Delirium Delirium is a state of confused thinking and losing mental balance. It is a type of mental disorder that interferes with the normal functions of your brain. The individual may forget daily routine and lose contact with the environment. He/she may in a state of confusion seeing and hearing unnatural things that does not exist.
Delirium can occur due to many causes like head injury, brain infection, drug toxicity and sudden metabolic changes. Intake of certain medications, certain type of chronic diseases and overuse of alcohol or drug can cause delirium. Delirium symptoms can be managed by combined approach of medications and supportive care.
Symptoms :
The signs of delirium may not last long and in most of the cases it occurs only for short period. For some people, it may last for few hours only and for some others it can continue for few days. There will be fluctuation of symptoms throughout the day. The affected person may have reduced awareness which can cause poor concentration, confused thinking and easy distraction over things. He may appear withdrawn paying no attention to the happenings and gives little or no response to the environment.
Delirium can cause symptoms like poor memory, disorientation (inability to identify the place or time of the day) and difficulty in understanding conversation. He may talk nonsense and may not respond to the questions in normal way. Delirium can also cause restlessness, irritability and aggression. The person may see and hear non-existent things. He may not sleep properly and may express strong emotions.
Causes :
Under normal conditions, brain sends and receives signals promptly. But delirium occurs when there is abnormality in the brain which would impair the route of signals. Brain’s activity may get disturbed by various factors. Severe infectious diseases, dehydration and intense skin problem can trigger the brain signals and block them. Prolonged stay in the hospital can make vulnerable to develop delirium.
Old age, dementia, any type of acute infection, visual disturbance and poor nutrition can trigger impulses in the brain leading to delirium. Chronic illnesses like lupus or arthritis and severe immune disorders and intake of several drugs for long term and alcohol abuse can cause delirium. Drugs given for inducing sleep, pain-killers, drugs given for stabilizing mood and medicines given for treating Parkinson’s disease can induce delirium. Delirium can occur in people who suffer from anxiety and depression.
Complications :
Delirium is not a disease and often the symptoms would vanish within few hours. But for some people it may last for several weeks. Once the root cause of delirium is found and treated, the patient can recover quickly. If delirium develops in terminally ill patients or people with mental disorders it may permanently damage their thinking skills and impair the normal functions of the brain.
Tests :
The doctor would listen to the patient’s family and close friends and collect complete medical records of the affected person. He would give suitable questionnaire to assess his mental status. He would check his mental awareness and his thinking ability by asking a series of questions. He would also identify about his perception ability.
He may order for neurological tests to find out the root cause of delirium. Neurologist would evaluate his ability of vision and motor balance and reflexes. He may also order for imaging tests like CT or MRI scan of the brain to get accurate picture.
Treatment :
Before starting any treatment the doctor would identify the factors that trigger the delirium. He would analyze the list of medications taken by the patient, to find if that can be the factor for inducing imbalance in brain. If necessary he might reduce the strength of doses or give suitable alternate medications. There are certain drugs that can interfere with normal thinking ability of the person. Sometimes it may endanger the person’s mental status or create danger for society.
Coping Techniques :
Coping and supportive care are vital in treating the person affected with delirium. Family people can attend to the immediate need of the affected person by providing wall clocks and calendar in every room. The atmosphere of the home should be calm and cool. Nowadays many electronic devices are available to remember important events of the day.
The person should be in close contact with his family and friends. Needless to say, he should have quality sleep which can help considerably in keeping his brain calm. Going for brisk walk or doing aerobic exercises will promote quality sleep. Taking healthy diet and supplementing with fluids is effective in preventing dehydration. Attending yoga classes and practicing relaxation techniques can reduce agitation and stress.
Prevention :
You cannot totally prevent getting delirium. You can reduce the risk factors that can be inducing an episode.
Monday, March 30, 2015
Pericarditis
Pericarditis Pericardium is a fluid filled two layered membrane that surrounds the outer portion of the heart. This thin layer gives protection to the heart by protecting it against infection and preventing over-expansion of the heart. If this layer of pericardium gets inflamed and develops swelling and irritation it is known as pericarditis. It can cause acute chest pain and sometimes sharp staggering pain when the layers of pericardium rub one another. Often pericarditis is short term but sometimes it can be chronic. Symptoms of sharp pain can be managed through medications and in severe cases pericarditis may need surgical process.
Types :
Pericarditis can be acute (short lived) and chronic (long term).
Symptoms :
Symptoms of pericarditis vary depending on the type and intensity of inflammation. Some of the signs of pericarditis include palpitation of the heart, sharp pain on the chest and shortness of breath. The pain would begin on the left side of your shoulder and progresses towards the chest passing through the neck. It can also cause fatigue, fever and swelling of legs. Many times, the symptoms of pericarditis are confused with lung infection or other heart diseases. You need to consult a doctor if you notice above symptoms and persistent chest pain.
Causes :
Exact cause of pericarditis is not known. It is believed to be caused due to friction arising from the rubbing of pericardial layers. Under normal condition, pericardial sac contains some fluid facilitating lubrication and movement of the heart within the limits of layer. But due to inflammation of pericardium, both the layers of pericardial sac rub over one another causing sharp pain.
If the underlying heart muscles get damaged due to heart attack, it can cause pericarditis. Some people may develop percarditis weeks after heart surgery due to the inflammation of pericardial layer. Sudden accident or trauma to the heart and systemic inflammatory disorders may lead to pericarditis.
Complications :
In rare cases, pericarditis may lead to constrictive pericardial layer causing long term inflammation and persistent problem. The thin soft layer may lose its elasticity and constrict the heart inside restricting its function. This condition can cause swelling of abdomen and legs and difficulty in breathing.
Cardiac tamponade is another complication caused by pericarditis in which excess of fluid gets filled in the layer thus disabling the heart to fill blood properly. This condition can cause sudden drop in blood pressure and can be life threatening if not treated immediately.
Who are at risk?
Anyone can develop pericarditis but it is reported to occur largely in women and people of age group 20-50.
Tests :
Your doctor can identify pericarditis by listening to your heart via a stethoscope. Expert doctor can differentiate normal heart beat rhythm and noise created by rubbing of pericardial layer. He may order for few tests like ECG, echocardiogram, chest X-ray, and computerized tomography test. Thickened pericardial layer and any abnormality in the heart can be diagnosed through CT scan.
Treatment :
The course of treatment will depend on the results of the test and severity of inflammation. Mild form of pericarditis may not require any treatment. Medications are given to reduce the swelling of pericardial layer which can control chest pain. Anti-inflammatory drugs and pain killers are effective in reducing inflammation and associated pain.
Colchicine is prescribed for managing the symptoms of acute pericarditis. But your doctor will decide whether this drug is safe for you or not. Steroids like prednisone are given for people who are not responding to other drugs. Hospitalized treatment is necessary if any complication develop due to pericarditis. In rare cases pericardiac tamponade can develop.
Pericardiocentesis is done when there is excess of fluid collection in the layers of pericardium. The surgeon would insert a thin needle inside the layer to drain off the fluid from the cavity. This surgery will be performed under careful supervision of echocardiogram and ultrasound scan.
If the pericarditis is chronic and persistent affecting the normal functions of your heart, your surgeon will consider removing the pericardium. This surgery is called as pericardiectomy in which the entire pericardial sac is removed.
Images, Pics, Photos and Pictures of Pericarditis :
Outlook :
Often people with pericarditis would recover completely within few months. Only in rare cases attacks may recur frequently, needing medications and further treatment.
Types :
Pericarditis can be acute (short lived) and chronic (long term).
- Acute form of pericarditis may last only for few days or weeks. The pain may radiate from your left shoulder and passes through the neck. The pain can be mild to moderate and sometimes severe also. The symptoms of acute form resembles very much like that of a heart attack.
- Chronic form develops gradually as a process causing accumulation of fluid in the pericardial layers. The intensity of pain may range from mild to moderate and it may lasts for several weeks or months.
Symptoms :
Symptoms of pericarditis vary depending on the type and intensity of inflammation. Some of the signs of pericarditis include palpitation of the heart, sharp pain on the chest and shortness of breath. The pain would begin on the left side of your shoulder and progresses towards the chest passing through the neck. It can also cause fatigue, fever and swelling of legs. Many times, the symptoms of pericarditis are confused with lung infection or other heart diseases. You need to consult a doctor if you notice above symptoms and persistent chest pain.
Causes :
Exact cause of pericarditis is not known. It is believed to be caused due to friction arising from the rubbing of pericardial layers. Under normal condition, pericardial sac contains some fluid facilitating lubrication and movement of the heart within the limits of layer. But due to inflammation of pericardium, both the layers of pericardial sac rub over one another causing sharp pain.
If the underlying heart muscles get damaged due to heart attack, it can cause pericarditis. Some people may develop percarditis weeks after heart surgery due to the inflammation of pericardial layer. Sudden accident or trauma to the heart and systemic inflammatory disorders may lead to pericarditis.
Complications :
In rare cases, pericarditis may lead to constrictive pericardial layer causing long term inflammation and persistent problem. The thin soft layer may lose its elasticity and constrict the heart inside restricting its function. This condition can cause swelling of abdomen and legs and difficulty in breathing.
Cardiac tamponade is another complication caused by pericarditis in which excess of fluid gets filled in the layer thus disabling the heart to fill blood properly. This condition can cause sudden drop in blood pressure and can be life threatening if not treated immediately.
Who are at risk?
Anyone can develop pericarditis but it is reported to occur largely in women and people of age group 20-50.
Tests :
Your doctor can identify pericarditis by listening to your heart via a stethoscope. Expert doctor can differentiate normal heart beat rhythm and noise created by rubbing of pericardial layer. He may order for few tests like ECG, echocardiogram, chest X-ray, and computerized tomography test. Thickened pericardial layer and any abnormality in the heart can be diagnosed through CT scan.
Treatment :
The course of treatment will depend on the results of the test and severity of inflammation. Mild form of pericarditis may not require any treatment. Medications are given to reduce the swelling of pericardial layer which can control chest pain. Anti-inflammatory drugs and pain killers are effective in reducing inflammation and associated pain.
Colchicine is prescribed for managing the symptoms of acute pericarditis. But your doctor will decide whether this drug is safe for you or not. Steroids like prednisone are given for people who are not responding to other drugs. Hospitalized treatment is necessary if any complication develop due to pericarditis. In rare cases pericardiac tamponade can develop.
- Surgery :
Pericardiocentesis is done when there is excess of fluid collection in the layers of pericardium. The surgeon would insert a thin needle inside the layer to drain off the fluid from the cavity. This surgery will be performed under careful supervision of echocardiogram and ultrasound scan.
If the pericarditis is chronic and persistent affecting the normal functions of your heart, your surgeon will consider removing the pericardium. This surgery is called as pericardiectomy in which the entire pericardial sac is removed.
Images, Pics, Photos and Pictures of Pericarditis :
Outlook :
Often people with pericarditis would recover completely within few months. Only in rare cases attacks may recur frequently, needing medications and further treatment.
Smoking Addiction
Smoking Addiction Smoking can cause various health problems like heart attacks, asthma and even stroke. It is the nicotine present in each cigar that gives addiction tempting the smokers to continue using it. There is not only nicotine in every cigarette but about 7,000 harmful chemicals also.
Facts on addiction of Tobacco :
Why you smoke?
There is no clear-cut reason for smoking. Many people follow the theory that it relives tension when they smoke. An individual get into smoking when he/she becomes upset or angry over certain events at home or workplace. Some people say that they smoke to gain focus and improving concentration. But none of them is true. Smoking does not help in relieving stress or gaining focus. It is the false belief in the system of smokers that tempts them to smoke more and more.
Addiction to Smoking :
What is addiction? Any habit that compels you to seek out and use it regularly, even when you know pretty well that it can harm your health is known as addiction. All the products of tobacco including cigars and pipes are addictive.
Nicotine is present in low quantity (10 mg) in each cigarette is addictive. A smoker does not inhale the entire quantity of nicotine but only about 1-2 mg of nicotine when they smoke one cigar. It is because he/she enjoys only some part of the smoke into his/her lungs and lets out other parts. Imagine the strength and vitality of nicotine when it makes you addictive even while inhaling 1-2 mg.
What other chemicals are present in a cigarette?
In addition to nicotine, cigar contains many other harmful chemicals like tar, carbon monoxide, acetaldehyde and many oxidizing chemicals. Tar is not a single element but it denotes group of various particles included in smoke. Most of the chemicals present are carcinogenic (cancer causing). It leads to scarring of lung tissue. Carbon monoxide is very poisonous gas and can become fatal if you take it in large doses. This gas actually replaces oxygen in your blood since it binds red blood cells more effectively than oxygen. This in turn makes your blood thicker and subsequently your body may not get enough supply of oxygen when it needs it. This can seriously affect the vital organs like lungs, brain and kidneys.
Hydrogen cyanide is powerful enough to stop the function of cilia (tiny hairs) of your lungs that helps in removing foreign elements out of the lungs. When a person smokes, hydrogen cyanide stops the clearance work of your lungs abruptly. This means more and more harmful elements can build up inside your lungs damaging it. In addition to the above, smoke given out from the cigar contains nitrous oxides, phenols and various oxidizing agents that are very harmful. Oxidizing agents can help in accumulating excess of fatty particles in the walls of the artery leading to stroke and heart attack. Several poisonous metals and radioactive compounds are also present in tobacco smoke.
What happens when you smoke?
When you inhale a puff of cigar, several harmful substances along with nicotine would enter into your lungs. Within seconds of inhalation, nicotine can hit your brain. Since nicotine resembles acetylcholine in shape, it can easily lock into the receptors of acetylcholine in the brain and produce harmful effects. Subsequently due to chemical reaction of neurotransmitters in the brain, a chemical called dopamine is released in excess. Dopamine is the thing that gives you pleasurable feeling which creates a craving effect for smoking. That’s why you are happy and contended when you smoke.
Side Effects of Smoking :
Smoking not only cause cancer but also various other complicated health problems. It can cause pneumonia (severe lung infection), leukemia (a type of cancer) and cataracts. In addition to lung cancer, smoking causes cancer in various body parts like esophagus, mouth (oral cavity), pharynx, stomach, cervix and kidneys. Smokers have reduced stamina to do aerobics and exercises and involve in sports activities when compared with non-smokers.
Smokers may not have full capacity of smell as others have and have discolored teeth. The main disadvantage of smoking is innocent people who are non-smokers are affected when they are exposed to smoke. When a person sitting next to the person who smokes inhales the emitted smoke from the cigarette he/she is at risk of developing lung cancer and heart problems. It is shocking to know that each year about 40,000 people die due to secondhand smoking in America alone. In addition it can cause several respiratory disorders also. There are parents who smoke in front of their children and such children are at risk of developing sudden death infant syndrome and various respiratory problems like asthma and ear problems. Another biggest side effect of smoking is increased fire accidents and death due to dropped cigars.
Smoking and Pregnancy :
Reports state that around 22.7% of teenagers who are pregnant smoked cigarettes resulting which the fetus developed various health disorders. Nicotine is a strong toxic substance that can cross barriers of placenta to reach the fetus growing inside the uterus. This can cause life threatening consequences like stillbirth and preterm birth in infants. Further this has increased the rate of infant deaths. It also increases the risk for the growing child to become addicted to smoking easily.
Treatment :
Several methods are available to quit smoking and come out of smoking addiction. There are few people who can just quit smoking with their willpower but many people require help. Individual therapy and counseling plays a great role in helping the person to quit smoking. Behavioral treatment works lot to understand the harmful effects of smoking and change their behavior. You can get in touch with the support group in your place and keep contact frequently to quit smoking habit.
Nicotine patches and inhalers and over the counter drugs can relieve you from the withdrawal symptoms. Unlike nicotine these medications do not produce any harmful effect on your body and do not cause any pleasure feeling when taken. You can discuss with your doctor about choosing the best lozenges or nicotine patch for you. Your doctor may prescribe drugs like bupropion or chantix that can effectively help you in quitting smoking. You can combine counseling and medications together for getting the best effect quickly. It is not that difficult to come out of smoking habit if you strongly desire and consider about the health benefits of you and your family.
Facts on addiction of Tobacco :
- Cigarette smoking is one of the leading cause of death in the USA
- As per the data given by the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, each year around 480,000 people die prematurely in the America alone.
- Each year, cigarette smoking has caused chronic illness in 16 million people.
- In contrary to many people belief, smoking can cause harmful effects on non-smokers who live in the environment of smokers.
- Passive smoking can cause chronic diseases and even death to many people.
- More than 88 million people of America are exposed to secondhand smoking regularly.
- Nicotine replacement therapy and support groups can help you out to quit smoking.
- One out of 3 persons who die due to cancer are smokers.
- You are 2 times more prone to develop cancer than non smokers.
- You are 4 times at risk to die from cancer if you are heavy smoker.
- Lung cancer is the most prominent cancer causing death for smokers.
- Cigar smoking is believed to account for about 90% of all lung cancer deaths.
Why you smoke?
There is no clear-cut reason for smoking. Many people follow the theory that it relives tension when they smoke. An individual get into smoking when he/she becomes upset or angry over certain events at home or workplace. Some people say that they smoke to gain focus and improving concentration. But none of them is true. Smoking does not help in relieving stress or gaining focus. It is the false belief in the system of smokers that tempts them to smoke more and more.
Addiction to Smoking :
What is addiction? Any habit that compels you to seek out and use it regularly, even when you know pretty well that it can harm your health is known as addiction. All the products of tobacco including cigars and pipes are addictive.
Nicotine is present in low quantity (10 mg) in each cigarette is addictive. A smoker does not inhale the entire quantity of nicotine but only about 1-2 mg of nicotine when they smoke one cigar. It is because he/she enjoys only some part of the smoke into his/her lungs and lets out other parts. Imagine the strength and vitality of nicotine when it makes you addictive even while inhaling 1-2 mg.
What other chemicals are present in a cigarette?
In addition to nicotine, cigar contains many other harmful chemicals like tar, carbon monoxide, acetaldehyde and many oxidizing chemicals. Tar is not a single element but it denotes group of various particles included in smoke. Most of the chemicals present are carcinogenic (cancer causing). It leads to scarring of lung tissue. Carbon monoxide is very poisonous gas and can become fatal if you take it in large doses. This gas actually replaces oxygen in your blood since it binds red blood cells more effectively than oxygen. This in turn makes your blood thicker and subsequently your body may not get enough supply of oxygen when it needs it. This can seriously affect the vital organs like lungs, brain and kidneys.
Hydrogen cyanide is powerful enough to stop the function of cilia (tiny hairs) of your lungs that helps in removing foreign elements out of the lungs. When a person smokes, hydrogen cyanide stops the clearance work of your lungs abruptly. This means more and more harmful elements can build up inside your lungs damaging it. In addition to the above, smoke given out from the cigar contains nitrous oxides, phenols and various oxidizing agents that are very harmful. Oxidizing agents can help in accumulating excess of fatty particles in the walls of the artery leading to stroke and heart attack. Several poisonous metals and radioactive compounds are also present in tobacco smoke.
What happens when you smoke?
When you inhale a puff of cigar, several harmful substances along with nicotine would enter into your lungs. Within seconds of inhalation, nicotine can hit your brain. Since nicotine resembles acetylcholine in shape, it can easily lock into the receptors of acetylcholine in the brain and produce harmful effects. Subsequently due to chemical reaction of neurotransmitters in the brain, a chemical called dopamine is released in excess. Dopamine is the thing that gives you pleasurable feeling which creates a craving effect for smoking. That’s why you are happy and contended when you smoke.
Side Effects of Smoking :
Smoking not only cause cancer but also various other complicated health problems. It can cause pneumonia (severe lung infection), leukemia (a type of cancer) and cataracts. In addition to lung cancer, smoking causes cancer in various body parts like esophagus, mouth (oral cavity), pharynx, stomach, cervix and kidneys. Smokers have reduced stamina to do aerobics and exercises and involve in sports activities when compared with non-smokers.
Smokers may not have full capacity of smell as others have and have discolored teeth. The main disadvantage of smoking is innocent people who are non-smokers are affected when they are exposed to smoke. When a person sitting next to the person who smokes inhales the emitted smoke from the cigarette he/she is at risk of developing lung cancer and heart problems. It is shocking to know that each year about 40,000 people die due to secondhand smoking in America alone. In addition it can cause several respiratory disorders also. There are parents who smoke in front of their children and such children are at risk of developing sudden death infant syndrome and various respiratory problems like asthma and ear problems. Another biggest side effect of smoking is increased fire accidents and death due to dropped cigars.
Smoking and Pregnancy :
Reports state that around 22.7% of teenagers who are pregnant smoked cigarettes resulting which the fetus developed various health disorders. Nicotine is a strong toxic substance that can cross barriers of placenta to reach the fetus growing inside the uterus. This can cause life threatening consequences like stillbirth and preterm birth in infants. Further this has increased the rate of infant deaths. It also increases the risk for the growing child to become addicted to smoking easily.
Treatment :
Several methods are available to quit smoking and come out of smoking addiction. There are few people who can just quit smoking with their willpower but many people require help. Individual therapy and counseling plays a great role in helping the person to quit smoking. Behavioral treatment works lot to understand the harmful effects of smoking and change their behavior. You can get in touch with the support group in your place and keep contact frequently to quit smoking habit.
Nicotine patches and inhalers and over the counter drugs can relieve you from the withdrawal symptoms. Unlike nicotine these medications do not produce any harmful effect on your body and do not cause any pleasure feeling when taken. You can discuss with your doctor about choosing the best lozenges or nicotine patch for you. Your doctor may prescribe drugs like bupropion or chantix that can effectively help you in quitting smoking. You can combine counseling and medications together for getting the best effect quickly. It is not that difficult to come out of smoking habit if you strongly desire and consider about the health benefits of you and your family.
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.
Pericardial Effusion
Pericardial Effusion When the pericardial layer sac is filled with excess of fluid it leads to pericardial effusion. Excess of fluid surrounding the heart may exert pressure interfering with the normal functions of the heart. The pericardium develops inflammation and injured. In some cases the gap between the layers are filled with blood due to accidental injury or after heart surgery. This can also cause effusion. If left untreated for long, pericardial effusion may lead to collapse of heart and even death.
Symptoms :
Generally people with pericardial effusion will not experience any symptom due to accumulation of excess of fluid. This does not happen suddenly and in most of the cases it is a gradual process. However some people may have signs like breathing difficulty, persistent cough, shortness of breath, chest pain (at the back of breastbone) and rapid heartbeat.
Mild pain on the chest may increase when the person inhales air and the pain may get better if he sits down. He may become extremely tired for no apparent reason. In case large volumes of fluid collect in the layer suddenly it can cause rapid heartbeat, difficulty in breathing and clammy skin. The person may suddenly lose consciousness.
Causes :
Complications :
Pericardial layer can withhold only 2-3 tablespoon of fluid in its limited space. The inner layer of pericardium lies in close contact with the heart and any excess of fluid content can exert pressure on the heart disrupting its function. The chambers of the heart (auricles and ventricles) may not be able to fill blood normally due to effusion which can lead to several complications. The heart may collapse partially leading to poor circulation of oxygenated blood to the body. This condition is known as tamponade which can be fatal.
Tests :
Your doctor may listen to the symptoms and using a stethoscope she would listen to the heartbeat. If there is any friction or rubbing noise it can be due to pericardial effusion. She may order for further tests like echocardiogram and transthoracic echo to get a clear picture of your heart. ECG test may also be done to record the signals emitted from the heart checking for tamponade. In case the results indicate presence of excess of fluid inside the layer, the doctor will have to look into the cause of the problem.
Treatment :
The goal of treating pericardial effusion is to normalize the function of the heart and to drain out excess of fluid from pericardial sac. Drugs like aspirin or colchicines can be given for reducing the inflammation of the layer and improving the symptoms. For people who are not responding to the above drugs steroids are prescribed. For severe case of pericardial effusion that interferes with the normal function of the heart, surgical process is the best option.
The doctor may drain off the fluid by using a small catheter that is inserted into the pericardial sac. This is an invasive surgery done under the influence of anesthesia and the patient should be in the hospital for few days or a week after surgery. Open heart surgery is to be done for patients who are bleeding inside the heart. For some cases, the surgeon would seal the layers of pericardium together if the patient develops recurrent pericardial effusion. In rare cases the entire portion of pericardium is removed during surgery.
Outlook :
In most of the cases, early diagnoses can prevent any complications due to pericardial effusion. The patient can recover completely with proper medications or surgery.
Symptoms :
Generally people with pericardial effusion will not experience any symptom due to accumulation of excess of fluid. This does not happen suddenly and in most of the cases it is a gradual process. However some people may have signs like breathing difficulty, persistent cough, shortness of breath, chest pain (at the back of breastbone) and rapid heartbeat.
Mild pain on the chest may increase when the person inhales air and the pain may get better if he sits down. He may become extremely tired for no apparent reason. In case large volumes of fluid collect in the layer suddenly it can cause rapid heartbeat, difficulty in breathing and clammy skin. The person may suddenly lose consciousness.
Causes :
- Pericardium (double layered sac) develops inflammation due to injury or disease and due to accumulation of excess of fluid inside. This is the major cause of pericardial effusion.
- For some people, pericardial effusion may be idiopathic (cause not known).
- Prolonged infections from bacteria or virus can cause inflammation of pericardium.
- Effusion can occur as side effect of heart attack or heart surgery. For some people rheumatoid arthritis can cause this problem.
- If case kidney is not functioning properly, it may lead to pericardial effusion.
- Lung cancer, undergoing radiation and chemotherapy for any other cancer can cause pericardial effusion.
- Certain medications like hydralazine (given for hypertension) and drugs like phenytoin given for epilepsy can cause effusion.
Complications :
Pericardial layer can withhold only 2-3 tablespoon of fluid in its limited space. The inner layer of pericardium lies in close contact with the heart and any excess of fluid content can exert pressure on the heart disrupting its function. The chambers of the heart (auricles and ventricles) may not be able to fill blood normally due to effusion which can lead to several complications. The heart may collapse partially leading to poor circulation of oxygenated blood to the body. This condition is known as tamponade which can be fatal.
Tests :
Your doctor may listen to the symptoms and using a stethoscope she would listen to the heartbeat. If there is any friction or rubbing noise it can be due to pericardial effusion. She may order for further tests like echocardiogram and transthoracic echo to get a clear picture of your heart. ECG test may also be done to record the signals emitted from the heart checking for tamponade. In case the results indicate presence of excess of fluid inside the layer, the doctor will have to look into the cause of the problem.
Treatment :
The goal of treating pericardial effusion is to normalize the function of the heart and to drain out excess of fluid from pericardial sac. Drugs like aspirin or colchicines can be given for reducing the inflammation of the layer and improving the symptoms. For people who are not responding to the above drugs steroids are prescribed. For severe case of pericardial effusion that interferes with the normal function of the heart, surgical process is the best option.
The doctor may drain off the fluid by using a small catheter that is inserted into the pericardial sac. This is an invasive surgery done under the influence of anesthesia and the patient should be in the hospital for few days or a week after surgery. Open heart surgery is to be done for patients who are bleeding inside the heart. For some cases, the surgeon would seal the layers of pericardium together if the patient develops recurrent pericardial effusion. In rare cases the entire portion of pericardium is removed during surgery.
Outlook :
In most of the cases, early diagnoses can prevent any complications due to pericardial effusion. The patient can recover completely with proper medications or surgery.
Munchausen Syndrome
Munchausen Syndrome Munchausen syndrome is a rare mental disorder in which the affected person would pretend to have multiple physical and psychological problems. At present, this syndrome is known as factitious disorder. People with some form of psychotic illness and people in the age group of 20-40 years and those having little knowledge in medical field are likely to develop this disorder. This disorder is known to occur from ancient times and was named after Baron Friedrich von Munchausen, a military man who lived in 18th century.
There is no known cause for this syndrome and people who are psychologically affected in one way or the other are likely to develop this disorder. It is difficult to treat Munchausen syndrome and through combined approach can be managed to some extent. The disorder can be prevented with regular monitoring of the people who are at high risk of developing this syndrome and treating them early. This syndrome is characterized with severe form of emotional problems.
The idea of the person with Munchausen syndrome is to get the attention of others by appearing sick or imposing self injury. The symptoms may range from mild to severe and the affected person may go to the extent of tampering the diagnosis to convince the medical experts.
Symptoms :
An individual with Munchausen syndrome would harm his/her body in several ways to grab the attention of others. They might go to the extent of faking symptoms and hurt themselves to bleeding to convince others. They would try to tamper the tests to get the desired results. It becomes difficult for doctors to diagnose that these symptoms are due to mental disorder and not any other physical illness.
Munchausen syndrome by proxy shortly called as MSBP is a disorder in which someone would harm another individual for getting medical attention. For instance parent can harm his/her own child. Some of the symptoms of Munchausen syndrome are frequent visits to the hospital, showing or telling convincing health problems, vague symptoms, and health problems that gets worse or not respond to standard therapies and treatment. The person would show eagerness to undergo any sort of testing procedures just for the sake of proving himself/herself. The individual would gather in-depth information about his disease or illness to come up with the right answer anytime.
They would not stick on to one doctor and would frequently change doctors as well as clinics. They would not let medical experts to talk with their family or friends and would be problematic patient to the staff of the hospital. They would exaggerate symptoms, make up histories, fake symptoms and tamper with medical records. Many times they go to the extent of injecting harmful bacteria or even feces or burn themselves or take potentially dangerous drugs to get the desired response from others. It would be challenging for the doctors to determine whether they are faking or really have physical issues. They make all these attempts due to compulsive behavior in their mind that tempts them to try all possible efforts to fake any disorder.
Causes :
Munchausen syndrome is believed to occur due to multiple factors like psychological and environmental factors. Exact cause of this disorder is not known. Individuals who are abused physically or sexually are prone to develop this disorder. People with personality disorder or psychosis are likely to develop this syndrome in future.
Factors like low self esteem, abusive childhood, unfulfilled desire in medical field and various personality disorders increase the risk of Munchausen syndrome. However this is a rare disorder and the exact statistics of its occurrence is difficult to get because people with this syndrome would use fake names or change hospitals. This disorder can cause significant problems in family and at workplace.
Diagnosis :
It is really challenging for the medical professional to diagnose people with Munchausen syndrome since the symptoms mostly mimic real disease or illness. The doctor would use various testing procedure to confirm that no physical reason is present. He would then refer the patient to a psychiatrist to evaluate mental illness. She would use different tools like questionnaire and assessment history to find out any personality disorder is there. She would also check from the family of the patient to confirm whether the information shared by him/her is true.
Psychologist would verify whether the individual’s medical history makes sense or not. According to the DSM of mental disorders the person to be diagnosed with Munchausen syndrome should have at least some of the below mentioned signs:-
Treatment :
Treating a person with Munchausen syndrome is very difficult because he/she will not accept that the problem is due to psychological origin. No standard therapies are available for treating this disorder. Often they will end up changing the doctor or clinic to build new stories at another place. The foremost goal of the caretaker is to see that the patient is not harming herself/himself anymore. It would be helpful if the psychologist can make them understand about the problem and educate them.
Behavior therapy is effective in changing the person’s behavior and the entire family should be keen in preventing the person to use any form of medical resources to aggravate the symptoms. Family members can be counseled and educated that they should not reward the (unwanted) behavior of the patient. No particular medication is available to treat Munchausen syndrome and only expert psychiatrist can handle the case effectively. Outlook and recovery of the person is difficult if he/she is not co-operating with the psychologist in changing the behavior. Often, the conditions can only be managed but not treated in this disorder.
Supportive Care :
In case your loved ones are affected with this syndrome, you must ensure that they stick on to the treatment plan and not changing doctors or clinics often. They should be educated about the risk of self injury and the intensity of pain and emotions that one has to undergo due to surgical and other procedures. They should be motivated to engage in open conversation and join a support group to find solace.
There is no known cause for this syndrome and people who are psychologically affected in one way or the other are likely to develop this disorder. It is difficult to treat Munchausen syndrome and through combined approach can be managed to some extent. The disorder can be prevented with regular monitoring of the people who are at high risk of developing this syndrome and treating them early. This syndrome is characterized with severe form of emotional problems.
The idea of the person with Munchausen syndrome is to get the attention of others by appearing sick or imposing self injury. The symptoms may range from mild to severe and the affected person may go to the extent of tampering the diagnosis to convince the medical experts.
Symptoms :
An individual with Munchausen syndrome would harm his/her body in several ways to grab the attention of others. They might go to the extent of faking symptoms and hurt themselves to bleeding to convince others. They would try to tamper the tests to get the desired results. It becomes difficult for doctors to diagnose that these symptoms are due to mental disorder and not any other physical illness.
Munchausen syndrome by proxy shortly called as MSBP is a disorder in which someone would harm another individual for getting medical attention. For instance parent can harm his/her own child. Some of the symptoms of Munchausen syndrome are frequent visits to the hospital, showing or telling convincing health problems, vague symptoms, and health problems that gets worse or not respond to standard therapies and treatment. The person would show eagerness to undergo any sort of testing procedures just for the sake of proving himself/herself. The individual would gather in-depth information about his disease or illness to come up with the right answer anytime.
They would not stick on to one doctor and would frequently change doctors as well as clinics. They would not let medical experts to talk with their family or friends and would be problematic patient to the staff of the hospital. They would exaggerate symptoms, make up histories, fake symptoms and tamper with medical records. Many times they go to the extent of injecting harmful bacteria or even feces or burn themselves or take potentially dangerous drugs to get the desired response from others. It would be challenging for the doctors to determine whether they are faking or really have physical issues. They make all these attempts due to compulsive behavior in their mind that tempts them to try all possible efforts to fake any disorder.
Causes :
Munchausen syndrome is believed to occur due to multiple factors like psychological and environmental factors. Exact cause of this disorder is not known. Individuals who are abused physically or sexually are prone to develop this disorder. People with personality disorder or psychosis are likely to develop this syndrome in future.
Factors like low self esteem, abusive childhood, unfulfilled desire in medical field and various personality disorders increase the risk of Munchausen syndrome. However this is a rare disorder and the exact statistics of its occurrence is difficult to get because people with this syndrome would use fake names or change hospitals. This disorder can cause significant problems in family and at workplace.
Diagnosis :
It is really challenging for the medical professional to diagnose people with Munchausen syndrome since the symptoms mostly mimic real disease or illness. The doctor would use various testing procedure to confirm that no physical reason is present. He would then refer the patient to a psychiatrist to evaluate mental illness. She would use different tools like questionnaire and assessment history to find out any personality disorder is there. She would also check from the family of the patient to confirm whether the information shared by him/her is true.
Psychologist would verify whether the individual’s medical history makes sense or not. According to the DSM of mental disorders the person to be diagnosed with Munchausen syndrome should have at least some of the below mentioned signs:-
- The individual is making deliberate attempts to deceive the doctor and fake up symptoms
- Individual is pretending to be ill or saying physical problems that does not exist
- Even if he/she is not getting any benefit from the faking symptoms, they would continue to pretend.
- The person’s behavior is not due to mental disorder like delusion or hallucination.
Treatment :
Treating a person with Munchausen syndrome is very difficult because he/she will not accept that the problem is due to psychological origin. No standard therapies are available for treating this disorder. Often they will end up changing the doctor or clinic to build new stories at another place. The foremost goal of the caretaker is to see that the patient is not harming herself/himself anymore. It would be helpful if the psychologist can make them understand about the problem and educate them.
Behavior therapy is effective in changing the person’s behavior and the entire family should be keen in preventing the person to use any form of medical resources to aggravate the symptoms. Family members can be counseled and educated that they should not reward the (unwanted) behavior of the patient. No particular medication is available to treat Munchausen syndrome and only expert psychiatrist can handle the case effectively. Outlook and recovery of the person is difficult if he/she is not co-operating with the psychologist in changing the behavior. Often, the conditions can only be managed but not treated in this disorder.
Supportive Care :
In case your loved ones are affected with this syndrome, you must ensure that they stick on to the treatment plan and not changing doctors or clinics often. They should be educated about the risk of self injury and the intensity of pain and emotions that one has to undergo due to surgical and other procedures. They should be motivated to engage in open conversation and join a support group to find solace.
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.
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