Asthma v. COPD

Posted on March 17, 2015 by Joann Ariola

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a general term that describes progressive respiratory diseases including emphysema and chronic bronchitis. COPD is characterized by decreased airflow over time and increased inflammation of the lungs.

Asthma, on the other hand, is considered a separate respiratory disease, but is occasionally mistaken for COPD because of its similar symptoms.

These symptoms include:

Chronic coughing
Wheezing
Shortness of breath

The majority of COPD sufferers also have asthma, which is considered a risk factor for developing the disease. As you age, the likelihood of this duel-diagnosis increases.

COPD and asthma respond well to treatments such as smoking cessation and airway-opening medications like bronchodilators. At times, inhaled steroids are also needed. However, lung function is only fully reversible in asthma patients. A diagnosis of asthma, along with COPD, often means a significant decline in lung function as the COPD progresses. This progression is true even in patients with mild forms of the disease.

By nature of the similarity of the symptoms of COPD and asthma, many patients can go undiagnosed or misdiagnosed. Early detection of COPD, especially in current or past smokers, is critical to preserving lung function “Undiagnosed or poorly controlled asthma and COPD can lead to a decreased quality of life by limiting a person’s ability to perform everyday activities. Teaching patients to take their medicine as prescribed, to never run out of their medications, and to keep their doctors’ appointments is essential to improving their outcomes.” Dr. Kamica Lewis.

If you think you may have symptoms of asthma or COPD, please contact Jamaica Hospital Medical Center’s Ambulatory Care Center at 718-206-7001 to make an appointment with a doctor for an evaluation.

All content of this newsletter is intended for general information purposes only and is not intended or implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Please consult a medical professional before adopting any of the suggestions on this page. You must never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking medical treatment based upon any content of this newsletter. PROMPTLY CONSULT YOUR PHYSICIAN OR CALL 911 IF YOU BELIEVE YOU HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY.

Peripheral Vascular Disease and Hypertension

Posted on February 23, 2015 by Joann Ariola

Peripheral Vascular Disease or PVD as it’s more commonly known, is a condition that is often associated with Hypertension.

PVD is a slow and progressive circulation disorder involving diseases in any of the blood vessels outside of the heart, the lymph vessels – arteries, veins, and lymphatic vessels. Organs supplied by these vessels, such as the brain, heart and legs may not receive adequate blood flow for ordinary function.

However, the legs and feet are the most commonly affected.

Up to half of the people diagnosed with PVD are symptom free. For those experiencing symptoms, most common and first symptom is intermittent leg discomfort described as cramping that occurs with exercise and is relieved by rest. During rest, the muscles need less blood flow, so the pain disappears. It may occur in one or both legs depending on the location of the blocked or narrowed artery.

Other symptoms of PVD may include:

Decreased skin temperature
Diminished pulses in the legs and feet
Hair loss on the legs
Impotence
Numbness, weakness, or heaviness in muscles
Reddish coloring of the extremities

Some risk factors for peripheral vascular disease include factors that can be changed or treated with lifestyle changes, such as controlling your blood pressure or increasing physical activity. Unfortunately, risk factors like age and family history of heart disease and hypertension cannot be changed.

It is important to take steps to prevent PVD. A prevention plan may also be used to prevent or lessen the progress of PVD once you are diagnosed. If you would like to consult a physician, call Jamaica Hospital Medical Center’s 718-206-7001 for diagnosis and treatment.

Can Children with Asthma Keep Pets?

Posted on December 16, 2014 by Xavia Malcolm

The presence of some pets in the home can trigger asthma attacks in children. While many believe pets’ fur is the culprit, it is actually the allergens such as dust and proteins found in pets’ dander, saliva, dead-skin flakes, urine and feathers that can cause a reaction.

These allergens and proteins are airborne-they can enter the body by way of the mouth or nose. When they are combined with antibodies (a substance that the body recognizes as foreign) and inhaled into the lungs, they can trigger the body’s defense mechanisms, causing inflammation and eventually restricting air flow.

It is recommended that the easiest way to reduce the hazards of pet dander and allergens in the home is to relocate the animal. For some, this decision can be difficult as pets often become members of the family. If the option of relocating the animal is not likely, then the following solutions should be considered.

Minimizing contact by keeping your pet outdoors as much as possible or prohibiting the animal from the bedroom of the person with asthma.
Using vacuums with HEPA filters to frequently vacuum surfaces where dander can accumulate.
Wash pets often and groom them outside the home.
Keep animals off surfaces such as the couch, which collects pet dander.
Dust frequently. It is best to dust when the person with asthma is not home.
Clean bird and rodent cages thoroughly at least once a week.
Purchase air cleaners with HEPA filters.
Keep children away from litter boxes or places designated for the animal to eliminate waste.
Change carpeted floors to hard wood floors.

It is highly advised that you consult a physician to confirm that it is okay to keep your pet and to explore the best ways to reduce the risks of triggering an asthma attack. Your doctor may be able to develop a treatment plan, which can include allergy shots, sprays or pills to help manage symptoms.

The Dangers of Secondhand Smoke

Posted on October 13, 2014 by Xavia Malcolm

Secondhand smoke is a combination of side stream smoke-which comes from the end of a burning cigarette and mainstream smoke-which is exhaled by the smoker. It may seem harmless but the smoke that comes from the end of the cigarette is considered to be even more harmful than the smoke inhaled by the smoker; because there are no filters. Secondhand smoke is harmful to everyone; however, pregnant women, children and partners of people who smoke are the most vulnerable.

There are over 250 harmful chemicals that can be found in the smoke created by tobacco products. Some of these chemicals are carbon monoxide, hydrogen cyanide, ammonia, arsenic, vinyl chloride and formaldehyde. The Environmental Protection Agency categorizes secondhand smoke as a Group A carcinogen; meaning that it can cause cancer in humans.

The more you are exposed to secondhand smoke, the higher your risk of developing diseases and suffering from the health effects. Respiratory symptoms such as wheezing, breathlessness and coughing can be triggered by secondhand smoke. Other harmful health effects include the increased risk of developing heart disease, respiratory disease and strokes.

Pregnant women who consistently breathe secondhand smoke may have miscarriages or give birth to low birth-weight and premature babies. For newborns exposure can escalate the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome. Children can experience increased occurrences of asthma, pneumonia, bronchitis and ear infections.

Secondhand smoke is harmful, despite the level of exposure. Breathing in even a little smoke can be dangerous and the effects on your health can be immediate. There are several ways to reduce the risk of exposure to second hand smoke. You can ask members in your family not to smoke in your home, disallow smoking in your car and choose smoke- free restaurant and indoor places.

Breathe Easy: Clinical Trial for IPF Offered at Jamaica Hospital

Posted on October 15, 2012 by Natifia Mullings

Having Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis (IPF), the stiffening and scarring of the lungs, can make breathing extremely difficult and life less enjoyable. With no known cure, clinical trials of new treatments have become important in helping to improve the outcomes of patients with IPF. Jamaica Hospital is accepting patients for enrollment in the ASCEND trial, a clinical study sponsored by biotechnology company InterMune.

The ASCEND study provides patients with the opportunity to try pirfenidone, a new and investigational treatment for IPF, and is designed to evaluate its effectiveness and safety.

“IPF is a serious pulmonary condition and over time, its symptoms worsen,” explained Dr. Craig Thurm, Director of Pulmonary Diseases at Jamaica Hospital. “Participation in clinical trials provides patients with access to potentially effective medications—medications they would not have access to otherwise.”

To be eligible for this study, Dr. Thurm states that patients must:
• Be between 40 and 80 years of age
• Have been diagnosed with IPF for at least six months
• Have not smoked within the last three months and is willing to abstain from smoking during the study

The study lasts 52 weeks and involves approximately 12 visits to Jamaica Hospital. Eligible patients who complete the study will be offered the opportunity to receive pirfenidone as part of an open label study.

If you have IPF, meet this criteria, and are interested in participating in the ASCEND trial, please call Kelly Cervellione, Research Associate at 718-206-5800, or Dr. Craig Thurm, Director of Pulmonary Diseases at 718-206-7130, for more information.

All patients who participate in the study will have access to the services and programs available through Jamaica Hospital’s Division of Pulmonary Medicine. These include:
• a Pulmonary Function Lab that provides a wide range of testing options to patients with respiratory symptoms and lung disease.
• a multidisciplinary Pulmonary Rehabilitation Program for patients with breathing problems.
• a pulmonary support group for individuals with lung disease.

For additional information about the various services offered by the Division of Pulmonary Medicine, please call 718-206-7126.