Miscarriage (sometimes called "spontaneous abortion") is the loss of a baby in the first 24 weeks of pregnancy. Sadly, it is a common event. Although it's difficult to give an exact figure, about 15 per cent of known pregnancies end in miscarriage. Often, a woman miscarries before she realizes she's pregnant. Perhaps as many as three-quarters of all fertilized eggs are lost in the very earliest stages of pregnancy. About 98 per cent of women who miscarry do so in the first 13 weeks but occasionally, a woman will miscarry much later.
Causes
Most early miscarriages are caused by a chromosomal abnormality. This means that during development the feotus has not grown correctly, this is often due to a faulty egg or sperm. The cause of this is unknown. When the egg starts to divide and develop, (once it has been fertilised by the sperm), it doesn’t develop correctly. The body knows when the foetus is not developing and we then miscarry. These issues are not caused by either parent and do not mean that you are unhealthy or couldn’t have a successful pregnancy in the future. There are other issues which we will look in Infrequent Conditions.
Other Causes
Lifestyle – Drug Use, Alcohol, Smoking etc
Hormonal Issues or Immune System Challenges.
Mothers over the age of 35 years.
Any deep life or emotional traumas
Infection or Infectious Diseases
Underlying uncontrolled disease e.g. Diabetes.
Any uterine or cervical problems, e.g. a short cervix.
As mentioned above, women who are 35 years or over are at increased risk of miscarriage, in fact a 20% risk. At 40 years the risk increases to 40% and by the age of 45 years it can be as high as 80%.
Women who have had 2 or more miscarriages have been shown to have an increased risk of further events. Although having one miscarriage does not put you at any further a risk than a woman who has miscarried at all.
There is some debate over other possible contributors e.g. caffeine. Again it is best to speak with your Health Care Professional if you think you could be at increased risk.
Warning Signs
There are some general signs and symptoms of miscarriage, if you have any of the below you need to contact a doctor immediately.
Brown or bright red vaginal bleeding, with or without cramping. It is important to use a sanitary pad and not a tampon to be able to assess the amount of bleeding. Also refrain from sexual intercourse during this time.
Cramps or low back ache, similar to, or more intense than a period. Abdominal pain that is dull, sharp or cramping.
Contractions, these are more painful than period cramping and can last for sometime. You will need to note the frequency for you medical consultation.
A feeling that the signs of pregnancy are decreasing e.g. less nausea or breast tenderness.
Tissues with clots passing from the vagina. This is another reason to use a sanitary pad and the physician may want to assess the contents.
Some women who miscarry can develop an infection in their uterus. If you have any symptoms of fever, chills, body ache or an unusual discharge you must seek medical help.
One of the most obvious and worrisome signs of a possible miscarriage is always bleeding. To put this into perspective, the incidence of vaginal bleeding is quite high in the first 3 months at around 20-30%. As many as 50% of women go on to have a normal birth. Most miscarriages can’t be prevented, as this is the body’s way of recognizing that something is wrong. Bleeding during the first 3 month can be caused by various reasons, from implantation bleeding to types of infection to intercourse.
Treatment
Treatment for miscarriage in early pregnancy includes a procedure to remove the fetus and other tissues if they have not all been naturally passed. The procedure is called a surgical evacuation of the uterus, or a dilatation and curettage (D&C). Anesthesia is used, as the procedure can be painful to the mother. The cervical opening is dilated (opened) and either suction or an instrument called a curette is used to remove all the pregnancy tissues inside the uterus (called products of conception). These tissues may be sent to the laboratory for culture or testing for genetic or chromosomal abnormalities.
Vitiligo (vit-ill-eye-go) is a pigmentation disorder in which melanocytes (the cells that make pigment) in the skin, the tissues that line the inside of the mouth and nose and genital and rectal areas (mucous membranes), and the retina of the eyes are destroyed. As a result, white patches of skin appear on different parts of the body. The hair that grows in areas affected by vitiligo may turn white.
The cause of vitiligo is not known, but doctors and researchers have several different theories. One theory is that people develop antibodies that destroy the melanocytes in their own bodies. Another theory is that melanocytes destroy themselves. Finally, some people have reported that a single event such as sunburn or emotional distress triggered vitiligo; however, these events have not been scientifically proven to cause vitiligo.
Vitiligo seems to be more common in people with certain autoimmune diseases (diseases in which a person's immune system reacts against the body's own organs or tissues). These autoimmune diseases include hyperthyroidism (an overactive thyroid gland), adrenocortical insufficiency (the adrenal gland does not produce enough of the hormone called corticosteroid), alopecia areata (patches of baldness), and pernicious anemia (a low level of red blood cells caused by failure of the body to absorb vitamin B12). Scientists do not know the reason for the association between vitiligo and these autoimmune diseases. However, most people with vitiligo have no other autoimmune disease.
Vitiligo may also be hereditary, that is, it can run in families. Children whose parents have the disorder are more likely to develop vitiligo. However, most children will not get vitiligo even if a parent has it, and most people with vitiligo do not have a family history of the disorder.
Types of Vitiligo
There are three main types of vitiligo:
Generalized Pattern Vitiligo
Segmental Pattern Vitiligo
Focal Pattern Vitiligo
Generalized Pattern Vitiligo
The skin disorder, Vitiligo is an autoimmune disease that can happen to anyone, regardless of age, gender, and ethnicity. In this pigmentation disorder, the melanocytes (cells that make pigment) in the skin are destroyed, causing white patches to appear on the skin. These patches can appear anywhere on the body, especially on areas that are more exposed to the sun, such as hands, arms, feet, face and neck. There are mainly three patterns of Vitilgo, and the most common one is Generalized Pattern Vitiligo. Generalized Pattern Vitiligo is listed as a type, and is proportional on both sides of the body.
Segmental Pattern Vitiligo
Vitiligo is a skin condition which is caused by the malfunctioning or loss of cells, called melanocytes, which give color to the skin. The loss of melanocytes results in smooth, white patches in the middle of normally pigmented skin. Vitiligo, or leucoderma, is a common skin disorder, which is usually inherited, and can affect anyone anywhere. There are two main types of vitiligo patterns: segmental and non-segmental (generalized). The non-segmental pattern of vitiligo is very common among people and causes depigmentation to occur symmetrically on both sides of the body, whereas in Segmental Pattern Vitiligo, depigmented patches develop on only one side of the body.
Focal Pattern Vitiligo
Focal Pattern Vitiligois the most rare pattern form of the skin disorder called Vitiligo, or leucoderma. This skin disorder causes smooth white patches to appear on the skin due to the malfunctioning or the loss of melanocytes (cells that make pigment). In Focal Pattern Vitiligo, the depigmentation of skin is limited to one or only a few areas. The Focal Pattern Vitiligoand segmental vitiligo do not spread and remain localized to one part of the body, whereas generalized vitiligo is likely to spread over different parts of the body. There is no such cure for Vitiligo, however, herbal treatments have proved to be fruitful over the years.
Vitiligo patches often occur symmetrically across both sides on the body. Occasionally small areas of the body may repigment as they are recolonised by melanocytes. Vitiligo may also be caused by stress that affects the immune system. The disturbed immune system may lead the body to react and start losing skin pigment. Vitiligo on the scalp may affect the color of the hair, leaving white patches or streaks and so affect facial and body hair.
Most people with vitiligo are in good general health. But, it may occur with other autoimmune diseases such as thyroid disease. The duration and severity of pigment loss differ with each person. Light-skinned people usually notice the contrast between vitiligo affected areas and suntanned skin in the summer. There is no way to predict how much pigment an individual will lose; however, those with severe cases can lose pigment all over the body.
Treatment
Topical steroid therapy
Topical psoralen photochemotherapy
Oral psoralen photochemotherapy
Depigmentation
Autologous skin grafts
Skin grafts using blisters
Micropigmentation (tattooing)
Autologous melanocyte transplants
Sunscreens
Cosmetics
Counseling and support
Self Care
Here are some points that Vitiligo patients can put to good use:
Exposing the affected areas to early morning sunlight just after sunrise is known to stimulate pigment forming cells. However, patients must avoid strong sunlight especially between 10 am to 4 pm. If necessary to move out during such hours, patients must opt for a sunscreen with SPF (Sun Protection Factor) of more than 15.
Regular use of sun screen also guards against sunburn and long term damage
Use mild soap for bathing and avoid rubbing skin vigorously after a bath (fiction can trigger new patches)
Wear clothing that adequately covers the skin (e.g. full sleeved shirt) - this protects the skin from any kind of external trauma
Avoid direct contact with deodorants, perfumes - spray on clothes rather than directly on skin
Avoid mental stress - take effective steps to identify and tackle with stress, if it exists
Diet rich in copper is suggested for Vitiligo patients since scientific studies have shown low serum copper levels in patients suffering from Vitiligo. Green leafy vegetables and sesame are good sources of copper.
Supplementation with vitamin B12, folic acid and pantothenic acid has been seen to have beneficial effects in Vitiligo patients (it has been credited with the formation of new melanin). Patients should include adequate lentils, eggs and yogurt in their daily diet for the same.
Nausea is the sensation that there is a need to vomit. Nausea can be acute and short-lived, or it can be prolonged. When prolonged, it is a debilitating symptom. Nausea (and vomiting) can be psychological or physical in origin. It can originate from problems in the brain or organs of the upper gastrointestinal tract (esophagus, stomach, small intestine, liver, pancreas, and gallbladder). It also may be caused by pain, motion, medications and diseases of many non-gastrointestinal organs of the body. Therefore, the diagnosis of the cause of prolonged nausea may not be easy. All stimuli that cause nausea work via the vomiting center in the brain which gives rise to the sensation of nausea and coordinates the physical act of vomiting.
Causes of nausea include, but are not limited to:
Acute HIV infection
Addison disease
Alcohol
Anxiety
Appendicitis
Brain tumor
Caffeine
Cancer
Chicken Pox
Chronic fatigue syndrome
Concussion
Crohn's disease
Depression
Diabetes
Dizziness
Drugs, whether the drug in use is for reasons that are medicinal, recreational, intentional, and/or unintentional.
Exercise
Influenza (rarely in adults, more commonly in children; not to be confused with "stomach flu" Gastroenteritis)
By mouth - Some tablets can be swallowed with plenty of water, while others can be placed under the tongue (sublingually) to dissolve.
Into a vein by drip - Some anti-emetics can be diluted in a fluid and given through a small tube (cannula) inserted into the vein (intravenously).
Into the muscle - The drugs are given by injection into a muscle (intramuscular injection).
Into the fatty tissue under the skin (subcutaneously) - The drugs are either injected using a syringe or given slowly over several hours, using a pump attached to a small needle that is placed just under the skin.
Suppositories - These are put into the back passage (rectum), where they dissolve and are absorbed into the bloodstream through the lining of the gut.
Skin patches - Some anti-emetic drugs can be absorbed through the skin (transdermally) from a small patch that is changed every three days.
Libido, which is also often called sexual desire or sex drive, starts in the brain and in men is driven by the presence of the hormone testosterone. While it is true that men can have a normal testosterone level and little or no sex drive, it has also been shown that a low testosterone level is associated with low libido. How much testosterone does a man need to have a “normal” or healthy libido? Scientists have not put a definitive number on it, but what they do know is that as men age and their testosterone levels decline, sex drive tends to decline as well.
There are many problems associated with sexual dysfunction experienced with people as minimum once in their life. There are a lot of women around the world, who face low libido as a result of physical and psychological factors as stress, hormonal changes, diet, aging, depression and fatigue. The reason of low female libido may be birth of the child as well. At the stage of pregnancy a woman should have to endure a lot of pain or any complications. Because of this, many women find that their sex life suffers a lot.
Low female libido occurs primarily in older age.
Cause
There are a variety of things that can affect a man’s sex drive. One of the most common causes of a decrease in sex drive is simply aging. There are essentially three factors that drive sex drive down as we age: a decrease in testosterone, psychological changes associated with aging, and physical changes associated with aging.
Pain
Pain caused by the onset of arthritis, muscle soreness, or other sources can make sex unenjoyable and thus decrease a man’s desire.
Fatigue
Fatigue or tiredness can impair sexual desire. Fatigue can be triggered by any number of factors including: physical exertion, medication, or psychological problems (like stress and depression).
Surgery
Men who undergo surgery may refrain from sexual intimacy because of a fear of pain or impotence or because they view themselves as sexually unattractive. Prostatectomy (removal of all or part of the prostrate) for example may not affect a man’s physical ability to be intimate but also may cause the loss of his ability to control the bladder. Thus men who experience incontenence may be fearful of losing bladder control during sexual intercourse.
Alcohol and Drugs
The use of alcohol and drugs (legal and illegal) can adversely affect a man’s sex drive. Alcohol for example, can cause erection problems and increase the amount of time necessary to achieve orgasm. Also, certain blood pressure, antidepressants, and diabetes regulating medications are well known to decrease men’s sex drive.
Psychological Problems and Stress
A low sex drive can be a product of a man’s poor emotional health. This can be caused by a number of things including: job related stress; marital or relationship problems; sexuality issues; traumatic sexual experiences (such as molestation or rape); an unwilling sexual partner (your sexual partner no longer desires sex and therefore you intern start to lose your desire as well); boredom; or possibly a belief that you are or have become physically unattractive (it’s not just women who worry about their appearance as they age - thus the new booming market for male cosmetics).
Low Testosterone
A decrease in testosterone production often occurs in men as they age. One of the symptoms of this decrease in the body’s testosterone levels is a decline sex drive. Along with a decrease in sex drive men with low testosterone may also experience angst, lack of concentration, and possibly hot flashes (funny enough, symptoms that are generally associated with Women going through menopause).
There are several causes of low sexual desire. Therefore, there is no simple pill or quick fix that will help to increase sex drive (particularly in women.)
Studies have shown that most women benefit from holistic treatments focused on sex education, counseling, lifestyle changes and sometimes even medication.
It is extremely important for couples to seek help in cases of desire discrepancy. Although sex is only one aspect of your relationship, it has a very big impact on the relationship as a whole. Desire discrepancy can cause relationships to break down, and individuals become disillusioned, hurt and confused.
There are a number of medical professionals specifically trained to deal with low libido and desire discrepancy in couples. Visit your GP first for a full medical examination, and he or she will refer you to a counselor, psychologist or sexologist if necessary.
Here are a few suggestions which might help increase your sexual desire:
Lifestyle Changes
Exercise. Regular aerobic exercise has many benefits including increasing your stamina, improving your body image and elevating your mood. You could even make exercise part of a routine that you and your partner do together.
Relax. Investigate coping skills that will help you cope with stress at work, financial stress and daily hassles. All of these things occupy your thoughts and interfere withsexual desire.
Time Management We all have busy schedules, particularly if kids are involved. That’s why it’s so important for couples to set aside time for each other everyday. It can be early in the morning or later in the evening, but make sure you connect emotionally every day. As a couple, you should also set aside time for intimacy at least once a week. Organize a baby sitter and spend a romantic evening together.
Relationship Changes
Remember, sex for women is very psychological and sex for men is very physical. To increase a woman’s desire, a man needs to ensure the woman is fully satisfied in the other areas of the relationship.
Communication
Ever relationship experiences conflict at some point. It is important for couples to remain open-minded and communicate honestly with each other. Talk about sex with your partner, and discuss your likes and dislikes. Communication increases intimacy and also a woman’s feelings of belonging, happiness and desire.
Spice it up. A long-term relationship often needs a little intimate spicing up. Try different sexual positions and different times of day to ensure your sex life stays exciting and spontaneous.
Medical treatments
Medication for treating low sex drive is still in its infancy. There are no ‘sex drive’ pills. There are a few hormone therapies that have been shown to improve sex drive, but they must be prescribed by a doctor.
Underlying causes. Current medication may be a cause of low sex drive. Diabetes, depression medication and obesity are also related to low sex drive. Doctors will investigate whether there are any underlying medical causes of low sex drive before prescribing any hormone treatments.
Oestrogen therapy. Hormones affect the brain and mood factors, and therefore affect the sexual response cycle of the brain. Local eastrogen therapy (in the form of vaginal cream) can increase blood flow which enhances desire.
Testosterone therapy.Although testosterone is a male hormone, it plays an important role in female sexual functioning. Testosterone therapy is still being investigated as a solution to low libido in women. It has several negative side effects including acne, excess body air and mood changes.
Abdominal pain is pain that is felt in the abdomen. The abdomen is an anatomical area that is bounded by the lower margin of the ribs and diaphragm above, the pelvic bone (pubic ramus) below, and the flanks on each side. Although abdominal pain can arise from the tissues of the abdominal wall that surround the abdominal cavity (such as the skin and abdominal wall muscles), the term abdominal pain generally is used to describe pain originating from organs within the abdominal cavity. Organs of the abdomen include the stomach, small intestine, colon, liver, gallbladder, spleen, and pancreas.
Occasionally, pain may be felt in the abdomen even though it is arising from organs that are close to, but not within, the abdominal cavity. For example, conditions of the lower lungs, the kidneys, and the uterus or ovaries can cause abdominal pain. On the other hand, it also is possible for pain from organs within the abdomen to be felt outside of the abdomen. For example, the pain of pancreatic inflammation may be felt in the back. These latter types of pain are called "referred" pain because the pain does not originate in the location that it is felt. Rather, the cause of the pain is located away from where it is felt.
Symptoms
Abdominal pain is a symptom. It may mean that the person has a medical problem that needs treatment.
Abdominal pain may go along with other symptoms. Try to keep track of the symptoms, because this will help the health care practitioner's find the cause of the person's pain.
Important features of abdominal pain include pain severity, character, timing, location, and the presence of associated symptoms. Symptoms that commonly occur with abdominal pain include back pain, chest pain, constipation, diarrhea, fever, nausea, vomiting, cough, and breathing difficulty.
When to Seek Medical Care
Call or see a health care practitioner if the affected person has any of the following:
Abdominal pain that lasts more than six hours or continues to worsen
Pain that stops the person from eating
Pain accompanied by vomiting more than three or four times
Pain that worsens when the person tries to move around
Pain that starts all over, but settles into one area, especially the right lower abdomen
Pain that wakes the person up at night
Pain with vaginal bleeding or pregnancy, even if the person only thinks she might be pregnant
Pain accompanied by fever over 33.3 C
Pain along with inability to urinate, move the bowels, or pass gas
Any other pain that feels different from a simple stomach ache
Any other pain that alarms the person, or concerns them in any way
If the person has any of the following, or cannot reach their health care practitioner, go to a hospital emergency department:
The "worst pain of your life" or very severe pain
Pain so bad the affected person passes out or almost passes out
Pain so bad the affected person cannot move
Pain and vomiting blood, or any vomiting that lasts more than six hours
Pain and no bowel movement for more than three days
Pain the person thinks might be in their chest, but they aren't sure
Pain that seems to come from the person's testicles
Self-Care at Home
Abdominal pain without fever, vomiting, vaginal bleeding, passing out, chest pain, or other serious symptoms often get better without special treatment.
If the pain persists or if the person believes the pain may represent a serious problem, they should see a health care practitioner.
A heating pad or soaking in a tub of warm water may ease the person's pain.
Over-the-counter antacids, Omeparzole, Pantoprazole also can reduce some types of abdominal pain. Activated charcoal capsules also may help.
Influenza — it's all around us, especially during the winter and early spring. And yet, as common and widespread as influenza also known as "the flu" can be, it’s potential to cause hospitalizations and death is often unappreciated. And so is the ability to prevent it. That's why no matter what time of year it is, the time is always right for Influenza.
The influenza virus was first identified in 1933. There are two main types that cause infection: influenza A and influenza B. Influenza A usually causes a more severe illness than influenza B. The influenza virus is unstable and new strains and variants are constantly emerging, which is one of the reasons why the flu vaccine should be given each year.
For most people influenza infection is just a nasty experience, but for some it can lead to more serious illnesses. The most common complications of influenza are bronchitis and secondary bacterial pneumonia. These illnesses may require treatment in hospital and can be life threatening especially in the elderly, asthmatics and those in poor health.
The symptoms of influenza (flu) appear suddenly and often include:
Fever of 37.8°C to 40°C, which can reach 41°C when symptoms first develop. Fever is usually continuous, but it may come and go. Fever may be lower in older adults than in children and younger adults. When fever is high, other symptoms usually are more severe.
Body aches and muscle pain, commonly in the back, arms, or legs.
Headache.
Pain when you move your eyes.
Fatigue, a general feeling of sickness (malaise), and loss of appetite.
A dry cough, runny nose, and dry or sore throat. You may not notice these during the first few days of the illness when other symptoms are more severe. As your fever goes away, these symptoms may become more evident.
Prevention
The mainstay of flu prevention is the flu vaccine which contains a cocktail of three killed viruses and provides protection against both flu A and flu B infections. Protective antibodies against influenza appear in the blood about two weeks after vaccination.
Because the flu virus is continually changing, two separate vaccines are now produced each year, six months apart, for the flu seasons in the southern and northern hemispheres respectively.
By analyzing samples of flu collected from patients, the World Health Organization (WHO) continuously monitors the strains of flu that are circulating in the community. This information helps doctors and scientists to decide which viruses should be included in the vaccine for the forthcoming year.
It can also lower the risk of catching flu by not smoking, staying away from people who have flu, washing both hands regularly, and maintaining a healthy lifestyle – eat plenty of fruit and vegetables, get enough sleep, exercise regularly and avoid excessive alcohol consumption.
Treatment
As influenza is a viral infection antibiotics should not be relied on as they are quite useless in treating flu. Yet, they are often used in to treat secondary infections.
Practically any medication designed to relieve flu symptoms such as fever, cough and pain will provide relief. That means that you do not need to buy any specific medication designed to relieve influenza and you can use painkillers and aspirin, acetaminophen, or
Naproxen if you are an adult and give ibuprofen acetaminophen to your children (if you cannot consult a doctor). Medicine containing alcohol ought to be avoided as alcohol has dehydrating effects.
Dengue fever is a disease caused by viruses that are transmitted to people by mosquitoes. Dengue fever usually causes fever (high, about 104 F-105 F), skin rash and pain (headaches and often severe muscle and joint pains). The disease has also been termed "breakbone" or "dandy fever" because the unusually severe muscle and joint pains can make people assume distorted body positions or exaggerated walking movements in an effort to reduce their pain.
Dengue fever is endemic in tropical and subtropical areas.
Dengue fever is characterized by the rapid development of a fever that may last from five to seven days with intense headache, joint and muscle pain and a rash. The rash develops on the feet or legs three to four days after the beginning of the fever. The hemorrhagic form of dengue fever is more severe and associated with loss of appetite, vomiting, high fever, headache and abdominal pain. Shock and circulatory failure may occur. Untreated hemorrhagic dengue results in death in up to 50 percent of cases.
There is no drug for dengue
To prevention dengue fever, you must prevent the breeding of its carrier, the Asedes mosquitoes. Asedes mosquitoes are identified by the black and white stripes on their body. You can get rid of the Asedes mosquitoby frequently checking and removing stagnant water in your home.
Dengue has become a worldwide problem since the Second World War and is endemic in more than 110 countries. Apart from eliminating the mosquitoes, work is ongoing on a vaccine, as well as medication targeted directly at the virus.
Treatment
Treatment of acute dengue is supportive, using either oral or intravenous re-hydration for mild or moderate disease, and intravenous fluids and blood transfusion for more severe cases.
There are over 100 different forms of arthritis. The most common form, osteoarthritis (degenerative joint disease) is a result of trauma to the joint, infection of the joint, or age.
Other arthritis forms are rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis, and autoimmune diseases in which the body attacks itself.
Septic arthritis is caused by joint infection. Gouty arthritis is caused by deposition of uric acid crystals in the joint, causing inflammation.
There is also an uncommon form of gout caused by the formation of rhomboid crystals of calcium pyrophosphate. This gout is known as pseudogout.
All arthritides feature pain. Pain patterns may differ depending on the arthritides and the location. Rheumatoid arthritis is generally worse in the morning and associated with stiffness; in the early stages, patients often have no symptoms after a morning shower. In the aged and children, pain might not be the main presenting feature; the aged patient simply moves less, the infantile patient refuses to use the affected limb.
Elements of the history of the disorder guide diagnosis. Important features are speed and time of onset, pattern of joint involvement, symmetry of symptoms, early morning stiffness, tenderness, gelling or locking with inactivity, aggravating and relieving factors, and other systemic symptoms. Physical examination may confirm the diagnosis, or may indicate systemic disease. Radiographs are often used to follow progression or assess severity in a more quantitative manner.
Symptoms
Arthritis pain can be continuous or intermittent
It can cause swelling or inflammation
Pain may occur after activity or exercise
Pain may occur even if you've been resting and still for a period of time
Pain may be concentrated in one spot or all over your body
Joints may feel stiff and difficult to move
Daily chores and activity may become a challenge.
The pain may be more severe during certain times of the day
The skin over the joint may appear swollen, red, and feel hot
Arthritis may also cause fatigue or weariness
The location of the pain may signal the condition you have:
Pain that truly comes from a hip problem is often located in the thigh or groin area.
If hip pain is more in the buttocks than the hip, for example, it may actually be the result of a problem in the back.
Hip pain that travels down the leg may be the result of inflammation in the hip joint, it can also be a sign of sciatica (a condition usually caused by a pinched nerve in the back).
If the pain travels below the knee, it could be a sign of disease in the nerves or blood vessels.
In women, pain in the hip or upper leg may stem from several other causes, including tumors of the uterus or ovaries, endometriosis (the presence of uterine tissue elsewhere in the body), or pelvic inflammatory disease (infection in the reproductive organs).
Arthritis Awareness
Awareness of arthritis and the fact that prevention strategies do exist must be emphasized, both to the general public and to health care providers. Early diagnosis is important. Arthritis prevention tactics include:
weight control
physical activity
injury prevention in sports and the workplace
protection from tick bites and the potential for Lyme disease
Regular exercise is another preventive measure against arthritis. Exercise can provide strength to the joints and help maintain healthy muscle tone. Walking and other weight-bearing exercises can also help prevent osteoarthritis by increasing the strength of the muscles that support the joints.
Rheumatoid arthritis symptoms develop gradually, and it is not always possible to know when the disease first developed. Many people have symptoms that are present continuously, some have symptoms that completely resolve, and others have alternating periods of bothersome symptoms and complete resolution. The onset, severity, and specific symptoms of this condition can vary greatly from person to person.
Treatment plays a key role in controlling the inflammation of rheumatoid arthritis and minimizing joint damage. Treatment usually entails a combination of drug therapy and other non-drug therapies. In some cases, treatment may also involve surgery.
The treatment of rheumatoid arthritis must be tailored to each patient's individual case, including the severity of the condition, the effectiveness of specific therapies, and the occurrence of any side effects. Treatment choices may be different for a person with rheumatoid arthritis who has other illnesses, especially those of the liver or kidneys. It is important to work with a healthcare provider to create an effective and acceptable plan for treating rheumatoid arthritis.
Treatment
While arthritis tends to afflict people as they get older, it can strike people of all ages.
Many studies have been made concerning arthritis treatment. However, there are many misconceptions about this disease, one of them being that arthritis is just something that “you have to learn to live with.” And because of that, many sufferers never seek appropriate arthritis treatment and medical care.
While arthritis can be an extremely debilitating disease, correct arthritis treatment can help ease the pain and prevent further damage. There is, however, no cure for arthritis yet, in the way that there is no cure for diabetes or hypertension. But there are still several effective arthritis treatments available that you can take.
A good start to relieving arthritis symptoms includes getting rest and regular exercise. While you may not want to exercise when you are sore, it is a great way to relieve the discomfort and pain. You should be aiming for a good balance between rest and exercise. Effective exercise includes
Range of motion exercises to reduce stiffness
Strengthening exercises to maintain or increase muscle strength
Endurance exercises to build fitness
Many forms of arthritis are often manageable with over-the-counter drugs. They are the same medicines commonly taken for headaches, colds, or other minor pain. This kind of arthritis treatment is taken orally and in moderation in order to avoid any unpleasant side effects. Easily available, and often effective, arthritis treatments include:
Aspirin
Acetaminophen
Ibuprofen
Naproxen
Corticosteroids are used to reduce severe pain and swelling. They can be given either by injection or in pill form. Injections can provide rapid and relatively long lasting relief, but should be used sparingly, as they can weaken nearby bone and cartilage.
Topical Herbal Remedies
A traditional way of administering arthritis treatment is through herbal remedies. These traditional remedies are often applied topically, usually rubbed into the skin so they are absorbed into the blood stream. Some of these arthritis treatment remedies have skin-warming ingredients while others act more like anesthetics or pain killers.
One good example of an herb that can be used in arthritis treatment is capsaicin. This is a pungent chemical found in red peppers and is available commercially in cream form. The chemical acts particularly on pain and inflammation nerves, thus, helping ease the pain.
Alternative treatments
Acupuncture: A popular alternative arthritis treatment. During acupuncture treatment, thin metal needles are placed into the body at various acu-points, many of which are near nerves. The stimulated nerves ultimately cause a release of endorphins and other neurotransmitters, which block pain from being transmitted.
Magnets: Proponents for this alternative arthritis treatment suggest that magnets stimulate blood flow in the local area near the magnets, bringing additional oxygen and nutrients to the damaged joint.
Surgery
In severe cases of arthritis, and if medication is not working, surgery can sometimes be an option to replace the joint or improve its alignment. Surgical options include:
Arthroscopy: Using a very small cut around the joint, a surgeon can remove damaged bone, cartilage, or other debris from your joint, or make other repairs such as removing swollen tissue or smoothing out rough surfaces.
Joint Replacement: If damage to the joint is very severe, an alternative is for a surgeon to replace all or part of the damaged joint with a man-made replacement.
Joint Fusion: If joint replacement doesn’t work, surgeons can also sometimes remove the joint altogether and then fuse the ends of the two bones that connect it.
As you can see, there are many alternatives for arthritis treatment for pain sufferers. Don’t be discouraged by the news that modern science has yet to find a cure to your condition. Instead, take control of your life by taking control of the disease and refusing to back down one step.
When a women’s periods end it is commonly called ‘the change of life’ or the menopause.
This marks the end of menstruation.
However, it doesn’t happen suddenly, there is a transition period when periods may occasionally not happen.
A woman can be said to be ‘post menopausal’ when there are no more periods after one year. The average age for this to happen in the world is 50 years.
There may often be individual variation.
A very small percentage of women encounter the menopause before they reach 45 years, and a very few experience it before the age of 30 years.
You can expect most symptoms of the menopause to stop completely over time. This is quite natural and usually gradual.
The menopause occurs when the ovaries no longer respond to the controlling hormones released by the pituitary gland of the brain. As a result, the ovaries fail to release an egg each month and to produce the female sex hormones oestrogen and progesterone.
It is the fall in the levels of these hormones in the bloodstream that gives rise to the symptoms of menopause.
Many women experience symptoms of the menopause and irregular periods for several years up to the menopause itself.
This is called the climacteric, or 'perimenopause', and represents the gradual decline in the normal function of the ovaries.
Symptoms
1. Hot flashes, flushes, night sweats and/or cold flashes, clammy feeling
2. Bouts of rapid heart beat
3. Irritability, Mood swings
4. Sudden tears
5. Trouble sleeping through the night (with or without night sweats)
14.Incontinence, especially upon sneezing, laughing; urge incontinence
15. Itchy, crawly skin
16. Aching, sore joints, muscles and tendons
17. Increased tension in muscles
18. Breast tenderness
19. Headache change: increase or decrease
20. Gastrointestinal distress, belching, indigestion, flatulence, gas pain, nausea
21. Sudden bouts of bloat
22. Depression
23. Exacerbation of existing conditions
24. Increase in allergies
25. Weight gain
26. Hair loss or thinning, head, pubic, or whole body; increase in facial hair
27. Dizziness, light-headedness, episodes of loss of balance
28. Changes in body odor
29. Electric shock sensation under the skin and in the head
30. Tingling in the extremities
31. Gum problems, increased bleeding
32. Burning tongue, burning roof of mouth, bad taste in mouth, change in breath odor
33. Osteoporosis
34. Changes in fingernails: softer, crack or break easier
35. Tinnitus: ringing in ears, bells, 'whooshing' buzzing etc.
Treatment
Not every woman requires treatment. Sometimes menopause symptoms can be distressing so a number of options are available.
What type of treatment you need will be based on what your doctor suggests and what you prefer, your symptoms and medical past.
Common treatments are: HRT (hormone replacement therapy), Tibolune, Clonidine, vaginal lubricants and antidepressants.
HRT replaces the hormone oestrogen which decreases naturally as the menopause approaches.
Women who are still having periods but are experiencing symptoms of the menopause may be given a combination of oestrogen and progensterone (another hormone) in combination – called cyclical HRT.
Oestrogen alone is effective for women who have had their womb and ovaries removed, while women who are post menopausal are given continuous HRT.
Tiblone may also be used by post-menopausal women who are still experiencing occasional periods and wish to end them effectively. It is a man made alternative to HRT.
Clonidine can also be effective in reducing night sweats and hot flushes.
Vaginal lubricants or moisturisers are effective if you encounter vaginal dryness.
Antidepressents can be effective for the treatment of hot flushes and there are several brands which your doctor can suggest. Some people experience side effects however, such as anxiety, sleeplessness, nausea and dizziness.
The use of antidepresssents will need to be closely monitored by your doctor, who can advise you on the frequency of monitoring.
Mumps is a relatively mild short-term viral infection of the salivary glands that usually occurs during childhood. Typically, mumps is characterized by a painful swelling of both cheek areas, although the person could have swelling on one side or no perceivable swelling at all. The salivary glands are also called the parotid glands; therefore, mumps is sometimes referred to as an inflammation of the parotid glands (epidemic parotitis). The word mumps comes from an old English dialect word that means lumps or bumps within the cheeks.
Mumps are spread through respiratory droplets released when an infected person sneezes or coughs, or through direct contact with saliva, respiratory droplets or objects handled by an infected person. The mumps virus enters the body through the nasal passages or mouth and replicates in the nasopharynx and lymph nodes. Twelve (12) to 25 days later, the virus enters the bloodstream (viremia) and spreads to a number of tissues and glands (meninges, salivary, pancreas, testes and ovaries). Inflammation of the infected tissues results in the characteristic symptoms of mumps. Inflammation of the parotid salivary glands (parotitis) near the jaw line of the cheek occurs in up to 40% of those infected. Parotitis may be unilateral (one-side) or bilateral (both sides) resulting in the characteristic puffy-jaw chipmunk appearance associated with mumps infection.
Treatment and Prevention
There is no specific treatment for mumps and it should be allowed to run its course. Paracetamol can be used for the pain and fever but aspirin should be avoided as its use may be linked to Reye’s syndrome. Bed rest, a healthy diet and plenty of fluids will help your body overcome the infection, which usually lasts for 2 weeks
Mumps infection should be prevented and most children are vaccinated for mumps. The use of the MMR vaccine (measles-mumps-rubella) is widely used these days and parents should not be concerned about its links to autism as this is totally unfounded. Parents who opt for complementary medicine like homeopathy for their children should not avoid the vaccine as the complications from mumps can be severe. If you have previously had the mumps, then you will have natural immunity and you do not have to be too concerned about contracting the infection again.
