Cancer: Breast cancer alters bone to help it spread

healthydailymail.com Researchers at the University of Sheffield said the tumours were effectively "fertilising" the bone to help themselves grow.

The study, in the journal Nature, said it may be possible to protect bone from a tumour's nefarious influence and consequently stop the cancer's spread.

Cancer charities said this opened up "a whole new avenue for research".

Around 85% of breast cancers that spread around the body end up in bone, at which point the cancer is difficult to treat and more deadly.

Bone

The scientists discovered patients with secondary cancers had higher levels of an enzyme called LOX being produced by their tumours and released into the blood.

Bone is constantly being broken down and rebuilt. But in a series of experiments on mice, the research team showed LOX was disrupting the process and leaving lesions and holes in the bone.

Using drugs to block LOX prevented the cancer from spreading.

Dr Alison Gartland, a reader in bone and cancer biology at the university, told the BBC News website: "We think it's a significant breakthrough in trying to prevent metastases (secondary tumours) in breast cancer.

"The cancer cells in the primary tumour are actually fertilising the soil for the future growth of itself, LOX is changing the environment in bone to make it better to grow."

Close up of bone

The structure of the bone is changed by breast cancers

The animal tests also showed that a set of osteoarthritis drugs called bisphosphonates could prevent the spread of cancer.

Bisphosphonates also interfere with the way bone is recycled in order to strengthen it.

They are already given to some cancer patients, but the Sheffield team believe they could have a much larger role.

The effect was discovered only in oestrogen-negative breast cancers. They account for around a third of cases, but are far more deadly.

Katherine Woods, from Breast Cancer Campaign and Breakthrough Breast Cancer, said: "By unveiling the role that the protein LOX is playing, these results open up a whole new avenue for research and treatments that could stop breast cancer spreading to the bone.

"The research also adds weight to the growing body of evidence supporting the role of bisphosphonates in stopping secondary breast cancer in its tracks.

"The reality of living with secondary breast cancer in the bone is a stark one, which leaves many women with bone pain and fractures that need extensive surgery just when they need to be making the most of the time they have left with friends and family."

Waiting a few minutes to clamp the umbilical cord after birth is tied to better motor and social skills later in childhood

healthydailymail.com Waiting a few minutes to clamp the umbilical cord after birth is tied to better motor and social skills later in childhood - especially for boys, suggests a new study. 

Delaying cord clamping is already known to benefit babies by increasing iron levels in their blood for the first few months of life, researchers write in JAMA Pediatrics May 26.

“There is quite a lot of brain development just after birth,” said lead author Dr. Ola Andersson of Uppsala University in Sweden. “Iron is needed for that process.”

For the new study, the researchers followed up on 263 Swedish children born at full term to healthy mothers about four years earlier.

As newborns, the children had been part of a larger study in which a total of 382 babies were randomly assigned to either early cord clamping (within 10 seconds of birth) or late cord clamping (at least three minutes after birth).

Four years later, the children were similarly intelligent regardless of when their cords had been clamped, but there were some notable differences.

“When you just meet a child, you wouldn’t see or notice any differences,” Andersson told Reuters Health. “But we could see the differences in fine motor function.”

A psychologist assessed the children using tests of IQ, motor skills and behavior. Parents reported child development in communication, problem solving and social skills.

Overall, brain development and behavior scores were similar for both groups of kids, and there was no difference in overall IQ scores.

But more children in the delayed cord clamping group had a mature pencil grip on the fine motor skills test and better skills on some social domains, compared to those whose cords were clamped early.

Divided by sex, the researchers only found noticeable differences in boys, not in girls.

Iron deficiency is much more common among male infants than among females, Andersson said.

“Girls have higher iron stores when they are born,” he said.

Delaying cord clamping by three minutes allows an extra 3.5 ounces of blood to transfuse to the baby, which is equivalent to a half a gallon of blood for an adult, Andersson said.

“There’s a lot of iron in that volume,” he said. “Even three minutes can have quite a lot of effect on the iron in the blood in the body for a long time after birth.”

The World Health Organization recommends waiting at least one minute after birth, or until visible pulsing stops, to clamp the umbilical cord. The latest American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists opinion, from 2012, supports delayed cord clamping for premature infants, but says there is insufficient evidence to prove a benefit for full-term babies.

The new study provides evidence of benefit for full-term babies in a developed country where nutritional deficiency is extremely rare, Andersson said.

“When a baby transitions from inside the womb to outside the womb, if you think about what nature does, it is not to clamp the cord immediately,” said Dr. Heike Rabe of the Brighton and Sussex Medical School and University Hospitals in the UK.

About 60 years ago doctors started clamping the cord as early as possible, believing it may reduce the risk of hemorrhage for the mother, but we now know that is not the case, said Rabe, who coauthored an editorial published with the study.

Today, it is a big psychological hurdle for doctors to change how they have always done things, which in this case is to clamp the cord as soon as possible, she said.

Many mothers in developing countries are anemic, so babies are also anemic, Rabe said.

The new study found only a small difference at age four, but “if you did the same study in India you might see a marked difference, the reason is that there is excellent nutrition in Sweden,” she said.

Are you making the right choices cancer theraphy?

healthydailymail.com There’s more to cancer care than ridding the body of cancer cells. Equally important is the goal of maintaining quality of life while undergoing treatment. Staying strong enough to fight the disease and maintain work and family routines during treatment should be part of any cancer care program. That’s why patients should be offered integrative therapies to supplement conventional surgical, radiation and chemotherapy treatments.

Know your options.

Every cancer and every cancer patient is different. So different combinations of both traditional and integrative oncology therapies should be customized for every treatment plan. It’s important to work with a knowledgeable oncology team to understand your options, how they work, and be sure that they’re offered at your treatment center.

What exactly is integrative care?

Treatments for cancer typically consist of some combination of surgery, chemotherapy and radiation. The combination of these treatment options with therapies designed to maintain quality of life during treatment is what is known as an integrative approach to cancer care. Therapies to improve energy and maintain the immune system during treatment, manage fatigue and guard against malnutrition are all critical. And the more therapeutic choices you have, the better you’ll be able to customize a treatment plan that’s right for you. These integrative therapies may include nutritional counseling, naturopathic medicine, physical therapy, chiropractic care, acupuncture, mind-body therapy, meditation and spiritual support. Patients should consider all of these when choosing a hospital and approving a treatment plan.

The importance of nutrition.

Fully eight out of ten cancer patients show symptoms of malnutrition. This may cause the loss of lean body mass, which can compromise the function of the immune system and weaken the patient. Nutritional therapy is therefore crucial for restoring digestive health and helping you stay strong to maintain your prescribed cancer treatment plan. A registered dietitian understands how the body metabolizes nutrients when a patient is undergoing chemotherapy or radiation and can help optimize nutrient intake during treatment. And a proper diet may help reduce the risk of a secondary cancer or other chronic illnesses to which some cancer patients are susceptible

Naturopathic medicine.

Naturopathic care should also be considered. This can include a referral to acupuncture, lifestyle counseling and also natural non-toxic therapies — herbal and botanical preparations, vitamins, minerals, amino acids, homeopathic plant extracts, etc. — that help manage symptoms and encourage healing. Naturopathic clinicians address a variety of conditions associated with cancer including digestive issues, nerve damage, respiratory conditions and cancer- related fatigue. And your naturopathic clinician should have extensive knowledge of radiation therapy and chemotherapy, plus a comprehensive understanding of the treatments you’re undergoing to ensure the right supplements are part of your treatment plan.

Team work.

Surgeons, doctors, clinicians and other oncology professionals should all be part of your care team. It’s also helpful if all of your team members are located in the same hospital to facilitate collaboration and speed of care. Having your team of physicians and therapists all under one roof allows you to schedule all your appointments at one time, which reduces wait time between appointments and allows you to focus on your treatment.

Danger! Study identifies number of drinks beyond the safe level

healthydailymail.com The elderly might want to lay off the alcohol, based on a new study that describes the serious consequences of just one or two drinks per day.

Harvard Medical School researchers surveyed 4,466 people with an average age of 76 who also underwent heart scans, and found minimal alcohol intake actually changed the structure of the heart in both men and women, NBC News reports.

The small change made the heart less efficient, and its structure and function suffered greater changes the more people drank. Women were found to be especially vulnerable to alcohol's effects, "which might potentially contribute to a higher risk of alcoholic cardiomyopathy, for any given level of alcohol intake," says lead author Scott Solomon, per Science Daily.

Cardiomyopathy involves the heart muscle becoming thick and rigid, or replaced by scar tissue. The left ventricle of the heart, or the pumping chamber, was hardest hit by alcohol and the ventricular wall became enlarged in men who consumed more than two drinks per day; for women, the changes were evident among those who drank just more than one drink daily.

This suggests the heart was working in overdrive; such a pace could cause the heart to enlarge and weaken over time, reports Time. "A little bit of alcohol may be beneficial, but too much is clearly going to be toxic," a researcher says.

Additional studies will determine whether genetic factors play a role in a person's susceptibility. "What is clear is that at more than two drinks a day is the point at which we start to think we are beyond the safe level for men, and with women, it’s likely to be even lower than that," Solomon tells Time. (Drinking more could also boost your stroke risk.)

Eating in between meals just got easier with this snack

healthydailymail.com you’ve worked hard in the gym and even harder at creating tasty, nutritious meals in an effort to stay fit and lean, but then you get a craving for something sweet. Do you…

A)    Give in and have chocolate, biscuits or cake?

B)   Don’t give in, but feel unsatisfied?

C)   Eat a tasty and protein-packed mousse?

Snacking and a sweet tooth are often two things that stand in the way of a healthy diet and a lean body, but it doesn’t have to be that way. You can now have the best of both worlds and satisfy cravings with the new USN Protein Mousse. High five to that!

Not only is the mousse high protein, but it’s also zero sucrose and formulated with essential amino acids, making it a triple whammy, guilt-free treat. The thick, creamy mousse offers 15g of high-quality dairy protein per portion, so if your goal is to get lean this summer, you don’t have to give up indulgent snacks or tasty desserts.

Bump up the nutritional value of the mousse even more by adding fresh fruits, such as raspberry, strawberry or banana with nuts and seeds. With three flavours to choose from – Café Latte, Peach & Mango and Strawberry White Chocolate – you can be as creative as you like, or just enjoy the low-fat, delicious snack on it’s own!

Have you also noticed that there’s a mousse on the loose? The USN mousse mascot has been up and down the country handing out samples and taking selfies with people, using the hashtag #MousseOnTheLoose. One lucky selfie taker will win £1000 worth of holiday vouchers.

If you’ve you not managed to catch the USN mousse mascot, we have just the ticket. We’ve got samples of the USN protein mousse up for grabs, all you have to do is email WFcompetitions@dennis.co.uk with your name, email address/postal address, by May 31, 2015. If that wasn’t enough, entrants will automatically be entered in to the competition for a chance to win £1000 of holiday vouchers. There are a limited amount available and samples will be sent on a first come, first served basis – so get in there quick.

WOW, Stressed out wives may make men’s blood pressure rise

healthydailymail.com When older men have stressed-out wives, their own blood pressure may go up, a U.S. study suggests. 

While previous research has linked stress and bad relationships to elevated blood pressure, less is known about how these challenges affect both members of a couple, and how the spouses affect one another, over time.

For the current study, researchers evaluated about 1,350 couples once in 2006 and again in 2010 to see how each person’s blood pressure might change based on shifts in their relationship satisfaction or stress levels.

“We found that husbands had higher blood pressure when wives reported greater stress and that this link was even greater when husbands felt more negative about the relationship,” lead study author Kira Birditt, a scientist at the Institute for Social Research at the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor, said by email.

“In addition, negative marital quality experienced by only one member of the couple was not associated with blood pressure, but when both members of the couple reported higher negative marital quality they both had higher blood pressure,” added Birditt.

About one in three U.S. adults has high blood pressure, according to the National Institutes of Health.

Birditt and colleagues reviewed data from a nationwide sample of 22,000 people born in 1953 or earlier, focusing on a subset of opposite-sex couples with both members having participated in face-to-face interviews about their relationships.

Compared to the larger group, the subset in this study was healthier, younger, more likely to be white and report less chronic stress. Most couples were married, but 3% were cohabitating.

In 2006, about one third of husbands had high blood pressure, as did 26% of the wives. By 2010, 37% of the men and 30% of the women had high blood pressure.

Stressed out husbands had lower blood pressure when their wives reported less stress, the study found. The stressed out women, however, had lower blood pressure when their husbands were also under a lot of stress.

The wives’ stress was more likely to be linked to high blood pressure in their spouses when the men were unhappy with the relationship.

The study only used four questions to assess relationship quality, which might miss some nuances that could impact the results, the researchers acknowledge in their April 7 online report in the Journals of Gerontology, Series B.

There is mounting evidence that exposure to stress, including negative relationships or marriages, is related to poor physiological outcomes, Kristen Peek, a professor of preventive medicine and community health at the University of Texas Medical Branch in Galveston, said by email.

“Older husbands tend to be dependent on their wives for care, defined broadly as meal preparation, household responsibility and caregiving,” said Peek, who wasn’t involved in the study.

For older couples whose marriages follow more traditional gender roles, it makes sense that "older husbands would have decreased mental and physical health in response to their wives decline,” Peek said.

Want to slim down? Slow down! Aoife Stuart-Madge reveals how eating on the hop is sabotaging your weight and health

healthydailymail.com Whether it’s grabbing a bite at your desk in between meetings or shovelling breakfast down before work, we’re all guilty of not making enough time for a meal at some point in our busy lives. But while most of us know that eating on the run isn’t exactly the healthiest way to refuel, the true extent of the damage speed-eating can do to your body is shocking.

According to a study from Osaka University in Japan, women double their chances of becoming fat by eating too quickly, while men who speed eat are 84 per cent more likely to become obese. The study, which monitored the eating habits of 3,000 people, found that eating too quickly overrides the mechanisms in the brain that tell us we’re full. It’s estimated that it takes 20 minutes after you start eating for the message to stop eating to reach your brain, so if you finish a meal in less time, you risk over-stuffing your stomach. ‘Rapid, “mindless” eating means that the food goes down so quickly that by the time the stomach signals to the brain that it has had enough, we have, in fact, overeaten,’ explains Dr David Lewis from Mindlab, who led scientific research into the UK’s lunchtime eating habits. ‘The consequence is that we add unnecessary calories and put on weight.’

As well as weight gain – and the obvious discomfort that comes from over-filling your stomach (hello, gas, bloating and indigestion) –you’re also at risk of serious health complications. Research from the Medical University of South Carolina found that gulping down food can raise your risk of acid reflux, which can lead to a number of health complications including gastroesophageal reflux disease, a narrowing of the oesophagus, bleeding, or the pre-cancerous condition Barrett’s oesophagus. The study showed that eating a 690-calorie meal in five minutes rather than 30 minutes resulted in up to 50 per cent more acid reflux episodes.

So how can you begin to unlearn fast-eating habits, which are often developed in childhood? Here, our experts reveal their top tips for slowing down.

Switch off the TV

In order for your brain to register when you’ve had enough to eat, you’ve got to be paying attention to what’s going in to your mouth. Research published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition categorised eaters into ‘attentive’ and ‘distracted’ groups, and found the distracted eaters tend to eat more in a sitting. ‘One of the first stages of digestion involves simply thinking about food which, literally, gets your digestive juices flowing,’ says Nina Omotoso, a nutritional therapist at Revital (revital.com). ‘Rushing meals means you miss out on this, which is why bad habits like eating on the run or bolting your food down in 20 seconds flat in front of the TV can really affect your digestive health, leading to indigestion, poor nutrient absorption, stomach pain and bloating.’

Make a meal of it

Forget stuffing a sandwich down in five minutes as you check emails at your desk, in order to properly digest your food, Dr Lewis recommends setting aside 15 minutes for a snack, and at least 30 minutes to enjoy a full meal. ‘Relax when you are eating. Do not keep glancing at your watch or thinking about all you have to do after the meal,’ advises Dr Lewis. ‘Eat with your eyes as much as your mouth. By enjoying the experience of eating you will not only enhance the pleasure you derive from your food but also encourage a greater sense of overall wellbeing. That old adage ‘you are what you eat’ is not quite true. More accurately you are what you ingest and digest. Both these processes work best when they are allowed to work slowly.’

Don’t drink with your meal

Research has shown that drinking too much water during a meal can mess with the natural levels of bile and acid in the stomach, slowing digestion. ‘Avoid drinking too much while eating. Fluid not only distends the stomach but also dilutes the digestive enzyme in the mouth and essential acid in the stomach,’ explains Dr Lewis. Try this trick: hydrate yourself 30 minutes before a meal with cucumber water – a natural diuretic that can aid movement through your digestive tract.

Put obstacles in your way

The faster you eat, the more air you let into your body, which bloats you and gives you that uncomfortably full feeling. Consciously slow your pace down by adopting this habit: putting your knife and fork down between bites, or, if you’re eating a hand-held food like pizza or a sandwich, consciously set it down between bites. Also incorporating foods that are tougher to eat, such a grapefruit, in your diet, naturally slows you down.

Taste your food

Recent research commissioned by food company Glorious found that 60 per cent of the UK population admitted to ‘never’ or ‘rarely’ tasting what they ate. Research leader Dr Lewis said, ‘Researchers found that, on average, 79 per cent of people were unable to detect when basic flavours had been swapped, this rose to 88 per cent when people ate while distracted, increasing to 93 per cent for people eating under time pressure.’ The research indicated that office workers in particular consume food simply to refuel the body and most never, or rarely, taste what they’re eating. ‘Mastication, the process in which the food in our mouth is broken into smaller fragments and thoroughly mixed with saliva, represents the first stage of digestion,’ explains Dr Lewis. ‘Poor mastication means that we fail to savour and appreciate the true taste and texture of the meal. It can also result in a range of problems, from indigestion and heartburn to an inadequate uptake of essential nutrients from the food.’

Chew properly

Without chewing your food properly, your body can’t digest it. ‘Chew your food carefully,’ advises Dr Lewis. ‘Take smaller mouthfuls so that the enzyme in saliva is breaking down smaller food morsels, aiding quicker digestion. The larger the portion of food in your mouth, the less effectively it is chewed and savoured.’ Chatterbox? It might be an idea to schedule a catch-up over coffee rather than lunch or dinner. ‘Not only does talking prevent you paying full attention to your food, it also causes you to swallow air, leading to a greater risk of discomfort,’ Dr Lewis says.

Plan your meals

When pushed for time, it’s easy to make poor food choices (who hasn’t grabbed an unhealthy snack during a last-minute trip to the vending machine?) but the more hurried your food choices, the more unhealthy the choice you’re likely to make. ‘Being overscheduled, stressed and pressed for time seems to be a common complaint amongst my clients,’ says Nina, ‘so it’s not surprising that “quick and convenient” is a deciding factor in many of our food choices. The main problem is that leaving it to the last minute limits your options. And if you’re already starving you’re more likely to make poor food choices. Eating like this usually means more sugar, salt and saturated fat in your diet, fewer nutrients, and more expensive, pre-packaged foods – not great for the figure or the bank balance.’ The answer, Nina says, is to adopt a mindful attitude. ‘It’s not just about diet but lifestyle as well. This way people feel more capable, more relaxed and in control. If you’ve got a hectic week coming up, try to plan ahead – stick an apple, a small bag of unsalted nuts or even a high-protein energy bar in your bag. That way you can relax a little and spend the time you do have eating slowly and listening to your body’s hunger signals, rather than running about and eating frantically.’

Don’t reward yourself with food

It’s in our make-up to crave reward for hard work, so when you are under pressure it’s natural to reach for a sugar fix as an instant reward. Nutritionists say many women subconsciously start to associate feeling stressed with speed-eating through the office vending machine. What’s more, when you’re stressed, you’re less likely to savour taste of food or respond to feelings of fullness. Try chewing on a piece of gum next time you feel like stress-eating, and reward your hard work with a lunchtime mani or blow-dry instead.

What nutritionists eat when they want to slim down

healthydailymail.com After an indulgent vacay or even a few too many dinners out, your body's probably craving a diet cleanup. Nutritionists go through this cycle, too— but the good thing is, we have training and knowledge that's taught us how to slim back down in a healthy way. So I've asked some of my favorite registered dietitians to share what changes they make when they're on a mission to slim down. 

A protein-packed breakfast

“I make sure to add adequate protein to meals— about 30g— especially at breakfast. People do not get enough protein at breakfast. Eggs are getting a reprise, and they are wonderful mixed with dark green and red veggies topped with fresh mozzarella cheese. Add a side of mixed berries and you have an amazing breakfast. In fact, a recent study suggests that adequate protein in the morning helps tame appetite throughout the day.”

Healthy bedtime snacks

“When I’m not feeling my best it’s usually because I haven’t gotten enough sleep. I add in a bedtime snack of dried tart cherries and walnuts, which have melatonin to help me get shut eye and keep my hunger hormones in line.”

“I lean on nuts, tomato juice, popcorn and tea. I top my Greek yogurt with fruit and nuts at breakfast, eat salads at lunch, snack on popcorn and tomato juice and rely on tea instead of dessert. My only splurge is a glass of wine at dinner.”

Veggie-packed soup

“I make a hearty Tuscan white bean soup that’s chock full of baby greens (like kale or spinach) and some diced vegan sausage…I love this soup because it’s packed with satisfying protein, rich in plant based nutrition (fiber, folate and antioxidants), and soup is a fantastic comfort food that lets you feel full longer on fewer calories.”

“I swap out any treats (frozen yogurt, for instance) with fruit and prepare my food very simply—herbs and spices for flavor versus sauces and mixed dishes. I also cut down on bread, crackers and other similar carbohydrates, because those are the foods I am most likely to overeat, and replace them with some combination of produce and protein (apples with peanut butter, melted cheese over steamed veggies).”

A plateful of veggies

“Since sweets are my biggest downfall, I cut back on chocolate, ice cream …all the places I get too many excess calories. I replace them with more fresh fruit to take care of the sweet craving as well as more Greek yogurt (topped with fruit). I also just really watch portion control. I may simply just take a little bit less on my plate, or fill more of my plate with veggies rather than higher-calorie items.”

More protein, less sugar in the morning

“As an RD, I certainly believe that no one food or nutrient is solely responsible for weight gain, but for me too much sugar and too little protein at breakfast does seem to be a big influence on an (unwanted) tighter waistband. If I notice it’s time to cut back, I start by swapping in plain Greek yogurt for some of the sweetened varieties that I love. And I add in an egg (either hard-boiled or microwave scrambled) at breakfast. These are very small changes, but they make a difference in how hungry I am later in the morning and by lunch.”

Newer contraceptive pills may further raise risk of blood clots

healthydailymail.com Newer versions of the Pill may raise a woman’s risk of dangerous blood clots even more than older versions, a large U.K. study suggests. 

Women taking any combined oral contraceptive pills - containing both estrogen and progestin - were three times as likely to develop a blood clot in a deep vein in the leg or pelvis, compared to women not on the Pill. The risk was higher still with all the newer Pill versions except one, researchers found.

“This association is between 1.5 and 1.8 times higher for the newer formulations,” said lead author Yana Vinogradova, a research fellow in medical statistics at the University of Nottingham.

The blood clots, known as venous thromboembolisms (VTEs), are common and can be deadly if the clot dislodges and travels to the heart, brain or lungs. They are more common among women taking estrogen medicines, and the risk is even higher if the woman smokes, according to the National Library of Medicine.

But the overall risk of a blood clot for women on any combined oral contraceptives is still relatively low: between six and 14 extra cases per year per 10,000 women taking the drugs, Vinogradova told Reuters Health by email.

Newer combined pills, including the progestins drospirenone, desogestrel, gestodene or cyproterone acetate, have been suspected of carrying an even higher clot risk compared to older versions that include levonorgestrel and norethisterone. But most past studies have been small or flawed by not taking into account certain other risk factors for clots, the study team writes in BMJ.

To assess VTE risk in women on both older and newer-generation pills, the researchers analyzed U.K. general practice databases covering the period between 2001 and 2013. They found 5,062 cases of VTE among women ages 15 to 49, and matched each of these women with up to five women who did not have a blood clot in the same year, but were of similar age and treated at a similar medical practice.

The researchers accounted for smoking, alcohol consumption, race, body mass index and other health problems, and found that women taking any combined oral contraceptive were almost three times as likely to suffer a blood clot as those not taking contraceptive pills.

Women taking older-generation drugs were about 2.5 times as likely to have a blood clot as women not taking any oral contraceptives over the previous year. Those taking newer types of combined pills were about four times as likely to suffer a clot compared to women not taking oral contraceptives.

The exception among the newer formulations was norgestimate, with a risk profile more similar to the older drugs.

The results would translate to a number of “extra” cases of VTE among women taking the combined pills versus women not on the Pill. These numbers were lowest for the older drug levonorgestrel and the newer norgestimate, with an additional six cases per 10,000 women per year, and highest for two newer drugs, desogestrel and cyproterone, with an extra 14 cases each.

“However,” Vinogradova noted, "these increased risks of (venous thromboembolism) associated with both the older and the newer pills are lower than those associated with pregnancy,” which may increase clot risk tenfold.

The newer pills carry higher clot risk, but were introduced as potentially having new benefits as well, including reduced acne, headache, depression, weight-gain, breast symptoms and breakthrough bleeding, she said.

The association between different oral contraceptives and blood clot risk has been controversial and previous study results have been mixed, but the new findings help to clarify those inconsistencies, Susan Jick, a professor at Boston University School of Public Health wrote in an editorial accompanying the new results.

About nine percent of women worldwide take birth control pills, including 28 percent of women in the U.K., the authors write.

Any women who are concerned should discuss treatment options with their doctor at their next routine appointment, Vinogradova said.

“Some women are at higher risk of (blood clot) because of family history or other medical conditions and doctors will already take account of these factors when advising women regarding their options for contraception,” she said.

Bullous Emphysema Causes, Symptoms and Treatment

healthydailymail.com Pulmonary emphysema is a chronic and lifelong disease of the lungs. Primarily, the alveoli (small and tiny air sacs) in the lungs are affected. Sometimes, they can be narrowed by the walls between them becoming thickened. Sometimes, these walls can be entirely destroyed, leading to larger yet fewer alveoli. Sometimes, they can become too stretched, and others, they can lose their elasticity entirely. Many different types of damage to the alveoli in the lungs can contribute to pulmonary emphysema which, along with chronic bronchitis make up chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) one of the most common causes of death in the United States. The disease is divided into four stages, with the fourth and final stage being the most advanced, and where bullous emphysema exists.

In advanced cases of emphysema, bullae may appear. These are simply very large air sacs in the lungs that are considered a complication of the disease. These large pockets of air can severely impact breathing because they take up space in the chest that the lungs need in order to function properly. Pressure and crowding can occur as a result, which has led bullous emphysema to be given its nickname, “vanishing lung syndrome”.

Essentially, the bullous emphysema is caused no differently than other stages of the disease and types are. Smoking is the single biggest contributing factor. Marijuana use is also suspected as being related to the development of bullous emphysema. However other less common causes such as regular exposure to pollutants, consistent inhalation of dust and other contaminants, frequent and recurrent infections of the respiratory system and others may also exist. Indirectly, bullous emphysema is more likely to occur when these sources of disease are left to persist. Thus, someone who continues to smoke after emphysema onset, for example, is more likely to develop this form of the condition.

This relationship between source removal is also essential to emphysema prognosis in general, not just the reduction of risk of developing bullae. Emphysema is graded in stages based on severity of lung function decrease. Each stage reflects a poorer and poorer ability to breathe. In the final stage of emphysema, when bullae are more likely to appear, the prognosis is often not good. However, at each stage of emphysema, quitting smoking and reducing or eliminating any other underlying causes while increasing overall health in other ways like dieting and exercise can greatly slow the progression of the disease.

Because there is an additional physical component to bullous emphysema, additional symptoms exclusive of traditional emphysema symptoms may exist. These include feelings of tightness or pressure in the chest as well as chest pain. Many times, this does not occur until the bullae have become large, and often no other symptoms present when they remain small. One bullous emphysema symptom that can be alarming is coughing up blood, or sputum that is tinged or stained with blood. If the bullae become infected, they can bleed, and this is often evidenced in the upcoming sputum.

Although when bullae are small, emphysema treatment does not vary much from traditional treatments for the condition, when bullae are large, there are some different options for care that may be considered. Surgical removal of the bullae may be indicated in cases where they are severely impacting breathing. Additionally, if they are becoming infected regularly or a pneumothorax (collapsed lung) has presented, surgical removal of the large bullae may be required. Aside from this difference, bullous emphysema treatment focuses on removing the source of the disease through smoking cessation and reduction of environmental or occupational hazards. Additionally, oxygen, bronchodilators, steroid medication and agents designed to reduce the thickness of mucus (common COPD medications) may also be indicated. These are used in the treatment of bullous emphysema in order to help reduce the severity of COPD signs and symptoms like shortness of breath by opening up airways and reducing inflammation or otherwise making breathing easier.

In advanced stages of emphysema, breathing is often very severely impacted, with lungs functioning around a quarter of what they are intended to. Bullae exacerbate this by further reducing the amount of real estate that the lungs have available to make breathing possible. It’s a chronic condition that may require invasive treatment to preserve remaining quality of life. Quitting smoking is the single best way to reduce the risk of developing the disease, and it can also help to slow the progression of it as well.

Top 10 Diseases that Cause Blood in Phlegm

healthydailymail.com Coughing up blood can be a rather confusing (and alarming) symptom. On one hand, it can be caused simply from bleeding in the mouth or nasal area. Blood from these areas becomes mixed with the mucous or phlegm that is coming up from the respiratory tract, giving the appearance of blood in phlegm matter, without necessarily disclosing the origin. Oddly enough, it is also not uncommon for blood tinged phlegm to be found in people who are suffering from certain types of gastrointestinal troubles as well, even though it may seem to be related to a cough or respiratory illness. However, there are some characteristics of bloody phlegm that can make it easier to tell where it is coming from.

When bloody mucus is present, signs that point to disease and other health conditions as opposed to bleeding from the gums or gut include color and consistency. When blood comes from a cough, it may take on a bubbly or airy appearance. This is because the combination of mucus mixed with blood and air can create a fluffier and frothier consistency. Additionally, bloody mucus may show streaks that are very bright in characteristic red color, if not littered throughout. Of course, a deeper and more closely resembling rust color is also not unusual. There are a great many conditions that may commonly or rarely lead to blood in phlegm, but we have detailed ten of the most common below. The majority of them is related to respiratory conditions and disease and are either directly related to conditions of the lungs or very intimately connected.

1. Emphysema

Emphysema literally refers to the outright destruction of the delicate sacs of air that are found in the lungs. As time goes on, the damage becomes more and more severe, eventually leading to a noticeable decrease in the ability to breathe. Later destruction in the form of the actual fibers that hold the air sacs in place can lead to even more difficult breathing. Emphysema is one of the most common health conditions known for producing COPD signs and symptoms. As such, it is no wonder that the majority of emphysema symptoms are related to breathing difficulty. Aside from blood in phlegm, which often occurs as a later symptom of the condition, other emphysema symptoms include a decrease in mental alertness, gray or blue fingernails, rapid heartbeat and extreme shortness of breath.

2. Mitral Valve Stenosis

The name of this condition does very little to describe the physiological effects of it (which is often shortened to mitral stenosis). Essentially, the condition refers to the narrowing of the mitral valve of the heart, which in turn can block blood flow. One of the most common causes of mitral valve stenosis is rheumatic fever. Mitral stenosis symptoms vary but most often include swollen ankles and feat, palpitations of the heart, shortness of breath and a tendency to develop more common respiratory illnesses more frequently. Of course, blood in phlegm is also a common sign of the condition.

3. Pneumonia

Pneumonia refers most commonly to a community acquired condition characterized by an infection of the lung (or, lungs). It can be caused by fungi, bacteria or viruses and can be contracted by breathing in or coming into contact with some of the germs that can cause it. Pneumonia symptoms vary from person to person based on several factors such as their overall health and the severity and duration of their illness. Most commonly, fever, chills and shaking, shortness of breath, and a greenish color or blood in phlegm along with a cough. Other less common pneumonia symptoms or those associated with more severe occurrences of the condition include stabbing chest pain, headaches and confusion.

4. Lung Cancer

When cancer begins specifically in the lungs, it is referred to as lung cancer. Those who smoke are at a higher risk of developing the condition, although chemical exposure, alcohol use and the presence of preexisting conditions like emphysema can also increase the likelihood of the formation of one of the many types of lung cancer. Lung cancer symptoms are normally not present until the disease has worsened, with the early stages often devoid of any type of visible symptoms. However, bone and chest pain, shortness of breath, wheezing and hoarseness and headaches are not uncommon. Of course, some of the more characteristic symptoms include a new or worsening cough, a “smoker’s cough” or one that is persistent, or blood in phlegm from coughing up small amounts of blood.

5. Pulmonary Embolism

When a blood clot, air, fat or even tumor cells cause a blockage in an artery found within the lungs, the condition is known as a pulmonary embolism or embolus. While blood clots are among the more common pulmonary embolism causes, parasites and even amniotic fluid have been associated with causing embolisms. More common than not however, pulmonary emboli result from deep vein thrombosis, where a blood clot that forms in the lower parts of the legs and becomes dislodged, only to migrate upwards and become lodged again, in the arteries of the lungs. Typically, aside from coughs that may or may not contain blood in phlegm and mucus matter, the symptoms of a pulmonary embolism include an increased heart rate, increased rate of breathing and shortness of breath. Sometimes less commonly dizziness, sweating and blue skin may appear.

6. Pulmonary Tuberculosis

Although pulmonary tuberculosis (TB) may seem very similar to pneumonia, it is different in many ways. For starters, the lung infection is specifically related to one type of bacterium, known as M. tuberculosis. Additionally, this bacterium may lie dormant for long periods of time, only becoming active days or even weeks after the initial contact with the bacteria. Infants, elderly people and those with compromised immune systems are more likely to develop serious cases of pulmonary tuberculosis. Weight loss, fever, fatigue, sweating, chest pain, wheezing and difficulty breathing are some of the most common symptoms of the condition. However, mucus laden coughing and, that which contains blood in phlegm matter, can also occur with pulmonary TB.[/learn_more]

7. Bronchitis

Bronchitis occurs in two forms, acute (occurring for short periods of time) or chronic (occurring frequently for longer periods of time). While both forms of the condition (characterized by the inflammation and swelling of the airways that lead to the lungs) are known for producing mucus producing coughs, the latter (or the even more serious obstructive chronic bronchitis) is associated with blood containing phlegm or mucus. Aside from this telltale slimy symptom, fever, fatigue and wheezing are all not uncommon with bronchitis. And, chest pain and discomfort are also related to the condition.

8. Systemic Lupus Erythematosis

Systemic Lupus Erythematosis (SLE) is neither a lung, nor a heart condition. Thus, its relationship to bloody phlegm may seem somewhat muddled. However, the autoimmune condition actually boasts a rather wide range of symptoms that span nearly every physiological system of the body, including the respiratory tract. Symptoms of the predominantly female condition include fever and fatigue, loss of hair, sores in the mouth, nervous condition symptoms, skin symptoms and arrhythmia. Additionally, blood in phlegm has also been known to occur in people with SLE.

9. Pulmonary Edema

When fluid builds up in the sacs that are supposed to contain air in the lungs, the result is pulmonary edema, and it is commonly associated with congestive heart failure. The condition is characterized by the heart’s inability to pump blood throughout the body as it should, which can lead to backups in the veins, which can push fluid into the spaces in the lungs that are normally supposed to be filled with air. Aside from anxiety, restlessness and decreased levels of alertness, other symptoms of a pulmonary edema include sweating, pale skin and wheezing or gurgling noises while breathing. Of course, blood in phlegm or even coughs producing bloody froth may occur.

10. Cystic Fibrosis

Cystic fibrosis is a hereditary disease that is characterized by the formation and buildup of mucus in the G.I. tract, lungs, and elsewhere throughout. The mucus is often thick and sticky and although it is very common, it is considered to be a serious and life threatening condition. Because cystic fibrosis can affect so many parts of the body, symptoms vary widely. When the G.I. tract is affected, abdominal pain and nausea may persist. When the respiratory system is affected, congestion and coughing up blood may occur. A full inventory of symptoms however, will vary greatly from person to person.

Danger!, Blood Clots in Lungs

healthydailymail.com Blood clots in lungs can be very, very serious and lead to long term complications and serious health disorders. They are caused by several things; however there are some risk factors that make the chance of developing them more likely. For instance, people with certain types of blood cancers are nearly thirty times more likely to develop lung blood clots. And, there are also certain types of gene mutations that have been found to be more common in people who have blood clots in the lungs.

The problem with these clots is that coughing up blood can be a sign of a chronic and long term illness, such as lung cancer, or it can be a symptom of an acute and sudden health problem, like a pulmonary embolism. Even more troubling is that the two conditions can go hand in hand. In fact, a persistent cough that produces blood stained sputum can be one of the more serious and later staged lung cancer symptoms. And, pneumonia, tuberculosis, congestive heart failure and some types of heart disease like mitral stenosis can also lead to blood clots in lungs. Even common bronchitis or the more severe chronic form of the disease can produce blood from the respiratory system.

The difference here is that while coughing up blood clots may unfortunately be common place for sufferers of long term and chronic conditions like lung cancer and bronchitis, it can also be a symptom of a pulmonary embolism. A pulmonary embolism refers to an arterial blockage in either one of the lungs, or in both of them. The blockage is typically a blood clot and many times, it comes from the legs and breaks away and then travels upwards to the lungs. Therefore a blood clot in lungs or in just one lung most often times came from somewhere else entirely as opposed to forming in the respiratory system.

One of the most common pulmonary embolism causes is deep vein thrombosis (DVT), which is a blood clotting disorder that normally affects the veins that are very far away from the blood pumping portions of the body. However, pulmonary embolism causes are not so clear cut, and it has been suggested that persons with cancer are at a greater risk of developing DVT and thus at a greater risk of developing a pulmonary embolism. In fact, people who have certain types of cancer like in the lungs or the blood are at an even greater risk of developing the potentially life threatening disorder and blood clots in lungs.

This can make identification difficult, since it is not uncommon for lung cancer patients to be startled by blood in their sputum when coughing is excessive or they are experiencing periods of exacerbation. This is why it is important that symptoms be observed. If blood or clots appear without any other symptoms or any exaggeration of any symptoms then a pulmonary embolism may not be to blame for the oddly hued mucus. However, if pulmonary embolism symptoms present, then it may be something acutely threatening. Worsening chest pain that is accentuated by eating, bending, stopping or breathing deeply may occur and sometimes the pain can be severe enough to feel like a heart attack. Additionally, shortness of breath may occur and the onset may be sudden. A bloody cough may be present as well. Other signs and symptoms that occur but are less common are sweating, bluish skin, wheezing, swelling of the legs and fainting spells.

Identifying these symptoms can help determine the difference between blood clots in lungs that are blocking an artery and are an emergency and the byproduct of a chronic lung disease. However, it is important that even those suffering from long term ailments understand the seriousness of a pulmonary embolism which can cause sudden death and seek out medical assistance immediately if an embolism is suspected. Pulmonary embolism treatment can include everything from blood thinners to surgery and when the problem is found has a profound impact on treatment, recovery and success.

Pulmonary embolism prevention however is worth more than an ounce of cure and in high risk people like cancer patients, it is important to take advantage of numerous ways to keep arterial blockages from occurring in the lungs. Aside from medications that can help in this endeavor, compression garments, exercise and physical activity as well as some compression devices can also help. Further, maintaining the health of the lungs and keeping blood flowing freely throughout the body is also essential to both preventing blood clots in lungs, and the diseases that cause them like lung cancer.

Causes of Spitting up Blood in The Morning

healthydailymail.com There are numerous reasons why spitting up blood in the morning may occur (of course, the majority of spitting up blood causes are certainly not dependent on time of day). They range in severity from acute injury to serious life threatening emergencies to long term deadly diseases. The problem is that there are so many different reasons why spitting up blood or, coughing it up, may occur, that it is often hard to determine whether or not it should be a considered a cause for panic or not. However, certain hints are available.

The least serious causes of spitting up blood are injury and trauma. This can encompass a wide range of situations including trauma to the teeth and gums as well as tissues in the respiratory tract. For instance, biting the tongue during sleeping or damaging a tooth or gum tissue as a result of grinding or gnawing during sleep can be very benign spitting up blood causes that will often present first thing in the morning. These are normally easy to identify however either by pinpointing the visible source of the blood or because it stops bleeding rather quickly and is not recurring. Another trauma related reason why morning blood may appear has to do with sickness and illness. Drainage that can occur with sinus infections for instance, can lead to dryness that can cause sensitive tissues like those found in the throat to bleed, leading to blood in phlegm matter and mucus.

Hemoptysis, which is the technical term for sputum that is tinged with blood or the act of coughing up blood, can in fact be caused by many things, including the aforementioned trauma. In fact, in addition to oral and throat injuries, drug use can also contribute to spitting up blood causes. Certain types of illicit drugs when used in certain ways can damage the internal parts of the respiratory system, especially those that are smoked, snorted or inhaled, which can lead to bleeding, even hours after use. Hemoptysis from this source may occur daily, only after drug use or more frequently for heavy users. Additionally, aside from illicit drug use, some prescription medications can also lead to the phenomenon as well, like the use of anticoagulant medications or blood thinners.

The problem with throat phlegm is that when blood is present in it, it is not always easy to tell where it is coming from. Blood mixes with phlegm and spit almost regardless of origin, which can lead to foaming and color changing, both characteristics which can make figuring out where it is coming from much more difficult. Thus spitting up blood causes can range from health conditions and terminal illnesses to tooth problems and a sore throat. Because throat phlegm is so common and associated with everyday illnesses and occurrences, finding blood in it often doesn’t pinpoint nor rule out much of anything.

Aside from random injury and mild illness, there are some serious health concerns that can relate to bloody mucus. In fact, that is one of the most common (and scary) pulmonary embolism symptoms. A pulmonary embolism is a medical emergency and can lead to sudden death. Essentially, it is a result of the traveling blood clot that has made its way into the arteries of the lungs and it blocking the flow of blood. This more serious of spitting up blood causes will often present with shortness of breath and intense pain in the chest that makes coughing and even breathing difficult. In addition, foamy and pink bloody mucus may present as well, and may be brought up with a cough.

Bloody phlegm can also occur in a wide variety of other health conditions like mitral stenosis, Goodpasture’s syndrome and sarcoidosis. It is also unfortunately one of the more common signs of lung cancer. While it is not uncommon for months or even years to go by until the lung cancer symptoms are evident, once blood containing phlegm appears, it often means that lung cancer has expanded beyond the initial and less harmful and more easily treatable stages.

While smoking is directly related to lung cancer in almost nine out of ten cases, it is also considered one of the most common spitting up blood causes. The damage that smoking can do to the tissues of the respiratory system can be detrimental, and after an overnight rest, it is not uncommon for blood to appear in phlegm and mucus as a result of drying and drainage.

Finding blood in the sputum, especially when it is associated with coughing is very abnormal and should result in medical consultation and care. While it can be attributed to less serious causes, it is also a tell tale sign of many serious health conditions.

Danger!, Blood Clots in Lungs

healthydailymail.com Blood clots in lungs can be very, very serious and lead to long term complications and serious health disorders. They are caused by several things; however there are some risk factors that make the chance of developing them more likely. For instance, people with certain types of blood cancers are nearly thirty times more likely to develop lung blood clots. And, there are also certain types of gene mutations that have been found to be more common in people who have blood clots in the lungs.

The problem with these clots is that coughing up blood can be a sign of a chronic and long term illness, such as lung cancer, or it can be a symptom of an acute and sudden health problem, like a pulmonary embolism. Even more troubling is that the two conditions can go hand in hand. In fact, a persistent cough that produces blood stained sputum can be one of the more serious and later staged lung cancer symptoms. And, pneumonia, tuberculosis, congestive heart failure and some types of heart disease like mitral stenosis can also lead to blood clots in lungs. Even common bronchitis or the more severe chronic form of the disease can produce blood from the respiratory system.

The difference here is that while coughing up blood clots may unfortunately be common place for sufferers of long term and chronic conditions like lung cancer and bronchitis, it can also be a symptom of a pulmonary embolism. A pulmonary embolism refers to an arterial blockage in either one of the lungs, or in both of them. The blockage is typically a blood clot and many times, it comes from the legs and breaks away and then travels upwards to the lungs. Therefore a blood clot in lungs or in just one lung most often times came from somewhere else entirely as opposed to forming in the respiratory system.

One of the most common pulmonary embolism causes is deep vein thrombosis (DVT), which is a blood clotting disorder that normally affects the veins that are very far away from the blood pumping portions of the body. However, pulmonary embolism causes are not so clear cut, and it has been suggested that persons with cancer are at a greater risk of developing DVT and thus at a greater risk of developing a pulmonary embolism. In fact, people who have certain types of cancer like in the lungs or the blood are at an even greater risk of developing the potentially life threatening disorder and blood clots in lungs.

This can make identification difficult, since it is not uncommon for lung cancer patients to be startled by blood in their sputum when coughing is excessive or they are experiencing periods of exacerbation. This is why it is important that symptoms be observed. If blood or clots appear without any other symptoms or any exaggeration of any symptoms then a pulmonary embolism may not be to blame for the oddly hued mucus. However, if pulmonary embolism symptoms present, then it may be something acutely threatening. Worsening chest pain that is accentuated by eating, bending, stopping or breathing deeply may occur and sometimes the pain can be severe enough to feel like a heart attack. Additionally, shortness of breath may occur and the onset may be sudden. A bloody cough may be present as well. Other signs and symptoms that occur but are less common are sweating, bluish skin, wheezing, swelling of the legs and fainting spells.

Identifying these symptoms can help determine the difference between blood clots in lungs that are blocking an artery and are an emergency and the byproduct of a chronic lung disease. However, it is important that even those suffering from long term ailments understand the seriousness of a pulmonary embolism which can cause sudden death and seek out medical assistance immediately if an embolism is suspected. Pulmonary embolism treatment can include everything from blood thinners to surgery and when the problem is found has a profound impact on treatment, recovery and success.

Pulmonary embolism prevention however is worth more than an ounce of cure and in high risk people like cancer patients, it is important to take advantage of numerous ways to keep arterial blockages from occurring in the lungs. Aside from medications that can help in this endeavor, compression garments, exercise and physical activity as well as some compression devices can also help. Further, maintaining the health of the lungs and keeping blood flowing freely throughout the body is also essential to both preventing blood clots in lungs, and the diseases that cause them like lung cancer.

What can I do to stay healthy a pulmonary embolism?

healthydailymail.com Your physician can recommend ways to prevent pulmonary embolisms in the future. These actions include:

• Wearing elastic compression stockings, which prevent blood from pooling in your veins
• Being fitted with a sleeve-like device on your legs during surgery. This device compresses your legs regularly to help blood keep flowing through your veins until you can walk again
• Walking or flexing your legs every hour on long plane or car trips. You should also drink plenty of fluids when traveling, because dehydration can increase your blood's tendency to clot
• Preventive use of anticoagulants during times when you have limited mobility, like during surgery or prolonged bed rest, when the circumstances permit

How is a pulmonary embolism treated?

healthydailymail.com If you have a pulmonary embolism, your physician or vascular surgeon may administer an anticoagulant drug called heparin intravenously as initial treatment. Anticoagulants are sometimes called blood thinners. They don't literally thin your blood, but they help prevent your blood from clotting too easily. Heparin helps prevent clots from forming and keeps clots you already have from growing. Eventually, your body breaks up the clot that has caused your pulmonary embolism. Alternatively, a type of medication, called fractionated heparin, may be delivered once or twice daily through an injection in your abdomen. This functions in a very similar fashion to heparin delivered directly into the vein.

If you have a large pulmonary embolism, or you have another medical condition, your physician or vascular surgeon may recommend more aggressive treatments. A treatment called thrombolysis can dissolve your clot. In this procedure, your vascular surgeon injects clot-dissolving drugs through a catheter directly into the clot. A catheter is a long, thin tube that your vascular surgeon inserts into a puncture in the skin over a blood vessel. Thrombolysis has a higher risk for bleeding complications and stroke than anticoagulant therapy but may be effective more quickly, a feature that may be important if the pulmonary embolism is large.

In you are unable to receive anticoagulant therapy or thrombolysis, your vascular surgeon may attempt to remove the clot using a catheter technique. Using this technique, called suction thrombectomy, your physician guides a catheter through your blood vessels to your pulmonary embolism. The catheter shoots a salt solution into the blocked artery. The water pressure pulls the clot toward the tip of the catheter and breaks up the clot. Your vascular surgeon may, as another option, use a catheter attached to a mechanical device such as a rotating head to break up a clot.

Rarely, physicians recommend surgery for a pulmonary embolism. The procedure is called pulmonary embolectomy. You may need this surgery if you have life-threatening blockages in your lungs that are not responsive to other treatments.

Your vascular surgeon will advise you regarding the best treatment option for your particular situation.

Once your pulmonary embolism has been treated, you will usually need to take an anticoagulant drug called warfarin (Coumadin®) for six months or longer to lessen the risk of developing another pulmonary embolism. During the time you are taking medication, your physician will order blood tests to make sure your blood anticoagulation level is adequate to prevent clots but not so high as to cause excessive bleeding. Anticoagulants can cause bleeding problems if the dosage is too high so it is important to follow your physician's recommendations for testing and dose adjustments.

In some circumstances, your physician may recommend placement of a special metal filter in your main vein, the vena cava, if drug therapy isn’t feasible or isn't enough to prevent pulmonary embolisms from recurring. This device is called a vena cava filter. The vena cava is a large vein in your abdomen that carries blood back to your heart and lungs. Vena cava filters can trap the clots that break away from your leg veins before they can reach your lungs. You vascular surgeon inserts the filter into your vena cava through a catheter. Some of these filters are left in place permanently and some can be removed. Your vascular surgeon will advise you regarding what is the best option for your particular situation.

What tests will I need a pulmonary embolism?

healthydailymail.com First your physician asks you questions about your general health, medical history, and symptoms. In addition, your physician conducts a physical exam. Together these are known as a patient history and exam. To confirm the diagnosis of pulmonary embolism, the physician may order specific tests, which may include some of the following:

• Chest x-ray
• Electrocardiography (ECG) which measures your heart’s electrical activity
• D-dimer enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, a blood test that shows an increase of a type of protein that may rise after a pulmonary embolism
• Lung scanning, which measures blood flow in your lungs and your air intake
• Spiral computed tomography (CT) scan
• Pulmonary angiography, which shows x ray pictures of the blood vessels in your lungs
• Duplex ultrasound, which allows your physician to measure the speed of blood flow and to see the structure of your leg veins
• Venography, which shows x-ray pictures of your leg veins

What are the symptom and causes a pulmonary embolism?

healthydailymail.com A pulmonary embolism is a blood clot that forms in a vein, travels through your bloodstream, and lodges in your lungs. A pulmonary embolism is a medical emergency because a large embolism, or sometimes many repeated smaller ones, can be fatal in a short time.

What are the symptoms?

The symptoms you feel can depend on the location and size of your blood clot. Shortness of breath is the most common symptom. Other symptoms include rapid breathing; anxiety and restlessness; chest pain, which might extend into your shoulder, arm, neck, and jaw; coughing or spitting up blood; feeling lightheaded or fainting; and having a rapid heartbeat.

What causes a pulmonary embolism?

The type of clot that is likely to cause a pulmonary embolism usually originates in the veins deep in your muscles. This condition is called deep vein thrombosis (DVT). DVT usually occurs in your leg or pelvic veins; although less commonly it can also sometimes occur in your arm veins.

Factors that increase the risk of DVT or pulmonary embolism include:

• Having a close family member who has had a pulmonary embolism
• Inherited blood clotting abnormalities
• Major surgery
• Hip or leg fractures
• Standing or sitting still for long periods of time, such as on a long plane trip or car ride
• Cancer
• Obesity
• Smoking
• Having a history of a heart attack or stroke
• Pregnancy, taking birth control pills, or taking estrogen replacement therapy

What is a pulmonary embolism?

healthydailymail.com A pulmonary embolism is a blood clot that forms in a vein, travels through your bloodstream, and lodges in your lungs. A pulmonary embolism is a medical emergency because a large embolism, or sometimes many repeated smaller ones, can be fatal in a short time.

Normally, your blood flows from the right side of your heart to your lungs, where it picks up oxygen. The left side of your heart then pumps this oxygen-rich blood through a system of blood vessels called arteries. Once your blood has delivered the oxygen to various parts of your body, it enters another network of blood vessels called the veins. Your veins carry the now oxygen-poor blood back to your heart, which pumps your blood to your lungs to pick up oxygen again. If a blood clot forms in a vein, commonly a deep vein in your leg, it can move with the blood flow back to your lungs and lodge there. This blood clot is called a pulmonary embolism.

If your lung arteries become blocked by a blood clot, you may experience high blood pressure in your lungs. As a result, your heart pumps harder than usual. When your heart is continually overworked, it may enlarge, and it may eventually fail to perform. A large pulmonary embolism can cause your lungs and heart to fail. Fortunately, your chances of surviving a pulmonary embolism increase when your physician can diagnose and treat your condition quickly.