Chronic DiseaseS

Such as heart disease, stroke, cancer, diabetes, and arthritis – are among the most common, costly, and preventable of all health problems in the U.S.

Chronic Diseases are the Leading Causes of Death and Disability in the U.S.
•7 out of 10 deaths among Americans each year are from chronic diseases. Heart disease, cancer and stroke account for more than 50% of all deaths each year.1

•In 2005, 133 million Americans – almost 1 out of every 2 adults – had at least one chronic illness.2
•Obesity has become a major health concern. 1 in every 3 adults is obese3 and almost 1 in 5 youth between the ages of 6 and 19 is obese (BMI ≥ 95th percentile of the CDC growth chart).4
•About one-fourth of people with chronic conditions have one or more daily activity limitations.5
•Arthritis is the most common cause of disability, with nearly 19 million Americans reporting activity limitations.6
•Diabetes continues to be the leading cause of kidney failure, nontraumatic lower-extremity amputations, and blindness among adults, aged 20-74.7

Common Causes of Chronic Disease


Four modifiable health risk behaviors—lack of physical activity, poor nutrition, tobacco use, and excessive alcohol consumption—are responsible for much of the illness, suffering, and early death related to chronic diseases.
•More than one-third of all adults do not meet recommendations for aerobic physical activity based on the 2008 Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans, and 23% report no leisure-time physical activity at all in the preceding month.
•In 2007, less than 22% of high school students and only 24% of adults  reported eating 5 or more servings of fruits and vegetables per day.
•More than 43 million American adults (approximately 1 in 5) smoke.
•In 2007, 20% of high school students in the United States were current cigarette smokers.
•About 30% of adult current drinkers report binge drinking (consuming 4 or more drinks on an occasion for women, 5 or more drinks on an occasion for men) in the past 30 days.
•Nearly 45% of high school students report consuming alcohol in the past 30 days, and over 60% of those who drink report binge drinking (consuming 5 or more drinks on an occasion) within the past 30 days.

Search About Chronic Disease

Respiratory Disease

Interstitial Lung Diseases (Pulmonary Fibrosis)
Search books for Interstitial Lung Diseases
Interstitial lung disease, or ILD, includes more than 180 chronic lung disorders, which may be:

•chronic
•nonmalignant (non-cancerous)
•noninfectious

Interstitial lung diseases are named for the tissue between the air sacs of the lungs called the interstitium -- the tissue affected by fibrosis (scarring). Its also called interstitial pulmonary fibrosis or pulmonary fibrosis.

The symptoms and course of these diseases may vary from person to person but all begin with Inflamation.

•bronchiolitis - inflammation that involves the bronchioles (small airways)



•alveolitis - inflammation that involves the alveoli (air sacs)


•vasculitis - inflammation that involves the small blood vessels (capillaries)

More than 80 percent of interstitial lung diseases are diagnosed as pneumoconiosis, a drug-induced disease, or hypersensitivity pneumonitis. The other types are:


•sarcoidosis
•idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis
•bronchiolitis obliterans
•histiocytosis X
•chronic eosinophilic pneumonia
•collagen vascular disease
•granulomatous vasculitis
•Goodpasture's syndrome
•pulmonary alveolar proteinosis

Search : Books for Interstitial Lung Diseases

In interstitial lung disease, the lung is affected in three ways:

1.Lung tissue is damaged in some known or unknown way.

2.The walls of the air sacs in the lungs become inflamed.
3.Scarring (fibrosis) begins in the interstitium.

Fibrosis results in permanent loss of that tissue's ability to breathe and carry oxygen. Air sacs, as well as the lung tissue between and surrounding the air sacs, and the lung capillaries, are destroyed by the formation of scar tissue.

Symptoms of interstitial lung diseases:


The following are the most common symptoms for interstitial lung diseases; however, each person may experience symptoms differently. Symptoms may include:

•shortness of breath, especially with exertion
•fatigue and weakness
•loss of appetite
•loss of weight
•dry cough that does not produce phlegm
•discomfort in chest
•labored breathing
•hemorrhage in lungs

The symptoms of interstitial lung diseases may resemble other lung conditions or medical problems. Consult your doctor for a diagnosis.

CAUSES OF INTERSTITIAL LUNGS DISEASE:

The cause of interstitial lung disease is not known; however, a major contributing factor is thought to be inhaling environmental pollutants. Other contributing factors include:


•sarcoidosis
•certain drugs or medications
•radiation
•connective tissue or collagen diseases
•family history

DIAGNOSIS

In addition to a complete medical history and physical examination, the doctor may also request the following tests:


•pulmonary function tests - to determine characteristics and capabilities of the lungs
◦spirometry - to measure the amount of air that can be forced out
◦peak flow meter - to evaluate changes in breathing and response to medications
•blood tests - to analyze the amount of carbon dioxide and oxygen in the blood
•x-ray
•computerized axial tomography (CAT) scan
•bronchoscopy - to examine the lung using a long, narrow tube called a bronchoscope
•bronchoalveolar lavage - to remove cells from lower respiratory tract to help identify inflammation and exclude certain causes
•lung biopsy - to remove tissue from the lung for examination in the pathology laboratory

Treatment:

Specific treatment will be determined by your doctor based on:


•your age, overall health and medical history
•extent of the disease
•your tolerance for specific medications, procedures or therapies
•expectations for the course of the disease
•your opinion or preference

Treatments may include:

•oral medications, including corticosteroids
•influenza vaccine
•pneumococcal pneumonia vaccine
•oxygen therapy from portable tanks
•lung transplantation

Search books for Interstitial Lung Diseases

CLICK TO VIEW SOME MEDICINES FOR THIS DISEASE

What is Hepatitis C ?

INTRODUCTION
Almost one in every 70 persons in the US, that is 1.45% of the American population is estimated to be suffering with Hep C. The same is true with India and many other countries.


Hepatitis means an inflammation of the liver. When the inflammation of the liver is due to a specific RNA virus which leads to chronic inflammation, it is called Hepatitis C. There are several virus names as A,B,C,D,E, etc. which are known to affect the liver, producing Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C, etc. In fact, this particular virus has a capacity to induce not only inflammation but scarring of the liver, which is called as cirrhosis of liver. The virus tends to multiply rapidly hence not allowing to develop natural antibodies in adequate quantity. This virus is a slow and silent destroyer of liver cell. It may so happen that one may not realize the infection for years together.
After a prolonged state of inflammation cirrhosis may take place, which may take ten to fifty years. It is a very slow process, if not aggravated by certain food habits and alcohol.



How does one get this disease?


The virus spreads through blood or infected syringes. (Similar to Hepatitis A and HIV infection.) Those who are drug addicts using syringes, frequent blood donors (not using sterile syringes) are prone to catch this virus. Tattooing and body piercing could be a source of infection. Organ transplant, dialysis for kidney failure are other important sources of infection. It is uncommon that one may get this virus through sexual contact. It is believed by most, today that steady partner may not need physical protection if one partner is Hepatitis C positive. However, unsafe sex with changing partners may prove to be a source of infection. It does not spread by touch, saliva, air, food or water. Mother to baby transmission during the birth is possible. However, the rate of such transmission is not significantly high.

Symptoms


The HCV infection takes years to produce symptoms in those infected with this virus. About 35% of the infected people may produce symptoms while the rest may not produce symptoms at all. Hepatitis C does not have prominent symptoms in the early stage. The infected individual may experience vague symptoms such as abdominal pain, impaired digestion, loss of appetite, lassitude, weakness, itching, etc. However, these symptoms are so common that it is hard to point towards the diagnosis of Hepatitis C. The severity of the symptoms is not directly proportional to the intensity of liver dysfunction, however.

Patients in the advanced stage may experience more severe symptoms such as yellow sclera, sometimes paleness (whiteness) of eyes, loss of appetite, depression, bleeding from rectum, bloody vomiting, exhaustion and weight loss. Advanced stage symptoms of Hepatitis C are those due to chronic inflammation of liver (hepatitis), cirrhosis (scarring of tissues) of liver and/or liver failure.

The patients with acute Hepatitis C present with lethargic feeling, loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, body pain, and exhaustion. Objectively, one may observe yellowness of sclera (icterus or jaundice as it is called).


CLLICK here to view books on hepatitis C treatment

CALCIUM for health

Calcium Requirements

Search  for CALCIUM FOODS

How much calcium do your kids need?

It depends on how old they are, but the American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that children who are:

•1-3 years old get 500mg per day (about 2 servings of milk)
•4-8 years old get 800mg per day (about 3 servings of milk)
•9-18 years old get 1300mg per day (about 4 servings of milk)

Unfortunately, most children, especially teens, get much less than their recommended daily requirements for calcium. This makes it important to think about calcium as you plan your children's diet.

CALCIUM FOODS

Milk is the food that is most often associated as being high in calcium. It is important to note that there are plenty of other foods that are good sources of calcium though, including other dairy products, many vegetables, calcium fortified orange juice, and other calcium fortified foods.

Foods that are good sources of calcium can include:

•low fat plain yogurt: 300-450mg per serving (1 cup)
•american cheese: 350mg per serving (2 oz)
•cow's milk (either whole milk or low fat milk): 300mg per serving (1 cup)
•calcium fortified soy milk, rice milk, or goat's milk: 300mg per serving (1 cup)
•calcium fortified orange juice: 300mg per serving (1 cup)
•cheddar cheese: 300mg per serving (1.5 oz)
•cooked dried white beans: 161mg per serving (1 oz)
•dried figs: 169mg per serving (10 figs)
•spinach: 120mg per serving (1 cup raw or 1/2 cup cooked)
•soft serve ice cream: 118mg per serving (1/2 cup)
•oranges: 50mg per serving (1 medium orange)
•instant oatmeal: 100mg (1 packet)
•sweet potatoes: 44mg per serving (1/2 cup mashed)
•broccoli: 35mg per serving (1 1/2 cup raw or 1/2 cup cooked)

Dark green, leafy vegetables, tofu, lentils, sardines, and salmon, are also good sources of calcium, which in addition to soy milk and orange juice, are good sources of calcium for kids with a milk allergy.

Search  for sources of calcium

BENEFITS OF VITAMINS

The health benefits of vitamins include their ability to prevent and treat various diseases including heart problems, high cholesterol levels, eye disorders, and skin disorders. Most of the vitamins also facilitate the body mechanism and perform functions which are not performed by any other nutrient. Click on a vitamin below to find its health benefits.




 Vitamin A or Retinol: Eye disorders,  acne, skin disorders,  infections,  healing of wounds

 Vitamin B1 or Thiamine: Beriberi, heart diseases, indigestion, body metabolism,  blood circulation,  brain development

 Vitamin B2 or Riboflavin: Cataract, skin disorders, body metabolism, immunity, nervous system, anemia

 Vitamin B3 or Niacin:  Weakness, digestion,  nervous system, skin disorders,  migraine, heart disorders, high blood pressure, high blood cholesterol, diabetes,  diarrhea

 Vitamin B5 or Pantothenic Acid: Stress, arthritis, infections, skin disorders,  greying of hair,  high cholesterol

 Vitamin B6 or Pyridoxamine:  Diabetes piles, convulsions,  excessive menstrual bleeding, stress,  insomnia, morning sickness,  travel sickness

Vitamin B7 or  Biotin: Skin disorders,  body metabolism,  hair care

 Vitamin B9 or Folic Acid: Anemia,digestion, sprue, pregnancy,  brain growth,  skin disorders, gout, red blood cell formation

 Vitamin B12 or Cyanocobalamin:  Anemia, smoking,  pregnancy,  liver disorders, kidney disorders,  mouth ulcers

 Vitamin C or Ascorbic Acid: Eye disorders,  cancer,  scurvy, common cold, infections, diabetes, stress,  high blood cholesterol, heart diseases, high blood pressure, kidney disorders, internal bleeding,  piles, corneal ulcers, inflammations,  lead poisoning,  immunity

 Vitamin D: Rickets,  arthritis,  tooth decay,  bone repair,  immunity,  blood pressure,  diabetes

 Vitamin E or Tocopherol:  Anti-aging,  skin care,  heart diseases, blood circulation,  sterility,  brain function,  menopause, painful menstrual cycles,  eye disorders

 Vitamin K: Internal bleeding, blood clotting,  biliary obstruction, osteoporosis,  excessive menstrual flow,  menstrual pain