Morning cough: 8 possible causes and treatments - Medical News Today
Morning cough: 8 possible causes and treatments - Medical News Today |
- Morning cough: 8 possible causes and treatments - Medical News Today
- Can you get lung cancer from smoking weed? Risks and more - Medical News Today
- Ground glass opacity: Causes, symptoms, and treatments - Medical News Today
| Morning cough: 8 possible causes and treatments - Medical News Today Posted: 30 Mar 2021 03:34 AM PDT  Postnasal drip occurs when excess mucus from the nose drips down the back of the throat, leading to an upper airway cough. Other symptoms of postnasal drip include:
Sometimes, postnasal drip is a temporary issue when a person has an infection, such as a cold or flu, or allergies to something in the environment, including seasonal allergies. In other cases, postnasal drip can be a more chronic problem. People with chronic congestion from a deviated septum or gastroesophageal reflux may experience frequent postnasal drip. Advancing age may also increase the risk. Treatment optionsIf an infection is causing postnasal drip, it will usually disappear on its own. If it lasts longer than a few weeks, a person may need antibiotics to clear a bacterial infection. The following remedies may also help:
Asthma causes chronic airway inflammation and irritation. This can trigger asthma attacks, during which the airway narrows and a person struggles to breathe. They may also have a wheezing or whistling sound coming from their chest. An individual may also have chronic respiratory problems, such as a cough. Some people may notice this cough is worse at night or in the morning. In certain types of asthma, a chronic cough is the only symptom. Treatment optionsSome people with asthma find that allergens or other triggers cause their cough. This can include pollen, air pollution, or certain weather conditions. Avoiding or limiting exposure to these triggers can be helpful. A doctor may also prescribe a rescue inhaler for asthma attacks or asthma medicine to reduce inflammation in the airway. Bronchitis refers to inflammation in the bronchial tubes, which help air travel to the lungs. Sometimes, a bacterial or viral infection can cause this condition — these infections can occur after a cold or flu. Symptoms include: Viral bronchitis usually goes away on its own. People may require antibiotics to treat any complications of bronchitis, such as pneumonia. A person can also develop chronic bronchitis, which may cause long-term or recurring inflammation in the bronchial tubes. Treatment optionsTreatment focuses on removing the source of inflammation, such as avoiding smoking or second-hand smoke, and using medications to reduce swelling and inflammation. The throat and mouth can become dry at night, especially if people:
This can cause the tissue at the back of the throat to feel irritated and scratchy, leading to a morning cough. People may also experience:
Individuals may find the problem resolves by drinking more water, especially in the morning. In some cases, chronic dry mouth may appear due to underlying health conditions, such as Sjögren's syndrome, or medications such as diuretics. Treatment optionsIf people find no relief by drinking more water or using a humidifier, they can consult with their doctor, who can check for underlying causes. With GERD, stomach acid travels back up the esophagus, causing a burning, painful sensation and frequent heartburn. People may experience symptoms at night if they eat shortly before lying down, which may lead to morning hoarseness or coughing. Severe GERD may also irritate the throat or lungs, causing a chronic cough or difficulty swallowing. Treatment optionsRoutine changes, such as consuming fewer acidic foods and eating at least 3 hours before lying down, may help. Some people may also find relief from sleeping with their head slightly elevated or by using over-the-counter antacids. If these treatments are not effective, a doctor may prescribe medication or recommend surgery. COPD is a chronic and progressive disease that makes it harder to breathe. Over time, the condition damages the tiny air sacs in the lungs, making it harder for the lungs to exchange gas and take in oxygen. Symptoms can include:
People may experience mild symptoms initially, which may become more severe over time. Treatment optionsAlthough there is no cure for COPD, a number of routine changes may help to ease symptoms, such as:
Hypothyroidism is a condition where the thyroid produces too little thyroid hormone. It may cause a person's voice to sound hoarse. Some people also have a sensation of something stuck in the throat, which can cause a cough. While some notice a cough throughout the day, it may be worse in the morning when the throat is dry. Treatment optionsMedication can treat hypothyroidism, but it may take several months of treatments to notice an improvement in the voice. Certain types of cancer, including lung cancer, may cause a chronic cough. In some people, this cough may be worse in the morning. It can be difficult to tell the difference between a cough from cancer and other types of coughs, so it is important to speak with a doctor about any persistent coughing. Treatment optionsTreatment depends on the type of cancer a person has, but strategies may include radiation or chemotherapy. An occasional morning cough might mean a person has a dry throat or mild allergies. Chronic coughing, either in the morning or at other times, may indicate a chronic medical condition that needs treatment. People should speak with a doctor if:
Visit the emergency room if a person is experiencing a cough with chest pain, shortness of breath, or confusion, or they are coughing up large quantities of blood. Most coughs are treatable. Even in the cases of a serious underlying medical condition, such as cancer, early intervention may greatly improve outcomes. If people have an unexplained, persistent cough, they can consult with a doctor. Healthcare professionals can help assess symptoms and carry out tests to determine the underlying cause of the cough and recommend treatment options. |
| Can you get lung cancer from smoking weed? Risks and more - Medical News Today Posted: 29 Mar 2021 12:00 AM PDT  Scientists are not sure if smoking weed can cause lung cancer. However, cannabis smoke contains many of the same chemicals as tobacco smoke, which doctors know can cause lung cancer. Additionally, many people use both cannabis and tobacco. As people who smoke tobacco are 15–30 times more likely to develop or die from lung cancer than those who do not, mixing cannabis with tobacco use will impact a person's risk. In this article, we will look in more detail at whether you can get lung cancer from smoking weed. We will also look at the other ways cannabis may affect the lungs and discuss the safest methods for using it. Researchers are not sure if smoking weed can cause lung cancer. However, there are similarities between tobacco smoke and cannabis smoke. This may mean that smoking cannabis contributes to a person's lung cancer risk. Smoking any product is harmful to the lungs. When plants burn, they release chemicals that can cause cancer. These are known as carcinogens. When people inhale carcinogens, it damages cell DNA in the nose, mouth, esophagus, and lungs. Over time, this raises the risk that cells will grow in abnormal ways and form a tumor. Tobacco smoke is linked to 80–90% of lung cancer deaths in the United States. Cannabis smoke contains many of the same toxins. In fact, compared with the carcinogens in cigarette smoke, cannabis smoke contains:
Because people inhale more deeply when smoking cannabis, it also leads to four times the amount of tar deposits in the lungs compared to cigarettes. However, people use tobacco and cannabis in different ways, which may affect cannabis smoke's impact on lung cancer risk. For example, people may smoke cannabis less often than people typically smoke tobacco, as its effects last longer than nicotine. It can also be challenging to determine whether cannabis or tobacco is responsible for lung cancer, as people often use both. Overall, scientists need to perform more studies to assess the risk. Cannabis smoke can harm the lungs in several ways. According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, cannabis smoke affects people by:
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), regularly smoking cannabis also increases the risk of respiratory side effects, such as:
Some studies indicate that smoking cannabis may cause or worsen other lung conditions. These include: BronchitisBronchitis occurs when the airways swell. The symptoms include coughing, wheezing, and shortness of breath. According to the American Lung Association, people who regularly smoke cannabis may be more at risk for acute bronchitis. Over time, lung damage may lead to chronic bronchitis. PneumoniaPneumonia is the result of a severe lung infection. It can be caused by viruses, bacteria, or fungi. The tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) in cannabis can suppress the immune system, which some scientists suggest may put cannabis smokers at risk for respiratory infections, such as pneumonia. However, studies on this have mixed results. Some find no connection between cannabis use and pneumonia. The symptoms of pneumonia include:
Chronic obstructive pulmonary diseaseSmoking cannabis with tobacco can contribute to the development of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). COPD is a chronic condition that gets worse over time. There is no cure. Symptoms include:
As with cannabis smoke a person directly inhales, secondhand cannabis smoke contains many of the same carcinogens as tobacco smoke. This means it may cause harm to others in a household who are exposed to the smoke. Secondhand cannabis smoke also contains THC. This means that people can experience a "high" from inhaling it. Exposure to THC from a young age may impact brain development, causing problems with attention and memory. Smoking is not the only way to use cannabis. Some people choose to vape, dab, or consume edibles, for example. However, it is worth noting that many of these methods are relatively new. As a result, scientists have not yet studied their health effects in depth. VapingVaping cannabis involves using a device, such as a vape pen, to heat and vaporize oils contained in cannabis. This eliminates the need for smoke. However, there is not enough evidence to prove that vaping cannabis is safe. This method may have similar risks to electronic cigarette use. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has reported hundreds of cases of serious illness and several deaths that are linked with vaping. Many of the products included THC, nicotine, or a mixture of both. Currently, it is not clear which compound causes these illnesses. DabbingDabbing involves inhaling a concentrated dose of THC through a dab rig, which is a type of vaporizer. Many people believe this is safer than smoking or vaping. However, the American Lung Association says dabbing may also lead to respiratory problems. EdiblesEdibles such as candies, gummies, and beverages have become a popular way to use cannabis. They eliminate the need to inhale smoke or other substances, making edibles safer for the lungs than smoking or vaping. However, there are downsides to using edibles. Compared to smoking, they:
This means that if a person experiences side effects from using cannabis, they may be more severe or last longer than the side effects of smoking it. A person may also accidentally take too much. In high doses, cannabis may cause: It is not clear if there is an entirely safe way to use cannabis. Because many alternatives to smoking are new, doctors do not know much about their long-term effects. Some states in the U.S. have legalized the use of cannabis on medical grounds. One of the most common uses is to treat the pain and nausea associated with cancer or chemotherapy. In cases where there is a medical benefit to using cannabis, people can work with a doctor to weigh the risks against the potential benefits. Scientists cannot be sure if smoking weed causes lung cancer. What they do know is that cannabis smoke contains many of the same cancer-causing chemicals as tobacco smoke. As a result, there may be some risks. Smoking cannabis can irritate the throat and lungs and may contribute to lung conditions such as bronchitis, pneumonia, and COPD. Other methods of using cannabis, such as vaping and edibles, may be safer than smoking. However, their long-term impact is still unknown. |
| Ground glass opacity: Causes, symptoms, and treatments - Medical News Today Posted: 30 Mar 2021 03:14 AM PDT  Ground glass opacity (GGO) refers to the hazy gray areas that can show up in CT scans or X-rays of the lungs. These gray areas indicate increased density inside the lungs. The term comes from a technique in glassmaking during which the surface of the glass is blasted by sand. This technique gives the glass a hazy white or frosted appearance. There are many potential causes of GGO, including infections, inflammation, and growths. One 2020 review also found that GGO was the most common anomaly among people with COVID-19-related pneumonia. This article will look at what GGO is, some of its causes, and its treatment options. GGO refers to gray areas that can show up in lung X-rays or CT scans. Normally, the lungs appear black in X-ray and CT scans. This indicates that they are free of any visible blockages. However, gray areas indicate increased density, meaning that something is partially filling the air spaces inside the lungs. This could be due to:
GGO can be due to many conditions. Sometimes, the cause is benign. Other times, it may be the temporary result of a short-term illness. However, it can also indicate a more serious or long-term condition. There are several types of GGO. These include:
The shape, size, quantity, and location of opacities will vary depending on the cause. Some conditions cause only one type, but others may cause a mixture. The sections below will look at some potential causes in more detail. Infections are common causes of GGO. Such infections include: PneumoniaPneumonia is a serious infection in the lungs. It can result from viruses, bacteria, or fungi. Most often, it occurs as a result of a viral illness, such as influenza (flu), measles, or respiratory syncytial virus. The symptoms can vary depending on the cause, but they typically include: Most cases of viral pneumonia improve on their own. Fluids, rest, and oxygen therapy may help. Doctors treat bacterial and fungal pneumonia with medications. COVID-19A 2020 review and meta-analysis found that just over 83% of people with COVID-19-related pneumonia had GGO. Another 2020 study in 54 participants found that GGO most commonly showed up in the lower lobes of the lungs as round opacities, but that as the disease progressed, it became more patchy and affected all lobes. The symptoms of COVID-19 can include any of the following: If a person has symptoms that could indicate COVID-19, they should remain at home, self-isolate from others, and seek information from their local authority about getting tested. Learn more about COVID-19 symptoms and what to do if they occur here. Pneumonitis, or inflammation in the lungs, can occur if a person inhales:
Certain drugs can also cause pneumonitis and accompanying GGO. Typically, this type of pneumonitis occurs shortly after a person begins taking a new drug. Hypersensitivity pneumonitisThe symptoms of hypersensitivity pneumonitis can include:
Other names for this condition include farmer's lung and hot tub lung. In the short term, doctors treat this condition by trying to identify and remove the trigger of a person's symptoms. The person may also require medications and oxygen therapy. In the long term, the condition may cause chronic fatigue, weight loss, and irreversible scarring. EVALIE-cigarettes and vaping devices contain nicotine concentrates, solvents, and other chemicals. These products can cause EVALI. EVALI may cause numerous types of GGO, including crazy paving and reversed halo sign, to show up on a scan. Vaping can also cause alveolar hemorrhage. There is more detail on this condition below. Interstitial lung disease is an umbrella term that includes many different conditions. They all cause inflammation and scarring around the alveoli, lining of the lungs, and blood vessels. These conditions could be due to an autoimmune disease, a connective tissue disorder, or toxin exposure. The progression of interstitial lung disease varies from person to person depending on what caused it. Symptoms vary from mild to severe. They may include:
Treatment aims to slow the progression of the condition. Doctors may use supplemental oxygen, anti-inflammatory drugs, or immunosuppressant drugs. Pulmonary edema is the result of fluid collecting in the air spaces of the lungs. It can be due to several conditions, including heart failure and altitude sickness. Symptoms include:
People with these symptoms should seek medical attention immediately, as sudden pulmonary edema can be an emergency. Alveolar hemorrhage occurs when the blood vessels in the lungs become damaged, leading to bleeding. It is a medical emergency that can result from numerous conditions, including autoimmune diseases, vasculitis, and bleeding disorders. The symptoms can vary widely and may include:
Doctors treat most cases of alveolar hemorrhage with steroids to reduce inflammation and immunosuppressants to stop the immune system from damaging the blood vessels further. Sometimes, GGO nodules in the lung can indicate cancer. Lung cancer may not have pronounced symptoms in the early stages of the condition. However, a person should speak with their doctor if they experience:
Treatment varies according to the severity and type of cancer a person has. It may include chemotherapy, surgery, and radiation therapy. After a doctor finds GGO in a CT scan or X-ray, they will take note of the size, shape, location, and distribution of the opacities to determine the likely cause. They may also order more tests, such as:
They may also order electrocardiography and echocardiography to see if a person's lung problems could be the result of a heart condition. Receiving test results can be worrying. Here are some questions that a person may wish to ask their doctor:
GGO can show up on an X-ray or CT scan of the lungs. It appears as hazy gray areas that can indicate a range of conditions. Some causes of GGO may be benign and resolve on their own, while others may be chronic. |
| You are subscribed to email updates from "puking mucus,green mucus" - Google News. To stop receiving these emails, you may unsubscribe now. | Email delivery powered by Google |
| Google, 1600 Amphitheatre Parkway, Mountain View, CA 94043, United States | |
Comments
Post a Comment