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Showing posts with label Allergies et asthme. Show all posts

The ear, nose and throat



We often speak of "ENT" but few people really know the meaning of the acronym becomes a little too familiar. A special branch of medicine, a doctor specializing in the field, let's turn to learn a little more.

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the dermatologist

We have it all wrong when we say that the dermatologist is the specialist in skin diseases. It is also involved in diseases of the mucous membranes, hair and nails. Most dermatologists are themselves connoisseurs sexually transmitted diseases ....

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the pulmonologist

Some signs such as cough, shortness of breath or chest pain are sometimes overlooked. Yet they can hide very serious lung diseases. So let the pulmonologist care to know a little more about your condition and give appropriate treatment.

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The allergist

Allergic rhinitis, chronic irritative cough, excessive body reactions to certain medications or certain foods .... An allergy maybe? Orient us to an allergist for better support.
What is an allergist?
The allergist is a doctor who specializes in the detection and management of all forms of allergy.
As allergy is a disease highly related to the patient's environment, the allergist also takes into account and gives a great importance to the environment.
When to see an allergist?
When the following different signs become chronic and interfere with quality of life, it is necessary to consult an allergist:
frequent rhinitis with knowledge of triggers (cold, dust, ....)
rhinitis which often requires antibiotic treatment, lasting for several months or years
signs of chronic bronchitis: chronic and irritating cough, asthma, wheezing, and shortness of breath ...
diagnosed by a doctor eczema and that under no treatment improves
appearance of hives or choking after taking a drug or food
conjunctivitis repeatedly with specific environmental factors trigger
immediate and serious reactions after insect bite
more than 3 episodes of bronchiolitis in infants.
Several situations can cause us to see an allergist. However, it is always advisable to see a doctor in advance.
Angioedema requires very urgent care and must be mastered by all physicians.
Consultation with the allergist
The process of consultation with the allergist is based on personal and family histories, drug, food intake as well as the presence or absence of pets. The allergist will take into account the importance of the environment and the patient's family (housing, dust, workplace ...).
Skin tests are the main exams which allow the allergist to know the types of allergens, bases throughout the process management (allergen avoidance, desensitization, antihistamines, local or systemic corticosteroids).

The allergist did not stop to prescription drugs, because the main pillar of support is education and patient information on allergen avoidance, often involving a change of lifestyle and Special care (hygiene).

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Nasal polyposis: what is the outcome after treatment?

There are some more difficult to deal with chronic diseases and troublesome signs. Even after a long treatment, signs still persist; complications or ineffective treatment? In any case, the doctor's advice is always necessary.
Nasal polyposis is a chronic inflammatory and characterized by the presence of tumors that develop in the nasal mucosal disease. These tumors are benign but generate chronic clinical signs:
- Nasal obstruction with rhinorrhea and sneezing
- Pain felt in the face, headache
- A reduction or loss of smell (this is a major sign)
- Change of taste
- Allergy and Asthma
Loss of smell (anosmia or) is mainly due to an obstruction of the olfactory cleft. The loss of smell can occur on one side. However, this sign depends on the stage of nasal polyposis. The loss of smell can also be due to persistence of predisposing factors such as pollen allergies, asthma, ...
Medical treatment requires the intervention of a general practitioner, a specialist in ENT, an allergist and possibly a dentist but also a pulmonologist.
Medical treatment is actually based on:
- Local corticosteroids with or without antibiotics
- A desired antihistamine
- A spray solution and / or wash (saline sea water, fresh water)
The medical treatment of substance is usually administered treatment.
However, any persistent signs requires further exploration and it is necessary to talk to his doctor. The safety and effectiveness of drugs are typically evaluated on a regular basis. Indeed, in case of failure of medical treatment, surgical treatment may be considered. After more than four annual treatments in medical treatment, with persistent signs and no decrease in volume of the polyposis, surgery is indicated.
Nasal polyposis tend to recur. However, surgery does not give complete recovery. It increases the effectiveness of local drug spray to restore the sense of smell and taste in the patient, and avoids frequent recurrences.
The laser also reduces the volume of nasal polyposis. Like surgery, the indication should be discussed and well specified.
Precautions:
- Certain foods may promote recurrences: peanuts (walnuts, pistachios, peanuts, peanut oil ...), shellfish, oysters, ...
- Some drugs such as penicillin, aspirin or non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs should be avoided

- Certain foods can prevent nasal polyposis as foods rich in antioxidants, rich in vitamins A, C and E, fruits and vegetables, ...

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Food diversification: what are the risks?

Food diversification is a mandatory step in the life of the infant. While in theory, the gradual introduction of food for the baby seems more simple, things are different in practice. Small dietary errors can cause many diseases that we are sometimes difficult to imagine ...
Dietary errors

Dietary errors

Milk is the main food during the first few months after birth. It contributes to the development and maturation of the various organ systems of the infant.

Food diversification is usually performed at the age of 6 months to avoid dietary errors and may be the cause of health risks in infants. Indeed, although still immature, at the age of 6 months, the digestive system is ready to begin to digest certain foods. Hence the need for a gradual diversification.

Dietary errors during a food diversification are mainly related to:

- A lack or excess in certain nutrients, both in qualitative and quantitative terms (fatty acids, iron, calcium, protein, sodium, ...)

- The administration of food containing gluten

- Excess salt and sugar

- The reduction of the daily quantity of milk

The risks of dietary errors

The risks of dietary errors

Dietary errors during a food diversification bad conduct are responsible for some anomalies sometimes difficult to control. The risk of developing these reactions are even higher when the baby was born prematurely.

Allergies are the main diseases caused by a dietary error. They can manifest as eczema, asthma or edema and swelling. This is called a food allergy. The risk of developing allergies are even more increased when the infant has atopy. In this case, it is important to pay attention to certain foods such as eggs, fish, peanuts, soybeans ...

Celiac disease is common in infants predisposed during the administration of food containing gluten.

Excessive intake of protein, salty foods, sugary foods can be harmful to the infant. Indeed, parents tend to abuse of these products to enhance the taste of food. The risk of obesity, diabetes and high blood pressure when the baby grows up, is high in case of error during a dietary food diversification. Cow's milk may be responsible for these diseases because of excess protein, sodium, potassium and phosphorus.

Even if food diversification, milk must remain essential food and basic infant to cover calcium needs, needs essential fatty acids and iron requirements. The introduction of other foods tends to reduce the daily amount of milk in the diet can cause a calcium deficiency and iron deficiency. Iron deficiency can cause anemia, predisposing the infant to the risk of failure to thrive, delayed psychomotor development and various respiratory and ENT infections. Thus, the milk must not be reduced or replaced by other foods.

Thus, a new food should be introduced so isolated, and should be given twice to avoid possible allergy (at least once per week), it also helps to know exactly the food causing possible intolerance.
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How to cure conjunctivitis?

Conjunctivitis ... a benign disease. Infectious, allergic or toxic, consultation is always necessary for action to be taken is not quite the same. Antibiotics or antiseptic single? Better to let the ophthalmologist examine and respond ...
Conjunctivitis is an inflammation of the conjunctiva (the white part of the eye). The conjunctiva is a thin, clear membrane that protects the inside of the eyelid. It is a vascular structure, hence if irritation or inflammation, blood vessels are dilated and causes redness of the eye.
Conjunctivitis can be due to several causes or factors. The events, developments and treatment modalities are specific to each etiology.
 However, conjunctivitis is often manifested by redness of the eye, burning or "sand in the eyes", sometimes accompanied by flows whose appearance varies causes. The eyes may become painful, watery and are often sensitive to light.
 In case of conjunctivitis, a consultation with a GP or ophthalmologist is necessary to detect causes. It is also useful for the doctor to do a thorough examination of the eyes and eyelids to find any wound or foreign body in the eye.
 The doctor's visit is especially required when
- Signs persist for more than 3 days,
- The person with diabetes is conjunctivitis
- Conjunctivitis tends to recur
- Conjunctivitis reached a child or infant
- Disorders of vision are obvious
 Conjunctivitis is a benign condition and does not last more than 3 days. Complications are generally rare when treatment is appropriate and well led.
 It differs essentially:
- Infectious conjunctivitis (bacterial, viral)
- The toxic conjunctivitis
- Allergic conjunctivitis
 Infectious conjunctivitis
 Bacterial conjunctivitis
Bacterial conjunctivitis is caused by bacteria. Staphylococcus and Streptococcus are the most common causes. Besides the common manifestations characterizing conjunctivitis, bacterial conjunctivitis causes the appearance of purulent secretions. Antibiotic therapy is required during treatment, often in the form of eye drops or ointment, sometimes combined with an antibiotic administered systemically. Bacterial conjunctivitis is contagious.
 The patient often wakes up in the morning with eyelids stuck by yellowish crusts.
 The viral conjunctivitis
The viral conjunctivitis usually occurs in an epidemic context, it is also highly contagious and often affects both eyes. Secretions are not purulent but clear and watery. The adenovirus is most often involved.
Viral conjunctivitis is mainly treated with antiseptic washes. Antivirals are necessary in case of conjunctivitis herpes.
In people with low immunity, or at risk of bacterial infection, antibiotics are sometimes necessary for prevention. However, the doctor is only able to assess the need.
Viral conjunctivitis may persist for several weeks.
Allergic conjunctivitis
Allergic conjunctivitis is more evident among those with atopy. Dust (mites), pollen, pet dander are often the cause of allergic conjunctivitis. This condition is usually associated with chronic allergic rhinitis or asthma, runny nose, sneezing .... Doctors prescribe an antihistamine, a decongestant or anti-inflammatory, regular washing eyes with saline or antiseptic drops is recommended.
Allergic conjunctivitis is not contagious and is manifested by redness and irritation of the eyes, sometimes associated with a small swelling of the conjunctiva. The itching is intense.
In case of allergic conjunctivitis, the patient is referred to an allergist.
 Toxic conjunctivitis
The toxic chemical conjunctivitis or conjunctivitis is due to infiltration of toxic substances in the eye (smoke, pool chlorine, cosmetics, chemicals ...). Burning sensations are the main signs of this type of conjunctivitis. The extensive washing with water or saline is highly recommended to arrival at the ophthalmologist. This is often because of an emergency in case of delay of care, toxic chemicals can cause lesions in various structures of the eye, which may be causing blurred vision.
 Our tips
 - Apply a compress soaked in warm water at the eyelid of the affected eye, it helps relieve itching and possible pain
- Avoid rubbing your eye
- Wash hands before and after cleaning the eyes
- Regularly wash eyes with saline or saline water
- Apply treatments or eye drops prescribed by the doctor until the indicated treatment, even if the conjunctivitis is healed,
- In case of conjunctivitis in children, it is better to keep them at home to avoid any contamination in cases of infectious conjunctivitis
- Do not wear contact lenses until the healing of the conjunctiva
- In case of local treatment drops, learn the drops in the inner corner of the eye (near the nose), so that the drug can easily spread throughout the eye it is easier to get help.

 Thus, if the evolution of conjunctivitis is always positive, it is wise to consult a doctor to better care. Treatments are different depending on the cause of conjunctivitis, and must be well conducted. Infectious conjunctivitis are contagious; care and eye care are more difficult to avoid contamination. Allergic conjunctivitis requires more specific care and it is advisable to avoid allergens, causing irritation.

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What Fernand Widal syndrome?

If Fernand Widal syndrome remains poorly understood by all, intolerance to aspirin and certain non-steroidal anti-inflammatory in some people with asthma, however, is common. Combining asthma, nasal polyps and aspirin intolerance, the triad is quite disturbing and deserves to be known ...
Fernand Widal syndrome affects mainly adults with asthma quarantine or fifties and associates
- A chronic and progressive asthma, which can be serious and severe
- Intolerance to aspirin (or acetyl salicylic acid) and anti-inflammatory drugs
- A sinonasal polyposis, the cause of rhinitis or chronic rhinosinusitis and nasal obstruction manifested by
Other signs may also appear as the congestion of the eyes and nose with watery eyes, and respiratory tract congestion. Some patients simultaneously digestive disorders (rare signs), or hives.
These signs are not always obvious, intolerance to aspirin is most pronounced.
Fernand Widal syndrome often occurs a few minutes to a few hours (sometimes even months) after taking aspirin, with an asthma attack more or less severe that lasts a few days. Other signs appear later.
The mechanism of this syndrome involve genetic factors, age and immune status of the subject. Fernand Widal syndrome is rare in children and often concerned about this atopy.
The diagnosis of Fernand Widal syndrome is placed on a well-conducted interview. In biological terms, blood eosinophilia (increase the rate of eosinophils) is observed.
Fernand Widal syndrome requires a specialized consultation with a physician specializing in ear, nose and throat. Treatment is difficult and is usually based on inhalation corticosteroids.

It is also advisable to avoid definitely take Aspirin and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs.

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What are the causes of chronic diarrhea?

Chronic diarrhea may be a disease but can also be a sign of other chronic diseases. Bowel disease, pancreatic disease, reactions to certain substances, food allergies, ... The reasons are many but the main ones to know.
We're talking about chronic diarrhea when beeps more than 3 loose stools per day for more than 3 to 4 weeks. Theoretically, chronic diarrhea is characterized by an average weight greater than 300g / d stool.
Chronic diarrhea may be associated with fever, weight loss, abdominal pain, vomiting or bloody stools. The presence of these signs warrants an emergency consultation.
The causes are many, diarrhea may be a sign of disease or constitute itself a disease. However, the doctor is only able to distinguish the type of diarrhea by the patient and investigate the cause.
There are several forms of chronic diarrhea, but the most common are water diarrhea or diarrhea without malabsorption. We talk about
- Diarrhea driving when stools are frequent and numerous, with urgent and related to an acceleration of intestinal transit needs. Diarrhea often occurs in the morning or after a meal. This type of diarrhea is mainly encountered in functional bowel disorders, hyperthyroidism, rarely diabetes, amyloidosis, or carcinoid syndrome.

- Secretory diarrhea when stools are frequent and appear even if the subject is fasting. Colitis is the main condition manifested by a secretory diarrhea. However, certain medications such as digitalis, biguanides or excessive use of laxatives can cause this type of diarrhea.
- Osmotic diarrhea when stools are frequent but stop when the subject is fasting. Lactase deficiency is the main cause of this type of diarrhea, which often occurs after ingestion of milk.
Other major causes are also sought:
- Infections (parasitosis example)
- Ulcerative colitis
- Crohn's Disease
- Celiac disease
- The diverticula
- Colorectal cancer
- Pancreatitis, pancreatic cancer
- The cholestasis
- The irritable bowel
- Lactose intolerance, gluten intolerance
- Food allergies
- A notion of excessive use of laxatives
- The Zollinger-Ellison
Our tips
In case of chronic diarrhea
- To rehydrate regularly with oral rehydration salts
- Avoid drinks containing caffeine
- Focus adequate food: carrots, rice, ...

- Avoid self-medication

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What causes a chronic cough?

The cough is often considered a trivial sign, but to become chronic when it persists, there is cause for concern. Chronic cough always something underlying disease. Even a simple sore throat, often likened to a psychogenic cause, should alert patients ...
The cough is a sign that allows the body to eliminate unnecessary and aggressive lung substances, and also facilitates the release of the airway by removing excess mucus.

The cough may be a sign of lung disease, a digestive disorder, but also a reflex reaction in case of irritation of the throat or airways by dust, chemicals or pollution.

A cough can be assessed according to its duration. Chronic cough usually lasts for several weeks (more than 3 weeks) it is a condition that is a very common reason for consultation. However, care needs to know the causes, which are many, but are not always obvious to the patient.

Chronic cough is often a sign of illness or abnormal condition of the body. Thus, a medical consultation is required and is to examine the patient, taking into account his background, his profession. It is also very important to know and notice other signs that accompany coughing. These accompanying signs are different from one case to another and may guide the diagnosis: dyspnea, fatigue, choking, lymphadenopathy, recurrent vomiting, ... Additional tests are often necessary to achieve a specific cause, it can be an X-ray lungs, pulmonary function tests, ...

Chronic cough may appear in case of digestive obstructive lung disease, or in case of disturbances in ENT.
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What are the causes of a stuffy nose?

A stuffy nose is a handicap in everyday life and becomes tiring, especially when this phenomenon occurs continuously. A medical consultation is often necessary to find the causes. Sinusitis, rhinitis, tumor ... explorations must be serious.
The nose plays essential roles in our daily lives. The air we breathe passes first through the nose, at which level it is humidified and warmed before entering the lungs and bronchi in order not to overload the alveoli. The nose is also involved in the sense of smell and taste through the olfactory nerves.
Thus, a stuffy nose or nasal congestion is a handicap in everyday life and becomes tiring, especially when this phenomenon occurs continuously. A medical consultation is often necessary to find the causes. The specialist of this body is the ear, nose and throat.
The doctor looks for characteristics of stuffy nose:
- Unilateral or bilateral,
- Permanently or passenger in a particular context
- History of nose surgery
- Exposure to chemicals or allergy concepts (asthma, rhinitis) concepts, notions of irritation
- The concepts of trauma
According to the examination and the clinical context, a stuffy nose may require additional tests that can guide the physician in his diagnosis.
Several causes can be used, and are the cause of nasal congestion.
Inflammation of the nasal mucous and stuffy nose
Allergic rhinitis is often triggered by the presence of an allergen (dust, pollen, animal dander, cold, moisture, ...). Allergic rhinitis may be seasonal hay as colds, but can be persistent when the allergen is found constantly in the environment of the individual concerned. In addition to nasal congestion, allergic rhinitis is manifested mainly by sneezing, runny nose, itchy palate of the mouth or throat ...
Colds or viral rhinitis can also cause inflammation of the mucous membranes and cause nasal congestion. This condition is not permanent and is caused by exposure of the subject to a virus (rhinovirus or coronarovirus), with attachment of the virus in the mucosa of the nose, eyes and mouth. The common cold is contagious and is transmitted as from infected droplets during sneezing. The signs of a cold are less intense than those of the flu, with runny nose, fever, headache and fatigue.
Chronic sinusitis can cause a chronic inflammation of the nasal mucous membranes. It is an inflammation of the sinuses that can be caused by bacteria, viruses or fungi. Some allergens can also cause sinusitis in people with allergic conditions. During chronic sinusitis, there is a disturbance in the drainage of mucus. Sinusitis is characterized by pain on eye rims, which are usually worse when the subject leans forward. These pains are accompanied by runny nose and nasal congestion.
Vasomotor rhinitis is a form of persistent rhinitis appears mostly in young women under stress. It is also evidenced by nasal congestion and a runny nose. There are several other factors such as promoting smoke, pollution, moisture and certain smells.
Polyps are also chronic diseases that cause chronic inflammation of the mucous membranes. Nasal congestion is accompanied by the loss of smell.
In case of unilateral nasal obstruction, one can think of a tumor, usually benign, such as nasopharyngeal fibroma. Malignant tumor causes are rare but possible.
Structural abnormalities and stuffy nose

The shape abnormalities can affect the bones of the nose, the nasal septum, the nose or the valves. Structural damage of these parts may be the cause of nasal obstruction mechanically. The cause may be traumatic or congenital.

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Atopic dermatitis, what is it?

The sensibility of a person to an allergen can occur in several forms: asthma, rhinitis, eczema ... atopic dermatitis is a particular form in a child predisposed. As the disease manifests itself, what are the causes, treatments ... The answers are in this article.
Atopic dermatitis is a form of allergy that primarily affects children, but also reached adult and respect the skin. It is also called eczema or atopic dermatitis or atopic eczema infant.
Atopic dermatitis evolves in spurts and is manifested especially before the age of 6 months. It mainly affects a child with a predisposed to allergies, in most cases, one parent has an atopic. These are people with increased sensitivity to certain allergens, and this characteristic is inherited and transmitted from parent to child.
Atopic dermatitis is a chronic skin inflammation that often begins with dry skin or xerosis, whose development is favored more by the cold and stress.
Thus, superimposed on genetic predisposition, many allergens are involved, they trigger and maintain eruptions. These allergens are different from one child to another and need to be detected early by parents. Other factors are promoting skin irritation (excessive washing, excessive hygiene), immune deficiency, confined environment, exposure to pet dander, exposure to tobacco smoke, exposure to pollen , exposure to pollution .... The environment a child prone to allergies have a significant impact on his health.
Atopic dermatitis appears as red, scaly and dry with scabs, itchy lesions. These lesions are usually localized to the scalp, cheeks, chin, limbs and skin folds. In infants, the lesions can also occur in the abdomen.
The diagnosis of atopic dermatitis in children is established when the pruritic skin lesions are associated with other signs such as:
- Definition of asthma and allergic rhinitis in the family, including children less than 4 years
- Appearance of dry skin or xerosis before the age of 1 year
- The signs appear for the first time before the age of 2 years
- The child has experienced flare-ups before
Atopic dermatitis is changing slowly with periods of flare-ups, including the presence of allergens involved and contributing factors. Complications are rare, but they exist. The bacterial infection (Staphylococcus aureus) lesions are the major complications to be feared because of scratching or irritation. The infection of lesions by herpes virus is also possible where the need for vaccination. In addition, the itching can cause sleep disorders and irritation in children.
Atopic dermatitis is mainly influenced by the terrain, so the treatment is based on the prevention of relapses and the treatment of signs during flares. Prevention of relapses is based on measures of maintenance and eviction of contributing factors:
- Use warm water for toilets and baby avoid soaps or other irritants
- To bring to baby cotton clothes
- Apply emollients and moisturizers after bathing
All products used in baby care must be tested and recommended by the doctor.

During periods thrust of corticosteroids for topical application are prescribed by the doctor. These drugs can relieve itching and reduce inflammation of the skin. Antibiotic or antiseptic drugs are needed in case of infection. The emollient application also helps to fight against dryness of the skin. Medical supervision to the allergist is recommended because atopic predisposes the child to several other forms of allergies that must be caught early.

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Shortness of breath: where it comes from?

Shortness of breath is a completely subjective and sometimes difficult to assess sign. This is normally an automatic act, but when the subject requires a lot of effort to make, then there is a problem.
Breathing is a physiological or mechanical action that allows the body to bring oxygen and carbon dioxide to reject. We're talking about shortness of breath or dyspnea when the subject experiences discomfort when breathing and effort needed to breathe.
Shortness of breath is a sign of a disease or an abnormality in the functioning of the body, involving the transport mechanism and entry of oxygen from the mouth until it reaches the level muscle cells.
Breathlessness is a subjective sign, the description and the sensation varies from one individual to another, but essentially depends on lifestyle, age and terrain. Shortness of breath can easily occur in an older person, it can also be felt in an effort for a person (climbing stairs, for example) but does not necessarily appear in other people for the same effort. Thus, evaluation is sometimes difficult, often requiring the measurement of respiration by pulmonary function tests.
Knowledge of the characteristics of breath allows the physician to guide its further tests and diagnosis.
The seniority of breath essentially allows easy orientation towards research into the causes of acute and chronic diseases.
- Shortness of breath may occur abruptly, it is called acute dyspnea. It is a sign of acute disease and recent onset.
- Shortness of breath can also be chronic and sign the existence of a disease that has evolved from chronic or progressive way, a way of life unsuitable (obesity or lack of exercise) can also cause shortness of breath chronic.
Other parameters on the characteristics of breathlessness must consider:
- The installation mode
- The triggering factors: change of position, stress, ...
- The aggravating factors
- Signs accompanying cough, chest pain, ...
Depending on the clinical and data, the doctor may prescribe the most appropriate investigations, it can be an electrocardiogram, chest X-ray, blood tests, a CT scan or MRI, ...
The causes of breathlessness are grouped according to whether it is a cause of cardiovascular origin or cause of pulmonary or respiratory origin. Other situations or context are not really causes but are, however, factors that trigger or aggravate chest tightness.
Marked obstruction in the respiratory tract can cause difficulty breathing. The disease in question may affect the bronchi, lungs, pleura, ribs.
The heart acts as a pump and ejects the oxygen to the organs of the body blood, he also works at the expense of gas exchanges that occur in the lungs. Any disruption in the transport of oxygenated blood in the cardiovascular system are causing shortness of breath.

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