Insider Health

Tuberculosis (TB)

2009-04-15T08:46:00.001-07:00

Tuberculosis or TB is a very serious condition that affects a person’s lungs. TB kills millions of people all across the globe each and every year and is a disease that is continuously on the rise. The disease is spreading dramatically due to an increase in bacteria and a growing resistance for drugs that are currently on the market. The disease itself can be defined as an infection but is scientifically labeled as Mycobacterium Tuberculosis. TB can affect any part of the body but the most common part is the lungs. The disease often begins in the lungs and then can spread further throughout the body very rapidly.

The danger of TB is that it can be spread very easily through coughing, sneezing or any other process that distributes bacteria. However, in most instances if you are healthy there is very little chance that you will contract TB just by simply breathing it in. The problem is that anyone with an inefficient immune system can be very susceptible. If your body is unable to fight off the bacteria then the condition can affect the lungs and all other areas. The disease may not even activate until months or even years after it is contracted.

The first symptoms of TB include a dry cough that continues to worsen at a steady pace. After a while, a patient will start to cough up phlegm that contains some blood traces. On top of this a sufferer may experience a loss in appetite, fever and constant chest pains. If the problem is not diagnosed the lungs can be severely damaged which can lead to breathing problems. This can also lead to an infection that can cause death in a lot of cases.

Tuberculosis is a condition that has been present for a staggering number of years and it is actually a lot more common that most people realize. In some instances it is thought TB was responsible for over 20 percent of all deaths in the earlier centuries. There have been advances in medicine and treatment that have lowered these rates but it is still a very fatal disease. Penicillin alone has played a major role in the decline of the TB death rate but it has begun to rise again as people are becoming immune to the medicine.

In many cases the development of TB is attributed to poor health and a bad diet. However there are a number of other causes that have ensured that tuberculosis is a very dangerous disease. To this day it is still responsible for over three million deaths per year. The most common way to diagnose TB is through a skin prick test that reveals infection. Yet in some cases can take a couple of months for the tests to come back conclusive enough to determine that the condition is present.

Antibiotics are the main form of treatment known to this day and include a number of varying medications. A six month dose of pills such as pyrazinamine and athambutol are given to a patient to try and ward of the serious effects of the disease. Even if you being to feel better about three or four months, it is highly recommended that you continue to ingest the medication for the entire duration of the 6 month period. There is also a preventative vaccine that is available for people that carry an inherent risk for contracting the disease. In many cases the vaccine is thought to prevent the disease in at least 70 percent of cases.

© Insider Health

Menopause

2009-04-15T08:44:00.000-07:00

Menopause can affect women who are entering the infertile stages of their lives. The decrease in sex hormones within a female’s body brings on this occurrence and is a regular process in the life cycle. Usually it affects women between the ages of 40 and 50 but it can occur earlier and even during childhood in very rare cases. When this process occurs a woman will stop going through her usual menstrual cycle and will become unable to achieve pregnancy. In some cases menopause can be brought on in unnatural ways to due invasive surgery or other abnormal factors.

While the main side affect is the inability to produce children there are also a number of according symptoms that can prove to be very unpleasant. Some of these symptoms are known to be host flashes and extreme dryness within the vagina which can make sex very unpleasant and uncomfortable. This can lead to a drastically reduced sex drive and a risk for women to contract brittle bone disease. In many cases doctors advise women to deal with the symptoms as best they can on their own in order to not deal with the side effects that can be brought on by menopause medication. It is only in serious cases that doctors will willingly subscribe to hormonal therapy.

A common treatment for menopause is hormone replacement therapy. This therapy can reduce the effects of the side effects and make the whole process a lot more bearable. The main hormone used is estrogen but that alone can lead to an increase in the risk of contracting cancer. So in most cases oestrogen is given in doses along with progesterone to decrease the likelihood of a patient developing cancer. Even though the drug treatment can help it can also lead to other symptoms such as headaches and mood swings.

While it is more common for menopause to occur in middle aged women it can affect young girls in some cases. This can be due to growth hormone issues and is referred to as premature menopause. This is much more serious than normal menopause and needs to be treated right away to avoid further complications. In some cases when premature menopause is dedicated a woman can choose to freeze her eggs so that she still has the ability to produce children later on in life. This new technology is going a long way to reduce the misery that can be inflicted due to premature menopause.

Premature menopause is usually a man made problem and can come about when ovaries are removed or manipulated through surgery or as a side effect to other drug treatments such as chemotherapy. If a woman has gone through chemotherapy before or other serious drug treatments then they are often denied the use of hormone treatment to combat menopause. In these situations the patient has to deal with the symptoms in a natural way and can only be prescribed painkilling medication.

© Insider Health

Erectile Dysfunction (ED)

2009-04-15T08:43:00.001-07:00

Erectile dysfunction or ED is a medical issue that involves the inability for a main to gain or maintain an erection. This leads to a severe decrease in sexual desire and in some cases a complete inability to have any form of sexual intercourse. It is unknown just how many males suffer from ED as there are many undiagnosed cases. This is due to the extremely sensitive nature of the issue itself and many males unwillingness to deal with the problem. With that being said it is estimated that over 5 percent of men over the age of 40 and 25 percent of men over 65 deal with this condition on a regular basis.

An erection within a male occurs when blood enters the two chambers within the penis. When a man is aroused, the blood is sent rushing to the area and the surrounding nerves relax in order to let more in. This relaxation of the nerves and increase blood flow cause the corpora cavernosa to enlarge and increase in size. There is also a membrane known as the tunica albuginea that traps the blood within the area in order for the erection to remain for an extended period of time. When the muscles in the penis contract the blood flow to the penis is slowed down and the erection subsides.

Erectile dysfunction is caused when one of these events does not occur. There are a number of things that need to happen in order for an erection to be sustained and if one does not occur, an erection cannot last. The most common reason for ED is tissue damage that does not allow the process to happen naturally. This can usually be a side effect of other diseases and medical conditions such as diabetes, alcoholism, multiple sclerosis and kidney disease. On top of this, physical damage to the penis and mental conditions can also cause erectile dysfunction. Some common medicine such as antidepressants and blood pressure drugs can also lead to these issues. Mental conditions such as an increase in stress, guilt or low self esteem can also increase a male’s risk of contracting ED.

There are a number of treatments available for erectile dysfunction including psychological therapies, drugs and even surgery. Depending on the individual case different remedies may be more suitable for different people. When it comes to drug therapy, Viagra has become known as the international treatment of ED since the late 1990s. It works by increasing the chemicals within the body that are needed to perform all the tasks that go into causing and sustaining an erection. The drug was actually discovered by accident and was created as a treatment for angina.

Some men choose to go the route of penile injections or choose to use vacuum devices. With a penile injection certain drugs are injected directly into the penis in order to cause an erection. Vacuum devices work by creating a vacuum surrounding the penis that forces blood to the region. These devices consist of a cylinder, a pump and an elastic band.

When it comes to surgery for erectile dysfunction there are a few options including implanted devices, inflatable cylinders or a surgical removal of damaged arteries that are causing a blockage. Each case of ED is different and doctors will prescribe different remedies for different people but usually surgery is used as a last resort.

© Insider Health

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)

2009-04-15T08:41:00.000-07:00

While many people are aware of respiratory problems such as asthma, many are unaware of the complications and amount of people that suffer from Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease. COPD affects over 600,000 people in the UK alone and is actually responsible for killing more than 30,000 people every year. Even with this staggering numbers many people do not even realize that COPD is a dangerously fatal medical condition.

COPD is the common name for a number of varying conditions that affect the lungs such as bronchitis and emphysema. In all cases, the condition arises from obstructed airways and a difficulty when it comes to regular breathing. The harder it is for a person to engage in the normal act of breathing, the harder it becomes to live a healthy and lengthy life.

In most cases COPD is caused by smoking. It has been labeled as a smokers’ disease and the damage that is caused by tobacco directly correlates with damaged lungs within a patient. There are other factors though including air pollution or even certain jobs that force someone to be in an unhealthy environment. However it is very uncommon for people that do not smoke to suffer from COPD.

The first symptom of this condition is a cough that does not seem to ever go away. This cough is the body’s way of trying to get more oxygen in and more phlegm and mucus out. In less serious cases of COPD these symptoms may only actually occur during certain points of the year such as an especially cold winter. In severe cases a patient becomes unable to perform routine tasks such was walking or lifting objects without becoming too short of breath.

While there is no clear-cut cure for COPD simply quitting smoking or never starting will almost altogether take away any risk you may have of suffering from the condition. However, if you have smoked for years, the damage may already be done and there is no way to reverse it. Your best bet is to quit smoking as soon as possible or better yet, never begin. Aside from smoking, engaging in regular physical activity and eating healthy can go a long way to reducing your chances of getting COPD.

In other cases, people who suffer from other lung diseases are advised to get regular checkups that may test for COPD. If a case of COPD gets too serious it can be a very problematic condition. The worse a person’s lungs get, the less oxygen is able to get into the bloodstream and it can lead to ever worse medical conditions.

In terms of treatment the most common form is inhalers and bronchodilator medications. This treatment can open up the airways and make it easier for oxygen to get in and out of the body. In very serious cases often steroid medications are used in order to strengthen the body and lungs so that the body can combat the condition more effectively and thus protect itself from relating issues.

© Insider Health

Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT)

2009-04-15T08:40:00.001-07:00

When a blood clot forms within a deep vein of someone’s body it is referred to as Deep Vein Thrombosis. This usually occurs in the legs and is a rather rare condition that usually affects senior citizens. This condition is labeled as DVT and is a circulation problem that affects people who do not regularly engage in physical activity. DVT usually occurs when the blood begins passing too slowly between the veins and thus a clot is formed.

The hard thing about DVT is that it can often go unnoticed and patients may not notice symptoms at all. One noticeable symptom is pain in the legs or an increase in temperature near the affected area. The most common way to detect DVT is through an ultrasound procedure. In recent years doctors have perfected this route for detection and they can identify and deal with clots that are not even visible under a microscope. In other cases blood tests are used to determine if DVT is present if an ultrasound is not as readily available.

While this condition is rarely ever life threatening, if left untreated it can lead to other medical issues that may become more serious. In some cases a patient can contract pulmonary embolism. Essentially this is when a part of the blood clot becomes unattached and travels throughout the body and into the lungs. This can cause very dramatic breathing instances and lead to death in serious cases. Also the clot may travel to other major organs and can even lead to a stroke if it manages to reach any part of the brain. Another relating condition to DVT is post-thrombotic syndrome. This affects a lot of DVT patients and occurs when damage is passed onto the valves of the vein. The biggest side effect of this issue is severe pain yet it can be treated.

In most instances DVT is treated within a hospital. Doctors do their best to minimize or dissolve the clot and take steps to prevent further clots from taking hold within the bloodstream. Blood thinners are the most common medication used as they allow the blood to pass through difficult areas much more easily. Aside from that sufferers of DVT are usually given painkillers and are advised to leave the affected area under direct heat as much as possible.

It is very rare for DVT to affect a patient under the age of 40 but in some instances it has been document. If a patient has a history of DVT in their family, or suffers from cancer or obesity then there is an increased risk of inheriting the condition. However there are a number of ways that DVT can be prevented including ingesting blood thinners like aspirin and remaining active in older age. In most cases people who feel they are at risk can just remain physically fit and active and they drastically reduce the chances of suffering from DVT. Stay fit and be careful and you should be able to avoid this condition with some ease.

© Insider Health

Alzheimer's and Dementia

2009-04-15T08:37:00.000-07:00

Alzheimer’s disease is a brain disorder that consistently worsens and leads to a decrease in the brain’s ability to function and eventually to death. In most cases of dementia, Alzheimer’s disease is classified as the cause and there in fact is no way to reverse the effects it can have on a person’s brain. It is thought that 5 percent of people that are older than 65 suffer from Alzheimer’s and the disease effects 20 percent of senior citizens over the age of 85.

Dementia itself is a condition that relates to a varying degree of mental disorders. This is related to memory loss, and the inability for people to communicate, decipher situations or make normal judgment. There are a few different conditions that can lead to Dementia but Alzheimer’s is the most common. In two thirds of studies that involve Dementia in senior citizens, Alzheimer’s is the cause.

There is no proven reason to determine the case of Alzheimer’s disease yet some instances can be traced to genetics or certain lifestyles. It is a debilitating disease that usually only affects people that are coming on in age and you can decrease the risks of developing it in a number of ways. A healthy and well balanced diet as well as regular exercise can allow you to better fight the effects of the condition and even completely prevent it in some cases. Alzheimer’s develops when protein deposits begin to spread themselves out around the brain which leads to an inability for the brain to function as normal. The blood vessels can also be damaged which can reduce the amount of oxygen that gets to the brain thus making it harder to perform even the most simple of tasks.

The disease can take over a patient very gradually and the early stages can go unnoticed. This can make the condition very hard to diagnosis until the symptoms have become a lot worse. Some symptoms that you may notice include memory loss, a decrease in judgment, trouble performing routine tasks, communication issues, disorientation and changes in personality as well as sudden mood swings. In some cases the disease can be misdiagnosed as depression or even anxiety. The increase of symptoms can vary from person to person. Some can be affected dramatically very quickly while others may not feel the drastic affects until years later. While Alzheimer’s can be somewhat diagnosed there is no inconclusive evidence that can be proven until after death has occurred.

There are other forms of dementia that can affect senior citizens such as Lewy bodies. This disease can damage nerve cells and cause the degeneration of all the tissue within the brain. Other forms include Parkinson’s disease, Huntington’s disease and multiple sclerosis. There are a number of different medications that are used to treat dementia. Some are medicinal and then there are also alternative remedies include music therapy and other more modern treatments. There is no proof that one is more powerful than another but it is known that serious drugs should not be used until dementia has entered the very serious stages.

© Insider Health

Cataracts

2009-04-14T09:49:00.001-07:00

When compared to the number of people that are affected by cataracts there is very little known about this medical problem. If cataracts are not treated right away that can easily lead to a significant decrease in a person’s vision. There is a rather routine and efficient cure for cataracts though that can restore sight through an operation that is quite safe.

Cataracts can be defined as cloudy areas that take over the part of the eye that is usually very clear. This lens is the main part of the eye that allows for sight and gives the eye the ability to focus on objects. When a cataract gets in the way of this lens it becomes extremely difficult to see objects that are both far away and near.

This condition affects people that are in the later stages of life and one in three senior citizens is affected by cataracts at some point. It is a normal process of aging for the eyes to cloud over and the lens within to harden. This issue can also be caused by other illnesses such as diabetes or even eye trauma. In some cases babies can be born with cataracts but it is far more common in adults that are further on in their life cycle. Some people falsely believe that using your eyes when cataracts begin to form will worsen the condition but this is simply not the truth.

The symptoms of cataracts are usually quite constant and begin with blurred vision. When the eyes encounter situations that are especially bright, such as stepping out into the sun on a hot day, someone who suffers from cataracts may be prone to a glazed over feeling. Often times, cataracts can also take away the ability for someone to see colors or distinguish the difference between certain objects.

When it comes to treatment, surgery to remove the lens from the eye is the most common. This procedure is usually done only when the cataracts have seriously begin to limit a person’s vision and usually as a last resort. When someone begins to have extreme difficulty reading or driving then the surgery is chosen as the preferred treatment. It is a proven method that offers little to no side effects and there is no inherent danger. The process does not even require the patient to be put to sleep and can be performed under local anesthetic. The patient will feel no pain but can stay awake for the entire surgery without any problems. The process actually only takes about twenty minutes and can be done without the patient suffering from any severe side effects.

While there are some possible side effects such as infection, simple eye drops taken after the surgery to ensure that the entire process is completely quite easily and safely. Many people have and will suffer from cataracts but it is not a debilitating illness and can be treated without much of a problem at all.

© Insider Health

Migraines

2009-04-14T09:48:00.000-07:00

Migraines can be extremely painful and even debilitating for many people. Essentially they are extreme headaches and affect over 10 percent of the entire UK population. Women suffer more commonly than men and the symptoms can often be related to hormonal cycles. There are two common types of migraines; the common migraine, ones without an aura, and classical ones that are a migraine with aura. Both can be quite painful and unpleasant but the classical migraine is much more serious and needs to be treated and prevented with far greater caution.

The common migraine coincides with symptoms such as a throbbing headache and other factors such as diarrhoea, loss of appetite and even vomiting in some instances. People who commonly suffer from these migraines may also notice that their bodies becomes very sensitive to light, noise and even smell. In many instances, a sufferer will be forced to confine themselves to a dark and quite room in order to get the rest necessary to get rid of the coinciding pain.

Now in terms of the classical migraine, the headache coincides with visual symptoms such as seeing dotted lines or noticing blind spots. Classical migraines last, on average, about 22 hours and can even wear a person down long after. On average migraines present themselves approximately 13 times every year. There are a number of people that only suffer from migraines a few times a year, and then in other instances there are patients that feel the effects of a migraine on a daily basis.

There are a number of opinions and ideas as to why migraines present themselves, but there is no substantial proof for any one factor. Most scientists believe that chemical imbalances in the body and stress can bring on an increased number of migraines. There are also some other coinciding factors such as fatigue, sleeping too much, ingesting too much alcohol or dairy products, an emotional imbalance or even missing important meals. Hormonal changes in a woman’s body can also be a factor that causes migraines and this can be brought on by contraceptive pills and other daily medications.

While there are a few options when it comes to treatment, the most common is the simple use of painkillers such as aspirin. If the problem persists and becomes very serious, then you are advised to see a pharmacist and get some prescription medication that is much stronger. In the most extreme of cases you may even be prescribed daily medication that can prevent your migraines or reduce the likelihood of them occurring.

If a patient experiences over 4 migraines within a month, than this acute treatment is often the best available option. While preventive medicines can be a great help, you should also have painkillers on hand for when migraines do occur. It is very unlikely that the preventive pills will be able to negate your migraines altogether. While many people suffer from the effects of migraines, each case needs to be dealt with and treated on an individual basis.

© Insider Health

Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)

2009-04-14T09:45:00.000-07:00

Irritable Bowel Syndrome, or IBS, is a problem that affects a far greater number of people than you may have first imagined. Millions of people deal with the side effects related to IBS every day and in many instances, there is no set knowledge of what exactly causes the problem or how it can be treated. The problem itself affects the digestive tract within one’s body and can cause constant pain in the abdominal area as well as a combination of constipation and diarrhoea.

While little is known about IBS, there are statistics that support the notion that 20 percent of our population suffers from the related side effects during at least one stage of their life. In many cases people are too embarrassed to seek treatment, so this estimated number may in fact be even higher. More women suffer from IBS than men and the symptoms are much more common in people between the ages of 20 and 30.

There are a few set symptoms that are related to IBS and they include:

Constant pain within the abdomen
Diarrhoea or constipation
A constant feeling of being bloated within the body
Or in some instances, extreme headaches

Other less severe symptoms may include:

Constant bad breath
Burping
Exhaustion
Nausea
A feeling that one is not finished after taking a trip to the bathroom

The cause of IBS is largely unknown but many believe that it is related to how the human body uses the chemical serotonin. In many instances the side effects are related to people that are suffering from severe stress or are consuming too much of certain types of foods. In other cases, IBS can present itself when someone ingests a food that they are allergic to without knowing.

While many sufferers neglect to seek out treatment there are a few ways that IBS can be diagnosed. The most common form of diagnosis is simple X-rays but in some instances an endoscopy will take place. In these instances a mini tube along with a camera is inserted into the rectum in order to locate and find the area or problem that is causing the adverse reaction. Many doctors will not even consider IBS to be the problem until all other potential diseases or issues have been ruled out.

A healthy diet is often the bet way to treat and or prevent IBS. Consuming a lot of fresh vegetables and fruits and keeping yourself hydrated with a lot of water is a great start. You should also try and avoid spicy or fatty foods and gassy vegetables such as beans or even coffee. There are a number of common medicines that you can consider in order to deal with IBS but in these modern times more and more people are leaning towards acupuncture and traditional Chinese medicine techniques in order to find relief. In many instances these natural treatments can provide the exact relief that many over the counter, chemically produced medicine simply cannot.

© Insider Health

Hypertension

2009-04-14T09:44:00.001-07:00

Hypertension, or as it is more commonly known, High Blood Pressure, is a serious disorder that affects almost a quarter of the population within the UK alone. In many instances it can be very dangerous as it often goes unnoticed and untreated. There are no severe and obvious symptoms for high blood pressure and some people only find out they are affected it by it when it is too late. This can come in the form of a severe and unexpected heart attack. Almost half of the people that suffer from hypertension actually have no idea that they do.

Blood Pressure within one’s body is measured by how quickly the blood is pushed and passed through the main arteries. A good amount of pressure is normal and healthy in order to allow the blood to circulate well. However, too much pressure can be quite a danger to a person’s health. By no means is blood pressure a steady rate as it changes and varies day to day and even minute to minute depending on what a person is doing at that exact time. Consistently high blood pressure can quickly damage the main arteries and can reduce the ability for blood to travel to and from the main organs.

It is advised that adults have their blood pressure checked on a consistent basis. At worst you should have it checked once every few years but there is no harm in having it checked on a much more regular basis. The older that you get, the more you should check your blood pressure as well. As your age increases so will your blood pressure and you want to make sure it remains at a healthy level. It can be measured rather easily and quickly simply using a device that constricts around your arm in a matter of seconds. Blood pressure is calculated using two measurements. One is the systolic pressure and the other is the diastolic pressure. Systolic pressure is the rate at which the heart contracts to pump blood and diastolic pressure is the pressure while the heart is constricting and relaxing. A usual blood pressure result for a healthy adult should be lower than 140/85mmHg.

There is no single cause that can be blamed for high blood pressure but there are a number of small factors. Consuming too much alcohol or salt can affect your blood pressure. Also being consistently overweight or failing to exercise on a regular basis can have adverse effects on your blood stream.

If you have been diagnosed with high blood pressure then there are a number of treatments that you can partake in. First thing first you should improve your diet and reduce your consumption of salt and alcohol. Doing your best to reduce your stress levels and getting adequate exercise are also very powerful treatments for the fight against high blood pressure. In extreme cases you may even be prescribed medication such as inhibitors, calcium channel blockers and beta-blockers. Prevention is a great remedy for high blood pressure and can go a long way to ensuring that you have a healthier, longer life.

© Insider Health

Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV)

2009-04-14T09:41:00.000-07:00

Since HIV was first identified over twenty years ago it has affected and even killed millions upon millions of people. It is believed that the disease originated and has spread from Africa and this is the location that is most affected by HIV overall. Subsequently it is becoming an ever serious problem within the western world as well and appropriate treatments are still not available to many. People that are afflicted by HIV often have no hope for a cure and must live with the symptoms for the rest of their shortened lives.

Human Immunodeficiency Virus can be passed from one person to another through any form of bodily fluids whether it be blood, saliva or sexually transmitted fluids. The disease itself takes a toll on the body’s immune system and makes it impossible to ward off the effects of other viruses and medical issues. The main cell that is affected by HIV is known as CD4 lymphocyte.

A person that suffers from the disease is labeled as being HIV positive and are much more susceptible to a number of different illnesses and conditions. Their immune system is essentially incapacitated and their body does not have the ability to fight off even the least harmful of medical issues. After being HIV positive for a number of years, when the disease begins to take over, a patient is then said to suffer from AIDS. This is an acronym for Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome.

HIV positive patients suffer from a variety of debilitating symptoms even though they may look or feel completely healthy. The first symptoms are often the same as the common flu or may be as innocent as a small rash or swelling in the throat. At this early stage, doctors are often unable to diagnosis a patient as being HIV positive. It often takes as much as three months for the virus to be detected by routine medical tests. If someone who suffers from this illness develops a disease such as a skin infection or tuberculosis they will be unable to recover in many instances. It may take as much as ten years for the virus to truly make an impact on a patient, but it is often inevitable. In serious cases HIV can cause a person to develop different forms of cancer or even suffer from nervous system damage.

More people are susceptible to HIV than they even realize and there are a number of ways to contract the virus. Being in contact with infected blood, having unprotected sex or using shared needles are all ways that the virus can be spread. Within the world there are over 40 million people that suffer from HIV and over 25 million have passed away due to the disease since 1981 alone.

There are a few treatments available for patients suffering from HIV but less than 15 percent of these people have access to the medication they need. There is still very little known when it comes to the treatment of HIV and there is no cure in sight. Antiretroviral drugs are the most common treatment and can extend the life expectancy of an HIV patient significantly when taken on a regular basis. The problem is that these drugs are extremely expensive and very limited when compared to the amount of people suffering from the illness.

© Insider Health

Anaphylactic Shock

2009-04-14T09:39:00.000-07:00

While many people associate the term anaphylactic shock with allergic reactions caused by bee stings, the truth is that it relates to any reaction to substances that is life threatening. This can be a deadly reaction to foods, chemicals, animals or even natural substances. While some allergic reactions can be prevented or easily treated, anaphylactic shock is an extreme case that can lead to death unless it’s treated right away. This type of shock is created when the immune system mistakes a common substance for something that is extremely dangerous. This overreaction to the substance causes the body to go into a critical shutdown mode and the lungs and throat can begin to close up almost instantly.

In very serious cases the body will begin to distribute an overdose of immunoglobin E which can have untreatable effects on nerve tissue and cause cell damage. While this is only evident in extreme cases, almost all instances of anaphylactic shock force the release of histamine into the bloodstream. It is the presence of this histamine that essentially obliges the throat to close which makes breathing extremely difficult. Other adverse effects can be pain in the abdomen, diarrhea, vomiting and a drastic reduction in blood pressure which can lead to a patient going unconscious. If you think that someone may be suffering from anaphylactic shock, the first noticeable sign is swelling on the skin and rashes.

There is a plethora of substances that can trigger this reaction and one of the most common is insect bites and stings. Other common causes can be food such as nuts or drugs like morphine. While a number of people have problems with allergic reactions, very few of these are life threatening and may just lead to a runny nose or a cough. Anti-histamines will easily treat and prevent these reactions as it decreases the amount of histamine that the body produces at these times. The problem is that these treatments can take up to an hour to reach the bloodstream and in cases of anaphylactic shock, this is far too long. An adrenaline injection is needed to combat the dangerous effects while the anti-histamine has the chance to enter the bloodstream.

The adrenaline injection gives a person’s body the strength to fight against the dangerous reaction that is occurring. The injection forces the heart to beat faster and opens up the body’s air passages. This makes it much easier to breathe and can counteract the effects of the immunoglobin E. If people are aware that they may be susceptible to anaphylactic shock then they usually carry around an Epi-Pen which is a handheld and easy to administer adrenaline injection. In serious instances though, this adrenaline is not enough to save the life of something that is entering into extreme anaphylactic shock. Even after administering the injection it is very important to get to the hospital or get the person who is suffering to the hospital as fast as possible.

© Insider Health

Mumps

2009-04-14T09:08:00.000-07:00

Mumps has emerged as one of the most commonly-occurring diseases among children. The UK offers a very effective vaccine, called the MMR to immunise against mumps. Also, MMR provides immunity against other childhood diseases like measles and rubella.

Understanding Mumps:
Mumps can be understood as a viral infection of the salivary glands, i.e. saliva-producing glands. To be precise, it is caused due infection of the parotid glands that are located around the jaw bone. The causative virus is the Paramyxovirus and the infection tends to spread through saliva, when an individual sneezes or coughs.

Symptoms of Mumps:
Typical symptoms of mumps develop around 14 – 24 days after being exposed to the mumps virus. The usual symptoms include fever and shivering of the body. This is often accompanied by headaches, pain in the abdomen and earache. Since, mumps is essentially an infection of the salivary glands, these glands tend to get swollen and make it difficult to fully open the mouth. In severe cases, the patient might not be able to eat or even drink properly. Due to the swelling, the infected individual develops a characteristic ‘puffed-up cheek’ appearance. This is perhaps the most defining symptom of having mumps. However, what makes it is difficult to detect the illness at an early stage. About one-third of infected children tend to show little or no symptoms during the initial phase of the disease.

Complications Associated with Mumps:
Usually, the symptoms related to mumps tend to fade away with adequate rest and basic medications. However, if precautionary measures aren’t taken, there is a risk of developing some major complications. The most dreaded complication is in the form of meningitis. Until 1988, mumps was the single-biggest cause of viral meningitis in children. It was then that the breakthrough MMR vaccine was launched.

A rare complication of mumps could lead to inflammation in the pancreas. Females are known to develop inflammation in their reproductive organs, i.e. the ovaries, which is referred to as oophoritis. Similarly, males could develop inflammation in the testicles, which is called orchitis and this can cause infertility. Mumps has been known to cause permanent ear damage in the form of deafness.

Treatment of Mumps:
There are no specific medications for curing mumps. The diagnosis and the choice of prescribed medication is dependent on the kind of symptoms.

Prevention of Mumps:
The most effective and easily-available form of aid is the MMR vaccine. The MMR vaccine is being distributed since 1988 and is a part of the national immunisation programme. As a part of this nationwide initiative, the vaccine is administered at the age of 12 to 15 months and again, when the child is four years old.

Recently, many cases of mumps have been reported among the younger adults, i.e. in the age group of 19 to 23. Most of them are individuals who were not born around the time when MMR had become an accepted norm. The numbers of those infected with mumps has in fact increased in certain parts of the UK, like in Wales and England. The Health Protection Agency reports that here, the numbers have risen to 16,436 in 2004 as compared to just 4,204 in 2003.

The Department of Health has notified the GPs about the threat posed by mumps to younger adults. The Department has further recommended that people should be immunised against mumps, irrespective of their age group. The vaccination is now being offered in a way that its effectiveness is not restricted by age limits. Thus, two doses of the vaccine can be given across a three-month interval even to those outside the conventional age group.

© Insider Health

Tooth Decay

2009-04-13T11:43:00.000-07:00

Tooth decay is a global problem. Although it is common amongst children and young adults, it's a health problem that can effect anyone from any walk of life. Poor dental care and excessive sugar can contribute to tooth decay, but it can affect even the most cautious of people.

Plaque is the common contributor to tooth decay and can cause problems when built up within the grooves or gum line of certain teeth. Food debris and other bacteria can cause the build up of plaque and can even lead to the loss of teeth. Over a lengthy period of time, this plaque can actually become hardened and form a substance called tartar. Both of these substances contain substantial amounts of acid and can decay teeth and bring about cavities and holes within the teeth.

So how can you tell if you may be suffering from tooth decay? The most common symptom is pain in your teeth after consuming an especially hot or cold substance. In some instances this is only noticeable in very severe cases and the best way to determine if tooth decay is present is by making scheduled trips to your family dentist. If tooth decay is left untreated it can lead to severe cases of tooth abscess, which can lead to the loss of some or all of your teeth.

Some people refuse to realise the importance of a healthy diet when it comes to the battle against tooth decay. The more starch and sugar that you eat, the more likely you are to suffer from these problems. On top of this, the more often you snack on goodies, the more common it is for plaque to build up on your teeth and gums. If you neglect to take care of your teeth by flossing or brushing, the acid in food can begin to decay your teeth as early as twenty minutes after each meal.

So the next question becomes, how do you go about preventing tooth decay? Regular cleaning of your teeth and gums is the best form of defense and it is recommended that you thoroughly brush your teeth at least twice a day. Fluoride is also a very beneficial ingredient in the fight against decay and you can find many types of toothpaste that contain this helpful product. While some people neglect it, flossing is also one of the most powerful tools when it comes to protecting yourself against tooth decay.

If you have been unable to defend yourself against tooth decay then there are very few options when it comes to treatment. The best remedy is in fact prevention and you can reduce the effects if you are able to catch the decay in its early stages. This is why it is of the utmost importance to schedule regular appointments to see the dentist.

No matter how well you brush, floss or take care of your teeth, you still run the risk of being affected by tooth decay. Dentists are professionally trained to prevent, stop and remove tooth decay. They can prevent tooth decay better than anyone else, and in situations where the decay has grown severe, they can take action in the form of a root canal or other dental surgery.

© Insider Health

Pre-Menstrual Syndrome

2009-04-13T11:29:00.000-07:00

Pre-menstrual syndrome (PMS) affects up to thirty percent of women each month and can become dehabilitating during the time that a woman experiences her monthly menstrual cycle. The symptoms may occur before, through and after the onset of the monthly cycle.

What are the causes of PMS?
The women that are most affected by PMS are between the ages of twenty and fifty. PMS is caused by the hormonal fluctuations that occur within the regular menstrual cycle.

There have been multiple theories researched as to just which hormones caused the symptoms associated with PMS. Recent studies have concluded that fluctuations in progesterone are responsible for the rise in symptoms. Progesterone levels decrease through the second half of the menstrual cycle, as the egg is released from the ovaries.

What symptoms are associated with PMS?
There are more than one hundred and fifty symptoms associated with the onset of PMS. Some of the most common symptoms experienced by women suffering from PMS include:

• Irritability around the time of the monthly cycle that can result in angry outbursts
• Food cravings for sugary and salty foods
• Increased fatigue
• An increase in appetite through the monthly cycle
• Cramping and diarrhea
• Bloating and water retention

Some women experience only one symptom but many women experience a combination of multiple symptoms that are associated with PMS. There are a small percentage of women that suffer from such extreme symptoms related to PMS that it can interrupt the daily activities and cause severe discomfort.

What is the treatment of PMS?
There are many treatments for PMS that range from medications which are available from health care professional or even natural treatments which can alleviate the symptoms which are experienced through PMS.

The natural remedies which are associated with the treatment of pre-menstrual disorder include ensuring the body has adequate levels of calcium, B vitamins, magnesium and zinc. Taking supplements to ensure that the body has adequate levels of these vitamins and nutrients.

Multiple patients that suffer from PMS can see positive results from making small changes within the lifestyle to decrease the symptoms. These changes include maintaining a balanced diet that is rich in zinc, calcium as well as vitamin D, fruits and vegetables. Smaller meals during the time that the PMS is experienced can assist in reducing symptoms, as it places less stress on the digestive system. Aside from these changes, reducing the amount of sugar, caffeine and alcohol which is consumed has also been proven effective in reducing PMS symptoms.

Exercise has also been a proven technique that is effective in reducing the amount and severity of symptoms which are associated with PMS. Exercise can increase the blood flow within the body and decrease the pain which is associated with the symptoms of PMS.

The combination of exercise, a healthy diet and receiving adequate amounts of sleep can be an effective way to naturally combat the onset of pre-menstrual syndrome symptoms. Using these methods to avoid the medications which are associated with the disorder can be an effective way to alleviate PMS symptoms.

© Insider Health

Epilepsy

2008-05-30T13:30:00.000-07:00

Epilepsy is a neurological disorder resulting in seizures. Seizures are caused by over-activity of the brain cells, which causes a sudden surge of electrical activity.

Epilepsy can arise from things like brain damage during birth, head injuries, strokes and alcoholism. Quite often the exact cause of epilepsy is a mystery.

In general there are two types of seizure – partial seizures, originating in one part of the brain and radiating to other areas, and generalised seizures, which originate from both sides of the brain at once.

Partial seizures can be sub-divided into two groups; simple partial seizures and complex partial seizures.

Simple partial seizure - Confined to one particular area of the brain. The person retains consciousness, but may be fearful, and experience a strong sense of deja vu. Symptoms include jerking of an arm and an unpleasant taste in the mouth.
Complex partial seizure - The electrical disturbance spreads, disrupting consciousness. The person may interact with the surroundings, but be unaware of what they are doing and have no recollection of the event.

Generalised seizures can be sub-divided into five groups; tonic clonic seizures, absence attacks, myoclonic seizures, tonic seizures and atonic seizures.

Tonic clonic seizure - This leads to 'grand mal' convulsions in which the person loses consciousness, falls to the ground, becomes stiff and shakes.
Absence attack - A blank spell lasting a matter of seconds from which recovery is almost immediate.
Myoclonic seizures - Jerks caused by a sudden contraction of the muscles. Can affect the whole body usually restricted to one or both arms and sometimes the head.
Tonic seizures - All the muscles contract. The body stiffens and the person will fall over if unsupported.
Atonic seizures - All muscle tone is lost and the person simply drops to the ground.

There is no known cure for epilepsy but there are drugs to prevent the seizures from happening. Surgery may be an option but only for those who do not respond to medication.

© Insider Health

Diabetes Mellitus

2008-05-30T13:16:00.000-07:00

Diabetes is a condition where there is too much glucose in our bloodstream. This can result in problems with many organs of the body including the kidney, liver and heart. Diabetes can also lead to complications like heart disease, kidney failure and also gangrene and amputation.

There are two types of diabetes mellitus – type 1 and type 2.

Type 1 diabetes destroys the cells in the pancreas that produce the hormone insulin, which is necessary to control the amount of glucose level in the bloodstream. Insulin is essential to the body because without it our body will shut down, potentially leading to death. Type 1 diabetes usually develops in children and young adults. People with type 1 diabetes, also known as insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus, will require regular injections to keep their insulin level normal.

Symptoms of Type 1 diabetes include high sugar in the blood and urine, extreme hunger, thirst, weight loss, weakness and tiredness, frequent urination, mood swings, nausea and vomiting.

Type 2 diabetes is usually developed in later life. We may get symptoms like thirst and frequent urination first. We may eat more but lose weight in the same process. Other symptoms will be mild or maybe hidden completely.

Type 2 diabetes, also known as non-insulin dependent diabetes mellitus, is usually kept under control by a healthy diet and lifestyle.

Coeliac Disease

2008-05-23T08:03:00.000-07:00

Coeliac disease is a condition affecting the gut. It is caused by damage to the small intestine, which arises from the gluten intake of people with the condition.

The usual symptoms of this Coeliac disease is chronic diarrhea. Children might get some swelling of the abdomen and muscle wasting while adults will experience weight loss, tiredness, loss of strength and anemia. Chronic diarrhea will cause babies to be tiny and fragile.

Coeliac disease, if left untreated, can lead to osteoporosis and infertility in some women. More serious consequences can include cancer and reduction of the intestine.

To check if you have the Coeliac disease, you can consult a doctor who will do a blood test for you. The blood test gives a preliminary indication, but will need to be confirmed by biopsy of the intestine wall.

If you have the Coeliac disease, you can help to keep it under control by keeping a gluten free diet that includes fruit, vegetables, fish, fresh meat, eggs and dairy products. You should be able to keep a regular lifestyle once the symptoms disappear.

© Insider Health

Arthritis

2008-05-23T07:48:00.000-07:00

Arthritis is an ailment that affects young and old alike. It is essentially a collection of conditions that result in damage to joints within the body. It frequently involves the wrists, elbows, knees, shoulders and ankles. There are more than 200 variations of arthritis.

The first and the most common form is osteoarthritis, which is caused by damage to the protective tissue in our joints. People with osteoarthritis don’t usually experience symptoms apart from achy joints in the early phase. Long time sufferers will experience painful and swollen joints, and if they remain immobilized for a period of time, their joints may become stiffened.

The next condition is rheumatoid arthritis - an auto-immune disease caused by the swelling of the joints, which can also affect other organs in the body. The symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis include tender, rigid and inflamed joints for a period of time. In more serious cases, it can cause disability.

Natural treatments for arthritis include good diet and exercises. There are some who have tries physical therapies and alternative medicines like acupuncture to help to cure this ailment. Modern medicine options will include drugs and surgeries as treatment for arthritis.

© Insider Health

Anemia

2008-05-23T07:46:00.000-07:00

Anemia happens when our body does not have the adequate amount of oxygen because our bone marrow produces too little healthy red blood cells. Anemia can be caused by several factors that include a malfunctioned bone marrow, the lack of iron and folic acid in our body, serious loss of blood, and infections like malaria.

Heavy blood loss, usually caused by diseases, can also cause iron deficiency in our system. Coeliac diseases that mess up our digestion system can also cause the inability of our stomach to absorb the iron that we take in. Not to mentioned lengthy treatments that include aspirin and similar drugs can also cause hemorrhage to our stomach.

Symptoms of anemia include tired spells, palpitations, dizzy spell and shortness of breath. In more serious cases, the person may experience chest, head and leg pain. Continuing anemia can cause a lot of effects to the patients like a burning sensation in the tongue, sores and dryness in the mouth, sensitive to touch, pain in swallowing, and fragile hair.

The most common cause of Anemia is the lack of iron in our body which will lead to the insufficiency of hemoglobin to our red cells. This can be rectified by taking food or supplements that will increase the iron rate in our body. We can change our diet to eating fruit, whole meal bread, beans and also lean meat. If changing our diet or taking supplements do not help, we can then resort to blood transfusion to help restore the iron in our system.

© Insider Health

Asthma

2008-03-27T10:09:00.000-07:00

Asthma is a controllable but incurable lung disease. The World Health Organisation estimate that there are about 150 million asthma sufferers around the globe, with the number increasing by about 50% every decade.

Certain environmental factors can cause people with asthma to have an attack. During an attack their lungs and airway become inflamed and narrow meaning breathing becomes difficult. The symptoms are often described as similar to taking in deep breaths of cold air during winter. Their breathing is often wheezy and may be accompanied by coughing.

Some of the common triggers for an asthma attack include:

Allergens such as pollen, dust, mould and feathers.
Irritants in the air like cigarette smoke or strong odours.
Respiratory infections like cold, flu, sore throats and bronchitis.
Excessive physical exertion.
Emotional stress.
Bad weather.
Medication like aspirin and drugs used to treat glaucoma or high blood pressure.

The symptoms of an asthma attack include:

Wheezing.
Coughing pain.
A tight feeling in the chest.
Shortness of breath.
Restlessness.

With the correct medication asthma attacks should be few and far between. People with asthma should also avoid any known triggers.

The symptoms of asthma vary in severity between individuals so the medication needs to be carefully tailored to suit individual need. There are 3 main types of treatment used for asthma:

Bronchodilator drugs: Medication that provides temporary relief by relaxing and dilating the patient's airways if they have an attack.
Anti-allergy drugs: Medication used to prevent an attack.
Corticosteroids: Medication that reduces the swelling of the airways.

Depression

2008-03-21T08:00:00.000-07:00

Depression is a common mental illness affecting people of all ages and social backgrounds. It is estimated that 20% of people in the UK will suffer from depression at some time in their lives at a cost of £8 billion each year to the economy in terms of lost work time, medication and benefits.

Depression is typified by feelings of helplessness, hopelessness and inadequacy and can leave people unable to carry out their normal daily routine. Depression can be triggered by stressful events such as bereavement, chronic illness and financial difficulties. People with low self-esteem and a negative outlook on life are also susceptible to the condition. It has also been suggested that some people develop depression simply due to their own body chemistry or some genetically inherited factor.

The main signs and symptoms of depression are:

Feelings of helplessness or hopelessness.
Feeling inadequate or useless.
A sense of self-hatred, constant questioning of thoughts and a need for constant reassurance.
A sense of guilt.
Feeling vulnerable and being oversensitive to criticism.
Feeling physically run down. Feeling too tired or unmotivated to complete even menial tasks.
Sudden changes in weight.
Self harm.
Loss of libido.
Agitation and restlessness.
Physical aches and pains.

Someone with severe depression may also hallucinate, stop eating and have suicidal thoughts.

There are several different types of depression the most common of which are clinically diagnosed depression, manic depression and post-natal depression. People with manic depression experience sudden mood swings from highly energetic, enthusiastic and optimistic at one extreme to despair, lethargy and sense of impending doom at the other. Some mothers develop post-natal depression within the first 2 years of birth.

The treatment for depression is improving all the time. There are several good anti-depressant drugs that can almost completely eradicate the symptoms, although these can also be accompanied by undesirable side effects. Self-help groups where people with depression share their experiences in a social setting are also a large comfort to many sufferers. In extreme cases referral to a psychiatrist or hospitalisation may be necessary.

© Insider Health

Obesity

2008-03-21T06:02:00.000-07:00

Obesity is an increasingly worrying problem around the globe. As more and more people pile on the pounds the problem is only going to get worse. In the UK it is believed that 20% of men and 25% of women are obese and that 30,000 people die every year from obesity related illnesses.

The medical profession use a value known as the Body Mass Index (BMI) to determine whether a person is the right weight for their height. A BMI chart is shown at the top of this post. To calculate your BMI you need to take your weight in kilograms and divide it by your height in metres squared. People with certain BMIs are classified as follows:

BMI <>
BMI 20-25: Normal weight for their height.
BMI 25-29.9: Overweight for their height.
BMI 30-39.9: Obese.
BMI > 40: Morbidly obese.

People who fall within the normal weight category live the longest on average. People who are overweight live noticeably shorter lives on average. The BMI calculation assumes the subject has a normal body build and may not be accurate for a person who is particularly muscular.

People who are overweight are at significantly greater risk of developing the following medical conditions:

Hypertension (high blood pressure).
Heart disease.
Arthritis
Diabetes
Sleep problems.
Some types of cancer.

The best way of dealing with obesity is a combination of regular aerobic exercise and a balanced diet. If you are obese or have a pre-existing medical condition you should always consult your doctor before embarking on an exercise program. The current recommendation is five 20-30 minutes sessions of vigorous exercise each week. Brisk walking, jogging, swimming and cycling are particularly beneficial. There is no quick fix and you will only loose weight if you remain motivated and committed to a healthier lifestyle.

If you are unsuccessful with exercise and diet you should consult your doctor. There are medications available that can help with weight loss, although you should only considered in the case of someone who is obese, unable to exercise or as a last resort.

Methyl cellulose is a fibrous chemical that can be taken with water an hour before you eat. The cellulose fibres swell thereby reducing the amount of food your stomach can hold, meaning less calories are ingested. Many medical professionals question the effectiveness of methyl cellulose as a treatment, although it seems to work in some cases and has no real side effects. Orlistat is a prescription medicine which blocks fat absorption in the gut again reducing a person's calorific intake.

In very extreme cases of obesity surgery may be the only option.

© Insider Health

Acne

2008-03-21T05:19:00.000-07:00

Acne is swelling of the skin that causes spots, redness and quite often discomfort. It is caused by dead skin cells and grease blocking the pores or hair follicles and becoming infected. It typically occurs on the face, back and upper chest. The condition varies in severity from barely noticeable blackhead spots to obtrusive pus-filled whiteheads.

Most people experience acne at some time in their life. Hormonal changes during puberty and pregnancy can contribute to the condition or it can develop later in life. It is usually a mild condition which resolves itself if careful hygiene practices are observed. A balanced diet and drinking plenty of water will also help reduce the symptoms. Only in about 15% of cases does the condition require further medical treatment.

In severe or persistent cases, where the patient is quite often self-conscious and distressed at the way they appear, there are a variety of over the counter and prescription medicines that can help. These medications work by either unblocking the pores, reducing the amount of grease or sebum produced by the skin, reducing the inflammation or fighting the bacteria. The most common over the counter treatments contain benzoyl peroxide - a chemical which cleanses and dries out the skin causing it to shed the surface layer of dead cells. In rare cases prescription antibiotics may be required.

© Insider Health

Heart Attack

2008-03-20T15:32:00.001-07:00

The pumping action of the heart is caused by contraction of the muscles within the heart wall. These muscle contractions are caused by electrical activity within the cells. In order for the muscles to work they must receive an adequate supply of oxygenated blood, which is delivered via vessels known as the coronary arteries.

Over times fatty deposits (atheroma) can build up on the inside of the arteries causing them to become progressively narrower until they eventually block the flow of blood altogether. Widespread fatty deposition is known as coronary atherosclerosis. The blocked arteries are said to be occluded and the blockage is known as a coronary thrombosis. Blood can not flow beyond the coronary thrombosis and the muscle past that point becomes starved of oxygen and dies. If a sufficiently large area of muscle dies the heart can stop beating altogether. This process is commonly referred to as a heart attack. Less severe muscle damage may result in the electrical activity of the heart becoming uncoordinated - a condition known as ventricular fibrillation.

People experiencing a heart attack often complain of a band of crushing pain around their chest, which often radiates to their lower jaw and upper arms. Unlike angina the pain will not subside if they rest. Their skin is usually pale, cold and clammy and their pulse irratic and weak. If you recognise these symptoms you must get medical help immediately.

Jargon Buster:

Coronary arteries: The small arteries that supply oxygenated blood to the heart muscle.
Atheroma: Fatty deposits within an artery which cause it to become occluded.
Coronary atherosclerosis: The condition where atheroma has built up on the inside of the coronary arteries.
Occlusion: Narrowing of the arteries to such an extent that blood is unable to flow.
Coronary thrombosis: An occlusion of the coronary artery.
Myocardial infarction: The region of heart muscle beyond the coronary thrombosis which is starved of oxygen and dies.
Ventricular Fibrillation: The condition where the electrical activity of the heart becomes uncoordinated and the heart muscles contract irregularly.