Alpha 1 Antitrypsin Deficiency Alpha 1 antitrypsin is a type of protein produced in the liver and deficiency of this protein can cause liver problems and lung disease. A1AD is a genetic disorder inherited by birth. Any deficiency of this protein can damage the alveolar walls of the lungs. Normal serum level of A1A is about 20-60 umol/L and it can cause lung damage if the level goes below 15. Children having COPD (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease) should be checked for A1AT deficiency to prevent liver and lungs damage. A1AT is common disorder in white people and more particular in North western European countries.
A1AT is a under-diagnosed disorder and young children having frequent episodes of congestion may have this deficiency. About 10-15% of adults having A1AT disorder are likely to develop liver problems. There is no cure for A1AT but with early diagnosis symptoms can be managed and possible liver damage can be prevented. A1AT is also known as genetic emphysema, Alpha 1 emphysema and hereditary pulmonary emphysema.
Symptoms :
Initial signs of A1AT can appear even before 20 years. Some of the common symptoms include shortness of breath, wheezing, breathlessness while doing exercise, loss of weight, repeated respiratory infections, rapid heartbeat and extreme tiredness. The symptoms will increase steadily as the person smokes causing more damage to the lungs.
Some people may develop emphysema having symptoms of persistent cough, difficulty in breathing and barrel shaped chest. If the disease has progressed to cause liver damage the person may show symptoms like swollen legs or feet, swollen abdomen and yellow coloration of the skin.
Causes :
A1AT is an inherited disorder and the defective genes are passed on to the children. A genetic mutation in SERPINA1 gene is likely to cause A1AT disorder. This gene is responsible for producing antitrypsin protein which protects the body from neutrophil elastase. Actually elastase enzyme is meant for fighting infection, but if the level of A1AT is too low this enzyme can attack and destroy the lung walls called alveoli. This can lead to emphysema, a life threatening lung damage.
The defective gene of SERPINA1 is inherited by autosomal codominant method. People with two copies of M allele version will not develop A1AT deficiency. People having S allele version will have reduced production of antitrypsin enzyme and people with Z allele will have almost no enzyme secretion and they are prone to develop this disorder. Some people may have combination of version like SZ or SM or MZ and smoking considerably increases the risk of lung disorders. It is not true that every person with A1AT disorder would develop liver problem. Those having ZZ version are more likely to develop lungs and liver problems.
Tests :
Children with a history of A1AT disorder should be screened for serum levels frequently. The doctor will complete the physical exam and the symptoms. He would listen to the wheezing sound or shortness of breath using a stethoscope. He may order for blood test to identify Alpha 1 genotype, Alpha 1 antitrypsin test to find out the level of this protein serum in your blood. He may also order for imaging tests like chest X-ray to check how far the damage has been done. If he suspects liver problems he may conduct liver biopsy and liver function test.
Treatment :
A1AT disorder cannot be treated but the symptoms can be controlled. People with low levels of antitrypsin should be watched for symptoms. Such people will be advised to quit smoking to prevent early lung damage. Method of treatment varies with that of individual’s symptoms. Your doctor would prescribe suitable bronchodilators to control respiratory tract infection. People with COPD are given pulmonary rehabilitation. Such people can benefit by taking yearly shots of influenza vaccines. In severe cases lung surgery and transplantation is done. Liver problems can be managed by effective medications and specific diet. In extreme cases of liver failure, liver transplant is done.
Prognosis :
Those who are diagnosed with A1AT disorder in early stages (through screening tests before symptoms have developed) have better prognosis. Individuals diagnosed with COPD are likely to have Alpha 1 deficiency. A1AT is the top most risk factor causing emphysema. Hence everyone with COPD should be screened for Alpha 1.
Showing posts with label Tests. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Tests. Show all posts
Monday, March 30, 2015
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.
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.
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.
Chlamydia
Chlamydia Chlamydia is the most common type of sexual disease transmitted by sex partners. It can cause vaginal discharge and burning sensation while passing urine. This infection is common for both men and women and this bacterial infection is transmitted through sexual intercourse from affected partner. Chlamydia can be treated fully with effective antibiotics.
Symptoms :
You may not have any symptom as soon as you receive the Chlamydia infection. It might take a week or even more for you to notice some symptoms. It can cause pain in genitals while having sex, burning pain while urination, vaginal discharge in women and pain in testicles in men. It can also cause abdominal pain, bleeding between periods, itching sensation on the genitals, mild fever and painful urination. In men the tip of the penis develops swelling and it can cause cloudy discharge.
Causes :
Chlamydia is a bacterial infection that spreads through sex. You can receive the infection while having oral sex or anal sex also. In rare cases, the pregnant mother can transmit this infection to the fetus during delivery.
Who are at risk?
People who have multiple sex partners, who start with having sex in early ages, and those employed as sex workers have increased risk of getting Chlamydia. Often Chlamydia does not cause any complications but sometimes it can cause pelvic inflammation in women and prostate gland infection in men. In rare cases it can cause infertility in women. If left untreated, Chlamydia can lead to ectopic pregnancy for women.
Tests :
The centre for prevention and control of disease in the USA recommends yearly screening for Chlamydia for all sexually active people of young ages and pregnant women to avoid any complications. Men and women with multiple sex partners have high risk of getting Chlamydia infection even with using condoms.
Your doctor would do a swab test obtained from the discharge of vagina to test it on the lab. For men discharge from the penis is collected or sample is taken from urethra for testing. A simple urine test can also be done to diagnose Chlamydia infection.
Treatment :
Antibiotics are given in suitable doses for Chlamydia. Your doctor will give instructions about continuing antibiotics for few days or even weeks. Avoid having sex while you are diagnosed with infection since you can pass on the infection to your sex partner. Even if you don’t have any symptoms given above there is still the chance of spreading the infection to others while having sex.
Prevention :
Symptoms :
You may not have any symptom as soon as you receive the Chlamydia infection. It might take a week or even more for you to notice some symptoms. It can cause pain in genitals while having sex, burning pain while urination, vaginal discharge in women and pain in testicles in men. It can also cause abdominal pain, bleeding between periods, itching sensation on the genitals, mild fever and painful urination. In men the tip of the penis develops swelling and it can cause cloudy discharge.
Causes :
Chlamydia is a bacterial infection that spreads through sex. You can receive the infection while having oral sex or anal sex also. In rare cases, the pregnant mother can transmit this infection to the fetus during delivery.
Who are at risk?
People who have multiple sex partners, who start with having sex in early ages, and those employed as sex workers have increased risk of getting Chlamydia. Often Chlamydia does not cause any complications but sometimes it can cause pelvic inflammation in women and prostate gland infection in men. In rare cases it can cause infertility in women. If left untreated, Chlamydia can lead to ectopic pregnancy for women.
Tests :
The centre for prevention and control of disease in the USA recommends yearly screening for Chlamydia for all sexually active people of young ages and pregnant women to avoid any complications. Men and women with multiple sex partners have high risk of getting Chlamydia infection even with using condoms.
Your doctor would do a swab test obtained from the discharge of vagina to test it on the lab. For men discharge from the penis is collected or sample is taken from urethra for testing. A simple urine test can also be done to diagnose Chlamydia infection.
Treatment :
Antibiotics are given in suitable doses for Chlamydia. Your doctor will give instructions about continuing antibiotics for few days or even weeks. Avoid having sex while you are diagnosed with infection since you can pass on the infection to your sex partner. Even if you don’t have any symptoms given above there is still the chance of spreading the infection to others while having sex.
Prevention :
- Have always safe sex by using condoms.
- Avoid having sex with multiple partners.
- Go for regular screening tests if you are sexually active with many partners, even if you don’t have any symptoms.
- Women should avoid douching since cleaning the vagina very often can increase the risk of getting infected.
Trigeminal Neuralgia
Trigeminal Neuralgia Trigeminal nerve is a group of nerves that is responsible for chewing and production of saliva. It is present on either side of the ear and trigeminal nerve is also known as fifth cranial nerve. It runs from the brain and passes through your face near the ear. The main nerve separates into three nerve endings and hence called as Tri (three) geminal nerve. Since the nerve goes to your scalp through forehead, cheeks and jaw sharp pain is felt on these areas.
Trigeminal neuralgia can cause chronic (long term) pain on your face giving bouts of excruciating pain. The pain is felt largely while touching your face like applying makeup or brushing your teeth etc. Even a small stimulation of the face can trigger this pain. The pain can be recurring and can cause mild attacks on your face. Trigeminal neuralgia affects elderly people largely and is more on women than men. The pain can be controlled by effective treatment and medications. Trigeminal neuralgia is a rare type of pain affecting people who are above 60 years and about 1 in every million people are affected.
Symptoms :
Trigeminal neuralgia can cause sudden episodes of shooting pain on your face that it can be felt as electric shock. The pain can be felt spontaneous when you touch the face. The pain would last for few seconds only but it may return again. For some people it can cause mild pain occasionally. Pain is triggered while you are touching the face for anything or for brushing your teeth. Many people describe the pain as though someone is stabbing with a knife on their face and piercing the skin.
The areas like cheeks, in and around the ears and jaws are worst affected with pain since the nerve passes through these areas. Pain is usually felt on one side of your face. For some people pain is focused in only one part like jaw or cheeks but for others it would spread widely. If not treated promptly, staggering pain is felt frequently and intensely over time.
Causes :
Intense sudden pain of trigeminal neuralgia occurs when the function of the trigeminal nerve gets disturbed. When the artery or vein gets in touch with the trigeminal nerve accidentally, it gets disrupted causing stabbing pain. Occasional contact of the artery with the nerve can put extra pressure on it thus interfering with its normal function. Aging is another factor that can cause trigeminal neuralgia. Having multiple sclerosis can also damage the myelin sheath covering of the trigeminal nerves causing intense pain. In rare cases formation of tumor on the trigeminal nerve can cause pain.
Risk Factors :
Old age is the primary risk factor for developing trigeminal neuralgia. For reasons unknown, women are more prone to get TN than men. The first attack or episode of pain comes without warning and may lasts for few seconds. The frequency of further attacks differs widely from one person to another. The pain may come and go on the same day or it can occur suddenly after a month or so. Nobody can predict when the next attack of pain would come back.
Complications :
As such trigeminal neuralgia would not cause any complications. However throbbing pain can interfere with your daily routine to large extent. You may ignore brushing your teeth or applying cream on your face due to the fear of pain. Hence you should not delay in taking treatment for trigeminal neuralgia.
Tests :
Your doctor can detect trigeminal neuralgia on listening to your symptoms. He may touch your face to verify where exactly pain has started. Further he may request for reflex test and neurological examination to know which branch of the nerve has been affected. To eliminate the possibility of multiple sclerosis he may order for imaging tests like CT/MRI scan.
Treatment :
For most of the people, trigeminal neuralgia pain can be managed by medications. But it can cause some adverse effect over long periods. In rare cases surgery is done for treating TN. Anticonvulsant medications like carbamazepine are prescribed for trigeminal neuralgia. After some years you may feel the pain again and your doctor may increase the dosage of the drug. These drugs can cause side effects like drowsiness and confusion.
Some doctors may prescribe muscle relaxing drugs like Gablofen or Lioresal for treating trigeminal neuralgia. In severe cases surgery is to be done to release the compression on the nerve. Microvascular decompressing surgery is done to remove the blood vessel from the trigeminal nerve region. A small incision is made behind the ear and a small hole is drilled on the skull. Your surgeon will remove any artery or vein that compresses the trigeminal nerve branch. This surgery can cause facial numbness or double vision or any other complications.
Another procedure called Gamma knife radioactive therapy is done wherein radiation is passed directly on the trigeminal nerve so that pain is not felt anymore on your face. This option is more effective and safe than surgery. If the patient gets back the pain again the same procedure is repeated. Your doctor may give you a shot of glycerol to damage the trigeminal nerve and blocking the pain. A small needle is sent into the base of skull through your face and sterile glycerol is injected directly on the nerve.
Balloon compression is another method for treating trigeminal neuralgia. A thin catheter is sent through the skull to locate the trigeminal nerve. A balloon is inserted to one end of the catheter which is then inflated to cause pressure on the trigeminal nerve to block the signals of pain. Now alternative therapies like acupuncture, vitamin or nutritional therapy and electrical stimulation are available for treating trigeminal neuralgia.
Trigeminal neuralgia can cause chronic (long term) pain on your face giving bouts of excruciating pain. The pain is felt largely while touching your face like applying makeup or brushing your teeth etc. Even a small stimulation of the face can trigger this pain. The pain can be recurring and can cause mild attacks on your face. Trigeminal neuralgia affects elderly people largely and is more on women than men. The pain can be controlled by effective treatment and medications. Trigeminal neuralgia is a rare type of pain affecting people who are above 60 years and about 1 in every million people are affected.
Symptoms :
Trigeminal neuralgia can cause sudden episodes of shooting pain on your face that it can be felt as electric shock. The pain can be felt spontaneous when you touch the face. The pain would last for few seconds only but it may return again. For some people it can cause mild pain occasionally. Pain is triggered while you are touching the face for anything or for brushing your teeth. Many people describe the pain as though someone is stabbing with a knife on their face and piercing the skin.
The areas like cheeks, in and around the ears and jaws are worst affected with pain since the nerve passes through these areas. Pain is usually felt on one side of your face. For some people pain is focused in only one part like jaw or cheeks but for others it would spread widely. If not treated promptly, staggering pain is felt frequently and intensely over time.
Causes :
Intense sudden pain of trigeminal neuralgia occurs when the function of the trigeminal nerve gets disturbed. When the artery or vein gets in touch with the trigeminal nerve accidentally, it gets disrupted causing stabbing pain. Occasional contact of the artery with the nerve can put extra pressure on it thus interfering with its normal function. Aging is another factor that can cause trigeminal neuralgia. Having multiple sclerosis can also damage the myelin sheath covering of the trigeminal nerves causing intense pain. In rare cases formation of tumor on the trigeminal nerve can cause pain.
Risk Factors :
Old age is the primary risk factor for developing trigeminal neuralgia. For reasons unknown, women are more prone to get TN than men. The first attack or episode of pain comes without warning and may lasts for few seconds. The frequency of further attacks differs widely from one person to another. The pain may come and go on the same day or it can occur suddenly after a month or so. Nobody can predict when the next attack of pain would come back.
Complications :
As such trigeminal neuralgia would not cause any complications. However throbbing pain can interfere with your daily routine to large extent. You may ignore brushing your teeth or applying cream on your face due to the fear of pain. Hence you should not delay in taking treatment for trigeminal neuralgia.
Tests :
Your doctor can detect trigeminal neuralgia on listening to your symptoms. He may touch your face to verify where exactly pain has started. Further he may request for reflex test and neurological examination to know which branch of the nerve has been affected. To eliminate the possibility of multiple sclerosis he may order for imaging tests like CT/MRI scan.
Treatment :
For most of the people, trigeminal neuralgia pain can be managed by medications. But it can cause some adverse effect over long periods. In rare cases surgery is done for treating TN. Anticonvulsant medications like carbamazepine are prescribed for trigeminal neuralgia. After some years you may feel the pain again and your doctor may increase the dosage of the drug. These drugs can cause side effects like drowsiness and confusion.
Some doctors may prescribe muscle relaxing drugs like Gablofen or Lioresal for treating trigeminal neuralgia. In severe cases surgery is to be done to release the compression on the nerve. Microvascular decompressing surgery is done to remove the blood vessel from the trigeminal nerve region. A small incision is made behind the ear and a small hole is drilled on the skull. Your surgeon will remove any artery or vein that compresses the trigeminal nerve branch. This surgery can cause facial numbness or double vision or any other complications.
Another procedure called Gamma knife radioactive therapy is done wherein radiation is passed directly on the trigeminal nerve so that pain is not felt anymore on your face. This option is more effective and safe than surgery. If the patient gets back the pain again the same procedure is repeated. Your doctor may give you a shot of glycerol to damage the trigeminal nerve and blocking the pain. A small needle is sent into the base of skull through your face and sterile glycerol is injected directly on the nerve.
Balloon compression is another method for treating trigeminal neuralgia. A thin catheter is sent through the skull to locate the trigeminal nerve. A balloon is inserted to one end of the catheter which is then inflated to cause pressure on the trigeminal nerve to block the signals of pain. Now alternative therapies like acupuncture, vitamin or nutritional therapy and electrical stimulation are available for treating trigeminal neuralgia.
Rectal Pain
Rectal Pain Anus or rectum is the area through which feces are expelled from your body. Having rectal pain occasionally is not a matter of concern since it would resolve within few minutes. Many factors like anal fissure, fistulas and chronic constipation can cause rectal pain. If there is rectal bleeding accompanied with severe pain you need to get medical advice. Rectal pain can be managed by effective therapy or medical treatment depending on the cause.
Causes :
Number of factors given below can cause rectal pain :
Symptoms :
Rectal or anal pain can range from mild to severe. Getting spasm on the anal sphincter muscles can cause sudden fleeting pain. The pain would last for few minutes only but it can be stabbing pain on the rectum. Some people would feel tight pressure building up on the rectal region. This can be due to levator ani syndrome. The pain is felt while you are sitting and it improves while standing.
Hemorrhoids can cause mild pain and discomfort on the rectum. But if there is hemorrhoid thrombosis (blood clot) it can cause throbbing pain. Developing anal fissure can cause acute intense pain as though someone is tearing your bottom with knife. The pain may range from mild to severe. It is often accompanied with bleeding from the rectum. The pain would be more intense while passing stool since the bowel would have to tear off the skin for coming out of the rectum. If you have rectal pain with other symptoms like bleeding you can seek medical advice.
Tests :
Your doctor will listen to the symptoms and perform rectal examination using special instrument. Anal fissure or hemorrhoids can become evident during physical exam. If required, he may order for imaging tests.
Treatment :
If you have mild recta pain it can be due to spasm of anal sphincter muscle. You can wait for few minutes to check if the pain has reduced. You can try home remedies like sitting in hot water bath for few minutes. Gently massage the anal muscles so that the muscle spasm gets reduced. Over the counter painkillers like Advil or Ibuprofen can provide immediate relief.
For pain due to hemorrhoids, you can apply creams that contain hydrocortisone. Eat soft foods and include lot of fiber content so that your stool gets soft and passes quickly. Drink plenty of water. Sitting in lukewarm water for 20 minutes can reduce the pain and discomfort caused by hemorrhoids. Your doctor would prescribe anti-inflammatory drugs and medications for relaxing the muscle to manage rectal pain caused by Levator Ani syndrome.
For severe cases of hemorrhoids on the rectum, your doctor may surgically remove it after giving a shot of anesthetic on the rectal region. For treating severe cases of anal fissure, sphincterectomy is done. This would reduce the muscle tone thereby decreasing the spasms.
Prevention :
Most of the rectal pain are mild and can be managed by taking plenty of fiber and water in your diet. By eating soft foods your bowel movement becomes easy causing no trauma to the rectum. Avoid constipation by eating more fiber foods and drinking water. If you have constant constipation you need to consult your doctor.
Causes :
Number of factors given below can cause rectal pain :
- Development of fissure on the anal canal can trigger rectal pain. It can tear off the soft lining of the anal canal causing pain. Having anal sex or having frequent constipation can weaken the area inducing pain.
- Fistulae can develop on the anal region triggering pain.
- Some serious medical conditions like rectal cancer, colon cancer, Crohn’s disease, and rectal ulcer can cause pain with other symptoms also.
- Hemorrhoids can cause inflammation of veins in the anus region causing rectal pain. If the nerve endings of the rectum gets damaged it causes severe pain.
- Perianal hematoma and perianal abscess and itching can cause rectal pain.
- Sometimes, the sphincter muscles of the anal region can develop spasms causing fleeting pain on the bottom.
Symptoms :
Rectal or anal pain can range from mild to severe. Getting spasm on the anal sphincter muscles can cause sudden fleeting pain. The pain would last for few minutes only but it can be stabbing pain on the rectum. Some people would feel tight pressure building up on the rectal region. This can be due to levator ani syndrome. The pain is felt while you are sitting and it improves while standing.
Hemorrhoids can cause mild pain and discomfort on the rectum. But if there is hemorrhoid thrombosis (blood clot) it can cause throbbing pain. Developing anal fissure can cause acute intense pain as though someone is tearing your bottom with knife. The pain may range from mild to severe. It is often accompanied with bleeding from the rectum. The pain would be more intense while passing stool since the bowel would have to tear off the skin for coming out of the rectum. If you have rectal pain with other symptoms like bleeding you can seek medical advice.
Tests :
Your doctor will listen to the symptoms and perform rectal examination using special instrument. Anal fissure or hemorrhoids can become evident during physical exam. If required, he may order for imaging tests.
Treatment :
If you have mild recta pain it can be due to spasm of anal sphincter muscle. You can wait for few minutes to check if the pain has reduced. You can try home remedies like sitting in hot water bath for few minutes. Gently massage the anal muscles so that the muscle spasm gets reduced. Over the counter painkillers like Advil or Ibuprofen can provide immediate relief.
For pain due to hemorrhoids, you can apply creams that contain hydrocortisone. Eat soft foods and include lot of fiber content so that your stool gets soft and passes quickly. Drink plenty of water. Sitting in lukewarm water for 20 minutes can reduce the pain and discomfort caused by hemorrhoids. Your doctor would prescribe anti-inflammatory drugs and medications for relaxing the muscle to manage rectal pain caused by Levator Ani syndrome.
For severe cases of hemorrhoids on the rectum, your doctor may surgically remove it after giving a shot of anesthetic on the rectal region. For treating severe cases of anal fissure, sphincterectomy is done. This would reduce the muscle tone thereby decreasing the spasms.
Prevention :
Most of the rectal pain are mild and can be managed by taking plenty of fiber and water in your diet. By eating soft foods your bowel movement becomes easy causing no trauma to the rectum. Avoid constipation by eating more fiber foods and drinking water. If you have constant constipation you need to consult your doctor.
Brown Vaginal Discharge
Brown Vaginal Discharge It is quite normal for every woman to have vaginal discharge in between the menstrual cycle. Vaginal discharge is the mucus like fluid that comes out of your vagina. The color of the fluid can be white or light brown. This fluid is nothing but collection of mucus produced by the cervix and vaginal walls. It gets released through vagina whenever there is excess of fluid collection.
Having brown vaginal discharge on occasions indicates that you are healthy. Actually vagina produces this fluid to cleanse itself and keep the inner environment clean. Dead cells inside the vagina and unwanted bacteria are removed through vaginal discharge. This process helps in keeping your vagina clean and disease-free.
Women’s body having normal menstrual cycle will undergo plenty of changes inside with exchange of fluids and hormones. Estrogen and progesterone are two hormones involved in monthly cycle, vaginal discharge and even mood changes for women. There would be large difference in emotions before the onset of monthly periods and after it.
Vaginal discharge varies in color, quantity and texture for every woman. The chemical changes inside your body can produce large amounts of white discharge during the cycle and hot flashes. Having few light spots between your periods is not really a matter of concern. You need to worry only if you have excess of brown vaginal discharge or pain during discharge.
Causes :
Getting occasional brown vaginal discharge is absolutely normal. There are 2 major causes for getting more of vaginal discharge. One is during the initial stage of pregnancy and the other is being in pre-menopause stage. Pregnant women can get brown vaginal discharge during early stages of pregnancy. The vagina prepares itself to accommodate the fetus by clearing off the unwanted dead skin cells from the uterus. Once the egg gets fertilized by a sperm, the zygote gets itself attached to the wall of the uterus. This can cause brown vaginal discharge which may occur within 15 days of conception.
Women who are in pre-menopause stage can get yellowish brown discharge sometimes. If you get repeated discharge, you can consult your gynecologist. Some women may get brown vaginal discharge within a week after monthly periods when the old endometrial tissues are cleared off by the body. If there is brown vaginal discharge with pain and foul smell it can be due to vaginal infection or a symptom of sexually transmitted disease. Getting Chlamydia infection or gonorrhea can cause vaginal discharge between periods.
Formation of endometrial cysts can cause vaginal discharge. This can be heavy and it often occurs after intercourse. Any severe brown vaginal discharge with pain can be a sign of serious infection or disease. Infection can occur anywhere on the vagina or fallopian tubes or ovaries. If you have symptoms of pelvic pain, abdominal cramps with vaginal discharge you should consult your doctor immediately. In rare cases cervical cancer can cause brown vaginal discharge which is accompanied with other signs like loss of weight, loss of appetite, pelvic pain and extreme tiredness.
Tests :
Your doctor can easily detect the cause of brown vaginal discharge. She would ask you series of questions and perform a pelvic exam. She may also order for testing procedure like blood and urine culture and ultrasound scan of pelvic region if required.
Treatment :
Often vaginal discharge requires no treatment since it happens only for few days. It is quite natural for you to get brown discharge from the vagina if you are pregnant recently or if you are in pre-menopause stage. Treatment depends on the exact cause of the problem. If the results confirm the presence of infection, you will be prescribed antibiotics. In case of uterine polyps your doctor will consider removing it by curettage or scarring of polyps. You can prevent getting brown vaginal discharge by practicing safe sex and avoid having multiple sex partners.
Having brown vaginal discharge on occasions indicates that you are healthy. Actually vagina produces this fluid to cleanse itself and keep the inner environment clean. Dead cells inside the vagina and unwanted bacteria are removed through vaginal discharge. This process helps in keeping your vagina clean and disease-free.
Women’s body having normal menstrual cycle will undergo plenty of changes inside with exchange of fluids and hormones. Estrogen and progesterone are two hormones involved in monthly cycle, vaginal discharge and even mood changes for women. There would be large difference in emotions before the onset of monthly periods and after it.
Vaginal discharge varies in color, quantity and texture for every woman. The chemical changes inside your body can produce large amounts of white discharge during the cycle and hot flashes. Having few light spots between your periods is not really a matter of concern. You need to worry only if you have excess of brown vaginal discharge or pain during discharge.
Causes :
Getting occasional brown vaginal discharge is absolutely normal. There are 2 major causes for getting more of vaginal discharge. One is during the initial stage of pregnancy and the other is being in pre-menopause stage. Pregnant women can get brown vaginal discharge during early stages of pregnancy. The vagina prepares itself to accommodate the fetus by clearing off the unwanted dead skin cells from the uterus. Once the egg gets fertilized by a sperm, the zygote gets itself attached to the wall of the uterus. This can cause brown vaginal discharge which may occur within 15 days of conception.
Women who are in pre-menopause stage can get yellowish brown discharge sometimes. If you get repeated discharge, you can consult your gynecologist. Some women may get brown vaginal discharge within a week after monthly periods when the old endometrial tissues are cleared off by the body. If there is brown vaginal discharge with pain and foul smell it can be due to vaginal infection or a symptom of sexually transmitted disease. Getting Chlamydia infection or gonorrhea can cause vaginal discharge between periods.
Formation of endometrial cysts can cause vaginal discharge. This can be heavy and it often occurs after intercourse. Any severe brown vaginal discharge with pain can be a sign of serious infection or disease. Infection can occur anywhere on the vagina or fallopian tubes or ovaries. If you have symptoms of pelvic pain, abdominal cramps with vaginal discharge you should consult your doctor immediately. In rare cases cervical cancer can cause brown vaginal discharge which is accompanied with other signs like loss of weight, loss of appetite, pelvic pain and extreme tiredness.
Tests :
Your doctor can easily detect the cause of brown vaginal discharge. She would ask you series of questions and perform a pelvic exam. She may also order for testing procedure like blood and urine culture and ultrasound scan of pelvic region if required.
Treatment :
Often vaginal discharge requires no treatment since it happens only for few days. It is quite natural for you to get brown discharge from the vagina if you are pregnant recently or if you are in pre-menopause stage. Treatment depends on the exact cause of the problem. If the results confirm the presence of infection, you will be prescribed antibiotics. In case of uterine polyps your doctor will consider removing it by curettage or scarring of polyps. You can prevent getting brown vaginal discharge by practicing safe sex and avoid having multiple sex partners.
Bartholin Cyst
Bartholin Cyst A pair of Bartholin glands is found on each side of the vagina which helps in keeping the vagina well lubricated. These glands are very small that you cannot feel or see it. These glands are located on the libia (folds of skin) that envelops vagina on either side. When the openings of these glands are blocked, fluid gets back into the gland accumulating to form a cyst known as Bartolin’s cyst. Often they are tiny swelling abscess around the vagina and are painless. It is quite common to develop a Bartholin cyst and it gets resolved within few days. In rare cases, surgical drainage becomes necessary.
Symptoms :
Often, Bartholin cysts go unnoticed owing to its tiny size and painless nature. You may not even notice it unless an infection develops on it. The cyst can be seen as a small lump on the lips of vagina near the opening. During infection it can cause discomfort while sitting or walking and pain while having sex. Often, these cysts occur on one side of the vagina.
Causes :
Exact cause of the formation of Bartholin’s cyst is unknown and still it is not clear why some women are getting it and others not. Bartholin’s cyst is formed when the tiny openings of the Bartholin glands get blocked. It can occur due to extra growth of the skin or due to bacterial infection like E. coli or due to sexually transmitted diseases like Chlamydia or gonorrhea. The cysts grow bigger in size while having sex since it secretes more fluid during intercourse to keep the vagina lubricated.
Tests :
Your doctor may perform a pelvic exam to detect Bartholin cyst. He may collect complete medical history and ask series of questions to check the possibility of sexual transmission. Biopsy of the tissue sample can be done for testing it on the lab to rule out any bacterial infection or cancer.
Treatment :
Bartholin cyst does not require any treatment since the abscess would drain off within few days. You need to get medical help only if it troubles you while having sex or the cyst has developed infection causing bad odor and itching. Taking Sitz baths several times a day is the best remedy for Bartholin cyst. Fill a tub with lukewarm water and sit relaxed on it for few minutes. The cysts would rupture to drain off the liquid inside. You can manage the pain by taking Advil or Motrin for some days if you have pain during intercourse.
Surgery is the choice only if the size of the cyst is large or it causes complication. Your surgeon may give a shot of local anesthesia during the procedure. He would gently make a small incision directly on the cyst to drain off the fluid inside. Subsequently a tiny catheter (rubber tubing) is placed in the region for few weeks to facilitate complete drainage. You may not be able be have sex until the catheter is removed from the area.
If your doctor suspects bacterial infection on the cyst, he would prescribe suitable antibiotics. Marsupialization is another procedure by which Bartholin’s cyst is treated. Your doctor would create a small opening on the sides of the cyst and inserts a catheter so that there is full drainage of fluid inside for some days. If the Bartholin cysts do not respond to the above methods, the glands would be removed surgically in the hospital.
Symptoms :
Often, Bartholin cysts go unnoticed owing to its tiny size and painless nature. You may not even notice it unless an infection develops on it. The cyst can be seen as a small lump on the lips of vagina near the opening. During infection it can cause discomfort while sitting or walking and pain while having sex. Often, these cysts occur on one side of the vagina.
Causes :
Exact cause of the formation of Bartholin’s cyst is unknown and still it is not clear why some women are getting it and others not. Bartholin’s cyst is formed when the tiny openings of the Bartholin glands get blocked. It can occur due to extra growth of the skin or due to bacterial infection like E. coli or due to sexually transmitted diseases like Chlamydia or gonorrhea. The cysts grow bigger in size while having sex since it secretes more fluid during intercourse to keep the vagina lubricated.
Tests :
Your doctor may perform a pelvic exam to detect Bartholin cyst. He may collect complete medical history and ask series of questions to check the possibility of sexual transmission. Biopsy of the tissue sample can be done for testing it on the lab to rule out any bacterial infection or cancer.
Treatment :
Bartholin cyst does not require any treatment since the abscess would drain off within few days. You need to get medical help only if it troubles you while having sex or the cyst has developed infection causing bad odor and itching. Taking Sitz baths several times a day is the best remedy for Bartholin cyst. Fill a tub with lukewarm water and sit relaxed on it for few minutes. The cysts would rupture to drain off the liquid inside. You can manage the pain by taking Advil or Motrin for some days if you have pain during intercourse.
Surgery is the choice only if the size of the cyst is large or it causes complication. Your surgeon may give a shot of local anesthesia during the procedure. He would gently make a small incision directly on the cyst to drain off the fluid inside. Subsequently a tiny catheter (rubber tubing) is placed in the region for few weeks to facilitate complete drainage. You may not be able be have sex until the catheter is removed from the area.
If your doctor suspects bacterial infection on the cyst, he would prescribe suitable antibiotics. Marsupialization is another procedure by which Bartholin’s cyst is treated. Your doctor would create a small opening on the sides of the cyst and inserts a catheter so that there is full drainage of fluid inside for some days. If the Bartholin cysts do not respond to the above methods, the glands would be removed surgically in the hospital.
Glomerulonephritis
Glomerulonephritis Glomeruli is the name of tiny filters present in the kidneys that are responsible for removing waste materials and excess of fluid from the blood. As the unwanted particles passes through these filters (glomeruli) it becomes the essential part for the function of kidney. If there is swelling of glomeruli it disrupts the normal purification function done by the kidneys thereby causing more damage to it.
Glomerulonephritis is the inflammation (swelling) of tiny filters called glomeruli of the kidneys that interrupt its normal function. There are many conditions and illness that can cause glomerulonephritis. It needs to be treated promptly failing which it can cause damage to your kidneys.
Symptoms :
Glomerulonephritis can occur suddenly (acute) or as a gradual process (chronic). If there is direct damage to the filters or glomeruli it is called as primary glomerulonephritis. In case if the functions of filters get blocked due to long-term diabetes or other illnesses, it is secondary glomerulonephritis. Signs and symptoms of this disease differ as per its type. It can cause fluid retention in your body leading to swelling of legs, face and hands.
The color of the urine may be dark brown or pink indicating presence of red blood cells in it. For some people, urine can become foamy due to proteinuria (excess of protein). It can cause increase in blood pressure and extreme tiredness. Chronic form of glomerulonephritis would proceed silently causing no symptoms. This type can also cause high blood pressure, excess of urination during night time, swelling of face, foamy urine and abdominal pain.
Causes :
For some people, exact cause of glomerulonephritis is not known, and it is idiopathic. Infectious diseases can affect the filters causing inflammation of glomeruli. People who have got strep throat infection or skin infection can develop glomerulonephritis, due to excess of antibodies produced by the immune system. Children with low immunity have chance to get streptococcal glomerulonephritis quickly.
For some people bacteria can gain entry into the blood causing heart problems like endocarditis. This problem can create inflammation of glomeruli. Glomerulonephritis can be caused due to viral infections like HIV or hepatitis B infection. Chronic inflammatory diseases like systemic lupus can affect your kidneys. Similarly, Goodpasture’s syndrome and IgA nephropathy can cause glomerulonephritis. Some kinds of vascular disorders like polyarteritis and Wegener granulomatosis can cause this problem.
Tiny filters of glomeruli can get scarred due to hypertension and prolonged diabetes also. In severe cases glomerulonephritis can cause acute kidney failure or chronic kidney problems and high blood pressuer. Too much of protein discharge in urine can lead to nephritic syndrome.
Tests :
For some people, chronic glomerulonephritis is detected during urine analysis done for other reasons. If there are signs of dark urine or frequent urination your doctor may request for complete urine test, blood test (to check the levels of creatinine), and imaging tests like X-ray or CT scan of kidneys and kidney biopsy.
Treatment :
The method of treatment differs according to the type of glomerulonephritis and severity of symptoms. Some types of glomerulonephritis caused due to strep infection would resolve without any treatment whereas other types may need antibiotics. In case high blood pressure is the root cause for the problem, your doctor would prescribe suitable diuretics and ACE inhibitors for managing it.
For managing lupus and similar chronic conditions, corticosteroids are prescribed. For treating Goodpasture’s syndrome, a special method is used for removing antibodies from the blood which is then replaced with suitable plasma from the donor. Only for final stages of kidney failure, dialysis and transplant surgery is done.
Lifestyle Changes :
For people diagnosed with glomerulonephritis, follow the instructions of your dietician with regard to salt intake. Limit the intake of potassium and protein contents in food. Manage your weight and blood pressure. Do regular exercises.
Glomerulonephritis is the inflammation (swelling) of tiny filters called glomeruli of the kidneys that interrupt its normal function. There are many conditions and illness that can cause glomerulonephritis. It needs to be treated promptly failing which it can cause damage to your kidneys.
Symptoms :
Glomerulonephritis can occur suddenly (acute) or as a gradual process (chronic). If there is direct damage to the filters or glomeruli it is called as primary glomerulonephritis. In case if the functions of filters get blocked due to long-term diabetes or other illnesses, it is secondary glomerulonephritis. Signs and symptoms of this disease differ as per its type. It can cause fluid retention in your body leading to swelling of legs, face and hands.
The color of the urine may be dark brown or pink indicating presence of red blood cells in it. For some people, urine can become foamy due to proteinuria (excess of protein). It can cause increase in blood pressure and extreme tiredness. Chronic form of glomerulonephritis would proceed silently causing no symptoms. This type can also cause high blood pressure, excess of urination during night time, swelling of face, foamy urine and abdominal pain.
Causes :
For some people, exact cause of glomerulonephritis is not known, and it is idiopathic. Infectious diseases can affect the filters causing inflammation of glomeruli. People who have got strep throat infection or skin infection can develop glomerulonephritis, due to excess of antibodies produced by the immune system. Children with low immunity have chance to get streptococcal glomerulonephritis quickly.
For some people bacteria can gain entry into the blood causing heart problems like endocarditis. This problem can create inflammation of glomeruli. Glomerulonephritis can be caused due to viral infections like HIV or hepatitis B infection. Chronic inflammatory diseases like systemic lupus can affect your kidneys. Similarly, Goodpasture’s syndrome and IgA nephropathy can cause glomerulonephritis. Some kinds of vascular disorders like polyarteritis and Wegener granulomatosis can cause this problem.
Tiny filters of glomeruli can get scarred due to hypertension and prolonged diabetes also. In severe cases glomerulonephritis can cause acute kidney failure or chronic kidney problems and high blood pressuer. Too much of protein discharge in urine can lead to nephritic syndrome.
Tests :
For some people, chronic glomerulonephritis is detected during urine analysis done for other reasons. If there are signs of dark urine or frequent urination your doctor may request for complete urine test, blood test (to check the levels of creatinine), and imaging tests like X-ray or CT scan of kidneys and kidney biopsy.
Treatment :
The method of treatment differs according to the type of glomerulonephritis and severity of symptoms. Some types of glomerulonephritis caused due to strep infection would resolve without any treatment whereas other types may need antibiotics. In case high blood pressure is the root cause for the problem, your doctor would prescribe suitable diuretics and ACE inhibitors for managing it.
For managing lupus and similar chronic conditions, corticosteroids are prescribed. For treating Goodpasture’s syndrome, a special method is used for removing antibodies from the blood which is then replaced with suitable plasma from the donor. Only for final stages of kidney failure, dialysis and transplant surgery is done.
Lifestyle Changes :
For people diagnosed with glomerulonephritis, follow the instructions of your dietician with regard to salt intake. Limit the intake of potassium and protein contents in food. Manage your weight and blood pressure. Do regular exercises.
Postpartum Depression
Postpartum Depression Lot of changes happens to a woman when she becomes pregnant and subsequently gives birth to a child. In addition to physical changes, she also undergoes emotional and mental changes. Ranging from excitement to anxiety she experiences fear also. This might land up in postpartum depression. Depression arising from childbirth is known as postpartum depression. It is quite common for most of the new moms to experience mood swings for some time. But this would not continue for long.
In the case of postpartum depression, it becomes long lasting and may continue for several months or even years after childbirth. It can interrupt her daily activities and many times the mother will not even bother about her new baby due to depression. Postpartum depression has nothing to do with character of mother. It is neither weakness nor “baby blues” but it occurs as a result of bundle of hormonal changes in the brain. It is a rare and severe form of mental illness that occurs after childbirth. In extreme cases, postpartum depression develops into more severe form called postpartum psychosis which is a medical emergency. Postpartum depression can be treated but early intervention is essential for complete recovery.
Symptoms :
Prominent symptom of postpartum depression is feeling hopeless and sad each day and losing interest in pleasurable activities. Intensity of symptoms of PPD may vary from one mother to another, but these are the general signs of this disorder. A mother having “baby blues” might show symptoms of mood swings, sadness, anxiety, irritability and trouble sleeping, but these symptoms would go within few days or weeks after childbirth. The major difference in PPD is the symptoms grow intense day by day and it can significantly interfere with her daily tasks.
Loss of appetite, trouble in sleeping, increased irritation/anger, extreme tiredness, lack of interest in life/sex, severe mood swings, feeling of guilt/shame and withdrawal from family are some of the symptoms of PPD. The mother may have difficulty bonding with the child and she would completely ignore the baby, without caring to feed. Some mothers would harm their baby assuming that it is the reason for their sadness.
In severe cases they get thoughts about suicide/death. They may gain or lose weight and feel restless or sit quietly for hours together. A woman with postpartum psychosis may show symptoms of confusion, delusions and hallucinations (seeing/hearing non-existing things) and severely doubting others. She may not be able to recognize day or night and the place where she lives. Most of these symptoms may develop within few weeks after childbirth.
Causes :
Still experts cannot pinpoint the right cause of PPD and one cannot say why certain mothers develop this disorder and others not. It is believed to occur due to plenty of physical and emotional changes that happen to pregnant woman. Lots of hormonal changes occur in the body of pregnant women and after delivery there will be considerable drop in hormone levels.
It can cause dramatic changes in her metabolism, leaving her extremely tired and weak. It can also cause mood swings leading to postpartum depression. A new mother cannot sleep properly and may have trouble in handling her baby. She may feel that she is worthless and lost control. Such feelings can contribute for postpartum depression. A mother delivering stillborn baby or a child with serious illness can develop PPD.
Who are at risk?
Any woman can develop PPD after childbirth. But there are certain factors that increase the risk. Financial trouble, lack of care/love from spouse, poor support from family, increased stress and sudden death of husband are some of the factors that makes a woman prone to develop PPD.
Having a sick child, undergoing depression during pregnancy and family history of bipolar disorder increases the risk of developing this disorder. A child born for postpartum depression mother can have behavioral problems in life. If left untreated, PPD can develop further to postpartum psychosis.
Tests :
According to DSM, PPD is a kind of major depression. To be classified under PPD, a new mother should have at least 3-4 of the symptoms like depressed mood every day, lack of interest in any activity, loss of appetite, trouble in sleeping, restlessness, fatigue, difficulty to make decisions and think clearly and repeated thoughts about suicide/death.
Treatment :
Medications are given to reduce the symptom of depression and individual counseling and therapy are effective for postpartum depression. Based on your symptoms, your doctor would refer to a psychiatrist or psychologist for counseling. Family counseling is helpful in building relationships. Antidepressant drugs are prescribed with precaution for new mothers. Your psychiatrist would start with low doses since you would be breast-feeding.
If your hormone levels are imbalanced, suitable hormone therapy is given. Often, most of the symptoms of PPD go away with effective treatment, but you should follow the instructions of your doctor in taking medicines to prevent relapse. If you can afford, engage a full-time helper for your baby. Spend quality time for yourself. Eat healthy foods and do regular exercises which can help in regulating your mood.
Prevention :
You can do nothing to prevent PPD since it is not your fault. However if you have a family history of depression you can consult your doctor once you become pregnant. He might give suitable antidepressants to prevent worsening of symptoms.
In the case of postpartum depression, it becomes long lasting and may continue for several months or even years after childbirth. It can interrupt her daily activities and many times the mother will not even bother about her new baby due to depression. Postpartum depression has nothing to do with character of mother. It is neither weakness nor “baby blues” but it occurs as a result of bundle of hormonal changes in the brain. It is a rare and severe form of mental illness that occurs after childbirth. In extreme cases, postpartum depression develops into more severe form called postpartum psychosis which is a medical emergency. Postpartum depression can be treated but early intervention is essential for complete recovery.
Symptoms :
Prominent symptom of postpartum depression is feeling hopeless and sad each day and losing interest in pleasurable activities. Intensity of symptoms of PPD may vary from one mother to another, but these are the general signs of this disorder. A mother having “baby blues” might show symptoms of mood swings, sadness, anxiety, irritability and trouble sleeping, but these symptoms would go within few days or weeks after childbirth. The major difference in PPD is the symptoms grow intense day by day and it can significantly interfere with her daily tasks.
Loss of appetite, trouble in sleeping, increased irritation/anger, extreme tiredness, lack of interest in life/sex, severe mood swings, feeling of guilt/shame and withdrawal from family are some of the symptoms of PPD. The mother may have difficulty bonding with the child and she would completely ignore the baby, without caring to feed. Some mothers would harm their baby assuming that it is the reason for their sadness.
In severe cases they get thoughts about suicide/death. They may gain or lose weight and feel restless or sit quietly for hours together. A woman with postpartum psychosis may show symptoms of confusion, delusions and hallucinations (seeing/hearing non-existing things) and severely doubting others. She may not be able to recognize day or night and the place where she lives. Most of these symptoms may develop within few weeks after childbirth.
Causes :
Still experts cannot pinpoint the right cause of PPD and one cannot say why certain mothers develop this disorder and others not. It is believed to occur due to plenty of physical and emotional changes that happen to pregnant woman. Lots of hormonal changes occur in the body of pregnant women and after delivery there will be considerable drop in hormone levels.
It can cause dramatic changes in her metabolism, leaving her extremely tired and weak. It can also cause mood swings leading to postpartum depression. A new mother cannot sleep properly and may have trouble in handling her baby. She may feel that she is worthless and lost control. Such feelings can contribute for postpartum depression. A mother delivering stillborn baby or a child with serious illness can develop PPD.
Who are at risk?
Any woman can develop PPD after childbirth. But there are certain factors that increase the risk. Financial trouble, lack of care/love from spouse, poor support from family, increased stress and sudden death of husband are some of the factors that makes a woman prone to develop PPD.
Having a sick child, undergoing depression during pregnancy and family history of bipolar disorder increases the risk of developing this disorder. A child born for postpartum depression mother can have behavioral problems in life. If left untreated, PPD can develop further to postpartum psychosis.
Tests :
According to DSM, PPD is a kind of major depression. To be classified under PPD, a new mother should have at least 3-4 of the symptoms like depressed mood every day, lack of interest in any activity, loss of appetite, trouble in sleeping, restlessness, fatigue, difficulty to make decisions and think clearly and repeated thoughts about suicide/death.
Treatment :
Medications are given to reduce the symptom of depression and individual counseling and therapy are effective for postpartum depression. Based on your symptoms, your doctor would refer to a psychiatrist or psychologist for counseling. Family counseling is helpful in building relationships. Antidepressant drugs are prescribed with precaution for new mothers. Your psychiatrist would start with low doses since you would be breast-feeding.
If your hormone levels are imbalanced, suitable hormone therapy is given. Often, most of the symptoms of PPD go away with effective treatment, but you should follow the instructions of your doctor in taking medicines to prevent relapse. If you can afford, engage a full-time helper for your baby. Spend quality time for yourself. Eat healthy foods and do regular exercises which can help in regulating your mood.
Prevention :
You can do nothing to prevent PPD since it is not your fault. However if you have a family history of depression you can consult your doctor once you become pregnant. He might give suitable antidepressants to prevent worsening of symptoms.
Preeclampsia
Preeclampsia Preeclampsia is a condition that occurs to some pregnant women, during which there would be high blood pressure and high protein level in the urine. Often it occurs during the third trimester of pregnancy (30-35th week) and in rare cases it can occur after delivery. Preeclampsia can cause sudden seizures during pregnancy which can affect the normal growth of fetus. Not all the pregnant women would develop preeclampsia. And in case any pregnant woman has this condition, the doctor would closely monitor her health and fetus health.
Causes :
Why only some pregnant women develop preeclampsia and others not? There is no clear reason to explain this question. Not having proper nutritious diet during pregnancy can cause this problem. It is believed to occur when there is not sufficient blood supply in the uterus. Women who have weak immunity have increased risk of developing preeclampsia during pregnancy.
Who are at risk?
Teenage women who are pregnant have more chance to develop preeclampsia, since the uterus would not have developed fully preparing itself for the growing fetus. Women with a family history of this problem have high risk. If a pregnant woman already has blood pressure she may develop preeclampsia. Women with immune disorders like rheumatoid arthritis or lupus before pregnancy may get preeclampsia.
Symptoms :
Preeclampsia is a condition and not a disease. It can cause increase in blood pressure, increase in the level of protein, and increase in weight. It is quite common for pregnant women to have weight gain due to the growing fetus. But if this weight gain is due to rapid increase in the level of bodily fluids it may be due to preeclampsia.
Some women may show symptoms of dizziness, confusion, tiredness and headache due to preeclampsia. Normal urine outflow may get decreased during this stage. In case any pregnant woman develops sudden weight gain with blurring of vision and decreased urine output, it can be due to preeclampsia. It is wise to monitor your health regularly if you are pregnant and report any changes in blood pressure to prevent further damage.
Tests :
If your doctor suspects preeclampsia, she may order for urine analysis. Increased level of protein in urine and increased blood pressure can indicate this condition. She may order for complete blood tests to confirm the diagnosis.
Treatment :
No medications are available to treat preeclampsia. Treatment can be given only for managing the symptoms. Often, the symptoms of preeclampsia will resolve after childbirth without any treatment. Blood pressure can be controlled using suitable drugs if there is sudden increase in blood pressure. As a protective measure, the doctor would give steroid medications to improve the growth of fetus properly with the condition of preeclampsia.
Women with this condition should be careful in managing their health as well as the fetus. Taking complete rest can help in controlling blood pressure. For women who develop seizures due to preeclampsia, Lorazepam can be given. If the doctor feels that baby’s growth is complete, she may consider making C-section delivery if the pregnant women has completed 34th week.
In severe cases, the women would be hospitalized and given emergency treatment until the completion of delivery. In rare cases, preeclampsia can affect the growth of fetus with sudden decrease in blood flow to the uterus. Hence both the women and the baby’s health will be monitored closely by the doctor. In rare cases placenta can get cut off from the uterus leading to abrupt stoppage of fetus growth. In that case, surgical procedure is done to save the life of the baby. Kidney or liver of the fetus can get damaged due to severe types of preeclampsia.
Prevention :
You can do nothing to prevent preeclampsia. But you can always be more careful when you are pregnant. Visit your doctor regularly and report any changes to her. Check your blood pressure and monitor your weight and tell your doctor if you find any abnormalities. With little care and close monitoring of your health, you can avoid complications caused by preeclampsia.
Causes :
Why only some pregnant women develop preeclampsia and others not? There is no clear reason to explain this question. Not having proper nutritious diet during pregnancy can cause this problem. It is believed to occur when there is not sufficient blood supply in the uterus. Women who have weak immunity have increased risk of developing preeclampsia during pregnancy.
Who are at risk?
Teenage women who are pregnant have more chance to develop preeclampsia, since the uterus would not have developed fully preparing itself for the growing fetus. Women with a family history of this problem have high risk. If a pregnant woman already has blood pressure she may develop preeclampsia. Women with immune disorders like rheumatoid arthritis or lupus before pregnancy may get preeclampsia.
Symptoms :
Preeclampsia is a condition and not a disease. It can cause increase in blood pressure, increase in the level of protein, and increase in weight. It is quite common for pregnant women to have weight gain due to the growing fetus. But if this weight gain is due to rapid increase in the level of bodily fluids it may be due to preeclampsia.
Some women may show symptoms of dizziness, confusion, tiredness and headache due to preeclampsia. Normal urine outflow may get decreased during this stage. In case any pregnant woman develops sudden weight gain with blurring of vision and decreased urine output, it can be due to preeclampsia. It is wise to monitor your health regularly if you are pregnant and report any changes in blood pressure to prevent further damage.
Tests :
If your doctor suspects preeclampsia, she may order for urine analysis. Increased level of protein in urine and increased blood pressure can indicate this condition. She may order for complete blood tests to confirm the diagnosis.
Treatment :
No medications are available to treat preeclampsia. Treatment can be given only for managing the symptoms. Often, the symptoms of preeclampsia will resolve after childbirth without any treatment. Blood pressure can be controlled using suitable drugs if there is sudden increase in blood pressure. As a protective measure, the doctor would give steroid medications to improve the growth of fetus properly with the condition of preeclampsia.
Women with this condition should be careful in managing their health as well as the fetus. Taking complete rest can help in controlling blood pressure. For women who develop seizures due to preeclampsia, Lorazepam can be given. If the doctor feels that baby’s growth is complete, she may consider making C-section delivery if the pregnant women has completed 34th week.
In severe cases, the women would be hospitalized and given emergency treatment until the completion of delivery. In rare cases, preeclampsia can affect the growth of fetus with sudden decrease in blood flow to the uterus. Hence both the women and the baby’s health will be monitored closely by the doctor. In rare cases placenta can get cut off from the uterus leading to abrupt stoppage of fetus growth. In that case, surgical procedure is done to save the life of the baby. Kidney or liver of the fetus can get damaged due to severe types of preeclampsia.
Prevention :
You can do nothing to prevent preeclampsia. But you can always be more careful when you are pregnant. Visit your doctor regularly and report any changes to her. Check your blood pressure and monitor your weight and tell your doctor if you find any abnormalities. With little care and close monitoring of your health, you can avoid complications caused by preeclampsia.
Chilaiditi Syndrome
Chilaiditi Syndrome In rare cases, a part of the intestine (colon) gets interposed between the diaphragm and the liver. Such medical condition is known as Chilaiditi syndrome. Diaphragm is a muscular region that is found between the abdomen and the chest cavity. Part of colon suspended closer to the liver and diaphragm can exert pressure on the abdomen causing stomach pain, nausea and constipation.
Exact cause of Chilaiditi syndrome is not known, but is believed to occur in patients with chronic lung diseases or liver problems. In most of the cases, no treatment is required, but in some people surgery may be done. Since this medical condition was first described by Dimitrios Chilaiditi, a Greek man it was named after him.
Symptoms :
Chilaiditi syndrome is very rare occurrence and even if occurs, it would not cause any symptoms. Part of colon gets locked in the portion between the liver and the diaphragm in elderly people. Chilaiditi syndrome is usually asymptomatic. Some people can get signs of abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting and constipation due to this syndrome. In rare cases it can cause shortness of breath and bowel torsion. Some part of the feces will be retained in that portion before expelling.
Causes :
Exact cause of Chilaiditi syndrome is unknown. It is not clear why certain people develop transposition of colon and others not.
Risk Factors :
Elderly men are at more risk than women for developing Chilaiditi syndrome. Similarly people with chronic liver problems like cirrhosis and chronic lung issues like emphysema are prone to get this disorder.
Tests :
In many cases transposition of colon abnormally between the diaphragm and the liver is identified while taking tests for other reasons. Chest X-ray or abdominal X-ray can reveal the position of transverse colon in abnormal position. Characteristic Chilaiditi sign is marked by the transposition of right colon. Sometime this medical condition is confused for suphrenic abscess or suspended air in the diaphragm or abdominal cavity.
Treatment :
If there is no symptom due to Chilaiditi sign you need not require any treatment. The only method of treating the disposition of colon between the diaphragm and the liver is by surgical intervention. Your doctor will consider many factors before deciding whether you are fit for surgery. Corrective surgery is performed for positioning the colon in the right place. But the same condition may still recur after surgery also.
Surgery is performed under general anesthesia and the patient should be in the hospital for a week to 10 days. Rate of success of surgery is fairly good and most of the patients would recover quickly. The patient may have problems like diarrhea or passing stool very quickly after surgery. However this condition may improve in few days. You can get back to normal life shortly after getting discharged. Avoid lifting heavy objects and doing strenuous exercises until your doctor gives concurrence.
Exact cause of Chilaiditi syndrome is not known, but is believed to occur in patients with chronic lung diseases or liver problems. In most of the cases, no treatment is required, but in some people surgery may be done. Since this medical condition was first described by Dimitrios Chilaiditi, a Greek man it was named after him.
Symptoms :
Chilaiditi syndrome is very rare occurrence and even if occurs, it would not cause any symptoms. Part of colon gets locked in the portion between the liver and the diaphragm in elderly people. Chilaiditi syndrome is usually asymptomatic. Some people can get signs of abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting and constipation due to this syndrome. In rare cases it can cause shortness of breath and bowel torsion. Some part of the feces will be retained in that portion before expelling.
Causes :
Exact cause of Chilaiditi syndrome is unknown. It is not clear why certain people develop transposition of colon and others not.
Risk Factors :
Elderly men are at more risk than women for developing Chilaiditi syndrome. Similarly people with chronic liver problems like cirrhosis and chronic lung issues like emphysema are prone to get this disorder.
Tests :
In many cases transposition of colon abnormally between the diaphragm and the liver is identified while taking tests for other reasons. Chest X-ray or abdominal X-ray can reveal the position of transverse colon in abnormal position. Characteristic Chilaiditi sign is marked by the transposition of right colon. Sometime this medical condition is confused for suphrenic abscess or suspended air in the diaphragm or abdominal cavity.
Treatment :
If there is no symptom due to Chilaiditi sign you need not require any treatment. The only method of treating the disposition of colon between the diaphragm and the liver is by surgical intervention. Your doctor will consider many factors before deciding whether you are fit for surgery. Corrective surgery is performed for positioning the colon in the right place. But the same condition may still recur after surgery also.
Surgery is performed under general anesthesia and the patient should be in the hospital for a week to 10 days. Rate of success of surgery is fairly good and most of the patients would recover quickly. The patient may have problems like diarrhea or passing stool very quickly after surgery. However this condition may improve in few days. You can get back to normal life shortly after getting discharged. Avoid lifting heavy objects and doing strenuous exercises until your doctor gives concurrence.
Horner Syndrome
Horner Syndrome Horner syndrome is a neurological disorder in which the nerve signals from the brain to one side of the body including eye and face is disrupted. It would cause decreased sweating on the affected side of the body and decrease in size of the eyelid on one side. Horner syndrome is not a disorder but is the side effect of another neurological problem like stroke or injury in the brain. Often this syndrome would affect the size of the pupil and does not cause any difficulty in vision. In medical terms, Horner syndrome is known as oculosympathetic palsy.
Symptoms :
Horner syndrome can cause decrease in size of the pupil in one of the eyes. Some of the other signs of this syndrome are dropping of affected eyelid, delay in opening of affected pupil and slight lifting of lower lid. In case one side of the body gets affected it can cause decreased sweating or no sweating on the affected side. Often, there are no obvious symptoms and if at all present, it would be subtle.
In children, Horner syndrome may cause slight change in color of the iris on the affected eye. In rare cases, symptoms of Horner syndrome can appear suddenly after an accident or trauma. If there is any impairment in vision and dizziness you need to consult your doctor immediately.
Causes :
Exact cause of Horner syndrome is not known (idiopathic) and in some cases it can develop due to damage caused in the sympathetic nervous system. This system is responsible for controlling heartbeat, perspiration and blood pressure. It also checks on the pupil size and induces the body to adjust quickly to any change in the environment. Three groups of neurons can get affected due to Horner syndrome.
Any damage in the pathway of first order neurons can occur due to stroke, trauma in the neck and formation of cavity or cyst in the spinal column. First order neurons runs from hypothalamus region to the upper part of the vertebral column. Sometime, nerve damage can develop in the second order neurons due to presence of tumor in the myelin sheath, lung cancer and trauma or sudden injury in the spine.
For some people, third order neurons may get damaged due to tumor in the skull, migraine, and damage to the jugular vein. In children, Horner syndrome is caused by slight injury in the neck portion during delivery or any defect in the aorta (blood vessel of the heart) at birth.
Tests :
Your doctor would look into the above symptoms after collecting your medical history and asking series of questions about the possible injury of the neck or spine. He would refer to an ophthalmologist for thorough eye examination to check the condition of pupil size. She would try to find out the cause of nerve damage using additional tests like CT or MRI scan. She may look for any abnormality in the nerve path or presence of any tumor or lesion.
Treatment :
No treatment is usually required for Horner syndrome. If the doctor could find out the underlying medical cause he would give suitable treatment for clearing the disruption of nerve pathway.
Symptoms :
Horner syndrome can cause decrease in size of the pupil in one of the eyes. Some of the other signs of this syndrome are dropping of affected eyelid, delay in opening of affected pupil and slight lifting of lower lid. In case one side of the body gets affected it can cause decreased sweating or no sweating on the affected side. Often, there are no obvious symptoms and if at all present, it would be subtle.
In children, Horner syndrome may cause slight change in color of the iris on the affected eye. In rare cases, symptoms of Horner syndrome can appear suddenly after an accident or trauma. If there is any impairment in vision and dizziness you need to consult your doctor immediately.
Causes :
Exact cause of Horner syndrome is not known (idiopathic) and in some cases it can develop due to damage caused in the sympathetic nervous system. This system is responsible for controlling heartbeat, perspiration and blood pressure. It also checks on the pupil size and induces the body to adjust quickly to any change in the environment. Three groups of neurons can get affected due to Horner syndrome.
Any damage in the pathway of first order neurons can occur due to stroke, trauma in the neck and formation of cavity or cyst in the spinal column. First order neurons runs from hypothalamus region to the upper part of the vertebral column. Sometime, nerve damage can develop in the second order neurons due to presence of tumor in the myelin sheath, lung cancer and trauma or sudden injury in the spine.
For some people, third order neurons may get damaged due to tumor in the skull, migraine, and damage to the jugular vein. In children, Horner syndrome is caused by slight injury in the neck portion during delivery or any defect in the aorta (blood vessel of the heart) at birth.
Tests :
Your doctor would look into the above symptoms after collecting your medical history and asking series of questions about the possible injury of the neck or spine. He would refer to an ophthalmologist for thorough eye examination to check the condition of pupil size. She would try to find out the cause of nerve damage using additional tests like CT or MRI scan. She may look for any abnormality in the nerve path or presence of any tumor or lesion.
Treatment :
No treatment is usually required for Horner syndrome. If the doctor could find out the underlying medical cause he would give suitable treatment for clearing the disruption of nerve pathway.
Premenstrual Syndrome
Premenstrual Syndrome Premenstrual syndrome is a common condition that occurs in almost every woman who is in menstrual cycle. This syndrome is the collection of emotional, physical as well as psychological process that occurs shortly after the ovulation and ending with the onset of menstruation. Menstruation cycle can cause mood disturbances apart from changes in physical features like tenderness of breast, bloating sensation, anger and depression. It is believed to occur due to change in hormones and secretion of chemicals in the brain.
Healthy lifestyle, regular exercises and emotional support from the family is enough to treat premenstrual syndrome. Premenstrual dysphoria disorder is severe form of this syndrome is marked by severe symptoms affecting the daily activities and function. It is a very rare occurrence.
Symptoms :
Premenstrual syndrome is characterized with symptoms like change in mood/behavior accompanied with anger and irritability. It can cause physical changes like tender breasts, fatigue, small weight gain, disturbance of sleep and cravings for food. Most of the women would develop acne on their face during each menstrual cycle. Some women would become highly sensitive during this phase added with tension and anxiety. They would cry and become depressed for unexplained reason. It can also cause difficulty in concentrating and sudden outburst of anger.
The above symptoms may range from mild to severe depending on the secretion of sex hormones and neurochemical interaction in the brain. Nine out of every ten women experiences premenstrual syndrome. It is quite common for women of 40-50 years. But clinically measurable significant changes and symptoms can occur in 30-40% of women. Overall changes occurring in women before the onset of monthly period are collectively known as premenstrual syndrome.
Causes :
Premenstrual syndrome is known to develop due to sudden imbalance of sex hormones and neurotransmitter in the brain. Till now, no theory can give genuine explanation for the occurrence of these symptoms. This syndrome is not related with personality type or stress.
Tests :
Maintaining a menstrual diary is helpful in evaluating the mood changes occurring during premenstrual syndrome. She can note down the physical as well as emotional disturbances consistently during the ovulation phase. No standard testing procedures are available for detecting premenstrual syndrome. The symptoms of this syndrome resemble several psychological conditions and making diagnosis is difficult. Certain disorders like depression and health conditions like fatigue, bloating and hypothyroidism also have similar symptoms.
Treatment :
No standard therapy or treatment is available for premenstrual syndrome. Medications can be given depending on the symptoms. Using diuretics like Midol PMS or Premsyn PMS can help in reducing the excess of fluid from the body during the PMS. But this is not effective for all women. Pain killers like Advil or Motrin can be used for reducing menstrual cramps and discomfort.
Consult your doctor before using any depressant drugs since this can cause addiction. Oral contraceptive pills can streamline hormonal imbalance and control mood swings. Not all the physical symptoms can be resolved using drugs. But women can generally manage a healthy lifestyle like doing regular exercises, eating balanced diet and reducing alcohol intake. Reduce salt intake to reduce bloated feeling and fluid retention. Eat plenty of fruits and fresh vegetables that are rich in carbohydrates and fiber. Practice yoga and meditation to get rid of depressive mood and fatigue. When you know that you in the PMS phase you can get support from family and friends to solve emotional issues.
Healthy lifestyle, regular exercises and emotional support from the family is enough to treat premenstrual syndrome. Premenstrual dysphoria disorder is severe form of this syndrome is marked by severe symptoms affecting the daily activities and function. It is a very rare occurrence.
Symptoms :
Premenstrual syndrome is characterized with symptoms like change in mood/behavior accompanied with anger and irritability. It can cause physical changes like tender breasts, fatigue, small weight gain, disturbance of sleep and cravings for food. Most of the women would develop acne on their face during each menstrual cycle. Some women would become highly sensitive during this phase added with tension and anxiety. They would cry and become depressed for unexplained reason. It can also cause difficulty in concentrating and sudden outburst of anger.
The above symptoms may range from mild to severe depending on the secretion of sex hormones and neurochemical interaction in the brain. Nine out of every ten women experiences premenstrual syndrome. It is quite common for women of 40-50 years. But clinically measurable significant changes and symptoms can occur in 30-40% of women. Overall changes occurring in women before the onset of monthly period are collectively known as premenstrual syndrome.
Causes :
Premenstrual syndrome is known to develop due to sudden imbalance of sex hormones and neurotransmitter in the brain. Till now, no theory can give genuine explanation for the occurrence of these symptoms. This syndrome is not related with personality type or stress.
Tests :
Maintaining a menstrual diary is helpful in evaluating the mood changes occurring during premenstrual syndrome. She can note down the physical as well as emotional disturbances consistently during the ovulation phase. No standard testing procedures are available for detecting premenstrual syndrome. The symptoms of this syndrome resemble several psychological conditions and making diagnosis is difficult. Certain disorders like depression and health conditions like fatigue, bloating and hypothyroidism also have similar symptoms.
Treatment :
No standard therapy or treatment is available for premenstrual syndrome. Medications can be given depending on the symptoms. Using diuretics like Midol PMS or Premsyn PMS can help in reducing the excess of fluid from the body during the PMS. But this is not effective for all women. Pain killers like Advil or Motrin can be used for reducing menstrual cramps and discomfort.
Consult your doctor before using any depressant drugs since this can cause addiction. Oral contraceptive pills can streamline hormonal imbalance and control mood swings. Not all the physical symptoms can be resolved using drugs. But women can generally manage a healthy lifestyle like doing regular exercises, eating balanced diet and reducing alcohol intake. Reduce salt intake to reduce bloated feeling and fluid retention. Eat plenty of fruits and fresh vegetables that are rich in carbohydrates and fiber. Practice yoga and meditation to get rid of depressive mood and fatigue. When you know that you in the PMS phase you can get support from family and friends to solve emotional issues.
What is Sour Stomach
What is Sour Stomach Sour stomach is the feeling that you get when you have excess of belching or fullness or bloating sensation in your stomach. It is the term used for many types of gastrointestinal disturbance in the stomach like acidity or indigestion. Acid reflux is the common problem faced by millions of people across the world. Some may have digestive problems leading to sour stomach. This term has wide variety of meaning describing several ailments of the stomach.
Symptoms :
People having sour stomach can have range of symptoms depending on the causative factor. Regurgitation is the retrograde flow of the stomach wherein the food that passes through the stomach and intestine will be sent back into the esophagus and sometimes it may reach till your throat. This condition occurs when the sphincter muscles present in the lower esophagus is not able to prevent the back pressure that forces the food particles till the throat.
Nausea and vomiting is another sign of sour stomach. Nausea is the sensation that you get before vomiting. It can be described as the feeling of uneasiness or discomfort that something is wrong in your stomach. For some people vomiting may not occur but the feeling of nausea may still remain for long. Bloating of stomach is another symptom of sour stomach. It is the feeling of “fullness” that you get after taking only little quantity of food. It can occur due to excess of gas accumulation in the stomach. This condition can also cause excess of belching. In addition to the above, many people may also have stomach pain, burning feeling in the chest (heartburn) and stomach noises due to acidity and other digestive problems. It can also cause bad taste like metallic or acidic taste in your tongue.
Causes :
There are various causes for sour stomach since it can be caused due to number of conditions. GERD (Gastro Esophageal Reflux Disease) is the main cause for sour stomach. Due to improper function of the sphincter muscles in the upper stomach, food particles from the stomach may be forced into the esophagus region causing heartburn and acid reflux.
Severe indigestion can also cause sour stomach. Over-eating and drinking large quantities of carbonated beverages and coffee/tea etc can cause sour stomach. Consuming alcohol can also cause this condition leading to acidity. Eating food very quickly, eating without proper chewing and lying down after eating can cause indigestion problems and sour stomach. Some people swallow too much of air while eating which can also upset the stomach. In some cases chronic health problems like peptic ulcer or gastritis can also cause sour stomach.
Tests :
No test is needed to diagnose sour stomach. It is clearly evident from the above symptoms.
Treatment :
Before taking any medical treatment you can manage most of the symptoms of sour stomach by making small changes in your daily diet and lifestyle. Avoid eating spicy and hot foods that can upset the normal acid balance of your stomach. Take small meals frequently instead of eating a hefty meal. Select foods rich in protein and reduce the fat content in your diet. For many people, eating fat contents can aggravate the symptoms of sour stomach causing acidity and stomach reflux.
Including garlic and ginger in your food can help in overcoming acidity to some extent. If you are allergic to dairy products then completely avoid taking milk products in any form. Sometimes you can be allergic to gluten products. Do not go to bed just after eating. You can read something or go for a relaxed walk before sleeping so that the intestine would complete its function by the time you go to sleep.
In case you are drinking, take little quantity of alcohol. Don’t take coffee/tea or any other carbonated beverages after evening, since it can trigger acidity and sometimes it can disturb your quality sleep. Most of the indigestion problems can resolve by choosing right set of diet and doing exercises. In case the problem persists you can consult your doctor.
Chronic issues like ulcer or GERD needs to be treated. Your doctor will order for series of test before diagnosing the exact cause of sour stomach and prescribe suitable medications based on the result. Taking antacids can give you temporary relief from the symptoms of acidity and heartburn. Over the counter antacids suspensions are fast acting providing good relief from acidity symptoms. But do not use antacids for long since it can cause complications. For severe cases of acidity your doctor may prescribe H2 receptor blocking agents like cimetidine or pepacid AC or ranitidine.
Proton pump inhibitors like omeprazole or lansoprazole would block the acid secreting cells of the stomach helping in relieving the symptoms. Prokinetic drugs are useful in strengthening the sphincter muscles of the esophagus preventing regurgitation. You can practice yoga and meditation course or get help from your therapist to learn relaxation techniques that helps in reducing stress. Do regular exercises that help in managing most of the symptoms of acidity and sour stomach.
Symptoms :
People having sour stomach can have range of symptoms depending on the causative factor. Regurgitation is the retrograde flow of the stomach wherein the food that passes through the stomach and intestine will be sent back into the esophagus and sometimes it may reach till your throat. This condition occurs when the sphincter muscles present in the lower esophagus is not able to prevent the back pressure that forces the food particles till the throat.
Nausea and vomiting is another sign of sour stomach. Nausea is the sensation that you get before vomiting. It can be described as the feeling of uneasiness or discomfort that something is wrong in your stomach. For some people vomiting may not occur but the feeling of nausea may still remain for long. Bloating of stomach is another symptom of sour stomach. It is the feeling of “fullness” that you get after taking only little quantity of food. It can occur due to excess of gas accumulation in the stomach. This condition can also cause excess of belching. In addition to the above, many people may also have stomach pain, burning feeling in the chest (heartburn) and stomach noises due to acidity and other digestive problems. It can also cause bad taste like metallic or acidic taste in your tongue.
Causes :
There are various causes for sour stomach since it can be caused due to number of conditions. GERD (Gastro Esophageal Reflux Disease) is the main cause for sour stomach. Due to improper function of the sphincter muscles in the upper stomach, food particles from the stomach may be forced into the esophagus region causing heartburn and acid reflux.
Severe indigestion can also cause sour stomach. Over-eating and drinking large quantities of carbonated beverages and coffee/tea etc can cause sour stomach. Consuming alcohol can also cause this condition leading to acidity. Eating food very quickly, eating without proper chewing and lying down after eating can cause indigestion problems and sour stomach. Some people swallow too much of air while eating which can also upset the stomach. In some cases chronic health problems like peptic ulcer or gastritis can also cause sour stomach.
Tests :
No test is needed to diagnose sour stomach. It is clearly evident from the above symptoms.
Treatment :
Before taking any medical treatment you can manage most of the symptoms of sour stomach by making small changes in your daily diet and lifestyle. Avoid eating spicy and hot foods that can upset the normal acid balance of your stomach. Take small meals frequently instead of eating a hefty meal. Select foods rich in protein and reduce the fat content in your diet. For many people, eating fat contents can aggravate the symptoms of sour stomach causing acidity and stomach reflux.
Including garlic and ginger in your food can help in overcoming acidity to some extent. If you are allergic to dairy products then completely avoid taking milk products in any form. Sometimes you can be allergic to gluten products. Do not go to bed just after eating. You can read something or go for a relaxed walk before sleeping so that the intestine would complete its function by the time you go to sleep.
In case you are drinking, take little quantity of alcohol. Don’t take coffee/tea or any other carbonated beverages after evening, since it can trigger acidity and sometimes it can disturb your quality sleep. Most of the indigestion problems can resolve by choosing right set of diet and doing exercises. In case the problem persists you can consult your doctor.
- Medications :
Chronic issues like ulcer or GERD needs to be treated. Your doctor will order for series of test before diagnosing the exact cause of sour stomach and prescribe suitable medications based on the result. Taking antacids can give you temporary relief from the symptoms of acidity and heartburn. Over the counter antacids suspensions are fast acting providing good relief from acidity symptoms. But do not use antacids for long since it can cause complications. For severe cases of acidity your doctor may prescribe H2 receptor blocking agents like cimetidine or pepacid AC or ranitidine.
Proton pump inhibitors like omeprazole or lansoprazole would block the acid secreting cells of the stomach helping in relieving the symptoms. Prokinetic drugs are useful in strengthening the sphincter muscles of the esophagus preventing regurgitation. You can practice yoga and meditation course or get help from your therapist to learn relaxation techniques that helps in reducing stress. Do regular exercises that help in managing most of the symptoms of acidity and sour stomach.
Plague Disease
Plague Disease Plague is a rare bacterial infection causing multiple complications of organs like pneumonia, blood infection and swollen glands. Bacteria by name Yersinia pestis causes plague which is transmitted to humans through rodents and fleas. It was during the 14th century plague disease killed millions of people around the world, called as “black death”. Of late, in 1900 there was a plague outbreak in San Francisco. There were few cases of plague reported in the Western United States each year.
Symptoms :
Severe form of plague disease can affect any part of your body like lymph nodes, lungs and even your blood. Symptoms of plague vary according to the part of body affected. Bubonic plague is one in which the lymph nodes of neck and armpit are affected. Buboes is the name given to lymph nodes and it can cause symptoms like swollen lymph nodes on your neck and armpit. The area becomes tender and warm and the size of nodes can be roughly the size of an egg. It can also cause fever, chills, fatigue and muscle pain.
Septicemic plague infects your blood which can cause symptoms like abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, fever, bleeding from nose or rectum and blackening of skin tissue in extremities (fingers and toes) indicating death of tissue. Pneumonic plague is the one that affects your lungs. It is the most severe form of plague that can spread from humans to humans through droplets of air. It can cause signs like shortness of breath, persistent cough, fever, weakness, nausea and vomiting. As the infection progresses, it can cause shock and respiratory failure which can be fatal.
Causes :
Yersinia pestis is the bacterium that causes plague. Rats and other rodents are infected by bacteria which are then transmitted to humans through fleas that feed on infected rodents. Fleas carry the bacteria which can enter your body through cut or injury in the skin. It can also infect human when he touches the blood of infected animal. Pneumonic plague can easily spread through air via fine droplets of cough.
Risk Factors :
Tests :
Plague can be detected by physical examination of lymph nodes. If you have doubt, your doctor would take a fluid sample from the lymph nodes and test it in the lab for the presence of bacteria. Blood test can be done if blood infection is suspected.
Treatment :
Plague can be treated by powerful antibiotics like gentamicin or ciprofloxacin. You need to complete the course of antibiotics as prescribed by your doctor, even if there is improvement of symptoms.
Prevention :
You can prevent plague by preventing rodents into your home. Keep the house warm and clean and remove unwanted junk regularly. If you have pets check with your vet about flea control products.
Symptoms :
Severe form of plague disease can affect any part of your body like lymph nodes, lungs and even your blood. Symptoms of plague vary according to the part of body affected. Bubonic plague is one in which the lymph nodes of neck and armpit are affected. Buboes is the name given to lymph nodes and it can cause symptoms like swollen lymph nodes on your neck and armpit. The area becomes tender and warm and the size of nodes can be roughly the size of an egg. It can also cause fever, chills, fatigue and muscle pain.
Septicemic plague infects your blood which can cause symptoms like abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, fever, bleeding from nose or rectum and blackening of skin tissue in extremities (fingers and toes) indicating death of tissue. Pneumonic plague is the one that affects your lungs. It is the most severe form of plague that can spread from humans to humans through droplets of air. It can cause signs like shortness of breath, persistent cough, fever, weakness, nausea and vomiting. As the infection progresses, it can cause shock and respiratory failure which can be fatal.
Causes :
Yersinia pestis is the bacterium that causes plague. Rats and other rodents are infected by bacteria which are then transmitted to humans through fleas that feed on infected rodents. Fleas carry the bacteria which can enter your body through cut or injury in the skin. It can also infect human when he touches the blood of infected animal. Pneumonic plague can easily spread through air via fine droplets of cough.
Risk Factors :
- Plague is a very rare disease and chance of getting infected is low. In each year, only few hundreds of people develop plague.
- People who frequently travel to rural areas of Africa where there is poor sanitation and plenty of rodents.
- Doctors and helpers who handle the infected animals can get transmitted through infected blood of the animals.
- In rare cases, if you are bitten by plague infected rats and cat you can get infected.
- Plague in severe form can cause gangrene (tissue death), meningitis (brain fever) and death.
Tests :
Plague can be detected by physical examination of lymph nodes. If you have doubt, your doctor would take a fluid sample from the lymph nodes and test it in the lab for the presence of bacteria. Blood test can be done if blood infection is suspected.
Treatment :
Plague can be treated by powerful antibiotics like gentamicin or ciprofloxacin. You need to complete the course of antibiotics as prescribed by your doctor, even if there is improvement of symptoms.
Prevention :
You can prevent plague by preventing rodents into your home. Keep the house warm and clean and remove unwanted junk regularly. If you have pets check with your vet about flea control products.
What Is Pleurisy
What Is Pleurisy Pleura is the term given for the layer of tissue that covers the inner portion of your chest and lungs. Pleurisy is the condition in which the pleural layer develops inflammation which can cause sharp chest pain and difficulty in breathing. It may cause sudden stabbing pain on your chest which fades within few minutes. This pain gets worse when the person coughs or inhales air. Pleurisy is caused by viral or bacterial infection and sometimes due to lung disease. The root cause of the problem is to be treated to manage the symptoms of pleurisy.
Symptoms :
Pleurisy or pleuritis can cause intense sharp pain on your chest and the pain gets worse while you cough or sneeze. It can cause shortness of breath, mild fever, pain on your neck and back. Intensity of pain varies from person to person.
Causes :
The lungs and chest wall are separated by two thin layer of tissue called pleura. One layer covers the inner chest cavity and the other layer of tissue surrounds the outer portion of your lungs. Pleural pain is felt when the space between the pleural layers is not having any fluid. This causes rubbing of two layers of pleura over each other leading to sharp pain.
Pleural space is the small space available between the layers of tissue that envelops your chest cavity. Normally there would be fair amount of fluid in this space so that two pleural layers do not contact each other. This fluid also helps in regular contraction and expansion of the lungs giving flexible movement. Sometimes, large quantity of fluid inside the pleural space can apply pressure over your lungs causing breathing problem. Infection can also occur in this fluid causing emphema.
When the pleural layer gets inflamed due to some reason, it causes pleurisy. Pleurisy can be caused due to viral or bacterial infection, rheumatoid disease and intake of certain medications. Certain kinds of lung infection and lung disease can also cause pleurisy. Any type of chest injury, pneumonia infection and pulmonary embolism and lung cancer can cause pleurisy.
Tests :
Your doctor would complete physical exam and may order for series of tests like blood profile, chest X-ray, CT scan of your chest and ultrasound or ECG testing. For some people, he may collect little of fluid present in the pleural space by thoracentesis or pleural biopsy. He may also order for thoracoscopy procedure for removing tissue sample of pleura.
Treatment :
Your doctor will first find out the cause of pleurisy and accordingly give suitable treatment. If infection is the actual cause, it would be treated with antibiotics. Antiviral medications are effective for treating pleurisy due to viral infection. For lung disease that causes pleurisy, suitable treatments are given to manage the symptoms. Follow the instructions of your health care provider in taking medications. Get plenty of rest.
Symptoms :
Pleurisy or pleuritis can cause intense sharp pain on your chest and the pain gets worse while you cough or sneeze. It can cause shortness of breath, mild fever, pain on your neck and back. Intensity of pain varies from person to person.
Causes :
The lungs and chest wall are separated by two thin layer of tissue called pleura. One layer covers the inner chest cavity and the other layer of tissue surrounds the outer portion of your lungs. Pleural pain is felt when the space between the pleural layers is not having any fluid. This causes rubbing of two layers of pleura over each other leading to sharp pain.
Pleural space is the small space available between the layers of tissue that envelops your chest cavity. Normally there would be fair amount of fluid in this space so that two pleural layers do not contact each other. This fluid also helps in regular contraction and expansion of the lungs giving flexible movement. Sometimes, large quantity of fluid inside the pleural space can apply pressure over your lungs causing breathing problem. Infection can also occur in this fluid causing emphema.
When the pleural layer gets inflamed due to some reason, it causes pleurisy. Pleurisy can be caused due to viral or bacterial infection, rheumatoid disease and intake of certain medications. Certain kinds of lung infection and lung disease can also cause pleurisy. Any type of chest injury, pneumonia infection and pulmonary embolism and lung cancer can cause pleurisy.
Tests :
Your doctor would complete physical exam and may order for series of tests like blood profile, chest X-ray, CT scan of your chest and ultrasound or ECG testing. For some people, he may collect little of fluid present in the pleural space by thoracentesis or pleural biopsy. He may also order for thoracoscopy procedure for removing tissue sample of pleura.
Treatment :
Your doctor will first find out the cause of pleurisy and accordingly give suitable treatment. If infection is the actual cause, it would be treated with antibiotics. Antiviral medications are effective for treating pleurisy due to viral infection. For lung disease that causes pleurisy, suitable treatments are given to manage the symptoms. Follow the instructions of your health care provider in taking medications. Get plenty of rest.
Aortic Aneurysm
Aortic Aneurysm Though aneurysm can occur in any blood vessel of the body, it often develops in aorta. Aorta is the largest blood vessel artery in the body that transports oxygenated blood from the heart to all parts of the body. Obviously since it carries volumes of blood each minute, weak spots can develop in the artery. Aortic aneurysm can develop either in thoracic cavity or abdominal cavity. The weakened area of the artery forms a bulge resembling a bag like structure which is filled with blood. In rare cases, this bag ruptures tearing away the arterial wall to empty the blood into the tissue.
Thoracic aortic aneurysm can develop in the upper portion of the chest and abdominal aneurysm can occur in any part of the abdomen. Generally aortic aneurysm of small size does not cause any threat. But if its size is large there are more chances for the aneurysm to rupture and dissect the artery wall. Sometimes plaque like substance gets accumulated in the site of aneurysm which would further weaken the wall of artery. There is chance for the formation of blood clot or thrombosis which can dislodge from the original spot causing complications. Large sized aneurysm can exert pressure to the neighboring organs causing pain.
Causes :
Symptoms :
Generally small sized aortic aneurysms show no symptoms. Aneurysms can cause symptoms only if the size is large or it has ruptured. In such cases, it can cause chest pain, pain in the shoulder or arms, shortness of breath, repeated cough, hoarseness in voice, difficulty in swallowing, and in severe cases shock or even stroke.
You should seek immediate medical attention if you have severe chest pain, back pain with shortness of breath. If the thoracic aneurysm has ruptured inside it can cause symptoms like trouble in breathing, sudden intense chest pain, reduced blood pressure, loss of consciousness and difficulty in speaking and even paralysis.
Tests :
Small aneurysms often go undetected and sometimes get noticed during other medical tests. Your doctor can diagnose aortic aneurysm by chest X-ray, echocardiogram and CT scan. In case if aneurysm runs in your family, you can screen for thoracic or abdominal aneurysm by doing regular imaging tests and echocardiogram.
Treatment :
It is enough for you to keep a wait full watch if you are diagnosed with small sized aortic aneurysm. Your doctor may do regular screening and echo test to check if the aneurysm has grown bigger in size. No medications are required to be given. For streamlining blood pressure your doctor may prescribe angiotensin inhibitors like Diovan or Olmesartan and Beta blockers like metoprolol. Statins like atorvastatin or lovastatin are effective in controlling cholesterol level in blood.
If the size of aneurysm is large (more than 6 cm) your doctor may consider operating it. It can be done through various procedures. In open heart surgery the surgeon would remove the damaged portion of the aorta and replace it with graft. In endovascular surgery, a synthetic graft is attached to one end of the catheter which is sent through one of the major arteries of your leg into the damaged aorta. Subsequently this graft is placed at the weak spot and tied with suitable pins. This graft would prevent further bulging of aneurysm and rupturing. Depending on the factors like age, health condition and complications of aneurysm, your doctor would decide whether you are suitable for surgery.
Lifestyle Changes :
You should follow the instructions of your doctor with regard to exercise and diet, once you are detected with aortic aneurysm. Do not lift heavy weight or engage in vigorous exercise since it can put additional pressure on the weak spots of aneurysm.
You need to keep blood pressure under control by taking regular medications prescribed by your doctor. If you are smoking or drinking quit these habits. Take cholesterol free diet and include plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables daily. Go for regular screening tests as advised by your doctor.
Thoracic aortic aneurysm can develop in the upper portion of the chest and abdominal aneurysm can occur in any part of the abdomen. Generally aortic aneurysm of small size does not cause any threat. But if its size is large there are more chances for the aneurysm to rupture and dissect the artery wall. Sometimes plaque like substance gets accumulated in the site of aneurysm which would further weaken the wall of artery. There is chance for the formation of blood clot or thrombosis which can dislodge from the original spot causing complications. Large sized aneurysm can exert pressure to the neighboring organs causing pain.
Causes :
- Exact cause of aortic aneurysm is not known.
- Building up of plaque like particles (atherosclerosis) can harden the arteries and they become stiff and eventually bulge and break.
- Having high blood pressure and increased cholesterol level can cause formation of aortic aneurysm.
- People with connective tissue problems like Marfan syndrome are at risk of developing aortic aneurysm.
- Individuals with leakage in heart valves have high risk of getting thoracic aortic aneurysm. People with prolonged infection like syphilis or salmonella can develop aortic aneurysm.
- Local trauma or injury to the artery during vehicle accident can cause weak spots on the artery which gradually develops into aneurysm.
Symptoms :
Generally small sized aortic aneurysms show no symptoms. Aneurysms can cause symptoms only if the size is large or it has ruptured. In such cases, it can cause chest pain, pain in the shoulder or arms, shortness of breath, repeated cough, hoarseness in voice, difficulty in swallowing, and in severe cases shock or even stroke.
You should seek immediate medical attention if you have severe chest pain, back pain with shortness of breath. If the thoracic aneurysm has ruptured inside it can cause symptoms like trouble in breathing, sudden intense chest pain, reduced blood pressure, loss of consciousness and difficulty in speaking and even paralysis.
Tests :
Small aneurysms often go undetected and sometimes get noticed during other medical tests. Your doctor can diagnose aortic aneurysm by chest X-ray, echocardiogram and CT scan. In case if aneurysm runs in your family, you can screen for thoracic or abdominal aneurysm by doing regular imaging tests and echocardiogram.
Treatment :
It is enough for you to keep a wait full watch if you are diagnosed with small sized aortic aneurysm. Your doctor may do regular screening and echo test to check if the aneurysm has grown bigger in size. No medications are required to be given. For streamlining blood pressure your doctor may prescribe angiotensin inhibitors like Diovan or Olmesartan and Beta blockers like metoprolol. Statins like atorvastatin or lovastatin are effective in controlling cholesterol level in blood.
If the size of aneurysm is large (more than 6 cm) your doctor may consider operating it. It can be done through various procedures. In open heart surgery the surgeon would remove the damaged portion of the aorta and replace it with graft. In endovascular surgery, a synthetic graft is attached to one end of the catheter which is sent through one of the major arteries of your leg into the damaged aorta. Subsequently this graft is placed at the weak spot and tied with suitable pins. This graft would prevent further bulging of aneurysm and rupturing. Depending on the factors like age, health condition and complications of aneurysm, your doctor would decide whether you are suitable for surgery.
Lifestyle Changes :
You should follow the instructions of your doctor with regard to exercise and diet, once you are detected with aortic aneurysm. Do not lift heavy weight or engage in vigorous exercise since it can put additional pressure on the weak spots of aneurysm.
You need to keep blood pressure under control by taking regular medications prescribed by your doctor. If you are smoking or drinking quit these habits. Take cholesterol free diet and include plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables daily. Go for regular screening tests as advised by your doctor.
Tuesday, June 10, 2014
Ringworm Fungal Infections
Ringworm Fungal Infections Ringworm is a fungal infection on the skin that causes rashes on the top layer of the skin. It is marked by lesions that are clearly defined with a red circular border. In medical terms ringworm fungal infection is called as tinea corporis. It can be treated by antifungal creams and medications.
Symptoms :
Initially ringworm infection develops as small scaly patches on the skin. These patches will have a clear defined area that has a red circular border. The shape of the ring can be either circular or irregular or sometimes like a wavy outline. It can be itchy for some and not for others.
Causes :
Ringworm infection is caused by fungus which thrives on the cells of human beings. It can either spread by human to human contact (direct skin contact) or by animal to human contact (through pet animals) or by object to human contact (touching the clothing, combs or towels of infected person). In rare cases if you accidentally touch the contaminated soil that contains fungi you can get this infection.
Who are at risk?
Children below 15 years of age, those living in moisture area or in humid climate, those having close contact with animals (like farmers, cattle workers), those who share clothing of infected person, and those have weakened immunity are prone to develop ringworm fungal infection.
Tests :
Simple physical examination of the body is enough to detect ringworm infection.
Treatment :
Treatment is simple for ringworm fungal infection. Lifestyle changes and over the counter antifungal creams are used for treating the symptoms. Medications or creams that contain terbinafine, clotrimazole or miconazole are highly effective in controlling the symptoms. Within few days or a week, the rash will disappear.
For more severe infections, your doctor may prescribe mild steroid cream for some days along with antifungal oral pills. You need to complete the full course of medication if you have severe infection. Some of the common drugs used for treating ringworm fungal infection are terbinafine (lamisil), Azoles (diflucan), Griseofulvin and Tinactin. For moderate infection with itching, clotrimazole (Lotrisone) is effective.
Ringworm Fungal Infections Pictures :
Images, Pics, Pictures and Photos of Ringworm Fungal Infections
Prevention :
Ringworm infection is contagious and before you plan it can infect you. Instruct your children about the way of playing with pets and practicing good hygiene. Wash your hands thoroughly before taking food. Stay in a cool room and avoid too much of sweating. Avoid sharing personal items like clothing or towels or combs with others.
Symptoms :
Initially ringworm infection develops as small scaly patches on the skin. These patches will have a clear defined area that has a red circular border. The shape of the ring can be either circular or irregular or sometimes like a wavy outline. It can be itchy for some and not for others.
Causes :
Ringworm infection is caused by fungus which thrives on the cells of human beings. It can either spread by human to human contact (direct skin contact) or by animal to human contact (through pet animals) or by object to human contact (touching the clothing, combs or towels of infected person). In rare cases if you accidentally touch the contaminated soil that contains fungi you can get this infection.
Who are at risk?
Children below 15 years of age, those living in moisture area or in humid climate, those having close contact with animals (like farmers, cattle workers), those who share clothing of infected person, and those have weakened immunity are prone to develop ringworm fungal infection.
Tests :
Simple physical examination of the body is enough to detect ringworm infection.
Treatment :
Treatment is simple for ringworm fungal infection. Lifestyle changes and over the counter antifungal creams are used for treating the symptoms. Medications or creams that contain terbinafine, clotrimazole or miconazole are highly effective in controlling the symptoms. Within few days or a week, the rash will disappear.
For more severe infections, your doctor may prescribe mild steroid cream for some days along with antifungal oral pills. You need to complete the full course of medication if you have severe infection. Some of the common drugs used for treating ringworm fungal infection are terbinafine (lamisil), Azoles (diflucan), Griseofulvin and Tinactin. For moderate infection with itching, clotrimazole (Lotrisone) is effective.
Ringworm Fungal Infections Pictures :
Images, Pics, Pictures and Photos of Ringworm Fungal Infections
Prevention :
Ringworm infection is contagious and before you plan it can infect you. Instruct your children about the way of playing with pets and practicing good hygiene. Wash your hands thoroughly before taking food. Stay in a cool room and avoid too much of sweating. Avoid sharing personal items like clothing or towels or combs with others.
Monday, April 7, 2014
Shigellosis
Shigellosis Shigellosis is a bacterial infection causing fever, diarrhea (bloody stool) and severe abdominal cramps. Most of the time, the symptoms will resolve on its own without wanting any treatment. Shigella can be contracted by other members by touching the fecal particles that contains bacteria. People working in day care centers are prone to pass on this infection by not washing hands properly while changing diapers. Children of age group 2-4 are more prone to get this bacterial infection. The infection can be fully treated by powerful antibiotics.
Causes :
Shigella is a group of bacteria that causes shigellosis infection. This family of microbe was first discovered by Japanese scientist Shiga and hence this name. Though there are many kinds of shigella bacteria like Shigella sonnei, Shigella flexneri etc. it is the “Group B” shigella bacteria that cause this infection.
There are 3 possible ways by which a child/person contracts this infectious bacterium.
Symptoms :
The initial symptoms of Shigellosis begin in a day or two after getting infected. Some of the prominent symptoms of this disease are mild fever, headache, diarrhea (that contains bloody stool) and abdominal cramps. Many people may not have any symptoms but still may carry the infectious bacteria in their feces.
Tests :
Having diarrhea with blood discharge is the best way to identify this infection. Your doctor may order for testing of stool sample to confirm the diagnoses.
Who are at risk?
Toddlers (who are not toilet trained), people who are working in day care centers (handling diapers), workers employed in hospitals, nursing homes, and any group of people who have close contact with others (like those in jails and military barracks are likely to spread infection even if one person is infected) and gay population who are sexually active with other men with infection have increased risk of getting infected.
Complications :
Shigellosis does not create any complications and the symptoms would clear up within a week or two even without any treatment. In rare cases it may cause dehydration (due to continuous diarrhea), seizures (due to high fever), rectal prolapse (due to excess of strain caused by bowel movements), toxic megacolon and reactive arthritis.
Treatment :
For mild form of infection, no treatment is required. In moderate cases you will be given antibiotics like amphicillin trimethoprim or sulfamethoxazole or ciprofloxacin. Sometimes the bacteria become resistant to antibiotics when the infection spreads in a community.
It is true that affected child/adult will get back to normalcy within a week, but the bowel habits may take some time to become normal. For some it may take several weeks or month for getting back the right bowel habit. Some people may develop joint pains due to infection of shigella which is known as post infectious arthritis. Good news about shigellosis is any person who gets this disease become resistant to this particular type of bacteria and hence will not get infected again for several years.
Home Remedies :
If you are a healthy adult it is enough if you drink plenty of water to stay hydrated and to arrest diarrhea. In case of children Pedialyte can be given to balance the loss of water.
Prevention :
Causes :
Shigella is a group of bacteria that causes shigellosis infection. This family of microbe was first discovered by Japanese scientist Shiga and hence this name. Though there are many kinds of shigella bacteria like Shigella sonnei, Shigella flexneri etc. it is the “Group B” shigella bacteria that cause this infection.
There are 3 possible ways by which a child/person contracts this infectious bacterium.
- One is by touching the eyes/nose or mouth after changing the diaper for children and not washing the hands properly. The bacteria is present in the feces of the child which gets into the body by direct skin contact. Toddlers who are not toilet trained may not wash their hands properly and pass on the infection to other children who play with them.
- Second is by eating contaminated food. In restaurants and hotels, people (with this infection) can pass on the infectious bacteria to many people while handling food.
- Third method of transmitting the infection is by drinking contaminated water that contains shigella infection.
Symptoms :
The initial symptoms of Shigellosis begin in a day or two after getting infected. Some of the prominent symptoms of this disease are mild fever, headache, diarrhea (that contains bloody stool) and abdominal cramps. Many people may not have any symptoms but still may carry the infectious bacteria in their feces.
Tests :
Having diarrhea with blood discharge is the best way to identify this infection. Your doctor may order for testing of stool sample to confirm the diagnoses.
Who are at risk?
Toddlers (who are not toilet trained), people who are working in day care centers (handling diapers), workers employed in hospitals, nursing homes, and any group of people who have close contact with others (like those in jails and military barracks are likely to spread infection even if one person is infected) and gay population who are sexually active with other men with infection have increased risk of getting infected.
Complications :
Shigellosis does not create any complications and the symptoms would clear up within a week or two even without any treatment. In rare cases it may cause dehydration (due to continuous diarrhea), seizures (due to high fever), rectal prolapse (due to excess of strain caused by bowel movements), toxic megacolon and reactive arthritis.
Treatment :
For mild form of infection, no treatment is required. In moderate cases you will be given antibiotics like amphicillin trimethoprim or sulfamethoxazole or ciprofloxacin. Sometimes the bacteria become resistant to antibiotics when the infection spreads in a community.
It is true that affected child/adult will get back to normalcy within a week, but the bowel habits may take some time to become normal. For some it may take several weeks or month for getting back the right bowel habit. Some people may develop joint pains due to infection of shigella which is known as post infectious arthritis. Good news about shigellosis is any person who gets this disease become resistant to this particular type of bacteria and hence will not get infected again for several years.
Home Remedies :
If you are a healthy adult it is enough if you drink plenty of water to stay hydrated and to arrest diarrhea. In case of children Pedialyte can be given to balance the loss of water.
Prevention :
- No vaccine is available for preventing shigellosis.
- One can take precautions for not getting infected by shigella.
- Workers employed in day care centers should wash their hands thoroughly to prevent spreading infection to others.
- Children should be instructed to wash their hands with soap water after using toilet.
- People who are working in restaurants should abstain themselves from duty if they have diarrhea.
- Do not send your child to school or day care center if they have diarrhea.
- Avoid drinking contaminated water.
Tuesday, April 1, 2014
Mental Illness
Mental Illness “Mental illness” is the general term given to various kinds of mental disorders that affect the thinking and behavior of a person. It can be anything ranging from mild anxiety to most severe forms of schizophrenia. Some types of mental illness can seriously affect the quality of your life disturbing your relationships in office and in your family. Any medical condition that affects the normal functioning of thinking and feeling interrupting the daily activities can be called as mental illness. A mental illness can make life miserable by causing problems and affecting relationships at office or family.
Some of the common mental illness is bipolar disorder, borderline personality disorder, obsessive compulsive disorder, eating disorder, major depression, panic disorder and anxiety disorder. It is possible to cure all illnesses with continued medications or psychotherapy.
Causes :
What exactly causes mental illness is still a mystery. Certain conditions or combination of factors can produce such illness according to the opinion of medical experts. Genetics play a role in causing mental illness because certain types of disorders run in families and passed on from parents to their offspring. Genes are the fundamental units that decide how you think and act in a given situation.
Biological factors like abnormal functioning of neurotransmitters can affect the normal thinking of a person causing mental illness. Neurotransmitters act as communication receptors of the brain sending and receiving signals. Any change or chemical reactions in the neurotransmitters can affect normal thinking pattern. Psychological factors like child abuse, emotional trauma or sudden loss/death can affect the brain causing mental illness.
Symptoms :
Symptoms of mental illness are not the same for all disorders. It varies considerably according to the nature and intensity of the disorder. For example depression can produce sadness, anxiety disorder can produce restlessness and excessive fears, borderline personality disorder can impair the normal thinking causing poor concentration and confused thinking, avoidant personality disorder can produce social phobia and anxiety, eating disorder can produce major changes in one’s eating habits etc.
Some of the common symptoms of mental illness include extreme mood swings, excess of fear/worries, guilt feelings, withdrawal from family/friends, confused thinking, change in behavior, detachment from reality, hypersensitivity, loss of sleep and extreme tiredness. In many cases mental illness can cause physiological changes causing headache, back pain and unexplained pain on many parts of the body.
When to see a doctor?
Any feeling or behavior affecting normal functioning of life can be mental illness. Mental illness can become worse if not treated on time. Most of the personality disorder and other illnesses can be treated by effective psychotherapy. Some people can develop suicidal thoughts due to major depression. Nonverbal communication and body language can reveal their intention of committing suicide. In such cases it is necessary to consult your doctor immediately.
Who are at risk?
Any person can develop mental illness. But there are certain factors which make you prone to mental illness. Having parents or close relatives with schizophrenia or other disorder, exposure of fetus to drug abuse or excess of alcohol in the womb, experiencing traumatic childhood, getting neglected as a child, serious injury on the brain and having chronic physical illness like cancer/AIDS etc. makes one prone to develop mental illness.
Tests :
Your doctor may get complete medical history and order for few lab tests including blood profile, hormone tests etc. He may refer you to mental health provider for evaluating the nature of disorder. Psychologists or therapists would ask you series of questions and determine about your state of mind by the way in which you are answering them.
Types :
Treatment :
Psychiatrist or psychologist will examine the concerned person and check the severity of the illness. Treatment methods vary according to the nature of disease and intensity of the mental illness. Often, combination of medications and psychotherapy is effective in treating many disorders.
Medications are given depending on the symptoms of the patient. Antidepressant drugs are given for treating symptoms of hopelessness, helplessness and lack of interest. Mood stabilizing drugs are given for bipolar disorder, anxiety medications are useful for giving relief from irrational fear and anxiety and antipsychotic drugs are given for controlling more serious forms of mental illness like schizophrenia.
Psychotherapy :
Most of the mental illness responds well to psychotherapy. A therapist will make you talk freely about your inner feelings giving let-out for the pent up feelings to explore problems in inner mind. The therapist will establish rapport with the client making him/her comfortable so that he can ventilate the feelings without any inhibition. She would use total relaxation technique and psychoanalysis to explore your inner state of mind. Slowly the client will be able to overcome the stress and learn the ways to cope up with the problem. Even serious types of mental illness like phobias and anxiety can be treated by psychotherapy.
For some people doctor would use brain stimulation methods like electroconvulsive therapy and magnetic stimulation methods. For more severe cases, the patient will be hospitalized requiring residential treatment. To recover from alcohol or substance abuse, combined treatments of medications and psychotherapy is given.
Lifestyle Changes :
It is difficult to accept that you have some problem. But you can get well soon if you cooperate with your family/friends to overcome the issue. Follow the instructions of your doctor/therapist and stick on to the treatment schedule. Do exercises regularly and eat healthy foods. Go for a walk or join a gym to stay healthy and active. Don’t stop any medication without consulting your doctor. If you are not able to make important decisions get help from your family or friends. Be optimistic in approach and try to accept changes.
Prevention :
Nobody can prevent mental illness. It is not certain that mental illness develops only on weak-minded person and not on others. Some changes in chemical reaction on the brain can cause significant changes in your thinking and behavior. Don’t ignore warning signals if you suspect any symptoms. Talk to your therapist freely and get medical checkups done regularly.
Some of the common mental illness is bipolar disorder, borderline personality disorder, obsessive compulsive disorder, eating disorder, major depression, panic disorder and anxiety disorder. It is possible to cure all illnesses with continued medications or psychotherapy.
Causes :
What exactly causes mental illness is still a mystery. Certain conditions or combination of factors can produce such illness according to the opinion of medical experts. Genetics play a role in causing mental illness because certain types of disorders run in families and passed on from parents to their offspring. Genes are the fundamental units that decide how you think and act in a given situation.
Biological factors like abnormal functioning of neurotransmitters can affect the normal thinking of a person causing mental illness. Neurotransmitters act as communication receptors of the brain sending and receiving signals. Any change or chemical reactions in the neurotransmitters can affect normal thinking pattern. Psychological factors like child abuse, emotional trauma or sudden loss/death can affect the brain causing mental illness.
Symptoms :
Symptoms of mental illness are not the same for all disorders. It varies considerably according to the nature and intensity of the disorder. For example depression can produce sadness, anxiety disorder can produce restlessness and excessive fears, borderline personality disorder can impair the normal thinking causing poor concentration and confused thinking, avoidant personality disorder can produce social phobia and anxiety, eating disorder can produce major changes in one’s eating habits etc.
Some of the common symptoms of mental illness include extreme mood swings, excess of fear/worries, guilt feelings, withdrawal from family/friends, confused thinking, change in behavior, detachment from reality, hypersensitivity, loss of sleep and extreme tiredness. In many cases mental illness can cause physiological changes causing headache, back pain and unexplained pain on many parts of the body.
When to see a doctor?
Any feeling or behavior affecting normal functioning of life can be mental illness. Mental illness can become worse if not treated on time. Most of the personality disorder and other illnesses can be treated by effective psychotherapy. Some people can develop suicidal thoughts due to major depression. Nonverbal communication and body language can reveal their intention of committing suicide. In such cases it is necessary to consult your doctor immediately.
Who are at risk?
Any person can develop mental illness. But there are certain factors which make you prone to mental illness. Having parents or close relatives with schizophrenia or other disorder, exposure of fetus to drug abuse or excess of alcohol in the womb, experiencing traumatic childhood, getting neglected as a child, serious injury on the brain and having chronic physical illness like cancer/AIDS etc. makes one prone to develop mental illness.
Tests :
Your doctor may get complete medical history and order for few lab tests including blood profile, hormone tests etc. He may refer you to mental health provider for evaluating the nature of disorder. Psychologists or therapists would ask you series of questions and determine about your state of mind by the way in which you are answering them.
Types :
- Mental illnesses are of many types with varying intensity.
- Mood disorders are one that affect your thinking, behavior and emotions like major depression, bipolar disorder etc.
- Anxiety disorders are one that causes frequent worries, fears and uncomfortable feeling like panic disorder, OCD and phobias.
- Disorder caused by substance/drug/alcohol abuse.
- Psychotic disorders are one that causes delusions and hallucination affecting daily activity of a person. Example: schizophrenia that makes one to lose touch with reality.
- Cognitive disorder that affects one’s reasoning ability and thinking like dementia and delirium and Alzheimer’s disease.
- Developmental disorders (autism/ADHD), personality disorders (paranoid personality, avoidant personality) and other disorders can also seriously affect one’s quality of life.
Treatment :
Psychiatrist or psychologist will examine the concerned person and check the severity of the illness. Treatment methods vary according to the nature of disease and intensity of the mental illness. Often, combination of medications and psychotherapy is effective in treating many disorders.
Medications are given depending on the symptoms of the patient. Antidepressant drugs are given for treating symptoms of hopelessness, helplessness and lack of interest. Mood stabilizing drugs are given for bipolar disorder, anxiety medications are useful for giving relief from irrational fear and anxiety and antipsychotic drugs are given for controlling more serious forms of mental illness like schizophrenia.
Psychotherapy :
Most of the mental illness responds well to psychotherapy. A therapist will make you talk freely about your inner feelings giving let-out for the pent up feelings to explore problems in inner mind. The therapist will establish rapport with the client making him/her comfortable so that he can ventilate the feelings without any inhibition. She would use total relaxation technique and psychoanalysis to explore your inner state of mind. Slowly the client will be able to overcome the stress and learn the ways to cope up with the problem. Even serious types of mental illness like phobias and anxiety can be treated by psychotherapy.
For some people doctor would use brain stimulation methods like electroconvulsive therapy and magnetic stimulation methods. For more severe cases, the patient will be hospitalized requiring residential treatment. To recover from alcohol or substance abuse, combined treatments of medications and psychotherapy is given.
Lifestyle Changes :
It is difficult to accept that you have some problem. But you can get well soon if you cooperate with your family/friends to overcome the issue. Follow the instructions of your doctor/therapist and stick on to the treatment schedule. Do exercises regularly and eat healthy foods. Go for a walk or join a gym to stay healthy and active. Don’t stop any medication without consulting your doctor. If you are not able to make important decisions get help from your family or friends. Be optimistic in approach and try to accept changes.
Prevention :
Nobody can prevent mental illness. It is not certain that mental illness develops only on weak-minded person and not on others. Some changes in chemical reaction on the brain can cause significant changes in your thinking and behavior. Don’t ignore warning signals if you suspect any symptoms. Talk to your therapist freely and get medical checkups done regularly.
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