Archive for the ‘smoke’ Category
Thursday, March 5th, 2009
The specific cause of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is unknown. Although the immune system attacks the tissue in the joints, no one knows what triggers such an autoimmune attack, or why it first attacks only a few joints. Some researchers think that some outside factor or a combination of factors trigger the initial inflammation.
Risk factors are elements that may increase a person’s likelihood of developing a disease or condition. For RA, risk factors may be divided into two groups. Susceptibility factors may indicate a person is susceptible to the disease. Initiating factors are those that may occur with the susceptibility factor and trigger RA. The presence of a risk factor does not mean a person will develop the condition, and the absence of a risk factor does not mean the condition will not occur.
Susceptibility risk factors for RA include:
* Sex. Like many other autoimmune diseases, RA is much more common in women. Women make up about 70 percent of the RA cases in the United States, according to the Arthritis Foundation (AF).
* Age. RA can occur at any age but usually begins between the ages of 30 and 50.
* Family history and genetics. Having immediate family members with RA (parents, siblings or children)Lupus is a chronic autoimmune disease that can cause joint pain and inflammation (arthritis). increases the likelihood of developing the disease. One of the genes associated with RA is HLA-DR4. This gene is present in some percentage of the entire population, but they may not develop RA. However, about two-thirds of Caucasian RA patients have this gene, according to the AF. Presence of another autoimmune disease. People with an autoimmune disorder, such as Sjogren’s syndrome, type 1 diabetes or lupus, are at greater risk for developing others.
Birth weight might also affect susceptibility. Women in the U.S. Nurses’ Health Study were twice as likely to develop RA if they weighed more than 10 pounds at birth.
Known or suspected initiating risk factors for RA include:
* Smoking. People who smoke have a higher risk of developing RA. Smoking may also be a factor that initiates inflammation.
* Infection. A previous infection with bacteria or a virus may help initiate RA. The link is suspected, but there is no evidence yet to support it.
* Lifestyle factors. Stress and diet may also be factors that can initiate RA inflammation, but no studies have proven this as of yet.
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Friday, December 19th, 2008
The cause of sarcoidosis is not known. Several underlying causes may be related to different patterns of the illness, such as the variances between short-term or long-term occurrence or between race and ethnicity.
Abnormalities in the immune system play a part in sarcoidosis. The formation of granulomas (collections of inflammatory cells) is a function of the immune system. Some studies have demonstrated abnormalities in certain cells (e.g., T cells, cytokines) involved in the immune response in some patients.
A genetic predisposition to sarcoidosis seems likely in at least some individuals. The disease has been known to occur in families. Certain genetic factors may also confer a susceptibility or resistance to sarcoidosis.
Racial and ethnic differences may affect the form of the disease and the organs affected. For example, among Japanese people, the heart and eyes are often affected, and in Northern Europeans the skin is commonly affected, although some other organ (e.g., lung) is also affected. Fever and joint pain typically accompany skin involvement.
In the United States, sarcoidosis affects black people slightly more often than white people. Black Americans are more likely to be affected for a short period of time but with more severe symptoms, including neurosarcoidosis (involvement of the central nervous system), and black women are affected much more than black men. White people have a more equal gender distribution of sarcoidosis, and the symptoms are milder. The cause of these differences is not known.
Various infectious agents, particularly bacteria, have been suspected of causing sarcoidosis. Some studies have reported the presence of bacteria in the blood of some sarcoidosis patients. There have been occasions of the transmission of the disease after heart and bone marrow transplants. However, clinical research has not conclusively demonstrated that infections play a role in sarcoidosis development.
Age may be a factor in the development of sarcoidosis. The disease typically affects young adults between the ages of 20 and 40. It rarely affects children and uncommonly occurs in older adults.
A recent multicenter study on the etiology (cause) of sarcoidosis found little evidence for dominant or common environmental or occupational exposures associated with an increased risk of developing sarcoidosis. For unknown reasons, the disease occurs more often in healthcare workers and more commonly in nonsmokers than smokers.
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Wednesday, November 26th, 2008
By eliminating factors that contribute to the musculoskeletal pain, patients with myofascial pain syndrome (MPS) have reported vast improvement and prevented recurrent activation of trigger points. This can be done by:
* Correcting physical asymmetries. Some people are born with gait disturbances, such as one leg that is slightly longer than the other. Leg-length discrepancy due to an anatomically shorter limb or a locked sacroiliac joint can also lead to significant myofascial back pain. The asymmetry caused by these anatomic variations may be corrected with the use of heel lifts, dynamic insoles or buttock lifts.
* Using good posture. Good posture minimizes stress and improves efficiency in the use of muscles. Correcting poor body posture and alignment is an important component of treating patients with MPS.
* Proper ergonomics and body mechanics. Certain jobs and work activities (e.g., data entry, construction, assembly-line workers) are associated with an increased risk of developing cumulative trauma that leads to musculoskeletal disorders, including MPS. Modifying the workplace or the patient’s work habits is important in reducing pain and discomfort. However, in some cases patients may need to change careers.
* Nutrition. Getting proper nutrition ensures that the body has what it needs to function and heal. Deficiencies in vitamins C, B1, B6, B12 and folic acid have been linked to MPS. In addition, eating a well-balanced diet is believed to help improve symptoms of pain, depression, fatigue and headaches.
* Relaxation techniques. Psychological stress may aggravate MPS symptoms by activating TrPs. Relaxation and stress management techniques may be employed to manage stress and pain. Deep breathing, visual imagery and relaxing audio may be used as effective tools for relaxation.
* Exercise. Regular exercise has been shown to decrease pain and increase endurance and is essential for long-term recovery of MPS. A rehabilitation program should include postural and strengthening exercises as well as aerobic conditioning. Posture-enhancing exercises improve musculoskeletal alignment, thereby enhancing balance and promoting relaxation. Strengthening and aerobic conditioning improve not only strength and endurance, but also blood circulation in the muscles.
Muscle soreness may be minimized with relaxation, heat, steady breathing and drinking adequate water. Stretching prior and after exercising is also extremely important to lengthen muscles and maintain their length, help muscles relax, improve ability to move muscles and decrease pain.
* Limiting or avoiding alcohol consumption and cigarette smoking.
* Getting enough rest. Striving for restful sleep is important in the treatment of MPS. Sleep deprivation can be a major factor in the continuation of musculoskeletal pain. Patients are encouraged to get seven to eight hours of sleep each night. A healthy sleep regimen is crucial to improving sleep and includes going to bed at the same time every night, avoiding exercise three hours before going to bed and limiting caffeine and sugar intake before bedtime.
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Thursday, November 20th, 2008
Because of limited clinical research, the causes of myofascial pain syndrome (MPS) are not thoroughly understood. However, physicians have identified several factors that can lead to the development of one or more trigger points (TrPs) resulting in chronic musculoskeletal pain. These include:
* Trauma to the musculoskeletal tissues (e.g., muscles, ligaments, tendons, bursae)
* Repetitive motion injuries, such as bursitis or tennis elbow
* Poor posture and ergonomics
* Skeletal asymmetry (e.g., gait disturbances such as leg-length discrepancies, short upper arms)
* Sedentary lifestyle
* Nervous tension or stress
* Clenching or grinding the teeth (bruxism)
* Sleep deprivation
* Nutritional deficiencies (e.g., low levels of calcium, potassium, iron and vitamins C, B1, B6 and B12)
* Hormonal changes, such as occurs during menstruation and menopause
* Chilling areas of the body (e.g., sitting under an air conditioning vent for long periods of time)
* Alcohol
* Smoking cigarettes
* Overexertion
Additionally, many chronic illnesses may activate TrPs, such as:
* Viral or bacterial infections
* Inflammatory diseases including:
- Rheumatoid arthritis. Inflammation of the joints that can lead to damage, pain and reduced movement.
- Fibromyalgia. A rheumatic condition characterized by widespread pain in the joints, muscles, tendons and other soft tissues, among other symptoms. MPS can also co-exist with fibromyalgia.
- Appendicitis, gallbladder or stomach inflammation.
- Lupus. An autoimmune disorder that can affect many systems, including the skin, joints and internal organs.
* Other conditions, such as abnormal levels of blood sugar (e.g., diabetes, hypoglycemia), heart attack, hyperuricemia (buildup of uric acid in the blood, associated with gout and kidney stones), and hypothyroidism (underactive thyroid gland).
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Friday, July 18th, 2008
You may be able to avoid back pain by improving your physical condition and learning and practicing proper body mechanics.
To keep your back healthy and strong:
* Exercise. Regular low-impact aerobic activities — those that don’t strain or jolt your back — can increase strength and endurance in your back and allow your muscles to function better. Walking and swimming are good choices. Talk with your doctor about which activities are best for you.
* Build muscle strength and flexibility. Abdominal and back muscle exercises (core-strengthening exercises) help condition these muscles so that they work together like a natural corset for your back. Flexibility in your hips and upper legs aligns your pelvic bones to improve how your back feels.
* Quit smoking. Smokers have diminished oxygen levels in their spinal tissues, which can hinder the healing process.
* Maintain a healthy weight. Being overweight puts strain on your back muscles. If you’re overweight, trimming down can prevent back pain.
Use proper body mechanics:
* Stand smart. Maintain a neutral pelvic position. If you must stand for long periods of time, alternate placing your feet on a low footstool to take some of the load off your lower back.
* Sit smart. Choose a seat with good lower back support, arm rests and a swivel base. Consider placing a pillow or rolled towel in the small of your back to maintain its normal curve. Keep your knees and hips level.
* Lift smart. Let your legs do the work. Move straight up and down. Keep your back straight and bend only at the knees. Hold the load close to your body. Avoid lifting and twisting simultaneously. Find a lifting partner if the object is heavy or awkward.
Alternative medicine
Many people choose hands-on therapies to ease their back pain:
* Chiropractic care. Back pain is one of the most common reasons that people see a chiropractor. If you’re considering chiropractic care, talk to your doctor about the most appropriate specialist for your type of problem. In addition to chiropractors, many osteopathic doctors and some physical therapists have training in spinal manipulation.
* Acupuncture. Some people with low back pain report that acupuncture helps relieve their symptoms. The National Institutes of Health has found that acupuncture can be an effective treatment for some types of chronic pain. In acupuncture, the practitioner inserts sterilized stainless steel needles into the skin at specific points on the body.
* Massage. If your back pain is caused by tense or overworked muscles, massage therapy may help loosen knotted muscles and promote relaxation.
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Monday, July 14th, 2008
Factors that increase your risk of developing low back pain include:
* Smoking
* Obesity
* Older age
* Female gender
* Physically strenuous work
* Sedentary work
* Stressful job
* Anxiety
* Depression
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