Congenital heart disease in adults - Symptoms and causes
Improved Lung Function In Sickle Cell Disease
Sickle cell disease is an inherited red blood cell disorder that affects hemoglobin, the protein carrying oxygen through the body. In this condition, red blood cells become sickle-shaped due to a genetic mutation, leading to obstruction in blood flow. Damage to lung tissue and poor lung function are important complications and the greatest cause of death in patients with sickle cell disease. A new study published in the Annals of the American Thoracic Society investigates whether less intensive types of transplants, generally better tolerated by many adults, cause subsequent lung damage. 'Low-intensity #blood #stem_cell_transplants improve #lung_health in adults with #sickle_cell disease. #medindia' Low-intensity blood stem cell transplants also known as non-myeloablative transplants, which use milder conditioning agents than standard stem cell transplants, do not appear to harm the lungs and may help improve lung function in some sickle cell disease (SCD) patients, according to a three-year study of adults who underwent the procedure at the National Institutes of Health.Low-Intensity Stem Cell Transplants "By using a low-intensity blood stem cell transplant for sickle cell disease, we may be able to stop the cycle of lung injury and prevent continued damage," said study lead Parker Ruhl, M.D., an associate research physician and pulmonologist at NIH. "Without the ongoing injury, it's possible that healing of lung tissue might occur, and this finding should help reassure adults living with sickle cell disease who are considering whether to have a low-intensity stem cell transplant procedure that their lung health will not be compromised by the transplant (1✔ ✔Trusted SourcePulmonary Function After Non-Myeloablative Hematopoietic Cell Transplant for Sickle Cell DiseaseGo to source)."Until recently, bone marrow and blood stem cell transplants were the only cure for sickle cell disease, but relatively few adults have undergone the treatments due to health risks associated with high doses of chemotherapy required to prepare for transplants. In addition, the process requires a genetically well-matched donor, usually a sibling who does not have SCD.
These procedures involve giving patients blood stem cells obtained from a donor to grow normal red blood cells to replace the "sickled" cells. The sickled cells block blood flow throughout the body, causing a host of problems, including episodes of acute pain, infections, stroke, and acute chest syndrome, in which the lungs are deprived of oxygen.Researchers say at least one-third of the sickle cell stem cell transplants performed are low-intensity. While low-intensity blood stem cell transplant is slightly less effective than the standard transplants, adults who often have more pre-existing organ damage than children tend to do better with them and also experience a lower risk for complications such as graft-versus-host disease. The current study examined if these transplants offered other benefits for adults with already vulnerable lungs.
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Assessing Lung Health with Pulmonary Function Tests For the research, Ruhl and her team studied 97 patients with sickle cell disease who underwent a low-intensity, or non-myeloablative, blood stem cell transplant between 2004 and 2019 at the NIH's Clinical Center in Bethesda, Maryland. Participants were then followed for up to three years.The researchers conducted various pulmonary function tests, including
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After three years, overall lung function among the patients remained stable. FEV-1 levels remained relatively unchanged post-transplant compared to pre-transplant, indicating lung function did not worsen over time. Notably, DLCO levels and six-minute walk distance improved significantly following the transplant.Ruhl said that larger studies with longer follow-up periods and the inclusion of transplant data from other clinical centers, including those from patients who received a standard transplant, are still needed to put the current findings in context. In the meantime, she and her team will continue to follow the NIH patients and report on longer-term outcomes at the five- and 10-year mark.
In December 2023, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved two genetic therapies that use patients' blood stem cells to treat SCD. Researchers hope that the techniques used in this study will also be used to evaluate lung function for other new genetic therapies.
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Managing Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease Fatigue: Follow These 8 Tips To Boost Energy
People living with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) often experience more than just difficulty breathing. Fatigue is a common and challenging symptom that can affect both their physical and emotional well-being. This persistent tiredness can make even the simplest tasks feel overwhelming and impact the quality of daily life. Fortunately, there are strategies to help manage COPD-related fatigue and boost energy levels. In this article, we list eight tips that can help you in managing COPD fatigue.
A 2018 study stated that COPD-related fatigue is much more challenging for patients both physically and mentally compared to simple sleepiness. It significantly affects their daily lives, impairs physical functioning, and impacts their emotional well-being. According to The Lancet, it is estimated that 50-70% of individuals with COPD also experience fatigue.
1. Prioritise Good Sleep HygieneGetting adequate and restful sleep is crucial for managing fatigue. COPD can interfere with sleep quality due to breathing difficulties, coughing, or other related symptoms. To improve your sleep hygiene, it's important to establish a regular sleep schedule by going to bed and waking up at the same time every day. You should create a comfortable sleep environment by ensuring your bedroom is cool, dark, and quiet.
2. Practice Pacing and Energy ConservationOne effective method for managing fatigue with COPD is to practice pacing and energy conservation techniques. You can break your daily tasks into smaller, more manageable chunks and take regular breaks to avoid overexertion. Start by prioritising the most important tasks and spread them throughout the day to balance your energy levels. Using energy-saving tools and techniques, such as sitting while performing tasks or using assistive devices, can also help reduce the strain on your body.
Also Read: Smoking And Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease: How Does Smoking Trigger COPD and Management Tips
3. Engage in Regular Physical ActivityWhile it may seem counterintuitive, engaging in regular physical activity can help improve your energy levels. Exercise strengthens your muscles, improves cardiovascular health, and enhances overall endurance, which can alleviate fatigue. Start with low-impact exercises like walking, cycling, or swimming, and gradually increase the intensity as your fitness improves.
4. Optimise Your NutritionA balanced diet plays a key role in managing COPD fatigue. Consuming nutrient-dense foods provides your body with the energy it needs to function optimally. Make sure that your diet includes fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats. Keep your energy levels steady throughout the day by eating small, frequent meals. Additionally, staying hydrated is essential for overall health and can help alleviate fatigue. Consult with a nutritionist if you need guidance on creating a meal plan that supports your energy needs.
5. Practice Breathing ExercisesBreathing exercises are vital for people with COPD, as they help improve lung function and oxygen intake, which can reduce fatigue. Techniques like pursed-lip and diaphragmatic breathing can help you manage shortness of breath and conserve energy. Adding these exercises into your daily routine can help you stay more active and reduce the feelings of breathlessness that contribute to fatigue.
Also Read: Role of Genetics in Lung Cancer: Is It Hereditary? Expert Explains If Lung Cancer Is Hereditary
6. Manage Stress EffectivelyChronic stress can worsen fatigue, making it more difficult to manage COPD symptoms. It's important to find ways to reduce and manage stress to improve your energy levels. Techniques, such as mindfulness meditation, yoga, and relaxation exercises can help you manage stress more effectively. Taking time for activities you enjoy and maintaining social connections can also improve your emotional well-being, ultimately reducing fatigue.
7. Stay HydratedDehydration can lead to increased feelings of fatigue, especially in individuals with COPD. Hence, make it a habit to drink plenty of water throughout the day to stay hydrated. Water helps maintain optimal body function, supports circulation, and assists in the removal of waste products from the body. While it's important to stay hydrated, be mindful of fluid intake if you have been advised to limit fluids due to other health conditions.
8. Include Rest into Your Daily RoutineRest is an essential part of managing fatigue when you have COPD. Listen to your body and take short, frequent breaks throughout the day to rest and recharge. Incorporating relaxation techniques, such as deep breathing or progressive muscle relaxation, into your rest periods can help enhance their effectiveness.
[Disclaimer: This article contains information for informational purposes only, hence, we advise you to consult your own professional if you are dealing with any health issues to avoid complications.]
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Inhaler Misuse In Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease
Poor understanding and incorrect use of inhalers lead to insufficient medication delivery, which reduces the ability to manage symptoms of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). More knowledge about the usage of inhalers is required to enhance health outcomes. Chronic bronchitis and emphysema are some of the severe conditions of COPD that can be caused by pollution and heredity. More than 30 million Americans are affected by the illness, yet the symptoms, ways to lower risk, or how to manage it remain unknown. The main symptoms—fever, frequent coughing, and dyspnea—are treated using inhalation medication. 'Did you know? Up to two-thirds of inhalers are misused in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) treatment. #COPD #lungdisease #inhaler #medindia' Impact of Inhaler Misuse on Health Outcomes In a new study, "Prevalence of Critical Errors and Insufficient Peak Inspiratory Flow in Patients Hospitalized With COPD in a Department of General Internal Medicine: A Cross-Sectional Study," the authors examined how often inhalers were misused by patients hospitalized with COPD over nine months at Fribourg Hospital in Switzerland (1✔ ✔Trusted SourcePrevalence of Critical Errors and Insufficient Peak Inspiratory Flow in Patients Hospitalized With COPD in a Department of General Internal Medicine: A Cross-Sectional StudyGo to source).The article was published in the July 2024 issue of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Diseases: Journal of the COPD Foundation.Inhaler misuse was categorized as either a critical error in inhalation technique or insufficient peak inspiratory flow. These errors result in a lesser dose of medication reaching the person's lungs, which impacts the person's ability to manage their symptoms and can lead to increased exacerbations.
"Misuse of inhalers is common, and in our study, we found that approximately two-thirds of inhalers were misused," said Gaël Grandmaison, M.D., an assistant physician in internal medicine at University and Hospital of Fribourg in Fribourg, Switzerland. "If an inhaler was misused, a physiotherapist conducted up to three teaching sessions with the patient.
These sessions helped reduce the number of critical errors in inhaler use. However, despite this education, more than one in 10 inhalers continued to be used suboptimally, either due to an inability to generate sufficient inspiratory effort or because the inhaler was unsuitable for the patient's characteristics. These results highlight the importance of regular therapeutic education, assessing the patient's ability to generate a sufficient inspiratory effort, and selecting an inhaler suited to the patient's characteristics."Challenges with Inhaler Use In a perspective article, "Real-World Use of Inhaled COPD Medications: the Good, the Bad, the Ugly," the author discusses the decreased effectiveness of inhaled medications as the result of inhaler misuse (often due to intricacies and multiple steps required to use the inhaler) and the high cost of inhaler-based therapies. The author also highlights several advances in inhaler use, including the ability to combine therapies and to choose the right inhaler based on patient-centered decisions.Advertisement
"Education is key to increasing the effectiveness of inhaled medications, and many clinicians – and often even the patients themselves – are unaware that patients are having difficulty getting enough medication into their lungs," said Valerie G. Press, M.D., MPH, an associate professor of medicine at the University of Chicago. "Additional inhaler technique education is needed to ensure patients are using the device correctly, especially when multiple inhaled medications are prescribed. Additional education, supported by the necessary resources, would help ensure patients are receiving optimal treatment and avoiding adverse health outcomes."Reference:
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Source-Eurekalert
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