What is Cough? - From the Free Dictionary

Cough
Definition
A cough is a forceful release of air from the lungs that can be heard. Coughing protects the respiratory system by clearing it of irritants and secretions.
Description
While people can generally cough voluntarily, a cough is usually a reflex triggered when an irritant stimulates one or more of the cough receptors found at different points in the respiratory system. These receptors then send a message to the cough center in the brain, which in turn tells the body to cough. A cough begins with a deep breath in, at which point the opening between the vocal cords at the upper part of the larynx (glottis) shuts, trapping the air in the lungs. As the diaphragm and other muscles involved in breathing press against the lungs, the glottis suddenly opens, producing an explosive outflow of air at speeds greater than 100 mi (160 km) per hour.
In normal situations, most people cough once or twice an hour during the day to clear the airway of irritants. However, when the level of irritants in the air is high or when the respiratory system becomes infected, coughing may become frequent and prolonged. It may interfere with exercise or sleep, and it may also cause distress if accompanied by dizziness, chest pain, or breathlessness. In the majority cases, frequent coughing lasts one to two weeks and tapers off as the irritant or infection subsides. If a cough lasts more than three weeks it is considered a chronic cough, and physicians will try to determine a cause beyond an acute infection or irritant.
Coughs are generally described as either dry or productive. A dry cough does not bring up a mixture of mucus, irritants, and other substances from the lungs (sputum), while a productive cough does. In the case of a bacterial infection, the sputum brought up in a productive cough may be greenish, gray, or brown. In the case of an allergy or viral infection it may be clear or white. In the most serious conditions, the sputum may contain blood.
Causes and symptoms
In the majority of cases, coughs are caused by respiratory infections, including:
Environmental pollutants, such as cigarette smoke, dust, or smog, can also cause a cough. In the case of cigarette smokers, the nicotine present in the smoke paralyzes the hairs (cilia) that regularly flush mucus from the respiratory system. The mucus then builds up, forcing the body to remove it by coughing. Post-nasal drip, the irritating trickle of mucus from the nasal passages into the throat caused by allergies or sinusitis, can also result in a cough. Some chronic conditions, such as asthma, chronic bronchitis, emphysema, and cystic fibrosis, are characterized in part by a cough. A condition in which stomach acid backs up into the esophagus (gastroesophageal reflux) can cause coughing, especially when a person is lying down. A cough can also be a side-effect of medications that are administered via an inhaler. It can also be a side-effect of beta-blockers and ACE inhibitors, which are drugs used for treating high blood pressure.
Diagnosis
To determine the cause of a cough, a physician should take an exact medical history and perform an exam. Information regarding the duration of the cough, other symptoms may accompanying it, and environmental factors that may influence it aid the doctor in his or her diagnosis. The appearance of the sputum will also help determine what type of infection, if any, may be involved. The doctor may even observe the sputum microscopically for the presence of bacteria and white blood cells. Chest x rays may help indicate the presence and extent of such infections as pneumonia or tuberculosis. If these actions are not enough to determine the cause of the cough, a bronchoscopy or laryngoscopy may be ordered. These tests use slender tubular instruments to inspect the interior of the bronchi and larynx.
Treatment
Treatment of a cough generally involves addressing the condition causing it. An acute infection such as pneumonia may require antibiotics, an asthma-induced cough may be treated with the use of bronchodialators, or an antihistamine may be administered in the case of an allergy. Physicians prefer not to suppress a productive cough, since it aids the body in clearing the respiratory system of infective agents and irritants. However, cough medicines may be given if the patient cannot rest because of the cough or if the cough is not productive, as is the case with most coughs associated with colds or flu. The two types of drugs used to treat coughs are antitussives and expectorants.

The BEST PRAYER to start your DAY

Now here is a wonderful prayer, my sister Cindy emailed to me, to start your day the right way.
I like it sooo much that I have printed it for my daily morning prayer. Hope it touches you in the same way that it touched me. Thanks Cindy – I really needed this today!!


" Dear Lord, I thank You for this day,
I thank You for my being able to see
and to hear this morning.
I'm blessed because You are
a forgiving God and
an understanding God.
You have done so much for me
and You keep on blessing me.
Forgive me this day for everything
I have done, said or thought
that was not pleasing to you.I ask now for Your forgiveness.
Please keep me safe
from all danger and harm.
Help me to start this day
with a new attitude and plenty of gratitude.
Let me make the best of each and every day
to clear my mind so that I can hear from You.
Please broaden my mind
that I can accept all things.
Let me not whine and whimper
over things I have no control over.And give me the best response
when I'm pushed beyond my limits.I know that when I can't pray,
You listen to my heart.
Continue to use me to do Your will.
Continue to bless me that I may be
a blessing to others.
Keep me strong that I may help the weak...
Keep me uplifted that I may have
words of encouragement for others.
I pray for those that are lost
and can't find their way.

I pray for those that are misjudged
and misunderstood.
I pray for those who
don't know You intimately.
I pray for those that don't believe.But I thank You that I believe
that God changes people and
God changes things.
I pray for all my sisters and brothers.
For each and every family member
in their households.
I pray for peace, love and joy
in their homes; that they are out of debt
and all their needs are met.
I pray that every eye that reads this
knows there is no problem, circumstance,
or situation greater than God.
Every battle is in Your hands for You to fight.

I pray that these words be received into the hearts of every eye that sees or everyone who hears it.
Now repeat this phrase and see how God will touch you.
“God I love you and I need you, please come into my heart.”

Kree - Asthma + Bronchitus - what next??

My cough started acting up on Sunday morning 7 September (Father’s Day in NZ as well as Kanthan’s 9th year of sobriety). Later that day I had a sore throat and on Monday my neck was stiff and sore. By Tuesday, I was losing was voice, had a blocked nose, sneezing, nausea, no taste and smell – the works! On Wednesday my voice was really bad and every sentence I spoke required great effort. Yes, I was at school all three days – meetings, as usual, only left school 5pm Monday and Tuesday. On Wednesday I made a doctor’s appointment (Kaveshan’s advice) for that afternoon – the earliest appointment was 3:45pm. By lunch break I knew I was too sick to come to school Thursday and Friday and emailed the DP. I pushed myself to cope until 2:30pm when school ends, hardly taking a break from teaching/talking all day. By that time my voice was just a squeak and my chest was tight, burning and sore, all the way up to my throat and neck. When I arrived at the surgery, my heart was racing and I was so out of breath that I couldn’t say my name out clearly. Luckily the nurse immediately picked up on the signs and quickly put me on a Ventolin nebulizer. It relieved me quite a bit but by now I was rather anxious – imagine battling to breathe – it feels like you’re dying!! I never realised what Asthmatic sufferers have to deal with, like my sister Julie. I myself have not been asthmatic – however this is the third time in three months that I have experienced severe coughing and wheezing. At my last consultation a month ago, the doctor gave me two inhalers to be used during the wintertime. I wasn’t aware that I was mildly asthmatic. The medication I was given from yesterdays consultation are: Bricanyl Turbuhaler; Pulmicort Turbuhaler; Prednisone; Co-trimoxazole (antibiotic). I really pray that these meds will work soon because my voice has not yet improved, and without a voice I cannot teach. If any of you are asthmatic or can offer advice, it would be a great help.

After 3 days of medication, there was little improvement and on Friday the nausea was worsening, aggravated by the cough, little improvement in my voice and my nose still blocked. Today, Saturday 13th September, I went to another doctor for fear that it could be my thyroid playing up or even pheumonia!! The doctor's diagnosis was Bronchitus as well as Asthma and he changed my antibiotic to Augmentin (which has worked well for me in the past). He also prescribed Otrivin nasal spray which cleared my nose with just one swirt and has so far released loads of phlegm. I have been put off work until Wednesday and need lots of rest. Thanks to all who have emailed and posted Facebook messages on my wall.

. . . REMEMBER ME . . .

A Poem from our dearly departed:

. . . REMEMBER ME . . .

I never meant to leave you,

Could I have only stayed;

We would be going on in life,

With all the plans we made.

Now all the hopes and dreams we shared,

Are but sweet memories;

For you to tuck inside your heart,

Now when you remember me.

Remember all the good times,

And all the joy we shared;

Remember how you touched my life,

And how I really cared.

Think back on all the laughter,

And wipe away your tears;

You still have many miles to go,

And still have many years.

Don't look back....look forward,

This day is a brand new start;

And as you travel on in life,

You'll take a bit of my heart.

I never meant to leave you,

But still you'll not be alone;

For as long as my love lives in you,

I'll never really be gone.

Allison Chambers Coxsey©1995 ~ All Rights Reserved

Sad News - Uncle Frank

It is with great sadness that we learned about the passing away of our beloved Uncle Frank Thaver on Sunday 22 June 2008. After a month of hospitalisation and about two weeks on the ventilator, his heart stopped shortly after sunrise. The funeral was held in Durban on the same day. Wish I could have been there, it is the hardest thing to be miles away when a loved one moves on. Just a year ago last year, his brother George passed away on 18 May, so we are all deeply saddened to be losing such important people in our family. Uncle Frank will always be remembered for his cheerful and jovial personality. He loved to laugh and make people laugh. He enjoyed life to the fullest and was fortunate to have become a millionaire in his lifetime. He leaves behind his wife Thunga (teenage sweetheart), daughter Desiree and son Wesley, grand-daughter Tia, son-in-law Clive, three brothers, two sisters and all of the Thaver family.

You are in a better place now. We know that God chooses the best first and that you are smiling down on us from heaven. May your soul rest in Heaven's Peace.

A poem that comforts me during this hard time:
Do not stand at my grave and weep,
I am not there, I do not sleep.
I am a thousand winds that blow.
I am the diamond glint on snow.
I am the sunlight on ripened grain.
I am the gentle autumn rain.
When you wake in the morning hush,
I am the swift, uplifting rush Of quiet birds in circling flight.
I am the soft starlight at night.
Do not stand at my grave and weep.
I am not there, I do not sleep.
Do not stand at my grave and cry.
I am not there, I did not die!
Do not stand at my grave and weep.
I am not there, I do not sleep.
I am the song that will never end.
I am the love of family and friend.
I am the child who has come to rest
In the arms of the Father who knows him best.
When you see the sunset fair,
I am the scented evening air.
I am the joy of a task well done.
I am the glow of the setting sun.
Do not stand at my grave and weep.
I am not there, I do not sleep.
Do not stand at my grave and cry.
I am not there, I did not die!
~ Mary E. Frye ~

Food for the Soul

Those who revolve in the consciousness of the Divine are safe-guarded.

Didst thou not come naked from thy mother's womb? Didst thou not have thy soul in safety even before thy body's birth? Why art thou then fretful and anxious? One who watched over thee then, watches over thee now; one who loved thee then, loves thee now.
My mind remember this and be still.

[Swami Paramananda, Book of Daily Thoughts and Prayers, p. 186]

Prayer for the Sick

My Uncle Frankie is in hospital for three weeks now. He has undergone surgery but is not making much progress. Our thoughts and prayers are with him and our families as we hope that he will be restored to good health.

Also my niece (my Godchild) Barshni has not been well for the past two weeks, having a high temperature and headaches that doctors could not find the cause of. We are praying for your speedy recovery.

PRAYER FOR THE SICK
Father of goodness and love, hear our prayers for the sick members of our community and for all who are in need. Amid mental and physical suffering may they find consolation in your healing presence. Show your mercy as you close wounds, cure illness, make broken bodies whole and free downcast spirits. May these special people find lasting health and deliverance, and so join us in thanking you for all your gifts. We ask this through the Lord Jesus who healed those who believed. Amen.

Food for the Soul

O Lord, through Thy Grace may I overcome all egotism, pride and self-willAnd realize that Thou art all in all. I am only an instrument in Thy almighty Hand. Do Thou use my hands and feet, my heart and mind to carry out Thy great plan; And may I never forget Thy vastness and Thy glory.[Swami Paramananda, Book of Daily Thought & Prayers, p185]

Room 8 Soccer Stars

Soccer World Cup Update:
In term 2 and term 3 Kelvin Road School children are participating in its own Soccer World Cup.
More to follow...

Graduation - Victoria University of Wellington

Kanthan and I took a one hour flight to Wellington on Tuesday 13th May and spent two nights in the wonderful windy city. To my surprise, I didn't feel it as cold there as it was in Auckland this past week. On Wednesday morning we had a scrumptious hotel breakfast and then set off on foot to collect my graduation gown. We started off walking in the opposite direction to where we were going and fortunately a courier guy pointed us on the right path. We made our way up a steep hill with over one hundred steps to climb into the street above leading to Kelburn Parade. It was an arduous climb which must have taken about fifteen minutes what with all the stops I made after climbing each flight of steps. We then staggered another twenty minutes until we reached Murphy Building and collected my graduation gown, hood and trencher. I refused to walk back so we grabbed a taxi to the Law School at Lambton Quay for the graduates street parade. It was a new and exciting experience for me but I only wish I could have had more family and friends there to share in my joy like the rest of the graduates. The parade started at 12 noon and finished around 12:45 in time for ceremony 1 starting at 1pm. Luckily my ceremony was at 6pm that evening which gave us time to enjoy a delicious lunch at an Irish restaurant before heading back to the hotel for a two hour nap. With all that walking, it was a well deserved and refreshing sleep before getting dressed for the ceremony. We took the taxi to the Michael Fowler Centre at 5:25 pm and arrived there on time at 5:30pm. All the graduands looked wonderful, wearing hoods and gowns appropriate to their degree, and carrying their trenchers. We lined up according to our marshalling numbers for an unrehearsed ceremony. When we walked into the dark hall, a Maori Kapa Haka group was rendering some beautiful waita ringa. After singing the national anthem and some speeches we were capped. It was a fantastic ceremony and I couldn't help but feel so proud of my achievement. I remembered my late Dad and my mum who were at my first graduation at Springfield College twenty years ago in 1988 and gave thanks to them for my journey - not forgetting the Grace of God.

After the graduation there was a reception for everybody. Kanthan and I walked back to the hotel so I could change out of my sari and we set off for dinner.

We slept in on Thursday morning until 9am and after breakfast we spent the rest of the day at Te Papa Museum, then had a light lunch before flying back to Auckland at 4:30pm.

All in all, a fantastic and memorable graduation experience.

Elim School River Tragedy

New Zealand weeps over the tragic drowning of students and a teacher in the Mangatepopo River on 15 April. Six students and one teacher have died after being swept away on the Mangatepopo River near Turangi. It is reported that a flash flood swept down the river.
The students were from Elim Christian College in Howick, Auckland.

Our thoughts and prayers are with the family & friends of these seven courageous people. May their souls rest in Heaven's Peace.

Read more

Our Celebrations

On 18 March Kanthan celebrated his 7th year of being a non-smoker - what a difference this has made to our lives. I wish every smoker reading this 'Good Luck' in kicking this stinking habit - do it for the people you love, if not for yourself.
On 31st March Kanthan & I celebrated our 17th wedding anniversary, we thank God for every new year He gives us together.
Two days after our anniversary was Thanusha's sweet 16th birthday - can't believe that our baby girl is growing up so fast! Four days after Thanusha's birthday was Kaveshan's 13th birthday - at last he is a teenager although he has been acting like one for the past three years!
And all these celebrations are only through the Grace of God, to Whom we give our humble gratitude every day. Thank you GOD.
Birthday Pics

Kree's health

If you were wondering why I have not been in touch for most of this year, it was because of my terrible health. In February, I was surprised when the doctor told me that my blood pressure was 200/90 and I was put on pressure tablets again after 8 years. The Inhibace tablets prescribed caused a terrible cough and after one month my pressure was still high. My tablets were changed and the new pressure pills Felo 5er caused severe headaches. After 10 days I couldn't stand it and returned to the doctor for the third time. My pressure was 180/100 and I was worrying about my continuous periods. The doc prescribed Ferrograd for the anaemia, Provera to stop the periods and doubled the Thyroxin for my underactive thyroid. He didn't think there was any serious concern saying that I was just overly anxious and even suggested me getting a second opinion when he noticed that I was not too happy with his diagnosis.
I decided to change to a female doctor and on my first visit to her, she changed my pressure tablet to Cozaar (which is the one I had been taking in SA about 8 years ago). The tablet was miraculous and it decreased my pressure and I have not had a headache for the past two weeks. Since February I have undergone bloodtests four times, fortunately, we do not pay for diagnostic tests in NZ. On my second visit to my new GP on Monday (which makes that the 5th doctors visit in two months) I was told that I have Helicobacter Pylori infection of my stomach lining! It appears that around 75% of the world's population have this infection and 50% of patients diagnosed with stomach cancer have it! Well that means more medication for me so today I started on a triple pack 14 day treatment including Losec and antibiotics - hope it works. The doc has also booked me down for an ultrasound as my periods have not stopped in 34 days! I will be on the waiting list for 6 - 8 weeks before I am given a date for the ultrasound - the price to pay for using public health. If the ultrasound confirms a recurrence of Fibroids which I've had 10 years ago, then the doc suggests undergoing a hysterectomy. So there - now you know what I've been up to since I returned from my holiday overseas. So what's your excuse for not keeping in touch?

Food for the Soul

When we are impatient we throw away our opportunities.

Far have I travelled, Long have I struggled, Following the impulses of my restless will. Seeking! Seeking! Seeking! In quest of happiness I sought through life's mansion, But happiness I found not there. I found happiness nowhere till my self will was lost in His Will.

The real sign of a spiritually minded person is his silent, tolerant, patient attitude. He attains his end because he does not interfere with the higher plan. He moves with the higher forces. He is always in harmony with the Divine Will. Anger, impatience, calculation, quarelling and disputes; this is what we find in the world. Those who have taken up the spiritual life cannot afford to indulge in such things.

O Lord, grant unto me calmness of spirit and serenity of heart,Shield me from the entanglements of my lower nature.Help me to seek Thee with perseverence and unswerving consecration.May I never tire in my search after TheeOr turn aside and forget Thee.[Swami Paramananda, Book of Daily Thoughts & Prayers, p. 102]

Back from my holiday to South Africa & Thailand

Hi, how are you? I am sooo happy to be back in my home sweeeeet home in Papakura, Auckland. There is no place like New Zealand! We had a fantastic time in South Africa, visiting family & friends in Middelburg & Durban...it was an emotional rollercoaster ride, one minute we were so happy to be reunited with people, the next minute sad to say farewell, wondering when our paths will cross again! The weather was unbearably hot and humid, often a sticky 35 degrees! After two weeks we got really exhausted from the heat and all the driving and visiting. The last four days was spent in Thailand - we loved the beautiful temples in Bangkok and the shopping was great...so great that we had to buy two extra hand luggage bags and paid an extra $500 for overweight luggage - bugger! Will upload some of the 2000 digital photos I have so check my album for these.The weather in Auckland is to die for - such magnificent perfect summer days :-)Have a safe and happy 2008 - love & laughter always.
**Kree**