The unpleasant truth is that there is no cure for Primary Pulmonary Hypertension. The Treatments administered help relieve the symptoms and retard progress of the disease. The objective of Treatments is keeping the complications involved with the condition at bay. The administration of oxygen helps relieve difficulty in breathing in some cases. Furthermore, this relaxes the muscles in the arteries of the lungs. This lowers the pressures built up in the pulmonary arteries. The use of diuretics helps get rid of excess fluid accumulated. Lasix is an example. However, it must be remembered that these drugs must be used with caution, so that the patient does not get too dehydrated. If the patient gets too dehydrated then the poorly functioning right ventricle will be unable to pump even a little blood to the lungs, leading to the patient having serious problems with oxygenation. The use of calcium channel blockers like nifedipine may relax the muscles in the blood vessel walls. This can prove helpful in the functioning of the right side of the heart. However, they may decrease the blood pressure induced in the entire cardiovascular system, which is not quite easily tolerated. Other treatments include: Using prostacycline, an investigational drug, is effective in dilating blood vessels of the lungs and decreasing resistance to blood flow. Inhaling nitric oxide, which relaxes blood vessels in the lungs but has no effect on the blood vessels of the rest of the body. Sildrafil is another investigational drug used alongside nitric oxide inhalation treatment. Usage of Bosentan, a new investigational drug, especially in cases related to congenital heart disease. Alongside treatments there must be regular checkups by a doctor, with careful attention towards monitoring changes in overall health and scrutinizing and monitoring reports thereof. The patient ought to refrain from sports and heavy work and activity, and should get adequate rest. It must be ensured that the therapy undergone by the patient is on a regular, routine basis. |
