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Published on: May 04, 2022
2 minute read
By: Second Medic Expert

Lung Cancer Causes, Symptoms, Diagnosis & Treatment

What Causes Lung Cancer?

There is no one answer to this question as lung cancer can be caused by a variety of things, including exposure to tobacco smoke, radon gas, asbestos fibers, and secondhand smoke. However, the most common cause of lung cancer is smoking cigarettes. In fact, smoking is responsible for about 85% of all lung cancer cases in the United States.

Symptoms of Lung Cancer

Lung cancer symptoms can differ depending on how advanced the disease is. In its early stages, lung cancer may not cause any symptoms at all. As it progresses, however, you may start to experience cough (with or without blood), chest pain, shortness of breath, trouble swallowing,

Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer death in men and women in the United States. Smoking cigarettes is the main risk factor for developing lung cancer, but studies have shown that people who have never smoked cigarettes can also get lung cancer. The second leading cause of lung cancer is long-term exposure to radon gas. There are two main types of lung cancer, small cell lung carcinoma (SCLC) and non-small cell lung carcinoma (NSCLC). The type of lung cancer you have will play a role in what treatment options are available to you.

Cigarette smoking is responsible for approximately 85% of all lung cancers. Lung cancer symptoms can be hard to identify in the early stages of the disease. Many times, people don’t experience any symptoms until the cancer has spread. When present, common symptoms of lung cancer include:

-A cough that doesn’t go away or gets worse over time

-Chest pain that is often worse with deep breathiing, coughing or laughing

-Hoarseness

Approximately 1 out of 3 cancer deaths in the US is caused by lung cancer. The two main types of lung cancer are small cell lung carcinoma (SCLC) and non-small cell lung carcinoma (NSCLC). These two types of lung cancer differ in their histology, etiology, and response to treatment. Lung cancer can be caused by a number of risk factors, including smoking, asbestos exposure, air pollution, and radiation exposure. Smoking is by far the most important risk factor for developing lung cancer; it is estimated that about 90% of all lung cancers are due to smoking cigarettes.

While the exact cause of lung cancer is unknown, it is believed to be caused by a combination of genetic and environmental factors. The most common symptom of lung cancer is a cough that does not go away, but other symptoms may include shortness of breath, chest pain, or weight loss. If you experience any of these symptoms, it’s important to see your doctor right away so that they can rule out other potential causes and begin appropriate treatment.

There are two main types of lung cancer: non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) and small cell lung cancer (SCLC). NSCLC makes up around 85% of all lung cancers, while SCLC accounts for the remaining 15%. The two types differ in their cells' structure and how they grow.

Lung cancer symptoms can include a cough that does not go away, shortness of breath, chest pain, hoarseness, weight loss, and fatigue. Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer-related deaths worldwide, and it is estimated that 1 in 8 men and 1 in 9 women will develop lung cancer in their lifetime. There are two main types of lung cancer: small cell lung cancer (SCLC) and non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). The most common symptom of lung cancer is a cough that does not go away, and other symptoms include shortness of breath, chest pain, hoarseness, weight loss, and fatigue.

Lung cancer causes more deaths than the next three most common cancers combined (colorectal, breast, and pancreatic). Smoking is by far the most important risk factor for lungcancer. Tobacco smoking is estimated to be responsible for 87% of lung cancer cases in men and 70% in women. The risk of developing lung cancer increases with the number of cigarettes smoked per day and the duration of smoking. Cigarette smokers have about 20 times the risk of developing lung cancer as compared to non-smokers.

Symptoms of lung cancer include coughing up blood, difficulty breathing, and persistent pain in the chest or shoulder. If you experience any of these symptoms, it's important to see a doctor right away. A diagnosis can be made through a combination of imaging tests (X-ray, CT scan, PET scan) and biopsies (removing tissue to examine under a microscope). Treatment options for lung cancer depend on the stage of the disease and can include surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, or targeted therapy.

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Curbing Dengue: How to Protect Yourself and Your Community

Dengue fever is a growing public health concern, particularly in tropical and subtropical regions where the Aedes mosquito thrives. With millions of cases reported annually, it’s essential to understand how to curb dengue and protect yourself and your community from this potentially life-threatening disease. This blog will cover effective strategies to reduce the spread of dengue, symptoms to watch for, and tips on preventing mosquito bites.

Understanding Dengue Fever

Dengue fever is caused by the dengue virus, which is transmitted to humans through the bite of an infected Aedes mosquito, primarily Aedes aegypti. This mosquito is known for its black and white stripes and tends to bite during the day, with peak biting periods early in the morning and before dusk.

Once a person is infected, symptoms usually appear within 4 to 10 days. These symptoms include high fever, severe headache, pain behind the eyes, joint and muscle pain, rash, and mild bleeding (such as nose or gum bleeds). In severe cases, dengue can develop into dengue hemorrhagic fever (DHF) or dengue shock syndrome (DSS), which can be fatal if not treated promptly.

How Dengue Spreads

Understanding how dengue spreads is crucial to curbing its transmission. The dengue virus cannot spread directly from person to person. Instead, an infected person must first be bitten by a mosquito, which then carries the virus to another person through subsequent bites. This is why controlling the mosquito population is vital in preventing outbreaks.

The Aedes mosquito breeds in stagnant water, such as in flower pots, buckets, discarded tires, and other containers. Urban environments with poor waste management and sanitation provide ideal breeding grounds for these mosquitoes, contributing to the rapid spread of dengue.

Strategies to Curb Dengue

Curbing dengue requires a multi-faceted approach that involves individual actions, community efforts, and government interventions. Here are some key strategies to reduce the spread of dengue:

1. Eliminate Mosquito Breeding Sites

The most effective way to curb dengue is to eliminate mosquito breeding sites. Since Aedes mosquitoes lay their eggs in stagnant water, it’s crucial to regularly inspect and clean areas where water can accumulate. Here’s how you can do your part:

- Empty and Clean Water Containers: Regularly empty and scrub water containers such as buckets, flower pots, and pet dishes to remove any mosquito eggs.

- Dispose of Waste Properly: Dispose of old tires, bottles, and cans that can collect rainwater. Proper waste management reduces potential breeding grounds.

- Cover Water Storage: If you store water in tanks or containers, make sure they are tightly covered to prevent mosquitoes from laying eggs.

- Clear Drains and Gutters: Ensure that drains and gutters are not clogged and that water flows freely to avoid pooling.

2. Use Mosquito Repellents and Protective Clothing

Since it’s not always possible to eliminate all mosquito breeding sites, personal protection is essential. Using mosquito repellents and wearing protective clothing can significantly reduce your chances of getting bitten.

- Apply Mosquito Repellent: Use repellents containing DEET, picaridin, or oil of lemon eucalyptus on exposed skin. Reapply as directed, especially during peak mosquito activity times.

- Wear Protective Clothing: When outdoors, especially during the early morning and late afternoon, wear long sleeves, long pants, and socks to minimize skin exposure.

- Sleep Under Mosquito Nets: If you live in or are visiting a dengue-prone area, sleep under a mosquito net, even during the day, to prevent bites.

3. Community Involvement and Education

Community involvement is crucial in the fight against dengue. Educating your community about the risks of dengue and how to prevent it can lead to collective action that significantly reduces the mosquito population.

- Organize Clean-Up Campaigns: Participate in or organize community clean-up efforts to eliminate mosquito breeding sites. Regularly scheduled clean-ups can make a big difference.

- Educate and Raise Awareness: Use community centers, schools, and social media to spread awareness about dengue prevention. The more people know, the more likely they are to take preventive measures.

- Support Local Health Initiatives: Collaborate with local health authorities and support government initiatives aimed at controlling mosquito populations and preventing dengue.

4. Government and Public Health Interventions

Governments and public health organizations play a critical role in curbing dengue by implementing large-scale interventions. These include:

- Mosquito Control Programs: Governments often conduct fogging operations, which involve spraying insecticides in dengue-prone areas to kill adult mosquitoes. While effective in reducing mosquito populations, these efforts must be combined with community action for lasting results.

- Public Health Campaigns: Public health campaigns aimed at raising awareness and educating the public about dengue prevention are essential. Governments can use media outlets, such as television, radio, and social media, to reach a broad audience.

- Disease Surveillance: Monitoring and reporting dengue cases help health authorities track the spread of the disease and respond promptly to outbreaks. Timely intervention can prevent the situation from escalating.

Recognizing Dengue Symptoms and Seeking Treatment

Despite your best efforts to prevent dengue, it’s essential to know the symptoms and seek medical attention if you suspect you’ve been infected. Early diagnosis and proper medical care can prevent complications and save lives.

If you experience symptoms such as high fever, severe headache, pain behind the eyes, joint and muscle pain, nausea, vomiting, and rash, seek medical attention immediately. There is no specific treatment for dengue, but supportive care, such as hydration and pain management, can help alleviate symptoms. In severe cases, hospitalization may be required to manage complications.

Conclusion

Curbing dengue is a shared responsibility that involves individual actions, community efforts, and government interventions. By eliminating mosquito breeding sites, protecting yourself from bites, educating your community, and supporting public health initiatives, you can play a significant role in preventing the spread of dengue. Remember, every effort counts when it comes to protecting yourself and your community from this dangerous disease. Stay vigilant, stay informed, and take action to curb dengue today.