Qban Health Care – Dominica

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) refers to a group of diseases that includes chronic bronchitis and emphysema. Over time, COPD makes it harder to breathe. You can’t reverse lung damage, but lifestyle changes and medication changes can help you manage the symptoms.

What is COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease)?

COPD is an umbrella term for a range of progressive lung diseases. Chronic bronchitis and emphysema can both result in COPD. A COPD diagnosis means you may have one of these lung-damaging diseases or symptoms of both. COPD can progress gradually, making it harder to breathe over time.

Chronic bronchitis

Chronic bronchitis irritates your bronchial tubes, which carry air to and from your lungs. In response, the tubes swell and mucus (phlegm or “snot”) builds up along the lining. The buildup narrows the tube’s opening, making it hard to get air into and out of your lungs.

Small, hair-like structures on the inside of your bronchial tubes (called cilia) normally move mucus out of your airways. But the irritation from chronic bronchitis and/or smoking damages them. The damaged cilia can’t help clear mucus.

Emphysema

Emphysema is the breakdown of the walls of the tiny air sacs (alveoli) at the end of the bronchial tubes, in the “bottom” of your lung. Your lung is like an upside-down tree. The trunk is the windpipe or “trachea,” the branches are the “bronchi,” and the leaves are the air sacs or “alveoli.”

The air sacs play a crucial role in transferring oxygen into your blood and carbon dioxide out. The damage caused by emphysema destroys the walls of the air sacs, making it hard to get a full breath.

What’s the difference between asthma and COPD?

Asthma and COPD are similar in many ways, including similar symptoms like shortness of breath and blocked airflow. However, COPD is chronic and progressive. Asthma is often set off by allergens. COPD’s main cause is smoking.

People with asthma don’t automatically develop COPD. People with COPD don’t always have asthma. However, it’s possible to have both of these respiratory conditions. If you do have both, you need to treat both.

How common is COPD?

Statistics put the number of Americans diagnosed with COPD at about 15 million people in 2020 with another 12 million not yet diagnosed.

Who gets COPD?

The primary, or main, cause of COPD is smoking. But not all smokers develop the disease. You may be at higher risk if you:

• Are someone who was assigned female at birth.
• Are over the age of 65.
• Have been exposed to air pollution.
• Have worked with chemicals, dust or fumes.
• Have alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency (AAT), a genetic risk factor for COPD.
• Had many respiratory infections during childhood.

What causes COPD?

Smoking tobacco causes up to 90% of COPD cases. Other causes include:

• Alpha-1 antitrypsin (AAT) deficiency, a genetic disorder.
• Secondhand smoke.
• Air pollution.
• Workplace dust and fumes.

Smoking

Tobacco smoke irritates airways, triggering inflammation (irritation and swelling) that narrows the airways. Smoke also damages cilia so they can’t do their job of removing mucus and trapped particles from the airways.

AAT deficiency

AAT (alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency) is an uncommon, inherited disorder that can lead to emphysema. Alpha-1 antitrypsin is an enzyme that helps protect your lungs from the damaging effects of inflammation. When you have AAT deficiency, you don’t produce enough of alpha-1 antitrypsin. Your lungs are more likely to become damaged from exposure to irritating substances like smoke and dust. It’s not possible to distinguish COPD related to alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency from common COPD. Therefore, all people with COPD should get screened for AAT deficiency with a blood test.

What are the signs and symptoms of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease?

• Cough with mucus that persists for long periods of time.
• Difficulty taking a deep breath.
• Shortness of breath with mild exercise (like walking or using the stairs).
• Shortness of breath performing regular daily activities.
• Wheezing.

When should I call my healthcare provider if I have COPD symptoms?

If you’re having any of the signs or symptoms of COPD, don’t wait for your next appointment to call your provider. Report these symptoms promptly, even if you don’t feel sick. Don’t wait for symptoms to become so severe that you need to seek emergency care. If you notice your symptoms early, your provider might change your treatment or medications to relieve your symptoms. (Never change or stop taking your medications without first talking to your healthcare provider.)

Note: Remember that warning signs or symptoms might be the same or different from one flare-up to another.

Nonemergency care

Talk to your provider on the phone within 24 hours if you have these changes in your health:

Shortness of breath that has become worse or occurs more often

Examples include:

• Unable to walk as far as you usually could.
• You need more pillows or have to sit up to sleep because of breathing difficulty.
• You feel more tired because you’re working harder to breathe.
• You need breathing treatments or inhalers more often than usual.
• You wake up short of breath more than once a night.

Sputum (mucus) changes

Examples include:

• Changes in color.
• Presence of blood.
• Changes in thickness or amount. You have more mucus than usual or more than you’re able to cough out.
• Odor.

Other signs and symptoms should prompt a call to your provider regarding COPD

These include:

• More coughing or wheezing.
• Swelling in your ankles, feet, or legs that is new or has become worse and doesn’t go away after a night’s sleep with your feet up.
• Unexplained weight loss or gain of 2 lbs. in a day or 5 lbs. in a week.
• Frequent morning headaches or dizziness.
• Fever, especially with cold or flu symptoms.
• Restlessness, confusion, forgetfulness, slurring of speech or irritability.
• Unexplained, extreme fatigue or weakness that lasts for more than a day.

How is COPD diagnosed?

To assess your lungs and overall health, your healthcare provider will take your medical history, perform a physical exam and order some tests, like breathing tests.

Medical history

To diagnose COPD, your provider will ask questions like:

• Do you smoke?
• Have you had long-term exposure to dust or air pollutants?
• Do other members of your family have COPD?
• Do you get short of breath with exercise? When resting?
• Have you been coughing or wheezing for a long time?
• Do you cough up phlegm?

Physical exam

To help with the diagnosis, your provider will do a physical exam that includes:

• Listening to your lungs and heart.
• Checking your blood pressure and pulse.
• Examining your nose and throat.
• Checking your feet and ankles for swelling.

Tests

Providers use a simple test called spirometry to see how well your lungs work. For this test, you blow air into a tube attached to a machine. This lung function test measures how much air you can breathe out and how fast you can do it.

Your provider may also want to run a few other tests, such as:

• Pulse oximetry: This test measures the oxygen in your blood.
• Arterial blood gases (ABGs): These tests checkyour oxygen and carbon dioxide levels.
• Electrocardiogram (ECG or EKG): This test checks heart function and rules out heart disease as a cause of shortness of breath.
• Chest X-ray or chest CT scan: Imaging tests look for lung changes that COPD causes.
• Exercise testing: Your provider uses this to determine if the oxygen level in your blood drops when you exercise.

What are the stages of COPD?

COPD can gradually get worse. How fast it progresses from mild to severe varies from person to person.

Mild COPD (stage 1 or early stage)

The first sign of COPD is often feeling out of breath with light exercises, like walking up stairs. Because it’s easy to blame this symptom on being out of shape or getting older, many people don’t realize they have COPD. Another sign is a phlegmy cough (a cough with mucus) that’s often particularly troublesome in the morning. These are early warning signs of COPD.

Moderate to severe COPD (stages 2 and 3)

In general, shortness of breath is more evident with more advanced COPD. You may develop shortness of breath even during everyday activities. Also, exacerbations of COPD — times when you experience increased phlegm, discoloration of phlegm, and more shortness of breath — are generally more common in higher stages of COPD. You also become prone to lung infections like bronchitis and pneumonia.

Very severe COPD (stage 4)

When COPD becomes severe, almost everything you do can cause shortness of breath. This limits your mobility. You may need supplemental oxygen from a portable tank.

How is chronic obstructive pulmonary disease managed?

COPD treatment focuses on relieving symptoms, such as coughing and breathing problems, and avoiding respiratory infections. Your provider may recommend:

• Bronchodilators: These medicines relax airways. You inhale a mist containing bronchodilators that help you breathe easier.
• Anti-inflammatory medications: You inhale steroids or take them as a pill to lower inflammation in the lungs.
• Supplemental oxygen: If blood oxygen is low (hypoxemia), you may need a portable oxygen tank to improve your oxygen levels.
• Antibiotics: COPD makes you prone to lung infections, which can further damage your weakened lungs. You may need to take antibiotics to stop a bacterial infection.
• Vaccinations: Respiratory infections are more dangerous when you have COPD. It’s especially important to get shots to prevent flu and pneumonia.
• Rehabilitation: Rehabilitation programs teach effective breathing strategies to lessen shortness of breath and on conditioning. When maintained, fitness can increase the amount you can do with the lungs you have.
• Anticholinergics: These drugs relax the muscle bands that tighten around the airways and help clear mucus from the lungs. Relaxed muscles let more air in and out. With the airways open, the mucus moves more freely and can therefore be coughed out more easily. Anticholinergics work differently and more slowly than fast-acting bronchodilators.
• Leukotriene modifiers: These medications affect leukotrienes, chemicals that occur naturally in the body that cause tightening of airway muscles and production of mucus and fluid. Leukotriene modifiers block the chemicals and decrease these reactions, helping improve airflow and reducing symptoms in some people.
• Expectorants: These products thin mucus in the airways so you can cough it out more easily. You should take these medications with about 8 ounces of water.
• Antihistamines: These medicines relieve stuffy heads, watery eyes, and sneezing. Although effective at relieving these symptoms, antihistamines can dry the air passages, making breathing difficult, as well as causing difficulty when coughing up excess mucus. Take these medications with food to reduce upset stomach.
• Antivirals: Your provider might prescribe these to treat or prevent illnesses caused by viruses, most frequently to treat or prevent influenza (“the flu”). Influenza is particularly dangerous for people who have COPD.

For severe COPD, your provider may suggest you consider a clinical trial (tests of new treatments) or lung surgery if you’re a candidate.

How can I avoid COPD?

Not smoking is the best thing you can do to avoid developing COPD. If you’d like to quit, smoking cessation programs can help you. Also, avoid any environment that has poor air quality — air that has particles like dust, smoke, gases and fumes.

Why should people with COPD watch for signs of infection?

People with COPD have difficulty clearing their lungs of bacteria, dusts and other pollutants in the air. This makes them at risk for lung infections that may cause further damage to the lungs.

Therefore, it is important to watch for signs of infection and follow these tips to help prevent infections. You probably won’t be able to avoid infections entirely, but these tips will help you prevent infections as much as possible.

What are warning signs of an infection, especially if I have chronic obstructive pulmonary disease?

While you can treat most infections successfully, you must be able to recognize an infection’s immediate symptoms for proper and effective care. These may include:

• Increased shortness of breath, difficulty breathing or wheezing.
• Coughing up increased amounts of mucus.
• Yellow- or green-colored mucus (may or may not be present).
• Fever (temperature over 101°F) or chills (may or may not be present).
• Increased fatigue or weakness.
• Sore throat, scratchy throat or pain when swallowing.
• Unusual sinus drainage, nasal congestion, headaches or tenderness along upper cheekbones.

If you have any of these symptoms, contact your healthcare provider right away, even if you don’t feel sick.

What can I do to prevent infections, especially if I have COPD?

There are things you can do to help prevent infections, including the following items.

Hand washing

Frequently wash your hands with soap and warm water, especially before:

• Preparing food.
• Eating.
• Taking medications or breathing treatments.

Wash your hands thoroughly after:

• Coughing or sneezing.
• Using the bathroom.
• Touching soiled linens or clothes.
• After you’ve been around someone with a cold or the flu.
• After you’ve been to a social gathering.

It is also good to carry waterless hand sanitizers with you to use when necessary.

Visitors

If visitors have cold or flu symptoms, ask them not to visit until they are feeling well.

Environment

• Keep your house clean and free from excess dust. Keep your bathrooms and sinks free from mold or mildew.
• Don’t work in or visit any form of a construction site. Dust can be harmful. If you absolutely must go near this type of area, wear a mask provided by your doctor.
• Avoid air pollution, including tobacco smoke, wood or oil smoke, car exhaust fumes and industrial pollution, which can cause inhaled irritants to enter your lungs. Also, avoid pollen.
• Make sure your cooking vent is working properly so it can draw cooking fumes out of your house.
• If possible, try to stay away from large crowds in the fall and winter when the flu season is at its peak.

Equipment care

• Keep breathing equipment clean.
• Don’t let others use your medical equipment, including your oxygen cannula, metered-dose inhaler (MDI), MDI spacer, nebulizer tubing and mouthpiece.

Diet

• Try to eat a balanced diet.Good nutrition is important to help the body resist infection. Eat foods from all the food groups. Some people find that eating more fats and fewer carbohydrates helps them breathe better. This is due to the amount of carbon dioxide produced during food metabolism. Talk to a registered dietitian to make the smartest choices.
• Drink plenty of fluids. Aim for at least six to eight 8-ounce glasses per day (unless your doctor gives you other guidelines). Water, juices and sports drinks are best.

Other general health guidelines

• Don’t rub your eyes, as this can transmit germs to your nasal passages via the tear ducts.
• Quitting smoking and avoiding secondhand smoke (the smoke from a burning cigarette or cigar and the smoke exhaled by a smoker) are important steps you can take to protect your lungs from infection.
• Follow your doctor’s medication guidelines.
• Get enough sleep and rest.
• Manage your stress.
• Talk to your doctor or healthcare provider about getting a flu shot every year and get the pneumonia vaccine if you haven’t had one.
• Be careful to avoid infection when traveling. In areas where the water might be unsafe, drink bottled water or other beverages (order beverages without ice). Swim only in chlorinated pools.

What is the outlook for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease?

COPD progresses at a different rate for every person. Once it progresses, you can’t reverse the lung damage from COPD but, by following a healthy lifestyle and getting treatment as early as possible, you can manage symptoms and feel much better.

Life expectancy for someone with COPD varies from person to person. It depends on how early your provider finds the disease, your general health (including other diseases you might have), and how you manage your treatment. Some people live quite a long time after diagnosis. Other people, with more severe disease, don’t fare as well.

When should I call my provider if I have COPD?

Call your provider if you experience any of the warning signs of an infection. Also, call your provider if you have any symptoms that cause concern.

How can I manage COPD at home?

You can take several steps to make breathing easier and slow the progression of the disease:

• Quit smoking.
• Take prescribed medications as directed by your provider.
• Ask your doctor about a pulmonary rehabilitation program, which teaches you how to be active with less shortness of breath.
• Maintain a healthy weight.
• Get an annual flu shot.
• Avoid air polluted by chemicals, smoke, dust or fumes.

How can I avoid irritants that might make COPD worse?

The lungs of people with COPD are sensitive to certain substances in the air, such as cigarette smoke, exhaust fumes, strong perfumes, cleaning products, paint/varnish, dust, pollen, pet dander and air pollution. Extreme cold or hot weather conditions can also irritate your lungs.

You can avoid some of these irritants by:

• Asking those around you not to smoke.
• Sitting in nonsmoking sections of public places.
• Requesting smoke-free hotel rooms and rental cars.
• Avoiding underground parking garages.
• Avoiding high traffic or industrialized areas.
• Not using perfumes, scented lotions or other highly scented products that may irritate your lungs.
• Using nonaerosol cleaning or painting products in well-ventilated areas and wearing a mask or handkerchief over your mouth when cleaning (dusting, vacuuming, sweeping) or working in the yard.
• Reducing exposure to dust by regularly changing filters on heaters and air conditioners and using a dehumidifier.
• Keeping pets out of the house, especially if you wheeze.
• Using an exhaust fan when cooking to remove smoke and odors.
• Staying indoors when the outside air quality is poor and pollen counts are high.
• Following weather reports and avoiding extreme weather. During cold weather, cover your face when going outdoors. During extreme humidity, try to stay in air-conditioned areas.

A note from QBan Health Care Services

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) causes lung damage that you can’t reverse. However, you can learn to manage symptoms. You’ll breathe easier if you take the necessary steps to support your lung capacity and fight lung irritation. By getting treatment early, you’ll have the best chance of continuing to do the things you love.

Allergies are your body’s reaction to normally harmless substances. Allergy symptoms range from mild to life-threatening. Treatments include antihistamines, decongestants, nasal steroids, asthma medicines and immunotherapy.

What are allergies?

Allergies are your body’s reaction to a foreign protein. Usually, these proteins (allergens) are harmless. However, if you have an allergy to a particular protein, your body’s defense system (immune system) overreacts to its presence in your body.

What is an allergic reaction?

An allergic reaction is the way your body responds to an allergen.

If you have allergies, the first time you encounter a specific allergen, your body responds by creating immunoglobulin E (IgE). Your immune system makes antibodies to form IgE.

IgE antibodies bind to mast cells (allergy cells) that live in your skin, respiratory tract (airways) and the mucus membrane in the hollow organs that connect to each other from your mouth to your anus (gastrointestinal or GI tract).

The antibodies find the allergens in your body and help remove them by taking them to the mast cell (allergy cell), where they attach to a special receptor. This causes the allergy cell to release histamine. Histamine is what causes your allergy symptoms.

How common are allergies?

Allergies are very common.

More than 50 million people in the United States have an allergic reaction each year. They’re the sixth-leading cause of long-term illness in the United States.

Who do allergies affect?

Allergies can affect anyone.

You’re more likely to have or develop allergies if your biological parents have allergies.

What are the most common allergies?

The most common allergies include:

Certain foods

Food allergies develop when your body releases a specific antibody to a particular food. An allergic reaction occurs within minutes of eating the food, and symptoms can be severe. Symptoms may include:

• Itching all over your body (generalized pruritus).
• Itching in just one certain part of your body (localized pruritus).
• Nausea and vomiting.
• Hives.
• Swelling around your mouth, including your throat, tongue or face.

If you have an IgE-mediated food allergy, symptoms may also include anaphylaxis. It may present as any one of the above symptoms or a combination of the above symptoms. It usually occurs within 30 minutes of ingesting a food you’re allergic to.

In adults, the most common food allergies are:

• Milk.
• Eggs.
• Wheat.
• Soy.
• Peanuts.
• Tree nuts.
• Shellfish.

In children, the most common food allergies are:

• Milk.
• Eggs.
• Wheat.
• Soy.
• Peanuts
• Tree nuts.

Inhalants

Inhalant allergies are airborne substances that you inhale (breathe in). They include allergens that may affect you throughout the year (perennial allergens) and seasonal allergens.

Inhalant allergy symptoms include:

• Runny nose.
• Stuffy nose.
• Itchy nose.
• Sneezing.
• Itchy eyes.
• Watery eyes.

If you have asthma, inhalant allergies can also trigger or worsen your symptoms, including wheezing and shortness of breath.

Perennial allergens include:

• Pets. Pet allergens include certain proteins in animal fur, skin (dander), urine (pee) and saliva (spit).
• Dust mites. Dust mites are tiny, eight-legged relatives of spiders. They’re too small to see with your eyes. They live in dust and the fibers of household objects, such as pillows, mattresses, carpets and upholstery.
• Cockroaches. Cockroaches are reddish-brown insects that are 1.5 to 2 inches (in) long. The proteins in their feces (poop), spit, eggs and dead body parts can cause allergic reactions.
• Molds. Molds are tiny fungi (plural of fungus). They have spores that float in the air, like pollen. Common mold allergies include Aspergillus, Cladosporium and Alternaria.

Seasonal allergies include pollens. Pollen is microspores from trees, grass or weeds that appear as a fine dust on surfaces or float in the air. Tree pollens generally appear in the spring, while weed pollens generally appear in the fall.

Medications

Certain medications can cause an allergic reaction. The medicines may be herbal, over-the-counter (OTC) or prescription.

Common medications that cause allergies include:

• Antibiotics.
• Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs).
• Insulin.
• Chemotherapy drugs.

Symptoms include:

• Rash.
• Hives.
• Itching.
• Shortness of breath.
• Swelling.

Latex

Latex allergies develop after repeated contact with natural rubber latex.

Common natural rubber latex products include:

• Rubber gloves.
• Balloons.
• Condoms.
• Bandages.
• Rubber balls.

The most common reaction to latex is skin irritation (contact dermatitis). It manifests as a rash on the area of skin that touched the latex. It may develop within minutes of exposure to latex. Other symptoms may include:

• Hives.
• Runny nose.
• Itchy nose.
• Difficulty breathing.

Venoms/stinging insects

Stinging insects can inject venom, which is a toxic substance. The venom in insect stings can cause an allergic reaction. The most common stinging insects that cause allergic reactions include:

• Bees.
• Fire ants.
• Hornets.
• Wasps.
• Yellow jackets.

Venom symptoms are consistent with anaphylaxis. They may include:

• Difficulty breathing.
• Hives.
• Swelling in your face, mouth or throat.
• Wheezing.
• Difficulty swallowing.
• Rapid pulse.
• Dizziness.
• Drop in blood pressure.

Can allergies cause a fever?

No, allergies can’t cause a fever.

What causes allergies?

Allergies develop when your immune system reacts to a foreign substance or protein.

Are allergies contagious?

No, allergies aren’t contagious. You can’t spread your allergies to another person.

How are allergies diagnosed?

If you think you have allergies, don’t wait to see if your symptoms go away. If your symptoms last longer than a week or two or tend to come back during certain times of the year, make an appointment with an allergist.

An allergist is a healthcare provider who specializes in allergies. They can help diagnose your allergies through tests.

How do I test for allergies?

There are different types of allergy tests. The most common allergy tests are skin prick tests and blood tests.

Skin prick (scratch) tests can identify the allergens that cause your allergy symptoms. An allergist will use a thin needle to prick your skin with a tiny amount of different possible allergens. They then check to see if your skin reacts to the allergen.

Blood (IgE) tests can also identify allergies. However, they’re not as sensitive as skin prick tests. Blood tests evaluate IgE antibodies that your immune system produces against a specific protein.

How are allergies treated?

Avoiding allergens is an important treatment approach. However, it often doesn’t completely end allergic reactions. Over-the-counter and prescription allergy medications are also a solution to managing your allergies. These may include:

Antihistamines

• Fexofenadine.
• Loratadine.
• Cetirizine (All Day Allergy-D® or Zyrtec®).

Nasal sprays

These medications are very effective and safe to use daily but they may take a few days to a week to kick in.

• Fluticasone nasal spray (Flonase® or ClariSpray®).
• Cromolyn sodium.
• Antihistamine nasal sprays

Decongestants

These medications should be used cautiously when treating allergies due to higher side effects and concerns related to long-term use.

• Oxymetazoline.
• Phenylephrine (Sudafed PE® or Sudogest PE®).
• Pseudoephedrine (Contac® or Sudafed®).

Asthma medications

• Inhaled or oral bronchodilators.
• Inhaled steroids.
• Oral antileukotrienes, including montelukast, zafirlukast and zileuton.
• Injected drugs, including omalizumab, dupilumab or benralizumab.

Immunotherapy

A healthcare provider may recommend immunotherapy (allergy shots) and/or sublingual immunotherapy (allergy drops) if you can’t manage your allergy symptoms through over-the-counter and prescription medications and avoiding allergens. The provider will expose you to small amounts of allergens and gradually increase the dosage over several months. Gradual exposure creates a tolerance to the allergen.

Nasal saline irrigation

A neti pot is an over-the-counter device that pushes a saline (salt) solution through your nasal passages. It helps clear out mucus and allergens trapped inside your nasal passages.

What is the best treatment for allergies?

Nasal steroid sprays are generally the most effective medication for people with allergic rhinitis symptoms. Antihistamines block some of the effects of histamine and may offer additional benefits. Immunotherapy helps create a tolerance to allergens and can improve many of the symptoms related to inhalant allergy exposure.

Remember, your body is unique. What over-the-counter or prescription medications work for one person may not work well for you.

Talk to a healthcare provider. They can help recommend the best treatment for you.

What can/can’t I eat/drink if I have food allergies?

If you have food allergies, avoid any products that contain the allergens. By law, manufacturers must include all ingredients on the label of packaged foods for sale in the United States.

You should also consider other possible food allergy exposures. Some nonfood items may contain food allergens, and labeling laws don’t apply to nonfood items.

During the manufacturing process, some food items share equipment or surfaces. Look for labels that state whether the product shared equipment with possible food allergens.

How can I prevent allergies?

The best way to prevent allergies is to avoid allergens. You can also take antihistamines or other medications daily to help control your symptoms and reduce your allergic reaction.

If you have animal allergies, avoid petting, hugging or kissing animals. Don’t allow them in your bedroom or on your furniture.

Regularly vacuuming rugs, carpets and other surfaces helps remove dust, animal dander, pollen and other allergens.

High-efficiency particulate (HEPA) air filters can also help. These air purifiers remove airborne allergens from your environment.

What can I expect if I have allergies?

Living with allergies can be challenging. Symptoms can range from mild to severe. However, with caution, you can lead a fulfilling life. Your healthcare provider can recommend resources, support groups and specialists to help you.

How long can allergies last?

Your allergies will last as long as your allergen exposure. Once you’re no longer around allergens, your symptoms should go away after a few hours. However, if you have inhalant allergies, your symptoms may last for several days or longer due to ongoing exposure to pets, dust mites and pollens.

Can children outgrow allergies?

Yes, some children can outgrow their allergies. However, it depends on the type of allergy and the severity of your child’s allergy.

When should I see my healthcare provider?

Go to the ER or call 911 immediately if you start showing symptoms of anaphylaxis.

What questions should I ask my healthcare provider?

• How can you tell that I have allergies?
• What am I allergic to?
• Do I have mild, moderate or severe allergies?
• What medications do you recommend?
• Should I take allergy medications every day or only when I develop symptoms?
• What’s the complete list of side effects of your recommended allergy medication?
• Can you recommend an allergist?
• Can you recommend a dietitian?

What is the difference between a cold and allergies?

A cold is a contagious upper respiratory infection. Viruses cause colds.

Allergies are your immune system’s response to an allergen. Viruses aren’t allergens.

A cold shares many of the same symptoms as allergies. These include sneezing, runny nose, cough and congestion. However, there are differences between cold symptoms and allergy symptoms.

• Mucus. If you have allergies, your mucus is usually clear and watery. If you have a cold, your mucus is generally thicker and discolored (yellow or green).
• Eyes. If you have allergies, your eyes may be itchy, watery or red. These symptoms don’t usually develop if you have a cold.
• Duration. Without treatment, allergy symptoms may last for weeks or months until you’re no longer around the allergen. Cold symptoms usually go away after about 10 days.

A note from QBan Health Care Services

Allergies occur when your immune system mistakenly triggers an allergic reaction to an allergen. Allergic reaction symptoms include congestion, watery eyes, a runny nose, vomiting and, in severe cases, anaphylaxis.

Allergies can be incredibly frustrating if you don’t know what’s triggering your immune system. However, a healthcare provider can help provide relief. They can conduct tests to pinpoint your allergies and prescribe medications. They can also refer you to specialists or support groups.

Bronchial asthma (or asthma) is a lung disease. Your airways get narrow and swollen and are blocked by excess mucus. Medications can treat these symptoms.

What is asthma?

Asthma, also called bronchial asthma, is a disease that affects your lungs. It’s a chronic (ongoing) condition, meaning it doesn’t go away and needs ongoing medical management.

Asthma affects more than 25 million people in the U.S. currently. This total includes more than 5 million children. Asthma can be life-threatening if you don’t get treatment.

What is an asthma attack?

When you breathe normally, muscles around your airways are relaxed, letting air move easily and quietly. During an asthma attack, three things can happen:

• Bronchospasm: The muscles around the airways constrict (tighten). When they tighten, it makes your airways narrow. Air cannot flow freely through constricted airways.
• Inflammation: The lining of your airways becomes swollen. Swollen airways don’t let as much air in or out of your lungs.
• Mucus production: During the attack, your body creates more mucus. This thick mucus clogs airways.

When your airways get tighter, you make a sound called wheezing when you breathe, a noise your airways make when you breathe out. You might also hear an asthma attack called an exacerbation or a flare-up. It’s the term for when your asthma isn’t controlled.

What types of asthma are there?

Asthma is broken down into types based on the cause and the severity of symptoms. Healthcare providers identify asthma as:

• Intermittent: This type of asthma comes and goes so you can feel normal in between asthma flares.
• Persistent: Persistent asthma means you have symptoms much of the time. Symptoms can be mild, moderate or severe. Healthcare providers base asthma severity on how often you have symptoms. They also consider how well you can do things during an attack.

Asthma has multiple causes:

• Allergic: Some people’s allergies can cause an asthma attack. Allergens include things like molds, pollens and pet dander.
• Non-allergic: Outside factors can cause asthma to flare up. Exercise, stress, illness and weather may cause a flare.

Asthma can also be:

• Adult-onset: This type of asthma starts after the age of 18.
• Pediatric: Also called childhood asthma, this type of asthma often begins before the age of 5, and can occur in infants and toddlers. Children may outgrow asthma. You should make sure that you discuss it with your provider before you decide whether your child needs to have an inhaler available in case they have an asthma attack. Your child’s healthcare provider can help you understand the risks.

In addition, there are these types of asthma:

• Exercise-induced asthma: This type is triggered by exercise and is also called exercise-induced bronchospasm.
• Occupational asthma: This type of asthma happens primarily to people who work around irritating substances.
• Asthma-COPD overlap syndrome (ACOS): This type happens when you have both asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Both diseases make it difficult to breathe.

Who can get asthma?

Anyone can develop asthma at any age. People with allergies or people exposed to tobacco smoke are more likely to develop asthma. This includes secondhand smoke (exposure to someone else who is smoking) and thirdhand smoke (exposure to clothing or surfaces in places where some has smoked).

Statistics show that people assigned female at birth tend to have asthma more than people assigned male at birth. Asthma affects Black people more frequently than other races.

What causes asthma?

Researchers don’t know why some people have asthma while others don’t. But certain factors present a higher risk:

• Allergies: Having allergies can raise your risk of developing asthma.
• Environmental factors: People can develop asthma after exposure to things that irritate the airways. These substances include allergens, toxins, fumes and second- or third-hand smoke. These can be especially harmful to infants and young children whose immune systems haven’t finished developing.
• Genetics: If your family has a history of asthma or allergic diseases, you have a higher risk of developing the disease.
• Respiratory infections: Certain respiratory infections, such as respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), can damage young children’s developing lungs.

What are common asthma attack triggers?

You can have an asthma attack if you come in contact with substances that irritate you. Healthcare providers call these substances “triggers.” Knowing what triggers your asthma makes it easier to avoid asthma attacks.

For some people, a trigger can bring on an attack right away. For other people, or at other times, an attack may start hours or days later.

Triggers can be different for each person. But some common triggers include:

• Air pollution: Many things outside can cause an asthma attack. Air pollution includes factory emissions, car exhaust, wildfire smoke and more.
• Dust mites: You can’t see these bugs, but they are in our homes. If you have a dust mite allergy, this can cause an asthma attack.
• Exercise: For some people, exercising can cause an attack.
• Mold: Damp places can spawn mold, which can cause problems if you have asthma. You don’t even have to be allergic to mold to have an attack.
• Pests: Cockroaches, mice and other household pests can cause asthma attacks.
• Pets: Your pets can cause asthma attacks. If you’re allergic to pet dander (dried skin flakes), breathing in the dander can irritate your airways.
• Tobacco smoke: If you or someone in your home smokes, you have a higher risk of developing asthma. You should never smoke in enclosed places like the car or home, and the best solution is to quit smoking. Your provider can help.
• Strong chemicals or smells. These things can trigger attacks in some people.
• Certain occupational exposures. You can be exposed to many things at your job, including cleaning products, dust from flour or wood, or other chemicals. These can all be triggers if you have asthma.

What are the signs and symptoms of asthma?

People with asthma usually have obvious symptoms. These signs and symptoms resemble many respiratory infections:

• Chest tightness, pain or pressure.
• Coughing (especially at night).
• Shortness of breath.
• Wheezing.

With asthma, you may not have all of these symptoms with every flare. You can have different symptoms and signs at different times with chronic asthma. Also, symptoms can change between asthma attacks.

How do healthcare providers diagnose asthma?

Your healthcare provider will review your medical history, including information about your parents and siblings. Your provider will also ask you about your symptoms. Your provider will need to know any history of allergies, eczema (a bumpy rash caused by allergies) and other lung diseases.

Your provider may order spirometry. This test measures airflow through your lungs and is used to diagnose and monitor your progress with treatment. Your healthcare provider may order a chest X-ray, blood test or skin test.

What asthma treatment options are there?

You have options to help manage your asthma. Your healthcare provider may prescribe medications to control symptoms. These include:

• Bronchodilators: These medicines relax the muscles around your airways. The relaxed muscles let the airways move air. They also let mucus move more easily through the airways. These medicines relieve your symptoms when they happen and are used for intermittent and chronic asthma.
• Anti-inflammatory medicines: These medicines reduce swelling and mucus production in your airways. They make it easier for air to enter and exit your lungs. Your healthcare provider may prescribe them to take every day to control or prevent your symptoms of chronic asthma.
• Biologic therapies for asthma: These are used for severe asthma when symptoms persist despite proper inhaler therapy.

You can take asthma medicines in several different ways. You may breathe in the medicines using a metered-dose inhaler, nebulizer or another type of asthma inhaler. Your healthcare provider may prescribe oral medications that you swallow.

What is asthma control?

The goal of asthma treatment is to control symptoms. Asthma control means you:

• Can do the things you want to do at work and home.
• Have no (or minimal) asthma symptoms.
• Rarely need to use your reliever medicine (rescue inhaler).
• Sleep without asthma interrupting your rest.

How do you monitor asthma symptoms?

You should keep track of your asthma symptom. It’s an important piece of managing the disease. Your healthcare provider may ask to use a peak flow (PF) meter. This device measures how fast you can blow air out of your lungs. It can help your provider make adjustments to your medication. It also tells you if your symptoms are getting worse.

How can I prevent an asthma attack?

If your healthcare provider says you have asthma, you’ll need to figure out what triggers an attack. Avoiding the triggers can help you avoid an attack. You can’t prevent yourself from getting asthma, though.

What’s the outlook for someone with asthma?

If you have asthma, you can still live a very productive life and participate in sports and other activities. Your healthcare provider can help you manage symptoms, learn your triggers and prevent or manage attacks.

What is an asthma action plan?

Your healthcare provider will work with you to develop an asthma action plan. This plan tells you how and when to use your medicines. It also tells you what to do based on your asthma symptoms and when to seek emergency care. Ask your healthcare provider about anything you don’t understand.

What should I do if I have a severe asthma attack?

If you have a severe asthma attack, you need to get immediate medical care.

The first thing you should do is use your rescue inhaler. A rescue inhaler uses fast-acting medicines to open up your airways. It’s different than a maintenance inhaler, which you use every day. You should use the rescue inhaler when symptoms are bothering you and you can use it more frequently if your flare is severe.

If your rescue inhaler doesn’t help or you don’t have it with you, go to the emergency department if you have:

• Anxiety or panic.
• Bluish fingernails, bluish lips (in light-skinned people) or gray or whitish lips or gums (in dark-skinned people).
• Chest pain or pressure.
• Coughing that won’t stop or severe wheezing when you breathe.
• Difficulty talking.
• Pale, sweaty face.
• Very quick or rapid breathing.

How do you know if do or don’t have asthma?

You’ll need to see a healthcare provider to find out if you have asthma or some other condition. There are other respiratory diseases that make it hard to breathe or cause coughing and wheezing.

Can asthma be cured?

No. Asthma can’t be cured, but it can be managed. Children may outgrow asthma as they get older.

Why is my asthma worse at night?

Asthma that gets worse at night is sometimes called nighttime asthma or nocturnal asthma. There are no definite reasons that this happens, but there are some educated guesses. These include:

• The way you sleep: Sleeping on your back can result in mucus dripping into your throat or acid reflux coming back up from your stomach. Also, sleeping on your back puts pressure on your chest and lungs, which makes breathing more difficult. However, lying face down or on your side can put pressure on your lungs.
• Triggers in your bedroom and triggers that happen in the evening: You may find your blankets, sheets and pillows have dust mites, mold or pet hair on them. If you’ve been outside in the early evening, you may have brought pollen in with you.
• Medication side effects: Some drugs that treat asthma, such as steroids and montelukast, can affect your sleep.
• Air that’s too hot or too cold: Hot air can cause airways to narrow when you breathe in. Cold air is an asthma trigger for some people.
• Lung function changes: Lung function lessens at night as a natural process.
• Asthma is poorly controlled during the day: Symptoms that aren’t controlled during the day won’t be better at night. It’s important to work with your provider to make sure your asthma symptoms are controlled both day and night. Treating nighttime symptoms is very important. Serious asthma attacks, and sometimes deaths, can happen at night.

What should I know about COVID-19 and asthma?

If you have asthma that is moderate-to-severe, or if your asthma symptoms aren’t well controlled, you’re at greater risk of having to be hospitalized if you get COVID-19. Therefore, you should wear a mask if you go to indoor spaces with other people, get vaccinated and avoid exposure to people who have the virus.

A note from QBan Health Care Services

Many people live fulfilling lives with asthma. Some professional athletes with asthma have set records in their sports. Your healthcare provider can help you find the best way to manage your asthma. Talk to your healthcare provider about how to control your symptoms.

Anemia occurs when there aren’t enough healthy red blood cells to carry oxygen to your body’s organs. As a result, it’s common to feel cold and symptoms of tiredness or weakness. There are many different types of anemia, but the most common type is iron-deficiency anemia. You can begin to ease symptoms of this type of anemia by adding iron to your diet.

What is anemia?

Anemia happens when you don’t have enough red blood cells or your red blood cells don’t work as they should. Your red blood cells carry oxygen throughout your body. Oxygen powers your cells and gives you energy. Without healthy red blood cells that do their job, your body doesn’t get the energy it needs to function. While some types of anemia are short-term and mild, others can last for a lifetime. Left untreated, anemia may be life-threatening.

How does anemia affect my body?

When someone develops anemia, they’re said to be anemic, meaning they have symptoms of anemia, like being very tired or feeling cold all of the time. Anemia affects different people in different ways:

• Newborns: Some infants are born with low red blood cell counts. Most newborns don’t need medical treatment for anemia, but some with severe anemia may need blood transfusions.
• Infants: Infants may get less iron than they need when they start eating solid food. That’s because the iron in solid food isn’t absorbed as easily as iron in breast milk or formula. Infants with anemia may appear lethargic.
• Children: Children do a lot of growing between birth and age 2. Children going through growth spurts need more iron. Children with anemia may develop related problems such as delayed development of motor skills and issues with learning.
• Women who are pregnant: Women who are pregnant may develop iron-deficiency anemia, which may increase the chance of complications such as premature birth or giving birth to babies with low birth weight.
• Women and people designated female at birth (DFAB): Women and people DFAB who have heavy periods (menstrual bleeding) or conditions like uterine fibroids may lose blood and develop anemia.
• People age 65 and older: People over 65 are more likely to have iron-poor diets and certain chronic diseases that increase their risk of developing anemia. If they develop anemia, they may have heart conditions or weakness that makes it hard for them to get around. They may have confusion or depression.
• People with chronic conditions: Some chronic conditions like autoimmune diseases or cancer may increase the risk of anemia. This is anemia of chronic disease.

How common is this condition?

Anemia is very common, affecting an estimated one-third of the global population and an estimated 3 million people in the United States.

What are the types of anemia?

There are many anemia types, each causing red blood cell levels to drop.

Nutritional anemias

• Pernicious anemia: Pernicious anemia, one of the causes of vitamin B12 deficiency, is an autoimmune condition that prevents your body from absorbing vitamin B12.
• Iron-deficiency anemia: As its name implies, iron-deficiency anemia happens when your body doesn’t have enough iron to make hemoglobin. Hemoglobin is the substance in your red blood cells that enables them to carry oxygen throughout your body.
• Megaloblastic anemia: Megaloblastic anemia is a type of vitamin deficiency anemia that happens when you don’t get enough vitamin B12 and/or vitamin B9 (folate).

Inherited anemias

• Sickle cell anemia: Sickle cell anemia changes your red blood cells’ shape, turning round flexible discs into stiff and sticky sickle cells that block blood flow.
• Fanconi anemia: Fanconi anemia is a rare blood disorder. Anemia is one sign of Fanconi anemia.
• Diamond-Blackfan anemia: This inherited disorder keeps your bone marrow from making enough red blood cells.

Anemias caused by abnormal red blood cells

• Hemolytic anemia: In this anemia, your red blood cells break down or die faster than usual.
• Aplastic anemia: This anemia happens when stem cells in your bone marrow don’t make enough red blood cells.
• Autoimmune hemolytic anemia: In autoimmune hemolytic anemia, your immune system attacks your red blood cells.
• Sideroblastic anemia: In sideroblastic anemia, you don’t have enough red blood cells and you have too much iron in your system.
• Macrocytic anemia: This anemia happens when your bone marrow makes unusually large red blood cells.
• Microcytic anemia: This anemia happens when your red blood cells don’t have enough hemoglobin so they’re smaller than usual.
• Normocytic anemia: In this type of anemia, you have fewer red blood cells than usual, and those red blood cells don’t have the normal amount of hemoglobin.

What are the symptoms of anemia?

Fatigue — feeling too tired to manage your activities — is the most noticeable anemia symptom. Other symptoms may include:

• Shortness of breath (dyspnea): This is the feeling you can’t catch your breath or take a deep breath.
• Dizziness: This is feeling lightheaded or unsteady on your feet.
• Fast or irregular heartbeat (arrhythmia): This is when your heart feels like it’s racing or skipping beats.
• Pounding or “whooshing” sound in your ear (pulsatile tinnitus): This is a swooshing sound in one of your ears that may come and go.
• Headache: Iron-deficiency anemia and anemias caused by low hemoglobin may cause headaches.
• Pale or yellow skin: Your skin color may be paler than usual.
• Chest pain: This may feel like something is pressing on or squeezing your chest.

What is the main cause of anemia?

People may be born with certain types of anemia or develop anemia because they have certain chronic diseases. But poor diet causes iron-deficiency anemia, which is the most common form of anemia.

How do healthcare providers diagnose anemia?

Your healthcare provider will ask questions about your symptoms. As anemia happens when you don’t have enough healthy red blood cells, they’ll do blood tests to check on your red blood cells:

• Complete blood count (CBC): Healthcare providers use this test to check on all of your blood cells, with a focus on your red blood cells. They count your red blood cells and evaluate your red blood cells’ size and shape. Healthcare providers may use this test to check on your vitamin B12 or B9 levels.
• Peripheral blood smear: Healthcare providers examine your red blood cells under a microscope.

How do healthcare providers treat anemia?

First, your healthcare provider will determine if you have anemia caused by a poor diet or a more serious health problem. They may refer you to a hematologist, a healthcare provider who specializes in blood disorders. Here are some examples of common anemia treatments:

• Healthcare providers may recommend changing your diet or taking supplements if you have iron-deficiency anemia or pernicious anemia.
• If you have anemia because you have a chronic disease, your provider will treat the underlying condition. They may prescribe medication to boost red blood cell production.

Providers may use medications like immunosuppressants or treatments like blood transfusions to treat anemias that happen when you have abnormal red blood cells, like aplastic anemia or hemolytic anemia.

Can I prevent developing anemia?

You can’t prevent some kinds of anemia, such as sickle cell anemia, hemolytic anemia or aplastic anemia. People with chronic diseases who may develop anemia should watch for anemia symptoms. And you can prevent nutritional anemias by eating a healthy diet.

What can I expect if I have this condition?

Your prognosis or expected outcome depends on why you have anemia, the type of anemia you have and whether you have a severe form of it. Most of the time, healthcare providers can treat anemia by helping you manage your diet or with medications. But there are times when you may be living with anemia for the rest of your life.

What happens if anemia isn’t treated?

People who have undiagnosed or untreated anemia may have life-threatening organ failure. Children who have severe anemia may have developmental delays. People in their 80s may develop heart conditions, including angina, arrhythmias and myocardial infarction.

How do I take care of myself?

While some types of anemia are short-term and mild, others can last for a lifetime. There are several ways to help manage anemia, including:

• Following a healthy diet: Poor diet is the primary reason why people develop anemia. Ask your healthcare provider about iron-rich foods and other foods you should eat.
• Drinking enough water to stay hydrated.
• Getting regular exercise: Check with your healthcare provider about ways to exercise safely.
• Avoiding exposure to certain chemicals: Exposure to certain metals may cause hemolytic anemia.
• Washing your hands often to avoid infection: You may also want to ask your healthcare provider about vaccines that defend against common infections.
• Taking good care of your teeth and going to the dentist regularly: Iron-deficiency anemia may cause dental problems.
• Tracking your symptoms and letting your healthcare provider know about any changes.

When should I see my healthcare provider?

If you have anemia, you should check with your provider if your symptoms get worse despite treatment or if you notice changes in your body that may be new symptoms of anemia.

When should I go to the emergency room?

Anemia may increase your risk of a heart attack. Call 911 if you have the following symptoms:

• Trouble breathing.
• Nausea.
• Sweating.
• Chest pain

What questions should I ask my healthcare provider?

Anemia may affect your body in many ways. It may happen for many different reasons. If you’re concerned about developing anemia or you have anemia, here are some questions you may want to ask your healthcare provider:

• What kind of anemia do I have?
• What caused it?
• What treatments do you recommend?
• When will I start to feel better?
• How long will I need treatment?
• Can you cure my anemia?

A note from QBan Health Care Services

Anemia happens when you don’t have enough red blood cells or your red blood cells aren’t working as well as they could. Some people are born with forms of anemia, but most people who have anemia develop the condition over time. That’s why it’s important to keep track of changes in your body. For example, we all have days when we feel worn out. But if you’re feeling very tired for several days despite getting rest, consider talking to your healthcare provider. Most of the time, anemia is a short-term issue easily treated by changing your diet or taking supplements. Untreated, anemia may cause serious medical issues.

Dyspnea, or shortness of breath, is the feeling that you can’t get enough air into your lungs. It might feel like your chest is tight, you’re gasping for air or you’re working harder to breathe. Heart and lung conditions are common causes of dyspnea.

What is dyspnea (shortness of breath)?

Dyspnea (pronounced “DISP-nee-uh”) is the word healthcare providers use for feeling short of breath. You might describe it as not being able to get enough air (“air hunger”), chest tightness or working harder to breathe.

Shortness of breath is often a symptom of heart and lung problems. But it can also be a sign of other conditions like asthma, allergies or anxiety. Intense exercise or having a cold can also make you feel breathless.

What are paroxysmal nocturnal dyspnea (PND) and sighing dyspnea?

Paroxysmal nocturnal dyspnea (PND) is a feeling like you can’t breathe an hour or two after falling asleep. Sighing dyspnea is when you sigh a lot after taking deep breaths in to try to relieve the feeling of dyspnea.

What is the difference between dyspnea and shortness of breath?

Dyspnea and shortness of breath are the same. Dyspnea is the medical term for the feeling of not being able to get enough air.

What are acute and chronic dyspnea?

Acute and chronic dyspnea differ in how quickly they start and how long they last. They have different causes.

Acute dyspnea

Acute dyspnea can come on quickly and doesn’t last very long (hours to days). Allergies, anxiety, exercise and illness (like the common cold or the flu) can cause acute dyspnea. More serious conditions, like a heart attack, sudden airway narrowing (anaphylaxis) or blood clot (pulmonary embolism) can also cause acute dyspnea.

Chronic dyspnea

Chronic dyspnea is shortness of breath that lasts a long time (several weeks or longer) or keeps coming back. Ongoing health conditions like asthma, heart failure and COPD can cause chronic dyspnea. Not getting enough exercise can also make you feel breathless all the time because your muscles are trying to get more oxygen.

Who gets dyspnea?

As it has so many causes, shortness of breath is very common. But you might be more likely to get short of breath if you don’t get enough exercise or have:

• Anemia (low level of red blood cells).
• Anxiety.
• Heart, lung or breathing problems.
• A history of smoking.
• A respiratory infection.
• A body mass index (BMI) over 30 (have overweight).

What are the signs of dyspnea?

Shortness of breath can feel different from person to person and depending on what’s causing it. Sometimes, it comes with other symptoms.

Some signs of dyspnea include:

• Chest tightness.
• Feeling like you need to force yourself to breathe deeply.
• Working hard to get a deep breath.
• Rapid breathing (tachypnea) or heart rate (palpitations).
• Wheezing or stridor (noisy breathing).

What causes shortness of breath (dyspnea)?

Exercise, illness and health conditions can cause shortness of breath. The most common causes of dyspnea are heart and lung conditions.

How do heart and lung conditions cause shortness of breath?

Your heart and lungs work together to bring oxygen to your blood and tissues and remove carbon dioxide. If one or the other isn’t working right, you can end up with too little oxygen or too much carbon dioxide in your blood.

When this happens, your body tells you to breathe harder to get more oxygen in or carbon dioxide out. Anything that makes your body need more oxygen — like a good workout or being at high altitudes — can also make this happen.

Your brain can also get the message that your lungs aren’t working right. This might make you feel like you’re working harder to breathe or give you a feeling of tightness in your chest. Causes for this include:

• Irritation in your lungs.
• Restriction in the way your lungs move when you breathe.
• Resistance in air movement into your lungs (from blocked or narrow airways).

What health conditions cause shortness of breath (dyspnea)?

Heart or lung disease and other conditions can cause shortness of breath.

Lung and airway conditions

• Asthma.
• Allergies.
• Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).
• Respiratory illness (like bronchitis, COVID-19, the flu or other viral or bacterial infections).
• Pneumonia.
• Inflammation (pleurisy) or fluid (pleural effusion) around your lungs.
• Fluid (pulmonary edema) or scarring (fibrosis) inside your lungs.
• Lung cancer or pleural mesothelioma.
• High blood pressure in your lungs (pulmonary hypertension).
• Sarcoidosis.
• Tuberculosis.
• Partial or complete collapsed lung (pneumothorax or atelectasis).
• Blood clot (pulmonary embolism).
• Choking.

Heart and blood conditions

• Anemia.
• Heart failure.
• Conditions that affect your heart muscle (cardiomyopathy).
• Abnormal heart rhythm (arrhythmia).
• Inflammation in or around your heart (endocarditis, pericarditis or myocarditis).

Other conditions

• Anxiety.
• Injury that makes breathing difficult (like a broken rib).
• Medication. Statins (cholesterol-lowering drugs) and beta-blockers (used to treat high blood pressure) are two types of medications that can cause dyspnea.
• Extreme temperatures (being very hot or very cold).
• Body mass index (BMI) over 30.
• Lack of exercise (muscle deconditioning).
• Sleep apnea can cause paroxysmal nocturnal dyspnea (PND).

How do I know what’s causing my shortness of breath?

To try to figure out what’s causing your dyspnea, your healthcare provider will perform a physical exam, including listening to your lungs with a stethoscope and taking your blood pressure. They’ll put a sensor on your finger to see how much oxygen you have in your blood.

They may also do additional testing, including:

• Chest X-ray, CT scans or other special imaging tests. Your provider can use pictures of the inside of your chest to know if there’s an issue with your lungs.
• Blood tests. Your provider can use blood tests to look for anemia or illnesses.
• Lung function tests. Tests that indicate how well you’re breathing.
• Cardiopulmonary exercise testing. Your provider will have you use a treadmill or stationary bike for this test. The tests can tell your provider the amount of oxygen you take in and carbon dioxide you let out during exercise.

How is shortness of breath (dyspnea) treated?

How you treat shortness of breath depends on what’s causing it. If you have an underlying medical condition, you’ll need to address it for your symptoms to improve.

Treatments that can improve your breathing include:

• Exercise. Exercise can strengthen your heart and lungs so they don’t have to work as hard.
• Relaxation techniques. Your provider can give you relaxation techniques and breathing exercises to practice. These can help with dyspnea from underlying breathing conditions, as well as anxiety.
• Medication. Inhaled drugs called bronchodilators can relax your airways and are prescribed for asthma and COPD. Medication to relieve pain or anxiety can help with breathlessness.
• Oxygen therapy. Your healthcare provider will prescribe extra oxygen if your blood oxygen level is too low. It’s delivered through a mask or tube in your nose.

Can dyspnea be cured?

Most people experience shortness of breath occasionally. You can usually treat what’s causing dyspnea, but it may come back, especially if you have an underlying condition.

How can I prevent shortness of breath?

You can help prevent shortness of breath by:

• Making a care plan with your provider to manage any underlying conditions and sticking to it. This includes what kind of medications to take and when to take them, exercise plans, breathing treatments and any other treatment recommended by your provider.
• Avoiding inhaling chemicals that can irritate your lungs, like paint fumes and car exhaust.
• Practicing breathing exercises or relaxation techniques.
• Not smoking.
• Maintaining a weight that’s healthy for you.
• Avoiding activity when it’s very hot or very cold or when humidity is high. If you have lung disease, look for air pollution (ozone) alerts (you can usually find them with the weather forecast). Avoid being outside when air pollution is high.

When should I see a healthcare provider?

Contact a healthcare provider if you have severe shortness of breath or if your breathlessness interferes with your everyday activities. Sometimes, shortness of breath is a sign of a medical emergency that requires immediate treatment.

If you have a condition that makes you short of breath often, ask a healthcare provider if there are additional treatments to help you breathe better.

Is dyspnea life-threatening?

Dyspnea on its own usually isn’t dangerous, but sometimes, shortness of breath can be a sign of a life-threatening condition. Go to the nearest ER if you have:

• Sudden difficulty breathing.
• Severe breathlessness (can’t catch your breath).
• Breathlessness after 30 minutes of rest.
• Blue skin, lips or nails (cyanosis).
• Chest pain or heaviness.
• Fast or irregular heartbeat (heart palpitations).
• High fever.
• Stridor (high-pitched sound) or wheezing (whistling sound) when breathing.
• Swollen ankles or feet.

A note from QBan Health Care Services

When something “takes your breath away,” it’s usually a good thing. But the scary feeling of dyspnea is the kind of breathtaking no one wants to experience. If you have sudden or severe shortness of breath, especially if you’re also having other symptoms, like nausea, chest pain or blue skin, lips or nails, go to the nearest ER.

If you’re living with shortness of breath on a regular basis due to an underlying condition, talk to your healthcare provider about managing your symptoms. You might not be able to get rid of your symptoms completely, but sometimes, even small changes can make a big difference in your quality of life.

Corns and calluses develop from repeated friction, rubbing or irritation and pressure on your skin. They most frequently occur on your hands, feet and toes. The most common cause is shoes that don’t fit properly. With a little bit of attention and care, you can prevent most cases of corns or calluses.

What are corns and calluses?

Corns and calluses are a buildup of hard, thick areas of skin. Although these hardened areas of skin can form anywhere on your body, you’ll usually see them on your feet, hands or fingers.

What’s the difference between a corn and a callus?

Corns and calluses are essentially the same tissue. Corns tend to be small and round. You’re most likely to see corns on the top or sides of your toes.

Calluses are hard, thick patches of skin. Compared with corns, calluses are larger and have a more irregular (more spread out) shape. You’re most likely to see calluses on the bottom of your feet on the bony areas that carry your weight — your heels, big toes, the balls of your feet and along the sides of your feet. Some degree of callus formation on the bottom of your foot is normal.

You’ll also see calluses often on your hands. For instance, a callus forms where there’s repeated friction or rubbing — like on the tips of fingers of guitar players or the hands of gymnasts, weightlifters or craftsmen.

What are the different types of corns?

There are several types of corns:

• Hard corns: These are small, hard dense areas of skin usually within a larger area of thickened skin. Hard corns usually form on the top of your toes — areas where there’s bone pressure against your skin.
• Soft corns: These corns are whitish/gray and have a softer, rubbery texture. Soft corns appear between your toes.
• Seed corns: These corns are small and usually form on the bottom of your feet.

What do corns and calluses look like?

Corns and calluses have many distinct features. Corns look like:

• Small, round, raised bumps of hardened skin surrounded by irritated skin.
• Raised areas or bumps that may be painful or cause discomfort.

Calluses are:

• Thick, hardened, larger and typically more flattened patches of skin.
• Less sensitive to touch than the surrounding skin.

Both corns and calluses can cause:

• Hardened areas of skin where there’s repeated friction or pressure on your skin.
• Pain, redness and blisters.

Are corns and calluses painful?

Corns and calluses may or may not be painful. Some corns and calluses aren’t painful when they first develop but then become painful over time as they thicken. The raised areas of skin — especially of corns — can be tender or sensitive to touch or pressure. Calluses tend to be less sensitive to touch than the normal skin around them. Sometimes, cracks (called fissures) form in a callus. Fissures can be painful. If you have a corn or callus that becomes infected, you’ll likely feel pain or at least some discomfort.

What causes corns and calluses?

Corns and calluses have many of the same causes. These include:

• Shoes that don’t fit properly. This is the most common cause of corns on the top of your feet. Shoes that are too tight or have areas that rub against your skin cause shearing, friction and pressure. People who frequently wear high-heeled shoes often develop calluses on the balls of their feet from the downward pressure on this area when walking.
• Standing, walking or running for long periods of time.
• Physical hobbies, sports activities or work/labor that puts pressure on your feet and/or causes repeated friction on an area of skin on your hands or fingers.
• Going barefoot.
• Not wearing socks with footwear.
• Having socks and/or shoe linings that slip and bunch up under your feet while in shoes.
• Walking with improper posture — walking too heavily on the inner or outer edge of your foot.
• Structural foot deformities or changes to the shape of your foot (hammertoes, tailor’s bunions, bunions or deformities from birth).

How do corns and calluses form?

Corns and calluses develop from repeated friction, rubbing, pressure or irritation and pressure on your skin. Corns and calluses typically form on the bony, walked-on areas of your feet. On your hands, they (more likely calluses) form on the areas where there’s ongoing rubbing against your skin.

The hardened layers of skin of corns and calluses are actually your body’s way of protecting the underlying skin from irritation and pressure.

Who is more likely to get corns and calluses?

You’re more likely to develop corns and calluses if:

• You already have medical conditions that change the normal alignment of the bones in your feet. For example, arthritis in your feet, bunions, bone spurs or hammertoes.
• You walk without socks.
• You wear shoes that are too narrow for your foot.
• You have atrophy or loss of your natural cushioning/padding.

What are the complications of having corns and calluses?

Untreated (or unsuccessfully) treated corns and calluses might grow larger until you fix what caused them to develop in the first place.

Corns or calluses can cause infections. This can be painful and make walking difficult. You may need antibiotics or even surgical treatment.

How are corns and calluses diagnosed?

A healthcare provider can diagnose corns or calluses by looking at your skin. No tests are required. A simple visual exam of your skin is usually all your provider needs. Your provider may ask you questions about your job, how much walking and standing you do, and in what activities you participate. If your corn or callus is on your foot, your provider may ask you to walk to check your posture and the way you walk, ask about your footwear and ask how you take care of your feet.

How do I remove corns and calluses?

Treatment depends on your symptoms and what caused the corn or callus. But for the typical corn or callus, removing the buildup of skin is an effective treatment. Follow these steps:

1. Soak the area with the corn or callus (let’s use your foot as an example) in warm water until the skin softens — usually five to 10 minutes.
2. Wet a pumice stone or emery board.
3. While the skin on your foot is still soft, gently move the pumice stone or emery board across the corn or callus to remove dead tissue. Continue to file down the corn or callus, moving the stone or board in one direction. Be careful. Don’t remove too much skin. This could lead to bleeding and an infection.
4. Apply a moisturizing cream or lotion to the corn or callus and surrounding dead skin every day. Look for products that contain urea or ammonium lactate. These ingredients will soften the skin over time.

Other care tips include:

• Surround your corn or callus with donut-style adhesive pads or make your own donut pad from moleskin. (The corn should be in the center hole area of the donut.) You can purchase moleskin padding and other corn and callus products at your local drugstore. Padding helps protect the corn or callus from irritation and relieves pain and pressure.
• Wear properly sized and shaped footwear. Wear shoes with increased width and height in the toe area. Consider buying footwear at the end of the day when your feet are slightly swollen.
• Keep your toenails trimmed. Long toenails can make your toes push against the top of your shoe causing friction and increased pressure. Cut toenails straight across. Don’t round the corners.
• If your corns or calluses are painful, apply a cold pack to reduce the pain and swelling for no more than 10 to 20 minutes at a time.
• Never try to cut out, shave away or remove corns or calluses with a sharp object.
• Don’t try to treat corns or calluses if you have diabetes, have poor circulation, are prone to infections or have delicate skin. See your healthcare provider.

Should I try over-the-counter medications to treat my corns or calluses?

Over-the-counter products used to dissolve corns and calluses contain harsh chemicals. If you aren’t precise in applying the chemical, it can injure the surrounding healthy skin. If you have diabetes, don’t self-treat. See your healthcare provider, due to the foot complications possible with diabetes.

Is surgery ever needed for corns and calluses?

You can manage most corns and calluses by following the simple tips listed in this article — namely, remove any corns or calluses with a pumice stone after soaking your feet in warm water.

Your healthcare provider may consider surgery if you have a structural deformity in your foot or toes that results in the repeated development of corns or calluses. In this case, a surgeon may need to remove or realign bone tissue. Other reasons for surgery are if the corns or calluses are extremely painful, if they prevent you from walking comfortably or normally, or if they cause reoccurring infections, wounds or tissue breakdown.

Can corns and calluses be prevented?

Your feet are an often overlooked part of your body until a problem develops. With a little bit of attention and care, you can prevent most cases of corns and calluses. Things to keep in mind include:

• Wear shoes that are comfortable and fit well. Shoes should support your feet, be well-cushioned and have shock-absorbing soles. The toe area of shoes should have enough length and width so your toes aren’t rubbing against the shoe or other toes. This would also mean avoiding high-heeled narrow-toed shoes that push your toes forward causing them to rub against the shoe or each other. Avoid hard-soled or leather-soled shoes unless they have enough padding (or you add padding) to cushion your feet.
• Wear socks with your footwear. Make sure socks are snug enough that they don’t bunch up under your feet.
• Use cushioned or padded insoles. If you had corns or calluses in the past, you may want to ask your healthcare provider about customized insoles. These inserts can even out weight-bearing forces on the bottom of your foot to prevent calluses from forming. Also, use lamb’s wool (not cotton) between your toes to relieve friction and soften corns.
• Wear gloves when you’re doing manual labor or working with heavy or rough materials that can damage the skin on your hands or fingers.
• Inspect your feet daily and keep them clean. Wash your feet in warm, soapy water, dry them and apply a moisturizing foot cream. This helps keep your skin soft and supple.

In addition, keep your toenails trimmed, don’t walk barefoot and apply a daily foot powder to keep your feet dry if you have sweaty feet.

After corns and calluses heal, can they come back?

As corns and calluses are the result of friction, irritation or pressure against your skin, they can return at any time if you haven’t addressed the cause. In other words, if poorly fitted shoes were the cause and you continue to wear those same shoes, the corns and calluses will likely return.

Fortunately, you can successfully manage most corns and calluses at home with a little care and attention. If you’re concerned about a growth on your foot, see a healthcare provider. They’re in the best position to examine your feet, ask about or test for other medical conditions you may have, treat your feet and advise you how to take care of them.

When should I see my healthcare provider if I have corns or calluses?

You should see your healthcare provider if:

• You have diabetes. People with diabetes can have a lack of feeling, or peripheral neuropathy, making it difficult to detect appropriate pain sensations. People with diabetes may have poor blood circulation in their legs and feet, which makes healing more difficult. Corns and calluses could even become infected.
• You have other underlying diseases or conditions that increase your risk of infection or if you have delicate skin.
• Home treatments don’t work to manage your corns or calluses.
• You think you may have abnormal bone structure or alignment as the reason corns and calluses have repeatedly formed.
• Your corns or calluses are painful, the pain worsens or you think you have an infection. Signs of infection include redness, pain, swelling and oozing/pus from the corn or callus.
• Your foot pain is intense or you have discomfort when walking and don’t know what might be causing it.

What questions should I ask my healthcare provider?

Questions you may want to ask your healthcare provider include:

• Do I have a corn or a callus?
• How do you think I got a corn or callus?
• What home remedies do you recommend for treating my corn or callus?
• How can I prevent getting corns and calluses in the future?

What’s the difference between a wart and a callus?

A type of wart called a plantar wart may appear on the soles of your feet. These warts look like calluses with tiny black dots in the center. But warts develop when the human papillomavirus, or HPV, enters a cut or break in your skin and causes an infection. Calluses don’t develop due to a virus, but rather just from friction on your skin.

A note from QBan Health Care Services

Those shoes may look cute, but if they’re too tight, you shouldn’t wear them — you could develop a corn or a callus. If it’s too late and you already have one, the good news is, most corns and calluses aren’t serious. You can typically treat them at home. But if you have diabetes or another underlying condition that increases your risk of infection, call your healthcare provider for treatment.

Impetigo is a common skin infection that most often affects young children. Bacteria including Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus or “staph”) and Group A streptococcus (“strep”) cause the infection, which can lead to itchy sores and blisters. Treatment includes antibiotics. Within a few days of treatment, your child should start to feel better.

What is impetigo?

Impetigo (pronounced “im-peh-TIE-go”) is an itchy, sometimes painful, skin infection. When your child gets a cut, bite or scratch that opens their skin, bacteria can enter and cause a bacterial infection. But impetigo can infect skin even if it’s not broken or punctured.

Impetigo happens more often in warmer months when children are outside. Typically, the first signs of impetigo are sores and blisters on your child’s mouth and nose. It can also appear on your child’s scalp, hairline, legs and arms.

Types of impetigo

There are a few different types of impetigo, including non-bullous, bullous and ecthyma.

Non-bullous impetigo

Non-bullous is early-stage impetigo. It’s the most common type. The non-bullous impetigo early stages include:

1. Developing one or more itchy sores that quickly burst.
2. Red or raw skin where sores have broken open.
3. Swollen glands near the sores.
4. Forming honey-colored crusts over the sores, but the skin eventually heals without scarring.

Bullous impetigo

Bullous impetigo is a rarer type of skin infection. It’s more common in infants. More than 90% of cases of bullous impetigo affect children younger than age 2. The stages of this type include:

1. Large, fluid-filled blisters form on your child’s skin, but no redness appears around the surrounding skin.
2. The blisters become clear and limp and then break open.
3. Crusty sores form on your child’s skin, and their skin heals without scarring.

Ecthyma

Untreated impetigo can develop into ecthyma. Ecthyma is a more serious type of skin infection. It goes deeper into your child’s skin. The stages typically include:

1. Painful blisters form on your child’s skin that turn into deep, open sores.
2. Thick crusts develop on your child’s skin, and redness often appears near the surrounding skin.
3. After your child’s skin heals, scars may form because the infection went deeper into their skin.

How common is impetigo?

Impetigo is the most common skin infection in kids between the ages of 2 and 5. Older children can also get it. It accounts for about 10% of skin conditions in children.

Can adults get impetigo?

Yes, impetigo can affect adults. In adults, the condition may occur after another skin issue. Sometimes it develops after you’ve had a cold or another virus. You may be at higher risk if you:

• Live in a tropical climate with hot, humid summers and mild winters.
• Have a scabies infection.
• Participate in skin-to-skin contact sports where cuts and scrapes are common.
• Live in close contact with others. Infections often occur among people living in the same house.

Impetigo vs. cold sore

Impetigo and cold sores are both common skin infections that can cause blisters. Cold sores usually occur around your mouth and consist of small blisters. Impetigo can form around your mouth but also on other parts of your face and body. It causes larger blisters. A bacteria causes impetigo, whereas cold sores are a symptom of the herpes simplex virus (HSV).

Impetigo vs. weeping eczema

Impetigo and weeping eczema are both common skin conditions. Impetigo is a type of skin infection, whereas eczema is a type of dermatitis. Impetigo causes crusty, honey-colored sores and blisters. Weeping eczema sometimes causes blisters with clear or straw-colored fluid. The blisters may be purple or red and they can ooze or “weep” the fluid.

When do impetigo symptoms start?

Typically, symptoms of impetigo develop within three days once the bacteria infect your child’s skin. Impetigo on the face starts around the mouth and nose. However, impetigo on the scalp or hairline can also occur.

What does impetigo look like?

Impetigo includes blisters, rashes and other skin wounds (lesions). The condition includes the following characteristics:

• Impetigo blisters may be pus-filled and burst easily. The fluid may be yellow or tan and it may seep out and form a crust.
• Impetigo rash can spread and cause red, raw skin.
• Skin lesions on your child’s lips, nose, ears, arms and legs may appear. The lesions can spread to other parts of their body.
• Swollen lymph nodes near the infected area may develop.

If you or your child has impetigo caused by Staph bacteria, you may notice:

• Reddish skin surrounding red blisters, full of liquid or pus that eventually looks cloudy.
• Blisters that burst easily and leak.
• Raw, shiny areas that scab over with a yellowish-brown crust.

What causes impetigo?

Impetigo causes include certain types of bacteria that lead to infection. The most common impetigo bacteria include:

• Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus or “staph”): S. aureus causes 80% of non-bullous impetigo cases.
• Group A streptococcus (“strep”): Group A strep causes 10% of non-bullous cases.

The bacteria usually enter your child’s skin through a cut, scrape, rash or insect bite. After they enter your child’s body, the bacteria continue growing in their skin. This can lead to inflammation and infection in the top layers of your child’s skin.

Your child may also get impetigo by scratching something itchy on their skin, such as chickenpox or eczema. When they scratch, it breaks the skin, making it easy for bacteria to get in.

Impetigo may also occur without any skin breakage. Instead, it can occur after you’ve experienced another skin condition, such as:

• Head lice.
• Scabies.
• Eczema.

Adults can also get impetigo through health conditions such as tattoo infections.

Can stress cause impetigo in adults?

No, stress doesn’t cause impetigo. However, stress can weaken your immune system. With a weakened immune system, it’s easier for bacteria to infect you and harder for your body to fight them.

Is impetigo contagious?

Impetigo is highly contagious. Most people get it through direct skin-to-skin contact. You can get impetigo by coming into contact with sores, mucus or nasal discharge from someone who has it. Children and athletes, such as football players and wrestlers, often get it this way.

People can also spread impetigo by sharing items such as towels, clothing or other personal items with an infected person.

How long is impetigo contagious?

Without treatment, impetigo can be contagious for weeks. After starting impetigo treatment, the condition is contagious until:

• The rash disappears.
• Scabs fall off.
• You’ve finished at least two days of antibiotics.

What are the complications of impetigo?

Complications are rare. Certain strains of strep bacteria that cause impetigo can also cause glomerulonephritis. This inflammatory kidney disease can produce high blood pressure and blood in your pee (hematuria). Other complications of impetigo may include:

• The rash spreading to deeper skin layers.
• The bacterial infection spreading to other parts of your body.
• Permanent skin damage and/or scarring.

How is impetigo diagnosed?

A healthcare provider will diagnose impetigo based on how your child’s sores look. They may take a skin culture to send to a laboratory. This will help your provider determine the right antibiotic to prescribe your child.

How do you treat impetigo?

Impetigo treatment includes antibiotics. A provider may prescribe topical antibiotics to put directly on your child’s skin. Impetigo treatments may also include an oral antibiotic (a liquid or pill taken by mouth) if the impetigo covers a large area of your child’s skin or multiple body parts.

Impetigo medication may include:

• Topical mupirocin (Bactroban® or Centany®) ointment.
• Oral antibiotics such as cephalosporins, clindamycin (Cleocin®) and sulfamethoxazole (Bactrim™).

How to get rid of impetigo in 24 hours

Impetigo won’t go away for everyone in 24 hours. However, some studies have shown that the condition goes away quicker when you use an antibiotic cream. Providers recommend these creams to help the symptoms go away fast and to help stop the infection from spreading. Therefore, the sooner you receive treatment, the better.

What impetigo treatments are over-the-counter?

You’ll need prescription antibiotic medication to treat most forms of impetigo. For minor skin infections that haven’t spread, you can try treating the area with an over-the-counter (OTC) antibiotic cream or ointment that contains bacitracin. Then, place a nonstick bandage over the area to help prevent the infection from spreading.

Taking care of your child’s skin can help clear up an impetigo infection faster. Skincare steps you can take to get rid of an impetigo infection quickly include:

• Dab the infected skin with warm soapy water to gently remove crusts.
• Apply the prescribed antibiotic the way your provider suggested.
• Place a bandage over the infected area. This will help promote healing and prevent the infection from spreading.

Will impetigo go away on its own?

Impetigo may go away on its own in a few weeks. Still, healthcare providers recommend treating it for several reasons:

• You reduce your risk of developing complications.
• You reduce your risk of spreading the infection to others.
• Without treatment, the infection can go deeper into your skin and possibly cause new sores or blisters to develop.

Can I prevent impetigo?

The best ways to prevent infections include:

• Keep your hands clean: Wash your hands regularly. Use an alcohol-based sanitizer if you don’t have soap and water.
• Practice good hygiene: Clip your (and your child’s) fingernails regularly to avoid scratching. Sneeze into a tissue and/or your elbow and then throw the tissue away. Bathe daily (or as often as possible), especially if you or your child has eczema or sensitive skin.
• Avoid scratching: Don’t scratch cuts or wounds. If your child gets a cut, scratch or wound, keep them from scratching it.
• Clean wounds: Clean cuts, scrapes and injuries with soap and water. Then put an antibiotic cream or ointment on the wound.
• Keep linens clean: Wash underwear, towels and sheets in hot water.

What’s the outlook for someone who gets impetigo?

Antibiotics can treat impetigo, but the condition can return, especially in young children. Children are especially prone to scratching and opening their scabs, putting them at a higher risk of re-infection. However, most kids recover with no complications after they receive treatment.

How long does impetigo last?

With treatment, your child usually isn’t contagious after 48 hours. The sores may take some time to heal completely, but the infection rarely leaves scars.

Without treatment, impetigo may clear up on its own in a few weeks. But there’s a greater risk of developing complications and you may see new sores and blisters.

How long does impetigo live on surfaces?

The bacteria that cause impetigo can live on dry surfaces for weeks or even months.

When can I go back to work/school?

Impetigo is very contagious. Your child should stay home from school for 48 hours after starting an antibiotic. Adults don’t need to stay home from work, but they should avoid contact with other people and keep their sores and blisters covered.

How can I take care of myself if I have impetigo?

If your healthcare provider diagnosed you or your child with impetigo, these treatment tips can help:

• Keep sores covered: Bandage sores or wear long sleeves and pants.
• Take all medication: Use your antibiotics for the full length of time your provider prescribed them to prevent re-infection.
• Stay clean: Wash the skin gently a few times a day using antibacterial soap. This will remove crusts and drainage.
• Avoid touching the rash: If you do touch it, wash your hands and the exposed area with soap and water.
• Isolate children: If your child has impetigo, keep them away from other children for at least the first 48 hours of treatment. They shouldn’t go to school or daycare.
• Avoid hot tubs and swimming pools: The rash can spread if others come into contact with your child’s skin, swimsuit or towel.

A note from QBan Health Care Services

Impetigo is a common skin condition that usually affects young children. Impetigo is very contagious, so keep your child home until they’ve had at least two days of antibiotics. The medicine will clear up the rash. To prevent impetigo, practice good hygiene. Clean and cover any cuts or scratches to keep them from getting infected.

The flu is a common respiratory illness you get from the influenza virus. Symptoms often include fever, head and body aches, coughing and a stuffy or runny nose. You’re at risk for serious complications if you have an underlying health condition or are pregnant. Getting vaccinated every year is the best way to avoid getting sick with the flu.

What is the flu (influenza)?

The flu is an illness you get from the influenza virus. It causes symptoms like head and body aches, sore throat, fever and respiratory symptoms, which can be severe. Flu is most common in winter months, when many people can get sick at once (an epidemic).

When is flu season?

Flu season — when cases of the flu go up dramatically — in the Northern Hemisphere (which includes the U.S.) is October through May. The highest number of cases (peak) usually happens between December and February.

How common is the flu?

The flu is one of the most common infectious diseases. Every flu season, about 20 to 40 million people in the U.S. catch the flu.

What is the difference between the flu and the common cold?

The flu and the common cold can have similar symptoms, like runny nose and cough. But cold symptoms are usually mild and flu symptoms can be severe and lead to serious complications. Different viruses cause colds and the flu.

How do I know if I have the flu or COVID-19?

Since they have similar symptoms, the only way to know for sure if you have the flu or COVID-19 is to get tested. They both have a risk of serious illness. But different viruses cause these infections, and providers treat them with different medications.

Who is at higher risk for complications from the flu?

Certain health conditions can put you at higher risk for severe illness from the flu. This includes life-threatening complications that require hospitalization. You’re at higher risk for serious illness if you:

• Have asthma, COPD or another chronic lung disease.
• Have a history of kidney, liver, neurological, heart or blood vessels disease, including stroke.
• Have a condition that causes issues with muscle function or makes it difficult to cough, swallow or clear fluids from your airways.
• Have diabetes.
• Have a weakened immune system (from HIV/AIDS, cancer or immunosuppressive medications).
• Have a blood disorder, like sickle cell disease.
• Have a BMI greater than 40 (have obesity).
• Are under 5 years old or over 65 years old.
• Are pregnant.
• Are under 19 years old and take aspirin regularly.
• Live in a long-term care facility.

Non-Hispanic Black people, non-Hispanic American Indians, Alaska Native people and Hispanic or Latino people have the highest rates of severe illness from the flu compared to non-Hispanic White people and non-Hispanic Asian people.

What are the symptoms of the flu?

Symptoms of the flu usually come on quickly, and can include:

• Fever.
• Chills.
• Body aches.
• Cough.
• Headache.
• Sore throat.
• Runny or stuffy nose (congestion).
• Tiredness or feeling run down.
• Diarrhea or vomiting (usually only in kids).

You may not have all of these symptoms.

What causes the flu?

The influenza virus causes flu. Influenza A, B and C are the most common types that infect people. Influenza A and B are seasonal (most people get them in the winter) and have more severe symptoms. Influenza C doesn’t cause severe symptoms and it’s not seasonal — the number of cases stays about the same throughout the year.

H1N1 (“swine flu”) and bird flu are both subtypes of influenza A.

Is the flu contagious?

Yes, the flu is contagious (it spreads from person to person). For every person infected, they spread the flu to one to two more people.

How does the flu spread?

The influenza virus spreads from direct or indirect contact with someone else who’s infected. Common ways to get the flu include:

• From someone nearby coughing, sneezing or talking. Droplets can either get onto your hands or move through the air to get into your nose or mouth. The flu then moves into your lungs.
• By touching a surface that’s contaminated by the flu virus, then touching your face, nose, mouth or eyes. This includes things like door knobs, desks, computers and phones.
• By touching the hands or face of someone who has the flu, then touching your face, nose, mouth or eyes.

How long after exposure will I get the flu?

If infected, you’ll usually get symptoms of the flu one to four days after exposure (incubation period).

How is the flu diagnosed?

Your provider diagnoses the flu by listening to your symptoms and testing a sample of mucus from your nose. They’ll put a long stick with a soft tip (swab) in your nose to test for influenza. Results may take a few minutes or your provider may send the sample to a lab, where you’ll get results in a day or two.

How is the flu treated?

Providers can treat the flu with antiviral medications under certain circumstances. Antivirals can reduce your risk of severe illness and shorten the amount of time you’re sick. Many people can treat the flu without prescription medications. Providers prescribe antivirals if you:

• Have had symptoms for under 48 hours. Antivirals are less likely to work if you start them after two days of symptoms. The virus has already made more copies of itself and your body has started to fight it off with its own antibodies.
• Have an underlying condition or are at risk for severe illness. Providers may prescribe antivirals even if you’ve had symptoms for longer than 48 hours.
• Have severe symptoms, even if you’ve been sick for longer than 48 hours.
• Live with or care for people who are at risk for severe complications of the flu.

What medications treat the flu?

Antiviral drugs for influenza include:

• Oseltamivir phosphate (Tamiflu®). You take oseltamivir by mouth as a pill or a liquid. You usually take it for several days.
• Zanamivir (Relenza®). You breathe zanamivir in through your mouth with an inhaler. You usually have to take it for several days. Zanamivir isn’t recommended for people with breathing issues, like asthma or COPD.
• Peramivir (Rapivap®). Your provider gives you peramivir directly into your veins using an IV. You usually only need one dose of peramivir.
• Baloxavir marboxil (Xofluza®). You take baloxavir marboxil by mouth as a pill or a liquid. You only take one dose. Baloxavir isn’t recommended if you’re pregnant, breastfeeding/chestfeeding, hospitalized or have certain medical conditions.

Tell your provider about any health conditions you have before starting an antiviral medication.

Side effects of treatment

Each antiviral medication has different side effects, but common ones include nausea and diarrhea. Inhaled medications can cause spasms that tighten and narrow your airways (bronchospasm).

How do I manage symptoms of the flu?

Many people can manage the symptoms of flu at home with over-the-counter (OTC) medications and other therapies, including:

• Getting plenty of rest.
• Drinking fluids like water or broth to help prevent dehydration.
• Applying heat packs or hot water bottles can help with aching muscles.
• Taking acetaminophen (Tylenol®) or NSAIDs (Advil®, Motrin®, Aleve®) can help lower your fever and relieve head and body aches.
• Using spray or oral decongestants like phenylephrine or pseudoephedrine can help with a runny or stuffy nose.
• Taking cough suppressants (antitussives) like dextromethorphan can help calm a nagging cough.
• Using expectorants like guaifenesin make it easier to clear mucus out of your lungs.

Not everyone should take certain OTCs, so check with your provider before you use them. It’s also a good idea to make sure certain medications are okay to use together or with supplements. Don’t give aspirin to children under the age of 16 unless their provider says it’s okay.

How can I prevent the flu?

The best way to prevent the flu is to get the flu vaccine every year. Vaccines train your immune system to recognize infections and fight them off before you get sick. The influenza virus can change (mutate) a little bit every year, which is why you need to get vaccinated every year.

Even if you get sick with a different version of the flu than the one in the vaccine, vaccination reduces your risk of getting seriously ill. Your provider can give you the flu vaccine as a shot or as a mist they spray into your nose.

Other ways to reduce your risk of getting the flu include:

• Wash your hands often with soap and water. If you aren’t able to use soap and water, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
• Cover your nose and mouth when you sneeze or cough. Cough or sneeze into your elbow or a tissue rather than your bare hand.
• Avoid being around other people when you or they are sick with the flu or other infectious diseases.
• Consider wearing a mask if you’re sick and can’t avoid being around others.
• Avoid touching your face, eyes, nose and mouth.
• Don’t share food or eating utensils (forks, spoons, cups) with others.

What can I expect if I have the flu?

Most people are able to manage flu symptoms at home and recover within a few days to a week. Because it can cause severe illness, it’s important to keep an eye on your symptoms and get medical attention if you need it. This is especially important if you have an underlying health condition.

If you’re sick with the flu, you should avoid being around others, except to seek medical care.

How long does the flu last?

Flu can last from a few days to two weeks. Symptoms like fever and body aches can come on suddenly but usually go away faster than other symptoms. A cough or runny nose can last longer.

How long is the flu contagious?

You can be contagious with the flu from a day before your symptoms start to up to a week after. You’re most contagious for three to four days after your symptoms start. People with weakened immune systems and infants may be contagious for longer.

When can I go back to work/school?

To avoid spreading the flu to others, you shouldn’t go back to work or school until it’s been at least 24 hours since you’ve had a fever (without taking fever-reducing medications). Your employer or school may have different requirements for returning.

Complications

The flu virus itself can cause complications or it can weaken your immune system and allow bacteria to infect different parts of your body (secondary infection). Complications and secondary infections include:

• Ear infections.
• Sinus infections.
• Severe lung infection (pneumonia). Pneumonia can lead to acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) and other life-threatening conditions.
• Pregnancy loss (miscarriage).
• Neural tube defects (NTDs) in the developing fetus of a pregnant person.

How many people die from the flu each year?

In a typical flu season in the U.S., it’s estimated that between 20,000 and 50,000 people die from the flu. Another 300,000 to 500,000 require hospitalization for serious illness.

When should I see my healthcare provider?

If you think you have the flu, it’s important to get tested early on so that antiviral medications are most effective if your provider prescribes them. Contact a healthcare provider right away if:

• You have flu symptoms and an underlying condition that puts you at higher risk for severe illness.
• Your symptoms don’t start to improve after seven to 10 days or if you have a fever lasting longer than three days.
• You’re pregnant and have a fever or other flu symptoms.

When should I go to ER?

Go to the ER or seek immediate medical attention if you have symptoms of severe illness, including:

• High fever (over 103 F/40 C).
• Difficulty breathing.
• Not peeing or peeing very little.
• Pain in your chest or stomach (abdomen) that doesn’t go away.
• Persistent dizziness.
• Confusion.
• Severe muscle pain or weakness.
• Seizures.
• Bluish skin, lips or nails (cyanosis, which can be a sign of low oxygen levels in your blood or tissues).
• Fever or cough that gets better or goes away but then get worse.
• Worsening of other health conditions.

What questions should I ask my doctor?

• How do I take my medication?
• What over-the-counter medications can I use?
• How do I treat my symptoms at home?
• What severe symptoms should I look out for?
• When should I go to the ER?
• When should I follow up with you?
• How long might it take to feel better?

Is the stomach flu influenza?

No, gastroenteritis, commonly called “stomach flu,” isn’t caused by the influenza virus. It’s not related to the seasonal flu.

A note from QBan Health Care Services

While the flu is very common, it’s also important to remember that it can lead to life-threatening complications. Getting your flu shot is the best way to avoid getting sick and protect your loved ones and neighbors, too. If you have underlying health conditions or are pregnant, talk to your provider about reducing your risk of flu. Having the flu isn’t fun for anyone, but most people can get through with some movies and chicken soup at home.

The common cold is an infection of your nose, sinuses, throat and windpipe. Colds spread easily, especially within homes, classrooms and workplaces. More than 200 different viruses can cause colds. There’s no cure for a common cold, but it usually goes away within a week to 10 days. If you don’t feel better in 10 days, see a healthcare provider.

What is the common cold?

A cold is a contagious upper respiratory infection that affects your nose, throat, sinuses and windpipe (trachea). You may have heard that the common cold is a coronavirus. In fact, more than 200 different types of viruses can cause a cold. The most common cold virus is the rhinovirus.

We call colds “common” because as their name implies, they’re widespread. You’ll probably have more colds in your lifetime than any other illness. Adults catch two to three colds a year, while young children come down with a cold four or more times a year.

What are the symptoms of the common cold?

Common cold symptoms typically appear in stages. The common cold stages include early, active and late.

Stage 1: Early (Days 1 to 3)

Within one to three days of picking up a cold virus, you may notice a tickle in your throat. About half of all people with colds report a tickly or sore throat as their first symptom. Other common cold symptoms you may experience during this early stage include:

• Sneezing.
• Runny nose.
• Stuffy nose (nasal congestion).
• Cough.
• Hoarseness.

Stage 2: Active (Days 4 to 7)

Symptoms typically worsen or peak during this stage. In addition to the symptoms in stage 1, you may experience:

• Body aches.
• Headache.
• Runny eyes and nose.
• Fatigue.
• Fever (more common in children).

Stage 3: Late (Days 8 to 10)

Colds usually begin to wind down during this stage. You may be free and clear at this point. But some symptoms can persist. Some people develop a nagging cough that can last up to two months after a respiratory infection.

If your symptoms get worse and/or your fever returns, make a trip to a healthcare provider. You may have developed another infection or a complication, such as bronchitis, sinusitis or pneumonia.

What are the symptoms of the common cold in babies?

Symptoms of colds in babies may include:

• Runny nose (the discharge may start clear; later, it becomes thicker and may be gray, yellow or green).
• Sneezing.
• Fever of 101 to 102 degrees Fahrenheit (38.3 to 38.9 degrees Celsius).
• Loss of appetite.
• Increased drooling because of sore throat and difficulty swallowing.
• Cough.
• Irritability.
• Slightly swollen glands.

How do cold symptoms differ from more severe infections in babies and children?

If your child has any of the following symptoms, call their healthcare provider. These symptoms could mean that your child has something more serious than a cold:

• Fever in an infant 2 months or younger.
• Difficulty breathing (especially if your baby’s or child’s nostrils widen with each breath).
• Fast or labored breathing.
• Wheezing.
• Ribs showing with each breath.
• Blue lips.
• Not eating or drinking, which could mean dehydration.
• Ear pain.
• Excessive crankiness or sleepiness.
• A cough that lasts more than 3 weeks.
• Your baby seems to be getting sicker.

What causes the common cold?

Rhinoviruses cause up to 50% of common colds. There are more than 100 different rhinoviruses. But other types of viruses, such as coronaviruses, can also cause colds. More than 200 different viruses can cause a cold.

Is the common cold contagious?

Yes. Colds spread easily from person to person. For you to become infected, the virus has to get to one of your mucous membranes — the moist lining of your nostrils, eyes or mouth. That happens when you touch a surface or breathe moist air that contains the cold virus.

For example, when a person who’s sick sneezes or coughs, they launch droplets of fluid containing the cold virus into the air. If you breathe in those droplets, the cold virus takes root in your nose. You can also leave virus particles on surfaces you touch when you’re sick. If someone else touches those surfaces and then touches their nostrils, eyes or mouth, the virus can get in.

How long is the common cold contagious?

You can be contagious for up to two weeks, even spreading a cold a day or two before you have symptoms. But you’re most contagious when your symptoms are at their worst — usually the first three days you feel sick.

What is the common cold incubation period?

The incubation period is the time between when you’re infected and when your symptoms first appear. The common cold incubation period is between 12 hours and three days after exposure to the virus.

Why do children and babies get more colds?

The common cold in children and babies occurs more often because they haven’t been exposed to as many viruses as adults. Their immune systems have to learn how to recognize and fight new germs.

Before turning 2 years old, a baby can get as many as eight to 10 colds a year. By the time you become an adult, you’ve had many colds. It’s easier for your immune system to identify and attack similar viruses.

In addition, children are in close contact with other children. Kids typically don’t cover their coughs and sneezes or wash their hands before touching their faces — steps that prevent the virus from spreading.

Cold viruses can live on objects for several hours. Babies often pick up objects that other babies have touched. If a baby touches something that has cold germs on it, then touches their mouth, eyes or nose, the germs can infect them.

How is the common cold diagnosed?

A healthcare provider will ask you about your symptoms and perform a physical exam. During the exam, the provider will check for signs, such as:

• Swelling in your nostrils.
• A stuffy nose.
• A red, irritated throat.
• Swollen lymph nodes in your neck.
• Clear lungs.

What tests will be done to diagnose the common cold?

Typically, a physical exam is enough to determine if you have a cold. You may need tests if the provider suspects you have COVID-19, the flu or another condition. The provider may give you a nasal swab test (cotton swab rubbed inside your nose) to check for these viruses. Chest X-rays can rule out other conditions, such as bronchitis or pneumonia.

How is the common cold treated?

There’s no cure for a cold. You have to let it run its course. Most colds go away on their own within seven to 10 days and don’t turn into anything more serious. Common cold treatment includes over-the-counter (OTC) medications to help reduce your symptoms and keep you comfortable until you recover.

Why can’t antibiotics cure a cold?

Antibiotics are medications that fight infections caused by bacteria. Because viruses cause colds, antibiotics don’t work for colds. Sometimes, children may develop complications from bacteria, such as an ear infection or pneumonia. Healthcare providers may prescribe antibiotics to treat these illnesses.

What cold medicines relieve symptoms?

There are many OTC common cold medication options available to treat your symptoms. But some of these medications aren’t safe for children. Check with a healthcare provider before giving your child OTC medications. Be careful not to combine medicines that treat multiple symptoms. You could get too much of some ingredients, which could cause other health problems, including organ damage.

Medications that may relieve cold symptoms include:

• Pain relievers: Acetaminophen (Tylenol®) and NSAIDs such as ibuprofen (Advil®) may relieve headaches and fever.
• Decongestants: You can use medications like pseudoephedrine (Contac Cold 12 Hour® and Sudafed®).
• Antihistamines: Diphenhydramine (Benadryl®) and other antihistamines may stop sneezing and a runny nose.
• Cough suppressants: Medications such as dextromethorphan (Robitussin® and Vicks DayQuil Cough®) and codeine can help reduce coughing. Providers don’t routinely recommend these for children under 5 years of age.
• Expectorants: Guaifenesin (Mucinex®) and other expectorants may help thin and loosen mucus.

How are common colds in babies treated?

Unless prescribed by their provider, don’t give your baby any over-the-counter cough or cold medicines. To treat common cold in babies:

• Keep your baby comfortable.
• Give your baby fluids. For babies 6 months or younger, let them drink breast milk (chest milk) or formula. At 6 months, your baby can also have some water.
• Let your baby get plenty of rest.

Since most children can’t blow their nose until about age 4, the following methods may help ease your baby’s stuffy nose:

• Saline and suction: About 15 minutes before a feeding, use over-the-counter saline (salt water) drops to loosen up the mucus in your baby’s nostrils. Suction out the liquid and mucus a few minutes later with a rubber bulb or oral suction device. This will clear the mucus out of your baby’s nose and allow them to breathe and suck at the same time.
• Petroleum jelly: Dab petroleum jelly on the outside of your baby’s nostrils to reduce irritation. Don’t block the inside of your baby’s nostrils. (Unless their provider recommends it, don’t use nasal sprays on your baby. They may work for a bit but will make their congestion worse with continued use.)
• Humidifier or vaporizer: Moisten the air in your baby’s room with a humidifier or vaporizer. The clean, cool mist will help moisten the air and decrease the drying of your baby’s nasal passages and throat. Clean and dry the humidifier thoroughly before using it to get rid of bacteria or mold that may have collected in the device. Ensure you have the appropriate filter, and check if it needs to be replaced. Don’t use hot water vaporizers because of the risk of burns.
• Steam: If you don’t have a humidifier, take your baby into a steamy room such as a bathroom. Turn on the hot water, close the door and sit together in the steamy room for about 15 minutes. Don’t leave your baby alone in the room. Be safe around water. Giving your baby a warm bath may also work.

Babies can continue their normal activities if they seem well enough to do so. If they have a fever or complications, it’s best to keep them at home.

Can the common cold be prevented?

There are several steps you can take to prevent a cold, including:

• Washing your hands: Wash your hands frequently, especially before eating or preparing food. Also, wash your hands after using the bathroom, wiping your nose or coming into contact with someone who has a cold.
• Avoiding touching your face: Cold viruses spread from your hands to your eyes, nose and mouth.
• Cleaning frequently used surfaces: Viruses can live on doorknobs and other places people often touch.
• Using hand sanitizers: When you can’t wash your hands with soap and water, use alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
• Strengthening your immune system: Get enough sleep, eat a healthy diet and exercise so your body is ready to fight off germs.
• Staying home: To make sure you don’t spread the cold to others, stay home when you’re sick.

How can colds in babies be prevented?

The best way to prevent your baby from catching a cold is to keep them away from people who have colds. If possible, keep your baby home. A virus that causes a mild illness in an older child or an adult can cause a more serious one in an infant.

Hand washing is the most important way to reduce the spread of colds:

• Adults who have contact with babies and young children should wash their hands after coughing, sneezing or wiping their nose.
• Wash your hands after touching someone who has a cold.
• After wiping your baby’s nose, wash your hands and your baby’s hands.
• Clean toys regularly and avoid sharing toys that babies place in their mouths.
• If soap and water aren’t available, use pre-moistened hand wipes or hand sanitizers. (Be sure to keep hand sanitizers away from children. They may be harmful if swallowed.)

Keep your baby up-to-date on all of the recommended immunizations. They won’t stop colds, but they can help prevent some complications, such as bacterial infections of their ears or lungs.

Pediatricians recommend the flu (influenza) vaccine each year for babies who are at least 6 months old. The shot protects against the flu but not against other respiratory viruses. The COVID-19 immunization is available as well for infants starting at 6 months of age.

How long does a common cold last?

Most colds go away on their own within seven to 10 days. Most people recover quickly and the common cold doesn’t lead to anything more serious.

Can a cold kill you?

The common cold isn’t fatal. In some people — especially those with weakened immune systems — a cold could lead to other conditions that could cause severe health problems. Those complications include:

• Asthma.
• Sinus infections.
• Ear infections.

What are the best common cold remedies?

You may have heard that supplements and herbal remedies, such as zinc, vitamin C and echinacea can treat and prevent colds.

Researchers haven’t found that any of those remedies can prevent colds. But zinc may shorten the illness and reduce symptoms. However, it may cause permanent loss of smell, especially when you use it in nasal sprays.

The best common cold self-care remedy is to get plenty of rest. Consider taking time off from work or school for at least the first few days of illness. Not only will you have more time to rest, but you’ll avoid spreading germs to others.

Also, make sure you’re drinking plenty of fluids to keep your nose and throat moist. Avoid alcohol and caffeine because they have a drying effect.

When should I see a healthcare provider for the common cold?

Contact a healthcare provider if you have any of the following symptoms:

• High fever.
• Chest pain.
• Ear pain.
• Asthma flare-up or difficulty breathing.
• Symptoms lasting more than 10 days or getting worse.

When should my baby see their provider for the common cold?

Call your baby’s healthcare provider or go to the nearest emergency room if your baby:

• Develops a high fever.
• Stops eating.
• Is vomiting.
• Has ear or stomach pain.
• Cries more than usual.
• Is sleepier than usual.
• Starts wheezing.
• Has trouble breathing.

Does having a cold affect pregnancy?

Having a cold during pregnancy isn’t usually dangerous. But you do need to be careful with what cold medications you take to treat symptoms. Your healthcare provider can let you know which ones are safe to use during pregnancy.

If you think you may have the flu or you develop a fever, you should contact your provider right away. You may need immediate treatment.

Common cold vs. Covid — what’s the difference?

Coronaviruses are a group of viruses that can cause upper respiratory infections. While rhinoviruses cause most types of common cold, coronaviruses do cause some. Most people recover quickly from these common colds.

Coronaviruses may also travel into your lungs and lead to pneumonia and other complications that can be fatal. The novel (new) coronavirus discovered in 2019 causes a specific disease known as COVID-19. Early symptoms that make COVID-19 different from the common cold include:

• Fever.
• Chills and shaking.
• Shortness of breath (dyspnea).
• Loss of taste or smell (anosmia).
• Diarrhea.

However, the omicron variant of COVID-19 causes slightly milder symptoms, making it easier to confuse with a cold. Omicron symptoms similar to the common cold include:

• Runny nose.
• Cough.
• Sore throat.
• Headache.
• Nasal congestion.

Common cold vs. flu — what’s the difference?

It can be hard to tell whether you have a cold or the flu since many of the symptoms are the same. Both are widespread during the colder months and affect your upper respiratory system. But different viruses cause cold and flu. The flu comes from the influenza virus, while many other types of viruses cause colds.

The main difference between cold and flu is that you’re more likely to have a fever and chills with flu. Adults don’t usually get a fever with a common cold, although kids sometimes do.

The flu also causes body aches and more severe symptoms than a cold. Although both the cold and flu can lead to complications, flu complications can be life-threatening.

Common cold vs. chest cold — what’s the difference?

A chest cold, or short-term (acute) bronchitis, causes irritation and a buildup of mucus in your lungs. Common colds turn into chest colds when the virus travels from your nose and throat to your lungs. Occasionally, bacteria cause chest colds.

You can have a cough with a common cold or a chest cold. But chest colds produce a wet cough, meaning you may feel or cough up phlegm. You may also have:

• A cough that keeps you up all night.
• Shortness of breath.
• A sore chest.

A note from QBan Health Care Services

Although it may cause discomfort, the common cold is usually harmless. You can manage the symptoms of a cold with medications. Speed up your recovery by getting plenty of rest and fluids, and avoid being around others. If you don’t feel better in 10 days, see a healthcare provider.

Heart valve disease is a fairly common problem with the valves that keep your blood flowing in one direction through your heart. Medicines can help with the blood flow problems from a heart valve that isn’t working right, but sometimes that’s not enough. Your healthcare provider can tell you if you need to have your valve repaired or replaced.

What is heart valve disease?

Heart valve disease refers to any of several conditions that prevent one or more of the valves in your heart from working right. Left untreated, heart valve disease can cause your heart to work harder. This can reduce your quality of life and even become life-threatening. In many cases, your healthcare provider can do surgery or a minimally invasive procedure to repair or replace your heart valves, restoring normal function and allowing you to return to normal activities.

The four valves in your heart make sure blood flows in only one direction through your heart. Your heart’s valves are:

• Mitral (between your left atrium and left ventricle).
• Tricuspid (between your right atrium and right ventricle).
• Aortic (between your left ventricle and aorta).
• Pulmonary (between your right ventricle and pulmonary artery).

Oxygen-poor blood comes back from your body to your heart’s right atrium, then goes through your tricuspid valve and into your right ventricle. From there, it goes through your pulmonary valve and pulmonary artery to get oxygen from your lungs.

Blood with oxygen returns through your pulmonary veins to your heart’s left atrium. Your mitral valve lets the blood travel from the left atrium to your left ventricle. From there, oxygen-rich blood goes through your aortic valve and out through your aorta to the rest of your body.

Your valves consist of small flaps of tissue (called leaflets) that open to allow blood to move forward through your heart during half of your heartbeat. These leaflets close to prevent blood from flowing backward during the other half of your heartbeat. Your mitral valve has two leaflets, but the others have three leaflets.

The leaflets in two of your valves (the mitral and tricuspid) also have tough, fibrous strands of tissue called chordae tendineae that connect the valve leaflets to the papillary muscles inside the walls of your ventricles. The chordae tendineae and papillary muscles keep the leaflets stable against any backward flow of blood.

What are the types of heart valve disease?

There are different types of heart valve disease, and it is possible for more than one valve to be affected.

Valvular stenosis

With valvular stenosis, the tissues forming the valve leaflets become stiffer, narrowing the valve opening and reducing the amount of blood that can flow through it. Mild narrowing may not reduce the overall functioning of your heart. However, the valve can become so narrow (stenotic) that it reduces your heart’s function, makes your heart pump harder and puts it under strain. As a result, the rest of your body may not get enough blood flow.

Valvular insufficiency

Valvular insufficiency (or regurgitation, incompetence, “leaky valve”), happens when the leaflets don’t close completely, letting blood leak backward across the valve. This backward flow is referred to as “regurgitant flow.” Your heart has to pump harder to make up for this backward flow, and the rest of your body may get less blood flow.

You can get a backward flow if you have mitral valve prolapse, a common problem in which the valve flaps go back into your left atrium when your heart beats.

Valvular atresia

Valvular atresia happens when a heart valve doesn’t form correctly before birth. This is usually diagnosed very early in infancy.

How common is heart valve disease?

About 2.5% of Americans — many of them older adults — have heart valve disease. Each year, roughly 28,000 people die from heart valve disease in the United States. Mitral valve prolapse is a common heart valve problem.

How does heart valve disease affect my body?

When a heart valve isn’t working right, it puts a strain on your heart because it makes it work harder. Also, it can cause less blood flow to your body.

What are the symptoms?

It’s common for people with heart valve disease to be without symptoms. But when the heart valve problem worsens, your heart beats harder to make up for the reduced blood flow. Over time, heart valve disease may get bad enough that these symptoms begin to appear:

• Increasing shortness of breath, especially with physical activity or lying down.
• Palpitations (skipped beats or a flip-flop feeling in the chest).
• Edema (swelling of the ankles, feet or abdomen).
• Weakness or dizziness.
• Quick weight gain.
• Chest discomfort, especially when you exert yourself.
• Fatigue.
• If the valve disease is caused by infection, you may notice fevers, chills, or body aches.

What causes heart valve disease?

Common heart valve disease causes include:

• Rheumatic fever from strep throat that wasn’t treated.
• Heart attack that damages your heart.
• High blood pressure (advanced).
• A congenital problem that’s been present since birth, such as a pulmonary or aortic valve that didn’t develop right.
• Degeneration or calcification of the valve tissue, with loss of function over time.
• Thoracic aortic aneurysm(dilation of the aorta, which stretches the aortic valve leaflets and can cause leakage).
• Heart failure.
• Infection in your heart (infective endocarditis).

How is heart valve disease diagnosed?

When your healthcare provider does a physical examination and listens to your heart through a stethoscope, they may find these signs of heart valve disease:

• Fluid in your lungs.
• An enlarged heart.
• A heart murmur, which could mean blood is moving through a stenotic or leaky valve.
• Swelling in your ankles.

Several medical tests can also show heart valve disease. Repeating tests over time can help your provider see the progress of your valve disease and help them make decisions about your treatment.

What tests will be done to diagnose heart valve disease?

Tests for heart valve disease diagnosis include:

• Echocardiogram (ultrasound of the heart) — A moving image of your heart’s valves and chambers using sound waves from a handheld wand placed on your chest.
• Transesophageal echocardiogram (TEE) — An ultrasound of your heart, performed by inserting a probe with an ultrasound transducer down your esophagus. This can provide clearer images than a regular echocardiogram because the esophagus sits very close to the heart.
• Exercise stress echocardiogram — After walking on a treadmill or riding a bike, an echocardiogram is performed to see how the valves and heart function respond to exercise.
• Chest X-ray — A quick X-ray scan of your chest.
• Cardiac catheterization (angiogram) — X-ray movies of your coronary arteries, heart chambers and heart valves. An injection of contrast dye into a catheter in your arm or leg helps produce the images.
• Electrocardiogram (EKG or ECG) — Using small electrode patches attached to your skin to get the information, this records the electrical activity of your heart on graph paper.
• Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) — Radio waves and a magnet work together to create high-quality images of your heart.

How is heart valve disease treated?

A heart valve problem can be serious if it’s not treated. Although you can’t undo damage to a heart valve, you can treat the issue.

Heart valve disease treatments depend on the underlying cause and may include:

• Protecting your valve from further damage.
• Taking medications.
• Having surgery or invasive procedures if necessary.
• Seeing your heart doctor for regular visits.

The decision to prescribe medical treatment, surgical repair or surgical replacement depends on several factors, including:

• The type of valve disease.
• The severity of the damage.
• Your age.
• Your medical history.

If you’re pregnant and have heart valve disease, you can get extra rest and/or take certain medicines that are safe for your baby.

If you know about your valve disease before pregnancy, you should ask your healthcare provider if any tests or visits with a cardiologist are recommended before trying to become pregnant. This can help ensure that you are treated appropriately before and during pregnancy. If you have a severe valve problem, your doctor may recommend valve repair or replacement before pregnancy.

Surgical repair or replacement

Heart valve disease is a mechanical problem in the opening or closing of the leaflets, and you may eventually need surgery to repair or replace your valve. Some infants and children who are born with a valve problem need surgery during childhood.

Usually, the surgeon and cardiologist will know which treatment will be best before surgery day. Other times, the surgeon makes the decision during surgery, when they can see your valve.

Often, valve surgery may be combined with other procedures (such as more than one valve procedure, bypass surgery or surgery to treat atrial fibrillation) to fully treat your heart disease.

Heart valve repair allows your surgeon to fix your faulty valve, often without the use of artificial parts. In some cases, such as a narrow mitral valve, your provider may use a balloon on a catheter to widen your valve.

The advantages of valve repair are:

• Lower risk of infection.
• Decreased need for lifelong blood thinner medication.
• Preserved heart muscle strength and function.

Surgeons have to replace valves they can’t repair. Replacing your heart valve involves removing your old valve and sewing a new valve to the ring-shaped part of your old valve. The new valve could be a mechanical or biological (made with tissue from a human, cow or pig) valve. These replacement valves can provide adequate function when repair can’t. However, depending on the type of valve your provider uses, you may have to take certain medications to prevent blood clots or get a new valve again in 10 or 15 years.

Depending on the type of valve problem and your other medical conditions, you may be a candidate for minimally invasive valve repair or replacement. Ask your cardiologist if a minimally invasive procedure may be right for you.

What medications are used?

Although medicines can’t cure heart valve disease, they — and a healthier lifestyle — can help with symptoms and decrease your chance of having a stroke or sudden cardiac arrest. You may be able to stop taking some medications after valve surgery, but you may need to take other medicines for the rest of your life.

Your healthcare provider may prescribe medications to help you with:

• Preventing arrhythmias or blood clots.
• Bringing down your blood pressure or cholesterol levels.
• Treating heart failure or coronary artery disease.

Your provider will review your medication information with you before you leave the hospital. It’s important to know:

• The names of your medications.
• Their purpose.
• How often and at what times to take them.

Complications/side effects of the treatment

Older people and those whose health is not good to begin with have a higher risk of complications from valve replacement surgery.

Complications, which are rarely fatal, may include:

• Infection.
• Atrial fibrillation or another type of abnormal heart rhythm.
• Bleeding.
• Blood clots.
• Kidney failure.
• Stroke or transient ischemic attack (TIA).

How long does it take to recover from heart valve surgery?

You may be in the hospital for about five to seven days after heart surgery. After that, it can take approximately four to eight weeks to recover. Your provider may recommend cardiac rehabilitation, a carefully monitored exercise program to assist with your recovery.

How can I reduce my risk of heart valve disease?

Although you can’t change some risk factors, like growing older, there are things you can do that may reduce your risk of heart valve disease. These include:

• Getting treatment quickly for infections.
• Being physically active.
• Eating healthy foods.
• Staying at a healthy weight.
• Continuing to take medicine for high blood pressure and/or high cholesterol if you have those conditions.
• Not using tobacco products.
• Not using recreational drugs, especially IV drugs which increase your risk for heart valve infection.

Protecting your valve from further damage

People with heart valve disease should talk to their healthcare provider about the increased risk of getting infective endocarditis. This infection can greatly damage or destroy your heart valves and can be fatal. You are at risk even if you had surgery to repair or replace your valve. To prevent infective endocarditis:

• Tell your medical and dental providers that you have valve disease.
• Call your provider if you have symptoms of an infection.
• Take good care of your teeth and gums.
• Ask your heart doctor if you should take antibiotics before any dental procedures, major or minor surgeries, or invasive tests.

What can I expect if I have heart valve disease?

If you have heart valve disease, you’ll have it for your whole life. However, your experience of heart valve disease depends on the valve affected and the severity of the problem. Some people may have valve disease and never experience any symptoms. Others may have many symptoms and require valve repair/replacement. It is important to follow up regularly with a healthcare provider to monitor the progression of your valve disease over time. Untreated valve disease may eventually lead to:

• Heart failure.
• Blood clots.
• Stroke.
• Sudden cardiac arrest.

Even if your healthcare provider repairs or replaces your valve, you’ll still need to take medicine and possibly have another replacement in 10 or 15 years.

How do I take care of myself?

Keep taking any medicines your healthcare provider prescribed for you and go to all follow-up appointments.

When should I see my healthcare provider?

You’ll need to schedule regular follow-up appointments with your cardiologist to make sure your heart valves work as they should. Ask your provider how frequent these appointments should be. Contact your provider sooner if your symptoms become more severe or frequent. You should also tell your provider if you have infective endocarditis.

You may also need to repeat tests, such as an echocardiogram.

When should I go to the ER?

You should call 911 if you have these symptoms after heart valve surgery:

• Fainting.
• Fever or chills.
• Feeling sick to your stomach, throwing up or having diarrhea.
• Chest pain.
• Heart rate of more than 150 beats a minute.
• Severe headache or arm/leg weakness/numbness without warning.
• Shortness of breath that doesn’t get better with rest.
• Bright red blood in what you cough.
• Dark black stool or bright red blood in your stool.

What questions should I ask my doctor?

• Would lifestyle changes help me?
• What kinds of exercise are safe for me to do?
• How soon after surgery can I exercise?

A note from QBan Health Care Services

Although heart valve disease is a lifelong condition, you can manage it with medications and/or surgery. Your healthcare provider can talk with you about the best option for your situation. Regardless of what your provider does, you can do your part, too. You can get more exercise, eat heart-healthy foods and avoid using tobacco products. Be sure to keep taking any prescribed medicines and go to all of your follow-up appointments.