Itchy Bottom Itchy bottom is called as Pruritus ani in medical terms. It causes persistent itchy feeling around the anus. You will feel like scratching the anus all the time and it is more after using toilet. The soft skin around the anus area will get damaged and subsequently you may develop skin infection. It can be treated by soothing ointment and topical corticosteroids.
Causes :
Itchy bottom is actually a symptom and not a disease. It can develop due to known causes and unknown causes as well. Skin disease like eczema, psoriasis, dermatitis can cause itchy bottom. You can develop this condition if you rub the anal area strongly or if there is excess of moisture in the anus or if you use strong perfumes or soaps on that area. Certain type of infections like thrush, scabies, herpes and sexually transmitted diseases can spread itchy bottom.
Certain diseases like anal fissure, piles and use of some medications for diarrhea can cause itchy bottom. In some cases the exact cause of itchy bottom is not known. In case you have itchy anus you may gently scrap it or use a scented soap for cleaning it. This may worsen the condition causing severe itching as the skin around the anus develops inflammation. This process is called vicious circle and pruritus ani.
Symptoms :
Some of the common symptoms of itchy bottom are persistent itching on the anus, inflammation of the skin around the anus and formation of red patches in that area.
Risk Factors :
Itchy bottom is common for both sexes and is more for those who are not practicing good hygiene. For no apparent reason it is more prevalent in men than women. An individual who rubs his anal area more frequently can develop itchy bottom.
Diagnoses :
Your doctor can detect the disease by listening to your symptoms. No specific test is needed.
Treatment :
Home Remedies :
You need to keep your private parts clean and dry to avoid itchy bottom. For that you need to bath daily, avoid wearing tight fitting underwear, avoid using perfumed soaps and avoid taking bubble baths. Trim your fingernails regularly so that it does not hurt your anus when you are washing it. Choose only cotton underwear so that it absorbs moisture. Change your panties if you feel it is not dry or clean. Keep a cotton tissue handy so that you can put it in your underwear to keep the anus dry.
Though it is difficult to control the urge of itching, still you need to avoid scratching the bottom often. Avoid taking spicy foods, nuts, chocolate, dairy products and excess of coffee/tea. Avoid taking sweets often. Include high quantity of fiber diet like grains, whole-wheat breads, oats and pulses. Drink plenty of liquids and add fresh fruits and vegetables in your daily diet.
Medications :
Antifungal cream is given for treating fungal infections or thrush. In case of bacterial infection your doctor may prescribe antibiotics. Separate treatment is given for anal fissure. For mild to moderate itchy feeling, your doctor may give antihistamines either orally or in the form of creams. For severe cases, ointments that contain corticosteroids are prescribed.
Prevention :
You should practice good hygiene while using toilet. Always use plain unscented toilet tissue. Avoid allergic foods. Keep your anus area dry and clean. Wear cotton underwear so that it can absorb moisture. Do not scratch the area since it can make things worse. Remember to trim your fingernails regularly.
Showing posts with label Diagnoses. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Diagnoses. Show all posts
Tuesday, June 10, 2014
Tuesday, April 1, 2014
Avoidant Personality Disorder
Avoidant Personality Disorder Some people are overly shy in nature and keep isolated. But avoidant personality is more than this shy nature. He is marked with high rate of social inhibition and he is highly sensitive to criticism. He cannot tolerate being criticized by others. He would have serious problem in maintaining relationships with loved ones and family. About 1-2% of the general population has avoidant personality disorder.
Symptoms :
These people avoid social gathering or any activity that involves group of people in the fear of being criticized. According to them they are unwanted elements in the society though in reality that is not so. They believe that they are far inferior to others and hence have low self esteem which prevents them from interaction with the society.
Some of the prominent signs of avoidant personality disorder are:-
Many types of personality disorder become significant only when the person attains adulthood. Few of the symptoms may appear during adolescence but the person is still under development which would shape his/her personality further. By the time the person reaches 45-50 years they would experience extreme range of symptoms leading to distressed relationships.
People with avoidant personality will have social phobia or anxiety. They have overwhelming feelings of shyness, inferiority feeling and hypersensitivity. They have in-built negative emotions like fear of being rejected, detachment (withdrawal) which would cause significant distress for him/her in the society affecting their job or family life. These people will lack self confidence and a sense of belonging. They are scared to maintain intimate relationship with others. A person can be categorized with avoidant personality nature only if he/she has at least 4 of the above symptoms, according to American Psychiatric Association.
Diagnoses :
People with avoidant personality will not seek any treatment though they are fully aware of their problem. If any of your loved ones or friends have some of the above signs you can take him to psychologist for further evaluation and testing. A trained psychologist will listen to the problems and ask few questions regarding your interpersonal relations with the society before concluding about your personality type.
Causes :
There are many theories and factors that are known to cause avoidant personality disorder. It can be due to genetic factors, psychological or social factors. The personality of a person is influenced by various factors like environment, the family in which he is brought up and the way in which he perceives the world. Personality is complex is nature and keeps changing until one reaches adulthood.
Treatment :
Firstly you have to get in touch with an expert therapist who deals with various types of personality disorder. Psychotherapy is given by the therapist for long term after establishing rapport with the client. In case of severe symptoms that disrupts having intimate relationship with others, medications are given by psychiatrist. The client should be made aware of his problem so that he would willingly cooperate with the therapist for attending future sessions. It would take long term for changing particular thought or perception of thinking of an individual and you cannot expect magic results in few sittings.
Individuals with avoidant personality will have poor self image and will have inordinate fear of being ridiculed. He would see only the negative aspects in life and would take the comments passed casually in serious way. The therapist would be smart enough to observe any cues given by the client when he/she is withholding any feelings.
Initially the psychologist would make complete evaluation of his personality by repeating the questionnaire or interview sessions to find out if there is any other personality disorder with him. There is every possibility for hidden social phobia or dependent/borderline personality disorder with the client since many symptoms are commonly shared with these disorders. Once the therapist overcomes the initial inhibitions is would be easy for her to establish rapport with the client to explore his hidden problems of self image and esteem. A good therapeutic relationship is one that can inculcate formation of new relationships with others.
Symptoms :
These people avoid social gathering or any activity that involves group of people in the fear of being criticized. According to them they are unwanted elements in the society though in reality that is not so. They believe that they are far inferior to others and hence have low self esteem which prevents them from interaction with the society.
Some of the prominent signs of avoidant personality disorder are:-
- Avoiding activities that involve interpersonal contacts in the fear of being rejected or criticized
- Generally they are unwilling to interact with strangers
- Even with intimate relations they maintain self control due to the fear of being ridiculed
- Most of the time they are preoccupied with thoughts of being rejected and criticized
- Perceive themselves to be far inferior to others
- Cannot tolerate any new relations or task involving new interpersonal action
- They hesitate to take personal risks in involving with new activities in the fear of getting embarrassed
Many types of personality disorder become significant only when the person attains adulthood. Few of the symptoms may appear during adolescence but the person is still under development which would shape his/her personality further. By the time the person reaches 45-50 years they would experience extreme range of symptoms leading to distressed relationships.
People with avoidant personality will have social phobia or anxiety. They have overwhelming feelings of shyness, inferiority feeling and hypersensitivity. They have in-built negative emotions like fear of being rejected, detachment (withdrawal) which would cause significant distress for him/her in the society affecting their job or family life. These people will lack self confidence and a sense of belonging. They are scared to maintain intimate relationship with others. A person can be categorized with avoidant personality nature only if he/she has at least 4 of the above symptoms, according to American Psychiatric Association.
Diagnoses :
People with avoidant personality will not seek any treatment though they are fully aware of their problem. If any of your loved ones or friends have some of the above signs you can take him to psychologist for further evaluation and testing. A trained psychologist will listen to the problems and ask few questions regarding your interpersonal relations with the society before concluding about your personality type.
Causes :
There are many theories and factors that are known to cause avoidant personality disorder. It can be due to genetic factors, psychological or social factors. The personality of a person is influenced by various factors like environment, the family in which he is brought up and the way in which he perceives the world. Personality is complex is nature and keeps changing until one reaches adulthood.
Treatment :
Firstly you have to get in touch with an expert therapist who deals with various types of personality disorder. Psychotherapy is given by the therapist for long term after establishing rapport with the client. In case of severe symptoms that disrupts having intimate relationship with others, medications are given by psychiatrist. The client should be made aware of his problem so that he would willingly cooperate with the therapist for attending future sessions. It would take long term for changing particular thought or perception of thinking of an individual and you cannot expect magic results in few sittings.
Individuals with avoidant personality will have poor self image and will have inordinate fear of being ridiculed. He would see only the negative aspects in life and would take the comments passed casually in serious way. The therapist would be smart enough to observe any cues given by the client when he/she is withholding any feelings.
Initially the psychologist would make complete evaluation of his personality by repeating the questionnaire or interview sessions to find out if there is any other personality disorder with him. There is every possibility for hidden social phobia or dependent/borderline personality disorder with the client since many symptoms are commonly shared with these disorders. Once the therapist overcomes the initial inhibitions is would be easy for her to establish rapport with the client to explore his hidden problems of self image and esteem. A good therapeutic relationship is one that can inculcate formation of new relationships with others.
Sleeping Sickness
Sleeping Sickness In medical terms, sleeping sickness is called as “African Trypanosomiasis” which is caused by parasites that is distributed by tsetse fly. This disease is currently restricted to rural African regions and some areas of Saharan Africa. Each year, more than 10,000 fresh cases are being reported by World Health Organization and it is considered that more numbers go unnoticed. Sleeping sickness can be treated by medications.
How it is contracted?
A person will get infected with African trypanosomiasis when he is bitten by tsetse fly that carries the parasite by name Trypanosoma brucei. In some cases, the infection received from the fly can be transmitted to the baby by pregnant mother and by way of blood transfusion. Two types of trypanosomiasis are being recognized namely East African and West African trypanosomiasis.
Causes :
Sleeping sickness is caused by parasite Trypanosoma brucei rhodesiense or Trypanosoma brucei gambiense. Tsetse flies are considered to be the carriers of these parasites and the person gets infected by the parasite when being bitten by tsetse flies.
Who are at risk?
People living in the regions of Central Africa and those who are frequently traveling to affected countries are prone to get this infection. Tsetse fly lives in the restricted areas of Africa and infects only selected population. Tsetse fly is abundant in the woodland and savannah regions of Africa. Hence tourists and hunters who are visiting that area are prone to get infection when bitten by tsetse fly. It is advised that visitors should not spend more time in the thick bushes and river-side since they have chance of getting bitten many times.
Symptoms :
There is an incubation period for the parasite which is the interval between the bite of tsetse fly and the initial onset of symptoms. It can be anywhere from 1-4 weeks when the person is infected with East African trypanosomiasis and it can take months together for a person who is infected with West African trypanosomiasis. The symptoms of sleeping sickness include fever (mild to moderate), anxiety, dizziness, headache, loss of quality sleep, mood swings, feeling overly sleepy, excess of sweating, and fatigue. For many people the place (spot) where the fly bites will become red and swollen and may cause pain due to the formation of sores.
Once the disease progresses, it can cause serious symptoms like confusion of thoughts, changes in personality, slurred speech, epilepsy, and difficulty in walking. This occurs when the central nervous system gets affected. At this stage, the person should receive treatment immediately, failing which it can become fatal causing death.
When to see the doctor?
If you think you are infected with African trypanosomiasis or bitten by tsetse fly, having some of the symptoms above, you need to consult your doctor without any delay.
Diagnoses :
Your doctor will inspect the bitten area of the skin checking for painful sores or swollen lymph nodes. He would order for blood tests, skin biopsy and biopsy of the tissue from spinal cord. He will collect the fluid sample from the lymph nodes (known as lymph nodes aspiration) that become swollen due to infection. Once cerebrospinal fluid is collected, the lab technician would check for specific IgM level for confirming the presence of parasite.
Treatment :
The method of treatment varies with individuals depending on the intensity of the symptoms. Treatment should begin immediately if the symptoms are severe and medical reports confirm the diagnoses. Medications like Eflornithine, Pentamidine, Melarsoprol and Suramin are prescribed for treating sleeping sickness. Many patients will be hospitalized and put on IV fluids for arresting the growth of parasite inside the body. Follow up care and testing of spinal tap is necessary for at least 2 years if the diagnosis is confirmed. The infected person will not become immune to the parasite and hence he/she has every chance of getting infected again.
Prevention :
At present, no vaccination is available to prevent sleeping sickness. You can follow some of the preventive tips to avoid getting bitten by tsetse flies. You can avoid traveling to areas which are abundant with these insects. Use insect repellant creams liberally, wear long sleeved clothing that is thick. Do not use bright colored clothing since flies are attracted with dark/bright colors. In case you are sleeping in that area, use fool-proof netting. Avoid visiting bushy areas.
What happens when you are not treated?
Sleeping sickness can cause death due to cardiac arrest within 6 months, if the person is not taking treatment. The parasite will spread throughout the body releasing more of toxins causing heavy sleep and damage to the nervous system. The infected person may go into coma and eventually die.
How it is contracted?
A person will get infected with African trypanosomiasis when he is bitten by tsetse fly that carries the parasite by name Trypanosoma brucei. In some cases, the infection received from the fly can be transmitted to the baby by pregnant mother and by way of blood transfusion. Two types of trypanosomiasis are being recognized namely East African and West African trypanosomiasis.
Causes :
Sleeping sickness is caused by parasite Trypanosoma brucei rhodesiense or Trypanosoma brucei gambiense. Tsetse flies are considered to be the carriers of these parasites and the person gets infected by the parasite when being bitten by tsetse flies.
Who are at risk?
People living in the regions of Central Africa and those who are frequently traveling to affected countries are prone to get this infection. Tsetse fly lives in the restricted areas of Africa and infects only selected population. Tsetse fly is abundant in the woodland and savannah regions of Africa. Hence tourists and hunters who are visiting that area are prone to get infection when bitten by tsetse fly. It is advised that visitors should not spend more time in the thick bushes and river-side since they have chance of getting bitten many times.
Symptoms :
There is an incubation period for the parasite which is the interval between the bite of tsetse fly and the initial onset of symptoms. It can be anywhere from 1-4 weeks when the person is infected with East African trypanosomiasis and it can take months together for a person who is infected with West African trypanosomiasis. The symptoms of sleeping sickness include fever (mild to moderate), anxiety, dizziness, headache, loss of quality sleep, mood swings, feeling overly sleepy, excess of sweating, and fatigue. For many people the place (spot) where the fly bites will become red and swollen and may cause pain due to the formation of sores.
Once the disease progresses, it can cause serious symptoms like confusion of thoughts, changes in personality, slurred speech, epilepsy, and difficulty in walking. This occurs when the central nervous system gets affected. At this stage, the person should receive treatment immediately, failing which it can become fatal causing death.
When to see the doctor?
If you think you are infected with African trypanosomiasis or bitten by tsetse fly, having some of the symptoms above, you need to consult your doctor without any delay.
Diagnoses :
Your doctor will inspect the bitten area of the skin checking for painful sores or swollen lymph nodes. He would order for blood tests, skin biopsy and biopsy of the tissue from spinal cord. He will collect the fluid sample from the lymph nodes (known as lymph nodes aspiration) that become swollen due to infection. Once cerebrospinal fluid is collected, the lab technician would check for specific IgM level for confirming the presence of parasite.
Treatment :
The method of treatment varies with individuals depending on the intensity of the symptoms. Treatment should begin immediately if the symptoms are severe and medical reports confirm the diagnoses. Medications like Eflornithine, Pentamidine, Melarsoprol and Suramin are prescribed for treating sleeping sickness. Many patients will be hospitalized and put on IV fluids for arresting the growth of parasite inside the body. Follow up care and testing of spinal tap is necessary for at least 2 years if the diagnosis is confirmed. The infected person will not become immune to the parasite and hence he/she has every chance of getting infected again.
Prevention :
At present, no vaccination is available to prevent sleeping sickness. You can follow some of the preventive tips to avoid getting bitten by tsetse flies. You can avoid traveling to areas which are abundant with these insects. Use insect repellant creams liberally, wear long sleeved clothing that is thick. Do not use bright colored clothing since flies are attracted with dark/bright colors. In case you are sleeping in that area, use fool-proof netting. Avoid visiting bushy areas.
What happens when you are not treated?
Sleeping sickness can cause death due to cardiac arrest within 6 months, if the person is not taking treatment. The parasite will spread throughout the body releasing more of toxins causing heavy sleep and damage to the nervous system. The infected person may go into coma and eventually die.
Paranoid Personality Disorder
Paranoid Personality Disorder Paranoid personality disorder is characterized by odd/eccentric thinking. The affected people have paranoia with insistent mistrust on others. They would always doubt on others even though there is no reason for it. This disorder manifests in early adulthood and is found more in men than women. The personality of any person is shaped according to the way in which he/she perceives and relates the world. Some types of personality disorders show peculiar behavior that deviates clearly from the social norms. Any person is said to have personality disorder only if his behavior or thinking is different, rigid and inflexible and causes significant impairment in relationships with others.
People with paranoid personality disorder have a tendency to interpret other people action as deliberately threatening. They will always have feelings of distrust, unknown fear and unjustified suspicion on others. These people are seen often misinterpreting other’s comments/behavior that induces them to develop baseless resentment for them for long time.
Symptoms :
The intense doubts of these people would interfere with the ability to make close relationships. Some of the signs of paranoid personality disorder are:-
Causes :
Like many other personality disorders the exact cause for PPD is not known. It can be due to multiple factors including hereditary, biological as well as environmental factors. Individuals with close relative having schizophrenia or other mental illness are prone to develop PPD and other types of personality problems. Negative childhood experiences and neglect or baseless parental rage can cause this problem.
Diagnoses :
The doctor will collect complete history of the affected child/person from parents and close relatives. He would also gather information about the mental health of his relatives. He would then refer the case to any psychologist or psychiatrist who will use the tools like questionnaire or other assessment methods for studying the nature of personality.
Treatment :
Individuals with paranoid personality will not accept that they have a problem. It is the duty of loved ones or close relatives to encourage them to take treatment with psychologist. Psychotherapy is often used for improving coping skills of the concerned person which in turn would increase his self esteem and communication skills. Since these people will not trust others, they will find some reason to skip the therapy sessions. It can be challenging for the therapist to convince them initially. It is really difficult to make them to stick on the treatment plan. But without treatment this disorder can become worse spoiling their relationships at office. It can lead to loss of employment or disruption of relationship with spouses.
The therapist will devise comprehensive plan for includes family support for reducing the symptoms. They would also require consistent therapy depending on the intensity of their symptoms and poor adjustments. Many times these people will terminate the therapy sessions finding some faults or excuses. Building client-therapist rapport is difficult with paranoid people. Medications are rarely given to these people only if they have depression/anxiety disorder. If the symptoms are severe anti-psychotic drugs are prescribed for relaxation.
Prognosis :
In case the disorder is chronic the person will need lifetime treatment. There are people who are able to manage relationships and jobs with paranoid personality. But many others will have tough time to maintain their relations/jobs making life complicated. The outcome may be poor if there is no continuity in the treatment plan.
People with paranoid personality disorder have a tendency to interpret other people action as deliberately threatening. They will always have feelings of distrust, unknown fear and unjustified suspicion on others. These people are seen often misinterpreting other’s comments/behavior that induces them to develop baseless resentment for them for long time.
Symptoms :
The intense doubts of these people would interfere with the ability to make close relationships. Some of the signs of paranoid personality disorder are:-
- Doubt the loyalty of others all the time. Having intense suspicion that each person around them are deceiving them
- Will not reveal any personal information to others due to fear that others will misuse against them
- Hold grudges on others and will not accept criticism
- Perceive casual looks as purposeful and will identify some hidden meanings in any remarks
- Have suspicion on others without any reason and will react violently and fast in responding
- Cannot maintain good relationships even with spouse or lovers
- Cannot accept their role in any problem since according to them they are always right
- Very stubborn, argumentative and socially isolate
Causes :
Like many other personality disorders the exact cause for PPD is not known. It can be due to multiple factors including hereditary, biological as well as environmental factors. Individuals with close relative having schizophrenia or other mental illness are prone to develop PPD and other types of personality problems. Negative childhood experiences and neglect or baseless parental rage can cause this problem.
Diagnoses :
The doctor will collect complete history of the affected child/person from parents and close relatives. He would also gather information about the mental health of his relatives. He would then refer the case to any psychologist or psychiatrist who will use the tools like questionnaire or other assessment methods for studying the nature of personality.
Treatment :
Individuals with paranoid personality will not accept that they have a problem. It is the duty of loved ones or close relatives to encourage them to take treatment with psychologist. Psychotherapy is often used for improving coping skills of the concerned person which in turn would increase his self esteem and communication skills. Since these people will not trust others, they will find some reason to skip the therapy sessions. It can be challenging for the therapist to convince them initially. It is really difficult to make them to stick on the treatment plan. But without treatment this disorder can become worse spoiling their relationships at office. It can lead to loss of employment or disruption of relationship with spouses.
The therapist will devise comprehensive plan for includes family support for reducing the symptoms. They would also require consistent therapy depending on the intensity of their symptoms and poor adjustments. Many times these people will terminate the therapy sessions finding some faults or excuses. Building client-therapist rapport is difficult with paranoid people. Medications are rarely given to these people only if they have depression/anxiety disorder. If the symptoms are severe anti-psychotic drugs are prescribed for relaxation.
Prognosis :
In case the disorder is chronic the person will need lifetime treatment. There are people who are able to manage relationships and jobs with paranoid personality. But many others will have tough time to maintain their relations/jobs making life complicated. The outcome may be poor if there is no continuity in the treatment plan.
Histrionic Personality Disorder
Histrionic Personality Disorder Individuals with histrionic personality will be craving for attention and emotionally unstable. They cannot be comfortable when they are not the center of attention in a gathering. They exhibit inappropriate behavior to draw the attention of opposite sex. In their view physical appearances counts a lot for drawing attention and hence they spend more time on showing themselves as attractive.
The other name for histrionic personality disorder is “dramatic” personality disorder since people with this problem will be highly emotional and do anything for the approval of others. They often behave inappropriate or dramatic manner for getting noticed. Their expressions are highly dramatic and theoretical. They can be easily influenced by situations and circumstances. They give more attention for relationship than for their self-worthiness.
Salient Features :
Important traits of histrionic personality are :
Their emotional instability and antagonistic behavior will put them in trouble in school or workplace, but they don’t care for the consequences. Very often histrionic type of behavior begins in childhood or early teens. These people are highly dependent on their partners and seek to control them through emotional blackmailing and seductive acts.
These people don’t give importance for old relationships since they are excited to make new relations. Their emotional instability will induce them to change their emotions rapidly. It is difficult to predict about their emotions since they are highly unstable in controlling their emotions. The symptoms are visible during adolescence and histrionic personality disorder is more prevalent in women than men.
Symptoms :
The individual with histrionic disorder will remain uncomfortable and restless if he/she is not the center of attraction. Some experts are of view that attention craving behavior will start as early as childhood in these people. Their dressing manner is provocative and often they exhibit seductive behavior. Their emotions will change rapidly and they act dramatically with heightened emotions. There will not be any sincerity or genuineness in their expressions.
These people give utmost preference for their appearance. They can be easily cheated by others since they never think before acting. They are extremely sensitive to criticism. For getting noticed they will go to any extent even making suicide attempts. They seldom maintain relationships since they keep on changing relationships.
Causes :
Exact cause of histrionic personality disorder is unknown, but experts believe that it can be inherited. The same personality disorder may run in families suggesting that genes play a vital role in shaping the personality.
Neuro-Chemical Approach :
It has been proved that people with histrionic personality have malfunction of neurotransmitters. Signals are received and transmitted by nerve cells through nor-epinephrine. Only these signals determine the way in which a person behaves. For people with HPD these impulses will not function at normal rate. This can be the reason for such behavior.
Developmental Factor :
Traumatic experience in childhood can influence his behavior and change his personality. Severe forms of histrionic personality disorder can occur if the child suffers disapproval from his parents during early childhood. Environmental factors can also influence one’s personality.
Diagnoses :
The doctor will look for the above signs and symptoms and gather information about the character of the affected person. He may order for blood tests and imaging tests to rule out any possibilities of physical illness. A psychiatrist will be assigned to diagnose the nature of mental illness. She will use different set of tools for assessing the type of personality.
Treatment :
Following any treatment plan is really a difficult task for the concerned person, because they might not like routine tasks. Also they often give excuses of various reasons for their behavior and exaggerated feelings. Psychotherapy is the effective approach for treating a person with histrionic type personality. Through repeated cognitive therapy the person will become aware of his problem which may be helpful in changing his feelings and behavior. Psychologists will motivate them and help them to learn about the ways in which one is expected to behave in a society.
Cognitive behavior therapy uses more systematic approach for focusing on the problems faced by people with histrionic type personality. This therapy is aimed in reducing the irrelevant thoughts of those affected with HPD and stresses on the importance of taking care of “self”. It would also focus on identifying the automatic thoughts to reduce their impulsive behavior. Therapists would use many novel methods for decreasing their dramatic behavior. They would also adopt modeling techniques to teach them about the ill effects of theatrical behavior on others.
Group therapy and family therapy are also effective in overcoming the dramatic behavior of these people. In case of severe depression medications are prescribed to overcome the symptoms. Except for few severe cases, others who have histrionic personality disorder can manage their lives with the help of psychologist and family support. Meditation techniques have been widely used to help the HPD patients to improve their concentration on their inner feelings. Hypnosis method is administered by psychologists to relax their inner mind to overcome their dramatic behavior.
The other name for histrionic personality disorder is “dramatic” personality disorder since people with this problem will be highly emotional and do anything for the approval of others. They often behave inappropriate or dramatic manner for getting noticed. Their expressions are highly dramatic and theoretical. They can be easily influenced by situations and circumstances. They give more attention for relationship than for their self-worthiness.
Salient Features :
Important traits of histrionic personality are :
- Emotionally unstable and unrealistic
- Exhibit more of dramatic expression
- Attention seeking behavior all the time
- Lack of genuineness and chastity
- Not bothered about the consequences of their behavior
Their emotional instability and antagonistic behavior will put them in trouble in school or workplace, but they don’t care for the consequences. Very often histrionic type of behavior begins in childhood or early teens. These people are highly dependent on their partners and seek to control them through emotional blackmailing and seductive acts.
These people don’t give importance for old relationships since they are excited to make new relations. Their emotional instability will induce them to change their emotions rapidly. It is difficult to predict about their emotions since they are highly unstable in controlling their emotions. The symptoms are visible during adolescence and histrionic personality disorder is more prevalent in women than men.
Symptoms :
The individual with histrionic disorder will remain uncomfortable and restless if he/she is not the center of attraction. Some experts are of view that attention craving behavior will start as early as childhood in these people. Their dressing manner is provocative and often they exhibit seductive behavior. Their emotions will change rapidly and they act dramatically with heightened emotions. There will not be any sincerity or genuineness in their expressions.
These people give utmost preference for their appearance. They can be easily cheated by others since they never think before acting. They are extremely sensitive to criticism. For getting noticed they will go to any extent even making suicide attempts. They seldom maintain relationships since they keep on changing relationships.
Causes :
Exact cause of histrionic personality disorder is unknown, but experts believe that it can be inherited. The same personality disorder may run in families suggesting that genes play a vital role in shaping the personality.
Neuro-Chemical Approach :
It has been proved that people with histrionic personality have malfunction of neurotransmitters. Signals are received and transmitted by nerve cells through nor-epinephrine. Only these signals determine the way in which a person behaves. For people with HPD these impulses will not function at normal rate. This can be the reason for such behavior.
Developmental Factor :
Traumatic experience in childhood can influence his behavior and change his personality. Severe forms of histrionic personality disorder can occur if the child suffers disapproval from his parents during early childhood. Environmental factors can also influence one’s personality.
Diagnoses :
The doctor will look for the above signs and symptoms and gather information about the character of the affected person. He may order for blood tests and imaging tests to rule out any possibilities of physical illness. A psychiatrist will be assigned to diagnose the nature of mental illness. She will use different set of tools for assessing the type of personality.
Treatment :
Following any treatment plan is really a difficult task for the concerned person, because they might not like routine tasks. Also they often give excuses of various reasons for their behavior and exaggerated feelings. Psychotherapy is the effective approach for treating a person with histrionic type personality. Through repeated cognitive therapy the person will become aware of his problem which may be helpful in changing his feelings and behavior. Psychologists will motivate them and help them to learn about the ways in which one is expected to behave in a society.
Cognitive behavior therapy uses more systematic approach for focusing on the problems faced by people with histrionic type personality. This therapy is aimed in reducing the irrelevant thoughts of those affected with HPD and stresses on the importance of taking care of “self”. It would also focus on identifying the automatic thoughts to reduce their impulsive behavior. Therapists would use many novel methods for decreasing their dramatic behavior. They would also adopt modeling techniques to teach them about the ill effects of theatrical behavior on others.
Group therapy and family therapy are also effective in overcoming the dramatic behavior of these people. In case of severe depression medications are prescribed to overcome the symptoms. Except for few severe cases, others who have histrionic personality disorder can manage their lives with the help of psychologist and family support. Meditation techniques have been widely used to help the HPD patients to improve their concentration on their inner feelings. Hypnosis method is administered by psychologists to relax their inner mind to overcome their dramatic behavior.
Monday, March 17, 2014
What is Multiple Sclerosis
What is Multiple Sclerosis Myelin is the outer protective sheath covering the nerves in your body. When the body’s immune system gets affected it destroys this outer layer of the nervous system thereby disturbing the communication signals between the brain and other parts of the body. This condition is called as multiple sclerosis. It is a potentially serious disorder and the effect of this disease can cause irreversible damage to the nerves. People affected with multiple sclerosis may have difficulty in speaking and walking. In some cases, the disorder would affect the normal thinking ability of the person concerned. This disorder cannot be cured but the symptoms can be managed with medications and therapy.
Once the outer protective sheath covering the nerves is destroyed it exposes the underlying nerves. The body’s immune system destroys the nerves forming plaque like tissues on the brain which is known as sclerosis. Hence this disorder is called multiple sclerosis. The process of destroying the myelin sheath is known as demyelination. Once the myelin sheath is destroyed the brain cannot transmit the signals as before causing various problems.
Symptoms :
Some of the common symptoms of multiple sclerosis include tingling sensation or numbness in the limbs, partial loss of vision/pain while moving the eyes, blurred vision or double vision, intense shock like sensation while making head movements, slurred speech, and difficulty in walking, fatigue, and lack of coordinated thinking, loss of balance, dizziness and extreme heat sensitivity.
The symptoms of multiple sclerosis may vary depending on the extent of damage caused to the nerves. Some people may have benign type of multiple sclerosis wherein the symptoms are mild and will not progress. For some others, the symptoms get worse within few months or even weeks. Very often, the initial symptoms of multiple sclerosis begin as tingling sensation in limbs or a burning pain in some part of the body. Most of them will have bladder problems compelling one to visit the restroom often.
Causes :
Multiple sclerosis occurs due to the damage caused to the myelin sheath (outer protective layer of the nerves). When the myelin sheath gets affected it leads to the formation of plaque like tissue on the nerves making it difficult to transmit signals from the brain. This causes unusual delay in communicating signals from the brain leading to abnormal symptoms.
Genetics play a role in causing multiple sclerosis since it can be inherited by birth. Research indicates that certain viruses like Epstein Barr and Varicella Zoster is likely to cause MS but this theory is not proved. What exactly triggers auto-destruction of myelin sheath is not known clearly.
Risk Factors :
People of age group 20-40 are more prone to develop multiple sclerosis than elderly adults. The number of women affected with multiple sclerosis is double when compared with men. This disorder tends to run in families and the person has more chance for developing multiple sclerosis if one of the parents has this problem.
A person affected with infectious diseases like Epstein Barr virus is likely to get multiple sclerosis. This disorder is common in certain geographical regions like Canada, Europe and northern United States. Similarly an individual with autoimmune disorder like diabetes or thyroid problem is more prone to get this disorder. In severe cases, the affected person may develop spasms, paralysis, and serious problems in bladder. Some people may develop forgetfulness and can develop depression or other mental health problems.
Diagnoses :
The doctor will conduct physical exam of the affected person and collect complete medical history from him/her. He may request for diagnostic procedures like blood test, lumbar puncture and imaging tests like CT/MRI scan for detecting any abnormal changes in brain caused by destruction of myelin sheath. Electrical signals transmitted by the brain is measured using evoked potential test to study and diagnose lesions or nerve damage in the spinal cord or optical nerves.
Treatment :
Multiple sclerosis has no cure, but the symptoms of the disorder can be reduced by medications. Drugs like Aubagio, Betaseron, Gilenya, Copaxone and Novantrone can slow down the progression of the disease. These drugs act by suppressing the body’s immune system thereby decreasing the attack on myelin sheath. Many people use these drugs to improve the quality of life and doctors would start with one of the above medications once the patient is diagnosed with multiple sclerosis.
You may not require any treatment if the symptoms are mild. Corticosteroids are commonly prescribed for decreasing the swelling that occurs during a relapse. Prednisone or methylpredinisolone are given depending on the intensity of symptoms. Plasmapheresis is a method by which certain volume of blood is removed from the affected person’s body. The removed blood cells are mixed with replacement solution for plasma exchange and the person is injected to the person again.
This method is highly useful for controlling the relapse in affected people. Beta interferons like Avonex or Betaseron are given to slow down the progress of symptoms thereby reducing the number of attacks. Some doctors use Copaxone in the place of interferons for blocking the immune system that attacks the myelin sheath. There are some side effects of these drugs and hence the health of the patient is to be monitored continuously after this drug therapy is started. Similarly Tysabril is also used for reducing the attacks and is recommended for people who cannot tolerate other drugs.
Immunosuppressant like Mitoxantrone is given to reduce the intensity of symptoms and attacks but this drug can be given only for severe patients since it can produce adverse effect to your heart. Physiotherapy is given for people for improve their walking style. It gives lot of benefit by doing stretching exercises daily for affected people. Ampyra is another drug given for improving the speed of walking but it can cause seizures.
Baclofen or Zanaflex is given for reducing muscle stiffness on your legs. Fatigue can be managed by amantadine. The person affected with severe multiple sclerosis should be under the care of doctor continuously for monitoring any changes in bladder or stomach. Stem cell transplantation is done for many patients for injecting healthy stem cells into their blood.
Alternative Therapies :
Deep brain stimulation is a procedure used for treating people with tremors related with multiple sclerosis. In this method electrodes are placed inside the thalamus region of the brain for stimulating the affected part and destroying the inactivate parts of the brain. This method is advantageous when compared with surgery and the position of stimulation can be adjusted easily without conducting another surgery. The stimulator electrode can be switched off if the patient starts responding to other therapies. The tremor caused by this disorder can be managed by deep brain stimulation.
Acupuncture is effective in treating the symptoms of muscle spasms and bladder related problems. Some remedy can be obtained by taking linoleic acid found in sunflower seeds. The patient affected with MS should maintain healthy balanced diet to prevent bladder control problems.
Lifestyle Changes :
The affected person should get plenty of rest avoiding stressful activities. Doing regular exercises can be beneficial for controlling weight and improving muscle strength. Keep your body cool by running plain water on the wrists or (if possible) stay inside the air-conditioned room since the symptoms of multiple sclerosis may worsen when the body temperature rises. Practice yoga and meditation techniques and listen to music so that it gives you great relief from stress.
Once the outer protective sheath covering the nerves is destroyed it exposes the underlying nerves. The body’s immune system destroys the nerves forming plaque like tissues on the brain which is known as sclerosis. Hence this disorder is called multiple sclerosis. The process of destroying the myelin sheath is known as demyelination. Once the myelin sheath is destroyed the brain cannot transmit the signals as before causing various problems.
Symptoms :
Some of the common symptoms of multiple sclerosis include tingling sensation or numbness in the limbs, partial loss of vision/pain while moving the eyes, blurred vision or double vision, intense shock like sensation while making head movements, slurred speech, and difficulty in walking, fatigue, and lack of coordinated thinking, loss of balance, dizziness and extreme heat sensitivity.
The symptoms of multiple sclerosis may vary depending on the extent of damage caused to the nerves. Some people may have benign type of multiple sclerosis wherein the symptoms are mild and will not progress. For some others, the symptoms get worse within few months or even weeks. Very often, the initial symptoms of multiple sclerosis begin as tingling sensation in limbs or a burning pain in some part of the body. Most of them will have bladder problems compelling one to visit the restroom often.
Causes :
Multiple sclerosis occurs due to the damage caused to the myelin sheath (outer protective layer of the nerves). When the myelin sheath gets affected it leads to the formation of plaque like tissue on the nerves making it difficult to transmit signals from the brain. This causes unusual delay in communicating signals from the brain leading to abnormal symptoms.
Genetics play a role in causing multiple sclerosis since it can be inherited by birth. Research indicates that certain viruses like Epstein Barr and Varicella Zoster is likely to cause MS but this theory is not proved. What exactly triggers auto-destruction of myelin sheath is not known clearly.
Risk Factors :
People of age group 20-40 are more prone to develop multiple sclerosis than elderly adults. The number of women affected with multiple sclerosis is double when compared with men. This disorder tends to run in families and the person has more chance for developing multiple sclerosis if one of the parents has this problem.
A person affected with infectious diseases like Epstein Barr virus is likely to get multiple sclerosis. This disorder is common in certain geographical regions like Canada, Europe and northern United States. Similarly an individual with autoimmune disorder like diabetes or thyroid problem is more prone to get this disorder. In severe cases, the affected person may develop spasms, paralysis, and serious problems in bladder. Some people may develop forgetfulness and can develop depression or other mental health problems.
Diagnoses :
The doctor will conduct physical exam of the affected person and collect complete medical history from him/her. He may request for diagnostic procedures like blood test, lumbar puncture and imaging tests like CT/MRI scan for detecting any abnormal changes in brain caused by destruction of myelin sheath. Electrical signals transmitted by the brain is measured using evoked potential test to study and diagnose lesions or nerve damage in the spinal cord or optical nerves.
Treatment :
Multiple sclerosis has no cure, but the symptoms of the disorder can be reduced by medications. Drugs like Aubagio, Betaseron, Gilenya, Copaxone and Novantrone can slow down the progression of the disease. These drugs act by suppressing the body’s immune system thereby decreasing the attack on myelin sheath. Many people use these drugs to improve the quality of life and doctors would start with one of the above medications once the patient is diagnosed with multiple sclerosis.
You may not require any treatment if the symptoms are mild. Corticosteroids are commonly prescribed for decreasing the swelling that occurs during a relapse. Prednisone or methylpredinisolone are given depending on the intensity of symptoms. Plasmapheresis is a method by which certain volume of blood is removed from the affected person’s body. The removed blood cells are mixed with replacement solution for plasma exchange and the person is injected to the person again.
This method is highly useful for controlling the relapse in affected people. Beta interferons like Avonex or Betaseron are given to slow down the progress of symptoms thereby reducing the number of attacks. Some doctors use Copaxone in the place of interferons for blocking the immune system that attacks the myelin sheath. There are some side effects of these drugs and hence the health of the patient is to be monitored continuously after this drug therapy is started. Similarly Tysabril is also used for reducing the attacks and is recommended for people who cannot tolerate other drugs.
Immunosuppressant like Mitoxantrone is given to reduce the intensity of symptoms and attacks but this drug can be given only for severe patients since it can produce adverse effect to your heart. Physiotherapy is given for people for improve their walking style. It gives lot of benefit by doing stretching exercises daily for affected people. Ampyra is another drug given for improving the speed of walking but it can cause seizures.
Baclofen or Zanaflex is given for reducing muscle stiffness on your legs. Fatigue can be managed by amantadine. The person affected with severe multiple sclerosis should be under the care of doctor continuously for monitoring any changes in bladder or stomach. Stem cell transplantation is done for many patients for injecting healthy stem cells into their blood.
Alternative Therapies :
Deep brain stimulation is a procedure used for treating people with tremors related with multiple sclerosis. In this method electrodes are placed inside the thalamus region of the brain for stimulating the affected part and destroying the inactivate parts of the brain. This method is advantageous when compared with surgery and the position of stimulation can be adjusted easily without conducting another surgery. The stimulator electrode can be switched off if the patient starts responding to other therapies. The tremor caused by this disorder can be managed by deep brain stimulation.
Acupuncture is effective in treating the symptoms of muscle spasms and bladder related problems. Some remedy can be obtained by taking linoleic acid found in sunflower seeds. The patient affected with MS should maintain healthy balanced diet to prevent bladder control problems.
Lifestyle Changes :
The affected person should get plenty of rest avoiding stressful activities. Doing regular exercises can be beneficial for controlling weight and improving muscle strength. Keep your body cool by running plain water on the wrists or (if possible) stay inside the air-conditioned room since the symptoms of multiple sclerosis may worsen when the body temperature rises. Practice yoga and meditation techniques and listen to music so that it gives you great relief from stress.
Peripheral Vascular Disease
Peripheral Vascular Disease Peripheral Vascular Disease refers to the collection of diseases that develops on the arteries/veins found outside the heart. This is the common term referred by doctors to indicate peripheral artery disease. The major artery that supplies blood to vital organs like heart, brain, arms or legs can get either partially or completely blocked due to atherosclerosis. The blood vessel becomes narrow and constricted due to plaque like fatty deposits thereby blocking the oxygenated blood supply to vital organs. Peripheral vascular disease can be caused by diabetes, high cholesterol, high blood pressure and obesity. This disease poses potential risk for developing infections in the brain. In rare cases peripheral vascular disease can cause ulcers and gangrene and death of the cells on the arms and legs requiring amputation.
Causes :
Peripheral vascular disease is caused due to number of factors. Basically the artery of the major blood vessel gets blocked by plaque like deposits causing blockage in the normal blood flow. This occurs due to conditions like prolonged diabetes, high cholesterol, hypertension, infectious diseases like lupus and old age.
A person above 50 years has increased risk of developing PVD. Inflammation of blood vessels can occur due to connective tissue damage or injury due to accidents or blood clotting disorders. Surgery on the heart can affect the major artery causing damage. Smoking or prolonged use of tobacco or stressful lifestyle can cause damage to the blood vessels causing PVD. Reynaud’s disease can cause arthrosclerosis thus blocking the blood vessel.
Who are at risk?
Old age people, individuals with high cholesterol, with high blood pressure, with diabetes, with family history of arthrosclerosis, with smoking habit and obese people are prone to develop peripheral vascular disease. A person with one or more risk factors given above has increased chances of developing this disease.
Signs and Symptoms :
Most of the time peripheral vascular disease does not produce any symptoms. Some people may have rest pain when there is not enough blood supply to the extremities (arms and legs) even while they are resting. This condition is somewhat serious causing sharp pain on the feet and hands and often pain is felt during night when the person is at complete rest. Another sign of PVD is intermittent claudication. In other words the pain is felt in the form of severe cramps on the legs or arms and the pain becomes worse while doing exercises.
The extent of pain varies according to the extent of blockage inside the artery. Very often claudication pain is felt on the calf muscles of the leg while walking. The pain would subside abruptly once the person begins to rest. For some people the pain becomes intolerable that they have to stop walking or doing exercise. In addition to the above, weakness on the calf muscle, numbness on the legs/hands, changes in the color of the feet, feeling of coldness on the feet, loss of hair on the feet and formation of painful ulcers in the toes are some other symptoms.
Diagnoses :
The doctor would look for signs of peripheral vascular disease given above. He would look for change of skin color on the feet and hands and check the blood pressure on the limbs. He may order for ultrasound scan of legs or arms to check for the collection of plaque particles or fatty deposits on the artery. CT or MRI scanning is done for more severe cases.
Angiography is done for studying the blood vessels of hands and legs. In this procedure a thin long plastic tube is inserted into the groin and dye is injected into it. The surgeon would monitor the path of the dye which gives the right picture of problematic areas of artery.
Treatment :
The aim of the treatment is to give relief from the pain caused by claudication. The person should be at comfort even while walking or doing exercise. The methods of treatment include medications combined with exercises, angioplasty or surgery. Medications of anti-clotting drugs like statins are prescribed to prevent blood clotting on the extremities. For restoring the normal blood flow on the legs and arms drugs like cilostazol or Trental are given.
Aspirin is given to prevent further blood clots and to prevent heart attack. Usually the doctor starts with low dosage of aspirin and subsequently may increase the power according to the extent of peripheral vascular disease. Anti-platelet drugs are also given after bypass surgery or angioplasty. Warfarin or heparin is effective anti-coagulant drugs to prevent formation of blood clots. For individuals with high blood pressure and high cholesterol statin medications are prescribed. For boosting the physical activity of the person Pletal is given.
Angioplasty :
In this procedure, a long thin tube called catheter is inserted into the arm or groin. A balloon in deflated condition is sent through it and inflated inside the artery for widening the gap to facilitate normal blood flow. This procedure is effective for dilating the constricted arteries. Local anesthesia is given to the person with mild sedative so that he/she can stay comfort during the entire procedure. Angioplasty is highly recommended treatment for PVD since it does not require surgery. Further the person can get back to his work in a couple of days after angioplasty.
Surgery is done to the person if all methods of treatment are not useful. Bypass surgery is one in which the surgeon will bypass the route that supplies blood to the heart and create graft for facilitating good blood flow. People with lesions inside the artery or blood vessel with number of constrictions in the artery can be corrected by surgical procedure.
Pictures of Peripheral Vascular Disease :
Images, Pics, Pictures and Photos of Peripheral Vascular Disease
Healthy Lifestyle :
The person affected with PVD should make necessary changes in his lifestyle. He should not eat fat rich diet and stick on to diet that helps in lowering the blood cholesterol. Obesity can be reduced by eating balanced diet and doing regular exercise. Smoking can definitely increase the chance of getting heart attack or stroke and hence quitting smoking is the only way to prevent it.
One should follow the instructions of the doctor with respect to diet modifications and lifestyle and take medications as instructed to get maximum benefits. You can get help from physiotherapist for giving suitable exercises to the calf muscles. Exercise programs are effective in controlling claudication and rest pain.
Causes :
Peripheral vascular disease is caused due to number of factors. Basically the artery of the major blood vessel gets blocked by plaque like deposits causing blockage in the normal blood flow. This occurs due to conditions like prolonged diabetes, high cholesterol, hypertension, infectious diseases like lupus and old age.
A person above 50 years has increased risk of developing PVD. Inflammation of blood vessels can occur due to connective tissue damage or injury due to accidents or blood clotting disorders. Surgery on the heart can affect the major artery causing damage. Smoking or prolonged use of tobacco or stressful lifestyle can cause damage to the blood vessels causing PVD. Reynaud’s disease can cause arthrosclerosis thus blocking the blood vessel.
Who are at risk?
Old age people, individuals with high cholesterol, with high blood pressure, with diabetes, with family history of arthrosclerosis, with smoking habit and obese people are prone to develop peripheral vascular disease. A person with one or more risk factors given above has increased chances of developing this disease.
Signs and Symptoms :
Most of the time peripheral vascular disease does not produce any symptoms. Some people may have rest pain when there is not enough blood supply to the extremities (arms and legs) even while they are resting. This condition is somewhat serious causing sharp pain on the feet and hands and often pain is felt during night when the person is at complete rest. Another sign of PVD is intermittent claudication. In other words the pain is felt in the form of severe cramps on the legs or arms and the pain becomes worse while doing exercises.
The extent of pain varies according to the extent of blockage inside the artery. Very often claudication pain is felt on the calf muscles of the leg while walking. The pain would subside abruptly once the person begins to rest. For some people the pain becomes intolerable that they have to stop walking or doing exercise. In addition to the above, weakness on the calf muscle, numbness on the legs/hands, changes in the color of the feet, feeling of coldness on the feet, loss of hair on the feet and formation of painful ulcers in the toes are some other symptoms.
Diagnoses :
The doctor would look for signs of peripheral vascular disease given above. He would look for change of skin color on the feet and hands and check the blood pressure on the limbs. He may order for ultrasound scan of legs or arms to check for the collection of plaque particles or fatty deposits on the artery. CT or MRI scanning is done for more severe cases.
Angiography is done for studying the blood vessels of hands and legs. In this procedure a thin long plastic tube is inserted into the groin and dye is injected into it. The surgeon would monitor the path of the dye which gives the right picture of problematic areas of artery.
Treatment :
The aim of the treatment is to give relief from the pain caused by claudication. The person should be at comfort even while walking or doing exercise. The methods of treatment include medications combined with exercises, angioplasty or surgery. Medications of anti-clotting drugs like statins are prescribed to prevent blood clotting on the extremities. For restoring the normal blood flow on the legs and arms drugs like cilostazol or Trental are given.
Aspirin is given to prevent further blood clots and to prevent heart attack. Usually the doctor starts with low dosage of aspirin and subsequently may increase the power according to the extent of peripheral vascular disease. Anti-platelet drugs are also given after bypass surgery or angioplasty. Warfarin or heparin is effective anti-coagulant drugs to prevent formation of blood clots. For individuals with high blood pressure and high cholesterol statin medications are prescribed. For boosting the physical activity of the person Pletal is given.
Angioplasty :
In this procedure, a long thin tube called catheter is inserted into the arm or groin. A balloon in deflated condition is sent through it and inflated inside the artery for widening the gap to facilitate normal blood flow. This procedure is effective for dilating the constricted arteries. Local anesthesia is given to the person with mild sedative so that he/she can stay comfort during the entire procedure. Angioplasty is highly recommended treatment for PVD since it does not require surgery. Further the person can get back to his work in a couple of days after angioplasty.
Surgery is done to the person if all methods of treatment are not useful. Bypass surgery is one in which the surgeon will bypass the route that supplies blood to the heart and create graft for facilitating good blood flow. People with lesions inside the artery or blood vessel with number of constrictions in the artery can be corrected by surgical procedure.
Pictures of Peripheral Vascular Disease :
Images, Pics, Pictures and Photos of Peripheral Vascular Disease
Healthy Lifestyle :
The person affected with PVD should make necessary changes in his lifestyle. He should not eat fat rich diet and stick on to diet that helps in lowering the blood cholesterol. Obesity can be reduced by eating balanced diet and doing regular exercise. Smoking can definitely increase the chance of getting heart attack or stroke and hence quitting smoking is the only way to prevent it.
One should follow the instructions of the doctor with respect to diet modifications and lifestyle and take medications as instructed to get maximum benefits. You can get help from physiotherapist for giving suitable exercises to the calf muscles. Exercise programs are effective in controlling claudication and rest pain.
Sunday, January 12, 2014
Norovirus
Norovirus Norovirus is a severe viral infection disturbing the balance of gastro intestine. Individuals affected with norovirus will develop sudden vomiting/diarrhea with abdominal cramps. The symptoms would last for few days and the person will recover automatically without taking any treatment. However noroviruses can infect severely on infants and young children leading to dehydration.
This viral infection is contagious spreading quickly from infected food/water and by close contact with infected person. Norovirus is caused by group of viruses which would affect the soft lining of the stomach causing inflammation. This viral infection originated in Norwalk, Ohio and hence the name Norovirus.
Causes :
Eating contaminated food and drinking contaminated water is the main reason for getting norovirus infection. Consuming raw meat/uncooked or undercooked oysters can lead to diarrhea and stomach pain. The virus would have infected the food item and by consuming the food unknowingly you are infested with virus. You may get this infection even by simply touching the objects that are exposed to viruses and touching your nose or eyes with the same finger.
Norovirus spreads quickly and can easily pass from one person to another in social setups like day care, nursing home, clinic and close quarters. These viruses can live in any temperature and on any surface and hence it is passed on to others by sharing the utensils. Suppose a man employed in a hotel is infected with norovirus he may spread the virus to any number of people by simply touching the food products before serving it. Some of the food products through which this virus spreads include salads (freshly cut vegetables), oysters and raspberries.
Symptoms :
Some of the signs of norovirus infection are nausea, vomiting, passing watery stool, abdominal cramps, dehydration, loss of weight and low grade fever. Incubation period for norovirus is roughly a day or two and shortly after exposure it will cause diarrhea. The virus is usually excreted through feces and the symptoms will last for 2-3 days after the exit of virus. Some people may develop body pain and muscle pain due to loss of nutrients.
Risk Factors :
People with weakened immunity and having vulnerable diseases like AIDS, people living in unsanitary environments and working in food processing centers, people who are frequently traveling and staying in new hotels and resorts and those employed in day care and nursing homes are likely to develop norovirus. Often, this infection will clear off within few days but in rare cases, it can cause dehydration and malnutrition.
Diagnoses :
Norovirus infection can be diagnosed easily by the above symptoms or by checking the stool sample.
Treatment :
Antibiotics are not useful in managing the symptoms of norovirus since it is not caused by bacteria. In healthy individuals, the symptoms will fade within few days without any treatment but for some people antiviral medications are given. Even without taking any drugs you can manage vomiting and diarrhea by simply drinking lot of fluids and restoring lost balance of ions. You can take plenty of fresh fruit juices and electrolytes. Avoid taking coffee/tea or alcohol since it may worsen the symptoms. Over the counter hydration drinks like Pedialyte can be given if you suspect norovirus infection for your child.
Prevention :
Norovirus infection being contagious can spread quickly and hence you need to be cautious and hygienic. For those who are working with lot of people like nursing home and in social setups following healthy habits is absolutely necessary to prevent this infection. You should wash the hands for 10 seconds (minimum) before eating. In case that is not possible you can use hand sanitizer after using the toilet or changing diapers. Do not eat undercooked or raw foods.
If you have already developed norovirus infection you need to take leave from cooking since you are likely to spread the infection to others by handling food substances. Using bleaching agents that contain chlorine is recommended on contaminated surface/areas to prevent this infection.
This viral infection is contagious spreading quickly from infected food/water and by close contact with infected person. Norovirus is caused by group of viruses which would affect the soft lining of the stomach causing inflammation. This viral infection originated in Norwalk, Ohio and hence the name Norovirus.
Causes :
Eating contaminated food and drinking contaminated water is the main reason for getting norovirus infection. Consuming raw meat/uncooked or undercooked oysters can lead to diarrhea and stomach pain. The virus would have infected the food item and by consuming the food unknowingly you are infested with virus. You may get this infection even by simply touching the objects that are exposed to viruses and touching your nose or eyes with the same finger.
Norovirus spreads quickly and can easily pass from one person to another in social setups like day care, nursing home, clinic and close quarters. These viruses can live in any temperature and on any surface and hence it is passed on to others by sharing the utensils. Suppose a man employed in a hotel is infected with norovirus he may spread the virus to any number of people by simply touching the food products before serving it. Some of the food products through which this virus spreads include salads (freshly cut vegetables), oysters and raspberries.
Symptoms :
Some of the signs of norovirus infection are nausea, vomiting, passing watery stool, abdominal cramps, dehydration, loss of weight and low grade fever. Incubation period for norovirus is roughly a day or two and shortly after exposure it will cause diarrhea. The virus is usually excreted through feces and the symptoms will last for 2-3 days after the exit of virus. Some people may develop body pain and muscle pain due to loss of nutrients.
Risk Factors :
People with weakened immunity and having vulnerable diseases like AIDS, people living in unsanitary environments and working in food processing centers, people who are frequently traveling and staying in new hotels and resorts and those employed in day care and nursing homes are likely to develop norovirus. Often, this infection will clear off within few days but in rare cases, it can cause dehydration and malnutrition.
Diagnoses :
Norovirus infection can be diagnosed easily by the above symptoms or by checking the stool sample.
Treatment :
Antibiotics are not useful in managing the symptoms of norovirus since it is not caused by bacteria. In healthy individuals, the symptoms will fade within few days without any treatment but for some people antiviral medications are given. Even without taking any drugs you can manage vomiting and diarrhea by simply drinking lot of fluids and restoring lost balance of ions. You can take plenty of fresh fruit juices and electrolytes. Avoid taking coffee/tea or alcohol since it may worsen the symptoms. Over the counter hydration drinks like Pedialyte can be given if you suspect norovirus infection for your child.
Prevention :
Norovirus infection being contagious can spread quickly and hence you need to be cautious and hygienic. For those who are working with lot of people like nursing home and in social setups following healthy habits is absolutely necessary to prevent this infection. You should wash the hands for 10 seconds (minimum) before eating. In case that is not possible you can use hand sanitizer after using the toilet or changing diapers. Do not eat undercooked or raw foods.
If you have already developed norovirus infection you need to take leave from cooking since you are likely to spread the infection to others by handling food substances. Using bleaching agents that contain chlorine is recommended on contaminated surface/areas to prevent this infection.
Sinus Infection
Sinus Infection Sinus is a small cavity present within the underlying tissue or bone. They are common found on the nasal cavities and on the bones of the face. When these areas of tissue develop infection caused by virus or bacteria it leads to sinus infection. Sinus is also found on various other organs like heart, under the eyes and on the forehead. Sinus infection is not contagious and is caused by bacteria or virus and other pathogens. It causes swelling of concerned tissue which leads to abnormal mucus discharge.
The air cavities of the nose develop inflammation leading to cough and sneezing. Many times sinus infection develops due to allergic reactions. Antibiotics are given if the sinusitis is caused by bacterium. Acute sinus is caused often due to common cold. Chronic sinusitis can cause complications extending for many weeks.
Symptoms :
Persistent cough, mucus discharge from the nose or throat, congestion in the nasal cavities, sore throat, pain and tenderness in the areas around the eyes and forehead and decreased sense of smell and taste are some of the signs of sinus infection. For many children/adults, cough gets worse during night. In addition there may be fever, headache and body pain. The phlegm produced will be greenish yellow in color with foul smell during sinus infection.
Additional pressure is applied on the sinus tissues which may cause headache for some people. The same pressure can cause itching of eyes, ear pain and bad breath. In case of rare fungal infection it may cause ulcers on the oral cavity and on the nasal region.
Causes :
There is swelling of thin lining of mucous membranes of the nose when sinus infection develops. This additional swelling will not let out the mucus which was previously discharged normally from the nostrils. Sinus infection is caused by viral infection, bacterial or fungal infection. If the symptoms mentioned above continue for more than a week then it is likely to be of bacterial infection.
When the body’s immunity gets weakened for other reasons it can cause fungal infection. Nasal polyps or tumors in the nasal passage, hay fever, allergic fever and tooth infection can cause sinusitis. Certain medical disorders like GERD (a reflux disease), cystic fibrosis and disorders in the body’s immune system can induce sinusitis. Common cold, exposure to allergies like dust or smoke, cigarette smoke can block the nasal passage leading to sinus infection.
Types :
Sinus infection is classified according to the time span the disease takes. Acute sinusitis is one which exists for few days or weeks whereas chronic sinusitis may continue for months together causing nasal blockage and runny nose.
Risk Factors :
You are likely to develop sinus infection when you are exposed to allergic smoke, chemicals, dust, or grains. Any deviation in the nasal septum or development of nasal tumors or polyps can cause sinus infection. People who are habitually smoking are more likely to develop sinusitis than others. In rare cases, sinus infection may develop into asthma attack, if left untreated for several weeks. If the infectious bacteria or virus spreads to the bloodstream it may reach the brain causing meningitis. In rare cases, the infection can severely damage the eye socket leading to loss of vision.
Diagnoses :
Your doctor will physically examine the body looking more particularly on your nose and throat. He will examine the nasal passage to check for any inflammation or development of any polyps inside. He may recommend a nasal endoscopy to inspect the nasal passage clearly. For severe cases, CT or MRI scan is done for ruling out any abnormalities inside.
Treatment :
Often acute type of sinus infection do not require any treatment if it is caused by common cold. You can try home remedies to get relief from symptoms. You can use decongestants in the form of tablets or nasal sprays for managing most of the symptoms of acute sinusitis. Your doctor may prescribe saline nasal spray to clear off the nasal blockage. Corticosteroid medications like Flonase, Nasonex, Budesonide, Nasacort and Beconase are largely prescribed for treating inflammation.
In case of fatigue or fever you can use aspirin or Tylenol for getting relief from pain. But it is not recommended for children. Avoid taking antibiotics since sinus infection is caused by virus. Unless it is bacterial infection antibiotics should not be used. For severe bacterial infection medications like Amoxil, doxycycline or Monodox are prescribed. Once your doctor gives you antibiotics ensure that you are completing the course of the medication. If you stop them after getting relief from symptoms, it can come back within few days.
If the sinusitis is caused by fungal infection, your doctor may prescribe antifungal drugs. If the root cause is weakened immunity then you will be put on immunotherapy. Chronic sinus infection can be treated by taking long course of drugs like Augmentin. In severe cases, surgery is done for clearing/opening the blocked sinus tissues.
Home Remedies :
Most of the symptoms of acute sinusitis can be managed by simple home remedies. You need to drink plenty of water/fluids to keep yourself hydrated. Avoid taking coffee/tea/alcohol since it may worsen the symptoms. Take complete rest to help the body fight against infections which would speed-up the process of recovery.
Warm compression can be applied on the entire face to loosen the blocked sinuses. Try using neti pot or other rinsing methods for clearing off the sinuses. It may be difficult for you to breathe normally while having sinus infection. Hence keep your head elevated position by adding more pillows.
Prevention :
You cannot prevent sinus infection but you can avoid allergy causing environment. No vaccine has been developed against sinusitis. Cigarette smoke in any form can gradually damage the tissues of the lungs blocking nasal passage. So, avoid active/passive smoking. Allergy may be the real culprit of sinus infection and hence you need to get tested for allergic infection and treat the same. Treating the underlying problem is vital to prevent getting chronic sinusitis.
The air cavities of the nose develop inflammation leading to cough and sneezing. Many times sinus infection develops due to allergic reactions. Antibiotics are given if the sinusitis is caused by bacterium. Acute sinus is caused often due to common cold. Chronic sinusitis can cause complications extending for many weeks.
Symptoms :
Persistent cough, mucus discharge from the nose or throat, congestion in the nasal cavities, sore throat, pain and tenderness in the areas around the eyes and forehead and decreased sense of smell and taste are some of the signs of sinus infection. For many children/adults, cough gets worse during night. In addition there may be fever, headache and body pain. The phlegm produced will be greenish yellow in color with foul smell during sinus infection.
Additional pressure is applied on the sinus tissues which may cause headache for some people. The same pressure can cause itching of eyes, ear pain and bad breath. In case of rare fungal infection it may cause ulcers on the oral cavity and on the nasal region.
Causes :
There is swelling of thin lining of mucous membranes of the nose when sinus infection develops. This additional swelling will not let out the mucus which was previously discharged normally from the nostrils. Sinus infection is caused by viral infection, bacterial or fungal infection. If the symptoms mentioned above continue for more than a week then it is likely to be of bacterial infection.
When the body’s immunity gets weakened for other reasons it can cause fungal infection. Nasal polyps or tumors in the nasal passage, hay fever, allergic fever and tooth infection can cause sinusitis. Certain medical disorders like GERD (a reflux disease), cystic fibrosis and disorders in the body’s immune system can induce sinusitis. Common cold, exposure to allergies like dust or smoke, cigarette smoke can block the nasal passage leading to sinus infection.
Types :
Sinus infection is classified according to the time span the disease takes. Acute sinusitis is one which exists for few days or weeks whereas chronic sinusitis may continue for months together causing nasal blockage and runny nose.
Risk Factors :
You are likely to develop sinus infection when you are exposed to allergic smoke, chemicals, dust, or grains. Any deviation in the nasal septum or development of nasal tumors or polyps can cause sinus infection. People who are habitually smoking are more likely to develop sinusitis than others. In rare cases, sinus infection may develop into asthma attack, if left untreated for several weeks. If the infectious bacteria or virus spreads to the bloodstream it may reach the brain causing meningitis. In rare cases, the infection can severely damage the eye socket leading to loss of vision.
Diagnoses :
Your doctor will physically examine the body looking more particularly on your nose and throat. He will examine the nasal passage to check for any inflammation or development of any polyps inside. He may recommend a nasal endoscopy to inspect the nasal passage clearly. For severe cases, CT or MRI scan is done for ruling out any abnormalities inside.
Treatment :
Often acute type of sinus infection do not require any treatment if it is caused by common cold. You can try home remedies to get relief from symptoms. You can use decongestants in the form of tablets or nasal sprays for managing most of the symptoms of acute sinusitis. Your doctor may prescribe saline nasal spray to clear off the nasal blockage. Corticosteroid medications like Flonase, Nasonex, Budesonide, Nasacort and Beconase are largely prescribed for treating inflammation.
In case of fatigue or fever you can use aspirin or Tylenol for getting relief from pain. But it is not recommended for children. Avoid taking antibiotics since sinus infection is caused by virus. Unless it is bacterial infection antibiotics should not be used. For severe bacterial infection medications like Amoxil, doxycycline or Monodox are prescribed. Once your doctor gives you antibiotics ensure that you are completing the course of the medication. If you stop them after getting relief from symptoms, it can come back within few days.
If the sinusitis is caused by fungal infection, your doctor may prescribe antifungal drugs. If the root cause is weakened immunity then you will be put on immunotherapy. Chronic sinus infection can be treated by taking long course of drugs like Augmentin. In severe cases, surgery is done for clearing/opening the blocked sinus tissues.
Home Remedies :
Most of the symptoms of acute sinusitis can be managed by simple home remedies. You need to drink plenty of water/fluids to keep yourself hydrated. Avoid taking coffee/tea/alcohol since it may worsen the symptoms. Take complete rest to help the body fight against infections which would speed-up the process of recovery.
Warm compression can be applied on the entire face to loosen the blocked sinuses. Try using neti pot or other rinsing methods for clearing off the sinuses. It may be difficult for you to breathe normally while having sinus infection. Hence keep your head elevated position by adding more pillows.
Prevention :
You cannot prevent sinus infection but you can avoid allergy causing environment. No vaccine has been developed against sinusitis. Cigarette smoke in any form can gradually damage the tissues of the lungs blocking nasal passage. So, avoid active/passive smoking. Allergy may be the real culprit of sinus infection and hence you need to get tested for allergic infection and treat the same. Treating the underlying problem is vital to prevent getting chronic sinusitis.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)