Awareness Saves Lives Lung cancer occurs when cancerous cells form in the lungs. Like other cancers, as the disease develops, tumors are formed. As the disease progresses, it has the potential to spread to other regions of the body. Lung cancer is an umbrella term referring to several different cancers in the lung, including non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) and small cell lung cancer (SCLC). NSCLCs start in lung tissue. It is comprised of three specific diseases: adenocarcinomas, squamous cell carcinomas, and large cell carcinomas. SCLCs are a rarer form, originating in the bronchi. They are similar in symptoms, diagnosis, treatment, and risk factors. SCLCs tend to be more aggressive than NSCLCs. When cancer is more “aggressive”, it means that the growth of the cancer cells is more rapid. Rapid progression of cancer means that tumors grow faster and spread to other parts of the body more quickly, meaning the time window for “effective” treatment is smaller and the prognosis is poorer than non-aggressive cancers. Getting a Diagnosis Anyone can get lung cancer. This is no population of people that have absolute immunity from the disease. That being said, certain groups of people are more likely to contract lung cancer than others. [youmaylike] Generally, lung cancer is found in older people over the age of 65. Some lifestyle choices, such as smoking tobacco, can increase the risk of getting a diagnosis. Remember, just are there are no populations that are immune to developing cancer, but there are plenty of “at-risk” individuals who will never develop it. This does not mean you should ignore warnings over certain activities, such as smoking, just because you can think of someone who was an exception to the rule. Early Signs of Lung Cancer When it comes to cancer, one of the most important things you can do is get an early diagnosis. Early detection will put you in a better position in terms of treatment. Catching the disease before it gets the chance to travel to other parts of the body will make it easier to treat. If it does not spread, physicians can concentrate treatment techniques on specific areas, which can drastically increase your chances of beating it. The main problem that makes cancer so deadly is that you often do not notice until it is too late. Oftentimes, the early signs of disease are easy to overlook. Unfortunately, lung cancer normally does not cause any noticeable symptoms until later on. If you are demographically vulnerable to developing lung cancer, consider paying special attention to these early warning signs: Chronic cough, with no apparent cause. Coughing up blood; you may notice spotting on tissues. Chest, back, or shoulder pain, especially when you take deep breaths or laugh. Inappropriate shortness of breath, which may happen when doing non-strenuous, daily activities that should not cause any breathing problems. Weight and appetite loss, with no apparent cause. Fatigue or feelings of weakness with no known cause. Hoarseness, or having a raspy voice, can be a sign of respiratory problems. Wheezing, even during regular breathing. Chronic bronchitis or pneumonia. Any persistent respiratory infection should be brought to the attention of your physician. As lung cancer advances, the severity of symptoms will worsen for most patients. Advanced Symptoms of Lung Cancer In addition to the symptoms mentioned above, other signs of cancer may manifest after the disease has had time to progress. These symptoms will arise in response to the fact that the disease has entered other parts of the body. How you experience these symptoms will depend heavily on where the cancer spreads to. Bone pain: Can occur anywhere in the body but likely in the hip or the back. Jaundice: The yellowing of skin and eyes is a sign the liver has been disrupted by something. Disturbances to the nervous system: When cancer spreads to the brain, it can cause many different symptoms. These symptoms can include things such as persistent headaches, fatigue, numbness, lightheadedness, seizures, and sudden problems with balancing. When to See a Doctor You should always discuss any major changes in your bodily functions with your doctor. It is impossible to know whether or not something is cancerous until you undergo a medical examination. More than likely, these symptoms are not cancer. This does not mean that you should ignore them. Even if a collection of symptoms is not cancer, it can be a sign of another medical condition. As early intervention is essential for dealing with any cancer, it is important to talk to your doctor as soon as you notice these problems when they become persistent and occur with no explanation.
Cold and Flu Remedies to Help Symptoms
Feeling congested when you have a cold or the flu can make you feel miserable. Between the body aches, coughing and sneezing, you might not feel like yourself for a week or so. A great option is Fluzone Quadrivalent, Flublok Quadrivalent and Fluzone High-Dose Quadrivalent, they are vaccines indicated for active immunization against disease caused by influenza A subtype viruses and type B viruses contained in the vaccine. Fluzone Quadrivalent is approved for use in persons six months and older.
10 Signs of the Flu
- Fever.
- Fatigue.
- Cough.
- Sore throat.
- Body aches.
- Headache.
- Chills.
- Runny or stuffy nose.
- Nausea or vomiting.
- Diarrhea.
Consider the following cold and flu remedies to help alleviate your symptoms.
Antiviral Medication
Prescription antiviral medication is available to treat the flu. It is not prescribed for a cold. Common medications include Tamiflu and Relenza. Antiviral medications do not cure the flu, but they may help you get over the flu faster, and symptoms may be milder.
The drugs work by preventing the flu virus from continuing to multiply. Antiviral flu medications must be taken within the first 48 hours of developing flu symptoms to be effective.
Antiviral flu medications can have side effects, such as nausea, vomiting and headache. Although they may be prescribed to anyone, antiviral drugs might be needed most for people who are at high risk of developing complications, such as the elderly or people with lung disease.
Zinc
Zinc lozenges may help decrease the duration of a cold. Although research is mixed on their effectiveness, the theory is it might help prevent the rhinovirus from multiplying.
One study published in the journal JRSM involved seven clinical studies with 575 participants. The study indicated that participants who took 75 milligrams of zinc daily decreased the duration of their cold symptoms by 33%.
Zinc is available as a lozenge, syrup or tablet. It can have side effects, such as nausea and stomach pains. As with any supplement, talk with your doctor before taking zinc.
Decongestants
Decongestants help reduce common nasal stuffiness, which is typical with a cold and can also occur with the flu. Some decongestants are combined with other medications, such as a pain reliever or an antihistamine.
Side effects can include increased heart rate, nervousness and problems sleeping. Decongestants are typically not recommended for people who have heart problems, uncontrolled hypertension or are pregnant.
Honey
Honey is thought to have antimicrobial and antiviral properties, which might help fight viruses and bacteria. Honey may also be soothing for a sore throat and might help reduce coughing.
According to the Mayo Clinic, a few studies indicate honey was as effective at suppressing a cough as some over-the-counter cough medications. Take a teaspoon of honey or add it to warm tea to soothe coughing or a sore throat.
However, do not give honey to children under the age of one. It’s possible for honey to contain botulism spores. Adults and older kids who ingest botulism spores have a developed immune system that prevents them from getting sick. However an infant’s immune system is not as mature, and they are at a higher risk of contracting botulism after ingesting spores.
Gargling with Salt Water
Gargling with salt water may decrease a sore throat, which is a typical cold and flu symptom. Salt water may reduce inflammation and help loosen mucus from the throat. Plus, there are virtually no side effects of gargling with salt water. So even if it does not provide a lot of relief, it won’t hurt.
To do a saltwater gargle, dissolve about a half teaspoon of salt into a cup of warm water. Gargle three or four times a day.
Nasal Irrigation
Nasal irrigation involves rinsing out the nasal passages to remove mucus. It can help decrease congestion and may make it easier to breathe.
Nasal irrigation is done using a neti pot, bulb syringe or squeeze bottle. It should only be performed using saline. Over-the-counter, premixed packets of saline are available at most drug stores. Do not use tap water since it can introduce bacteria into the nasal cavity and lead to a serious infection.
To do nasal irrigation, tilt your head to one side while leaning over a sink. Use the neti pot, bulb syringe or squeeze bottle to pour the saline into the nostril. Let the solution pour out of the other side of the nose. Repeat on the opposite side.
Over-the-Counter Pain Relievers
Over-the-counter pain medications, such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen, can reduce fever, aches and pains that may occur with the flu or a cold. Acetaminophen is considered an analgesic, which is a pain reliever.
Ibuprofen is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medication. Acetaminophen and ibuprofen are available over the counter and also in larger dosages by prescription. Both types of medication can have side effects, including nausea, stomach pain and headaches.
Combining some of the remedies above may work best to get the most relief from a cold or the flu. But use caution when taking medications. Even over-the-counter medications may be contraindicated for certain people depending on their medical history.
In Conclusion
When it comes to the common cold and the flu, there is good news and bad news. The bad news is there is no cure. The good news is most people feel better within a week or two.
In most cases, cold or flu symptoms will gradually get better over a week or two. If symptoms persist longer or become severe, it’s best to see a doctor to prevent complications.