Showing posts with label Medical Treatment. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Medical Treatment. Show all posts

Monday, March 30, 2015

Excessive Burping

Excessive Burping Belching is the process of expelling air through the mouth. It occurs normally for all people irrespective of their age and health condition. But for some people it occurs repeatedly in the same day causing embarrassment. When a person swallows too much of air unintentionally the stomach expands for accumulating the air. Eventually excess of air is sent out from the stomach through the mouth causing belching or burping.


Causes :


Number of factors can cause excessive belching. Some people may swallow more air particles while eating quickly or drinking fast. Taking too much of carbonated drinks can also cause belching. Sometimes anxiety can trigger belching when too much of gas is released from the stomach. Newborns and infants are allowed to burp shortly after they finished with feeding since they always drink quickly taking in large amounts of air. They feel comfortable only after expelling excess of air from the stomach.


Some people belch frequently as a habit. For some people it can be due to medical issues like inflammation of the stomach or due to Gastro Esophageal Reflux Disorder (GERD). There are various factors and medical conditions that cause excessive belching. Aerophagia is the process of taking in lots of air involuntarily. Without their knowledge some people swallow excess of air while eating or drinking.


People who talk frequently while eating are prone to more belching than others. People who use chewing gum or candy regularly are likely to swallow excess of air. Drinking beverages that contain carbon, smoking, ill fit dentures and anxiety attack can trigger excessive belching. Having too much of alcohol, carbonated drinks, sugary foods, items rich in starch or fiber can also produce excess of gas causing belching.


Certain foods like cabbage, bananas, broccoli, peas, beans, onions, garlic and cauliflower can cause more gas. Certain drugs given for Type 2 diabetes like acarbose, pain killers like Ibuprofen or naproxen or aspirin and laxatives like sorbitol can cause more gas leading to belching. Certain medical conditions like gastroparesis, gastritis, peptic ulcer, malabsorption, lactose intolerance and certain stomach infections can cause gas and belching. Helicobacter pylori are the bacterium causing inflammation of the soft lining of the stomach which can irritate the cells causing more gas formation. Any ulcers or sores on the stomach or intestine, or on the throat can cause gas.


When to see a doctor? :


Belching is a normal process if it happens occasionally. But people who belch or burp frequently due to heartburn accompanied with abdominal pain should seek medical guidance.


Diagnosis :


Your doctor would order some testing procedures based on your symptoms. If there is abdominal pain while belching he may ask you to undergo ultrasound scan of the stomach and intestine. He would analyze the cause for excessive belching and accordingly proceed with testing process. He may request for abdominal scan, X-ray and CT/MRI scan if necessary to rule out any anomalies.


Treatment :


Your doctor will consider factors like your age, health and list of medications you are currently taking before treating excessive belching. The method of treatment depends on the underlying medical cause or other factors.


Home Remedies :



  • You should start eating and drinking slowly. Don’t talk while eating.

  • A small walk after eating can help you to expel air easily.

  • Lying on your side can help to relieve the excess of gas from the stomach.

  • Sit down by bending your knees together and keeping it close to your chest. This position will help you to expel the gas with ease.

  • Avoid using chewing gum or candies frequently.


Medical Treatment :


Your doctor will ask you series of questions about your symptoms, eating habits and drinking. He would ask you to maintain a food chart for few days to know the exact reason. If certain foods are causing excessive belching you will have to avoid it in future. If drinking alcohol is the major cause for belching try to reduce your intake. In case if there is inflammation of the stomach he would prescribe suitable medications to treat swelling.


For occasional belching and acidity over the counter antacids can give relief. But for repeated belching you can consult your doctor. If the cause is due to GERD suitable drugs are to be taken regularly and you will be instructed to avoid certain foods that are more acidic. Prolonged belching can affect the normal functions of your digestive system and intestine. Hence you need to know the reason and triggering factors for belching.


Sunday, October 13, 2013

Ankle Injuries – Diagnosis, Symptoms, Treatment

Ankle Injuries – Diagnosis, Symptoms, Treatment

Ankle Injuries – Symptoms


Tissue inflammation and injury happen when the ankle is sprained. The blood vessels start being “leaky” and this allows fluid to ooze into the tissues which are soft surrounding the joint. White blood cells migrate to the area in responses to the inflammation and the blood flow increases. The following are inflammation signs:



  • Swelling, because of increased fluid in the tissue, is often severe

  • Pain, the nerves are very sensitive. The joint hurts and could throb. The pain can worsen when the area is sore and is pressed or the foot moves in certain directions – depending upon which ligament is involved – and during standing and walking.

  • Warmth and redness: Caused by the increased blood flow to the area


Generally, an ankle injury does not necessitate an outing to your primary care physician. The difficulty is telling a minor injury from something more severe for instance a break. If one of the following occurs, contact your family physician:



  • Pain is not controllable with the usage of over the counter drugs, ice or elevation

  • The individual is not able to walk or can’t walk other than a couple of steps devoid of pain that is severe

  • The ankle doesn’t recover within 5 days to a week. The pain may not be totally gone but it needs to have gotten better.


The symptoms which are an indication to go to the emergency room include the following:



  • Severe or unrestrained pain

  • Unable to move the damaged ankle

  • The ankle or foot is distorted past what might happen with typical swelling

  • Cannot walk 4 steps, even by means of a limp

  • Experience pain which is severe when pressing over the lateral or medial malleolus which is the bony bumps on either sides of the ankle.

  • Experience loss of sensation in the toes or foot

  • Swelling and pain in the heel, over the Achilles tendon, or no ability to push the toes down –like pressing on the gas pedal of a car.

  • Swelling and pain in the upper area of the lower leg right below the knee or swelling of the muscle of the calf

  • Red streaks or redness spreading outwards from injury


Ankle Injuries – Diagnosis


The physician will do a physical exam to see if there is a fracture or other injury which is serious and needs immediate care. The exam should check that all the nerves or arteries to the foot have not been injured and that the knee as well as the rest of the leg is not involved. The doctor will also handle as well as move the ankle and foot to determine what bony areas are involved.


The Achilles tendon will need to also be checked for any signs of rupture.


X-rays are necessary in order to confirm or deny the presents of a fracture. In some cases of fracture, a CT scan might be needed.

Ankle Injuries – Treatment


Self-care at home
Any care at home will help to reduce the pain and aid healing. Since most of the pain is caused by inflammation, the goal is to prevent and reduce inflammation.



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Remember RICE: rest, ice, compression as well as elevation


Rest
Rest prevents any further injury and keeps stress away from tissue which is already inflamed



  • Put the ankle joint at rest by wearing a splint or brace

  • Sprains which are more severe can be treated by using crutches


Ice
Ice is still the best treatment



  • Applying ice to any ankle injury will do more than medications

  • Ice can counteract the increased blood flow to the area which is injuried

  • Ice reduces redness, swelling as well as warmth

  • Applied immediate after an injury, ice stops much of the inflammation from developing

  • Don’t apply ice directly to the skin. Use a towel between the injury and the ice, or use an ice bag. Apply ice for 20 minutes at a time, with at least 30 minutes between applications. This is in order to prevent frostbite which often occurs if you use ice too much or use it directly on the skin.


Compression
Compression or strapping, provides support and helps prevent inflammation



  • Use Ace bandages such as elastic wraps immobilize the ankle

  • Do not apply wraps too tightly


Elevation
Keep the injured area up as high as possible – this will help the body to absorb the fluid that has leaked into the tissue



  • Ideally, prop the ankle up so that it is above the level of the heart

  • Sit in a chair that reclines or prop the legs up with a pillow

  • Anti-inflammatory pain medications such as ibuprofen and naproxen will reduce the pain and will combat the swelling.


Medical Treatment


Treatment by a physician will be very similar to home care, especially using the ice to reduce inflammation. The physician may elect to apply a brace or a cast to reduce motion of the ankle. Crutches are usually provided so no weight is on the injured ankle.


Common medications used for ankle injuries are anti-inflammatory pain drugs that both help control the inflammation and reduce pain. If the individual cannot tolerate these drugs, Tylenol or narcotics are common alternatives.