Avascular Necrosis

Avascular Necrosis Necrosis is the term used for denoting tissue death in the body. Death of tissue can occur due to insufficient blood supply or complete cut-off from blood supply. It can occur due to radiation, sudden injury and exposure to chemicals. The damage caused by necrosis is irreversible. If the tissue death occurs in the bone it is known as Avascular necrosis. It can cause tiny fractures inside the bone which may eventually cause bone collapse.

Blood supply to particular section of a bone would stop leading to avascular necrosis. In some cases the joint of particular bone gets dislocated causing necrosis. This can occur due to prolonged use of steroids and alcoholism. Often, the hip joint is affected by avascular necrosis and sometimes it can affect the upper leg, upper arm or knee bones. Bone needs continuous blood supply since it is a living tissue. Any interruption of blood can cause death of bone tissue. Avascualr necrosis is also called as osteonecrosis or aseptic necrosis.

Symptoms :

Pain in the joint is the only symptom of avascular necrosis. In the initial stages there will not be any sign, but as the disease progresses, the joint may get affected causing intense pain while making movements. Avascular necrosis does not occur overnight. It is a process that happens gradually causing tissue death in the bone. It might take months together or sometimes even a year for tissue death on the bone. It can affect hip joints, shoulder, upper arm or leg and even your foot. Severe pain is felt in the groin or thighs and you can feel the pain in both sides of the body.

Causes :

When normal blood supply to the bone is restricted or slowed down it can cause avascular necrosis. This can happen due to sudden trauma or injury and due to dislocation of joint. People who undergo hip joint surgery are prone to develop avascular necrosis. People who are taking chemo therapy for cancer can develop avascular necrosis since radiation can weaken the bones and joints interrupting regular blood supply.

Chronic (long term) use of corticosteroids is likely to cause avascular necrosis. Over consumption of alcohol can deposit fat particles into the blood vessels thus restricting normal blood flow to the bones. Inflammation on the arteries and blood clots inside can restrict blood supply to the bone leading to avascular necrosis. Certain medical conditions like Gaucher’s disease, pancreatitis, HIV infection and other autoimmune disorders can cause necrosis in bones.

Risk Factors :

Anyone can develop avascular necrosis, but is common in age group of 30-50 years. People who are alcoholic or involved in binge drinking, people who use steroid drugs for long duration and those who take osteoporosis medications like biphosphonates are prone to develop avascular necrosis. Certain medical issues like lupus, HIV, diabetes and autoimmune diseases can trigger avascular necrosis. Undergoing cancer treatment, undergoing dialysis and kidney transplant surgery makes you prone to avascular necrosis.

Tests :

Your doctor will check the affected joint by gently applying pressure over it. He would look for tenderness of joint. He may order for imaging tests like X-ray or bone scanning to get clear picture of tissue death in the bone.

Treatment :

Bone loss that has already occurred cannot be reversed, but by giving timely treatment, you can prevent further damage to the affected joint and bone. Your doctor may prescribe NSAIDs like Aleve or Advil to get quick relief from joint pain and inflammation. Osteoporosis drugs like Fosamax or Binosto can be given to reduce bone loss. Cholesterol controlling medications is given to prevent blood clots in the blood vessels.

• Surgery :

For severe cases surgical procedures like bone transplantation, core decompression or osteotomy can be done. This method is effective in strengthening the affected bone. For some people, joint replacement surgery is done using plastic parts.

Home Remedies :

Your doctor may advice you to take complete rest if you have avascular necrosis. You should avoid putting extra pressure on the affected bone or joint to prevent further damage. Practice certain stretching exercises recommended by your therapist to improve the joint motion. Electrical current can be given on the affected bone to promote fresh bone growth.

Prevention :

One cannot prevent avascular necrosis but can reduce the risk factors like drinking excess of alcohol and reducing weight.

Information On Chronic Venous Insufficiency (CVI )

Information On Chronic Venous Insufficiency (CVI )
Chronic venous insufficiency is an advanced stage of venous
disease caused either by superficial (severe varicose veins) or deep
(after deep vein thrombosis) venous pathology and characterized by an
increased venous pressure during walking. Most often this condition is
seen in the veins of the lower extremities. Symptoms include leg
swelling, leg pain, and muscle cramps. This condition can predispose to
venous thrombosis.

When the veins aren't returning blood to the heart well enough, the
cells lining the veins don't receive enough oxygen, so they release
substances in the blood. These substances cause inflammation. As part
of inflammation, swelling occurs. Swelling is one symptom of venous
insufficiency, and it also makes it harder for the veins to work,
increasing the problem of venous insufficiency. The same substances
that produce swelling increase the fragility of the veins. This would
contribute to varicose veins.

The usual treatment in the early stages of CVI is elastic stocking
to apply external pressure to the system and dressings and salves to
treat the ulcers. The only treatment for advanced stages of the disease
was surgery to tie off the perforator veins to relieve the pressure in
the superficial system.

Now, however, techniques have been developed which permit vascular
surgeons to either repair damaged valves in the large veins of the
upper leg, or to bypass them using a length of vein with healthy valves
from somewhere else in the body. Only one or two key valves must be
restored to normal function to return pressures in the system to normal.

To date, however, only a fairly small percentage of the vascular
surgeons competent to perform the operation have become familiar with
it. This is unfortunate, given the lifetime of misery CVI can cause
those it afflicts, and the relief the surgery bestows, both from the
condition's chronic pain and all but incurable leg ulcers.

Three substances have proved useful in treating chronic venous
insufficiency: horse chestnut extract, oxerutins, and Daflon. Horse
chestnut extract is sold over-the-counter in the U.S. as Venastat. The
other two are available in Europe but not the U.S.

The active ingredient of horse chestnut extract is escin. Oxerutins
is a mixture of substances chemically derived from rutin, a
naturally-occurring substance. Daflon is a mixture of 90% diosmin and
10% hesperidin, two bioflavanoids. Diosmin and hesperidin are found in
citrus fruits.

Astigmatism

Astigmatism Astigmatism is a mild imperfection in your eyes that can cause mild vision problems. It can easily be corrected by wearing contact lenses, eyeglasses or through surgery. It occurs due to minor imperfection in the curvature of the eyes. A person having astigmatism will have slightly different curvature in one or both of his eyes. The curvature may not be smooth in all the sides in the cornea. For some people it occurs if the eye is not fully in round shape having slight difference in corners or on one side.

How it occurs?

Eyes are normally round shaped resembling a sphere. On seeing an object, the light enters the eye and by reflection it creates an image of the object in the lens thus giving clear view of the object. But a person with astigmatism the reflection may not be even causing blurry images or wavy images of the object.

Symptoms :

Blurred vision, trouble in seeing distant objects, strain on the affect eye/eyes, and headaches are some of the indicators of astigmatism. If you have any of the above symptoms or if your vision is not clear as before or if you have trouble reading/writing then it is time for you to get your eyes tested with the doctor.

Risk Factors :

People who are above 50 years, people with diabetes (for long period), and people with high blood pressure are more prone to develop astigmatism than others. There will be some degree of astigmatism for all the persons who have crossed 40 years.

Causes :

Astigmatism occurs when the cornea is not evenly shaped leading to refractive error. When there is smooth curvature then the image will be perfectly shaped. But if the surface curvature is not smooth or bent on one side then it produces distortive image. An individual with astigmatism will have cornea that is not smoothly curved causing uneven focus producing refractive error.

Astigmatism can occur along with other errors like myopia and hyperopia. In the case of myopia (nearsightedness) the cornea is curved in excess which causes the light to be focused in front portion of the retina (not exactly on the retina) causing blurry vision. In the case of hyperopia (farsightedness) the cornea is curved very little causing focus on the back of the eyes. In most of the cases astigmatism is present from birth and not caused by watching television (for long periods) or by reading in poor light.

Diagnosis :

Your ophthalmologist will check for the above symptoms and conduct simple vision test or examine your eyes in special device called keratometer. She will study the nature of curvature of the cornea or the lens thoroughly. Retinoscopy is done to measure the extent of focusing light by the eyes and to assess the degree of refractive error in your eyes.

Treatment :

Depending on the nature of refractive error special eyeglasses or corrective lenses are prescribed. By wearing lenses the improper focus is corrected thereby giving a clear image of the object. Eyeglasses made of special lenses are given for correcting the uneven shape of the cornea. This would also help in correcting the refractive error.

Many people prefer to wear contact lenses in the place of eyeglasses and it comes in wide range of options. You can discuss with your doctor about the benefits of wearing contact lenses. But using lenses for long periods can makes one prone to eye infection.

Surgery :

Refractive surgery is done for reshaping the cornea of the eyes. Lasik surgery is done using a special instrument for making a small round shaped hinge is made in the cornea. The surgeon will gently resize the shape of the cornea in this procedure. Not all the people having astigmatism will have to undergo surgery. Your doctor will try different options for correcting the cornea shape before deciding on refractive surgery.

Pneumothorax

Pneumothorax Pneumothorax is a condition that collapses the lung due to accumulation of air in the thoracic cavity. Spontaneously pneumothorax can occur without any underlying disease or condition. Sometimes it develops as a process due to underlying disease. Slowly, the air leaks into the gap available between the lungs and chest wall exerting force on the lungs making it to collapse. Even injury or strong blow to the lungs (during surgical procedures) can cause pneumothorax. This condition can be treated by aspiration or removal of free air collected in the chest cavity. In some cases the entire lungs collapses due to pneumothorax and in other cases only a portion of the lung collapses.

Symptoms :

Sudden chest pain is the first symptom of pneumothorax. Unlike other chest pain which worsens during inhaling air this type of chest pain stays on the same position and intensity. As the lung collapses either partially or fully it causes shortness of breath either in mild form or severely. If there is breathing difficulty and sudden chest pain you should visit the nearest hospital without delay. Prompt treatment is necessary when a person suffers from breathing problem with chest pain. It can be indicative of other problems also.

Causes :

Lung collapse or pneumothorax can occur due to sudden chest injury or due to lung infection or disease. In some cases, pneumothorax may develop without any obvious reason. Chest injury can be the outcome of gunshot, car accident, sudden blow, and fracture in the ribs, cardiopulmonary resuscitation, lung biopsy and certain medical procedures.

Underlying lung infection like pneumonia, tuberculosis, emphysema, lung cancer, cystic fibrosis and pulmonary fibrosis can cause pneumothorax. Sometimes, minute quantities of air blisters (called blebs) may develop on the top of lungs. Apparently there is no cause why only certain people develop these blebs. Certain procedures of flying or scuba diving may lead to the formation of blebs. People who are put on artificial respiration methods like ventilator have chance for developing pneumothorax. It can also develop due to prolonged asthma, COPD and lung cancer.

Who are at risk?

Men are at increased risk for developing pneumothorax when compared with women. Individuals of age group 20-40 years and those who are very thin and tall are prone to develop this problem. Having lung disease like pulmonary fibrosis or cystic fibrosis and prolonged use of ventilator machine for breathing can also develop pneumothorax. Genetics play a role for causing this disease. People with family history of pneumothorax are prone to this sudden lung collapse.

Complications :

Pneumothorax if unattended can lead to cardiac arrest and respiratory failure. In severe cases it can cause death.

Tests :

Chest X-ray of the affected person can show exact picture of lung collapse. Sometimes your doctor may request for imaging tests like CT for getting detailed image of the disease.

Treatment :

The aim of the treatment is to relieve the pressure caused by air leakage from the lungs. The method of treatment depends on the severity of pneumothorax and how far the lung has collapsed causing damage. Observation and monitoring is enough for individuals who have small portion of lung collapse. Your doctor will monitor the health condition by chest X-rays and watch whether the air is getting absorbed completely and if the lung has expanded fully to the normal position. If required, your doctor may give supplemental oxygen for speeding up the process.

Chest tube insertion is the process in which hollow tube is inserted into the ribs of the lung cage to remove the air. Through the needle a syringe is attached on the other end so that the doctor can blow out the excess of air. For some people, chest tubes are attached for several days to the patient so that suction device can be used to pump out the excess air.

Surgery :

Surgery is done for closing the air leakage in the lungs. It can be done by making small incision through special long handled tools. The surgeon will look for blebs inside and sew it properly. He would also apply talk like material in the space so that it prevents leakage of air in future.

Pictures of Pneumothorax :

Images, Pics, Pictures and Photos of Pneumothorax

Prognosis :

Most of the cases of pneumothorax surgery will resolve. Small air leakage will not require any surgery and can be managed by other methods like chest tube insertion. In case if the problem arises due to long term lung infections then it carries risk. Further such type of pneumothorax requires immediate medical attention. In many cases pneumothorax (lung collapse) may recur again (about 40%). Hence once you are diagnosed with pneumothorax it is necessary to monitor your health condition continuously.

Joint inflammation – Causes, Treatment, Diet, Medications, Surgery

Joint inflammation – Causes, Treatment, Diet, Medications, Surgery

What is Joint Inflammation?

Joint inflammation which is chronic is usually known as rheumatoid arthritis and this affects mostly the smaller joints in the hands and feet. It is different than the wear and tear damage of osteoarthritis. This normally causes the painful swelling that will eventually result in erosion of the bone as well as joint deformity.

This common inflammation of the joints is an autoimmune disorder – for some reason the immune system begins to attack the body’s own tissues. As well as joint problems, RA also affects the whole body with fatigue and fevers.

Joint inflammation Causes

Inflammation of the joints especially with rheumatoid arthritis develops when the immune system attacks the synovium which is the lining of the membranes which surrounds the joints. This resulting inflammation thickens the synovium and can ultimately attack and destroy the cartilage as well as the bone that is within the joint. The ligaments as well as the tendons which hold the joint together stretch and weaken. Usually, the joint will lose its shape and alignment.

Physicians do not know what starts this procedure, but a genetic component does seem to be likely. Your genes do not actually cause these joint problems, but they can make the individual more vulnerable to factors in the environment such as infection with certain bacteria as well as viruses and that can trigger problems with the joints.

Joint inflammation Diet

There are foods which increase inflammation as well as increases the pain and can also raise any risk of chronic joint problems. Eating a lot of high-fat meats, junk food, fast foods as well as sugar all can increase inflammation in the joints and the body. This can be partially attributive to the fats which are unhealthy and are used to process and prepare these types of foods, especially saturated and trans fats. Meats that are processed for example hot dogs, sausages, and lunch meats contain chemicals such as nitrates which are linked to increases in inflammation as well as chronic disease.

Adding foods to the diet which can reduce inflammation will greatly improve how an individual feels and aids in decreasing your risk for chronic disease. Below are some suggestions:

Fats and Oils
The correct types of fats in your diet can impact inflammation and pain in a very positive way. Omega-3 essential fatty acids are extremely powerful anti-inflammatory agents. These are found in walnuts, cold-water oily fish, canola oil, flax seeds as well as pumpkin seeds. Adding the Omega-3 fatty acid supplements from fish oil or flax oil can help to reduce any inflammation.

Olive oil is another type of oil which will also reduce inflammation. It has been shown to reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease as well as helping to reduce pain. Some other oils which are healthy include grape seed oil, rice bran oil as well as walnut oil.

Protein
The body needs protein in order to build healthy body tissue. High sources of protein include fish, lean poultry as well as nuts, seafood, legumes and seeds. Cut back on fatty red meats as they can trigger inflammation.

Soy milk, soybeans and tofu are 3 excellent sources of soy proteins which can help reduce inflammation and pain.

Carbohydrates and Fiber
Carbohydrates should come from vegetables, whole grain and fruits. Any cereal, bread as well as pasta should be 100% whole-grain products. High-fiber diets will reduce inflammation and whole grains are great sources for fiber.

Individuals should choose green as well as brightly colored vegetables, as well as green leafy vegetable and lots of fruits which are fresh. Everyone needs at least 5 or more servings of vegetables as well as fruits each day.

Berries are also important; especially strawberries and blueberries which are simply packed with anti-inflammatory phytochemicals and antioxidants.
Healthy Beverages
The body needs water in the form of beverages as well as foods each day. Water is the best form. Other fluid sources include 100% fruit juices, vegetable juices, low-fat milk and herbal teas. Approximately 20% of the water needed each day will normally come from the foods that are eaten.

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Joint inflammation Treatment

There is no cure for rheumatoid arthritis or inflammation of the joints. There are drugs which can reduce inflammation in the joints and can relieve pain and also prevent or slow joint damage. Physical and occupational therapy can help to protect the joints.

Medications

NSAIDS
Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs relieve pain and reduce inflammation. Over-the-counter NSAIDS include Advil, Motrin as well as Aleve. There are stronger versions of these NSAIDs as well as others are available by prescription. Some side effects can include ringing in the ears, increased bruising, heart problems, gastric ulcers, liver and kidney damage, as well as stomach bleeding.

Steroids
Corticosteroid drugs such as prednisone and methylprednisolone reduce inflammation, pain as well as slow joint damage. Some side effects can include easy bruising, cataracts, thinning of bones, weight gain, a round face as well as diabetes.

Disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs or DMARDS
These drugs can slow the progression of rheumatoid arthritis as well as inflammation of joints – and they can save the joints and other tissues from damage which is permanent. Side effects can vary but can include liver damage, severe lung infections as well as bone marrow suppression.

Immunosuppressants
These have actions to tame your immune system, which is out of control when there is excessive inflammation. Examples are Azasan, Neoral, Sandimmune, Gengraf and Cytoxan. These medications increase susceptibility to infection.

Other drugs
There are other reheumatoid arthritis drugs which target various inflammatory substances produced by your body. These drugs include Kineret, Orencia and Rituxan. Some side effects include injection site reactions, headache, white blood cell counts, and an increase in upper respiratory infections.

Therapy
Therapy can help you do everyday tasks in order to take stress off painful joints. For example, if your fingers are sore, pick up an object using your forearms and there are many other suggestions.

Surgery

When medications fail to prevent or slow joint damage, surgery can be considered to repair damaged joints. This can help restore your ability to use the joint. It can also reduce pain and correct deformities. These procedures include:

Total joint replacement also known as arthroplasty
The surgeon removes the damaged parts of your joint and inserts a prosthesis made of plastic or metal.

Tendon repair
Joint and inflammation damage can cause tendons around the joint to loosen or rupture. The surgeon may be able to repair the tendons around the joint.

Removal of joint lining or synovectomy
This is the removal of the lining of the joint when the lining has been inflamed or damaged.

Joint fusion or arthrodesis
Fusing of a joint can be recommended to realign or stabilize a joint and for pain relief when joint replacement is not an option.

Surgery does carry a risk of bleeding, pain and infection.

Pancolitis – Symptoms, Causes, Treatment

Pancolitis – Symptoms, Causes, Treatment

What is Pancolitis?

This is another name for ulcerative colitis that is an inflammatory disease of the bowel or IBD and causes inflammation that is long lasting in areas of the digestive tract.

Similar to Crohn’s disease, additional common IBD, this condition is incapacitating and occasionally may lead to complications that are life-threatening. Since this is a chronic disorder, indicators normally progress over time, instead of suddenly.

Normally this condition affects the lining of the colon that is innermost. It occurs due to continuous stretches of the colon.

Pancolitis Symptoms

The symptoms of this condition include:

• Begins in the left colon


• Often affects the total colon


• Severe bloody diarrhea


• Abdominal pains and cramps


• Significant loss of weight


• Fatigue

Pancolitis Causes

No one is certain what causes any of the ulcerative colitis diseases, but there is agreement as to what doesn’t cause them. Medical personnel do not believe that this is caused by stress, but stress may often aggravate any symptoms. Rather, the current thinking concentrates on the following:

Immune system
Many scientists believe that a bacterium or virus may initiate these diseases. The digestive system gets inflamed when the immune system attempts to fight off invading pathogen. It is also likely that the inflammation can be triggered from an autoimmune response where the body causes an immune reply even when there is no pathogen present.

Genetics
Since an individual is most likely to cultivate bowel diseases if there is a sibling or parent with these problems, researchers believe that genetic makeup can play a subsidizing role. But, the majority of individuals who have these types of colon problems do not have a family history.

Pancolitis Treatment

The objective of medical management is first to decrease the irritation that usually triggers the symptoms and signs. In the better circumstances, this will not only lead to relief of symptoms but also to long-standing reduction of the condition. Treatment normally includes either surgery or drug therapy.

Physicians use certain categories of medications to manage inflammation in a variety of methods. But, drugs that work fine for some may not work well for others, so it might take time to find the drugs that work well for an individual.

Anti-inflammatory drugs are usually the 1st step in treatment. They include:
Balsalazide (Colazal), alsalazide (Colazal), Mesalamine (Asacol, Lialda), and olsalazine (Dipentum). These drugs are obtainable in oral forms as well as topical such as suppositories and enemas. These drugs have a tendency to have less side effects than the sulfa medications and are usually tolerated well. The physician might prescribe an arrangement of two forms, such as oral and suppository. Mesalamine may relieve symptoms and signs in more than 90% of individuals.

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Sulfasalazine or Azulfidine

These may be effective in decreasing symptoms of bowel disease but have numerous side effects, such as nausea, vomiting, heartburn, diarrhea and headache. This medication should not be taken when there is an allergy to sulfa drugs.

Corticosteroids

These can help in reducing inflammation but they also have frequent side effects including weight gain, mood swings, excessive hair on the face, bone fractures, glaucoma, cataracts and an increased vulnerability to infections.

Immune system suppressors

These medications decrease inflammation but they aim at the immune system instead of handling inflammation itself. Since immune suppressors may be operational in treating bowel inflammation scientists hypothesize that damage to the digestive soft tissue is produced by the body’s immune response to an occupying virus or bacterium or even to your own tissue.

Additionally to controlling inflammation, some medications can help to relieve symptoms and signs. Depending on the severity of the bowel problem, the physician might recommend one or even more of the following:

• Antibiotics


• Anti-diarrheals


• Pain relievers


• Iron supplements

Surgery

If lifestyle changes, diet and drug therapy do not relieve the symptoms and signs, your physician may mention surgery.

Surgery may often eliminate problems with the bowel. But that typically means eliminating the total rectum and colon. Formerly, subsequent to this surgery the patient would wear a small bag over an abdominal opening. But the fairly new technique called “ileoanal anastomosis” removes the necessity for wearing a bag. Rather, the surgeon builds a pouch from the ending of the small intestine. This pouch is then directly attached to the anus. This permits the individual to dismiss waste more customarily, while you might have more numerous movements that are watery or soft since there is no longer a colon to captivate water.