Showing posts with label Rare Diseases. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Rare Diseases. Show all posts

Appendicitis

Posted by luputtenan3 on Friday, November 15, 2013

What is appendicitis?
Appendicitis is inflammation of the appendix. The appendix is located in the right lower abdomen at the lower end of the colon. (See Figure 1) To this date, researchers still have not found the purpose of the appendix.








Figure 1: The Appendix
Photo Courtesy of: colonista.com



The appendix is a small sack like structure that protrudes from the colon wall. This sack can become filled with debris and colon material and become inflamed and infected. This can cause intestinal blockage and the infection can spread to the entire abdomen.

This condition is most common among older children and younger adults between the ages of 10 and 30 years of age. The symptoms can often mimic other conditions and are hard to diagnose. Many appendicitis sufferers will put off treatment too long and the complication of untreated appendicitis is sepsis, where the infection enters the bloodstream. This complication requires extensive antibiotic treatment in the hospital and can be fatal.
Any infection or inflammation in the appendix is an emergency and anyone with signs or symptoms of appendicitis must be evaluated right away. This will prevent serious complications and the spread of the infection to other parts of the body. The pus resulting from appendicitis can also spread throughout the abdominal cavity, resulting in a condition called peritonitis. (See Figure 2)







Figure 2: Inflamed Appendix
Photo Courtesy of: WebMD.com




What causes appendicitis?
It is not completely understood why appendicitis occurs. The condition may be the result of a secondary bacterial infection after someone has had a virus. Viral infections of the abdomen can cause the intestines to slow down and become blocked preventing the appendix from emptying itself. The contents then become stagnant and allow for bacterial growth. This is where many people may avoid medical care, thinking they just have a stomach virus.
Normally the appendix is able to clean itself out periodically with normal bowel movements. If the opening to the appendix becomes blocked then it can become infected quickly and the infection can spread in a matter of hours. (See Figure 3)






Figure 3: Intestinal Blockage
Photo Courtesy of: Pennmedicine.org






On rare occasion, intestinal tumors or cancer can be the cause of appendicitis. Also, abdominal surgery in other areas of the abdomen can cause scar tissue that can constrict and block the area of the appendix. This is why post-surgical patients are encouraged to stay on a clear liquid diet until bowel sounds fully return after surgery. Eating with a “sleepy” bowel can cause obstruction.
What are the symptoms of appendicitis?
Appendicitis symptoms can come slowly and be vague. This is why many people delay evaluation and treatment. The first symptom is usually pain around the belly button. Some people also experience pain in the left lower abdomen, leading them away from the thought of appendicitis. This is called referred pain. Other symptoms can include;
  • ·         Pain in the lower right abdomen 12 to 24 hours after belly button pain starts
  • ·         Minimal or no appetite
  • ·         Nausea
  • ·         Vomiting
  • ·         Low grade fever 99◦ F to 101◦ F
  • ·         Pain with coughing or sneezing
  • ·         Chills
  • ·         Diarrhea
  • ·         Constipation
  • ·         Pain on rebound when the abdomen is pressed
  • ·         Not passing gas
  • ·         Sudden pain and then relief (In cases of rupture)

These symptoms are especially serious if they follow recent abdominal surgery. This could indicate an intestinal blockage and appendicitis is a secondary infection. If you have any symptoms of appendicitis, it is extremely important not to have anything to eat or drink on the way to the hospital. They will want you fasting in case you need emergency surgery.

How is appendicitis diagnosed?

Appendicitis can be diagnosed with imaging studies such as; CT scan, abdominal x-ray and ultrasound. The doctor may also order these lab tests to check for infection and electrolyte loss due to vomiting or diarrhea:

Complete Blood Count Checks for the amount of white blood cells in the bloodstream and is a strong indicator of infection in the body. This test will help the doctor make the decision if the patient needs antibiotic treatment in the hospital prior to surgery.

Renal Panel Checks the electrolytes in the body such as; sodium and potassium. These electrolytes are lost from vomiting and diarrhea resulting in dehydration. People who lose these electrolytes need to have them replaced quickly.

Urinalysis Appendicitis and Kidney stones or bladder infections can mimic each other. The doctor will run a urinalysis to help confirm that the symptoms are truly appendicitis and not a urinary cause. This can also help the doctor see the degree of dehydration in a patient.

How is appendicitis treated?

Uncomplicated appendicitis is treated with surgery as soon as the patient is stable. If the infection has not spread to other areas of the abdomen or the bloodstream, a surgeon will remove the appendix. This is usually a quick procedure and the patient is released from the hospital within one day.

If the appendicitis becomes complicated by the spread of infection, the patient will need to be hospitalized on intravenous antibiotics until the infection is cleared. This could take days and up to weeks depending on how bad the infection became. This is usually the result of delaying evaluation and treatment.

The surgeon will remove the appendix after the infection has cleared, possible in the same hospital stay but sometimes the surgeon will allow the patient to completely recover and schedule the surgery for a date in the near future. The patient is then sent home on a clear liquid or soft diet to recover until surgery is performed.

Other reasons the surgeon may delay surgery is when the diagnosis of appendicitis is questioned. This is especially common in young children where appendicitis can be difficult to diagnose. The structures in and around the area of the appendix are so tiny that it may be hard to see on ultrasound or CT that the appendix is actually inflamed.

How can appendicitis be prevented?

The only preventative measure with appendicitis is complying with bowel rest after surgery or during a viral abdominal infection. If you have either of these conditions, it is extremely important to take only clear liquids and advance the diet slowly as bowel function returns. (See Figure 4)







Figure 4: Clear Liquid Diet
Photo Courtesy of greatredsharkblog.com




In cases where the cause of appendicitis occurs without explanation, there is no prevention. Researchers still cannot explain why many cases of appendicitis happen; therefore it is not completely clear what can be done to prevent them.

Conclusion

Appendicitis is a dangerous condition and anyone with signs or symptoms of this condition needs to be evaluated immediately in the emergency room. The appendix can rupture and cause severe complications very quickly if left untreated.


Always follow your doctor’s orders and stay on clear liquids until the bowels are functional to prevent intestinal blockage, prior to appendicitis and after having the appendix removed. With good compliance, the complications of appendicitis can be minimized.
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Hyperaldosteronism Or CONN's Syndrome Explained and Treatment

Posted by luputtenan3 on Friday, November 8, 2013

Aldosterone is a mineral corticoid produced and released from the most superficial layer or zona glomerulosa of adrenal cortex. Cortisol which is a glucocorticoid and de-hydro-epiandosterone which is a sex hormone is produced and released from the deeper layers: zona fasciculata and zona reticularis of the adrenal cortex.
  • In the cells of zona glomerulosa aldosterone is synthesized and released: 
  • Cholesterol is taken from low density lipoproteins by the mitrochondria. 
  • Cholesterol is converted to pregnenolone in mitrochondria. Pregnenolone is then taken up by endoplasmic reticulum and converted to progesterone. 
  • Progesterone is converted to deoxycorticosterone in endoplasmic reticulum.
  • Deoxycorticosterone is again taken up by mitrochondria and converted first to corticosterone and then to aldosterone.
Aldosterone acts on the epithelial cells of distal convulated tubule, collecting tubule and collecting duct of nephrons. When aldosterone acts on an epithelial cell, it enables the excretion of potassium ions into the lumen and enables the reabsorption of sodium ions and water from the lumen into the interstitial fluid.

Aldosterone also stimulates cells of large intestine, mammary glands, sweat glands and salivary glands to do the same functions. Aldosterone function may also be performed by its pre-cursors de-oxy-corticosterone and corticosterone.

Prolonged aldosterone excess:

Hypernatremia (Increased concentration of sodium in blood) +water retention leading to hypertension, hypokalemia (decreased concentration of potassium in blood), alkalosis or formation of HCO3- due to excessive H+ excretion.

Prolonged aldosterone deficiency: 

Hyponatremia + water loss, hyperkalemia, acidosis or formation of H2CO3.

Coticotropin releasing hormone (CRH) released by the hypothalamus acts on corticotropes (CRH releasing cells) of anterior pituitary to release adrenocorticotropic hormone (ATCH). ACTH mainly acts on fasciculata and reticularis cells and causes release of cortisol and dehydro-epiandosterone. The secretion of aldosterone from glomerulosa cells is mainly stimulated by renin-angiotensin system, little by ACTH and hyperkalemia.

Renin-angiotensin system: 

It is performed by the juxta-glomerular apparatus. The juxta-glomerular apparatus consists of part of the distal convulated tubule that is surrounded by a V-shaped fork formed by the afferent and efferent arteriole moving to and from the glomerulus. The smooth muscles of the arterioles forming the V-shaped fork are called granular cells. During low blood pressure, the granuler cells produce a substance called renin. Renin converts angiotensin (a plasma protein found in blood secreted by the liver cells) to angiotensin1. When blood containing angiotensin1 passes through the pulmonary capillaries an enzyme there, angiotensin converting enzyme converts angiotensin1 to angiotensin2.

Angiotensin2 acts on smooth muscles of blood vessels causing their vasoconstriction. Angiotensin2 also acts on granular cells inhibiting renin release by negative feedback. It acts on liver cells and stimulates them to release more angiotensin by positive feedback. It also acts on glomerulosa cells and stimulates them to release aldosterone. Opposite to that, low angiotensin2 levels in the blood stimulate granular cells to secrete renin so that more angiotensin2 can be produced.

Low BP causes renin release so that there can be vasoconstriction. The opposite is also true i.e. inhibition of renin in response to high BP.

Causes of low BP: 

Dehydration, hemorrhage, shock, stenosis of renal artery or low BP caused by movement from supine to erect position.

Catecholamines can also act on beta adrenergic receptors on luminal surface of granular cells and stimulate them to release renin which causes production of angiotensin2. Angiotensin2 acts on smooth muscles of arteries and causes vasoconstriction.

Primary hyperaldosteronism or CONN’S syndrome: 

Characterized by increased Na+ retention, water retention, hypertension, increased ECF expansion volume, hypokalemia, and alkalosis. High blood pressure is detected by receptors on the luminal surface of granular cells, inhibiting renin production.

Diagnosis: plasma with increased aldosterone and decreased renin.

Causes of CONN’S syndrome:

  • Adrenal adenoma. 
  • Bilateral hyperplasia of adrenal glands which may be due to congenital adrenal hyperplasia.

Congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH): 

It is caused by genetic defect in one of the enzymes that converts 17-hydroxy-pregnenolone to cortisol. Decrease in cortisol stimulates the cells of hypothalamus to secrete corticotropin stimulating hormone (that in turn causes the release of ACTH) and the corticotropes to release ACTH. Excessive release of ACTH causes hyperplasia of adrenal cortex.

Secondary hyperaldostronism: 

Different from primary as plasma sample contains both high aldosterone and renin. It is due to hypersecretion of renin secondary to granular cell tumor or low renal perfusion pressure. Therefore it is characterized by hypovolemia while primary hyperaldosteronism is characterized by hyper-volemia. A third distinguishing factor is that alkalosis is seen in primary but not in secondary because due to hypervolemia HCO3- is excreted in urine.

Treatment of primary and secondary hyperaldosteronism: 

It is aimed at decreasing the levels of aldosterone to decrease the symptoms. Aldactone is a drug mainly given for primary hyperaldosteronism. It competitively binds with aldosterone sensitive receptors on epithelial cells of distal convulated tubule and acts as an antagonist causing excretion of Na+ and water while retaining K+ and H+. In CAH cortisol is injected which inhibits corticotropin releasing hormone by negative feedback. The glomerulosa cells can detect both high levels of aldosterone and cortisol and in response the cells inhibit aldosterone release. In normal physiology an enzyme secreted by the granular cells binds to cortisol and does not allow it to perform its inhibitory effect on zona glomerulosa cells so that cortisol levels have no regulatory action on aldosterone. Glycirrhizic acid injected into plasma can bind with the enzyme, letting cortisol free to act on zona glomerulosa cells and inhibit release of aldosterone. Following glycirrhizic acid injection, cortisol is given that freely performs inhibition of aldosterone.

In blood sample:
Primary hyperaldosteronism: decrease in renin due to negative feedback caused by high levels of aldosterone.
Secondary hyperaldosteronism: increase in renin due to low BP.
Pseudo-hyperaldosteronism: hypertension, hypokalemia and acidosis are the symptoms but plasma levels are not high in aldosterone. It is due to genetic defect in the Na+, K+ and H+ pumps in distal convulated tubular cells that are retaining Na+ and excreting K+ and H+.
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How LASIK Operation is Performed by an Ophthalmologist

Posted by luputtenan3 on Thursday, November 7, 2013

LASIK or also known as Laser assisted in-situ keratomileusis, a sprouting technique in the field of ophthalmology that deals with treatment and fixing eye defects such as myopia, hyperopia and astigmatism. Among these eye problems, they have different characteristics that distinguish one from another. Thus, different processes by the help of this technique are required in each case. Often ophthalmologists are specialized on a certain area of defect.Because it is simpler to grasp the field of expertise without any other mixture of ideas and theories of other defects and also it takes specialization to master the topic. But some prefers to be a general ophthalmologist when he or she is dealing minor cases of surgeries or vision correction process. 
Just like in myopia or the nearsightedness, it is a correctable eye defect that arise from a condition that sunlight or light waves pass to the eye but as it penetrates continuously, the fraction of lights went to a wrong direction not in the center of retina going to the optic nerve necessary to relay the image to the brain. Because of this condition small amount of lights are recovered, that is why people having like this eye defect are having a hard time to focus standing far from objects because it seem to look blur or something that cannot readily understood. Thus to cope from deficiency, these people are going nearer to have focus and to see clearly the objects with details. Using LASIK it is corrected using refractive surgery which means to move again until it reaches the center where light supposedly must enter.

However, in Hyperopia there is also a specific method to follow in fixing or when having a LASIK surgery dealing this kind of eye defect which is far different from Myopia. Hyperopia is generally caused by an imperfect eye,an eye which has an abnormal structure that might result to embossed and short eyeballs or may rise from unrounded cornea. Due to these characteristics of eyeballs, it is difficult for a person to observe objects nearly because as he or she comes nearly, image went blur because of his or her lenses and also he or she cannot focus well that makes them easily dizzy. So the thing they will do is to look the object at a distant to view the image clearly. Using LASIK surgery, corneas are treated using the microkeratome technique. A technique using sets of incision patterned to a spokes wheel to carefully adjust the cornea and from the time the glass will be remove from incision, the cornea will heal and will be formed on a round shape. 

Ophthalmologist are required to be registered and expert before doing the surgery because a single mistake might lead the patient to a total black out and will lose the opportunity to see normally the same with people having a normal eyesight. And these ophthalmologists are also required to perform the surgery using sterile equipment and good physical condition to estimate laser emission and also to avoid inaccuracy while incising foreign objects to the eye.
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Anticoagulant Therapy - Hemodialysis / Heparin and Implementation Details

Posted by luputtenan3 on Sunday, November 3, 2013

Anticoagulant Therapy

The purpose of Anticoagulant Therapy is to prevent the development of blood clotting inside the dialyzer and extra-corporeal circuit.
  • Anticoagulant is generally required for all patients receiving hemodialysis treatments.
  • Unfractionated heparin and low molecular weight heparin are usually used as anticoagulant.The administration of unfractionated heparin systemically may be done with one of the following methods, routine and tight dose heparin. Heparin free dialysis can be ordered as well.
  • It is the responsibility of a nephrologist to decide on what type and method of heparinization. In case there is a need to review the standard order, an assigned nurse must first inform/contact the physician. An ordered anticoagulant by the doctor must be administered by a registered nurse.
  • Tight dose heparinization or no heparin is used when the patient is at risk and/or if the clotting times are prolonged, e.g., active bleeding, pre-or post-surgery and pericarditis. The tight dose method can be used routinely.
  • If performing heparin free hemodialysis, blood flow rate should be maintained or above 200ml/min.

Important Considerations during Anticoagulant Therapy

  • The pre-dialysis assessment should include the review of hgb, hct, platelet count, BUN, creatinine and coagulation studies, if available.
  • Assess for evidence of bleeding.
  • Review the previous anticoagulant type, amount and effect to the patient.
  • During hemodialysis, the patient is routinely assessed for signs of bleeding. The extracorporeal circuit and dialyzer can be flushed with 100 ml to 150 ml normal saline, PRN, to visualize the chambers and dialyzer for clotting.
  • The anticoagulant dose can be adjusted based on the visualization of clot in the chambers and dialyzer.
  • For unfractionated heparin delivery, it can be discontinued one hour prior to the completion of the hemodialysis treatment if no to minimal clotting is evident.
  • After the hemodialysis treatment, the dialyzer and drip chambers will be visualized for evidence of clotting. If no fibrin/clotting is evident, the heparin dose can be maintained or need to be decreased in the next hemodialysis treatment. If moderate to large amount of clotting is evident, the heparin dose may need to be increased in the next treatment.
  • The use of antibiotics such as, phenothiazides and anti-inflammatory agents may alter the anticoagulant effect of heparin.
  • In practice, there is no “standard” dosing for heparin, rather there are several choices that can be tailored to meet individual patient needs.
It is the responsibility of nephrologist and hemodialysis nurse to give proper amount of anti-coagulant to prevent bleeding and clotting.

Types of Anticoagulant Therapy or Hemodialysis

Routine Heparin:

  • Assess the patient for risk of bleeding and laboratory results.
  • At the beginning of hemodialysis, administer 0-2000 units of heparin as per physician’s order.
  • A lesser or higher dose may be given based upon the assessment of previous dialysis treatments.
  • Turn the heparin pump ON to 0-1000 units of heparin per hour once the initiation begins.
  • The amount of heparin delivered per hour maybe increased/decreased based upon the assessment of patient, drip chambers and dialyzer.
  • Discontinue the heparin 1 hour prior to the completion of hemodialysis treatment.

Tight Heparin:

  • Assess the patient for risk of bleeding and laboratory results.
  • At the beginning of hemodialysis, administer 0-1000 units of heparin per physician’s order.
  • A lesser or higher dose may be given based upon the assessment of previous dialysis treatments.
  • Turn the heparin pump ON to 0-500 units of heparin per hour once the initiation begins.
  • The amount of heparin delivered per hour maybe increased/decreased based upon the assessment of patient, drip chambers and dialyzer.
  • Discontinue the heparin 1 hour prior to the completion of hemodialysis treatment.

Low Molecular Weight Heparin (LMWH)

  • Assess the patient for risk of bleeding and laboratory works.
  • As the blood passes the arterial line during the initial hemodialysis treatment, swab the injection port with alcohol and administer the LMWH (make sure the heparin delivered in the blood and not in the saline).
  • Immediately discard syringe in sharp container.
  • Assess the patient, dialyzer and extracorporeal circuit after the treatment for clotting and bleeding. 

Definitions and Abbreviations used in this Article:


Terms
Definitions
Anticoagulant
A substance that prevents the clotting of the blood
Heparin
A sulfated glycosaminoglycan of mixed composition, released by mast cells and by blood basophils in many tissues, especially the liver and lungs, and having potent anticoagulant properties.
Unfractionated Heparin
Unfractionated heparin preparations constitute a mixture
of anionic glucosaminoglycans of varying molecular size
Routine Heparin
Type of unfractionated heparin dose given with normal bleeding risk
Tight Heparin
Type of unfractionated heparin dose employing smaller loading and maintenance doses with less prolongation of clotting
Low Molecular Weight Heparin
A heparin with advantages over unfractionated heparin, which blocks thrombosis earlier in the coagulation cascade than conventional heparin by inhibiting factor Xa; it less likely to cause thrombocytopenia or thrombotic thrombocytopenia syndrome Indications DVT
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Indicators of HIV Infection | AIDS Symptoms

Posted by luputtenan3 on Sunday, October 27, 2013

If you recently engaged in high-risk behavior, the best way to confirm HIV infection is to get an HIV test. Get tested for your own sake and for the sake of others: HIV is highly infectious in the early stages. The body hasn't produced antibodies to HIV yet so an antibody test may not pick it up. There are, however, some symptoms that can indicate you are HIV-positive. You may experience flu-like symptoms known as acute retroviral syndrome (ARS). A mild fever, about 102 degrees F, is one of the first signs of ARS. The fever is usually accompanied by other mild symptoms such as fatigue, swollen lymph glands, sore throat and headache. 

Indicators of HIV Infection

  • Fatigue is another symptom of HIV. It is caused by the inflammatory response generated by the immune system. Fatigue is both an early and later sign of HIV. My friend Terry started worrying about her health when she suddenly got out of breath before covering her daily three miles walk. She had tested HIV positive two decades earlier.
  • Achy muscles and joint pains are usually mistaken for flue or other viral infections, syphilis or hepatitis but are actually signs of HIV as are swollen lymph nodes. Lymph nodes constitute your body's system of immunity and will get inflamed when HIV is present. Many of them are found around the armpit, groin, and neck area.
  • Skin rashes can occur early or late in the course of infection. These are typically boil-like with itchy pink areas on the arms. Rashes can also appear on the trunk of the body. 
  • Short- term nausea, vomiting and diarrhea, according to Dr. Malvestutto, affects 30% to 60% of people in the early stages of HIV. They can also occur as a result of antiretroviral therapy or as opportunistic infections. 
  • Weight loss is the result of a depleted immune system. It is an indicator of a more advanced illness. The patient loses a lot of weight even when they feed well. According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, one is considered to have wasting syndrome if they lose 10% or more of their body weight and have suffered from diarrhea and fever for more than one month. 
  • Prolonged dry Cough is an early sign but can also be experienced by very ill patients. These can presage serious opportunistic infections such as Pneumocystis, pneumonia (PCP) cytomegalovirus, a type of herpes virus; and yeast infections such as thrush. Night sweats and nails changes such as clubbing, splitting or discoloration (black or brown horizontal or vertical lines). This is often due to fungal infections. Yeast infections such as mouth thrush caused by Candida also occur in the later stages of HIV. 
  • Confusion or difficulty concentrating is a sign of HIV- related dementia and may be accompanied by memory and behavioral problems. Cold sores (oral herpes) or genital herpes can be a sign of both ARS and HIV infection. Other symptoms of HIV include numbness and tingling in the hands; weakness and menstrual irregularities.
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Postpartum Depression and Effects of Yoga in its Treatment

Posted by luputtenan3 on Saturday, October 26, 2013

What is Postpartum Depression ?

Having a baby is a momentous and joyous occasion – and a huge life change. In addition to the usual stress that accompanies a newborn child, many women suffer from postpartum depression. Postpartum depression is a mood disorder that begins after childbirth. Women who suffer from postpartum depression often experience crying spells, episodes of anxiety, poor mood and feelings of hopelessness 
Postpartum depression varies in severity and might affect up to 1 in 5 women. Traditional methods for treating postpartum depression include: medication, diet, exercise, and hospitalization in severe cases. Recent studies have shown that yoga is highly beneficial to mothers suffering from postpartum. Mothers with postpartum who have practiced yoga have reported improvements in their overall wellbeing. 

How Yoga Helps in Treatment of Postpartum Depression

1. Relaxation

Yoga is excellent for stimulating the para-sympathetic nervous system. This engages the “rest & restore” response (the opposite of “fight or flight”). Movement in combination with breathing exercises and meditation aid in focus and help the practitioner to relax and let go of stress. Stress is known to intensify postpartum effects. By effectively managing their stress though yoga, mothers with postpartum depression can begin to assert control over their emotional wellbeing.

2. Self-Image

Women often feel pressure to quickly lose the weight gained during pregnancy. A new mother struggling to regain her pre-baby body can easily develop a poor self-image. Mothers who suffer from a poor self-image are more likely to experience the effects of postpartum depression. When mothers spend time listening to their bodies & meeting their own physical needs as they do in a yoga class, they have more internal resources to put the pressure to lose weight from outside sources into perspective.

3. Balancing Hormones

Perhaps the most interesting way yoga combats postpartum depression is by supporting the body’s endocrine system and in turn balancing hormones. In a recent study conducted by the University of California, Irvine, it was found that postpartum depression is caused by a chemical imbalance. The endocrine system is responsible for releasing and balancing the body’s hormones. Yoga supports the endocrine system and even prompts it to release endorphins into the body which elevate mood. A properly functioning endocrine system will regulate mood, metabolism, aid in digestion and stress management. For a mother suffering from postpartum depression a functioning endocrine system is vital.
Yoga is a holistic practice, incorporating the mind and body. Those who choose to practice yoga regularly make a commitment to self-awareness and self-care. By becoming more aware of and caring for both body and mind, mothers may ease the effects of postpartum depression or even cure themselves completely.
If you've experienced postpartum depression, what did you do about it? Did you practice yoga during that time, and if so, did it help?
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Trypophobia Test, Causes, Cure and Treatment

Posted by luputtenan3 on Friday, July 5, 2013

Trypophobia
Trypophobia

Trypophobia is a relatively new term in medical science. It came into existence in year 2005. Trypo is a greek term (just like other scientific words), which means "drilling or boring holes". A research by Arnold Wilkins and Geoff Cole described it as a mental disorder. Most of the doctors don't believe that there is any such disease. They believe Trypophobia is just a fear from beehives and antholes which result in people assuming that such structures are present on their skin. Research is still going on to find if Trypophobia is a real disease or not.

Trypophobia Test

Some people often search for "Trypophobia Test" on google to find if there is any test available to diagnose Trypophobia disease. As Trypophobia is not a recognized mental disorder by psychologists

Trypophobia Causes

Trypophobia is fear of clustered holes. Which means if you are over fearful of clustered holes then there are chances that at some time you might feel that you are suffering from Trypophobia. There is no other specific cause of Trypophobia.

Trypophobia Treatment

Trypophobia is not a recognised disease, so there is no specific treatment or medicine. Some people believe that behavioral therapy can be helpful in this disease. The fear of holes just need to be removed from subconscious mind.
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Lupus Rash Symptoms in Men Women and Children | Treatment Drugs and Diet

Posted by luputtenan3 on Wednesday, December 19, 2012

Lupus is a chronic inflammatory disease in which our immune system starts to harm our own body. Its symptoms are difficult to diagnose and treat. Lupus may start due to some infection, or reaction from some drugs or sunlight.

Lupus Symptoms




No two people suffering from Lupus have the same symptoms. All men, women and children facing this problem might face some of the following symptoms:

  • Joint Pain

  • Swelling and Stiffness

  • Fatigue and Fever

  • Rashes of the shape of a butterfly

  • Dry eye

  • Skin lesions that can get worse with sun exposure

  • Chest Pain

  • During Low temperature Fingers and Toes might turn blue

  • Headache and memory loss


Lupus Treatment


Its treatment is based on the symptoms that you are showing. Doctor might change the dosage time to time depending on the effect of treatment on your body. Sometimes the diet prescribed by the doctor can also help a lot.

Lupus Drugs


Following medication might be prescribed by your doctor according to your symptoms.

  • Antimalarial drugs

  • Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)

  • Immune suppressants


Lupus Diet and Lifestyle



  • Try to remain away from sun as ultraviolet radiation might trigger Lupus.

  • Eat fruits, vegetables and whole grains.

  • Don’t Smoke.

  • Exercise Regularly

  • Get plenty of sleep

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Gout Disease Causes Symptoms Diet Treatment and Home Remedy

Posted by luputtenan3 on Monday, December 17, 2012

Gout is a disease mostly caused due to inflammatory arthritis .It cause swelling in joints. Toes are the most affected area in this disease. Another common name of Gout Disease is “Podagra”. It is usually caused due to increasing level of Uric Acid in the blood. It can also cause kidney stones or tophi.

Gout Symptoms:

  • Inflammatory Arthritis

  • Big toe is the most affected area.

  • Knees, wrists, fingers and heels can also be affected.


Gout Causes:

  • Increased level of Uric Acid in the blood.

  • Hyperuricemia (Lower level of Uric Acid is primary cause of Hyperuricemia) can lead to Gout.

  • More use of alcohol, meat, seafood and fructose-sweetened drinks.

  • Genetic Disorders


Gout Treatment:

  • Ice can be used on affected area to reduce the pain.

  • Attacks can be prevented by drugs.


Gout Medicine:

  • NSAIDs (NonSteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs), Steroids and Colchicine.

  • If patient is suffering from frequent attacks then Allopurinol or Probenecid can help.


Gout Home Remedy:

  • Try to maintain your weight.

  • Avoid Alcohol.

  • Drink plenty of fluid.

  • Avoid non-vegetarian diet and seafood.

  • To deal with the pain never use asprin. Asprin can make it worse. You can go for ibuprofen.

  • Take the prescribed medication.

  • Herbal Remedy: These herbs are anti-inflammatory agents that can relieve pain

    • Devil's claw root

    • Gingerroot

    • Meadowsweet leaves and flowertops

    • White Willow bark



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Gallbladder Stones Removal Surgery Cost |Diet, Treatment, Home Remedy

Posted by luputtenan3 on Sunday, December 16, 2012

Gallbladder Stones, also known as Gallstones in medical terminology, is a condition when some crystals are formed inside Gallbladder. Mostly these stones are formed due to the crystallization of bile components. It can be cured through surgery. Sometimes Gallstones can cause blockage in some ducts which can make life-threatening condition.  

Gallbladder Stones Symptoms:

  • No Symptoms for years

  • Symptoms appear when stone size become more than 8mm.

  • Its first symptom is “gallstone attack” in which the person experience intense pain.

  • Pain is in upper right side of abdomen.

  • Vomiting and Nausea may also occur.

  • Pain in shoulder Blades may also occur.

  • These attacks mostly happen in night.

  • These symptoms are similar to Kidney Stone attack.


Gallbladder Stones Causes:

  • Its risk increases in women before menopause

  • It occurs mostly after age of 40 Years

  • Lack of Melatonin

  • Inherited Body Chemistry

  • Rapid weight loss

  • Constipation

  • Eating Less Meal per day

  • Use of Proton Pump Inhibitors


Gallbladder Stones Treatment:

  • Cholesterol gallstones can be treated by medicines such as Ursodeoxycholic Acid, but it may take years. Gallstones may reoccur if medicine is stopped.

  • Endoscopic Surgery

  • Gallstones can be broken by a procedure called “lithotripsy”, which is a shock wave treatment.

  • Laparoscopic Surgery

  • Open Cholecystectomy

  • In some rare cases Gallbladder needs to be removed.


Home Remedies:

  • Wine and whole-grained bread may decrease the risk

  • "Gallbladder Flush" or "Liver Flush":  A treatment by using pure apple juice, apples (or applesauce), magnesium and lemon juice mixed with olive oil.


Medicine: Cholesterol gallstones can be treated by medicines such as Ursodeoxycholic Acid, but it may take years. Gallstones may reoccur if medicine is stopped.
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Herpes Zoster (Shingles) Virus Vaccine Causes Symptoms and Treatment

Posted by luputtenan3 on Saturday, December 15, 2012

Herpes Zoster  is also known as Shingles. It is caused due to a virus named “Varicella Zoster Virus (VZV)”. Initial infection of VZV causes Chickenpox. Once chickenpox is over and if virus still remains in the body then it can cause Shingles. Sometimes it occurs several years after chickenpox. VZV remains latent in nerve cell bodies and travel down to nerve axons and cause a viral infection. This infection occurs at a particular area of body which is connected to one spinal nerve. This infection takes 2 to 4 weeks to heal but pain may remain for months. Shingles is less painful in children as compared to elders. If it occours around eyes or ears then sufferer might face loss of vision or hearing.

Herpes Zoster Symptoms:

Early Symptoms:

  • Headache

  • Fever

  • Malaise


Afterwards Symptoms:

  • Burning Pain

  • Itching

  • Oversensitivity(Tingling or Numbness)

  • Painful Rashes

  • Quick Stabs


Herpes Zoster Causes:  Shingles only occur in those people who have earlier fallen prey to Chickenpox. The reason behind the dormant nature of VZV virus and its reactivation is not known.

Herpes Zoster Treatment: Its treatment can only shorten the duration of pain and infection. Antiviral treatment is recommended within 72 hours of appearance of rash.

Herpes Zoster Medicine:

  • Antiviral Medicines ( Valaciclovir and Famciclovir).

  • Topical lidocaine may reduce pain.

  • Shingles Vaccine : Zostavax (It contains weakened chickenpox virus to stimulate our immune system)


Herpes Zoster and AIDS : If a person is suffering from AIDS and already had chickenpox at a young age, then chances of Shingles are very high as his/her immune system will not suppress VZV virus.
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Increased Sympathetic Nervous Activity and its Treatment

Posted by luputtenan3 on Thursday, December 13, 2012

Sympathetic Nervous Activity:  Sympathetic Nervous System is a part of our Autonomous Nervous System which we can’t control voluntarily. Our Sympathetic Nervous Activity(SNA) is increased when our brain feels that our body is in some sort of danger or stress. It increases our heart rate and blood pressure and reduced digestion. If your SNA is triggered more then you are more prone to heart diseases.

Sympathetic Nervous Activity Symptoms:

  • Sweating

  • Increased heart Rate

  • Increased Blood Pressure

  • Pupil Dilation

  • Increased Kidney Secretion

  • Dizziness

  • Swallowing Problems

  • Shaking

  • Digestive Disorders

  • Vomiting

  • Diarrhoea

  • Impotence

  • Depersonalisation

  • Repetitive Thoughts

  • Restless Legs

  • Nausea


Sympathetic Nervous Activity Causes: SNA is triggered when our body is in some type of danger or stress. Inactive and Obese people are more prone to this disease. If SNA happens for long duration, then it can harm your brain as well, which can cause Hypertension and Mood Swings.

Sympathetic Nervous Activity Treatment: Treatment is unique for each patient. It includes both medication and physical therapy.

Sympathetic Nervous Activity Medicine: Beta blocker medication. (Consult a Doctor before starting Medication)
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