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86-620: The 2021 edition of the PAUDC was the 2nd edition to be held virtually as a result of travel restrictions and other issues caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. The virtual tournament was hosted by the University of Botswana Debate Masters Association in Botswana under the theme, “Channeling the roots of African Debate.” The current PAUDC champions are Prosper-Michael Ametu and Umuhairu Teni Alhassan of KNUST which

172-494: A strain of coronavirus known as "severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2" ( SARS-CoV-2 ). COVID-19 is mainly transmitted when people breathe in air contaminated by droplets / aerosols and small airborne particles containing the virus. Infected people exhale those particles as they breathe, talk, cough, sneeze, or sing. Transmission is more likely the closer people are. However, infection can occur over longer distances, particularly indoors. The transmission of

258-634: A systemic inflammatory response syndrome . Among healthy adults not exposed to SARS-CoV-2, about 35% have CD4 T cells that recognise the SARS-CoV-2 S protein (particularly the S2 subunit) and about 50% react to other proteins of the virus, suggesting cross-reactivity from previous common colds caused by other coronaviruses. Dyspnea Shortness of breath ( SOB ), known as dyspnea (in AmE ) or dyspnoea (in BrE ),

344-497: A beneficial effect. Other important or common causes of shortness of breath include cardiac tamponade , anaphylaxis , interstitial lung disease , panic attacks , and pulmonary hypertension . It is more common among people with relatively small lungs. Around 2/3 of women experience shortness of breath as a part of a normal pregnancy . Cardiac tamponade presents with dyspnea, tachycardia, elevated jugular venous pressure, and pulsus paradoxus . The gold standard for diagnosis

430-576: A cause of dyspnea. Menstruation, particularly if excessive, can contribute to anaemia and to consequential dyspnea in women. Headaches are a symptom of dyspnea in patients with anaemia. Some patients report a numb sensation in their head, and others have reported blurred vision caused by hypotension behind the eye due to a lack of oxygen and pressure; these patients have reported severe head pains, which can lead to permanent brain damage. Symptoms can include loss of concentration, focus, fatigue, language faculty impairment, and memory loss. Shortness of breath

516-419: A certain critical size, generally thought to be <100μm diameter, evaporate faster than they settle; due to that fact, they form respiratory aerosol particles that remain airborne for a long period of time over extensive distances. Infectivity can begin four to five days before the onset of symptoms. Infected people can spread the disease even if they are pre-symptomatic or asymptomatic . Most commonly,

602-433: A chronic productive cough. An acute exacerbation presents with increased shortness of breath and sputum production. COPD is a risk factor for pneumonia ; thus this condition should be ruled out. In an acute exacerbation treatment is with a combination of anticholinergics , beta 2 -adrenoceptor agonists , steroids and possibly positive pressure ventilation . Asthma is the most common reason for presenting to

688-596: A fan may possibly be beneficial. Cognitive behavioural therapy may also be helpful. For people with severe, chronic, or uncontrollable breathlessness, non-pharmacological approaches to treating breathlessness may be combined with medication. For people who have cancer that is causing the breathlessness, medications that have been suggested include opioids, benzodiazepines, oxygen, and steroids. Results of recent systematic reviews and meta-analyses found opioids were not necessarily associated with more effectiveness in treatment for patients with advanced cancer. Ensuring that

774-804: A fever, dry cough, loss of smell and taste, and in moderate to severe cases, shortness of breath. Congestive heart failure frequently presents with shortness of breath with exertion, orthopnea , and paroxysmal nocturnal dyspnea . It affects between 1 and 2% of the general United States population and occurs in 10% of those over 65 years old. Risk factors for acute decompensation include high dietary salt intake, medication noncompliance, cardiac ischemia, abnormal heart rhythms , kidney failure , pulmonary emboli, hypertension , and infections. Treatment efforts are directed towards decreasing lung congestion. People with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), most commonly emphysema or chronic bronchitis , frequently have chronic shortness of breath and

860-422: A higher risk of developing severe symptoms. Some complications result in death. Some people continue to experience a range of effects ( long COVID ) for months or years after infection, and damage to organs has been observed. Multi-year studies are underway to further investigate the long-term effects of the disease. COVID‑19 transmission occurs when infectious particles are breathed in or come into contact with

946-522: A large pulmonary embolism. A chest x-ray is useful to confirm or rule out a pneumothorax, pulmonary edema , or pneumonia . Spiral computed tomography with intravenous radiocontrast is the imaging study of choice to evaluate for pulmonary embolism. The primary treatment of shortness of breath is directed at its underlying cause. Extra supplemental oxygen is effective in those with hypoxia ; however, this has no effect in those with normal blood oxygen saturations . Individuals can benefit from

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1032-463: A pathophysiological basis the causes can be divided into: (1) an increased awareness of normal breathing such as during an anxiety attack, (2) an increase in the work of breathing and (3) an abnormality in the ventilatory or respiratory system. Ischemic strokes, hemorrhages, tumors, infections, seizures, and traumas at the brain stem can also cause shortness of breath, making them the only neurological causes of shortness of breath. The tempo of onset and

1118-405: A pulmonary embolism in those who are at low risk, is not of much value if it is positive, as it may be positive in a number of conditions that lead to shortness of breath. A low level of brain natriuretic peptide is useful in ruling out congestive heart failure; however, a high level, while supportive of the diagnosis, could also be due to advanced age, kidney failure , acute coronary syndrome, or

1204-423: A range of effects, such as fatigue , for prolonged periods after an initial COVID-19 infection. This is the result of a condition called long COVID , which can be described as a range of persistent symptoms that continue for months or years. Long-term damage to organs has been observed after the onset of COVID-19. Multi-year studies are underway to further investigate the protracted effects of long COVID. Reducing

1290-454: A result of vocal cord dysfunction (VCD). Sarcoidosis is an inflammatory disease of unknown etiology that generally presents with dry cough, fatigue, and shortness of breath, although multiple organ systems may be affected, with involvement of sites such as the eyes, the skin and the joints. Different physiological pathways may lead to shortness of breath including via ASIC chemoreceptors , mechanoreceptors , and lung receptors . It

1376-592: A variety of physical therapy interventions. Persons with neurological/neuromuscular abnormalities may have breathing difficulties due to weak or paralyzed intercostal, abdominal and/or other muscles needed for ventilation . Some physical therapy interventions for this population include active assisted cough techniques, volume augmentation such as breath stacking, education about body position and ventilation patterns and movement strategies to facilitate breathing. Pulmonary rehabilitation may alleviate symptoms in some people, such as those with COPD, but will not cure

1462-405: Is / d ɪ s p ˈ n iː ə / disp- NEE -ə , with the p expressed and the stress on the /niː/ syllable. But pronunciations with a silent p in pn (as also in pneumo- ) are common ( / d ɪ s ˈ n iː ə / or / ˈ d ɪ s n i ə / ), as are those with the stress on the first syllable ( / ˈ d ɪ s p n i ə / or / ˈ d ɪ s n i ə / ). In English,

1548-409: Is ultrasound . Anaphylaxis typically begins over a few minutes in a person with a previous history of the same. Other symptoms include urticaria , throat swelling , and gastrointestinal upset. The primary treatment is epinephrine . Interstitial lung disease presents with gradual onset of shortness of breath typically with a history of a predisposing environmental exposure. Shortness of breath

1634-463: Is "shortness of breath". The American Thoracic Society defines dyspnea as: A subjective experience of breathing discomfort that consists of qualitatively distinct sensations that vary in intensity. Other definitions describe it as "difficulty in breathing", "disordered or inadequate breathing", "uncomfortable awareness of breathing", and as the experience of "breathlessness" (which may be either acute or chronic). While shortness of breath

1720-630: Is a contagious disease caused by the coronavirus SARS-CoV-2 . The first known case was identified in Wuhan , China, in December 2019. Most scientists believe the SARS-CoV-2 virus entered into human populations through natural zoonosis , similar to the SARS-CoV-1 and MERS-CoV outbreaks, and consistent with other pandemics in human history. Social and environmental factors including climate change , natural ecosystem destruction and wildlife trade increased

1806-686: Is a novel severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus. It was first isolated from three people with pneumonia connected to the cluster of acute respiratory illness cases in Wuhan. All structural features of the novel SARS-CoV-2 virus particle occur in related coronaviruses in nature, particularly in Rhinolophus sinicus (Chinese horseshoe bats). Outside the human body, the virus is destroyed by household soap which bursts its protective bubble . Hospital disinfectants, alcohols, heat, povidone-iodine , and ultraviolet -C (UV-C) irradiation are also effective disinfection methods for surfaces. SARS-CoV-2

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1892-570: Is a lack of evidence to recommend midazolam , nebulised opioids, the use of gas mixtures, or cognitive-behavioral therapy yet. Non-pharmacological interventions provide key tools for the management of breathlessness. Potentially beneficial approaches include active management of psychosocial issues ( anxiety , depression , etc.), and implementation of self-management strategies, such as physical and mental relaxation techniques , pacing techniques, energy conservation techniques, learning exercises to control breathing, and education . The use of

1978-407: Is an uncomfortable feeling of not being able to breathe well enough. The American Thoracic Society defines it as "a subjective experience of breathing discomfort that consists of qualitatively distinct sensations that vary in intensity", and recommends evaluating dyspnea by assessing the intensity of its distinct sensations, the degree of distress and discomfort involved, and its burden or impact on

2064-571: Is associated with COVID-19 and is reported in as many as 88% of symptomatic cases. Published data on the neuropathological changes related with COVID-19 have been limited and contentious, with neuropathological descriptions ranging from moderate to severe hemorrhagic and hypoxia phenotypes , thrombotic consequences, changes in acute disseminated encephalomyelitis (ADEM-type), encephalitis and meningitis . Many COVID-19 patients with co-morbidities have hypoxia and have been in intensive care for varying lengths of time, confounding interpretation of

2150-433: Is available, guidelines and recommendations for hypertensive patients remain. The effect of the virus on ACE2 cell surfaces leads to leukocytic infiltration, increased blood vessel permeability, alveolar wall permeability, as well as decreased secretion of lung surfactants. These effects cause the majority of the respiratory symptoms. However, the aggravation of local inflammation causes a cytokine storm eventually leading to

2236-402: Is because pregnant women with COVID‑19 appear to be more likely to develop respiratory and obstetric complications that can lead to miscarriage , premature delivery and intrauterine growth restriction . Fungal infections such as aspergillosis , candidiasis , cryptococcosis and mucormycosis have been recorded in patients recovering from COVID‑19. COVID‑19 is caused by infection with

2322-522: Is closely related to the original SARS-CoV . It is thought to have an animal ( zoonotic ) origin. Genetic analysis has revealed that the coronavirus genetically clusters with the genus Betacoronavirus , in subgenus Sarbecovirus (lineage B) together with two bat-derived strains. It is 96% identical at the whole genome level to other bat coronavirus samples (BatCov RaTG13 ). The structural proteins of SARS-CoV-2 include membrane glycoprotein (M), envelope protein (E), nucleocapsid protein (N), and

2408-626: Is common in people with cancer and may be caused by numerous different factors. In people with advanced cancer, periods of time with severe shortness of breath may occur, along with a more continuous feeling of breathlessness. Treatments include both nonpharmacological and pharmacological interventions. Nonpharmacological interventions that showed improvement in breathlessness include fans, behavioral and pyschoeducational approaches, exercise and pulmonary rehabilitation. Integrative medicine options include acupuncture/acupressure/reflexology, meditation and music therapy, with acupuncture/reflexology found to have

2494-424: Is due to asthma , pneumonia , cardiac ischemia , COVID-19 , interstitial lung disease , congestive heart failure , chronic obstructive pulmonary disease , or psychogenic causes, such as panic disorder and anxiety (see Psychogenic disease and Psychogenic pain ) . The best treatment to relieve or even remove shortness of breath typically depends on the underlying cause. Dyspnea, in medical terms,

2580-574: Is generally caused by disorders of the cardiac or respiratory system , others such as the neurological , musculoskeletal , endocrine , hematologic , and psychiatric systems may be the cause. DiagnosisPro, an online medical expert system , listed 497 distinct causes in October 2010. The most common cardiovascular causes are myocardial infarction and heart failure while common pulmonary causes include chronic obstructive pulmonary disease , asthma , pneumothorax , pulmonary edema and pneumonia . On

2666-479: Is often the only symptom in those with tachydysrhythmias . Panic attacks typically present with hyperventilation , sweating, and numbness . They are however a diagnosis of exclusion . Neurological conditions such as spinal cord injury, phrenic nerve injuries, Guillain–Barré syndrome , amyotrophic lateral sclerosis , multiple sclerosis and muscular dystrophy can all cause an individual to experience shortness of breath. Shortness of breath can also occur as

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2752-399: Is often used to assess the clinical probability. Treatment, depending on severity of symptoms, typically starts with anticoagulants ; the presence of ominous signs (low blood pressure) may warrant the use of thrombolytic drugs . Anemia that develops gradually usually presents with exertional dyspnea, fatigue, weakness, and tachycardia . It may lead to heart failure . Anaemia is often

2838-595: Is the cause of the bud release and the formation of the viral envelope. The N and E protein are accessory proteins that interfere with the host's immune response. Human angiotensin converting enzyme 2 (hACE2) is the host factor that SARS-CoV-2 virus targets causing COVID‑19. Theoretically, the usage of angiotensin receptor blockers (ARB) and ACE inhibitors upregulating ACE2 expression might increase morbidity with COVID‑19, though animal data suggest some potential protective effect of ARB; however no clinical studies have proven susceptibility or outcomes. Until further data

2924-932: Is the primary reason 3.5% of people present to the emergency department in the United States. Of these individuals, approximately 51% are admitted to the hospital and 13% are dead within a year. Some studies have suggested that up to 27% of hospitalized people develop dyspnea, while in dying patients 75% will experience it. Acute shortness of breath is the most common reason people requiring palliative care visit an emergency department. Up to 70% of adults with advanced cancer also experience dyspnoea. English dyspnea comes from Latin dyspnoea , from Greek dyspnoia , from dyspnoos , which literally means "disordered breathing". Its combining forms ( dys- + -pnea ) are familiar from other medical words, such as dysfunction ( dys- + function ) and apnea ( a- + -pnea ). The most common pronunciation in medical English

3010-465: Is the viral component that attaches to the host receptor via the ACE2 receptors. It includes two subunits: S1 and S2. Studies have shown that S1 domain induced IgG and IgA antibody levels at a much higher capacity. It is the focus spike proteins expression that are involved in many effective COVID‑19 vaccines. The M protein is the viral protein responsible for the transmembrane transport of nutrients. It

3096-473: Is thought that three main components contribute to dyspnea: afferent signals, efferent signals, and central information processing. It is believed the central processing in the brain compares the afferent and efferent signals; and dyspnea results when a "mismatch" occurs between the two: such as when the need for ventilation (afferent signaling) is not being met by physical breathing (efferent signaling). Afferent signals are sensory neuronal signals that ascend to

3182-896: The Alpha variant (B.1.1.7, formerly called the UK variant), first found in London and Kent, the Beta variant (B.1.351, formerly called the South Africa variant), the Gamma variant (P.1, formerly called the Brazil variant), the Delta variant (B.1.617.2, formerly called the India variant), and the Omicron variant (B.1.1.529), which had spread to 57 countries as of 7 December. On December 19, 2023,

3268-572: The Spanish flu , Middle East respiratory syndrome , and Zika virus . In January 2020, the World Health Organization (WHO) recommended 2019-nCoV and 2019-nCoV acute respiratory disease as interim names for the virus and disease per 2015 guidance and international guidelines against using geographical locations or groups of people in disease and virus names to prevent social stigma . The official names COVID‑19 and SARS-CoV-2 were issued by

3354-421: The respiratory muscles . The most important respiratory muscle is the diaphragm . Other respiratory muscles include the external and internal intercostal muscles , the abdominal muscles and the accessory breathing muscles. As the brain receives its plentiful supply of afferent information relating to ventilation, it is able to compare it to the current level of respiration as determined by the efferent signals. If

3440-482: The small intestine . The virus can cause acute myocardial injury and chronic damage to the cardiovascular system . An acute cardiac injury was found in 12% of infected people admitted to the hospital in Wuhan, China, and is more frequent in severe disease. Rates of cardiovascular symptoms are high, owing to the systemic inflammatory response and immune system disorders during disease progression, but acute myocardial injuries may also be related to ACE2 receptors in

3526-705: The spike protein (S). The M protein of SARS-CoV-2 is about 98% similar to the M protein of bat SARS-CoV, maintains around 98% homology with pangolin SARS-CoV, and has 90% homology with the M protein of SARS-CoV; whereas, the similarity is only around 38% with the M protein of MERS-CoV . The many thousands of SARS-CoV-2 variants are grouped into either clades or lineages . The WHO, in collaboration with partners, expert networks, national authorities, institutions and researchers, have established nomenclature systems for naming and tracking SARS-CoV-2 genetic lineages by GISAID , Nextstrain and Pango . The expert group convened by

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3612-538: The B.1 lineage. Several notable variants of SARS-CoV-2 emerged throughout 2020. Cluster 5 emerged among minks and mink farmers in Denmark . After strict quarantines and the slaughter of all the country's mink , the cluster was assessed to no longer be circulating among humans in Denmark as of 1 February 2021. As of December 2021 , there are five dominant variants of SARS-CoV-2 spreading among global populations:

3698-539: The CNS, possibly within an infected white blood cell. Research conducted when Alpha was the dominant variant has suggested COVID-19 may cause brain damage. Later research showed that all variants studied (including Omicron) killed brain cells, but the exact cells killed varied by variant. It is unknown if such damage is temporary or permanent. Observed individuals infected with COVID-19 (most with mild cases) experienced an additional 0.2% to 2% of brain tissue lost in regions of

3784-557: The COVID-19 infection may have different symptoms, and their symptoms may change over time. Three common clusters of symptoms have been identified: a respiratory symptom cluster with cough, sputum , shortness of breath , and fever; a musculoskeletal symptom cluster with muscle and joint pain, headache, and fatigue; and a cluster of digestive symptoms with abdominal pain, vomiting, and diarrhea. In people without prior ear, nose, or throat disorders, loss of taste combined with loss of smell

3870-954: The Prime Minister and Deputy Prime Minister; Opening Opposition (OO), consisting of the Opposition Leader and Deputy Opposition Leader; Closing Government (CG), consisting of the Government Member and Government Whip; and Closing Opposition (CO), consisting of the Opposition Member and the Opposition Whip . The speaking order is Prime Minister, Opposition Leader, Deputy Prime Minister, Deputy Opposition Leader, and so forth. THR Kim Kardashian's recent photoshoot. THW promote champagne socialism in Africa COVID-19 Coronavirus disease 2019 ( COVID-19 )

3956-472: The WHO declared that another distinctive variant, JN.1, had emerged as a "variant of interest". Though the WHO expected an increase in cases globally, particularly for countries entering winter, the overall global health risk was considered low. The SARS-CoV-2 virus can infect a wide range of cells and systems of the body. COVID‑19 is most known for affecting the upper respiratory tract (sinuses, nose, and throat) and

4042-759: The WHO on 11 February 2020 with COVID-19 being shorthand for "coronavirus disease 2019". The WHO additionally uses "the COVID‑19 virus" and "the virus responsible for COVID‑19" in public communications. The symptoms of COVID-19 are variable depending on the type of variant contracted, ranging from mild symptoms to a potentially fatal illness. Common symptoms include coughing , fever , loss of smell (anosmia) and taste (ageusia), with less common ones including headaches , nasal congestion and runny nose , muscle pain , sore throat , diarrhea , eye irritation , and toes swelling or turning purple, and in moderate to severe cases, breathing difficulties . People with

4128-547: The WHO recommended the labelling of variants using letters of the Greek alphabet , for example, Alpha , Beta , Delta , and Gamma , giving the justification that they "will be easier and more practical to discussed by non-scientific audiences". Nextstrain divides the variants into five clades (19A, 19B, 20A, 20B, and 20C), while GISAID divides them into seven (L, O, V, S, G, GH, and GR). The Pango tool groups variants into lineages , with many circulating lineages being classed under

4214-632: The Youth Initiative partnered with the Pan-African Universities Debating Championship (PAUDC) organizing committee and the University of Botswana to organize the first-ever Pan African Universities Debating Championship in 2008 to provide students from various African universities the opportunity to interrogate issues of African and Global importance. The championship is usually held in eight days. It usually takes place in

4300-414: The balance between side effects and adverse effects from medications and potential improvements from medications needs to be carefully considered before prescribing medication. The use of systematic corticosteriods in palliative care for people with cancer is common, however the effectiveness and potential adverse effects of this approach in adults with cancer has not been well studied. Shortness of breath

4386-515: The brain connected to the sense of smell compared with uninfected individuals, and the overall effect on the brain was equivalent on average to at least one extra year of normal ageing; infected individuals also scored lower on several cognitive tests. All effects were more pronounced among older ages. The virus also affects gastrointestinal organs as ACE2 is abundantly expressed in the glandular cells of gastric , duodenal and rectal epithelium as well as endothelial cells and enterocytes of

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4472-591: The brain found as complications leading to death in people infected with COVID‑19. Infection may initiate a chain of vasoconstrictive responses within the body, including pulmonary vasoconstriction – a possible mechanism in which oxygenation decreases during pneumonia. Furthermore, damage of arterioles and capillaries was found in brain tissue samples of people who died from COVID‑19. COVID‑19 may also cause substantial structural changes to blood cells , sometimes persisting for months after hospital discharge. A low level of blood lymphocytess may result from

4558-450: The brain. Afferent neurons significant in dyspnea arise from a large number of sources including the carotid bodies , medulla , lungs , and chest wall . Chemoreceptors in the carotid bodies and medulla supply information regarding the blood gas levels of O 2 , CO 2 and H . In the lungs, juxtacapillary (J) receptors are sensitive to pulmonary interstitial edema, while stretch receptors signal bronchoconstriction. Muscle spindles in

4644-428: The brains of those who have died from COVID‑19, but these results need to be confirmed. While virus has been detected in cerebrospinal fluid of autopsies, the exact mechanism by which it invades the CNS remains unclear and may first involve invasion of peripheral nerves given the low levels of ACE2 in the brain. The virus may also enter the bloodstream from the lungs and cross the blood–brain barrier to gain access to

4730-461: The breath. It however may atypically present with shortness of breath alone. Risk factors include old age, smoking , hypertension , hyperlipidemia , and diabetes . An electrocardiogram and cardiac enzymes are important both for diagnosis and directing treatment. Treatment involves measures to decrease the oxygen requirement of the heart and efforts to increase blood flow. People that have been infected by COVID-19 may have symptoms such as

4816-434: The chest wall signal the stretch and tension of the respiratory muscles. Thus, poor ventilation leading to hypercapnia , left heart failure leading to interstitial edema (impairing gas exchange), asthma causing bronchoconstriction (limiting airflow) and muscle fatigue leading to ineffective respiratory muscle action could all contribute to a feeling of dyspnea. Efferent signals are the motor neuronal signals descending to

4902-865: The chest, jugular venous distension , and tracheal deviation. The symptoms of pneumonia are fever , productive cough , shortness of breath, and pleuritic chest pain . Inspiratory crackles may be heard on exam. A chest x-ray can be useful to differentiate pneumonia from congestive heart failure . As the cause is usually a bacterial infection, antibiotics are typically used for treatment. Pulmonary embolism classically presents with an acute onset of shortness of breath. Other presenting symptoms include pleuritic chest pain , cough, hemoptysis , and fever . Risk factors include deep vein thrombosis , recent surgery, cancer , and previous thromboembolism . It must always be considered in those with acute onset of shortness of breath owing to its high risk of mortality. Diagnosis, however, may be difficult and Wells Score

4988-409: The clear jelly liquid found in lung autopsies of people who died of COVID-19. One possibility addressed in medical research is that hyuralonic acid (HA) could be the leading factor for this observation of the clear jelly liquid found in the lungs, in what could be hyuralonic storm, in conjunction with cytokine storm . One common symptom, loss of smell, results from infection of the support cells of

5074-406: The data. Of people who show symptoms, 81% develop only mild to moderate symptoms (up to mild pneumonia ), while 14% develop severe symptoms ( dyspnea , hypoxia , or more than 50% lung involvement on imaging) that require hospitalization, and 5% of patients develop critical symptoms ( respiratory failure , septic shock , or multiorgan dysfunction ) requiring ICU admission. At least a third of

5160-405: The degree of shortness of breath. It may be subjectively rated on a scale from 1 to 10 with descriptors associated with the number (The Modified Borg Scale ). The MRC breathlessness scale suggests five grades of dyspnea based on the circumstances and severity in which it arises. A number of labs may be helpful in determining the cause of shortness of breath. D-dimer , while useful to rule out

5246-804: The duration of dyspnea are useful in knowing the etiology of dyspnea. Acute shortness of breath is usually connected with sudden physiological changes, such as laryngeal edema , bronchospasm , myocardial infarction , pulmonary embolism , or pneumothorax . Patients with COPD and idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) have a mild onset and gradual progression of dyspnea on exertion, punctuated by acute exacerbations of shortness of breath. In contrast, most asthmatics do not have daily symptoms, but have intermittent episodes of dyspnea, cough, and chest tightness that are usually associated with specific triggers, such as an upper respiratory tract infection or exposure to allergens. Acute coronary syndrome frequently presents with retrosternal chest discomfort and difficulty catching

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5332-624: The emergency room with shortness of breath. It is the most common lung disease in both developing and developed countries affecting about 5% of the population. Other symptoms include wheezing , tightness in the chest, and a non productive cough. Inhaled corticosteroids are the preferred treatment for children, however these drugs can reduce the growth rate. Acute symptoms are treated with short-acting bronchodilators. Pneumothorax presents typically with pleuritic chest pain of acute onset and shortness of breath not improved with oxygen. Physical findings may include absent breath sounds on one side of

5418-716: The expression of ACE-2, thereby facilitating the SARS-Cov2 virus to enter cells and to replicate. A competition of negative feedback loops (via protective effects of interferon alpha) and positive feedback loops (via upregulation of ACE-2) is assumed to determine the fate of patients suffering from COVID-19. Additionally, people with COVID‑19 and acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) have classical serum biomarkers of CRS, including elevated C-reactive protein (CRP), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), D-dimer , and ferritin . Systemic inflammation results in vasodilation , allowing inflammatory lymphocytic and monocytic infiltration of

5504-428: The eyes, nose, or mouth. The risk is highest when people are in close proximity, but small airborne particles containing the virus can remain suspended in the air and travel over longer distances, particularly indoors. Transmission can also occur when people touch their eyes, nose or mouth after touching surfaces or objects that have been contaminated by the virus. People remain contagious for up to 20 days and can spread

5590-521: The face. While drugs have been developed to inhibit the virus, the primary treatment is still symptomatic , managing the disease through supportive care , isolation , and experimental measures . During the initial outbreak in Wuhan , the virus and disease were commonly referred to as "coronavirus" and "Wuhan coronavirus", with the disease sometimes called "Wuhan pneumonia". In the past, many diseases have been named after geographical locations, such as

5676-476: The first two weeks of December and is being hosted in a different country every year The PAUDC structure is the British Parliamentary (BP), made up of four teams of two, with two teams supporting a motion, and two teams opposing. Debating teams are independent and compete with each other. The competition involves nine preliminary rounds, which become "power-paired" as the tournament progresses, matching

5762-523: The heart. ACE2 receptors are highly expressed in the heart and are involved in heart function. A high incidence of thrombosis and venous thromboembolism occurs in people transferred to intensive care units with COVID‑19 infections, and may be related to poor prognosis. Blood vessel dysfunction and clot formation (as suggested by high D-dimer levels caused by blood clots) may have a significant role in mortality, incidents of clots leading to pulmonary embolisms , and ischaemic events (strokes) within

5848-500: The host cell. Following viral entry, COVID‑19 infects the ciliated epithelium of the nasopharynx and upper airways. Autopsies of people who died of COVID‑19 have found diffuse alveolar damage , and lymphocyte-containing inflammatory infiltrates within the lung. From the CT scans of COVID-19 infected lungs, white patches were observed containing fluid known as ground-glass opacity (GGO) or simply ground glass. This tended to correlate with

5934-522: The infection, children may develop paediatric multisystem inflammatory syndrome , which has symptoms similar to Kawasaki disease , which can be fatal. In very rare cases, acute encephalopathy can occur, and it can be considered in those who have been diagnosed with COVID‑19 and have an altered mental status. According to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention , pregnant women are at increased risk of becoming seriously ill from COVID‑19. This

6020-802: The level of respiration is inappropriate for the body's status then dyspnea might occur. There is also a psychological component to dyspnea, as some people may become aware of their breathing in such circumstances but not experience the typical distress of dyspnea. The initial approach to evaluation begins by assessment of the airway, breathing, and circulation followed by a medical history and physical examination . Signs and symptoms that represent significant severity include hypotension , hypoxemia , tracheal deviation , altered mental status, unstable dysrhythmia , stridor , intercostal indrawing, cyanosis , tripod positioning , pronounced use of accessory muscles ( sternocleidomastoid , scalenes ) and absent breath sounds. A number of scales may be used to quantify

6106-800: The likelihood of such zoonotic spillover . The disease quickly spread worldwide, resulting in the COVID-19 pandemic . The symptoms of COVID‑19 are variable but often include fever, fatigue, cough, breathing difficulties , loss of smell , and loss of taste . Symptoms may begin one to fourteen days after exposure to the virus. At least a third of people who are infected do not develop noticeable symptoms . Of those who develop symptoms noticeable enough to be classified as patients, most (81%) develop mild to moderate symptoms (up to mild pneumonia ), while 14% develop severe symptoms ( dyspnea , hypoxia , or more than 50% lung involvement on imaging), and 5% develop critical symptoms ( respiratory failure , shock , or multiorgan dysfunction ). Older people are at

6192-450: The lower respiratory tract (windpipe and lungs). The lungs are the organs most affected by COVID‑19 because the virus accesses host cells via the receptor for the enzyme angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2), which is most abundant on the surface of type II alveolar cells of the lungs. The virus uses a special surface glycoprotein called a " spike " to connect to the ACE2 receptor and enter

6278-409: The lung and the heart. In particular, pathogenic GM-CSF-secreting T cells were shown to correlate with the recruitment of inflammatory IL-6-secreting monocytes and severe lung pathology in people with COVID‑19. Lymphocytic infiltrates have also been reported at autopsy. Multiple viral and host factors affect the pathogenesis of the virus. The S-protein , otherwise known as the spike protein,

6364-447: The moment a person first becomes infected and the appearance of the first symptoms. The median delay for COVID-19 is four to five days possibly being infectious on 1–4 of those days. Most symptomatic people experience symptoms within two to seven days after exposure, and almost all will experience at least one symptom within 12 days. Most people recover from the acute phase of the disease. However, some people continue to experience

6450-480: The olfactory epithelium , with subsequent damage to the olfactory neurons . The involvement of both the central and peripheral nervous system in COVID‑19 has been reported in many medical publications. It is clear that many people with COVID-19 exhibit neurological or mental health issues . The virus is not detected in the central nervous system (CNS) of the majority of COVID-19 patients with neurological issues . However, SARS-CoV-2 has been detected at low levels in

6536-413: The patient's activities of daily living . Distinct sensations include effort/work to breathe, chest tightness or pain, and "air hunger" (the feeling of not enough oxygen). The tripod position is often assumed to be a sign. Dyspnea is a normal symptom of heavy physical exertion but becomes pathological if it occurs in unexpected situations, when resting or during light exertion. In 85% of cases it

6622-488: The peak viral load in upper respiratory tract samples occurs close to the time of symptom onset and declines after the first week after symptoms begin. Current evidence suggests a duration of viral shedding and the period of infectiousness of up to ten days following symptom onset for people with mild to moderate COVID-19, and up to 20 days for persons with severe COVID-19, including immunocompromised people. Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus   2 (SARS-CoV-2)

6708-411: The people who are infected with the virus do not develop noticeable symptoms at any point in time. These asymptomatic carriers tend not to get tested and can still spread the disease. Other infected people will develop symptoms later (called "pre-symptomatic") or have very mild symptoms and can also spread the virus. As is common with infections, there is a delay, or incubation period , between

6794-416: The respiratory tract, people with severe COVID‑19 have symptoms of systemic hyperinflammation. Clinical laboratory findings of elevated IL‑2 , IL‑6 , IL‑7 , as well as the following suggest an underlying immunopathology: Interferon alpha plays a complex, Janus-faced role in the pathogenesis of COVID-19. Although it promotes the elimination of virus-infected cells, it also upregulates

6880-859: The risk of long COVID includes staying up to date on the most recent COVID-19 vaccine, practicing good hygiene, maintaining clean indoor air, and physical distancing from people infected with a respiratory virus. Complications may include pneumonia , acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), multi-organ failure , septic shock , and death. Cardiovascular complications may include heart failure, arrhythmias (including atrial fibrillation ), heart inflammation , thrombosis , particularly venous thromboembolism , and endothelial cell injury and dysfunction. Approximately 20–30% of people who present with COVID‑19 have elevated liver enzymes , reflecting liver injury. Neurologic manifestations include seizure , stroke, encephalitis , and Guillain–Barré syndrome (which includes loss of motor functions ). Following

6966-510: The strongest-performing teams against each other. The process of scoring and pairing these teams is known as "tabbing". The scoring of teams is done by judges, most of whom are students or former students from the competing institutions, who then return "ballots" with their scores to the adjudication team, led by a Chief Adjudicator who is assisted by one or more deputies. At the end of the debate, teams are ranked from 1st to 4th. The team names are as follows. Opening Government (OG), consisting of

7052-528: The underlying disease. Fan therapy to the face has been shown to relieve shortness of breath in patients with a variety of advanced illnesses including cancer. The mechanism of action is thought to be stimulation of the trigeminal nerve. Systemic immediate release opioids are beneficial in emergently reducing the symptom severity of shortness of breath due to both cancer and non cancer causes; long-acting/sustained-release opioids are also used to prevent/continue treatment of dyspnea in palliative setting. There

7138-507: The virus acting through ACE2-related entry into lymphocytes. Another common cause of death is complications related to the kidneys . Early reports show that up to 30% of hospitalised patients both in China and in New York have experienced some injury to their kidneys, including some persons with no previous kidney problems. Although SARS-CoV-2 has a tropism for ACE2-expressing epithelial cells of

7224-752: The virus even if they do not develop symptoms. Testing methods for COVID-19 to detect the virus's nucleic acid include real-time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT‑PCR), transcription-mediated amplification , and reverse transcription loop-mediated isothermal amplification (RT‑LAMP) from a nasopharyngeal swab . Several COVID-19 vaccines have been approved and distributed in various countries, many of which have initiated mass vaccination campaigns . Other preventive measures include physical or social distancing , quarantining , ventilation of indoor spaces, use of face masks or coverings in public, covering coughs and sneezes, hand washing , and keeping unwashed hands away from

7310-509: The virus is carried out through virus-laden fluid particles, or droplets, which are created in the respiratory tract, and they are expelled by the mouth and the nose. There are three types of transmission: "droplet" and "contact", which are associated with large droplets, and "airborne", which is associated with small droplets. If the droplets are above a certain critical size, they settle faster than they evaporate , and therefore they contaminate surfaces surrounding them. Droplets that are below

7396-634: Was hosted by Université de Lomé and dubbed PAUDC Nutifafa. The 2024 Edition will be hosted in Kampala-Uganda at Kyambogo University by Olympia Debate Society in partnership with the Uganda National Students Association and Open Space Centre under the theme “Science, Technology and Innovation as a Tool for Peace Building in African Countries” has been slated for 15th - 22nd of December 2024. The OSI African Regional Office and

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