Tobacco Worker’s Lung: A deeper look

Dr. Mark Hochberg MD has recently started writing and releasing a series of informative and educational blogs on lung health. From the effects of the coronavirus to helpful tips on how to improve respiratory capacity, Dr. Hochberg touches on many topics that are incredibly helpful to readers everywhere.

For this blog, Dr. Mark Hochberg MD explores a particular parenchymal lung disease called tobacco worker’s lung or TWL.

In the U.S., TWL is under hypersensitivity pneumonitis. In the U.K., it is under the category of extrinsic allergic alveolitis. TWL, as the name suggests, is caused by the inhalation of tobacco molds, and happens in tobacco fields and cigarette factories. Workers at these factories are affected the most. TWL has also been found to be more prevalent in humid places, with the atmosphere allowing tobacco mold to grow faster.

Aspergillus species are the specific antigen that causes TWL, as several case studies have discovered. They can be found in most tobacco molds. This antigen has also been recorded to be quite dangerous to the health of a person as TWL patients experienced forced secretion of proteolytic enzymes and reactive oxygen compounds from their macrophages and polymorphonuclear leukocytes.

Dr. Mark Hochberg MD explains that when treating TWL patients, the first step is always to limit exposure to tobacco molds. He further mentions that in a lot of cases, this alone can help alleviate the symptoms of lung disease.

What should a person do after recovering from COVID-19?

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 COVID-19 has infected millions of people all over the world. The spread of the viral disease has become a global health crisis that led to the disruption of economies, industries, and societies. Dr. Mark Hochberg MD, a specialist in respiratory health, explains what patients should do next after recovering from the novel coronavirus.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), a person has recovered from the virus when they no longer experience fever without the help of fever-reducing medication for 72 hours. There should also be significant improvements in symptoms such as coughing and shortness of breath for seven full days before being diagnosed. Dr. Mark Hochberg MD says that a person must have two consecutive negative swab tests to ensure their recovery.

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In other countries, those who have recovered are still advised to be on self-isolation for the next 14 days. Even if they are no longer experiencing symptoms, those who are considered mild cases are encouraged to work from home as much as possible, says Dr. Mark Hochberg MD. This is to ensure that they are no longer infectious while allowing their immune system to recover quicker.

Those who have recovered from COVID-19 should exercise caution as there are people who were re-infected. Instead of going back to the office, to the workplace, or the frontlines, medical professionals such as Dr. Mark Hochberg MD advise patients to prioritize their health first. Though the symptoms are no longer evident, and they have been cleared of the virus, they must give themselves more time to be at a hundred percent physically, mentally, and emotionally.

Winning the battle against bronchitis

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Dr. Mark Hochberg MD deems it necessary now more than ever to educate people on the importance of respiratory health. With the COVID-19 pandemic breathing down everyone’s necks, people must keep their lungs and heart at their healthiest. This is one of the main reasons why Dr. Hochberg has released a series of blogs on lung health.

Today’s blog focuses on one of the most common lung diseases – bronchitis, specifically, how to manage it successfully.

Bronchitis manifests itself with chronic coughing and difficulty with breathing. Millions of people in the U.S. suffer from the disease that causes one’s bronchial tubes to become inflamed and irritated and produce excess mucus. Coupled with COVID-19, this can be potentially fatal.

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Bronchitis is part of chronic obstructive pulmonary diseases or COPDs. COPDs are lung diseases that block airflow to and from the lungs. Bronchitis is caused by long-term exposure to cigarette smoke, fumes, dust, and other irritants, and it can be quite difficult to cure.

Respiratory specialists explain that lifestyle changes are important to manage bronchitis successfully. First, people should either quit smoking or stay away from people who smoke. Second, if a person is taking regular medication for the condition, they should stick to the schedule. Third, a person with bronchitis should make good use of equipment and activities for breathing purposes such as a humidifier, steam breathing, maintaining an ideal weight, and proper rest, Dr. Mark Hochberg MD adds.

Important reminders on how to avoid lung disease

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Dr. Mark Hochberg MD believes that in today’s world, one that is slowly being ravaged by the COVID-19 pandemic, taking care of one’s lungs is one of the most important things a person can do.

As a guide, here are a few things that people can do to protect their respiratory system and prevent lung disease.

Stop smoking or stay away from smokers.

One of the most effective ways to protect one’s lungs is to simply not smoke cigarettes. For non-smokers, it’s important to stay away from people who smoke. First or second-hand smoke can be very damaging to the lungs because of all the harmful substances found in it. Smoking also reduces the lung capacity significantly and prevents the lungs from clearing toxic elements.

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Manage alcohol consumption.

Studies show that minimal alcohol consumption is good for the body. However, it was also found that drinking too much alcohol weakens a person’s immune system and in association, one’s heart and lungs.

Breathe in steam.

While breathing exercises are a great way to keep the lungs healthy and avoid respiratory problems, breathing in steam takes things one step further by moistening the pathways and relaxing the lungs, explains Dr. Mark Hochberg MD.

Why are some people asymptomatic COVID-19 carriers?

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One of the biggest problems that's helping spread the coronavirus are people who have it but don't show symptoms immediately. You've probably heard the news about people who weren't showing any symptom but tested positive to the virus. According to Dr. Mark Hochberg MD, these people are asymptomatic. However, this doesn't make them any less of a threat. On the contrary, these cases can be more threatening than people showing clear symptoms.

Illnesses can be classified according to the current health of the patient. It can range from asymptomatic or not showing any signs of health degradation, showing mild symptoms, showing moderate symptoms, severely affected by the disease, and in critical illness. And because of the nature of COVID-19, a person infected with the disease could quickly go from asymptomatic to being severely affected in a matter of days, according to Dr. Mark Hochberg MD.

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There is no scientific evidence that can state why some people are asymptomatic, while others show signs of the illness from the get-go. Some healthcare professionals believe that the virus reacts differently from person to person. An individual with almost perfect health could contract the coronavirus and have a better time fighting the illness with their immune system compared to the elderly or those who have pre-existing conditions.

Because some people are asymptomatic, people everywhere should follow the guidelines set by the state when it comes to protecting themselves from the virus. Dr. Mark Hochberg MD mandates that people follow strict social distancing rules, as well as the wearing of protective equipment like face masks when going out. Lastly, if you come in contact with someone who has tested positive or is showing symptoms of the virus, you should retreat to your home and self-isolate for a few days to confirm whether or not you have contracted the virus.

Five ways to keep the lungs healthy during self-isolation

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The world has never seen a pandemic such as this in a long time. Non-essential workers are asked to stay home to keep COVID-19 from spreading. While on lockdown, people are encouraged to learn new skills and take on new exercises echoes Dr. Mark Hochberg MD.

For a healthy person, breathing is an easy task to do. However, not every healthy person knows how to breathe the right way. Belly breathers teach a person to use their diaphragm when breathing instead of the chest and shoulders. When chest and shoulders are used for breathing, breaths are shallow, which can cause one to hyperventilate.

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With proper breathing in check, it's time to workout. Regular exercise increases lung capacity as it improves respiratory muscles. Interval strength training helps a person ease into the habit of exercising. Interval strength training workouts won't leave one out of breath, but will surely encourage them to breathe right. Jogging in place is a light start to a cardio workout. Variations such as butt kicks and high knees will surely get the heart rate going.

Jumping jacks open up the chest, explains Dr. Mark Hochberg MD. This exercise keeps the heart rate up, opens the chest, and strengthens the core. In proper breathing, a strong and engaged core is important. Jump squats engage the core, expand the chest, and strengthen the legs. Following this short and simple workout routine, starting from the belly breathers ensures that a person's respiratory muscles are strengthened, and their overall health improved.

Respiratory health conditions you need to be aware of

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Cough and colds are so common, we hardly seek medical attention for them and rely on over the counter medication if they bog us down. Unfortunately, there will come a point that these conditions extend to weeks and without your awareness, you've developed an advanced condition that will degrade your overall health. According to Dr. Mark Hochberg MD, you'll need to halt the progression of your condition in order to avoid making it degrade your health any further. It's why you need to be aware of these common conditions so you can seek help fast.

The first condition you need to be aware of is asthma. Asthma springs from the inflammation of the airways caused by allergens in the environment. You'll know you're encountering asthma because it is accompanied by difficulty in breathing and wheezing as well as chest tightness, adds Dr. Mark Hochberg MD.

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Another condition you need to be aware of is Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease or COPD. People with COPD encounter difficulties in exhaling and may feel shortness of breath. It's a blanket term for the condition that causes these symptoms. People might think it's aging-related, but COPD may stem from smoking, so doctors always prescribe stopping the habit to treat the condition. Based on inputs from Dr. Mark Hochberg MD, both chronic bronchitis and emphysema fall under the category of COPD.

Pneumonia is another common and serious lung disease. Doctors detect pneumonia as an infection of the air sacs in the lungs and may be triggered by viruses, bacteria, or fungi. You can tell if it's pneumonia if the cough is accompanied by fever, shortness of breath, and chills. These symptoms can be very mild (in which case, patients often heal after 3 weeks) to very severe that sufferers require hospitalization.