Common Health Conditions: Symptoms, Management, and Care

Posted on May 26, 2025 in Other university degrees and diplomas

Asthma: Understanding Symptoms and Management

Definition of Asthma

Asthma is a chronic respiratory condition where airways narrow, swell, and produce excess mucus.

Classification of Asthma

  • Seasonal Asthma: Some individuals cannot tolerate even minor changes in season (cold, hot, rain). Seasonal variations can trigger allergic reactions, leading to complications if not treated early.
  • Allergic Asthma: Triggered by allergens such as pollen, animal dander, or dust.
  • Occupational Asthma: Caused by exposure to various chemicals in industrial settings.
  • Exercise-Induced Asthma: Excessive exercise can also trigger asthma.

Clinical Manifestations of Asthma

  • Wheezing
  • Dyspnea (shortness of breath)
  • Cough
  • Chest tightness or pain
  • Prolonged expiration
  • Thick, gelatinous sputum or mucus

Non-Pharmacological Management for Asthma

  • Avoid allergens responsible for allergic conditions.
  • Avoid smoking, excessive alcohol consumption, and other risk factors that contribute to disease manifestations.
  • Regular use of home remedies and natural products.
  • Regularly practice pranayama, yoga, and exercise to improve lung capacity and overall health.

Pharmacological Treatment for Asthma

Bronchodilators for Asthma Relief

Rapidly relax airway muscles, providing quick relief from symptoms like wheezing and chest tightness. Examples:

  • Albuterol (ProAir HFA, Proventil HFA, Ventolin HFA)
  • Levalbuterol (Xopenex HFA)

Anti-inflammatory Medications for Asthma

Reduce inflammation in the airways, preventing swelling and narrowing. Examples:

  • Fluticasone (Flovent HFA, Arnuity Ellipta)

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)

Definition of COPD

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) is characterized by progressive, partially reversible airflow obstruction and lung hyperinflation, often with significant extrapulmonary manifestations and comorbid conditions.

Symptoms of COPD

  • Breathing difficulty (Dyspnea on exertion)
  • Cough
  • Increased mucus production (sputum)
  • Wheezing

Non-Pharmacological Management for COPD

  • Cigarette smoking is a major cause of COPD; therefore, the best management involves avoiding or stopping smoking immediately.
  • Tobacco consumption also contributes to this disease; prevent tobacco chewing. Pharmaceutical chewing products are available as alternatives.
  • Occupational exposure to chemicals or particulate matter is another risk factor for COPD; apply all necessary precautions in the workplace.

Pharmacological Treatment for COPD

Long-Acting Bronchodilators for COPD

Used daily for long-term symptom control and to prevent exacerbations. Examples:

  • Salmeterol
  • Formoterol
  • Indacaterol (long-acting beta-2 agonists)

Inhaled Corticosteroids for COPD

Used in combination with long-acting bronchodilators, especially in patients with severe COPD or frequent exacerbations. Examples:

  • Fluticasone
  • Budesonide
  • Beclomethasone

Diabetes Mellitus: Types, Symptoms, and Management

Definition of Diabetes Mellitus

Diabetes mellitus is a group of metabolic disorders characterized by hyperglycemia. Hyperglycemia in diabetes results from defects in insulin secretion, insulin action, or both. Chronic hyperglycemia and associated metabolic dysregulation can lead to secondary damage in multiple organ systems, especially the kidneys, eyes, nerves, and blood vessels. Blood glucose is normally maintained within a narrow range of 70 to 120 mg/dL.

Classification of Diabetes Mellitus

  • Type 1 Diabetes: An autoimmune disease characterized by pancreatic β-cell destruction and an absolute deficiency of insulin. It accounts for approximately 5% to 10% of all cases.
  • Type 2 Diabetes: Caused by a combination of peripheral resistance to insulin action and an inadequate secretory response by pancreatic β-cells (relative insulin deficiency). Approximately 90% to 95% of diabetic patients have type 2 diabetes.

Clinical Manifestations of Diabetes

  • Excessive hunger (polyphagia) and thirst (polydipsia)
  • Frequent urination (polyuria)
  • Progressive weight loss
  • Sudden vision changes
  • Tingling or numbness in the hands or feet

Pharmacological Management for Diabetes

Insulin Therapy for Diabetes

  • Long-acting: E.g., Insulin degludec, Insulin glargine
  • Intermediate-acting: E.g., Insulin Zinc suspension

Medications to Enhance Insulin Secretion

  • Dipeptidyl Peptidase-4 (DPP-4) Inhibitors: E.g., Alogliptin, Linagliptin, Saxagliptin, Sitagliptin, Teneligliptin, Vidagliptin
  • Glucagon-like Peptide-1 (GLP-1) Agonists: E.g., Albiglutide, Dulaglutide, Exenatide, Liraglutide, Lixisenatide, Semaglutide

Medications to Overcome Insulin Resistance

  • Biguanides: E.g., Buformin, Metformin, Phenformin
  • Dual Peroxisome Proliferator-Activated Receptor (PPAR) Agonists

Non-Pharmacological Management for Diabetes

  • Increasingly sedentary lifestyles and poor eating habits have contributed to the simultaneous escalation of diabetes and obesity, often termed the diabesity epidemic.
  • Avoid any type of injury.
  • Develop a personalized diet plan, as blood sugar level maintenance is crucial in diabetes.

Hypothyroidism: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment

Definition of Hypothyroidism

Hypothyroidism is a condition characterized by thyroid hormone deficiency, resulting from structural or functional derangement that interferes with thyroid hormone production.

Clinical Manifestations of Hypothyroidism

  • Fatigue: Feeling tired even after adequate sleep
  • Weight gain: Unexplained weight gain or difficulty losing weight
  • Cold intolerance: Feeling cold, especially in the hands and feet
  • Dry skin: Dry, scaly, and itchy skin
  • Hair changes: Dry, thinning, or brittle hair and nails

Pharmacological Management for Hypothyroidism

  • Levothyroxine
  • Triiodothyronine

Non-Pharmacological Management for Hypothyroidism

  • Follow a physician-indicated diet plan, as iodine level maintenance is crucial in thyroid disorders.
  • Avoid consumption of goitrogenic foods such as broccoli and cauliflower.
  • Increase intake of yellow vegetables, eggs, and carrots.
  • Coconut water and green tea may help manage hypothyroidism and aid in weight loss.
  • Avoid allergy-causing substances.
  • Try to avoid stress and depression; visit places that evoke happiness and pleasant feelings.
  • Regularly practice exercise and yoga.

Hyperthyroidism: Symptoms, Causes, and Treatment

Definition of Hyperthyroidism

Hyperthyroidism is a condition characterized by the excessive release of thyroid hormones. It is sometimes divided into two types based on causative factors:

  1. Primary Hyperthyroidism: Arises from an intrinsic thyroid abnormality, such as Graves’ disease, an autoimmune condition.
  2. Secondary Hyperthyroidism: Arises from processes outside the thyroid, such as a TSH-secreting pituitary tumor.

Clinical Manifestations of Hyperthyroidism

  • Tachycardia (rapid heart rate)
  • Tremors
  • Heat intolerance
  • Infertility
  • Polyphagia (excessive hunger)
  • Palpitations

Pharmacological Management for Hyperthyroidism

  • Thioamides: E.g., Methimazole, Propylthiouracil
  • Iodide Salts: E.g., Lugol’s solution
  • Iodinated Contrast Media: E.g., Ipodate
  • Beta-Blockers: E.g., Propranolol, Esmolol
  • Anion Inhibitors: E.g., Thiocyanate, Perchlorate

Non-Pharmacological Management for Hyperthyroidism

  • Follow a physician-indicated diet plan, as maintaining low iodine levels is crucial in hyperthyroidism.
  • Consume a diet rich in calcium, vitamin D, magnesium, and selenium.
  • Avoid intake of sugar, caffeine, alcohol, and similar products.

Scabies: Understanding the Skin Mite Infestation

Introduction to Scabies

Scabies is an infectious skin disease caused by the human itch mite. The microscopic scabies mite burrows into the upper layer of the skin, where it lives and lays its eggs. The most common symptoms of scabies are intense itching and a pimple-like skin rash. The scabies mite is typically spread by direct, prolonged skin-to-skin contact with an infected person.

Clinical Manifestations of Scabies

  • Formation of plaques
  • Thickening of skin
  • Puffy and red eyelids
  • Hyperpigmentation of skin

Pharmacological Management for Scabies

  • Anti-allergic Drugs: E.g., Cetirizine, Levocetirizine, Fexofenadine, Diphenhydramine, Chlorphenamine, Pheniramine
  • Antifungal Agents: E.g., Terbinafine, Flucytosine, Ketoconazole, Miconazole, Luliconazole, Clotrimazole, Salicylic acid, Tolnaftate, Fluconazole

Non-Pharmacological Management for Scabies

  • Diet is an important factor in skin disorders, as some foods can cause skin allergies and lead to severe conditions.
  • Self-awareness is crucial to identify substances that cause allergies (allergens like dust, smoke, pollen, food, etc.).

Iron Deficiency Anemia: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment

Definition of Iron Deficiency Anemia

Iron deficiency anemia is the most common nutritional disorder worldwide. It develops due to inadequate iron availability for hemoglobin synthesis, resulting in microcytic and hypochromic red blood cells (RBCs). Dietary iron deficiency is the most common cause in developing countries. Blood loss can also lead to iron deficiency, stemming from relatively benign disorders like peptic ulcers, arteriovenous malformations, or angiodysplasia (small vascular abnormalities along the intestinal walls). More serious causes include inflammatory bowel disease and malignancy.

Clinical Manifestations of Iron Deficiency Anemia

  • Increased Basal Metabolic Rate (BMR)
  • Heart disease (Tachycardia, angina, heart attack)
  • Spleen enlargement, liver enlargement
  • Hyperventilation and dyspnea

Pharmacological Management for Iron Deficiency Anemia

  • Oral Iron: E.g., Ferrous sulfate, Ferrous aminoate, Ferrous gluconate, Ferrous succinate, Carbonyl iron, Iron calcium complex
  • Parenteral Iron: E.g., Iron sucrose, Iron dextran, Iron isomaltoside, Ferric carboxymaltose, Ferric pyrophosphate citrate

Non-Pharmacological Management for Iron Deficiency Anemia

  • Daily intake of iron-rich sources, such as green vegetables (e.g., lettuce, spinach, asparagus, broccoli), certain fruits (e.g., lemons, bananas, melons), and animal sources (e.g., liver, especially dark meat).
  • Digestive activity is crucial for iron absorption; follow a regular regimen including yoga, exercise, and a balanced diet.
  • During pregnancy or menstrual flow, iron deficiency is common, requiring increased iron-rich supplements and greater care.

Megaloblastic Anemia: Understanding the Deficiency

Definition of Megaloblastic Anemia

Megaloblastic anemia develops due to a deficiency of maturation factors, such as folic acid. In this condition, red blood cells (RBCs) do not mature properly, and DNA synthesis is defective or impaired, leading to ineffective hematopoiesis and distinctive morphological changes, including abnormally large erythroid precursors and red cells. The RBCs are megaloblastic and hypochromic.

Clinical Manifestations of Megaloblastic Anemia

  • Increased Basal Metabolic Rate (BMR)
  • Heart disease (Tachycardia, angina, heart attack)
  • Fatigue and weakness
  • Skin and mucosa turn yellow in color
  • Brittle hair and nails, atrophy of tongue papillae

Pharmacological Management for Megaloblastic Anemia

Iron-containing preparations may be given, as well as maturation factors:

  • Oral Iron: E.g., Ferrous sulfate, Ferrous aminoate, Ferrous gluconate, Ferrous succinate, Carbonyl iron, Iron calcium complex
  • Parenteral Iron: E.g., Iron sucrose, Iron dextran, Iron isomaltoside, Ferric carboxymaltose, Ferric pyrophosphate citrate
  • Maturation Factors: E.g., Hydroxocobalamin, Methylcobalamin, Cyanocobalamin, Folinic acid (Leucovorin)

Non-Pharmacological Management for Megaloblastic Anemia

  • Daily intake of iron-rich sources, such as green vegetables (e.g., lettuce, spinach, asparagus, broccoli), certain fruits (e.g., lemons, bananas, melons), and animal sources (e.g., liver).
  • Digestive activity is crucial for iron absorption; follow a regular regimen including yoga, exercise, and a balanced diet.
  • During pregnancy or menstrual flow, iron deficiency is common, requiring increased iron-rich supplements and greater care.

Psoriasis: A Chronic Inflammatory Skin Condition

Definition of Psoriasis

Psoriasis is a common chronic inflammatory dermatosis, characterized by persistent or relapsing scaling skin lesions. Classic lesions are sharply marginated, erythematous, and surmounted by silvery scales. While most patients have a limited number of fixed plaques, clinical presentation varies greatly. Individuals of all ages can develop the disease.

Clinical Manifestations of Psoriasis

  • Psoriatic arthritis
  • Patches covered with silvery-white flakes
  • Raised and thickened skin

Pharmacological Management for Psoriasis

  • Anti-allergic Drugs: E.g., Cetirizine, Levocetirizine, Fexofenadine, Diphenhydramine, Chlorphenamine, Pheniramine
  • Antifungal Agents: E.g., Terbinafine, Flucytosine, Ketoconazole, Miconazole, Luliconazole, Clotrimazole, Salicylic acid, Tolnaftate, Fluconazole
  • Antibiotics: E.g., Ofloxacin, Moxifloxacin, Clarithromycin
  • NSAIDs: E.g., Naproxen, Ibuprofen, Piroxicam, Diclofenac
  • Immunosuppressants: E.g., Betamethasone, Dexamethasone, Deflazacort, Cortisone, Prednisolone

Non-Pharmacological Management for Psoriasis

  • Diet is an important factor in skin disorders, as some foods can cause skin allergies and lead to severe conditions.
  • Self-awareness is crucial to identify substances that cause allergies (allergens like dust, smoke, pollen, food, etc.).

Eczema: Understanding Acute Eczematous Dermatitis

Introduction to Eczema

The Greek word eczema, meaning ‘to boil over,’ vividly describes the appearance of acute eczematous dermatitis, one of the most common skin disorders. Based on initiating factors, eczematous dermatitis can be subdivided into various categories.

Clinical Manifestations of Eczema

  • Itching and burning sensation
  • Dryness of skin
  • Cutaneous reactivity

Pharmacological Management for Eczema

  • Anti-allergic Drugs: E.g., Cetirizine, Levocetirizine, Fexofenadine, Diphenhydramine, Chlorphenamine, Pheniramine
  • Antifungal Agents: E.g., Terbinafine, Flucytosine, Ketoconazole, Miconazole, Luliconazole, Clotrimazole, Salicylic acid, Tolnaftate, Fluconazole

Non-Pharmacological Management for Eczema

  • Diet is an important factor in skin disorders, as some foods can cause skin allergies and lead to severe conditions.