What Causes Seizures In Adults

Posted by on October 18, 2011 No comments

Our brain systems control how our physical bodies moves; it sends out tiny electrical signals throughout the muscle nerves. There are cases when what we get are abnormal signals from our brains that significantly changes how our body functions. This is what causes seizures in adults.

Seizures or convulsions vary from one person to another. Some people may only experience a slight shaking of the hand and will not lose consciousness as most cases do, which is then followed by a violent shaking their bodies. The shaking, be it mild or violent is not always associated with the seizure itself however. Some people would lose touch with the surroundings for a brief moment, and would not respond in normal ways even though they are wide-awake. They usually do not remember having any episodes afterwards.

Not all of the body shaking can be attributed to seizure since there are various medical conditions that cause involuntary body shakings affecting both the head and the hands. Epilepsy is a problem within the nervous systems that causes seizures.

A single episode would last for less than three minutes only and would not be followed by a second seizure episode anymore. Any healthy person can experience seizures at certain conditions, like sudden, sharp blows in the head. Having experienced an episode yourself is never an indication that you have an existing serious health problem, as others tend to believe. Doctors should check out first-time seizures though, so they may be able to rule out some serious illnesses from it.

Seizures can be any symptoms of other health problems, such as the following:

• A fever that’s rapidly increasing (fever seizure)

• Stroke that causes damages to the brain, head injuries, or brain surgeries

• Extreme low blood pressure levels in diabetes cases

• Any congenital problems present ever since birth

• Meningitis or encephalitis infections

• General withdrawal from prescription medicines, alcohol and even illegal drugs

• Brain tumors or any structural defects in the brain, just like what happens in aneurysm

• Cases of parasitic infections, like having tapeworms or worse, toxoplasmosis

Eclampsia is another seizure activity that is pregnancy-related in nature and usually caused by having high blood pressure in the system. It is widely considered a life-threatening situation for both the mother and her fetus. This is so since the fetus’s main oxygen supply from the mother’s womb is reduced drastically. The Eclampsia situation is most likely to occur during or after the twentieth week of pregnancy.

Another common case that happens anywhere around the world is the non-epileptic seizure (NES). It is also called pseudoseizure in other cases, a condition that’s bound to cause seizure-like activities. Non-epileptic seizure is generally characterized by a sudden loss, or a change in the physical functions even without the aid of any central nervous system problems.

This loss or change of vital physical functions is what causes those physical activity or inactivity periods resembling epileptic seizures. This is usually related to existing mental health problems. Stress or emotional conflicts may be directly responsible to the physical symptoms involved. This again is what causes seizures in adults.

 

Bone Density Scan – When, Why And How To Get One

Posted by on October 18, 2011 No comments

As we move forward through our years, we will be contemplating various problems that are starting to surface and make their presence felt. First, our taut and youthful skin starts to become wrinkled and saggy. Fluid joints eventually become stiff, cranky and arthritic. Then there is the problem with the bones. We can be sure to expect that it will not be as strong and solid as they all used to be. This should signal affected individuals to get a bone density scan.

Also referred to as DEXA, the bone density scan is an official part of a complete physical exam. It involves X-ray advanced technology for calculating mineral amounts (calcium) within the bone systems. The bone amounts measured in the scanners used is officially called “bone density.” The bone density in people varies significantly just like the height differences in humans, the lower the density in the bones; the greater the risks will be of developing fractures in the future.

Among the most crippling maladies people these days concern themselves the most is the osteoporosis phenomenon. This is a serious medical condition where the human bones begin to lose calcium in significant amounts that they will become brittle, making them break easily. This condition also causes people in their golden ages to hunch over. To address the issue early on, getting a density scan for the bones is the smartest thing to do.

To begin with, the procedure is relatively painless. The patient will have to lie down still while undergoing minor ionized radiation scans in his body. He should be in comfortable clothes while at it, and take off anything that might be misinterpreted by the scan, such as jewelry and zippers on the clothes. The process will be administered usually as a regular outpatient procedure.

Bone scans will measure the amount of bones within particular parts of the body, particularly the lower portions of the spine, the hips, forearms and heel. Doctors will use the data gathered from the scans for assessment, specifically in the likelihood of any future bone fractures and if treatment would be needed in such case.

The scanning of the bones for their density can predict and evaluate a patient’s overall risks to bone fracture issues in the immediate future. Most of the scanning machines utilized for the procedure make use of X-rays narrow beams, though some procedures would call for an ultrasound instead. The X-ray dosage used is practically very small, only a fraction needed in chest X-rays.

Particular sites are scanned based on what suits certain patients. Hip scans for example, are suited for predicting future hip fractures, but then some patients may be physically unable to get into the proper position. A single scan is practically enough to asses overall future bone fracture risks in most cases, though a second scan will be called for in two to three years time whenever a new decision will be needed for the treatment. Bone density scan procedures may also be needed in those patients required to undergo steroid therapy in the long term.

 

What Causes AIDS – The Facts

Posted by on October 18, 2011 No comments

The Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS) is among the diseases in this world that has yet to produce a cure. What causes AIDS? You can attribute that to the dreaded Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV). It affects the human body’s immune systems and can directly expose anyone to various infections and tumors.

The figures are getting worse every year. An estimated 33.3 million people a year from all over the world are already living with the disease, while about 2.6 million people are being introduced to it every year. The deaths due to the disease record at 1.8 million a year. Talk about a real killer.

HIV spreads throughout the body via direct contact of contaminated bodily fluids with the bloodstream or mucous membrane. These contaminated bodily fluids can be the blood, semen, vaginal fluid, and even breast milk. It is transmitted whenever people engage in vaginal, oral or anal sex, or when blood transfusion takes place using unclean needles already infected with HIV. Human babies are also not spared, since the disease can be transmitted to them during pregnancy, at childbirth and during breastfeeding.

Studies have also confirmed that HIV can also be transmitted through tears, saliva and the nervous system tissues, though it is through the blood, vaginal secretions, semen and breast milk that HIV is transmitted primarily to other human bodies. It’s also worth noting that the HIV infection is never spread from one person to another through casual contacts such as hugging, or touching alone infected humans, or even when participating activities and sports. Mosquito bites do not transmit the infection.

Alongside the causes that affect people with the HIV infection, it is also important that we all study and familiarize AIDS symptoms that are the direct result affecting every organ in our bodies. The symptoms commonly associated with AIDS are various fever levels, sweating (which are mostly observed at night), significant weight loss, general weakness, chills and obvious swollen glands. Plus, there are also those serious risks of developing cancers, like Kaposi’s sarcoma and cervical cancer among others. A major complication that stems from HIV is tuberculosis. It is transmitted to people and cannot be easily treated once the infection has already settled in. The World Health Organization reported that in the 2007 alone, about 465,000 deaths worldwide were attributed to tuberculosis that was also HIV positive at the same time.

Now that we are already aware of what causes AIDS and how HIV is transmitted throughout the population, our preventive efforts will help much in suppressing the infection since there is still no official cure. Using condoms during sexual intercourse highly reduces the HIV risks as well as other sexually transmitted diseases. Infected mothers should care to avoid breastfeeding to avoid passing the disease to the infants. Those working in hospitals and clinics are much better off using barriers (gloves, shields or protective eye wares, masks, and disposing those sharp objects like scalpels and needles carefully) to prevent exposure. To top it all off, educating the population remains the best way to prevent the spread of the disease, and it should start in the school to strengthen the foundation.

 

Bunion Surgery Recovery – What to Expect?

Posted by on October 18, 2011 No comments

A bunion takes shape whenever the first metatarsal (that bone connecting the big toe in) gets pushed on an outward position, which abnormally sends the big toe pointing to the second toe. This can physically look awful on you. The so-called “bump” manifests as red and totally inflamed, and it can be very painful all the way. A severe bunion manifestation would require surgery to correct the bone positioning. This can do the job in re-aligning the foot bones, removing the bump. What happens next, particularly with bunion surgery recovery is another important subject worth knowing.

One of the more common bunion causes are those ill-fitting high heels with narrow toes. This makes the women more prone to this condition. If you want to learn about its symptoms, you might be surprised to find out there aren’t any, though anyone afflicted with this odd-looking bump might find that walking can be a bit of a bother to them.

There are some cases where the bunion disorder can be attributed to genetic dispositions. This means that children affected with bunions can be certain that one of their parents may have them too, or a generation beyond them. Arthritis is also recognized as having to do with the bunion disorder in more rare cases. Aside from that, the simple act of injuring your foot, stubbing or fracturing it can also trigger bunions inevitably.

After you have come to a decision of having the bunion removed surgically after discussing the situation with your orthopedic surgeon, you should now expect for a relatively small incision on your foot to cut and remove the bunion out, and realigning your bones along the way. If what you have is a much severe case, then you can expect to have pins and steel plates inserted in to make sure that the first metatarsal will be aligned properly.

The bunion surgery recovery is wholly dependent on how well you listen to your doctor. During the recovery stage, the smartest thing to do is to stay off that foot during the first three to five days. Keeping it iced up and completely elevated helps much in reducing the pain and swelling. You can also expect your doctor to suggest using a cane or a pair of crutches during the first few weeks following the bunion surgery. This is to help your efforts in keeping the affected foot free from any pressure while it is still in the healing stage. The less weight and pressure on the foot, the faster and better you can expect it to heal.

Since bandages are applied to the foot to help guide the repositioning of the bones during the recovery stage, most doctors would prefer to replace the bandages themselves rather than having you to do it. They do so to inspect the incision site thoroughly for infection and check for the proper alignment of the affected bones.

Within a week you can return at your own pace, and even drive. And with adequate time and the proper comfortable shoes, you should be able to congratulate yourself for a successful bunion surgery recovery.

 

Mucus in Lungs – How Bad Is It?

Posted by on October 18, 2011 No comments

The presence of mucus in the lung system is normal; it is when the produced amount of mucus is accelerated abnormally and blocking airways significantly that leads to breathing problems. It then becomes clear that mucus in lungs can become a concern at any time.

The mucus is that thick and sticky fluid released off by your mucus membranes lining up in the internal walls of your body parts, like your stomach, lungs, genital areas, ears, and especially within the respiratory tract. This sticky and viscous liquid contains antimicrobial compounds effective in neutralizing bacteria and other known pathogens. Its presence as a defense mechanism against harmful microbes is valuable.

Healthy individuals produce about 1.5 liters of the mucus material on a daily basis. The lining within the respiratory tracts is vital to the whole system. The mucus excreted within the air passages for air inhalation and exhalation does an important function of protecting our bodies, and especially the lung system from various inhaled airborne pathogens while breathing. Antibodies present in the mucus material both trap and destroy those inhaled infectious agents. Mucus membrane linings also keeps those air passages moist and preventing them from drying up.

It’s worth noting those few symptoms that has been attributed to the mucus in the lungs condition. An eventual and excessive coughing expelling those greenish and yellow mucus substances is among the common and known symptoms. Coughing with mucus is a red flag of underlying disorders. The presence of excess mucus in the lungs is generally not a good sign; you can be sure to expect different breathing problems due to an excess of the mucus substance.

You can point to a number of factors primarily responsible for excessive production of the mucus substance in the lungs, like the common cold for instance, which is widely recognized as a viral infection that paves the way for the mucus accumulations. Here are some other known causes:

  • Bronchitis 

This is a respiratory disorder that makes for swollen air passages. This is attributed to viral infections most of the time, though it can also be triggered by bacterial invasions. The inflammation signals the mucus membrane to produce and release more to put the infection in check.

  • Asthma

Asthma is a lung disease that also triggers airway inflammations and an increased mucus production.

  • Sinusitis

Bacterial infections can well cause inflamed sinus cavities that allow air to flow freely from the nose and all the way to the windpipe, which obviously would lead to mucus-clogged sinuses.

  • Pneumonia

An excess of the mucus substance in the lungs would also suggest the pneumonia medical condition, where the lungs were infected by pathogens, like bacteria, virus and some fungus types. As it progresses, the respiratory system responds by releasing excess mucus all over the lungs.

  • Emphysema

Such condition is marked by the eventual destruction of the alveoli, those small air sacs responsible for transferring inhaled oxygen into the bloodstream and exhaled carbon dioxide wastes out of the body. Air pollution and chronic smoking activities are known to cause emphysema.

To conclude, whenever the mucus in lungs production has exceeded normal levels, you should already take it as a sign of incoming viral infections, or worse a respiratory disease. Caring to seek timely and appropriate treatment should get rid of the problem.

Understanding Uterine Fibroids Symptoms

Posted by on October 18, 2011 No comments

The uterine fibroid also referred to as myoma and uterine leiomuoma is characterized as a benign tumor in females originating from myometrium, that smooth muscle layer within the uterus together with other connective tissues. In the US, uterine fibroids symptoms constantly indicate hysterectomy. Fibroids most of the time multiply in numbers, and when the uterus already has too many, it is now called “diffuse uterine leiomyomatosis.” Malignant versions called “leiomyosarcoma” are extremely uncommon.

Fibroids typically manifest during the female’s mid and late reproductive years. While most are asymptomatic, they grow easily causing painful and heavy menstruation. In rare cases, fibroids may even interfere with pregnancy, risking miscarriage, premature labor, bleeding, and a significantly interfering with the fetus position inside the womb. Small-sized fibroids in particular, may be regarded asymptomatic. The symptoms largely depend on the lesion size and location. Important uterine fibroids symptoms include the following:

  • ·         an abnormal type or gynecologic hemorrhage,
  • ·         painful and heavy period,
  • ·         a prolonged menstrual period, which is mainly characterized by seven days of menstrual bleeding, possibly more
  • ·         an abdominal discomfort that sometimes lead to bloating,
  • ·         back-aches and leg pains,
  • ·         painful defecations, constipation,
  • ·         pelvic pain and pressure,
  • ·         an increased urinary frequency and retention, with a particular difficulty in emptying the bladder,
  • ·         it causes pain during sexual intercourse, depending of course on the fibroid location, and many more

Those are some of the more common symptoms of uterine fibroids. The United States Department of Health and Human Services reported that the “fibroid situation” is benign at all times, and not cause for cancer concerns. There may be extremely rare cases when cancerous fibroids will manifest, which will then be called leiomyosarcoma. Doctors anywhere believe that such cancer do not actually come from existing fibroids in the human system. The presence of fibroids is not really a guaranty that it will develop into the cancerous fibroid type. Also, it does not increase the chances of acquiring other cancer forms within the female uterus.

While fibroids are known to be common, they shouldn’t be associated among the causes of infertility, which accounts for about 3% of the total reasons why women may not bear a child. In such cases that the fibroid is located within submucosal positions where it is widely thought that this specific location may interfere with the functioning of the lining and the embryo’s ability to implant. The much larger fibroids on the other hand as the ability to distort and possibly block fallopian tubes.

In rare cases, fibroids cause acute pains whenever it outgrows its own blood supply. And when deprived of nutrients, they simply begin to die. The byproducts of degenerating fibroids have the ability to seep into surrounding tissues, which can trigger fever and pain. Fibroids (pedunculated fibroid) that happens to hang by a stalk either inside or outside of the uterus also triggers pain whenever the stalk gets twisted or whenever its blood supply has been cut off.

If any of the mentioned uterine fibroids symptoms above start manifesting, then it would be very smart to visit your doctor right away, particularly in instances where you are already suffering from severe vaginal bleeding.

Early Symptoms Of HIV To Look For

Posted by on October 18, 2011 No comments

Human immunodeficiency virus or HIV remains to be a public health problem despite the widespread dissemination of information about the disease as well as noticeable progress in finding symptomatic management of HIV and AIDS infections. The stigma associated with the disease does not help in educating the public with most of the people trying to veer away from the topic considering HIV as a condition suffered by the sinful and the immoral.

 

Recognizing the early symptoms of HIV is important not only in checking one’s self or health status if he or she has contracted the disease but also for helping other people to recognize these symptoms. Hence, prompt treatment and prevention of further spread of the disease may be done.

In order to increase understanding of the symptoms of HIV, one must also fully comprehend the pathophysiologic process behind the infection. The virus that causes the disease is transmitted through blood and body secretions such as transfusion of infected blood, sharing of needles like in intravenous drug use or tattoo; and sexual intercourse.

 

Once present inside the host body, the virus being an obligate parasite chooses to live in the cells. The HIV virus carries a ribonucleic acid, a genetic material that would later incorporate itself in the genetic material of different cells which later affects the number of CD4 T cells in the body. These cells play a role in immunity through a physiological “identification system” triggering the body in case they notice a familiar disease causing agent.

 

HIV does not create a full blown infection as soon as it enters the body of the person. The period between the inoculation and exposure of the person to the virus until the development of antibodies is called the primary infection phase, and coincides with the infamous window period where the person has negative HIV test results. This phase usually does not present any symptom or the early HIV symptoms are not really specific such as headache, joint pain, nasal stuffiness or frequent sneezing – which result from the intense replication of the virus and widespread dissemination of the virus throughout the body.

 

In a matter of weeks, the individual may display non specific symptoms such as headache, fever, lymphedema or enlargement of lymph nodes, rash and aching of muscles which are similar to having mononucleosis. This is the response of the body with regards to the destruction of the immune system cells and to the attempt of the body to kill the infected and virus producing cells which lead to release of antibodies and other inflammatory mediators. These symptoms would soon resolve as the body is able to gain control of the virus which occurs in a matter of one to three weeks.

 

Early symptoms of HIV may be neglected or not taken seriously by other people because these manifestations do not point out to a serious condition, and they are also easily managed in a few days. However, immediate medical consultation and early treatment are highly recommended since after this phase, the infections take a longer time and the coping mechanisms of the body slowly fatigues with the increasing number of viruses in the body.

 

Rolling Walker – How To Find The Right One For You

Posted by on October 15, 2011 No comments

As a result of the continuous progress and development of medicine and health care knowledge, more people are living longer but the consequences accompanying aging are not easy to escape. Most of the older adults experience osteoporosis, joint pains as a result of arthritis, muscle aches, and others suffer from neurologic deficits like paraplegia or Parkinson’s disease or musculoskeletal problems such as hip dislocation or wearing of the patella. These conditions cause difficulty or worse, painful movement hence limiting the ability of the individual to perform leisure or routine activities and this decreases the quality of life for these people.

 

With this predicament, modern rehabilitation scientists and health care professionals have developed devices that are meant to facilitate and assist these elderly clients to move. Examples of these assistive devices include canes, the rolling walker, crutches and wheel chairs. One of the common assistive devices used by these people who suffer from these conditions is walkers. Unlike their ancestor the cane, walkers offer a wider base of support and are more stable with a higher capability of preventing falls and other injuries.

 

However, recent studies have shown that there are a number of people using walkers who experience difficulties with using these devices and it tends to interfere with the ability to maintain balance in situations like walking up a flight of stairs or in uneven surfaces. There are also some who complain of the excessive strength and demands needed to utilize canes and walkers.

 

These concerns prompted the development of rolling walkers or also called rollators. This is a regular walker but attached with tires so as to avoid the lifting that is needed in a standard walker to facilitate movement. It makes walking and movement smoother and more appreciated by the person using it since it avoids the process of lifting the standard walker from one point to another. Aside from the benefit that using these walkers with wheels offers a greater sense of independence to its user.

 

Furthermore, the rolling walker allows personalization of the equipment such as the size of the wheels. One may choose larger wheels so that it is easier to get through rough roads or smaller set of tires when these assistive devices are used only indoors. The person also can select whether to have the wheels fixed in one position or wheels that can be swiveled.

 

Additional innovations to ensure safety of using rolling walkers were also developed such as the lock that may be placed on the wheels so that the person would not slide while maintaining a standing position. There are also rollators with brakes in them to further control the use of the device in case the user is losing strength and balance.

 

These assistive devices have gone a long way from the traditional materials such as sticks that are used to help people suffering from different ailments. Despite these things, there is still much research needed to see and resolve all problems associated with the equipments or improve the design that includes more benefit to the user.

 

PSS World Medical Overview

Posted by on October 15, 2011 No comments

The world has seen the continuous progress and popularity of fitness related products and activities ranging from vitamin supplements, home based exercise programs and even widespread use of over the counter medications to remedy simple conditions. Despite all these improvements in public knowledge on health, there is still an increasing need for health care services especially the preference of people to undergo health management in a non-hospital environment such as company clinics, nursing homes or concierge health care.

 

One of the companies that help address this ever changing health care landscape would be PSS World Medical Inc. It is based on the United States and supplies health products ranging from medical equipments and pharmaceutical related products such as drugs, intravenous fluids, immunizations and supplements to non-institution health care providers.

 

PSS World Medical does not only offer its services to big facilities such as long term care centers, nursing home cares for elderly clients, psychiatric facilities, community clinics and lying in centers. A division of the company called the Physician Sales and Services unit is responsible for sending more than 850 sales representatives directly to smaller versions of these facilities such as offices of doctors, private duty nurses’ clinics, and home based or concierge service providers, and even company based clinics spread throughout the nation.

 

The company has remained in business for more than 25 years already and has been named one of the 400 biggest and best companies according to Forbes magazine; and was named by the same magazine as one of the future best businesses to invest in. Since then the company has maintained to be the primary medical inventory service provider in the country distributing more than 50, 000 different products to over a thousand major manufacturers.

 

PSS World Medical continues to grow and improve the different services that they deliver as manifested by helping these facilities to operate at lower costs and sustain the finances needed to keep these health care units working. PSS introduced its own product line that gives an option to choose between branded products like or choose low cost but high quality alternatives.

PSS recently formed exclusive business relations with Consult Diagnostics, Lumeon, Beckman Coulter, Baxter, Abbott Diagnostics as well as other manufacturers of diagnostic equipment so that instead of spending money on affiliated laboratory and diagnostic centers, these companies are able to keep revenue with these equipments.

 

Another innovation brought by the company is its inventory management and billing services that allows their customers to take track of the expenses and the products that are most sought after. This maximizes the allocation of resources and at the same time minimizing health care costs. PSS released Custom Reporting and a website based inventory, MyPSS.com, which both prevented over stocking and under supply of some products since the website accounts contain computer based information and logs reducing the amount needed for paper accounts and human resources for accounting.

 

PSS World Medical has made health care services accessible to people from all places and all walks of life. There are still a lot of advances and innovations that we are going to see in health care and perhaps this company might pioneer these changes.

 

Lymph Nodes Cancer | Cancer In Lymph Nodes

Posted by on October 15, 2011 No comments

There are people who feel an enlargement or a swelling of a ball like material behind the ears or under the jaw line during periods when one has colds, cough and other infections – these enlargements are called lymph nodes, the major organ of the lymphatic system, which plays a role in the immunity of the body and in the fluid balance of the blood vessels.

 

At the same time, these lymph nodes are also prone to development of cancer or malignancies. The main cause of lymph nodes cancer or lymphoma has not been found yet but there are risk factors associated with its development such as a compromised immune system, contact to viruses such as EBV and HIV; and exposure to pesticides, herbicides, dyes or solvents.

 

Epidemiology and statistics of morbidity has shown that cancer in lymph nodes has an incidence of one identified case among fifty two men and also one case in sixty one women based on the data from the United States. The health care agencies and the government are worried about the sudden increase of lymph node carcinoma to more than seventy percent compared to the number of cases identified in 1973. With this, campaigns for cancer screening and widespread health education among the people are one of the priority interventions being done since early detection and prompt treatment is the key to an increased chance of recovery in all kinds of cancer or disease conditions.

 

Lymph nodes cancer is categorized between Hodgkin’s and non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma since the type of medical management depends on these major classification of the illness. Both of these lymphomas manifest similar symptoms such as weight loss without apparent reason, sweating at night, easy fatigability and febrile episodes. These are non specific to any kind of condition but only shows that the immune system is acting towards something that threatens the health status of the individual, in this case cancer cells.

 

Hodgkin’s disease is a more rare form of cancer of the lymph nodes characterized by Reed Sternberg cells, which large and unique lymph node cells. This type of malignancy is more localized and has a better prognosis.

 

On the other hand, all other types of lymphatic cancer are called non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma, and this is the most common type that is managed in health care facilities. This condition is characterized by enlarged lymph nodes that are movable, asymmetric figure upon palpating it and may be tender. These suggest that this kind of lymphoma has a poorer prognosis and can metastasize or spread easily.

 

The current knowledge on treating the cancer of the lymph nodes has been more advanced and has allowed people suffering from this condition a chance to have a longer life. Previously hypothesized or experimented treatments have been proven effective and are being used now. However, it must be emphasized that better health outcomes result from detection of the illness at its early phases, having prompt and immediate management of the disease, complying with the therapeutic regimen suggested by the health care providers and a strong support from family and significant people.

 

Chronic Rhinitis in a Nutshell

Posted by on October 15, 2011 No comments

One of the most common complaints by people across states and social status are upper respiratory infections. Rhinitis is an example of such condition and defined not as a single disease but as a group of disorders where the mucus membranes of the nose experience inflammation and irritation. It is estimated that an American experiences rhinitis three to four times in a year which resolves on its own while about 10 to 15 percent have rhinitis due to allergic causes.

 

The manifestations of rhinitis are the result of whatever allergen or trigger cases the linings of the mucus membranes to become inflamed which would cause nasal congestion, feeling of stuffiness in the nose. It triggers an attempt of the body to remove the trigger thus causing itchiness and sneezing while the excessive nasal drainage or rhinorrhea is the result of the inflamed nasal mucosa blocking the openings of the sinuses. It is in the sinuses where mucus is drained but when blocked, this drainage must have another route to be drained thus it comes out of the nostrils. In some people, rhinitis is accompanied by inflammation of the sinuses causing headache.

 

Chronic rhinitis is usually classified as non allergic in origin, hence people who are suffering from allergic rhinitis have hypersensitive reactions to otherwise are normal stimuli to other people such as dusts, animal fur, saw dust or pollen and relieved within a period of days.

 

Chronic rhinitis is usually cause by environmental factors such as changes in temperature or humidity thus accounting for people experiencing nasal stuffiness and itching during the night or during the change of seasons from warm to cold ones. Another possible cause of long term rhinitis is taking of drugs especially those that affect the immune system. Drugs that depress the immune system decrease the possibility of allergic reactions but increase the possibility of developing infections that causes inflammation of the nasal mucus membranes.

 

The inflammation of the nasal mucosa is managed depending on its cause such as desensitizing immunizations, antihistamines or corticosteroids may be given for allergy-caused rhinitis varying on the severity of the symptoms. Rhinitis due to viruses is managed only based on their symptoms such as decongestants to relieve obstruction in the nose while rhinitis caused by bacteria is prescribed with taking of antibiotics to kill the organisms.

 

Aside from the use of these medications, rhinitis may also be managed by other means such as environmental modification by removing allergens and irritants causing inflammation of the nasal passages. Avoiding several products such as aerosol sprays, tobacco smoke, strong perfumes, talcum powder or fur upholsteries are also found to be useful in preventing the recurrence of rhinitis. Covering of the nose, use of masks or other self protective devices can also be used since one cannot truly identify all the triggers causing rhinitis. Other measures to relieve the symptoms of rhinitis include the use of saline lozenges, inhalation of steam, increased hydration and application of warm compress in case sinuses are inflamed.

 

Chronic rhinitis may appear to be very common or simple to remedy, but one must never take the discomforts and symptoms associated with it for granted.

 

What Causes Shingles?

Posted by on October 13, 2011 No comments

According to studies, almost 90% of the population who had chickenpox develops shingles. That is why it is important to know what causes it so it can be prevented. But, what causes shingles?

Before knowing what causes shingles, it is necessary to know first what shingles is. Shingles, also known as Herpes zoster, is an excruciating disease that occurs when the dormant virus which causes chickenpox to a person reactivates. People with shingles may show symptoms like slight fever, malaise, chills, and upset stomach. Some people may also have a bruised feeling on one side of their face or body, pain in the chest which is followed by tingling, itching or a prickling skin after several days. There are also people who are having a long strip of small, fluid-filled blisters and intermittent deep burning and stabbing pain. Shingles causes a painful rash made up of many blisters on one side of the body and can last from 2 to 5 weeks if left untreated. However, if antiviral medications are applied between a day or two days after the rash appears, the shingles will disappear.

The virus that has causes of shingles varicella zoster virus. When a person comes into contact with the virus, he/she will have a chickenpox and may attack the nerve cells in the brain stem. The varicella zoster virus may also invade the spinal cord of the person. The virus will then be dormant in a person’s body for many years because the immune system of a person will stop it from becoming active. When the virus is triggered, it will cause shingles. The reason why the virus becomes reactive is not yet known. However, there are studies which suggest that the virus may be triggered due to lower immunity to infections as a person matures. That is the reason why shingles is more common in older people. It is also common in people with weak immune system. There are researches which show that there are conditions which may result to the reactivation of the varicella zoster virus. Although not yet proven, these conditions include extreme stress and fatigue. One reason why the virus is reactivated may be because of a weak immune system which may be caused by aging, having a disease, taking a drug which increased the ability of the varicella zoster virus to be active. Cancer may also trigger the reactivation of the virus. There are also speculations that the virus become reactive when a person is in radiation treatments which may be internal or external, injury of the skin where the rashes may occur, and when he/she has Human ImmunoVirus or AIDS.

Knowing what causes shingles is important for every person to prevent them from having the disease. However, we should not forget that it is more important to prevent it. Even though it is not yet confirmed what really causes shingles, maintaining a healthy lifestyle will not just prevent us from getting shingles; it will also prevent us from having any kind of disease.

 

Symptoms of Tb: Do You Show Any of it?

Posted by on October 13, 2011 No comments

Tuberculosis remains in the top 5 world’s deadliest diseases.  Almost 2 million people in the whole world die every year because of this disease. That is why it is very important to know the symptoms of tb in order to prevent it from getting worse.

            Tuberculosis or simply TB is a disease that has been affecting many individuals for centuries. It is a contagious chronic infection that is caused by a gram-positive bacterium called Mycobacterium tuberculosis. It usually attacks the lungs although it can also attack other body organs. It was called “consumption” many years ago because if left untreated, it will consume the patient from within. A person can get this disease by inhaling infected sputum from the air during a close contact with a person suffering from the disease. He/She can also be infected with the disease by drinking unpasteurized milk. It has two stages which include the latent tuberculosis and the active tuberculosis. Latent or inactive tuberculosis occurs when the infected person can defend the disease with his/her immune system while active tuberculosis happens when the immune system of the person cannot prevent the bacteria from growing. Active tuberculosis usually develops a few weeks after the person is exposed with the bacteria. Fortunately, it can now be easily treated with early symptom diagnosis and antibiotics.  So, what are the symptoms of TB?

            There are many tuberculosis symptoms depending on the stage. People who are suffering from latent tuberculosis do not show any symptoms. They are usually not contagious. However, a person suffering from latent tuberculosis can develop into active tuberculosis if his/her immune system is impaired. When this happens, the person may show symptoms like having a bad cough that lasts for at least three weeks, coughing up thick phlegm that may contain blood, losing appetite, and sweating at night. The cough may start as dry and irritating that will get worse in a few weeks or months. Blood will be coughed up when there is a damaged blood vessel. Night sweats may occur so badly that the person suffering from the disease may have to change bed sheets. Other common symptoms include chest pain which is worsened by severe coughing, weakness or fatigue, fever with a temperature of 38oC, unexplained weight loss, and chills. He/She may also feel unwell most of the time.

If the person suffering from the disease will not be treated, the disease may get worse. Severe active tuberculosis can spread to other parts of the body like kidney, bones, and brain. He/She may experience swelling of lymph nodes and restricted joint movements. A person suffering from severe tuberculosis should see a doctor or be accompanied to the hospital immediately if he/she, experience muscle spasms, find it difficult to breathe or can’t breathe at all, and have severe headache. Choking, wheezing, stiff neck, and becoming unconscious can also be exhibited by a person who suffers from severe active tuberculosis.

These symptoms of TB may also be exhibited when a person has another disease. However, when he/she shows at least three of the symptoms mentioned above, there is a great possibility that she has tuberculosis and should see a doctor immediately.

Niacin Side Effects: Should You Worried?

Posted by on October 13, 2011 No comments

Niacin has been proven to be effective in treating a lot of conditions. However, have you ever think of it the niacin side effects?

Niacin, more popularly known as vitamin B3 is one of the 8 B vitamins. All of the 8 B vitamins are known to help the body convert food or carbohydrate in glucose which will be used to produce energy. They also help the body to metabolize proteins and fats. In order to have a healthy skin, hair, eyes, and liver, these vitamins are needed. All the 8 B vitamins also help in the normal functioning of the nervous system. Niacin helps the body of a person to produce sex-related hormones in the adrenal glands and in the other parts of the body. It also helps in producing stress-related hormones. It has been proven effective in improving a person’s blood circulation and reducing a person’s blood cholesterol level. Although niacin has many benefits, it also has side effects. These side effects can either be good or bad in a person’s health.

When used in an adequate amount, the side effects of niacin are desirable to the body. One of the most notable effects of niacin is flushing. When niacin is taken at a relatively large dose, say 75mg and up, blood vessels may be dilated which may cause what is termed as “niacin flushing”. It usually lasts for 20-30 minutes although may be longer for other people depending on the level of niacin that they can tolerate. Some people may have to take 100mg to start flushing while other people just have to take 50mg of niacin to start flushing. Flushing can be accompanied by itching and niacin rashes. However, this effect of niacin is normal so people who experience it should not worry. A person who does not want to experience flushing may choose to take niacin which does not cause flushing. However, this type of niacin cannot lower the blood cholesterol of a person.

If there are good niacin side effects, there are also adverse effects. Some of these side effects are gastrointestinal symptoms like bloating, and diarrhea. Other effects are vomiting, nausea, flatulence and sudden decrease in blood pressure. These effects are common non-flush products and high doses. Although happens in rare occasions, niacin may cause simple dryness and scaliness of the skin, excessive pigmentation of the skin, and liver disorder. It may also cause blurred vision, activation of peptic ulcer, and jaundice.

A person who happened to take niacin too much may not have to worry to die. There has not been a case wherein a person dies because of niacin overdose. However, it may have bad side effects as mentioned earlier and can uncomfortable so a person should not be careless in taking the proper amount or dosage of niacin. Niacin can only be toxic if it will be taken in megadoses.

The benefit that we could get in taking niacin is really exceptional. However, we should not forget that we could only be really healthy if we take the proper dosage. Don’t waste money and time taking more than what is needed. Take the right dosage of niacin.

Ovarian Pain – Is It A Cyst?

Posted by on October 13, 2011 No comments

Many women are experiencing ovarian pain each day. Should they be worried? Is ovarian pain a sign of a more serious problem?

Ovaries are one of the most important parts of the woman’s reproductive system. They have two significant tasks which include releasing of one egg every month and producing hormones such as progesterone and estrogen. These hormones are important in the development of the lining of the uterus during pregnancy. However, for some reasons, there are women who are suffering an ovarian pain at some point in their lives.

There are many reasons why a woman is experiencing a pain in the ovary. However, it should not be feared because most of the time, the pain is due to ovulation especially if it happens in the middle of the woman’s period. Every 11 to 15 days, a follicle in a woman’s ovary bursts. This causes an egg to be released for possible fertilization leading to implantation into the lining of the womb. This kind of ovarian pain is called Mittelschmerz. It may cause an unpleasant pain but usually does not spread throughout the body. This pain is safe as long as the pain felt is not intense.

If the pain in the ovary is mild to moderate, a woman may be experiencing hemorrhage in an ovarian cyst. When this happens, the blood clots and makes the cyst solid which hinder the usual movement of the uterus. The good news is, even when there is no medical intervention, after one or two months, the hemorrhages in the ovarian cysts normally dissolve in their own. This will also not cause any complications in the woman who experiences it. A mild to moderate pain in the ovary can also be caused by a ruptured ovarian cyst which usually happens during the middle of a woman’s menstrual cycle. This happens because a cyst around the egg has to rupture every time a woman ovulates. After a week, the pain usually disappears after a week. However, the pain may get worse during a woman’s menstruation period due to hormonal changes.

When the ovary pain is severe, it may be a result of ovarian torsion or twisted ovaries. The pain felt is usually sharp and is usually felt on both sides although it can also be felt throughout the abdomen. This could happen when an ovarian cyst grow very big that the ovary twists into a knot. A woman who suffers from it should immediately seek a doctor to save her ovary and her life.

Ovarian pain may also be a result of other health problems. The pain may seem to originate in the ovaries but it may be cause by a problem in another organ. Some examples of these problems are appendicitis and colitis. However, pain in the ovaries can be caused by an ovarian cancer. When a woman has a cancer of the ovary, she will also experience other symptoms like bloating, bleeding, and increased in the size of her abdomen.

A pain in the ovary is not always a sign of a more complicated disease. However, every woman should see her doctor once in a while to have a checkup. After all, there’s nothing wrong with taking care of one’s self, right?

All About Myeloma Cancer

Posted by on October 13, 2011 No comments

Leukemia is the cancer of the bone marrow characterized by an abnormal increased in the white blood cells. Thrombocytopenia is a disease characterized by reduced platelet count. Anemia is the lack of red blood cells. So, what is the most common cancer type of plasma?

When it comes from plasma cells, the most common type of cancer is the myeloma. Myeloma cancer, also known as multiple myeloma, plasma cell myeloma, and Kahler’s disease, is a type of hematologic cancer wherein the plasma cells in the bone marrow grow in an uncontrollable manner. When plasma cells undergo genetic mutations and become abnormal, myeloma begins. The abnormal plasma cells which are now called myeloma cells produce monoclonal M proteins, a specific type of antibody, and other proteins. It usually occurs in the most active bone marrows like pelvic bones and ribs. When the number of these abnormal plasma cells is increased, the bones of a person will be weaken and damage which may cause pain and even fractures. The damaged bones cause the release of calcium in the blood which will lead to a hypercalcemia. Normal plasma cells and other white blood cells formation is inhibited by the myeloma cells so the person suffering from the disease will not be able to fight it. Myeloma cells can also cause anemia by preventing the new red blood cells to grow. Since there is an excess antibody proteins and calcium, the filtering and cleaning of the blood by the kidney is also restricted.

Myeloma cancer has different types based in the kind of immunoglobulin that they produce. Immunoglobulin G is the most common type of myeloma which accounts for the 60% of the total number of myeloma patients. In this type of myeloma, the heavy chain of the immunoglobulin is G. Other types if myeloma is Immunoglobulin A, Immunoglobulin D, Immunoglobulin E and Immunoglobulin M.

Myeloma cancer often shows no symptoms during the early stages. However, when the symptoms is present, they are vague and varied greatly since it can affect many organs. Some of the most common symptoms include an elevated blood calcium level, renal failure, anemia, and bone lesions. Other people also shows symptoms like bone pain, extreme tiredness, loss of appetite, increased thirst and urination, nausea, vomiting, urinary tract infection, shingles, shortness of breath, chest pain, numbness especially in the hands and feet, and pneumonia. The diagnosis of this cancer at the early stages is often made accidentally when a person is having blood tests for certain reasons. A doctor may request protein electrophoresis of the blood if the blood test of the person shows a high serum protein, high erythrocyte sedimentation rate and high calcium level. If the result will show the presence of monoclonal protein, he/she is suffering from the disease.

Treatments for the multiple myeloma are available and usually focus on the containment and suppression of the disease. If a person is diagnosed with myeloma cancer, he/she, together with his/her family, should seek more information about the disease and seek for available treatments so it won’ get worse.

Common Candida Albicans Symptoms

Posted by on October 13, 2011 No comments

More commonly known as yeast infection, candidiasis or thrush is a type of mycosis or fungal infection from any species of Candida or yeast. Technically, the infection may also be referred to as moniliasis, oidiomycosis, and candidosis. Candida albicans symptoms are seen in cases where the infection is caused by Candida albicans, the most common type among all Candida species.

Yeast infection can come in various types ranging from the superficial like vaginitis and oral thrush, to the more systemic and potentially serious ailments. Life-threatening forms of candidiasis are called candidemia, and usually occur in severely immuno-compromised individuals such as organ transplant, cancer and AIDS patients. Patients requiring emergency non-trauma surgeries are also included in this category.

Superficial skin and mucosal membrane infections caused by Candida that result to discomfort and local inflammation are common in various races around the world. Although they can all be clearly associated to the incidence of the opportunistic pathogens from the Candida genus, candidiasis can be characterized in a variety of disease syndromes that usually vary as far as their causes and outcomes are concerned.

Most yeast infection cases can be treated and usually result to minimal complications like itching, discomfort, and redness. However, when left untreated, the complication may worsen and can even be life-threatening for some people. When the condition occurs in immuno-compromised people, candidiasis is a generally localized skin or mucosal membrane infection that includes thrush (oral cavity), the gastrointestinal tract, the esophagus or pharynx, the urinary bladder, or the genitalia (penis or vagina).

Although candidiasis is more commonly known to cause vaginitis or vaginal irritation, it can also happen on the male genitals. In immuno-compromised people, yeast infections can easily affect the esophagus and can potentially become systemic which will result to a more severe condition or a candidemia.

Thrush is one of the Candida albicans symptoms that are commonly manifested in infants. However, it is not generally considered to be abnormal in infants unless the condition lingers longer than two weeks. Children from three to nine years of age are most susceptible to chronic mouth yeast infections that can be seen as white patches near the mouth. This is a fairly rare condition, however.

Candidiasis symptoms may differ depending on the particular area of the body affected. When it occurs in the vulva or vagina, the infection may result to severe itching, soreness, burning, irritation, and a whitish or whitish-gray vaginal discharge that resembles cottage cheese or curd in appearance. These symptoms also occur in the more prevalent bacterial vaginosis.

According to a study published in the “Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology” in 2002, only 1/3 of women who were under self-treatment for yeast infections actually had such an infection. The rest either had bacterial vaginosis or some other mixed type of infections. Candida albicans symptoms may appear on the male genitalia in the form of patches of red sores on the foreskin or in an area proximate to the head of the penis, a burning sensation, or severe itching. Although uncommon, candidiasis of the penis may also be characterized by a white discharge.

 

Heart Rate Monitor Watch | Best Heart Monitor Watch

Posted by on October 13, 2011 No comments

If you are looking for a heart rate monitor watch to buy, there are several factors that you need to consider. For one, there is a wide variety of models and styles to choose from with various functionality levels that can range anywhere from the most basic models (heart rate zone watch) to the most advanced computerized models. A sportsman or athlete of any physical shape or condition can definitely find a model that will suit his particular needs.

Before buying a heart rate monitor watch, it is important that you determine first what you need it for and how you are going to use it. After all, there is a lot more things to consider than just the price. Identify which information and statistics you need to measure in your workouts or runs. If you really need a serious model, you should be prepared to spend a little more. It will be useless to buy a model that cannot do, and will not provide what you need it to do and provide.

It may also be good to consider things that you will need down the line, say five or six months later when the state of your physical fitness improves. Will you still be able to use your heart monitor watch or will you need to buy another one because the old one can no longer suffice for your current needs? Following are some of the other questions you may need to ask yourself before committing to buy a monitor watch and parting with your hard-earned money.

• Would you prefer to view the statistics on a computer monitor or on the screen of your watch?

• Do you need pace, distance, speed information, or all of them?

• What sports are you engaged in – running, swimming, cycling, triathlon, etc?

• Do you require just the basic info or the more complicated data and statistics about your training?

• Do you workout indoors with gym equipment like a treadmill, or do you train outdoors on open terrain, on a track, in an ocean, a pool, or on a velodrome?

• Will you need a watch that has coaching features or built-in training programs?

• Will you require memory for just one workout session or will you need a bigger storage capacity with analytic features?

• Do you require just an instantaneous system to measure your pulse, or do you need to continuously get your heart rate information?

• Will you need navigational and outdoor features such as a barometer, altimeter, compass, and GPS?

 

With a little planning, you may be able to buy a particular heart rate monitor watch that will have some features you will not outgrow, and some others that you will grow into, in time. Although the more advanced models have many features that you may not currently need, you may be able to appreciate them in the future when your training goals elevate into new heights. In that sense, buying such a model now may be considered an investment more than overkill, and not a waste of money.

 

Huntsman Cancer Institute | All About It

Posted by on October 12, 2011 No comments

Huntsman Cancer Institute

The commitment of the Huntsman Cancer Institute (HCI) is to help discover molecular and genetic solutions for the prevention of the development of cancer in the earliest stages possible. Also, the institute seeks to offer innovative therapeutic remedies for all known types of cancer. Other than researches on genetic functions, the HCI specialists are tasked to formulate strategies that will reduce the incidence of cancer, and to implement therapies in the treatment of diagnosed cancer patients.

Through its research programs, HCI promotes the sharing of information that crosses known scientific boundaries so that scientists and doctors can work together conveniently and efficiently. This collaborative and unselfish approach is what makes Huntsman one of the foremost exponents of cancer research throughout the world.

In the 1990s, the Huntsman family embarked on a supreme scientific quest to find whatever it takes to avoid, identify, and stop cancer in its tracks right at the very source. $100 million was donated for this purpose and the Huntsman Cancer Institute was born at the University of Utah on October 2, 1995.

Jon Huntsman pledged another $125 million on April 26, 2000 to finance then-ongoing research programs and to build the Clinical Research Hospital next to HCI. These generous donations, as well as subsequent grants and gifts, enabled HCI to assemble a team consisting of world-famous specialists that is primarily responsible for providing treatments that are unmatched in the region.

In September, 1999, a new building that will house the HCI was dedicated. This became home to the Cancer Learning Center (CLC), and the Patient Care Center (PCC); three floors of laboratories for innovative research; an auditorium that can seat 300 people; and a restaurant. The CLC includes a library, a multi-media room, and an educational display where cancer patients and their respective families, as well as the general public, can get more information about the ailment and various treatment options to remedy it.

The PLC, on the other hand, features a chemotherapy infusion suite and examination rooms that have large windows with views of landscaped foothills and other soothing scenery. The architecture is symbolic of the state-of-the-art research. A “beacon of hope” in the form of a brightly lit column that is visible throughout Salt Lake Valley offers an inspiration to patients who are deep in battle against cancer.

The hospital wing, consisting of 276,344 ft2 features 4 operating rooms, 50 private in-patient beds, the first PET/CT imaging equipment this side of the country, similarly the first full-field unit for digital mammography, a prosthetics laboratory, a full service pharmacy, and a beauty parlor that is for the exclusive use of patients.

The hospital that continuously undergoes improvements is the culmination of the vision that Mr. Huntsman nurtured for the institute. It also provides the power to the HCI to take the leadership role in the development of more effective diagnostic methods, and safer remedies. It is after all, the mission of the Huntsman Cancer Institute to provide the best medical care possible, to make the latest in diagnostics and treatment methods accessible to all, and finally to alleviate the heavy toll that cancer puts on the patients and affected families around the world.

 

What Is Neurology | All About Neurology

Posted by on October 12, 2011 No comments

What is neurology?  To define it in a straightforward manner, neurology is a specialty in the medical profession that deals primarily with brain and nervous system disorders.  All ailments that affect the autonomic, peripheral or central nervous system can be classified as neurological disorders and may include those that involve the muscles, blood vessels, and nerves as well.  A doctor that specializes in this field is called a neurologist, while a neurosurgeon is one that specializes in the treatment of neurological diseases through surgical procedures.

Brain-related specialties, however, are not only what neurology is all about.  Other than epilepsy; migraines and headaches; brain cancer; cognitive and behavioral disorders; and traumatic brain injuries, such progressive disorders like Lou Gehrig’s and Huntington’s diseases; demyelinating diseases like multiple sclerosis; spinal cord disorders; diseases affecting the muscles and peripheral nerves; and neuromuscular junctions can also be tagged as neurological disorders.

The human nervous system is very extensive and a key to the proper diagnosis of neurological diseases is to localize its pathology.  This means that the origin of specific symptoms must be determined, and how it involves the nervous system, if at all.  This is also necessary in order to map out the right approach to treat and manage the disorder that eliminates trial and error.

Neurological tests that deal with mental status and cranial examinations are done, as well as those that are intended to examine the coordination, strength, reflexes and sensation.  After the necessary diagnostic procedures are concluded, the existence of a neurological disorder may either be ruled out or confirmed.

The requirements to study what is neurology vary around the world.  12 years of classroom and clinical training is the average, however.  In North America, specifically in the US and Canada, candidates are required to complete an undergraduate four-year course, a four-year degree in medicine proper, and another four-year residency training in the chosen field of specialization.  Students also have the option to go for further specialty training after completing the required residency.

In the UK and Ireland, candidates are required to complete anywhere between 5 to 9 years of in-medical schooling after which they become house officers in hospitals.  They will then need to pass an examination before they can resume neurology training.  In Germany, 1 year psychiatry training is included in the residency training requirements to specialize in neurology.

In many aspects, neurology and psychiatry seem to overlap.  Although some particular mental disorders are generally believed to be neurological ailments, they are actually classified as psychiatric disorders such as bipolar disorder and schizophrenia.  These two diseases are believed to be the result of a certain neurochemical imbalance.  However diagnosis and treatments are normally done by psychiatrists.

The overlap on what is neurology and what is psychiatry can likewise be seen in such known neurological ailments that manifest psychiatric symptoms like Parkinson’s, Huntington’s, and Alzheimer’s.  Thus, it is not uncommon for people afflicted with these illnesses to experience mood disorder, cognitive dysfunction, as well as depression.  These symptoms are treated by a psychiatrist, and not a neurologist.

Adenocarcinoma of the Lung

Posted by on October 12, 2011 No comments

The most common type of lung cancer is adenocarcinoma of the lung, which constitutes as much as 35% of all diagnosed cases of the cancer.  The last three decades saw the increase in the number of women afflicted with this particular type of lung cancer.  Ironically, the risk of developing the disease that usually does not manifest any symptoms is present for both smokers and non-smokers alike, although of varying degrees.

A majority of adenocarcinoma cases are discovered at the lungs’ outer edge.  Because of this, they often remain asymptomatic until they have developed into more advanced stages.  They usually show a thickening of the lining of the lungs (pleura) on an x-ray. In a lot of instances, they are only detected while conducting routine tests as no tests are usually done to specifically search for them.  The cancer is usually seen as a growth of 2 to 5 centimeters in size. 

More than half of all patients with adenocarcinoma of the lung are diagnosed by accident.  In most of these cases, the cancer growth is discovered while undergoing a routine x-ray.  The presence of an asymptomatic nodule usually leads to more tests to confirm the existence of the lung cancer. 

The fact that this type of cancer growth does not show any symptoms during the initial stages makes treatment more difficult as it is usually applied only on the latter stages of development.  As in most types of cancer, the odds for a successful treatment are considerably higher when the cancer growth is discovered early.

Symptoms

Lung adenocarcinoma normally begins to form on the outer edges of the lungs.  Because of this, the normal recognizable symptoms of lung cancer like chronic cough or coughing up blood, are not present and may manifest only during the more advanced stages of the disease.  This makes treatment more difficult.

The initial symptoms that can then be seen include mild shortness of breath; general lack of energy or fatigue; and chest, shoulder, or back pains.  Symptoms that may also manifest include insistent chest pain, loss of voice, various respiratory infections, effortless weight loss, worsening cough, loss of appetite, and swelling in the neck and face areas.

Diagnosis

Although the adenocarcinoma type of lung cancer is often initially diagnosed incidentally through a regular chest x-ray procedure while undergoing routine medical examination or while trying to find something else, other diagnostic procedures may also lead to the discovery of the lung cancer.  These procedures include bronchoscopy, chest CT or computer tomography, sputum cytology, and PET scan.

The results of the selected diagnostic method will determine whether the doctor will request for tissue samples in order to be able to confirm a proper diagnosis.  Additional tests may be done to find out if the tumor has metastasized or spread.  Tests for genetic change indicators (lung markers) that are associated with some known cases of adenocarcinoma of the lung may likewise be requested to help the oncologist in selecting the best plan to manage the disease.  As symptoms are not seen until the latter stages, medical attention should immediately be sought if there is any suspicion of lung adenocarcinoma.

Common Mononucleosis Symptoms

Posted by on October 11, 2011 1 comment

Mononucleosis, more commonly known as mono and teasingly called the kissing disease, is an infection that passes from one person to another through saliva. You don’t necessarily have to kiss someone who has mono to get infected. If you mistakenly use a mono patient’s toothbrush or share food utensils and glasses with him or her, you will get infected. Older adults don’t get mono, though, because their bodies are immune to the virus that causes it.

 

All the mononucleosis symptoms manifest in adolescents and young adults alone. So they are often the only ones who seek for treatment for mono. So what exactly are these mononucleosis symptoms?

 

Mono weakens who it affects to the point that he or she will feel constantly tired and weak. An affected person might get sore throat or even strep throat, and swollen tonsils, which antibiotics cannot relieve or get rid of. Along with headache and fever, a mono patient also suffers from rashes and swelling of the lymph nodes in his or her armpits and neck. He or she also sweats heavily during the night. His or her spleen, which is located in the upper left of the stomach, also becomes soft and swollen.

 

To make sure that your symptoms are those of mono and not of any other disease or virus, you must get a doctor’s opinion to rule out other possibilities. Get yourself screened for mono and the Epstein-Barr virus that causes it through blood tests like the monospot test to be sure.

 

The symptoms of mononucleosis can go away all even without getting treatment from a physician. Anyone affected with it will just have to submit himself to long hours of bed rest, eat healthy food and avoid heavily physical activities entirely for a few weeks.

 

Also, he or she should take care of every part of your body that feels unwell. Gargling with a saline solution can make a mono patient’s throat feel better. Taking paracetamol will also relieve a patient of his or her fever and headache. Within two weeks, his or her fever and sore throat will go away, and in the next few weeks, he or she will feel a lot less tired.

 

However, these actions do not always guarantee that a mono patient will get cured. If a mono patient does not feel and see any signs of getting better within a week or two of resting and eating healthy, he or she must go to the doctor. The worst case scenario would be if a mono patient experiences unbearable pain along the upper part of his or her tummy. This severe pain signals that his or her spleen is in a critical condition that it might have already burst from its heavy swelling.

 

The problem with the mononucleosis symptoms is that they only become visible about a month after you contracted the disease. So you have to be on guard in terms of with whom you are sharing your food utensils and glasses. You also have to make sure only you have access to your toothbrush.

 

What are the Causes of Bloating?

Posted by on October 11, 2011 No comments

Causes of Bloating

These days, you have to do everything fast so as not to waste time. Some people even make the mistake of eating their food too fast during lunch hour just so they can get back to work fast. It’s no wonder why many complain of having bloated stomachs. After all, eating too fast can cause bloating. But there are those who eat at a normal speed yet still regularly suffer from this stomach problem. This is because eating too fast is just one of the many causes of bloating.

 

So if you want to prevent your stomach from bloating for a long time, you have to be familiar with its causes. You have to be warned, though, that avoiding what causes bloating can be very difficult.

 

When at a party with a large buffet-style table, people tend to eat all they can to get a taste of everything on the table. Then, later, they complain of getting taxed for their overeating frenzy, through stomach problems, like bloating. If you want to keep your stomach free of bloating trouble, you should discipline yourself and partake of food in little portions. You should also eat slowly. Not only do you get bloated if you eat too fast, you also don’t get to savor the flavors of what you’re eating, so take time when eating your food.

 

If you habitually smoke to reduce your stress levels, your smoking habit and the stress you feel might contribute to your bloating. Your stress or anxiety due to certain problems might manifest itself physically through bloating, so make sure to give yourself time to relax.

 

While fatty foods are definitely tasty, they are causes of bloating, too. If you eat too much fatty food, your stomach will have to work doubly hard just to digest the fats, so it takes some time before your stomach empties. This is why fats take the narrowest space in dietary pyramids. Other foods that can cause bloating are baked beans, and the following fruits and vegetables: broccoli, carrots, cauliflower, apricots and prunes, among others.

 

While chewing gum after eating might keep your breath fresh, it also causes bloating. So do eating hard candy and drinking carbonated drinks, so lay off of those if you don’t want to get bloated.

 

Also, while fiber does help speed up the processes of your digestive system, it can cause bloating. While it is a carbohydrate, it cannot be easily digested by your stomach. So eat your whole grain bread slices slowly. To make the fiber work it’s magic on your digestive system, drink lots of water when eating a fiber-rich treat.

 

The causes of bloating are obviously difficult to avoid. To fully eliminate chances of getting bloated, you’ll have to eat less of the good stuff, most of which are healthy. Hence, maybe you should just focus on regulating the speed at which you eat, and on making sure you eat just enough during meals. Look for foods that can satisfy your hunger for an extended length of time, so you won’t be tempted to eat too much.

 

Osteoarthritis Symptoms And Treatment

Posted by on October 11, 2011 No comments

Those who regularly play active sports know that their athletic activities put them at risk of physical pain. They believe the pain they get can be relieved through resting, and drinking lots of water and a tablet of pain reliever, so they just shrug it off. But getting their joints injured puts them at the risk of experiencing osteoarthritis, which causes chronic pain that cannot be relieved just by rest and pain relievers. So what exactly is this disease?

 

Osteoarthritis Symptoms

 

You might already be familiar with what arthritis is– a term covering all diseases concerning joint inflammation. Well, osteoarthritis is its most common form it takes. What this disease destroys are the cartilages in people’s joints. Because cartilages are the parts of your joints that absorb shock from physical pressure, as they slowly wear out due to your age or when they get damaged, you feel pain more easily.

 

Most people get affected by the disease the moment they hit 60 but this doesn’t mean younger adults cannot get it. People who get their joints injured from extreme and straining physical activities or from accidents may get the disease. The physical activities mentioned are not just limited to sports. They also include activities required of certain occupations, like constant heavy lifting for construction jobs. Lack of engagement in physical activities can also cause the disease for those who are obese.

 

There are also those who unfortunately have joint deformities, thus increasing their chances of developing the disease. Those who have Paget’s disease of bone, gout, or septic arthritis are also at risk. Typically, though, the older you get the likelier you’ll get it, more so if you are a woman. So how do you know if you have the disease?

 

The joints it usually affects are those of the fingers, spine, hip and knees. If any of these is/are affected, the pain it/they experience is chronic and becomes worse into the night. The bones of affected fingers usually become larger and when painful, they swell. The hips and the knees bear the weight of people’s bodies so when strained due to repetitive bending, kneeling or squatting; they are put at risk of the disease. As the spine supports the torso, if it gets the disease, other parts of the body, like the legs and arms, might weaken.

Osteoarthritis Treatment

 

If based on the said symptoms, you think you have the disease and have tried killing the pain with pain relievers to no avail, you should consult already doctor. It’s also common for people to confuse osteoarthritis with other forms of arthritis so ask a doctor to clarify what you’re experiencing. Also, sometimes, the swelling that comes with the disease is also mistaken as gout.

 

If the pain you feel in a particular joint has disabled you from undertaking any physical activity that involves it, head to a hospital near you. Also, if you get injuries from your athletic activities, get the injured part of your body checked to know if it’s affected with the disease.

 

Best Weight Loss Websites To Check Out

Posted by on October 11, 2011 No comments

Today, the lifestyle of an average person consists of lunches and dinners at fast food restaurants and less than the recommended eight hours of sleep. Because of the tough economy, most people need to log in longer hours at work just to earn enough to sustain them and their families. Because they always have to be on the go, instead of cooking, they just rely on fast food restaurants for their meals. But these unhealthy eating and sleeping habits cannot be done without having a price to pay. In fact, they are the root of one of the most pressing health issues today– obesity.

 

Because weight loss is sometimes associated with anorexia and people’s obsession with having model-like figures, its health benefits are not given adequate attention. There are many who are overweight and on the way to obesity and therefore need to follow a healthy weight loss regimen. They have to lose weight not just to look good but also to become healthy. Luckily, they can turn to weight loss websites to guide them on their dieting journey.

 

What these websites offer are not just online diaries where they can track their weight loss progress. These websites on weight loss also act as online support groups for those who are dieting. Apart from this, they also have a lot of interactive features that entice dieters to fully commit to a healthy lifestyle. Here are some of these websites:

 

SparkPeople is one of the few websites that offer their diet tools for free. You don’t have to pay a monthly fee just to create your weekly meal plan on the website. If you love cooking, the site has easy-to-follow videos on cooking. If you think you have very little chance of getting fit, get inspired by reading success stories featured in the site. Of course, the site also allows you to interact with fellow dieters through its blogs and forums. Also, the site rewards loyalty and you SparkPoints, which you can exchange for prizes like exercise DVDs, whenever you log in.

 

Popular because of its many celebrity endorses; WeightWatchers is probably the most well-known of all the best weight loss websites. The site helps you choose hunger-satisfying and healthy foods that can sustain you for long hours. If you want to start eating healthy but have no time to cook, this website provides healthy eating tips you can follow when eating out. The website also helps you monitor what food you eat, plus it can help you track your weekly progress using charts.

 

If you’re the competitive type, ActiveLog can tap into your competitive spirit to push you to lose weight faster. Through the website, you can make and accept weight-loss-related challenges from other registered users of the site. What differentiates this website from other weight loss websites is that it approaches your diet holistically. It does not just help you track your meals and physical exercises. It also helps you monitor changes in your body measurements, fatigue levels and emotional health.

 

Find us on: