Pathways to Healing Lung cancer starts in the lungs but can spread to other regions of the body. While there is no single cure, there are different treatment options that can be used. In this article, we will look at treatment options, as well as symptoms of lung cancer Roughly 1 in 16 Americans will be diagnosed with lung cancer. While smoking can increase the likelihood of getting a diagnosis, non-smokers are not exempt from this condition. There are many different causes of lung cancer, and people of all ages can be diagnosed. Unfortunately, there is no specific cure for lung cancer. Beating cancer is a little more complicated than taking a few pills or going to a doctor’s office. The disease is more serious and requires more intense intervention techniques. Different Lung Cancer Treatment Options Depending on the progression of the cancer and the patient's general health, a physician may recommend several treatment options. Know that with all treatment options, there is a risk of harsh side effects and a chance that the treatment does not work. Still, these are the best options when it comes to defeating lung cancer, with increased chances of success in cases of early detection. Treatments can be used in combination with one another, or as a standalone option depending on the particular case. Chemotherapy Chemotherapy has been one of the most common treatment options for a long time. It works by using strong chemicals that target rapidly dividing cells. When introduced into your body, chemotherapy drugs will attack all rapidly dividing cells. Unfortunately, these drugs cannot differentiate between cancer cells and healthy cells that just happen to be dividing. The side effects of such treatments can be unpleasant, but most reverse when the treatment ends or can be reduced during the treatment. Common side effects include: Nausea/vomiting. Hair loss. Mouth sores. Pain. Bowel disturbances (diarrhea/ constipation). Loss of appetite. Bruising easily. [youmaylike] Harsher and potentially permanent side effects include: Organ damage (heart, lung, kidneys). Nerve damage. Infertility. Heightened risk of a second cancer. Side effects will also vary depending on the type of drug that is used in your treatment and the way you “take in” the drug. The most common chemotherapy drugs for lung cancer include the following: Afatinib. Bevacizumab. Ceritinib. Crizotinib. Erlotinib. Chemotherapy for lung cancer can be done in the following ways: Injected: Most often this is administered through infusions (IV) but can be given through shots. Implanted: Thin wafers containing the drug can be inserted directly into the site of a tumor or surgery. Pills: Pills and capsules containing the drug are sometimes available. Radiation Radiation is another treatment method. Radiation therapy uses beams of energy to damage cells in targeted regions of the body. The intense energy beams aim at precise locations in the body and damage the cells in that region. While this, unfortunately, means that healthy cells will also be attacked, they are often able to “bounce back” from the damage where cancer cells will be killed. As it is a targeted treatment, side effects are often limited to the region in which the treatment was applied. This means that patients can expect skin problems in the area of application as well as fatigue; these are mostly short-term side effects. Specific side effects characterized by treatments aimed at the chest include: Breast soreness. Stiff shoulders. Difficulties swallowing. Respiratory problems. Radiation fibrosis (permanent lung scarring). There is a low chance of developing long-term side effects, such as the development of a second cancer, as an effect of radiation exposure. Surgery If the cancer is caught early enough, then it can be treated by removing the cancerous tissue at the initial site. The operation can only be successful if the cancer has not yet spread to other regions of the body. The side effects of this treatment will depend on the depth of the removal, the nature of the removed tissue, and its size. For example, removing a tiny bit of the lung will not be as hard to recover from as removing a large piece. Other Lung Cancer Treatment Options Other treatments are being developed that aim to keep the effectiveness of chemotherapy and radiation treatments without the harsh side effects. While some remain experimental, recently emerging treatments, such as immunotherapy, offer the potential to battle lung cancer. Talk to a licensed care physician to get the most valuable recommendations on which cancer treatment is right for you. Everybody has a different experience and treatments are decided on a case-by-case basis.
Cyclic Vomiting Syndrome Treatment Plans
Cyclical vomiting syndrome (CVS) is a rare disorder that usually starts in childhood. It typically affects children aged 3 to 7, but it can also affect adults. It is characterized by repeated episodes of severe vomiting and nausea that often persist for a long time. Although the condition can be quite disturbing, it is manageable with healthy lifestyle changes and medication. So, what are the best cyclic vomiting syndrome treatment options? Let's take a look.
What Causes Cyclic Vomiting Syndrome?
The exact cause of CVS is not known. Still, experts have linked the condition with digestive issues, genetics, and hormone imbalances.
Many people diagnosed with CVS have abnormalities of the autonomic nervous system. The autonomic nervous system is responsible for controlling blood pressure, digestion, and other involuntary functions in the body. Vomiting episodes that characterize CVS may be triggered by:
- Emotional stress
- Physical stress, such as inadequate sleep, exhaustion, or an infection
- Some foods and drinks, such as chocolate, cheese, and things that contain caffeine or alcohol
- Extreme weather conditions
- Menstrual periods
- Allergies
- Overeating, not eating for long periods, or eating just before going to bed
What Are the Symptoms of Cyclic Vomiting Syndrome?
In addition to the severe, recurrent episodes of nausea and vomiting, the following have also been found to be associated with CVS:
- Diarrhea
- Dizziness
- Dry heaving
- Fatigue
- Fever
- Headaches
- Increased sensitivity to light (photophobia)
- Increased sensitivity to sound (phonophobia)
- Loss of appetite
- Pale skin
- Stomach pain
- Weight loss
Lifestyle and Home Remedies to Manage Symptoms
Lifestyle changes can help control the signs and symptoms of cyclic vomiting syndrome. If you have CVS, it is advisable that you try to get adequate sleep, and once you start vomiting, staying in bed in a dark, quiet room will help.
When the vomiting phase has stopped, it is important that you take in fluids such as sports or energy drinks (like Gatorade, Powerade, and others) diluted with 1 ounce of water or an oral electrolyte solution (Pedialyte).
Some people, after vomiting episodes, may soon feel strong enough to begin eating a regular diet. However, where there is no appetite to eat, you should start with clear liquids and gradually add solid food.
In cases where the vomiting episodes are triggered by stress or excitement, try your best to reduce stress. Also, reducing your portion sizes by eating small meals and low-fat snacks daily, instead of three large meals, may help.
How is Cyclic Vomiting Syndrome Diagnosed?
CVS can be difficult to diagnose because there is no specific test to confirm the diagnosis, and vomiting is a sign of many other health conditions. Since it is common mostly with kids, your doctor may first want to find out about your child's or your medical history and conduct a physical exam. The doctor will also want to find out the pattern of symptoms that you or your child experiences.
After that, the doctor may further recommend the following:
- Imaging studies: these could include an endoscopy, ultrasound, or a CT scan to check for blockages in the digestive system or signs of other digestive conditions.
- Motility tests: these are carried out to monitor food movement through the digestive system and check for other digestive disorders.
- Laboratory tests: these check for thyroid problems and other metabolic conditions.
Are There Treatment Options for Cyclic Vomiting Syndrome?
There is no cure for CVS; however, in most cases, the vomiting episodes stop when a child reaches adulthood. For those experiencing a cyclic vomiting episode, treatment focuses on controlling the signs and symptoms by prescribing the following medications:
- Anti-nausea drugs
- Pain-relieving medications
- Medications that suppress stomach acid
- Antidepressants
- Anti-seizure medications
Sometimes, the same types of medications used for checking migraines can also help prevent cyclic vomiting episodes. These medications may be recommended for people whose episodes are frequent and long-lasting or for people with a family history of migraines. IV fluids may also be given to prevent dehydration. However, in general, treatment is usually administered based on the severity and duration of symptoms as well as the presence of complications.
Can Cyclic Vomiting Syndrome Be Prevented?
It is not possible to prevent the onset of CVS, but the following steps can be taken to reduce the frequency and severity of episodes:
- Identify specific triggers and avoid them.
- Do not stop taking your prescribed medication, even when feeling well.
- Make sure that you get quality sleep regularly.
- Treat any allergies, sinus problems, or other illnesses or infections immediately.
- Ensure you find effective ways of managing stress and anxiety.
- Have regular meals.
- Stay in touch with your doctor. Discuss any changes in symptoms and methods of prevention.