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A person with asthma has a condition in which their airways become constricted and swollen, and they may also generate an increased amount of mucus. This can make it difficult to breathe and may cause coughing, a whistling sound (wheezing), and shortness of breath when you exhale.

Who can develop asthma?

Asthma can strike anyone at any age. Asthma is more prone to occur in those who have allergies or are exposed to cigarette smoke. This includes being exposed to second-hand smoke, which occurs while another person is smoking, as well as thirdhand smoke (exposure to clothing or surfaces in places where some has smoked).

What causes Asthma?

The exact cause of asthma is unknown, but it is believed to be a combination of genetic and environmental factors. Some of the known risk factors include:

• Family history of asthma or allergies


• Exposure to air pollution or tobacco smoke


• Respiratory infections during childhood


• Allergic sensitization to substances such as pollen, dust mites, pet dander, and mould


• Obesity


• Stress and anxiety


• Occupational exposure to irritants such as chemicals or fumes


• Poor air quality


• Lack of physical activity


• Certain medications, such as aspirin and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs).

Knowing the warning signs & symptoms of an Asthma Attack

People who have asthma typically exhibit clear symptoms. Many respiratory illnesses have symptoms and indications similar to these ones:

• Pressure, pain, or tightness in the chest.


• Coughing (particularly at night)


• Respiration difficulty.

Diagnostic tests for Asthma

Diagnosing asthma can be challenging because its symptoms can be similar to those of other respiratory conditions. However, there are several diagnostic tests and evaluations that a doctor may use to diagnose asthma, including:

• Physical examination: The doctor will listen to your chest and ask about your symptoms and medical history.


• Lung function tests: Spirometry is the most common lung function test used to diagnose asthma. It measures how much air you can exhale and how quickly you can exhale.


• Methacholine challenge test: In this test, the doctor will have you inhale a substance called methacholine, which can trigger bronchoconstriction in people with asthma.


• Allergy testing: Allergy testing can help identify any allergens that may be triggering your asthma symptoms.


• Chest X-rays and CT scans: These imaging tests can rule out other conditions that may be causing your symptoms, such as pneumonia or bronchitis.


• Peak flow measurement: A peak flow meter measures the maximum flow of air you can exhale. A decrease in peak flow can indicate an asthma attack.


• Nitric oxide testing: This test measures the levels of nitric oxide in your breath, which can be elevated in people with asthma.


• Blood tests: Blood tests can help detect any underlying conditions that may be contributing to your asthma symptoms, such as anaemia or elevated levels of eosinophils (a type of white blood cell).

Exploring the treatment options of Asthma

The treatment of asthma is tailored to each individual and may include a combination of the following:

Medications: There are several types of medications used to treat asthma, including bronchodilators (which open up the airways), corticosteroids (which reduce inflammation), and leukotriene modifiers (which prevent the production of substances that can trigger an asthma attack).

Allergen avoidance: Identifying and avoiding triggers can help prevent asthma symptoms.

Immunotherapy (allergy shots): This type of treatment can help reduce the severity of asthma symptoms by gradually exposing you to small amounts of allergens.

Oxygen therapy: This treatment is used for people with severe asthma who have low levels of oxygen in their blood.

Surgery: In some cases, surgery may be needed to correct structural problems in the airways.

Action plan for asthma: Together with you, your healthcare professional will create an action plan for asthma. You can utilise your medications according to the plan provided below. Additionally, it advises you when to seek emergency medical attention based on your asthma symptoms.

Conclusion

Altor Hospital has a comprehensive asthma treatment plan typically involves a team of healthcare professionals, including pulmonologists, allergists, and nurses, who work together to help patients manage their asthma symptoms and achieve good asthma control. This may include medications, lifestyle changes, and a written asthma action plan to help patients respond quickly and effectively in case of an asthma attack. The goal of treatment is to prevent asthma symptoms, reduce the frequency and severity of attacks, and improve overall quality of life for people with asthma.

Because of the disease's effect on the bones' fragility, people who have it are more likely to experience abrupt and unexpected bone fractures. If you have osteoporosis, your bones are weaker and have less mass. The condition frequently progresses without any warning signs or discomfort, and it is typically not recognised until the weakening bones result in excruciating fractures. The majority of these involve hip, wrist, and spine fractures.

What causes Osteoporosis?

• Age: As people get older, they naturally lose bone density. Women are at particularly high risk after menopause.


• Gender: Women are at higher risk of osteoporosis than men due to hormonal changes and differences in bone structure.


• Family history: A family history of osteoporosis increases the risk of developing the condition.


• Hormonal factors: Low levels of oestrogen, testosterone, and other hormones can affect bone density.


• Lifestyle factors: A diet low in calcium and vitamin D, lack of physical activity, smoking, and excessive alcohol consumption can increase the risk of osteoporosis.


• Chronic conditions: Certain medical conditions, such as rheumatoid arthritis, hyperthyroidism, and Crohn's disease, can increase the risk of osteoporosis.


• Medications: Some medications, such as glucocorticoids and anticonvulsants, can cause bone loss and increase the risk of osteoporosis.

What are the symptoms of Osteoporosis?

Osteoporosis often has no symptoms in its early stages. As the condition progresses, some common symptoms may include:

• Fractures (broken bones) that occur more easily than expected, such as after a minor fall


• Back pain, caused by a fractured or collapsed vertebra


• Height loss, as a result of compression fractures in the spine


• A stooped posture or curvature of the spine


• Increased bone pain


• Joint and muscle aches


• Loss of muscle mass and strength

How Osteoporosis is diagnosed?

• Dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA): This is the most commonly used test to measure bone density and diagnose osteoporosis. It is a painless, non-invasive test that uses X-rays to measure the density of bones in the spine, hip, and wrist.


• Ultrasound: This test uses high-frequency sound waves to measure the density of bones in the heel or wrist.


• Quantitative computed tomography (QCT): This is a type of X-ray that provides detailed images of bones, including the spine and hip.


• Peripheral quantitative computed tomography (PQCT): This is a type of X-ray that measures bone density in the forearm, shin, or other peripheral bones.


• Bone turnover markers: This is a blood test that measures the levels of certain proteins and other markers that indicate the rate at which bone is being broken down and rebuilt.

Treatment Options for Osteoporosis

The goal of treatment for osteoporosis is to slow down or stop bone loss and reduce the risk of fractures. Treatment options include:

• Medications: There are several medications that have been shown to increase bone density and reduce the risk of fractures in people with osteoporosis. These include bisphosphonates, denosumab, teriparatide, and raloxifene.


• Lifestyle changes: Adopting a healthy lifestyle can help maintain and improve bone health. This includes regular exercise, a balanced diet rich in calcium and vitamin D, and avoiding smoking and excessive alcohol consumption.


• Hormone therapy: Hormone therapy may be recommended for women who are experiencing menopause-related bone loss. This involves taking estrogen or other hormones to help slow down bone loss.


• Vitamin and mineral supplements: Calcium and vitamin D supplements can help prevent or treat osteoporosis, but it is best to speak with a doctor before starting any supplement regimen.


• Weight-bearing exercise: Weight-bearing exercises, such as walking, hiking, dancing, and weightlifting, can help improve bone density and reduce the risk of fractures.

"The Benefits of Vitamin D and Calcium for Strong Bones"

Vitamin D and calcium are essential nutrients for strong bones. Here are some of the key benefits of these nutrients for bone health:

• Calcium: Calcium is the main building block of bones and is necessary for maintaining strong, healthy bones. A diet that is adequate in calcium is essential for building and maintaining strong bones, especially during childhood and adolescence.


• Vitamin D: Vitamin D helps the body absorb calcium and is necessary for maintaining healthy bones. It also helps regulate the balance of calcium in the body, which is important for preventing bone loss.


• Combined benefits: Vitamin D and calcium work together to promote bone health. Adequate amounts of both nutrients are essential for maintaining strong, healthy bones and reducing the risk of osteoporosis and fractures.

It is important to get enough vitamin D and calcium through a balanced diet, exposure to sunlight, and if necessary, supplements. However, it is always best to consult with a healthcare provider before starting any new supplement regimen.

Conclusion

At Altor Hospital, our team of highly trained medical professionals is committed to assisting patients in managing their osteoporosis through the creation of individualised treatment regimens that are supported by evidence. If you are concerned about osteoporosis or any other health condition, we encourage you to maintain the strength and health of your bones throughout your lifetime by preventing and treating conditions that are preventable and treatable with the appropriate combination of changes to one's lifestyle, medication, and medical intervention.

A blockage that causes blood flow to your heart to suddenly slow or stop can result in acute coronary syndrome (ACS), a potentially fatal illness. Heart attacks or unstable angina can occur in people with ACS (myocardial infarction). Chest pain or pressure (angina), dyspnoea, or light-headedness are typical symptoms.

What occurs in acute coronary syndrome?

Your heart is a muscle that requires an ongoing supply of blood that is rich in oxygen to function effectively. This blood is supplied by the smaller channels of the coronary arteries.

Sometimes, a slow build-up of cholesterol and fat (plaque) causes your arteries to stiffen and constrict (atherosclerosis). This plaque can rupture or break open quickly, resulting in acute coronary syndrome.

A blood clot forms over the entrance, narrowing or obstructing blood flow to the myocardium, a section of your heart. Oxygen supply to the heart is inadequate. Ischemia, or the lack of oxygen, destroys the heart muscle and causes unstable angina or heart attacks.

What are the symptoms of Acute coronary Syndrome?

• Burning


• Numbness


• Tightness


• Aching


• Heaviness


• Pressure

What are the diagnostic tests for Acute Coronary Syndrome?

• ECG: Measures the electrical activity of the heart to look for any anomalies that might point to acute coronary syndrome.


• Blood tests: Examinations for biomarkers that are released into the circulation when the heart muscle is damaged, such as troponin and CK-MB.


• Cardiac Catheterization: A diagnostic procedure that involves inserting a catheter into the coronary arteries to examine blood flow and obstructions.


• Coronary Angiography is an X-ray imaging procedure that shows the coronary arteries and any obstructions by using a contrast dye.


• Stress tests: Physical or imaging examinations that mimic activity to assess the heart's blood flow and find any obstructions.


• Computed Tomography Angiography (CTA): A non-invasive imaging test that produces precise pictures of the coronary arteries using X-rays and computer processing.


• Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI): An imaging technique that produces images of the heart and blood arteries using a high magnetic field and radio waves.


• Positron Emission Tomography (PET) is a nuclear imaging test that creates images of blood flow to the heart muscle using a small amount of radioactive material and a specialised camera.

Treatment options for Acute Coronary Syndrome

• Medical Management: Includes the use of medications such as aspirin, anticoagulants, beta-blockers, ACE inhibitors, and statins to manage symptoms, prevent blood clots, and reduce the risk of recurrent events.


• Interventional Procedures: Angioplasty and coronary artery bypass surgery are used to treat Acute Coronary Syndrome by restoring blood flow to the heart muscle.


• Lifestyle Changes: Incorporating regular exercise, healthy eating, stress management, and quitting smoking can help reduce the risk of Acute Coronary Syndrome and improve overall health.


• Cardiac Rehabilitation: A comprehensive program designed to help patients recover from Acute Coronary Syndrome and improve their heart health through exercise, education, and support.


• Device Therapy: Implantable devices such as cardiac defibrillators and pacemakers can be used to treat heart rhythm problems associated with Acute Coronary Syndrome. 

Conclusion

At Altor Hospital, our team of expert cardiologists and healthcare professionals is dedicated to providing the highest quality care for patients with Acute Coronary Syndrome. With a focus on evidence-based medicine and patient-centred care, we offer a comprehensive range of diagnostic and treatment options, including medical management, interventional procedures, lifestyle changes, cardiac rehabilitation, and device therapy.

Our goal is to help our patients recover from Acute Coronary Syndrome, improve their heart health, and reduce their risk of recurrent events. We believe that through education, awareness, and ongoing care, we can make a positive impact on the health of our community and help our patients live their best lives.