Latest news with #COPD
Time of India
an hour ago
- Health
- Time of India
Monsoon brings viral, skin, gastro diseases
1 2 Kolkata: While monsoon has provided relief from the heat, it has brought with it a host of diseases, ranging from skin and viral infections to gastrointestinal issues, as well as vector-borne and water-borne ailments. According to doctors, the number of such patients will rise over time, cautioning the need for preventive measures. Even as vector-borne diseases like dengue and malaria are the most dreaded during monsoon, health experts said this was also the season when some viruses and bacteria thrive. Scrub typhus, which is mostly common in rural areas, has also become a health concern in the city in the past few years. "We have started getting an unusually high number of typhoid cases. People should cut down on unhygienic street food as it is caused by contaminated food and water. So far, I got only one case of dengue, but the number could go up fast if people let mosquitoes," said internal medicine specialist Rahul Jain of Belle Vue Clinic. Internal medicine specialist Joydeep Ghosh of Fortis Hospital Anandapur said the main health concerns during the monsoon included chest infections due to temperature changes, skin infections, water-borne diseases like typhoid and viral hepatitis. "Carrying an umbrella and extra clothes can save you from cold and cough. It is necessary to change into dry clothes after getting wet, especially for COPD patients. One should also take showers after getting drenched," said Ghosh. Even as the state health department has already started its mosquito-control measures along with respective civic bodies, doctors said that the public should also be responsible for keeping ailments at bay. "Monsoon is a much-needed respite from the scorching summer. However, the rainy season also brings with it a host of infections and health woes, ranging from an increased incidence of cough, cold, and flu due to drastic temperature changes to viral fever, gastroenteritis, and mosquito-borne diseases such as malaria, dengue, and chikungunya," said medicine professor Alakes Kumar Kole of Neotia Mediplus.
Medscape
13 hours ago
- Health
- Medscape
PCP Toolkit for Treating Patients With Respiratory Diseases
Primary care physicians (PCPs) regularly encounter respiratory issues, from the common cold to asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease ( COPD), and more. These conditions can, at times, be diagnosed fairly quickly and easily. But sometimes, ubiquitous symptoms can make differentiating diagnoses difficult. Lung diseases can range from very minor to critical, so you don't want to waste any time in the diagnostic process. It's important, then, to know what tools PCPs have at hand and how to best apply them. This is especially true as many lung diseases also have comorbidities. 'Patients with COPD often also have high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and left-sided heart disease,' said Jeffrey Marshall, MD, pulmonologist at University of Maryland Baltimore Washington Medical Center in Glen Burnie, Maryland. It's also common for patients with respiratory diseases to experience concomitant mental health struggles, according to Marshall. For instance, high rates of anxiety are often found in patients with advanced lung disease. 'All these comorbid conditions can both exacerbate the patient's underlying pulmonary disease or be confused as an exacerbation of that pulmonary disease,' he said. Respiratory complaints — like difficulty breathing and chest pain — are among the most common reasons patients visit the emergency room. While these complaints may fall within respiratory illnesses, there are often other explanations for a patient's symptoms. Learning to discern these differences can be an important skill set as a PCP. That said, it's also important to know when to refer to a specialist. 'Early recognition and timely referral can significantly improve patient outcomes,' said Tejaswini Kulkarni, MD, associate professor of medicine and director of the Interstitial Lung Disease Program at The University of Alabama at Birmingham. Here's what you need to know to treat and guide your patients presenting with respiratory issues. PCP Toolkit The first step to having a handle on respiratory issues with your patients is taking a comprehensive medical history. For patients who have been already diagnosed with a respiratory condition, 'it's important to reinforce proper disease management and medication adherence,' said Marshall. 'Exposures, triggers, prior personal history, and a detailed family history are all important components of understanding a patient's pulmonary condition.' Tobacco use is a primary example of this — patients who currently smoke or have smoked in the past are going to be more susceptible to respiratory conditions of all kinds. 'Though cigarette use has declined in most places across the country, tobacco use still has a significant impact on our nation's health,' said Marshall. 'Tobacco use contributes to many diseases, including asthma, COPD, heart disease, and, of course, cancer. Current and former smokers are also at a significantly increased risk of infections, namely the development of pneumonia.' In addition, patients with a history of smoking are more likely to be hospitalized and die from pneumonia, he said. Physicians should also consider their patients' work history, hobbies, and current occupation. Patients who work in certain occupations, like construction, for instance, may have exposure to harmful substances, like asbestos or certain paints. Chronic exposure may lead to complications and can be a good starting point for diagnosis. Even living in an area with high pollution and poor air quality can be a contributing factor. Patients will present with both acute and chronic symptoms, ranging from cough to shortness of breath, exercise-induced asthma, allergies, and sleep apnea. After taking a comprehensive history, physicians can utilize a variety of tools for further diagnosis — one of which could include pulse oximetry. 'Though patients typically present with symptoms prior to ever becoming hypoxemic, it may be helpful to get a walking pulse oximetry to understand the degree of changes in SpO2 and heart rate with exertion,' said Marshall. 'Simply walking a patient with a pulse oximeter can provide helpful information regarding exercise tolerance and whether that patient needs oxygen.' Physicians might also want to try a handheld spirometer, which is simple to use and provides a good deal of information regarding patients' pulmonary and respiratory health. 'Spirometers can provide you with a basic set of numbers right in the office,' said Orlando Ruiz-Rodriguez, MD, a pulmonologist at Orlando Health in Orlando, Florida. A basic stethoscope can also help in diagnosing pulmonary issues. 'Listening to lungs is part of the standard of care,' said Ruiz-Rodriguez. 'Make sure there are no abnormal sounds, like wheezing, crackling, or decreased breathing. Today's generation of stethoscopes are electronic and a much-improved tool at the primary care level.' There are other tests PCPs can explore before deciding it's time to seek out a specialist. 'To expedite workup and management of patients with lung diseases, pulmonologists typically prefer certain baseline tests before a referral,' said Kulkarni. 'These commonly include pulmonary function tests to assess airflow obstruction or restriction, chest imaging (chest x-ray or high-resolution CT if interstitial lung disease is suspected), and basic lab work such as CBC [complete blood count], CMP [comprehensive metabolic panel], and BNP [B-type natriuretic peptide test].' To help reduce diagnostic delays and improve patient outcomes, it's best to move with caution when considering a pulmonary fibrosis diagnosis, said Kulkarni. Pulmonary fibrosis is often challenging to diagnose because clinical presentation mimics common conditions like coronary artery disease and COPD, 'but it has worse clinical outcomes with delays in treatment,' she said. Beyond diagnostics, one consideration to keep in your toolkit, said Marshall, is vaccines. 'Patients with underlying respiratory or pulmonary conditions are at a higher risk of developing and becoming sick from respiratory illnesses,' he said. 'We now have several extraordinary vaccines available to our patients to help reduce the burden of infectious respiratory disease.' When to Refer While PCPs can treat respiratory issues in office to the best of their ability, there are times when referring to a pulmonologist is essential. 'Your local neighborhood pulmonologist is your friend,' said Marshall. 'Referrals to a pulmonologist should be considered whenever there is diagnostic uncertainty, when initial therapeutics are not working, or when more complex interventions or therapeutics are necessary in the workup and management of your patient.' A few common reasons to refer to a pulmonologist include treating or diagnosing unremitting cough or chronic refractory, he said. There are certain times when immediate referral is appropriate, according to Kulkarni. These include rapidly progressive dyspnea, hypoxia, hypercapnia, hemoptysis, suspected lung cancer, and large pleural effusions. For cases of symptom progression, she recommends referring with chronic coughs lasting over 8 weeks, unexplained or worsening dyspnea, frequent asthma or COPD exacerbations despite treatment, recurrent pneumonia, and signs of pulmonary hypertension. Referring should not be considered a last resort, either, said Ruiz-Rodriguez. 'Some primary care doctors want to do as much as possible before referring,' he said. 'But know the limitations of what you have available to you. If your patient has symptoms, abnormal test results, or even a complicated medical history, send them to us. Even sleep apnea with a complicated history is a cue to move on to a specialist.'
Time of India
15 hours ago
- Health
- Time of India
Toronto suffers world's worst air quality as Canada's second-worst wildfire season chokes nation
Toronto is bracing for another summer of dangerous air quality as wildfires continue to rage across northern Ontario, the Prairies, and Western Canada, with doctors warning that the health effects of wildfire smoke are more serious and more widespread than many realize. The worst air quality Toronto recorded the worst air quality in the world in early June, according to global air tracker IQAir, as smoke from more than 183 active wildfires in Ontario drifted south into the city. It's a dramatic increase from the 100 wildfires recorded in the province at this time last year, and experts say it's a troubling sign of what lies ahead. 'We're already seeing much higher than our 10-year average,' said Dr. Samir Gupta, a respirologist and associate professor at the University of Toronto. 'It does look like we are in for a tough season.' Canada's second-worst fire According to federal data, the 2025 wildfire season has already burned 3.7 million hectares of land, an area six times larger than Prince Edward Island, making it Canada's second-worst fire year on record, behind only 2023. Live Events The resulting smoke has triggered air quality alerts in five provinces and one territory, and it's not staying contained within Canadian borders. Smoke from Canadian fires drifted over parts of the continental US in early June, from Kansas City to Minneapolis. High chances of health risks Though Toronto residents are far from the flames, Dr. Gupta says the health risks are very real. 'We see increased emergency room visits for things like asthma, COPD flare-ups, and even heart attacks and strokes,' he explained. 'These particles are so small they enter the bloodstream through the lungs and start affecting the heart and other organs.' Even short-term exposure to wildfire smoke can cause headaches, coughing, eye irritation, dizziness, and in severe cases, chest pain or difficulty breathing. Gupta added that vulnerable populations, including seniors, pregnant individuals, people with chronic illness, and children, are at the greatest risk. However, even healthy individuals should be cautious. 'When I see an AQHI [Air Quality Health Index] over 7, I won't go for a run outside. I'll exercise indoors,' Gupta said. 'When you're running, you breathe in twice as much pollution. It really can take a toll.' On smoky days, experts advise staying indoors, using HEPA air purifiers, and if you must go outside, wearing a fitted N95 mask to filter out fine particulate matter. This summer's conditions are expected to worsen, with The Weather Network forecasting a hotter and drier climate around the Ontario–Manitoba border, resulting in more wildfire outbreaks and smoke movement. 'The effects aren't always visible, but they're happening,' Dr. Gupta said. 'You may not feel it, but the smoke is doing the damage.'
CNA
20 hours ago
- Health
- CNA
Shortness of breath? It's not ageing – it could be COPD
Many people chalk up breathlessness, a lingering cough or reduced stamina to ageing. But these symptoms could point to chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), a progressive lung condition that often goes undiagnosed until it is well advanced. Globally, COPD is the fourth leading cause of death, according to the World Health Organization. In Singapore, it ranks 10th, affecting nine in 100 people – and as many as one in four adults over the age of 55. Yet awareness of the condition remains low. COPD is an umbrella term for two lung conditions: Chronic bronchitis and emphysema. Chronic bronchitis causes inflammation in the airways and excess mucus production, while emphysema damages the air sacs (alveoli) in the lungs that are essential for oxygen absorption. 'Our lungs are like sponges, full of small air pockets,' explained Prof Klaus Rabe, professor of pulmonary medicine at the University of Kiel and director of LungClinic Grosshansdorf. 'When those structures break down, we lose the surface area needed to absorb oxygen. Oxygen intake then becomes less efficient, especially during activity.' Because this damage accumulates slowly, early signs are often overlooked. Feeling winded on the stairs or struggling to keep up during a walk may be dismissed as ageing, but they could be your lungs sounding the alarm. 'Those signs are worth paying attention to, as ageing itself doesn't cause shortness of breath,' he added. WHO IS AT RISK – AND WHY IT IS NOT JUST SMOKERS While smoking remains a major cause of COPD, it is not the only one. In Singapore, up to 45 per cent of those diagnosed are non-smokers. Other risk factors include long-term exposure to tobacco smoke (including second-hand smoke), occupational contact with dust, fumes or chemicals, and indoor air pollution from poorly ventilated kitchens that use open flames or solid fuels. A history of asthma or lung infections can also increase vulnerability, as can socioeconomic challenges such as limited access to clean air or timely healthcare. Fortunately, small lifestyle or environmental changes can make a big difference. Installing an exhaust fan in the kitchen or wearing a protective mask at work, for example, can help reduce exposure to harmful particles. Prof Rabe highlighted a long-term study in China, where homes that added chimneys to previously unvented coal stoves saw the risk of COPD drop by nearly half over a decade. 'It doesn't always take high-tech solutions,' he noted. 'Sometimes, a simple fix can help prevent long-term damage.' As COPD develops gradually, many people are only diagnosed after the disease has progressed, often after repeated hospital visits. In Singapore, two-thirds of COPD patients have been hospitalised at least once, with many experiencing multiple admissions. Early red flags typically show up as a decline in physical ability. 'People begin to notice that they can't do what they used to, like walking to the market without pausing or climbing stairs without needing to stop. That's when they should consult their doctor,' said Prof Rabe. Simple lung function tests, such as spirometry or the six-minute walk test, can help detect issues early, allowing doctors to recommend treatment plans before they disrupt daily life. Treatment usually starts with inhalers to open the airways and reduce inflammation, but medication alone is not enough. Pulmonary rehabilitation – a combination of exercise and education – plays a vital role in helping patients restore stamina and confidence. 'It's not just about managing symptoms,' said Prof Rabe. 'It's about helping patients enhance overall quality of life.' BREATHE EASIER WITH THE RIGHT SUPPORT Biologics are a new class of COPD treatments that target specific molecules involved in inflammation, offering hope to patients. Originally developed for asthma, biologics are injectable drugs that target specific types of inflammation linked to COPD. One such therapy by Sanofi is now available in Singapore for eligible patients. 'It's designed for those who continue to have flare-ups despite optimal therapy,' explained Prof Rabe. 'When used appropriately, it can help manage symptoms more effectively and support respiratory function.' Biologics may also offer added convenience, especially for older patients. 'They don't require precise inhaler technique and can be self-administered at home,' he added. Clinical trials have shown that patients on biologic treatment experienced reduced flare-ups and improved lung function. 'These findings suggest that this treatment may help reduce hospital visits in the long run and allow patients to maintain their quality of life,' said Prof Rabe. Ultimately, improving outcomes starts with greater awareness among both the general public and healthcare professionals. Prof Rabe urges anyone experiencing unexplained shortness of breath to speak to their doctor. 'Lung function tests should be as routine as checking blood pressure or heart rhythm,' he said. 'Too often, people quietly change their lifestyle routines as symptoms creep in. They stop doing the things they enjoy, without realising it could be due to an underlying condition.' MAT-SG-2500178-v1.0-Jun 2025
Time Business News
a day ago
- Health
- Time Business News
How an Online Pulmonologist Can Help You Breathe Easier from Anywhere
Breathing problems can be frightening whether it's a lingering cough, wheezing, or a chronic condition like asthma or COPD. But getting expert care for your lungs no longer requires traveling to a specialist or waiting weeks for an appointment. With the rise of telehealth, you can now consult an online pulmonologist from the comfort of your home wherever you are in the world. Let's explore how virtual pulmonology is transforming access to respiratory care and why so many patients are choosing this option. A pulmonologist is a medical doctor who specializes in the respiratory system including the lungs, airways, and related structures. They diagnose and treat conditions such as: Asthma Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) Bronchitis Sleep apnea Post-COVID complications Allergic airway diseases Interstitial lung disease An online pulmonologist offers the same expertise, but via secure video consultations. Patients can receive diagnoses, treatment plans, second opinions, and follow-ups all without visiting a clinic. Whether you're managing a chronic lung condition or just concerned about recent symptoms, virtual care can be a smart, safe solution. Patients who benefit the most include: Individuals with asthma or COPD who require regular check-ins or who require regular check-ins People experiencing shortness of breath , cough, or chest tightness , cough, or chest tightness Those recovering from respiratory infections or COVID-19 Patients needing a second opinion or evaluation before surgery or evaluation before surgery Travelers or expats without local access to lung specialists Anyone with limited mobility or access to in-person care Here are some of the top reasons patients are switching to virtual lung care: At platforms like OurExpertDoc, you connect with American Board-Certified pulmonologists who practice in U.S. hospitals and clinics. That means you're receiving care aligned with the highest global standards. Skip the waitlists. Most patients can book same-day or next-day appointments, especially helpful when dealing with new or worsening respiratory symptoms. Every virtual doctor consultation is conducted via encrypted, secure platforms that protect your health data and privacy. Whether you're at home, traveling, or living abroad, all you need is a device and internet access. There's no need to commute, take time off work, or deal with traffic and crowded waiting rooms. Consulting an online respiratory specialist is simple: Book your appointment at a time that works for you. Upload any past reports, X-rays, or test results. Join a secure video call and discuss your symptoms, history, or treatment concerns. Receive a diagnosis, personalized care plan, or prescriptions (where applicable). Follow up as needed, often with the same pulmonologist for continuity of care. Doctors can also recommend further diagnostic tests if needed — like a spirometry test or sleep study and guide you through the next steps. At OurExpertDoc, patients receive expert guidance for: Chronic coughs or shortness of breath Asthma management and medication reviews COPD treatment plans and flare-up prevention Post-viral or long-COVID breathing issues Lung nodules or abnormal chest X-rays Allergic rhinitis and upper airway disorders The doctors are trained to distinguish between routine issues and serious conditions and will always advise when in-person care or testing is needed. OurExpertDoc makes it easy to schedule an appointment with a trusted U.S. lung specialist. Here's what sets it apart: Licensed, pulmonologists 24/7 booking availability HIPAA-compliant, secure consultations Clear medical reports and actionable advice Second opinion services for complex respiratory cases Whether you're managing your asthma or need expert evaluation for chronic breathlessness, help is just a few clicks away. Don't wait for your symptoms to get worse. Whether you're looking for reassurance, clarity, or a new treatment plan, a virtual consultation can bring the answers you need, fast, securely, and from wherever you are. Book your appointment with a trusted online pulmonologist today and take control of your lung health with confidence. TIME BUSINESS NEWS
