Asbestosis - The Cause

Asbestosis and asbestos-related diseases are caused by inhaling asbestos fibres. There is no cure at present, but early identification can stop the condition from getting worse.

When asbestos is physically disturbed in uncontrolled circumstances, tiny, needle-like fibres of asbestos become airborne. If these fibres are inhaled they travel like small arrows deep into the lungs penetrating the tissue. The harm they cause may not be immediate, but the long-term effects are serious.

When the fibres penetrate the lung tissue, they trigger an inflammatory reaction. In an attempt to defend itself, the body sends white blood cells to engulf and attack these foreign objects. The fibres usually resist and destroy these blood cells, and this leaves increasing amounts of unwanted debris around the affected area, thereby promoting further inflammation and irreversible scarring of the lungs.

Asbestosis - The Symptoms

The symptoms of asbestosis don’t tend to appear for many years. Whilst manifestation times differ with individuals, it may take as long as 25 to 40 years.

This means that even though working practices & precautions have been dramatically improved, we still see a large number of people just starting to show signs of ill health and diseases such as mesothelioma.

Typically, shortness of breath is a sign of asbestosis, as well as a sign of a range of other diseases. People may relate this symptom to a more friendly disease for their own peace-of-mind, but if you experience shortness of breath and know or suspect that you have been exposed to asbestos in your past, then it would be wise to consult your doctor.

Shortness of breath initially occurs on exertion, but later, even at rest. It is the main symptom and a result of reduced lung capacity, and pressure in and around the lungs. Other common symptoms include tiredness - from a lack of oxygen, and coughing..

Asbestosis can also cause thickening of the pleura. The pleura is the membrane that lines the outside of the lungs, and this symptom will likely only be noticed upon x-ray. It is usually an x-ray performed for a reason other than suspected asbestosis that reveals this symptom. If the thickening is severe it may restrict lung function, again causing shortness of breath.

Mesothelioma - The Cause

Mesothelioma is a rare form of cancer, only caused by exposure to asbestos. This cancer may occur in the pleura and shortness of breath will result.

Other negative effects of mesothelioma are chest pain and intestinal obstruction. The latter results from this cancer in the abdominal wall.

Mesothelioma is a cancer of mesothelial cells. These cells cover the outer surface of most of our internal body organs, forming a lining that is sometimes called the mesothelium. So this is where this type of cancer gets its name.

Even though mesothelioma is a form of cancer, it is unusual for it to spread to other parts of the body. If it does, it does not usually cause problems.

Mesothelioma - The Symptoms

In its early stages, mesothelioma does not have many symptoms.

When symptoms do develop, they are often caused by the cancer growing and pressing on either a nerve or another body organ.

There are two main types of mesothelioma and the symptoms differ. There are two main types of this form of cancer:

Pleural mesothelioma

Peritoneal mesothelioma

The pleural type grows in the tissues covering the lungs. The peritoneal type grows in the tissue lining the inside of the abdomen. Pleural mesothelioma is much more common than peritoneal mesothelioma.

Between 7 and 8 out of 10 (70-80%) of cases of mesothelioma are pleural mesothelioma. Peritoneal mesothelioma is much less common.

The typical symptoms of pleural mesothelioma are pain in the lower back, pain in the side of the chest, a persistent cough, shortness of breath, a hoarse or husky voice, noticeably losing weight when not dieting, sweating, fevers and difficulty swallowing.

The typical symptoms of peritoneal mesothelioma include pain in the abdomen, swelling in the abdomen, feeling or being sick, poor appetite, noticeably losing weight when not dieting and diarrhoea or constipation.

These symptoms are all more likely to be caused by some other illness, rather than by mesothelioma. However, if you have these symptoms, consult your doctor, especially if you have been exposed to asbestos in the past.

How does Asbestos Cause Mesothelioma?

Asbestos is made up of tiny fibres. You can breathe these fibres in when you come into contact with asbestos, particularly when these fibres are airborne. The fibres work their way into the pleura, the lining of the lung. They irritate the pleura and damage the cells that the pleura are made of. This promotes the growth of cancerous cells.

Some of the fibres that have been breathed in can be coughed up and swallowed. This is probably one of the causes of peritoneal mesothelioma. Most cases of mesothelioma occur in men who have worked in manufacturing using asbestos or used asbestos based products, particularly in construction or engineering.

The use of asbestos was very heavy in the years after the war (Post 1945). Mesothelioma may not develop until 15 - 40 years after you have been exposed to asbestos, which is why we are seeing an increase in cases now. The number of cases is expected to peak around 2018 and then start to decline.

There are three types of asbestos: blue, brown and white. Blue and brown asbestos are linked with mesothelioma. They have been banned since the late 1980’s and cannot be imported into the UK. White asbestos is now also thought to be harmful. The use of all asbestos was banned in 1999 in the UK.

I hope you find this article useful. I have created it to be used as a free resource to educate others about the dangers of asbestos, and the reality of asbestosis and mesothelioma. I researched these illnesses during a university case study. I work in the construction industry and have already encountered asbestos in various boiler houses and heat intensive environments. I can only hope there were no airborne particles.

More information of this nature is available at asbestosis-symptoms.com asbestosis-symptoms.com

Tags: mesothelioma, pleural mesothelioma

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Tags: mesothelioma, pleural mesothelioma

Does the word “Cancer” scare you?

Well it should, however you probably think it will never happen to you. In the US one in every 2 men and one in every 3 women will be diagnosed with some form of Cancer and the Canadian statistics are very similar. Cancer is not the only disease that we should be concerned about in today’s environment, depending on underlying factors the flu or the common cold could be deadly to some people. Due to poor diets, lack of exercise and daily stress most immune systems are so far out of balance they could not even begin to protect us against the smallest of infections or bacteria.

So have you ever heard of Fucoidan?

Like many the answer to this question is “no”. Well let me attempt to give you some valuable information in this article that may save your life or the life of loved ones.
Fucoidan is like a closely guarded secret, as an antioxidant it has certainly piqued the interest of many scientists. Fucoidan has been scientifically proven to enhance immunity and cellular health to the point where it helps heal wounds, supports normal blood pressure, detoxifies the body against heavy metals, helps prevent the common colds and flu as well as, yes fight Cancer. There I said it. Fight Cancer.

Having dealt with some serious health issues over the past 3 years I have taken it upon myself to obtain extensive education in the wellness industry. I was never one who liked putting prescription chemicals into my body as the side effects of many drugs are far worse than the original problem. I am sure that there are many positive health care stories out there however all you hear are the negative with most having tragic and sad endings. I feel it necessary to take ownership of your own health care because no one knows your body better that you do.

Well let’s get to the interesting stuff, as humans we are born with an immune system that protects our body from foreign viruses, bacteria, harmful substances and bad cells. When our body or immune system is off balance, which can happen because of many different reasons we end up sick and in some cases terminally ill.

Did you know that there is a natural dietary supplement which we can consume that will strengthen our immune system and help keep it in balance? It is an active ingredient call Fucoidan and it is found in nearly all brown algae seaweed. It is a common known fact that seaweed or dulse is very good for you however many people do not have the ability to ingest it? I for one can not handle the taste or texture of the stuff. Fucoidan is most effective if ingested in its natural state which is gel form. Some cultures are nearly cancer free and it has been deemed that in part is due to their high intake of brown algae seaweed.

Within the molecular structure of Fucoidan is the presence of fucose which is a healing sugar however not to be confused with fructose. Fucose is also found abundantly in human breast milk, that is why most new mothers are encourage to breast feed their babies to give them a good head start in life, boost their immune system and fight off any virus or disease.

To obtain Fucoidan seaweed is harvested by just cutting off the growing tips of the sea plant which will allow the plant to continue to grow and provide a never ending supply of Fucoidan. Scientific studies have been carried out and continue to be done to grasp a full understanding of the healing magic of Fucoidan. Don’t just take my word for it do your own homework and you will quickly realize like I, that this is one of the best kept secrets in the wellness industry. Unfortunately most people just don’t know about it and because being sick is a multi-billion dollar industry, the advertisement of natural supplements is suppressed. To really understand why and how the natural supplement business is suppressed I recommend you read Kevin Trudeau’s book “Natural Cures They Don’t Want You To Know About”. It will certainly open your mind and give you something to think about, I found it to be a fantastic read.

Our immune system is very complex and so is the make up of Fucoidan and how it works. My goal with this article is to make you aware of its existence, how it works and why it works I will leave that up to the scientists to explain. Many of the global scientific studies can be found at pubmed.com.

The money spent to cure and treat cancer is significant, in the US alone the estimate for 2005 is around $200 billion. Almost every one has been touched by cancer, some closer than others. Did you realize that in the past 18 years there have been at least 18 studies that have shown that Fucoidan either prevents tumor growth or kills existing cancer cells?

That’s on average one study a year for the past 18 years that has scientifically proven the health benefits of Fucoidan, consistent results, hard to brush off. Yes scientists have established that Fucoidan stimulates the death of certain cancer cells, as well as slows down the growth and spreading of such cells. While the research is still ongoing and there is much to be done the initial results known so far are extremely positive.

Cancer treatments place the entire body in jeopardy in order to kill cancer cells and unfortunately healthy cells are often damaged and the immune system is placed in total shock in the process. The price for cancer treatment has increased nearly 10 times in the past 20 years. Billions of dollars have been raised and placed into cancer research with no reliable solution in near site. Now don’t get me wrong, I feel that great strides have been made however it still seems to be hit and miss.

Imagine a natural immunity boost ingredient that would have no harmful side effects, would have multiple health benefits, would come from a renewable natural product, would be inexpensive, and would reduce the incidence of cancer, common cold, respiratory and gastrointestinal infections. Fucoidan possess all of these ideal properties.

So why on earth is this not advertised, promoted or better understood? Remember before I said that being sick is a multi-billion dollar industry. Certain words are not allowed (especially in writing) when marketing natural immunity supplements, words like “cure, diagnose, treat and prevent” to name a few. The scientific community has provided sufficient evidence that Fucoidan can have a dramatic effect on cancer however it can not be promoted as such. People who are diagnosed with cancer go into expensive chemo treatments with “no guarantee of success”, so why is the system not willing to suggest a natural alternative that has been scientifically proven. Please tell me it is not about the money.

OK, so let me tell you what I do know about Fucoidan in politically correct statements that won’t get my behind in hot water if I have not done so already.

• Fucoidan supports the normal disposal of non-native cells.
• Fucoidan may help stimulate immune response when the body is attacked.
• Fucoidan helps modulate the immune system.
• Fucoidan supports normal cellular health.
• Fucoidan supports blood circulation to native body cells.
• Fucoidan may help regenerate healthy skin tissue.
• Fucoidan supports healthy joint mobility at all ages.

My family has been riddled with cancer and none of them are what I can call survivors, heroes yes, but not survivors. Cancer is a disease most people do not want to talk about and I can understand that, so what about the common viral cold, respiratory infections, gastrointestinal infections I know you can all relate to me now. Guess what Fucoidan is the Ultimate Molecular Immunity Boost. It contains plant bioactive molecules that generate amazing health benefits. Fucoidan is safe, Fucoidan is researched. Once again don’t take my word for it, do your own homework. My goal was just to make you aware of its existence and in plain terms some of its benefits.

For more information visit agelhealthandwellness.com agelhealthandwellness.com
Wellness is a lifestyle & agelhealthandwellness.com Fucoidan is one of the ocean’s greatest treasures.

Having spent 29 years in the corporate financial industry, I decided it was time to get out when my health began to significantly deteriorate. I now run my own business in the wellness industry and love every minute of it. I have learnt so much about what’s available to us and how the human body works that I just have to share my knowledge and hope you learn something in return. Wellness is a Lifestyle. Come visit: agelhealthandwellness.com agelhealthandwellness.com

Tags: cancer treatment, healing

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Cancer is a life-threatening disease that is prevalent in our time. One of which is known as non-Hodgkins lymphoma or NHL. It is a cancer that affects the lymphatic system and develops in the lymphoid tissue, which contain lymphocytes that are found all over the body. The lymphatic system is part of our immune system, and contains two basic types of lymphocytes. B lymphocytes manufacture antibodies that protect your body against bacteria and viruses by attracting white blood cells that devour them.

Tlymphocytes on the other hand destroy cancer cells as well as viruses, fungi, and bacteria. They produce a chemical called cytokinesis which attracts white blood cells to help destroy harmful microorganisms. Research posted at www.cancer.org by the Cancer Society claims that non-Hodgkins lymphoma develop from B lymphocytes 85% of the time, and the remaining 15% from T lymphocytes.

Since lymphoid tissue is found in all the areas of the body, non-Hodgkins lymphoma can originate almost anywhere in the body. It commonly develops on the lymph nodes, spleen, digestive tract, and tonsils. Diagnosis can be difficult because there are at least thirty different types of lymphoma. It is a fast growing type of cancer that can spread quickly if not diagnosed immediately. Treatment depends on which type of non-Hodgkins lymphoma is present, the rate that it is growing, or if it has infected surrounding tissues.

Since every case of non-Hodgkins lymphoma is unique, treatment is often difficult and complicated. Treatment used on one case may not necessarily work on another. It is safer to obtain a second opinion before any treatment should begin. This is important especially if there are questions or doubts about the recommendations being made.

Before undergoing any major treatment or surgery consider getting a second opinion as it may spell the difference between death and a full recovery. Visit the American Cancer Society at www.cancer.org, the National Caner Institute at www.cancer.gov, and www.lymphomafocus.org, for more information on non-Hodgkins lymphoma. These websites offer critical information on signs and symptoms, early diagnosis, and various treatments and interventions.

Morgan Hamilton offers expert advice and great tips regarding all aspects concerning research. Learn more at researchandscience.com/science–research/science–research/an-examination-of-non-hodgkins-lymphoma.html Non-Hodgkins Lymphoma

Tags: lymphoma

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In 2005 I was diagnosed with an aggressive and invasive form of Breast Cancer. Even at age 52 it was a shock to me. An even greater shock was finding out through researching Breast Cancer that 1 in 8 women would, at sometime in their lifetime, be diagnosed with Breast Cancer. This statistic was staggering to me.

The good news is that the mortality rate, or number of deaths, due to Breast Cancer is on the steady decline. Treatment is customized for each patient’s specific cancer. Being an author, I decided to take notes about my treatment should I ever want to write a book about it.

When women think of having a Mammogram the first word that comes to mind is, ‘ouch!’ or something similar. Unfortunately, until medical science comes up with a better method, Mammograms are a fact of life for women, especially over the age of 40.

Being a person who is usually viewing life on the up side, I found more humor in what I was going through than I ever thought possible. People do not associate cancer with laughter but I hope to change that, to a degree, anyway. Your doctor will not tell you how to prepare for a Mammogram but I will here.

Exercise #1

1. Open your refrigerator door and insert one breast between the door and the main box.
2. Have one of your strongest friends slam the door shut as hard as possible and lean on the door for good measure.
3. Hold that position for five seconds.
4. Don’t breathe.
5. Repeat again in case the first time wasn’t effective enough.
6. Repeat all steps on the other breast.

Exercise #2

1. Visit your garage at 3:00 a.m. when the temperature of the concrete floor is just perfect (anywhere below 32 degrees.)
2. Take off all your warm clothes and lay on the floor with one breast wedged tightly under the rear tire of the car.
3. Ask a friend to slowly back the car up until the breast is sufficiently flattened and chilled.
4. Turn over and repeat for the other breast.

Congratulations! You are now properly prepared for your Mammogram.

The day of my first Mammogram after my diagnosis was one I will never forget. I entered Hooterville Breast Care Center with more apprehension than usual. When I told her I might be writing a book about my treatment, the technician said she wanted to be called Ginger. I made a note of that. I wasn’t sure if we would still be speaking after she was done with me. And, since the body parts to be examined are so personal, I named my right breast, Laverne, and my left breast, Shirley. Laverne was under the gun today.

I have to give kudos to Hooterville for supplying me with an extra large gown even though I told her that, at my age, all I needed to do was pull up my skirt! Then Ginger led me into the room with the Booby Trap. It’s the only contraption I know of that takes cups and turns them into saucers without having to sweep up glass. Ginger is tall, pretty…oh, who cares? This is about me.

You larger than tiny gals know the drill. I stepped up to the Booby Trap and introduced myself. He didn’t care and we all now it’s a ‘he.’ Ginger pulled out the largest shelf she had and invited Laverne to have a seat. Laverne obliged having had the memory of her last Mammo squeezed out of her.

As Ginger pressed the button on the floor, I knew what was coming even if Laverne didn’t. I was grinding my teeth as the top shelf began depressing Laverne into enough square footage to carpet my veranda! She began to spill over the sides and reminded me of that old fifties, ‘The Blob.’ Satisfied that she could squeeze no more, Ginger told me to hold my breath and don’t move. Now I must note here that it was not possible to take a breath because my right lung was oozing out my nipple! And as for moving…well that’s too ridiculous to even address. “I’m ready for my close-up, Mr. DeMille.”

Several pictures were taken in different poses and than Laverne was released to wait with me while Ginger put them up for auction on Ebay. As we’re waiting, I looked down at Laverne and she was as red as a tomato. It took all my self-control to keep from hollering down the hall, “I need a bucket of ice…I’m on fire in here!” Ginger must have found some takers because she returned to take me to the ultrasound room.

I can be flippant about it now because the pain is gone. What I want you to realize from reading this account is that attitude is very important in your recovery. I chose to see the humor in a difficult situation. Because of that, you had a good laugh or two by reading about it. I am pleased to say that I am a two-year survivor and should the cancer return, I hope I will again be able to laugh a little.

More about the author’s experience can be found at: lscoffman.com lscoffman.com

L. S. Coffman is the published author of “Cancer…It Won’t Get The Breast of Me,” a novel, “Sentenced To Redemption,” and two children’s picture books.

Tags: breast cancer

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