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.

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.

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.”

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.

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.

Centrilobular Emphysema vs Panlobular Differences

healthydailymail.com Pulmonary emphysema is a progressive condition that is part of the disease known as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, or COPD. It primarily affects the alveoli in the lungs. These are tiny air sacs that are necessary for proper breathing. In cases of pulmonary emphysema, these sacs are damaged in various ways whether enlarged, narrowed, stretched or otherwise permanently destructed. Smoking is the single biggest and most common cause of emphysema, although there are cases of non smokers developing the condition. Most of these occurrences are related to occupational or environmental hazards such as exposure to second hand smoke, toxins or fumes or working in places like mines. Emphysema can occur in various parts of the lung, and thus can be further classified based on location. There are two main types of emphysema based on this distinction, centrilobular emphysema (also known as centriacinar emphysema) and panlobular emphysema (also known as panacinar emphysema).

The lungs are big organs, and emphysema can affect different parts of it differently. When the lung disease is present throughout the lung but concentrated in the lower portions, it is referred to as panlobular emphysema. When the opposite is true and the lung disease is more predominant in the upper parts of the lungs, it is referred to as centrilobular emphysema.

Emphysema causes between these two types can vary. In the case of panlobular emphysema for instance, the condition is thought to be more common in people with a homozygous alpha1-antitrypsin (AAT) deficiency. Additionally, in smokers who have this form of the condition, it is thought to commonly coexist with the centriacinar form of the disease. Conversely, centrilobular emphysema, while also intimately related to smoking, is also more associated with chronic bronchitis. In addition, it is also the type of emphysema more likely to be caused by occupational exposures, such as in people who work in mines or deal with pollutants regularly.

The two types of the condition are different in terms of physical location and sometimes, causes. However, when it comes to emphysema symptoms, there is little differentiation between the two. Both types lead to a decreased ability to breathe, excess mucus production and a persistent or chronic cough (sometimes even coughing up blood in later stages). These symptoms worsen over time through each of the four stages of emphysema, where lung function becomes more and more reduced and thusly, emphysema symptoms are intensified. In stage one, lung function maintains above 80%. Stage two refers to decreased lung function at between a 50% and 80% capacity. Stage three refers to lung function between 30% and 50% and the final and most advanced stage refers to lung function below 30%. Emphysema symptoms become worse the later the stage becomes. And, similarly, emphysema life expectancy decreases as the lung disease advances as well.

With one minor exception, the treatment for both centrilobular emphysema and the panlobular form of the condition is the same as well. Quitting smoking is the single biggest contributing factor to both symptoms management and slowing the progression of the disease. Unfortunately, however, there is no cure for emphysema or COPD. Some medications are used however for symptom relief. Steroids are sometimes implemented and some COPD medications like mucolytic agents to reduce the viscosity of mucus may be used as well. Oxygen therapy is very common due to the decreased breathing capacity. Other medications like bronchodilators may also be utilized as well. The one difference between panlobular emphysema treatment and that for centrilobular emphysema has to do with the former’s deficiency. In some cases of panlobular emphysema, medicines may be used to correct the homozygous alpha1-antitrypsin (AAT) deficiency by increasing its production in the liver.

Emphysema is a serious and life long illness. Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, of which emphysema belongs, is one of the most common causes of death in the United States. In part, this is because it is not often found until later stages of illness. It also may be because smoking habits are not ceased while the disease is present. Regardless of where in the lungs the damage has occurred, and whether centrilobular emphysema or panlobular emphysema is present, it is irreversible, and breathing will forever be impacted. However, lifestyle changes like smoking cessation, increasing physical activity and improving health in other ways can lead to a dramatically halted progression of both symptoms and disease, leading to a more normal life with fewer and less aggressive symptoms.

Health News: Severe delays in diagnosis of pediatric stroke

healthydailymail.com But as Dr. MacKay's study showed, many parents either do not consider the possibility that their child is suffering a stroke or are unable to recognize the signs, which can severely delay treatment.

Dr. MacKay's findings revealed that the average time from symptom onset of pediatric stroke to arrival at the emergency room was 1.8 hours, with some arrivals taking up to 4 hours.

And it is not only parents who may overlook the signs and symptoms of pediatric stroke - doctors can too. Studies have found that in the US, it can often take longer than 24 hours to diagnose stroke in children.

A report from ABC News in 2011 provides evidence of this, revealing how it took more than 25 hours for doctors to diagnose a 15-year-old boy from Ohio with stroke.

Because of the delay in diagnosis, the boy had to have a part of his skull removed to ease pressure from the build up of blood in his brain.

In a 2008 interview, Dr. Fullerton said she believes a delay in diagnosis of pediatric stroke has fallen into a gap in clinical care. "It is a rare disorder in general, and so most child neurologists will not be very comfortable in caring for children with stroke," she said, adding:

"Stroke is considered more a disease of adults, but then adult stroke neurologists aren't familiar of the etiologies of stroke in children or how to manage stroke in children, and so they're often uncomfortable with caring for a stroke in a child.

It can be difficult to diagnose the etiology of their strokes. It often takes sophisticated imaging studies and studies that are done by very experienced practitioners. It really often does take a team approach to figure out why a child has had a stroke and figure out what is the best way to prevent more strokes in that child."

While stroke is much rarer in children than adults, it is important that parents, caregivers and health care professionals are aware that children can be affected by the condition and take note of the signs and symptoms that may arise.

Not only is May American Stroke Awareness Month, 2nd-8th May is dedicated to World Pediatric Stroke Awareness Week. Set up by the IAPS and not-for-profit organization Brendon's Smile last year, the campaign aims to raise awareness of pediatric stroke around the globe and educate communities about how the condition can impact children's lives.

What are the signs and symptoms to look out for stroke?

healthydailymail.com As mentioned previously, it can be very hard to spot stroke symptoms among very young children. Around 40% of infants do not show symptoms of early stroke; a parent may not know their baby has suffered stroke until months later when they show reduced movement or weakness on one side of their face.

A child with a headache

As well as weakness or numbness on one side of the body, other signs of stroke in children may include severe headache, dizziness and vomiting.

Repetitive twitching of the face, arm or leg can be an indicator of stroke in newborns, as can a pause in breathing alongside prolonged staring and extreme fatigue.

As children develop, the signs of symptoms of stroke are very similar to those in adults. Weakness or numbness on one side of the body and problems speaking or understanding language - such as slurred speech or problems understanding simple instructions - may be signs of stroke.

Other signs of stroke among children may include severe headache, vomiting, fatigue, severe dizziness and appearance of seizures.

The American Stroke Association stress that the F.A.S.T. acronym is an easy way to remember the sudden signs of stroke in both children and adults:

Face drooping. Is one side of the face numb or drooping? Is the individual able to smile?

Arm weakness. Is one arm numb or weak? Ask the individual to lift both arms. Does one arm drift downward?

Speech difficulty. Is the individual's speech slurred? Do they find it hard to speak or are they hard to understand? Can they correctly repeat a simple sentence, such as "the sky is blue?"

Time to call 911. If the individual shows any of these symptoms, call 911 immediately, even if the symptoms disappear. Check the time at which first symptoms appear.

"Think stroke, act fast and call 911. That message applies to adults and children," says Dr. MacKay. "Getting to the hospital quickly is an essential first step to develop strategies to improve access to emergency treatment in children."

Health News: The risk factors for pediatric stroke

healthydailymail.com Among adults, high blood pressure, irregular heartbeat and atherosclerosis - hardening of the arteries - are some of the most common risk factors for stroke. These factors rarely cause stroke in children, however.

According to the American Stroke Association, around half of all pediatric strokes are triggered by an underlying condition, most commonly sickle cell disease - an inherited blood disorder - and congenital heart disease.

Other underlying conditions that may raise a child's stroke risk include head and neck infections, abnormal blood clotting, head trauma and systemic conditions, such as autoimmune disorders.

Maternal history of infertility, premature rupture of membranes during pregnancy, maternal preeclampsia and chorioamnionitis - inflammation of the fetal membranes due to a bacterial infection - may also increase a child's stroke risk.

Though cardiovascular-related risk factors for stroke in adults are rare in children, recent studies have indicated an increase in these risk factors among the younger population. This is down to a rise in high blood pressure, obesity, diabetes, high cholesterol and tobacco and alcohol use among youth.

A 2014 study published in the journal Neurology also suggested colds and other minor infections in childhood may temporarily raise a child's stroke risk.

"We've seen this increase in stroke risk from infection in adults, but until now, an association has not been studied in children," commented study author Dr. Heather Fullerton, director of the University of California-San Francisco Pediatric Stroke and Cerebrovascular Disease Center.

"It is possible that inflammatory conditions contribute more to the stroke risk in children, however, further research is needed to explore this possible association."

It is important to note, however, that in around half of all childhood stroke cases, no previous risk factor can be determined.

Health News: Perinatal stroke and childhood stroke

healthydailymail.com There are two types of pediatric stroke: perinatal stroke and childhood stroke.

Perinatal stroke, also referred to as fetal or prenatal stroke, occurs between the last 18 weeks of pregnancy and the first 30 days of birth. In the US, perinatal stroke occurs in about 1 in every 2,800 live births.

Most cases of perinatal stroke are ischemic, caused by blood clots breaking off from the placenta and becoming lodged in the child's brain.

Childhood stroke occurs between the ages of 1 month and 18 years. Unlike adults, in whom ischemic stroke is most common, children are equally as likely to have ischemic stroke as they are hemorrhagic stroke - caused by a brain bleed from a ruptured blood vessel.

Around 60% of all pediatric strokes occur in boys, and African-American children are at greater stroke risk than Caucasian and Asian children.

Health News: Stroke not just an adult's condition

healthydailymail.com According to the National Stroke Association, stroke affects 6 in every 100,000 children in the US. It is also one of the 10 leading causes of death among children in the country.

The rate of stroke is much higher in adults than children. Every year, more than 795,000 men and women suffer a stroke and around 130,000 die from the condition. However, studies have found stroke rates are on the rise in children in the US.

In 2011, a study published in the Annals of Neurology reported a 51% increase in ischemic stroke incidence among boys aged 5-14 from the period 1995-96 to 2007-08, while girls aged 5-14 saw a 3% rise in ischemic stroke in the same period.

In many ways, stroke in children - commonly referred to as pediatric stroke - can present more challenges than stroke in adults.

The early signs of stroke in children are much more subtle than in adults, meaning they often go unrecognized. According to the International Alliance for Pediatric Stroke (IAPS), newborns who suffer stroke may not even begin to show any symptoms until the age of 4-8 months.

What is more, because parents, caregivers and even health care professionals do not often associate stroke with children, it may be ruled out as a possibility. As a result, many children fail to receive adequate treatment.

A 2014 study conducted by Dr. Mark Mackay, director of the Children's Stroke Program at the Royal Children's Hospital and Murdoch Children's Research Institute in Melbourne, Australia, and colleagues found that only half of interviewed parents whose children suffered stroke thought their child's symptoms were serious enough to call 911, while 21% of parents adopted a "wait-and-see" approach. What is more, only 36% considered stroke as a possible cause of their child's symptoms.

As with most health conditions, early treatment for stroke is key. Unfortunately, around 20-40% of children die after a stroke, and of those who do survive, around 50-80% will have lifelong neurological problems, such a partial or total paralysis.

May is American Stroke Awareness Month. In this Spotlight, we investigate the risk factors for pediatric stroke, the signs and symptoms to look out for, as well as the treatment options for the condition.

Health News: Health priorities differ where women's protection still needs to improve

healthydailymail.com Dr. Canfell say in medicalnewstoday argues that although it is appropriate for richer countries to follow the US in considering vaccination of boys, the current cervical cancer prevention priorities in low- and middle-income countries should remain focused on females.

She says the development of programs that integrate vaccinating young girls with screening older women are the way forward, adding: "Based on experience in developed countries, this will also provide benefits for men through indirect vaccine protection."

The case for this approach is based on the fact cited by Dr. Canfell that 87% of the 610,000 worldwide cancers annually attributable to HPV are in women - cancers of the cervix - and three quarters of these occur in countries with a low or medium human development index.

In developed countries meanwhile, such broader efforts to prevent cervical cancer in women are less of a concern, where the focus "has now, appropriately," shifted to considering the following issues for "boys, men who have sex with men, and older women:"

Burden of HPV-related disease

Safety, effectiveness, acceptability, equity and cost-effectiveness of vaccination.

For women's burden of HPV-related disease, the editorial points out that vaccination is increasingly only part of the concern, and outside of the richest countries, hundreds of millions of older women would remain at risk "even if" a substantial majority of young girls were vaccinated.

This is because vaccination alone will not prevent the effect of population aging "driving" increasing cervical cancer numbers over the next few decades.

Health News: HPV vaccination may benefit boys as well as girls

healthydailymail.com The authors of the study do, however, say that the first priority in delivering cancer benefit for both sexes is to ensure the highest possible uptake of the human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination by girls, which counters the viral infection linked, for them, to cervical cancer.

But further to the knock-on benefit for men brought by reducing HPV circulation among females in this way, there can be added direct effects of vaccinating boys, they say.

The study finds that, after higher vaccine coverage among girls, the additional benefit against the HPV-related cancers that affect men - anal, penile and some throat cancers - would come from preventing the infection among men who have sex with other men.

Illustration HPV vaccination

Johannes Bogaards and Johannes Berkhof at VU University Medical Centre in Amsterdam, with colleagues, designed their study to estimate the cancer benefits to men if boys were vaccinated in their country as well as girls.

In the Netherlands, universal coverage is only for girls; aside from the US, the few places to have a policy for the injection of boys too include Australia, Austria and two provinces in Canada.

Using the Dutch national cancer registry and epidemiological studies, the authors analyzed the impact of HPV vaccination on cancers affecting men linked to the papillomavirus. Their conclusion is:

"Men will benefit indirectly from vaccination of girls but remain at risk of cancers associated with HPV.

The incremental benefit of vaccinating boys when vaccine uptake among girls is high is driven by the prevention of anal carcinomas, which underscores the relevance of HPV prevention efforts for men who have sex with men."

An editorial commenting on the study - written by Karen Canfell, DPhil, director of Cancer Council NSW, a cancer research organization in Australia - supports the priority for vaccination of girls, but which in turn reduces the need to vaccinate all boys and therefore also the cost-to-benefit ratio of doing so.

Dr. Canfell, also an associate professor at the Prince of Wales Clinical School of the University of New South Wales, says the findings "reinforce those of prior analyses that found that adding boys to established vaccination programs in girls becomes less cost-effective as female coverage increases."

This is a point also made by the study authors - that universal vaccination of boys comes with serious cost-to-benefit considerations for populations.

Inclusion of boys into preadolescent HPV vaccination programs is warranted, they say, "once the incremental costs of vaccination conform to society's willingness to pay in comparison with the incremental health effects."