Patient’s history is very helpful but is not always accurate, especially when the patient has taken an illicit substance. Signs and symptoms at presentation may provide clues to the nature of symptoms, which may be useful to determine the nature of substances actually present.  Toxicology testing for a substance actually present, specific antidote is available is useful. Quantification before and after therapy may be helpful to determine the adequacy of treatment. Toxicology  testing may identify multiple drugs. Negative re

sults may lead the clinician to consider other etiologies. Thus toxicology testing is beneficial and appropriate for patient care.

• Organ imaging e.g. brain scan for the detection of a tumor and whole body imaging e.g. skeletal survey for the detection of metastasis.
• Organ uptake e.g., determination of thyroid function with radioiodine. Whole body retention, e.g., measurement of the absorption of orally administered vitamin B12. Dynamic studies, e.g., the investigation of renal function, renography; body space, e.g., measurement of plasma volume by isotope dilution analysis.

•  Therapeutic e.g., treatment of hyperthyroidism and carcinoma of thyroid with radioactive iodine.
• In vitro biochemical analysis, e.g., assay of radio immunoassay, saturation analysis and related techniques.
• All diagnostic procedures performed in Nuclear Medicine are non-invasive. They do not involve any surgical intervention or any manipulation that may be traumatic, painful, or dangerous to life. In all these isotopes of various elements are employed.

]]> http://www.medical-journal.net/biomedical/nuclear-medicine-general-aspects/feed/ 0 http://www.medical-journal.net/biomedical/nuclear-medicine-general-aspects/ http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/medical-journal/bDgf/~3/OByOl7HjvlE/ http://www.medical-journal.net/health-tips/constipation-and-its-treatment/#comments Wed, 22 Feb 2012 09:12:31 +0000 Henry http://www.medical-journal.net/?p=554 If the patient has his medical history of his illness with him it will help the doctor to start the best treatment. He can easily define the stage of the disease. The cause may be lack of fiber in the diet or anal problems. It can also help the doctor to find out those medicines that can cause constipation then they can change the medications. A food diary can also help the doctor to find out the lack of fiber. In that case they try to increase the fiber in the diet and disease can be treated easily.

Physical examination

With the help of physical examination the doctor can easily identify the cause of constipation. If the stool plugged with colon can be felt through the abdominal wall, it is the symptom of severe constipation.

Blood tests

Taking blood tests can also evaluate appropriate stage of the disease. They are also adding to uncover thyroid hormone and calcium.

Abdominal X- ray

Large amount of stool can easily be detected with the help of simple X- ray; the quantity of stool defines the condition of the constipation.

Barium enema

In an x- ray study barium enema in the form of liquid barium is inserted through the anus to fill the rectum. It clearly defines the normal or abnormal anatomy of the colon and rectum.

Ano-rectal motility studies

Ano_rectal motility studies provide an evaluation of the utility of the muscles and nerves of the anus and rectum. In this treatment an 8 inch tube is inserted through the anus there are sensors within the tube which measures the function of the muscles of the anus and the rectum. It can also determine the tightness of the muscles of anus and rectum.

Colonic motility studies

This is similar to the above mentioned studies in many aspects. It is all about a procedure in which a long narrow tube is inserted through the anus and passed through colon. Sensors determine the pressures of the colonic muscles. If the activity of the muscles is abnormal it means that function of the colonic pressures will be abnormal. It is the most effective for decision making regarding the treatment.

Mirena is not good for:

• Pregnant women
•  Those having pelvic inflammatory disease (PID). If have in past then they must had a normal child birth after the pelvic inflammation disease cured.
• Those who still have pelvic infection
• Those who have serious pelvic infection in the past 3 months after a pregnancy.
• Those can get infection easily if they have,
• More than one sexual partner or their partner has more than one partner.
• Those taking intravenous drugs.
• Or any problem with immune system.
• Those who have cervical cancer or suspect of uterus or cervix cancer.
• Have bleeding from the vagina that has not been explained.
• Having unexplained vaginal bleeding.
• Those suffering from some liver disease.
• Those have breast cancer in past or suspect of breast cancer.
• Those already using intrauterine device .
• Those who are allergic to silicone, polyethylene or levonorgestrel

 Tell your healthcare provider if you:

• Have had a heart attack
• Have had a stroke
• Were born with heart disease or have problems with your heart valves
• Have problems with blood clotting or take medicine to reduce clotting
• Have high blood pressure
• Recently had a baby or if you are breastfeeding
• Have diabetes (high blood sugar)
• Use corticosteroid medications on a long-term basis
• Have severe migraine headaches

This great increase in breast augmentation cosmetic surgery happened due to approval from FDA in year 2006.  After it’s approval a great number of growths observed in breast enlargement surgery.  Now from it’s approval, almost 51% breast enlargement procedures carried out every year.

Breast Augmentation Surgery

Advancements in breast augmentation surgeries and implants becoming more and more effective and safe with the passage of time.  And with the approval of FDA to use silicone implants, saline breast implants make it more popular. Now both silicone breast implants and saline breast implants considered as most safest methods.

Breast Augmentation and Implants Pros and Cons

As all surgeries can harm and have some potential risks so as breast implantation of breast augmentation is. A woman may have fever, scarring, infection, tightening or contraction of implants of both or one breast. You must consider immediate consultation with your concerned breast implant surgeon in any case.

Definitely the best outcome of breast implant surgery is firm breast according to your desired size. These new breasts will not succumb or droop with the passage of time. Augmented breasts attract more in clothing. If a woman has stretch marks on breasts then these also can be eradicated during breast implantation procedure to enhance more smooth skin.

Types of Breast Implants

FDA has approved two types of breast implants for effective and safe procedure of breast augmentation.

Silicon Gel  Implants

Silicon implants are pre-filled with gel and used as it is.

Saline Implants.

In saline implants, saline is used as a part of procedure and filled during the surgery.

Breast Implant Sizes and Shapes.

Breast augmentation or breast implant clinics offers different sizes and shapes as required by their patients. Some women like round firm breast while other like teardrop breast. Although teardrop shape sometimes turns over or shift and become irregular. This doesn’t happen in round breast implants.

Importance of Healthy Diet:

Many times we think that we are eating healthy but that isn’t healthy at all. Actually, at such time we are avoiding a healthy diet. By healthy food we mean a diet rich in soluble fibers. Eating raw wheat bread would help to reduce it, but if that bread is made from refined flour, it would actually go the other way and increase the constipation factor.

This is why it is always suggested to watch what you eat. Take in fresh items such as vegetables, fruits and lots of water. People tend to eat a massive amount of junk food along with two to three cups of caffeine per day. This is the perfect situation for severe constipation.

Constipation can affect anyone. If you don’t take a healthy diet and your stomach remains constipated,this would result in serious health disorders. Toxins flow back into your body and your guts could be damaged. Constipation also affects your mood, your skin as well as increasing body odor. Children usually tend to lose weight due to lack of appetite when they undergo constipation and elders usually tend to gain more in such a case, starting from the belly.

Foods to Avoid:

We don’t suggest you to completely stop eating these foods, however, they shouldn’t form a frequent part of your diet. Remember, moderation in everything is best. If you do eat the following foods, make sure you have green tea or any other herbal drinks for increasing metabolism and digestion rate.

Rice and potatoes are part of diet that causes constipation.

Milk if taken in cold form causes constipation, be it the pure milk or be it a form like ice cream.

Baked items like cakes, pastries etc contain high level of carbs and unhealthy fats which could make digestion a much tougher process.

Deep fried and oily foods such as crispy chicken nuggets, deep fried chicken wings etc are one of the leading reasons for constipation as well as obesity. Avoid.

Red meat and dried beans also add to increase constipation. If your body is water deficit, this would also result in constipation. Hence drink as much water as you can to avoid it.

Balanced Diet:

To adopt a healthy lifestyle, make a diet schedule that daily provides you with the required amounts of minerals, fibers, vitamins and proteins. You should also have the knowledge of whether which food items actually cause constipation and reduce their consumption rate.

In addition to a healthy diet plan constipation could also be avoided by maintaining a regular exercise schedule. As exercise speeds up the respiratory activity and thus increases the rate of metabolism causing the food to digest.

Chewing  food properly and sending it down the throat to the stomach in a complete mashed form will also help to avoid constipation. In its extreme form, constipation prevents a person from bowel movement for at most two weeks. This is the time period where you have a 98% chance of falling seriously ill.  Whereby you can take an aid of a laxative that will help the body to compile a bowel movement. But this aid should only be taken, if a person has less than 3 bowel movements per week as everyone does not have a defecation process every day.

Eat well, stay healthy, feel happy!

 Stools:

From our daily diet, nutrients are absorbed in the small intestine. Through muscular contractions the waste is massaged down till the length of large intestine. After removal of excess water the waste is stored in rectum. Through muscular ring (anus) , the wastes are disposed off from the body. Water contribution to faecal content is about three quarters. Though the rest is composed of solids and these solids include undigested fiber, intestinal bacteria and dietary fats.

 Symptoms:

The symptoms of constipation are:

• Less bowels than normal
• Stomach pain with in frequent bowel
• A feeling of not completely emptied
• Hard and dry stools difficult and painful to pass
• Bloated feeling in the abdominal region

Causes of Constipation:

Constipation can be caused due to many reasons and more often a combination of insufficiencies lead to constipation.

• Low or less intake of fiber, especially the type of fiber that is soluble and easily absorbed. The soluble fiber helps to soften the faeces. Rich and good sources of soluble fiber are legumes, fruits and vegetables.
• Drinking insufficient water also causes constipation. As the water helps the feces to plump up. So, if a person taking high quantity of fibers in his/her diet and not drinking sufficient water, can become the cause of constipation.
• Inactive lifestyle or lack of regular exercise and especially the restricted or no movement due to disability is also a cause of constipation.
• Constipation is also a caused by the actions of hormones. In particular, during pregnancy it is common.
• Sometimes illness also causes constipation, if it results in hospitalization and bed rest for longer periods. This typically results in constipation. Factors that results in constipation are change in routine, reduced food intake, pain after abdominal surgery and due to pain relief medication i-e morphine.

Treatment:

Everyone knows that treatment depends on the cause, but it may include:

• Impacted faeces can also be removed by making use of enemas, stool softeners and a short course of laxatives.
• 30g fiber is suggested by dietitians for everyday, to deal with the constipation problem. Rich sources of fibers are wholegrain, cereals, fruits, vegetables andlegumes. While the use of milk, cheese, white rice, white flour, and red meat should be strictly controlled as they contribute to constipation.
• As discussed earlier that fluids like water help to plump out faeces. But one should restrict the intake of diuretic fluids like tea, coffee and alcohol.

Last but not the least, most cases of constipation are treated successfully by increasing the amount of fiber, drinking more fluids and through daily exercise.

Asthma Prevention

Avoiding Allergens

Allergens or triggers are the main cause of asthma attacks. To avoid them, the patient should first identify and then stay away from them.

Humidifiers and Air Filtration System

Humidifiers maintain a moisturized environment -if kept cleaned- which reduce the symptoms of asthma. Whereas, air filters can keep the atmosphere wholesome by getting rid of common triggers like dust, pollen, molds etc.
Efficient air filters clean up the air up to 99% but it should not be considered as a solution to asthma problems.

Using Medications

To avoid severe conditions, asthma should be recognized and treated at its commencement. Most of the medications include the regular usage of inhalers; others are taken orally or injected. Some common medications include:

•    Inhaled Corticosteroids

These obstruct inflammation and act like body hormones. Steroids are the strongest medicine available for asthma problems though they can produce side effects which others might not.

•    Leukotriene Modifiers

These negate leukotriene, which is a substance released by white blood cells that constrict the air passages in the lungs.

•    Beta Agonists

They prevent attacks triggered by exercise.

Immunotherapy

Immunotherapy is an option to manage asthma when it becomes unavoidable. Immunotherapy injections are designed to either enhance or suppress the immune system. This results in reduction of sensitivity to allergens for a long period of time. They are injected initially, for a few months, once every week; after that, every month for several years until the desired results are obtained.

Lung Function Tests

It is essential to supervise your asthma medications by testing your lung function regularly. A peak flow meter can be used to learn when your air passages are being constricted. With this information, you can learn what triggers your asthma; when to increase you medications or when to seek medical help.

Asthma Action Plan

By making an asthma action plan with your doctor, as advised by experts, handling and preventing attacks is understood. Most plans include colored codes (green for doing well; yellow- getting worse and red- medical alert) that help patients to monitor the severity of their attacks.

Male infertility problem can be differentiated in

* Problem with Ejaculation and erection
* Problem with the fine, small reproductive tract ducts
* Semen or Sperm production

Sperm Production Problem

According to a research the lack of sperm in a semen is the most common problem in three of male infertility. There are many causes associated with sperm production. A sample may have less sperm, defective sperms, dead sperms or no sperm as well. The causes of such abnormal sperms production are:

• Hormonal imbalance
• Genetic problems
• Varicocele (varicose veins)
• Exposures to heat or toxic chemicals
• Infections
• Drugs and medications

Inability to Ejaculate (Anejaculation)

There are many causes the leads to ejaculatory failure or inability to ejaculate. It can be due to multiple sclerosis or lower abdominal-pelvic surgery, diabetes mellitus or spinal cord injury.
Inability to achieve an erection, premature ejaculation and ejaculation in bladder are very different from ejaculatory failure.
Doctor often treat such cases with Rectal probe electoral ejaculation method. In this method patient is electrically stimulated on pelvic sympathetic nerve to get a reflex ejaculation and semen is collected for and transported to female partner with some other methods.

Obstruction in Ejaculatory Duct

Due to obstruction in ejaculatory ducts a male produce semen without sperms. This obstruction may be due to some cysts, stone or scar tissue hindering the prostate ducts. Ejaculatory duct obstruction is treated with removing of such portion of duct causing problem. 70% patients have got improvement after the outpatient procedure.

Varicocele

Vericocele are the twisted and dilated veins within the scrotum. A study shows that 42% of infertile male have such vericocele and it have some close relation with infertility in men. Even some 15% of normal fertile males also have varicocele.
Varicocele surgery to tie such twisted veins improves the semen quality in patients. If the poor semen quality is found and no other causes are diagnosed then vericocele operation is most effective in improving semen quality.

Infertility Due to Environment and Lifestyle

With the rapid changing environment and progress in industrialization, the reproductive health is very much influenced.  The infertility due to environmental toxin can be distributed in chemical, physical, occupational and lifestyle factors:

Physical Factors

High temprature or Hyperthermia , radiation and electromagnetic fields, for example, are several physical factors that have been linked to infertility in men.

Chemical Factors

The intake of many chemical also leads to infertility in men. This include regular alcohol consumption, cigarette smoking, taking drugs like marijuana, cocaine and caffeine.

Occupational Factors

Male occupational environment also contributed to his reproductive health. Those who work with pesticides, industrial toxins like polychlorinated biphenyles and doxin, radiations and heavy metal exposure can have infertility problem.

Lifestyle Factors

Finally, stress, nutrition and other lifestyle factors also can play a role.

Common Human Diseases

• AIDS
• Alzheimer’s disease
• Allergies
• Anxiety disorders
• Arthritis
• Asthma
• Astigmatism
• Autoimmune diseases
• Benign prostate hyperplasia (BPH)
• Bipolar disorder (manic-depressive)
• Brain cancer
• Breast cancer
• Cancer
• Candidiasis
• Cataracts
• Celiac disease
• Cervical cancer
• Chicken pox
• Chlamydia
• Chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS)
• Chronic illness
• Cold sores
• Colon cancer
• Constipation
• Common cold
• COPD
• Cough
• Crohn’s disease
• Cystic fibrosis
• Dementia
• Diabetes
• Diarrhea
• Depression
• Eczema
• Endometriosis
• Eye disorders
• Fibroids
• Fibromyalgia
• Flu (influenza)
• Food poisoning
• Gallstones
• Genital herpes
• Gonorrhea
• Graves’ disease
• Hashimoto’s thyroiditis
• Hay fever
• Headache
• Heart disease
• Hemochromatosis
• Hepatitis
• Herpes
• High cholesterol
• HIV
• Hodgkin’s disease
• HPV (human papilloma virus)
• Hypertension
• Impotence
• Insomnia
• Irritable bowel syndrome
• Jaundice
• Kidney disease
• Lactose intolerance
• Leukemia
• Liver cancer
• Liver disease
• Lung cancer
• Lupus
• Lyme disease
• Lymphoma
• Meningitis
• Meningococcal disease
• Menopause
• Mental illness
• Myopia (short-sightedness)
• Migraine
• Multiple sclerosis
• Muscular dystrophy
• Narcolepsy
• Non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma
• Obesity
• Osteoporosis
• Otitis media (middle ear infection)
• Ovarian cancer
• Overweight
• Pain
• Parkinson’s disease
• Pelvic inflammatory disease
• Pertussis
• Pregnancy
• Premenstrual syndrome (PMS)
• Prostate cancer
• Prostate disorders
• Raynaud’s Phenomenon
• SARS
• Sexually transmitted diseases
• Sleep disorders
• Smoking
• Stroke
• Thrush
• Thyroid disorders
• Whooping cough