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Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) is a collective term for a series of chronic respiratory diseases characterized by a persistent cough, sputum, or a diminished performance and quality of life. Pathophysiologically, the COPD is a narrowing (obstruction) of the airways and hyperinflation of the lungs. As a result of chronic inflammation, the bronchial tubes get progressively and irreversibly constricted. Especially while moving or during exertion, this impedes and prolongs the expiration, so that the inhaled air can not be exhaled entirely and the air vents (pulmonary alveoli) inflate. Further pathological processes ultimately lead to the destruction of the alveoli and to an…
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Wouldn't it be nice if doctors could take the time to see us properly and listen to our problems carefully? Unfortunately in reality, consultations between a doctor and patient last merely five minutes, of which only half a minute is spent by the patient describing his or her symptoms without interruption. Due to a multitude of non-medical tasks and an ever-increasing workload, it is getting harder for doctors to provide basic medical care. But by shifting, optimizing and reorganizing the workflow, doctors could free up more time for their patients. The use of modern technologies, in particular, shows great potential for process optimization. While many industries have made use of these…
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Nowadays, it is widely recognized that high sugar consumption is associated with a variety of health risks. For this reason, the World Health Organization (WHO) has recently reduced the recommended daily amount of refined sugars to 25 grams, or about six teaspoons. Already, a 250 ml can of commercial soft drink exceeds this recommended daily quantity. Over the last decade, the unhealthy consumption levels of our population and the consequent rise in health care expenses, has forced some countries to regulate their consumption of sugar. A “sugar tax” was introduced, namely taxes on products with high sugar amounts. Currently, many more countries are discussing a similar measure. In Fall 2016,…
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Crowded waiting rooms, delayed appointment bookings and doctors under permanent time pressure are a frequent source of frustration. Doctors would also like to have more time for their patients’ treatment, but a considerable portion of their working time is tied up by administrative tasks. Of course a modern health care system necessitates some level of bureaucracy, but this needs to be in a reasonable proportion to the medical job.
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As a New Year’s resolution, many people resolve to not only stop smoking, but also to lose weight by changing their diet and exercising regularly. Generally, the first step towards these goals is also the hardest and while many may start January with good intentions, their motivation drops noticeably over time. The most common reason for this is a lack of progress or visible results, especially when attempting to lose weight. After an initial quick success, the scales appear to stand still and further weight loss only progresses at a slow pace. With motivation dwindling, the danger of weight gain increases.
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When we think of anorexia most of us imagine young teenage girls who try to emulate the models they see on tv and in magazines. Indeed, anorexia is one of the most dangerous and deadliest disorders for young women: a total of 1.1% of all women suffer from anorexia nervosa, its frequency peaking for women between the ages of 14 and 17. As a result, up to 15% of all patients die of the disease over the course of 15 years.
It often goes unnoticed that men can also be affected by the disorder. Yet anorexia in men is by no means a new development: even in the 19th century, a story in Heinrich Hoffmann’s children’s book “Struwwelpeter” depicts a boy who refuses to eat his supper and…
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Our general knowledge of the kidneys and their multiple functions is rather limited when compared to other organs such as the heart, brain or intestines. Many people only realize the kidneys’ importance once the organ no longer works properly. Approximately 10% of the world's population suffers from chronic renal failure. Among them are approximately two million people who are dependent on hemodialysis (kidney dialysis) or a kidney transplant, due to terminal renal failure.
