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Published on: Apr 04, 2020
2 minute read
By: Raj Dwivedi

Protect Yourself From COVID-19 (novel Coronavirus)?

COVID-19 is a viral disease that is spread by airborne droplets, similar to other viral diseases such as the common cold. Symptoms include respiratory issues such as coughing and sneezing, and for this reason many people look towards masks to prevent the spread of this disease. Whilst masks have their place in the treatment and management of respiratory illnesses in the healthcare setting, for the general public masks are of little use. Most members of the public use simple surgical masks, and these are not as effective as the approved N95 particulate respirators used by healthcare professionals.

THE PROBLEM WITH MASKS

Simple face-masks help prevent large droplets and particles from teaching your mouth and nose, particles that may contain viruses and bacteria. In surgery they prevent bodily fluids from being transmitted between patient and surgeon, such as blood. However their design does not block the very small particles that are transmitted by coughs and sneezes. Furthermore they are loose fitting and so particulates can still enter through the gaps between the mask and the skin.

N95 respirators on the other hand are specially designed to prevent very fine particulate matter from entering the users nose and mouth. However even these are not perfect as they are only rated to block 95% of all such matter. Their use also depends on having a tight seal around the face, and cannot be used with facial hair. Application of the mask must also be done in a particular manner without touching the mask to ensure it remains sterile. It needs to be replaced as soon as it is damp, and by only touching the straps behind your head. Before and after putting on the mask your hands should be cleaned with alcohol based gels, or with soap and water.

Because of the issues associated with masks, the WHO has released recommendations on when members of the public should use masks:

· If you are healthy, you only need to wear a mask if you are taking care of a person with suspected 2019-nCoV infection.

· Wear a mask if you are coughing or sneezing.

· Masks are effective only when used in combination with frequent hand-cleaning with alcohol-based hand rub or soap and water.

THE IMPORTANCE OF HYGEINE

So if masks are not effective, what should you do? The simple answer is you should maintain good personal hygiene to minimise the risk of infection. Simple, frequent hand-washing with soap and water or with alcohol gel physically destroys the virus on your hands. This minimises any transmission risk to yourself and to other people. If sneezing, you should sneeze into the crook of your elbow or into a tissue, and dispose of this. After this you should once again clean your hands and dry them thoroughly. Washing your hands for 20 seconds is more effective at reducing the risk of infection than wearing a mask.

Antibiotics will not help in treating COVID-19 as this is a viral disease. Antibiotics have no effect on viruses because they are completely separate types of organisms, as different as a human is to a potato. Other drastic measures such as irradiating your body or using highly irritant cleaning products on the skin such as bleach can cause harm and create further medical problems. Using traditional or homemade medical therapies advocated on social media or by word-of-mouth are similarly not effective in destroying the virus. Some treatments can be harmful to your body as they are untested with no evidence to show they work, and unfortunately can provide you with a false sense of security. If you wish to obtain advice you should do so from a qualified health professional or from the World Health Organisation site on public advice. This can be found on https://www.who.int/emergencies/diseases/novel-coronavirus-2019/advice-for-public COVID-19.

www.secondmedic.com website

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Shortness of Breath Causes: From Common Triggers to Serious Health Conditions

Shortness of breath, medically known as dyspnea, is a symptom that ranges from mild discomfort during exertion to a distressing sensation of not getting enough air. In India, increasing air pollution, lifestyle diseases and respiratory infections have made breathlessness a frequent complaint across age groups. Understanding shortness of breath causes is essential to identify when it is harmless and when it signals a medical emergency.

What Is Shortness of Breath?

Shortness of breath refers to difficulty breathing or a feeling of air hunger.

It may present as:

rapid breathing
shallow breathing
tightness in the chest
inability to take a deep breath

The sensation can develop suddenly or gradually.

Common and Benign Causes of Shortness of Breath

Physical Exertion

During exercise, the body demands more oxygen.

Temporary breathlessness during:

climbing stairs
running
heavy physical work

is normal and resolves with rest.

Anxiety and Panic Attacks

Stress and anxiety alter breathing patterns.

Symptoms include:

rapid breathing
chest tightness
dizziness

These episodes often resolve with calming techniques.

Respiratory Causes of Shortness of Breath

Asthma

Asthma causes airway narrowing and inflammation.

Symptoms include:

wheezing
chest tightness
breathlessness during exertion or at night

Asthma is a leading cause of chronic breathlessness.

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease

COPD includes chronic bronchitis and emphysema.

Risk factors include:

smoking
indoor air pollution
occupational exposure

WHO identifies COPD as a major cause of breathlessness in adults.

Respiratory Infections

Infections such as pneumonia and bronchitis reduce lung capacity.

Breathlessness may be accompanied by:

cough
fever
chest pain

Severe infections require urgent treatment.

Heart-Related Causes of Shortness of Breath

Heart Failure

The heart fails to pump blood efficiently.

This leads to:

fluid accumulation in lungs
breathlessness on exertion
breathlessness while lying flat

ICMR data shows heart disease as a major contributor to unexplained breathlessness.

Coronary Artery Disease

Reduced blood supply to the heart can cause:

breathlessness
chest discomfort
fatigue

This may occur even without chest pain in some individuals.

Blood and Metabolic Causes

Anemia

Low hemoglobin reduces oxygen delivery.

Common symptoms include:

fatigue
breathlessness on mild activity
pale skin

NFHS-5 highlights anemia as highly prevalent in India.

Thyroid Disorders

Hyperthyroidism increases metabolic demand, causing breathlessness.

Hypothyroidism may contribute indirectly through weight gain and reduced stamina.

Lung Circulation Disorders

Pulmonary Embolism

A blood clot in the lungs causes sudden, severe breathlessness.

This is a medical emergency and may be accompanied by:

chest pain
coughing blood
fainting

Immediate treatment is critical.

Lifestyle-Related Causes

Obesity

Excess body weight restricts lung expansion.

Breathlessness occurs due to:

increased oxygen demand
reduced lung volumes

Weight management improves breathing efficiency.

Sedentary Lifestyle

Poor physical conditioning reduces respiratory muscle strength.

Even mild exertion may cause breathlessness.

Environmental and Occupational Factors

Air Pollution

Pollutants irritate airways and reduce lung function.

Urban populations experience higher rates of breathlessness.

Workplace Exposure

Dust, chemicals and fumes increase respiratory risk.

Protective measures are essential in high-risk occupations.

When Shortness of Breath Is a Warning Sign

Seek urgent care if breathlessness:

starts suddenly
worsens rapidly
occurs at rest
is associated with chest pain, bluish lips or confusion

These may indicate life-threatening conditions.

How Shortness of Breath Is Diagnosed

Evaluation may include:

physical examination
chest imaging
blood tests
lung function tests
heart evaluation

Diagnosis focuses on identifying the root cause.

Preventive Measures and Lifestyle Care

Prevention includes:

regular physical activity
pollution protection
smoking cessation
weight control
managing chronic conditions

Preventive healthcare reduces long-term risk.

Importance of Early Medical Evaluation

Delayed diagnosis can worsen outcomes, especially in:

heart disease
lung infections
anemia

Early care improves treatment success.

Conclusion

Shortness of breath causes range from temporary exertion and anxiety to serious heart, lung and blood disorders. While occasional breathlessness may be harmless, persistent or sudden symptoms should never be ignored. Understanding the underlying causes and seeking timely medical evaluation can prevent complications and save lives. Paying attention to changes in breathing is an essential step toward protecting overall health and wellbeing.

References

Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) – Respiratory and Cardiac Health Reports
World Health Organization (WHO) – Breathlessness and Chronic Disease Guidelines
National Family Health Survey (NFHS-5) – Anemia and Respiratory Health Data
Lancet – Dyspnea Evaluation and Outcomes Research
NITI Aayog – Non-Communicable Disease Prevention Reports
Statista – Respiratory Disease and Air Pollution Trends

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