If I have shortness of breath, do I have lung disease?
There are many causes of shortness of breath. Lung disease is one of many causes. Heart disease, kidney disease, liver disease, and anemia can all present themselves through shortness of breath.
If I wheeze, do I have asthma?
Wheezing is a sign of the airway responding to stimuli. Asthma is one cause. Heart disease can be present in the form of wheezing. A common cold can present itself through wheezing. Some medications can also cause weasing.
If I have a spot on my lungs, do I have cancer?
A spot on the lungs is a confluence of shadows that suggest the presence of semi-solid changes in the lung. Cancer is just one of many conditions that appear as a spot on the lungs. Other conditions that cause spots on the lung include infections and inflammation.
Sleep-related questions
Is sleepiness the only symptom of sleep apnea?
No. People with sleep apnea may complain of insomnia, morning headache, morning dry mouth, difficulty concentrating during the day, and frequent nighttime urination.
If I have sleep apnea, is CPAP the only treatment?
No. There are other treatments for sleep apnea besides CPAP. Positional therapy, weight loss, and a dental device are just a few other options for treating sleep apnea.
I sleep only four hours a night without taking a nap during the day, but I feel good all day long. Do I need to be on medications for my insomnia to make me sleep longer?
No. People with insomnia have lack of sleep with associated daytime symptoms. Feeling good and being very productive during the day without problems is not a characteristic of insomnia.
My husband kicks and fights in his sleep. Is there anything that I can do about this?
Yes. Your husband may have a sleep condition that can be treated to keep you and himself safe from harm.
Questions Pertaining to COVID-19
Who is at risk for COVID-19?
Everyone is at risk for contracting COVID-19 if they do not use proper PPE (personal protection equipment), which includes face masks or other types of face coverings, or exercise the proper precautions for preventing the spread of the virus.
What COVID-19 symptoms should I look out for?
Coronavirus can present itself with symptoms that travel from head to toe. These symptoms include:
Fever, aches, and chills
Confusion
Lightheadedness
Loss of taste and smell
Sore throat
Shortness of breath and coughing
Diarrhea
Joint aches and muscle aches
Coronavirus can cause the following disease-like states:
Stroke
Lung Failure
Blood Clots in Lung
Heart Failure
Kidney Failure
Nerve Damage
What is the best way to prevent contracting and spreading the virus?
The best ways to prevent contracting and spreading the virus include frequently washing your hands, wearing PPE, and staying at least six feet away from others. It is also important to minimize social gatherings and avoid touching your face. These are the only proven prevention methods for COVID-19 that are available at this time.
Are there any groups that are especially vulnerable to COVID-19?
People with chronic health problems, such as Diabetes, COPD, Asthma, and Obesity, and advanced age a have a much higher risk of having worsening illness associated with COVID-19 due to poor baseline health.
People in lower socioeconomic groups who are usually African American or of Hispanic descent, and those who have less primary health care follow-up and health screening tend to have more severe diseases associated with COVID-19.
What should I do if I test positive for the virus?
First and foremost, quarantine. Call your healthcare provider for proper directions depending on your health status. A healthy person may be able to self-contain and eradicate the disease without the addition of medicine. However, a person with poor health may require hospital admission with aggressive medical treatment.
If I get COVID-19 once, can I get it again?
There is a possibility of contracting the virus after already having it. The virus can mutate, and studies show that our immune system does not protect us from reinfection.
Once I recover from COVID-19, will I have to worry about subsequent health problems?
That is possible. After having the acute Covid infection, patients sometimes come to their health providers with new problems such as blood clots to the lung, stroke, kidney problems, and generalized weakness.
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