HEALTH - HYPOGLYCEMIA

HEALTH - HYPOGLYCEMIA

Hypoglycemia means low blood sugar level, although “unstable blood sugar levels” would have been more fitting. This term is used to describe a metabolic disorder, that may manifest itself in a variety of physical and 'psychological' symptoms. One must understand that glucose is a source of both physical (muscle) and mental (brain) energy. The brain, representing only 2 percent by weight of the body, has no energy stores of its own. It requires about 60 per cent percent of the all available glucose in the body and consumes about 120 grams per days regardless of whether we are asleep or awake (Source). About one teaspoon of glucose is available in the blood at any time. Hence, the brain is the most sensitive organ in the body to react to unstable blood sugar levels. Hypoglycemic symptoms usually involve the brain as one factor. Most doctors believe that hypoglycemia is due to "insulin resistance", which it shares with diabetes. see Robyn Cosford  As in diabetes, when a patient injects excess insulin, it causes the blood glucose concentrations to crash. This will trigger the release of adrenaline - a stress hormone - to increase glucose supply to the brain. These stress hormones are inevitably involved with symptoms of hypoglycemia. This happens in non-diabetic hypoglycemia when the body produces too much insulin called hyperinsulinism. Consequently any extreme fluctuation in the supply of glucose to the brain will inevitably affect our emotions, feelings and personality. Hypoglycemia (or pre-diabetic insulin resistance) is also an important factor in the metabolic syndrome and therefore if you want to avoid diabetes and/or the metabolic syndrome you need to treat the hypoglycemia by nutritional means.

Symptoms

Double vision or blurry vision

Fast or pounding heartbeat

Feeling cranky or acting aggressive

Feeling nervous

Headache

Hunger

Shaking or trembling

Sleeping trouble

Sweating

Tingling or numbness of the skin

Tiredness or weakness

Unclear thinking

Sometimes your blood sugar may be too low, even if you do not have symptoms. If your blood sugar gets too low, you may:

Faint

Have a seizure

Go into a coma

Treatment

The first thing to be done when experiencing hypoglycemia is to bring up the levels of blood sugar back to its normal values. This is achieved by ingesting a hard candy or any food products rich in carbohydrates. Diabetics should always carry an emergency supply of carbohydrates, such as hard candy, just in case hypoglycemia strikes. They should also be familiar with their bodies so as to readily detect early symptoms of hypoglycemia and start treatment at once so as to avoid further complications that may arise from it. Begin treatment of hypoglycemia promptly when symptoms of low levels of blood sugar are felt, even if there is a possibility that the symptoms presented are not from hypoglycemia, it is always safer to presume that the symptoms are caused by hypoglycemia.

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HEALTH - IRON POISONING

HEALTH - IRON POISONING

Iron supplements are commonly used to treat anemia. Iron can also be found in most multivitamin supplements. People, including small children can overdose on the pills, causing iron poisoning. Because many people take multivitamin supplements, iron poisoning is a common occurrence. Children's vitamin supplements do contain iron, but usually not enough to cause serious poisoning. Overdose of pure iron supplements, however, may cause serious iron poisoning. Iron poisoning occurs when a person, usually a child, swallows a large number of iron-containing pills, most often vitamins. Acute iron poisoning mainly involves children younger than 6 years who swallow pediatric or adult vitamins containing iron. These children may not be able or willing to tell you what and how much they swallowed. Iron salt is available in multiple preparations. For instance, ferrous sulfate is available as drops, syrup, elixir, capsules, and tablets. Iron preparations are widely used and are available without a prescription and may be housed in bottles with or without child resistant closures. The amount of iron that will cause poisoning depends upon the size of the child. An 8-year-old may show no symptoms from an amount that would cause serious symptoms in a 3-year-old. Symptoms appear at doses greater than 10 mg/kg (based on the body weight of the child). Iron is available in different oral forms. A child may show no symptoms after eating a number of pills that might have looked like candy. The only evidence may be an opened vitamin bottle. If you know, or even suspect, that a child has eaten tablets, you should consult a hospital’s emergency department or a poison control center regarding a possible iron poisoning.

Symptoms

Vomiting
Diarrhea
Abdominal Pain
Drowsiness
Unconsciousness
Seizures
Stomach bleeding (with serious poisoning)
Rapid heart rate (with serious poisoning)
Low blood pressure (with serious poisoning)

Very low blood pressure (shock)
Bleeding
Jaundice
Liver failure
Seizures
Confusion
Decreased blood sugar
Coma

Treatment

Iron poisoning is diagnosed based on the history of the person’s history, symptoms, and the amount of iron found in the blood. If an excessive amount of pills have been swallowed, they can sometimes be seen in the stomach in an x-ray. In the case of serious iron poisoning, the person will need to be hospitalized. Injections of deferoxamine, which binds iron the blood, are given.

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HEALTH - KWASHIORKOR

HEALTH - KWASHIORKOR

Kwashiorkor is a medical condition that develops due to an insufficient intake of proteins. Initial symptoms include fatigue, weariness, irritability, and lethargy. As the protein deficiency continues, one will notice growth failure, loss of muscle mass, edema or generalized swelling, and lowered immune system functioning. Kwashiorkor is an acute form of childhood PEM or protein energy malnutrition. It is characterized by exhaustion, irritability, edema, anorexia, ulcerating dermatoses, and enlargement of the liver. The primary cause for kwashiorkor is severe deficiency of protein. Infections, parasites, or disease-conditions that get in the way of protein absorption are significant causes as well. Kwashiorkor is extremely common among children living in drought affected and famine affected areas. Vegan diets too, are known to cause kwashiorkor. No education about nutrition and prolonged hospitalization are important causes of PEM too. Aflatoxin poisoning is one another significant cause. Foods contaminated with molds, when consumed cause poisoning. The aflatoxin that is released by these molds damage the liver. Serum proteins, especially albumin, are manufactured by the liver; thus liver impairment triggers kwashiorkor.

Symptoms

• Swelling and distension of the abdomen
• Irritation and peevishness
• Swelling of the liver
• Diarrhea
• Exhaustion and fatigue
• Repeated infections
• Generalized swelling
• The hair turns red, nails become very brittle, and soft and ridged
• Muscle wasting
• A host of changes take place in the skin as well
• Weight loss
• Delayed growth Kwashiorkor can turn serious and life threatening as well. Neglect and inappropriate treatment can aggravate the condition considerably and cause a host of complications.

Treatment

Kwashiorkor is effectively and successfully treated by incorporating adequate amounts of protein-rich foods in the daily diet. Include plenty of soy, legumes, fish, meat, milk, yogurt, and beans. Along with managing the protein energy malnourishment, it is also essential to manage a deficit of other nutrients, such as vitamins and minerals. Fluid and electrolyte imbalances must be treated as well.

The doctor will make the following prescriptions to tackle kwashiorkor symptoms:

• Antibiotics to treat infections
• Slow and steady increase in the amount of calories consumed from carbohydrates and fats
• Gradual increase in protein intake
• IV fluids to rectify fluid and electrolyte disproportion
• Lactase supplements need to be given in case of milk allergies to facilitate digestion of dairy products
• Vitamin and mineral supplements are prescribed

By and large, the prognosis of kwashiorkor is good. Regularly, following the dietary and supplement prescriptions helps manage the symptoms of the disorder immediately. However, neglect and inappropriate treatment can result in complications, such as, liver damage, impairment of the brain, poor growth and development, shock, coma; which can prove to be very serious and life threatening, and thus adversely affect the outcome of the case.

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HEALTH - LYME DISEASE

HEALTH - LYME DISEASE

Lyme disease infection is caused by the bacterium Borrelia burgdorferi, which is found in small animals like mice. Ixodes ticks (also called black-legged or deer ticks) that feed on these animals can then transmit Borrelia burgdorferi to people through tick bites. Ticks are small and can be hard to see. Immature ticks, or nymphs, are about the size of a poppy seed; adult ticks are about the size of a sesame seed. It's important to know and watch for symptoms of Lyme disease because ticks are hard to find and it's easy to overlook a tick bite  in fact, many people who get Lyme disease don't remember being bitten. The good news is that most tick bites don't result in Lyme disease.

Symptoms

The rash usually has a characteristic "bull's-eye" appearance, with a central red spot surrounded by clear skin that is ringed by an expanding red rash. It also can appear as an expanding ring of solid redness. It may be warm to the touch and usually is not painful or itchy. The rash might be more difficult to see on people with darker skin tones, where it can look like a bruise. The rash usually resolves in about a month. Along with the rash, a person may have flu-like symptoms such as swollen lymph nodes, fatigue, headache, and muscle aches. Left untreated, symptoms of the initial illness may go away on their own. But in some people, the infection can spread to other parts of the body. Symptoms of this stage of Lyme disease usually appear within several weeks after the tick bite, even in someone who has not developed the initial rash.

 A person might feel very tired and unwell, or have more areas of rash that aren't at the site of the bite. Lyme disease can affect the heart, leading to an irregular heart rhythm or chest pain. It can spread to the nervous system, causing facial paralysis (Bell's palsy), or tingling and numbness in the arms and legs. It can start to cause headaches and neck stiffness, which may be signs of meningitis. The last stage of Lyme disease can occur if the early stages were not detected or appropriately treated. Symptoms of late Lyme disease can appear anytime from weeks to years (average of 6 months) after an infectious tick bite, and in children is almost always in the form of arthritis, particularly in the knee or other large joints.

Treatment

Lyme disease is usually treated with a 2- to 4-week course of antibiotics. Cases that are diagnosed quickly and treated with antibiotics almost always have a good outcome. A person should be feeling back to normal within several weeks after beginning treatment.

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HEALTH - MULTIPLE MYELOMA

HEALTH - MULTIPLE MYELOMA

Plasma cells help your body fight infection by producing proteins called antibodies. In multiple myeloma, plasma cells grow out of control in the bone marrow and form tumors in the areas of solid bone. The growth of these bone tumors makes it harder for the bone marrow to make healthy blood cells and platelets. Multiple myeloma mainly affects older adults. Past treatment with radiation therapy raises your risk for this type of cancer. The proliferation of plasma cells in MM may interfere with the normal production of blood cells, resulting in leukopenia, anemia, and thrombocytopenia. The cells may cause soft-tissue masses (plasmacytomas) or lytic lesions in the skeleton. Feared complications of MM are bone pain, hypercalcemia, renal failure, and spinal cord compression. The aberrant antibodies that are produced lead to impaired humoral immunity, and patients have a high prevalence of infection, especially with encapsulated organisms such as Pneumococcus. The overproduction of these antibodies may lead to hyperviscosity, amyloidosis, and renal failure.

Symptoms

Multiple myeloma causes anemia, which makes a person more likely to get infections and have abnormal bleeding.

As the cancer cells grow in the bone marrow, bone or back pain, most often in the ribs or back.

If the bones in the spine are affected, it can put pressure on the nerves, resulting in numbness or weakness of the arms or legs.

Other symptoms include:

Bleeding problems

Fatigue due to anemia

Fevers without any other cause

Shortness of breath due to anemia

Unexplained broken bones.

Treatment

There is no cure for multiple myeloma, however, there are ways to control it. Treatment includes medications, such as bortezomib and thalidomide, as well as stem cell transplants and standard cancer treatments, such as chemotherapy and radiation therapy. Standard Treatment Chemotherapy is often used when treating multiple myeloma to kill off cancerous cells. When M protein levels stabilize, it is discontinued. However, if levels begin to increase again, your doctor may commence chemo another time. Powerful drugs such as steroids and thalidomide are also used to combat multiple myeloma but a newer drug called bortezomib, which blocks proteasomes and causes cancer cells to die, has been twice as effective as previous medicines, according to the Mayo Clinic. Another new drug, lenalidomide, works much like thalidomide but it is much more potent and has less side effects.  Stem cell therapy for people with multiple myeloma is administered in conjunction with high doses of chemotherapy. Using stem cells from your healthy blood or bone marrow (or those from a donor), your doctor will attempt to replace the cancerous cells with healthy ones. Healthy stem cells are usually harvested after a three or four month regimen of drug therapy to kill off high levels of cancerous cells. You will then undergo the transplant soon after the harvest or at the time you relapse again.

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HEALTH - MYOPIA

HEALTH - MYOPIA

Myopia (nearsightedness) affects 20% to 30% of the population, but this eye disorder is easily corrected with eyeglasses, contact lenses or surgery. People who have myopia or nearsightedness have difficulty seeing distant objects, but can see objects that are near clearly. For example, a person who is nearsighted may not be able to make out highway signs until they are just a few feet away. People who are nearsighted have what is called a refractive error. This means that the light rays bend incorrectly into the eye to transmit images to the brain. In people with myopia, the eyeball is too long or the cornea has too much curvature, so the light entering the eye is not focused correctly. Light rays of images focus in front of the retina, the light-sensitive part of the eye, rather than directly on the retina, causing blurred vision. Myopia runs in families and usually appears in childhood. Sometimes the condition plateaus, or sometimes it worsens with age. Myopia and astigmatism are sometimes mistaken as one. It is because they almost have exactly the same symptoms. Myopia is a condition where in the projected image is formed inside the eye, not on the retina, whereas, astigmatism is the irregular curvature of eye lenses, thus developing blurry sight. Myopia Astigmatism or myopic astigmatism is an optical defect where in the vision is blurred due to the inability of the eye to produce image on the retina. The eye optics is incapable of projecting clear images in the retina. This is caused by the irregular curvature of the cornea or lens. Myopia astigmatism is the worst condition of either the two disorders could ever get.

Symptoms

Fatigues or headaches

Very blurry vision

Working very closely at objects is always necessary

Deformed eyes or abnormal shape of the eyes

Teary and swollen eyes

Treatment

Your eye muscles are too tense and they don't relax as they should, so your optometrist puts lenses with the opposite shape in front of your eyes, and therefore supposedly corrects your vision. Wrong, the lenses don't correct anything, they just allow you to see distant objects, but your eyes didn't relax. There is a reason why they don't relax in the first place, and that reason is not addressed. In fact, it will most likely get worse, but we'll get to that in a second. Your tense eye muscles cause your lens to be shaped too steeply, and eye surgery is flattening out your lens by shaping off "excess" from the lens, but the muscles stay as stiff as they've been. Did it correct your vision? I beg to differ. What happens when your eye muscles start to relax? Now you are missing some lens, aren't you? Well, with true correction it wouldn't matter if your muscles relax, in fact they would, and then your eyes would work perfectly fine. That's the part we didn't talk about yet. You see, myopia mostly occurs in young people, and especially in young people that are under a lot of stress. Since myopia is rooted in tense eye muscles, we get a major clue as to what is going on. When human beings under stress they often get tense muscles. We are very familiar with that in the muscles we can see, but the same happens in the muscles we don't see, but we see with. You have to understand that myopia is not a physical problem, we only perceive the physical symptoms. The underlying reason is in the mind, in the part that stresses us out, in the part that causes us to tense up. So when you use glasses and you can see into the distance again, you give your eyes more room to tense up, hence you get stronger and stronger prescriptions, until you learn to relax. Once you understand and find that part, myopia is easily corrected.

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HEALTH - NEUROMYOTONIA

HEALTH - NEUROMYOTONIA

Neuromyotonia is a vague and generally not well-understood condition that could be due to a number of factors, such as neurochemical exposure, chronic neuro infection, neurotoxins, etc.  Patients with such problems often are often eventually diagnosed with atypical ALS and other neurological diagnoses.  When neuromuscular problems are present with no known etiology or exposures, we generally look for neurotrophic infections, such as Lyme Borrelia, Mycoplasma, etc.  Such infections can invade the peripheral (and central) nervous system and cause all sorts of problems in nerve transmission and excitability.  Usually such patients have major relief of signs and symptoms if the infections are properly treated.  Unfortunately, in the UK there is not much in the way of expertise on the type of infections that could be involved and their treatment.

Symptoms

Neuromyotonia affects the peripheral nervous system of the body causing muscle pain and weakness. This disorder is rare in occurrence and incurable also. Acquired and hereditary are the two forms of neuromyotonia. This condition is also known as by the name continuous muscle fiber activity syndrome, quantal squander syndrome, Isaac-Mertens syndrome, and Isaac’s syndrome. Why this disorder appears is unknown. Some scientists say that if a person is exposed to toxins and has a genetic mutation then there may development of neuromyotonia. However, there are numerous clinical trials and research is going on to discover the exact causes of the disorder so that, there may be some scope for treatment. The government is conducting several trials on scheduled basis where a person can have diagnosis and if possible treatment also.

Treatment

There is no known cure for neuromyotonia, but the condition is treatable. Anticonvulsants, including phenytoin and carbamazepine, usually provide significant relief from the stiffness, muscle spasms, and pain associated with neuromyotonia. Plasma exchange and IVIg treatment may provide short-term relief for patients with some forms of the acquired disorder. It is speculated that the plasma exchange causes an interference with the function of the voltage-dependent potassium channels, one of the underlying issues of hyper-excitability in autoimmune neuromyotonia. Botox injections also provide short-term relief. Immunosuppressants, such as prednisone may provide long term relief for patients with some forms of the acquired disorder.

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HEALTH - PROSTATE DISORDERS

HEALTH - PROSTATE DISORDERS

The prostate is a gland located at the base of a man’s bladder, behind the pubic bone and in front of the rectum. This gland, which is roughly the size and shape of a small crab apple, weighs only about an ounce in young men. It surrounds the urethra, the tube that carries urine away from the bladder and transports semen during ejaculation. A good way to envision the prostate is as an apple with the core removed, with the urethra passing through the middle. The prostate’s primary function is to produce prostatic fluid, a component of semen. Also, during ejaculation, smooth muscles in the prostate contract to help propel semen through the urethra. Technically the prostate is not part of the urinary system. But because of its location and relationship to the urethra, the prostate can (and often does) affect urinary function. Prostate cancer: After skin cancer, prostate cancer is the second most common cancer in American men and is second only to lung cancer as a cause of cancer deaths. In 2009, an estimated 192,000 men were diagnosed with prostate cancer, and about 27,000 died of the disease. The good news is that reliable diagnostic tests and numerous treatment options are available, and death rates from prostate cancer are on the decline. Nearly 100 percent of men are still alive five years after a prostate cancer diagnosis, about 93 percent are alive 10 years after diagnosis, and approximately 79 percent are alive 15 years after diagnosis. 

Symptoms

This infection is the easiest to diagnose. It is generally observed, that the urinary tract has an infection in this case. The urine is examined for the presence of bacteria and white blood cells in it. In the advanced acute bacterial prostatitis, difficulty in passing urine is the main symptom. Acute bacterial prostatitis is regularly treated with antibiotics. The common symptoms in this prostate infection are:

Fever

Pain in the genitals

Lower back pain

Frequent urination

Burning sensation during urination and/or painful urination

Foul-smelling urine

Difficulty in bowel movement

Prostate disorders Symptoms

Burning sensation during urination

Pain on urinating or ejaculating

Frequent urination

Fever and chills (in severe Prostatitis)

Pain in the pelvic area

Treatment

Comprehensive overview of causes, diagnosis, symptoms, prevention, cure & treatment of Prostate Disorders. Prostrate gland is a firm, round organ surrounding the upper part of the urethra and lies underneath the bladder. The secretions of prostate gland are added to semen. Disorders affecting the prostrate gland are very common and usually occur in men over age 30. Prostate Disorders include inflammation of prostrate gland (Prostatitis), enlargement of the prostrate gland and prostrate cancer. Some degree of prostate gland occurs in most men over age 50 is often considered as a natural part of aging. Prostrate cancer is not life threatening in many cases and it may no need treatment because the tumor grows slowly but if the younger man is inflicted with prostate cancer, then the immediate treatment becomes necessary.

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HEALTH - PERIODONTAL

HEALTH - PERIODONTAL

Periodontal disease (also called periodontitis or gum disease) is a bacterial infection that destroys the supporting structures that hold your teeth in place. Your gums are the first line of defense against bacterial infection, but once the infection has broken through them it will begin to attack the ligaments and bone that hold the teeth in the mouth. It is in this stage of periodontitis that loss of bone due to bacterial erosion can occur, which will then cause the pocket (space between the gum and tooth) to grow deeper and wider. Left untreated, this disease can lead to costly and painful procedures such as gum grafts, bone grafts, and ultimately tooth loss.

Symptoms

Swollen gums

Bright red or purplish gums

Gums that feel tender when touched

Gums that pull away from your teeth (recede), making your teeth look longer than normal

New spaces developing between your teeth

Pus between your teeth and gums

Bad breath

Bad taste in your mouth

Loose teeth

A change in the way your teeth fit together when you bite

Treatment

In the earlier stages of the disease, most of the treatment involves root planning and curettage (cleaning) under the gum margins. It involves the removal of plaque and inflamed soft tissue in the pockets around the tooth with an instrument called a curette. Its purpose is to remove the bacterial colonies and the mechanical and chemical irritants that cause inflammation in hopes that the disease can be eradicated. The goal is that the gum will reattach itself to the tooth or will shrink enough to eliminate the pocket.  In most early cases, root planning, curettage, and proper daily plaque removal are all that are required for a satisfactory result. In more advanced cases, the treatment may become more complex. If after removal of the deposits, fairly deep pockets remain, they can be eliminated by a minor surgical procedure called gingivectomy. This is done under local anesthesia, and a medicinal dressing is placed to cover the wound area for a week or so while it heals. A similar procedure, called gingivoplasty, is used to remove excessive gum tissue and to provide a new and healthier shape for the gums.  In some cases, flap procedures are performed. The gum tissue in an area is lifted away from the teeth, all the underlying inflamed tissue and calculus are removed, the bone may then be reconstructed to a proper shape and the gum is then replaced to proper position and sutured. Healing of these procedures takes from seven to 21 days and is usually uneventful, although not without some expected post-operative discomfort. Antibiotics are sometimes prescribed to treat gum inflammation.

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HEALTH - PORPHYRIA

HEALTH - PORPHYRIA

Porphyria (poor-FEAR-ee-uh) refers to a group of disorders that result in a buildup of chemicals called porphyrins in your body. Although porphyrins are normal body chemicals, it's not normal for them to build up. The cause is usually an inherited mutation. Porphyria typically affects your nervous system or skin or both. The specific signs and symptoms of porphyria depend on which of your genes is abnormal. Porphyria is usually inherited, but environmental factors may trigger the development of symptoms in some types of porphyria. Treatment depends on the type of porphyria you have. Although porphyria usually can't be cured, certain lifestyle changes may help you manage porphyria.

Symptoms

Insomnia

Anxiety or restlessness

Severe abdominal pain

Constipation

Vomiting

Diarrhea

Pain in your arms, legs or back

Muscle pain, tingling, numbness, weakness or paralysis

Dehydration

Excessive sweating

Seizures

Confusion

Hallucinations

Disorientation

Paranoia

Red urine

High blood pressure

Treatment

Some of the medicines used to treat a sudden (acute) attack of porphyria may include:

Hematin given through a vein (intravenously)

Pain medication

Propranolol to control the heartbeat

Sedatives to help you feel sleepy and less anxious

Other treatments may include:

Beta-carotene supplements

Chloroquine

Fluids and glucose to boost carbohydrate levels, which helps limit the production of porphyrins

Removal of blood (phlebotomy)

Depending on the type of porphyria you have, your doctor may tell you to:

Avoid all alcohol

Avoid drugs that may trigger an attack

Avoid injuring the skin

Avoid sunlight as much as possible and use sunscreen when outside

Eat a high-carbohydrate diet.

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HEALTH - PROGERIA

HEALTH - PROGERIA

A very rare disease of premature aging in young children, characterized mainly by a birdlike, “wizened old man” facial appearance, premature bodily aging (progeria) and dwarfism. The children have large skulls, bird-like features, atrophy of muscles and skin, loss of subcutaneous fat, high serum lipid levels and early atherosclerotic changes in the vessels. The child is normal at birth. Intelligence is usually normal. The average age of death is 16 years, but survivors until 26 years have been recorded. Occur in children of both sexes. Death is usually caused by the effects of arteriosclerosis. Etiology and mode of genetic transmission (if any) is unknown. Hutchinson-Gilford progeria was discovered in 1886 by Jonathan Hutchinson. He documented the clinical features of a boy aged 6 years who had congenital absence of the hair and atrophy of the skin. Hastings Gilford followed up this patient and another, and in 1897 recognized it as a clinical entity and introduced the term “progeria” from the Greek work meaning “prematurely old.” In his case report published in 1904 he provided a set of pictures of the disorder from infancy to the age of 17 years, in which the characteristic alopecia, fat loss and premature aging are clearly depicted.

Symptoms

Slowed growth, with below-average height and weight

A narrowed face and beaked nose

Hair loss (alopecia), including eyelashes and eyebrows

Hardening and tightening of skin on trunk and extremities (scleroderma)

Head disproportionately large for face

Thin lips

Visible veins

Prominent eyes

Small lower jaw (micrognathia)

High-pitched voice

Delayed and abnormal tooth formation

Diminished body fat and muscle

Stiff joints

Hip dislocation

Insulin resistance

Irregular heartbeat

Treatment

There is no test to confirm progeria and no cure. Physicians normally make the diagnosis based on symptoms and signs – such as hair loss as well as not growing. These are normally not fully evident until about the age of 2.

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HEALTH - PUBLIC LICE

HEALTH - PUBLIC LICE

Pubic lice (often called "crabs" because of their crab-like appearance under a microscope) are six-legged creatures that most commonly infest hair in the pubic area, although they also can infest other body hair. In most cases, pubic lice are transmitted sexually from the pubic hair of one person to another. But lice can be contracted in other ways, too — from infested clothing, towels, and bedding. Typically, pubic lice can be treated at home. But if someone in the house has them, it's important to take precautions so that they don't spread.

Symptoms

Although it's possible to be infested and have no symptoms, people with pubic lice usually experience itchiness. This can worsen at night when the lice become active and bury their heads inside pubic hair follicles to feed on a person's blood. Sometimes, lice bites can also cause the infested area to become inflamed and discolored because of a reaction to the proteins in the saliva of the lice. Constant itching and scratching can cause the area to become raw and lead to a secondary bacterial infection. Scratching also can help the pubic lice to spread. If the infestation consists of many adult lice, symptoms may be noticeable immediately. But if the infestation initially involves a few lice that then lay eggs, a person may not experience any symptoms for 2 to 4 weeks until the eggs hatch. In young children, pubic lice may also be a cause of blepharitis (irritation or infection of the eyelids). So, a child's eyelashes should be examined with a high-powered magnifying glass if lice are suspected.

Treatment

A teen who might have pubic lice should see a doctor right away. If the doctor diagnoses pubic lice, your child may be prescribed medication or told to buy an over-the-counter medicine that kills the lice and their eggs. The important thing to remember is that the treatment may need to be repeated after 7 to 10 days to kill any lice not eliminated the first time. Also, dry clean or use very hot water and a hot dryer cycle to wash and dry all affected bedding, towels, or recently worn clothing to properly kill the lice and their eggs. Any sexual partners from the last month should also check for pubic lice immediately. Although condoms help protect against other STDs, a partner could still get pubic lice because the condom does not cover the entire pubic area.

Help

If your teen is thinking of becoming sexually active or already has started having sex, it's important to discuss it. Make sure your teen knows how STDs can be spread (during anal, oral, or vaginal sex) and that these infections often don't have symptoms, so a partner might have an STD without knowing it. It can be difficult to talk about STDs, but just as with any other medical issue, teens need this information to stay safe and healthy. Provide the facts, and let your child know where you stand. It's also important that all teens have regular full physical exams  which can include screening for STDs. Your teen may want to see a gynecologist or a specialist in adolescent medicine to talk about sexual health issues. Community health organizations and sexual counseling centers in your local area also may be able to offer some guidance.

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HEALTH - Q FEVER

HEALTH - Q FEVER

Q fever, also known as Query fever is a bacterial infection caused by the coxiella burnetii bacterium. Animals, most typically sheep, goats, cattle and other livestock infect humans  -i.e. humans get it from animals. The organism is uncommon. People become infected by inhaling contaminated particles of air, or from contact with milk, urine, feces, vaginal mucus or semen of infected animals. The incubation period - time from initial infection to the appearance of symptoms - is from 9 to 40 days.  Experts say Q fever may be considered the most infectious disease in the world, as a human being can be infected by a single bacterium.

Symptoms

A high temperature (fever)

A new heart murmur

Aching muscles (sometimes quite painful)

Alterations in heart murmur

Bleeding under fingernails or toenails

Broken blood vessels in the eyes

Broken blood vessels in the skin

Chest pains

Coughing

Headache

Shortness of breath (panting)

Small lumps (nodules) on fingers and/or toes

Sweating (this may include night sweats)

Swelling of abdomen

Swelling of limbs

Tiredness (fatigue)

Unexpected weight loss

Weakness

Treatment

Q fever usually is a mild disease with flu-like symptoms. Many people have no symptoms at all. But in a small percentage of people, the infection can resurface years later. This more deadly form of Q fever can damage your heart, liver, brain and lungs.

Q fever is transmitted to humans by animals, most commonly sheep, goats and cattle.  hen you inhale barnyard dust particles contaminated by infected animals, you may become infected. High-risk occupations include farmers, veterinarians and people who work with sheep in research labs. The mild form of Q fever typically clears up within a few weeks with no treatment. But if Q fever recurs, you may need to take a combination of antibiotics for at least 18 months.

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