Management of COPD for Smokers

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a condition of the lungs characterized by difficulty breathing due to narrowed breathing airways. Smoking is the most common cause. Chronic bronchitis and emphysema are types of COPD. Damage to the lungs from smoking can lead to emphysema. Persons with COPD are at an increased risk for developing pneumonia and heart conditions.

Persons with COPD who smoke are recommended to quit as soon as possible to decrease the effects of the condition. Short-acting inhaled bronchodilator medications may be prescribed to reduce symptoms as needed and to improve the function of the lungs. Albuterol (Proventil, Ventolin) is a short-acting beta-agonist that may be prescribed for persons with COPD. Ipratropium (Atrovent) is a short-acting anticholinergic that may be prescribed along with albuterol. For persons who have symptoms requiring continuous treatment, a long-acting inhaled medication may be needed. Formoterol (Foradil) is a long-acting beta-agonist that works to relax the lung muscles to improve the ability to breathe. Tiotropium (Spiriva) is a long-acting anticholinergic medication. Fluticasone is an inhaled steroid that may be prescribed in combination with other inhaled medications. It works to reduce inflammation in the airways.

Motion Sickness Treatments

Motion sickness is characterized by dizziness and nausea caused by movement, commonly occurring on a boat or in a car. Other signs and symptoms of motion sickness may include feeling warm, sweating, and vomiting. Symptoms can also reappear after the offending motion stops, such as returning to land after being on a boat. Natural neurotransmitter chemicals that are involved in producing motion sickness include norepinephrine, histamine, and acetylcholine. Motion sickness affects different persons to varying degrees.

Those who experience motion sickness may consider looking out the window to create a match between the sensations of motion and the visual experience. Lying down when possible, such as on a boat, may help decrease symptoms of motion sickness. Diphenhydramine (Benadryl), dimenhydrinate (Dramamine), and meclizine (Bonine, Antivert) are antihistamine medications available over-the-counter for treatment of motion sickness. Scopolamine (Transderm Scop) is a patch that is available with a prescription that may be applied to the skin for 3 days to prevent motion sickness. Promethazine (Promethegan) is an antidopaminergic medication available with a prescription for the prevention and treatment of motion sickness.

Management of a Heart Defect at Birth

A congenital heart defect (CHD) is a condition that develops prior to birth. Problems can occur in the blood vessels, valves, and chambers of the heart. Babies born prematurely are more likely to be affected by a CHD. A variety of defects may occur, ranging in severity from mild to life threatening. The most common CHD is ventricular septal defect (VSD), which is characterized by a “hole” between the right and left ventricles. Blood that contains adequate oxygen would normally move through the aorta and to the rest of the body. However, the opening created by this type of heart defect causes blood to move instead to the left ventricle, where blood does not contain enough oxygen. Symptoms of a VSD include an abnormal sound of the heart (known as a murmur), rapid breathing, and rapid heart rate.

Diuretics may be used to treat infants who experience rapid breathing and difficulty gaining weight, and to treat heart failure. Furosemide (Lasix), chlorothiazide (Diuril), and spironolactone (Aldactone) are all diuretics that may be prescribed for infants with VSD. Captopril (Capoten) and enalapril (Vasotec) are angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitor medications that work to improve proper blood flow. Digoxin (Lanoxin) may be prescribed to improve heart contractions.

Treatment for this Blood Vessel Condition

Henoch-Schonlein purpura (HSP) is a type of vasculitis that usually affects children; however adults may also be diagnosed with this condition. Vasculitis is characterized by inflammation of the body’s blood vessels.  Damage to blood vessels caused by vasculitis can impair blood flow, which can lead to inadequate blood supply to organs. The kidneys may be affected. Bleeding into the skin may also occur due to breakage of a blood vessel wall. Purple spots on the skin (known as purpura) result, and appear as a rash. Signs and symptoms of HSP also include joint pain, joint inflammation, and stomach pain. An infection caused by a virus or bacteria, certain types of medications and vaccinations, and exposure to certain types of chemicals or cold weather could lead to development of HSP as well. This specific type of vasculitis typically resolves within a month.

Rest and fluids are recommended to aid the recovery process. Acetaminophen (Tylenol) or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as naproxen (Aleve) or ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) may be used for relief of joint and stomach pain. If symptoms are severe, admission to the hospital may be needed. Prednisone and methylprednisolone (Medrol) are corticosteroids that may be prescribed if the condition is severe.