Allergic rhinitis (Hay Fever)

Allergic rhinitis, also known as hay fever is a common condition affecting around 18% of individuals in Australia during spring and summer[1]. Despite its name, hay fever is not caused by hay and does not result in a fever. Instead it is caused by the noses and or eyes coming into contact with environmental allergens such as pollen, dust mites and animal dander. 


Hay fever symptoms vary between individuals and symptoms may be worse some years than others. 

Common symptoms include[2]:

  • Runny or blocked nose
  • Cough
  • Fatigue
  • An itchy throat 
  • Frequent sneezing 
  • Itchy, red or watery eyes 


Although hay fever cannot be cured by conventional western medicine, there are effective methods to improve the symptoms and provide some relief. Treatment of hay fever can include medications such as[3]:

  • Saline nasal sprays to help clear nasal decongestion 
  • Non-sedating antihistamines 
  • Intranasal corticosteroid sprays
  • Decongestant tablets or nasal sprays


Please see your medical practitioner.

    

References

[1] Australiasian society of clinical immunology and allergy (2019, April) Allergic Rhinitis (Hay Fever) allergy.org.au/patients/allergic-rhinitis-hay-fever-and-sinusitis/allergic-rhinitis-or-hay-fever

[2] Health Direct (2019, June) Hay fever symptoms healthdirect.gov.au/hay-fever-symptoms

[3] Healthy WA – Department of Health. Hay fever (allergic rhinitis) healthywa.wa.gov.au/Articles/F_I/Hay-fever-allergic-rhinitis

Asthma

Asthma is a common and chronic medical inflammatory condition affecting the airways, in some people from time to time, while more frequently in others. It is relatively common in children[1]. Due to the inflammation of the airways, it results in narrow airways causing periods of:

  • wheezing
  • chest tightness
  • shortness of breath and 
  • coughing[2]


The precise cause of asthma is unknown but the strongest risk factors for developing asthma are thought to be from a combination of genetic and environmental factors[3]. These environmental factors can include: 

  • tobacco smoke
  • air pollution
  • pollen
  • chemical irritants and 
  • dust mites[4]


Although there is no cure for asthma, it can be well controlled with prescription medication[5]. There are two main types of asthma medications:

1. Relievers. This acts to quickly relax the muscles around the airways causing the airways to open up to make it easier to breathe

2. Preventers. Taken daily and acts to reduce inflammation inside the airways

    

References

[1] National Asthma Council Australia (2019, March) What is asthma? nationalasthma.org.au/understanding-asthma/what-is-asthma

[2] National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute. Asthma nhlbi.nih.gov/health-topics/asthma

[3] World Health Organisation (2017, August) Asthma who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/asthma

[4] Health Direct (2018, June) Asthma healthdirect.gov.au/asthma

[5] Better Health Victoria (2018, August) Asthma explained betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/conditionsandtreatments/asthma

Bronchitis

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Bronchitis refers to the inflammation in the major airways (the bronchial tubes) of the lungs. Bronchitis commonly affects both males and females and is predominant during winter seasons (particularly during influenza (“flu”) outbreaks[1]. The most common cause of bronchitis is through a viral infection but it can also be caused by environmental factors such as smoke and air pollution, bacterial infections or originate from other lung conditions such as asthma. 


Symptoms of bronchitis include:

  • coughing, 
  • aches and pains
  • fever
  • feeling short of breath
  • chest tightness and 
  • wheezing[2]


As most bronchitis cases are caused by a virus, medicines such as antibiotics are not needed. Furthermore, as it is generally a viral infection, there are no specific conventional medical treatments for bronchitis. Medical professionals recommend drinking plenty of fluids, rest and may advise to take pain relievers to ease the symptoms[3]. 


References

[1] Lung Foundation Australia (2018, August) Acute Bronchitis. lungfoundation.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/Factsheet-Acute-Bronchitis-Aug2018.pdf

[2] Health Direct (2017, December) Bronchitis. healthdirect.gov.au/bronchitis

[3] Better Health Channel (2012, July) Bronchiolitis. betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/ConditionsAndTreatments/bronchiolitis

Cystic Fibrosis

Cystic Fibrosis (CF) is a genetic condition primarily affecting the lungs and digestive system. Due to a malfunction in the exocrine system (the system responsible for producing sweat, tears, saliva and mucus), people affected with CF produce abnormal amounts of thick and sticky mucus within the lungs, airways and digestive system[1]. This leads to common symptoms such as:

  • difficulty breathing
  • wheezing
  • poor appetite
  • salty sweat
  • frequent lung infections
  • tiredness
  • persistent cough[2]


In Australia, a baby is born with CF every four days[2].

Although there is currently no cure for cystic fibrosis, therapies available focus on improving the quality of life as well as managing symptoms[3]. This includes salt and vitamin supplements, exercise, daily physiotherapy, enzyme replacement to aid with digestion, aerosol mist inhalations to help open the airways and inhaled medications to help breakdown and clear the mucus in the lungs[3]. 


References

[1]Cystic Fibrosis Australia. What is CF? cysticfibrosis.org.au/about-cf/what-is-cf

[2] Better Health Channel (2019, April). Cystic fibrosis (CF) betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/conditionsandtreatments/cystic-fibrosis-cf

[3] Healthy WA. Cystic fibrosis. healthywa.wa.gov.au/Articles/A_E/Cystic-fibrosis

Inflammation, Influenza and Respiratory Tract Infections

Dr Justin Lim Professor Yoland Lim Best Acupuncture Melbourne Knox Skin Acupuncture Weight Loss

Our bodies produce a certain amount of energy each day to enable normal cellular body functions to be carried out. One critical function performed is by the immune system in fighting off ‘foreign invaders’ such as viral, bacteria, fungal and yeast infections.


Multiple external influences, such as physical and mental stress, sickness, medical conditions and rapid and dramatic temperature changes may affect our immune systems. This can weaken the body and make us more susceptible to colds and flus. External chemicals and pollution of our modern society may weaken the immune system because vital body 'energy' is used to metabolize and process these toxins that we inhale, eat, drink and in some cases inject.


Influenza ‘Flu’ viruses may be prevented by vaccination. However for some people, even after having a flu vaccination, they may still be susceptible some other strains of the flu. Some medical researchers have previously mentioned that overall, only less than 30% of all people vaccinated have some protection each season.


Antibiotics may not be helpful in certain cases as they only act against bacterial infections and the overuse of antibiotics may cause an increase in antibiotic resistance.

Sarcoidosis

Sarcoidosis is a condition in which abnormal formulation of cells appear in the body causing lumps. The most commonly affected areas are the: 

  • lungs
  • skin
  • eyes
  • lymph nodes


Symptoms vary greatly depending on the organ. However, if you do have symptoms you may experience:

  • fatigue
  • swollen lymph nodes
  • higher body temperature than usual 
  • swelling in the joints. 


Although the exact cause of this disease is unknown, it is believed that exposure to an infection, chemicals or dust may be possible triggers. In some cases, it may be hereditary[1]

While most people recover within1-3 years from the first onset of the disease, in some cases the disease could last for years leading to serious problems such as organ damage[2].


Sarcoidosis can be a difficult disease to diagnose and are usually detected when X-ray or checkups are performed for other reasons. If suspected, Professor Yoland Lim Health Care doctors will be able to arrange for relevant tests. Although there is no known cure, some treatments are proven to relieve the symptoms associated with this disease. According to research performed by The Institute for Traditional Medicine, acupuncture assists in resolving inflammation through drainage of excess phlegm[3].


References

[1] Health Direct (2019, February) Sarcoidosis. healthdirect.gov.au/sarcoidosis

[2] Lung Foundation Australia lungfoundation.com.au/

[3] Institute for Traditional Medicine. itmonline.org/