Sunday, October 13, 2013

Trapped Gas

What is Trapped Gas?

Gas can make one burp too frequently and even suddenly, which can cause a person embarrassment and alter their comfort. It is normal that one burps before or after a meal. The downside of gas trapped in our stomach or chest is the accompanying discomfort along with it. Normally, a person can produce about 1 to 3 pints of gas each day, which is passed through the anus 14 to 23 times a day. But others have different levels of gas production, and it depends on one’s diet and other factors to be discussed below. Medical conditions can also be a cause of excessive gas formation and provides trapped gas another form of symptom or complain of the patient.

Causes of Trapped Gas

The following are the causes of increased gas:

Swallowed air

Repeated belching can occur if one had swallowed large amounts of air.

Food intake

Intake of gas-forming foods such as those that contain carbohydrate raffinose, can increase gas production. Bean, cabbage, cauliflower, Brussels sprouts, broccoli and asparagus are some of the gas-forming foods. Starch and soluble fiber can also add up gas.

Lactose intolerance

Undigested lactose can include symptoms such as diarrhea, abdominal pain, and flatulence.

Sugar intolerance

Fructose containing foods such as dried fruits, honey, sucrose, onions, artichokes and corn syrup can cause bloating.

Diseases

Celiac disease is believed to cause bloating and increased gas formation in the digestive system.

Gas and bloating can be identified without the need of further testing. The presenting symptoms would then assist the person of having too much gas in the system. Since the presenting symptoms will be presented below, the tests for those signs are the following:

Examination of stool for blood, steatorrhea (fat in stools), or parasite.

Lactose tolerance test.

X-ray examination of the small intestine.

Others may or may not be necessary: endoscopy, sigmoidoscopy, or colonoscopy.

Blood test for celiac disease.

Trapped Gas in Chest

Pain in the chest area can cause an alarm to a person. Others would think that this can be related to heart ailments and heart attack, but one should not conclude to such. The person with trapped gas in the chest would have an uneasy sensation to breathe. The person affected would complain heavy weight over the chest. Belching and bloating of the abdomen is also a symptom of trapped gas in the chest.

Trapped Gas in Stomach

Typically, a person develops trapped gas in the stomach when one is too sensitive to gas. Here are the following causes of trapped gas in the stomach:

Irritable bowel syndrome
This condition can be sensitive to the normal amount of gas. Pain is the most common presenting symptom of this condition. The intestines may feel overactive, which is accompanied by pain.

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Functional dyspepsia

The term refers to recurrent or persistent pain or discomfort in the upper abdomen. There is increased sensitivity to gas in the upper intestines.

Irritation of the anus

More discomfort can happen for gas can be continually trapped in the digestive system.

Trapped Gas Symptoms

The common symptoms of gas and bloating are the following:

Burping

Bloated stomach

Abdominal pain

Chest pain

Trapped Gas Treatment

Several methods have been developed in order to reduce the bloating and the accompanying discomfort of trapped gas. Here are the following tips to consider for trapped gas:

Diet

One should avoid gas forming foods that can aggravate the presenting symptoms. These foods are milk, dairy products, certain fruits or vegetables, whole grains, artificial sweeteners and carbonated beverages. One can notice that after drinking carbonated drinks, we tend to burp and feel good after. But in a while, one can feel bloated from drinking such product. Lactose intolerant people should avoid foods that contain lactose. A person should use or take lactose-digestive aid such as lactose-reduced milk (Lactaid). Calcium supplements are provided to patients who can’t drink milk. We need to avoid the following food products that can contribute to intestinal gas: asparagus, broccoli, Brussels sprouts, cabbage, cauliflower, corn, fructose, lactose, potatoes, wheat or sorbitol.

Over-the-counter medications

Drugs such as those with simethicone, antacids: Maalox, Anti-Gas, Mylanta, Gas-X, Phazyme are those recommended drugs for too much gas in the body. A product that contains activated charcoal can provide benefit too. Beano is an over-the-counter product that can help in the breakdown of certain complex carbohydrates. This can been effective in reducing gas after eating foods such as beans and vegetables that contain raffinose. Bismuth subsalicylate or Pepto-Bismol reduces the odor of unpleasant smelling gas.

Deodorizing products

This cannot prevent gas formation, instead it can deodorize gas by this made from carbon fiber.

Walking

The mere brisk walk or getting some other form of exercise can facilitate expulsion of intestinal gas.

Pain Relief

Pain relief is a priority for these conditions. This would include pain relief. In order to do that, preventing for further gas entrapment:

One should avoid overeating.

Avoid over swallowing of gas by laughing too hard.

Belching can relieve the trapped gas in the chest.

Mix soda bicarbonate in a glass of water to enhance belching and induce burping to relieve gas in the chest and stomach area.

Ginger can digest cholagogue that can help digest heavy food and reduce gas formation.

Coriander seed is a chest remedy that can help release trapped gas in the chest.

Overhydration

What is Overhydration?

Overhydration is the condition of having excessive volumes of water in the body’s system, and is otherwise known as water intoxication. This, at first, may sound ridiculous as all humans require water to live and perform all the most basic functions, but too much water can actually cause imbalances in the body that prevent normal functioning. The disorder can occur if a person takes in excessive amounts of water or if he or she has an abnormal disability to excrete water adequately in order to maintain normal fluid balance in the body – any circumstances that bring about a disproportion between the intake and the loss of water can result in overhydration.

Overhydration may start out without the manifestation of any symptoms, but if the intoxication aggressively accumulates and begins to affect normal brain operations, patients may show signs of confusion or disorientation and may even have seizures. The condition can be resolved through a strict therapeutic regimen that consists of the restriction of fluid intake as well as the administration of diuretics that facilitate the excretion of excess fluids in the body. Prognosis for patients with water intoxication is usually good, if the condition is caught early enough. Symptoms should be carefully watched out for to allow immediate detection and treatment.

Overhydration Symptoms

Simple cases of overhydration are often asymptomatic, showing no signs of severe disorder within the body as the water intoxication may have been slow and allowed the body some time to adequately adapt to the new environment. However, some cases are exceptions and manifest symptoms that may even be incapacitating to the patient. The symptoms associated with overhydration are those that result from the reduced concentration of sodium in the body – otherwise known as hyponatremia. The condition results in the obstruction of bodily processes that require a certain amount of sodium, the following symptoms are the most common examples of the effects of hyponatremia:

Loss of appetite

Nausea and vomiting

Headaches

Irritability and restlessness

Disorientation

Fatigue

Muscular weakness

Muscle cramps or spasms

Seizures

Altered level of consciousness

Symptoms range from mild to severe, and will depend on the extent of the dilution of sodium concentrations occurring in the body. Mild cases will yield symptoms that involve minor disturbances such the loss of appetite and headaches, while more serious cases of low sodium levels can lead to neurological dysfunctions if not given prompt treatment.

Overhydration Treatment

Treatment for overhydration will involve the limitation of water intake as well as the induction of water excretion through the use of diuretic medications. Diuretics work by stimulating the increased production and excretion of urine to facilitate faster clearing of fluid from the body. This will help bring down the water levels and normalize sodium concentrations in the blood. Diuretics include drugs like furosemide, amiloride, or mannitol. Mannitol, specifically, is used for cases wherein the brain has already become involved since it is a type of diuretic that is capable of promoting the reduction of fluid in the brain cavity rather than in the other lower regions of the body alone. Other medications also used for overhydration includes vasopressin receptor antagonists, which are drugs that inhibit the effects of vasopressin, the antidiuretic hormone of the body that is in charge of fluid retention. In effect, the medications improve the rate of fluid loss to restore normal levels of water in the body.

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To resolve hyponatremia without the use of medications, patients who are overhydrated will have to drink sodium-containing beverages or consume foods rich in salt to provide supplementary amounts of sodium into the body. These sources of sodium should be usually kept handy especially for athletes who are increasingly prone to overhydration and hyponatremia.

Effects of Overhydration

Overhydration can result in series of effects in the body that begin as minor disruptions in normal bodily processes but may eventually progress to severe disturbances if the imbalance is not corrected in time. Overhydration works over the principle that water is capable of diluting the body, both intracellularly and extracellularly, drowning out the normal concentrations of certain compounds in the blood and in the body’s tissues. Sodium in particular is the element most affected by the rapid increase in water levels as its capabilities in performing its functions will depend on the proportions between the water content and sodium content.

The dilution of sodium concentrations is known as hyponatremia and is diagnosed if the patient is found to have sodium levels that are lower than 135 mEq/L. Low sodium levels allow the entry of water into the cells and cause cellular swelling in various regions of the body, including the brain – resulting in neurological symptoms that may eventually lead to permanent brain damage or even death if water levels continually rise and produce constant swelling and asphyxiation in the brain.

Pancreas

What is Pancreas?

The pancreas is actually a very important organ in the body but not everyone has ample amount of knowledge about the pancreas. The pancreas is considered to be a digestive organ which is seated deep into the abdomen. This can be likened to that of the salivary glands in the mouth because just like these glands, the pancreas also release digestive enzymes that help break down foods into smaller chunks for absorption. The salivary glands help produce enzyme which help break down carbohydrates into finer pieces. The pancreas is also capable of doing this. Nonetheless, unlike the salivary glands, the pancreas is also able to produce enzymes that can break down protein molecules which the former cannot produce. It is only when people suffer from certain forms of pancreatic anomalies that they become more aware of this vital organ.

Pancreas Function

The pancreas is a unique organ because it has two distinct functions. It is composed of two types of cells which enable it to work either as an endocrine or exocrine gland. The different functions of the pancreas can be classified as either endocrine or exocrine. Specifically, these include the following:

Endocrine Functions
The pancreas, as an endocrine gland, help secretes different types of hormones. This organ is primarily known for its capacity of secreting a very important hormone called insulin. A number of people probably know something about insulin because this is the particular hormone that diabetics lack thereof. The insulin is an essential hormone which helps regulate the blood sugar levels. Aside from producing insulin, the pancreas also produces other types of hormones which are glucagon, somatostatin and the pancreatic polypeptide. The different types of hormones are produced by the varied cells of the islet of Langerhans. The following is the summary of the different types of cells found in the islets of Langerhans of the pancreas:

Alpha cells- produce glucagon

Beta cells- produce insulin

Delta cells- produce somatostatin

PP cells- produce pancreatic polypeptide

Exocrine Functions
Another unique function of the pancreas is being an exocrine gland in which this is capable of producing digestive enzymes. The pancreas specifically produces enzymes that can digest carbohydrates, fats or protein. This is capable of doing this specific function because another type of cell can be found in it. The acinar cells are the specialized types of cells scattered all over the pancreas. Aside from producing digestive enzymes, the pancreas also produces an alkaline fluid which is referred to as the pancreatic juice. This is especially produced as a form of response to secretin and cholecystokinin. The digestive enzymes produced by the pancreas to fulfill its exocrine function include the pancreatic lipase, pancreatic amylase, trypsin and chymotrypsin. There’s also an acinar cell called the centroacinar cell which is responsible for a bicarbonate and salt solution into the intestine.

Regulatory
The pancreas is also able to control the secretion of hormones. As a form of sympathetic or adrenergic response, alpha 2 increases alpha cells secretion but decreases secretions from beta cells. On the other hand, the parasympathetic response (muscarinic) of the pancreas increases both alpha and beta cells secretions which are specifically done by M3.

Pancreas Location

As previously mentioned, the pancreas is an organ situated deep into the abdomen. Its anatomical location makes tumor in the pancreas difficult to detect by mere palpation. To give you an idea about the location of the pancreas, you may try to do this. Touch your thumb to your pinkie while the three other fingers are together. You may then place your hand at the xiphoid process on the center of your abdomen. The three fingers should be pointing to the left. This can be reckoned as the probable location of your pancreas.

Pancreas Problems

There can also be certain problems that may arise from the pancreas. Again, due to the deep location of the pancreas, problems in it, especially tumor formation, cannot be easily detected. Problems developing within the pancreas can either be non-malignant or malignant. A slight injury to the pancreas (i.e. a puncture) would lead to serious complications. In 1896, Professor Hans Chiari was the first person to conduct a clinical study on the diseases that may probably affect the pancreas. He pointed out that infectious organisms cannot be pointed out as the possible culprits of diseases relating to the pancreas. Rather, this can entirely be due to the premature activation of these pancreatic enzymes especially due to a mutation in the trypsinogen gene which makes up the major digestive enzyme called trypsin. It was only after almost a hundred years that this hypothesis was proven by Professor Whitcomb circa 1996. It has been established that the premature activation of the digestive enzymes would lead to the autodigestion of the pancreas and as well as the islets in it. This phenomenon can be accounted for the development of pancreatitis. This may only begin as an acute pancreatitis but may later on become a chronic problem. This is also believed to be the primary etiology of hereditary pancreatitis. In certain instances wherein the islet cells are damaged, diabetes mellitus may eventually result.

Pancreas Anatomy

The pancreas is composed of two different types of parenchymal tissues. These can be determined through a staining process which then viewed under the microscope. The two types of cells found in the pancreas are the islets of Langerhans and the acinar cells. Under a microscope, these cells assume different appearance. The islets form spherical clusters and are often lightly stained. On the other hand, the pancreatic acini have a darker shade and form small, berry-shaped clusters. The pancreas is also made up of glandular tissues. It has its own duct system. The primary duct of the pancreas is the pancreatic duct which stretches on the entire pancreas. Its diameter is about one-sixteenth of an inch. The ampulla of vater is formed in the junction of the pancreatic duct and the common bile duct. Generally, it is composed of five different parts which are the head, neck, body, tail and the uncinate. The uncinate contains two important structures which are the superior mesenteric artery and vein.

Pancreas Pain

Pain coming from the pancreas is oftentimes confused with ordinary stomach pains. Thence, individuals are not initially alarmed by their condition. You could suspect yourself to be suffering from a pancreatic disease when the pain is localized at the middle quadrant of the abdomen. The pain especially becomes more prominent when one is eating or drinking which almost all the time coincides with pancreatitis and pancreatic cancer.

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Symptoms
Initially, pain is felt whenever something goes wrong with the pancreas. As the condition progresses, other symptoms may also manifest such as:

Jaundice

Nausea

Vomiting

Bleeding (which may be present in severe cases)

The progression of the disease may also cause severe, drilling pain. Some would even experience pancreatic colic.

Causes
The primary cause of pancreatic pain can be due to inflammation such that of in pancreatitis. The presence of tumor in the pancreas would also likely lead to a painful sensation due to the possible compression over the affected area.

Treatment
Pancreatic pain treatment can be dealt with primarily by putting the affected individual on NPO (nothing per orem). Painkillers are also effective in dealing with the condition. This is to temporarily halt the production of digestive enzymes which aggravates the pain. The patient can still be however nourished through intravenous infusions of the essential nutrients. The patient should also undergo several laboratory workups to further confirm the condition. Prevention of organ damage is also a priority. While waiting for the results, fluids and electrolytes may as well be supplemented. Soon as the underlying condition has been fully determined, this is the time that further treatment is indicated. For instance, if the presence of gallbladder or pancreatic stone is the primary cause of pain, then removal of the stone would be the treatment for it. So as to avoid relapse, one should learn how to fast. Sometimes, the patient may also be subjected to gastric decompression.

Pancreatic Cancer

Pancreatic cancer is considered to be one of the aggressive types of cancer and this oftentimes appalls a number of people because of its deadly nature. Statistically speaking, pancreatic cancer reaps about 35,000 thousand lives each year. This can be considered a really mulish type of cancer because this is resistant to the conventional modes of treating cancer. What makes pancreatic cancer difficult to treat is that this is oftentimes difficult to detect and whenever it is detected, the condition has already progressed and cancer cells have metastasized to other parts of the body and surgery may only be effective if and only if the cancer is at its earlier stages. Thus, the only hope to curing this condition is through early detection and surgery, if possible. The common means of medical management for pancreatic cancer is chemotherapy because the use of radiotherapy as a mode of treatment is still controversial.

Pancreas Diagram

Picture (Diagram) of Pancreas…

Hypothalamus – Function, Disorders, Location, Damage

What is Hypothalamus?

The body would be going out of sorts when the hypothalamus fails to function properly. In humans, the hypothalamus is about the size of an almond yet this small organ plays a very crucial function in maintaining the homeostasis in the body. The hypothalamus is considered to be the “brain of the brain” because of its immense function in controlling other organs of the body. It is believed that the hypothalamus helps the brain get connected to the body. The term is actually Greek in origin which when translated would literally mean under chamber.

Hypothalamus Function

It is ever difficult to reckon the function of the hypothalamus because of the vast work load it assumes. Let’s just say that it helps coordinate the five different senses. Generally, the hypothalamus controls the endocrine, autonomic and as well as behavioral functions of the body. This serves as the center at which the autonomic nervous system is being linked with the endocrine system. To sum it all up, the hypothalamus is the head ganglion of the autonomic nervous system which is responsible for regulating body temperature, thirst, hunger, libido, sleep and circadian cycles, behavior and even moods. In a more detailed manner, the varied functions of the hypothalamus are stated as follows:

Autonomic Nervous System

The different parts of the hypothalamus are responsible for the autonomic responses of the body. The parasympathetic activities of the ANS are being regulated by the pre-optic and supraoptic (anterior and medial) regions of the hypothalamus. On the other hand, the sympathetic activities are controlled by the lateral portion of the hypothalamus.

Pituitary Function

The hypothalamus also has control over the pituitary gland via the hypothalamo-hypophysial tract in which the functions of the posterior lobe are being modulated. The hypothalamo-hypophysical portal system is also the one responsible for the regulation of the secretion of anterior lobe hormones.

Thermoregulation

Another essential function of the hypothalamus is controlling body temperature. Thermoregulation primarily takes place at the anterior and posterior portions of the hypothalamus; the anterior portion being responsible for cooling and the posterior for heating.

Control of Appetite

The satiety center can also be found over the hypothalamus. Hunger and feeding is controlled by the lateral nucleus while satiety is controlled by the ventromedial nucleus. So, if you have a voracious appetite or poor feeding perhaps, the hypothalamus can be entirely blamed for this.

Control of Sex Drive

Another important function of the hypothalamus is the regulation of sexual activities. The secretion of gonadotropin releasing hormone is specifically controlled by the tuberal portion of the hypothalamus. Since it is also connected with the preoptic area, it is responsible for the rise of gonadotropin levels just before ovulation takes place.

Control of Behavior

The different parts of the hypothalamus are also accountable for the control of different behaviors. It is believed that an aggressive behavior can be entirely accounted from the stimulation of the ventromedial aspect of the hypothalamus. Though the limbic system is the seat of emotions, the hypothalamus still plays a major role in eliciting different bodily responses provided a certain stimuli. These include flushing, sweating, piloerection and many others. These bodily responses can be noted when a person for instance is suffering from anxiety. In times of danger the lateral aspect of the hypothalamus will be activated to elicit a flight response. The lateral hypothalamus is also presupposed to be the seat of pleasure that makes the person seek further for the pleasurable stimulus. On the other hand, the medial hypothalamus is considered to be the punishment center which makes the organism veer from the stimulus.

Control of the Body Clock
The way you behave within the 24-hour period is still being regulated by the hypothalamus. The circadian rhythm is also known as the body clock. This can be taken from the fact that nearly every circadian rhythm is being controlled by the suprachiasmatic nucleus of the hypothalamus.

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Control of Sleep and Waking

Certain sleep disorders may also be due to a defective hypothalamus. That feeling of sleepiness is being regulated by the anterior portion of the hypothalamus while wakefulness is being controlled by the posterior portion.

Hypothalamus Location

This organ is located at the middle portion of the brain just below the thalamus but superior to the brain stem. Thus, it is referred to as the hypothalamus. The diencephalon’s ventral aspect is actually occupied by the hypothalamus. Normally, all vertebrates have a hypothalamus.

Hypothalamus Disorders

The hypothalamus is indeed a very powerful organ seated within the brain. Though the pituitary gland is tagged as the master gland of the body and is responsible for the secretion of certain hormones, the hypothalamus is still way powerful than the pituitary gland because the former controls the latter. Slight abnormality in the hypothalamus may possibly lead to the following hypothalamic disorders:

Frequent headaches and Problems with Vision

Whenever there’s a growing tumor from within the hypothalamus, it is likely that the affected individual would suffer from frequent bouts of headache. Aside from that, there will also be some visual disturbances because of the hypothalamus’ affinity to the optic chiasm.

Thyroid Dysfunctions

Damage to the hypothalamus would also have a domino effect on the functioning of the pituitary gland and as well as the thyroid gland primarily because the pituitary gland, which is responsible for secreting certain types of hormone, is being influenced by the hypothalamus. The thyroid gland, being under control of the pituitary gland, may also be greatly affected. This would oftentimes result to a condition called hypothyroidism and symptoms like easy fatigability, weight gain, constipation, body hair loss and impotence may be noted. Women with hypothyroidism may also suffer from disturbances in their menstrual cycles.

Problems with the Adrenal Glands

The adrenal glands which are located near the kidneys may also be affected whenever something goes wrong with the hypothalamus. There may be some problems with the way a person would respond to stress and the kidneys would likewise be affected because the adrenal glands produce a specific hormone called aldosterone.

Problems with Body Temperature

Since the hypothalamus is also the control center for thermoregulation, individuals with damaged hypothalamus are expected to suffer from body temperatures which are greatly deviated from normal.

Hypothalamic Disorders in Children

Children are not spared from certain hypothalamic disorders. You could suspect a child to be suffering from a hypothalamic disorder when hyperactivity is noted. Since kids with hypothalamic disorders are often hyperactive, they may likely have some problems with stunted growth and development. Early detection of the underlying condition is imperative so that prompt treatment can be given and further nourishment may as well be given to the child.

Hypothalamus Damage

Damage to the hypothalamus would give rise to serious complications owing to the fact that this is the primary organ responsible for maintaining the homeostasis in the body. Whenever the hypothalamus is injured, it will definitely wreak havoc in the body. Several things could happen as a result of the damaged hypothalamus. Nearly every organ would be affected and the primary ones that are directly affected are those which are under the specific control of the hypothalamus. Severe damage to the hypothalamus is considered to be fatal as problems with blood chemistry, temperature and many others may arise.

Spleen

What is Spleen?

The spleen is another important organ of the body which is primarily responsible for the storage of blood (especially in case of hemorrhage) and the trapping of pathogenic microorganisms. Every vertebrate has a spleen which normally assumes a brownish color and weighs around 0.44 pounds in healthy adults. It is normal for the spleen to enlarge following digestion. However, certain conditions may also cause enlargement of the spleen or splenomegaly. These include malaria and mononucleosis infection. You will know everything there is to know about this organ in the following snippets.

Spleen Function

It would be nearly impossible for us to go through life without the spleen. It is ever hard to imagine not having to go through certain infectious process because the primary function of the spleen has something to do with the regulation of the immune system. Generally, the spleen has two functions which are dependent on the type of pulp; either it’s the white one or the red one. The white pulp of the spleen is primarily responsible for eliciting an immune response via the cell-mediated or humoral immunity. On the other hand, the red pulp portion of the spleen does the filtration of the red blood cells. The spleen also has several other functions which include the following:

Aside from filtering the red blood cells and initiating an immune response, the spleen also produces certain substances in the form of tuftsin, opsonins and properdin, which are responsible for binding with antigens.

The spleen is also considered to be a hematopoietic organ which is capable of producing certain blood cells. During the gestation period, the spleen produces red blood cells to the developing fetus up until the fifth month. Soon as the fetus is born, the spleen does not anymore produce red blood cells. Instead, the bone marrow does all the red blood cell production. This is especially true in adults. Nevertheless, even after birth the spleen can still be considered a hematopoietic organ because this never halts producing lymphocytes and thus tagged as the center of the reticuloendothelial system.

Formed elements and blood components specifically, can also be stored in the spleen. The primary blood cells that are being stored in the spleen include red blood cells and lymphocytes. In emergency cases, the spleen is also able to release platelet and about one-fourth of the lymphocytes are also being stored by the spleen at a single time.

In a study conducted on mice, it was also found out that the spleen is also able to store monocytes that when there’s an injury to tissues these monocytes would be transformed into macrophages and dendritic cells which will later on help facilitate tissue repair.

Spleen Location

The spleen is located towards the left of the diaphragm or to the upper left aspect of the abdomen. It typically appears to be somewhat mottled by purple and grey tones. This occupies the space between the 9th and 12th rib and is about 11 centimeters in length. It would be pretty facile to get acquainted with the spleen by simply recalling the 1x3x5x7x9x11 rule which would mean that the spleen’s dimension is 1x3x5 inches and approximately weighs about 7 ounces, lying behind the 9th and 11th thoracic rib. Isn’t this pretty nifty to memorize? This is also considered to be part of the lymphatic system and is only composed of efferent lymphatic vessels, same with the thymus. The spleen gets its blood supply directly from the splenic artery and short gastric arteries.

Spleen Pain

Knowing the anatomical location of the spleen is highly critical because this would help tell you that the pain you’re experience right through your abdomen is coming from the spleen itself. Again, you should well acquaint yourself that the spleen is situated at the upper leftmost portion of your abdomen. When you can feel pain over this area, it is likely that you are suffering from splenic pain.

Symptoms
Aside from the manifestation of pain itself, there may also be other symptoms involved. Nonetheless, these symptoms may not be entirely noticeable unless the spleen has become large enough to cause symptoms such as:

Deep breathing triggers severe pain

Feeling of fullness even with small meals

Dull pain which may be localized over the upper back or the mid-back

Easy fatigability and weakness

Sudden and unexplained weight loss

Feeling of restlessness

Vulnerability to infections

Causes
Just like the other organs of the body, the spleen is also as fragile specifically since it is spongy and soft which makes it even more vulnerable to injury. As your spleen begins to enlarge this would begin to trigger a painful sensation alongside. Aside from splenomegaly, there can also be other causes of pain on the spleen and these may include the following:

Pain may manifest with an enlarged spleen because this creates pressure on the lymphatic vessels. Blockage due to the presence of clots, specifically clumping platelets, may also trigger the pain.

This may also be due to infections like mononucleosis caused by the Epstein-Barr virus. Infectious mononucleosis, however, is more common in adults and even in adolescents. Children are seldom affected.

Getting infected with the causative agents of syphilis and endocarditis would also likely cause a painful sensation over the spleen.

Pain over the spleen may also be elicited by parasitic infections such as malaria and toxoplasmosis.

Rapid destruction of premature red blood cells

Leukemia

Hodgkin’s lymphoma

Presence of metabolic disorders like Niemann-Pick disease and Gaucher’s disease

Suffering from a condition called amyloidosis where there’s protein deposition in certain areas of the body.

Direct injury to the organ such that of in vehicular accidents

Presence of cysts or abscesses close to the spleen

Suffering from an inflammatory disease like rheumatoid arthritis

Treatment
Early detection of problems which concern the spleen is highly critical because when these are just being left untreated, these may probably lead to life-threatening situations. The treatment for pain relating to the spleen would vary immensely depending on the underlying pathology. Before your physician would prescribe you a specific treatment, your exact condition must first be determined. For instance, when the splenic pain is primarily felt due to an underlying infection may entirely be treated with antibiotics. When for instance this is caused by the presence of tumor near the spleen, surgery, chemotherapy and other common ways of treating cancer may help palliate or perhaps treat the condition. However, when it is all due to a ruptured spleen, a splenectomy, which is the surgical removal of the spleen, may be indicated. This surgical procedure poses several risks though. Since the spleen has been already removed, the person this time becomes more susceptible to infections. Thus, vaccines and antibiotics may be prescribed as a form of prophylactic management.

Spleen Problems

The spleen is a highly sensitive organ and even a slight injury to it would mean a serious thing. There can be several problems that may affect the spleen. However, the most common one is believed to be spleen enlargement and some conditions may have brought about this.

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Enlargement of the Spleen- Splenomegaly

Spleen enlargement or splenomegaly is unhealthy. Though there are some bodily processes (i.e. digestion) that would normally cause the spleen to increase in size, it is but abnormal to find an enlarged spleen. There are numerous sited reasons for splenomegaly. Some of them include getting affected with infectious mononucleosis, leukemia, lymphoma, polycythemia vera, liver cirrhosis and many others. All of the previously mentioned conditions would likely lead to spleen enlargement. Another major aggressor to the spleen is a condition called sickle cell anemia wherein the cells would form like sickles causing them to die prematurely. These premature sickle RBCs get amassed into the spleen thereby altering its functions. Splenomegaly is thought to be a serious problem because this would cause the organ to function improperly.

The spleen gets inflamed in the presence of an infectious process because this would be stimulated to trap more RBCs, platelets and other blood cells than the normal rate. The more blood cells and other foreign bodies get trapped therein would further cause the spleen to enlarge to the point of getting ruptured which is massively a medical emergency. The enlargement of the spleen due to excessive trappings of blood cells and other components is otherwise known as hypersplenism. When the spleen has reached its full size and its own blood supply cannot anymore suffice, this would eventually lead to its own death.

Hyposplenism

This is another problem which involves the spleen. In a condition called hyposplenism, the spleen eventually loses its normal functions leading to some serious problems, specifically increased susceptibility to infection. The decreased function of the spleen would inversely cause the peripheral elements to increase in number.

Asplenia

Compared to hyposplenia, asplenia is much a serious concern because in this condition, the spleen ceases to function entirely which even more predisposes an individual to infections. This may be due to a congenital disease called heterotaxy disease. However, this may also be acquired after birth especially in cases of splenectomy.

Cerebellum

What is Cerebellum?

The cerebellum is another important structure found within the brain. This originally comes from a Latin word which when translated would mean “little brain”. This organ is primarily responsible for attuning movements but also plays an important role in the learning process, control of muscle tone and as well as the initiation of response to pleasure and fear. The true function the cerebellum has been disputed for several years. However, recently the motor functions of the cerebellum have been clearly established. Certainly, a number of people may not really be that acquainted with the cerebellum and its functions in the human body. You will know something more about this unique part of the brain in the latter paragraphs.

Cerebellum Function

The little brain or the cerebellum is primarily responsible for the motor faculties of the body. Though the cerebellum’s function is motor by nature, this also influences aspects like cognition and as well as helps initiate responses to fear and pleasure. Nevertheless, the cerebellum is not entirely responsible for initiating movement. Rather, its work is more on the coordination of different movements, specifically in terms of precision, accuracy and timing. The cerebellum is specifically involved in the regulation of the fine motor activities of the body via the inputs coming from the brain and the spinal cord. Thence, whenever there’s an assault to the cerebellum, an individual does not necessarily become paralyzed but would rather suffer from loss of equilibrium or balance, faulty posture and some difficulty performing motor functions.

Calibration of movement
Way then, physiologists are hugely convinced that the main function of the cerebellum is motor-related, not until the early 90s wherein the true nature and functions of the cerebellum have been slowly unraveled. Through conducting several experiments, one after another, it was finally found out that the essential function of the cerebellum is to calibrate or regulate the movement being executed and not to initiate the movement itself. Deciding the types of motion to execute is not also within the scope of the cerebellum. To determine whether or not your cerebellum is working properly, you may try to do this. Touch an object on the opposite arm. If you are able to do this in a straightforward manner and without any erratic motions, then your cerebellum is properly working. Otherwise, something must have been wrong with your cerebellum.

Learning
Another important function of the cerebellum is the facilitation of learning. For years, scientists have been bickering as to whether or not learning occurs within the cerebellum or this is merely just a passageway through which signals and impulses traverse. Nevertheless, the role of the cerebellum in terms of the learning process has been established in the optimal control theory.

Maintaining Equilibrium
Another crucial function of the cerebellum is maintaining balance or equilibrium. Without the cerebellum, we could have been staggering due to the lack of balance. The cerebellum may be considered responsible for maintaining our balance owing to the fact that this has a connection with the vestibular branch which is among the centers for maintaining balance and posture.

Muscle Control
The cerebellum is also responsible for keeping the right muscle tone. Can you imagine living without your cerebellum? Well, we could be just like a blob of jelly due to lack of muscle tonicity. Thus, another important function of the cerebellum is maintaining the proper posture because of its control over the different muscles of the body.

Cerebellum Location

Not everyone else knows the exact location of the cerebellum because this organ is not given that much of an attention as the other parts of the brain. The cerebellum is actually considered to be part of the hindbrain. This is huddled inferior to the brain but superior to the brain stem. Anterior to the cerebellum is the pons.

Cerebellum Anatomy

The cerebellum is about 10% of the brain’s total volume. As compared to other parts or structures found within the brain, the cerebellum considerably has more neurons. It is also composed of specialized types of neurons called Purkinje fibers (pronounced as Poor-kin-yay which is named after a Czech physiologist) and granule cells. This is being divided into hemispheres via a midline termed as the vermis. The cerebellum is separated from the cerebrum by the stratified dura mater and signals travelling to and fro the cerebellum have to pass through the pons. This structure is also considered to be part of the metencephalon and the former being superior to the hindbrain which anatomists would refer to as the rhombencephalon. The cerebellum tends to assume somewhat a peculiar appearance especially in terms of its surface. This is due to the fact that the cerebellum is also made up of folded layers of gray matter which most of the time would look like that of an accordion. It has been speculated that when this fold is being stretched this would be about a meter long and five inches wide. Just beneath the grey matter is the white matter and embedded in the latter are the four deep cerebellar nuclei which are also made up of grey matter. The white matter is also known as the “tree of life” (arbor vitae) because of its tree-like appearance especially when viewed in its cross-section.

The cerebellum is also being divided into three lobes which are the anterior, posterior and the flocculonodular lobes which eventually divide the cerebellum into rostral to caudal. In humans, the equivalent is from top to bottom. Each of these lobes performs a specific function which will be discussed further in the next few paragraphs.

Cerebellum Tumor

The cerebrum is considered to be the second largest part of the brain. Just like the rest of the organs of the body, the cerebrum is also being affected by certain types of tumor. There can be several types of tumor that may grow within the cerebellum. These tumors are classified as either primary or secondary. Primary tumors are those tumors which originally come from the cerebellum. On the other hand, secondary tumors have just metastasized to the cerebellum but were from other parts of the body such as the colon, lungs, esophagus and many others. The common type of tumor which is believed to have originated from within the cerebellum are medulloblastomas. This accounts for about 20 per cent of the total tumors found within the brains of both children and adults. Another type of tumor that commonly develops in the cerebellum is the cerebellar astrocytoma which is oftentimes comprised of either benign or malignant cells. Other tumors found in the cerebellum may have directly come from the breast, colon, kidney and the skin.
Symptoms
Tumor arising from the cerebellum would usually trigger symptoms that are related to movement. There may also be other clusters of symptoms that may be present along with a cerebellar tumor which commonly include the following:

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Nausea and Vomiting with Headaches

Since the presence of tumor within the cerebellum would lead to obstruction in the normal flow of cerebral fluid, this would trigger bouts of headache. According to the American Brain Tumor Association, the characteristic of the headache felt by those with cerebellar tumor is that it is more prominent in the morning, usually upon rousing. Nausea and vomiting will also be noted especially when one tries to move. Those who used to suffer from this condition have also noted severe headache as the tumor grows further.

Difficulty Walking

Another problem faced by those who have cerebellar tumor is trouble walking. You would often find them clumsily walking or staggering. This is primarily because the cerebellum is the one responsible for maintaining balance.

Cranial Nerve Compression and Damage

The growing tumor in the cerebellum also causes cranial nerve compression. The physical manifestations would oftentimes depend on the cranial nerve affected. The common symptoms include weakness, hearing and visual problems, which eventually leads to the loss of function of these organs, and some disturbances on the taste of smell.

Causes
Tumor development within the cerebellum can be due to a myriad of symptoms. There can be a lot of possible causes of tumor formation in the cerebellum. Just like the usual causes, this may probably be due to exposure to certain toxic chemicals, lifestyle or even heredity. However, just like most cancers are, the etiology is unknown.

Treatment
Treatment is possible in cases of cerebellar tumor formation for the healthy cells can be unharmed during the course of treatment. The common treatment for cerebellar tumor usually includes radiation and chemotherapy. As with radiation, higher doses ideally required and this is concentrated on the head so as to kill cancerous cells. Chemotherapy may also be as effective in dealing with cerebellar tumors.

Surgery
Surgical management may also be indicated for those who suffer from cerebellar tumor. Often, the preferred way of dealing cerebellar tumor is by removing it because its removal poses less or even no harm to the surrounding structures. In fact, this would serve as a measure that would save nearby structures from getting damaged.

Sweet Taste in Mouth – Causes and Treatment

What is Sweet Taste in Mouth?

This is a problem of alteration of the sensation of taste which is also known as Dysgeusia. Dysgeusia is linked in some cases to ageusia that is the total lack of taste and hypogeusia that is the reduction in sensitivity of taste. Any modification in taste may be a secondary symptom in many disease states or it might be the primary symptom. Any alteration in the sense of taste that is the sole symptom makes diagnosing more complicated since the sense of taste is linked with other systems of sensory. Common reasons for Dysgeusia include chemotherapy, asthma management with albuterol as well as zinc deficiency. Various medications may also be the cause of altering taste.

Causes of Sweet Taste in Mouth

Any sweet taste in the mouth may be caused by a variety of medical problems. For example, various metabolic disorders might cause a sweet taste in the mouth. Diabetes might cause this sensation in the mouth. Generally sensations of taste are very poorly understood. Medical professionals do understand that diabetes may cause a diabetic to have a sense of sweetness in the mouth.

Problems that are neurological in natures such as epilepsy, a stroke or disorders with seizures may cause this sensation. The individual might not be alerted to the fact that they have a problem with these conditions since this could be the lone symptom. Any virus attacking the sense of smell or attacks the nerve that transmits the taste signals may lead to sweet taste in the mouth.
Infections in the nose, throat and/or sinuses, particularly bacteria known as pseudomonas, may contribute to a sweet smell or taste. This is a bacterium that may cause sinuses and other infections of ear, nose, and throat particularly in those individuals with immune systems that are compromised including aids for diabetes as well as any other immune system that are compromised. This bacterium often creates infections of the urinary tract as well as pneumonia. Even though pseudomonas may cause the taste of sweetness in the mouth, infections by pseudomonas can also be life-threatening. But normal individual may get infections with pseudomonas and do just fine..

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Taste of sweetness in the mouth may be due to gastroesophageal reflux disease or GERD which may cause indigestion, heartburn, burping, belching, and hoarseness which are only a few symptoms.

If you experience mysterious sweet taste in the mouth you need to see your primary care physician. And be ready to give your physician a total medical history and expect the physician to give you a total examination as well as other tests. All of this together will normally help your physician to be able to make a diagnosis of the problem with a solution for treatment.

Treatment

Treatment of any alteration in taste of the mouth is to first find the primary underlying condition that is causing this alteration. With the taste of sweetness in the mouth it is mostly caused by diabetes or heartburn. Check with your physician and he will do what is needed to diagnosis the condition and then that is the condition that will be needed to be treated.