Lung health – 7 signs to never ignore

Lung health – 7 signs to never ignore

When it comes to lung health, many people can mistakenly think that their symptoms indicate aging or that they are simply unfit physically. It is important to pay attention to even the smallest symptoms because, on a given day, an annoying cough or light wheezing may go unnoticed. Since such signs could be the initial indicators of poor lung health, they should be examined by a doctor as soon as possible.

Keeping track of these warning signs and symptoms is also important, as it can prevent lung issues. What is the best strategy for overcoming these concerns? Learn more about the illness and the symptoms that accompany it first. Look out for these warning signs of poor lung health.

Breathing problems
One of the common signs of lung issues is trouble breathing or feeling shortness of breath. However, other chronic health issues, like heart disease, might also cause this symptom. Therefore, one must get themselves examined as soon as they notice this symptom.

Wheezing
Recurrent episodes of wheezing can be caused by asthma and COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease). It usually indicates that one’s airways are being affected or air flow is being restricted through them. One may experience wheezing, but it can be temporary and can be gone within a few days or weeks. However, if it is accompanied by certain other symptoms, or if it continues to exist for a long time, it can be a warning sign.

Coughing persistently
Cold and flu can cause coughing, which often goes away on its own. But a cough that has persisted for eight weeks or more is considered chronic. This can be an indication of a problem with one’s respiratory system.

Blood in cough
Coughing up blood or seeing red streaks in mucus is a dangerous symptom that must be treated immediately. The most common cause for this is chronic bronchitis. It could indicate a serious condition, and one should get it checked immediately.

Recurrent chest pain
One may experience chronic chest pain due to insufficient oxygen supply to the heart. Lung issues might be detected by an inexplicable chronic chest pain that persists for over a few weeks and worsens over time.

Fatigue
Several disorders, including lung conditions, can manifest as persistent exhaustion. Your body’s capacity to work efficiently is hampered by decreased lung health and functioning, which can drain one’s energy levels. This can also lead to difficulties in performing daily tasks like climbing stairs.

Feeling heavy in the chest
One of the warning indications of severe lung damage or infection is feeling heavy in the chest when coughing or having chest pain. If this lasts for more than a week, one should see a physician. If it goes untreated for an extended period, it can weaken one’s lungs and aggravate the condition.

Most of us tend to ignore our lung health until the symptoms can worsen. One should watch out for these warning signs. It is critical to be aware of the early indications of lung conditions so that one can receive appropriate treatment before the symptoms become life-threatening.

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Coping with urges that can trigger a relapse post treatment

Addictions when left untreated can turn into crippling conditions. One can be addicted to smoking, binge drinking, or even shopping. Once addicted, one willfully submits to urges, despite having satisfied them before. However, addictions can be managed and to a great extent treated to full recovery. But, the post-recovery phase is crucial where both the mind and body are put to test and can trigger a relapse. Continue reading to know more about the most common triggers for addictions and how to deal with them.Stress Stress is commonly the root cause of many problems and addictions, both physical and psychological. One can become an addict as a way to manage the stress that may stem from strained relationships or priorities. The best way to avoid a relapse during recovery is to make lifestyle changes that don’t trigger a return to addictions amidst a stressful situation. One can practice mindfulness, engage in relaxation techniques, manage one’s time to avoid stressful situations, and imbibe healthy eating habits and exercise in their daily routine. EmotionsThere is an umpteen number of triggers that invoke a positive or negative emotional response. However, the stress associated with dealing with emotions daily can trigger urges without one even realizing. Often, one turns to a glass of alcohol or relies on prescription medications to put the mind at ease. It is not a permanent solution and prolonged use of these substances can cause more harm in the long run. One must learn and explore productive ways of controlling emotions better to avoid a relapse during recovery. For example, writing and maintaining a journal that contains one’s feelings and thoughts can act as a healthy outlet. Similarly, there are other healthy ways to channel one’s energy and manage emotional responses.Positive conditioningPeople who have addictions such as smoking or drinking may often find themselves in situations where a lit cigarette or a glass of wine can trigger a relapse. This is understandable considering these substances were the primary source of comfort and relaxation. However, with positive reinforcement and reconditioning one can train the mind and curb such urges. Relaxation doesn’t always mean techniques like yoga or meditation, it can also be pursuing your hobby. Counseling for group gatheringsBirthdays, parties, New Year’s events, and any celebration in general call for alcohol consumption and smoking. At times, these could be the very addictions one is recovering from, and in a social gathering, such temptations can be strong. However, a recovering addict should refrain from indulging in any of these as even a taste can turn into a relapse. For instance, a recovering alcoholic must avoid having a single drink as that could put him/her on a slippery slope to relapse. Here, one-on-one counseling can help prepare the mind to resist the urge. It is never healthy for a recovering addict to simply avoid socializing fearing a relapse.

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Top 6 causes of tinnitus

Tinnitus is a health condition where a person hears a sound no one else can hear. The sound is commonly described as buzzing, hissing, or ringing, but it can also be whistling, humming, or pulsing. Treatments like sound therapy and cognitive-behavioral therapy help manage the symptoms so they do not disrupt a person's routine. Here, we briefly discuss the common causes of tinnitus, from hearing loss to aging and infections. Loud noises Exposure to loud noises for an extended period may damage the hair cells in the inner ear, causing hearing loss and tinnitus. The loud noise could emanate from various sources, such as a construction site nearby or fireworks. Sometimes, recreational activities like attending concerts or listening to music at high volumes can also cause the problem. Aging While people of all ages can get affected, this condition is more common among older adults. It could result from various cardiovascular and metabolic conditions arising from old age. Ear infections Ear infections like otitis media can lead to tinnitus. Otitis media is an infection of the middle ear that leads to inflammation and fluid accumulation behind the ear drum. It is a common occurrence in kids between six months and two years. Earwax An earwax buildup in the ear canal can bring on tinnitus. This inner ear ailment can also result in vertigo, hearing loss, and other symptoms. Hence, one should clean their ears regularly using safe methods. Specific treatments Tinnitus is sometimes a side effect of specific treatments, especially those used to manage cancer and increase urination. Hence, individuals should use treatments only after consulting a healthcare expert and stick to the recommended dosage. Underlying health conditions In certain people, high blood pressure can lead to tinnitus. One may experience a ringing or hissing sensation in the ears when blood flows through the veins with extreme force. Disorders of the temporomandibular joints (TMJ) can also be a reason. These joints link the lower jawbone to the skull. If an underlying health issue is the cause of tinnitus, treating it may help lessen the symptoms. Besides the above, factors like emotional stress and head or neck trauma can trigger tinnitus or worsen its symptoms. Depending on the underlying cause, health experts may suggest various treatments to manage the condition. For instance, they may recommend using white noise generators, hearing aids, or other sound generators to create low-level sounds that distract the patient from the ringing, buzzing, or hissing. Cognitive-behavioral therapy may also be recommended to alter the patient's responses to tinnitus. This therapy may incorporate relaxation techniques, stress management, and other coping mechanisms. Sound therapy, counseling, healthy nutrition, exercise, and better sleep can also help manage tinnitus better in the long run.

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