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
- Often mild
- Sterility (no kids)
- Blindness
- Central nervous system destruction
- Disfigurement
- Even 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
- Main damage to the prostate gland, seminal vesicles, and bulbourethral gland
- Arthritis-like symptoms
- Damage to blood vessels and heart
Women
- Injury to the cervix or fallopian tubes, which can cause sterility
- Damage to the inner pelvic structure, leading to pelvic inflammatory disease (PID)
- High risk for miscarriage and stillbirth during pregnancy
- Conjunctivitis (eye infection) if untreated, which can lead to blindness
Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID)
PID is an infection of the uterus, fallopian tubes, and ovaries. While it is not an STI, untreated chlamydia and gonorrhea can lead to PID. Other factors that can contribute to PID include excessive vaginal douching, cigarette smoking, and substance abuse.
Gonorrhea
The pathogen Neisseria gonorrhea primarily infects the lining of the urethra, genital tract, pharynx, and rectum. It can spread to the eye or other body regions from the hands.
Symptoms
Male
- White, milky discharge
- Painful urination (2-9 days after infection)
Female
- Burning when urinating, often occurring much later after infection
Syphilis
Syphilis is caused by the bacterium Treponema pallidum. It dies in air, dryness, or cold. Transmission occurs through breaks in the skin, deep kissing, and the exchange of bodily fluids.
Stages
- Primary
- Secondary
- Latent
- Late
Pubic Lice
Pubic lice are small parasites transmitted during sexual contact or by laying on infected sheets.
Genital Warts
Genital warts penetrate the skin and mucous membrane of the genitals or anus through sexual contact. They can range in size from small pinheads to large, cauliflower-like growths. There are often no symptoms.
Trichomoniasis
Trichomoniasis is an infection characterized by foamy, yellowish, unpleasant-smelling discharge, burning, itching, and painful urination. It can be spread through contact with toilet seats, wet towels, and other contaminated surfaces.
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 get HIV than men. Ethnic minorities, teenagers, and college students are at a higher 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 Disease
Chronic lung disease can significantly limit a person’s ability to perform daily activities, such as climbing stairs, walking unassisted, or sleeping. It can lead to major disability and lack of function as the lungs fill with mucus, making the individual susceptible to bacterial or viral infections. This can cause acute stress on the heart system. Other symptoms include chronic cough, excessive phlegm, wheezing, and coughing up blood. Chronic lung disease can ultimately lead to death.
Allergy
Allergies are fairly common and are due to environmental factors. They can cause a running nose, itchy eyes, and other symptoms. Common allergens include molds, animal dander, hair and dead skin, pollen (ragweed), and dust. Allergies can worsen from childhood.
Hay Fever
Hay fever attacks are characterized by sneezing and itchy, watery eyes and nose. Common triggers include pet dander, dust, and pollen from various plants. Injections or antihistamines can provide relief.
Asthma
Asthma can occur at any age, but it is more common in boys than girls in childhood and more common in women than men in adulthood. More African Americans die from asthma than white Americans.
Emphysema
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 occurs when the bronchi become inflamed or infected, reducing airflow from the lungs. Heavy mucus begins to form. Cigarette smoking is a major cause of chronic bronchitis, and secondary infections can worsen the condition. Air pollution, dust, and fumes are also risk factors.
Sleep Apnea
Sleep apnea is not life-threatening, but it can be serious. Breathing stops for 10 seconds or longer, causing the person to wake up and start breathing again. Over time, sleep apnea can lead to high blood pressure and cardiovascular disease. Treatment options include reducing alcohol consumption, changing sleeping positions and schedules, and using a continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) machine.
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)
COPD is a collection of chronic lung diseases, including asthma, emphysema, and chronic bronchitis.
Allergy
An allergy is a hypersensitive reaction to a specific antigen or allergen in the environment. The body produces excessive antibodies to that antigen or allergen.
Histamines
Histamines are chemical substances that dilate blood vessels, increase mucous secretions, and produce other symptoms of allergies.
Hay Fever
Hay fever is a chronic respiratory disorder that is most prevalent when ragweed and flowers bloom.
Asthma
Asthma is a chronic respiratory disease characterized by attacks of wheezing, shortness of breath, and coughing spasms.
Emphysema
Emphysema is a respiratory disease in which the alveoli become distended or ruptured and are no longer functional.
Alveoli
Alveoli are tiny air sacs of the lungs.
Bronchitis
Bronchitis is an inflammation of the lining of the bronchial tubes.
Sleep Apnea
Sleep apnea is a disorder in which a person has numerous episodes of breathing stoppage during a night’s sleep.