The human lungs are surrounded by a pleural cavity. The pleura is a membrane which is folded over to create two layers or pleura. The space between these layers is the aforementioned pleural cavity. The inner layer, referred to as the visceral layer, covers the lungs in addition to surrounding nerves, bronchi and blood vessels. The outer layer, the parietal layer, is attached to the chest wall, also called the thoracic wall.

The pleural cavity is instrumental in proper breathing. The fluid found inside provides lubrication for the pleurae during inhalation and exhalation. The tension created by the fluid also maintains the right inflation of the alveoli with each breath. The movement of the thoracic wall, or chest wall, to the lungs is controlled by this cavity. This is particularly helpful during periods of heavy breathing.

In a normal, healthy person, there are always a few milliliters of fluid inside this intra-pleural space. It is constantly being produced and then absorbed by the lymphatic system. When too much accumulates, there is a problem that must be identified.

One of these problems could be pleurisy. Pleurisy is inflammation of the pleural cavity, often related to over accumulation of fluid. In most cases it is caused by a viral infection. Other times bacteria, fungi or a parasite could be the culprit. Still, there are other causes besides infections such as a blood clot in the lungs, chest injury, pneumothorax (a condition where too much gas or air is present) or other diseases of the lungs.

The most frequent symptom of pleurisy is a sharp chest pain. Sometimes it spreads to the back and will worsen with breathing and coughing or sneezing. Additional symptoms could include shallow breathing or shortness of breath, a cough, fever, sore throat and even loss of weight. The varying symptoms will depend upon the underlying cause. Identifying this cause is very important in treatment to make sure that the correct steps are taken. Most commonly, patients will be given chest x-rays, CT scans, blood tests and ultrasounds. If cancer is a consideration, a biopsy may be done.

When treating pleurisy, one will want to not only treat the pleurisy itself but also the cause. Often, attempts will be made to drain the pleural fluid. If the fluid is infected, antibiotics or antifungal treatments will be given. Most often, ibuprofen will be advised. While treatment is in progress, it is important to cough regularly to clear out mucus. A build up of mucus can lead to pneumonia. Getting plenty of rest is also advised.

Early treatment is essential to prevent further complications as well as death. There have been several cases of death from the disease throughout history. Benjamin Franklin fell victim to the disease at the age of 84. President William Henry Harrison died from pleurisy that was caused by pneumonia after catching a cold. He had served only 31 days in office. Other notable deaths include Karl Marx, Anna Pavlova, Francis Scott Key and Charlemagne. Fortunately today’s medicines are effective and readily available in most cases.

As hinted at, pleurisy is generally caused by some other serious issue. While sometimes the causing factor cannot be determined, getting to the root of the problem is pivotal to proper care and health.

bilateral pleural effusions Mesothelioma is a form of cancer located in the lining of either the lungs, abdomen or the heart. These can slow or stop joint damage and reduce pain and swelling. Mesothelioma is usually caused by asbestos exposure.

Colon cancer surgery is a major medical procedure. After an individual has colon cancer surgery there are several diet options that can prevent the colon cancer from reoccurring. One of the biggest contributing factors to colon cancer is dietary fat.

Diets which are high in fat tend to increases the amount of bile acids being released into the digestive tract. These acids then become secondary bile acids when they enter the colon, and in turn they encourage the growth of a tumor. For this reason it’s imperative to eat a diet that is low in fat after having colon cancer surgery in order to prevent reoccurrence.

Eating a diet that is rich in antioxidants is another good way to prevent colon cancer, in that antioxidants are known for their ability to boost the immune system. Because of this ability, antioxidants are considered to be a powerful tool in the fight against colon cancer.

Almost all vegetables and fruits are rich in antioxidants. Beta-carotene and selenium are of particular importance in that they have the ability to repair the damage which results from free radicals. With that said, doctors recommend eating foods that are rich in antioxidants rather than depending on supplements.

Calcium, folic acid, and vitamin D are also powerful tools in the fight against rectal cancer. Calcium and vitamin D for example, help to fight off colon cancer, while folic acid is crucial for keeping red blood cells healthy. Folic acid which is primarily found in dark green leafy vegetable also plays a vital role in the formation of new tissues and cells. With this in mind, you should include plenty of milk, cheese, yogurt, salmon, sardines, mustard and dark green leafy vegetables in your diet, particularly if you’ve undergone colon cancer surgery.

Following colon cancer surgery, patients are advised to also increase their fiber intake. This is simply because fiber helps to move waste through the digestive tract more efficiently. Fortunately there are several foods which are rich in fiber, such as brown rice, beans, berries, prunes, fresh fruits, vegetables, and of course, whole grain cereals.

When following a special diet after rectal cancer surgery, make sure to choose foods to eat that come from natural plant sources. Also, limit the intake of high-fat foods. Many high-fat foods come from animal sources. Make sure to exercise on a regular basis in order to maintain a healthy weight. After colon cancer surgery it is in an individual’s best interest to limit the consumption of alcoholic beverages. All of these suggestions can help in the fight against colon cancer.

Find out more about Bowel Cancer Surgery by visiting Christine’s site. Christine also writes about Independent Living for Seniors.

Recovery after hysterectomy depends on the kind of surgery performed on the patient, as well as the facility and technology used by the doctor. These things basically determines the speed of healing process the patient will have.

Recovery after hysterectomy is longer if it is done through abdominal surgery than laparoscopy. Abdominal surgery which is usually done due to cancer requires the removal of the uterus and other organs such as the ovaries. While laparoscopy is only done through a small incision in the abdomen which heals after only few days. Much more than the physical healing, is the psychological and emotional recovery which sometimes take even longer period.

Usually, hysterectomy patients can go home two days after surgery. If it was done through laparoscopy, the patient ca right away resume to her usual activities after one or two weeks. Patients who have had abdominal hysterectomy however, needs to rest for about two months or until the incision is completely healed.

If you’ve just undergone hysterectomy, here are some dos during the hysterectomy recovery period:

Ask you doctor for a medicine that you can take to ease pain.

Limit body movements.

Do move slowly.

If excessive blood or pus is coming from the incision, ask your doctor immediately.

Use heating pads when sleeping but don’t let it come to direct contact with your skin.

Do not bend frequently.

Avoid taking in aspirins.

Do refrain from eating dairy food.

Have a regular healthy diet.

Take multiple vitamins.

Do drink plenty of water.

Here are the things that a patient should not do after hysterectomy surgery.

Do not resume sexual activity after the hysterectomy surgery until advised to do so by your doctor.

Refrain from lifting heavy objects weighing ten pounds or more six weeks after hysterectomy.

Do not take tub baths or swim for six weeks at the least.

Do not be hasty to carry on with your activities at home.

Until the doctor advised so, do not drive yet.

Do not climb the stairs.

Avoid drinking alcoholic drinks too much.

Avoid complications brought about by hysterectomy. Prepare your self and know how to handle blood clots after hysterectomy.