Hemoptysis is a dreaded condition that arises in approximately 5-10% of people suffering from tuberculosis. Read and find out all about the causes, symptoms, diagnosis and treatment of this disease.

Hemoptysis Definition

Hemoptysis refers to the coughing up (expectoration) of blood or bloody sputum from the respiratory tract. It can occur due to underlying conditions like respiratory infections, tuberculosis, bronchitis and various lung conditions.

The word “hemoptysis” is derived from the Greek terms “haima,” standing for “blood,” and “ptysis,” meaning “a spitting”.

Pneumoconiosis is a lung disease that usually affects people who work in mineral related industries. Read this article to learn more about its causes, symptoms and possible treatments.

Pneumoconiosis Definition

This lung disease is generally caused by inhaling dust of minerals over long periods of time. In the initial stage of Pneumoconiosis, irritating dusts cause temporary damage to the lungs which becomes more serious with continued exposure to the same harmful dusts. Pneumoconiosis is more common among men as they are the principal workers in mineral mines and industries.

Pulmonary Edema is a very serious condition affecting many people worldwide. Read and know what Is Pulmonary Edema as well as its causes, symptoms, diagnosis and treatment.

Pulmonary Edema Definition

Medical researchers normally define Pulmonary Edema as a condition that leads to abnormal accumulation of fluids in the air-filled spaces (alveoli) of the lungs. This is a complicated disorder that leads to serious complications and can even be life-threatening.

Rhinorrhea Definition

The term ‘Rhinorrhea’ has been derived from a combination of Greek words ‘rhinos’ referring to the nose, and ‘-rrhea’ implying flow or discharge. Accordingly, one may define rhinorrhea as a discharge of nasal fluids. It is most commonly a symptom of hay fever and common cold. It may also be symptomatic of drug withdrawal. It is basically caused by the inflammation of the tissues and vessels in the nasal passage. Due to this, it is also referred to as ‘Runny nose’ or ‘Rhinitis’.

Types of Rhinorrhea

Rhinorrhea may also be classified on the basis of the nature of the condition and the causes of the same. Rhinitis caused due to an allergy, is known as ‘allergic rhinitis’ and the ones caused due to some other reason, is referred to as ‘non-allergic rhinitis’. Gustatory rhinorrhea is a kind that is caused after eating. Another kind is purulent rhinorrhea which is caused due to the side-effects of antibiotics.

However, when the nasal flow is associated with the discharge of cerebrospinal fluids, which actually takes place in case of basal skull fracture, it may be referred to as ‘Cerebrospinal fluid rhinorrhea’ or ‘CSF rhinorrhea’.

Rhinorrhea Symptoms

Although rhinorrhea is itself a symptom of infectious diseases, allergies, irritation, or any kind of nasal inflammation, yet it may have few more symptoms than a running nose. Besides the discharge of mucosa from the nose which may be clear, yellowish, greenish or even brownish by nature, one may also exhibit other signs. One must be made aware that in case when the nature and colour of the fluid secreted is white, one is said to suffer from clear rhinorrhea.

Some of the other ways by which rhinorrhea may be signalled include nasal congestion caused due to sinusitis, sneezing, headache, dizziness, loss of consciousness or a confused mind, a sore threat, chills, pain in the ear and the face, weariness, bleeding by the nose, breathing problems and even diarrhoea. One may also suffer from cough, erythema and malaise.

However, if running nose is actually underlined by serious traumatic complications, it may exhibit serious symptoms such as fainting, unfettered bleeding, and frequent vomiting. It may actually be triggered by a head injury or an injury to the spine, thereby affecting the nervous system.

Chest Cold is one of the most common health conditions. Read on to know the causes, symptoms, diagnosis of the condition and also learn what to do for a chest cold.

What is Chest Cold?

Chest Cold refers to congestion of chest due to cold. It is actually a contagious disease that is known by the name “Acute Bronchitis”.

Chest Cold Symptoms

Some of the main symptoms of Chest Cold congestion include

Wet Cough – Bronchial infection and inflammation causes a wet cough that involves yellow or white colored phlegm. It is one of the main symptoms of a chest cold.

Fever – Bronchial infection is usually associated with high body temperatures. Fever gives rise to chills and aches in the body of sufferers. It is also accompanied by cold feeling in chest.

Respiratory Difficulties – Affected people often suffer from shortness of breath due to chest cold.

Some other signs of this disorder are wheezing, inflammation of the tongue and a general weakness in the body.

What Causes Chest Cold?

Chest Cold usually starts off as a normal case of cold. The condition affects the chest when mucus and phlegm drains into the lungs. Some of the main Chest Cold causes are

• Viral Infection
• Bacterial Infection
• Exposure to smoke or pollutants in air
• Wheezing
• Mild Fever
• Flu

Infection usually begins in the lungs during the end of conditions like flu. In case of a viral infection of the upper respiratory tract, microbes quickly spread to the lungs. This causes a bronchial infection and leads to swelling of the bronchi as well as the bronchioles, the tiny hollow passages inside the lungs through which air is transported while breathing.