Walking Pneumonia

Walking Pneumonia, also known as Atypical Pneumonia is a variant of pneumonia not caused by one of the more traditional pathogens. It is also characterized by a clinical presentation that is inconsistent with typical pneumonia. It can be caused by a variety of microorganisms. The term Walking Pneumonia was originally coined in the 1930's. Any differentiations or distinction between Atypical and Typical pneumonia is often considered to be medically insufficient; for the treatment of pneumonia it is important to know the exact causal organism.

Primary atypical pneumonia is called so to indicate that it developed independently, not subsequent to another disease. Atypical pneumonia, on the other hand is atypical because it is caused by atypical organisms besides Streptococcus pneumoniae, Haemophilus influenzae and Moraxella catarrhalis. Atypical organisms that cause to include special bacteria, viruses, fungi and protozoa. Besides its causes, Walking Pneumonia is a form of pneumonia that is atypical in its presentation; it has only moderate amounts of sputum, only small increases in white cell counts and no alveolar exudates.

Walking Pneumonia often has atypical symptoms. There will be no response from common antibiotics such as Penicillin, coughing up of bloody mucus, shortness of breath, chest pains, high or mild headache, loss of appetite, low energy, fatigue, sweaty and clammy skin. Some less common symptoms to look for include diarrhea, eye pain, rashes or throat soars. Generally speaking, the patient looks healthier than any of the symptoms would suggest. To properly treat this disease, make sure to take Aspirin to control your fever or high temperature, drink plenty of fluids to loosen up secretions and bring up phlegm, and most importantly make sure to get plenty of rest. You can use antibiotics at home to treat your Walking Pneumonia, unless your condition is severe, which means you will most likely be admitted to a hospital and given stronger antibiotics such a Azithromycin, Clarithromycin, Erythromycin and Tetracyclines. If you adhere to these steps, you should see improvement within about a week's time. Prevention can sometimes be better than the cure, so make sure to wash your hands often, get your yearly flu shot and keep an open channel with your physician; knowing if you need a Pneumonia vaccine can help you a lot.

Walking Pneumonia is a serious illness that must be treated accordingly. Seeing that it has a clinical presentation that is inconsistent with typical pneumonia and can be caused by a variety of microorganisms, it may be a bit harder to fight, although differences between Atypical and Typical pneumonia are often considered to be medically insufficient in their treatment.

Nutritional Therapy to Reduce Alzheimer's Risk

Alzheimer's disease is the most common form of dementia and a huge and growing health problem as we all get older. The number of Alzheimer's victims has doubled in just the last 25 years and is expected to double again in the next 20 years. Because there is currently no cure for this fatal disease, it is critical for anyone over 40 to take steps to lower their risk of developing Alzheimer's.

There is growing scientific evidence that inflammation and oxidative stress can cause beta-amyloid plaque and neurofibrillary tangles, both key abnormalities found in the brains of Alzheimer's victims. Inflammation generates large quantities of free radicals that cause beta-amyloid plaques and neurofibrillary tangles to form.

Medical researchers believe, as a result of hundreds of confirming studies, that Alzheimer's begins as an inflammatory condition which causes damage to normal healthy brain cells. This is one reason why anti-inflammatory drugs, such as NSAIDs and COX-2 inhibitors are so widely used to treat patients diagnosed with the disease

Rather than wait until being diagnosed with Alzheimer's, you can begin a simple nutritional therapy plan to help reduce inflammation, oxidative stress and their damaging effects on your body and brain. It's easy to do, affordable - especially considering the cost of doing nothing - and may prevent you from becoming another Alzheimer's victim. Here are some of the most promising nutritional supplements you can take to reduce inflammation and oxidative stress:

Acetyl-L-Carnitine, or ALC, helps lower oxidative stress by boosting cellular energy metabolism. This helps protect neurons in the brain from the harmful effects of beta-amyloid. It is most effective when combined with lipoid acid, which is why many supplement suppliers combine the two.

Ashwaganda. This traditional medical plant has been in use for thousands of years, and can help preserve brain health. Medical researchers have found Ashwaganda can halt and repair brain damage caused by beta-amyloid.

Blueberry. This potent antioxidant ranks near the top of the antioxidant scale. Studies have shown blueberries can improve memory and help restore brain cells.

Curcumin. A 2005 study found curcumin was more effective than NSAIDs like ibuprofen and naproxin in preventing the formation of amyloid plaques. It is a powerful antioxidant and anti-inflammatory that can reduce oxidative damage and prevent damage to neuronal synapses.

Grape seed. Grape seed extract is a powerful antioxidant - 50 times more effective than fighting free radicals than vitamin C - and blocks the formation of beta-amyloid plaques.

Omega-3. Fish oil contains two potent Omega-3 oils, DHA and EPA. Because DHA is a large part of the total fatty acid content of our brains, a deficiency can lead to cognitive decline. In one study, those with low levels of DHA were 67% more likely to develop Alzheimer's disease.

PS. An extract of lecithin, phosphatidylserine (PS) supports production of the neurotransmitter acetylcholine, helps brain cells produce energy and supports healthy brain cell membranes.

Vitamin C & E. Both are well-known antioxidants. In studies, combining the two was effective in reducing the risk of Alzheimer's, and slowed the mental decline of those who have Alzheimer's.

If you memory isn't as sharp as it used to be, now is the time to give your brain a nutritional tune-up. Don't wait until it's too late.