Search by Blog
Read by Category

Your healing journey continues beyond this blog

Find the right products for better recovery at online store
Cart Image
Lung Cancer Not just a Smoker’s Disease

Did you know that lung cancer is responsible for the highest number of deaths in India? This number even exceeds the deaths caused by other types of cancers including ovarian, breast, prostate and colon, put together.

FACT: 50% of the patients suffering from lung cancer had never smoked.

Lung Cancer, which originates in one or both the lungs, is defined as an uncontrolled growth of abnormal cells in the lungs. These abnormal cells can grow into the tumorous form and interfere with the normal functioning of the lungs.

As per the WHO study, 70% of lung cancer occurs in patients aged 65 years or above, while the rate of lung cancer patients is just 3% in people aged 45 years or below. The main reason for lung cancer is smoking followed by prolonged exposure to toxic and polluted air, asbestos fibers and radon gas.

Types of Lung Cancer

Small Cell Carcinoma:

  • This is the fast-growing type of lung cancer and occurs mostly in smokers.
  • The tumorous growth first starts in the bronchi (the breathing tubes) and then spreads throughout the body (metastasizing).
  • Symptoms include cough, chest pain, phlegm, or shortness of breath.

Non-Small Cell Lung Carcinoma:

  • NSCLC affects both smokers and non-smokers. This is the most common type of lung cancer accounting for 85% of all lung cancers.
  • NSCLC is sub-classified into Adenocarcinoma, Large Cell Carcinoma and Squamous cell carcinoma, based upon the types of cells the tumor consists of.
  • NSCLC is often asymptomatic until the cancer reaches a more advanced stage.
  • Symptoms include chronic cough, weight loss, fatigue, chest or back pain, shortness of breath or coughing up blood.

Complications of Lung Cancer

  • Shortness of breath: As the cancer cells grow, they block the airways making it harder for the lungs to expand fully to inhale and thus causing shortness of breath.
  • Coughing up blood: The cancer cells may cause bleeding in the airways, leading to the patient coughing up blood, which is called Hemoptysis.
  • Pain: In advance stages, the lung cancer metastasizes to other body parts like the bones that cause pain.
  • Fluid in the chest (pleural effusion): As the tumor cells grow, the fluid gets accumulated in the pleural space (chest cavity) which causes shortness of breath.
  • Cancer metastasis: Lung cancer originates in the lungs but often spreads to different body parts like the brain and the bones. Once cancer becomes metastatic, it becomes difficult to treat it.

Lung Cancer no longer just a Smoker’s Disease?

Smoking is the major cause of Lung Cancer but this is not the only factor which is taking your life away. There is an increased risk of the disease if you are an active smoker and also if you are exposed to second-hand smoke (passive smoker). But, lung cancer has been seen affecting those people who have never smoked in their lives.

Following are a few other risk factors that could lead to lung cancer:

  • Passive Smoking: Any exposure to a secondhand smoke is also as harmful as smoking.
  • Toxic Air & Air pollution: An exposure to radon gas, which is produced by the natural break down of uranium in the soil, water or rock and which ultimately mixes with the air that we breathe in, is also unsafe.
    • As per a report of the Indian Medical Association (IMA) released in November 2017, the air quality index of Delhi breached 999 which was equivalent to smoking 50 cigarettes a day. International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) which is a part of the World Health Organization has classified the outdoor pollution as carcinogenic.
  • Genetic Basis/Family History: People who have a family history of lung cancer are at an increased risk of developing the disease.
  • Compromised Immune System: People who have compromised immune system like those suffering from indications like HIV and people who are on long-term steroid treatments are also at risk of developing lung cancer.

There is no 100% guaranteed sure-fire way to prevent lung cancer, but there are a few ways in which you can reduce the risk.

  • Quit Smoking and avoid other tobacco-related products
  • Don’t Start Smoking
  • Avoid Passive Smoke
  • Avoid carcinogens
  • Eat a healthy & nutritious diet full of fruits and vegetables
  • Exercise regularly
  • Breathing exercises: deep inhalation and exhalation early mornings.

Globally, Lung Cancer accounts for nearly 1 in 5 cancer deaths. Once considered a man’s disease and a smoker’s disease it is now taking lives of women too. We need to follow a healthy lifestyle and be aware of the signs and symptoms of the disease.

Creating awareness, approaching the doctor at the right time and seeking diagnosis with appropriate treatment can help save lives. November is “Lung Cancer Awareness Month” and we @ Datt Mediproducts are spreading awareness.

Visit www.dattmedi.com for more infomation.
Share:
Recent Blogs

Velfour® is a revolutionary 4-layer compression bandaging system designed to manage venous leg ulcers and associated conditions. With a sub-bandage pressure of 35-40 mm Hg at the ankle, this high-compression system incorporates elastic layers to achieve sustained compression and promote healing.

Velfour® consists of four essential components that work together synergistically to deliver effective compression and support:

1. Velfour®#1 (Orthopaedic wool):

This layer serves as the primary absorbent material, effectively managing exudate while redistributing pressure evenly around the limb.

2. Velfour® #2 (Cotton crepe bandage):

Designed to enhance absorbency, the cotton crepe bandage smooths out the Orthopaedic Wool layer, ensuring optimal comfort and performance.

3. Velfour®#3 (Elastic Compression Bandage):

The first layer of elastic compression sub-bandage, exerting a pressure of approximately 17 mm Hg at the ankle. This layer provides the initial compression necessary for effective treatment.

4. Velfour® #4 (Cohesive Bandage):

The second layer of compression, adding the remaining 23 mm Hg of pressure while ensuring the bandage remains securely in place. The cohesive properties of this bandage contribute to its stability and adherence.

Velfour® offers a range of features and benefits that make it an exceptional choice for venous leg ulcer management:

1. Effective compression:

With a pressure of approximately 40 mm Hg at the ankle, it delivers the necessary compression to promote healing, gradually reducing to 17 mm Hg at the knee. This graduated compression approach ensures optimal therapeutic results.

2. Graduated compression:

The bandage provides high compression at the ankle and gradually decreases the pressure at the calf.

3. Sustained compression:

It maintains a consistent level of compression for up to a full week, allowing for uninterrupted therapy and reducing the frequency of bandage changes. The treatment process is made simpler by this feature, which also increases patient compliance.

The leading option for treating venous leg ulcers, Velfour® also has additional advantages for a number of other ailments, such as:

1. Treatment of Venous Ulcers:

It improves results by hastening the healing process and facilitating the closure of venous leg ulcers.

2. Prevention of Ulcer Recurrence:

In cases where traditional compression stockings are not tolerated, It provides an effective alternative for preventing the recurrence of venous ulcers.

3. Symptomatic Relief of Superficial Thrombophlebitis:

The compression offered by Velfour®alleviates pain and inflammation associated with superficial thrombophlebitis, providing much-needed comfort to patients.

4. Traumatic Wounds with Local Edema:

It aids in reducing edema and promoting the healing of traumatic wounds, helping to restore the affected area to its optimal state.

5. Venous/Lymphatic Disorders:

It is suitable for managing various venous and lymphatic disorders by providing effective compression and support.

To ensure the optimal application and use of Velfour®, it is essential to follow these guidelines:

1. Limb Assessment:

Accurate measurement of the ankle circumference is crucial to determine the appropriate combination of bandages needed. Any changes in limb contour should also be noted for reference.

2. Wound Assessment:

Mapping the ulcer provides a baseline to track progress throughout the treatment. Regular wound assessment enables healthcare professionals to evaluate the effectiveness of Velfour® and make necessary adjustments.

3. Pain Assessment:

This plays a crucial role in managing venous leg ulcers. Compression therapy with it can alleviate pain, although a slight increase may occur initially.

Velfour® stands as a game-changing solution for managing venous leg ulcers. Its innovative 4-layer compression bandage system, combined with its effective pressure distribution and sustained compression, offers unparalleled benefits for patients and healthcare professionals alike.

We are committed to providing valuable information and insights to support your journey towards improved wound healing and patient well-being.

Allergies are a common health issue that affect a significant portion of the population worldwide. Allergies are a hypersensitive reaction of the immune system to an otherwise harmless substance, which is known as an allergen. The allergen can be any substance that triggers an allergic reaction in the body, such as pollen, dust, food, or animal dander.

Allergies are caused due to the abnormal response of the immune system, which mistakes a harmless substance for a harmful invader and initiates a defence mechanism, called antibodies, to protect the body from it. This results in various allergic reactions, such as skin rashes, itching, sneezing, watery eyes, and in severe cases, anaphylaxis.

There are various reasons behind the occurrence of allergies. Genetics plays a significant role in determining an individual’s likelihood of developing allergies. Environmental factors such as exposure to pollution, chemicals, and toxins can also trigger allergies.

There are several different types of allergies, each with their unique symptoms and triggers.

Some of the most common types of allergies include:

1. Respiratory allergies:

These allergies are triggered by airborne allergens such as pollen, dust mites, and animal dander. The symptoms of respiratory allergies include sneezing, coughing, and wheezing.

2. Food allergies:

These allergies occur when the immune system reacts to certain foods, such as nuts, shellfish, and eggs. Symptoms of food allergies can range from mild itching, tingling in the mouth, hives, swelling of the lips, tongue, face or throat to more severe life-threatening anaphylaxis.

3. Skin allergies:

These allergies occur when the skin comes into contact with an allergen, such as certain fabrics, metals, or cosmetics. The symptoms of skin allergies include rashes, itching, and swelling.

4. Insect allergies:

These allergies occur when an individual is bitten or stung by an insect, such as bees or mosquitoes. The symptoms of insect allergies can range from mild itching to severe anaphylaxis.

5. Medicine allergies:

Medicine allergies are hypersensitive reactions of the immune system to certain medications. They can cause symptoms like skin rashes, itching, swelling, and in severe cases, difficulty breathing or anaphylaxis. It is important to communicate medicine allergies to healthcare providers to ensure safe and effective treatment.

Precautionary methods can be taken to manage allergies. Firstly, it is crucial to identify the allergen that triggers the allergic reaction. This can be done through various tests such as skin tests or blood tests. Once the allergen is identified, it is essential to avoid exposure to it. For example, individuals with food allergies must avoid eating the allergen-containing food.

Similarly, those with respiratory allergies must avoid exposure to airborne allergens, such as pollen or animal dander. If a person has a known severe allergy then they can also wear a medical alert bracelet, which lets others know that you have a serious allergy incase they are unable to communicate it.

Medications such as antihistamines, decongestants, and corticosteroids can be used to manage allergy symptoms. In severe cases, epinephrine injections may be required to manage anaphylaxis.

In addition to medication, several lifestyle changes can also help manage allergies. One of the most important being to try to reduce stress levels. While stress can’t trigger an allergic reaction it can make it worse if you are having one. When in stress your body releases hormones including histamine, which is a powerful chemical that leads to allergy symptoms thus making the reaction worse.

Allergies can significantly impact the lives of those who suffer from them. However, with proper management, it is possible to reduce the severity of allergy symptoms. If you suspect that you have an allergy, it is important to seek medical advice and get a proper diagnosis.

We advice to follow precautionary methods and working with a healthcare professional, that can help you manage allergies and improve your quality of life. Follow us for more such information.

×