Sleep Apnea

Sleep Apnea is a disorder that is characterized by pauses in breathing or low breathing during sleep. Apnea is a Greek word that means “without breath.” A pause in breathing of at least 10 seconds, referred to as an apnea, can occur up to hundreds of times per night causing interrupted sleep to the sufferer, with the sufferer more often than not, not even being aware of the condition and that they are being partly woken frequently throughout the night.
Medical experts have identified three types of this medical condition:
*Central Sleep Apnea
*Obstructive Sleep Apnea
*Mixed Sleep Apnea
Central Sleep Apnea or CSA occurs when the brain does not send the proper signals to the breathing muscles resulting in the loss of breath. Central sleep apnea is not very common and makes approximately 5% of those who suffer from sleep apnea.
CSA can be caused by other medical problems, including but not limited to, stroke, encephalitis, Parkinson’s disease, bulbar poliomyelitis, and extreme obesity.
Obstructive Sleep Apnea or OSA is typically caused by the soft tissue in the back of the throat to collapsing and obstructing the airway. The obstruction is usually associated with severe snoring. OSA can affect anyone but is far more prevalent in people who suffer from obesity.
Mixed or Complex Sleep Apnea (CompSA) is a combination of both types and is very uncommon. CompSA can occur as a result of untreated OSA that has gone on for an extended period of time.
Impact of Sleep Apnea
The impact of this potentially serious medical condition ranges from daytime fatigue to high blood pressure, heart attack, and even death. When the body does not receive adequate rest it does not function properly.
People who suffer from this condition can have the following symptoms:
*Excessive tiredness/drowsiness
*Mental and physical fatigue
*Depression
*Irritability and mood changes
*Unexplained weight gain
*Memory lapses
*Inability to concentrate
*Severe snoring
Sleep is so central to the human body that the effects are felt throughout every aspect of a person’s life including mental, physical and emotional.
Mental and Emotional Impact
Lack of sleep causes the brain not to function properly. The frustration of being tired and forgetful can cause anxiety, poor judgment, and depression. People constantly report not being able to think clearly and forgetting important details and often slip into bouts of depression causing trouble on the job, in relationships and robbing them of happiness.
The mental and emotional strain is often seen in the marriages of those who deal with the disorder. Often times the partner is fatigued and tired because they are kept awake as well. It can also affect emotional and physical intimacy especially for those who have to sleep in separate locations.
Physical Impact
When the body does not get adequate rest it releases stress chemicals into the body causing the immune system to break down. People who have sleep apnea are often plagued with sickness and more prone to disease because their body’s immune system is weakened.
A lack of sleep has been clinically proven to increase the odds of being overweight, suffering a stroke or heart attack, having high blood pressure and hypertension, and migraine headaches.
Since fatigue is a major side effect it is harder for people to heal. A cold that may take the average person 2-3 days to get over may take someone with sleep apnea 5-7 days to overcome because of lack of rest. People also report having more post-surgery complications and longer healing times because of a the level of fatigue that exists as a result of the condition. It is recommended that anyone who suffers from sleep apnea report it to their health care provider before having any medical procedure.
Often forgotten are the partners of people who suffer from this condition. They often also have problems with fatigue and tiredness because their partner keeps them awake at night.
So What Should You Do?
You continually feel tired during the day or your partner has commented about your breathing or snoring while you sleep or and you think you may have sleep apnea, what should you do next?
First off, arrange an appointment with your family medical practitioner to discuss your concerns.
As there are no post event tests that can be done it is potentially useful to keep a sleep diary that you and your partner can use to record how you sleep, your snoring and how loud it is, your breathing patterns during the night such as any gaps in breathing, choking or gasping events, and how you feel in the morning when you wake up. You should also record any other irregularities that may be noticed such as restlessness or leg movements during sleeping and even periods during the day where you may seem to fall asleep or fell really tired.
If your medical practitioner suspects that you have this potentially life threatening disorder, they will probably then arrange for you to see a Sleep Specialist, who will usually require this referral prior to a visit.
Your Sleep Specialist will normally do a physical examination of your throat for physical reasons for your condition and your suitability to a range of treatment options. Your specialist may also suggest that you have a sleep study done to record your sleeping habits and manner in a controlled and monitored environment.
Sleep Apnea should not be taken lightly and as discussed the risks associated with failure to act if you are a sufferer are too great to ignore.
If you suspect that you may have this serious and potentially life threatening condition take steps now, get yourself assessed, it could be a life saving action (yours).

About the Author:
The Author was diagnosed with obstructive sleep apnea a number of years ago. At his site http://www.Sleep-Apneax.com the author covers a wide range of general information on sleep apnea, Obstructive Sleep Apnea and Sleep Apnea Treatment as well as other sleep disorders.
http://www.sleep-apneax.com/sleep-apnea

Implant Supported Dentures Dentist-fairless Hills, Pa

A visit to the dentist’s office isn’t just about checking for cavities anymore; there have been incredible advancements in the field of dentistry, and we have responded by expanding our range of custom dental care services to suit your needs.
We are always at the forefront of the latest research in dentistry and use the most up-to-date methods and technology to help our patients’ achieve their desired smiles. At Advanced Dental Care we frequently perform a wide variety of general dental procedures, so you can rest assured that yours will be performed by a skilled and experienced medical professional. With an arsenal of state-of-the-art equipment and an expert multidisciplinary staff dedicated to your dental health, we are in a unique position to offer best-in-class dental care.
Cleaning & Consultation
We all know that good oral hygiene keeps your teeth looking clean and shiny, but did you know that it’s also essential to your overall health? It’s true, poor oral hygiene can lead to a variety of dental and medical problems such as gum disease, infection, heart disease, stroke, and even diabetes.
That’s why dentists recommend that teeth be cleaned professionally twice a year. Teeth cleaning is the removal of dental plaque and tartar in order to prevent cavities, gingivitis and gum disease. The average dental cleaning is a routine procedure that is rarely painful and takes 30 to 45 minutes.
At Advanced Dental Care, we specialize in and frequently perform a variety of dental cleaning procedures, from scaling to whitening, so you can rest assured that yours will be performed by a skilled and experienced medical professional.
Composite Fillings
For over 150 years, cavities were filled with a mixture of metals, including silver and mercury. It was perfectly normal to see dark grey areas in someone’s mouth when they laughed.
But today, you can get your cavities, as well as any other smaller hollow areas in your teeth, filled with composite fillings. Composite fillings are made from resins that are matched to your tooth’s color – so they become invisible when applied.
Composite fillings also provide an excellent seal on the affected area, so that tooth decay can be prevented. The factors that go into our decision to use composite fillings include:
1.) The size of the area that needs to be filled. 2.) The location of the affected area in the mouth (i.e., a tooth that is heavily relied on for chewing) 3.) Allergies the patient might have. 4.) The preference of the patient regarding the use of metals in the mouth. 5.)Whether it is necessary cosmetically to have a tooth-colored filling. 6). Tooth Extraction
At Advanced Dental Care, we always make every attempt to treat your teeth and remedy any dental malady. Unfortunately, in some cases damage to teeth is in so advanced a stage that is may be necessary to extract the tooth in order to maintain dental health.
If a tooth is broken, cracked or extensively decayed it may be necessary to remove it. Likewise, a tooth that is associated with advanced stages of periodontal disease should be removed, as well as teeth that are poorly positioned or non-functional.
Our commitment is to providing the highest quality of dental care for our patients, and we want to do the same for you. For more information or to schedule an appointment, please contact us today at (215) 946-3655 or visit us online at www.ez2smile.com.
http://www.ez2smile.com/free -learn more about dentistry and to get FREE access to "20 of the Most Frequently Asked Dental Questions"

About the Author:
Dr. Nalin Patel has worked to build a practice that meets and exceeds your expectations of trusted, first-rate dental care. He focuses on bringing his patients only the best that dentistry has to offer by keeping himself and his staff informed on the latest advances and techniques in dentistry.

Dr. Patel who received his Doctoral of Dental Medicine degree from the University of Pennsylvania continues to stay up to date on the newest developments in dental care by taking numerous hours of continuing education courses.
He is a member of the American Dental Association, Pennsylvania Dental Association and the Academy of General Dentistry. In addition, he is also a member of the American Academy of Cosmetic dentistry and the Dental Organizati

Low Back Pain Is Extremely Common And What You Need To Learn

Just in the US alone, perhaps somewhere in excess of forty billion dollars is devoted to issues related to low back pain. If you include people who have only had one single problem in their life with back pain, then you could declare close to 100% of people have undergone some low back pain. Various industries are hit hard on an annual basis with disability and time lost on account of this problem. In the US, only the typical headache ranks higher for problems relating to the nervous system. The range of scenarios can be from a quick strain that persists a day or two up to the most critical injuries that can cause surgery.
As you can visualize, there are so many various factors that may be present with a low back pain situation. Some of these variables are muscle stresses or injuries, problems due to excessive use, injured or strained ligaments or spinal disc complications. One potential condition suggested by some medical experts is a chronic asymmetry in the lower back. The frequent result is that the back cannot take it anymore, and then problems begin to surface. Then one day you are doing something you do a million times and all of a sudden there is pain.
The types of low back problems varies based on the person and characteristics of injury. Many of us have felt acute pain somewhere, and that is the variety that develops out of nowhere. Reoccuring pain lasts and may start at a low grade and after that maybe continue to be that way for a very long time. The acute type of back pain tends to happen instantly from physical shock. In that predicament there is a mechanical abnormality or real damage that results in the acute pain. Anyone who has had this appreciates all too well how distressing it can be. There are other related problems such as a decreased ability to move through normal movements. Probably all of us have noticed someone who has to tilt forward just somewhat because that is more pleasant for their back.
Certain kinds of situations such as a high degree of vibrating action over time can result in a herniated disc. Nevertheless, if a person places a very heavy demand on the back muscle tissues, then that may result in this condition. Usually people are not equipped for these types of traumas, and also many people are not in the habit of stretching their back and leg muscles. What tends to make matters more serious with a herniated disc is that it often causes various nerves being pinched.
Obviously the best plan is to get in touch with your doctor if you have severe or chronic back pain. Immediate pain that is acute in nature is really serious and should be examined by a doctor promptly. In that kind of scenario, you can quickly make matters more distressing and cause extra damage if you continue to act like there is no problem. At all times remember to lift with your legs and not your back, and at all times hold your back straight any time you lift.

Questions and Answers about Mesothelioma

Mesothelioma: Questions and Answers

Mesothelioma: Questions and Answers
Mesothelioma is a rare form of cancer in which malignant (cancerous) cells are found in the mesothelium, a protective sac that covers most of the body's internal organs. Most people who develop mesothelioma have worked on jobs where they inhaled asbestos particles.

1. What is the mesothelium?
   The mesothelium is a membrane that covers and protects most of the internal organs of the body. It is composed of two layers of cells: One layer immediately surrounds the organ; the other forms a sac around it. The mesothelium produces a lubricating fluid that is released between these layers, allowing moving organs (such as the beating heart and the expanding and contracting lungs) to glide easily against adjacent structures.
   
   The mesothelium has different names, depending on its location in the body. The peritoneum is the mesothelial tissue that covers most of the organs in the abdominal cavity. The pleura is the membrane that surrounds the lungs and lines the wall of the chest cavity. The pericardium covers and protects the heart. The mesothelial tissue surrounding the male internal reproductive organs is called the tunica vaginalis testis. The tunica serosa uteri covers the internal reproductive organs in women.
   
2. What is mesothelioma?
   Mesothelioma (cancer of the mesothelium) is a disease in which cells of the mesothelium become abnormal and divide without control or order. They can invade and damage nearby tissues and organs. Cancer cells can also metastasize (spread) from their original site to other parts of the body. Most cases of mesothelioma begin in the pleura or peritoneum.
   
3. How common is mesothelioma?
   Although reported incidence rates have increased in the past 20 years, mesothelioma is still a relatively rare cancer. About 2,000 new cases of mesothelioma are diagnosed in the United States each year. Mesothelioma occurs more often in men than in women and risk increases with age, but this disease can appear in either men or women at any age.
   
4. What are the risk factors for mesothelioma?
   Working with asbestos is the major risk factor for mesothelioma. A history of asbestos exposure at work is reported in about 70 percent to 80 percent of all cases. However, mesothelioma has been reported in some individuals without any known exposure to asbestos.
   
   Asbestos is the name of a group of minerals that occur naturally as masses of strong, flexible fibers that can be separated into thin threads and woven. Asbestos has been widely used in many industrial products, including cement, brake linings, roof shingles, flooring products, textiles, and insulation. If tiny asbestos particles float in the air, especially during the manufacturing process, they may be inhaled or swallowed, and can cause serious health problems. In addition to mesothelioma, exposure to asbestos increases the risk of lung cancer, asbestosis (a noncancerous, chronic lung ailment), and other cancers, such as those of the larynx and kidney.
   
   Smoking does not appear to increase the risk of mesothelioma. However, the combination of smoking and asbestos exposure significantly increases a person's risk of developing cancer of the air passageways in the lung.
   
5. Who is at increased risk for developing mesothelioma?
   Asbestos has been mined and used commercially since the late 1800s. Its use greatly increased during World War II. Since the early 1940s, millions of American workers have been exposed to asbestos dust. Initially, the risks associated with asbestos exposure were not known. However, an increased risk of developing mesothelioma was later found among shipyard workers, people who work in asbestos mines and mills, producers of asbestos products, workers in the heating and construction industries, and other tradespeople. Today, the U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) sets limits for acceptable levels of asbestos exposure in the workplace. People who work with asbestos wear personal protective equipment to lower their risk of exposure.
   
   The risk of asbestos-related disease increases with heavier exposure to asbestos and longer exposure time. However, some individuals with only brief exposures have developed mesothelioma. On the other hand, not all workers who are heavily exposed develop asbestos-related diseases.
   
   There is some evidence that family members and others living with asbestos workers have an increased risk of developing mesothelioma, and possibly other asbestos-related diseases. This risk may be the result of exposure to asbestos dust brought home on the clothing and hair of asbestos workers. To reduce the chance of exposing family members to asbestos fibers, asbestos workers are usually required to shower and change their clothing before leaving the workplace.
   
6. What are the symptoms of mesothelioma?
   Symptoms of mesothelioma may not appear until 30 to 50 years after exposure to asbestos. Shortness of breath and pain in the chest due to an accumulation of fluid in the pleura are often symptoms of pleural mesothelioma. Symptoms of peritoneal mesothelioma include weight loss and abdominal pain and swelling due to a buildup of fluid in the abdomen. Other symptoms of peritoneal mesothelioma may include bowel obstruction, blood clotting abnormalities, anemia, and fever. If the cancer has spread beyond the mesothelium to other parts of the body, symptoms may include pain, trouble swallowing, or swelling of the neck or face.
   
   These symptoms may be caused by mesothelioma or by other, less serious conditions. It is important to see a doctor about any of these symptoms. Only a doctor can make a diagnosis.
   
7. How is mesothelioma diagnosed?
   Diagnosing mesothelioma is often difficult, because the symptoms are similar to those of a number of other conditions. Diagnosis begins with a review of the patient's medical history, including any history of asbestos exposure. A complete physical examination may be performed, including x-rays of the chest or abdomen and lung function tests. A CT (or CAT) scan or an MRI may also be useful. A CT scan is a series of detailed pictures of areas inside the body created by a computer linked to an x-ray machine. In an MRI, a powerful magnet linked to a computer is used to make detailed pictures of areas inside the body. These pictures are viewed on a monitor and can also be printed.
   
   A biopsy is needed to confirm a diagnosis of mesothelioma. In a biopsy, a surgeon or a medical oncologist (a doctor who specializes in diagnosing and treating cancer) removes a sample of tissue for examination under a microscope by a pathologist. A biopsy may be done in different ways, depending on where the abnormal area is located. If the cancer is in the chest, the doctor may perform a thoracoscopy. In this procedure, the doctor makes a small cut through the chest wall and puts a thin, lighted tube called a thoracoscope into the chest between two ribs. Thoracoscopy allows the doctor to look inside the chest and obtain tissue samples. If the cancer is in the abdomen, the doctor may perform a peritoneoscopy. To obtain tissue for examination, the doctor makes a small opening in the abdomen and inserts a special instrument called a peritoneoscope into the abdominal cavity. If these procedures do not yield enough tissue, more extensive diagnostic surgery may be necessary.
   
   If the diagnosis is mesothelioma, the doctor will want to learn the stage (or extent) of the disease. Staging involves more tests in a careful attempt to find out whether the cancer has spread and, if so, to which parts of the body. Knowing the stage of the disease helps the doctor plan treatment.
   
   Mesothelioma is described as localized if the cancer is found only on the membrane surface where it originated. It is classified as advanced if it has spread beyond the original membrane surface to other parts of the body, such as the lymph nodes, lungs, chest wall, or abdominal organs.
   
8. How is mesothelioma treated?
   Treatment for mesothelioma depends on the location of the cancer, the stage of the disease, and the patient's age and general health. Standard treatment options include surgery, radiation therapy, and chemotherapy. Sometimes, these treatments are combined.
   
   
   • Surgery is a common treatment for mesothelioma. The doctor may remove part of the lining of the chest or abdomen and some of the tissue around it. For cancer of the pleura (pleural mesothelioma), a lung may be removed in an operation called a pneumonectomy. Sometimes part of the diaphragm, the muscle below the lungs that helps with breathing, is also removed.
     
   • Radiation therapy, also called radiotherapy, involves the use of high-energy rays to kill cancer cells and shrink tumors. Radiation therapy affects the cancer cells only in the treated area. The radiation may come from a machine (external radiation) or from putting materials that produce radiation through thin plastic tubes into the area where the cancer cells are found (internal radiation therapy).
     
   • Chemotherapy is the use of anticancer drugs to kill cancer cells throughout the body. Most drugs used to treat mesothelioma are given by injection into a vein (intravenous, or IV). Doctors are also studying the effectiveness of putting chemotherapy directly into the chest or abdomen (intracavitary chemotherapy).
   
   To relieve symptoms and control pain, the doctor may use a needle or a thin tube to drain fluid that has built up in the chest or abdomen. The procedure for removing fluid from the chest is called thoracentesis. Removal of fluid from the abdomen is called paracentesis. Drugs may be given through a tube in the chest to prevent more fluid from accumulating. Radiation therapy and surgery may also be helpful in relieving symptoms.
   
9. Are new treatments for mesothelioma being studied?
   Yes. Because mesothelioma is very hard to control, the National Cancer Institute (NCI) is sponsoring clinical trials (research studies with people) that are designed to find new treatments and better ways to use current treatments. Before any new treatment can be recommended for general use, doctors conduct clinical trials to find out whether the treatment is safe for patients and effective against the disease. Participation in clinical trials is an important treatment option for many patients with mesothelioma.
   
   People interested in taking part in a clinical trial should talk with their doctor. Information about clinical trials is available from the Cancer Information Service (CIS) (see below) at 1–800–4–CANCER. Information specialists at the CIS use PDQ®, NCI's cancer information database, to identify and provide detailed information about specific ongoing clinical trials. Patients also have the option of searching for clinical trials on their own. The clinical trials page on the NCI's Cancer.gov Web site, located at http://www.blogger.com/clinicaltrials on the Internet, provides general information about clinical trials and links to PDQ.
   
   People considering clinical trials may be interested in the NCI booklet Taking Part in Cancer Treatment Research Studies. This booklet describes how research studies are carried out and explains their possible benefits and risks. The booklet is available by calling the CIS, or from the NCI Publications Locator Web site at http://www.blogger.com/publications on the Internet.

# # #

Related NCI materials and Web pages:

• National Cancer Institute Fact Sheet 3.21, Asbestos Exposure and Cancer Risk (http://www.blogger.com/cancertopics/factsheet/Risk/asbestos)
• Clinical Trials Home Page (http://www.blogger.com/clinicaltrials)
• Malignant Mesothelioma Home Page (http://www.blogger.com/cancertopics/types/malignantmesothelioma)
• Taking Part in Cancer Treatment Research Studies
  (http://www.blogger.com/clinicaltrials/education/Taking-Part-in-Cancer-Treatment-Research-Studies)

How can we help?
We offer comprehensive research-based information for patients and their families, health professionals, cancer researchers, advocates, and the public.

• Call NCI’s Cancer Information Service at 1–800–4–CANCER (1–800–422–6237)
• Visit us at http://www.blogger.com/ or http://www.blogger.com/espanol
• Chat using LiveHelp, NCI’s instant messaging service, at http://www.blogger.com/livehelp
• E-mail us at cancergovstaff@mail.nih.gov
• Order publications at http://www.blogger.com/publications or by calling 1–800–4–CANCER

A New Study

Development of mesothelioma;

According to a new study, smoking cigarettes may increase development of advanced kidney cancer, the deadliest form of the disease.

Researchers claim that quitting smoking is the best method to reduce this increased risk.

"There is a clear relationship between heavier smoking and the development of advanced renal cell carcinoma," Dr. Thomas J. Polascik, director of Urologic Oncology at the Duke Cancer Institute, stated in a news release. "The good news is that smoking cessation can revert those risk factors over time. This should provide the public with another reason to quit smoking. It is not too late."

Duke researchers found that for every decade former smokers spent "smoke-free," it resulted in a 9 percent lower risk of development.

Treating of Mesothelioma

Conventional Treatments & Survival

Conventional treatments for mesothelioma typically consist of surgery, chemotherapy and radiation therapy. Surgery can include any surgical procedure. Chemotherapy includes various drugs that are considered toxic because they work by killing both healthy and cancerous cells. And radiation therapy can be delivered through different methods. For example, radiation such as x-rays or gamma rays may be delivered externally via external beam radiation. Radiation can also be delivered internally by placing radioactive substances such as cesium, iridium, and iodine near or into cancerous cells within the body or administering radionuclides systemically (directly into the bloodstream).

Malignancy of Mesothelioma

Paul Kraus is not the only long-term survivor of malignant mesothelioma. There are others. We have heard about them and spoken to some over the years. What is fascinating is that many of these malignant mesothelioma survivors have something in common - they have all taken steps to improve or enhance their immune system. Some used alternative or complimentary therapies (with guidance from licensed clinicians) while others participated in clinical trials of immune therapy.
This raises the question - does the immune system play a role in controlling malignant mesothelioma? Paul Kraus' experience and those of other long-term malignant mesothelioma survivors suggests that such a role may be possible. In other sections of this website we present case histories of malignant mesothelioma survivors who were diagnosed with either pleural mesothelioma or peritoneal mesothelioma. In some of the pleural mesothelioma case histories, doctors discuss the role that the patient's immune system may have played in their extremely long survival.
In 1986, an article appeared in a medical journal that discussed this very issue of malignant mesothelioma and immunity.(1)  This research focused on the immune responses of 118 healthy people compared to 20 patients with malignant mesothelioma and 375 long-term asbestos workers who were cancer-free.  The researchers wanted to know if there were any measurable differences in the immune responses of the mesothelioma patients.  Their findings demonstrated a relationship between the immune system and malignant mesothelioma.  For example:

·       The number of total T (T11+) and T-helper (T4+) cells were normal in asbestos workers with cancer, but were significantly reduced in patients with mesothelioma.  T cells orchestrate, regulate and coordinate the overall immune response.

·       Most patients with mesothelioma had a profound deficiency in Natural Killer cell (NK) activity which is suggestive of the role the immune system plays in the control of malignant mesothelioma.  NK cells are a type of lethal lymphocyte that target tumor cells and protect against a wide variety of infectious microbes.

In the discussion section of the report, the researchers stated:

“These findings led us to speculate that biological phenomena generally categorized as chronic immunosuppression associated with the presence of asbestos fibers in the exposed workers may have caused the eventual breakdown of the host’s surveillance system and the onset of neoplasm [malignant mesothelioma].” 

In other words, the researchers are suggesting that malignant mesothelioma may result from immune suppression.  If this is true it would provide the biological basis for the role that the immune system and immune boosting approaches may play in the management of malignant mesothelioma.  

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