Psychogenic breathlessness or pseudo-dyspnea is a condition where the patient suffers from shortness of breath time to time. This disease is often confused with a similar breathing disorder called Chronic Dyspnea. While there are a lot of factors involved in chronic dyspnea, like allergens and pulmonary diseases, psychogenic breathlessness has more to do with the current state of mind.

One of the most challenging factors is the diagnosis and differentiation between both conditions. Sometimes, the psychogenic breathlessness is so concentrated that there is no way to differentiate between the two.

Procedure of Diagnosis of Psychogenic Breathlessness:

Here are the steps that doctors typically follow to diagnose Psychogenic Breathlessness

To differentiate between the two diseases (Chronic Dyspnea and Psychogenic Breathlessness), the doctor will ask the patient to try breathing harder. A patient with chronic dyspnea will find it even harder to take a breath when he or she tries to. However, a person with psychogenic dyspnea will show improved conditions when they try to breathe harder

A thorough examination of the chest will be done

Blood tests and lung function test (spirometry) will also be conducted to rule out pulmonary diseases

Causes of Chronic dyspnea:

Allergens causing allergic bronchitis (also known as asthma) is the main reason behind Chronic Dyspnea. Other common causes of the true or chronic dyspnea are heart diseases, COPD which occurs because of smoking. Then there are rare disorders like ILD (sarcoidosis), neuromuscular diseases, infections, anemia, obesity/deconditioning.



Causes of Psychogenic dyspnea or psychogenic breathlessness:

Acid reflux: Acid reflux can cause certain sensation on the inner lining of the esophagus (esophagitis). The esophagus has several nerve endings on the inner linings, when the acidic reflux touches these nerve endings, a temporary breathlessness occurs.

Anxiety: People with anxiety can also develop breathlessness. Though exercises help for a short period of time, a patient needs to see a psychiatrist for this condition.

Panic Attacks: These are also a cause for breathlessness. The temporary feeling of choking is common in people who experience panic attacks.

Treatment:

Medication: Medicine for acidity is prescribed to patients having Pseudo-Dyspnea, due to acid reflux.

Anxiety pills and Talking therapy: People suffering from anxiety are recommended to see a psychiatrist for better evaluation of their problem. Medications (anxiety pills) prescribed by the psychaitrist may help in controlling the breathing pattern in a person. Psychological therapies (Talking therapy) have been effective for people suffering from breathlessness due to anxiety.

Placebo: If the problem remains unsolved and unknown, sometimes doctor prescribes placebo medication, for example sweetened aerosol. Doctors believe that if the patient thinks he/she is taking a real medication, his/her condition can be controlled by eluding the mind.

It is important to remember that Psychogenic Breathlessness is as real as chronic breathlessness and patient doesn t pretend to have this condition. When the first symptoms of it start appearing, a specialist doctor (pulmonologist) should be consulted who after confirming the diagnosis of psychogenic breathlessness, may refer you to a psychiatrist or psychologist for further treatment.

Psychogenic Breathlessness - Causes, Symptoms and Treatment of It!

Be it burgers, bagels, muffins, sandwiches or simple toasts, bread has made headway into the diets of a huge portion of the populace. Although a staple diet for many since time immemorial, the consumption of bread has increased extensively in the recent past. But, which type of bread should we intake to incur the best health impacts is a question that bothers many. The general assumption is that the wholegrain variety is the best alternative. However, the barrage of marketing tactics makes it impossible to distinguish the best variety from the others. 

There are a whole lot of myths surrounding the best variety of bread and you must choose wisely before settling for one particular type. It is expedient to look beyond the overt appearance or the name of the bread, one needs to be wary of the ingredient before taking a call.

Mostly, white bread is made out of refined flour which is often striped off essential nutrients and fibers. To worsen the situation, white bread is often bleached with certain chemicals to enhance its appearance.
Certain assumptions deem brown bread as the healthier option. Unfortunately, it isn't true always. More often than not, brown bread is simply white bread with artificial coloring added to it or is caramelized. They essentially add no surplus nutritional value.

Similarly, multigrain bread can often mislead the consumers about its health impacts. Unlike whole wheat bread, multigrain breads are usually chemically treated with softened grains. This does not effectively recover the lost nutrients of the bread.

Whole wheat bread has more pronounced health benefits. It contains more wheat germ and fibers in comparison to the more processed varieties of bread. Having evaded the toxic additives, it has relatively healthier effects on our blood sugar levels.

As you realize that the bread that you eat does not necessarily affect your health favorably, wisdom lies in seeking out the least harmful variety. In that context, rye bread or spelt bread contains greater amount of minerals. Besides, bread made from barley, oats and millets have greater mineral content than the commercially hybridized varieties and promote better health.

Brown Bread Vs White Bread Vs Whole Grain?

During breathing activity, chest wall moves out & in, lungs expand & relax. For the smooth movement of the lungs inside the chest cavity, they are lined by pleura.

Pleura includes two thin linings, the layer lining lungs is called visceral pleura and the one lining chest wall is called parietal pleura. The cavity formed between these two layers is called Pleural cavity. It contains a small amount of lubricant called Pleural fluid which helps smooth sliding of two pleural surfaces. Any condition which results in inflammation of the pleural surfaces or accumulation of excessive fluid in the pleural cavity gives rise to symptoms attributable to pleural involvement or disease.

Pleural effusion is nothing but the collection of excess fluid in the pleural cavity. Excess fluid in the pleural space is not normal and can occur due to a variety of reasons. Depending on the chemical composition it is broadly divided into two categories, transudate and exudate. 


What Causes Pleural Effusion?

1. Transudate pleural effusions 

Transudate pleural effusion is formed when fluid leaks from blood vessels into the pleural space. Chemically, transudates contain less protein and LDH than exudates. It is generally seen in the following conditions.

Congestive heart failure

Liver failure or cirrhosis

Kidney failure or nephrotic syndrome

Peritoneal dialysis

2. Exudate pleural effusions 

Exudate pleural effusion is caused by inflammation of the pleura itself and are often due to diseases involving the lung. Following are some common illnesses giving rise to exudate pleural effusion.

Tuberculosis
Pneumonia
Lung or breast cancer
Lymphoma
Pulmonary embolism
Post chest wall trauma or surgery
Asbestosis and mesothelioma
Secondary to intra-abdominal pathology 
Pancreatic pseudocyst, etc
Symptoms of Pleural Effusion -

Chest Pain: Chest pain is mainly due to irritation of the pleural lining. The pain is sharp, localized and worsens with a deep breath, yawning, coughing which is usually described as pleuritic. If the effusion causes inflammation of the diaphragm the pain may be referred to the shoulder or the upper abdomen. As the pleural effusion increases in size, the pain may increase or disappear altogether due to the separation of inflamed pleural surfaces.

Shortness of breath: As the effusion grows larger with more fluid, the harder it is for the lung to expand and the more difficult it is for the patient to breathe resulting in shortness of breath.

Other Symptoms: Other symptoms are generally attributable to the underlying disease process.

Diagnosis of Pleural Effusion -

Patient s Detailed History and Clinical Examination are the mainstays of diagnosing pleural effusion and it s the underlying cause. Following investigative modalities are generally opted for working out the final diagnosis before instituting appropriate therapy.

Chest X-ray: X-ray will help indicate the presence of fluid. 
Chest Ultrasound(USG): will help in confirming the presence of the fluid and it s localization which in turn can guide the physician about its quantity and its capability.
CT Scan: CT scan of the chest may at times be required to ascertain the underlying cause or to know about any other co-morbid conditions.
Thoracentesis: Thoracentesis is a procedure used to sample the fluid from the pleural effusion. Using a long thin needle, fluid can be removed and sent for testing to confirm the diagnosis.
This can be just for diagnostic purposes or can even be used as a therapeutic procedure.
Chemical analysis of the fluid will help determine the type of pleural effusion.
Treatment of Pleural Effusion -

Treatment of underlying Disease: The treatment of a pleural effusion usually requires that the underlying illness or disease is treated and controlled to prevent the accumulation of the pleural fluid. Like anti-TB therapy for Tubercular etiology or treatment of Cancer in malignant pleural effusion, etc.

Thoracentesis: As discussed earlier Thoracentesis can be used as a therapeutic procedure to remove excess fluid and help lung expand and function properly.

Tube thoracostomy: Thoracostomy or chest tube insertion may be done to drain and treat fluids which cannot be removed by needle aspirations, e.g. empyemas (pus collections).

Pleurodesis: Some pleural effusions reoccur multiple times; sclerosing agents that induce scarring such as talc or tetracycline was used to prevent a recurrence.

Decortication: If sclerosing agents fail, surgery may be required, called Decortication.

Pleural Effusion - What Is It?

Our heart is one of the most important organs that must be kept healthy and fit so that we can lead a good lifestyle, however, unfortunately many people still suffer from heart problems. And, one such heart problem is Cardiomyopathy.

What is Cardiomyopathy?

Cardiomyopathy is a disease of the heart muscles that makes it very difficult for the heart muscles to pump blood to the rest of the body. Since the muscles are unable to pump blood effectively, it can lead to heart failure. It is a very serious condition and may require extensive treatment to fully recover from the disorder. 

Different types of Cardiomyopathy

Now we will be discussing about the different types of Cardiomyopathy that can affect an individual.

Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy - In this case, the heart muscles becomes abnormally thickened, particularly affecting the muscle of your heart's main pumping chamber (left ventricle). The thickened heart muscle can make it harder for the heart to work properly. Most affected people have a family history of the disease.
Dilated Cardiomyopathy - In this case, the muscles enlarge and become weak, therefore they cannot pump the blood. These weak muscles over a period of time become absolutely ineffective and can cause heart failure.
Restrictive Cardiomyopathy - In this type, the heart muscle becomes rigid and less elastic, so it is unable to relax and can't expand and fill with blood between heartbeats.Which eventually does not allow the blood to flow properly.
Arrhythmogenic Right Ventricular Dysplasia - In this rare type of cardiomyopathy, the muscle in the lower right heart chamber (right ventricle) is replaced by scar tissue, which can lead to heart rhythm problems. It's often caused by genetic mutations. This condition can cause a sudden cardiac arrest or heart failure as well.
Symptoms 

Patient may be asymptomatic in the early stages of cardiomyopathy. But as the condition advances, signs and symptoms usually appear, including:

Breathlessness with exertion or even at rest
Swelling of the legs, ankles and feet
Bloating of the abdomen due to fluid buildup
Cough while lying down
Fatigue
Heartbeats that feel rapid, pounding or fluttering
Chest discomfort or pressuretreated
Dizziness, lightheadedness and fainting
Signs and symptoms tend to get worse unless treated.

Complications 

Cardiomyopathy can lead to other heart conditions, including:

Heart failure. Untreated, heart failure can be life-threatening.
Blood clots. Blood clots might form in your heart and may enter your bloodstream, then they can block the blood flow to other organs, including your heart and brain.
Valve problems. The heart valves might not close properly. This can lead to a backward flow of blood.
Cardiac arrest and sudden death.Cardiomyopathy can lead to abnormal heart rhythms which can result in fainting or, in some cases, sudden death.
Treatment 

It can include medications, surgically implanted devices or, in severe cases, a heart transplant, depends on which type of cardiomyopathy you have and how serious it is.

Prevention

You can help reduce your chance of cardiomyopathy and other types of heart disease by living a heart-healthy lifestyle and making lifestyle choices such as:

Avoiding the use of alcohol or cocaine
Controlling high blood pressure, high cholesterol and diabetes
Eating a healthy diet
Getting regular exercise
Getting enough sleep
Reducing your stress
So here are some of the most common types of Cardiomyopathy. These types can affect people of any age group if they lead an unhealthy lifestyle. Cardiomyopathy is a very serious condition and any person  suffering from it should be diagnosed early and given medical treatment as soon as possible.

Patient With Shortness Of Breath - Types Of Cardiomyopathy And Management!

Chest pain may be caused by multiple problems within the body and while being a problem in itself, may also be a symptom of a bigger underlying problem. Chest pain may be caused by anything from simple chest congestion due to a cold to something far more serious such as the onset of a heart attack. While it is important that life style changes be made to prevent major issues, homeopathy can provide relief for many symptoms till extensive medical steps are taken to correct the problem.

Some causes of chest pain
1. Angina
2. Onset of a heart attack
3. Atherosclerosis
4. Weakness of the arteries
5. Weakness of the heart muscle
6. Palpitations
7. Bradycardia
8. Chest congestion or cold

Symptoms associated with chest pain

Stable angina   Vice like constriction or choking, pain may be spread to right or left arm or both, dyspnoea before pain.
Unstable angina   Chest pain occurs at rest.
Pericarditis   Pain radiates to the left side of the shoulder which gets worse by lying in a flat position.
Pneumothorax   Severe chest pain along with shortness of breath, cyanosis, restlessness and collapse.
Pneumonia   Sharp pain which, gets worse by taking deep breath and coughing.
Pulmonary embolism   Short rapid breathing, sharp pain in middle of the chest that is worse by deep breathing.
Gastroesophagial reflux disease   Difficult painful swallowing, pain in the middle of chest which, extends to neck, back and shoulders.
Myocardial  Vomiting, dyspnoea features of shock, profuse sweating, fever, low blood pressure, pulse small rapid and irregular
Homeopathic remedies for various kinds of chest pain

Homeopathy is one of the most popular holistic systems of medicine. The selection of remedy is based upon the theory of individualization and symptoms similarity. This is the only way through which a state of complete health can be regained by removing all the sign and symptoms from which a patient is suffering.

The aim of homeopathy is not only to treat chest pain, but to address its underlying cause and individual susceptibility of the patient. For this patient s current symptoms, past medical history and family history are taken into account. There are many homeopathic remedies which cover the symptoms of chest pain and can be selected on the basis of cause, location, sensation, modalities and extension of the pain. For individualized remedy selection and treatment of chest pain, the patient should consult a qualified homeopathic doctor in person. In medical emergencies like myocardial infarction and pulmonary embolism, immediate hospitalization is usually required. Some important remedies are given below for the treatment of chest pain:

Arnica mont.   Chest pain with sore and bruised feeling.
Ranunculus b.   Good remedy for intercostal rheumatism, sharp stitching pain in the chest along with dyspnoea.
Kali carb.   Stitching pain in the chest,  which gets worse between 2-3 A.M
Actea racemosa.   Pain worse on the right side.
Bryonia   Chest pain is of stitching, burning and stabbing in nature, is worse by motion and better by rest and pressure. Thirst for large quantities of water and dryness of mucous membranes often accompanies.
Rumex c.   Sharp stitching pain through the left lung, often with cough.
Stannum   Knife like stitches, worse on bending forward and left side.
Phosphorus   Violent tickling cough, chest pain due to tuberculosis of lungs or pneumonia along with oppression of the chest.
Aconite   Chest pain due to pneumonia of first stage along with anxiety and restlessness.
Robinia   Burning pain behind sternum due to hyperacidity.
Strophanthus   Chest pain is of stitching and twitching in nature and often of cardiac origin.

Chest Pain - Can Homeopathic Remedies Treat it?

High blood pressure is a condition which occurs when the pressure of the blood flow through the arteries increases, resulting in intense pressure. Hypertension occurs when the systolic pressure (pressure at which the heart pumps blood) and the diastolic pressure (pressure at which the heart relaxes) is more than 140 and 90 respectively.

Symptoms of high blood pressure are: 

1. Shortness of breath

If you have high blood pressure, then you may experience regular shortness of breath.

2. Headaches

You may experience headaches on a regular basis.

3. Weakness of the heart muscles

Hypertension results in a weak heart which may not be able to pump blood properly.

4. Narrowing of blood vessels

Narrowing of blood vessels may lead to other complications such as failure of the kidneys, heart, and brain.

5. Vision problems

It may lead to vision problems as blood vessels in the eye may be affected.

The various causes of blood pressure are: 

1. Tobacco
If you smoke on a regular basis, you put yourself at an increased risk of getting affected by blood pressure.

2. Lifestyle
Not exercising regularly, eating a sodium-rich diet are all factors which can increase the chances of hypertension.

3. Age
The chances of getting affected by hypertension increase as you age.

4. Weight
Being excessively obese also increases your risk of getting affected by hypertension.

5. Diabetes
Being diabetic makes you more prone to getting affected by diabetes.

6. Hyperthyroidism
If you have an overactive thyroid gland, then it may result in hypertension.

Hypertension may result in various health complications in the body such as:

1. Aneurysm

This is a disorder of the blood vessels which causes the blood vessels to bulge and weaken.

2. Heart attack

High blood pressure causes the arteries to harden and thicken which may lead to a heart attack.

3. Metabolic syndrome

This syndrome refers to a group of complications such as high bad cholesterol levels and insulin levels in the body.

4. Impaired brain functioning
It may also impair your ability to learn and impact your cognitive skills.

Hypertension and High Blood Pressure

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