Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis is the scarring of the lung tissue that leads to shortness in breath. Excessive scarring can cause damage to the lungs and make it difficult to breathe. There is no specific cause that is identified for this condition. There are various treatment options for idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) as listed below.
Currently, there are no medicines that can cure the condition. Medicines like azathioprine, prednisone, and N-acetylcysteine can help. There is no evidence that supports its use.
This is an anti-inflammatory medicine that can be taken orally every day. It can also be administered through a needle or tube into the vein. It can cause strong side effects; hence, the doctor may only prescribe it for three to six months initially. If it works, the dosage can be reduced over time.
Azathioprine will suppress your immune system. It can be taken orally, but it has serious side effects.
This is an antioxidant that may prevent the lung damage. It can be taken orally several times a day.
A combination of all the three medicines is a common treatment for IPF. However, it is harmful and not advisable for the long term. Patients should start and stop the medication after consulting a doctor. They should not make a decision on their own.
Researchers are studying new medicines and treatments for IPF. Some medications can reduce the scarring caused by IPF.
There are other treatments that can help people with IPF. These treatments include cough medicines to relieve coughing, flu and pneumonia vaccines to help prevent infections, Vitamin D and calcium to prevent bone loss, and anti-reflux therapy to control gastroesophageal reflux disease.
If the level of oxygen in the blood of a patient falls, they may require oxygen therapy. It can help reduce shortness of breath and improve the physical condition. Oxygen is supplied through nasal prongs or a mask.
This is a standard treatment for patients with a chronic lung disease. It helps improve the well-being of patients who suffer from breathing problems. It does not replace medical therapy but is used with the same. It includes exercise training, breathing strategies, nutritional counseling, education on the disease, psychological counseling, and energy conserving techniques.
If the patient’s condition is worsening quickly, the last option may be a lung transplant. It can help improve the physical condition and help live longer. The major complication of the transplant will be rejection and infection. Rejection is the body creating proteins that attack the new organ. Patients might have to consume medicines for the rest of their life to reduce the risk of rejection. Since the supply of donors is limited, it is important to speak to a doctor regarding the transplant at the earliest.
Understanding the medical condition will help deal with it in a better manner. It is important to consult a doctor before taking up any medication or treatment related to the disease.
Gout is a painful defective metabolism disease that causes hyperuricemia, or too much uric acid in the blood. Excess uric acid accumulates when chemical compounds known as purines from foods (i.e., high protein foods like seafood and liver) breakdown. In healthy individuals, purine dissolves in the blood and is eliminated from the body via the kidneys. However, in gout patients, uric acid is produced in such high levels it’s unable to be evacuated. Instead, the build up turns into uric crystals (or tophi) that cause gouty arthritis, typically in smaller joints of the ankles, knees, elbows, wrists, fingers, and most commonly the big toe.
Gout usually strikes in what’s known as flare ups, or gout attacks, during nighttime in the following symptoms:
Gout should be examined and brought to the attention of a doctor immediately. If gout is left untreated inflammation and pain can last up to 2-weeks and permanent joint and tissue damage can result from recurrent attacks. Also, due to uric crystals build up in the urinary tract, kidney stones can also develop in patients. The most common treatments for gout include:
The most typical treatment route for gout is medication prescribed to relieve painful inflammatory symptoms, and also to prevent the development of uric crystals and future gout attacks. Taken orally, the most common medication used to treat gout aim to relieve joint pain and inflammation:
In combination with pain relievers and anti-inflammatory medications, doctors also try to decrease the production of uric acid in patients by prescribing drugs like:
Fashion is such an individualized thing. Everyone is different and therefore everyone has personal preferences when it comes to different types of dresses. One thing is true though; it’s important to have at least one versatile and flattering dress in your wardrobe. When determining what type to choose, there are several styles to consider that can be appropriate for different types of events and different figures.
Women today attend many events that require dressing up for the occasion. These may include weddings, dates, parties, work events, and brunch. When looking to buy a dress to suit a wide range of occasions, here are some flattering options for all ages and body types:
1. Wrap dresses
Wrap dresses are exactly what they sound like. These dresses are pulled together with a front closure. One side of the dress is wrapped across the front and then either goes behind the back part of the waist to either be attached by buttons or tied. The construction of this dress creates a v-neck front. It also accentuates the curves of the wearer in the chest area.
2. Maxi dresses
Maxi dresses are a great option for many occasions. They are long and go to the floor. Generally, they are designed to fit the body on the top, and then be flowy and long on the bottom. The fun thing about them is they can feature many different necklines and come in various patterns and colors. This makes them very individualized to the person.
3. A-Line dresses
A-line dresses are named after the shape they take on the body, which is an “A”. They fit to the top part of the body and begin to flare gradually out at the waist and hips, becoming wider as the hem progresses. A-line clothing can be found not just in dresses, but also in coats and skirts.
4. Little black dresses
Everyone has heard of the little black dress. This is such a versatile option that can be found in your closet. It can be dressed up or down for numerous types of events. As a general design, it is usually a simple dress that tends to be quite short. The elegance and simplicity create a fairly blank canvas that allows you to create the exact type of look that you want. Many designers provide limitless options for this much-needed wardrobe essential. Victoria Beckham cocktail dresses are one good brand to consider.
5. Mini dresses
A mini, or short dress that hangs just above the knees is a common style. This design became popular in the 1920’s. It was later revitalized in the 1960s, and has remained an integral part of many wardrobes ever since. A mini shift style dress is a loose-fitting dress that is very comfortable and does not fit tightly around the waist or any part of the body. It is loose at both the hips and the waist so the dress falls loosely down from the shoulders all the way down to the bottom of the dress. Darts are generally located in the bust area. It is a straight silhouette that can be flattering for those that have bodies that are shaped more like a column and it also elongates petite figures as it shows off the legs.
When shopping for dresses, every designer has his or her own individual interpretation. It is fun, and a great idea to look at the individual designers and fashion forward celebrities to find the one that fits your aesthetic most closely. Also, remember that designers also have many other clothing options. As an example, when looking at what stars wear, like Kourtney Kardashian or Victoria Beckham (blouses, skirts, dresses and pants), you might find a designer that the star tends to wear a lot that you can draw inspiration from.
The right handbag can really accentuate your outfit of the day. There are also many styles and functions for different handbags. You could have a handback that works as a daily driver – a bag that you take to run errands or to the store. You could also have a bag that’s perfect for traveling or for a night out. Whatever the case may be, these are five handbags that are sure to be everywhere this season:
1. Versace Chunky Chain Bag
This Versace bag features a chunky chain which really is the stand out feature on this bag. The chain provides a cool effect when you wear it, that really draws your eyes to it. In typical Versace fashion, the chunky chain bag is made of high quality materials and is a great value for the price.
2. Lanvin Puffy Cloud Bag
The Lanvin Puffy Cloud Bag is another bag you’ll be seeing a lot of in 2021. This bag is one of the top trends in handbags right now, and for good reason. The Lanvin quality is apparent and you can really wear this on any occasion, formal or casual.
3. Stella McCartney Hobo Bag
The Stella McCartney Hobo bag has a relaxed look about it. It appears slightly slouched in nature, which provides a really cool effect. This bag can be dressed up for a nice, formal event or dressed down for a nice casual day. This bag is incredibly versatile and provides enough room for all of your belongings. It has two slip pockets and an interior compartment for maximum storage. This is one bag that can really do it all.
4. Bottega Veneta Fisherman Shoulder Bag
The Bottega Veneta Fisherman Shoulder Bag is extremely trendy right now, and for good reason. The bag features a scale like pattern which is the standout feature. It also features a shoulder strap for great versatility and a super comfortable wear. The bag features high quality materials and enough room to keep all your belongings stored nicely. This bag leans a bit casual but is a great bag if you’re looking to make a statement throughout the day.
5. Fendi Fluffy Feathers Bag
The Fendi fluffy feathers bag is a bag that’s sure to make a statement. This bag is made of high quality materials, in typical Fendi fashion. The fluffy feathers bag is covered in ostrich feathers. This bag is incredibly unique and will turn all the heads. It’s also very versatile in that all of the straps are detachable so you could wear this as a shoulder bag or as a little handheld purse. When you pair this with a stunning dress, you will be sure to turn heads at any formal event or night out on the town.
These bags can be found at many of your favorite retailers and department stores. Make sure to shop Saks Fifth Avenue bags for the latest in deals and trends for the 2021 year.
Jewelry is the one of the best accent pieces for any outfit you choose to wear. The right necklace, or the right bracelet, can really put the finishing touch on an amazing outfit. You may opt to wear a necklace on a night out, or a set of bangles to run some errands. Either way there are a few styling hacks to help maximize your jewelry. Here are six jewelry styling hacks to follow:
1. Use earrings for a pop of color
It can be a great idea to match a few pieces of jewelry, however, when they’re all very similar in style and color, they can really blend together. To solve this issue, try using earrings to create that pop of color. Earrings can really balance out an outfit
2. Know when it’s too much
Jewelry can provide a great accent to your favorite outfit but you need to be careful you don’t overdo it. By having too much, you’re really taking away from the effect your jewelry adds to your outfit
3. Personalize with statement jewelry
Something like customized wrist bracelets can be super personal. This can be a piece that no one has that truly stands out on its own. These are often hard to duplicate because they’re one of a kind and customized. Check Kay Jewelers clearance sale and see if there’s anything that you could customize and make truly unique
4. Minimal jewelry with patterned clothing
When your outfit is full of patterns, it’s already incredibly loud. Something like stripes or plaid can be a super powerful statement in itself so when picking out jewelry, make sure to keep it minimal. When it’s overdone it can have the opposite effect of what you’re looking for. One simple necklace or bracelet can be a nice, quick addition to a loud outfit with many patterns
5. Create layers with necklaces and bangles
Sometimes when we wear jewelry it can be hard to get the most out of it. Sometimes our jewelry is too thin and won’t really pop with our outfits. That’s where layering comes into play. By layering bangles you can create a super nice, textured set of bracelets that will surely stand out. With necklaces, you want to look at the style and length. By mixing and layering different necklace lengths, you can create the illusion of a much bigger piece and have them all flow together seamlessly. Either way, you really can’t go wrong with layering
6. Mix metals in jewelry
Most jewelry is made of various metals like gold, silver, and platinum. By combining different metals, you can really make them pop. When mixing and matching gold and silver you really create a palate with different colors and materials. It helps them stand out. When you wear all your jewellery in one material or one color, the pieces tend to blend in with each other. Mixing metals will help your pieces to really make a statement
When choosing jewelry, make sure to follow these 6 hacks for best results!
