Download Allergies, Asthma, Diabetes, and Arthritis

Allergies, Asthma,
Diabetes, and Arthritis
Allergies
• Allergy- specific reaction of the immune system to a
foreign and frequently harmless substance
• Sneezing and running nose that are thought to be
from a cold can be a result from something in the air
• Allergens- substances that cause allergy
• Common: pollen, foods, dust, mold spores, chemicals,
insect venum, and medicines
• Antigens on the surface of allergens bind to immune
cells in lining of the nasal passages
• These cells release histamines- chemicals that
stimulate mucous and fluid production in an area
• Produce sneezing, itchy eyes, runny nose, and other
symptoms
• Some people can have hives- itchy raised bumps on
the skin
• Severe or life threatening symptoms
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Hives
Itching or swelling of affected area or mouth
Difficulty breathing or swallowing
Raspy voice
Swelling of tongue
Sharp drop in blood pressure
• If you experience these symptoms after eating
shellfish or peanuts, or after being stung by a bee or
wasp seek medical attention
Diagnosing Allergies
• You can diagnose on your own
• Notice if you sneeze around certain plants or react
to certain foods
• Three common tests are used to diagnose
• Blood test
• Food elimination diet
• Skin test- skin is scratches and a small amount of
allergens are applied – activates inflammatory response
Treatment
• Avoid the allergen
• Antihistamines- medicine that controls the
symptoms that is triggered by histamines
• Allergies that irritate the respiratory tract can lead to
Asthma
• Immunotherapy- a series of shots that contain small
amounts of the allergen to which a person is
sensitive to
• Causes immune system to become less sensitive
• Other symptoms from eating something does not
mean you are allergic to a food
• Lactose intolerance is not an allergy
• People allergic to certain foods must avoid the food
that causes the reaction- this includes reading the
ingredient list on food labels
Asthma
• An inflammatory condition in which the small
airways in the lungs become narrowed causing
difficulty in breathing
• More than 17 million people have Asthma in the US
• Can develop at any age but 1/3 of those with
Asthma are under age 18
• The bronchiole tubes are sensitive to certain
substances- triggers
• Common triggers
• Tobacco smoke, air pollution, pet dander, mold, pollen,
and dust mites
• The muscles around the bronchial tubes to tighten
and produce extra mucus
• Results in minor wheezing to severe difficulty in
breathing
Managing Asthma
• No cure
• Four strategies
• Monitor the condition- recognize signs (shortness of
breath, chest tightness, coughing)
• Manage environment or make behavior changes
• Manage stress- it can trigger an attack
• Take medication- can relieve symptoms, prevent flare
ups, and reduce sensitivity
• Bronchodilators- taken with an inhaler, relaxes and widens
air pathway
Diabetes
• A chronic disease that affects the way body cells
convert food into energy
• No cure
• Early detection can prevent serious side effects
• Two Types
• Severe side effects:
Blindness, kidney failure, limb amputations, heart
disease and, stroke
• If diagnosed diabetes can be managed with
medication, a healthful diet, and regular exercise
• It is often preventable
• Involves insulina hormone that the pancreas produces that helps
glucose enter the body’s cells
• Involves glucoseSugar from carbohydrates we eat, provides energy to
cells of the body
• For our body’s cells to function they need a constant
source of energy (glucose)
• If glucose is not converted into energy, it builds up
in the blood, and the body’s cells do not get energy
• Diabetes is diagnosed by a blood test
Type 1 Diabetes
• 5-10% of all diabetics
• Appears suddenly
• No insulin production
• As a result glucose levels build up in the blood and the
body cells starve of energy
• Over time the high blood sugar level damages eyes,
kidneys, nerves, and heart
• Cause is not clear
• One theory is that a trigger stimulates a person’s
body to destroy the cells of the pancreas that
produce insulin
• Autoimmune disease- a condition in which the
immune system mistakenly attacks itself
• People with type 1 diabetes must take daily doses of
insulin through injections or a surgical pump
Type 2 Diabetes
• Most often appears after age 40
• In now being found in teenagers and young adults
• The body cannot use insulin properly
• Build up of glucose results blood
• Becoming an epidemic because of the increase in
obesity and inactive lifestyles
• A diet high in fat, calories, and cholesterol increases the
risk
• Choose low fat, lower calories alternatives
• Increased physical activity helps control weight and
reduces blood cholesterol levels
• Treatment includes weight management and regular
physical activity
• Diabetic neuropathy- nerve damage
• Can cause ulcers on the foot which can lead to amputation
or
• Nerve damage in the eye
Arthritis
• A group of more than 100 different diseases that
cause pain and loss of movement in joints
• One in six people suffer from this disease
• More common in older people but can affect anyone
Osteoarthritis
• A disease in the joints in which cartilage breaks down
• Most common type of arthritis
• Cartilage- strong, flexible tissue than cushions jointsbecomes pitted and frayed
• Cartilage can wear out completely and bones will rub
against each other
• Usually affects weight bearing joints
• Knees, hips, and feet joints
• But can effect any joint- fingers, lower back
• Reducing the risk
• Controlling weight- reduces stress on joints
• Preventing sports injuries- (warm up and stretch)
damages cartilage
• Protect against Lyme disease- from ticks
Rheumatoid Arthritis
• A disease characterized by the debilitating
destruction of joints due to inflammation
• Appears between ages of 30-50
• 3 times more common for women than men
• Autoimmune disease
• No cure
• Joint pain, inflammation, swelling, and stiffness
• Eventually joints may become deformed
• Mainly affects joints in the hand, foot, elbow,
shoulder, neck, knee, hip, and ankle
• Other effects include fever, fatigue, and swollen
lymph nodes
• Early diagnoses is crucial
• With use of medications symptoms can be
controlled in many cases
• Treatment focuses on relieving pain, inflammation,
swelling, and stiffness
• Exercise, rest, joint protection, physical and
occupational therapy