Emphysema is caused by continuous exposure of the bronchioles to irritants such as cigarette smoke, passive smoke, industrial solvent fumes etc. This makes the muscles of the bronchioles contract. Chronic exposure to irritants make these muscles contract permanently. Then, the mucus membrane lining the bronchioles start secreting mucus in order to wash away particulate irritants. Both these body reactions are to restrict the entry of the irritants into the cavities of the bronchioles and alveoli. The next reaction is to cough out the irritants and the mucus. Severe forceful coughs can raise the pressure in the alveoli considerably and can rupture their exceedingly thin walls. The reduction of area for gas transfer and the loss of elastic tissues in the lungs reduces the capacity of the lungs to expel air. This reduces the intake volume of fresh air during breathing and can also lead to infections. These conditions produce the characteristic symptoms of wheezing, tightness in chest, labored breathing and coughing. These are also indications as well as symptoms of severe asthma. The symptoms of emphysema are exceedingly severe and cause considerable damage to the lungs before the symptoms even show up. Generally, one feels a lack of energy and the tendency to skip some of the common daily routines. It progresses from slight difficulty in breathing to wheezing and then to a persistent cough that does not go away. One starts to feel a tightness in the chest and feels short of breath on exertion. Tiredness and persistent cough become constant. Infections can set in, turning the sputum yellow, which also leads to loss of appetite, further aggravating tiredness. One will lose sleep and even sexual function. All this constant suffering and ill health lead to depression which would in turn lead to the patient needing psychiatric help. The lips and fingernails turn blue or gray due to lack of oxygen in the blood. One may get into a condition called hypoxia and may have to resort to oxygen therapy. As the deterioration continues, the alveoli lose their strength and start rupturing. In extreme cases, there may be large scale destruction which leads to empty spaces in lungs called bullae. This would reduce the functional area of the lung which in extreme cases call for surgical removal. In an extremely rare condition, large scale rupture of alveoli can cause a condition called pneumothorax and the collapse of the lung, a very serious condition, which can be fatal. The best thing one can do is stop exposure to irritants.

Bladder cancer is considered as the most common types of cancer and is likely to affect men more than women. Recently, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved the use of Nivolumab for the treatment of patients who have bladder cancer. The combination of Nivolumab and Ipilimumab was evaluated in an appearance I clinical trial. In a recent research, 41 patients were treated with a Nivolumab 1mg/kg plus Ipilimumab 3mg/kg dose, out of which doctors got few positive and good results. Nivolumab is used for the treatment of metastatic bladder cancer among patients whose disease has gotten worse. The FDA approval given to use Nivolumab for the treatment of metastatic bladder cancer was on the basis of the results of Nivolumab clinical trial, which gave positive results. Nivolumab clinical trial was done on 270 patients who were suffering from advanced or metastatic bladder cancer that had worsened over time. 19% of these patients who received Nivolumab had tumor shrinkage for a median of 10.3 months. Out of 53 patients who had tumor shrinkage, 7 patients had complete tumor shrinkage and 46 patients who had partial tumor shrinkage. Nivolumab functions by releasing a protein called Pd-1 on cancer-fighting immune cells called T cells. Once Nivolumab releases PD-1 protein, T cells can destroy the cancer cells. Implications of Nivolumab As there were few options available for treatment of metastatic bladder cancer, doctors started using Nivolumab soon after Nivolumab clinical trial results were approved by FDA. In contrast to typical short-lived responses with cancer therapy in solid metastatic tumors, many responses induced by Nivolumab appear persistent. These persistent results only increased the use of Nivolumab for people who have metastatic bladder cancer. Note of caution If a patient is or was on some prescribed drug or has used some herbal products, then he/she must tell this to the doctor before using Nivolumab. Although Nivolumab clinical trial results are positive and FDA-approved, there are many drugs and over-the-counter medicines, which can interact with Nivolumab and deteriorate the situation.

Pomeranian puppies are the obvious pick for first-time dog owners. They are smart, social and have a cuteness quotient that is unmatched. Their fur coats are unbelievably soft and come in a range of colors. Poms can live comfortably in any type of home – big or small. Left to themselves, Pomeranian puppies are likely to get into mischief. They are also stubborn, show signs of aggression, and tend to have behavioral issues. It is best to start training them early. Positive and consistent training is the only way that these intelligent pups learn to behave. Start with small and easy commands that are common and that they will use all their life. You will need to teach them commands like “Sit,” “Stay,” “Down,” “Quiet,” and “Come.” To motivate them, you can use treats, food, and lots of praise. Sit is the easiest command that the pup will learn. Once they have learned that, start with other commands. Make sure that they understand one command and obey you every time before you move on to another. One important command that they need to learn is "Quiet" as they tend to bark a lot. They bark at the sight of strangers to protect you. Make a noise like tapping or knocking. When they respond to this sound by barking, say “Quiet.” Repeat this routine until they understand the meaning of this command. Reward them with a treat every time they stop barking. Potty training needs to start as early as 8 weeks. Take the pup every day to a fixed spot first thing in the morning and preferably every two hours, after meals and before bed. When they get to know the purpose of these trips and learn to poo at the right spot, reward them with a treat before bringing them back home. Pomeranian pups have a possessive nature. They do not like to share their toys or food. They can yap, bark or bite toddlers who tend to take their things. Families with little kids should avoid getting a Pomeranian puppy. Socializing is an important area where Pomeranian puppies need attention. Take them with you on walks and to places where there are other people and dogs as this will build their confidence. However, make sure that you don’t take the puppies to spots where there are other dogs until two weeks after they get their vaccination shots.

Many people get confused between a home/house insurance and a homeowner’s insurance. The main reason for buying a homeowner’s insurance is to protect the homeowner from any liability when some mishap occurs with the registered house whereas home insurance is for protecting the property. Listed below are the top homeowners’ insurance companies which will offer you the best homeowners’ insurance quotes: Amica Mutual One of the most significant benefits of getting a policy with Amica Mutual is that you may choose a policy which gives you dividends as well. It is rated as one of the top homeowners’ insurance companies. It offers customized quotes for your needs. You may enjoy features like additional living expenses during times of crises, loss of credit card coverage, theft or personal property coverage, and many more features. All you need to do is go to their portal, answer some fundamental questions, and get the best homeowners’ insurance quotes. Nationwide This has some excellent guidelines for you to read before you opt for a homeowners’ insurance. To check the best homeowners’ insurance quotes, visit their website, enter the details, and decide what features you want on your policy. You may speak to the agent and draw out your estimate depending upon the cost required for rebuilding your house, the total value of your personal belongings as well as what the price may be for living in some other place in case of an unfortunate eventuality. Allstate Apart from getting instant quotes for a homeowners’ insurance policy, there are additional benefits that come with opting for the right homeowners’ insurance company. You may not only save massive funds on premiums because of the various discounts but also find out about the requirement of a homeowners’ insurance with the multiple resources and tools that they have listed. State Farm Your homeowners’ insurance coverage not only comes with instant quotes when you choose State Farm but also provides protection against mishaps caused due to weather, or when the homeowner is affected by acts of vandalism, theft, vehicle accidents, and direct physical loss. Country Financial This offers policies under three categories- basic, premier, and a combination of both. The basic coverage protects you against theft, vandalism, fire, lightning, and freezing of plumbing. The premier coverage includes protection against the standard as well as additional features. It offers protection for accidents such as paint spillage, countertop burns, and damage caused to appliances due to a power surge.

A high-risk business loan is extended to a business with poor or bad credit, if you are unable to supply the required collateral, or if you have an unclear idea about how to repay. It's not impossible to avail a business loan in spite of poor credit; chances are traditional banks will not qualify your business for a loan. Your business loan could be termed as high risk also because your business is unusual, unconventional and the industry is labeled as high risk, high return'. Some of the high-risk industries are restaurants, construction companies, many seasonal and cyclical businesses. Most new and young companies are also considered high risk as they have not yet proven their sustainability. You are eligible to apply for a high-risk business loan if - despite bad credit and regardless of profit or loss, your company has shown consistent revenue. It is always good to know the following points as an entrepreneur: If your business loan is approved, chances are the interest rates will be on the higher side. The lender does this so that he can minimize his risk. Non-banks are the lenders who will give you a high-risk business loan, as conventional lenders prefer not to venture into non-traditional lending. Some of them base their approvals on a number of sales generated by your business as opposed to looking only into the FICO score. Look for lenders offering revenue based repayment process thereby allowing larger payments during high sales time and lower payments during slow sales time. Rebuilding your credit score is one of the best things that you can do to take your business to the next level. Online lenders are the current rage in high risk business loans segment. Their eligibility criteria is sparse. Look out for hidden clause and fees in the loan agreement. High risk businesses usually get slotted for a short term loan at a higher rate. A short term loan can help solidify your business's finances, regardless of your credit score. Some non traditional lenders offer merchant cash advances instead of business loans. As opposed to making monthly repayments for a business loan, a percentage of your sales is repaid each month towards the cash advance. There is no interest rates for merchant cash advance loans. A factor rate is used by many lenders instead. There is a large network of lenders who are willing to offer business loans to high risk businesses, just keep in mind the above points before choosing one.

Even though it may sound surprising, about four people out of ten can get irritation or inflammation in the sciatic nerve and sciatica at some point in their lives. Sciatic nerves arise from either side of the lower part of the spine and run through the pelvis and the buttocks. Then it passes along the back of the thighs to reach the knees from where they divide into branches to go to the feet.

What causes sciatica pain? Anything which may exert pressure on the nerves or causes irritation may lead to unmanageable pain in the back of the buttocks and the thighs. The sensation and intensity of the pain can vary from one individual to another. It may be similar to a mild ache or a sharp, burning sensation leading to extreme discomfort. It can also cause a burning, tingling or numbing sensation.

What medications are available for sciatica pain? There is a broad range of medications available, which can relieve sciatica pain such as over-the-counter painkillers including Aspirin, Acetaminophen and other NSAIDs like Ibuprofen, ketoprofen, and naproxen. But doctors advise not to give aspirin to any person aged below 18 years as it can increase the risk of Reye's syndrome. They recommend muscle relaxants for easing muscle spasms and anti-depressants for the chronic low back ache. If the pain is intolerably severe, prescription drugs can also be administered.

In some cases, steroid medications can be injected into the area that is in close vicinity to the spinal nerve. Injections have a considerable effect when the sciatic irritation is caused due to the exertion of pressure from any herniated or ruptured disk.

What are the alternative treatments for sciatica pain? Even though sciatica pain may make it difficult for you to be active, bed rest is not at all recommended for people affected by it. If you are newly affected by this ailment, some positions and activities may appear to be more comfortable than others. Physical therapy is highly recommended for providing sciatica pain relief and therefore, it is crucial to work with an expert to know which positions and activities would be suitable for you.

• Biofeedback Biofeedback is a technique which helps in controlling the physical procedures of the body including heart rate, blood pressure, and muscle tension. It works with the help of a piece of equipment, which provides information displayed. With the help of this information, it becomes possible to have conscious control of these procedures, which can also treat sciatica pain to some extent.

• Acupuncture Acupuncture is yet another effective treatment using fine needles inserted at precise pressure points. The actual theory behind using acupuncture treatment is that pain is caused by imbalances or hindrances in the flow of energy and that acupuncture can help in relieving these hindrances and restore proper balances. It can also stimulate the nervous system by stimulating the pressure points. This can trigger the release of certain chemicals, which can alter the experience of pain while promoting a sense of well-being.