Abnormality in blood pressure is not the best news. Yet, there are medications that help keep the levels under control. Even though regular blood pressure can be measured very easily, what does one do when blood pressure inside the different organs begin fluctuating?
Confused?
Like we mentioned in our previous article, blood pressure is the pressure of blood flow inside the system, which means inside every organ, there will be a level of blood pressure. Our lungs are no different. Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension, which is triggered by high blood pressure inside the heart, is a condition that requires a lot of care.
So, if you or someone you know has been diagnosed with Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension, it’s essential that you know what’s to be done.
Here’s what to do.
The Approach
Treating PAH requires proper awareness, education and exposure to the available treatments for pulmonary arterial hypertension and the potential complications that can occur. If diagnosed in time, it helps you manage the problem better in the long run.
Treating Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension
Treatments for pulmonary arterial hypertension are mostly confined to providing relief. They do not completely cure it. However, there are many treatments for PAH, with a number of combinations. The symptoms are usually individual will depend on a number of factors, including the exact cause of PAH in a person and the severity of the symptoms.
Treatments for pulmonary arterial hypertension include:
- Anticoagulant medicines such as warfarin which prevent blood clots from forming.
- Diuretics or better known as water tablets that remove excess fluid from the body which is caused due to a heart failure.
- Inhaling air containing a higher concentration of oxygen than usual is another treatment that is commonly used, and is one of the most effective treatments for PAH.
- Digoxin is a medicine from the foxglove plant which helps the heart beat stronger, and pump more blood. Digoxin can control the heart rate if you have a history of arrhythmia.
Drugs and medications can definitely help to a great extent. But there are other treatments that pose as better options in severe cases. Let’s glance at the surgical options.
Atrial septostomy: When medications fail to control your pulmonary hypertension, an atrial septostomy is one of the options that you’d need to choose. Atrial septostomy is an open-heart surgery. In an atrial septostomy, the surgeon creates an opening between the upper left and right chambers of your heart to relieve pressure on the right side of your heart. Like there are risks to other treatments as well Atrial septostomy can also have some serious complications like complicated arrhythmia.
Lung transplantation: A lung transplant or heart-lung transplant is another option which could be an option. A lung transplant is mostly done for younger people who experience idiopathic pulmonary arterial hypertension.
A glance at major risks of transplants
- Major risks of a lung transplantation include rejection of the transplanted organ and can also cause serious infection.
- In such cases, immunosuppressant drugs are given to sustain the person’s life and to help reduce the chances of rejection.
Treatments for pulmonary arterial hypertension provide immediate relief to the person, but managing is again a technique you will have to learn and apply as need be. Living with a pulmonary hypertension is quite a challenge. It may not cure the problem from the roots, but can definitely be treated to comfort. So if you are looking for help, you’ve landed on the right page. We can help you get better.
You may interested in: PULMONARY ARTERIAL HYPERTENSION CAUSES AND SYMPTOMS
About the hospital:
Sai Sanjeevini Multi Speciality Hospitals, a unit of Singapanga Healthcare Pvt. Ltd has been providing health services to the people in need for the last 14 years. This health care organisation combines practical, proven research, cutting edge procedures and state-of-the-art treatment to produce excellent medical and lifestyle outcome for our patients. Our hospital and medical staff provide innovative medical care in a friendly, compassionate, community environment conducive to patient recuperation in a family atmosphere.
About the doctor:
Dr. M.Ravindranath is a reputed Pulmonologist in Hyderabad and has an experience of 12 years in this field. Dr. M.Ravindranath practices at Hyderabad Chest Clinic in Dilsukh Nagar, Hyderabad and Sai Sanjeevini Hospitals in Kothapet, Hyderabad. His knowledge of pulmonology has made him one of the best in the city and most patients visit him and go home, happy. So Book your Appointment now.