Lung cancer is one of the most common cancers, and there are mainly two types of the condition—non-small cell lung cancer and small cell lung cancer. The former accounts for 85% of lung cancer cases, while the latter is more aggressive and can be fatal if not treated immediately. The specific non-small lung cancer treatments are decided based on the stage of cancer and also the person’s overall health and lung function. 1. Causes Non-small cell lung cancer is mainly caused by smoking. About 80% of lung cancer deaths are due to active smoking, while passive smoking is also a huge cause of this condition. This does not mean that only those who smoke can develop non-small cell lung cancer. Non-smokers can also be diagnosed with lung cancer due to random exposure to asbestos at work, exposure to diesel exhaust, and contact with other toxic chemicals. Even air pollution can be a cause of this disease. Lung cancer in non-smokers is quite different from the one that smokers contract. It tends to occur at a younger age. Genetic mutations can also be a cause of this condition. 2. Detection and diagnosis Detecting this cancer early is of great advantage as it helps in availing immediate treatment.

Excess pressure on the pulmonary arteries leads to the development of pulmonary hypertension. The life expectancy and prognosis for an individual with this condition has improved from what it was years ago, thanks to the availability of newer treatment alternatives and better technology. There are several causes and risk factors underlying the development of pulmonary hypertension in individuals, and in most cases, it is a combination of factors rather than one isolated cause. As the disease begins to progress this can also change. When the cause for the condition is not known, it is called idiopathic pulmonary hypertension. This article addresses some of the causes and risk factors for pulmonary hypertension. 1. Blood diseases Diseases affecting the blood flow out of the heart to the body can cause stacking of the blood or its backflow, increasing the pressure on the pulmonary veins. This can result in the development of pulmonary hypertension. 2. Hypoxic pulmonary vasoconstriction Hypoxic pulmonary vasoconstriction is an integral physiological function that involves the narrowing of the blood vessels in the lungs while trying to divert the flow of the blood from the segments of the lung that are functioning poorly. In cases such as these, the blood flow is diverted from the poorly functioning parts of the lung to the segment where the tissues are working better.

A positive cancer diagnosis is something that no one can truly be prepared for, but modern medicine and the improvement in technology has increased the treatment options. Common cancer treatments are decided by one’s specialist based on the cancer type, location in the body, and the stage to which it has advanced. Some people require one treatment method, but in most cases, individuals are prescribed a combination of treatments to combat the disease. 1. Understanding your cancer Before deciding on common cancer treatments, it is always best for one to know all the details about the disease and their survival chances. In case they are not sure of what the doctor recommends, they can always go in for a second opinion and also discuss the factors to be considered with their family or friends. In multiple cases, doctors themselves advise patients against certain treatments their bodies would not be able to cope with. For example, common methods of treating cancer such as chemotherapy can lead to a whole host of side-effects and other diseases since chemo medication weakens one’s immune system. 2. Support system Aside from being sure of the treatment method, it is also essential for one to have a strong support system in place during the entire process and for post-treatment care.

Most of us think that arthritis is a disease of the elderly. That may be true to a certain extent, because the average age for diagnosis of arthritis is 60 years. But it can develop in younger people too. Most often, arthritis begins in the small joints and slowly progresses to joint pain and swelling. Despite regular medical intervention, the swelling and pain usually persist among arthritis patients. Along with medication, there are many alternative approaches such as natural herbs and spices used in old fashioned arthritis treatments. The herbs and spices that have been used in old fashioned arthritis treatments include the following: 1. Turmeric Turmeric contains pain-relieving chemicals, such as curcumin and curcuminoid, and has been used in old fashioned arthritis treatments for a long time. It decreases inflammation and limits the progression of arthritis. To gain better benefits, you can consume turmeric regularly as a supplement. 2. Ginger Traditionally, people depend on ginger to get relief from inflammation. The chemical properties in ginger lower the prostaglandin levels in the body, which reduces the impact of arthritis on the body. This makes it one of the most effective ingredients in old fashioned arthritis treatments. It has also been found that ginger is more effective than any non-steroidal drugs.

Common cold and flu are some of the most contagious infections. Saving yourself from these infections can be very tricky. A fellow bus passenger who coughed, a colleague who’s constantly sneezing, a friend with a runny nose — all these people can be potential carriers of the cold and flu infection. How can you possibly save yourself from being affected by the illness like everyone else? Preventing common cold and flu is more tricky and difficult than one would believe it to be. There are a number of over the counter medicines available that can help with the symptoms. However, most would prefer home remedies over medicines when it comes to treating cold and flu naturally, as they can be equally effective. Below is a list of home remedies for cold and flu. 1. Saltwater gargle Not only does gargling help bring much-needed relief to an itchy, sore throat, but it also helps in the prevention of the common cold. Saltwater gargles decrease the swelling in your throat due to soreness. It also loosens the bacteria containing mucus and congestion, thus helping in getting rid of any blockages. Practicing the activity of gargling with saltwater on a daily basis has proven to substantially decrease the risk of the person falling ill.