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What Foods are Good for Headache Relief?

People ask how to cure migraines permanently. Unfortunately, and essentially because medical researchers have not yet pinpointed the specific cause of migraine headaches, there is no permanent cure. However, they have identified specific nutritional vitamins, minerals, and other elements that can bring headache relief from migraines and other types of headaches.

Though instant migraine relief is difficult to achieve, some foods can work rapidly, like ginger and nuts. Following are some foods that fight migraines, tension headaches, cluster headaches, caffeine headaches, and headaches in general.

2. Nuts are rich in magnesium, which soothes headache pain by relaxing blood vessels. They also contain a significant amount of vitamin E that research has shown can help control migraines with aura and migraines triggered by hormonal fluctuations. (PMCID: PMC4359851) For some people experiencing a headache, immediate relief is found by eating a handful of almonds or other nuts.

Almonds
Walnuts
Cashew nuts
Brazil nuts

What Foods are Good for Headache Relief?

People ask how to migraines . Unfortunately, and essentially because medical researchers have not yet pinpointed the specific cause of migraine headaches, there is no permanent cure. However, they have identified specific nutritional vitamins, minerals, and other elements that can bring headache relief from migraines and other types of headaches.

Though instant migraine relief is difficult to achieve, some foods can work rapidly, like ginger and nuts. Following are some foods that fight migraines, tension , cluster headaches, caffeine headaches, and headaches in general.

1. Leafy greens contain a variety of elements that contribute to headache relief. For example, research has shown taking magnesium can reduce migraine pain because many migraine sufferers have low magnesium levels (PMID: 9523054).

The Journal of Headache and reported a study that found a combination of folic , B6, and B12 reduced migraine . The National Headache Foundation reported on a European study that found vitamin B2 could reduce frequency.

Following are some of the leafy greens that contain all of these elements and a variety of other anti-inflammatory antioxidants.

Kale

Spinach

Collard greens

Turnip greens

Broccoli

My top tips to support kidney health 💦

Reducing your exposure to environmental toxins such as ci******es, alcohol, heavy metals, air pollutants/mold mycotoxins, pesticides & phthalates must be prioritized. Long-term exposure to environmental toxins can increase the risk of chronic kidney disease or accelerate its progression.

Product Recommendations:
✨ I use AquaTru to filter my water & love it. You can find it by tapping the link in my bio, under Save on Products I use & Love.
✨ I use AirDoctor to filter the air in my home. I love that it filters out mold mycotoxins among other air pollutants. Can be found under Save on Products I use & Love.
✨ Quinton Hypertonic is my go-to for trace minerals. You can find it in my Fullscript account & save 20% on all supplements.
✨I have used and loved NutriSense CGM to keep track of my blood sugar & make changes to my diet & lifestyle accordingly. You can save with code PAOLA25 ❤️

👉🏼 How do you support your kidneys? Let me know in the comments ☺️

Some of my most favorite herbs to support the kidneys 🌿

👉🏼 What have you found helpful? Would love to know in the comments ☺️

If you don’t filter your air, your lungs will become the filter 💨 your lungs are a drainage pathway ✨

Every time I change my AirDoctor filters I am reminded of how bad indoor air quality can be. Your lungs are exposed to the air, and they play an important protective role in your body. Your lungs excrete CO2 (a waste product of cellular respiration) and this helps maintain acid-base homeostasis.

The best way to ensure your lungs are healthy is by avoiding air pollutants. Training yourself to breathe through your nose is also very important - your sense of smell can help you detect harmful toxins in the air/food.

👉🏼 How do you support your lungs? I’d love to know in the comments! ☺️

It is essential to support the mitochondria as early in the healing process as possible 🚀

Very sensitive individuals with a high toxic load and infections, in my experience, do not respond well to mitochondrial support supplements early on. Their cells do not feel safe yet. They do, however, respond well to lifestyle changes, which, in my experience, is the best way to troubleshoot the mitochondria.

Your mitochondria are your last drainage pathway. They are at the very top of the drainage funnel. This means that you need to support all the other drainage pathways to maintain & optimize mitochondrial health.

✨ If you would like to learn more about the other drainage pathways, I recommend checking all of my feed posts from January where I covered each drainage pathway in detail.

👉🏼 Were you surprised by these? I’d love to know in the comments! ☺️

Mitochondria are the powerhouse of your cells🚀. Mitochondrial dysfunction is a major factor in chronic diseases.

To learn more about the symptoms of mitochondrial dysfunction as well as lifestyle tools, check out my feed posts from last week.

My favorite foods to get these nutrients from:

⚡️Magnesium: dark chocolate, pumpkin seeds, spinach

⚡️Omega-3s: seafood like fatty fish, cod liver oil & oysters

⚡️Quercetin: capers, elderberries, onions, cranberries

⚡️EGCG in green tea

⚡️Resveratrol: grapes, blueberries, bilberries, cranberries

⚡️L-carnitine: meat, fish, poultry & dairy

⚡️PQQ: parsley, green peppers, kiwi, papaya, green tea

⚡️CoQ10: organ meats and fatty fish

⚡️B vitamins: organ meats, red meat, fish, poultry, eggs, dairy

⚡️NAD+ precursors: meat, seafood, avocados, cabbage, cucumber
�⚡️Creatine: red meat, pork, poultry & fish

👉🏼 Do you eat for your mitochondria? Would love to know in the comments ✨

Your Drainage Pathways Cheat Sheet⚡️

If you are looking for symptoms, root causes & other tools to support a specific pathway, I recommend referring to my January feed posts. I recommend checking out the captions as well. Drainage pathways must be supported in order:

1️⃣ Colon
2️⃣ Liver & Gallbladder
3️⃣ Kidneys
4️⃣ Lymphatic system & skin
5️⃣ Glymphatic system
6️⃣ Lungs
7️⃣ Mitochondria, preferably as early on as tolerated

👉🏼 Which one of your pathways needs the most support? Let me know in the comments! ☺️

Have you ever wondered if you are constantly in a state of "fight or flight"?😓

The "fight or flight" response is a physiological reaction that occurs in response to a perceived threat. It is a survival mechanism that prepares the body to either fight or flee the threat. The type of stress most of us face in the modern world does not require a "fight or flight" response and yet we respond that way, oftentimes staying in that state for extended periods of time. This kind of state hinders healing.

👉🏼 Surprised by this? Let me know your thoughts in the comments ✨

If you are constantly in a “fight or flight” it’s important to identify your stressors.

Stressors are events, circumstances, or things that cause psychological, emotional, physical, or environmental strain. They can have a significant impact on a person's health, both in the short term and long term. Sometimes we can identify and avoid a stressor, and other time we need the right tools to deal with a stressor.

Perception is a major aspect of this. It plays a crucial role in determining our emotional and physical responses. A person's perception of a situation can impact their level of stress and the way they cope with it. Cultivating a more positive and optimistic outlook can help us better cope with stress and reduce its negative impact on health and wellbeing.

👉🏼 Which stressors do you resonate with the most? Let me know in the comments ☺️

Estrogen dominance is the condition of increased estrogen levels as a result of the overproduction of estrogen by the body, changes in estrogen metabolism and excretion, or an imbalance in the estrogen-to-progesterone ratio ⚡️

One of the best ways to test your s*x hormones is the DUTCH test. If you have irregular periods & are struggling with infertility you may benefit from a DUTCH Cycle Mapping.

👉🏼 Have a question about estrogen dominance or testing? Drop it in the comments ❤️

Your Estrogen Detox Cheat Sheet ✨

Remember that not everyone dealing with estrogen dominance is having an issue with detoxification. Work with your practitioner to determine your root causes.

👉🏼 How do you support estrogen detox? Let me know in the comments 🥕

Some of my favorite foods for estrogen detoxification ✨

💡 Tip: Sulforaphane is a naturally occurring compound found in cruciferous vegetables, with broccoli sprouts having the highest concentration. It stimulates certain enzymes that aid in phase 2 detoxification. To ensure that you get sulforaphane, either chop cruciferous vegetables and let them sit for 30-40 minutes before cooking, or add mustard seeds to them after cooking.

👉🏼 Do you prioritize these foods? Let me know in the comments 🌸

6 amazing herbs when dealing with low estrogen 🌸

Symptoms of low estrogen:
•Dry & itchy skin
•Vaginal dryness
•Hot flashes
•Frequent UTIs
•Bone loss
•Irregular periods
•Brain fog
•Anxiety & depression
•Headaches & migraines
•Mood swings
•Fatigue
•Infertility

👉🏼 What herbs have you found helpful? Would love to know in the comments 🌿

Progesterone is a steroid hormone that is produced by the adrenal cortex & ovaries. It is also secreted by the corpus luteum after ovulation during the second half of the menstrual cycle aka the luteal phase. It plays a key role in maintaining the endometrial lining, which is necessary for a fertilized egg to implant and develop. In addition, progesterone helps to prevent overstimulation of the uterus and reduces the risk of endometrial cancer.

Frequent fluctuations in estrogen along with low progesterone can lead to estrogen dominance. If you suspect estrogen dominance, check out my previous posts about symptoms, estrogen detox pathways and general remedies.

👉🏼 Surprised by any of these symptoms? Let me know in the comments ❤️

6 amazing herbs when dealing with low progesterone 🌸

Symptoms of low progesterone:
•Fertility issues
•Fibrocystic breasts
•Water retention, bloating
•Mood changes
•Anxiety
•Menstrual cramps
•Mid cycle spotting
•Short menstrual cycles
•Irregular menstrual cycles
•Irregular & heavy periods
•Weight gain
•Headaches & migraines

👉🏼 What herbs have you found helpful? Would love to know in the comments 🌿

Vitamin A is an essential nutrient that we have to replenish through our diet. It is important for vision, immune function, growth and development, and the maintenance of healthy skin and mucous membranes. Vitamin A also plays a crucial role in reproduction and fetal development. It acts as an antioxidant protecting our cells against the effects of free radicals.

🍳 Great sources of vitamin A include liver, fish, eggs, & dairy products.

Checking your vitamin A levels is important, especially if you are dealing with multiple of these symptoms. Many practitioners won’t check vitamin A levels, in which case you can order your test online.

👉🏼 Surprised by this? Let me know your thoughts in the comments ❤️

*not medical advice*

Collagen is the perfect matrix for skin, tendons, bones, and ligaments. It provides strength and structure, and it also plays an important role in the elasticity and hydration of the skin. The body produces collagen naturally given the right nutrients.

There are 28 various types of collagen that have been discovered, however, the most common types are I through IV. Type 1 comprises over 90% of the collagen in the body.

I supplement with both Bovine and Marine collagen on a daily basis and it’s made a difference in my skin & hair health.

👉🏼 Surprised by these collagen benefits? Would love to hear your thoughts in the comments! 🌸

IBS affects up to 23% of the population worldwide. Bloating, abdominal pain, straining, muscle pain, urgency, and feelings of serious illness are all common symptoms of IBS.

IBS is a clinical diagnosis that manifests as one of three subtypes:
•IBS with constipation (IBS-C)⁣
•IBS with diarrhea (IBS-D)⁣
•Mixed IBS (IBS-M)⁣
⁣
Many people are unaware of IBS symptoms. Nonetheless, IBS is one of the most common gastrointestinal disorders. Although many consider IBS a lifelong condition, it doesn’t have to be.

👉🏼 Here are some IBS root causes that we can consider & address:⁣
• Dysbiosis (refer to my previous feed posts to learn more)
• Enzyme insufficiency
• Environmental toxins such as mold, heavy metals, pesticides
• Stealth pathogens & hidden viruses

Stay tuned for a more comprehensive list of root causes in tomorrow’s post ✨

👉🏼 Have you been diagnosed with IBS? Would love to know what has helped you in the comments ✨

5 COMMON MEDICAL FRUITS ARE LESS VALUED

Often, there are fruits that are less valued because perhaps they are very common, but these fruits have numerous medicinal benefits.

Some of these seasonal fruits that have less attention on the market but have great benefits are Velvet Tamarind, African Star Apple, Tropical Almond, Guava, Soursop and others. The plants of some of these fruits sprout on lands without anyone sowing, and maybe that is why people do not value them.

Using Velvet Tamarind as an example, it could be found in various places without having a sole owner.

In search to find out more about the benefits of some fruits which have less attention, The Ghana Report found five popular fruits that have so many benefits to the human system but are less purchased or valued in Ghana.

VELVET TAMARIND

Velvet Tamarind is the name, but others prefer to call it Black Velvet Tamarind or African Velvet Tamarind. This fruit originated from Africa, and perhaps that is why others prefer the name African Velvet Tamarind. The scientific name for it is"Dialium Guineense".

This fruit is commonly known in Ghana as 'Yooyi', which is the local name. In Ghana and other parts of the world, Velvet Tamarind is mostly enjoyed by children.

Velvet Tamarind helps in treating hypoglycemia which is commonly known as 'Low Blood Sugar".

It is advisable that people suffering from diabetes are encouraged not to take Velvet Tamarind due to the high level of sugar it contains.

Parents should continue to encourage their children to take in more of the fruit when it is due season.

Again, Velvet Tamarind contains Vitamin C, and according to MAYO Clinic, Vitamin C (ascorbic acid) is a nutrient a body needs to form blood vessels, cartilage, muscle and collagen in bones. Vitamin C is also vital to one's body healing process.

Vitamin C is an antioxidant that helps protect the body cells against the effects of free radicals - molecules produced when your body breaks down food or is exposed to to***co smoke and radiation from the sun, X-rays or other sources.

Free radicals might play a role in heart disease, cancer and other diseases. Vitamin C also helps your body absorb and store iron. These benefits show the reasons why not only children must be encouraged to take in Velvet Tamarind but including adults.

SOURSOP

The fruit soursop popularly known in the Ghanaian language as 'Aluguintuguin' originated from somewhere in America. This fruit is loved by many people but sometimes less valued because it is not usually planted by people but finds its roots in soils belonging to people.

The scientific name for soursop is 'Annona muricata'. Unlike Velvet Tamarind, which is often loved by children, soursop is often enjoyed by adults mostly.

Soursop is high in Vitamin C, an antioxidant known to boost immune health. Vitamin C strengthens the immune system by improving its ability to defend against pathogens. It also promotes the destruction of free radicals, which can help to protect your skin and cells from environmental oxidative damage.

Again, soursop contains potassium which helps to stabilise high blood pressure.

Research has shown that a whole soursop fruit offers approximately one-third to one-half of the recommended daily allowance of potassium in one's body. The next time you chance on any fruit seller having soursop, do not hesitate to buy some soursop for yourself and the family due to its health benefits.

AFRICAN STAR APPLE

The African Star Fruit or African Star Apple, popularly known in Ghana as 'Alansa' is often enjoyed by children and the youth especially. African Star Fruit has different tastes. It can be very sweet and can be sour at the same time. It is believed that 'Alansa' originated in either Sri Lanka or the Moluccas, the islands of Indonesia and later spread throughout Asia. The botanical name for this fruit is botanical name is Chrysophyllum albidum.

Like the other benefits of the fruits mentioned above, the African Star Apple serves as a natural source of antioxidants which helps to remove damaging oxidizing agents in the body system and keep the immune system healthy.

Again, the African Star Apple helps in healthy digestion. Research by medical doctors has shown that the active fibre content, which is mainly a carbohydrate in star apple, helps keep the digestive system healthy and helps to overcome constipation and other digestive problems.

It helps in normalizing your bowel movements and aids in getting rid of constipation as well as other problems of the digestive system. Consumption of star apple helps in preventing the most dangerous health problem like cancer of the colon. This benefit is especially unknown to many, but it is good you have known that fact today.

GUAVA

Guava is another major fruit that can be found in many places in Ghana.

I once asked my grandfather who planted the guava behind his house, but he couldn't tell me the specific person who planted it. He was attributing it to God, but as science will tell me, birds spread seeds on different soils.

This fruit has so many benefits to our immune system. Guava is a native of the tropical America and is grown in tropical and subtropical areas worldwide.

The botanical name for this fruit is (Psidium guajava). It is a small tropical tree or shrub of the family of Myrtaceae. Guava fruits can be processed into jams, jellies, and preserves and are common pastry fillings. Fresh guavas are rich in vitamins A., B, and C.

GUAVA JELLY

Guava is commonly eaten raw and may be sliced and served with sugar and cream as a dessert. During the season of guava, try and serve yourself, your family and visitors with some guava to have a feel of the taste.

There are different types of guavas. There is pink and red type and the other type is the white and yellow colours.

The pink and red type is very sweet, and most of those ones can be found in Ghana. The white and yellow type often has a sour and acidic taste. Both types have health benefits, and that is why it is encouraged to always eat guava during its season.

One most important benefits of eating guava is that it helps in better eyesight. Guava contains Vitamin A, which helps one to see clearly and prevents one from developing cataracts and macular degeneration. This means that students and parents at old age must always take in guava as it improves our eyesight.

Guava, again is very good for pregnant women because it contains folic acid and vitamin B-9, which is recommended to be given to women since it helps in developing the baby's nervous system and protects the baby from neurological disorders.

For those who want to lose weight and are always checking their diet, try to take in lots of guavas as it helps in weight loss. Guava contains less sugar, so it is also recommended for diabetic patients. The sugar content in oranges, apples and grapes is more than that of guava.

Tropical Almond is also a seasonal fruit that originated from Tropical Asia, Northern Australia, Polynesia and Malaysia. It belongs to the Combretaceae family. The scientific name for this fruit is "Terminalia catappa". It is mostly loved by children because it drops off from the trees by itself, and children are mostly found picking up tropical almonds on the ground.

TROPICAL ALMOND

Tropical almond helps in promoting brain development, and as a result of this essential benefit, parents must encourage their children to eat tropical almond more to develop sharp brains. Research shows that the tropical almond fruit contains two important brain nutrients such as L-carnitine and riboflavin, which helps greatly in increasing brain activity, leading to new neural pathways and lowering the occurrence of Alzheimer's disease.

This is also good for pregnant women because it contains folic acid, which is good for the baby in the womb. Tropical almonds sometimes do not have a sweet taste, but it is advisable for every pregnant woman to take in tropical almonds during peak season.

Tropical almond helps to reduce inflammation because the seed of the fruit contains oil which tends to reduce inflammation in the abdominal cavity. Almonds contain two very essential fatty acids, which include linoleic and linolenic acids. To avoid dry skin, take in many tropical almonds, and that will give you very soft and smooth skin.

The immune system is a complex set of organs, cells, proteins and other substances that function to prevent infection. Primary immunodeficiency diseases are characterized by abnormalities in specific components of the immune system that lead to an increased susceptibility to infection. Many times, abnormalities in the immune system that lead to primary immunodeficiency diseases also result in immune dysregulation, which is an immune response that is not properly controlled or restrained. This can lead to autoimmunity, one form of immune dysregulation in which the immune response is directed against normal parts of the body such as cells, tissues or organs (called auto-antigens). Put another way, it is when the immune system attacks the body in which it resides.

DEFINITION OF AUTOIMMUNITY IN PRIMARY IMMUNODEFICIENCY

A normal immune system makes proteins known as antibodies that recognize and prevent foreign organisms (bacteria, viruses) from causing infection. One common type of autoimmunity is when the immune system makes antibodies against normal cells and/or tissues of the body which are known as “autoantibodies.” Sometimes people with primary immunodeficiency diseases cannot make “good” antibodies to protect against infection but only make “bad” autoantibodies, which then cause autoimmune disease. Sometimes these antibodies themselves are harmless but suggest the presence of an autoimmune disease. In other autoimmune diseases, the cellular immune system may also react against a body’s auto-antigens.

One of the ironies of this situation is that the treatment for autoimmune conditions is the use of immune suppression to shut down the inappropriate immune response that is causing the problem. Obviously, using immunosuppressive treatment in a patient already afflicted with immunodeficiency involves a complex balancing act to avoid unwanted infections and other serious side effects while still using sufficient immunosuppressive treatment to control the autoimmune process. It is recommended to use a team approach when using immunosuppressive treatment, joining the skills of the immunologist with those of a specialist in treating the organ system involved, be it gastroenterology, rheumatology, pulmonology, endocrinology, nephrology, dermatology or hematology.

Autoimmune complications have been reported in a wide range of primary immunodeficiency diseases. However, certain primary immunodeficiency diseases have autoimmune disease as their primary problem. These include Autoimmune Polyendocrinopathy; Candidiasis; Ectodermal Dysplasia (APECED or APS-1); Autoimmune Lymphoproliferative Syndrome (ALPS); and Immune dysregulation; Polyendocrinopathy, Enteropathy, and X-linked (IPEX) syndrome.

Certain other immune disorders are frequently associated with autoimmune complications. These include Common Variable Immune Deficiency (CVID), Wiskott-Aldrich Syndrome (WAS), IgA deficiency, Good Syndrome, Hyper IgM Syndrome, Idiopathic T-cell Lymphopenia (ICL) and Complement disorders. Most of these diseases are discussed in greater detail in other chapters. The focus of this chapter is to provide an overview of the types of immune dysregulation and autoimmunity that can occur in various primary immunodeficiency diseases.

AUTOIMMUNE CYTOPENIAS

The development of autoantibodies that bind to and destroy blood cells is the most common autoimmune disease seen in primary immunodeficiency diseases. The blood cells affected are the red blood cells (RBCs), platelets and white blood cells (WBCs).

RED BLOOD CELLS

The RBCs carry oxygen to the body’s tissues. Oxygen is necessary for the body’s tissues to perform their function. Anemia is the term used to describe a low number of RBCs. Autoantibodies against the RBCs can cause destruction of these cells and is called autoimmune hemolytic anemia (AIHA).

Symptoms associated with AIHA include fatigue, headache, dizziness, fainting and poor exercise tolerance. The person sometimes looks pale. In severe cases the individual can develop a yellow discoloration to the skin and eyes known as jaundice. The spleen may become enlarged as it traps the damaged red blood cells. The body tries to compensate for the decreased capacity to carry oxygen by working the lungs and heart harder.

PLATELETS

Injuries to the tissues can cause bleeding. Platelets help create blood clots to stop bleeding. A low number of platelets is called thrombocytopenia. When autoantibodies are formed against the platelets and cause thrombocytopenia, it is known as idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP). ITP can cause abnormal bleeding. Patients frequently notice increased bruising, sometimes in unusual areas or without known trauma to the area. They may develop a pinpoint red rash caused by small hemorrhages called petechiae. They may notice nosebleeds that are more frequent and difficult to resolve. The gums may bleed easily. The urine may have an orange, pink or red color. Stools may appear black and tarry, which can indicate bleeding in the intestinal tract. Rarely, bleeding in the brain can cause altered mental status or death.

WHITE BLOOD CELLS

There are many different types of WBCs. Neutrophils are WBCs that have a major role in responding to infections. A low number of neutrophils is called neutropenia. Autoimmune neutropenia (AIN) occurs when antibodies are produced against neutrophils.

The most significant symptom associated with AIN is fever, as this may indicate a serious infection. Other signs of infection such as cough, vomiting, diarrhea and rash may also be present. Serious infections can progress rapidly in people with AIN, and they may require evaluation in the emergency room or admission to the hospital. Antibiotic therapy is urgently needed in these cases. Patients with AIN may also have ulcers or sores develop in the mouth, esophagus or intestine. The gums may also become inflamed and red.

DIAGNOSIS OF AUTOIMMUNE CYTOPENIAS

Autoimmune cytopenias are diagnosed with blood tests. Typically, a simple blood count is the blood test performed to establish the presence of a cytopenia. Additional blood tests can determine whether an autoantibody is present. A specialist such as a clinical immunologist, hematologist or oncologist typically evaluates patients for these disorders. Sometimes a bone marrow sample needs to be obtained to determine whether there is a problem with production of blood cells.

AUTOIMMUNE LUNG DISEASE

There are multiple causes of lung disease in patients with primary immunodeficiency diseases, including infection, malignancy and autoimmunity. Differentiating between these can be difficult. In most cases of lung disease, the autoimmunity is not due to formation of an antibody, but an abnormal accumulation of white blood cells in the lung tissues, causing inflammation and damage. Sometimes white blood cells accumulate in a specific part of the lung known as the interstitium. This is called interstitial lung disease and interferes with the ability of oxygen to be absorbed into the bloodstream.

Some patients with certain types of primary immunodeficiency diseases develop aggregates of immune cells called granulomas in the lung. Granulomas are sometimes formed in an attempt to contain an infection that cannot be resolved or because the immune cells are not being regulated properly, a situation that sometimes occurs in primary immunodeficiency diseases. Two primary immunodeficiency diseases that often have granulomas in the lung are Chronic Granulomatous Disease (CGD) and CVID. Patients with CVID sometimes develop both interstitial lung disease and granulomas in the lung. This disease is called Granulomatous Lymphocytic Interstitial Lung Disease (GLILD). Occasionally, patients with Ataxia-Telangiectasia and APECED also develop interstitial lung disease. At times, the inflammation caused by granulomas and/or the accumulation of white blood cells in the interstitium of the lung can be so severe and persistent that fibrosis, or scarring, develops in the lung.

SYMPTOMS

In most cases, the symptoms of interstitial lung disease develop slowly over time. Patients with CGD will usually have a more acute onset as they have a persistent infection causing the lung inflammation. Patients may notice a decrease in their endurance with everyday activities. They may find themselves having to cut back on exercise such as biking or running. These changes are often attributed to other causes, which may delay the diagnosis of the lung disease itself. Patients often complain of a cough, which is usually non-productive. Enlargement and rounding of the toenails and fingernails can be seen and is termed clubbing. Clubbing is not specific to primary immunodeficiency diseases or to lung damage but is a clue that the lungs should be evaluated. In some cases, the lung damage can lead to a severe lowering of blood oxygen causing patients to have a bluish tint to their skin or mucous membranes known as cyanosis. Fever is not a typical finding, unless infection is also present. On the lung exam, a practitioner may hear abnormal breath sounds such as crackles, wheezes or a decrease in the amount of air moving in and out of the lung with breathing. Often these symptoms lead to the incorrect diagnosis of asthma or a lung infection by physicians not familiar with autoimmune lung diseases in primary immunodeficiency diseases.

Diagnosis Of Pulmonary Complications

Radiology tests can be helpful in identifying lung problems. Chest X-rays are useful for diagnosing infections (pneumonia). However, a chest X-ray can sometimes be normal, even when there is still significant lung disease present. A chest CT scan can frequently pick up abnormalities not seen on a routine chest X-ray. In patients with CVID and GLILD, changes on the chest CT scan will often appear before the patient exhibits symptoms.

Breathing tests, called pulmonary function tests (PFTs), can indicate the degree of lung impairment. There are changes in PFTs that can be found in interstitial lung disease and other types of lung disease. However, patients often must lose a significant amount of lung function to demonstrate symptoms that prompt ordering of the PFTs.

In some cases, a lung biopsy is needed to make the correct diagnosis and define the correct treatment course. A lung biopsy is a surgical procedure usually done by making a small incision in the chest and inserting a small scope and instruments to obtain a piece of lung tissue. The biopsy is evaluated by a pathologist, a doctor who performs a variety of tests on the lung tissue including a microscopic examination. The tests performed by the pathologist can determine the specific type of lung disease that is present (for example, cancer, infection, interstitial lung disease, granuloma).

TO BE CONTINUE