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4 Breathing Exercises that Help Keep Your Asthma in Check

Asthma is a lung disorder that makes breathing extremely difficult. A large number of people suffer from asthma and it is considered to be the number one cause of chronic illness. There is no cure for asthma, but researchers are optimistic and determined to develop remedies that will be effective in treating asthma. Besides medical treatments, there are numerous home remedies like simple breathing exercises, which can minimize asthma attacks and keep them in check. Before we get to these breathing exercises, let’s understand the symptoms and causes of asthma. There are two types of asthma, allergic and nonallergic, and the one that is more common is certainly allergic asthma. People who have allergies can develop allergic asthma, and when the allergens provoke the allergy, they trigger asthma as well. Non-allergic asthma can be triggered by factors that affect the lungs. It is not connected to allergies or the immune system at all. Typical symptoms of these two types of asthma are similar and include dry coughs, an increased heart rate, breathlessness and tightening in the chest. They can occur immediately after a person comes in contact with the triggers, and in some cases, it can be delayed. The severity differs among sufferers. Many sufferers also have a habit of breathing through the mouth, which exposes their lungs to cooler and drier air at a faster rate, which is one of the asthma triggers. Breathing exercises promote shallow breathing at a much slower rate, which helps reduce asthma symptoms. Here are 4 exercises to help keep Asthma in check!  1. Diaphragmatic Breathing This breathing exercise implies breathing with the diaphragm, or in simple terms, breathing with the stomach. Lie on a bed or just sit in a position that is comfortable for you and begin to breathe slowly through your nose. Make sure that every time you inhale, instead of your chest, your abdomen should be the first to rise. Exhale extremely slowly, while your abdomen goes down, and an ideal exhalation should be twice as long as your inhalation. This exercise should be done every day for about 15 minutes in order for the asthma symptoms to be reduced. 2. Pursed Lip Breathing This exercise helps when you are experiencing an asthma attack. To perform it, you need to lie on a bed or sit in a position that’s comfortable for you. Begin to breathe slowly through your nose, inhaling with the rise of the abdomen. Then, you need to exhale very slowly, the abdomen going down, through your mouth and through pursed lips, like you are preparing to whistle. Exhale for twice as long as inhaling. The main focus is to exhale the air that is trapped in the lungs. Proceed with this exercise until your breathing is back to normal. 3. Buteyko Breathing This breathing exercise was developed in 1952 by Konstantin Buteyko, a Ukrainian physiologist. He has found that shallow and slow breathing works better in reducing the symptoms of asthma. First, exhale all the air with a whoosh sound, close the mouth and then start inhaling quietly through the nose while counting to four. After that, hold your breath and count to seven, then start exhaling slowly through the mouth while counting to eight. Repeat this process at least three times. 4. Progressive Relaxation This exercise focuses on relaxing muscle groups and besides helping with asthma, it also reduces stress. For this breathing exercise, first, use diaphragmatic breathing. After that, tighten your left foot muscles for 30 seconds, then relax and feel the tension releasing. Repeat with the right foot muscles, hands, and forearms, upper legs, mouth, forehead, and shoulder. Focus on the breathing through the process and you will see how the body will relax and feel weightless. These breathing exercises are very beneficial and need to be an essential part of your day. Select the one that suits your condition best and, with preventive medicines, you can minimize the chances of asthma attacks.  

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February 05, 2019
Lifeline Hospital
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Body
Does sugar lead to heart disease?

As a general rule, if something is bad for our health, we are told about it. In 1964, for example, the American Surgeon General published a report confirming the link between smoking and lung cancer – since then the tobacco industry itself has been obliged to warn customers of the harmful effects of its products. The AIDS epidemic of the 1980s prompted similarly vigorous campaigns warning about the dangers of unprotected sex and sharing needles. So it seems entirely reasonable that we should be given stark warnings about anything that poses a serious threat to health, yet there is one substance that, for some reason, continues to escape the net: Sugar There is a vast difference in public perception between sugar and cigarettes. While the latter is recognized without question as an addictive killer, sugar remains little more than a guilty pleasure, and in many people’s minds an innocent treat. As long as you brush your teeth thoroughly and get some exercise, what’s the harm? Well, an increasing body of research is showing refined sugar to be right up there with smoking as a major killer. Both are packed with harmful chemicals, both are known to be addictive, and both cause untold damage to our vital organs – especially the heart. A study published in JAMA (Journal of the American Medical Association) found that people who consumed 25% or more of their daily calories from sugar were more than twice as likely to die from heart disease compared to those whose diets included less than 10%. In both smoking and sugar consumption, we are looking at two serious evils. The world is yet to grasp just how dangerous sugar can be. Sugar consumption and the path to heart disease The link between refined sugar and heart disease consists of multiple strands. The first is the effect of sugar on insulin. When you eat that donut or drink that fizzy drinks, the sugar passes very quickly into the bloodstream, triggering the body to release insulin to absorb any excess and stabilize blood-sugar levels. Load your body with too much sugar and the resultant insulin spikes lead to the bodybuilding an insulin resistance. This, in simple terms, is how type 2 diabetes develops. Diabetes is listed by the American Heart Association as being one of the seven major controllable risk factors for cardiovascular disease. Adults with the condition are two to four times more likely to die from heart disease and at least 68% of people aged 65 or older with diabetes die from some form of heart disease. Further to this, however, a 2012 meta-analysis published in the journal PLoS ONE found evidence of a link between insulin resistance and heart disease in cases where type 2 diabetes has not yet been diagnosed. High sugar consumption is also directly linked to obesity, the prevalence of which is twice the global average here in the UAE. Obesity is another major risk factor for heart disease, leading to hypertension (high blood pressure), diabetes and atherosclerosis (hardening of the arteries), which can cause clots, resulting in heart attacks and strokes.

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February 05, 2019
Novomed Integrative Medicine
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Body
Respiratory Distress Syndrome (RDS) in Preterm Neonates

Respiratory distress syndrome, also known as Hyaline membrane disease, occurs almost exclusively in premature infants. It is a complication in about 1% pregnancies. Respiratory distress syndrome is the leading cause of death among preterm babies. It is a medical emergency that also affects term babies with birth asphyxia and infants born to diabetic mothers. The incidence and severity of respiratory distress syndrome are related inversely to the gestational age. Approximately 50% of the neonates born at 26-28 weeks’ gestation develop Respiratory distress syndrome, whereas less than 30% of premature neonates born at 30-31 weeks’ gestation develop the condition. Respiratory Distress Syndrome (RDS) in Preterm NeonatesIncidence is 42% in infants weighing 501-1500g,71% in infants weighing 501-750g, 54% in infants weighing 751-1000g, 36% in infants weighing 1001-1250g, and 22% in infants weighing 1251-1500g. Why is respiratory distress syndrome an emergency in neonatology? Alveoli are small sacs in the lungs where the gas is exchanged. They are coated with a surfactant which is a soap-like material which is produced in the lungs of the fetus between the 24th and 28th week of pregnancy. Most of the babies produce enough surfactant by the 34th week of pregnancy. However, in preterm neonates, the lungs do not contain the necessary amount of surfactant, which makes the lungs stiff and unable to open once the neonate is born. This causes difficulty in breathing. What are the signs and symptoms of Respiratory distress syndrome? The signs and symptoms are noticed immediately after birth. They include: • Rapid and shallow breathing • Blue colored lips, fingers, and toes • Flaring nostrils • A grunting sound when breathing How is Respiratory distress syndrome treated and managed? Respiratory Distress Syndrome (RDS) in Preterm Neonates Treatment is started immediately after delivery. Babies are given respiratory support with continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) to prevent the alveoli from collapsing. Baby is administered surfactant down the airways, immediately after the baby is born or when RDS is diagnosed. Infants who receive surfactants are able to breathe more easily after a few hours. Supportive therapies such as the diagnosis and management of patent ducus arteriosus fluid and electrolyte management, trophic feeding and nutrition are given. Chest radiographs in a premature infant with Respiratory distress syndrome before and after Surfactant treatment. Repeat chest radiograph after surfactant therapy at 3 hours demonstrates marked improvement. The road to recovery for every newborn is different. Some newborns may require support from the ventilator and some may need more oxygen than others. Some also require several doses of surfactant. It is also very important to know that RDS tends to get worse before it starts to get better. What are the complications of RDS? Neonatal RDS tends to get worse over the first few days after the baby is born. If not diagnosed and treated on time it can lead to serious complications which can be fatal. Possible complications of RDS include: • Bleeding in the lungs (Pulmonary hemorrhage ) • Bleeding in the brain( Intraventricular hemorrhage) • Air buildup in the sac around the lungs(Pneumothorax) • Blood infection( Septicemia ) • Chronic lung disease(Bronchopulmonary dysplasia) • Visual impairment(Retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) • Neurodevelopmental delay, hearing loss (Periventricular leukomalacia) How is Respiratory distress syndrome prevented? The major risk factor for respiratory distress syndrome is prematurity. Preventing preterm birth will also prevent RDS. With good prenatal care, several risk factors that could lead to preterm birth can be prevented. If delivery is anticipated before 36 weeks of gestation, the mother may be given corticosteroids as therapy before birth in order to accelerate the maturation of the fetal lungs. Antenatal Consult with Neonatologist will help and guide parents in the treatment of their baby Parent and Family Support Parents often undergo much emotional and financial stress with the birth of a critically ill, premature baby with Respiratory distress syndrome. Parents may feel guilty and may be unable to relate to the neonate in the intensive care setting. They may be anxious about their child’s prognosis. Parents are well informed by the Neonatologist about the babies condition and procedures involved especially during the acute stage of the disease. They are assisted infrequently visiting, touching, feeding and caring for their baby as soon as possible. Before discharge from the hospital, immunization is given and follow-up care is arranged with a multidisciplinary team and coordinated by the Neonatologist.  

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February 05, 2019
Lifeline Hospital
Health & Wellness Partner
Body
What’s killing my libido?

Have you noticed that your sex drive has been flagging recently? If so, you’re not alone. Low libido or lack of interest in sex is surprisingly common, though perhaps more so among women. In a 1999 study Sexual Dysfunction in the United States – Prevalence and Predictors, 22% of women across the age spectrum reported low sexual desire, compared to 5% of men. However other studies have shown far higher rates for men. In 2007, Dr. Konstantinos Hatzimouratidis published a global review of research relating to male sexual dysfunction. He found that the rates of men reporting a lack of interest in sex varied hugely depending on where surveys were carried out. In France, just 3% and in Iceland 4% of men reported a lack of interest in sex, compared to 16% in Sweden and the USA and 25% in Australia. The reasons behind these disparities are unclear but may relate more to pride or embarrassment than any significant differences connected to lifestyle or genetics. If you’re reading this article because you’re worried about a dip in your libido, I assure you it’s nothing to be ashamed of. Of course, a reduction in sex drive may be a signal of an underlying problem that needs investigating, such as diabetes or cardiovascular disease, which can reduce blood flow to the genitals. And the side effects of prescription medicines can also include a drop in libido. So don’t feel embarrassed about seeking help if you do have concerns. A reduction in sex drive may be a signal of an underlying problem that needs investigating, such as diabetes or cardiovascular disease, which can reduce blood flow to the genitals. But as a general rule, a dip in your sex drive is only a serious concern if it’s making you unhappy or causing problems in your relationship with your partner. And many of the factors that cause it can be addressed with simple changes to restore your interest in and enjoyment of sex. Below I describe a few of the possible causes and some things you can do to help. Causes of low libido and what you can do about them Relationship problems For many people, the strength of their libido is intimately linked to their relationship with their partner. If there are simmering tensions or a lack of trust in your relationship, this can affect your interest in sex. For some women, in particular, emotional distance from their partner can kill their libido. Conversely, for many people of both sexes, the comfortable familiarity of being with the same partner for years, combined with the day-to-day routine of life as a couple, can make it hard to get in the mood for sex. It can be difficult to broach the subject with your partner, but sometimes all it takes to reignite the spark is a conscious effort to make things special from time to time and to inject an element of fun back into the relationship. Age Dr. Hatzimouratidis’s global review showed that, up to the age of 60, the level of interest in sex appears to fluctuate independently of age but then declines sharply. A US study published the same year found that over a quarter of men and half of women aged 57-85 experienced a lack of interest in sex. 65% of men and 61% of women questioned said that this bothered them. A US study published the same year found that over a quarter of men and half of women aged 57-85 experienced a lack of interest in sex. Unfortunately, there’s nothing we can do to halt the aging process, but it’s likely that, especially for men, much of the effect is due to a general decline in health and wellbeing, rather than increased age on its own. By keeping active, cutting out smoking and eating healthily you’ll maximize your chances of staying fit and well and boosting your libido. Hormonal imbalances Testosterone plays a major role in regulating the libido for both men and women. It’s no coincidence that many of the other factors that can influence levels of interest in sex are linked with reduced levels of testosterone. It’s a complex causal network, but as a general rule, low testosterone goes hand-in-hand with low libido. In men, testosterone levels naturally decline by around 2% per year from the age of 40 and there is a gradual drop-off in women’s levels too, even before they reach menopause. Scientists at the University of Siena recently revealed the results of an intriguing pilot trial. Men experiencing a lack of interest in sex were exposed to bright light for half an hour each morning, using a lightbox. After two weeks their testosterone levels increased by an average of 1.5ng/ml, accompanied by a three-fold increase in sexual satisfaction score. That’s good news for those of you living in the sunny climes of the UAE! For women, the fluctuating balance of sex hormones can play a major role in how sexual they feel at any given time. Many studies show that a woman’s interest in sex tends to increase mid-cycle, around the time of ovulation, when their fertility is at its monthly peak. This is probably sparked by luteinizing hormone, which is released from the pituitary gland to prompt ovulation. On the other hand, women who use hormonal contraception may find that that affects their libido. A review of 36 studies found that 15% of women using such methods reported a drop in their sex drive. Reaching menopause can have very different effects on the libidos of different women. Some experience a renewal in their appetite for sex, while others find themselves avoiding it, perhaps due to lack of lubrication and decreasing body confidence, in addition to the impact of falling testosterone levels. Menopausal women who turn to hormone replacement therapy (HRT) for help may find that their interest in sex wanes even further, due to the suppression of testosterone. Studies suggest that this may be offset with a drug called tibolone, which helps to reset the hormonal balance and restore some youthful vitality. Other women find that herbal supplements, such as red clover or soy isoflavones, help to smooth out the hormonal turmoil of the menopause without knocking their testosterone levels. Exercise can also help. It’s not just sex hormones that play a role in regulating your libido. People suffering from hypothyroidism (an underactive thyroid gland) often find that their interest in sex has dropped. Unfortunately, treatment with synthetic or natural thyroid hormones may not reset this balance. Some people find taking a tailored combination of bioidentical thyroid hormones is more effective, while others experience significant improvements from simply changing their diet and exercising more. Diet There are strong links between poor diet and low libido. For sexual wellbeing, it’s important to keep your weight under control and eat a balanced diet, with plenty of antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals. All the usual dietary factors that can lead to a decline in general wellbeings, such as trans fats and excess sugar, salt, and alcohol, are likely to impact your sex drive as well. Some people swear by a paleo diet, which is based on whole foods but cuts out dairy products, pulses, and grains, to mimic the diet our ancient ancestors would have eaten before the advent of farming. However, while this seems to work wonders for some women, many men experience the opposite effect. This may be due to the fact that men need to take in more carbohydrates than a paleo diet allows in order to maintain their levels of testosterone. Some experts suggest that a Mediterranean diet, rich in fresh vegetables, pulses and olive oil, with a little fish and lean meat, may be beneficial. It’s certainly good for your cardiovascular system, which has a strong connection with sexual wellbeing and has been associated with a reduced risk of developing type 2 diabetes. For women, in particular, it’s important to ensure an adequate intake of omega-3 fatty acids from oily fish or plant sources. And while you’re planning your healthy meals, it wouldn’t hurt to incorporate some foods with a reputation of being aphrodisiacs. Many, such as oysters, asparagus and avocados, do contain nutrients linked with good sexual wellbeing. Chilli consumption has recently been credited with increasing levels of testosterone, and watermelon may even have some Viagra-like effects thanks to the presence of citrulline, which helps to relax blood vessels. For both sexes, it might be worth adding the Andean superfood maca into your diet. Reputed to boost energy, stamina, and mental clarity as well as libido, it contains p-methoxybenzyl isothiocyanate, which is believed to have aphrodisiac properties. It certainly provides high levels of magnesium, selenium, and calcium as well as healthy fats, which are all vital for sexual health. It’s also a rich source of plant sterols, which are important for keeping cholesterol levels under control. Stress, anxiety, exhaustion, and depression A 2006 study found that stress, particularly internal daily stress and that caused by critical life events, has a strong connection with hypoactive sexual desire in both men and women. The authors recommended that treatment should focus on helping individuals improve their stress management skills and addressing any issues causing stress within their relationship. In this situation, it’s also a good idea to plan some time off. For women, in particular, studies show that taking time off work for a holiday increases interest in and frequency of sex. A 2013 Indian study found that for men, sexual desire was compromised by the emotional impact of issues such as unemployment and low income, while for women the most common stressor was previous sexual trauma. In either case, faced with such stressors it’s essential that the other partner is patient and supportive. Stress and anxiety can also affect both the duration and quality of sleep, which can have a knock-on effect on the libido. One study showed that sleeping for no more than five hours per night for just one week reduced the testosterone levels of young men by 10-15%. Exercise and spending more time outdoors may also help to calm your nerves and promote restful sleep. One study showed that sleeping for no more than five hours per night for just one week reduced the testosterone levels of young men by 10-15%. If you know or suspect you have depression and have noticed a reduction in your libido, it’s important to discuss it with your doctor. Up to 80% of people suffering from depression experience reduced libido and some antidepressants can exacerbate the problem. Having children If you have young children you’ll be familiar with the exhaustion caused by a succession of nights with interrupted sleep. As we’ve already seen, lack of sleep in itself can lead to a drop in libido. However, there are other important ways that becoming a parent can affect your sex drive. For women, the physical and emotional impact of the birth and subsequent breastfeeding can drastically change their body image. These psychological factors combined with physical changes can certainly decrease a woman’s enjoyment of sex, with an obvious impact on libido. Men too can sometimes feel overwhelmed by complex emotions about their partner’s new role as a mother, which can also affect the relationship between the couple. More surprisingly, studies of men in China and the Philippines have shown that levels of testosterone drop significantly when they become fathers. Presumably this is nature’s way of ensuring new dads stick around and care for their young; however, it is also likely to dampen their desire for sex. As with many relationship problems within a couple, the best solution is to plan quality time together to rekindle the lost spark.

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February 05, 2019
Novomed Integrative Medicine
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Women's Health
Pregnancy during Ramadan

Many pregnant women are burdened by the question of whether they should fast for Ramadan, and this is why we have written this article that contains everything you need to know about pregnancy and fasting. Ramadan is a month of fasting, an Islamic belief where Muslims commemorate the first revelation of the Quran to Muhammad and, as we all know, it has great religious significance. The fast begins at dawn and ends at sunset every day, and people do not drink or eat anything during the daylight hours. Ramadan takes place in the ninth month in the Islamic calendar, and it lasts either 29 or 30 days, which can make it difficult for pregnant women to keep up with the strict fast. There is some medical evidence that shows that fasting during pregnancy is not exactly a good idea, especially for pregnant women who have diabetes. On the other hand, if you are feeling strong and healthy, you may fast during the Ramadan, but before you make any decision, make sure to visit your doctor for advice and a check-up. Are You Obliged To Fast? The Islamic law does not oblige a pregnant woman to fast if they are not able to do so, meaning that if you feel unwell or believe that fasting will harm your baby, you have the right not to fast during Ramadan. Instead of that, you can perform Fidyah, as a method of compensation for missing the act of worship. If you are unsure about fasting during Ramadan, you can consider fasting for several days to see how you feel and then seek advice from your doctor. How Will Your Body React To Fasting? If your lifestyle and weight are overall healthy, then you will cope better throughout the whole fasting process. Your baby requires a lot of nutrients, and if you have enough of them stored in your body, then fasting will not have a big impact. How will your body react to fasting also depends on your overall health, the stage of your pregnancy and the length of fast during the day.  Preparation for Fasting: It will be best to plan ahead if you are intending to fast for Ramadan during your pregnancy. You should consult with your doctor before you start to make sure that you are in good health. Also, you can schedule checkups throughout the month to be sure that your body is handling everything in the right manner. Create a meal plan so that you be sure that both you and your baby have all the needed nutrients. Before the fast, cut down caffeinated drinks and sugary snacks, to reduce the chances of withdrawal headaches that may occur. What to Eat When Breaking Fast? You need to prepare a variety of healthy foods and enough drinks to have at Suhur and Iftar. When you break your fast drink a large glass of fruit juice or water. Make sure to choose foods that release the energy slowly like dried fruits, vegetables and complex carbohydrates like wheat, beans, oats, lentils, and basmati rice. Eat fiber-rich foods like cereals, potatoes, and fruits, because they also digest slowly. Opt for foods that are high in protein, to ensure your baby is growing nicely, and avoid refined carbohydrates and fatty foods like chocolates, sweets, and cakes. Take your prenatal vitamins and drink a lot of water to make sure that your body is well hydrated. If you see some of these warning signs make sure to inform your doctor immediately. If you have developed a headache, your pulse has increased, you feel nauseous, you are not putting on weight, or in the worst case scenario, you are losing weight, contact your doctor immediately.  If you feel you can fast, you need to take care of both yourself and your baby, and if you find it to be too difficult, give your thanks to Allah for that special gift he has given you, and make up for these days later.

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February 05, 2019
Lifeline Hospital
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