Marie's Blog

Alzheimer's disease is a progressive mental deterioration that can occur in the middle or old age. The most common early symptom of Alzheimer's is difficulty remembering newly learned information.  This is the most common symptom because Alzheimer's changes typically begin in the part of the brain that affects learning. Brain cell connections and the cells themselves degenerate and die, eventually destroying memory and other important mental functions. As Alzheimer's advances through the brain it leads to increasingly severe symptoms, including disorientation, mood and behavior changes; deepening confusion about events, time and place; unfounded suspicions about family, friends and professional caregivers. There is no cure for Alzheimer's disease but medications and management strategies may temporarily improve symptoms. https://www.nia.nih.gov/health/alzheimers/basics

Inspiration (inhalation) When the inspiratory muscles, the diaphragm, and external intercostals, contract, the size of the thoracic cavity increases. As intrapulmonary volume (the volume within the lungs) increases, the gases within the lungs spread out to fill the larger space. The resulting decrease in the gas pressure in the lungs produces a partial vacuum which sucks air into the lungs until the intrapulmonary pressure equals atmospheric pressure. Expiration (exhalation) As the inspiratory muscles relax and resume their initial resting length, the rib cage descends and the lungs recoil. Thus, both the thoracic and intrapulmonary volumes decrease. As the intrapulmonary volume decreases, the gases and the intrapulmonary pressure rises to a point higher than atmospheric pressure. This causes the gases to flow out to equalize the pressure inside and outside the lungs. 

A respiratory therapist is someone who cares for patients that have trouble breathing. Respiratory therapists use various tests to evaluate patients. They may also take blood samples and use a blood gas analyzer to test the oxygen and carbon dioxide levels present. Respiratory therapists perform chest physiotherapy on patients to remove mucus from their lungs and make it easier for them to breathe. Most work in hospitals, others may work in nursing care facilities or travel to patients' homes usually working full time. In order to become a respiratory therapists one must earn an associate's degree, complete the examination to become a certified respiratory therapist, obtain a state license, consider obtaining additional certification, complete continuing education and maintain certification and licensure. They have a median salary of $57, 790. https://www.sokanu.com/careers/respiratory-therapist/

Bronchitis is the inflammation of the lining of your bronchial tubes, which carry air to and from your lungs. Chronic bronchitis, a more serious condition, is a constant irritation or inflammation of the lining of the bronchial tubes, often due to smoking. People who have bronchitis often cough up thickened mucus, which can be discolored. Symptoms of bronchitis include cough, production of mucus, fatigue, shortness of breath, slight fever and chills, and chest discomfort. Factors that may increase your risk of bronchitis include cigarette smoke, low resistance, exposure to irritants on the job, and gastric reflux. To reduce your risk of bronchitis one may want to avoid cigarette smoke, get vaccinated, wash your hands, and wear a surgical mask. Most causes of bronchitis are cured within a couple of weeks without medication. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/bronchitis/symptoms-causes/syc-20355566

A cardiovascular surgeon is a physician who has specialized in heart diseases, conditions and treatment procedures. After earning a medical education, these professionals continue studying for many years, focusing on the heart and the way it works, as well as procedures that repair heart and blood vessel damage. Cardiovascular surgeons are trained to i dentify heart or blood vessel damage, c reate treatment plans for patients with the ultimate goal of achieving the highest possible level of health, and perform surgeries. C ardiovascular surgeons work long hours and are on-call often, which contributes to the stress of the job. However, these surgeons always have a team of medical professionals by their side, to offer assistance and support with each procedure. In order to become a cardiovascular surgeon one must earn a bachelor's degree, take the MCAT, apply to medical school, pass the United States Medical Licensing Program, take part in a residency program, obtain a fellowship pr

Anemia is a condition in which you don't have enough healthy red blood cells to carry adequate oxygen to the body's tissues. Anemia can be temporary or long term from mild to severe. Symptoms of anemia may include: fatigue, weakness, pale or yellowish skin, irregular heartbeats, shortness of breath, dizziness, and chest pain. Anemia occurs when you don't have enough red blood cells. This can happen if bleeding causes you to lose red blood cells more quickly than they can be replaced. If left untreated anemia can cause health complications such as severe fatigue, pregnancy complications, heart problems, and death. Treatments for anemia range from taking supplements to undergoing medical procedures. Many types of anemia can't be prevented but iron deficiency anemia and vitamin deficiency anemias can be avoided by having a diet that includes vitamins and nutrients. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/anemia/symptoms-causes/syc-20351360