Neuromuscular diseases are rare conditions affecting the nerves that control voluntary or involuntary muscles. This group of diseases may be genetic and present at birth or acquired later in life. Most treatments for neuromuscular disease are aimed at minimizing the symptoms and improving a person’s quality of life rather than seeking a cure. Neuromuscular disease includes among others, MUSCULAR DYSTROPHY, MYASTHENIA GRAVIS, and AMYOTROPHIC LATERAL SCLEROSIS also known as ALS or Lou Gehrig’s disease. Neuromuscular disease includes a broad spectrum of illnesses that may require treatment for relief in breathing.
Respiratory Care
RESPIRATORY CARE Choices for Cystic Fibrosis Patients and Respiratory Therapists
Cystic Fibrosis is characterized by thickened mucus, chronic infection and inflammation of the airways. Patients with this disease engage in daily respiratory therapy. Effective respiratory care can vary widely, depending on the needs of the individual.
Chest Percussion
Chest Percussion is used to treat individuals with cystic fibrosis (CF) and other lung diseases such as bronchitis, pneumonia, or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) who are in need of airway clearance. Among CF patients, chest percussion helps to break up thick secretions created by the disease that can hinder breathing and lead to respiratory infections.
Cystic Fibrosis Treatment.
Cystic fibrosis (CF) is an inherited disease with a wide range of symptoms that affect everything from how well the lungs, digestive system, and sweat glands function, to fertility. The name “cystic fibrosis” comes from the fibrous scaring that develops in the pancreas. CF causes thick mucus to be secreted by the lungs and pancreas that blocks passageways, making it difficult to clear pathogens that lead to chronic pulmonary infections and inflammation.
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) Treatment
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) is a leading cause of death worldwide, and is becoming increasingly common as the population ages. It is now the third leading cause of death in the United States. Understanding the problem is critical to determining the best therapy for treating the disease. COPD consists of a group of lung diseases that block airflow, making it difficult for a person to breathe. The two main conditions associated with COPD are emphysema and bronchitis.
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Chest Percussion versus Vest Therapy for Treating Cystic Fibrosis – a Stanford Study
Patients with cystic fibrosis (CF) performing airway clearance (AC) daily to remove secretions are faced with a broad array of devices and techniques to aid in this process and little to guide them in making an informed choice. Two of the most common approaches are chest percussion and use of high frequency chest wall compression (HFCWP) vests. Until recently, there has been very little evidence to indicate that one technique is superior to the other. However, recent research conducted at the Stanford University Cystic Fibrosis Center in Palo Alto, California (http://cfcenter.stanford.edu) offers significant insights.
Occupational Lung Disease
Occupational lung disease is a term used for a wide range of diseases caused by repeated exposure to harmful particles, gases, vapors or chemicals. The term occupational lung disease covers a number of conditions that affect different parts of the lungs. Occupational lung diseases include occupational asthma that affects the airways, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) that refers to narrowing of the airways, occupational alveolitis that involves the air sacs of the lungs, occupational lung cancer, and occupational conditions affecting the lining of the lungs.
Med Systems Receives Trademark For Self-Administrator®
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
SAN DIEGO, CALIF – May 14, 2012 — On March 20, 2012, Med System’s Inc., one of the nation’s oldest family owned company providing respiratory care solutions, was awarded a trademark for its Self-Administrator®, a strap for holding the Electro Flo® 5000 Airway Clearance Device that permits a user to direct the percussive device precisely where needed on their back.
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The Extraordinary Life Of Julie Desch
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
SAN DIEGO, CALIF – April 16, 2012 — In the second installment of the “Real People” series in which Med Systems recognizes users of its products, we are highlighting Dr. Julie Desch, a physician with cystic fibrosis who has used her considerable education, talent and life experiences to help others.
Med Systems Initiates “Celebrate Every Breath” Campaign
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
SAN DIEGO, CALIF – March 26, 2012 — Med Systems has begun using the image of a young girl blowing out birthday candles with the phrase “Celebrate Every Breath” as part of its brand. With each breath being so precious to people suffering from respiratory illnesses and each birthday particularly special especially if they confront shortened life-spans, the mere act of blowing out birthday candles makes each event that much more worthy of celebration.
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