Friday, December 30, 2011

Treatment for Gout Swelling-What to Do?


Increasing the bulk of uric acerbic can be actual alarming because it can advance to crystallization. back it does, it builds up in the joints causing swelling, deepening and affliction of all, astute pain. This is due to the abortion of any of the two processes occurring central the body.

First, it maybe because the anatomy cannot action some protein chemicals accepted as purines, which leads it to breach bottomward progress into uric acid. Another account is the kidneys disability to you defecate or uric acid balance annihilate. This action is articular as gout, one accepted blazon of arthritis.

Because of the accident of its signs and symptoms, bodies generally seek analysis for gout swelling.

Oftentimes, get afflicted by gout bodies back they ability the age 40 to 50, amidand back women alpha to abide menopausal. However, men are frequently afflicted than women. Wrist, knee, elbow, bottom and ankles are alone some of the anatomy genitalia mostly afflicted by gout.

You can additionally calmly differentiate it from the added types of arthritis because normally, it apropos the big toe. analysis for gout abscess can be classified in two means and sufferers are answerable to chase it in adjustment to feel better.

1. First, try to adapt your diet and abide a appropriate gout diet as abundant as possible. This blazon of diet includes abbreviating the bulk of purine assimilation into your body. By abbreviation it, the affairs of breaking bottomward purines to uric acerbic are additionally minimized.

Foods aerial in purine such as agency meat, legumes, accomplished grain, peas, beans, crab, kidney, liver, mushroom, absurd foods, and added banty articles charge be avoided. Drinking acceptable bulk of baptize can absolutely advice in bloom out boundless uric acid.

2. Second, accept an another of application medication. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs or NSAID's is one of the biologic classifications acclimated to administer gout. On the added hand, corticosteroids may additionally be given. Colchicine is additionally an able antidote and is commonly accustomed 12 hours afterwards an astute attack.

Drugs that lower bottomward the assembly of uric acerbic are additionally available. A few examples of these are allopurinol and probenecid.

Gout is abundantly a aggravating disease. It can advance to the adapted action of active the accustomed way. This can apathetic bottomward progress the movement of the afflicted anatomy genitalia because of abscess and astute pain. Yet, analysis for gout abscess is fabricated accessible for bodies so they will not worry.

Just bethink that by afterward carefully, they can absolutely acquisition allowances and alive comfortably.

Saturday, December 24, 2011

Treatment For a Sprained Wrist


A sprained wrist is very painful, especially if you do not rest the hand. If you expect to get full use of your wrist back, make sure you allow it some time to recover from the injury. Following the proper steps, a sprained wrist will quickly recover.

Apply an ice pack to it. Ice your wrist as soon as possible after you sprain it. It will prevent the swelling. An ice pack will work double duty because it numbs and stabilizes. The ice wrap should extend from the hand to the elbow. A too tight wrap is bad for the circulation so make sure you keep it only snug. It is important to put ice on a sprained wrist.

Raise the wrist and arm. Keep your wrist raised with some pillows while you keep the sprain iced. With a sling or cushion, make sure your whole arm stays elevated above the position of your heart. Your arm will need to remain in this state for seventy-two hours or more.

Relax your wrists. It's important that you give it a rest. Your wrist will require several days to heal, and if you keep demanding that your wrist be fully utilized, the recovery you seek will be prolonged. Make sure you avoid using your sprained wrist for as long as possible, at least a few days if you can manage. Your wrist's tendons and muscles will better recover with more rest.

Don't go near the heat at the beginning. It is imperative to keep your sprained and swollen wrist as far away from heat as possible while in the healing process. Heat will make the location become swollen, which means additional pain for your wrist that is already hurting badly. Don't cozy up to the fire, and in general, try to keep your sprained wrist at body temperature or cooler. Your wrist will continue to swell if exposed to heat so avoid at all costs.

After a few of days, moderate heat will help. After the inflammation recedes from your wrist, some moist heat should provide relief. Make sure the wet towel is warm before applying it.  Apply this to your wrist for a period of thirty minutes. Doing this should alleviate some pain around the sprain location.

Slowly increase the amount you use your wrist. 3-5 days is the average amount of time for your sprained wrist to stop hurting so deeply. Only begin to use your wrist again when you are comfortable, and do it slowly. If you push it too hard, then you are likely to injure it again and make the recovery process longer. When you begin using your wrist, don't use it to its full potential for the first couple weeks. (You'll get a feeling for when it's safe to remove the sling, the ice and the warmth and start using your sprained wrist again - but be sure it is when you no longer feel ache when you employ your wrist).

Monday, December 19, 2011

Pregnancy Symptoms and Signs


How can you tell if you are pregnant? There are a number of signs and symptoms to watch for. Chances are you will only experience a portion of the symptoms. Each pregnancy is different, and the same mom to be can experience different pregnancy signs each time she gets pregnant.

Pregnancy symptoms can begin for some mothers immediately after conception. Some pregnancy signs require that you chart your cycle, noting your daily basal body temperature.

Implantation

While a rare minority will experience pregnancy symptoms sooner, typically the first pregnancy signs occur when your baby implants around 8-10 days after ovulation. Implantation causes an increase in progesterone levels, which can lead to higher temperatures giving you a tri-phasic chart. If you temperature remains high for fifteen or more days after ovulation, you may be pregnant. Some women will see a slight temperature drop at implantation. Implantation bleeding sometimes occurs and can be pink, red, or brown in color. You may also have lower abdominal cramps.

Positive Pregnancy Test

The next and best sign that you are pregnant is a positive pregnancy test. Home pregnancy tests measure the pregnancy hormone hCG in your urine. The most sensitive home pregnancy tests will show a positive result when the hCG levels reach 20, which can happen as early as four days before your period is due, or approximately 10 days after ovulation.

False negatives are common when testing early with a home pregnancy test, so I recommend you wait to use one until eighteen days after ovulation to avoid false negatives. The usual recommendation is to wait until 14 days after ovulation before testing. Blood serum pregnancy tests performed by your doctor are much more sensitive. They can detect hCG levels as low as five. If you continue to experience pregnancy symptoms, but your home pregnancy test continues to show negative, you can make an appointment with your doctor to confirm your pregnancy.

Missed Period

One of the most common pregnancy signs is a missed period. For women with a standard 28-day cycle, their period is late if it has not arrived fifteen days after ovulation, or twenty-nine days after the first day of their cycle. Elevated basal body temperatures for 15 or more days will typically accompany the missed period.

Frequent Urination

Frequent urination is a very common early symptom of pregnancy. You may find yourself unable to be away from a bathroom for more than hour at a time, or waking up in the middle of the night to urinate.

Morning Sickness

Morning sickness can begin as early as 2 to 4 weeks after conception. The term morning sickness is something of a misnomer, as you can experience the nausea and vomiting throughout the day. Morning sickness typically is worst during the first trimester, and most pregnant women will have their morning sickness symptoms lessen or subside completely during the second or third trimester.

Breast Changes

Breast tenderness usually begins around 3 to 4 weeks after conception. This can also be a sign of your impending period. Usually the degree of breast tenderness is much stronger with pregnancy than with your period. You may also notice a slight tingling sensation.

Another change to your breasts early in pregnancy is the appearance. Your areolas can become larger and darker.

Fatigue

Fatigue can be an early sign of pregnancy. This symptom is not just being a little tired; it is more like feeling totally wiped out. Your normal daily activities can send you to complete exhaustion.

Body Discomforts

The physical and hormonal changes you experience with pregnancy can cause a long list of body changes that are annoying and uncomfortable. You may experience headaches, backaches, acne, constipation, heartburn, mood swings, constipation, diarrhea, bloating, indigestion, and abdominal cramps.

Food Cravings

Food cravings are a very common pregnancy symptom. Approximately 85% of women will experience some type of food craving during their pregnancy.

Food Aversions

The other side of food cravings is food aversions. They are also a very common sign of early pregnancy. You may find that a favorite food suddenly makes you feel nauseated just thinking about it.

Smell Aversions

A heightened sense of smell may cause some odors to seem stronger than normal when you are pregnant. Some smell aversions can cause food aversions.

Baby Movement

You can feel your baby moving as early as 16 weeks, but for first-time mothers may not feel the baby moving until 20 weeks or more.

Intuition

For some women, they just "feel" pregnant, even though they have had no other signs or symptoms. A mother's intuition is frequently accurate.

It is possible to experience some of the signs and symptoms of pregnancy, yet still not be pregnant. It is important that both you and your baby get under a doctor's care as early as possible. If you think you might be pregnant, treat your body as if you are pregnant until you know for sure. Take a home pregnancy test if you miss your period. If the test shows positive, then you are pregnant. Congratulations!

Tuesday, December 13, 2011

Home Remedies to Prevent Foot Swelling During Pregnancy


Among the many changes that occur during the pregnancy months of the female is the swelling of feet. The whole feet may swell up, or just some parts like the ankles or the shins may swell.

Swelling of the feet generally starts becoming apparent during the fifth month of the pregnancy, though this time limit can vary from one woman to another. It occurs due to the accumulation of fluids in the feet of the woman. Swelling of the feet can be painful to some women, due to which they may not be able to move about or do their normal work as the months pass on. In some women, the swelling of the feet is very temporary; it subsides when the woman takes rest for a while, or massages the feet.

This article tells some of the home remedies you can use when pregnant to prevent the swelling of feet.

Simple Remedies to Prevent and Treat Swelling of Feet during Pregnancy

- Drink a lot of water when you are pregnant. You must drink at least six to eight glasses of water per day. Water is the most natural therapy to flush out the excess toxins from the body. Thus, the water will expel all the toxic fluids of the body which would otherwise settle in the feet and cause them to swell. Drinking a lot of water could increase the frequency of urination in pregnant women, but that is actually a good sign, as urination is a way to expel the wastes from the body.

- Avoid remaining in a standing position for long periods of time. This gives direct access for the fluids to enter into the lower parts of the body and cause the feet to swell up.

- Hot temperatures are not good during pregnancy. Hot temperatures can reduce the water content of the body, due to which the proportion of the fluids increase proportionately in the body. Therefore, going out when there is a hot climate must be avoided as much as possible.

- It is a misconception that swelling of feet during pregnancy is caused by excessive intake of salty foods. Though over-intake of salt is definitely not good, eliminating salt totally from the diet also does not help. Salt must be taken in moderation. The same idea applies to spicy foods also.

- Keep your diet well-balanced. This is extremely important for a pregnant woman. If the diet is deficient in any kind of food, or if the woman takes the wrong kind of food, then there is more chance of undigested toxic wastes accumulating in the body, and causing the feet to swell.

- Do not wear tight trousers or jeans when you are pregnant, as this would increase the pressure on the legs. Instead, you could wear somewhat loose stockings or pantyhose to give good support to the feet.

- While sleeping, try to change your position frequently. Lying in a single position for a long time will increase the pressure on one side of the body and increase the chances of the feet getting swollen up. You can put some elevated support for the feet, such as propping them up on cushions or pillows, so that the fluid does not accumulate into the feet region.

- Here's a recipe for preventing the swelling of feet during pregnancy. Take two cups of water and add a teaspoonful of palm sugar in it. Add two teaspoons of fennel seeds to it. Boil this mixture, till the volume reduces to half; i.e. only one cupful of water is left. Drink this mixture thrice in a day. It will help protect the feet from getting swollen.

- Add a few tablespoons of coriander in two cups of water. Boil this mixture till it reduces to half its quantity, i.e. to one cup. Drink this coriander decoction thrice in a day. It will prevent from swelling of feet during pregnancy. In order to improve the taste, you can add sugar and milk to it, so that it becomes like a herbal tea.

- The most important thing to prevent feet from swelling up during pregnancy is to keep them exercised often. Pregnant women tend to reduce their normal activities in the fear that it would harm the fetus. But in fact, the opposite is true. Walking for half an hour per day is ideal. Keep your feet moving about. This is a very sure way of preventing the accumulation of fluids in the feet.

- While sitting, do not press your legs by crossing them. Keep them free and separated so that there is no undue pressure on them.

Wednesday, December 7, 2011

Cold Sore Care - How to Lessen Cold Sore Swelling Quickly


Cold sores or fever blisters can be annoying, not to mention unsightly. Such sores are the products of the herpes simplex virus. They will begin as red dots, then start puffing out, all itchy and tingling and cold sore swelling will take place. As the blister gathers moisture and water, it gets larger, and even more embarrassingly conspicuous. Cold sores actually come from any contact of the herpes simplex virus with your mouth, perhaps early in your childhood. The virus picked out a host cell and moved into it. The cell, perhaps a nerve, then suffered to become the puppet of the virus, as the viral DNA gave orders to the host to produce more of the herpes simplex virus.

As cold sore swelling takes place, the numbers grow, the virus multiplies, and the cold sores replicate. Such cold sores can turn up wherever they wish in your body, wherever their host cells lead them. If you have ever been disturbed and aggravated by a cold sore, you know how irritating cold sore swelling can be, and how ashamed you can feel whenever cold sores suddenly choose to wreak havoc. You might also have been tempted to prick it or pop it. Such methods, however, are dangerous, and can lead to cold sore swelling and more infections.

Here are a few methods you can use to lower cold sore swelling and have it disappear quickly. For more tips, consult with your doctor and find ways by which you can prevent even more cold sores from bugging you in the future.

- Because cold sores like moisture and dirt and need more water and bacteria to keep swelling, they can fade away if they are kept dry and clean. Wash the area around the cold sore regularly and pat it dry to lessen cold sore swelling.

- Buy a new toothbrush to prevent cold sore swelling and recurrence. Toothbrushes can incubate such cold sore-causing viruses for days at a time, so you can be infected once again after your last cold sore heals. Studies have shown that patients with cold sores were less likely to get them again if they replaced their toothbrushes after they discovered that they had a cold sore, and then after the cold sore healed.

Not only do toothbrushes make good homes for the cold sore-causing virus, so do toothpaste tubes. As you stick the bristles of your toothbrush against the toothpaste tube opening, you transfer the herpes simplex virus onto the toothpaste tube, where the virus can incubate for quite a while. To prevent this from happening, you can buy smaller toothpaste tubes, or avoid sticking your toothbrush bristles against the opening of the toothpaste tube.

- Herpes simplex thrives in moist conditions, so if you keep your toothbrush exposed in your bathroom, chances are you will get cold sores again and again and cold sore swelling will not be healed. Take your toothbrush out of the bathroom, and wash it before and after you use it.

- Shield the sore with petroleum jelly to avoid cold sore swelling. Use a cotton swab to apply the petroleum jelly onto the cold sore, and throw the swab away immediately.

- According to research, zinc can heal cold sore swelling quickly. Ask for tubes of zinc sulfate or zinc gluconate at your local pharmacy or health food store the minute you feel the familiar tingling of a cold sore.

- Some studies also show that the amino acid lysine can help heal cold sore swelling quickly. Supplement your diet with as much as three thousand additional milligrams of lysine by drinking supplements, or eating potatoes or dairy products to heal cold sore swelling. Be careful, however: lysine can interfere with infant development and growth, so if you are pregnant or nursing, you need to find other ways to treat your cold sores. If you can have the lysine-rich diet, however, stay away from arginine-rich foodstuffs such as sodas, peanuts, chocolates, grains, beer, and cashews. Herpes simplex relies on arginine to multiply.

Although you can lessen cold sore swelling and it naturally disappears after a few weeks, it is still best to find the best permanent treatment for cold sore. Cold sore is not only contagious but it also has high tendencies to come back on the same spot. It is important to stop cold sore at the root of the problem, instead of treating cold sore swelling or just masking the symptoms.

Thursday, December 1, 2011

Shrink Hemorrhoids


Hemorrhoids are the swelling of the tissues or veins inside the anus or the rectum. The most prominent symptom of hemorrhoid is the swelling in the areas near the anus and the swelling of the hemorrhoid. There are two types of hemorrhoids and swelling happens in both the cases. The swelling increases the discomfort of the person suffering from hemorrhoids and this swelling is accompanied by itching and burning. This swelling is caused due to various reasons like sitting for long hours, obesity, constipation, diarrhea, severe coughing, childbirth, heavy lifting, etc. once this swelling retracts then the problem is decreased and hemorrhoids is cured. Although there is no certainty that the problem will not rise again, just to get temporary relief from the swelling is a big consolation. Whenever faced with this disease, to shrink the hemorrhoid is the basic solution. For these there are many treatments. Hemorrhoids do shrink after sometime but fast relief is always welcome to the person who got the disease.

There are natural treatments as well as clinical treatments to shrink hemorrhoids. It is up to the person to decide how to shrink the hemorrhoid. There are many medicines available in the market which helps in soothing and shirking hemorrhoids. There are gels, creams, balms, etc.

In the home treatment a lot of different types of herbs are used to shrink hemorrhoid. These herbs have medical properties that can help reduce the swelling of the hemorrhoids. There are also a lot of oils that can be used to relief the swelling. There are also a number of home treatments which can be followed to shrink hemorrhoids.

o Soak the swelling area in warm water for 10-15 minutes to reduce swell.
o Place ice on the swelling to shrink hemorrhoid.

These are methods you can do at home by yourself. Those suffering can also get the medicines fro the chemists and apply them over the area for fast shrink of the swelling.

As is said that 'prevention is better than cure' one can prevent such swelling from happening by following some routines.

o add a lot of fiber in your food
o eat a lot of fruits
o drink plenty of water
o exercise regularly
o keep a check on weight
o don't sit too long on the bowel
o Don't sit too long anywhere. Stand up or take walks
o Don't delay when nature calls.

Friday, November 25, 2011

Identifying Strep Throat Symptoms


Strep throat symptoms are usually easy to spot. Strep throat is a local bacterial infection with group A streptococcus bacteria. Strep throat needs specific medical treatment that consists of antibiotics and analgesics. Unlike the symptoms of sore throat, strep throat symptoms are more intense and often include fever, headaches, inflammation of the tonsils and swelling of the lymph nodes. Sore throat is caused by viral infections and in most cases doesn't need special medical care. On the other hand, strep throat is considered to be a serious illness that can lead to complications. (sinusitis, tonsillitis) and therefore needs appropriate treatment and special medical care.

The bacteria responsible for causing strep throat are very contagious and they can be contracted by sneezing, coughing or physical contact. A person infected with group A streptococcus bacteria can easily contaminate other persons simply by breathing close to them. The bacteria responsible for strep throat are airborne and even an impeccable personal hygiene can't prevent the infection from occurring.

Anyone can get strep throat, especially accompanied by a cold or flu. Although strep throat mostly occurs in children and teenagers, adults can get strep throat just as well. The first strep throat symptoms resemble those of sore throat: throat pain and discomfort, inflammation of the tonsils, nausea, fatigue and poor appetite. However, strep throat symptoms are more intense and in many cases include: high fever, throat swelling and inflammation, difficulties in swallowing, swelling and inflammation of the tonsils (sometimes the tonsils may be covered in pus), swelling and tenderness of lymph nodes (the glands in the upper region of the neck), the presence of white patches in the throat, rash, abdominal pain and discomfort, vomiting and diarrhea. Most strep throat symptoms aren't very serious and if an appropriate treatment is prescribed in time, they ameliorate within the first days of treatment.

Strep throat symptoms that are considered to be medical emergencies are: high fever, severe dehydration, pronounced difficulty in swallowing, difficulty in breathing, pronounced swelling of the neck, throat bleeding. It is very important to quickly seek medical help when you reveal the presence of these strep throat symptoms. Even if the strep throat symptoms aren't very serious, it is advised to maintain permanent connection with your physician and inform him about the progression of the illness. With appropriate antibiotic treatment, strep throat symptoms should be considerably diminished after the first 3-4 days. If the illness persists and strep throat symptoms don't seem to ameliorate, the doctor might consider changing the treatment.

Pay careful attention to strep throat symptoms and make sure you follow the doctor's exact indications. Also, don't interrupt the treatment unless your physician tells you to do so. Strep throat needs at least ten days of continuous treatment with antibiotics in order to heal properly.

Sunday, November 20, 2011

What To Do for Tendonitis Treatment - Doctor or Self Care?


The Different Kinds of Tendonitis

Depending upon which joint you move that is effected by tendinitis will generate many different signs and symptoms. Some of these will include mild swelling, pain and also tenderness. It depends on where the pain is located that really creates a concern. Another concern is depending upon the type of tendonitis you have will determine the tendonitis treatment that is necessary.

Golfers elbow, tennis elbow, swimmers shoulder and jumpers knee are some of the common names that are associated with tendonitis. Depending upon what you have will determine the treatment.

Pain that emerges on the outer side of the forearm (located close to the elbow) when the forearm is rotated or one tries to grab hold of an item is associated with tennis elbow. Achilles tendonitis causes pain to develop right above the heel.

if you are suffering from Adductor tendonitis, you are going to feel a pain in your groin area. Patellar tendonitis is an excruciating pain directly below the knee cap. Shoulder pain can be associated with rotator cuff tendonitis.

Some Tendonitis Treatments

A patient wants to find a treatment that is going to stop the pain from happening over and over again, and also find a way to keep the inflammation down. There are really two trains of thought when it comes to this. One is doctor prescribed and the other is taking care of it at your home yourself.

If the pain and inflammation is severe a doctor may use a corticosteroid injection. Having these injections repeatedly can cause damage and weaken the tendon.

Another tendinitis treatment that is commonly prescribed by doctors is physical therapy sessions as well as exercise. This will help to strengthen the affected muscles and joints. Sometimes when they tendon has been severely torn surgery may become necessary.

The removal of damaged tendons aids in the formation of healthy tissue. Certain patients are lucky enough to gain full function and reduced pain through the repair of a "full-thickness" tendon tear.

Treat Tendonitis at Home

People have used the word RICE to help them treat their tendonitis symptoms at home. The word RICE stands for rest, ice, compression, and elevation. When mild symptoms are occurring this procedure seems to work very well. Sometimes this procedure can actually avoid additional medical costs.

Lets talk about how to use RICE effectively. First thing you must do is protect the problem area. This can be done using crutches, elastic wraps, splints, slings, and canes. These are just a few of the items that can be used to protect the injured and affect their. What these do is actually promote the healing process and will prevent any additional injury. You must rest the affected area by cutting back on your activities that will make the pain worse and cause more inflammation. Ice is used to help reduce the amount of muscle spasms and also the swelling.

An elastic wrap, such as an Ace bandage, can be used to provide compression. Compression is a means of reducing swelling and keeping the joint in its proper position. In some cases, a splint may be used to keep the joint from moving. Then keep the joint elevated to reduce the blood flow, which will help with swelling and pain.

In many cases, rest and medication helps to lessen the inflammation and pain of tendonitis. A collection of exercises and preventive treatment for tendonitis will help to maintain a normal range of motion regarding the joints.

When your tendonitis symptoms go from mild to severe and the current treatments are not providing relief a more severe approach may become necessary. Surgical restoration of the affected joint may be the best tendonitis treatment. But this would be only a last resort if all else fails.

Monday, November 14, 2011

What Causes Upper Stomach Pain and Bloating?


Bloating or pain in the upper stomach can cause severe discomfort and is indicative of problems in digestion. This occurs when gas gets trapped under the abdominal cavity resulting in tightness and cramps. It may occur occasionally due to food habits or irregular meal times. However, if it occurs often, then it requires medical attention.

Common causes of bloating are mentioned below:

Obstruction in the intestine: There are high chances of a total or partial obstruction in the intestine due to tumor growth, scar tissues or gall stones formation. This results in cramping, vomiting, bloating and digestion problems.

Gastritis: If there is swelling in the stomach lining, then the individual experiences pain in the upper part of the stomach which comes along with bloating, nausea or a sensation of burning in the chest. Alcohol intake, mental stress and medicinal side effects can lead to this condition.

Lactose Intolerance: If the digestive system of a person is unable to break down lactose, then it remains undigested and then becomes fermented over time leading to pain.

IBS (Irritable Bowel Syndrome): This is a disorder in the gastrointestinal tract. The large intestine becomes sensitive to gas formation and leads to disruption in the bowel movements. As a result, the patient suffers from constant constipation and diarrhea due to which he suffers cramps or bloating of the intestine.

Celiac Disease: This disease causes problems with the inner lining of the small intestine due to which food containing gluten, like rye, barley or wheat, cannot be digested. This leads to constant vomiting, nausea and bloating.

Monday, November 7, 2011

Herniated Discs in Dogs and Treatment Options


What a Herniated Disc Is

The disc that sets between the spinal vertebrae ruptures when the dog has a herniated disc. When the disc ruptures the gel-like material on the inside of it seeps out. This material then can become hardened and calcified, which lessens its shock-absorption ability. Pressure can cause this hardened substance to explode or bulge into the spinal canal nearby, where the spinal cord is located. This is the process that is known as herniation. This can result in pain and elevate to feeling loss or paralysis.

Treatment Options for Herniated Discs in Dogs

There is more than one treatment option for the dogs when a herniated disc happens. If the dog is still moving then prednisone can be given to the dog. Treatment with this will lessen the swelling around the spinal cord which is causing the pain and making it unpleasant for the dog to move. This treatment can take the place of surgery sometimes. The dog should not however stay on this treatment too long because steroids like the prednisone can have negative side effects that can cause the dog problems.

The veterinarian could instead recommend limited activity and rest for the dog. This will decrease the amount of stress that dog's back is being put through. Of course this treatment and the prednisone are only for mild cases where the dog can still walk.

In the event your dog cannot walk or other treatments have not worked, the doctor will most likely want to operate. He will order various diagnostic procedures to be preformed first though. This surgery will help take the pressure off the dog's spinal cord which is brought on by the hardened gel and other debris.

A great percentage of the dogs do quite well with the surgery, if the nerve damage is not too severe and it is caught soon enough. Rehabilitation is also part of this treatment. Rehabilitation for dogs could involve exercises and underwater treadmills to improve muscular strength. This could also improve how the dog in functioning neurologically.

The major problem with herniated discs is that they can keep happening. As long as there is a healthy disc left it can become herniated. There are some breeds of dogs that have more of a tendency towards this problem than others. The body weight should be kept down in the dogs that are predisposed to this problem. Any dog is good physical health can recover from this problem better than one in poor physical condition.

Also instead of regular neck collars use the chest harness kind. The neck collars can cause stress on the neck. The dogs also should not have jarring motions happen to the back such as jumping off of the furniture.

When you are suspecting problems contact the veterinarian immediately.

Wednesday, November 2, 2011

Cellulite Treatment - Can Endermology Be a Cure?


Cellulite won't kill you; it's not as hazardous as obesity or heart disease. But the ill-effects of cellulite are felt and suffered by women everywhere. Fat and dimpled skin on thighs is nothing to be cheery about. If left untreated, cellulite often ages the skin and causes wrinkles. Cellulite often causes swelling and gives the skin a rounded look. The rounded look is the not the sign of a healthy skin, it indicates problems with skin connective tissues underneath. One cellulite treatment available today, out of the many other treatments, is endermology.

Endermology is the first cellulite treatment to be approved by the FDA, to claim to reduce cellulite. In a normal endermology session, which is usually done in spas and gyms, a massage machine with two rollers is used to gently rub the fat. When the fat is rubbed this way, it causes the fat to fold, which leads to reduction in body size and measurements. To achieve best results using this treatment 14 to 28 initial treatments are needed. Each session lasts about 30 minutes and needs to be done once or even twice a week to be effective. Results won't be seen immediately. You might need six to eight treatments before you start to see results.

Unlike liposuction, endermology is a non surgical cellulite treatment. But best results are seen in women when it is used in conjunction with diet and exercise. Sometimes regular sessions can cause soreness and bruising in the area. And endermology sessions don't come cheap, so not everyone might prefer this treatment. This treatment can be done only by a qualified endermologist. It is up to you, the patient to decide if the discomfort and expense is worth the cure.

Tuesday, November 1, 2011

Puffy Face During Pregnancy - Is It Normal? Causes and Symptoms


Many women suffer from a puffy face during pregnancy. Normally we assume they've gained weight or are retaining excess water, since weight gain with pregnancy is normal and will often show itself in the face among other places. In fact, during the third trimester, most women wake up each morning with a swollen face. This is due to increased circulation, and is often not harmful. There are however, some causes of that need to be taken very seriously. Preeclampsia can cause a puffy face during pregnancy. This condition can be very dangerous, and if you suspect you may have it, a call to the doctor is recommended.

Characterized by edema (excess water retention), hypertension, protein in the urine (proteinuria), and sudden rapid weight gain, preeclampsia must be monitored closely. A swollen face, along with swollen hands, ankles and feet, is typical of edema. An easy test is to press in the tips your fingers and make an indention. If the flesh stays depressed longer than normal, it can be a sign of edema.

Treatment may include bed rest, elevation of legs, water increase, and avoiding salt. If these symptoms accompany mental confusion, headaches, or other neurological signs, get to your doctor or hospital right away. Dehydration can also cause a puffy face during pregnancy. When you don't take in enough water, the body tries to retain the small amount it has. Therefore the blood vessels enlarge and boom! you end up with a swollen face.

Stay away from alcohol, caffeine, and excess sodium, and watch your urine color. If it's too yellow, drink more water.

Lack of vitamin C and/or beta carotene are other causes of puffy face while pregnant.

Puffy face during pregnancy should be diagnosed with every possibility. Make sure you take pregnancy vitamin supplements (as recommended by your doctor), and eat foods rich in Vitamin C, and all other required vitamins and minerals.

Due to belly size, leg pain, and other conditions, women find it hard to sleep during the last stages of pregnancy. Alas, if you don't get enough sleep, you may wake up with a swollen face. Lack of sleep is probably the most common cause of a puffy face during pregnancy. If you can't get comfortable in bed, try a big comfy chair. If you can't sleep at night, sleep during the day. If other children keep you up, ask a friend to babysit a few hours so you can get your needed rest.

Wednesday, October 26, 2011

What Causes Prostate Problems?


Are you really aware what causes prostate problems? The prostate gland has the responsibility of providing nutrients and liquid for ejaculation purposes that is the most important part of reproduction. Due to some irregular and processes going out of hand, it develops swells and pockets filled with fluids. As a normal process of growth, the prostate gland too continues growing with us till adulthood. This growth process picks up pace especially after age group of 40. In normal cases, this growth is not dangerous but might impact heavily if appropriate actions are not taken. The methodology is as simple as closing one end of a pine and supplying fluid from the other. The pipe starts swelling suddenly.

Actual cause: Since the problem is not special and might occur to anyone, it is necessary to know what causes prostate problems. With increase in age, the production of testosterone decreases gradually. This enhances the secretion of other hormones that tends to wind up the excess testosterone in the prostate glands. This conversion process is done by the enzyme known as 5-alpha-reductase. This increase in the levels of estrogen the DHT process gets slowed down that causes growth of prostate. This is slow process and takes time to reflect in swelling. The worst part is that they are not easily detected at initial levels.

When the prostate gland starts swelling suddenly, it gets oversized and tends to develop pockets containing fluids. These enlargements press the urinary tract against the walls causing them to narrow down. What happens eventually is that the movement of the toxic material through the urinary tract becomes difficult and causes lot of pain. Even there are problems with bowel movements. The feeling of burning sensation can be felt and the pressure from the urinary tract is lowered down. These effected cells have a tendency of multiplying and subsequently spreading to other cells which is quite dangerous for anyone.

In many cases, people are not aware of the prostate gland swelling as they are not quite aware of it and do not feel the pain too much. While there are also cases reported where small swellings have caused immense pain. These facts like what causes prostate problems are important to know so that we take precautionary action and can remain abstained from it.

Friday, October 21, 2011

Congestive Heart Failure and Its Treatment


Congestive heart failure treatment by traditional methods usually includes a regimen of medicine, proper diet, and modified daily activities. There are a range of options for congestive heart failure treatment. In a lot of cases the best congestive heart failure treatment is surgery. Heart Valve Surgery becomes a necessary congestive heart failure treatment when a heart valve ceases to open and close in the correct manner. Valve replacement is the most invasive congestive heart failure treatment and is classified as open heart surgery.

Congestive heart failure is precisely what it sounds like; it is a failure of the heart to properly function, and its effects on the body can be disastrous. Doctors do their best to treat the symptoms and give the patient the best prognosis possible; however, no real and conclusive cure for congestive heart failure exists currently.

Heart failure happens when the heart is unable to properly pump blood throughout the body; as a result of this, including distributing nutrients and oxygen to the tissues and then excreting the excess fluid into the urine the blood pools. This results in either a systemic or local edema as fluid builds up in the veins and organs, causing swelling of the extremities as well as the organs themselves (this fluid gathering is responsible for an excessive amount of stress on the heart as fluid accumulates in the pleural cavity as well as the dyspnea, or difficulty breathing, often symptomatic of heart failure). The swelling and lack of oxygen and nutrients can result in permanent damage to the organs if left untreated, providing a very poor outlook for the patient.

The first stage of treatment for congestive heart failure generally consists of the administration of extra oxygen to attempt to return the oxygen levels in the tissues to normal. Once oxygen has been administered and a pulse oximeter reveals blood oxygen levels to be acceptable the focus will shift to attempting to treat the fluid accumulation in the body. Diuretics will be given to assist the excess fluid on its path via the urinary tract out of the body, and nitrates are administered to cause the vessels to dilate, allowing blood to flow more freely without the heart having to work as hard. Treatment with diuretics is frequently accompanied by supplemental potassium, as the body will excrete potassium in the urine and long term hypokalemia can result in muscle weakness or paralysis, as well as an increased risk of fatal cardiac arrhythmia.

Patients will often be sent home from the hospital with diuretics, as well as a medication known as an ACE inhibitor (an angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor) which stops the body from making angiotensin, a substance that raises blood pressure and causes the blood vessels to constrict. An angiotensin II receptor blocker may also be given if the patient continues to make angiotensin. Patients may also be treated with vasodilators other than ACE inhibitors, especially if they have responded badly to treatments with ACE inhibitors in the past. Nitroglycerin is a commonplace example of this kind of medication.

Digitalis, or Digoxin, can also be prescribed to strengthen the force of the heart's contractions, aiding it to send blood through the entire body. Treatment with a beta blocker is also advantageous in cases of congestive heart failure, preventing the heart from beating more rapidly in an effort to compensate for the poor movement of the blood in the body and placing more stress on the weakened muscle.

Blood thinners are administered to help stop the formation of clots in the body that may be caused by the decreased movement of the blood in the vessels. Coumadin and heparin are the most commonly prescribed blood thinners in use; however, due to an increased risk of bleeding, patients taking these medications must undergo coagulation tests often.

Lifestyle changes are as important as medications in the long term treatment of congestive heart failure. Patients should consult with their physician to create an appropriate (low sodium) diet and exercise program, and should do a minimum of some moderate exercise every day. Just as important is taking enough time to rest daily. The heart pumps more easily when the body is resting, which is vital to an already overstressed muscle. The nicotine from cigarettes causes an increase in the heart rate, blood pressure, and the tendency for clumping in the blood vessels; patients with congestive heart failure should refrain from smoking. Flu or pneumonia can be very hard for hearts that are failing as they try to compensate for the lack of oxygen in the bloodstream. It is very vital that patients receive an annual Flu vaccine, as well as a dose of the pneumococcal vaccine, which will protect them from the pneumococcal bacteria that cause over eighty percent of cases of bacterial pneumonia. Wearing loose clothing will help in preventing blood clots and easing blood flow to the extremeties, and in cases of very warm or very cold temperatures it is important that the patient take all precautions necessary to keep the body at an appropriate temperature..

Researchers are still looking for a cure for congestive heart failure; however, until then it is very important that patients suffering from congestive heart failure follow the treatment plan outlined by their doctor. With careful attention to maintaining their condition, the outlook associated with congestive heart failure increases dramatically.

Saturday, October 15, 2011

Different Types of Rheumatoid Arthritis Treatment


Rheumatoid arthritis is a serious autoimmune disorder that causes widespread inflammation in the body, primarily in the joints, but it can also affect organs and tissues. There is pain and swelling in the affected area that can sometimes lead to deformity in more serious cases. This incurable disease is often debilitating, so there are a number of treatments available to help people cope with the disease: 

DMARDs-Most patients who suffer with rheumatoid arthritis use drug treatment to manage the disease to help reduce the inflammation and discomfort. Disease anti-rheumatic drugs or DMARDs, are used to slow down the effects of joint damage on the bones and cartilage. This type of treatment has been available for several years and can sometimes prevent damage in the early phases of the disease and bring more advanced cases into stages of remission. Anti-inflammatory drugs-There are a couple of drugs that are often used to help to reduce the inflammation in the joints, tissues and organs, which come in the form of steroid or non-steroid treatment. Steroids are a strong medication that is very effective in reducing painful inflammation. This type of drug must be carefully taken to reduce the possibility of serious side effects if it is not taken or prescribed. Non-steroid drugs are such things are NSAIDS that are prescribed in appropriate dosages to control the pain and reduce inflammation. Biologics-This is a newer form of treatment that is composed of genetically engineered proteins from human genes that targets the parts of the immune system that cause inflammation. The medication is often prescribed when other treatment options have not helped to slow the progression of the disease. The medication is administered in the form of an injection or intravenous infusion, but must be carefully monitored by a specialist because it can cause other serious health conditions.  Physical and Occupational Therapy-Some people choose to try exercises to reduce the pain and inflammation associated with rheumatoid arthritis. An exercise regiment can be used to strengthen weak, painful joints as well as help disabled patients to find ways to manage the painful symptoms. Occupational therapists can work with rheumatoid arthritis patients to give them the tools needed to carry out their everyday activities as best they can.

The different kinds of rheumatoid arthritis treatment give patients a number of options to choose from as they consult with their specialist. Every treatment option has its advantages and disadvantages, so it is important to weight the options as they pertain to each unique case. Although rheumatoid arthritis cannot be cured, it can be managed with an effective treatment.

Sunday, October 9, 2011

Folliculitis - Causes, Symptoms and Treatment


Folliculitis is the name given to a group of skin conditions. Folliculitis is defined histologically as the presence of inflammatory cells. Folliculitis is the infection of hair follicles. This can occur anywhere on the skin or scalp. It may be superficial or deep, and it causes the formation of a pustule or inflammatory nodule surrounding the hair. The inflammation can be either limited to the superficial aspect of the follicle with primary involvement of the infundibulum or the inflammation can affect both the superficial and deep aspects. Severe cases may cause permanent hair loss and scarring, and even mild folliculitis can be uncomfortable and embarrassing. Folliculitis may arise as hairs regrow after shaving, waxing, electrolysis or plucking. Swabs taken from the pustules are sterile i.e. there is no growth of bacteria or other organisms.

It is usually caused by bacteria. Common superficial form of infectious folliculitis is known as impetigo of Bockhart or barbers itch and is caused by Staphylococcus aureus. It can also be caused by yeast and another type of fungus. Folliculitis caused by a fungus is most often seen in people who have trouble fighting infections because they have an impaired immune system. There are also forms of folliculitis which are non-infectious such as those caused by tars, oils and greases that come into contact with the skin. The lesions are seen in the bearded area, often on the upper lip near the nose, as erythematous follicular-based papules or pustules that may rupture and leave a yellow crust. The pustule is often pierced by a hair that is easily extracted from the follicle. This form of folliculitis may occur more commonly in staphylococcal nasal carriers.

Causes of Folliculitis

1. Friction from shaving.

2. Follicular trauma.

3. Excessive perspiration.

4. Occlusion.

5. Inflammatory skin conditions.

Symptoms of Folliculitis

1. Pain.

2. Erythema (inflammation and redness of the skin).

3. Edema.

4. Yellow pus-filled lesions.

5. Small pimples.

Treatment of Folliculitis

Hot tub folliculitis rarely requires treatment, although your doctor may prescribe an oral or topical medication to help relieve itching (anti-pruritic). If the patient is immunocompromised or the lesions are persistent oral ciprofloxacin may be given. Topical antibiotics, such as bacitracin with polymyxin B, may be administered. Fusidic acid is available both as a cream and as an ointment. You should apply it thinly on to the infected area 3-4 times daily.Mupirocin is available both as a cream and an ointment. You should apply it thinly on the affected area 3 times a day for up to 10 days. It may be used on all ages except for in the USA where the Bactroban nasal ointment is not recommended for children under the age of 12. Eosinophilic folliculitis therapies are effective against eosinophilic folliculitis, but topical corticosteroids are often the treatment of choice. Applying moist heat compresses to the local area helps promote vasodilation (dilation of the blood vessels) and drainage from the lesions. Keeping skin clean, dry, and free from abrasions or irritation can help prevent folliculitis. More severe cases may require treatment with isotretinoin (Accutane) for several months.

Friday, October 7, 2011

Lymphedema Surgery - What You Need to Know Before You Go Under the Knife


Though it is not popular in the U.S., lymphedema surgery is being tested as a treatment for lymphedema Asia and Europe. Surgery is a fairly recent option for the effects of lymphedema, and it's still being tested to find a cure for the problems associated with this condition. Though surgical methods have not been widely adopted in the U.S., there are new procedures that are less invasive and gaining in popularity among doctors. Ablative procedures, also called debulking, and lymphaticovenular bypass are the two main types of procedures being tested to find a quick, long-term solution to the symptoms of lymphedema.

Lymphaticovenular bypass is being tested as a solution for lymphedema, specifically among breast cancer patients. This procedure places a few incisions in the affected arm to redirect fluid away from the damaged lymph vessels. A couple of microsurgical tools redirect the vessels in the affected area in order to prevent the buildup of the lymph fluids. The procedure does not last very long, and usually the patient can be released from the hospital within a day of the surgery.

Though this lymphedema surgery is effective within a few months after it's complete, the patient is still required or encouraged to continue the use of compression bandages as an additional method of treating the lymphedema.

And although this procedure is beginning to show that is effective at reducing swelling and the collection of fluids over periods longer than 1 year, it does not cure the causes of lymphedema. It is only a way to reduce the swelling and weight. Continued use of compression and massage are still needed. There are no surgical or medical treatments available yet that will cure the root causes of swelling, which is why these methods of controlling the symptoms are not readily endorsed or practiced yet in the United States.

The second type of surgery mentioned in connection with treating lyphedema is called debulking. Debulking is fairly controversial surgery, and a rarely used one, because of the damage it can do to the tissues. It is one of the oldest types of lymphedema surgery, and is not without its own set of complications. Debulking involves opening up the affected areas and removing the engorged tissues. There can be a few problems that develop during this procedure. In certain instances, it can cause paralysis of the affected limbs.

The risks associated with this second type of lymphedema surgery are the main reason why it's not commonly used anymore. But, with the development and testing of Lymphaticovenular bypass, new procedures are coming out that suggest doctors and surgeons are getting closer to a cure for the symptoms of lymphedema. However, with all the progress that's being made to help the symptoms subside, little progress is being made in curing the causes of lymphedema.

Wednesday, October 5, 2011

Anasarca - What is This Form of Generalized Swelling?


Anasarca is a form of swelling which is generalized in the body of the patient. It is considered as a massive edema. A minor amount of swelling in one localized spot on the body is not considered the same as anasarca. The swollen area itself occurs by means of fluid build up in the tissue.

Different causes can lead to anasarca, as well as swelling in general. Below are some conditions and issues that can lead to one type or the other, or potentially both. This list is not exhaustive and does not contain all potential underlying medical causes.

Congestive heart failure - Typically occurring in instances of low cardiac output, or when the body begins to require more resources than the heart is able to give.

Kidney disease - This can occur due to chronic conditions like diabetes mellitus or high blood pressure, as well as others.

Clarkson syndrome - A rare condition involving the pores of the capillaries, this is also known as capillary leak syndrome.

Different measures can be used for diagnosis in the case of anasarca or more localized swelling. Some tests used may include electrolyte levels and blood albumin levels. Tests of the liver and kidney function, as well as measurements via urinalysis, might also be done. Echocardiogram and electrocardiogram, along with X-ray procedures, are a few other options.

Once the condition has been diagnosed, treatment may be considered. Depending upon the underlying medical issue or issues, as well as other factors, different selections for treatment may be chosen.

Edema - Discover Simple Natural Remedies To Deal With It (Part 2)


The article deals with simple natural remedies to deal with edema. However, you should visit your doctor to discuss any healing procedure you are going to perform. It is due to the side effects the method might cause.

The methods described below are proven to possess curative effect when dealing with edema. However, the peculiarities of each organism might either increase or decrease their efficiency.

Infuse 1-2 teaspoons of herbs of cornflower blossoms with a glass of boiling water. Leave the tincture to brew for an hour and decant it. Drink one fourth of a glass of the decoction 3 times a day 10-15 minutes before meal. Infuse a tablespoon of herbs of the new sprouts of juniper with a glass of boiling water. Continue to boil the tincture for 10 minutes and decant it. Drink a glass of the decoction per day to treat ascites (accumulation of serous fluid in peritoneal cavity). Infuse a tablespoon of herbs of water-pepper tops with 2 glasses of boiling water and continue to boil the tincture for 3 minutes. Afterwards, decant the decoction and drink it within a day. Infuse a tablespoon of herbs of charlock tops with a glass of boiling water. Let the tincture brew for 2 hours and decant it. Take a tablespoon of the decoction mixed with sugar 4-5 times a day. Infuse a tablespoon of herbs of field horsetail tops with 2 glasses of boiling water and leave the tincture to brew for 2-3 hours. Afterwards, decant it and take a tablespoon of the decoction 5-6 times a day. Mix equal quantities of birch buds and leaves. Infuse 2 tablespoons of the mix herbs with half a liter of boiling water and leave the tincture to brew for an hour. Afterwards, decant it and drink half a glass of the decoction 4 times a day before meal. Mix herbs of restharrow root (1 part), birch leaves (2 parts) and red rose fruits (1 part). Infuse a tablespoon of the mix of herbs with a glass of cold boiled water and leave the tincture to brew for 6 hours. Afterwards, boil the decoction for 15 minutes and decant it. Drink the tincture within a day.

When suffering from edema, you should restrict the consumption of liquid and salt. Try to use products, which contain vitamins and proteins. You should use vegetables, greens and berries, which possess diuretic quality, such as, celery, parsley, onion, garlic, pumpkin, strawberry, black currant and etc. In addition, you should consume diary products - Greek yoghurt, curds and sour milk.

Monday, October 3, 2011

Clothing For Breast Cancer Survivors With Lymphedema


At age 43 I underwent a lumpectomy and radiation for treatment of my breast cancer. After recovery I found that knitted and spandex tops did not lie as well on my chest. Nor did swimsuits. They accented the asymmetry of my busts. When I developed lymphedema in my left arm, stretchy apparel looked worse due to my swollen arm. In addition to sweaters I shunned garments with deeper necklines and shallow armholes. Further, since I couldn't lift anything heavy with my left arm, I was limited in how I could tote bags with shoulder straps.

All these limitations made me feel like a fashion flop.

When I had a recurrence, I opted for a double mastectomy without reconstruction. I use prostheses for both breasts, making asymmetry less of a challenge. Still I have remained self-conscious of my appearance, wanting to disguise my new-normal body with something at least halfway attractive.

Solutions to these problems do exist. I'm not referring to pink-hued or pink-ribbon-adorned attire to promote breast cancer awareness, although wearing these items is a wonderful way to express support for a loved one afflicted with cancer. Rather I'm referring to practical, stylish clothing that disguises flaws and emphasizes the good features of a breast cancer survivor's figure, while not appearing to be designed for medical purposes.

Swimwear is one such example. I'm a big proponent of mastectomy bathing suits, since swimming is such a great exercise, and more importantly, I love to get in the water. The swimsuits I've seen with pockets for prostheses are both functional and fashionable these days. According to some experts, the most contemporary--albeit more expensive-mastectomy swimsuit styling comes from a line called Anita. Another brand, Amoena, offers a large selection of elegant beachwear to flatter any figure. Other lines of mastectomy bathing suits and caftans include It Figures, T.H.E. and Gottex.

According to WebMD's Breast Cancer Guide, the most popular swimsuit style for women who've undergone a mastectomy is the tankini, a two-piece suit that completely covers the torso. These come in a variety of designs, including a blouson top. I can attest to the practicality and versatility of this type of beachwear.

For arm lymphedema, compression braces have come a long way. Fashionable yet medically functional garments are offered by such innovators as Lymphedivas LLC and Slice of Fashion LLC. There's nothing like a black lacy gauntlet or zebra-zag armsleeve to turn heads and stop conversation at a cocktail party.

At least one company has developed apparel designed specifically for breast cancer survivors with lymphedema. Sansu Function Designs for Living, established through collaboration between Princess Margaret Hospital and Ryerson University School of Fashion in Toronto, Canada, provides an array of innovative products.

One of Sansu's most noted items is a modular bag with a belt to enable the wearer to hold her arm comfortably in a sling design or use the bag as a stylish waist pack. After I had lymphedema, I went back to using my "fanny packs." Even though out of style, they were extremely practical for my active lifestyle. This trendy Sansu bag would never be a fashion faux pas.

Sansu also developed a carry-all coat with dropped shoulders and removable lining, a fleece scarf cape, a dolman-style knitted top with kangaroo pocket for resting the arms or carrying items, and an oxford blouse with dropped shoulders, loose cuffs and magnetic button closures. This company is currently designing patterns to allow seamstresses to make their own clothing for patients with upper body and arm lymphedema.

I am encouraged by how far companies have come in making breast cancer survivors with lymphedema feel less conspicuous in their clothing and more confident in their appearance. While attractiveness may not be every survivor's focus, the availability of chic attire goes a long way to help many survivors, especially younger women, recover emotionally and psychosocially from their cancer treatments. I challenge more in the garment industry to be avant-garde in their approach to this subpopulation of women who love donning trendy outfits. Can athletic garb geared for the cancer survivor with lymphedema be far behind?

Saturday, October 1, 2011

How to Cure or Alleviate Edema, Including Lymphedema


By edema excessive fluid gather in body parts or greater areas of the body, making the areas swollen. Edema is most often a problem in the legs, but can occur anywhere in the body.

There are several types of edema, and many cases are also a mixture of more than one type. By lymphedema the drainage from the tissues through the lymph vessels are impaired or excessive fluid goes through the blood capillary walls into the spaces between the cells in a tissue. Edema can also occur because of poor drainage of blood through the veins towards the heart. Edema can further be caused by general accumulation of excessive fluid in the body.

The causes of edema are many. Edema is a symptom by most inflammations. Insufficient heart action by congestive heart failure can cause edema. A too high intake of salt can cause general water retention in the body. Sitting and standing long in the same position can cause edema in the lower limbs. A still sitting life without exercise can cause or aggravate edema.

Insufficiencies of the liver or kidneys can cause fluid retention and thereby edema. Edema can be a side effect of antihypertensive drugs, steroids surgery and radiation therapy. Further causes of different types of edema are varicose veins, cancer, hypothyroidism, blood clots, constipation and physical injuries.

To treat edema, it is important to treat the underlying disease or injury. However, medical treatment does not always cure the underlying condition or the cause is wholly or partially lifestyle aspects. Therefore various measures targeted directly against the edema are useful. These are presented here:

Pharmacological treatments: The physician will sometimes prescribe diuretics to reduce fluid retention in the body and thereby reduce edema. This treatment should however be used for serious edema or edema persistent when other measures do not work.

Salt intake restriction: Restriction of salt intake is an important measure by edema. People suffering from edema should avoid adding great amount of salt into their food or consume preprocessed food with a salty taste.

Diet: A good general diet that alleviates chronic inflammation is useful. The diet should especially contain enough sources of omega-3-fatty acids and monounsaturated fatty acids, like: Fat fish, seafood, flax oil, olive oil, almonds, rape oil and canola oil. Also vegetables and fruit in a natural shape are useful.

Avoiding constipation: Constipation should be treated, since a stomach engorged by excessive content can cause impairment of fluid circulation.

Variation of corporeal position: You should avoid sitting or standing still a long time during the day. When sitting during work or rest, you should change position with regular intervals.

Exercise: Every day you should have some exercise adjusted to your health condition. This could be walking, cycling, swimming, running or any other sport activity where you use greater parts of your body. Doing regular stretching exercises or yoga is useful. By severe edema special therapeutic exercises should be prescribed by a professional.

High position of limb: When you are sleeping or resting the swollen body parts can be placed in an elevated position by means of pillows, pads or by resting in an adjustable bed or chair.

Massage: By minor edema yourself, your spouse or a friend can massage the affected body part to alleviate the edema. The massage should be done in the direction of natural flow of blood and lymph that is towards the heart. You should however avoid massaging distinctly injured or distinctly inflamed body parts. By severe edema a professional massager should be engaged to perform the massage type called "manual lymphatic drainage".

Elastic bandaging: You can use elastic gloves, stockings, tapes or bandages around the swollen body parts during the day or during physical activities after instruction from a professional person.

Inflatable garments: There are inflatable garments to be found that can be used around the engorged body parts some times of the day. Also these should be used after professional instruction.

Sequential gradient pump therapy: One can get special electric pumps connected to inflatable garments. The pump inflates and deflates the garments repeatedly. Each garment has several rooms that are inflated sequentially in the direction of the natural fluid stream towards the heart. In this way the fluid is dynamically pumped the right way out of the engorged body part. This type of therapy is used in professional settings or at home after instruction from a professional.

Skin care: The skin on a body part affected by severe edema should attain special care to avoid and treat sores. Proper cleaning, daily use of moisturizing creams, proper rinsing of skin injuries, antiseptic creams by injuries.

Complete decongestive therapy: This is a complete set of edema treatment techniques done by a professional person combined with self-care instructed by the professional. The techniques used are: Manual lymphatic drainage, compression bandaging, therapeutic exercise and skin care.

Herbal and natural products: Many herbs and products composed of a blending of these herbs are used against edema. Such herbs are: Dandelion, Gingko biloba, horse chestnut, buchu, goldenrod, corn silk, horsetail, juniper, butchers broom, cleaver and ginger. Some people have experienced a good effect from using apple cider vinegar.

The flavonide rich product pycnognenol extracted from the bark of the French maritime pine has shown promising effects against edema according to scientific studies. The flavonides hydroxyethylrutosides also seem to have good effect against edema. Other natural substances that may help to treat edema are the flavonids diosmin and hesperidin and vitamin C.

OIL PULLING: The procedure called "oil pulling" may help for edema. It consists of rinsing the mouth with one tablespoon of natural oil for 15-20 minutes and then spitting the oil out. It is done in the morning before eating. Sesame or sunflower oils are usually recommended for this use.

Thursday, September 29, 2011

Autism Treatment - Neurological Inflammation


Inflammation is known to be a big problem in chronic illness. Inflammation is always a problem in degenerative conditions we see in our country like diabetes, heart disease, arthritis, autoimmune disorders, and cancer, and it is even more problematic when the inflammation is chronic. We also see a problem with inflammation in Autism, especially neurological inflammation. There are several markers that can indicate inflammation that may be impacting these kids neurologically, tumor necrosis factor and interferon gamma are two.

Many children with Autism can have an issue with digestive inflammation and particularly, inflammatory bowel disease. But any type of inflammation whether it is in the gut, the blood stream, whether it is from a virus or a vaccine reaction or food sensitivities, it can negatively impact the brain. Inflammation in the brain can affect kids both globally and locally too, and can be particularly impactful on the temporal lobes. The temporal lobes are found on the side of the head and the left side is where some of the language areas are. When you have inflammation in those areas, blood flow can be decreased which hampers the ability for the blood to deliver oxygen. You can see that can be very problematic.

But the good news is there are many remedies that have been implemented that can have a positive change on neurological inflammation. Actos is a medication that have been used on individuals with Autism with fairly good success to help reduce neurological inflammation. Actos was originally a medication to control blood sugar for diabetics and then it was discovered that it could positively impact the way the cells in the body produce inflammation. Spironolactone is another medication to aid in controlling inflammation, also used at first to treat other conditions. It can be used to treat hirsutism which is an overproduction of testosterone in women and can regulate potassium and sodium which is useful in edema or swelling, especially of the lower extremities. Hyperbaric oxygen therapy is also an effective treatment for inflammation in Autism and it helps in two different ways. It increases blood flow and thereby oxygenation to the brain but the pressure of the chamber also seems to be helpful in treating inflammation as well. Turmeric is a very interesting herbal remedy for inflammation. It is an Indian spice with the active ingredient called curcumin. It is showing good results in children with Autism for both gut and neurological inflammation. As you do more research you will certainly hear more about inflammation, not only as a big problem in chronic illness today but also in the Autism community. But, as discussed in this article, there are remedies that can help.

Tuesday, September 27, 2011

De Quervein's Diseases


Mrs Hizkiah, a beautiful nurse, funny, always smile.

She feels pain, aggravated by movement on the wrist and thumb. Dear Hiskiah, it is call De Quervein's Diseases. Characteristic symptoms can be reproduced by flexing the thumb and cupping it under the fingers, than flexing the wrist in an ulnar direction which stretches the thumb tendons. Lovely Hizkiah, that is the reasoning, why your pain exaggerated after your therapist asked you to made a fist, forcing flex the thumb.

Pity Hizkiah, you also has another problem, trigger thumb. In this condition your thumb snaps as it flexes and may become locked in flexion or in extension. He didn't want to harm you, just didn't knoe that you have another problem.

The pathology of De Quervein's Diseases is an increased vascularity of the outer sheath that, coupled with edema, thickens the sheath and constricts the enclosed tendon. Treatment requires immobilization with injections of cortisone into the sheath.

My regiment for you is low level laser. Please, no heat modality, due to edema. Low level laser will not increase the temperature above body temperature. It is to reduce the pain and the edema. I am going to immobilize your thumb. But if during four weeks of treatment, there is no relief, maybe our surgeon will help you.

The trigger thumb, occurs from thickening of the sheath or the tendon or both which prevents gliding of the tendon within the sheath . Local injections of cortisone into the sheath may result in good recovery. if locking persists, excision of the thickened is performed. That is not my competency. I told you, my first concern is your pain due to De Quervein's. I use low level laser AMM50, about 830 nm, probe 50 mW, The dose 30 Youles. It is big enough. I am going to decreases the dose if your pain and edema decrease.

(Hand pain and impairment, Rene Cailliet)

Sunday, September 25, 2011

Side Effects With Using Hydrocortisone Cream As Eczema Treatment


In my teens, I was first introduced to using hydrocortisone cream for my eczema treatment. Since then, every time I had an outbreak, I would turn to it. This continued for more than ten years. However, in the last few years, I noticed that increasingly applying hydrocortisone creams on my affected skin is not as effective as before. In fact, it got harder and harder to control my eczema. My affected skin also got thinner and I would get abrasions very easily. I then decided to find out the truth behind the side effects of using hydrocortisone creams.

Hydrocortisone cream (1%) is one kind of topical corticosteroids and is easily available at your local store without prescription. They are packaged in various forms such as creams and lotions and are marketed under different brands.

Corticosteroid creams are topical skin applications which are used for skin itching, redness, discomfort and other skin-related problems. They come in varying strengths. Stronger ones are only available via prescription by your doctor. Corticosteroids are referred to as steroids. The term steroids often have a negative ring to it because of a number of side effects that this drug is known to bring. Corticosteroids for eczema are different from anabolic steroids, which are used by some athletes to increase their endurance.

However, just like any other type of drugs, hydrocortisone cream for eczema treatment also has its own side effects especially if you do not administer it properly. You should always check to see if you are allergic to steroids in the first place. Ask your doctor if in doubt. Secondly, as I have found out, prolonged use can cause skin to thin out. This is a condition known as atrophy. Because your skin is now more sensitive due to thinning out, you are more prone to skin abrasion and infection. That is why if you have eczema and have used hydrocortisone cream for weeks or months, you are more susceptible to a fungi and bacteria infection. With an infection, your eczema symptoms are sure to worsen.

You also get the appearance of stretch marks with prolonged use. Your blood vessels swell and there is loss of skin pigment in the affected areas. Your bloodstream may also absorb the strong steroids and this can affect other body systems. In the worst case scenario, it can also suppress the production of your natural adrenaline, thus causing you to be prone to a lot of illness including Cushing's syndrome.

In all situations, it is in your best interest to minimize the use of hydrocortisone creams or corticosteroids for your eczema treatment. If you need to use them, do so sparingly and use only as directed. If you find that your medication is not working within a week, stop its usage and see a skin doctor right away. You may need a stronger prescription. It is far better to treat your eczema with an appropriate strength medication than to use one that is not effective. A stronger prescription also allows you to get your eczema treated within a shorter period of time. In addition, look for alternative eczema treatment options which are natural and potentially produce fewer or no side effects.

Friday, September 23, 2011

Prognosis and Treatment of Shock


If shock goes untreated, it is generally fatal. The mortality rate from cardiogenic shock after a myocardial infarction and from septic shock is 60% to 65%. Of course, the actual prognosis depends on the cause of shock, any comorbidities, and the time between onset and definitive treatment all contribute to whether or not a patient will survive (Weil, 2007).

Reinstituting adequate perfusion to the organs is the primary goal in treating shock. It is essential to maintain adequate oxygenation, blood pressure, and maintaining adequate cardiac function. Specific treatment depends on the cause. There is a delicate balance between maintaining the patient's blood pressure to be able to transport the patient to the hospital safely and trying to get the patient to the hospital within the "golden hour" .

When a patient is in shock, the first priority is to maintain airway, breathing, and circulation as adequately as possible until the patient can be transferred to the hospital for more definitive treatment. First-order management that can be undertaken by EMT personnel include holding pressure to open wounds that are bleeding, providing IV fluids, and giving the patient oxygen supplementation.

Keeping the patient warm is important and at this point, nothing is given by mouth (Weil, 2007). Patients with signs or symptoms of an acute MI or pulmonary edema are given smaller amounts of fluid to avoid venous congestion and pulmonary complications with fluid overload (Weil, 2007). More definitive care will be given once the patient is able to be monitored in the hospital (Wedro, 2007).

When the patient gets to the hospital, they will probably be monitored in the intensive care unit with ECG, blood pressure monitoring (usually through an arterial line), vital sign monitoring, pulse oximetry, urine flow (via catheter), and mental status monitoring. Measurement of CVP and cardiac output may also be instituted.

Routine bloodwork such as a comprehensive metabolic panel, complete blood count, clotting factors, arterial blood gases, and lactate will also likely be initiated. Intramuscular medications are avoided due to the decreased perfusion to the musculature during shock. Most medications are administered IV if possible. After the initial corrective measures are taken to stabilize the patient, further diagnostics will be performed to evaluated the need for more advanced interventions like surgery. The type of diagnostics needed will depend on the circumstances surrounding the event.

Wednesday, September 21, 2011

Treatment Of Malnutrition And Starvation


Starvation may conveniently be defined as malnutrition of sufficient severity to warrant in-patient treatment in hospital; the body weight is reduced to less than 75% of normal.

Causes:

Malnutrition and starvation arise

• When there is not enough food to eat, for instance in times of famine.
• When there is severe disease of the digestive tract, preventing the absorption of nutrients, as in the malabsorption syndrome and cancer of the esophagus
• When there is a condition which prevents normal metabolism of nutrients by the tissues, e.g. in renal or hepatic failure or protracted infections. In all these circumstances there is wasting of the body with much loss of both muscle and fat.

Treatment of malnutrition and starvation is listed below.

• In mild malnutrition, all that is needed is suitable food. Management is more an administrative than a medical problem. When the patient is seriously ill, treatment must depend on the facilities available.
• Most famine victims, because of alimentary dysfunction, cannot deal with large quantities of food. The patient's appetite may be immense and no guide to digestive capacities. Limitation of the food intake is essential if there is diarrhea or a severe degree of cachexia.
• The choice of food needs care. In advanced cases only bland food can be tolerated by the thin-walled intestines lacking essential digestive enzymes. Skimmed milk may not be well tolerated if the patient has deficient intestinal lactase activity. It is advisable to give foods with which the patient is familiar.
• The ideal diet to start with is one based on the patient's staple cereal and some sucrose or glucose together with moderate amounts of bland, protein-rich food, e.g. milk powder, and some fat or oil.
• Small feeds should be given at frequent intervals and new foods added one at a time to see that they do not increase diarrhea. It is advisable to give a multivitamin preparation. With refeeding there may be some increase in edema, unless the supply of salt is restricted.
• There may come a time when a patient with severe starvation refuses all food, although fully rational. Feeding of milk and other fluids through a nasogastric tube then provides the only hope.
• Physical and psychological recovery is usually complete if sufficient calories are provided for cases of primary malnutrition. When irreversible changes have developed in the heart and small intestine in severe starvation, the prognosis is poor.
• Prevention rests with legislators and administrators. Famines from crop failure can be greatly alleviated by advanced contingency planning. Those caused by a natural disaster like an earthquake are unexpected: the outcome depends on how well the country's administration stands up to the strain. Famines resulting from war are the most difficult.

Monday, September 19, 2011

Lymphedema Armsleeves - Fashionable Relief From Painful Arm Swelling


Lymphedema is a condition that causes the soft tissues of the body to retain fluid. Any area of the human body can be affected, but the typical areas of swelling are in the arms and legs. Although this condition isn't life threatening, there can be a great deal of discomfort involved. Limbs and extremities can become painfully bloated and sore.

Who Is At Risk For Lymphedema?

There are several factors that can contribute to this ailment. Any medical procedure that cuts into or near the glands of the lymphatic system can damage lymph gland function. Women who undergo breast cancer surgery can be at risk as well as those patients with heart problems and circulatory issues. Genetics can also play a part. Some people are simply predisposed to fluid buildup in their bodily tissues.

Living with Lymphedema

Dealing with an arm, leg or foot that has ballooned to twice its normal size can be extremely difficult. The skin becomes tender to the touch and can actually split open. Open wounds can lead to infection and put a person in grave danger of contracting gangrene. Just moving from place to place can be a huge challenge. Affected limbs can become as hard as a rock, making simple movement almost impossible. There are special lymphedema bandages available for these wounds.

People who suffer from these symptoms have difficulty getting dressed. Sleeves, pants legs and socks have to be cut to allow for the bigger limb. Shoes sometimes have to be special ordered for puffed-up feet. In many cases, puffiness can be relieved with a diuretic medication and exercise. The diuretic increases kidney function and allows the body to get rid of excess liquid. In other cases, a person may need to use a specially designed sleeve to decrease retention.

Lymphedema Armsleeves

The medical profession has invented special sleeves for arm swelling made out of the same type of materials as compression stocking edema treatment uses the gentle compression of the stretchy fabric to increase body heat to the capillaries. This brings improved circulation and reduced swelling. The amount of time a person would need to wear their sleeve will depend on the advice of their treating physician. Typically, they are worn every day until the symptoms are under control.

Armsleeves are made of woven mesh fabric that can be washed either by hand or in the machine using a mild detergent without bleach. They can be hung to dry or put in the dryer on the delicate heat cycle. With care, they should keep their compression qualities for 6 months.

Saturday, September 17, 2011

Leg Edema - Causes and Treatment


When you feel a swelling sensation on your legs, most likely, you are experiencing water retention in your legs, or what is also known as leg edema. This can be a very uncomfortable feeling and can occur in either legs or one. It is noticeable if the swelling appears in the calves or the lower part of your leg.

What Are The Main Causes of Leg Edema?

Pregnancy. Leg edema commonly manifests during the last trimester of the pregnancy. Due to the growing fetus, force is applied on the vein that transmits blood from the legs, which is known as the vena cava. And since body fluid also increases during pregnancy, any excess fluid accumulates in the feet.

Prolonged sitting or standing position. One of the most common causes of leg edema is sitting or standing for long periods of time. This inhibits the circulation of blood, thus, blood is pushed down the lower leg that causes the swelling.

Side effect of medication. Some medicines, when administered to patients, produce adverse effects like swelling and soreness of the legs and other parts of the body. Examples are anti-inflammatory drugs, anti-depressants, steroids, and maintenance medicines for high blood pressure.

Allergic reaction. Allergies on certain foods or insect bites may also cause soreness. Bee stings, for example, can instantly cause the swelling of the area where a bee stung an individual. The swelling is mainly the body's response to the histamines produced by the allergic reaction.

Internal injury. In some cases, it can be brought about by an internal injury affecting the legs or failure of the kidney and other internal organs. If there is the presence of blood-clotting, it will also lead to leg edema since there is a blockage in the normal blood flow.

Enlargement of veins. When you develop varicose veins, this means the veins become enlarged, thus, causing leg and ankle swelling, accompanied by throbbing leg pain.

How Do You Treat Leg Edema?

Swelling of the legs is treatable and dependent on the cause of the edema.

Minimize salt intake. Ensure to trim down your salt intake as this is a known factor for water retention. This will include your consumption of junk food such as chips.

Take diuretics. Drinking herbal teas makes you urinate more, thus, you expel excess salt and body fluid from your body.

Elevate legs. Lie down on your bed and prop up your legs on pillows, keeping your legs above heart level. You can do this for about half an hour, 4 times a day.

Walk. Do some brisk walking as this will surely help your blood circulation and send some excess fluid back to the heart.

Thursday, September 15, 2011

Eczema Treatment With Vitamin E Cream


Eczema, to those who personally suffer from the disease or who have close family that has, can pose a significant problem in trying to live a normal life. Various treatments for the disease have been touted right and left, but few have proven themselves to be truly effective. While it's recommended that every Eczema sufferer see a doctor who can recommend a course of treatment, there are some over the counter products available that can ease the symptoms of Eczema. If you're skeptical about trying treatments other than those recommend by your doctor, we suggest talking to him or her before exploring other treatment paths. Below we will be looking into a treatment that has been overlooked by many for a good while - vitamin e cream.

Vitamin e cream has long been used by medical professionals for treating various problems, including scars of various types and other skin problems. Vitamin e cream can be an extremely ideal product for Eczema sufferers - given the amazing things it can do to protect and enhance one's skin. Since the product can eliminate/reduce skin irritation, it can make living with Eczema much more bearable. Further, vitamin e cream can keep your skin from having to deal with other problems that can be brought about by sunlight. We recommend using a cream that contains natural vitamin e.

Like any other treatment, you have to be patient with vitamin e cream. Some people notice results quite quickly while others are left for several weeks without any sort of results. If you continue on the proper course, you will eventually notice an improvement in your skin. If you have any questions about the cream or whether or not it is suitable for you, we strongly recommend contacting your doctor or dermatologist for further information. He or she should be able to better orient you.

Wednesday, September 14, 2011

Sunburn - Causes, Symptoms ans Treatment


Sunburn is a burn to living tissue such as skin or leaves produced by overexposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation, commonly from the sun 's rays. Sunburn may also occur from exposure to other UV light sources such as solaria or tanning salons. At a cellular level, sunburn is associated with microscopic changes in the skin. There is the formation of UV induced sunburn cells and a reduction in Langerhan cells and mast cells, which play an essential part of the body's immune defence system. Almost everyone has been sunburned or will become sunburned at some time. Anyone who visits a beach, goes fishing, works in the yard, or simply is out in the sun can get sunburn. Improper tanning bed use is also a source of sunburn. Although seldom fatal, sunburn can be disabling and cause quite a bit of discomfort.

Sunburn is a visible reaction of the skin's exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation, the invisible rays that are part of sunlight. Most of the sunlight's damage to the skin is caused by the ultraviolet B (UV-B) rays, which have long been known to hurt the skin. UV-B rays penetrate through to the lower layers of the skin, damaging skin cells. While melanin, a dark pigment in the upper layers of the skin, can protect the skin from some of the effects of UV rays, different people have different amounts of melanin in their skin. This explains why some people get burned easier than others.

Skin cancer is the most common type of cancer in the US and exposure to the sun is the leading cause of skin cancer. Children often spend a good part of their day playing outdoors in the sun, especially during the summer. Children who have fair skin, moles, or freckles, or who have a family history of skin cancer, are more likely to develop skin cancer in later years. Exposure to the sun during daily activities and play causes the most sun damage. Overexposure to sunlight before age 18 is most damaging to the skin .

Causes of Sunburn

1. Consumption of birth control pills

2. Antibacterial agents used in soaps

3. Outdoor activities like swimming, skiing and hiking

Symptoms of Sunburn

1. Chills.

2. Nausea or vomiting.

3. Swelling of the skin.

4. Dizziness or headaches.

5. Flu-like symptoms may develop.

6. Fever.

Treatment of Sunburn

Treat as for other burns with cold water to remove the heat. Calamine lotion will relieve the irritation whilst paracetamol will also help. Avoid applying petroleum jelly or lotions which can hold the heat intact the burned skin. However, moisturizing lotions can be relieving. To alleviate the pain and swelling, patients may be asked to take aspirin. Increased fluid loss can occur through badly sunburned skin, so fluid replenishment with an 'isotonic' drink is recommended. Avoid more sun exposure until the skin completely heals, usually within one or two weeks.

Monday, September 12, 2011

Diet For the Treatment of Hemorrhoids


Constipation and Hemorrhoids

A bright red rectal bleeding not mixed with stool, is usually the initial symptom of Hemorrhoids (or the common bad spelling Hemmroids, Hemroids). Prolapse occurs only with the first defecation and then spontaneously decreases. A persistent anal itching is a symptom of hemorrhoids. The pain occurs only when there is an acute attack of inflammation and edema with a prolapse, or when there is a concomitant injury, like a fissure. Several observations testify to the direct link between diet and hemorrhoids. Rarely, in fact, this disease is found in countries where the diet is high in fiber and low in refined foods. An important component of Hemorrhoids is constipation, due to the increased effort required by defecation that increases intra-abdominal pressure and impedes venous return. Furthermore, the increased pressure increases pelvic congestion that can weaken the vein wall, facilitating the formation of Hemorrhoids.

More fibers

Ultimately, a diet rich in fiber is the most effective way to prevent hemorrhoids. Whole grains, legumes, vegetables, and fruits promote intestinal peristalsis.

Many components of the fibers attract water and feces become soft and thick, easy to pass.

Also vegetables and fruit contain many nutrients that increase the integrity of the veins, in particular, are important bioflavonoids, vitamins A, C, E, B complex and zinc. Blueberries, cherries and blackberries are rich in bioflavonoids, apricots, melons, pumpkins, carrots and cranberries contain vitamin A. Citrus, strawberries, currants, broccoli, Brussels sprouts, watercress and spinach contain vitamin C, whole grains and brewer's yeast flakes contain vitamins B, while zinc is present in oats, oil seeds, wheat, buckwheat, hazelnuts,almonds, peas, parsley, garlic and carrots.

In case of hemorrhoids, we should balance - as well as the intestine - the liver and spleen, two organs that contribute to the health of veins and thus also the hemorrhoidal plexus. If the energy of the spleen is weak, it doesn't nourish the connective tissue and, consequently, the veins are easily exhausted. It is, therefore, important to avoid, as well as refined foods, sugar (the spleen in fact suffers from an excess of sugar, and is nourished and rebalanced by the consumption of cereals), fatty foods and those that heat too much, such as sausage, red meat, milk, cheese, chocolate and coffee. We should reduce the consumption of meat, possibly replacing the red with white meat or better still give preference to fish and legumes as protein source. Also to avoid overloading the liver we should prefer green vegetables and reduce consumption of Solanaceae, including tomatoes, peppers and eggplants.

Miso, seaweed and mochi

Some foods, proposed by macrobiotic, can play an effective role in treating and preventing hemorrhoids. A food particularly good for the the veins is miso, made from fermented soybeans and barley, rice or wheat. Miso has a salty flavor, is used mainly as a condiment for soups. In addition to cleanse the liver and improve blood circulation, restores intestinal flora, and is indicated for constipation and flatulence. Thanks to the properties of alkalizing food, is indicated for diseases like arthritis, and finally energy invigorates the kidney and thus improves the overall tone. Although algae are an excellent food in the treatment of hemorrhoids. Additions to the cooking of legumes and cereals, eliminate internal heat and improves intestinal peristalsis, thanks to the slime that attract water and pat the intestinal mucosa. In particular, the kombu is good for the gut, while the wakame is best for the liver. The first is added to boiled vegetables, the second in soups. Another very suitable food to fortify the spleen (Above all good and tonic) is Mochi. These are small cakes of sweet rice that can be heated over low heat.

Saturday, September 10, 2011

What Exactly Is MRSA Cellulitis?


Cellulitis is a skin infection that is commonly caused by Staphylococcus aureus and Streptococcus pyogenes bacteria. The usual entry point of these two bacteria to cause the skin infection is through cuts, wounds, and scratches in the skin or other skin breaks.

A type of cellulitis is the MRSA cellulitis which is caused by a type of Staphylococcus aureus. MRSA stands for methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus. This type of S. aureus is resistant to beta-lactam antibiotics such as cepahlosporins and the penicillin family (dicloxacillin, methicillin, nafcillin, and oxacillin). Aside from being methicillin resistant, this species also differ from other staph because it is coagulase-positive. This infection is contacted from situations where people live or stay in close proximity. This infection is most of the time rampant in nursing homes or hospital wards.

Usual targets of this infection are patients who just had surgeries, invasive procedures and those who have open wounds being treated. Patients with edema, diabetes, and those who are immunocompromised such as pregnant women are prone to this infection.

MRSA cellulitis symptoms are tenderness, redness and swelling in infected areas. The infected area is warm to touch and may manifest boils with pus. Accompanying symptoms include headaches, fever, chills, low blood pressure, and rashes all over the body. Body pain, nausea and vomiting are also symptoms. These are effects of the toxins secreted by the MRSA.

MRSA cellulitis is diagnosed by physical examination and getting culture samples from the infected area to be examined in the laboratory. It is best to consult a doctor once symptoms are present since MRSA cellulitis may cause necrosis if neglected. Once necrosis starts, the area infected must be surgically removed to prevent further dispersal of infection. Severe cases may lead to fatal sepsis and toxic shock syndrome once the toxins secreted by MRSA have abundantly proliferated.

Prevention is still the best way rather than cure. Good and careful personal hygiene is the first lie of defense against infections of the skin. Open wounds must be treated immediately with disinfectants and sanitizing agents. Open wounds must not be exposed to dirt and unsterile water. Contact with animals such as cats, digs and poultry must also be minimized for immunocompromised patient. Those with chronic skin diseases such as eczema must be careful to keep the open wounds protected at all times.

MRSA treatment includes the administration of antibiotics. Treatment's main goal is to stop the bacteria causing the infection and to minimize chances of recurrence since cellulitis has a high rate of recurrence. Since MSRA cellulitis bacteria is resistan to the usual antibiotics for cellulitis, new antibiotics such as Linezolid, (belonging to oxazolidinones class), daptomycin and tigecycline are given to successfully treat the infection. Treatment may be administered intravenously at first and then oral antibiotics may be prescribed after seeing improvement in the patient's condition.

The pus in the skin infected must also be drained surgically. Open wounds must be bandages and cleaned to avoid the spread of infection and to avoid secondary infection. Treatment is considered effective once the patient's symptoms subside after 7 to 10 days.