Diagnosing and managing the causes of breathlessness is a vital part of helping people to lead longer and healthier lives. This month, in parallel with the national breathlessness awareness campaign the British Lung Foundation, in conjunction with the London Respiratory Network, launched the Breathing SPACE framework. This is to make it easier for doctors to […]
The Bordetella pertussis bacteria, which causes whooping cough, is a highly contagious bacterial infection of the lungs and airways which is spread through infected droplets in the air. In recent years, there have been spikes of incidence of this infection, despite a vaccination programme. Symptoms only develop 6-20 days after exposure to the virus. At first, cold-like […]
Bronchiectasis is a chronic lung disease which affects one in 1000 adults causing permanent enlargement of the airways which leads to an excessive build up of mucus. Patients cough to expel the mucus. ‘Coughs associated with this condition are usually worse in the morning as people clear their chest,’ explains Dr Richard Russell, honorary medical […]
We all feel breathless sometimes but we also know when our breathlessness is not normal. It may be the first sign that something more serious is going on. Untreated lung disease can cause serious problems and some of those are irreversible if not treated early. When it comes to chronic lung disease, some people may […]
People who suffer from chronic breathlessness may not always think to mention it to a GP. They assume that it is a normal part of ageing, or they puff a bit going upstairs because they smoke so ‘it’s only to be expected’. They may not look on it as a problem at all and ‘get […]
As well as being sweet and juicy, the world’s most popular berry is said to do wonders for your health. Traditionally, strawberries, which contain more Vitamin C than the equivalent weight of oranges, have been used to cleanse the digestive system. They also contain a range of phytonutrients, which have a range of health-boosting effects. “Strawberries can legitimately claim […]
Traditional cures have been used for hundreds of years to ease aches and pains, reduce inflammation and even get rid of warts. We asked Dr Rob Hicks GP and broadcaster, and Christine Scallan, folk medicine expert to give their verdicts on these folk popular cures. Rub a matchstick on a wart to make it vanish CHRISTINE: The abrasive […]
“Although hepatitis is often overlooked in the media as HIV and AIDS tend to make headlines, viral hepatitis has become one of the leading causes of death and disability across the globe killing at least as many people annually as TB, malaria or HIV/AIDS. Existing in five forms – A, B, C, D and E, viral […]
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As someone who has watched a close relative go through the experience of receiving chemotherapy, it is not something that I would ever wish upon any human being. The hypothesis for chemotherapy is simple. Cancer cells grow faster than normal somatic cells and thus if we inject poison into the body that damages cells, the […]
Can certain foods really help you control your weight and lose pounds in time for summer? Salmon Oily fish such as salmon, mackerel, sardines and anchovies are rich in omega-3 fatty acids, also known as ‘good’ fats. Other sources of omega-3 include; walnuts, flaxseeds and chia seeds. These ‘good’ fats have been found to boost […]