Lungs are the most important organ of our body that has the responsibility of taking in the oxygen and releasing out carbon dioxide. When cancer develops in it, the entire body gets imbalanced. Lung cancer leads to more death than any other type of cancer, which is why identifying the symptoms and knowing the causes are instrumental in obtaining a timely diagnosis as well as in prevention of lung cancer.

Symptoms of Lung Cancer

In the early stages:

Persistent coughing

Chest pain

Bleeding

Fatigue

Loss of appetite

Sudden weight loss

Headaches

Coughing up blood

In the later stages:

Bone pain

Joint pain

Facial paralysis

Neck swelling

Blood clotting

Weakness

Sever chest pain

Causes of Lung Cancer:

Smoking: People who smoke are more prone to lung cancer. With the increase in the number of cigarettes you smoke, your chances of getting lung cancer increase too. People who don't smoke but are surrounded by the smokers also have high chances of being affected by this form of cancer.
Exposure to Asbestos: Asbestos is a group of mineral, which is present naturally in the environment. Lung cancer can occur due to the inhalation and ingestion of asbestos fibers.
Exposure to Ranon Gas: Ranon is a radioactive gas, which is formed naturally on decaying of radioactive elements. It is found in low levels in the air that we breathe and the water that we drink. Consumption of air and water having this gas leads to lung cancer.
High Levels of Air Pollution: Presence of high levels of dust particles and pollutants in the air that we breathe can cause lung cancer. 1-2% of lung cancer is caused because of it.
High Levels of Arsenic in Drinking Water: Consuming water with arsenic content is harmful as it directly affects the lungs and when the arsenic content is too high, it may lead to lung cancer.
Exposure to Chemicals: Exposure to certain chemicals like uranium, coal products, gasoline, diesel exhaust and mustard gas can also cause lung cancer.
Family History of Lung Cancer: Chances of getting lung cancer increase if your parents, child or siblings are already prone to lung cancer. In case you have a concern or query you can always consult an expert & get answers to your questions!

Lung Cancer - Symptoms & Causes! 

Whooping cough, also known as pertussis, is a bacterial infection of the respiratory system that is known to affect children below five years of age. It affects the lungs and is caused by the bacteria Bordetella pertussis. In some cases, even adults can also be afflicted with this infection. The infection is characterized by coughing or bouts of coughing, which is followed by a whooping sound made by the patient as they gasp for breath. 

Also, symptoms of a whooping cough are similar to that of cold and include low-grade fever, sneezing, runny nose. mild coughing, sore throat, loss of appetite, weakness, tears, and inability to sleep. Allopathic medicines, mainly antibiotics and cough suppressants, are prescribed by doctors but they impact the body adversely and do not treat the disease completely either. On the other hand, Ayurveda remedies are gentle in nature. They do not carry any side effects and cure the infection completely. 

Here are some well-known and effective Ayurvedic remedies for whooping cough.

Basil (Tulsi): Basil or Tulsi is one of the oldest and most popular herbs that carry strong anti-bacterial properties. Being an anti-allergic as well, it boosts the immune system and helps the body fight various infections. It provides instant relief from cough, cold, and fever.
Calamus (Vacha): This proves to be very effective in curing coughing. It flushes out phlegm and clears congestion. It also provides relief from a sore throat and cures hoarseness of voice.
Honey (Shahad): It is a gentle antibiotic and mild cough suppressant. Since it is sweet in taste, it is perfect for children. It soothes the throat walls and calms the patient. It can be consumed with lukewarm water as well.
Ginger (Adrak): A natural cough suppressant, ginger gives relief in throat irritation. Analgesic in nature, it also reduces pain in the throat and body. Its anti-inflammatory action relaxes the irritated respiratory tract and eliminates mucus from the lungs. Since ginger is bitter, its juice can be mixed with honey before consumption.
Dashamuli Ghrita: Medicated clarified butter (ghee) is for external use and it gives quick relief from a sore throat when massaged on the chest. It is also effective in the case of coughing as ghee loosens the cough. It provides relief from congestion too.
Oil Massage: Massaging the chest and throat with ginger, cinnamon, or eucalyptus oil gives relief from nighttime congestion and cough. It soothes the throat and ensures sound sleep.
Black Pepper (Kaali Mirch): Black pepper is a natural decongestant and thus, clears the nasal passage, bringing relief in coughing. It also eases the respiratory tract and boosts the immune system, helping it to fight the bacterial infection. To dilute its bitter taste, a little honey can be added during consumption.
Ayurveda believes that a whooping cough is the result of vata and kapha imbalance in the body and hence, all these remedies focus on correcting this imbalance. Though all these remedies are safe and free from side effects, it is always advised to consult an Ayurveda doctor. If given on one s own, the dosage should be kept light.

Ayurveda And Whooping Cough!

Tuberculosis or TB as it is commonly known in medical circles is a bacterial infection commonly affecting the lungs. While there are some countries in the world, where TB is more common, anybody can develop TB if they are not very healthy. The TB bacteria spreads through the air. While some people's immune system would be able to fight the disease back; some people who have risk factors, the disease may continue to develop and present with symptoms. 

So, a person can develop TB in two circumstances:

Exposure to TB
Visited a country where TB is very common
Spent time with a person who is infected with TB
Exposure to crowded places like a market or a healthcare facility where TB virus is present
Weakened immune system
Be HIV infected
Weak immune system due to long-term use of steroids
Chronic diseases like diabetes, malnutrition, end-stage kidney or liver disease, cancer, etc.
Extremes of age (children whose immune system is not fully developed, elderly whose immunity is weakened)
Chronic smoker, IV drug abuse, and/or alcohol user
Repeatedly exposed to TB bacteria in the last two years
Had TB bacteria, but not identified or treated
Drug therapy like chemotherapy, long-term use of steroids, auto-immune disease treatments, etc.
Signs and symptoms of TB: 

If you are at risk, it is also suggested that you know the early warning signs and symptoms of TB. TB most commonly affects the lungs and is known as pulmonary tuberculosis. Watching out for these helps in early diagnosis which can both help arrest the condition in the early stages and improve prognosis.

A persistent cough which lasts for more than 3 weeks
Pain in the chest worsened with coughing
Presence of blood in the sputum
Generalized and extreme weakness or fatigue
Unexplained weight loss
Loss of appetite
Fever and chills
Profuse sweating at night
If a person has TB bacteria in the system but does not feel sick and does not have the above systems, then it means that the person is not actively infected. This person also cannot spread the disease to another person. However, when immunity is weak, this can develop into an infection. In a country like India where tuberculosis is quite prevalent, it is best to get yourself screened for active tuberculosis infection if you display any such symptoms.

Tuberculosis (TB) - When A Person Can Develop It?

As we go about life and routine activities, we may be exposed to a lot of different types of environments. We may have to travel in heavy traffic and may be exposed to vehicular pollution, there may be times when we are at places that allow smoking and that may expose us to smoke from cigarettes. Our nature of work today requires us to be constantly in a situation where we take in industrial fumes and exhausts. Being in any of these conditions temporarily may not be a big matter of worry, but when the incidents get more frequent they may lead to troubles in breathing and diseases such as bronchitis or acute bronchitis.

Acute bronchitis is a condition in which the bronchial tube that carries air to and from the lungs gets inflamed due to different reasons. The biggest hazard related to the inflammation of the bronchial tube is that the patient may suffer from constant coughing and irritation of the throat putting pressure on the lungs. In advanced cases, a bronchial infection may also leave the nodes of the lungs inflamed, making it more difficult for the patients to breathe.

Causes of Acute Bronchitis:

The most common causes of bronchitis include the infection of the bronchial tube with bacteria or virus, which lead to the inflammation of the tube and subsequent bouts of coughing.
A habit of smoking cigarettes or being exposed to cigarette smoke as a passive smoker may lead to the infection of the bronchial tube.
Vehicular smoke and fumes also lead to the inflammation and infection of the tube that plays an imminent role in supplying oxygen to the lungs.
Finally, when one works in a position where he/she is exposed to chemicals or harmful exhausts on a constant basis may also have to suffer from acute bronchitis.
What is the treatment for acute bronchitis?

Bed rest and supportive care such as reducing coughing are the main treatments for acute bronchitis. In most individuals, antibiotics are not needed, especially those who have as cause viral or environmental factors. For some patients who have wheezing with their cough, beta2 agonists may be helpful (bronchodilators). Perhaps the most useful treatments are directed at reducing coughing symptoms with over the counter preparations containing guaifenesin and mucolytics. NSAIDs are often added to reduce inflammation and help relieve discomfort. However, the American Academy of Pediatrics does not recommend giving OTC cough and cold medications to children under two years of age; these medicines may cause harmful side-effects that can be life-threatening to young children.

What natural or home remedies treat and cure acute bronchitis?

Stay well hydrated by drinking fluids
Breath humidified air
Avoid dairy products because they thicken mucous secretions
Avoid alcohol and caffeine because of potential drug interactions
Avoid exposure to environmental smoke and other air pollutants

Know The Causes and Treatment Of Acute Bronchitis

Ayurveda is effective because it treats the root of the problem in order to treat it. According to this ancient system of medicine, bronchitis, which is infection of the windpipe, is known as  kasa roga . According to Ayurveda, bronchitis happens primarily due to impaired digestion. This is the reason why Ayurveda treats bronchitis through drugs that have the ability to treat both the lungs and the digestive system. Chronic bronchitis is also caused due to airborne allergens like cigarette smoke and pollution.

The main symptom of bronchitis is chronic inflammation of the bronchial tubes or the windpipes that carry air to the lungs. This infection causes profuse secretion of phlegm. Other notable symptoms are chest pain, chronic cough, fever, poor digestion and loss of appetite, and shortness of breath. Children, senior citizens and those with an impaired immune system are extremely prone to bronchitis. If left untreated for long, bronchitis can manifest as tuberculosis. Another disease bronchitis can mutate into is bronchial asthma.

Ayurvedic treatment 

Haldi or turmeric, commonly used Ayurvedic spices in the world, is the most common home remedy for bronchitis. One can take a teaspoonful of haldi mixed in a glass of milk in the night for relief. Haldi is more effective if taken on an empty stomach.
The juice of vasa is also an excellent remedy for bronchitis. One can take it twice or thrice daily.
Ginger juice and honey mixed in a cup of warm water is also good for easy expectoration of phlegm.
One can also mix equal quantities of dried ginger, black pepper and long pepper with honey and take a teaspoonful thrice every day.
Tulsi or holy basil is a great cure for bronchitis. Water boiled with tulsi leaves brings instant relief to a sore throat. One can use this water for gargling too.
In case of a congested throat  khadiradi vati  gives effective relief, due to catechu that helps relieve congestion.
Ayurvedic medicines
Shringyadi churna, kaphaketu, kaphachintamani, sitopaladi churna, pravala pisthi, rasa sindur, talisadi churna, haridra khand and vasarishta are a few effective Ayurvedic medicines for bronchitis.

What else?

Protection from cold is key. Cold water and winds should be avoided. Use warm water for bathing, wear warm clothes and avoid excess humidity, dust and allergic pollen. Heavy physical exercises should also be avoided.
Stay away from cold foods like curd and sour substances, fruits like bananas and guavas, and from alcohol and tobacco.
Also, one should eat foods that are easy to digest. Lots of leafy vegetables will give one the vitamins and mineral required to fight bronchitis.
One can also opt for Ayurvedic therapies like Vamana and Virechana to treat bronchitis. If you wish to discuss any specific problem, you can consult an ayurveda.

Bronchitis - Ways Ayurveda Can Help You Treat It!

Is your child getting exhausted after a bout of cough? Does he or she suffer from constant wheezing and tightness of the chest? Does your child feel drained out after climbing a flight of stairs? Do you know a child who always seems to run out of breath and cannot participate in school sports tournaments or play outside for a long time? The child could be suffering from asthma, which is a serious breathing problem. Most children are affected by asthma. Staying in a polluted city just makes the condition worse.

Asthma - Know the disease

Asthma is a condition that causes inflammation of the airways, known as trachea and bronchioles.
The muscles around the airways constrict and prevent the smooth flow of air.
The lining of the bronchioles swell and block the airways.
Asthma is mostly triggered by an allergic reaction.
There is a difficulty in breathing out. Exhalation of air is often accompanied by a wheezing, that is, a whistling sound.
There is a constant shortness of breath, feeling out of breath and gasping for air.
There is an uncomfortable tightness in the chest, the feeling of not breathing in enough air.
Coughing bouts in the middle of the night, that leave the child feeling exhausted and completely out of breath.
Causes of Asthma 

Asthma is mostly triggered by asthma allergens. These allergens are mostly pollens and animal fur.

Exposure to pollution, such as dust and smoke
Heredity
Obesity
History of heartburn, GERD and acid reflux
Inflammation of sinus and airways
History of bronchial disorders and pneumonia
Viral infections
Chronic rhinitis
Low immunity causing constant cold and blockage of nose
Treatments of asthma

A nebulizer that turns asthma medicine into a mist can then be inhaled easily
An inhaler can be used to take in inhaled steroids into the lungs or a bronchodilutor
Try and avoid asthma triggers and allergens as much as possible
Avoid physical stress and heat
Get sufficient rest of about 7-8 hours every day

Troubled Breathing - Can It Be a Sign of Asthma?

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