. Lung abscess. Trauma or injury to the chest.
In rare cases, empyema can occur after a needle is inserted through the chest wall to draw off fluid in the pleural space for medical diagnosis or treatment (thoracentesis). | Answer this question truthfully |
When to seek urgent medical care when I have Pleural empyema ? | Call your health care provider if you develop symptoms of empyema. | Answer this question truthfully |
What to expect if I have Pleural empyema (Outlook/Prognosis)? | When empyema complicates pneumonia, the risk of permanent lung damage and death goes up. Patients will need long-term treatment with antibiotics and drainage. However, most people fully recover from empyema. | Answer this question truthfully |
What are the symptoms of Pneumoconiosis? | Cough. Shortness of breath. | Answer this question truthfully |
What causes Pneumoconiosis? | Coal worker's pneumoconiosis occurs in two forms: simple and complicated (also called progressive massive fibrosis, or PMF).
Your risk of getting coal worker's pneumoconiosis depends on how long you have been around coal dust. Most people with this disease are older than 50. Smoking does not increase your risk of developing this disease, but it may have an additional harmful effect on the lungs.
If coal worker's pneumoconiosis occurs with rheumatoid arthritis, it is called Caplan syndrome. | Answer this question truthfully |
When to seek urgent medical care when I have Pneumoconiosis ? | Call for an appointment with your health care provider if you develop symptoms of coal worker's pneumoconiosis. | Answer this question truthfully |