Health,health tips,hiv/aids,acne,effects and remedies

For stomach problem

2009-07-15T21:17:00.000-07:00

ٹرپٹا نول==2 وقت
Tryptanol25 Mg===2 times a day

سانتے====- ایک گولی رات سوتے وقت
santae20 mg-===1 tab b4fore sleep

مو ٹیلیم-===صبح،دوپھر،شام
Motilium=====3 times

کولو فیک======3 وقت
COLOFAC 135 mg=====-3 times

گیوسکان(سیرپ)====2 چائے کے چمچ ،3 وقت
Gaviskon(syp====2 table spoon ,3 times a day

Breast Cancer( Causes and Symptoms )

2008-09-11T10:29:00.000-07:00

Symptoms and Causes

changes in breast tissue. Health professionals should also encourage women to schedule a screening mammography, which is a breast x ray that will detect cysts or tumors too small to be found during self-examination.

Changes in the breast that may be a sign of breast cancer include:

lump or thickening in breast or armpit
changes in a nipple (thickening, pulling in, bleeding, or discharge)
dimpled or reddened skin over the breast
change in breast size.

More than 75% of all breast cancers are diagnosed in women without a family history or other major risk factor for the disease. Inherited gene alterations also place women at risk for developing breast cancer at younger ages. About 20% of cases occur in families with a history of breast cancer. A breast cancer gene was discovered in 1994, however, only about 5% of breast cancers are believed to be related to the gene.

Some studies suggest that high fat diets, obesity, radiation exposure, or alcohol consumption contribute to the risk profile. Researchers have found that for certain women, hormone replacement therapy may contribute to the development of breast cancer. While one or more risk factors may boost a woman's chances of developing breast cancer, the interplay of factors is complex.

Breast Cancer(Symptoms List )

2008-09-11T09:56:00.000-07:00

Symptoms

Symptoms could include:

Pain

Retraction Of Nipple

Ulceration Of Breast

Unilateral Breast Enlargement

Veins Visible On Breast

Orange Peel Texture To Breast

Breast Pain

Breast Tenderness

Decreased Libido

Dimpling Of Surface Of Breast

Enlarged Lymph Nodes, Armpit

Nipple Discharge

Unintentional Weight Loss

Vaginal Pain

Veins Visible On Breast

Weight Loss

Breast Cancer(important facts you should know)

2008-09-11T09:29:00.000-07:00

What is Breast Cancer ?

Definition: Breast Cancer - cancer of breast tissue. Worldwide, it is the most common form of cancer in females, affecting approximately 10% of all women at some stage of their life in the Western world. Although significant efforts are made to achieve early detection and effective treatment, about 20% of all women with Breast Cancer will die from the disease, and it is the second most common cause of cancer deaths in women.

IMPORTANT FACTS YOU SHOULD KNOW
On average, the final stage of puberty is around 15 years of age and at this time, you are physically an adult.

In your late teens and early twenties you have more lumps, bumps and pain in your breasts that seem to come about just because your body is growing.

Lumps can form in your breasts due to hormonal changes during your period cycle and they usually go away at the end of that time of the month.

In your late teens and early twenties you sometimes can have round rubbery types of tumors called Fibroadenomas and these are not cancerous.

Fat Necrosis is a firm lump that can be formed by damaged fatty tissue and develops from a bruise from a hit or bump to the chest.

Yellow fever(Toxic phase)

2008-09-02T21:41:00.000-07:00

Toxic phase

Although signs and symptoms may disappear for a day or two following the acute phase, 15 percent of those with acute yellow fever then enter a toxic phase. During the toxic phase, acute signs and symptoms return and more severe and life-threatening ones also appear. These can include:

Yellowing of your skin and the whites of your eyes (jaundice).

Abdominal pain and vomiting, sometimes bloodDecreased urination.

Bleeding from the nose, mouth and eyes.

Heart dysfunction (arrhythmias).

Liver and kidney failure.

Brain dysfunction including delirium, seizures and coma.

About 20 percent to 50 percent of those who enter the toxic phase die of the disease.

The rest usually recover without significant problems.

Yellow fever(symptoms)

2008-09-02T21:34:00.000-07:00

Symptoms

During the first three to six days after you've contracted yellow fever — the incubation period — you won't experience any signs or symptoms. After this, the virus enters an acute phase and then, in some cases, a toxic phase that can be life-threatening.Acute phase Once the yellow fever virus enters the acute phase, you may experience signs and

symptoms including:

Fever.

Headache.

Muscle aches, particularly in your back and knees.

Nausea.

vomiting or both

Loss of appetite

Dizziness

Red eyes, face or tongue

These signs and symptoms usually improve and are gone within three to four days.

Yellow fever

2008-09-02T21:25:00.000-07:00

What is Yellow fever?

Yellow fever is a hemorrhagic fever caused by a virus spread by a particular species of mosquito. It is most common in areas of Africa and South America, affecting travelers to and residents of those areas. In mild cases, yellow fever causes fever, headache, nausea and vomiting.

But yellow fever can become more serious, causing bleeding (hemorrhaging), heart, liver and kidney problems. Up to 50 percent of those with the more severe form of yellow fever die of the disease.

There is no specific treatment for yellow fever. But getting a yellow fever vaccine before traveling to an area in which the virus is known to exist can protect you from the disease.

HIV/Aids( symptom and treatmen)

2008-09-02T21:04:00.000-07:00

Treatment

Therkeeps AIDS patients healthier for longer periods of time. Opportunistic infections are treated when they happen.e is no cure for AIDS at this time. However, a variety of treatments are available that can help keep symptoms at bay and improve the quality of life of those who have already developed Symptoms.

Antiretroviral therapy suppresses the replication of the HIV virus in the body. A combination of several antiretroviral agents, termed highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART), has been highly effective in reducing the number of HIV particles in the blood stream, as measured by a blood test called the viral load. Preventing the virus from replicating can help the immune system recover from the HIV infection and improve T-cell counts.

HAART is not a cure for HIV, and people on HAART with suppressed levels of HIV can still transmit the virus to others through sex or sharing of needles. But HAART has been enormously effective for the past 10 years. There is good evidence that if the levels of HIV remain suppressed and the CD4 count remains high (above 200 cells/mL), life can be significantly prolonged and improved.

However, HIV may become resistant to HAART in patients who do not take their medications on schedule every day. Genetic tests are now available to determine whether a particular HIV strain is resistant to a particular drug. This information may be useful in determining the best drug combination for each individual, and adjusting the drug regimen if it starts to fail. These tests should be performed any time a treatment strategy begins to fail, and prior to starting therapy.When HIV becomes resistant to HAART, other drug combinations must be used to try to suppress the resistant strain of HIV. There are a variety of new drugs coming out on the market for the treatment of drug-resistant HIV.

Treatment with HAART has complications. HAART is a collection of different medications, each with its own side effects. Some common side effects are nausea, headache, weakness, malaise (a general sick feeling), and fat accumulation on the back ("buffalo hump") and abdomen. When used for a long time, these medications increase the risk of heart attack by increasing the levels of fat and glucose in the blood.

Anydoctor prescribing HAART should carefully watch the patient for possible side effects associated with the combination of medications the patient takes. In addition, routine blood tests measuring CD4 counts and HIV viral load (a blood test that measures how much virus is in the blood) should be taken every 3-4 months. The goal is to get the CD4 count as close to normal as possible, and to suppress the HIV amount of virus in the blood to an undetectable level.Other antiviral medications are being investigated. In addition, growth factors that stimulate cell growth, such as Epogen (erthythropoetin) and G-CSF are sometimes used to treat anemiaand low white blood cell counts associated with AIDS.

Medications are also used to prevent opportunistic infections (such as Pneumocystis uirovecipneumonia)if the CD4 count is low enough. This

HIV/Aids(causes)

2008-09-02T20:39:00.000-07:00

Causes

AIDS is the fifth leading cause of death among people aged 25-44 in the United States, down from number one in 1995. About 25 million people worldwide have died from this infection since the start of the epidemic, and 40.3 million people around the world are currently living with HIV/AIDS

Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) causes AIDS. The virus attacks the immune system and leaves the body vulnerable to a variety of life-threatening infections and cancers.Common bacteria, yeast, parasites, and viruses that ordinarily do not cause serious disease in people with healthy immune systems can cause fatal illnesses in people with AIDS.

HIV has been found in saliva, tears, nervous system tissue and spinal fluid, blood, semen (including pre-seminal fluid, which is the liquid that comes out prior to ejaculation), vaginal fluid, and breast milk. However, only blood, semen, vaginal secretions, and breast milk generally transmit infection to others.

The virus can be transmitted:Through sexual contact -- including oral, vaginal, and anal sexThrough blood -- via blood transfusions (now extremely rare in the US) or needle sharingFrom mother to child -- a pregnant woman can transmit the virus to her fetus through their shared blood circulation, or a nursing mother can transmit it to her baby in her milkOther transmission methods are rare and include accidental needle injury, artificial insemination with infected donated semen, and organ transplantation with infected organs.

HIV infection is not spread by casual contact such as hugging, by touching items previously touched by a person infected with the virus, during participation in sports, or by mosquitoes.It is NOT transmitted to a person who DONATES blood or organs. Those who donate organs are never in direct contact with those who receive them. Likewise, a person who donates blood is not in contact with the person receiving it. In all these procedures, sterile needles and instruments are used.However, HIV can be transmitted to a person RECEIVING blood or organs from an infected donor.

To reduce this risk, blood banks and organ donor programs screen donors, blood, and tissues thoroughly.People at highest risk for getting HIV include: Intravenous drug users who share needlesInfants born to mothers with HIV who don't receive HIV therapy during pregnancyPeople engaging in unprotected sexPeople who received blood transfusions or clotting products between 1977 and 1985 (prior to when standard screening for the virus began)Sexual partners of those who participate in high-risk activities (such as anal sex)AIDS begins with HIV infection.

People infected with HIV may have no symptoms for 10 years or longer, but they can still transmit the infection to others during this symptom-free period. Meanwhile, if the infection is not detected and treated, the immune system gradually weakens, and AIDS develops.Acute HIV infection progresses over time (usually a few weeks to months) to (no symptoms) and then to early symptomatic (some symptoms) HIV infection. Later, it progresses to AIDS (very advanced HIV infection with T-cell count below 200).Almost all people infected with HIV, if not treated, will develop AIDS.

There is a small group of patients who develop AIDS very slowly, or never at all. These patients are called nonprogressors, and many seem to have a genetic difference that prevents the virus from damaging their immune system

HIV/Aids(symptoms)

2008-09-02T20:17:00.000-07:00

Symtopms.

The symptoms of AIDS are primarily the result of infections that do not normally develop in individuals with healthy immune systems. These are called opportunistic infections.People with AIDS have had their immune system depleted by HIV and are very susceptible to these opportunistic infections. Common symptoms are fevers, sweats (particularly at night), swollen glands, chills, weakness, and weight loss. See the signs and tests section below for a list of common opportunistic infections and major symptoms associated with them.

Note: Initial infection with HIV can produce no symptoms. Some people, however, do experience flu-like symptoms with fever, rash, sore throat, and swollen lymph nodes, usually 2 weeks after contracting the virus. Some people with HIV infection remain without symptoms for years between the time the are exposed to the virus and when they develop AIDS.

Aids(defination,basic info.)

2008-09-02T20:06:00.000-07:00

What is AIDS

AIDS is a frightening diagnosis - like cancer, it used to mean a death sentence. It is caused by a virus - human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) but the full blown disease does not take hold until five to ten years after initial infection

Basic Info

Symptoms.

Causes.

Tests.

Treatments.

Drugs.

Supplements.

Alternative Therapies.

Risk Factors.

Complications.

Prevention.

Doctor Specialties.

Prostate Cancer (causes,incidence,risk factors)

2008-09-02T18:29:00.000-07:00

Causes, incidence, and risk factors

The cause of prostate cancer is unknown, although some studies have shown a relationship between high dietary fat intake and increased testosterone levels. When testosterone levels are lowered either by surgical removal of the testicles (castration, orchiectomy) or by medication, prostate cancer can slowly get better.

There is no known association with benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH).Prostate cancer is the third most common cause of death from cancer in men of all ages and is the most common cause of death from cancer in men over 75 years old. Prostate cancer is rarely found in men younger than 40.Men at higher risk include African-America men older than 60, farmers, tire plant workers, painters, and men exposed to cadmium.

The lowest number of cases occurs in Japanese men and those who do not eat meat (vegetarians).Prostate cancers are grouped according to how quickly they spread and how different they are from the surrounding prostate tissue. This is called staging.

There are several different ways to stage tumors, a common one being the A-B-C-D staging system, also known as the Whitmore-Jewett system:

Stage A: Tumor is not felt on physical examination, and is usually detected by accident after prostate surgery is done for other reasons.

Stage B: Tumor is only in the prostate and usually detected during a physical exam or with a blood test (PSA test).

Stage C: Tumor has spread beyond the prostate but is not in the lymph nodes.

Stage D: Tumor has spread (metastasized) to lymph nodes or other parts of the body, such as the bone and lungs.This system also contains several substages.

Prostate Cancer(symptoms)

2008-09-02T18:21:00.000-07:00

Symptoms

With the advent of PSA testing, most prostate cancers are now found before they cause symptoms. Additionally, while most of the symptoms listed below can be associated with prostate cancer, they are more likely to be associated with non-cancerous conditions.

Urinary hesitancy (delayed or slowed start of urinary stream)Urinary dribbling, especially immediately after urinatingUrinary retentionPain with ejaculationLower back painPain with bowel movementAdditional symptoms that may be associated with this disease:

Excessive urination at nightIncontinenceBone pain or tendernessHematuria (blood in the urine)Abdominal painAnemiaUnintentional weight .

Prostate Cancer (defination,signs and tests)

2008-09-02T18:11:00.000-07:00

Alternative Names .

Cancer - prostate

Signs and tests A rectal exam often reveals an enlarged prostate with a hard, irregular surface. A number of tests may be done to confirm the diagnosis of prostate cancer.PSA test may be high, although non-cancerous enlargement of the prostate can also increase PSA levels.

Free PSA may help tell the difference between BPH and prostate cancer.Urinalysis may show blood in the urine.Urine or prostatic fluid cytology may reveal unusual cells. Prostate biopsy confirms the diagnosis.CT scans may be done to see if the cancer has spread.A bone scan may be done to see if the cancer has spread.Chest x-ray may be done to see.

Acne(Defination,Signs and Tests)

2008-09-02T17:45:00.000-07:00

What is Acne?
Acne vulgaris (commonly called acne) is a skin disease caused by changes in the pilosebaceous units (skin structures consisting of a hair follicle and its associated sebaceous gland). Severe acne is inflammatory, but acne can also manifest in noninflammatory forms. Acne lesions are commonly referred to as pimples, spots, or zits.

Alternative Names
acne vulgaris; Cystic acne; Pimples; Zits

Signs and tests

Your doctor can diagnose acne based on the appearance of the skin.

Acne(Causes,Incidence,and Risk factors)

2008-09-02T17:38:00.000-07:00

Causes, incidence, and risk factors
Acne occurs when tiny holes on the surface of the skin, called pores, become clogged. Each pore is an opening to a canal called a follicle, which contains a hair and an oil gland. Normally, the oil glands help keep the skin lubricated and help remove old skin cells. When glands produce too much oil, the pores can become blocked, accumulating dirt, debris, and bacteria. The blockage is called a plug or comedone.

The top of the plug may be white (whitehead) or dark (blackhead). If it ruptures, the material inside, including oil and bacteria, can spread to the surrounding area and cause an inflammatory reaction. If the inflammation is deep in your skin, the pimples may enlarge to form firm, painful cysts.

Acne commonly appears on the face and shoulders, but may also occur on the trunk, arms, legs, and buttocks.Acne is most common in teenagers, but it can happen at any age, even as an infant. Three out of four teenagers have acne to some extent, probably caused by hormonal changes that stimulate oil production. However, people in their 30s and 40s may also have acne.

Acne tends to run in families and can be triggered by:Hormonal changes related to menstrual periods, pregnancy, birth control pills, or stressGreasy or oily cosmetic and hair productsCertain drugs (such as steroids, testosterone, estrogen, and phenytoin)High levels of humidity and sweatingDespite the popular belief that chocolate, nuts, and other foods cause acne, this does not seem to be true.SymptomsBlackheads .Crusting of skin eruptions .Cysts .Inflammation around the skin eruptions .Pustules .Redness around the skin eruptions .Scarring of the skin .Whiteheads.

2008-09-02T17:35:00.000-07:00

Phototherapy
'Blue' and red light
It has long been known that short term improvement can be achieved with sunlight. However, studies have shown that sunlight worsens acne long-term[citation needed]. More recently, visible light has been successfully employed to treat acne (phototherapy) - in particular intense violet light (405-420nm) generated by purpose-built fluorescent lighting, dichroic bulbs, LEDs or lasers. Used twice weekly, this has been shown to reduce the number of acne lesions by about 64% and is even more effective when applied daily.

The mechanism appears to be that a porphyrin (Coproporphyrin III) produced within P. acnes generates free radicals when irradiated by 420nm and shorter wavelengths of light.Particularly when applied over several days, these free radicals ultimately kill the bacteria.Since porphyrins are not otherwise present in skin, and no UV light is employed, it appears to be safe, and has been licensed by the U.S. FDA.

The treatment apparently works even better if used with red visible light (660 nanometer) resulting in a 76% reduction of lesions after 3 months of daily treatment for 80% of the patients; and overall clearance was similar or better than benzoyl peroxide. Unlike most of the other treatments few if any negative side effects are typically experienced, and the development of bacterial resistance to the treatment seems very unlikely.

After treatment, clearance can be longer lived than is typical with topical or oral antibiotic treatments; several months is not uncommon. The equipment or treatment, however, is relatively new and reasonably expensive to buy initially, although the total cost of ownership can be similar to many other treatment methods (such as the total cost of benzoyl peroxide, moisturiser, washes) over a couple of years of use

Retinoids for Acne(Typical)

2008-09-02T17:32:00.000-07:00

Tpical retinoids

A group of medications for normalizing the follicle cell lifecycle are topical retinoids such as tretinoin (brand name Retin-A), adapalene (brand name Differin), and tazarotene (brand name Tazorac). Like isotretinoin, they are related to vitamin A, but they are administered as topicals and generally have much milder side effects.

They can, however, cause significant irritation of the skin. The retinoids appear to influence the cell creation and death lifecycle of cells in the follicle lining. This helps prevent the hyperkeratinization of these cells that can create a blockage. Retinol, a form of vitamin A, has similar but milder effects and is used in many over-the-counter moisturizers and other topical products.

Effective topical retinoids have been in use over 30 years but are available only on prescription so are not as widely used as the other topical treatments. Topical retinoids often cause an initial flare up of acne and facial flushing.

Retinoids for Acne(Oral)

2008-09-02T17:22:00.000-07:00

Oral retinoids

inoidsdaily oral intake of vitamin A derivative isotretinoin (marketed as Accutane, Amnesteem, Sotret, Claravis) over a period of 4-6 months can cause long-term resolution or reduction of acne. It is believed that isotretinoin works primarily by reducing the secretion of oils from the glands, however some studies suggest that it affects other acne-related factors as well.

Isotretinoin has been shown to be very effective in treating severe acne and can either improve or clear well over 80% of patients. The drug has a much longer effect than anti-bacterial treatments and will often cure acne for good.

The treatment requires close medical supervision by a dermatologist because the drug has many known side effects (many of which can be severe). About 25% of patients may relapse after one treatment. In those cases, a second treatment for another 4-6 months may be indicated to obtain desired results.

It is often recommended that one lets a few months pass between the two treatments, because the condition can actually improve somewhat in the time after stopping the treatment and waiting a few months also gives the body a chance to recover. Occasionally a third or even a fourth course is used, but the benefits are often less substantial. The most common side effects are dry skin and occasional nosebleeds (secondary to dry nasal mucosa).

Oral retinoids also often cause an initial flare up of acne within a month or so, which can be severe. There are reports that the drug has damaged the liver of patients. For this reason, it is recommended that patients have blood samples taken and examined before and during treatment. In some cases, treatment is terminated or reduced due to elevated liver enzymes in the blood, which might be related to liver damage.

Others claim that the reports of permanent damage to the liver are unsubstantiated, and routine testing is considered unnecessary by some dermatologists. Blood triglycerides also need to be monitored. However, routine testing are part of the official guidelines for the use of the drug in many countries. Some press reports suggest that isotretinoin may cause depression but as of September 2005 there is no agreement in the medical literature as to the risk.

The drug also causes birth defects if women become pregnant while taking it or take it while pregnant

For this reason, female patients are required to use two separate forms of birth control or vow abstinence while on the drug. Because of this, the drug is supposed to be given to females as a last resort after milder treatments have proven insufficient. Restrictive rules (see iPledge program) for use were put into force in the USA beginning in March 2006 to prevent misuse, causing occasioned widespread editorial comment.

Harmonal Treatment for Acne

2008-09-02T17:18:00.000-07:00

Hormonal treatments

In females, acne can be improved with hormonal treatments. The common combined oestrogen/progestogen methods of hormonal contraception have some effect, but the antiandrogen, Cyproterone, in combination with an oestrogen (Diane 35) is particularly effective at reducing androgenic hormone levels. Diane-35 is not available in the USA, but a newer oral contraceptive containing the progestin drospirenone is now available with fewer side effects than Diane 35 / Dianette. Both can be used where blood tests show abnormally high levels of androgens, but are effective even when this is not the case.

Along with this, treatment with low dose spironolactone can have anti-androgenetic properties, especially in patients with polycystic ovarian syndrome.If a pimple is large and/or does not seem to be affected by other treatments, a dermatologist may administer an injection of cortisone directly into it, which will usually reduce redness and inflammation almost immediately.

This has the effect of flattening the pimple, thereby making it easier to cover up with makeup, and can also aid in the healing process. Side effects are minimal, but may include a temporary whitening of the skin around the injection point; and occasionally a small depression forms, which may persist, although often fills eventually. This method also carries a much smaller risk of scarring than surgical removal.

Treatments for Acne

2008-08-30T23:25:00.000-07:00

Treatments.

There are many products available for the treatment of acne, many of which are without any scientifically-proven effects. Generally speaking, successful treatments show little improvement within the first two weeks, instead taking a period of approximately three months to improve and start flattening out.

Many treatments that promise big improvements within two weeks are likely to be largely disappointing. However, short bursts of cortisone can give very quick results, and other treatments can rapidly improve some active spots, but usually not all active spots. Modes of improvement are not necessarily fully understood but in general treatments are believed to work in at least 4 different ways (with many of the best treatments providing multiple simultaneous effects):normalising shedding into the pore to prevent blockagekilling P. acnesanti-inflammatory effectshormonal manipulationA combination of treatments can greatly reduce the amount and severity of acne in many cases.

Those treatments that are most effective tend to have greater potential for side effects and need a greater degree of monitoring, so a step-wise approach is often taken. Many people consult with doctors when deciding which treatments to use, especially when considering using any treatments in combination. There are a number of treatments that have been proven effective:

Topical bactericidals

Widely available OTC bactericidal products containing benzoyl peroxide may be used in mild to moderate acne. The gel or cream containing benzoyl peroxide is rubbed, twice daily, into the pores over the affected region. Bar soaps or washes may also be used and vary from 2 to 10% in strength. In addition to its therapeutic effect as a keratolytic (a chemical that dissolves the keratin plugging the pores) benzoyl peroxide also prevents new lesions by killing P.acnes. In one study, roughly 70% of participants using a 10% benzoyl peroxide solution experienced a reduction in acne lesions after 6 weeks.Unlike antibiotics, benzoyl peroxide has the advantage of being a strong oxidizer (essentially a mild bleach) and thus does not appear to generate bacterial resistance. However, it routinely causes dryness, local irritation and redness. A sensible regimen may include the daily use of low-concentration (2.5%) benzoyl peroxide preparations, combined with suitable non-comedogenic moisturisers to help avoid overdrying the skin.Care must be taken when using benzoyl peroxide, as it can very easily bleach any fabric or hair it comes in contact with.Other antibacterials that have been used include triclosan, or chlorhexidine gluconate but these are often less effective, but also have fewer side-effects.Prescription-strength benzoyl peroxide preparations do not necessarily differ with regard to the maximum concentration of the active ingredient (10%), but the drug is made available dissolved in a vehicle that more deeply penetrates the pores of the skin.Topical antibioticsExternally applied antibiotics such as erythromycin, clindamycin, Stievamycin, or tetracycline aim to kill the bacteria that are harbored in the blocked follicles. While topical use of antibiotics is equally as effective as oral use, this method avoids possible side effects including upset stomach and drug interactions (e.g. it will not affect use of the oral contraceptive pill), but may prove awkward to apply over larger areas than just the face alone.

Oral antibiotics

Oral antibiotics used to treat acne include erythromycin or one of the tetracline antibiotics(tetracycline, the better absorbed oxytetracycline, or one of the once daily doxycycline, minocycline, or lymecycline). Trimethoprim is also sometimes used (off-label use in UK). However, reducing the P. acnes bacteria will not, in itself, do anything to reduce the oil secretion and abnormal cell behaviour that is the initial cause of the blocked follicles. Additionally the antibiotics are becoming less and less useful as resistant P. acnes are becoming more common. Acne will generally reappear quite soon after the end of treatment—days later in the case of topical applications, and weeks later in the case of oral antibiotics. Furthermore side effects of tetracycline antibiotics can include yellowing of the teeth and an imbalance of gut flora, so are only recommended after topical products have been ruled out.It has been found that sub-antimicrobial doses of antibiotics such as minocycline also improve acne. It is believed that minocycline's anti-inflammatory effect also prevents acne. These low doses do not kill bacteria and hence cannot induce resistance.

Acne

2008-08-29T04:05:00.000-07:00

What is Acne?

Acne vulgaris (commonly called acne) is a skin disease caused by changes in the pilosebaceous units (skin structures consisting of a hair follicle and its associated sebaceous gland). Severe acne is inflammatory, but acne can also manifest in noninflammatory forms. Acne lesions are commonly referred to as pimples, spots, or zits.

Alternative Names

acne vulgaris; Cystic acne; Pimples; Zits

Causes, incidence, and risk factors

Acne occurs when tiny holes on the surface of the skin, called pores, become clogged. Each pore is an opening to a canal called a follicle, which contains a hair and an oil gland. Normally, the oil glands help keep the skin lubricated and help remove old skin cells. When glands produce too much oil, the pores can become blocked, accumulating dirt, debris, and bacteria. The blockage is called a plug or comedone.The top of the plug may be white (whitehead) or dark (blackhead). If it ruptures, the material inside, including oil and bacteria, can spread to the surrounding area and cause an inflammatory reaction. If the inflammation is deep in your skin, the pimples may enlarge to form firm, painful cysts.Acne commonly appears on the face and shoulders, but may also occur on the trunk, arms, legs, and buttocks.Acne is most common in teenagers, but it can happen at any age, even as an infant. Three out of four teenagers have acne to some extent, probably caused by hormonal changes that stimulate oil production. However, people in their 30s and 40s may also have acne.Acne tends to run in families and can be triggered by:Hormonal changes related to menstrual periods, pregnancy, birth control pills, or stressGreasy or oily cosmetic and hair productsCertain drugs (such as steroids, testosterone, estrogen, and phenytoin)High levels of humidity and sweatingDespite the popular belief that chocolate, nuts, and other foods cause acne, this does not seem to be true.SymptomsBlackheads .Crusting of skin eruptions .Cysts .Inflammation around the skin eruptions .Pustules .Redness around the skin eruptions .Scarring of the skin .Whiteheads.
Signs and tests
Your doctor can diagnose acne based on the appearance of the skin.
Treatments.
There are many products available for the treatment of acne, many of which are without any scientifically-proven effects. Generally speaking, successful treatments show little improvement within the first two weeks, instead taking a period of approximately three months to improve and start flattening out. Many treatments that promise big improvements within two weeks are likely to be largely disappointing. However, short bursts of cortisone can give very quick results, and other treatments can rapidly improve some active spots, but usually not all active spots. Modes of improvement are not necessarily fully understood but in general treatments are believed to work in at least 4 different ways (with many of the best treatments providing multiple simultaneous effects):normalising shedding into the pore to prevent blockagekilling P. acnesanti-inflammatory effectshormonal manipulationA combination of treatments can greatly reduce the amount and severity of acne in many cases. Those treatments that are most effective tend to have greater potential for side effects and need a greater degree of monitoring, so a step-wise approach is often taken. Many people consult with doctors when deciding which treatments to use, especially when considering using any treatments in combination. There are a number of treatments that have been proven effective:
Topical bactericidals
Widely available OTC bactericidal products containing benzoyl peroxide may be used in mild to moderate acne. The gel or cream containing benzoyl peroxide is rubbed, twice daily, into the pores over the affected region. Bar soaps or washes may also be used and vary from 2 to 10% in strength. In addition to its therapeutic effect as a keratolytic (a chemical that dissolves the keratin plugging the pores) benzoyl peroxide also prevents new lesions by killing P.acnes. In one study, roughly 70% of participants using a 10% benzoyl peroxide solution experienced a reduction in acne lesions after 6 weeks.Unlike antibiotics, benzoyl peroxide has the advantage of being a strong oxidizer (essentially a mild bleach) and thus does not appear to generate bacterial resistance. However, it routinely causes dryness, local irritation and redness. A sensible regimen may include the daily use of low-concentration (2.5%) benzoyl peroxide preparations, combined with suitable non-comedogenic moisturisers to help avoid overdrying the skin.Care must be taken when using benzoyl peroxide, as it can very easily bleach any fabric or hair it comes in contact with.Other antibacterials that have been used include triclosan, or chlorhexidine gluconate but these are often less effective, but also have fewer side-effects.Prescription-strength benzoyl peroxide preparations do not necessarily differ with regard to the maximum concentration of the active ingredient (10%), but the drug is made available dissolved in a vehicle that more deeply penetrates the pores of the skin.
Topical antibiotics
Externally applied antibiotics such as erythromycin, clindamycin, Stievamycin, or tetracycline aim to kill the bacteria that are harbored in the blocked follicles. While topical use of antibiotics is equally as effective as oral use, this method avoids possible side effects including upset stomach and drug interactions (e.g. it will not affect use of the oral contraceptive pill), but may prove awkward to apply over larger areas than just the face alone.
Oral antibiotics
Oral antibiotics used to treat acne include erythromycin or one of the tetracline antibiotics(tetracycline, the better absorbed oxytetracycline, or one of the once daily doxycycline, minocycline, or lymecycline). Trimethoprim is also sometimes used (off-label use in UK). However, reducing the P. acnes bacteria will not, in itself, do anything to reduce the oil secretion and abnormal cell behaviour that is the initial cause of the blocked follicles. Additionally the antibiotics are becoming less and less useful as resistant P. acnes are becoming more common. Acne will generally reappear quite soon after the end of treatment—days later in the case of topical applications, and weeks later in the case of oral antibiotics. Furthermore side effects of tetracycline antibiotics can include yellowing of the teeth and an imbalance of gut flora, so are only recommended after topical products have been ruled out.It has been found that sub-antimicrobial doses of antibiotics such as minocycline also improve acne. It is believed that minocycline's anti-inflammatory effect also prevents acne. These low doses do not kill bacteria and hence cannot induce resistance.
Hormonal treatments
In females, acne can be improved with hormonal treatments. The common combined oestrogen/progestogen methods of hormonal contraception have some effect, but the antiandrogen, Cyproterone, in combination with an oestrogen (Diane 35) is particularly effective at reducing androgenic hormone levels. Diane-35 is not available in the USA, but a newer oral contraceptive containing the progestin drospirenone is now available with fewer side effects than Diane 35 / Dianette. Both can be used where blood tests show abnormally high levels of androgens, but are effective even when this is not the case. Along with this, treatment with low dose spironolactone can have anti-androgenetic properties, especially in patients with polycystic ovarian syndrome.If a pimple is large and/or does not seem to be affected by other treatments, a dermatologist may administer an injection of cortisone directly into it, which will usually reduce redness and inflammation almost immediately. This has the effect of flattening the pimple, thereby making it easier to cover up with makeup, and can also aid in the healing process. Side effects are minimal, but may include a temporary whitening of the skin around the injection point; and occasionally a small depression forms, which may persist, although often fills eventually. This method also carries a much smaller risk of scarring than surgical removal.
Tpical retinoids
A group of medications for normalizing the follicle cell lifecycle are topical retinoids such as tretinoin (brand name Retin-A), adapalene (brand name Differin), and tazarotene (brand name Tazorac). Like isotretinoin, they are related to vitamin A, but they are administered as topicals and generally have much milder side effects. They can, however, cause significant irritation of the skin. The retinoids appear to influence the cell creation and death lifecycle of cells in the follicle lining. This helps prevent the hyperkeratinization of these cells that can create a blockage. Retinol, a form of vitamin A, has similar but milder effects and is used in many over-the-counter moisturizers and other topical products. Effective topical retinoids have been in use over 30 years but are available only on prescription so are not as widely used as the other topical treatments. Topical retinoids often cause an initial flare up of acne and facial flushing.
Oral retinoids

inoidsdaily oral intake of vitamin A derivative isotretinoin (marketed as Accutane, Amnesteem, Sotret, Claravis) over a period of 4-6 months can cause long-term resolution or reduction of acne. It is believed that isotretinoin works primarily by reducing the secretion of oils from the glands, however some studies suggest that it affects other acne-related factors as well. Isotretinoin has been shown to be very effective in treating severe acne and can either improve or clear well over 80% of patients. The drug has a much longer effect than anti-bacterial treatments and will often cure acne for good. The treatment requires close medical supervision by a dermatologist because the drug has many known side effects (many of which can be severe). About 25% of patients may relapse after one treatment. In those cases, a second treatment for another 4-6 months may be indicated to obtain desired results. It is often recommended that one lets a few months pass between the two treatments, because the condition can actually improve somewhat in the time after stopping the treatment and waiting a few months also gives the body a chance to recover. Occasionally a third or even a fourth course is used, but the benefits are often less substantial. The most common side effects are dry skin and occasional nosebleeds (secondary to dry nasal mucosa). Oral retinoids also often cause an initial flare up of acne within a month or so, which can be severe. There are reports that the drug has damaged the liver of patients. For this reason, it is recommended that patients have blood samples taken and examined before and during treatment. In some cases, treatment is terminated or reduced due to elevated liver enzymes in the blood, which might be related to liver damage. Others claim that the reports of permanent damage to the liver are unsubstantiated, and routine testing is considered unnecessary by some dermatologists. Blood triglycerides also need to be monitored. However, routine testing are part of the official guidelines for the use of the drug in many countries. Some press reports suggest that isotretinoin may cause depression but as of September 2005 there is no agreement in the medical literature as to the risk. The drug also causes birth defects if women become pregnant while taking it or take it while pregnant. For this reason, female patients are required to use two separate forms of birth control or vow abstinence while on the drug. Because of this, the drug is supposed to be given to females as a last resort after milder treatments have proven insufficient. Restrictive rules (see iPledge program) for use were put into force in the USA beginning in March 2006 to prevent misuse, causing occasioned widespread editorial comment.
Phototherapy.

'Blue' and red light

It has long been known that short term improvement can be achieved with sunlight. However, studies have shown that sunlight worsens acne long-term[citation needed]. More recently, visible light has been successfully employed to treat acne (phototherapy) - in particular intense violet light (405-420nm) generated by purpose-built fluorescent lighting, dichroic bulbs, LEDs or lasers. Used twice weekly, this has been shown to reduce the number of acne lesions by about 64% and is even more effective when applied daily. The mechanism appears to be that a porphyrin (Coproporphyrin III) produced within P. acnes generates free radicals when irradiated by 420nm and shorter wavelengths of light.Particularly when applied over several days, these free radicals ultimately kill the bacteria.Since porphyrins are not otherwise present in skin, and no UV light is employed, it appears to be safe, and has been licensed by the U.S. FDA. The treatment apparently works even better if used with red visible light (660 nanometer) resulting in a 76% reduction of lesions after 3 months of daily treatment for 80% of the patients; and overall clearance was similar or better than benzoyl peroxide. Unlike most of the other treatments few if any negative side effects are typically experienced, and the development of bacterial resistance to the treatment seems very unlikely. After treatment, clearance can be longer lived than is typical with topical or oral antibiotic treatments; several months is not uncommon. The equipment or treatment, however, is relatively new and reasonably expensive to buy initially, although the total cost of ownership can be similar to many other treatment methods (such as the total cost of benzoyl peroxide, moisturiser, washes) over a couple of years of use.

Prostate Cancer

2008-08-28T20:33:00.000-07:00

Prostate Cancer
is cancer that grows in prostate gland. The prostate is a small, walnut-sized structure that makes up part of a man's reproductive system. It wraps around the urethra, the tube that carries urine out of the body.
Alternative Names
Cancer - prostate
Causes, incidence, and risk factors The cause of prostate cancer is unknown, although some studies have shown a relationship between high dietary fat intake and increased testosterone levels. When testosterone levels are lowered either by surgical removal of the testicles (castration, orchiectomy) or by medication, prostate cancer can slowly get better.
There is no known association with benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH).
Prostate cancer is the third most common cause of death from cancer in men of all ages and is the most common cause of death from cancer in men over 75 years old. Prostate cancer is rarely found in men younger than 40.Men at higher risk include African-America men older than 60, farmers, tire plant workers, painters, and men exposed to cadmium. The lowest number of cases occurs in Japanese men and those who do not eat meat (vegetarians).Prostate cancers are grouped according to how quickly they spread and how different they are from the surrounding prostate tissue. This is called staging. There are several different ways to stage tumors, a common one being the A-B-C-D staging system, also known as the Whitmore-Jewett system:
Stage A: Tumor is not felt on physical examination, and is usually detected by accident after prostate surgery is done for other reasons.
Stage B: Tumor is only in the prostate and usually detected during a physical exam or with a blood test (PSA test).
Stage C: Tumor has spread beyond the prostate but is not in the lymph nodes.
Stage D: Tumor has spread (metastasized) to lymph nodes or other parts of the body, such as the bone and lungs.
This system also contains several substages.
Symptoms
With the advent of PSA testing, most prostate cancers are now found before they cause symptoms. Additionally, while most of the symptoms listed below can be associated with prostate cancer, they are more likely to be associated with non-cancerous conditions.
Urinary hesitancy (delayed or slowed start of urinary stream)
Urinary dribbling, especially immediately after urinating
Urinary retentionPain with ejaculation
Lower back pain
Pain with bowel movementAdditional symptoms that may be associated with this disease:Excessive urination at nightIncontinenceBone pain or tendernessHematuria (blood in the urine)Abdominal painAnemiaUnintentional weight lossLethargy
Signs and tests
A rectal exam often reveals an enlarged prostate with a hard, irregular surface. A number of tests may be done to confirm the diagnosis of prostate cancer.PSA test may be high, although non-cancerous enlargement of the prostate can also increase PSA levels.Free PSA may help tell the difference between BPH and prostate cancer.
Urinalysis may show blood in the urine.Urine or prostatic fluid cytology may reveal unusual cells.
Prostate biopsy confirms the diagnosis.
CT scans may be done to see if the cancer has spread.A bone scan may be done to see if the cancer has spread.Chest x-ray may be done to see if the cancer has spread.

HIV/AIDS

2008-08-23T03:24:00.000-07:00

What is AIDS AIDS is a frightening diagnosis - like cancer, it used to mean a death sentence. It is caused by a virus - human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) but the full blown disease does not take hold until five to ten years after initial infection.

Basic Info
Symptoms
Causes
Tests
Treatments
Drugs
Supplements
Alternative Therapies
Risk Factors
Complications
Prevention
Doctor Specialties
Symptoms

The symptoms of AIDS are primarily the result of infections that do not normally develop in individuals with healthy immune systems. These are called opportunistic infections.
People with AIDS have had their immune system depleted by HIV and are very susceptible to these opportunistic infections. Common symptoms are fevers, sweats (particularly at night), swollen glands, chills, weakness, and weight loss.
See the signs and tests section below for a list of common opportunistic infections and major symptoms associated with them.
Note: Initial infection with HIV can produce no symptoms. Some people, however, do experience flu-like symptoms with fever, rash, sore throat, and swollen lymph nodes, usually 2 weeks after contracting the virus. Some people with HIV infection remain without symptoms for years between the time the are exposed to the virus and when they develop AIDS.

Causes
AIDS is the fifth leading cause of death among people aged 25-44 in the United States, down from number one in 1995. About 25 million people worldwide have died from this infection since the start of the epidemic, and 40.3 million people around the world are currently living with HIV/AIDS.
Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) causes AIDS. The virus attacks the immune system and leaves the body vulnerable to a variety of life-threatening infections and cancers.
Common bacteria, yeast, parasites, and viruses that ordinarily do not cause serious disease in people with healthy immune systems can cause fatal illnesses in people with AIDS.
HIV has been found in saliva, tears, nervous system tissue and spinal fluid, blood, semen (including pre-seminal fluid, which is the liquid that comes out prior to ejaculation), vaginal fluid, and breast milk. However, only blood, semen, vaginal secretions, and breast milk generally transmit infection to others.
The virus can be transmitted:
Through sexual contact -- including oral, vaginal, and anal sex
Through blood -- via blood transfusions (now extremely rare in the US) or needle sharing
From mother to child -- a pregnant woman can transmit the virus to her fetus through their shared blood circulation, or a nursing mother can transmit it to her baby in her milk
Other transmission methods are rare and include accidental needle injury, artificial insemination with infected donated semen, and organ transplantation with infected organs.
HIV infection is not spread by casual contact such as hugging, by touching items previously touched by a person infected with the virus, during participation in sports, or by mosquitoes.
It is NOT transmitted to a person who DONATES blood or organs. Those who donate organs are never in direct contact with those who receive them. Likewise, a person who donates blood is not in contact with the person receiving it. In all these procedures, sterile needles and instruments are used.
However, HIV can be transmitted to a person RECEIVING blood or organs from an infected donor. To reduce this risk, blood banks and organ donor programs screen donors, blood, and tissues thoroughly.
People at highest risk for getting HIV include:
Intravenous drug users who share needles
Infants born to mothers with HIV who don't receive HIV therapy during pregnancy
People engaging in unprotected sex
People who received blood transfusions or clotting products between 1977 and 1985 (prior to when standard screening for the virus began)
Sexual partners of those who participate in high-risk activities (such as anal sex)
AIDS begins with HIV infection. People infected with HIV may have no symptoms for 10 years or longer, but they can still transmit the infection to others during this symptom-free period. Meanwhile, if the infection is not detected and treated, the immune system gradually weakens, and AIDS develops.
Acute HIV infection progresses over time (usually a few weeks to months) to (no symptoms) and then to early symptomatic (some symptoms) HIV infection. Later, it progresses to AIDS (very advanced HIV infection with T-cell count below 200).
Almost all people infected with HIV, if not treated, will develop AIDS. There is a small group of patients who develop AIDS very slowly, or never at all. These patients are called nonprogressors, and many seem to have a genetic difference that prevents the virus from damaging their immune system

Treatment
There is no cure for AIDS at this time. However, a variety of treatments are available that can help keep symptoms at bay and improve the quality of life of those who have already developed symptoms.
Antiretroviral therapy suppresses the replication of the HIV virus in the body. A combination of several antiretroviral agents, termed highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART), has been highly effective in reducing the number of HIV particles in the blood stream, as measured by a blood test called the viral load. Preventing the virus from replicating can help the immune system recover from the HIV infection and improve T-cell counts.
HAART is not a cure for HIV, and people on HAART with suppressed levels of HIV can still transmit the virus to others through sex or sharing of needles. But HAART has been enormously effective for the past 10 years. There is good evidence that if the levels of HIV remain suppressed and the CD4 count remains high (above 200 cells/mL), life can be significantly prolonged and improved.
However, HIV may become resistant to HAART in patients who do not take their medications on schedule every day. Genetic tests are now available to determine whether a particular HIV strain is resistant to a particular drug. This information may be useful in determining the best drug combination for each individual, and adjusting the drug regimen if it starts to fail. These tests should be performed any time a treatment strategy begins to fail, and prior to starting therapy.
When HIV becomes resistant to HAART, other drug combinations must be used to try to suppress the resistant strain of HIV. There are a variety of new drugs coming out on the market for the treatment of drug-resistant HIV.
Treatment with HAART has complications. HAART is a collection of different medications, each with its own side effects. Some common side effects are nausea, headache, weakness, malaise (a general sick feeling), and fat accumulation on the back ("buffalo hump") and abdomen. When used for a long time, these medications increase the risk of heart attack by increasing the levels of fat and glucose in the blood.
Any doctor prescribing HAART should carefully watch the patient for possible side effects associated with the combination of medications the patient takes. In addition, routine blood tests measuring CD4 counts and HIV viral load (a blood test that measures how much virus is in the blood) should be taken every 3-4 months. The goal is to get the CD4 count as close to normal as possible, and to suppress the HIV amount of virus in the blood to an undetectable level.
Other antiviral medications are being investigated. In addition, growth factors that stimulate cell growth, such as Epogen (erthythropoetin) and G-CSF are sometimes used to treat anemiaand low white blood cell counts associated with AIDS.
Medications are also used to prevent opportunistic infections (such as Pneumocystis uirovecipneumonia)if the CD4 count is low enough. This keeps AIDS patients healthier for longer periods of time. Opportunistic infections are treated when they happen.

Yellow fever

2008-08-22T06:22:00.000-07:00

What is Yellow fever
Yellow fever is a hemorrhagic fever caused by a virus spread by a particular species of mosquito. It is most common in areas of Africa and South America, affecting travelers to and residents of those areas.
In mild cases, yellow fever causes fever, headache, nausea and vomiting. But yellow fever can become more serious, causing bleeding (hemorrhaging), heart, liver and kidney problems. Up to 50 percent of those with the more severe form of yellow fever die of the disease.
There is no specific treatment for yellow fever. But getting a yellow fever vaccine before traveling to an area in which the virus is known to exist can protect you from the disease.

Symptoms
During the first three to six days after you've contracted yellow fever — the incubation period — you won't experience any signs or symptoms. After this, the virus enters an acute phase and then, in some cases, a toxic phase that can be life-threatening.
Acute phase Once the yellow fever virus enters the acute phase, you may experience signs and symptoms including:
Fever
Headache
Muscle aches, particularly in your back and knees
Nausea, vomiting or both
Loss of appetite
Dizziness
Red eyes, face or tongue
These signs and symptoms usually improve and are gone within three to four days.

Toxic phase

Although signs and symptoms may disappear for a day or two following the acute phase, 15 percent of those with acute yellow fever then enter a toxic phase. During the toxic phase, acute signs and symptoms return and more severe and life-threatening ones also appear. These can include:
Yellowing of your skin and the whites of your eyes (jaundice)
Abdominal pain and vomiting, sometimes blood
Decreased urination
Bleeding from the nose, mouth and eyes
Heart dysfunction (arrhythmias)
Liver and kidney failure
Brain dysfunction including delirium, seizures and coma
About 20 percent to 50 percent of those who enter the toxic phase die of the disease. The rest usually recover without significant problems.

Sleep Apnea

2008-08-22T04:40:00.000-07:00

What is sleep Apnea

Sleep apnea is a sleep disorder in which your breathing stops or gets shallow temporarily. These pauses in your breathing can occur dozens of times each hour while you sleep.

Causes, incidence, and risk factors

More than 100 different diorder of sleeping and waking have been identified. They can be grouped in four main categories:
Problems with falling and staying asleep
Problems with staying awake
Problems with adhering to a regular sleep schedule

Sleep-disruptive behaviors

PROBLEMS WITH FALLING AND STAYING ASLEEP

Insomenia includes any combination of difficulty with falling asleep, staying asleep, intermittent
Wakefulness and early-morning awakening. Episodes may be transient (come and go), short-term (lasting as long as 2 to 3 weeks), or chronic (long-lasting).
Common factors associated with insomnia include:
Physical illness
Depression
stress
Poor sleeping environment such as excessive noise or light
Caffeine
Alcohol or other drugs
Use of certain medications
Heavy smoking
Physical discomfort
Daytime napping
Counterproductive sleep habits:

Early bedtimes
Excessive time spent awake in bed

Disorders include:

Psychophysiological insomnia (learned insomnia)
Delayed sleep phase syndrome -- where a patient's internal clock is constantly out of synch with the "accepted" day / night phases; for example, patients feel best if they can sleep from 4AM to noon
Hypnotic-dependent sleep disorder -- insomnia resulting from building tolerance to, or stopping, certain types of sleep medications
Stimulant-dependent sleep disorder -- insomnia resulting depending on, or stopping, certain types of stimulants

PROBLEMS WITH STAYING AWAKE

Disorders of ExcessiveSleepiness are called hypersomnias. These include:
Sleep apnea
Narcolepsy
Restless leg syndrome
Periodic limb movement disorder
Obstructive sleep apnea
Central sleep apnea
Ideopathic hypersomnia

Respiratory muscle weakness associated sleep disorder
Sleep apnea more commonly affects obese people, but it may affect anyone with a short neck or a small jaw, regardless of weight. The disorder causes breathing to stop intermittently during sleep, resulting in the person being awakened repeatedly. People with sleep apnea often have difficulty achieving prolonged deep sleep. This results in excessive daytime sleepiness.

Diabetes

2008-08-18T22:00:00.000-07:00

What is diabetes
Diabetes is a disease in which the body does not produce enough insulin, a hormone needed to convert the sugars and starches that we eat into energy needed for daily life. The cause of the disease is a mystery, but genetics and environment seem to play major roles. There are two kinds of Diabetes, Diabetes Insipidus and the more common Diabetes Mellitus.

Type 1 diabetes is caused by an autoimmune disorder-a problem with the body's immune system. In a healthy body, specialized cells (called beta cells) in the pancreas make insulin. Insulin is a hormone that allows the body to use energy from food. In type 1 diabetes, the immune system mistakes beta cells for invaders and attacks them. When enough beta cells are destroyed, symptoms of diabetes appear.
In

the beta cells still produce insulin. However, either the cells do not respond properly to the insulin or the insulin produced naturally is not enough to meet the needs of the body.

So insulin is usually still present in a person with type 2 diabetes, but it does not work as well as it should. Some people with type 2 can keep it under control by losing weight, changing their diet, and increasing their exercise. Others take one or more medications, including insulin.

A diabetes myth - diabetes is not caused by eating too much sugar. This myth probably began when people with diabetes were absolutely forbidden from consuming sugar. Researchers no longer believe this.

Your child can still have all of her favorite sweets as long as they are scheduled in her eating plan.

High Blood Pressure

2008-08-18T21:36:00.000-07:00

What is High Blood Pressure?
Blood pressure is the force of blood flow inside your blood vessels. When you have your blood pressure checked, remember to ask what it is. You'll get two numbers, such as 120 / 80. You'll hear them say it as “one-twenty over eighty.” Both numbers are important.

The first number is the pressure as your heart beats and pushes blood through the blood vessels. This is the systolic (sis-STALL-ick) pressure. The second number is the pressure when the blood vessels relax between heartbeats. It's called the diastolic (DYE-ah-STALL-ick) pressure

You should always have an idea of what your blood pressure is, just as you know your height and weight.
Here's where the numbers fall:

Healthy blood pressure: below 120/80
Early high blood pressure: numbers between 120/80 and 140/90
High blood pressure: 140/90 or higher

When your blood moves through your vessels with too much force, you have high blood pressure, or hypertension. Your heart has to work harder when blood pressure is high, and your risk for heart disease and diabetes goes up. High blood pressure is a problem that won’t go away without treatment and changes to your diet and lifestyle.

How will I know if I have high blood pressure?

High blood pressure is a silent problem -- you won't know you have it unless your health care provider checks your blood pressure. Have your blood pressure checked at each regular health care visit, or at least once every 2 years (people without diabetes or other risk factors for heart disease). If you have diabetes, you should get your blood pressure checked at every office visit, or at least two to four times a year

Asthma

2008-08-18T11:26:00.000-07:00

What is Asthma

Asthma is an inflammatory disorder of the airways, which causes attacks of wheezing, shortness of breath, chest tightness, and coughing.

Alternative Names
Bronchial asthma; Exercise-induced asthma

Causes, incidence, and risk factors

Asthma is caused by inflammation in the airways. When an asthma attack occurs, the muscles surrounding the airways become tight and the lining of the air passages swell. This reduces the amount of air that can pass by, and can lead to wheezing sounds.

Most people with asthma have wheezing attacks separated by symptom-free periods. Some patients have long-term shortness of breath with episodes of increased shortness of breath. Still, in others, a cough may be the main symptom. Asthma attacks can last minutes to days and can become dangerous if the airflow becomes severely restricted.

In sensitive individuals, asthma symptoms can be triggered by breathing in allergy-causing substances (called allergens or triggers). Triggers include pet dander, dust mites, cockroach allergens, molds, or pollens. Asthma symptoms can also be triggered by respiratory infections, exercise, cold air, tobacco smoke and other pollutants, stress, food, or drug allergies. Aspirin and other non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications (NSAIDS) provoke asthma in some patients.

Approximately 20.5 million Americans currently have asthma. Many people with asthma have an individual or family history of allergies, such as hay fever (allergic rhinitis) or eczema. Others have no history of allergies.

Symptoms

Wheezing
Usually begins suddenly
Comes in episodes
May be worse at night or in early morning
Gets worse with cold aira, exercise, and heartburn (reflux)
May go away on its own
Is relieved by bronchodilators (drugs that open the airways)
Cough with or without sputum (phlegm) production
Shortness of breath that gets worse with exercise or activity
Intercostal retractions (pulling of the skin between the ribs when breathing)
Emergency symptoms:

Extreme difficulty breathing
Bluish color to the lips and face
Severe anxiety due to shortness of breath
Rapid pulse
Sweating
Decreased level of alertness, such as severe drowsiness or confusion, during an asthma attack
Additional symptoms that may be associated with this disease:

Nasal flaring
Chest pain
Tightness in the chest
Abnormal breathing pattern --breathing out takes more than twice as long as breathing in
Breathing temporarily stops

Signs and Tests

Allergy testing may be helpful in identifying allergens in patients with persistent asthma. Common allergens include pet dander, dust mites, cockroach allergens, molds, and pollens. Common respiratory irritants include tobacco smoke, pollution, and fumes from burning wood or gas.

The doctor will use a stethoscope to listen to the lungs. Asthma-related sounds may be heard. However, lung sounds are usually normal between asthma episodes.

Tests may include:

Lung function tests
Peak flow measurements
Chest x-ray
Blood tests, including eosinophil count (a type of white blood cell)
Arterial blood gas

Treatment

Treatment is aimed at avoiding known allergens and respiratory irritants and controlling symptoms and airway inflammation through medication.

There are two basic kinds of medication for the treatment of asthma:

1 Long-term control medications are used on a regular basis to prevent attacks, not for treatment during an attack. Types include:

2 Inhaled steroids (such as Azmacort, Vanceril, AeroBid, Flovent) prevent inflammation
Leukotriene inhibitors (such as Singulair and Accolate)
Anti-IgE therapy (Xolair), a medicine given by injection to patients with more severe asthma
Long-acting bronchodilators (such as Serevent) help open airways
Cromolyn sodium (Intal) or nedocromil sodium
Aminophylline or theophylline (not used as frequently as in the past)
Sometimes a combination of steroids and bronchodilators are used, using either separate inhalers or a single inhaler (such as Advair Diskus).

Quick relief, or rescue, medications are used to relieve symptoms during an attack. These include:

Short-acting bronchodilators (inhalers), such as Proventil, Ventolin, Xopenex, and others.
Corticosteroids, such as prednisone or methylprednisolone) given by mouth or into a vein
Persons with mild asthma (infrequent attacks) may use quick relief medication as needed. Those with persistent asthma should take control medications on a regular basis to prevent symptoms. A severe asthma attack requires a medical evaluation and may require a hospital stay, oxygen, and intravenous medications.

A peak flow meter, a simple device to measure lung volume, can be used at home to help you "see an attack coming" and take the appropriate action, sometimes even before any symptoms appear. If you are not monitoring asthma on a regular basis, an attack can take you by surprise.

Peak flow measurements can help show when medication is needed, or other action needs to be taken. Peak flow values of 50-80% of an individual’s personal best results indicate a moderate asthma attack, while values below 50% indicate a severe attack.

Baldness

2008-08-18T04:28:00.000-07:00

What is Baldness?

Baldness is a problem that both men and women alike dread.There is nothing you can really do to stop from happening.Each day you loss upto fifty hairs.They are replaced with new ones, but in balding people the hair stops coming back.Baldness is also known as alopecia.Alopecia is much more common in men than women.

Causes.

Approximately fourty percent of all men have hair loss.Hair loss can result from many things,such as genetic factors,aging drugs,diet,local skin condition and diseases that effect the body generally. Hair loss can result from many things, such as genetic factors, aging, drugs, diet, local skin conditions and diseases that effect the body generally.

The most common type of hair loss that affects men is male pattern baldness or MPB. This really depends on the male hormones called androgens within the hair follicle which are at high levels after puberty.

Hair loss can begin at any age, even in the middle teen years. If you have hair loss this early in life you may go completely bald later in life. Some people only loose some hair and have a bald spot in the back of their head and others have a receeding hairline. You can also have hair loss if you have a severe illness with a high fever. This is called toxic baldness or toxic alopecia. Taking excessive doses of some drugs like thallium, vitamin A and retinoids can also cause hair loss. ...

Obesity

2008-08-17T02:12:00.000-07:00

What is obesity?

Eat more than what ur body needs and the chances are you will become overweight.The problem ,called obesity,is common among children.

Causes when a person consumes more calories than the body burns up.

H0w to avoid Obecity

Obesity,once gained,is very difficult to overcome.It is therefore important to prevent the problem from happening in the first plce.Parents can play an important rolein preventing obesity in teir children. Here are some tips for parents.

Offer your child a healthy
diet.Askyour doctor about the right foods
for your child.

Your child needs
lots of fiber from fruits and
vegetables.

Put a limit on eating at fast food
restaurants.

Do not force your child to eat when he is not hungry.It is all right
if he does not finished all the food offered to him.

Do not use food to comfort or reward the child.

Limit the time your child spends watching television.instead,try to get
him to do something active,like cycling or playing an outdoor game.
You could take your child for a brisk walk or a jog.

Encourage your child to participate in
school or community sports.

Teach your child good eating and
exercise habits.

4.Children who are obese face a higher risk of having health problems
such as breathing difficulity and inability to sleep soundly.

5. The warning sign are obvious. Before the problem of obesity sets in,

better to do something about it.Prevention is better than cure

smoking

2008-08-16T04:41:00.000-07:00

What is Smoking?

Habits die hard.This is specially true for smoking.Smoking is one habit that is easy to acquire but difficult to give up.Smoking is inhaling tobbaco smoke from a pipe ,cigare or cigarette.

Causes

People pick up the habit for various reasons,the most important being the influence of other smokers.many teenagers smoke only because they believe smoking makes them look adult or stylishand,thus,gives them a kind of social status.However the harm that smoking does cannot be ignored.Studies established conclusively that smoking causes ill health and early death.It is the major cause of the canser of the lungs,mouth and throat.Smokers are not the only ones who suffer.Non smokers who are frequently exposed to tobacco smoke could also suffer ill health.This is the effect of involuntry smoking or passive smoking

Smoking risks

Smoking is recognized as one of several factors that might be related to a higher risk of hip fractures in older adults.
Studies reveal that the more a person smokes, the more likely he is to sustain illnesses such as cancer, chronic bronchitis, and emphysema. But even smokers who indulge in the habit only occasionally are more prone to these diseases.
Some brands of cigarettes are advertised as "low tar," but no cigarette is truly safe. If a smoker switches to a low-tar cigarette, he is likely to inhale longer and more deeply to get the chemicals his body craves. A smoker has to quit the habit entirely in order to improve his health and decrease the chance of disease.

Withdrawal symptoms.

A smoker who tries to quit may expect one or more of these withdrawal symptoms: nausea, constipation or diarrhea, drowsiness, loss of concentration, insomnia, headache, nausea, and irritability.

Diagnosis.

It's not easy to quit smoking. That's why it may be wise for a smoker to turn to his physician for help. For the greatest success in quitting and to help with the withdrawal symptoms, the smoker should talk over a treatment plan with his doctor or alternative practitioner. He should have a general physical examination to gauge his general health and uncover any deficiencies. He should also have a thorough evaluation for some of the serious diseases that smoking can cause.

Treatment

Research shows that most smokers who want to quit benefit from the support of other people. It helps to quit with a friend or to join a group such as those organized by the American Cancer Society. These groups provide support and teach behavior modification methods that can help the smoker quit. The smoker's physician can often refer him to such groups.
Other alternatives to help with the withdrawal symptoms of kicking the habit include nicotine replacement therapy in the form of gum, patches, nasal sprays, and oral inhalers. These are available by prescription or over the counter. A physician can provide advice on how to use them. They slowly release a small amount of nicotine into the bloodstream, satisfying the smoker's physical craving. Over time, the amount of gum the smoker chews is decreased and the amount of time between applying the patches is increased. This helps wean the smoker from nicotine slowly, eventually beating his addiction to the drug. But there's one important caution: If the smoker lights up while taking a nicotine replacement, a nicotine overdose may cause serious health problems.
The prescription drug Zyban (bupropion hydrochloride) has shown some success in helping smokers quit. This drug contains no nicotine, and was originally developed as an antidepressant. It isn't known exactly how bupropion works to suppress the desire for nicotine. A five-year study of bupropion reported in 2003 that the drug has a very good record for safety and effectiveness in treating tobacco dependence. Its most common side effect is insomnia, which can also result from nicotine withdrawal.

Expected results.

Research on smoking shows that most smokers desire to quit. But smoking is so addictive that fewer than 20% of the people who try ever successfully kick the habit. Still, many people attempt to quit smoking over and over again, despite the difficulties-the cravings and withdrawal symptoms, such as irritability and restlessness.
For those who do quit, the benefits to health are well worth the effort. The good news is that once a smoker quits the health effects are immediate and dramatic. After the first day, oxygen and carbon monoxide levels in the blood return to normal. At two days, nerve endings begin to grow back and the senses of taste and smell revive. Within two weeks to three months, circulation and breathing improve. After one year of not smoking, the risk of heart disease is reduced by 50%. After 15 years of abstinence, the risks of health problems from smoking virtually vanish. A smoker who quits for good often feels a lot better too, with less fatigue and fewer respiratory illnesses.

Alternative treatment

There are a wide range of alternative treatments that can help a smoker quit the habit, including hypnotherapy, herbs, acupuncture, and meditation. For example, a controlled trial demonstrated that self-massage can help smokers crave less intensely, smoke fewer cigarettes, and in some cases completely give them up.

Aromatherapy

One study demonstrated that inhaling the vapor from black pepper extract can reduce symptoms associated with smoking withdrawal. Other essential oils can be used for relieving the anxiety a smoker often experiences while quitting.

Herbs

A variety of herbs can help smokers reduce their cravings for nicotine, calm their irritability, and even reverse the oxidative cellular damage done by smoking. Lobelia, sometimes called Indian tobacco, has historically been used as a substitute for tobacco. It contains a substance called lobeline, which decreases the craving for nicotine by bolstering the nervous system and calming the smoker. In high doses, lobelia can cause vomiting, but the average dose-about 10 drops per day-should pose no problems.

Acupuncture

This ancient Chinese method of healing is used commonly to help beat addictions, including smoking. The acupuncturist will use hair-thin needles to stimulate the body's qi, or healthy energy. Acupuncture is a sophisticated treatment system based on revitalizing qi, which supposedly flows through the body in defined pathways called meridians. During an addiction like smoking, qi isn't flowing smoothly or gets stuck, the theory goes.
Points in the ear and feet are stimulated to help the smoker overcome his addiction. Often the acupuncturist will recommend keeping the needles in for five to seven days to calm the smoker and keep him balanced.

Vitamins

Smoking seriously depletes vitamin C in the body and leaves it more susceptible to infections. Vitamin C can prevent or reduce free-radical damage by acting as an antioxidant in the lungs. Smokers need additional C, in higher dosage than nonsmokers. Fish in the diet supplies Omega-3 fatty acids, which are associated with a reduced risk of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (emphysema or chronic bronchitis) in smokers. Omega-3 fats also provide cardiovascular benefits as well as an anti-depressive effect. Vitamin therapy doesn't reduce craving but it can help beat some of the damage created by smoking. Vitamin B12 and folic acid may help protect against smoking-induced cancer.

Prevention

How do you give up your cigarettes for good and never go back to them again?
Here are a few tips from the experts:
Have a plan and set a definite quit date.
Get rid of all the cigarettes and ashtrays at home or in your desk at work.
Don't allow others to smoke in your house.
Tell your friends and neighbors that you're quitting. Doing so helps make quitting a matter of pride.
Chew sugarless gum or eat sugar-free hard candy to redirect the oral fixation that comes with smoking. This will prevent weight gain, too.
Eat as much as you want, but only low-calorie foods and drinks. Drink plenty of water. This may help with the feelings of tension and restlessness that quitting can bring. After eight weeks, you'll lose your craving for tobacco, so it's safe then to return to your usual eating habits.
Stay away from social situations that prompt you to smoke. Dine in the nonsmoking section of restaurants.
Spend the money you save not smoking on an occasional treat for yourself.

I abhore smoking.I see it as a total disregard for one's health and that of other for their immidiate environment Smokers should exercise socialresponsibility and be mindful of the harm they do to others.Several other measures are being taken to discourage smoking.Cigratte packages now carry lables and pictures as warning against smoking.Compaign are also being organised from time to time to educate the public on the dangers of smoking.

Key Terms
Antioxidant
Any substance that reduces the damage caused by oxidation, such as the harm caused by free radicals.
Chronic bronchitis
A smoking-related respiratory illness in which the membranes that line the bronchi, or the lung's air passages, narrow over time. Symptoms include a morning cough that brings up phlegm, breathlessness, and wheezing.
Cytochrome
A substance that contains iron and acts as a hydrogen carrier for the eventual release of energy in aerobic respiration.
Emphysema
An incurable, smoking-related disease, in which the air sacs at the end of the lung's bronchi become weak and inefficient. People with emphysema often first notice shortness of breath, repeated wheezing and coughing that brings up phlegm.
Epinephrine
A nervous system hormone stimulated by the nicotine in tobacco. It increases heart rate and may raise smokers' blood pressure.
Flavonoid
A food chemical that helps to limit oxidative damage to the body's cells, and protects against heart disease and cancer.
Free radical
An unstable molecule that causes oxidative damage by stealing electrons from surrounding molecules, thereby disrupting activity in the body's cells.
Nicotine
The addictive ingredient of tobacco, it acts on the nervous system and is both stimulating and calming.
Nicotine replacement therapy
A method of weaning a smoker away from both nicotine and the oral fixation that accompanies a smoking habit by giving the smoker smaller and smaller doses of nicotine in the form of a patch or gum.
Sidestream smoke
The smoke that is emitted from the burning end of a cigarette or cigar, or that comes from the end of a pipe. Along with exhaled smoke, it is a constituent of second-hand smoke.