Early Symptoms of Lung Cancer - Article Example

Article summary al affiliation) Lung cancer Lung cancer is a type of a cancer that affects the lungs. Human lungs have tubes that are known as bronchi. Most lung cancers often start in the cells that line the bronchi. The two main types of cancer are small cell lung cancer and the non small cell lung cancer. Mixed small/large cell cancer occurs when the lung cancer consists of both types. Metastatic cancer is the type of cancer that begins elsewhere and spreads to the lungs. Lung cancer is the most deadly type of cancer in humans (Chen and Zieve, 2014). There are various risk factors that may predispose an individual to lung cancer. They include cigarette smoking, exposure to; asbestos, cancer causing chemicals such as uranium, and radon gas, history of cancer in a family, high level of arsenic in drinking water, high levels of air pollution and radiation therapy targeting the lungs. Early cancer symptoms include chest pain, coughing up blood, fatigue, cough that do not go away, appetite loss, wheezing, shortness of breath and lose of weight without trying. Other symptoms that occur at the late stages include; eyelid drooping, facial paralysis, swelling of the face, weakness, nails problems and swallowing difficulty. Lung cancer treatment methods entail chemotherapy, surgery and radiation therapy. The treatment can be done alone or in combination. Cancer support groups are a group of cancer patients who share common problems and experiences and ease the stress of cancer through sharing with other. Cancer prevention strategy entails quitting smoking as well as avoiding secondhand smoke (Chen and Zieve, 2014). Osteoporosis Osteoporosis is a condition that affects bones and is often characterized by weak bones which are likely to fracture. The bones often lose density that is a measure of the amount of minerals and calcium in the bones. Osteoporosis is also known as low bone density or thin bones. A bone is a living a tissue and existing bones are constantly replaced by other new ones. Inadequate calcium in the body and lack of vitamin D result to osteoporosis. Bone loss may be passed down through a family with some other causes of borne loss being unknown. Decline in the level of estrogen in women especially during menopause has also been associated with bone loss (Benjamin and Zieve, 2012). Other causes of bone loss in humans includes smoking, low body weight, drinking large quantities of alcohol a family history of osteoporosis, intake of certain drugs, and absence of menstrual periods. Additionally, osteoporosis has also been linked with certain medical conditions and being bed ridden for a long period of time. The early stages of osteoporosis are often characterized with no symptoms. The main symptom of osteoporosis is having a fracture. Fractures tend to affect almost all bones in the body and are often painful. Other symptoms include development of kyphosis as well as loss of height. Treatment of osteoporosis entails administration of medication, taking calcium and vitamin D as well as life style changes such as exercise and diet. Stopping unhealthy habit and prevention of falls can also help deal with osteoporosis problem (Benjamin and Zieve, 2012). Administration of medication has been associated with prevention of future of future osteoporosis. In addition, the condition has been associated with disability leading to patient being admitted in nursing homes. Having enough vitamin D and calcium in the body as well as better lifestyle changes can help prevent osteoporosis. Cocaine withdrawal Cocaine withdrawal takes place when a heavy cocaine user quits or cut down consumption of the drug. A serum blood level of zero and complete abstinence is never required. Even though cocaine cause excretion of more than normal amount of biochemical, it effect to the human body can be so deadly and even serious. Causes of cocaine withdrawal are often associated with the need to maintain the health of the body as well as prevent the effect that is associated with cocaine. When a binge ends or cocaine use is stopped, a crash often follows. The crash is often associated with strong desire for more cocaine. Additional symptom during the crash process entails anxiety, sleepiness, irritability, paranoia and agitation (Heller and Mason, 2013). Cocaine withdrawal is never associated with symptoms such as shaking and vomiting that are linked to withdrawal from alcohol or heroin. The primary symptoms of cocaine withdrawal includes slowing of activity, unpleasant dreams, increased appetite, generalized malaise, fatigue, depressed mood as well as restless behavior and agitation. The depression and craving period may last for a longer period following long time use of cocaine (Heller and Mason, 2013). A risk of overdose or suicide is often associated individuals who are withdrawing chronic substance abuse. People with cocaine withdrawal symptom often utilize medications such as anti-anxiety drugs, hypnotics and sedatives to treat their symptoms. Such patients have to be monitored closely to prevent addition from one drug to other other. The 12 step support groups such as narcotic anonymous or cocaine anonymous have been of help to many people who are addicted to cocaine. Individuals who are against the 12-step approach should join other alternative groups such as SMART recovery. One of the preventive measures against cocaine withdrawal is to avoid using cocaine. Individuals who were using cocaine and have stopped should avoid places, people and things that are associated with the drug. Symptoms of internet addiction There are various cases of internet addiction that have been reported in the United States of America. Internet affects men, women and even children. Cases of internet addiction have majorly been reported among youths. Internet addiction problem has resulted to issues such as divorce as well as disability as a result of mental illness. Therapists and psychologists believe that internet addiction is similar to binge eating, drug abuse and compulsive gambling. Recently, for the first time, online addiction was discussed in American association conference. Internet addiction is considered silent addiction. Several online support groups on internet addiction are currently online (BELLUCK, 1996). They include internet addiction support group, internet addiction survey. Internet addiction is often characterized by maladaptive pattern of internet use. Individuals tend to increase the amount they spend online. Such people tend to exhibit psychomotor agitation, dreams about the internet as well as fantasies. Sometimes the addicts might have involuntary and voluntary typing movement of the fingers. Tyler Johnson a seventeen years old high school senior is an example of an internet addicts who spend more than 6 hours a day online and more than 1 hour reading e-mail. Internet support groups have various challenges as a result of the fact that it’s located online. It is like having an alcohol prevention support group in a bar (BELLUCK, 1996). Another symptom associated with internet addiction is that of individuals logging on into the internet several times in day. Moreover, this individuals experience symptoms such as moodiness, depression and anxiety when they are not using the internet. Such people will continue to utilize the internet despite the negative impact of internet on their family issues, financial, work and school issues. Internet addiction is real and it is time to seek for help. References BELLUCK, P. (1996). The Symptoms of Internet Addiction. The New York Times, p.8. http://www.nytimes.com/1996/12/01/weekinreview/the-symptoms-of-internet-addiction.html Benjamin, C. and Zieve, D. (2012). Osteoporosis. The New York Times, p.3. http://www.nytimes.com/health/guides/disease/osteoporosis/overview.html?8qa Chen, Y. and Zieve, D. (2014). Lung Cancer. Newyork times, p.1. http://www.nytimes.com/health/guides/disease/lung-cancer/overview.html Heller, J. and Mason, V. (2013). Cocaine Withdrawal. The New York Times, p.5. http://www.nytimes.com/health/guides/disease/cocaine-withdrawal/overview.html Read More