Chronic Fatigue Syndrome

Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
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What is Chronic Fatigue Syndrome?

Chronic Fatigue Syndrome or CFS is an unexplainable disorder marked by severe fatigue. The affected individuals find that their extreme tiredness does not get better with rest and lasts for around 6 months or more. People with CFS face difficulties in concentration and memory, and discover that their condition gets worse with mental and physical activity.

The treatment for chronic fatigue syndrome is primarily intended to relieve the symptoms. Treatment could be a combination of medication and therapy, depending on the specific needs of the affected individual. He or she may need to undergo various diagnostic tests to discount other medical conditions that show the same symptoms.

Occurrence of CFS

The exact number of people affected by CFS is difficult to determine because the affected individuals may not know that they are suffering from it, thereby the condition often goes undiagnosed. The syndrome is estimated to affect around 2 out of 1,000 Americans, of which most are women. This could be because women are more inclined to discuss their symptoms with their doctors than men. In addition, CFS is also common among middle-aged individuals who are 40 to 50 years old; although it is also seen among adolescents. CFS tends to be frequent among people who are living sedentary and stressful lifestyles.

Causes of Chronic Fatigue Syndrome

Experts are still in the dark as to the cause of CFS but they believe that it does not occur due to a single factor. More often, CFS occurs due to a combination of several factors. The condition is more likely to affect individuals who have the following risk factors.

• Compromised immunity

People affected by CFS tend to have compromised immunity, though experts are still studying its connection to CFS. 

• Hormonal imbalances

There are also times when the hormones produced by the adrenal and pituitary glands of the affected individuals become abnormal, and experts are studying how this influences the development of CFS. 

• Viral infections

Experts are studying which type of viruses may trigger CFS as some patients have the disorder after bouts of viral infections. Viruses such as mouse leukemia and Epstein-Barr are thought to cause CFS.

Symptoms of Chronic Fatigue Syndrome

The following are the distinctive symptoms of CFS.

• Fatigue

This is the main symptom of CFS which is difficult to explain, lasting for several months to years. The onset of the syndrome typically occurs following an episode of infection. 

• Depression

People affected by CFS are often depressed due to the lack of ability to do even the most basic job at home or at work. 

• Poor memory and concentration

Affected individuals find it hard to remember some conversational words. 

• Extreme exhaustion

This is often felt after performing even the lightest activity, and lasts up to 24 hours.

People with CFS also have persistent spells of unexplained muscle aches, headaches, fever and sore throats. Some people also notice inflamed lymph nodes on their armpits and neck. A visit to the doctor is highly recommended upon experiencing chronic fatigue to rule out any medical disorder.

Effects of delaying the diagnosis and treatment of CFS

Chronic fatigue syndrome could severely affect the overall quality of life of the person. The disorder may force the individual to make frequent work absences. He or she may also avoid socializing with others due to depression. And because the disorder prevents the individual from doing even the simplest activity, he or she may have to deal with huge lifestyle restrictions.

 Chronic Fatigue Syndrome Diagnosis

There is no specific test to diagnose chronic fatigue syndrome due to the similarity of its symptoms to other health problems. Diagnosing CFS involves ruling out other medical conditions that may be causing the symptoms such as fibromyalgia, severe obesity, depressive disorders, sleep disorders, multiple sclerosis, lupus, Lyme disease and mononucleosis.

The side effects of some drugs also resemble CFS symptoms, so the doctor needs a detailed history of the patient’s medical, mental and physical condition. A patient will only be diagnosed with CFS if he or she meets the following CFS criteria:

• Persistent and unexplained fatigue that does not alleviate with rest and lasts for about 6 months or more.


• Experiences any four of the CFS symptoms for 6 months or more such as muscle pain, recurring sore throat, inflamed lymph nodes, persistent headaches, impaired mental concentration and memory and prolonged exhaustion after mental or physical activity.

Treatment for Chronic Fatigue Syndrome

The treatment for CFS helps the patient manage the symptoms, therefore improving the quality of life. It is individually designed to facilitate the specific needs of the patient, depending on the degree of the symptoms. Taking drugs such as sleeping pills and antidepressants may be necessitated to treat the condition. Moreover, therapy made up of graded exercises and psychological counseling also proves effective.

Chronic fatigue syndrome can severely affect the overall quality of life of the patient, and so learning how to manage the symptoms will help the individual deal with the restrictions imposed by CFS.

Petechiae

Petechiae
Petechiae or Petechial rash is a spot of red or purple color caused due minor hemorrhage. These spots usually occur on legs which may appear like rash initially but actually they are in clusters. These are small rashes of less than 3 mm diameter.

Petechial rash appear when blood vessels (capillaries) bleed and this blood is leaked into the skin. A number of factors like medical conditions, infections, trauma etc. can cause these capillaries to bleed. Petechial rashes are not harmful and disappear on their own within few days.

There are certain features of Petechiae that will help in early detection and differentiate these rashes from other diseases.

• The size of the Petechial rash ranges from 0.3 mm to 3 mm. Usually it is of 0.4mm to 1mm in diameter. Petechiae spot is tiny hemorrhagic spot and its larger form is known as purpura.


• Typically Petechiae can appear on any part of the body but it is most common in the areas like face, legs, thighs, ankles, back and shoulder.


• The color of the Petechiae changes with the passage of time. Initially it is red in color, changes to blue and finally becomes purple in color.


• Petechial rash has a unique characteristic that it does not go white when subjected to pressure. For this, the glass test can be conducted in which rash is pressed with glass and rash will be still visible.

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Causes of petechiae

Petechial rash is usually a result of a trauma or an injury which in turn may be because of conditions like coughing, child birth, weightlifting, crying, vomiting or any activity related to prolonged straining.

There are certain medications too that can cause petechial rash. Some of these medicines include:

• Atropine


• Aspirin


• Cimetidine


• Carbamazepine


• Desipramine


• Indomethacin


• Morphine


• Naproxen


• Nitrofurantoin


• Penicillin


• Quinine

Also, Petechial rash on the skin and inner surface of mouth can be a result of infectious diseases. Following are some of the viral, bacterial and fungal infections that may cause petechial rash:

• Cytomegalovirus infection


• Endocarditic


• Hantavirus pulmonary syndrome


• Meningococcemia


• Mononucleosis


• Parvovirus infection


• Rocky Mountain spotted fever


• Scarlet  fever


• Sepsis


• Strep throat


• Viral hemorrhagic fevers

Petechial rash can also be caused due to noninfectious medical conditions like Hemolytic uremic syndrome, Vitamin deficiency, infantile scurvy, Idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura and vasculitis.

Petechiae in children

There are many causes of petechial rash in children but some of them can be serious. Therefore it is imperative to seek medical care if rashes are caused by some serious condition:

Meningococcal infection: Often it starts as balanced rash and child may also have fever. In this condition rash may appear before eyes and can be very serious.

Idiopathic thrombocytopenia purpura: The child may develop large bruises caused due to low platelet count. Mostly, this condition resolves on its own but sometimes treatment may be required.

Leukemia: leukemia is a cancer of bone marrow that causes low blood cells. In this condition the child becomes pale and develops rash.

Infections: Any severe infection is likely to interfere with normal body clotting system.

Symptoms of Petechial rash

The symptoms of Petechiae depends on underlying condition along with petechiae spots. Infections which may lead to rash are often accompanied by malaise, fever and flu.

In the beginning rash appear red in color and is in the form of individual marks. After some days, these blotches stick together and become rash. Petechiae are flat spots that change their color over the course of time.

If you or your child develops such symptoms then you should see a healthcare provider immediately. It is necessary to find out the underlying cause before it becomes too late.

Diagnosis of Petechiae

To diagnose Petechiae, the doctor will ask about the patient’s history along with the physical examination of the rash. Usually to diagnose Petechiae, blood tests are done such as:

• Platelet count


• Total blood count


• Bleeding time


• Partial thromboplastin time


• Prothrombin time

Your healthcare provider will ask to take up these tests to differentiate Petechial rash from other conditions including:

• Purpura


• Scurvy


• Hypersensitivity agilitis


• Rickettsial spots


• Wiskott-Aldrich syndrome


• Thrombocytopenia

Treatment

To begin with, Petechial rash treatment begins with identifying the underlying cause and treating it. If it gets corrected, the petechiae formation will automatically be treated. If some medication is the cause of petechial rash then stop taking that medicine immediately.

Antibiotics are prescribed if the rash is formed due to some infection. Antibiotics will cure the infection as well petechiae formation. In case of the Petechial rash formed due to injury to blood capillaries then ice packs and cold compress should be applied on the affected area.

If low platelet count has caused rash then platelet transfusion will alleviate petechiae formation. If rash are caused due to malignant conditions such as Leukemia then surgical treatment is required.

Petechiae pictures

Here are the images of petechial rash on various parts of the body.

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome is a condition wherein a nerve in the wrist gets pinched causing pain, numbness and hand weakness. Individuals suffering from the condition find it hard to sleep at night due to the tingling sensation caused by the suppressed nerve. Majority of the people who are affected by this problem are those whose work put a lot of strain in their wrists.

The treatment for Carpal Tunnel Syndrome targets to alleviate the symptoms and restore the normal functioning of the hands and wrists. It also helps in improving the quality of life of the patients by letting them sleep better. A lot of factors can trigger the condition, so it is extremely important for the affected person to consult the doctor for appropriate diagnosis and effective treatment.

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2 In what way does Carpal Tunnel Syndrome affect the body?

3 How common is Carpal Tunnel Syndrome?

4 What are the tests done to diagnose Carpal Tunnel disorder?

5 What are the treatment options for Carpal Tunnel Syndrome?

6 Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Pictures

What causes Carpal Tunnel Syndrome?

The syndrome is caused by the compression of the median nerve that run along the carpal tunnel. The Carpal tunnel refers to the narrow passageway in the wrist which serves as the protective barrier for nerves and tendons. One of these nerves is the median nerve which controls the sensation and movement of the thumb and the adjacent three fingers. The compression of this nerve results in symptoms of Carpal tunnel syndrome. Compression of the narrow passageway could be due to:

• 
  Pregnancy
  

Hormonal changes and swelling associated to pregnancy may put pressure on the nerves. 

• 
  Wrist fracture
  

A fractured wrist could irritate and constrict the narrow passageway in the wrist. 

• 
  Repetitive hand and wrist movements
  

Doing the same hand and wrist movements can also result to Carpal tunnel disorder. 

• 
  Smoking
  

Smoking could limit blood flow to the median nerve. 

• 
  Certain medical conditions
  

Examples of these medical conditions are diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis and hypothyroidism.

In what way does Carpal Tunnel Syndrome affect the body?

This hand and wrist disease affects the body, disrupting the normal use of the hands and wrists. Sufferers often feel vague aching on their wrists extending to their forearm or hand upon the onset of the condition. The symptoms become more defined over time, and are characterized by:

• Radiating pain

This is felt from the wrist to the arms and shoulder, or from the shoulder down to the fingers. 

• Numbness

Numbness is often experienced on the affected fingers such as the thumb, index, middle and ring fingers. It occurs more frequently as the condition advances. Depending on the individual, numbness might be felt upon awakening or when holding something. 

• Hand weakness

Sufferers may drop the objects they are holding due to weak grasps.

If the disorder has been disrupting sleeping patterns and normal daily activities substantially, it is best to see the doctor. Although it is not associated to serious medical conditions, the disorder can cause muscle and nerve damage.

How common is Carpal Tunnel Syndrome?

The syndrome is relatively common affecting more women than men. It is also widespread among people suffering from certain medical conditions like diabetes and rheumatoid arthritis. The average age when the problem strikes is between 30 and 60 years old, occurring in 1 out of 20 people. There is a 10% chance for adults in the average age to develop the disorder.

What are the tests done to diagnose Carpal Tunnel disorder?

The doctor will conduct several tests to confirm the syndrome, and these are:

• Physical exam

This is often done to evaluate the muscle strength and sensation in the hands and fingers. 

• Examining the symptoms

The doctor will check for the pattern of the symptoms as well as the activities that trigger the symptoms to emerge. 

• Electromyogram

This diagnostic test is done to measure the small electrical discharges from the muscles which help the doctor determine muscle damage. 

• X-ray

This test may be requested to rule out possible wrist fracture or arthritis. 

• Nerve studies

This test is similar to electromyogram which is done to see if the electrical impulses slow down in the narrow passageway.

What are the treatment options for Carpal Tunnel Syndrome?

Treatments for Carpal Tunnel Syndrome differ with every individual, depending on the underlying cause and severity of the condition. Treatment helps not only in alleviating the symptoms but in keeping the condition from aggravating which could lead to nerve damage. Treatment may involve:

• Home care

This usually comes in the form of wrist splinting which helps in relieving nighttime symptoms. Wrist splinting works for pregnant women as well. 

• Medication

Medications may also be used to help relieve the symptoms. The doctor may use corticosteroids to help ease the pain and reduce the swelling of the median nerve. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs might also be used to provide short term relief. 

• Surgery is considered when the accompanying symptoms are really bad, making the patient incapacitated for weeks or months.

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome can be a debilitating disease, so treatment must never be delayed. Observing proper posture, taking breaks and avoiding making repetitive movements are the finest ways to prevent it from happening.

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Pictures

Proteus Syndrome

Proteus Syndrome
Proteus syndrome is an uncommon state of abnormal growth. The developmental abnormalities associated with Proteus syndrome can lead to unusual look and overgrowth of different parts of the body. The growth is not symmetric, which means that the parallel parts of the body are not of the corresponding length of the other. For instance, one hand may be longer or wider than the other.

Proteus syndrome is caused due to mutations or mosaic changes in a gene known as AKT1. It is believed that such genetic errors occur shortly after conception. The different bodily defects can be noticed and diagnosed during later toddler-hood or early childhood. The accompanying symptoms begin to appear at this age, which is quite late. Proteus syndrome is also referred to as ‘elattoproteus syndrome’ and ‘elephant man disease.’

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Symptoms of Proteus syndrome

Some of the symptoms of proteus syndrome include:

• Overgrowth of fingers, toes, skull, and limbs.Abnormal growth is mostly not proportionate or symmetric.


• Enlarged back of the head


• Scoliosis due to abnormal vertebral growth


• Drooping eyelids


• Abnormal overgrowth and wasting away of the upper limb muscles and neck, giving a curved or bent look


• Long and thin face


• Raised or even rough skin


• Abnormal growth of soft tissue on the soles of the feet and deep lines


• Open mouth when resting


• Low nasal bridge with open, reversed nostrils


• Overgrowth of lymphatic vessels that can produce vascular lesions like lymphatic malformation and port wine stains


• Presence of café au lait macules

Any portion of the body can be affected by Proteus syndrome.However, it mostly affects the skin and bones.Abnormal growth of bone may lead to many problems such as anomalous growth of skin, and orthopedic diseases.All these cause concern about the look and can result in low self-esteem.

Some other uncommon problems associated with lungs may also occur, which has to be monitored properly.

People suffering from this syndrome have good health and mental power, but have a high chance of getting a blood clot known as ‘deep vein thrombosis’ or DVT. This leads to severe issues such as pulmonary embolism. It is very important that medical experts taking care of such patients should be alerted of this possibility.

Causes of Proteus syndrome

Proteus syndrome is neither caused due to exposure to environmental factors during pregnancy, nor any hereditary reason. It does not arise due to things that either parent does or does not do.

Research reports from NIH indicate that Proteus syndrome is caused due to changes in a gene known as AKT1. Such changes can be mosaic alterations, errors, etc. A ‘mosaic gene alteration’ means change in the varied codes and instructions occurring in genes which affects only some cells in the body, and not all.

Experts analyzing this syndrome have come to the conclusion that alterations in the genetic code of Proteus syndrome patients are usually mosaic mutations. This is because the syndrome tends to affectonly some parts of the body, and not the entire body. Only certain areas appear abnormal, whereas other parts of the body do not elicit any anomalies.

It is necessary to keep in mind that each person affected by Proteus syndrome experiences defects that can be different from the symptoms elicited by other patients. Two affected individuals may not have similar malformations, and their conditions, signs and symptoms, and treatments will also vary from each other.

Diagnosis of Proteus syndrome

Medical experts have a list of various features exhibited by a person suffering from Proteus syndrome. This helps in easy detection of the abnormal growth. This type of list is known as the diagnostic criteria and it aids doctors in fast and accurate diagnosis of the syndrome. There are 3 common features which assist physicians in diagnosis of Proteus syndrome, as listed below:

• Sporadic occurrence; in this no member of the family is suffering from the same abnormal condition.


• Mosaic distribution; in this only few areas are affected by abnormal growth whereas other parts of the body appear to be normal.


• Progressive course; in this the abnormal growth has changed the affected parts of the body considerably and/or fresh abnormal growth is appearing.

If all the above given features are noticed in a person including few other special features, then the doctor can diagnose it as Proteus syndrome. The additional peculiar features are set into 3 categories namely A, B, and C. To detect Proteus syndrome all the three common characteristics are required to be present in a person.

Treatment for Proteus syndrome

There is no known cure for Proteus syndrome. It can be controlled by diagnosing the abnormal growth as soon as possible and using symptomatic and prophylactic treatments. A group of medical experts are needed to control this syndrome. This comprises of plastic surgeon, neurosurgeon, psychiatrist, dental expert, orthopedist, craniofacial surgeon, geneticist, and skin specialist.

To control and manage the accompanying skin anomalies, following precautions can be taken:

• Periodically evaluating the condition of lesion, so as to make certain that vascular abnormality and lipomas do not cause problems.


• Removal of lesions through surgeries in case it interferes with carrying out daily functions, or for cosmetic reasons.


• Elimination of vascular markings through laser therapy

Proteus Syndrome Pictures

Phospholipid Function

Phospholipid Function
Phospholipids function is involved in shaping the cell membrane and at the same time in helping the cells maintain their internal environment and structures. Phospholipids also serve a special purpose in allowing water-soluble molecules to enter and exit the cell. The structural components of phospholipids provide the needed strength and integrity needed to fulfill their function in cell development and vitality.

Phospholipids are very important for every living cell. The Brain cells, for instance, primarily need phospholipids to support optimum brain health. They are likewise essential for keeping the heart and liver in tip-top shape, maintaining positive mood, faster recovery from vigorous activities, as well as in ensuring efficient metabolism, cellular activities and different bodily processes.

What is the structural composition of phospholipids?

The structural composition of the phospholipids equips it to carry out phospholipids function effectively. Phospholipids, along with a variety of protein molecules, make up the large part of the cell membrane. The cell membrane or plasma membrane pertains to the exterior covering of the cell which protects the subunit cell structures from the outside environment. While most lipids are composed of three chains of fatty acids attached to a glycerol molecule, phospholipids only have two chains of fatty acids and a compound composed of hydrogen, oxygen and phosphorous forming the phosphate group that is attached to glycerol molecule. This chemical composition facilitates the phospholipids function which is crucial for cell membrane function.

Phospholipids have two parts, namely, the head and the tail. The cell membrane is made up of two layers of phospholipids with the head pointing outwards and the tail inwards. This structural design enables the phospholipids to monitor what is going in and out of the cell. Here’s how they work.

• Head

The head part is known as the phosphate group which is composed of hydrogen, oxygen and phosphorus. This is the hydrophilic end of the phospholipids bilayer which comes in contact with water molecules both inside and outside the cell.

• Tail

The tail of the phospholipid is made up of fatty acid chains which repel water molecules and make up the hydrophobic end of the phospholipids bilayer. They prevent large molecules from getting into the membrane, thereby stabilizing the cell membrane structure.

Small molecules can get into the cell membrane easily but large molecules need the help of some proteins to be able to do so. The phospholipids bilayer is composed of various types of proteins which help in transporting larger molecules. Some proteins serve as tunnels to allow easy diffusion of certain substances, whereas others only let specific molecules to pass through.  Others, still, require energy to permit access.

What are the phospholipids functions?

Phospholipids serve various functions which are very important for the cell, as they aid in the following:

• Providing structural support

Phospholipids give the cell membrane its shape and structure. This structural support is essential in protecting the subunit structures within the cell through its hydrophilic and hydrophobic ends. Cholesterols and some proteins also help in stabilizing the structure of the cell membrane.

• Maintaining cellular atmosphere

Phospholipids function to ensure that everything that happens in the cell stays within. It is particularly important for the mitochondria, a cellular organ which provides cellular energy to divide, move and produce other cellular products.

• Monitoring substances that enter and exit the cell

Since phospholipids separate the interior part of the cell from the surrounding environment, they are responsible in monitoring anything and everything that enter and exit the cell through their head and tail ends or hydrophilic and hydrophobic ends, respectively.

How does the body benefit from normal phospholipid functions?

The function of phospholipids is important in various bodily processes especially for brain health. This is because brain cells have a much higher concentration of phospholipids than any other part of the body. Phospholipids are particularly beneficial for the following aspects:

• Metabolism

Phospholipids, through the phosphotidyl choline component, aid in breaking down fats which is useful in various bodily processes especially metabolism.

• Memory

Brain cells have a huge amount of phosphotidyl serine – another component of phospholipids – which helps in keeping the brain cell membrane healthy to support good memory. Moreover, phosphotidyl choline also promotes mental clarity.

• Heart and liver health

High cholesterol level is conducive for health problems to arise, but phosphotidyl choline works in preventing cholesterol to accumulate and eventually harden in the arterial wall. The same phospholipid component also helps in promoting a healthy liver and gallbladder.

• Moods

Phospholipids via its phosphotidyl serine component promote positive disposition and help ease depression and anxiety disorders.

• Cellular communication system

Cells need to work together in order to transmit signals and perform cell actions in a coordinated manner.  In this regard, phospholipids work as communication channels between cells.

Phospholipids help in keeping the cell membrane healthy. However, phospholipids function can be disrupted and become severely affected by free radicals and harmful substances or microorganisms that come in contact with the cellular membrane. Some of these agents are capable of tricking the cell into absorbing them, thereby, eventually causing damage.

Stickler Syndrome

Stickler Syndrome
Stickler syndrome is an abnormal condition that causes severe problems in various parts of the body such as eyes, ears and joints. It is also called ‘hereditary progressive arthro-ophthalmopathy’ and is usually diagnosed during infancy.

Children who are affected by this syndrome show unique facial features like a small nose, big eyes and a receding chin. If the jaw is small and tongue’s movements are limited, then it leads to difficulties in breathing and feeding during childhood.

No proper cure is known for Stickler syndrome, still treatments help to minimize the symptoms, control it, and prevent further complications. In few cases, surgeries are required to correct some physical abnormalities.

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4 Stickler Syndrome Pictures

Symptoms of Stickler syndrome

The symptoms of Stickler syndrome differ from person to person. Some common signs and symptoms are:

• Unique facial features: A child suffering from this syndrome has a flat facial structure with a tiny nose and a nasal bridge that may be dug in or even. The chin is small. However, as the child grows changes occur making these features appear less unique to some extent.


• Pierre Robin sequence: Stickler syndrome causes ‘Pierre Robin sequence.’ Pierre Robin sequence is a mixture of birth deficiencies which includes a tiny jaw, difficulty in tongue movements, and a tongue that moves in the reverse direction toward the throat. All this leads to various problems in breathing and feeding.


• Eye problems: Children suffering from Stickler syndrome usually have ocular disorders. It is more common amongst older adults.
  
  
  
  • Glaucoma: It increases the pressure in the eye and at times it is so severe that it damages the optic nerve.
  
  
  • Extreme near-sightedness: Children may be born with nearsightedness. It is an eye defect wherein close objects are visible clearly but distant objects appear blurry.
  
  
  • Retinal detachments: Children with this syndrome suffer from retinal detachments. The retina is necessary for seeing, so blindness can occur if it ripsapart from the backside of the eyeball.
  
  
  • Cataract: Some children with Stickler syndrome may be born with cataracts. These cataracts may also form during infancy.
  
  
  • Bone and joint defects include:
    
    
    
    • Osteoarthritis: Early arthritis is generally seen in Stickler syndrome
    
    
    • Scoliosis: Affected children may occasionally suffer from scoliosis. A growing child has to be carefully observed for occurrence of scoliosis so that prompt treatment can be given when necessary.
    
    
    • Increased joint flexibility: A common symptom of Stickler syndrome is that an affected child can often extend the joints beyond the usual range of motion, easily and without pain. This ability tends to lessen with age.
    
    
    • Hearing difficulties: The capability to listen to high frequencies is affected and it worsens with time. However, the severity of loss of hearing differs from one affected person to another.
    
    
    
    
  
  
  
  

Some of the complications caused by Stickler syndrome include:

• Ear infections


• Blindness


• Difficulty in breathing or feeding


• Heart and dental problems


• Deafness

Causes of Stickler syndrome

The main cause for Stickler syndrome is change in some of the genes involved in the development of a group of proteins known as ‘collagen.’ Collagen is responsible for providing the foundation of various kinds of connective tissues, which take care of the internal structures of the body. The classes of collagen that get influenced the most by Stickler syndrome are the types that constitute different areas like cartilage, which is a tissue that cushions bones inside the joints; and ‘vitreous’, a rubbery liquid that fills up the middle portion of the eye.

If one of the parents suffers from Stickler syndrome, then there is a fifty percent chance of passing on the condition to the child. In rare cases, people may develop this syndrome even though the parent is not be a carrier of the mutated gene. In such cases, it occurs due to random transmutation in one of the genes.

Treatment 

There is no treatment that can cure Stickler syndrome. The methodology which can prevent complications and manage symptoms include -

Medications

• Glaucoma drugs: Children with glaucoma have to take medicines on a daily basis to manage the stress in their eyes. These medicines are mostly available aseye drops.


• Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs or NSAIDs: Drugs like ibuprofen and naproxen help ease inflexibility, pain, and joint swelling.

Therapies

• Speech therapy


• Physical therapy


• Special education

Sensory aids

• Hearing aids


• Corrective lenses

Surgeries

• Jaw surgery: Specialists can extend the lower jaw by splitting the jawbone and inserting a machine that will slowly broaden the bone as it gets well.


• Eye surgeries:To maintain good eyesight surgeries have to be carried out through which cataracts are removed, and the detached retinas are reattached


• Cleft palate repair: Children with an opening in the cleft palate usually go through operations in which tissues are extended to close the hole in the mouth’s roof.


• Tracheotomy: A child with very tiny jaws and large tongue may require tracheotomy to make a gap in the oesophagus so that the child is able to breathe. The surgery is undone as soon as the baby grows older wherein his/her breathing is no longer obstructed.

Stickler Syndrome Pictures

Small Red Bumps on Skin

Small Red Bumps on Skin
Skin is one of the most important and sensitive organs of a human body as it interact with the outside environment directly. Several external factors such as sun, dirt and dust, fungus, bacteria etc. can cause rashes or red bumps over the skin which can or cannot be painful. If you have got red bumps on skin then you should first know about the root cause of the same. Also some rashes like ringworm are contagious, so it is necessary to consult your dermatologist at the earliest to avoid further complications. Not all skin rashes are painful and itchy but their sight can lead to low self confidence in many and can affect the person both mentally and physically.

Causes of red bumps on skin

Mostly, rashes or red bumps over the skin can be an outcome of-

• Fungal or bacterial infection- scarlet fever, intertrigo, ringworm are few examples of skin problems triggered by bacterial or fungal infection.


• Direct contact with an allergen or irritant


• Allergic reaction from some kind of medication


• Virus- measles, chicken pox, roseola, shingles etc are the examples of small red bumps or rashes on the skin caused by virus.

Rashes like dermatitis and pityriasis rosea are some of the most common rashes found among the people. While the former is symbolized by inflammation over the skin and has many types and causing agents, latter is characterized by itchy skin which starts with a spot and then sweeping outwards. Another common skin rash is shingles which is caused by chicken pox virus which becomes active even after the disease is cured. Dealing with such short term red skin bumpy condition is bad enough but when the rashes are long term and do not go away easily, then the things becomes more irritating. Conditions like eczema, lichen annularis, lichen planus and psoriasis fallen under the category of skin rashes which are long lastly and demand extra medication attention. These are also recurring skin rashes with keep on coming back and thus annoy a lot.

Sometimes in hot and humid climate, red rashes or bumps start to appear over the skin, such a condition is termed as heat rash. It is not a serious problem and can be resolved by taking proper skin care and avoiding tight clothes. In western countries, skin allergies from the sun also lead to red patches or rashes over the skin.

Treatment for small, red bumps on skin

As there can be a number of causes and conditions with can lead to skin rash or red bumps, it is important to identify the best treatment option to return good health to your skin. There are some conditions like intertrigo which go away on their own, but other requires good medical assistance and care. In case of bacterial infection on the skin, you need to have a good anti bacterial cream or medication handy. Skin rash caused by fungi can be treatment using anti fungal infection medication. Many of these medications are available over the counter and many are prescribed by the doctor depending upon the severity of your skin rash or bumps. If the rash is triggered by viral infection, then it is best to treat its symptoms rather than combating from the virus itself. For instance, an antihistamines or anti itch medication can help you ease your itching.

Getting those red, patching, sometimes itchy red bumps over the skin doesn’t sound appealing so it is better to avoid them by keeping good care of your skin. One must try to keep the skin clean (must practice proper personal hygiene) and avoid being in touch with any allergen or potential invader that can damage your skin. In case of rashes, take proper medication and advice from the physician which will help in keeping your skin healthy.