RESUMEN
The use of electronic cigarettes or e-cigarettes is strongly on the rise. The literature confirms that in the process of quitting smoking using an electronic device dispensing nicotine should be a transitional stage before the complete cessation of smoking. The aim of the present study was to assess the popularity of e-cigarettes, the underlying reasons for use of such nicotine products, and the level of awareness of health hazards associated with e-cigarettes. The study is of a survey type. The material consisted of data collected from an anonymous survey distributed among 46 female and 23 male users of e-cigarettes in 2015. We used a questionnaire of our own design. The findings demonstrate that the main reason for a recourse to e-cigarettes is a desire to use fashionable technological innovations, and the conviction that such cigarettes are less harmful than the traditional tobacco products. Some respondents used e-cigarettes to quit smoking; others to minimize the harmful effects of smoking. Most respondents acquired information about e-cigarettes from friends or from the Internet. There was a high awareness of the chemical composition of substances contained in e-cigarettes. An interest in e-cigarettes is caused by an increased knowledge on the negative effects of traditional smoking. Currently, the e-cigarettes remains a technological novelty, so that the exact health effects of their long-term use are open to conjecture.
Asunto(s)
Sistemas Electrónicos de Liberación de Nicotina , Conocimientos, Actitudes y Práctica en Salud , Prevención del Hábito de Fumar , Tabaquismo , Adolescente , Adulto , Femenino , Encuestas Epidemiológicas , Humanos , Masculino , Persona de Mediana Edad , Adulto JovenRESUMEN
Concha bullosa is a variant of the sinonasal anatomy in which the middle nasal turbinate contains pneumatized cells, which leads to turbinate enlargement. The reason for concha bullosa formation is unclear, but the variant is seen in up to half the modern population and it may predispose to paranasal sinusitis. The variant has hitherto featured little in paleopathology. Therefore, in the present study we seek to determine the presence of concha bullosa, with the coexisting hypertrophy of the middle turbinate and signs of sinusitis or other pathology of the paranasal complex, in a population living in Tomersdorf-Toporow in the Upper Lausatia, a historical region in Germany and Poland, presently Zgorzelec County in the Lower Silesian voivodeship, at the turn of the nineteenth and twentieth century. The material consisted of 32 skeletons (24 males, 8 females). The gender, age, and stress indicators and the presence of pathological signs were assessed, followed by CT of the skulls. We found 2 skulls (6.3 %) with concha bullosa. In one case septal nasal deviation was present. We conclude that the incidence of concha bullosa could be lower in the past times than at present. Wider research is necessary to settle whether concha bullosa is indeed a rare respiratory paleopathology or a missed, and thus underreported observation.
RESUMEN
Concha bullosa is a variant of the sinonasal anatomy in which the middle nasal turbinate contains pneumatized cells, which leads to turbinate enlargement. The reason for concha bullosa formation is unclear, but the variant is seen in up to half the modern population and it may predispose to paranasal sinusitis. The variant has hitherto featured little in paleopathology. Therefore, in the present study we seek to determine the presence of concha bullosa, with the coexisting hypertrophy of the middle turbinate and signs of sinusitis or other pathology of the paranasal complex, in a population living in Tomersdorf-Toporow in the Upper Lausatia, a historical region in Germany and Poland, presently Zgorzelec County in the Lower Silesian voivodeship, at the turn of the nineteenth and twentieth century. The material consisted of 32 skeletons (24 males, 8 females). The gender, age, and stress indicators and the presence of pathological signs were assessed, followed by CT of the skulls. We found 2 skulls (6.3 %) with concha bullosa. In one case septal nasal deviation was present. We conclude that the incidence of concha bullosa could be lower in the past times than at present. Wider research is necessary to settle whether concha bullosa is indeed a rare respiratory paleopathology or a missed, and thus underreported observation.
Asunto(s)
Tabique Nasal/anomalías , Sinusitis/diagnóstico , Cráneo/anomalías , Cornetes Nasales/anomalías , Femenino , Alemania , Humanos , Masculino , Tabique Nasal/diagnóstico por imagen , Paleopatología/métodos , Polonia , Sinusitis/diagnóstico por imagen , Cráneo/diagnóstico por imagen , Tomografía Computarizada por Rayos X , Cornetes Nasales/diagnóstico por imagenRESUMEN
Smoking cigarettes negatively influences the functioning of the body. Among other effects, it has an important impact on the respiratory system, circulation, and behavior. It leads to morphological and physiological changes in organs and tissues, so it can change mood. The aim of this study was to assess the relationships between tobacco abuse and self-assessment of health. The survey was conducted among Polish (243) and foreign (80) medical students at the Pomeranian Medical University in Szczecin, Poland. The study was based on a survey questionnaire of the authors' own design, comprising open and multi-choice questions. Our questionnaire was based on the international standard questionnaire from the Health Behavior in School-Aged Children study (Currie et al. 2009). 80 % of students surveyed were free of any chronic diseases. The results showed that only 23 % of the women and 20 % of the men assessed their health as very good, over 60 % as good, and the remaining at lower levels. We did not observe significant differences between smokers and non-smokers. Physical activity in both groups was generally assessed as good or sufficient. We did not observe significant differences between groups in the incidence of headache, abdominal pain, or vertigo. Significant differences were found in the intake of painkillers.
Asunto(s)
Estado de Salud , Autoevaluación (Psicología) , Tabaquismo/fisiopatología , Conductas Relacionadas con la Salud , Humanos , Estudiantes de Medicina , Encuestas y Cuestionarios , Tabaquismo/psicologíaRESUMEN
The most common diseases of the upper respiratory tract in children treated by ear-nose-throat (ENT) specialists in ambulatory practice are infections, such as colds, rhinitis, sinusitis and pharyngitis, very frequently accompanied and promoted by chronic nasal obstructions of various etiology. These diseases, when treated incorrectly or for too long, cause frequent school absenteeism and may also lead to hearing disorders linked with acute or suppurative otitis. They may also habitually perpetuate abnormal breathing and result in occlusal disorders. The aim of this study was to assess the incidence and type of upper respiratory tract diseases in children, depending on age and sex of patients and on the seasons. We also discussed the role of the ENT specialist in the diagnosis and treatment of certain diseases. In the study we analyzed the medical records of patients of preschool and school age treated in the ENT outpatient clinic over one calendar year. It was found that the largest group of patients comprised children of 3-7 years of age, and most children visited the outpatient clinic in the period March-May. The most common main disorder, according to ICD-10, was acute nasopharyngitis (J00) and vasomotor and allergic rhinitis (J30). Among the comorbid disorders H65 and H66 were the most frequent. No significant gender differences were noted in the frequency of particular types of disease.
Asunto(s)
Otolaringología , Enfermedades Respiratorias/epidemiología , Infecciones del Sistema Respiratorio/epidemiología , Adolescente , Factores de Edad , Atención Ambulatoria , Niño , Preescolar , Registros Electrónicos de Salud , Femenino , Humanos , Lactante , Clasificación Internacional de Enfermedades , Masculino , Nasofaringitis/epidemiología , Polonia/epidemiología , Respiración , Enfermedades Respiratorias/terapia , Infecciones del Sistema Respiratorio/terapia , Rinitis Alérgica Perenne/epidemiología , Rinitis Vasomotora/epidemiología , Factores SexualesRESUMEN
Sudden balance disorders with violent vegetative symptoms (nausea and vomiting) pose a diagnostic and therapeutic problem. In children vertigo/dizziness with symptoms of vestibular dysfunction is rare, but as vascular etiology is unlikely in children such symptoms arouse concern. This article presents two cases of this type of vertigo. The patients were two boys (6 and 9 years old). They came down with similar symptoms: sudden dizziness, disabled walking, nausea and vomiting, spontaneous nystagmus, and a positive Romberg test. The onset of the balance disorder was preceded by respiratory infection: common cold with symptoms of inflammation of the mucous membrane in the nose and throat. Laboratory tests revealed increased levels of C-reactive protein only in the older boy. Neuroinfection and a displacement process were ruled out. Videonystagmography revealed vestibular dysfunction and vestibular neuronitis on the left side.
Asunto(s)
Nistagmo Patológico/fisiopatología , Infecciones del Sistema Respiratorio/fisiopatología , Vértigo/fisiopatología , Neuronitis Vestibular/fisiopatología , Proteína C-Reactiva/metabolismo , Niño , Humanos , Masculino , Náusea/fisiopatología , Nistagmo Patológico/sangre , Nistagmo Patológico/diagnóstico , Nistagmo Patológico/etiología , Infecciones del Sistema Respiratorio/sangre , Infecciones del Sistema Respiratorio/complicaciones , Infecciones del Sistema Respiratorio/diagnóstico , Vértigo/sangre , Vértigo/diagnóstico , Vértigo/etiología , Neuronitis Vestibular/sangre , Neuronitis Vestibular/diagnóstico , Neuronitis Vestibular/etiología , Vómitos/fisiopatologíaRESUMEN
Respiratory diseases have beset humanity from the earliest times. The aim of this study was to evaluate the prevalence of respiratory diseases in the inhabitants of a large medieval city. We analyzed 110 skeletons, coming from 12 to 17th century of individuals of either gender. In order to assess pneumatisation of paranasal sinuses and nasal septum curvature, radiographs were performed in the PA projection. Nasal septum deviation was found in 50% of individuals, asymmetry of the frontal sinuses and their aplasia in 11% of individuals. There was no significant relationship between the curvature of the nasal septum and frontal sinus aplasia. One case of tuberculosis and one case of periradicular abscess causing perforation of the maxillary sinus were noted. Developmental variation of the sternum was present in two individuals. In another two individuals, rib fractures with bone union were observed. Analysis of the presence of respiratory disease in bone material is particularly difficult, but the use of modern methods: X-rays, CT scans and endoscopy significantly extends the capability to unravel the underlying causes of bygone diseases.
Asunto(s)
Enfermedades Respiratorias/historia , Femenino , Historia del Siglo XV , Historia del Siglo XVI , Historia del Siglo XVII , Historia Medieval , Humanos , Masculino , Radiografía , Enfermedades Respiratorias/diagnóstico por imagen , Enfermedades Respiratorias/patologíaRESUMEN
Hypertrophy of lymphoid tissue within the throat in children leads to a number of respiratory problems and sleep disorders. The aim of this study was to evaluate the prevalence of the above-mentioned changes depending on the location of overgrown lymphoid tissue, BMI, and coexisting allergies. The study was based on a survey conducted in a group of 103 children aged 3-14 with a hypertrophy of lymphoid tissue requiring surgery. The questionnaire included questions about symptoms of sleep disordered breathing. In addition, BMI was calculated and the coexistence of other diseases in the group of examined children was taken into account. Pathological changes predominated in children aged 4-6. The incidence of snoring was the most common, observed in 87%, followed by apnea in 45% of the examined group. Co-occurrence of allergies was observed in 36% and excess of body weight in 21% of the children. Overweight was an essential factor that facilitated apneic sleep episodes accompanying lymphoid hyperplasia. Snoring and nasal obstruction were observed more often in allergic patients.
Asunto(s)
Tonsila Faríngea/patología , Síndromes de la Apnea del Sueño/etiología , Ronquido/etiología , Adolescente , Niño , Preescolar , Femenino , Humanos , Hipertrofia , Tejido Linfoide/patología , Masculino , Sobrepeso , Faringe/patología , Prevalencia , Factores de Riesgo , Síndromes de la Apnea del Sueño/epidemiología , Ronquido/epidemiología , Encuestas y CuestionariosRESUMEN
ß2-adrenergic receptors re abundantly expressed in airways, which explains the role of ß2 agonists, the strongest bronchodilators, in treatment of bronchial constriction. There may be a relation between ß2ADR gene polymorphism and the response to treatment with ß2 agonists. In the present study we attempted to study these relationship in vivo, estimating spirometric values before and after the use of salbutamol in reference to variant of ß2ADR gene polymorphisms. The study involved 148 healthy male volunteers. After the examination of the gene polymorphism of the ß2-adrenergic receptor (ß2-ADR) at nucleotide positions 46 and 79 (g.46 and g.79) we performed spirometry testing in all subjects. The pulmonary function was checked twice a day; before and 15 min after the administration of salbutamol. All subjects had normal basic values of spirometry. The use of salbutamol significantly increased spirometric values in all groups determined by ß2ADR gene polymorphisms. Analysis of the spirometric values in individual groups showed a significant increase only in peak expiratory flow (g.46AA and g.79CC). The results of this study give an insight into a possibly important mechanism of the response to treatment with ß2-agonists.
Asunto(s)
Albuterol/uso terapéutico , Broncodilatadores/uso terapéutico , Polimorfismo Genético , Receptores Adrenérgicos beta 2/genética , Volumen Espiratorio Forzado , Humanos , Masculino , Espirometría , Capacidad VitalRESUMEN
Research suggests that reducing the degree of nicotine addiction in the population cannot be achieved only by prevention programs. Legislative measures are necessary to be taken by the state. The aim of this study was to assess the degree of tobacco abuse in three groups of students. It also assesses the influence of ban on smoking in public places on passive contact of students with tobacco. A customized survey made up of open and closed questions was conducted among 102 students of electrical faculty, 109 medical students, and 71 students of animal husbandry faculty. The results showed that significantly more women from the electrical faculty smoked. Among the students of animal husbandry, men smoke significantly more cigarettes than women. Women studying animal husbandry start smoking significantly earlier (by about 2 years) than women from other faculties. They are also significantly less likely to smoke cigarettes at school and at home. According to the study, the Polish law to ban smoking in public places, in force since the 15th of November 2010, did not make students quit smoking, although the rate of smoking students decreased. Students did not observe restrictions on smoking in their environment. The study indicates a positive influence of the anti-nicotine legislation on passive smoking, just after 3 months from its introduction.
Asunto(s)
Fumar/epidemiología , Fumar/legislación & jurisprudencia , Estudiantes/estadística & datos numéricos , Contaminación por Humo de Tabaco , Adolescente , Adulto , Crianza de Animales Domésticos , Niño , Femenino , Humanos , Masculino , Estudiantes de MedicinaRESUMEN
BACKGROUND: Breathing-related sleep disorders cover several conditions (isolated snoring, UARS - upper airway resistance syndrome, obstructive sleep apnea, hypopnea, obesity hypoventilation syndrome) characterized by a variety of symptoms and complex etiology. The conditions can be successfully treated in most cases. Excessive body mass is a factor increasing the probability of the disorders. In most patients it is the only reason for breathing-related sleep disorders. However, it often coexists with various anatomical abnormalities in the upper airway, endocrinological diseases or genetic defects of the facial skeleton, and occurs more frequently in older people, especially men. Excessive body mass significantly affects the range and success of the treatment. OBJECTIVE: To analyze treatment outcome in patients treated at the otolaryngology unit for snoring and related diseases with submucosal tissue reduction within the nasal cavity, pharynx, and soft palate. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Patients were stratified into three study groups depending on the body mass index (BMI): normal, overweight, and obese. The BMI value was compared to the severity of breathing disorders during sleep, with the incidence of other systemic diseases (e.g., hypertension, diabetes), and with treatment outcome. RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS: The analysis demonstrated a significant influence of body mass on snoring, particularly in complicated and severe types of breathing disorders, such obstructive sleep apnea or hypopnea, and the obesity hypoventilation syndrome. Corrective interventions carried out to eliminate anatomical abnormalities causing obstruction of upper airways provided the best therapeutic effects in patients with normal body mass.
Asunto(s)
Índice de Masa Corporal , Síndromes de la Apnea del Sueño/terapia , Ronquido/terapia , Adolescente , Adulto , Femenino , Humanos , Masculino , Persona de Mediana EdadRESUMEN
OBJECTIVE: Increased care of fetal and neonatal airways has led to advances in neonatal medicine. The early diagnosis and treatment of respiratory diseases require a detailed knowledge of fetal airway anatomy and development. The aim of this study was to determine the anatomical development of the thyroid and cricoid cartilages and their structural variability during fetal life. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The study was performed on the thyroid and cricoid cartilages of 55 human fetal larynges of both sexes, between the ages of 13 and 27 weeks of intrauterine life. Numerous measurements of the thyroid and cricoid cartilages were performed. RESULTS: Correlations between the obtained results were calculated in relation to the crown-rump (C-R) length of human fetuses and to sex. The structural variability of the thyroid and cricoid cartilages of human male and female fetuses in subsequent weeks of intrauterine life was observed. In both genders a correlation between laryngeal size and fetal crown-rump length, regardless of sex, was found. The thyroid cartilage presents a sexual dimorphism. CONCLUSIONS: The results of this study can be useful in the analysis of prenatal examinations, and in planning the treatment of airway emergencies.
Asunto(s)
Desarrollo Fetal , Laringe/embriología , Cartílago Cricoides/embriología , Femenino , Edad Gestacional , Humanos , Masculino , Cartílago Tiroides/embriologíaRESUMEN
INTRODUCTION: The vagus nerve plays a special role in the control of respiratory system activity which represents the parasympathetic part of the autonomic nervous system. A small bronchial innervation by the sympathetic system also is observed, and there is a significant expression of adrenergic receptors, in particular ßâ2 receptors, in the airways. The development of genetics and molecular biology allows for a detailed study which can clarify the essential elements in the pathogenesis of many types of lung disease, as well as the physiological phenomena - bronchial smooth muscle tone and their contractile mechanism. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The study involved 148 healthy male volunteers aged 20-26. In all subjects, gene polymorphism at nucleotide position 46 and 79 of ßâ2-adrenergic receptor (ßâ2-ADR) was assessed. According to the gene polymorphism data, we divided the whole examined population of males into 6 groups for further studies. Moreover, in all the subjects, we performed spirometry testing to verify their pulmonary functions. RESULTS: The basic values of spirometry tests in all subjects were in the range of normal values. The frequency of different genotypes in the gene polymorphism of the ßâ2-adrenergic receptor at nucleotide positions 46 and 79 were typical for the Caucasian population. Analysis of the output values of spirometry, conducted in the particular groups based on their genotype, showed significant inter-group differences in the selected spirometry tests. CONCLUSIONS: Our results may be useful in explaining the differences in the measured values of spirometric indices in healthy subjects in relation to the polymorphism of ßâ2-ADR, and may also contribute to the verification of standards for spirometric indices for this selected group of young males in the Polish population.
Asunto(s)
Pulmón/fisiología , Polimorfismo Genético , Receptores Adrenérgicos beta 2/genética , Adulto , Volumen Espiratorio Forzado , Genotipo , Humanos , Masculino , Receptores Adrenérgicos beta 2/química , Espirometría , Capacidad VitalRESUMEN
OBJECTIVE: During pregnancy, especially during its third trimester, most pregnant women reported respiratory discomfort (dyspnea), despite the absence of previously coexisting respiratory illnesses. The aim of this study was to determine the reason for this discomfort. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The study included 24 women examined before and after childbirth. Evaluation of respiratory complains was made on the basis of the respiratory questionnaire of St. George's Hospital. The data were correlated with the results of static and dynamic spirometric tests performed before and after childbirth. RESULTS: Pregnancy did not affect vital capacity (VC). Frequency of perceived symptoms correlated positively with IRV and the ratio IC/VC. A negative correlation was found between ERV and its derivative ERV/VC. There was no relationship between perceived discomfort and parameters of the flow-volume loop. CONCLUSIONS: The extent of perceived respiratory discomfort (dyspnea) during pregnancy was primarily associated with a reduction in expiratory reserve (ERV).
Asunto(s)
Disnea/etiología , Complicaciones del Embarazo/etiología , Adolescente , Adulto , Femenino , Volumen Espiratorio Forzado , Humanos , Embarazo , Volumen de Ventilación Pulmonar , Capacidad VitalRESUMEN
OBJECTIVES: Nasal septum deformation (NSD) may cause breathing dysfunction. The reason for a septal deviation is the developmental anomaly in growth of the elastic septum or its skeleton. Such a type of deviation is called physiological. Some deviations can result from the prenatal trauma. The aim of the work was the analysis of the anatomy of the nasal cavity with a special interest focused on the nasal septum and its deviation. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The nasal cavity with its bones and septum was analyzed in CT images of 105 spontaneously aborted fetuses (57 males and 48 females) aged 12 and 40 weeks of gestation. We attempted to assess the morphometric development of the nasal cavity with tomographic scanning methods and to detect anatomical variations. RESULTS: In 15 (14.3%) fetuses, NSD were detected on radiological sections. The angle between the virtual line from the sphenoid sinus ostium through limen nasi and the horizontal plane was 33.6 ±2.3°, on average. CONCLUSIONS: NSD may already be found in fetuses. The observation of the nasal cavity development enables to evaluate the growth and symmetry of the nasal septum and to foretell predispositions for dysfunction in the upper respiratory tract.
Asunto(s)
Feto/diagnóstico por imagen , Tabique Nasal/anomalías , Tomografía Computarizada por Rayos X/métodos , Femenino , Humanos , Masculino , Tabique Nasal/diagnóstico por imagenRESUMEN
According to various data, snoring may affect about 2 billion people worldwide, with about 8 million adult people in Poland being estimated to snore. Apart from being disturbing for other people, it brings about a measurable risk for the patient, which results from transient anoxia. As a consequence, it may increase the risk of arterial hypertension, myocardial infarction, cerebral stroke and impotency, as well as mental disturbances like depression or anxiety states. The physician a snoring patient may consult in the first instance is the laryngologist. He determines whether upper airway obturation (in contrast to central sleep apnea) is dealt with, and takes a decision about treatment method, or redirects the patient to another specialist. In this paper, the position of a laryngologist in the diagnosis and treatment of snoring is presented. The material consisted of patients presenting with this problem at the otolaryngology department. The proceedings with patients in the admission office setting were described as well as qualification methods for further medical and operative treatment. A review of the applied procedures was made, in particular allowing for the most recent therapeutic methods.