Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs) and Chronic Lung Diseases: Symptoms, Causes, and Treatments
Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs) – Infectious diseases transmitted via some form of intimate, usually sexual, contact.
Chlamydia– Bacterially caused STI of the urogenital tract
Conjunctivitis– Serious inflammation of the eye caused by any number of pathogens or irritants; can be caused by STDs such as chlamydia.
Pelvic Inflammatory Disease- (PID) – Term used to describe various infections of the female reproductive tract
Gonorrhea– Second most common STD in the United States; if untreated, may cause sterility
Syphilis– One of most widespread STDs characterized by distinct phases and potentially serious results.
Chancre– Sore often found at the site of syphilis infection.
Pubic Lice– Parasites that can inhabit various body areas, especially the genitals; also called “crabs”
Genital Warts– Warts that appear in the genital area or the anus; caused by the human papillomavirus (HPVs)
Human Papillomavirus (HPV) A small group of viruses that cause genital warts.
Candidiasis– Yeast-like fungal disease often transmitted sexually
Vaginitis– Set of symptoms characterized by vaginal itching, swelling, and burning
Trichomoniasis– Protozoan infection characterized by foamy, yellowish discharge and unpleasant odor
Genital Herpes– STI caused by the herpes simplex virus
Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome- (AIDS) – Extremely virulent sexually transmitted disease that renders the immune system inoperative
Human Immunodeficiency Disease (HIV) –The slowing virus that causes AIDS
ELISA– Blood test that detects presence of antibodies to HIV virus
Western Blot– A test more accurate than the ELISA to confirm presence of HIV antibodies
STI Symptoms
Male Only
- A drip or drainage from the penis
Male + Female
- Sore bumps or blisters near sex organs or mouth
- Burning or pain when urinating
- Swelling or redness in the throat
- Fever, chills, aches
- Swelling of lymph nodes near genitals or swelling genitals
- Feeling the need to urinate frequently
Female Only
- Vaginal discharge or odor from the vagina
- Pain in the lower pelvis or deep in the vagina
- Bleeding from the vagina other than on your period
Early symptoms are often mild, but STIs can lead to serious complications, including:
- Sterility (inability to have children)
- Blindness
- Central nervous system destruction
- Disfigurement
- Death
Transmission
- Intimate sexual contact
- Sexual intercourse
- Oral-genital contact
- Hand-genital contact
- Anal intercourse
Chlamydia
Chlamydia is a bacterially caused infection of the urogenital tract. It is particularly common among college students and women.
Secondary damage from chlamydia can include:
- Damage to the prostate gland, seminal vesicles, and bulbourethral gland
- Arthritis-like symptoms
- Damage to blood vessels and heart
In women, chlamydia can injure the cervix or fallopian tubes, leading to:
- Sterility
- Damage to the inner pelvic structure
- Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID)
Untreated chlamydia during pregnancy can increase the risk of:
- Miscarriage
- Stillbirth
- Conjunctivitis (eye infection) in the newborn, which can lead to blindness if left untreated
Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID)
PID is an infection of the uterus, fallopian tubes, and ovaries. While it is not always an STI, untreated chlamydia and gonorrhea are common causes. Other factors that can contribute to PID include:
- Excessive vaginal douching
- Cigarette smoking
- Substance abuse
Gonorrhea
Gonorrhea is caused by the pathogen Neisseria gonorrhea. It primarily infects the lining of the urethra, genital tract, pharynx, and rectum. It can spread to the eye or other body regions from contact with infected hands.
Symptoms
Male
- White, milky discharge
- Painful urination
Symptoms typically appear 2-9 days after infection.
Female
- Burning during urination
Symptoms often appear much later after infection.
Syphilis
Syphilis is a bacterial infection caused by Treponema pallidum. It can be transmitted through:
- Breaks in the skin
- Deep kissing
- Exchange of bodily fluids
Syphilis progresses through four stages:
- Primary
- Secondary
- Latent
- Late
Pubic Lice
Pubic lice are small parasites that are transmitted through sexual contact or by lying on infected sheets.
Genital Warts
Genital warts are caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV). They penetrate the skin and mucous membranes of the genitals or anus through sexual contact. They can range in size from small pinheads to large, cauliflower-like growths. Genital warts often have no symptoms.
Trichomoniasis
Trichomoniasis is a protozoan infection characterized by:
- Foamy, yellowish discharge
- Unpleasant odor
- Burning
- Itching
- Painful urination
It can be spread through contact with contaminated objects, such as toilet seats and wet towels.
Herpes
There are two types of herpes:
- Type 1 affects the lips and other parts of the body.
- Type 2 infects any area of the body, with lesions often appearing on the vaginal area, penis, or anal opening.
HIV
Women are 4-10 times more likely to contract HIV than men. Ethnic minorities, teenagers, and college students are at increased risk. African and Hispanic women make up 76% of AIDS cases. AIDS is the leading cause of death for women aged 25-44 and one of the top ten causes of death for people aged 15-64.
Transmission
- Exchange of body fluids (blood, semen, vaginal secretions, saliva)
- Blood transfusion
- Injecting drugs
- Mother to child (during pregnancy, childbirth, or breastfeeding)
Symptoms
- Cold sweats
- Fever
- Tiredness
- Nausea
- Sore throat
Chronic Lung Diseases
Chronic lung diseases are a group of conditions that affect the lungs and airways, making it difficult to breathe. These diseases can be caused by a variety of factors, including smoking, air pollution, and genetics.
Chronic Lung Disease Symptoms
- Chronic breathlessness
- Limited ability to climb stairs, walk unassisted, or sleep
- Chronic cough
- Excessive phlegm
- Wheezing
- Coughing up blood
Chronic lung diseases can lead to:
- Major disability and lack of function
- Increased susceptibility to bacterial or viral infections
- Acute stress on the heart system
- Death
Allergy
Allergies are a common condition caused by the body’s hypersensitive reaction to specific antigens or allergens in the environment. The body produces excessive antibodies to these antigens, leading to a range of symptoms.
Common Allergens
- Molds
- Animal dander
- Hair and dead skin
- Pollen (ragweed, flowers, trees)
- Dust
Allergies can worsen from childhood.
Hay Fever
Hay fever is a chronic respiratory disorder characterized by sneezing, itchy, watery eyes, and a runny nose. It is most prevalent during ragweed and flower blooming seasons.
Common Hay Fever Triggers
- Pet dander
- Dust
- Pollen from various plants
Antihistamines can provide relief from hay fever symptoms.
Asthma
Asthma is a chronic respiratory disease characterized by attacks of wheezing, shortness of breath, and coughing spasms. It can occur at any age, but is more common in boys than girls in childhood and more common in women than men in adulthood. African Americans have a higher mortality rate from asthma than Caucasians.
Emphysema
Emphysema is a respiratory disease in which the alveoli (tiny air sacs in the lungs) become distended or ruptured and are no longer functional. The cause of emphysema is uncertain, but there is a strong relationship between long-term cigarette smoking and exposure to air pollution. People with emphysema often suffer discomfort for many years. Inadequate oxygen supply combined with the stress of overworking the heart takes a toll on the cardiovascular system and can lead to death.
Bronchitis
Bronchitis is an inflammation of the lining of the bronchial tubes. When the bronchi become inflamed or infected, less air is able to flow from the lungs. Heavy mucus begins to form.
Causes of Bronchitis
- Cigarette smoking
- Secondary infections
- Air pollution
- Dust
- Fumes
Cigarette smoking is a major cause of chronic bronchitis. Secondary infections can worsen the condition. Air pollution, dust, and fumes are also risk factors.
Sleep Apnea
Sleep apnea is a disorder in which a person has numerous episodes of breathing stoppage during a night’s sleep. Each episode can last for 10 seconds or longer. The person wakes up and starts to breathe again. Over time, sleep apnea can lead to high blood pressure, which can cause cardiovascular disease.
Treatment for Sleep Apnea
- Reducing alcohol consumption
- Changing sleeping position
- Adjusting sleep schedules
While sleep apnea is not life-threatening, it can significantly impact sleep quality and overall health.