Whelehans Health Blog

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) Prevention The main symptom of Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is an inability to breathe in and out properly, otherwise known as airflow obstruction. COPD is the name for a group of lung diseases including chronic bronchitis, emphysema, and chronic obstructive airways disease. Types Chronic bronchitis: bronchitis means 'inflammation of the bronchi'. Inflammation caused by the likes of smoking damage increases mucus produced in the airways which causes the classic COPD cough. Emphysema: this is where the alveoli (air sacs) in the lungs lose their elasticity causing them to get narrower. It also means the...

Cough A cough is a reflex action to clear the throat of any foreign bodies or particles, such as dust.  But when you get a cold, the infected mucus from your nose drips down the back of your throat in a process called post-nasal drip.  This post-nasal drip causes a type of cough that is not helpful at all. Essentially there are two types of coughs, a dry or a chesty cough.  Chesty coughs occur when mucus (also called phlegm or catarrh) builds up in the airways and the cough occurs so your body can clear the mucus.  Chesty cough...

Coeliac disease (Part 3) Over the last week I discussed causes, symptoms, and diagnosis of Coeliac Disease (CD)   Treatment From a medical perspective – the GP may require the patient to attend an annual check-up. This may not be much more than a discussion on progress together with maybe height and weight check. This relates to full absorption of calories and any height loss related to potential osteoporosis concerns. Depending on the situation, the GP may also recommend supplements such a Calcium and Vit D, particularly in the months following diagnosis. The simplest and most effective treatment for CD...

Coeliac disease (Part 2) Last week I discussed causes of Coeliac Disease (CD)   Symptoms For some, symptoms may only be mild and perhaps occasional, whilst for others, they may be persistent and severe. With CD, because the body is unable to absorb nutrients fully (malabsorption), the most common symptom of CD is Diarrhoea, often severe and foul smelling. This symptom is often misdiagnosed or presumed by the sufferer to be irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).   Other common symptoms may include: - Constipation Excessive wind/ flatulence Persistent or unexplained gastrointestinal symptoms, such as nausea and vomiting Recurring stomach pain, cramping...

Coeliac disease (Part 1) Coeliac disease (CD) is an autoimmune condition where the body’s immune system in attacks its own tissue when gluten is eaten. This reaction then causes chronic inflammation and damage to the lining of the small intestine, which can then prevent vital nutrients in food from being absorbed. Coeliac disease is not an allergy or a food intolerance, it is a serious chronic condition. Many people living with the condition feel that is some ways, the seriousness of their condition is somewhat trivialised these days as they become (wrongly) grouped with many people make the modern lifestyle...