Showing posts with label Treatment. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Treatment. Show all posts

Friday, March 9, 2012

What to Do afterwards Root Canal Treatment?


When the nerve of a tooth becomes infected, root canal treatment can save the tooth. How do you know if you have an infected tooth? Some of the signs are heat and cold sensitivity, swelling and pain, or a bad taste in your mouth. Or, you may experience no symptoms at all and not realize that you have a dental problem.

To get at the infection, he makes an opening through the top of the tooth down into the pulp chamber. With a file, your dentist dental (or Northfield) carefully cleans out the infected tissue and shapes "the canals to receive the filling material. X-rays are taken to make sure that all of the infected pulp is removed.

Root canal therapy often takes two or more appointments to complete. A temporary filling or crown is placed to protect the tooth betweenappointments.
After each appointment when anesthetic has been used, your lips, teeth and tongue may be numb for several hours. Avoid any chewing until the numbness has completely worn off.

Between appointments, it's common (and not a problem) for a small portion of your temporary filling to wear away or break off. If the entire filling falls out, or if a temporary crown comes off, call your dentist so it can be replaced.

It's normal to experience some discomfort for several days after a root canal appointment, especially when chewing. To control discomfort, take pain medication as recommended. If antibiotics are prescribed, continue to take them for the indicated length of time, even if all symptoms and signs of infection are gone.

To further reduce pain andswelling, rinse three times a day with warm salt water; dissolve a teaspoon of salt in a cup of warm water, then rinse, swish, and spit.
To protect the tooth and help keep your temporary in place:

Avoid chewing or sticky foods (especially gum).

or Avoid hard foods and hard substances, such as ice, fingernails and handmade cards.

or If possible, chew only on the opposite side of your mouth.

It's important to continue to brush and floss normally. Usually, the last step after root canal treatment is the placement of a crown on the tooth. A crown covers and protects the tooth from breaking in the future.
If your bite feels uneven, you have persistent pain, swelling, bleeding (bruising) or you have any other questions or concerns, call your dentist right away.

Ifafter root canal treatment has been performed to tooth still harbors bacteria or irritants which keep the tissues surrounding the root of the tooth from being healthy (inflamed), then the treatment has not been successful. Some signs of failed root canal treatment can include tooth pain (ranging from very mild to extreme) and tenderness or swelling in the gums in the area near the tooth (ranging from very slight to pronounced). These signs can either:

or Persist from the time of the root canal treatment.

or Be transient (varying week to week or month to month.

or Appear even though the tooth has been asymptomatic for years.

In other cases a tooth may have been, and continues to be, without symptoms but the tissues surrounding the tooth are identified as having thepresence of persistent inflammation by way of a x-ray examination by a dentist. In these cases, if retreatment is not a possibility, then the tooth should be extracted.

Monday, February 20, 2012

Causes and Treatment of Swollen Painful External and Internal Hemorrhoids


Hemorrhoids are masses of swollen veins in the lower rectum or at the anus. The condition develops from increased pressure in the veins in the lower rectum most often caused by straining to have a bowel movement. Hemorrhoids are varicose veins--that is, blood vessels that have become unusually swollen-hat show up in the rectal area. Hemorrhoids are typically anywhere from the size of a raisin to the size of a grape. Hemorrhoids are often itchy and can be very painful, especially in the first few days postpartum. You may find some bleeding in the rectal area especially after a bowel movement, this is normal.

Hemorrhoids are very common in both men and women, and about half of the population in the United States will suffer from hemorrhoids at least once by age fifty.Hemorrhoids are swollen veins and excess tissue in the lower rectum and anus. They can cause pain, bleeding, and itching. Hemorrhoids are common among pregnant women because the pressure of the fetus in the abdomen, as well as hormonal changes that occur during pregnancy, causes the hemorrhoidal vessels to enlarge.

External Hemorrhoids, however, are commonly associated with pain and itching as well as bleeding. Thus, most of the approximately 500.000 Americans who seek medical treatment for Hemorrhoids each year are afflicted with the external type of the swollen veins. External Hemorrhoids involve the veins outside the anus. They can be itchy or painful and can sometimes crack and bleed. External hemorrhoids may also be noticed by the presence of a small protruding from the skin tagsanus or of a bulging vein type protusion around the anus.

Internal Hemorrhoids can range from small, swollen veins in the wall of the anal canal to large, sagging veins and tissue that bulge out of the anus all the time. Internal Hemorrhoids can be painful if they protrudes from all the time and are squeezed by the anal muscles, or if they are thrombosed, or clotted. Internal Hemorrhoids usually develop due to chronic constipation and are also prone to develop during a woman's pregnancy period. Internal Hemorrhoids often do not cause a visible lump or pain, but they can bleed. Bleeding from Internal Hemorrhoids typically occurs with bowel movements, causing blood-streaked stool or toilet paper.

Hemorrhoids treatment can be external or internal, or both together depending on thenature of the condition. Medicated pads contain witch hazel procurable commercially, that is a natural astringent drug which can help relieve irritation and reduce swelling. A few people are sensitive to astringents as well as the painkillers carried in hemorrhoid cream, thus care should be exercised when using these products. Natural treatments, such as Venapro, have shown to be effective in controlling and reversing symptoms dramatically.

Friday, February 3, 2012

Treatment of Flea Bites on Human - What Home Remedies Available?


Fleas not only bite and live off your pets, they bite people too. The typical human reaction to a flea bite is the formation of a small, hard, red, slightly raised, itching spot with no swelling. Some bleeding can occur, particularly if the bitten area is scratched. A single puncture point caused by the flea is generally apparent in the center of each spot.

Flea bites normally occur on the legs and ankles. Different people have different reaction to fleabites. Some people are totally unattractive to fleas and are not affected by the presence of fleas while others may be "appealing" and sensitive to fleas resulting in severe allergic reaction to their bites.

See some pictures of flea bites on humans

Well, how to treat flea bites on human? Before you run off to your family doctor to seek medical treatment, here are some home remedies for the treatment of flea bites on human.

1. Firstly, it's important to keep the affected area clean. Wash the bites with some antiseptic lotion or soap. Use cold water but avoid the use of warm or hot water as this may tend to stimulate itch

2. Secondly, apply a cold pack over the bites to reduce swelling.

3. Do not scratch the inflamed area as this may lead to open wounds and secondary infections.

4. If the affected area is read and swollen, you may apply a mild steroid cream like 1% hydrocortisone cream. This should be easily available from any pharmacy without the need of a prescription. Hydrocortisone helps in reducing inflammation rapidly. Alternatively, if you have a bottle of calamine lotion at home, this may help too.

5. Very often, the itch caused by the fleabites can be very intense. An oral dose of anti-histamine like Dimetapp, Chlortrimeton is very effective in relieving itch. Once the itch stops, you will stop scratching as well and the healing will take place faster.

Treatment of flea bites using these home remedies should improves within a few days, However, if the condition worsen whereby, they remained red and swollen with discharges, then a trip to your family doctor may be necessary. Your doctor may prescribe a course of antibiotics for you and a jab of steroid may be needed to stop the inflammation.

However, success in treating flea bites is by no means a solution to your problem. To avoid further bites from these little pesky creatures, the only solution is to get rid of them totally. Killing fleas in house, getting rid of fleas on pets is what you need to do as part of your flea extermination plan

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).

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 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.