Allergic rhinitis – how to deal with nasal allergy?

Allergic rhinitis is a common kind of allergy mostly found among children. This allergy is caused by the  swelling of the inside lining in the nose.  

Causes :  

The allergy develops with the contraction of viral allergens which may be seasonal or year around. Seasonal allergens appear with the change of weather while the year-around allergens are present indoor in the form of dust, pets fleeces and molds. 

Clinical feature : 

The first symptom of the allergy is the congestion of the nose which inhibits the air supply. Other symptoms of the Rhinitis are : 

• Watery discharges
• Itching 
• Irritation in the eyes
• Fever, sneezing  

Treatment: 

Oral medications can serve as an immediate relief but a skin testing should be conducted to identify the allergens. The indoor allergens can be removed by spraying around the room. While with a drug thereapy medicines should be taken two to three times a day. Other examples include sedation and nasal spray . 

It is an allergy mostly common in children but dealing with this nasal allergy is quite simple and quick. 

What are the early symptoms of autism?

Autism in children is characterized by the inability to socially interact, communicate or to behave in a repetitive manner.  Autism is usually detected in the early months or years of life. In some cases children may lose their language skills that had been acquired previously. Let’s understand some common symptoms of Autism: 

Social Skills: 

• Unresponsive to his name or to others’ feeling or emotion
• Avoids eye contact  
• Prefers staying alone 

Language: 

• Unable or slow in speaking. Some may have a different rhythm of speaking.  
• Unaware of when to converse 
• Unable to follow simple directions 
• Repeats words without knowing the meaning. 
  

Behavior: 

• Repeatedly moves or harms himself  
• Fascinated by tiny details and loses focus on the larger picture 
• Sensitive to change, light or noise  

The early years of development are the toughest for autism patients. With the passage of time some children do overcome their weaknesses by learning and understanding their peers. On the other hand some children either don’t recover or get worse. Some Autism patients are highly intelligent but only lack the ability to communicate.

Diagnosis: 

Parents must be fully aware of their children’ development specifically during the first year. Doctors recommend development tests based on the following symptoms: 

• Responsiveness to emotion 
• Mimicry of sounds or expressions
• Movement or gesture making 
• Speech  

Though this inability cannot be overcome entirely but certain types of drug and behavioral therapy can help improve the situation. Family support and encouragement at home will help Autistic children feel normal and improve the situation.   

Does Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome affect fertility

To understand the effect of the Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome on fertility I will first explain the purpose of the two ovaries present in the pelvis. Under normal circumstances the ovaries must produce hormones and an ovum with the menstrual cycle for the fertility of the eggs. Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome however is the formation of a cyst(s) in these ovaries. 

Causes: 

Scientific research suggests that the main cause of the Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome is genetic. There are 50% chance of inheriting the predisposing genetic variant(s). Secondly, harmonal imbalance. In this case the ovaries over produces androgens, which is also produced in men. This over production of androgen inhibits the release of eggs during ovulation. The other reason of the over production in androgen is the high level of insulin. 

Sign and symptoms : 

• Menstrual disorder: Less or no menstruation 
• Infertility : lack of ovulation
• Masculinity Hormones: Acne, dandruff , Baldness or male pattern baldness 
•  Metabolic Syndrome: abdominal obesity
• Pelvic pain 
• Patches in Skin 
• Weight gain 

Treatment: 

The cure for Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome is to manage it. Lets begin with the easier steps:

• Lifestyle modicficcation:Try to eat healthy and exercise as much as possible. Try to control your weight.Avoid sugar and increase  the intake of whole grain food, vegetables and meat. 
• Birth control pills:This is helpful to control the menstrual cycle and may clear acne. 
• Diabetes : Pills the way insulin controls blood sugar and lowers testosterone production. 
• Fertility : Stimulate ovulation to become pregnant.
• Surgery: Ovarian drilling, to increase the chance of ovulation. 

In Pregnant women the Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome can lead to miscarriage, diabetes, premature delivery and further more complications like heart attack, sleep apnea and endometrial cancer. 

What are the symptoms of Andropause?

A deficient level of male hormone called the testosterone is called Andropause or the male menopause. This common condition is witnessed in men at the age of 30 and above and is a gradual shortage that occurs @10 per annum.  

Causes: 

The most basic cause of andropause is not only the reduction of testosterone but also the increase of SHBG(Sex hormone-binding globulin). SHGB binds the testosterone in the blood and makes it inactive/useless for the body. Evident mood swings and fatigue by the patients are alos the result of low stimulation of tissues. Furthermore, patients involved in obesity, diabetes, hypertension, chronic disease are at a higher risk of developing andropause. 

Symptoms:  

The symptoms of Andropause vary and often times can be confused with hypogonadism which is due to diseases of the testes, the pituitary or the hypothalamus.Other common symptoms are listed as: 

• lack of interest in sex  

• difficulty in erections 

• lack of energy

• depression 

• irritability and mood swings

• memory lapses

• nervousness

• fatigue and inability to get adequate sleep

• brittleness of bones due to osteoporosis 

• increased risk of heart disease

Management and Treatment

Testosterone replacement therapy has proven to be the most effective means of treatment. Based on convenience and sensitivity various forms like capsules, skin patches, gels, and injections are used. The following summarizes the different methods: 

• Oral testosterone:The side effects include  jaundice and liver tumors. Hence patient already with liver conditions must avoid this. 
• Test injections: An oily preparation of testosterone is used as it has a longer duration of action. It is injected into the muscles every 2 to 4 weeks.
• Skin patch: The effect of the skin patch skin is visible after 4-12 hours but may cause some irritation 
• Gel: A calculated dose depending upon the diagnosis is applied. This method has been recognized as  Easy and convenient. 

Men should proactively consult doctors when they notice the symptoms. In addition to the test therapy;easier means such stress reduction exercise, meditation and good nutrition can significantly improve the condition 

What causes chronic bronchitis

Bronchitis is primarily an inflammatory disorder caused in the lining of the bronchial tubes which lead to the lungs. Our respiratory system depends on these linings for the production of mucus and for a smooth flow of air in and out of the lungs. 

What are the causes : 

Its is almost shocking to understand the causes of bronchitis because it ultimately reveals how everyone, every single person, is a victim. Firstly, in-taking tobacco is the most common route for the toxic pollutants which includes second hand smokers as well.This trend is observed in the millions of cases reported from Asia and Africa every year. The second resource of pollutants is the smoke or gas in the form of bio-fuel, animal dung, crop residues etc. Most inhabitants of rural and snowy areas practice this due to the limitations of utilities. Similarly odd professions like coal mining, cotton ginning,indicate higher chances of developing bronchitis. The inhaling of pollutants released from heavy vehicle are dangerous as they made up of sulphur and nitrogen dioxide.

Lets take a read upon how the pollutants work in our body....

The excessive mucus produced,during bronchitis, can be accounted to a  number of reasons: 

• The blockage of the respiratory epithelium 
• The increased size of the glands in the respiratory lining 
• The weakened potential of the white blood cells or 
• The rapid production of goblet cells 

Signs and Symptoms: 

• Cough 
• Chills 
• Fever 
• Shortness of breath 

Kinds of Bronchitis

• Acute : This is the kind that comes and goes very quickly, but it is short lived. 
• Chronic:This can be mild to severe and is long lasting from months to years. 

The Cure : 

The easiest cure for bronchitis is protect yourself using masks made up of cloth, try to avoid dust and smoke as less as possible. 

How to protect from the Sun?

Enjoying the warmth of the sun and in taking free vitamin D seems like the most relaxing and healthy means of spending weekends. But then the tanning of your skin and the prominent aging signs under your eyes poses a question mark on the positive effects of the Sunrays. 

Why protect yourself from the Sun ?

The radiation from the sun has a wide range of spectrums categorized as short, long and medium. Each kind of the UV causes a different kind of reaction on the skin cells, depending upon the sensitivity of the cell. On sensitive cells these UV rays causes the release of chemicals which degenerates the skin and results in swelling, redness, tanning, premature aging of the skin, skin cancer or eye damage . This reaction is more evident among people who spend long hours under the sun either performing their duty or for leisure.

How to determine the sensitivity of your skin:

Simple :

• Does your skin burn after sun exposure
• Do you develop a tan complection after  sun exposure.

These two questions can be answered with either yes, no, none or even with different combinations. 

 How to protect yourself from the Sun ? 

 

• Avoid exposure to the sun during Mid- day, UVrays are the strongest at this hour.
• Protect yourself using embrella, shades, hats etc.
• Use sun screens, creams and lotions:These sunscreens will either reflect or filter the UV rays . 

SPF of sunscreens

Now stands the question of choosing a sun screen with appropriate SPF( Sun Protection Factor). Sunscreens with a higher SPF should offer more protection from the sun’s harmful ultraviolet (UV) radiation. Higher SPFs can help: An SPF 15 sunscreen blocks 93 percent of UVB radiation, while an SPF 30 sunscreen blocks nearly 97 percent.

Usefulness of the sunscreen:

• Sunscreens do not make you Vitamin-D deficient because of its minimal required percentage.
• It can prevent the genetic mutation in skin cells which later leads to cancer.
• Sunscreens prevents skin cancer among patients undergone organ transplant.
• Sunscreen with high SPF (>30) are used in the treatment of phototoxicity and photoallergy.

Although the use of sun screen has become very popular yet it has been noticed that users have become more careless about the use of shades or  umbrella which is obviously easier and cost effective. So for all sun-lovers, protect yourself against skin cancer or skin aging by using effective sunscreens.

Herbal diet pills - how do they work?

Obesity and depression has become the most popular disorder of our times. More than a disorder it has now been categorized as a disease. Physical disorders such as obesity, heart strokes, blood pressure all are derived from a mental disorder such as depression, low self esteem and fatique. 

Who is the herbal pill for ? 

Herbal diet pills has come to the rescue for those people who want to reduce their weight but are either restricted to their hectic daily schedules, restriscted by complicated and expensive surgeries or simply cannot diet. 

How does the pills work its work ?

The following read will enable us to understand how do they work ? 

The herbal pills works its magic in the body by restraining our appetite to distaste food items rich in calories such as junk food and takeaways. The pills increases our body rate to burn fats and make the person feel more energized.  

How is the herbal pill made ? 

The herbal pill is comprised of the following natural remedies: 

• Green tea: this lubricates the blood platelets and reduces the cholesterol 
• Konjac Plant : blocks the absorption of dietary fats 
• Hoodia: acts as a appretite suppressant
• Gaur gum: prevents fat absorption 
• Capsaicin and Fucixanthin: burns the fats and carbohydrates by increasing the body metabolism 
• Acai berry: antioxidants that prevents many diseases 
• Yerba mate bark: keeps and makes the stomach feel full 
• Resveratrol: protects from diseases and aids in fat burning 
• Forslean Coleus: suppresses appetite and lowers the intake of calories. 

Some herbal components are extracted from fruits. 

Side effects : 

Considering the composition of the pills it is evident that there are no side effects. Furthermore huge amount of time and efforts have been spent in researching and developing the pills. 

Special instructions: 

Pregnant and breast feeding mothers should not take the pills. Children below the age of 18 years are not recommended to take. Lastly, patients diagnosed with other complications must consult their doctors before taking the pills. 

Despite its readily availability doctors and physicians must be considered before taking the pills. Drugs and pills still stand as an alternative to regular exercise and healthy diet.  

Iron deficiency anemia – how does it occur?

Iron deficiency anemia is the most widespread kind of anemia primarily characterized by a severe lack of red blood cells or low hemoglobin level. Hemoglobin’s role in transferring both oxygen and carbon dioxide around the body makes it as important as blood itself. This gradual shortfall maybe due to insufficient dietary intake or excessive blood loss from an internal organ. 

Iron deficiency anemia – how does it occur?

Iron is carried by the red blood cells of our blood around the body therefore a severe loss of blood means a serve loss of iron. Let’s figure out some of the common causes: 

• Parasitosis 

Parasitic worms such as hookworms stand as the premier predators that cause both inflammation and blood loss in the human body. 

• Blood loss

The excessive loss of blood during menstruation and the use of certain drugs such as NSAIDs, Asprin both can lead to iron-deficiency anemia. 

• Lack of Iron nutrient

To reduce the iron deficiency in the body food items such as egg, meat, leafy green vegetables, fruits, cereals should be eaten. 

• An inability to absorb iron 

Now your improved diet must also be absorbed into the bloodstream in the small intestine. An intestinal disorder may prevent this absorption of iron. Besides the instestine the stomach plays an important role in producing hydrochloric acid which is an important ingredient for the absorption of iron. 

• Pregnancy: 

Iron deficiency anemia can occur because of the increased need of iron by both the mother and the growing fetus. 

Signs and symptoms

Some of the symptoms and signs of iron-deficiency anemia include anxiety, constipation, sleepiness, palpitations, hair loss, fainting, depression and breathlessness.  

Daily requirement of Iron: 

The following is the daily requirement of iron : 

• Adolescents and adults – 60 mg/day
• Pregnancy and lactation – 60 mg /day along with 400 µg folic acid daily

However, the supply of iron must either be equal or greater than the demand of the body.

Owing to the importance of iron for the survival of a human being one should be careful of the common symptoms that are diagnosed and take simple steps such as improving your diet . 

Hypertension effects – is hypertension dangerous?

                                           

              

The change in our lifestyle today has brought along several diseases among which Hypertension has been the most prevalent and dangerous. The dangers of Hypertension  are further explained..   

Normal circulation

The heart pumps oxygenated blood to all parts of the body which allows each organ to prepare energy for its use. A normal circulation of blood means the pumping of blood neither higher nor lower than the required pressure.  Normal pressure is about 120/80 mm Hg in healthy young adults. However the pulse rate fluctuates depending upon the body’s activity as well mental/ emotional stress. 

 

Hypertension: 

Below are some general facts 

• The lifetime probability of developing hypertension is 90%.
• The blood pressure in general is lower in young women than in young men until the age of 55–65 years (perimenopausal period), after which it becomes comparable. 

The controlled systolic pressure is defined as <120 mm Hg and the diastolic pressure is >80 mm Hg. Most Hypertension patients have a blood pressure around 140/90 mm Hg which means the vessels and capillaries in body organs can be damaged. 

Hypertension effects

Hypertension is often termed as a silent killer because its symptoms may go unnoticed such as headaches, fatigue and palpitations.Some unusual signs maybe bleeding from the nose. The following lists some of the more fatal symptoms and consequences: 

• Myocardial infarction – An initial chest pain can internally mean a reduced blood flow to the heart muscles which causes the Heart Attack. 
• Congestive heart failure – this condition takes place when pumping action of the heart weakens due to increased pressure against which the heart is pumping in uncontrolled hypertension.
• Thrombotic and hemorrhagic strokes –A blockage of the blood flow through the brain blood vessels can either cause a rupture leading to encephalopathy which means a brain paralysis, coma or seizure.
• Renal failure – kidneys fail to excrete the products of metabolism resulting in a rise of urea and creatinine in blood.

There is no doubt that Hypertension is prevalent across the globe among all ages young and old. The highest contributing factor is the change of lifestyle which includes lack of exercise, mental stress and workaholic working patterns. With technological advancements it has become easier to keep a continuous check on the blood pressure several times a day.  

Benign cysts in breast

Cause and Nature of a Cyst: 

A breast cyst is a harmless round/oval sac that is filled with fluid and is firm in texture. These cyst may either appear during the pre-menopausal phase or during a hormone therapy or it can be a part of a fibrocystic disease. The disintegrated involution of breast tissues causes the formation of the cyst. Cysts can be of either a simple or complex nature , a complex cyst can may develop into a cancer in the later stage.

Diagnosis : 

The cystic nature of a breast lump can be confirmed through the following methods: 

• Breast Ultrasound: This method is rated as 95-100% accurate. It is capable of scanning the image of the cysts and clearly distinguish between the solid lumps and fluid filled cyst.The scanner instrument is placed on the skin and echoed sound waves from the breast are translated to an image. 
• Aspiration:Is the removal of cyst contents with needles.
• Mammograms: Is the use of x-rays to examine the breast.This is a very accurate screening tool and is categorised as screening and diagnostic based on identification of abnormalities.  
• However, the medical history and physical examination also play an important role in establishing an accurate diagnosis. 

Treatment : 

Cysts may be left untreated until the discomfort level or pain reaches its extent. The first treatment is done using a syringe and needle to aspire the cyst(s). The aspirated fluid is examined for cancer which is symptomized by blood stains. Subsequently a second round of aspiration is done using a wide bore biopsy if a lump still persists. In case of the reformation of the cysts a surgery will be the solution. Cyst maybe a great cause of concern specially as they are assumed as cancerous yet a careful follow-up of the physician’s advice can curtail the complexity. 

How often can you donate blood?

                                  

Our blood comprises of red cells, white cells, platelets and proteins suspended in a medium of water. The formation of these components is undertaken by the bone marrow and the liver. 

Blood donation principles

The American Red Cross has set guidelines to regulate the frequency of blood donation which highly depends upon the scale of donation:  

• Whole blood: 

Practiced in occurrence of mass blood loss during surgery or injury. 

• Platelets:

Platelets perform a vital role in stoping the bleeding in case of injury. These sticky cells are extracted from the rest of the blood. Aspirin is prohibited 48 hours before donation to allow the platelets formation and function. 

• Plasma: 

Plasma acts as a catalyst for clotting and is required during serious surgeries on liver, burns and trauma. Plasma donation requires a healthy donor. The extracted plasma is stored in a frozen form called ‘Fresh frozen plasma’ . 

• Double Red Cells: 

Red cell carries oxygen in the blood. Multiply the quantity of cells and it will multiply the blood’s capacity to carry oxygen. Red cells are also extracted from the blood via machines. 

• Autologous blood donation: 

The blood which a patient donates prior to their scheduled elective surgery is stored and saved for their use. When the blood is given back to the patient, it is called an autologous blood transfusion. As much as five units can be donated for subsequent use. 

Of course blood donation is a noble cause that can save lives. But a thorough understanding on how often can you donate blood is imperative.Nevertheless,clinics must interrogate the  medical history to ensure the appropriate level of the donor’s pulse, blood pressure, temperature and look for signs of anemia, if any.  After a blood donation, the donor must increase his intake of juices, fruits and rich diet. Intervals should be maintained between the donations. 

Pregnancy First Trimester Problems

The hormonal multiplication and demand for nutrients causes significant changes in pregnant women, especially in the first trimester.  Some of the common problems during the first trimester of pregnancy are as following:

• Hyperemesis Gravidarum :

Commonly recognized by nausea, vomiting and dehyradation. These  symptoms are believed to be caused by an increase in maternal levels of estrogen. Treatment include antiemetics and intravenous rehydration and nutritional support. 

• Constipation :

A low intake of dietary fibre or excessive water absorption by escalated progesterone can cause constipation. Liquid diets and diets rich in fibre such as bran, wheat, husk can act as a remedy. Pain reliefs and stool softerner are also recommended. An unsolved  persistent condition may lead to anal fissure. 

• Heartburn :

A burning sensation can also be caused when the hormone progesterone allows the seeping back of gastric acids because of overly relaxed muscles and valves which are responsible for the separation of the esophagus and the stomach. An upright posture after meals, lying propped up in bed , eating small frequent meals and avoiding fatty foods are all proven to be helpful.  

• Varicose veins :

Varicose veins are swollen veins that may bulge near the surface of the skin.What to do …  Exercise daily. Even just a brisk walk around the block can help your circulation.

• Backache :

Backache can be caused for numerous reasons such as weight gained by the woman and of the growing baby that puts pressure on the blood vessels in the pelvis and back. Secondly , the production of relaxin, which aims to relax the ligaments to allow flexibility during delivery. This relaxin can cause ligaments that support the spine to loosen, leading to instability and pain. A proper posture and support to the back will aid the situation. 

Pregnancy is a lot of changes- physical, mental, psychological, hormonal as well as emotional. With another living being growing inside oneself- women go through drastic changes that often causes discomfort. Exclusive attention and dedicated care must be provided to these changes to avoid any serious consequences. 

Sports injury recovery

The rehabilitation program: 

There are different phases in the physical therapy for a sports injury. The rehabilitation program aims to restore the normal function of the body by gradually enabling movement and exercise. Lets take a look at the different phases starting from diagnosis to recovery. 

Phase 1-

Symptoms: 

The swelling of joints due to the contractions of muscles and stimulation of nerves is commonly symptomized.   Any inflexibility in the joint is carefully monitored.  

Phase 2

In the course of recovering from the sports injury the following is suggested : 

• Isometric exercises

This is associated with exercises that are performed without the movement of a joint. These require you to tense your muscles without actually moving any part of your body. This strengthens specific muscle groups in the body.

• Isotonic exercises: 

In performing such exercise you are moving and you are working your muscle(s) through a range of motion. This aims to strengthen muscles and improve joint mobility.

• Restoration of neuromuscular control

Sport injuries via rehabilitation uses the neuromuscular system every time you move. It reflexively enables you to feel movement, maintain balance and flex your muscles. 

• Reconditioning

Rehabilitation is a gradual process and as the functionality improves the tissues continue to build to form a complete range of joints. 

      Phase 3: Return to activity

Specific sport related movement is exercised until a complete recovery is reached. 

Injury in sports is inevitable.  A thorough check-up and recovery of any injury should be made in consultation with the therapist not only to lessen the chance of reinjury but also assure that you will be able to perform at your best when you return to play. 

Does physical fitness result in longevity?

Today lets learn how to add years in our life ……  i.e. lets learn how physical fitness results in longevity

Physical fitness and the heart

The heart performs its function of pumping blood effortlessly and effectively, which is indicated by a slow heart rate. This consequently reduces the chances of heart disease and improves cholesterol and fat levels. 

Physical fitness and the Lungs

Daily exercise improves muscles’ strength and decreases breathlessness.  

               

Physical fitness and the Immune Systems

Exercise rouses the immune system by boosting the cells that help fighting infection. As a matter of fact exercise strengths our skeletal system by building bone via osteoblast cell activation. Incidence of many cancers like breast, prostate and large intestine (colon) cancer are reduced. 

Physical fitness and the Nervous System 

The most positive effect of physical exercise is that it supercharges the brain because it receives an increased amount of oxygen. This further results in increased motivation, better memory and a peaceful sleep. 

Physical fitness and Obesity 

Of course the most apparent effect. The burning of fats and increase in metabolic rate reduce the chance of overweight, while controlling the blood sugar. 

The benefits of physical exercise, whether indoor or outdoor, are numerous. This also includes maintaining a good diet and forgoing addictions such as alcohol and smoking. Initially,most people would dread doing any physical exercise but the mental and physical changes experienced readily encourages one to make exercise a part of their daily life. 

Amputation in diabetic foot

Amputation i.e. removal of toe, foot or part of a leg is necessitated when the non-healing sores (ulcers) are impossible to treat. Such situations are common in diabetic patients due to damaged nerves and poor blood circulation.Diabetic Management comprises of a healthy diet, regular exercise, monitored sugar level and regular medications.

Let’s read upon how amputation in diabetic foot can be prevented: 

                             

Preventing foot ulcers: Tips for proper foot care include the following:

• Check your feet daily: Symptoms include blisters, cuts, cracks, sores, redness, tenderness or swelling. 

• Wash your feet daily: Wash your feet in lukewarm water once a day. Keep the foot skin          smooth and dry by using powder, lotions and cream. 

• Avoid injury to your skin: Nail file, clipper or scissors on calluses, corns, bunions or chemical wart removers are prohibited. 

• Trim your toenails carefully: Trim your nails straight across. Carefully file sharp ends with an emery board. 

• Don't walk barefoot: Avoid walking barefoot to avoid amputation in diabetic foot. 

• Wear clean, dry socks: Cotton and special acrylic fiber socks are the best choices as it pulls sweat away from your skin- avoid nylon. 

• Buy comfortable and broad shoes:Your shoes must be comfortable and spacious for the toes. Broad fitted, properly balanced and cushioned shoes must be chosen. 

• Quit Smoking: As smoking inhibits circulation and reduces the amount of oxygen in the blood more severe wounds and poor healing will be resulted.  

• Schedule regular foot checkups: Schedule foot exams at least once a year or more often if recommended by your doctor.

• Take foot injuries seriously:Contact your doctor if you have a foot sore that doesn't begin to heal within a few days or other persistent problems with your feet. 

As evident from the tips suggested amputation of diabetic foot is 100% preventable and easy to apply at home.