Health Diseases

Top Travellers Diseases

2011-03-16T21:37:00.000+05:00

When going on a trip whether overseas or just a state away, there is always the chance that you may get sick. There are several diseases that you should avoid contracting while traveling. Here we will cover the 10 most common diseases you can get while traveling.
10. Hepatitis A

Hepatitis A is a viral disease that attacks the liver. This disease is prominent in Africa, Latin America, India, and Mexico. Although it is rarely fatal, getting Hepatitis A can still be a miserable experience. Common symptoms include fever, nausea, abdominal discomfort, and a few days later jaundice.

In order to prevent contracting this disease, there is a vaccine that you should take about 4 weeks before taking a trip; follow up with the booster shot 6-12 months later.
9. Hepatitis B

Hepatitis B is similar to Hepatitis A in that it attacks the liver. However it is a far more dangerous strain of Hepatitis and can cause death among other things if not treated. This disease is found in Africa, Southeast Asia, the Middle East, and the Pacific Islands; however, in rare cases, people have been diagnosed with the disease in America, meaning there is an extreme outside chance you might catch it during your next Richmond extended stay or Houston lodging excursion. When the disease is found in the U.S., it is generally because someone has traveled abroad and brought the disease back with them to the States, much like an unwelcome foreign step aunt.

The symptoms are the same as Hepatitis A as well, but the prevention is a larger series of shots. Three doses of the vaccine should be gotten 6 months before you travel anywhere where you are likely to contract this disease.
8. Cholera

cholera-boy

Cholera is a bacterial disease which affects the intestines. This disease is found in Indonesia, Asia, Eastern Europe, and Africa. Some of the symptoms of Cholera include vomiting, diarrhea, and dehydration.

There are several things you can do to avoid getting Cholera. There is a vaccine you can get before you travel that is at least 50 percent affective. Another thing you can do to avoid getting cholera is to avoid eating uncooked food and to boil all your drinking water.
7. Japanese Encephalitis

Japanese Encephalitis is a very fatal disease attacks your central nervous system. This disease can be gotten when traveling in the agricultural regions of Asia. You contract this disease from the bite of an infected mosquito. The symptoms for this disease are tricky. They can either be nonexistent or they can resemble the flu with vomiting, chills, headache, tiredness, and diarrhea.

There are a couple things you can do to avoid getting this disease. You can try to avoid being around anywhere that has standing water, especially if you see bugs around it. There is also a vaccine that is over 90 percent affective if taken in two doses.
6. Meningitis

meningitis

Meningitis is a bacterial disease that infects the blood stream or the lining of the spinal cord and brain. It is most commonly found in the sub Saharan Africa although it has been known to be in Saudi Arabia. You can catch this disease if you come into direct contact with infected people’s coughing or sneezing. Some of the symptoms of meningitis include fever, headache, nausea and vomiting, and a stiff neck.

You can avoid getting this disease by steering clear of people who are sick, so they cannot cough or sneeze on you. There is also a vaccine and some antibiotics that will help.
5. Tetanus

Tetanus, also called lock jaw, is a bacterial disease that affects all of your central nervous system. This disease can happen anywhere. You can get tetanus if you have an open wound that becomes contaminated with the bacterial organism. Some signs that you have tetanus include a stiff jaw, stiff neck,, fever, hard time swallowing, tight abdomen, and sometimes spasms.

A way to avoid this disease is to make sure that any open wounds you have are cleaned out and bandaged well, to avoid getting anything in them until they heal. The vaccine you can get is one hundred percent effective. It is best if you get the vaccine every ten years, if you do a lot of traveling. This disease can be fatal if left untreated.
4. Typhoid Fever

Typhoid Fever is a disease that infects the intestinal tract and sometimes also your bloodstream. You are at greater risk of getting this disease if you travel to India or the lower income countries of Asia, Africa, and Central and South America. Some of the symptoms are a sudden fever, nausea, loss of appetite, and can sometimes follow with a hoarse cough and diarrhea.
If you want to avoid getting this disease, stay away from any food or water that may have salmonella. You can make sure of this by always boiling any water you drink or use and cooking your food thoroughly before you eat it. There is also a vaccine that is pretty effective in preventing you from contracting this disease.
3. Yellow Fever

You can get yellow fever from the bite of an infected mosquito. Yellow fever is a viral disease found in Sub Saharan Africa, and tropical South America. Common symptoms of this disease are fever, headache, vomiting, and backache. As the disease gets worse your pulse will get weaker, your gums may bleed, and you may find blood in your urine.

Some obvious ways to avoid getting this disease are to stay away from standing water and avoid areas that are prevalent with insects. There is also a vaccine that lasts up to 15 days each time you get it.
2. Diarrhea

diarrhea-comic

This disease can happen anywhere, in fact you have probably already had it at least once in your life. As you may well know, diarrhea is when your bowel movements are less solid than normal. You can actually catch this disease if you drink or eat something that is contaminated with it.
You can avoid getting diarrhea by not eating uncooked food or drinking non boiled water. If you do get diarrhea, make sure you have Pepto-Bismol or Imodium with you.
1. Malaria

You can get Malaria from more than forty percent of the world. Some countries where this disease is more common are Sub Saharan Africa, Central and South America, Southeast Asia, and the Middle East. Malaria is a severe disease caused by a parasite and it can be fatal. This disease is transmitted through the bite of an infected mosquito. Malaria symptoms are flulike in nature and include fever, chills, headache, muscle aches, and tiredness.

To avoid getting malaria, stay away from standing water. Also try to avoid places that are prone to having insects. There are also four different drugs that can be taken before and during your trip to help you avoid getting this disease.

There you have it, the top ten most common traveling diseases. Do not let this scare you into not taking your business trip or vacation. Merely make sure you are prepared so that if something does happen to you, you will only suffer mildly.

Top Rarest Diseases

2011-03-16T21:35:00.000+05:00

Also called orphan diseases, rare diseases are those that are extremely uncommon and often have such low prevalence that a common doctor would not run into more than one case of that disease over a course of years, if ever. The most uncommon diseases that human kind faced are usually of genetic type. There are more than 6,000 rare diseases listed in the US Office of Rare Diseases today. There is no single definition accepted yet to define the term rare disease, but in the United States, a certain disease can be considered rare if affects less than 200,000 people and less than 1 in 2,000 people in European Union Countries.
Here is the list of 15 most uncommon illnesses ever, that affect humans:
1. Ribose-5-phosphate isomerase deficiency

Ribose-5-phosphate isomerase deficiency (RPI deficiency) is a human disorder caused by mutations in the pentose phosphate pathway enzyme ribose-5-phosphate isomerase. With a single diagnosed patient, RPI deficiency is currently considered to be the rarest disease in the world.
The affected person was a boy born in 1984 and diagnosed by MRI as suffering from a white matter disease (leukoencephalopathy) . Analysis of SPECT profiles indicated an increase in the polyols arabitol, ribitol and erithrol. This discovery later led to the identification of the disease-causing mutations, a premature stop codon and a missense mutation in the RPI gene. Since the report of this first case in 1999, no further patients have been diagnosed. In the search for an explanation for this rarity, it has been found that the patient suffers from a seldom-seen allelic combination. One allele is a non-functional null allele, while the other encodes for a partially-active enzyme. Furthermore, the partially-functional allele has expression deficits that depend on the cell type in which it is expressed. Therefore, some of the patient’s cells have a considerable amount of RPI activity, whereas others do not. The molecular cause of the pathology is not fully understood. One hypothesis is that ribose-5-phosphate may lack for RNA synthesis; another possibility is that the accumulation of D-ribitol and D-arabitol may be toxic.
2. Carpenter syndrome

Also called acrocephalopolysyndactyly type II, is an extremely rare autosomal recessive congenital disorder characterized by craniofacial malformations, obesity, and syndactyly.
Carpenter syndrome presents several features: tower-shaped skull (craniosynostosis); additional or fused digits (fingers and toes); obesity; reduced height. Mental deficiency is also common with the disorder, although some patients may have average intellectual capacity.
Carpenter Syndrome belongs to a group of rare genetic disorders known as acrocephalopolysyndactyly, abbreviated ACPS (RN, 2007). There were originally five types of ACPS, but this number has been decreased because they have been found to be closely related to one another or to other disorders (Paul A. Johnson, 2002). The most common physical manifestation of Carpenter Syndrome is early fusing of the fibrous cranial sutures which results in an abnormally pointed head. The fusion of the skull bones is evident from birth (National Organization for Rare Disorders, Inc., 2008). Babies’ mobile cranial bones form a cone shape as the pass through the birth canal and soon thereafter return to a normal shape; however, a baby affected by carpenter syndrome maintains a cone shaped head.
A baby affected by Carpenter Syndrome will also display malformations of the face. An individual affected by the syndrome may have broad cheeks, a flat nasal bridge, and a wide upturned nose with abnormally large nasal openings.
3. Progressive Multifocal Leukoencephalopathy (PML)

Progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML) is a neurological disorder characterized by destruction of the myelin, an oily substance that helps protect nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord, also known as central nervous system (CNS) white matter. It is caused by a virus called JC virus (JCV), named after the initials of the patient in whom it was first discovered. The virus is widespread, found in at least 85% of the general adult population. It remains inactive in healthy individuals and causes disease only when the immune system has been severely weakened, such as in people with HIV/AIDS, or hematological malignancies, and in organ transplant recipients who receive immuno- suppressant medications to avoid rejection of the transplanted organ. Altogether, PML occurs in approximately one in 250,000 people.
The term “progressive” in PML means that the disease continues to get worse and often leads to serious brain damage. The term “multifocal” means that JCV causes disease in multiple parts of the brain. However, it is possible for an individual with PML to have only one brain lesion instead of several lesions. The term “leukoencephalopathy” means that the disease affects mainly the white matter of the brain or myelin, although there are some rare cases in which the gray matter neurons is also involved.
4. Zimmermann-Laband syndrome (ZLS)

Also known as Laband Zimmermann syndrome, and Laband’s Syndrome, is an extremely rare autosomal dominant congenital disorder.
Symptoms include gingival fibromatosis, associated with hypoplasia of the distal phalanges, nail dysplasia, joint hypermobility, and sometimes hepatosplenomegaly. The nose and pinnae are usually large and poorly developed, which gives the individuals with the syndrome abnormal facial characteristics. Mental retardation may also occur. Both males and females are equally affected. Gingival fibromatosis is usually present at birth or appears short after. The term Zimmermann-Laband was coined by Carl Jacob Witkop in 1971. Zimmerman-Laband syndrome is inherited in an autosomal dominant pattern. This means the defective gene is located on an autosome, and only one copy of the gene is sufficient to cause the disorder, when inherited from a parent who has the disorder.
5. Paraneoplastic Neurologic Syndromes (PNS)

Paraneoplastic neurologic syndromes (PNS) are a group of conditions that affect the nervous system (brain, spinal cord, nerves and/or muscles) in patients with cancer. The term “paraneoplastic” means that the neurological syndrome is not caused by the tumor itself, but by the immunological reactions that the tumor produces. It is believed that the body’s normal immunological system interprets the tumor as an invasion. When this occurs, the immunological system mounts an immune response, utilizing antibodies and lymphocytes to fight the tumor. The end result is that the patient’s own immune system can cause collateral damage to the nervous system, which can sometimes be severe. In many patients, the immune response can cause nervous system damage that far exceeds the damage done to the tumor. The effects of PNS can remit entirely, although there can also be permanent effects.
6. Pfeiffer syndrome

It is a genetic disorder characterized by the premature fusion of certain bones of the skull (craniosynostosis), which prevents further growth of the skull and affects the shape of the head and face. It is named after Rudolf Arthur Pfeiffer who, in 1964, described a list of features that included a coronal synostosis, turribachycephaly (high prominent forehead) and maxillary hypoplasia (eyes that appear to bulge, but are actually due to small underlying cheek bones). Pfeiffer syndrome affects about 1 in 130,000 births.
7. Dercum’s Disease

Dercum’s disease is an extremely rare disorder characterized by multiple, painful growths consisting of fatty tissue (lipomas). These growths mainly occur on the trunk, the upper arms and upper legs and are found just below the skin (subcutaneously). Pain associated with Dercum’s disease can often be severe. Pain may be caused by these growths pressing on nearby nerves. Dercum’s disease mainly occurs in adults and more women are affected than men. In some cases, affected individuals may also experience weight gain, depression, lethargy, and/or confusion. The exact cause of Dercum’s disease is unknown.
8. Winchester syndrome

Is a rare congenital connective tissue disease described in 1969, of which the main characteristics are short stature, marked contractures of joints, opacities in the cornea, a coarse face, dissolution of the carpal and tarsal bones (in the hands and feet respectively) and osteoporosis. Appearances resembled rheumatoid arthritis. Increased uronic acid was demonstrated in cultured fibroblasts from the skin and to a lesser degree in both parents. Despite initial tests not showing increased mucopolysaccharide excretion, the disease was regarded as a mucopolysaccharidosis.
In 2005 a patient with Winchester syndrome was shown to have mutations in the matrix metalloproteinase 2 (MMP2) gene. A 2006 study showed other mutations in the same gene, and observed that Winchester syndrome is probably part of a continuum that also includes Torg syndrome and nodulosis-arthropathy-osteolysis syndrome (NAO).
9. Meleda disease (MDM)

Also called “mal de Meleda”, also called Mljet disease, keratosis palmoplantaris and transgradiens of siemens, (also known as “Acral keratoderma,” “Mutilating palmoplantar keratoderma of the Gamborg-Nielsen type,” “Palmoplantar ectodermal dysplasia type VIII”, and “Palmoplantar keratoderma of the Norrbotten type”) is an extremely rare autosomal recessive congenital skin disorder in which dry, thick patches of skin develop on the soles of the hands and feet, a condition known as palmoplantar hyperkeratosis. MDM is most common on the Dalmatian island of Mljet (or Meleda), thought to be because of a founder effect. It is of autosomal recessive inheritance. It may be caused by a mutation on the SLURP1 gene, located on chromosome 8.
10. Familial Idiopathic Basal Ganglia Calcifications (Fahr’s Disease)

Fahr’s Disease is a rare degenerative neurological disorder characterized by the presence of abnormal calcium deposits (calcifications) and associated cell loss in certain areas of the brain (e.g., basal ganglia). The condition is often referred to as idiopathic basal ganglia calcification or IBGC because there is no apparent explanation for such calcification in these brain regions (idiopathic). Associated symptoms include progressive deterioration of cognitive abilities (dementia) and loss of acquired motor skills. As the condition progresses, paralysis may develop that is associated with increased muscle stiffness (rigidity) and restricted movements (spastic paralysis). Additional abnormalities may include relatively slow, involuntary, continual writhing movements (athetosis) or chorea, a related condition characterized by irregular, rapid, jerky movements. In some affected individuals, there may also be gradual deterioration of the nerve fibers that transmit impulses from the retinas to the brain (optic atrophy), a condition associated with partial or near complete visual impairment.
According to reports in the medical literature, Fahr’s Disease is often familial. Familial Fahr’s Disease may be transmitted as an autosomal recessive trait or, in other affected families (kindreds), may have autosomal dominant inheritance. In other instances, the condition appears to occur randomly for unknown reasons (sporadically). Some experts suggest that the condition may sometimes result from an unidentified infection during pregnancy affecting the developing fetus (intrauterine infection).
11. Neuromyelitis Optica (Devic’s disease)

Neuromyelitis optica, also known as Devic disease (DD), is a chronic disorder of nerve tissue characterized by inflammation of the optic nerve (optic neuritis) and inflammation of the spinal cord (myelitis). There appear to be two forms of this disease. In the classical, but less common type, there is a series of attacks over a short period of time (days or weeks) but, after the initial outburst, there are seldom repeat incidents. The second form is more common and is characterized by repeated attacks separated by periods of remission. In this form, the interval between attacks may be weeks, months or years. In its early stages, Devic disease may be confused with multiple sclerosis.
12. Esthesioneuroblastoma

Esthesioneuroblastoma is a rare form of cancer involving nasal cavity and believed to arise from the olfactory epithelium. It can cause loss of vision, sight and taste. It is often considered synonymous with “olfactory neuroblastoma”, but the tissue of origin is not yet well characterized. Associated with Trisomy 8. It was first characterized in 1924. According to the BBC, only 200 cases of the disease have been recorded worldwide in the past two decades. A 1997 medical publications search identified 1,457 cases in the published literature since its discovery in 1924, however 487 were cited in more than one paper, bringing the total of reported cases to 945.
Several surgical approaches have been described, but post-excision recurrence rates have remained very high. The disease was brought into prominence by the case of Chantal Sébire, who was suffering from the disease and ended her life after being denied euthanasia.
13. Landau Kleffner Syndrome

Landau–Kleffner syndrome (LKS), also called infantile acquired aphasia, acquired epileptic aphasia or aphasia with convulsive disorder, is a very rare, childhood neurological syndrome.
It is named for William Landau and Frank Kleffner, who characterized it in 1957. Landau Kleffner syndrome (LKS) is also characterized by the loss of comprehension and expression of verbal language (aphasia) in association with severely abnormal electroencephalic (EEG) findings that often result in seizures. LKS affects the parts of the brain that control comprehension and speech (Broca’s area and Wernicke’s area). The disorder usually occurs in children between the ages of 5 and 7 years. Typically, children with LKS develop normally but then lose their language skills. While many of the affected individuals have clinical seizures, some only have electrographic seizures, including electrographic status epilepticus of sleep (ESES).
14. Alpha-1-Antitrypsin Deficiency (A1AD)

Alpha-1 Antitrypsin Deficiency (A1AD) is a hereditary disorder characterized by low levels of a protein called alpha-1 antitrypsin (A1AT) which is found circulating in the blood. This inherited deficiency blocks A1AT primarily produced in the Liver, from release to the blood stream and predisposes an individual to several symptomatic illnesses, but most commonly appears as emphysema, often progressive liver cirrhosis and rarely, as a skin condition called panniculitis. A deficiency of A1AT allows substances that break down protein (proteolytic enzymes) to attack various tissues of the body. This results in destructive changes in the lungs (emphysema). The primary build up of unreleased A1AT in the liver may lead to cirrhosis and affect the skin. Alpha-1 Antitrypsin is produced in the liver ordinarily released by specialized, granular white blood cells (neutrophils) in response to infection or inflammation. A deficiency of Alpha-1 Antitrypsin in the blood stream results in unbalanced (relatively unopposed) rapid breakdown of proteins (protease activity), especially in the supporting elastic structures of the lungs.
This destruction over many years leads to emphysema and is accelerated by smoking and air pollution, often in occupational exposures. The inherited disease is often undiagnosed as environmental triggered COPD the #4 cause of death in the United States. The inherited lung diseases progression, when diagnosed is often treatable using a protein replacement therapy.
15. Cyclic Vomiting Syndrome (CVS)

Cyclic vomiting syndrome (CVS) is a rare disorder characterized by recurrent episodes of severe nausea and vomiting. An episode may last for a few hours to several days and then is followed by a period of time during which affected individuals are free of severe nausea and vomiting. This alternating pattern of disease and disease-free periods distinguishes cyclic vomiting syndrome from other similar disorders. The associated nausea and vomiting can be severe enough to be incapacitating (e.g., individuals may be unable to walk or talk and/or be bedridden). Additional symptoms that are often present during an episode including paleness of the skin (pallor), lack of energy (lethargy), abdominal pain and headaches. In some cases as children grow older, they may outgrow these episodes, although many of these children eventually develop migraines. Cyclic vomiting syndrome affects children more often than adults. In adults, episodes occur less frequently, but may last longer. The exact cause of cyclic vomiting syndrome is unknown.

The Most Common Disease Caused by Smoking

2011-03-16T21:33:00.000+05:00

5 Common Diseases cause by smoking 5 Common Diseases Caused by Smoking

The most common disease that smoking causes is cancer. Many people mistakenly think that only lung cancer is caused by smoking, but this is not correct. Many different types of cancer can be brought on by smoking tobacco, or from inhaling second hand smoke.
Fatal Diseases Caused by Smoking

Naturally, cancer can be fatal – and often is, but there are other conditions that smoking causes which are also fatal. One such disease is Asthma. Most people don’t realize that Asthma can indeed be fatal – rescue inhalers don’t always do the trick.

Another fatal disease that is caused by this bad habit is stroke. A stroke may not initially kill you – or it may – but if it doesn’t, it definitely shortens your life, and of course changes the quality of your life as well.

Additional respiratory problems that are caused by smoking include Chronic Bronchitis, Emphysema, and Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease, or COPD. You may continue smoking because you enjoy it. Inhaling that smoke and exhaling it relaxes you. You might ask yourself how relaxing or enjoyable it is going to be when you can’t pull in a good breath of air at all, including cigarette smoke.
Non-Fatal Diseases Caused by Smoking

Surprisingly, there is a non-fatal problem that is caused by smoking, although few people realize it. Smoking can contribute to impotence issues in men. This is because nicotine narrows the arteries significantly, and in order to get an erection, blood must be able to flow through the arteries efficiently. In terms of smoking blocking arteries, too many people think this only pertains to the arteries that lead to the heart, and never consider the other important arteries in the body.

In the end, you have to ask yourself, honestly, if the potential health issues related to smoking are worth it. If you believe that they are, you might want to take time out to visit someone who is currently suffering from one of these diseases caused by smoking, to get a better sense of the consequences, and just how those consequences affect your life – or your ability to stay alive.
Most of the people who decide to quit smoking do so because they realize how much damage it brings to their health. This is a reasonable concern, because half of smokers die from a smoking-related disease.

Here are the types of health problems which devoted smokers can expect:

• Lung problems

It is obvious that an individual’s lungs suffer severely from smoking. Almost all smokers cough a lot; the reason is that smoke blocks air in small air cells. This disease is called emphysema. It shortens one’s breath and limits their physical activity. Another serious lung problem is chronic bronchitis. When these two diseases occur together, they are called “chronic obstructive pulmonary disease” or COPD for short. As a rule, it develops in a smoker’s body by the age of 40, and worsens with time, sometimes becoming fatal.

In 2004 it was discovered that even pneumonia can be a result of smoking. Pneumonia is an inflammation of the lungs which can be mild, but often develops into a serious life-threatening condition.

The primary reason for the development of lung cancer is smoking. Ninety percent of people that die from lung cancer originally contracted it from smoking.

• Cancer

Even though lung cancer is often caused by smoking, it is not the only kind you can acquire by smoking. Cancers of the mouth, throat (pharynx), voice-box (larynx), esophagus, kidney, pancreas, bladder, cervix, or stomach can also be a possible result of long-term smoking. In fact, 30% of all cancer deaths are caused by smoking.

An interesting study has been published by The Lancet science journal. It says if a girl starts smoking in her teens she has a higher chance of developing breast cancer before she reaches menopause. Her risk even doubles when she initiates smoking within 5 years of her first menstrual cycle.

• Heart attacks and blood-connected diseases

The greatest damage to smokers’ bodies is done to their blood vessels, not to their lungs as many people believe. Carbon monoxide that people inhale while smoking takes the place of pure oxygen in the blood, damaging cells and helping fat and plaque to stick to the vessel’s walls, clogging them.

The human brain considers nicotine as a poison, therefore when it enters the body, the brain gives a command to release stored fat into the blood, in order to release more energy for fighting the poison. Since regular smokers breathe in nicotine constantly, blood vessels get filled with fat, becoming unable to carry blood efficiently.

Smoking also hardens the arteries: new vessels grow inside of the existing ones which makes the process of clogging and narrowing even easier. This is called vascularization.

The most common result of the processes mentioned above is either a heart attack or stroke. Smoking is in fact a dangerous habit!

• Risks for women and babies

Smoking brings even more damage to women’s bodies than it does to men’s. Breast cancer is not their only risk. Studies show that smoking shortens women’s lives by 14.5 years (men’s are shortened by 13). As a rule, female smokers have a higher risk of heart attack, strokes and blood clots in their legs than do men.

Smoking also affects pregnancy and childbirth functions. The percentage of miscarriage or low birth-weight is substantially higher.

Measles

2011-03-16T21:28:00.000+05:00

Measles Symptoms Signs Definition Infectious Diseases Tips Facts Health Fitness Care Healthy Measles Symptoms Children

Measles, a highly infectious disease, is very common in childhood. It is so common at this stage of life that nearly all children everywhere in the world go through this brief period of red spots. The disease appears in epidemic form, often in the winter season.

Measles Symptoms Signs:-

(1) The first symptoms which appear during 7 to 14 days after exposure to the virus are feverishness, cold, watering of the eyes and dry cough.

(2) Rashes appear on the skin in three to five days after the onset of these signs.

(3) These rashes, which consist of small rounded spots with reddened skin in between, initially appear on the sides of the face and the neck and then gradually spread all over the body, appearing last on the extremities. Initially pink in color, these rashes grow darker as time passes.

(4) Measles is usually accompanied with slight fever and diarrhea. In rare cases of great severity, high fever and delirium may occur.

(5) Complications which can arise from this disease include pneumonia, bronchitis, and ear abscess. One serious but rare complication is the inflammation of the brain.

Legionnaires’ disease

2011-03-16T21:26:00.000+05:00

Legionnaires' disease is a rare form of pneumonia, which is also called Legionellosis. It was named after the first outbreak, which occurred in an American hotel, which was hosting a convention of the Pennsylvania Department of the American Legion.
It is generally contracted by inhaling mists from water sources like showers, whirlpool baths and cooling towers which have become infected with the bacteria.
The most common cause of the disease is contaminated air conditioning systems; it cannot be passed from one person to another.

What are the symptoms?

Legionnaires' has an incubation period of between two to 10 days. The first symptoms are similar to flu - headaches, muscle pain and a general feeling of being unwell.
These progress to high fever, the chills, nausea, vomiting and diarrhoea.
On the second or third day the patient usually gets a dry cough and sometimes chest pains and they may have difficulty breathing.
Some patients also suffer from confusion; disorientation; hallucination and a loss of memory. Some also get pneumonia.

Will I die?

Legionnaires' disease does have a high fatality rate of about 5% to 15%. But if the disease is caught early enough the prognosis is better and patients are able to be treated with antibiotics. Those with chronic diseases such as diabetes, cancer or serious kidney problems are extremely vulnerable if they catch the disease. Smokers and alcoholics are also more vulnerable.

If you are concerned about making your hotel water supply as safe as possible, one way to do this is to run the taps in the bathroom for a few minutes with the bathroom door closed. When the steam has settled you can then use the bathroom taps. This gets rid of air bubbles in the pipes which may harbour the bug. Hotels should regularly check the systems themselves, but sometimes rooms can be left unoccupied for some time.

Firms and buildings should also ensure that they carry out good engineering practices and regularly check the operation and maintenance of air and water handling systems.

Swine Flu

2011-03-16T21:21:00.002+05:00

SWINEFLU UPDATE

This article is intended only for informative & educational purposes. It is not intended to replace the advice of your G.P or a specialist.

On the 29th April 2009 we sent an email to some of our clients with email addresses. In that email, we discussed what the swine flu is all about and discouraged them to rush to have an anti-viral jab against the swine flu. Please read on to find out why we are not in favour of the anti-viral jabs. On the 27h May, we sent a mail shot to all our existing clients. This article is an update with certain modifications.

What is the Swine Flu?

It is a respiratory disease affecting pigs that is caused by Type A influenza.
Most outbreaks occur during late Fall and winter months similar to those influenza outbreaks in humans. The current strain A(H1N1) is a new variation of an H1N1 virus which causes seasonal flu outbreaks in humans. Swine flu viruses that cause diseases in pigs rarely affect humans. But sporadic human infections with swine flu have occurred and there are documented cases of human to human spread of swine flu. On Wednesday 29th April, 09, the World health organization raised its pandemic alert level to five on its six level threat scale. By raising the level to five, it means that there are reasons to believe that the virus is capable of human to human transmission. Not long after that, the level was raised to Level 6.

But Level six, will not necessarily mean that there is a World wide crisis with scores of people dying! All that a pandemic mean is that a new infectious disease spreading throughout the World. So far the Swine Flu has claimed the lives of 332 people (as of July 1st, 2009). Of these 116 were from Mexico. It is relevant and appropriate to note that the greater majority, if not all those who died already had major health complications! As a result of the increased alert level, a fast track swine flu vaccine was promptly ordered and will be ready as early as July 2009.

Many health Organisations are probably celebrating the arrival of the new vaccine. But there is no reason why you should join in the celebrations. As a matter of fact, you should have more reasons to fear the new vaccine than the actual swine flu itself.

With the fast track program, there is virtually no time to have sufficient clinical trials to ensure the safety of the new vaccine nor as we submit, sufficient time to properly identify what is the appropriate vaccine! In consequence, our children and those in the health service may be the first line of guinea pigs to receive the vaccine.

On 4th July, 2009, The Daily Mail in England reported that the Swine Flu can kill up to 40 people a day in the U.K and predicts that millions will be affected by the end of August.

The common symptoms of the swine flu may include some or all of the following:

Fever
Coughing
Running nose and or sore throat
Joint aches
Severe ache
Vomiting and or diarrhoea
Lethargy
Lack of appetite.

As can be seen, the symptoms often resemble that of either a common cold or a flu.

The pandemic flu panic has a very strong impact on the people in Mexico, America and also part of Asia such as Hong Kong. In Hong Kong, people rush to their pharmacies to stock up tamiflu and other anti-viral drugs. The declarations of public emergency only go to help the pharmaceutical companies in the pandemic flu business.. Behind the scene, many governments and health officials are preparing the way for future quarantine and mass vaccinations that have been approved by the FDA regulations.
A public health emergency has become the pretext to rush to market experimental drugs and vaccines that are not subject to product liability in the American Civil courts!

The following is appropriate considerations:

There are more people dying from the regular flu than the swine flu. At least 13,000 people die each year from the regular flu in the U.S. alone. Those who died from the swine flu already have some sort of health complications.

The last swine flu threat happened in 1976; it resulted in massive swine flu vaccine. But within a few months there were claims totalling $1.3 billion from victims who had suffered with some form of paralysis from the flu vaccine. Several hundred people developed crippling the Guillian-Barre Syndrome after their injections.

The Swine Flu jabs when ready no will Tamiflu give a cure against the Swine Flu; it only shorten the recovery time by a day or so. If that is the case, why take the risk of having a jab when there are more appropriate alternatives that do not bring about unnecessarily risks?

For a very long time, I have become very sceptical of the media and also certain researches conducted by so called professors and so called scientists. Many of these researches are sponsored by the drug industry and are therefore very biased!

We urge you not to rush into having an anti-viral jab without being fully informed and after having completed your own research. The internet offers a wealth of information. Before you rush into having an anti-viral jab, consider that there are more natural ways to stay healthy. These include washing your hands frequently, drinking plenty of pure water, getting enough exercises, rest and sunshine, lowering stress and above all, consider the importance of certain supplements. We shall delve into this after we have finished with our discussion of the swine flu.

The anti-viral jab may or may not help!

So what if I am personally infected with the Swine flu? Will I rush to get an anti-viral jab? The answer is clearly No!. I will get plenty of rest, drink lots of pure water and most importantly ensure that I take all the supplements that I described in this article. The sauna and the steam room in a gym provide much relief than the anti-viral jab. Needless to say, if you catch the Swine Flu, it is our advice that unless you have a sauna at home you should stay at home and not pass it on.

You would remember the SARS outbreak 5 – 6 years ago. Because the illness was caused by a virus, there was no definitive treatment. Worldwide, there were more than 2700 cases but only about a hundred deaths. Those who died were already in poor health or had another unrelated serious illness of some sort!

Likewise, consider that this is the hay fever season. Many of the hay fever syndrome usually occurred during late Spring or early Summer. Many “cold” and “flu” cases are easily suspected to be Swine Flu; again the Media capitalises on it and had it blown out of proportion.

Most people will not know this! All H1N1 flu’s are descendants of the 1918 pandemic flu strain! The reason why the flu shot may or may not work from year to year is due to mutations. Mutations means changes over time. In view of mutations, there is no vaccine currently available for this current hydrid flu strain. Not too long ago, scientists found that the 1918 flu pandemic that killed more than 50 million people worldwide in a matter of 18 months was not due to the flu itself! Instead they discovered that the cause of the deaths was due to strep infections. People with influenza often get what is known as a “super infection” with an accompanying bacterial agent. In 1918, it appears to have been Streptococcus pneumoniae.

Even our own National Health Service (NHS) Website made only very modest claim about the efficacy for Tamiflu and Relenza saying that they can relieve some of the symptoms of the swine flu and reduce the time of your illness by about a day and reduce the potential for complications.

Consider that Mexico is heavily polluted at this time of year with heavy pollution and that its standard of hygiene is amongst some of the lowest in the World. What this mean is that in order for the bird flu or the swine flu to turn into a human pandemic, it has to find an environment similar to Mexico City that favours both deadly virulence and ease of transmission. Likewise, crowded chicken farms, slaughterhouse and congested markets of Eastern Asia similar to that of the GuangDong Province in Southern China 6 years ago provided the impetus for the SARS disease!

As such therefore, with an excellent health care system such as in the U.K, we doubt if this strain will kill 40 people a day in the U.K! You would remember the bird flu scare not too long ago. Despite warnings that it could kill millions of people, only 257 people died over a period of 5 years. Surely, in itself, this does not constitute an emergency deserving much attention, let alone fear.

Bear in mind that the greater majority of the reported have very mild symptoms. Those infected are usually those with other accompanying health issues. During late Spring and early Summer, the hay fever season is on and there are allergies of all sorts. There are many suspected cases with similar symptoms and can easily be passed off as the Swine Flu.

Worldwide, each dose of Tamiflu costs about £70. The profits can be astronomical if 100 million people world wide received the jab! No wonder the stock index shows the soaring price of the drug industry.

Very honestly, I will ask of you to be more concerned with irritable bowel syndrome, gastro-intestinal diseases, heart problems, cancer & diabetics than the swine flu pandemic. Gastro intestinal diseases such as crohn’s and ulcerative colitis can contribute to a much higher incidence of bowel cancer! Heart problems & cancer cause more deaths.

As stated in the New York Times, flu experts have no idea whether the present flu shot will offer much protection against this exotic mutant (swine flu) and it will take many months for the drug companies to develop a new drug that could be effective against this brand new mutant!

Therefore, to get a shot now would not only offer you no protection but could potentially lead to more harm. Most anti-viral drugs are likely to be loaded with mercury as a preservative in most flu vaccines!

Many of you have a regular flu shot for the seasonal flu just before the beginning of the Winter season. Here again, I will ask of you to do your research to find out how effective this may be.
To sum up, we have very strong reservation against most forms of anti-viral jabs.

USE OF CERTAIN SUPPLEMENTS TO ENHANCE YOUR IMMUNE SYSTEM.

We may have the common cold but we have not caught the flu for many years now. This is because we are always on supplements and enzymes. We are also enjoying very good health! As such therefore, we are not afraid of the Swine Flu. We would not deliberately try to catch it and even if we did catch it, we know that there is nothing to fear. Below is a list of supplements that we would recommend that you take if you are to enhance your immune system. If you got the flu, it will definitely shorten the time of recovery and will definitely minimises the discomfort and pain with it.

1. Vitamin D3. This is a sunshine vitamin. Most people lack sunshine and do not have sufficient exposure to the sun. Optimising your Vitamin D levels is a very good strategy. But you cannot afford to over-dose on vitamin D. I would recommend that you start with a dosage of 4,000 IU to “jump start” your body for a week and then stick with 2,000 I.U daily. But if you are already down with a flu (not just the common cold), you can take at least 20,000 IU for about 4 days before gradually reducing the dosage to about 2,000 IU daily. Take those that are distributed either by Nutri or Lambert or if you need any, do not hesitate to give us a call.

2. A good Probiotic. This is absolutely essential as probiotic cleanses the gut and eliminates bad bacteria inside the gut. It can also help with irritable bowel syndrome. 80% of our immune system lies with our gastro-intestinal tract and it will help therefore to maintain a healthy gastro intestinal function. For therapeutic purpose, do not follow the instructions on the label but take a dosage that is at least 6 times above the recommend dosage.

3. Turmeric: Most flu patients have pain in the neck, shoulders and back. A high dosage of turmeric will help to reduce the inflammatory process and the pain.

4. Super Garlic: Take higher dosage for a therapeutic purpose. Garlic works like a broad spectrum antibiotic against bacteria, virus and protozoa in the body. But unlike antibiotic, no resistance can be built up so it is extremely safe to take.

5. A good brand of fish oil such as Eskimo 3. Fish oil balances the ratio between your saturated and unsaturated fat and lubricates your tissues and cells. It is to us, a multi-purpose type of supplement. Again, take a dosage that is at least 3 – 4 times above the prescribed dosage as recommended for therapeutic purpose.

If there is a financial constraint, we would recommend that you just take Vitamin D3 and probiotic and fish oil.

Minimise the intake of sugar and processed food and drink lots of pure water. Have regular exercise, even just a brisk 20 minute walk. The above recommended supplements and avoiding sugar and anti-viral jabs will be your recipe not just to combat the swine flu but will help you to maintain good health all year round.

2011-03-16T21:18:00.002+05:00

Your Appropriate Blood Pressure

The traditional reading for a “normal” blood pressure” is 120/80. Anything above it is considered high blood pressure. For example, if your reading is 140/90, your doctor would prescribe blood pressure tablets (or medication) in an effort to bring your blood pressure back down to 120/80. Many developed countries have since made an adjustment to the 120/80 criteria; unfortunately the U.K sticks to 120/80 as the criteria.

I disagree with 120/80 as the criteria. To put a patient on prescribed medication (blood pressure pills) simply because his blood pressure chart is 140/90 without investigating if it was his/her appropriate blood pressure is definitely wrong.

Your blood pressure can be as high as 160/100 and if it is your appropriate blood pressure, do not do anything to disrupt it or try to bring it down with drugs (prescribed medication) What I am trying to say is this: If your chart reads 160/100 and you also have other complications, you should have it checked out by your doctor. True high blood pressure must be attended to by your G.P or specialist until such time you are able to adjust your life style with dietary adjustments and supplements.

High blood pressure and if it is not your appropriate blood pressure can be extremely dangerous; it can cause stroke and other health complications. Bear in mind too that here is also such a thing as secondary high blood pressure. This usually happens when the kidneys are not well or that there is a general hardening of the renal artery. Also, if there is hypothyroidism, there is a tendency to have secondary high blood pressure. Therefore, it is wrong diagnosis to automatically put a patient on high blood pressure medication without first ascertaining if it was secondary high blood pressure to start with! Space & time does not allow us to write more on secondary high blood pressure.

To reinforce the point, let me cite an example. There is no such thing that if you are 5 feet 8”, you must be ten stone in weight. Our body density and bone mass varies from one individual to another; again it can vary from sex to race.

Your appropriate pulse pressure.
We place more emphasis on pulse pressure than high blood pressure. Pulse pressure is the true measurement of how far gone your arteries are. The higher it is the stiffer your arteries are; the more strain on your heart, hence the higher likelihood of health problems.

Measurement of pulse pressure
Subtract your bottom blood pressure number (diastolic pressure) from the top number (systolic pressure).

"Say your blood pressure is 170/110 and Ray is 170/70. Ray is likely to have cardiac failure. (Heart failure, stroke or some other adverse event). In this example your pulse pressure would be 60 Ray would be an alarming 100."

What’s normal pulse pressure?
40 or lower is fine. Higher reading to that can be indicated as having stiff arteries. Conventional blood measurements are ideal for selling drugs. In order to reduce your pulse pressure meaningfully all you need is physical exercise, generous intake of fish oil alpha lipoic acid, folic acid, vitamin b3, L-Arginine and intelectol. These supplements’ will only make your arteries softer and reduce the pulse pressure but will give you a general feeling of well being and good health. Intelectol is a powerful memory enhancer that will increase blood flow to your brain.

Cholesterol
Most people would hurry to take prescription drugs to lower their cholesterol upon learning that that they have high cholesterol. This is a gross mistake and a folly. Not all cholesterol is bad – unfortunately, space limit does not enable me to delve into details. Suffice to add, not all fats are bad. There are the saturated fats ( bad fats) and unsaturated fats (good fats) Most people and even doctors do not realize that cholesterol is essential to the body for many functions. It forms part of the cell membrane, the outer layer of every cell in your body. It helps transport and packs the major components of the cell membrane, called “phospholipids” that are made from essential fatty acids (EFAs). Without sufficient cholesterol, we would die because our tissues are constantly being repaired and replaced with new cells. Our body produces several thousand milligrams of cholesterol per day to carry out these essential functions, and each day the excess of cholesterol is supposed to be naturally recycled. If your body does not have sufficient new cholesterol each day, you cannot repair and replace your cell membrane and they will eventually degenerate.

The Dangers of Cholesterol lowering drugs.
Serious side effects have been reported for most cholesterol lowering drugs – the so called STATINS. The prescription of these drugs is based on the discredited hypothesis that high cholesterol can cause heart attacks.

This is false and misleading! Read on! The cholesterol myth has been one of the most long lived falsehood around – probably it has been excellent business for the big pharma - drug industry (“Big Pharma” for short)

Side Effects
In an article that appeared in “Life After Lipitor” in the newspaper “Tahoe World” on January 27th, 2004, Tahoe City (California) resident Doug Peterson began having serious neuromuscular problems after taking Statins for two years. He began losing muscular co-ordination and slurring words when he spoke. Then he lost balance, followed by loss of fine motor skills – he also had difficulty writing! These adverse side effects have begun appearing in peer-reviewed medical journals and numerous people have reported similar symptoms at public adverse websites such as medications.com. People have reported trouble at swallowing, trouble talking, feeling fatigued all the time, motor neuropathy which mimics ALS, nausea, vertigo, disorientation, memory loss, extremely dry eyes, muscle pain and so on.

How could Statins and the other cholesterol lowering drugs have so much of side effects? Statin drugs inhibit the production of cholesterol in order to lower LDL cholesterol counts. By limiting the production of cholesterol, statins may be directly causing membrane degeneration in neural and muscle tissues. Plus, statins may also inhibit of the liver to produce good cholesterol.
There are twenty million people in the U.S alone on all types of statin drugs. Statin drugs can actually increase heart disease and can cause extensive damage to one’s liver!

Your doctor could have advised you that, 2000 – 3000 milligrams of good vitamin C plus Fish oil in higher dosage could be the answer to lowering bad cholesterol without the side effects. L-Arginine besides helping to boost sex drive would complement Vitamin C to help reduce bad cholesterol.

Recommended Nutritional Therapy: Depending on your weight, We recommend Esterol, Ester C or a good brand of Vitamin C with bioflavonoid. Supplemented this with Eskimo 3(a good fish oil), Niacin (Vitamin B3) and also L’Arginine. Alpha Lipoic acid will also help.

Anti-depressant drugs: On December 13th, 2006, the FDA announced that anti-depressant drugs prescribed to young adults are risky. Besides the enormous side effects, they cause suicidal thoughts in young adults. The Agency proposed a change to include a new label warning with a suggestion that patients of all age groups be carefully monitored, particularly when starting antidepressant treatment.

Urinary Incontinence: Cymbalta and some types of anti depressant drugs have been used by doctors for chronic liver diseases and urinary incontinence. On October 17th 2005, Eli Lilly expanded its warning about liver related problems with the use of its drug, Cymbalta and cautioned doctors about using it for chronic liver disease. The warning came after a review of cymbalta found that 11 of nearly 9000 women taking it for urinary incontinence tried to commit suicide. But the lists of side effects are too many to mention.
The FDA approved of cymbalta in August of 2004 as an anti-depressant but it is not approved in the United States to treat urinary incontinence.

If your prescribed medication for depression and urinary incontinence is not mentioned in the list here, you can take it from me that they still carry an enormous amount of side effects. Please refer to the internet; all you need to do is to click onto the name of the drug. Google is a better search engine. Also all prescribed drugs for urinary incontinence carries with it an enormous amount of side effects.

It is my view that all anti depressant drugs can be habit forming. In addition, they blur the brain. For those taking statin drugs, proper blood testing is of paramount importance because an excessive dose and abusive use can cause permanent muscle and liver damage

In general, most forms of prescribed medication can deplete nutrients in the body. Classic example of this are diuretic drugs used to treat hypertension (blood pressure) whilst diuretic drugs are cost effective in reducing blood pressure, they deplete the body of essential minerals like magnesium and potassium.

As the side effects of urinary incontinence drugs are enormous and the list too many to mention, I would encourage you to research the internet for further information.

A further Word of caution: Coumadin is a drug prescribed by cardiologists to prevent blood clots. Prednisone one of the NSAID (Non Steroid Anti-Inflammatory drug) is prescribed by doctors to relieve an inflammatory process for example, asthma and other flu like conditions. Lupron is prescribed for prostate problems. Abusive use of each of these drugs can deplete bone mineral density but when all three are taken together, rapid osteoporosis can be induced.

The harsh reality today is that today’s large pharmacies sell anything that is legal. They are in the business to make money – they are not in the business to better humankind.

If you are observant, just pay attention to those who frequent the pharmacies. They look sickly; on the other hand if you pay close attention to those who frequents a health food shop, they look better and healthier. Do not trust your doctor to know everything about nutrition, nutritional therapy is usually not within the scope of their training. If you pay close attention to many of our obese doctors and nurses with a pot belly and who light up in the hospital’s corridors or car parks, you would know what I mean. This comment is not intended to discourage you from staying away from your doctor.

Recommended Supplements for a depressive disorder: Before I start talking about heart problems and cancer, I want to let you know that 5 HTP which improves the serotonin level in your blood can be very effective in mood balancing. It may also help you to sleep better. It has virtually no side effects. When I lost my mother almost four years ago, I was on 5HTP nightly @ 50 mg per capsule x 4 (200 mg) for almost a year to help me get over with the extremely difficult period of my life. Another most advanced mood elevating therapy available today is SAMe (S-Adenosylmethionine).

We carry 5HTP but not SAMe but we can order it for you. SAMe has shown efficacy to relieving depressive symptoms but can also help in fighting liver’s disease, relieving arthritis pain and even supporting healthy endothelial functions. Never take sleeping pills or anti-histamine to help you sleep. If you wish, you may try 5HTP and melatonin together. It will help you sleep very soundly.

Heart Problems: When we hear about a sudden cardiac (heart) death in an adult, it is generally linked to atherosclerosis or clogging of the arteries. During vigorous exercises, if the blood flow to the heart muscle becomes blocked, the heart can stop working resulting in death. In children, however, the problem is usually due to a congenital abnormality of the heart muscle. A child may play sports for many years without any apparent problem. But these defects which often involve abnormal rhythm can cause the heart to stop pumping at anytime – particularly during heavy exercises. I would recommend that all young children be given an EKG (electro cardiogram) – the typical examination by your doctor using a mere stethoscope won’t be able to detect most congenital heart defects. Here at our Clinic, we use both the stethoscope and The Chinese pulse diagnosis. If we are uncertain, we would refer the client back to his G.P with an explanation that he/she should be referred to a cardiologist.

Having said that, we have seen many patients who are needlessly prescribed heart tablets. When we examine the patient, we often find that the patient has heart burn, acid reflux or aortic aneurysm and these conditions often transmit a false signal that there is a heart problem. These may include distant murmurs, irregular heartbeats and angina. Before we forget, oral chelation is extremely effective in removing a blockage in a heart artery or any arteries. We do not stock chelation tablets but we shall be happy to order it for you.

Recommended Nutritional Therapy for the heart: Again, it’s good fish oil (Eskimo 3), Co-Enzyme Q 10, at least 100 mg per day, alpha lipoic acid, Vitamin E & L’Arginine, folic acid, niacin. Oral Chelation is a very effective therapy.

On the co-relationship between cholesterol and heart problems, do bear in mind that the majority of people who have heart attacks have normal cholesterol levels. Cholesterol in itself doesn’t cause heart disease and it won’t stop a heart attack. It has never been conclusively shown that lowering of cholesterol saves lives. In fact, several studies have shown that that lowering cholesterol into the range currently recommended is co-related with an increased risk of dying, especially of cancer.

Cancer

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CANCER AND WHAT YOU CAN DO ABOUT IT

Diagnosis of cancer can be shattering leaving the victim with the feeling that the end is near. It is like having a time bomb in the body not knowing when it will explode. But cancer does not always necessarily have to be fatal; so much depends on the grade (type of cancer and how dangerous it is) and stage (meaning whether it’s the beginning stage, intermediate or final) Even when your doctor advises that it is terminal, does not always necessarily mean that death is imminent. It does not always have to be hopeless.

In this article, we will discuss about what cancer really is and what causes cancer and more importantly what can you do about it.

No doubt, the initial shock of the diagnosis can be nerve shattering. But try to overcome it. After the initial shock, try to be calm because a confused mind will not help. The internet offers a wealth of information on the more appropriate and more effective type of conventional treatment and or alternative therapies for your condition. Creating a strong positive mental attitude can help a lot. Never, out of fear; rush into any treatment suggested by your doctors or specialist. They only know one type of treatment and that is invariably chemotherapy, radiation and surgery.

Most importantly, follow a structured holistic health programme with the right type of nutritional supplements to improve your health and well being on the healing journey.

You have to take control:
In another word, you have to take charge and although you cannot dispense with hospital’s treatments, you would also have to do your own research and understand the real meaning of cancer.

WHAT IS CANCER?
Cancer is a process within the body and it normally takes years for a tumour to develop. Cancer is therefore not a lump or a simple tumour! It is that process which was started by a weakening of the body and or the immune system to start with that can affect or infect the adjacent part of the body and unless properly addressed will eventually overtake or overcome one’s body.

The fundamental difference between a healthy tissue and a cancerous tissue is that healthy tissues respond well to adjacent or neighbouring tissues and undergoes apoptosis. When a cell does not respond to apoptosis meaning that it is not “obedient”, or does not comply with the rules of the programmed cellular system, other functioning of the cells become defective.

Understand the immune system

The cells are regulated by a system located in the pancreas. The pancreas excretes proteolytic enzymes which are the backbone of the immune system and the rest of the body. But our bodies also produce defective cells daily. Fortunately, such cells are destroyed by the pancreatic enzymes which in addition to killing off the defective cells are also used to digest foods. Simply put, cancer is therefore the failure of one’s pancreas to produce adequate enzymes and the failure of one’s body to deliver

Natural Fear of Cancer? The word cancer strikes fear in the heart of everybody. Having it is like having a time bomb in the human body. Even animals have it. It has been around for centuries but only during the second half of the 20th Century did we witness an explosion. But it is definitely on the rampage over the last few years of the 21st century. At least one out of every three persons in developed countries is a potential candidate for cancer. Contributing to this explosion are the enormous amount of stress, toxins, pollutants, processed foods that robbed them of their enzymes, electromagnetic stress, junk foods and prolonged use of certain types of prescribed medication that was not around a decade ago.

Cancer is not a mysterious disease that suddenly appears; it is a process (emphasis added) that takes many years to happen. It has definite causes and one can correct it if one has enough time and if one takes positive action to change the internal environment to one that creates health and not cancer while at the same time attacking cancerous cells by capitalising on their weaknesses.

Cancer starts when more cancerous cells are created than an overworked, depleted immune system can destroy.

Has anyone stricken with cancer ever wondered or enquired why their oncologists never or hardly ever bothered to recommend a range of supplements to help them improve their chances of recovery whilst on cancer treatment such as chemotherapy or radiotherapy?

The scope of this chapter does not enable or entitle us to go into the actual reasons but suffice to add, nutritional supplements especially those that increase the strength of the immune system and those with cancer destroying abilities would double your chances of a successful recovery. Having said that, it is not the simple taking of supplements; it matters how to take them in their appropriate dosage coupled with the right quality combined with the appropriate treatment that one's chances can be assured!

Please ensure that the supplements and enzymes that you take are of pharmaceutical quality.

The operation is a success! Time and again, we hear surgeons announcing that the operation is a "success". What is really meant is that the surgeon has "successfully" removed the tumour. Much of the time, the operation is always a "success" but the successful removal of a tumour or any tumour is no indication that the patient who is already weakened by the cancer and who will undergo weeks or months of either chemotherapy or radiation will survive or have a speedy recovery. The body continues to weaken by the onslaught of chemotherapy and the already battered immune system give way to more cancers that quickly spread to the other parts of the body. Second time around, the cancer usually bounce back with a vengeance, that is to say, it has already developed some sort of an immunity against the chemo drugs that was used in the first place. As a result stronger chemo- drugs have to be used and as a further consequence the human body cannot stand the further onslaught and finally give way. Most cancer patients die this way! Let’s ask if the "successful" removal of a tumour will in itself cure the cancer? To reiterate, cancer is a process and it is not confined to a tumour alone. The "successful" removal of a tumour therefore will not in itself solve the problem; on the other hand all forms of operations carry with it a certain degree of risks. In the first place, it involves cutting into deep tissues and is therefore invasive but what is important and pertinent to note that is surgery in itself could promote or increase the chance of further metastasis (spreading) and that is because there is no way the surgeon can prevent the cancerous cells within the tumour to spread into the blood stream once it is surgically cut.

Unless the tumour obstructs or impedes the body's vital functions or disrupt the organ's functions, we would prefer to leave it alone. That remains our philosophy! We are not saying that surgery is not necessary. We are saying that until and unless absolutely necessary, we would prefer to leave it alone and that is also because after a major surgery, the body will be weakened further by the onslaught of a major operation. Consider this further. Conventional wisdom regards cancer as a tumour and continues to attack it with chemotherapy or radiation. When a tumour is reduced by 10%, conventional wisdom would regard it as a failure and continues to attack it with more chemotherapy. When the tumour is finally reduced by 50% in size and the patient dying, conventional wisdom would consider it a "success". On the other hand, if there is a reduction in size no matter how slight and there is a response, say 10% and so long as the patient remains generally healthy without any metastasis (spreading) and the size of the tumour contained, we would regard the treatment as a success. This accounts for the difference in approach and thinking.

Similarly, let’s ask if total removal of a breast in breast cancer is the answer? To do so, we would have to go back to the root cause of the cancer. What causes the breast cancer in the first place? There are no hard and fast rules because many a times, it is necessary to have a mastectomy (total removal of the breast) and in certain cases a lumpectomy, a partial removal. We have our reservations about a total mastectomy or even a lumpectomy when the tumour is at zero stage or even Stage One, that is to say at its very earliest stage and that is because surgery at this earliest stage without addressing the root cause of the problem is not addressing the problem! Hyperthermia or some other less invasive therapies coupled with nutritional therapy may be the best solution at this very stage. On the other hand, surgery with follow up of chemotherapy and radiation will simply postpone the inevitable!

We are not saying that conventional methods such as chemotherapy and radiotherapy are useless when it comes to fighting cancer. On the contrary, chemotherapy and radiotherapy are often necessary to weaken the tumour or the cancer to enable the immune system to take over. Insofar as this is concerned, there is no hard and fast rule.

Is There A Cure for Cancer?

The ideal situation is to have a good hospital that practise the best in conventional and Chinese medicine and Nutritional Therapy. We know of many such good hospitals in China that would allow or encourage a patient to be on nutritional therapy in addition to conventional treatments.

Some recommended therapies include:

immunotherapy and interventional therapy
cryosurgery
iodine seeds implantation
gene therapy
hyperthermia (sending deep heat into the tumour)

The above routinely practiced in most cancer hospitals in China. These modalities are not unknown in the developed countries but they are not routinely practised because of political reasons. We also have to ask ourselves why they are not routinely practised or administered. Combined with the nutritional therapy that we practise on a regular basis and our extensive and practical knowledge, the patient's chance of a survival can be doubled if not trebled.

Pain Relief and Management

2011-03-16T21:15:00.002+05:00

Pain be it acute or chronic can be a terrible thing in life. It reduces the quality of life.
Indeed, we have seen all sorts of pain some of which can lead any person to contemplate suicide because only death can bring about the needed relief. Please refer to chapter on Prevention of suicide.

We can be very effective with pain management without resorting to drugs like pain killers or morphine. We do not camouflage the symptoms. When pain is excruciatingly painful, morphine is often used by doctors and the hospitals. Morphine is very powerful; it can help a person with unbearable pain get almost instant relief. But of course, we do know that morphine is used only as an absolute last resort. But one ought to be aware that morphine also has an enormous amount of side effects like slowing your heart beat down; besides it can dull the brain. Plus morphine is highly addictive.

Whenever there is pain, there is invariably an inflammatory process. Mega dosage of fish oil, turmeric and our Protease IFC are extremely effectively in pain management. Having said that, we strive to find out what causes the pain in the first instance.

Our Therapies for pain management
Indeed at Beyond Medicine, pain management is a simple process, straightforward and highly effective. It does not have to be complicated and there are no pain killers of any sorts to take. Depending on the nature of the pain and what causes it, our modalities would include the use of acupuncture, heat treatment, electro muscle stimulation or electro massage. If there is a trapped nerve in the spine, manipulative therapy is routinely used to free the trapped nerve. The neck and the spine are often manipulated to release the tension and to enhance blood flow. Instant relief is often felt after the first session.

Supplements as a front line attack
Therapies are good at providing the patient with instant relief. But therapies alone do not provide a total cure; very often the pain comes back within days. The use of certain types of nutritional supplements may provide a long term cure.

Without delving into the history and the need, the following supplements are routinely used as a front line attack and may together without therapies long term relief and a possible cure.

Fish Oil
High dosages of good grade fish oil is anti-inflammatory: Whenever there is pain, there is invariably an inflammatory process. Fish oil is not only anti-inflammatory has but other health benefits. At high dosage, it lubricates the tissues and joints. The fish oil that we carry is Eskimo 3.

Alpha Lipoic Acid
Alpha lipoic acid serves as a powerful antioxidant and modulates cholesterol, blood pressure and helps with congestive heart problems.

MSM
This is critical sulphur required for proper repair of injured cartilage, ligaments and tendons. Reports show that strategic uses of MSM increase the therapeutic efficiency of glucosamine because of the presence of sulphur.

Turmeric This is one of the oldest anti-inflammatory and pain relievers known to mankind.

Protease IFC
This is an enzyme which we carry. As the name suggests, IFC stands for inflammatory control.

Prevention Of Suicide

2011-03-16T21:14:00.002+05:00

It saddens us to learn that there are many people in the U.K crippled with pain and who are contemplating assisted suicide. It seems to us that most types of pain are inadequately treated and that morphine and pain killers are not the only solutions.

This chapter does not delve into the ethics of assisted suicide; such discussions are outside the ambit of what we are trying to achieve. Death is inevitable. But if we can minimise some of the pain and help somebody improve his quality of life that would in itself be a great privilege and our greatest satisfaction.

It seems to us that the United States is the only country in the World where a patient's ability to pay will determine his access to the quality of health care. Assisted suicide in Switzerland is not a cheap thing either; although we have no knowledge of the precise figures, common sense suggests that it will cost several thousand pounds. But there is another emotional aspect to it. Such patients are also deprived and denied of the satisfaction of dying in one's home. First of all, it involves a trip to Switzerland with the full knowledge that one is going there to die! Given a choice, most if not all would prefer to pass away peacefully in the comfort of one's home.

We also appreciate that there is no magic bullet or universally accepted formula for the relief of pain and suffering but it is also true that many doctors are not sufficiently trained to handle the emotional aspect of it all! Therefore, if terminally ill people are given adequate treatment which includes the emotional aspect, requests for physician assisted suicide can be greatly reduced.

It also saddens us to know that the greater majority of conventionally trained physicians only know how to prescribe pain killers and are either very concerned with their addictions or show a callous attitude towards them. Two of the pain killers with extremely addictive properties are morphine and heroin. We know with a fair degree of certainty that many people would want to continue living if their pain is almost manageable and with emotional encouragement would want to continue to live. There is another aspect to it. Pain killers which cause addictions and side effects are not the only solutions.

Gastrointestinal Disease

2011-03-16T21:11:00.002+05:00

Due to space constraint, we can only hold a brief discussion on the more common type of gastrointestinal diseases.

Gastrointestinal diseases otherwise referred to as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is often the cause of many health problems and sicknesses. Look after your Gastrointestinal health and many of your health problems will diminish.

At Beyond Medicine, we put great emphasis on Gastrointestinal health. As part of the examination, we routinely palpate the abdominal cavity for any signs of tenderness, discomfort or pain. It goes without saying that if there is any tenderness, discomfort or pain during palpation, there is invariably a problem with your Gastrointestinal health. Yet a scan will often produce a negative finding. Until and unless there are scar tissues or unless the problem is very acute, conventional scans will produce a negative finding. This can be very misleading and create false hope in a patient who knows that his/her abdominal health is in question. Considering the daily intake of processed foods, the preservatives that are added to our foods and the life style, no wonder there are many out there who suffer from one form of abdominal disorder to another.

Simply put, Gastrointestinal disorder is the cause of many types of pain. In our practice, we quickly learn that middle back pain can be a crossover of stomach problems, lower back pain can come from a problem with either kidneys or the bladder. Gall stones can cause pain to the right side of the back and so on. Therefore when a client comes in to see us complaining of back pain, our initial approach is to determine if there is a problem with the Gastrointestinal tract or the abdomen. No doubt, we will also examine the spine carefully for any symptoms of misalignment, muscles spasms and so on but abdominal health is top of the list!

When it comes to abdominal disorders, a patient would usually have experienced some sort of pain in the abdominal cavity. The abdominal pain can be stomach cramps, stomach ache, abdominal discomfort, heartburn, upper abdominal pain, kidney pain, liver pain or other related types of pain. In addition, there are discomforts caused by reflux, bloating and fluid retention.

Abdominal pain can range from severe life threatening conditions, for example aortic aneurysm, acute appendicitis to much less serious conditions such as heart burn, reflux and gastroenteritis. We would recommend prompt medical attention for any types of abdominal pain.

Abdominal pain is a very common symptom and many are not serious. Because they are not serious many cases of appendicitis in children are wrongly diagnosed as gastroenteritis. We have a way of distinguishing between appendicitis and gastroenteritis. On the other hand, certain types of Gastrointestinal problems such as helicobacter pylori, crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis could lead to cancer. For this reason therefore, we would specifically make reference to them.

Abdominal pain can be classified into more specified types such as lower abdominal pain, upper abdominal pain, left abdominal pain, right abdominal pain and epigastric pain (pain behind the breastbone such as in heartburn, reflux or GERD or pain on the right side as caused by gallstones.

The following are some of the possible causes of abdominal pain. There could be other accompanying or possible causes so it is best to consult your doctor if in doubt. The list below is not exhaustive.

Gas
Gallbladder disease
Colon cancer
Diverticulitis
Diverticulitis
Appendicitis
Gastroenteritis
Food poisoning
Peptic ulcer
Kidney stones
Ovarian cysts
Stomach cancer
Acute pancreatitis
Intestinal obstruction

Helicobacter Pylori Infection: This organism causes a spectrum of disease in humans including gastritis, ulcer disease (both gastric and duodenal) and in all probability, gastric cancer and gastric lymphoma. In all likelihood, helicobacter Pyloric Infection is one of the main causes of stomach cancer. Indigestion (dyspepsia) is a very common symptom and a very high proportion of people with indigestion will have helicobacter pylori infection causing gastritis. Up to 10% of the population will develop peptic ulcer disease at some time in their lives and most duodenal ulcers and many gastric ulcers are due to helicobacter pylori infection.

Conventional medicine will diagnose helicobacter pylori by biopsy with urea breath test. At Beyond medicine, we would palpate the abdominal cavity, especially, the right and left upper quadrants and the central midline posterior to the rib cage for any signs of discomfort, tenderness and pain to determine the presence of ulcers. If ulcers are suspected, the possibility of helicobacter pylori infection cannot be ruled out.

Hiatus Hernia: The presence of a hiatus hernia is usually noted when a patient is in the process of lying down on our examination table face up. There is usually a bulge
between the oesophagus and the stomach. This bulge is very noticeable in severe cases. The junction of the oesophagus and stomach stays down within the abdomen and the top part of the stomach (the fundus) bulges up into the chest cavity. Prolonged use of prescribed medication, excessive junk foods and extreme stress can cause it.

Hiatus hernia may cause or contribute to pain in the abdominal area, heartburns and pains in the chest area. However, there can also be symptoms of a number of other conditions such as peptic ulcers and even symptom of heart problems. Whenever there is a severe case of hiatus hernia, reflux, heartburn and symptoms of bloating are invariably present.

With enzyme therapy and certain exercises, we are able to help with the gradual reduction of the hiatus hernia and make it go away completely without surgical intervention.

Cirrhosis of the liver: The term refers to advanced liver damage and which is characterised by dense scarring where the lobes are covered with fibrous tissues. Once cirrhosis develops, it is usually irreversible but further damage may be stabilised if the cause is removed or remedial actions taken. Cirrhosis are caused in the main by excessive alcohol consumption, iron overload, chronic viral hepatitis, autoimmune diseases, chronic bile duct obstruction. The symptoms would usually include yellowing of the skin, circulatory changes occasioned by reddening of the palms, spider veins in the chests, loss of libido and hair loss. In men, there could be breasts enlargement, testicular atrophy and impotence. In females, the symptoms may include irregular menses, absences of periods, breast atrophy. Bruising is also a symptom of cirrhosis, enlarged spleen and bleedings in the veins are common.

Hepatitis: The term refers to an inflammatory process within the liver from whatever cause. The cause may be a virus, prolonged use of certain prescribed medication, a toxin, autoimmune related diseases which allows the immune system to attack one’s tissues. Hepatitis B & c can be chronic whilst hepatitis A is not of a chronic nature.

People with chronic hepatitis may feel quite unwell with symptoms of tiredness, loss of appetite, nausea, easy bruising and fluid retention. Clinical examination may reveal dilated blood vessels in the skin, redness in the palms, easy bruising, enlargement of the liver and spleen and fluid retention in the ankles. One must be well advised that hepatitis is highly contagious.

Crohn’s Disease: The term refers to a chronic inflammatory process of the intestinal tract. The disease can be anywhere within one of the four parts of the intestinal tract which can be the oesophagus, the stomach, the colon and the rectum. However the two main primary sites for crohn’s disease are the ileum which is the last portion of the small bowel and the colon. The lining of the bowel can become ulcerated and thickened.

Symptoms of crohn’s depend on the position of its occurrence. Where the ileum is involved, there is usually pain in the right lower quadrant or where the colon is involved, there is usually pain posterior to the naval (belly button) But some sort of pain is usually felt during palpation. When the colon is the site of the infection, diarrhoea sometimes with bloody stool may occur with fever and weight loss. Crohn’s disease often affects the anal area where there may be a draining sinus tract called a fistula. When the disease is fully active, the patient may experience fatigue and feeling of lethargy may appear.

In conventional medicine, there is no once conclusive diagnostic test for Crohn’s disease. Patient’s medical history and physical examination are always helpful. Certain blood and stool tests along with colonoscopy are performed to arrive at a diagnosis. In addition, a sigmoidoscopy of the lining of the rectum and lower bowel is often required. At Beyond Medicine, the whole of the abdominal cavity is routinely palpated for symptoms of crohn’s. We find that we are by far more accurate because if there is tenderness, discomfort or pain during palpation, common sense suggests something is not quite right! Outside the bowel, other problems can develop. These can include arthritis, eye and skin problems. Open sores outside and in the vicinity of the anus can develop and these are often painful. A fistula can also be formed. Conventional medicine resorts to cortisone, anti-inflammatory drugs and pain killers to control the disease; surgical intervention to remove the infected part of the bowel is often the treatment of choice!

Ulcerative Colitis: In the early stage, it is extremely difficult to distinguish between crohn’s and ulcerative colitis. The treatment for both remains the same. Ulcerative colitis involves the inner lining of the large intestine (colon or bowel) and rectum with a chronic inflammatory process. The small intestines are not involved.
The most common symptoms are abdominal pain and diarrhoea which may contain blood, mucus and pus. Patients may suffer fatigue, weight loss, dehydration and malnutrition. Colonoscopy or flexible sigmoidoscopy is the preferred method of diagnosis. Palpation of the lower abdomen would give us an indication as to whether or not the patient has ulcerative colitis.

It suffices to add that both crohn’s and ulcerative colitis would lead to bowel cancer.

Hypothyroidism

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Hypothyroidism is a condition where structural or functional abnormalities lead to insufficient synthesis of thyroid hormone. Hypothyroidism is more prevalent in women than in men; in the United States, incidence is rising significantly in people ages 40 to 50. Hypothyroidism results from inadequate production of thyroid hormone, usually because of dysfunction of the thyroid gland due to surgery (thyroidectomy), radiation therapy, inflammation, chronic autoimmune thyroiditis (Hashimoto's disease) or, rarely, conditions such as amyloidosis and sarcoidosis. In rare cases, hypothyroidism occurs in infants and children. Infants will grow and develop normally if hypothyroidism is treated within the first month of life. Hypothyroidism seldom causes symptoms in the early stages, but over time, untreated hypothyroidism can cause a number of health problems, such as obesity, joint pain, infertility and heart disease. Hypothyroidism is the most common thyroid disorder. Severe hypothyroidism can lead to a condition called myxedema, characterized by dry, thickened skin and coarse facial features.
Hypothyroidism is the disease state in humans and domestic animals caused by insufficient production of thyroid hormone by the thyroid gland .It helps to keep the body's functions (the metabolism) working at the correct pace. Many cells and tissues in the body need thyroxine to keep them going correctly. With proper treatment, a teen will catch up in weight and height to healthy teens of the same age.Your thyroid is a small, butterfly-shaped gland located at the base of your neck, just below your Adam's apple. Hypothyroidism is the condition in which the thyroid is underactive (i.e., it is producing an insufficient amount of thyroid hormones). The hypothalamus is a brain structure that normally signals the pituitary gland to make thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH), which causes the thyroid to make thyroid hormones. Some medical problems can affect either the hypothalamus or the pituitary gland, and interrupt the chain of signals from the brain to the thyroid. The disease may also be caused by a lack of thyroid gland or pituitary hormone. Treatment comes in the form of thyroid hormone replacement therapy. Hypothyroidism caused by Hashimoto's thyroiditis a disease in which the body's natural defense (immune) system attacks the thyroid gland occasionally will disappear on its own. The good news is that accurate thyroid function tests are available to diagnose hypothyroidism, and treatment of hypothyroidism with synthetic thyroid hormone is usually simple and effective once the proper dosage is established.
Hypothyroidism is a condition in which the thyroid gland fails to produce enough thyroid hormone. Historically, iodine deficiency was the most common cause of hypothyroidism world-wide. Secondary hypothyroidism occurs if the pituitary gland is damaged by a tumor, radiation, or surgery so that it is no longer able to instruct the thyroid to make enough hormone Hormones produced by the thyroid gland have an enormous impact on your health, affecting all aspects of your metabolism - from the rate at which your heart beats to how quickly you burn calories. Hypothyroidism is also known as an underactive thyroid. Thyroid hormones regulate the body's energy. When levels of thyroid hormones are abnormally low, the body burns energy more slowly, and vital functions, such as heartbeat and temperature regulation, slow down. It occurs when the thyroid gland does not make enough thyroxine. The risk of developing hypothyroidism tends to increase with age; older women have the highest risk.

Causes of Hypothyroidism

The common Causes of Hypothyroidism :

The most common cause of hypothyroidism is Hashimoto's thyroiditis, a disease of the thyroid gland where the body's immune system attacks the gland.
The body recognizes the thyroid antigens as foreign, and a chronic immune reaction ensues, resulting in lymphocytic infiltration of the gland and progressive destruction of functional thyroid tissue.
Failure of the pituitary gland to secrete a hormone to stimulate the thyroid gland ( secondary hypothyroidism ) is a less common cause of hypothyroidism.
Drugs such as amiodarone, interferon alpha, thalidomide, and stavudine have also been associated with primary hypothyroidism.
External beam radiation, which is used to treat some cancers, such as Hodgkin's lymphoma this radiation treatment can destroy the thyroid gland.
Other types of 'thyroiditis' (thyroid inflammation) caused by infection or other rare conditions.
One such medication is lithium, which is used to treat certain psychiatric disorders. If you're taking medication, ask your doctor about its effect on your thyroid gland.
Radiation used to treat cancers of the head and neck can affect your thyroid gland and may lead to hypothyroidism.

Symptoms of Hypothyroidism

Some common Symptoms of Hypothyroidism :

Weakness
Weight gain
Slow body movements.
Fatigue
Inability to tolerate cold.
Constipation
Weight gain (unintentional)
Cold skin.
Sparse, coarse
Lack of energy
Muscle cramps

Treatment of Hypothyroidism

Here is the list of the methods for treating Hypothyroidism :

Hypothyroidism in pregnancy is associated with preeclampsia, anemia, postpartum hemorrhage, cardiac ventricular dysfunction, spontaneous abortion, low birthweight, impaired cognitive development, and fetal mortality even mild disease may be associated with adverse affects for offspring.
Myxedema coma is a medical emergency that occurs when the body's level of thyroid hormones becomes extremely low.
Sometimes hypothyroidism is a temporary condition in older children. (This is not so for children who are born with an underactive thyroid.)
If a serious illness or infection triggered your hypothyroidism, your thyroid function most likely will return to normal when you recover.
It is treated with intravenous thyroid hormones replacement and steroid therapy
Surgery is indicated for large goiters that compromise tracheoesophageal function; surgery is rarely needed in patients with hypothyroidism and is more common in the treatment of hyperthyroidism.
After replacement therapy has begun, report any symptoms of increased thyroid activity ( hyperthyroidism ) such as restlessness, rapid weight loss, and sweating.
If you have mild (subclinical) hypothyroidism , you may not need treatment but should be watched for signs of worsening hypothyroidism current research does not provide clear evidence to support treatment, and many health professionals disagree about whether mild hypothyroidism should be treated.

Graves Disease

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Grave's disease is a disease of unknown cause, although fairly common. It is suspected to have a genetic origin. In this case the thyroid gland is diffusely enlarged, soft, non-tender. All the tissues within are also enlarged. Although it may develop at any age and in either men or women, Graves' disease is more common in women and usually begins after age 20. The most common symptoms of GD are nervousness and anxiety, although not all patients complain of being nervous. In fact, in elderly patients, the primary symptoms are apathy and depression, leading to the term "apathetic hyperthyroidism." There's no way to stop your immune system from attacking the thyroid gland, but treatments can decrease the production of thyroxine.
Graves' disease is the most common form of hyperthyroidism. This over-activity is also sometimes called "toxic diffuse goiter." The thyroid gland helps set the rate of metabolism, which is the rate at which the body uses energy. Once the disorder has been correctly diagnosed, it is quite easy to treat. Graves - Basedow disease , also known simply as Graves' disease , is a medical disorder that may manifest several different conditions, including goitre and hyperthyroidism (over-activity of thyroid hormone production), infiltrative exophthalmos (protuberance of one or both eyes and associated problems) and infiltrative dermopathy (a skin condition usually of the lower extremities). When you have too much thyroid hormone in your system, your body's metabolism rate can increase by 60 percent to 100 percent because thyroxine regulates your cells' metabolism. The goal in treating GD is to reduce thyroid hormone levels in the blood. Graves' Disease also tends to affect women between the ages of 20 and 40, although it occurs in infants, children, and the elderly .This can be accomplished with both conventional and alternative medicine, although patients with moderate to severe hyperthyroidism may initially require conventional treatment until their symptoms are in control.
First described by Sir Robert Graves in the early 19th century, Graves' disease is one of the most common of all thyroid problems. When the thyroid is too active, it makes more thyroid hormones than the body needs. This abnormal immune response can also affect the tissue behind your eyes as well as your skin, usually on your lower legs and feet. This disorder is the most common cause of hyperthyroidism. It is known to be related to an antibody mediated type of auto-immunity, but the trigger for the reaction is unknown. In some cases, Graves' disease goes into remission or disappears completely after several months or years. Left untreated, however, it can lead to serious complications even death. The anti–sodium-iodide symporter, antithyroglobulin, and antithyroid peroxidase antibodies appear to have little role in the etiology of hyperthyroidism in Graves disease Graves' disease is rarely life-threatening.

Causes of Graves Disease

The common Causes of Graves Disease :

The production of thyroid hormone is increased, causing a wide range of symptoms from anxiety and restlessness to insomnia and weight loss.
Graves disease is caused by an abnormal immune system response that attacks the thyroid gland, and causes too much production of thyroid hormones.
Eye muscles weakened by long periods of inflammation can lose their ability to control movement, resulting in double vision.
Environmental factors associated with susceptibility are largely unproven other factors include infection, iodide intake, stress, steroids, and toxins. Smoking has been implicated in the worsening of Graves ophthalmopathy.
In addition, the eyeballs may begin to stick out ( exophthalmos ), causing eye irritation and tearing.
Chronic thyroiditis (Hashimoto thyroiditis) - Although the primary cause of hypothyroidism, the disease process occasionally presents initially with thyrotoxicosis

Symptoms of Graves Disease

Some common Symptoms of Graves Disease :

Weight loss
Abnormal breast enlargement (men)
Increased appetite
Muscle wasting
Nervousness
Restlessness
Anxiety
Light menstrual periods
Increased eye tearing
Difficulty sleeping
Fatigue
Infrequent or absent menstrual periods

Treatment of Graves Disease

Here is the list of the methods for treating Graves Disease :

These medications, which include propranolol (Inderal), atenolol (Tenormin), metoprolol (Lopressor) and nadolol (Corgard), often relieve hyperthyroid signs and symptoms, such as a rapid heart rate, nervousness and tremors these medications aren't a cure for Graves' because your body will still produce too much thyroxine, but beta blockers block some of the action of the thyroid hormone.
If you can't tolerate an anti-thyroid drug and don't want to have radioactive iodine therapy, surgery to remove your thyroid gland (thyroidectomy) is an option after the surgery, you'll likely need thyroxine treatment to supply your body with normal amounts of thyroid hormones.
Sometimes use of prednisone (a steroid medication, which suppresses the immune system) is required to reduce eye irritation and swelling.
Hyperthyroidism is treated with antithyroid medications, radioactive iodine, or surgery.
Both radiation and surgery result in the need for lifelong use of replacement thyroid hormones, because these treatments destroy or remove the gland.
Atrial fibrillation due to thyroid storm may be refractory to rate control, and conversion to sinus rhythm may be impossible until after antithyroid therapy has been initiated.
Patients with severe thyrotoxicosis must be placed on a cardiac monitor the patient should be intubated if profoundly altered supplemental oxygen may be required. Aggressive fluid resuscitation may be indicated.

Cushings Disease

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Cushing's syndrome or hypercortisolism or hyperadrenocorticism is an endocrine disorder caused by excessive levels of the endogenous corticosteroid hormone cortisol . Sometimes called "hypercortisolism," it is relatively rare and most commonly affects adults aged 20 to 50. An estimated 10 to 15 of every million people are affected each year. It was discovered by American physician, surgeon and endocrinologist Harvey Cushing (1869-1939) and reported by him in 1932. Cushing's syndrome occurs when the body's tissues are exposed to excessive levels of cortisol for long periods of time. Exposure to too much cortisol can occur from long-term use of synthetic glucocorticoid hormones to treat inflammatory illnesses. Another adrenal cortex hormone, aldosterone, regulates salt and water levels which affects blood volume and blood pressure. Hyperadrenocorticism occurs for two reasons a tumor of the adrenal gland that produces adrenal hormones or stimulation of the normal adrenal glands from the hormones that control it. The primary reason for this to occur is a pituitary gland tumor that produces excessive ACTH, which stimulates the adrenal gland to produce corticosteroids. Common symptoms of Cushing's syndrome include upper body obesity, severe fatigue and muscle weakness, high blood pressure, backache, elevated blood sugar, easy bruising, and bluish-red stretch marks on the skin. In women, there may be increased growth of facial and body hair, and menstrual periods may become irregular or stop completely.
Animal bodies are a marvel of interactions between organs and systems kept in balance by the production of enzymes that aid in metabolic processes and hormones that regulate body functions. When the balance is disturbed by illness, injury, or advancing age, the body goes awry: Cortisol affects the function of many organs in the body, so the signs of Cushing's disease may be varied. Hair loss caused by Cushing's disease occurs primarily on the body, sparing the head and legs. The skin is not usually itchy as it is with other skin diseases. People who have been diagnosed with depression, alcoholism, malnutrition and panic attacks tend to have higher cortisol levels as well. These types of Cushing's may be called Pseudo-Cushing's. With inflammation, the enzymes are excreted into the bloodstream and abdominal cavity instead of the gastrointestinal tract, resulting in a severe illness associated with vomiting, abdominal pain, peritonitis (inflammation of the abdominal cavity), and loss of protein into the abdominal cavity. When too much cortisol is produced in the adrenal glands, or an excess is taken in treating other diseases, significant changes occur in all of the tissues and organs of the body. All of these effects together are called Cushing's Syndrome.

Causes of Cushings Disease

The common Cause of Cushings Disease :

A benign or malignant growth within the adrenal gland itself, which produces cortisol;
Production within another part of the body (ectopic production) of a hormone that directly or indirectly stimulates the adrenal gland to make cortisol.
Adrenal tumors
An abnormal growth of the pituitary gland associated with an excessive production of one of its hormones, adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH), which stimulates the adrenal gland .
Familial Cushing's syndrome.
Symptoms of glucocorticoid excess generally occur with the administration of oral steroids; however, occasionally injections of steroids into joints and the use of steroid inhalers can cause Cushing syndrome.
Patients who have undergone organ transplants also are at risk for developing Cushing syndrome due to exogenous steroids required as part of graft antirejection medication regimens.
Long-term use of medication resembling cortisol (corticosteroids).

Symptoms of Cushings Disease

Some common Symptoms of Cushings Disease :

Absence of menstruation (amenorrhea).
You often get skin infections or other infections, and they take longer to heal.
High blood pressure ( hypertension ).
Fatigue.
Pink or purple stretch marks may form on your skin.
Women usually have irregular menstrual periods and may grow thick or more visible body hair.
Fever
Sensation of abdominal "fullness".
Seizures.
Vomiting.

Treatmnent of Cushings Disease

The best treatment for ectopic Cushing's syndrome is surgical removal of the tumor.
The treatment for exogenous Cushing syndrome is gradual withdrawal of glucocorticoid.
Gradual withdrawal of cortisone-type drugs (under close medical supervision)
Bilateral adrenalectomy is an option if transsphenoidal surgery, pituitary irradiation, and medical therapy fail or if rapid normalization of cortisol levels is required. The patient then requires lifelong glucocorticoid and mineralocorticoid therapy.
Patients receiving these medications may require glucocorticoid replacement to avoid adrenal insufficiency. Patients should be counseled on the signs and symptoms of adrenal insufficiency when starting these drugs.
Drugs that inhibit cortisol synthesis - metyrapone, ketoconazole, aminoglutethimide. Indicated when case is not amenable to surgery.
External beam irraidation of the pituitary - slow response and restricted when surgery unsuccessful, contraindicated or not acceptable to patient.

Thyrotoxicosis

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Thyrotoxicosis condition demonstrates hyperactivity of the thyroid gland resulting in excessive supply of thyroxine hormone. Another condition, called subclinical hyperthyroidism, may be diagnosed when you have low levels of thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) but normal levels of thyroid hormone. Hot nodules will take up more radioiodine than surrounding tissue, and cold nodules will take up less Hot nodules, which can cause hyperthyroidism, are almost always benign. Most cold nodules are also benign but 5-15 percent of cold nodules may be malignant.
Thyrotoxicosis can occur when people take too much thyroid replacement hormone or ingest food or medicines contaminated or adulterated with thyroid hormone. The most common cause of hyperthyroidism is Graves' Disease, in which the immune system, for reasons that are not clearly understood, releases antibodies that attack or “bind” to thyroid cells. This is known as exogenous thyrotoxicosis and it is not a thyroid disorder. Differentiating between thyrotoxicosis caused by hyperthyroidism and thyrotoxicosis not caused by hyperthyroidism is important because disease management and therapy differ for each form. The nodules often produce excess thyroid hormone after the patient is exposed to excess iodine in iodine contrast dyes and imaging tests. However, in patients with silent thyroiditis a palpable firm painless thyroid gland is present. Obviously, therapy for a toxic multinodular goiter in an elderly woman would differ from that for a young woman with the usually transient thyrotoxicosis associated with postpartum thyroiditis.
Thyrotoxicosis or hyperthyroidism is the clinical syndrome caused by an excess of circulating free thyroxine and free triiodothyronine, or both. The patients complained of sleeplessness, nervousness, headache, fatique, excessive sweating and weight loss. Silent thyroiditis however, is not so easily distinguished from thyrotoxicosis factitia. Hyperthyroidism is a condition caused by high thyroid hormone levels. Toxic multinodular goiter usually develops in older people who may have had hypothyroidism. Deliberate intake of high doses of thyroid hormone leads to TSH suppression and shrinkage of the thyroid, so that no thyroid tissue is palpated. In these cases the thyroid gland itself is not overactive, but there is still too much thyroid hormone in the blood. Untreated, thyrotoxicosis can lead to serious medical complications such as heart rhythm disturbances and Osteoporosis, caused from the long-term effects of hormone overproduction.

Causes of Thyrotoxicosis

The common Causes of Thyrotoxicosis :

This hormone normally stimulates the thyroid to produce thyroxine, so antibodies bound on to these receptors cause production of thyroid hormone, and because it attaches to these receptors better than TSH would, more thyroxine than usual is produced.
Autoimmune disease; Graves disease, lymphocytic thyroiditis with hyperthyroidism (ie, silent thyroiditis), and postpartum thyrotoxicosis (PPT).
Neoplasm, toxic nodule, and toxic multinodular goiter (autonomously functioning nodules).

Symptoms of Thyrotoxicosis

Some common Symptoms of Thyrotoxicosis :

Weight loss in spite of increased appetite
Fast heartbeat
Rapid heart rate
Fatigue
A fine tremor
Nausea and vomiting
Irritability
Nervousness
Weakness
Weight loss
Insomnia
Frequent bowel movements

Treatment of Thyrotoxicosis

Here is the list of the methods for treating Thyrotoxicosis :

Your doctor is likely to prescribe medication known as a thiourea drug (carbimazole, methimazole or propylthiouracil) that will reduce the output of hormone from the thyroid.
Beta-blockers (e.g., propranolol) are used to treat some of the symptoms including rapid heart rate , sweating , and anxiety until the hyperthyroidism can be controlled.
Sometimes your doctor may prescribe another type of medication, a beta blocker, to overcome some of the worst symptoms of an over-active thyroid gland, while waiting for the specific treatment for the thyroid to take its effect.
Hyperthyroidism is usually treated with antithyroid medications, radioactive iodine (which destroys the thyroid and thus stops the excess production of hormones), or surgery to remove the thyroid.
Another treatment that is sometimes used is the injection of radioactive iodine ( a longer lasting isotope than is used for scanning) which is concentrated in the thyroid gland and results in damage to and destruction of some of the cells of the thyroid.

Addison's Disease

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Addison's Disease is primarily a deficiency of hormones produced by the adrenal glands. There is increased excretion of salt. In Addison's disease, your adrenal glands produce too little cortisol, which is one of the hormones in a group called the glucocorticoids. It helps maintain blood pressure and water and salt balance in the body by helping the kidney retain sodium and excrete potassium. When aldosterone production falls too low, the kidneys are not able to regulate salt and water balance, causing blood volume and blood pressure to drop. Addison's disease occurs when the adrenal glands do not produce enough of the hormone cortisol and, in some cases, the hormone aldosterone.Treatment for Addison's disease involves taking hormones to replace the insufficient amounts being made by your adrenal glands.
Addison's disease is a hormone deficiency (not enough hormone) caused by damage to the outer layer of the adrenal gland (the part known as the adrenal cortex). These glands are part of your endocrine system, and they produce hormones that give instructions to virtually every organ and tissue in your body. The condition was first described by British physician Thomas Addison in his 1855 publication, On the Constitutional and Local Effects of Disease of the Suprarenal Capsules . Cortisol mobilizes nutrients, modifies the body's response to inflammation, stimulates the liver to raise the blood sugar, and also helps to control the amount of water in the body. Aldosterone regulates salt and water levels which affects blood volume and blood pressure. Cortisol production is regulated by another hormone, adrenocorticotrophic hormone (ACTH), made in the pituitary gland which is located just below the brain. Because cortisol is so vital to health, the amount of cortisol produced by the adrenals is precisely balanced. Like many other hormones, cortisol is regulated by the brain's hypothalamus and the pituitary gland, a bean-sized organ at the base of the brain. First, the hypothalamus sends "releasing hormones" to the pituitary gland.
Addison's disease is an endocrine or hormonal disorder that occurs in all age groups and afflicts men and women equally. The inner part of the adrenal ( called the medulla ) produces epinephrine ( also called adrenaline ) which is produced at times of stress and helps the body respond to "fight or flight" situations by raising the pulse rate, adjusting blood flow, and raising blood sugar.Addison's disease (also known as chronic adrenal insufficiency , or hypocortisolism ) is a rare endocrine disorder which results in the body not producing sufficient amounts of certain adrenal hormones Sometimes, Addison's disease also involves insufficient production of aldosterone, one of the mineralocorticoid hormones. It belongs to a class of hormones called glucocorticoids, which affect almost every organ and tissue in the body. In cases in which the electrolyte levels are normal this is the only test for the problem and it will be missed unless it is looked for specifically.

Causes of Addison's Disease

The common Causes of Addison's Disease :

The immune system mistakenly attacking the gland (autoimmune disease)
Chronic infections, such as fungal infections.
Infections such as tuberculosis , HIV, or fungal infections.
Hemorrhage, blood loss.
Tumors.
Invasion of the adrenal glands by cancer cells from another part of the body.
Use of blood-thinning drugs (anticoagulants) .
The symptoms of Addison's disease are caused by the failure of the adrenal glands, seated above the kidneys , to produce enough of the hormone cortisol and, in some cases, the hormone aldosterone .

Symptoms of Addison's Disease

Some common Symptoms of Addison's Disease :

Weight loss and loss of appetite.
Fatigue.
Sweating.
Unintentional weight loss.
Low blood pressure, even fainting.
Muscle weakness.
Salt craving.
Nausea and vomiting .
Loss of appetite.
Chronic diarrhea.
Darkening of your skin (hyperpigmentation).

Pheochromocytoma

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Pheochromocytoma is a tumour of the adrenal gland. The tumour is generally a benign one. These tumours produce excess of hormones like adrenaline. They are very vascular. A patient may also have a special nuclear medicine scan. A CT scan, an x-ray that uses a computer to make a picture of the inside of a part of the body or an MRI scan, which uses magnetic waves to make a picture of the abdomen, may also be done. Most of the time, a pheochromocytoma is noncancerous (benign), and treatment can return blood pressure to normal. A pheochromocytoma can develop at any age, but most commonly occurs in people between ages 40 and 60. Basically, these cells secrete too much epinephrine, norepinephrine and dopamine, and that causes the clinical signs and symptoms we will discuss below. Pheochromocytomas may also develop in people who have von Hippel-Lindau disease and in those who have neurofibromatosis (von Recklinghausen's disease).
Pheochromocytoma is a tumor of the adrenal gland that causes excess release of epinephrine and norepinephrine, hormones that regulate heart rate and blood pressure. Because of excessive catecholamine secretion, pheochromocytomas may precipitate life-threatening hypertension or cardiac arrhythmias. You have two adrenal glands, one just above each of your kidneys. Your adrenal glands produce hormones that give instructions to virtually every organ and tissue in your body. Pheochromocytomas often cause the adrenal glands to make too many hormones called catecholamines. The extra catecholamines cause high blood pressure (hypertension), which can cause headaches, sweating, pounding of the heart, pain in the chest, and a feeling of anxiety. Some people who develop pheochromocytomas have a rare inherited condition, called multiple endocrine neoplasia, that makes them prone to tumors in the thyroid, parathyroid, and adrenal glands (see Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia Syndromes ). They are responsible in part for that feeling of an “ad-renal-ine” rush you feel when you are afraid. It is these cells that are involved in a pheochromocytoma.
Pheochromocytoma is a rare catecholamine-secreting tumor derived from chromaffin cells. If the diagnosis of a pheochromocytoma is overlooked, the consequences could be disastrous, even fatal; however, if a pheochromocytoma is found, it is potentially curable. pheochromocytoma (fe-o-kro-mo-si-TOE-muh) is a rare tumor that develops in the core of an adrenal gland. A pheochromocytoma (also phaeochromocytoma , UK spelling) is a neuroendocrine tumor of the medulla of the adrenal glands originating in the chromaffin cells, which secretes excessive amounts of catecholamines , usually adrenaline and noradrenaline ( epinephrine and norepinephrine in the US). Cells in the adrenal glands make important hormones that help the body work properly. Usually pheochromocytoma affects only one adrenal gland. They are complex endocrine ( hormone secreting) glands. Depending on which area you focus on inside them, you find cells that do different things. There is an area where the cells secrete cortisol , a hormone similar to cortisone. A pheochromocytoma may be life-threatening if unrecognized or untreated.

Causes of Pheochromocytoma

The common Causes of Pheochromocytoma :

Dopamine antagonists
People with this rare multisystem disorder are at high risk of pheochromocytoma, kidney cancer, and brain and eye tumors.
Others occur randomly, or are a symptom of other syndromes as mentioned above.
Cold medications
Radiographic contrast media
Pheochromocytomas can occur in a small percentage of people with NF1, a syndrome that includes multiple tumors in the skin (neurofibromas), pigmented skin spots, tumors of the optic nerve of the eye, and bone lesions
Drugs that inhibit catecholamine reuptake, such as tricyclic antidepressants and cocaine

Symptoms of Pheochromocytoma

Some common Symptoms of Pheochromocytoma :

Headaches
Palpitations
Nausea
Rapid heart rate
Changes in body position
Abdominal pain
Sweating
Vomiting
Flushing
Weight loss
Chest pain
Excessive sweating
Irregular heartbeat (palpitations)

Treatment of Pheochromocytoma

Here is the list of the methods for treating Pheochromocytoma :

The definitive treatment is removal of the tumor by surgery.
Start alpha blockade with phenoxybenzamine 7-10 days preoperatively to allow for expansion of blood volume.
After surgery, it is necessary to continually monitor all vital signs in an intensive care unit in the case of an inoperable tumor, management with medication is necessary. Radiation therapy or chemotherapy have not been effective in curing this kind of tumor.
Prior to surgical removal, the high blood pressure will need to be brought under control, using first the medication phenoxybenzamine, followed by beta-blocking antihypertensive agents.
Use an arterial line, cardiac monitor, and Swan-Ganz catheter administer stress-dose steroids if bilateral resection is planned.
If a pheochromocytoma is cancerous (malignant), treatment may go beyond medication and surgery to include radiation, chemotherapy or destroying the function (ablation) of arteries that supply blood to the tumor.
Chemotherapy is called a systemic treatment because the drug enters the bloodstream, travels through the body, and can kill cancer cells throughout the body.

Retinitis Pigmentosa

2011-03-16T20:58:00.002+05:00

Retinitis pigmentosa causes the degeneration of photoreceptor cells in the retina. There are types of photoreceptor cells: rod cells and cone cells. The rate of decline varies depending on the genetic makeup of the disorder and also varies somewhat in individuals. A light is shone in the eye and the electroretinogram records electrical changes in the retina. They can occur in very young children causing a lifetime of blindness or rob the elderly of their precious independence. Retinitis pigmentosa (RP) is a rare, inherited disease in which the light-sensitive retina of the eye slowly and progressively degenerates. The rods are located in the periphery of the retina and are responsible for peripheral and night vision.
RP causes the thin layer of tissue in the back of the eye, which is called the retina, to deteriorate. Photoreceptor cells capture and process light helping us to see. As these cells degenerate and die, patients experience progressive vision loss. In the progression of symptoms for RP, night blindness generally precedes tunnel vision by years or even decades. These regions of the retina reflect the cell apoptosis by having decreased nuclei in the outer nuclear layer. An exam of the retina is done using an indirect ophthalmoscope, an instrument that enables the doctor to examine the different parts of the eye through a dilated pupil. An exam of the retina is done using an indirect ophthalmoscope, an instrument that enables the doctor to examine the different parts of the eye through a dilated pupil. RP is a group of inherited disorders in which abnormalities of the photoreceptors ( rods and cones ) or the retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) of the retina lead to progressive visual loss. Histopathologic changes in RP have been well documented, and, more recently, specific histologic changes associated with certain gene mutations are being reported.

Causes of Retinitis Pigmentosa

There are various factors which give rise to the disease Retinitis Pigmentosa. RP may be caused by a breakdown in the function of the rods or the cones in some part of the retina. The retina is so complex that breakdowns may occur in a variety of ways and so RP is not a single disorder but a great number of disorders. The breakdown of cone function may be called Macular Degeneration. There are other disorders similar to RP like Gyrate Atrophy, Choroideremia etc. The common feature is the degeneration of the retina for one reason or another.

Symptoms of Retinitis Pigmentosa

Some of the common sign and symptoms of the diseaseRetinitis Pigmentosa are as follows:

Vision decreased at night or in reduced lightl.
Loss of peripheral vision.
Loss of central vision.

Treatment of Retinitis Pigmentosa

Find effective treatment methods of treating Retinitis Pigmentosa :

These photoreceptors developed and made the necessary neural connections to the animal's retinal nerve cells, a key step in the restoration of sight .
Controversial studies have suggested that treatment with antioxidant agents may delay the disease from getting worse.
There is no standard treatment for retinitis pigmentosa.
A blood test must be taken to ascertain liver function and Vitamin A levels in the blood BEFORE taking this treatment

Retinal Detachment

2011-03-16T20:57:00.002+05:00

Retina is the light-sensitive layer of tissue that lines the inside of the eye and sends visual messages through the optic nerve to the brain. Retinal detachment is a serious problem that usually affects middle-aged or older people. Retinal detachment is caused by a combination of factors including retinal holes, retinal breaks or retinal tears, liquefaction of the vitreous humor , and mechanical forces on the retina , often referred to as "traction". It is the tissue that turns light INTO an electrical signal to send to the brain. The retina receives oxygen and nutrients from the underlying choroid (vascular layer) of the eye. Rays of light enter the eye and are focused onto the retina by the cornea and the lens. The retina is composed of two main parts; a central macular area and a much larger peripheral retina. Retinal detachment occurs when the retina separates from the choroid. Its job is to translate what we see into neural impulses and send them to the brain via the optic nerve .
Retinal detachment refers to separation of the inner layers of the retina from the underlying retinal pigment epithelium (RPE, choroid). In some cases there may be small areas of the retina that are torn. It is a problem that occurs most frequently in the middle-aged and elderly. The retina is a thin disc-shaped layer of light-sensitive tissue on the back wall of the eye. The retina produces a picture which is sent along the optic nerve for the brain to interpret. If not promptly treated, retinal detachment can cause permanent vision loss. The retina is a thin sheet of light sensitive nerve tissue lining the inside of the eye. The detached retina should be recognized and treated promptly.

Causes of Retinal Detachment

Common causes and risk factor's of Retinal Detachment include the following :

Eye injury.
Diabetes.
High level of nearsightedness.
Sickle cell disease.
Cataract surgery.

Symptoms of Retinal Detachment

Some common Symptoms of Retinal Detachment :

Flashes of light.
A sudden dramatic increase in the number of floaters.
Blurred vision.
A ring of floaters or hairs just to the temporal side of the central vision.
Shadow or blindness in a part of the visual field of one eye
Poor vision.
Vision becomes blurry.

Treatment of Retinal Detachment

In some cases a scleral buckle, a tiny synthetic band, is attached to the outside of the eyeball to gently push the wall of the eye against the detached retina.
In rare cases where other types of retinal detachment surgeries are either inappropriate or unsuccessful, silicone oil may be used to reattach the retina.
Retinal tears with minimal or no detachment may be treated with laser or freezing procedures. Some retinal tears do not require treatment.
Pneumatic retinopexy is a newer method for retinal detachment repair. It is not suitable for all types of detachment.

Orbital Cellulitis

2011-03-16T20:56:00.002+05:00

Orbital Cellulitis most often presents with symptoms similar to preseptal cellulits such as red and swollen eyelids, but also includes pain, blurred or double vision, fever, headache, and a red eye. These conditions refer to an inflammation and infection of the tissue and skin that surround the eye. Your baby won't be able to tell you if his eye hurts, but if his eyelid is swollen and red, call his doctor right away. Both of these conditions are serious and require immediate medical attention by your child's physician. This infection usually results from the spread of another nearby infection such as conjunctivitis or sinusitis. Treatment is with antibiotics and sometimes surgical drainage. The most common location of a subperiorbital abscess is along the medial orbital wall. Orbital cellulitis is an inflammation of the soft tissues in the orbit of the eye posterior to the orbital septum.
Orbital cellulitis affects the eye socket (orbit) as well as the skin closest to it. A CT scan confirms the diagnosis and may further be necessary to rule-out a foreign body in the orbit (eye socket). Periorbital cellulitis is a serious but treatable infection of the tissues around the eye. Preseptal and orbital cellulitis are 2 distinct diseases that share a few clinical symptoms and signs. Periorbital cellulitis is more common in younger children than adults. Pre-septal cellulitis involves the area from the skin of the eyelid to the bony area that encloses the eye. Orbital cellulitis is an acute infection of the tissues immediately surrounding the eye, including the eyelids, eyebrow, and cheek. The medial orbital wall is thin and perforated not only by numerous blood valveless vessels and nerves but also by numerous other defects (Zuckerkandl dehiscences).

Causes of Orbital Cellulitis

The common Causes of Orbital Cellulitis:

Stye on the eyelid.
Injury to the area.
Infections that spread from the bloodstream.
Bug bite or sting to the eyelid.

Symptoms of Orbital Cellulitis

Some common Symptoms of Orbital Cellulitis:

Bulging eyes
General malaise
Eye may appear red.
Decrease in vision.
Fever.
General discomfort .
Shiny, red or purple eyelid
Painful swelling of upper and lower eyelids

Treatment of Orbital Cellulitis

Your child may be admitted to the hospital for antibiotics through an intravenous (IV) catheter. Hospitalization also allows for close evaluation of your child and the condition.
Antibiotics are given to treat the infection. They will be started immediately, even before results from the laboratory have come back. Antibiotics are generally given by mouth for three weeks. If the infection is serious, the first week of antibiotics will be given through an intravenous drip.
Consultation with an ophthalmologist (eye care specialist).
Surgery may be performed to drain a collection of pus or an infected sinus cavity.
Surgical drainage of the sinuses or any abscesses of the eye is sometimes needed.

Keratitis

2011-03-16T20:55:00.002+05:00

Keratitis is an inflammation of the cornea the domed, transparent circular portion of the front of the eyeball that lies over the pupil. The infection occurs almost exclusively in contact lens wearers. The patient will present with a unilateral, acutely painful, photophobic, intensely injected eye. Upon healing, a scar remains that impairs vision if on or near the visual axis. Keratitis has many causes including bacteria, viruses and fungi. It typically occurs after trauma associated with plant matter or in immuno-compromised individuals. Keratitis is a medical emergency because extensive involvement may lead to blindness. Microbial keratitis results from the interaction of a broad spectrum of pathogens and a diverse range of host responses.
This condition is typically accompanied by severe pain, redness, and scant (if any) discharge. The conjunctival and episcleral vessels will be deeply engorged and inflamed, often greatly out of proportion to the size of the corneal defect. Superficial keratitis involves the superficial layers of the cornea. It should be noted that microbial infections such as keratitis, although relatively infrequent, are the most serious complication of contact lens wear. Fusarium is commonly found in organic matter such as soil and plants. The cornea is the clear, dome-shaped surface that covers the front of the eye. Symptoms of corneal infection include extreme pain and photophobia. It is characterized by small pinpoint defects in the superficial corneal epithelium, which stain with fluorescein. The primary treatment modality for ocular infections from Fusarium is natamycin, but not all infections respond to this drug.

Causes of Keratitis

Common causes and risk factor's of Keratitis include the following :

Fungi.
Trauma (usually following insertion of an object into the eye).
Vitamin A deficiencies.
Bacteria.
Parasites.

Symptoms of Keratitis

Some common Symptoms of Keratitis:

Pain.
Blurred vision.
Light sensitivity .
Impaired vision.
Discharge.
Itching and discharge
Tearing, watery eyes,
Redness.
Watery eyes
Feeling as if something is in the eye.

Treatment of Keratitis

Corticosteroid eye drops may be used to reduce inflammation in certain conditions. Severe ulcers may need to be treated with corneal transplantation.
Bacterial corneal ulcers require intense topical eye drop instillation every 1/2 hour for the first 48 hours with two broad-spectrum antibiotics. Treatment for fungal keratitis consists of natamycin. Bacterial and fungal corneal ulcers are treated in hospital.
Treatment of the cornea with corticosteroid drops may minimize scarring, and help preserve the clarity of the cornea.
Minor corneal infections are commonly treated with anti-bacterial or anti-fungal eye drops. If the problem is more severe, a person may receive more intensive antibiotic treatment to eliminate the infection and may need to take steroid eye drops to reduce inflammation.
Treating corneal ulcers and infections depends on the cause. They should be treated as soon as possible to prevent further injury to the cornea.

Corneal Abrasion

2011-03-16T20:54:00.002+05:00

Corneal abrasion is a painful scrape or scratch of the surface of the clear part of the eye. This transparent window covers the iris, the circular colored portion of the eye. The cornea has several layers that protect the eye. Some corneal abrasions may form a scar and permanently impair vision. A corneal abrasion is an injury (a scratch, scrape or cut) to the epithelium. Abrasions are commonly caused by fingernail scratches, paper cuts, makeup brushes, scrapes from trees or limbs, and rubbing the eye. Some eye conditions, such as dry eye, increase the chance of an abrasion. It is comprised of three layers and the membranes that separate these layers. It is very difficult to penetrate past the epithelium or top layer of the cornea. The cornea is normally devoid of blood vessels yet has many sensory nerves. When any trauma to the corneal epithelium occurs, cells are lost or destroyed and pain is immediately sensed. When a corneal abrasion occurs, the conjunctiva, or the white of the eye, turns red, as new blood vessels form and those present enlarge, in an attempt to increase blood flow to the eye as it attempts to bring to the eye those cells needed for the healing of the cornea. A corneal abrasion heals by the movement of neighboring epithelial cells, which slide over the wounded area, and through a cell division process called mitosis, which fill in the abraded area with new epithelial cells. Within two to three days of trauma to the cornea, these new cells start to adhere to the underlying membrane of the epithelium, called the basement membrane and within seven to eight days the abraded area usually heals completely without scarring.

Causes of Corneal Abrasion

The common Causes of Corneal Abrasion :

Minor injury.
Occurs when a foreign object is scraped across the cornea.
Chemicals.
Contact lenses.
Blow to the eye.

Symptoms of Corneal Abrasion

Some common Symptoms of Corneal Abrasion :

Tearing .
Discharge of tears.
Sensitivity to light.
Eye pain.
Blurred vision.
Redness.
Discomfort in the eye.
Headache.

Treatment of Corneal Abrasion

Antibiotic eye ointment, such as Polymyxin-bacitracin.
Occlusion of the eyelid with a patch (keep the eye closed).
Examination is done after using an anaesthetic.
A 'patch' may be put on the eyes.
Antibiotic used to prevent infection.
Relief of pain with medication.
At times, cycloplegic drops (paralyzes the ciliary muscle that controls the iris size).
In selected cases, other medication such as steroids might be used.

Conjunctivitis

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Conjunctivitis, is an inflammation of the conjunctiva, the clear membrane that covers the white part of the eye and the inner surface of the eyelids. Conjunctivitis, commonly known as "pink eye," is most often caused by a virus but also can be caused by bacterial infection, allergies (e.g., cosmetics, pollen) and chemical irritation. Conjunctivitis is the most common eye disease in the western hemisphere and varies in severity from mild inflammation with tearing to a severe inflammation that causes tissue injury and tissue death. Bacterial conjunctivitis presents with a red eye, pus discharge, a gritty sensation, and occasionally sticking shut of the eyelids. Viral conjunctivitis follows an upper respiratory infection such as the common cold. While pinkeye can sometimes be alarming because it may make the eyes extremely red and can spread rapidly, it's a fairly common condition and usually causes no long-term eye or vision damage. But if your child shows symptoms of pinkeye, it's important to see a doctor. Some kinds of pinkeye go away on their own, but other types require treatment.
Acute conjunctivitis is redness and soreness (inflammation) of the clear covering (the conjunctiva) which coats the white of the eye and lines the inside of the eye lids. Conjunctivitis can be caused by a virus, bacteria, irritating substances (shampoos, dirt, smoke, and especially pool chlorine), allergens (substances that cause allergies) or transmitted diseases (STDs). Pink eye caused by bacteria, viruses, and STDs can spread easily from person to person, but is not a serious health risk if diagnosed promptly.

Causes of Conjunctivitis

The common Causes of Conjunctivitis :

The commonest cause is infection with bacteria.
Allergic reactions, eg hayfever , may cause conjunctivitis, but do not usually cause a sticky discharge.
Virus infection may also occur.
Air pollution or chemical irritants may lead to conjunctivitis.
A partially blocked tear duct is a possible cause.

Symptoms of Conjunctivitis

Some common Symptoms of Conjunctivitis :

The eye is itchy or painful.
Blurred vision
Sensitivity to light
Redness in the eyes
Tearing.
Itching of the eye
Red, irritated eye.
Swelling of the conjunctiva and eyelids.

Treatment of Conjunctivitis

Over the counter eye cleansing solution can also soothe the eyes, but in the presence of a bacterial infection, you need to see the doctor as antibiotic eye drops or ointment are necessary. In some rare infections, antibiotics are also given by mouth.
If the patient's eyes are sensitive to light, keep the room dark or suggest that he wear dark glasses.
To prevent further spread of inclusion conjunctivitis, wash your hands thoroughly before and after administering eye medications.
Use warm or cool water compresses to reduce discomfort.
If your doctor thinks that the problem is allergic, then you may be prescribed antihistamines , sodium cromoglycate eye drops, or nedocromil eye drops.
Be sure to wash hands with soap and water before and after using eye medication.
If the problem is a virus infection, then it will not respond to antibiotics, and your body will have to fight off the infection.

Eye Stye

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Eye Stye is a bacteria-infected localised inflammation of the upper or lower eyelid which have Zeis glands that produce a secretion to keep the area moist and soft. Eye stye occurs when staphylococcal bacteria infect one of the tiny glands at the base of the eyelid hairs and then becomes inflamed. An infection bacterium is frequently transferred from one hair shaft to another when rubbing it to relieve itching. An eye stye occurs when staphylococcal bacteria infect one of the tiny glands at the base of the eyelid hairs and then becomes inflamed. Stye has all the the signs of inflammation, swelling, redness, pain and heat or warmth and occurs on the edge of the eyelid. An infection bacterium is frequently transferred from one hair shaft to another when rubbing it to relieve itching.
Patient may experience pain, swelling, heat and redness on the base of eyelid. It can be affected around the eyelid and eyelashes. A stye can occur at any age. Generally, this infection responds well to treatment but tends to recur. Styes are usually harmless and will go away after several days on their own as your body fights the infection. However they look bumpy and ugly. There are some home remedies for styes that may be helpful for you. A stye initially brings pain, redness, tenderness and swelling in the area, then a small pimple appears. It is small inflammatory tumor on the base of eyelid. This disease does not affect the vision. It is also called by hordeolums by some people.

Causes of Eye-Stye

The common Causes of Eye-Stye :

The main cause of stye is the staphylococcal organisms eyelid infections, but other organisms may be involved.
Diabetes
Other debilitating illness
Styes are caused by staphylococcal bacteria.
Using eyeliner or other eye products can irritate the eye.
This bacterium is often found in the nose, and it's easily transferred to the eye by rubbing first your nose, then your eye.
weakness of the immune system
Using mascara, eyeliner or other eye products can irritate the

Symptoms of Eye-Stye

Some common Symptoms of Eye-Stye :

Redness accompanied by slight pain.
Discomfort when blinking
Swollen, red, tender upper or lower eyelid.
Difficulty to open the eyes in bright light
Tearing of the eye.
Sensitivity to light
Blurred vision
Eye pain
A gritty, scratchy sensation as if there is a foreign body
Lump and/or swelling in the eyelid

Treatment of Eye-Stye

Here is the list of the methods for treating Eye-Stye :

Application of prescribed antibiotic drops may also be used to help fight the infection
Boil a handful of acacia leaves in two cups of water to make a decoction and apply it as compress on the eyelids
A grated potato used as a poultice, reduce swelling in inflamed eyes.
Surgical drainage of the stye may also be necessary if the stye is not responding to treatment
Application of prescribed antibiotic drops may also be used to help fight the infection
Boil 1 teaspoon of coriander seeds with a cupful of water like an herbal tea preparation to wash the eyes 3-4 times a day.
Antibiotic creams may help recurrent or persistent styes
Any one or a combination of antibiotic or steroid drops or injections; warm compresses for 5 to 10 minutes, 3 or 4 times a day; gentle massage to express the glandular secretions; or surgical drainage

Glaucoma - narrow angle glaucoma symptom, treatment

2011-03-16T20:51:00.002+05:00

Glaucoma condition is characterized by a raised pressure within the eyes due to an enhanced formation of aqueous hum-our, a difficulty in its exit, or a raised pressure in the existing veins. Glaucoma may be primary (causes within the eye) or secondary (due to another disease or a consequence of another disease). Glaucoma is the major cause of blindness among adults today. One out of every eight blind persons is a victim of glaucoma. Far sighted persons are more prone to develop this disease than near sighted ones. Glaucoma is a leading cause of blindness among African Americans and Hispanics in the United States. African Americans experience glaucoma at a rate of three times that of Caucasians and experience blindness four times more frequently. Fortunately, medical advances have made it easier to diagnose and treat glaucoma. If detected and treated early, glaucoma need not cause even moderate vision loss. Unfortunately, the vision lost to glaucoma is gone forever. Medications and surgery can help slow the progression of the disease, but there is no cure.
Simple Glaucoma: Age 70 years onwards. It has a very slow onset and is practically symptom less except for mild headaches and eye aches. There may be a defect in the visual field. There is gradual difficulty in reading. Vision is finally lost in one eye and seriously affected in the other. Always consult an eye doctor. Vision experts estimate that half of those affected may not know they have it because symptoms may not occur during the early stages of the disease. By the time the patient notices something is wrong, the disease has already caused considerable damage. There are two major types of glaucoma: chronic or primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG) and acute closed-angle glaucoma. Other variations include congenital glaucoma, pigmentary glaucoma and secondary glaucoma.
Glaucoma is a group of diseases of the optic nerve involving loss of retinal ganglion cells in a characteristic pattern of optic neuropathy . Left untreated, an elevated IOP causes irreversible damage the optic nerve and retinal fibers resulting in a progressive, permanent loss of vision. The most common form of glaucoma, primary open-angle glaucoma, develops gradually, giving no warning signs. Many people aren't even aware they have an eye problem until their vision is extensively compromised. Glaucoma affects an estimated 3 million Americans, with 120,000 blind due to the condition. It's like an electric cable made up of thousands of individual wires carrying the images from the inside back wall of your eyeball (retina) to your brain. Untreated glaucoma leads to permanent damage of the optic nerve and resultant visual field loss, which can progress to blindness . Optic nerve damage usually occurs in the presence of high intraocular pressure; however, it can occur with normal or even below-normal eye pressure.
Glaucoma refers to a group of disorders that lead to damage to the optic nerve, the nerve that carries visual information from the eye to the brain. Your eye has pressure just like your blood, and when this intraocular pressure (IOP) increases to dangerous levels, it damages the optic nerve. Although raised intraocular pressure is a significant risk factor for developing glaucoma, there is no set threshold for intraocular pressure that causes glaucoma. This elevated pressure is caused by a backup of fluid in the eye. Over time, it causes damage to the optic nerve. The common feature of these diseases is damage to the optic nerve, usually accompanied by an abnormally high pressure inside your eyeball.

Causes of Glaucoma

The common Causes of Glaucoma :

Elevated IOP is still considered a major risk factor for glaucoma, though, because studies have shown that the higher the IOP is, the more likely the optic nerve will be damaged.
No one knows why certain ethnic groups, such as African Americans, have higher rates of glaucoma that lead to blindness.
Angle closure (acute) glaucoma is caused by a shift in the position of the iris of the eye that suddenly blocks the exit of the aqueous humor fluid.
This causes a quick, severe, and painful rise in the pressure within the eye (intraocular pressure)
Congenital glaucoma, which is present at birth, is the result of abnormal development of the fluid outflow channels of the eye.
Secondary glaucoma is caused by other diseases, including eye diseases such as uveitis , systemic diseases, and drugs such as corticosteroids.
Primary open-angle glaucoma is the leading cause of blindness among African Americans and Alaska Natives, occurring 6-8 times more often than in whites, often in the earlier stages of life
Nausea and vomiting may occur.

Symptom of Glaucoma

The first symptom of glaucoma is the appearance of halos or coloured rings round distant objects, when seen at night. In this condition, the iris is usually pushed forward, and the patient
often complains of constant pain in the region of the brow, near the temples and the cheeks are some of the main symptom of glaucoma. Headaches are not uncommon. There is gradual impairment of vision as glaucoma develops, and this may ultimately result in blindness if proper steps are not taken to deal with the disease in the early stages.
Other Symptom of Glaucoma

Sudden, severe blurring of vision.
Severe pain. The pain may occur in the eye itself or in certain areas immediately around the eye.
Colored halos around lights.
Reduced peripheral vision
Optic cup asymmetry
Redness of the eye.
Nausea and vomiting.

Prevention tips for Glaucoma Cure and Home remedies :

The patient should not take excessive fluids, whether it is juice, milk or water at any time. He may drink small amounts several times with at least one hour intervals.
The diet of the patient suffering from glaucoma should be based on three basic food groups,namely, seeds, nuts and grains ; vegetables and fruit, with emphasis on raw vitamin
C-rich foods, fresh fruits and vegetables.
The breakfast may consist of oranges or grapes or any
other juicy fruits in season and a handful of raw nuts or seeds.
The dinner may comprise of steamed vegetables, butter and cottage cheese.
Certain nutrients have been found helpful in the treatment of glaucoma. It has been found that the glaucoma patients are usually deficient in vitamins A, B,C, protein ,calcium and other minerals.
The patient should undertake various methods of relaxing and strengthening the eyes. He should avoid emotional stress and cultivate a tranquil, restful life style. He should also avoid prolonged straining of the eyes such as occurs during excessive T.V. or movie watching and excessive reading. The use of sun glasses should be avoided.

The major types of glaucoma are:

Open-angle glaucoma :
Open-angle glaucoma by far the most common form, has no symptoms at first. The pressure in the eye builds up slowly and gradually. At some point, side vision (peripheral vision) is lost and without treatment, total blindness can occur in the Open-angle glaucoma. Regular eye exams can help catch the disease of Open-angle glaucoma at an early stage and prevent further damage.
Acute closed-angle glaucoma
Acute closed-angle glaucoma results from a sudden, complete blocking of fluid flowing out of the eye. Symptoms of Acute closed-angle glaucoma may include severe pain, nausea, vomiting, blurred vision, and seeing a rainbow halo around lights. Acute closed-angle glaucoma is a medical emergency and must be treated immediately or blindness could result in one or two days.
Chronic closed-angle glaucoma
Chronic closed-angle glaucoma may produce a vague eye ache or blurred vision; however, there are usually no symptoms of Chronic closed-angle glaucoma.

Treatment of Glaucoma

Here is the list of the methods for treating Glaucoma :

Epinephrine compounds are eye drops that lower the intraocular pressure by increasing the rate of aqueous humor flow out of the eye.
Laser surgery for glaucoma slightly increases the outflow of the fluid from the eye in open-angle glaucoma or eliminates fluid blockage in angle-closure glaucoma.
Blindness will occur in a few days if it is not treated.
Alpha adrenergic agonists are topical medications used to reduce the aqueous humor production and increase aqueous humor outflow.
Laser or surgical treatment may be used when medical treatment isn't sufficiently effective.
Beta - blockers (available as eye drops or pills) help decrease the rate at which the aqueous humor flows into the eye this type of medication includes topical timolol (Timoptic), levobunolol (Betagan), betaxolol (Betaoptic-S), Iopidine and Ocupress.