Nontuberculous mycobacterial lung disease (NTM, rare lung infections) definition and facts Readers Comments 3 Share Your Story Nontuberculous mycobacteria (NTM ) are bacteria that are found widespread in water, soil, and the air that we breathe. There have been more than 150 species of nontuberculous mycobacteria (NTM) identified. The signs and symptoms of NTM lung …
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Urokinase (Kinlytic) side effects and uses
What is urokinase-injection, and how does it work (mechanism of action)? Urokinase is a thrombolytic medication made from human neonatal kidney cells. Urokinase is an enzyme (protein) that disrupts the clotting cycle and breaks down blood clots lodged in the lungs in people with pulmonary embolism. The FDA approved urokinase under the brand name Kinlytic in 2007. Is urokinase-injection available …
Read More »tiotropium bromide/olodaterol, Stiolto Respimat: COPD
What is Stiolto Respimat, and how does it work (mechanism of action)? Stiolto Respimat is a combination of inhaled medications used for treating chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). It consists of two medications, tiotropium bromide (Spiriva) and olodaterol (Striverdi Respimat). Tiotropium bromide is an inhaled bronchodilator that enlarges (dilates) airways (bronchi) in the lungs and is used for treating COPD. …
Read More »Thallium: What Are the Symptoms of Poisoning?
What is thallium? Pure thallium is a bluish-white metal that is found in trace amounts in the earth’s crust. In the past, thallium was obtained as a by-product from smelting other metals; however, it has not been produced in the United States since 1984. Currently, all the thallium is obtained from imports and from thallium reserves. In its pure form, …
Read More »Tobacco Addiction: Get Facts on Nicotine and Smoking
What Is Tobacco Addiction? When people are addicted, they have a compulsive need to seek out and use a substance, even when they understand the harm it can cause. Tobacco products — cigarettes, cigars, pipes, and smokeless tobacco — can all be addictive. Everyone knows that smoking is bad for you, and most people that do it want to quit. …
Read More »Smoking and Heart Disease: Get Facts and Statistics
Smoking and Heart Disease Introduction Most people associate cigarette smoking with breathing problems and lung cancer. But did you know that smoking is also a major cause of heart disease for men and women? About 20% of all deaths from heart disease in the U.S. are directly related to cigarette smoking. That’s because smoking is a major cause of coronary …
Read More »Weight Control and Smoking Cessation: Quit and Stay Thin
Weight control and smoking cessation introduction Congratulations on your decision to quit smoking! Quitting is one of the best actions you can take to improve your health. You may be concerned about gaining weight, but try not to worry about it as you quit. Focus on stopping smoking first, and then continue to improve your health in other ways, such …
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