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.
Monday, March 30, 2015
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.
Postherpetic Neuralgia
Postherpetic Neuralgia Postherpetic neuralgia is a type of viral infection affecting the nerve cells. It occurs as after effect of shingles infection. PHN causes burning intense pain on the affected area of the body, due to damage of nerve cells. Pain may last for many months or even a year for some people. People who have got shingles infection are at high risk of developing postherpetic neuralgia. Treatment for PHN is available in the form of painkiller drugs. You can prevent PHN and shingles by vaccination.
Causes :
The underlying nerve cells are damaged when the HZ virus passes down from the skin till the nerve of the affected area. Shingles are so severe infection that it causes blisters or lesions on the skin. Normally the viruses will be destroyed by antiviral medications and further treatment. However the virus may still remain dormant inside the body in the dorsal root cells. Not all the people affected with shingles infection would develop PHN. Only few (9-14%) of the people may develop PHN after few months.
Who are at risk?
People who have got shingles infection are at high risk of getting PHN after 2-3 months. Aged people and people with weakened immunity have increased risk of developing PHN after shingles. Family history also plays role in PHN disorder since close relatives of affected people (with PHN) are at risk of getting PHN later.
Symptoms :
Intense burning pain on the affected body part is the only symptom of PHN. The person who gets shingles infection will develop painful blisters on the skin in some part of his body. After the infection is treated completely, the blisters may disappear leaving a scar.
But the nerve cells below are totally damaged by severe infection, which may cause jabbing pain. The pain may become so severe that the person affected cannot even tolerate slight rubbing of clothing over the affected area. In extreme cases, the affected part of the body may become paralyzed due to damaged nerves.
Diagnosis :
Your doctor can detect PHN by the severity of the symptoms of intense pain. He would collect the medical history of the patient to know if he has got shingles infection. If required, he may do a biopsy of the affected tissue sample.
Treatment :
Treatment options vary depending on the intensity of the pain and health condition of the patient. Combination of two or more medications is often prescribed for managing throbbing pain. Anticonvulsant drugs like carbamazepine or gabapentin are given to reduce the intensity of pain due to PHN.
Some doctors prescribe tricyclic antidepressant drugs like desipramine or amitriptyline for managing pain caused by postherpetic neuralgia. In addition painkillers like morphine or oxycodone that belong to narcotic category are also given. Topical creams like capsin or zostrix that are given for shingles infection can be applied on the affected area of the body. Lidoderm is highly effective ointment to reduce pain.
This therapy is based on the concept that effective electric current can block the nerve sensors in the body. Pain causing nerves are paralyzed by passing small amounts of controlled electric current on the affected area of the body. This process is called as TENS stimulation. Local nerves of the affected area can be blocked by effective injection or surgery (by cutting the nerve) so that the person may not sense any more pain.
Complications :
The affected person will soon become addicted to painkiller drugs to manage pain. For many people, quality of life may be affected due to intense throbbing pain. The person may not get enough sleep due to persistent pain.
Outlook :
Many patients would recover from PHN after taking painkillers for few months. But for some people the pain may last for a year or even more affecting the quality of life greatly. In rare cases it can cause total nerve damage.
Prevention :
You can prevent developing PHN as well as shingles by getting a shot of Zostavax vaccine. People who are above 50 years can now take this vaccine to prevent shingles and PHN.
Causes :
The underlying nerve cells are damaged when the HZ virus passes down from the skin till the nerve of the affected area. Shingles are so severe infection that it causes blisters or lesions on the skin. Normally the viruses will be destroyed by antiviral medications and further treatment. However the virus may still remain dormant inside the body in the dorsal root cells. Not all the people affected with shingles infection would develop PHN. Only few (9-14%) of the people may develop PHN after few months.
Who are at risk?
People who have got shingles infection are at high risk of getting PHN after 2-3 months. Aged people and people with weakened immunity have increased risk of developing PHN after shingles. Family history also plays role in PHN disorder since close relatives of affected people (with PHN) are at risk of getting PHN later.
Symptoms :
Intense burning pain on the affected body part is the only symptom of PHN. The person who gets shingles infection will develop painful blisters on the skin in some part of his body. After the infection is treated completely, the blisters may disappear leaving a scar.
But the nerve cells below are totally damaged by severe infection, which may cause jabbing pain. The pain may become so severe that the person affected cannot even tolerate slight rubbing of clothing over the affected area. In extreme cases, the affected part of the body may become paralyzed due to damaged nerves.
Diagnosis :
Your doctor can detect PHN by the severity of the symptoms of intense pain. He would collect the medical history of the patient to know if he has got shingles infection. If required, he may do a biopsy of the affected tissue sample.
Treatment :
Treatment options vary depending on the intensity of the pain and health condition of the patient. Combination of two or more medications is often prescribed for managing throbbing pain. Anticonvulsant drugs like carbamazepine or gabapentin are given to reduce the intensity of pain due to PHN.
Some doctors prescribe tricyclic antidepressant drugs like desipramine or amitriptyline for managing pain caused by postherpetic neuralgia. In addition painkillers like morphine or oxycodone that belong to narcotic category are also given. Topical creams like capsin or zostrix that are given for shingles infection can be applied on the affected area of the body. Lidoderm is highly effective ointment to reduce pain.
- Nerve Stimulation :
This therapy is based on the concept that effective electric current can block the nerve sensors in the body. Pain causing nerves are paralyzed by passing small amounts of controlled electric current on the affected area of the body. This process is called as TENS stimulation. Local nerves of the affected area can be blocked by effective injection or surgery (by cutting the nerve) so that the person may not sense any more pain.
Complications :
The affected person will soon become addicted to painkiller drugs to manage pain. For many people, quality of life may be affected due to intense throbbing pain. The person may not get enough sleep due to persistent pain.
Outlook :
Many patients would recover from PHN after taking painkillers for few months. But for some people the pain may last for a year or even more affecting the quality of life greatly. In rare cases it can cause total nerve damage.
Prevention :
You can prevent developing PHN as well as shingles by getting a shot of Zostavax vaccine. People who are above 50 years can now take this vaccine to prevent shingles and PHN.
Uvula Swollen
Uvula Swollen If you open your mouth widely before the mirror, you can see a tiny part hanging at the end of your throat, which is called as uvula. It is a tiny cone shaped tongue like structure that hangs from the soft palate of the throat. The uvula is the organ that creates sounds while you speak and is made of soft tissue and muscles. It also gives additional protection for the nasal cavity by screening the entry of bacteria and other micro-organisms into the digestive tract.
The uvula can become swollen due to many reasons like common cold or acid reflux. Swollen uvula can be treated by diagnosing the underlying cause that has caused inflammation. In medical terms, swollen uvula is called as uvulitis.
Causes :
Uvula gets inflamed when the mucus membrane and tissues that surrounds the uvula develops swelling. This can happen due to some medical conditions like tonsillitis, dehydration, common cold, bacterial infection, acid reflux and allergens. In some people taking very cold or hot foods can cause this problem. Acid reflux disease can cause swollen uvula since the pressure of acid from the digestive tract can irritate the soft membranes of uvula leading to inflammation.
People having sleep apnea would have a tendency to sleep with opened mouth which can trigger infection of uvula causing swollen uvula. Snoring, smoking, excessive drinking and exposure to irritants can cause inflammation of the uvula. Sometimes canker sores that develop in your mouth can spread till uvula causing inflammation.
Symptoms :
Some of the signs of swollen uvula include swelling of uvula, change in normal color of the uvula and slight enlargement of uvula. Sometimes white spots or bumps are formed on the uvula due to infection. It can cause symptoms like fever, sore throat and difficulty in swallowing food. There would be constant urge to cough (dry irritant cough) even there is no mucus or phlegm produced from the mouth. It can cause change in your voice (hoarse voice) since uvula is involved in the articulation of sound. People with swollen uvula tend to have gagging sensation and choking. They would be involved in drooling of uvula most of the time without their knowledge.
Tests :
Swollen uvula can easily be diagnosed by mere physical exam.
Pictures of Uvula Swollen :
Treatment :
Plenty of home remedies are available for treating swollen uvula. You can make changes in your diet and avoid eating hot and spicy foods. Identify the cause that has triggered inflammation of the uvula and rectify it. Honey is excellent remedy for sore throat and swollen uvula. Mix some honey in a glass of lukewarm water and drink it. It can provide instant relief from pain and swelling.
Drink a glass of water mixed with apple cider vinegar. You can repeat this several times a day to manage pain and swelling. Avoid smoking or drinking when you have sore throat and swollen uvula since it can worsen the symptoms. In case dehydration has caused swollen uvula you can take plenty of fluids. Children with fever and sore throat refuse to eat/drink anything which can lead to dehydration. You can give them orange juice and plenty of water that helps in providing relief.
Add one teaspoon of salt in lukewarm water and gargle it several times a day. This can bring comfort to the sore throat and swollen uvula. It would considerably reduce the inflammation of the uvula and throat. Avoid eating hot and spicy foods and foods that causes allergic reaction. This can worsen the condition. Do not take anything too cold or hot since it can affect the soft membranes of uvula causing inflammation.
In case you notice white bumps on the tip of the uvula this can be due to infection. You can consult your doctor and take antibiotics. For treating swollen uvula due to severe allergy your doctor may prescribe antihistamines and sometimes steroid medications to reduce swelling. He may give you a shot of epinephrine to prevent further swelling and to manage pain.
Over the counter painkillers can provide comfort for swollen uvula. Surgery is the last choice for treating swollen uvula. This is done only if there is pain and considerable swelling which does not respond to any medication. People with sleep apnea disorder may snore severely that can cause constant swelling of uvula. In such cases uvulectomy (removal of uvula) is done.
The uvula can become swollen due to many reasons like common cold or acid reflux. Swollen uvula can be treated by diagnosing the underlying cause that has caused inflammation. In medical terms, swollen uvula is called as uvulitis.
Causes :
Uvula gets inflamed when the mucus membrane and tissues that surrounds the uvula develops swelling. This can happen due to some medical conditions like tonsillitis, dehydration, common cold, bacterial infection, acid reflux and allergens. In some people taking very cold or hot foods can cause this problem. Acid reflux disease can cause swollen uvula since the pressure of acid from the digestive tract can irritate the soft membranes of uvula leading to inflammation.
People having sleep apnea would have a tendency to sleep with opened mouth which can trigger infection of uvula causing swollen uvula. Snoring, smoking, excessive drinking and exposure to irritants can cause inflammation of the uvula. Sometimes canker sores that develop in your mouth can spread till uvula causing inflammation.
Symptoms :
Some of the signs of swollen uvula include swelling of uvula, change in normal color of the uvula and slight enlargement of uvula. Sometimes white spots or bumps are formed on the uvula due to infection. It can cause symptoms like fever, sore throat and difficulty in swallowing food. There would be constant urge to cough (dry irritant cough) even there is no mucus or phlegm produced from the mouth. It can cause change in your voice (hoarse voice) since uvula is involved in the articulation of sound. People with swollen uvula tend to have gagging sensation and choking. They would be involved in drooling of uvula most of the time without their knowledge.
Tests :
Swollen uvula can easily be diagnosed by mere physical exam.
Pictures of Uvula Swollen :
Treatment :
Plenty of home remedies are available for treating swollen uvula. You can make changes in your diet and avoid eating hot and spicy foods. Identify the cause that has triggered inflammation of the uvula and rectify it. Honey is excellent remedy for sore throat and swollen uvula. Mix some honey in a glass of lukewarm water and drink it. It can provide instant relief from pain and swelling.
Drink a glass of water mixed with apple cider vinegar. You can repeat this several times a day to manage pain and swelling. Avoid smoking or drinking when you have sore throat and swollen uvula since it can worsen the symptoms. In case dehydration has caused swollen uvula you can take plenty of fluids. Children with fever and sore throat refuse to eat/drink anything which can lead to dehydration. You can give them orange juice and plenty of water that helps in providing relief.
Add one teaspoon of salt in lukewarm water and gargle it several times a day. This can bring comfort to the sore throat and swollen uvula. It would considerably reduce the inflammation of the uvula and throat. Avoid eating hot and spicy foods and foods that causes allergic reaction. This can worsen the condition. Do not take anything too cold or hot since it can affect the soft membranes of uvula causing inflammation.
In case you notice white bumps on the tip of the uvula this can be due to infection. You can consult your doctor and take antibiotics. For treating swollen uvula due to severe allergy your doctor may prescribe antihistamines and sometimes steroid medications to reduce swelling. He may give you a shot of epinephrine to prevent further swelling and to manage pain.
Over the counter painkillers can provide comfort for swollen uvula. Surgery is the last choice for treating swollen uvula. This is done only if there is pain and considerable swelling which does not respond to any medication. People with sleep apnea disorder may snore severely that can cause constant swelling of uvula. In such cases uvulectomy (removal of uvula) is done.
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.
Couvade Syndrome
Couvade Syndrome Couvade syndrome is a strange condition in which the would-be father experience some of the symptoms associated with pregnancy. It is also known as sympathetic pregnancy wherein the husband would have the feelings of expectant mother and experience similar symptoms and behavior. Some of the common symptoms of this syndrome are alteration in hormone levels, vomiting, morning sickness and increase in weight. In reality Couvade syndrome is not a medical condition but is considered to be psychosomatic disorder.
Symptoms :
The signs and symptoms of Couvade syndrome is typical of the symptoms experienced by pregnant women during her pregnancy. The expectant father would show signs of nausea, morning sickness, heartburn, weight gain, bloating, abdominal cramps, backaches and leg pain. He may also experience genital irritations that are common during the term of pregnancy. In addition he may also have disturbance in sleep, anxiety and depression feelings and reduced sex drive.
It would be exciting to know for a man that he would father a child very soon. These feelings would induce emotions and bring changes in certain enzymes causing hormonal imbalance. These symptoms can be attributed to the stress that is caused due to fatherhood. There are men who had developed cravings for food and even breast augmentation like pregnant women.
Causes :
Who are at risk?
Any man who is more concerned for his wife and developing fetus may develop Couvade syndrome. But this is more common in men who have come a long way facing fertility problems and pregnancy loss than others.
Diagnosis :
No special tests are needed to detect Couvade syndrome. It can develop in men who are expecting fatherhood and have more concerns about wife and child.
Treatment :
Couvade syndrome needs no treatment and is only temporary. Once the expecting mother delivers the child all the symptoms of the father would resolve spontaneously. Only in rare cases symptoms of fatigue and bloated stomach may continue after child-birth. This can be due to change in hormone levels and can be dealt with medical help. Counseling for the couple will help to reduce anxiety during the term of pregnancy.
Symptoms :
The signs and symptoms of Couvade syndrome is typical of the symptoms experienced by pregnant women during her pregnancy. The expectant father would show signs of nausea, morning sickness, heartburn, weight gain, bloating, abdominal cramps, backaches and leg pain. He may also experience genital irritations that are common during the term of pregnancy. In addition he may also have disturbance in sleep, anxiety and depression feelings and reduced sex drive.
It would be exciting to know for a man that he would father a child very soon. These feelings would induce emotions and bring changes in certain enzymes causing hormonal imbalance. These symptoms can be attributed to the stress that is caused due to fatherhood. There are men who had developed cravings for food and even breast augmentation like pregnant women.
Causes :
- Some expectant fathers are so anxious of becoming father which may induce physiological symptoms mentioned above.
- They are worried about the expected life change and start eating more gaining more weight.
- Psychological theory explains Couvade syndrome as feeling empathetic for the expectant mother. Mood swings can occur due to hormonal changes when a man starts secreting more of estrogen than testosterone.
- Till now, there is no medical theory to explain this phenomenon.
- Increased stress and anxiety may produce chemicals in the body causing sympathetic pregnancy.
Who are at risk?
Any man who is more concerned for his wife and developing fetus may develop Couvade syndrome. But this is more common in men who have come a long way facing fertility problems and pregnancy loss than others.
Diagnosis :
No special tests are needed to detect Couvade syndrome. It can develop in men who are expecting fatherhood and have more concerns about wife and child.
Treatment :
Couvade syndrome needs no treatment and is only temporary. Once the expecting mother delivers the child all the symptoms of the father would resolve spontaneously. Only in rare cases symptoms of fatigue and bloated stomach may continue after child-birth. This can be due to change in hormone levels and can be dealt with medical help. Counseling for the couple will help to reduce anxiety during the term of pregnancy.
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