Awareness Saves Lives Lung cancer occurs when cancerous cells form in the lungs. Like other cancers, as the disease develops, tumors are formed. As the disease progresses, it has the potential to spread to other regions of the body. Lung cancer is an umbrella term referring to several different cancers in the lung, including non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) and small cell lung cancer (SCLC). NSCLCs start in lung tissue. It is comprised of three specific diseases: adenocarcinomas, squamous cell carcinomas, and large cell carcinomas. SCLCs are a rarer form, originating in the bronchi. They are similar in symptoms, diagnosis, treatment, and risk factors. SCLCs tend to be more aggressive than NSCLCs. When cancer is more “aggressive”, it means that the growth of the cancer cells is more rapid. Rapid progression of cancer means that tumors grow faster and spread to other parts of the body more quickly, meaning the time window for “effective” treatment is smaller and the prognosis is poorer than non-aggressive cancers. Getting a Diagnosis Anyone can get lung cancer. This is no population of people that have absolute immunity from the disease. That being said, certain groups of people are more likely to contract lung cancer than others. [youmaylike] Generally, lung cancer is found in older people over the age of 65. Some lifestyle choices, such as smoking tobacco, can increase the risk of getting a diagnosis. Remember, just are there are no populations that are immune to developing cancer, but there are plenty of “at-risk” individuals who will never develop it. This does not mean you should ignore warnings over certain activities, such as smoking, just because you can think of someone who was an exception to the rule. Early Signs of Lung Cancer When it comes to cancer, one of the most important things you can do is get an early diagnosis. Early detection will put you in a better position in terms of treatment. Catching the disease before it gets the chance to travel to other parts of the body will make it easier to treat. If it does not spread, physicians can concentrate treatment techniques on specific areas, which can drastically increase your chances of beating it. The main problem that makes cancer so deadly is that you often do not notice until it is too late. Oftentimes, the early signs of disease are easy to overlook. Unfortunately, lung cancer normally does not cause any noticeable symptoms until later on. If you are demographically vulnerable to developing lung cancer, consider paying special attention to these early warning signs: Chronic cough, with no apparent cause. Coughing up blood; you may notice spotting on tissues. Chest, back, or shoulder pain, especially when you take deep breaths or laugh. Inappropriate shortness of breath, which may happen when doing non-strenuous, daily activities that should not cause any breathing problems. Weight and appetite loss, with no apparent cause. Fatigue or feelings of weakness with no known cause. Hoarseness, or having a raspy voice, can be a sign of respiratory problems. Wheezing, even during regular breathing. Chronic bronchitis or pneumonia. Any persistent respiratory infection should be brought to the attention of your physician. As lung cancer advances, the severity of symptoms will worsen for most patients. Advanced Symptoms of Lung Cancer In addition to the symptoms mentioned above, other signs of cancer may manifest after the disease has had time to progress. These symptoms will arise in response to the fact that the disease has entered other parts of the body. How you experience these symptoms will depend heavily on where the cancer spreads to. Bone pain: Can occur anywhere in the body but likely in the hip or the back. Jaundice: The yellowing of skin and eyes is a sign the liver has been disrupted by something. Disturbances to the nervous system: When cancer spreads to the brain, it can cause many different symptoms. These symptoms can include things such as persistent headaches, fatigue, numbness, lightheadedness, seizures, and sudden problems with balancing. When to See a Doctor You should always discuss any major changes in your bodily functions with your doctor. It is impossible to know whether or not something is cancerous until you undergo a medical examination. More than likely, these symptoms are not cancer. This does not mean that you should ignore them. Even if a collection of symptoms is not cancer, it can be a sign of another medical condition. As early intervention is essential for dealing with any cancer, it is important to talk to your doctor as soon as you notice these problems when they become persistent and occur with no explanation.
How to Treat a Blister
A blister is a circular bump of fluid that forms as a single blister or in clusters under the skin, caused by friction, freezing, burning, infection, or chemical burns.
The fluids collect under the damaged skin to protect the tissue underneath from any further damage, allowing it time to heal. Depending on the cause, a blister may be filled with:
- Clear watery blisters: a clear, yellowish, watery substance called serum that’s part of the blood without the red and white blood cells or platelets.
- Blood blisters: these result from an injury or friction. For instance, you can get a blood blister in your mouth, hands, feet, joints, heel, or on the balls of the feet. It occurs when the skin gets pinched but doesn't break.
- Pus blisters: pus is a symptom of an infected blister.
Common Causes of Blisters, How to Avoid Them, and Treatment Options
There are five common causes of blisters:
Chemical Exposure
Chemicals such as blistering warfare agents known as vesicants cause blisters, burns, and irritation of the eyes and lungs.
You may also suffer exposure to a blister-causing irritant in the workplace. Some of the blister-causing chemicals in the workplace, depending on your sector of work, may include:
- Cutting oils, paints, and hand cleansers for the automobile industry
- Detergents and solvents for cleaners
- Permanent wave solutions and bleaching agents used by hairdressers
- Multiple forms of solvents used in the automobile industry, dry cleaners, floor layers, artists, painters, plastic workers, shoemakers, rubber workers, and printers
The best way to avoid getting blisters from chemical exposure is to avoid or limit the exposure. As an occupational precaution, always use protective wear such as gloves, goggles, and overalls whenever working with chemicals.
You can treat chemical blisters by flushing the exposed area, usually skin or eyes, with water for more than 10 minutes. Flushing with water is only a first aid response make sure to seek immediate medical attention.
Cosmetics
Products with fragrance or preservatives often cause allergic dermatitis to individuals. For safety, always seek products labeled fragrance-free or without perfume. Most of the products with water must have a preservative. Commonly used preservatives that cause blisters are:
- Parabens
- Imidazolidinyl urea
- Quaternion–15
- DMDM hydantoin
- Phenoxyethanol
- Methylchloroisothiazolinone
- Formaldehyde
- Alpha-hydroxy acids
If you have sensitive skin, always scan the ingredients on products you purchase for any of the above preservatives. Beauty products with alpha-hydroxy acids of over 10% are also known to cause blistering.
The best way to avoid cosmetic products with blistering ingredients is first, consider opting for products with fewer ingredients. You can take the time to research the few ingredients and understand their benefits and likely side effects.
Alternatively, you should consider making it a habit to always perform a patch test before using any product. Apply a small amount of product on the inside of your elbow and wait for a minimum of 48 hours. If there is any blistering, you should not use the product on any part of your body. When using fragrances, apply them on your clothes and not directly to your skin.
However, the most effective way to avoid skin blistering from products is by engaging a qualified professional like a dermatologist.
If a cosmetic product causes you to blister, the most effective treatment is to stop using the product. Cosmetic blisters are superficial and are unlikely to cause scarring. However, if the skin damage caused is significant, then consult your doctor for further diagnosis and treatment options.
Insect Bites or Stings
Mosquitoes, midges, gnats, mites, fleas, ticks, fire ants, and brown recluse spiders are some bug bites known to cause blistering. Most insect-related bites will disappear after a few days.
To treat a mosquito bite blister, wash it gently with soap and warm water when it first forms. Cover it with a bandage and petroleum jelly to prevent it from popping. They will usually go away on their own within a week.
As for a brown recluse spider, a blister from its bite could be more serious. After the blister forms, it falls off and leaves a deep, enlarging ulcer in its place. If it resolves on its own, then you have nothing to worry about. However, if a spreading ulceration or redness and infection occur, seek immediate medical attention. These bites can be especially dangerous for small children.
Most insect-related blisters will disappear once you're no longer exposed to the insect. Therefore, the best treatment is seeking solutions to help you deal with an insect invasion in your home. Contact your nearest pest control service for chemical and non-chemical options to help get rid of insects.
Friction, Pinching, or Crushing of the Outer Layer of Skin
If a fresh pair of shoes, a tool handle, or any other thing rubs against your skin, briefly and intensely, it is likely to cause blistering. Pinching or crushing the skin's outer layer, resulting in the rupture of tiny blood vessels close to the skin, often causes blood blisters.
A friction blister will disappear within a few hours of stopping the friction. So, if you’re wearing tight shoes, you’ll get relief as soon as you remove the shoe from the foot that hurts. The same applies to blood blisters caused by pinching of the skin.
As for treatment, blood blisters should be left alone. They will usually heal on their own after one to two weeks. To protect it, you can cover it with a bandage and use ice or over-the-counter pain killers if it hurts. If the pain persists and the blister needs to be drained, contact your doctor.
Illnesses
There are medical conditions that cause blistering such as chickenpox, eczema, herpes, and impetigo. Other disease-causing blisters may include:
- Bullous pemphigoid
- Cutaneous radiation syndrome
- Dermatitis herpetiformis
- Dyshidrosis
- Epidermolysis bullosa
- Pemphigus
Blisters caused by diseases are often among the symptoms of the disease. Most of the time, the blisters will diminish or even disappear as you receive treatment for the underlying disease. However, your doctor may also prescribe inflammation-reducing corticosteroids, either in cream or pill form, to address the blistering. If blistering is a result of autoimmune diseases, your doctor may prescribe immunosuppressants.