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.

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.