Medicine Blog

Non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma (NHL), a cancer affecting the lymphatic system, is the second-fastest-rising cancer in the United States. Incidence rates have nearly doubled over the past 30 years. It is estimated that 360,000 Americans are currently living with NHL, and about 58,000 new cases are expected to occur in the United States this year.

NHL is difficult to target and treat, as the disease can be found throughout the body in any blood-filtering tissue such as bone marrow. Patients typically have multiple relapses, meaning the cancer returns multiple times. This makes it very important for patients, their caretakers and their loved ones to talk to a physician about all available treatment options and to get access to the latest therapies.

NHL patients are traditionally treated with chemotherapy and/or radiation therapy. While these treatments destroy cancer cells, they also destroy surrounding healthy cells. Additionally, chemotherapy and radiation therapy can take up to five months to complete and may require patients to stay in the hospital.

An innovative class of drugs is harnessing the immune system to fight NHL. Radioimmunotherapy (RIT) is a promising area of cancer treatment that combines the specificity of monoclonal antibodies (similar to other antibodies the immune system makes to fight infection) with the cell-killing ability of radiation. When injected into a patient, these radiation-carrying antibodies seek out and bind to specific tumor cells, and then deliver radiation directly to those and surrounding cells.

Two RIT products have been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). These products are completed in just one treatment regimen, lasting 1-2 weeks, so patients don’t need to frequently return to their doctor’s office for treatment on a weekly or semiweekly basis. Coupled with the fact that RIT can be administered on an outpatient basis, these therapies provide more convenience for patients and their families. Recent studies have shown that NHL patients may benefit most from these therapies when they are used early in the treatment of NHL, prior to multiple courses of chemotherapy.

RIT delivers radiation to B-cells by recognizing and attaching to the CD20 antigen.

Pain – In fibromyalgia, patients suffer from acute and stabbing pain in muscle joints. The tendons, soft fibres, ligaments and cartilages are massively affected by fibromyalgia. Patients feel hour longed stiffed joints in the morning. Patients often experience cramps and burning sensation in body.

Fatigue – Fatigue means lack of energy and lethargic. Patients loose their working power. They experience tiredness in their arms and legs. Sometimes the sufferers feel that their heir arms and legs are tied with concrete blocks. They can hardly move their hands and legs. A strange drowsiness is always imposed on their mind and they can not concentrate on any topic. People loose their thinking power; this situation is called “brain fog”.

Sleeping disorder – The fibromyalgia patients have some sleeping disorder as well. It is revealed in a lab test that those people fall asleep much more easily but their sleeping depth is not so high; that means their sleep is not very deep. They can often awake from their sleep as they are constantly interrupted by some bursts, which lead to an awake-like brain activity. It is not always essential to go through a lab test to determine the sleeping disorder. If someone often awakes from sleep and have an unrefreshed sleep then it can be said that he is having some sleeping disorder. The fibromyalgia patients often see some terrible dreams in sleep. Moreover they experience some other sleeping disorders like breathing problems, teeth grinding, jerking of limbs etc.

Irritable Bowel Syndrome – 70% of fibromyalgia patients have this syndrome. Patients have several disorders in their bowel; such as abdominal pain, constipation, diarrhoea, abdominal gas, gastroenteritis. They also have some indigestion problem. Some patients even cannot digest simple foods like rice, milk etc.

Chronic Headache – 80% of patients suffer from migraine or tension-type headaches, which are the most irritating syndromes of this disease.

Women often suffer from some feminine problems such as premenstrual syndromes, painful periods, and dizziness. Hormonal fluctuations in the menopausal states are noticed.

Patients become very sensitive to bright light, high power medicines, loud noise, aromas etc. They have black spots under the eyes. They also suffer from dry eyes and mouth as well.

Do you know children affected with autism find it difficult to communicate and to become socialized? There are two notions about the existence of autism. One thought is that autism is due to a bio-chemical imbalance, and the other notion is it is a psychological disorder. The autism-affected children seldom communicate with others except to fulfill their needs.

Autism spectrum disorders can be called an umbrella term since it covers classic autism, pervasive developmental disorder (PDD), and Asperger’s syndrome. Autism can be termed a spectrum disorder as the intensity and the number of the symptoms of autism differs from person to person. Autism causes impairments in the people in three areas: social relationships, communication, and restricted patterns of behavior. The spectrum of autism can be classified as severely affected, less able, and dependent on others. This also includes persons with above-average intelligence and independence, but lacking social skills.

Autism sufferers lack a proper response to social and environmental stimulations. The affected child would be in a separate world. The child’s communication will be very minimal and he will not be able to communicate his emotions and feelings properly.

Malabsorption is the most common problem noticed in autism. Autism sufferers experience structural compromise and chronic gastric inflammation in the digestive tract. The intestinal absorption is delayed due to intestinal inflammation. The specific symptoms of autism are restricted behaviors and interests and this is even seen towards the food choices. Self-limited and restricted diets are highly noticed in the autism condition, which may cause deficiency in one or more essential nutrients.

The commonly occurring deficiencies in the children suffering from autism are Vitamin-A, Sulfate deficiency, calcium deficiency, B12 deficiency, High copper: zinc ratio, etc.

There are numerous treatments available to cure the autism condition in children. Initially, nutritional supplements are offered to the child suffering from autism. This might be followed by behavioral training. In general Vitamin B12 is given as a supplement. The behavioral change noticed in autism can be improved by giving suitable educational therapies, where the child is motivated to give good response to the environmental and social changes promptly.

Although it is easy to say that educational therapy is good for autism patients, the children found difficult in learning the task, and they will intercept the process and show aggressive behavior to other people to avoid learning any new task.

In order to improve the autism behaviors, Magnesium in the form of injections are given to the autism sufferers. Within 2-4 weeks of administration of Vitamin-B12, autism behaviors can be reduced within 2 to 4 weeks. It can take more than 3 months for some children to respond with Vitamin-B12. The autism child with speech problems can be treated with Dimethylglycine (DMG) for better results. DMG will improve the immune system of one’s own body. Moreover, this improves frustration tolerance and eye contact.

For negative attention-seeking behaviors of autism, it is advisable to eliminate the behavior by giving attention to desired behavior rather than the negative behavior.

Recently labeled as “the disease of modern society”, anorexia nervosa commonly affects young women worldwide. Statistics indicate that anorexia nervosa has the highest prevalence among women with ages between 15 and 20, although even 5 year-old girls have been diagnosed with this type of eating disorder after following vegetarian diets and even restricting their food intake. These are very disturbing facts, considering the damage that anorexia can cause to the frail bodies of teenagers and adolescents.

Although in present anorexia nervosa can be effectively treated and its generated physical and psychological damage can be reversed, most young women are diagnosed with the disease long after they develop complications. Poor nutrition renders anorexic girls very susceptible to a wide range of physical affections. In time, girls with anorexia can develop disorders of the gastrointestinal tract, anemia, amenorrhea and in many cases, osteoporosis. Osteoporosis is a disorder of the skeletal system which causes the deterioration of bone tissues. Although this disorder is usually developed by the elderly, the majority of anorexic girls are affected by osteoporosis before the age of 20. Osteoporosis renders people vulnerable to fractures and on the premises of malnutrition and over-exercising, anorexic girls are very exposed to acquiring serious bone injuries.

The exact reasons why anorexic girls are so susceptible to developing osteoporosis remain unknown. However, poor intake of nutrients, excessive exercising, amenorrhea and decreased levels of estrogen have all been identified as factors that contribute to the development of osteoporosis among young anorexic girls. Traces of bone deterioration can be revealed in anorexic girls after only a few months of strict dieting and some bone damage can’t be always reversed. In most cases, osteoporosis continues to affect anorexic women long after they stop dieting and they maintain a normal body weight. Many young anorexic girls can suffer from weak bones for the rest of their lives if they don’t receive medical guidance at the right time.

Although estrogen replacement therapy can reverse the effects of osteoporosis for some girls with anorexia, this form of treatment is not always effective. Due to this fact, it is very important to reveal the presence of anorexia in young women before they develop osteoporosis. Girls that have been diagnosed with anorexia should take calcium and vitamin D supplements for preventing bone deterioration. Anorexic girls should also be frequently examined by an orthopedist for checking the integrity and the health of their skeletal system.

Any bacteria do not cause psoriasis. No virus or fungus causes it. It is not a contagious disease. There is nothing but body that decides if you will get psoriasis or not. A gene is responsible for psoriasis. Those who have that gene may get psoriasis if it is triggered.

Psoriasis – common triggers

The common triggers of psoriasis are sunburn, stress, skin injury, some medications, infections, smoking, drinking, and change in weather. Any of these can trigger psoriasis in a person who has the faulty gene. The gene makes skin act abnormally. Again it is not necessary that every time the triggers will work. Sometimes they don’t while sometimes a small trigger flares up psoriasis. Talking about the gene, not all siblings get psoriasis. It can be hereditary many times. As we discussed, for getting psoriasis you need a faulty gene and a trigger. Many healthy persons who show no sign of psoriasis sometimes get a small injury and the skin does not heal. After some days, the doctors find out that the person has psoriasis, which is not allowing the skin to heal. The strange behavior of skin at certain places on the body is responsible for psoriasis. Skin misbehaves at the command of a gene. Let us see how skin acts differently in psoriasis.

Psoriasis – skin action in psoriasis

In our skin the bottom layer produces new cells. These new cells take up to a month to travel to the top and the dead cells from the top are shed off. We can say that the skin renews itself every month. What skin cells you have today are not those you were born with. Old cells die and new cells are born. That way our whole body renews itself. In psoriasis skin, the speed at which skin brings up the new cells and sheds the old increases many fold. The cells are shed every third or fourth day instead of a month. This creates the red patches, flakes and itching. The skin misbehaves at the command of a gene.

Every treatment aims towards providing relief to itching, removing the flakes and slowing down the process of skin cells coming up.

This article is only for informative purposes. This article is not intended to be a medical advise and it is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Please consult your doctor for your medical concerns. Please follow any tip given in this article only after consulting your doctor. The author is not liable for any outcome or damage resulting from information obtained from this article.

Introduction – Description

Crohns Disease is a disease of the gut.  It was named after Dr. Crohn in the 1930’s after he first described the disease.  It can affect any part in one or more places although it affects the ileum (the final section of the gut) in around half of all cases.

It affects approximately 1 in 1500 people, affecting slightly more women than men with the age group predominantly affected by Crohns Disease being more affected.

Crohns Disease is also a chronic disease which means that it is persistent.  Once you have it, you will always have it.  The symptoms may vary over time in their severity.

What Causes Crohns Disease

It is now known exactly causes Crohns Disease.  There appears to be enough evidence that it could possibly be inherited as about 1 in 10 sufferers have a relative who has also suffered from this condition.  The evidence isn’t absolute, but of certain degree to be significant.

It is possible that some people may be genetically predisposed to suffer from Crohns Disease although it needs some kind of germ to trigger it.  The theory is that the germ triggers the immune system to cause inflammation of the gut.  Interestingly, Crohns disease has become more common in recent times.  The reason for this is unknown, however, smokers and women who use a combined contraceptive pill are at higher risk.

The Symptoms of Crohns Disease

The symptoms of Crohns Disease are different dependant upon which part of the gut is affected and to what degree.

The pain is normally located in the area where the inflammation is.  Using the example of the inflammation being in the ileum, then the area of pain would be on the lower right side of the abdomen.

Ulcers may develop which affect the raw area of the lining of the gut.

Diarrhoea may be mixed with mucus or blood.  What is common is the feeling of wanting to go to the toilet but when you get there, of not having anything to pass.

Some general feeling of being unwell with a loss of appetite, fever and tiredness.

If you lose a lot of blood, then you may suffer from anemia

Mouth ulcers are common

Painful cracks in the skin of the anus called anal fissures.

Treatment of Crohns Disease

As we don’t know the cause of Crohns Disease, it is only possible to treat the symptoms.  Some common treatments are as follows.

Drugs can be given which will firm up the stools.

Antibiotics can be given to fight any infection

Acute inflammation is normally treated via application directly up the back passage using various drugs such as corticosteriods.

There may be some surgery required to fix damaged portions of the bowel or to remove obstructions.  The problems with surgery though is that it normally causes the Crohns Disease to flare up again.

When people are diagnosed with psoriasis, it changes them physically because of the lesions that appear on the skin. But, just as importantly, it may influence how they work, play, view themselves and interact with others.

What Causes Psoriasis?

Psoriasis may be one of the oldest recorded skin conditions. It was probably first described around 35 AD. Some evidence indicates an even earlier date. Yet, until recently, little was known about psoriasis.

While scientists still do not fully know what causes psoriasis, research has significantly advanced our understanding. One important breakthrough began with the discovery that kidney-transplant recipients who had psoriasis experienced clearing when taking cyclosporine. Since cyclosporine is a potent immunosuppressive medication, this indicates that the immune system is involved.

Can Genetics Cause Psoriasis?

Family History. Some people who have a family history of psoriasis never develop this condition. Research indicates that a “trigger” is needed. Stress, skin injuries, a strep infection, certain medications, and sunburn are some of the known potential triggers. Medications that can trigger psoriasis are anti-malarial drugs, beta-blockers (medication used to treat high blood pressure and heart conditions), and lithium. Dermatologists have seen psoriasis suddenly appear after a person takes one of these medications, gets a strep infection, or experiences another trigger.

Phototherapy Treatment for Psoriasis

Phototherapy involves exposing the skin to wavelengths of ultraviolet light under medical supervision. Treatments usually take place in a doctor’s office or psoriasis clinic. However, it is possible to follow a treatment regimen at home with a unit prescribed by your doctor. The key to success with phototherapy is consistency.

Is psoriasis contagious?

No. You can’t catch psoriasis from another person or give it to someone by touching them, and you can’t spread it to other parts of your body.

For years people with psoriasis had options that were either time consuming or had difficult side effects. However the new science of biologics is offering treatments that may help people not only manage their disease but also clear psoriasis for months and sometimes years.

Many people have arthritis symptoms and don’t realize it.  It takes a while to get full blown arthritis.  It’s something that gradually builds up and before you know it, you have arthritis and are seeing your doctor for medication.  Any medication you take does not address the cause of arthritis and will not improve your condition.

If you show any arthritis symptoms, then expect to have arthritis 4-10 year down the road.  Typically when people have symptoms, they just ignore them and actual don’t recognize them as arthritis symptoms.

Here is a list of arthritis symptoms that you need to look out for.  Each person will show different symptom because of the nutritional make up will be different.

·     Dry scalp with dandruff

·     Dry skin which shows a whitish in different parts of the body

·     Ear has no ear wax

·     Fingernails that are brittle or splitting

·     Premature color change to gray

·     Skin wrinkles in the neck area

·     Ringing in the ears

·     Complexion color is pale

·     Stretch mark which appear after losing weight

·     Rectum itching

·     Accumulation of dried flakes at the corners of the eyes

·     Nose is constantly itching

·     Feeling stiffness when getting up in the morning

·     Hands and legs get cold and clammy

·     Bleeding gums

·     Teeth have etch lines

·     Varicose veins in the legs

·     Being sterile

From this list of arthritis symptoms, you can see that many symptoms relate to your body being dry.  One of the causes of arthritis is the lack of essential oils.  If you lack oil in your body, you will have dryness throughout your body.  You will lack the oil that provides the lubrication to the body joints.

You can have one or many of these arthritis symptoms.  If you do, you can start at any age using the oils good for preventing arthritis.  You can start eliminating those foods that are detrimental to your joints and health.  Some times it takes awhile to eliminate specific foods from you eating habits.  So the sooner you start the better.

Without the proper oil reaching your joints, your joints will slowly degrade.  The cartilage of your joints will be dry and this causes friction.  This friction causes heat that will help in the slow degradation of your joints.  Because the cartilage has no blood vessels, nutritional oils cannot be directly delivered its cells.  Oils have to be absorbed into the cartilage by osmosis.

Look over this list of arthritis symptoms and decide if you have one or more.  Remember, arthritis takes many years to appear after the symptom does.

Actor Sean Astin, best known for his role as Sam Gamgee in the Oscar-winning “Lord of the Rings” film trilogy, is willing to share his personal experience living with a family member diagnosed with bipolar disorder in order to help increase awareness of the symptoms associated with the condition. Astin witnessed the condition’s trademark highs and lows throughout his childhood when his mother, actress Patty Duke, experienced symptoms of undiagnosed bipolar disorder for years before receiving an accurate diagnosis and effective treatment. Duke’s delayed diagnosis is not uncommon and mirrors the results of a new survey of more than 500 people with bipolar disorder, which shows an average delay of 13 years between symptom onset and diagnosis.

The survey, which was conducted online by Harris Interactive and sponsored by AstraZeneca, included 500 persons medically diagnosed with bipolar disorder.

“Though my mom was the one who struggled with the symptoms, the impact of bipolar disorder was felt by my whole family. Her depression was sad and painful to watch, and we’d feel frightened when her mood became manic,” recalls Astin. “We wrongly attributed these extreme moods to the force of her personality. Had she understood earlier that her moods and behavior were symptoms of a chemical imbalance that could be treated, I believe she would have sought appropriate medical care and been accurately diagnosed much sooner.”

Loved Ones Play a Leading Role in Symptom Recognition and Evaluation

Over half of respondents in the survey (56 percent) credited family members, friends, and even coworkers with being the first to notice their symptoms. Over one-third (35 percent) said they would have been unlikely to seek professional help for their condition had others in their life not prompted them to do so.

Mood swings (49 percent), getting into arguments (40 percent) and reckless behavior (31 percent) were the symptoms most often recognized by loved ones. Overspending and substance abuse were also symptoms loved ones often recognized first. All these behaviors are associated with manic episodes.

In contrast, survey respondents were most often able to recognize depressive symptoms by themselves, reporting that thoughts of death or suicide, hopelessness and loneliness were the feelings they most often noticed. In fact, 70 percent were initially misdiagnosed solely with depression.

“I know that family members can help close the time gap between symptom onset and proper diagnosis,” says Astin. “For my family, it was something like 11 or 12 years. In the survey, it was 13 years. I want to help close the gap between symptom recognition and accurate diagnosis. My mom is proof that the road to recovery starts with listening, communicating with empathy and recognizing symptoms.” Astin wants families facing bipolar disorder to know that with the right diagnosis and proper treatment, there is hope.

Courtesy of Rio Films

Actor Sean Astin

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) is a slow progressing destruction of airways caused by gradual loss of lung function. It’s a combination of various lung diseases. In COPD, two lung diseases, namely chronic bronchitis and emphysema are the main diseases. Other diseases like asthmatic bronchitis and bullous disease are also present. This disease is common among the older women in America. On a whole, about 11% of the American population suffers from COPD. According to researches, it kills 85,000 people in the US every year and it is the fourth leading cause of death.

Smoking is the primary cause of COPD. Passive smoking can also lead to COPD. The effects of smoking on the lungs can be severe and permanent. Smoking causes irreversible damage to the lung tissues and causes inflammation of the lungs. This inflammation stops only when the smoking is stopped. The cigarette manufacturing companies add some chemicals to cigarettes for various reasons that block the production of alpha-1-antitrypsin (AAT), which maintain the elastic fibers of the alveoli. This in turn destroys the walls of the lungs, which makes the process of breathing very difficult.

Other causes that lead to COPD are industrial pollution, occupational dusts, continuous contact with hazardous chemicals, outdoors air pollution, etc. In some cases, parents pass on the genes to their children. In some rare cases, COPD is found in people suffering from a gene-related disorder called alpha 1 antitrypsin deficiency. Alpha 1 antitrypsin is a protein that inactivates the destructive proteins in the blood. The absence or the low level of alpha 1 antitrypsin in these people leads to the destruction of lungs and ultimately to COPD.

As the disease intensifies, the patients suffering from COPD will find it difficult to breathe. Their difficulty may vary according to the changing weather. They sometimes require hospitalization.

Prevention is the best medicine for COPD. There is no cure. All the medications for COPD are directed towards reducing the intensity of the disease. So, it is wiser for all of us to take steps to prevent this disease.

No matter what the diagnosis, finding out that you have a chronic illness can be a frightening and confusing experience. Following are 10 steps, provided by the National Multiple Sclerosis Society, to help people cope with the news more easily:

1. Educate yourself about the disease. You owe it to yourself to know as much as possible. Contact health organizations specific to your illness, such as the National MS Society, for comprehensive information. The Internet, bookstores and the library are also great resources.

2. Choose a health care provider that is right for you. Even before making your first appointment, make a list of questions to ask. Some great basic questions often overlooked are:

– Does the provider accept my health insurance?

– What do I need to bring to my first appointment? (e.g., a list of your medications, recent lab reports, MRI scans, etc.)

– Approximately how many other people with my condition does this provider see in a year?

– If the primary professional is not available, who helps me?

3. Compare treatments and make an informed decision with your health care provider. Starting on a medication soon after diagnosis is often the best defense for many diseases. In the case of multiple sclerosis, treatment can often slow its effects.

4. Connect with others to build a good support system. You are not alone. Interacting with others in your community or nationwide who are living with or affected by the same disease can help you in choosing the right health care provider, an important factor when coping with a chronic illness. Join self-help groups (either in person or online) and get involved in programs and events through local health organizations.

5. Think about how and when you’ll tell your family, friends and colleagues. Many diseases affect not only the person with the illness, but everyone who cares about him/her as well. Having at least one friend or family member who knows what you’re going through can ease the burden, and can help you decide how much to tell other people. It is also important to remember that the whole world doesn’t need to know about your diagnosis. Disclosure may sometimes result in prejudice, ignorance and even rejection. Contact the National MS Society [(800) FIGHT-MS] for information on disclosure issues such as how and when to tell whom about your disease.

6. Take care of yourself through healthy living. For a person living with an illness, the road to wellness involves more than medical treatment of the disease; exercise, good nutrition and preventative care are vital elements in maintaining a satisfying life, just as is true for the general public.

7. Make wise career choices. Knowing your company’s policies and your employment rights could help maximize your options before possible problems arise.

8. Plan for your financial future. Since many diseases pose uncertainties about the future, don’t wait to formulate your financial plans, evaluate insurance coverage and examine other practical issues.

9. Make your voice heard! Joining disease advocacy groups is an important step. By joining programs, such as the MS Action Network you can receive federal and state legislative alerts about issues that are important to you and your way of life. Becoming an activist is the best way to ensure that the needs of those with chronic diseases are considered when important decisions are made in the private and public sector.

10. Take a walk. Or a bike ride. Many nonprofits organize group activities that are both fun and raise money and awareness for their causes.

Frank Rella was teaching a high school music class when he had a wake-up call that changed his life. Frank felt pain in his chest and left work early.

When the pain got worse at home, he was rushed by ambulance to the hospital. Frank’s greatest fear came true when the doctors said he had a heart attack.

“My heart attack was really a wake-up call,” said Rella, a 42-year-old New Jersey resident who became a paramedic after his life-altering heart attack, so he could be on the frontlines of medical care. “I went through a lot of emotions and was worried about having a second attack. So now I make sure to take the right medications and work with my doctor to live a heart-healthy lifestyle.”

Frank’s story is not uncommon. A new survey of more than 500 heart attack survivors found that survivors see their attack as a wake-up call that gave them a second chance at life. However, most survivors also said their heart attack left them with feelings of depression and hopelessness. In fact, survivors said they feared another heart attack more than death. Even though survivors had these feelings, 40 percent said they were not doing everything they could to prevent another attack. This fact is troubling since one in five men and one in three women will have another heart attack within six years.

“I see these survey results come to life in my practice every day. While many of my patients who have suffered a heart attack are very aware and afraid of their increased risk of having another one, they are not doing everything they can to live a heart-healthy life. The good news is that if they take certain steps, they can prevent another attack. I tell my patients to eat healthy, exercise and take their medications. Those medications may include a beta-blocker, ACE inhibitor, statin and aspirin,” said Dr. William Abraham, director of the Division of Cardiovascular Medicine at The Ohio State University Medical Center.

In the survey, 80 percent of heart attack survivors said they needed more information to learn about their heart health. As a result, Mended Hearts, a nationwide heart patient support group affiliated with the American Heart Association, started a program called “Heartfelt Wake-Up Call.” This program offers education and support to heart attack survivors and their families. For tips on “Heartfelt Living” and “Heartfelt Support,” such as information about local support groups, tip sheets, survivors’ stories and heart-healthy recipes, visit www.mendedhearts.org.

GlaxoSmithKline provided funding and assistance in the development of “Heartfelt Wake-Up Call.”

“I encourage patients to take their health to heart” said Abraham.

The lower end of the esophagus is protected by a valve called the Lower Esophageal sphincter (LES). This valve opens to allow food from the esophagus into the stomach and then closes up to protect the esophagus from the acid content of the stomach. Several conditions can compromise this valve, allowing gastric content into the esophagus. As in adults, infants also suffer from heartburn on occasions. This is mainly attributed to the fact that infants consume essentially liquid and soft foods, which tend to be rich in diary proteins. The most unfortunate part of infant acid reflux disease is that, unlike in adults, it is very difficult to determine if an infant has developed chronic gastroesophageal reflux disease. An infant is most unlikely to be able to complain of heartburn or any symptoms of the disease.

Acid reflux in infants is always as a result of a lot of factors, however, most of the causative factors tend to be aggravated by the fact that infants, spend a great deal of their days lying on their back or in a supine position and consume mostly liquid food. The tendency for liquid food to cause regurgitation, when combined with the pressure lying in a supine position exerts on the lower esophageal sphincter (LES) constitutes a greater risk of reflux acid incidence in infants. The incidence, however, could also be attributed to some other factors like, the anatomy of the infant’s stomach, improper or incomplete development of the lower esophageal sphincter during fetal growth, poor diet, overweight, food allergies and a host of other factors.

Because infants, unlike adults, cannot complain of symptoms or explain how they feel, it is always very difficult to know when an infant is suffering from acid reflux. The best bet is to consult a pediatrician. Nevertheless, there are signs and clues that you may look out for in your infant that could suggest the presence of the disease. Some of these clues are:

– Sleeping problems

– Coughing

– Weight loss

– Lack of appetite

– Spitting up frequently

– Apnea

– Unusual irritability

– Chest pain

– Sore throat

– Bad breath

– Crying

Acid reflux disease can also cause respiratory problems including pneumonia, strictures and ulcerations on the esophageal wall, and malnourishment. Although, these signs don’t always mean your infant is suffering from acid reflux disease, but they constitute a good enough reason to go see your pediatrician.

Of course, there are a few things you could do to help your child avoid acid reflux. Simple things like changing the child’s food, keeping him/her upright for some time, especially after eating, keeping a eye on the child for any sign of chest pain or heartburn and a host of others. This extra attention could be all your child really needs.

Eating disorders are among those modern conditions which aren’t always taken seriously by the wider population, but which can have very serious effects for its victims. Indeed, far from being a minor problem which sufferers can solve simply by ‘pulling themselves together’, many of the eating disorders commonly seen are recognized psychological conditions which if left untreated can even turn out to be fatal. For this reason it’s very important to spot any early signs of eating disorders in yourself, your family, or friends and colleagues, so that treatment can be started while the problem remains relatively easily coped with.

No one knows for sure how many people are affected by the main disorders, namely anorexia and bulimia, as the official figures inevitably under report the true extent of the problem. One of the features of these conditions, and anorexia in particular, is a lack of awareness in the sufferer that they actually have a problem, and so they naturally don’t seek help. In the case of bulimia (binge eating compulsive eating), there is also often an element of guilt over what the sufferer acknowledges is inappropriate and uncontrolled behavior, again leading to an avoidance of treatment.

Bulimia is far more common than anorexia, with around 10% of women suffering from the former compared to 1% the latter. Among anorexics, around 10% of sufferers will eventually die as a result of the condition, and so should you spot any of the warning signs then medical advice should be urgently sought.

What is for sure is that eating disorders are more common than might be expected, and many consider the problem to be increasing in scope partly because of today’s mass media promotion of attaining perfect body images.

Anorexia Nervosa, or plain anorexia as it’s usually referred to as, is characterized by an unrealistic perception of ones own body. Sufferers will look into the mirror and see an overweight person looking back at them, however slim they may actually be. This constant desire to be thinner can lead to extreme dieting, excessive and obsessive exercise, and a preoccupation with food and avoiding it that can really take over a person’s life. In extreme cases, the self starvation will continue unchecked until it proves fatal, even when the physical evidence that the sufferer is seriously underweight should be overwhelmingly obvious.

The effects of bulimia, on the other hand, may not be visible to outside observers. This disorder is characterized by bouts of hugely excessive eating, followed by purging activities to rid the body of the excess calories. Sufferers will lose control of their eating completely during these periods, gorging themselves way beyond any level of food intake necessary for health. Common methods of purging include self-induced vomiting and overuse of laxatives, and this is usually followed by a sense of self loathing and repulsion at the lack of control shown. The sufferer may also self-starve as both a form of atonement for their behavior and as a self imposed punishment.

While bulimia is not as physically harmful as anorexia, the psychological effects can be devastating, leading to depression and even more serious outcomes including suicide in the worst of cases. The physical signs of bulimia which can be observed tend to be related to the purging methods used, and include regularly bloodshot eyes, swollen glands, and dental erosion. In the long term, the dangers include digestive system problems such as ulcers, weakness and exhaustion, and even heart problems.

I’ve suffered from an allergy to dust, sawdust, and fine particles, ever since I graduated from high school.  Shortly after I graduated, I moved with my mother into a small cottage.  For some reason, shortly after starting to live in that place, I started getting sneezing fits, runny nose, eyes, stuffed up and itchy nose.  My condition became so bad that I went to be examined by the local doctor.  His diagnosis was that I was allergic to dust, and fine particles.  I expected him to prescribe an effective medication to make my symptoms go away but instead, his recommendation was to remove all the dust from the environment where I lived.

So I helped do a lot of vacuuming and general cleaning in the house, to try to get rid of as much dust as possible.  It didn’t really work well so when I had a bad attack, I used over the counter allergy medication called Dimetapp.  It seemed to stop the sneezing fits and the itchy and stuffed up nose but one side effect was, it made me really sleepy.

Part of the problem might have been that my mother had a habit of shaking out the bed linen, before making up my bed.  In particular she would shake out, or snap the sheet before arranging it on the mattress.  This seemed to shake out what ever lint or loose material that was attached to the sheet and always seemed to make my condition worse.

When I moved to my work location accommodation, my allergies improved, except when I was close to where a chain saw was cutting wood.  The sawdust seemed to make me experience many of the same symptoms as the laundry dust had in the house.

I have learned that it is thought that the dust in a room does not really cause the allergy symptoms.  There is a point of view that dust mite insects living on the grains of dust are actually responsible for causing the person’s discomfort.

The house mites, like all living things eat, and then eliminate their waste.  The mite’s eliminations contain various protein type substances.  When you breathe these in or they come in contact with your skin, your body makes antibodies.  Your antibodies release a chemical known as histamine.  Histamine produces all my nasty sneezing and stuffed up runny nose symptoms.

Because my mother also had allergies, it is thought that, I also carry the predisposition to the discomfort of allergies as having allergies is thought to be a hereditary condition.

That doesn’t really explain why I get all the same symptoms in a place where there is sawdust in the air.  Any time I am around fine particles of sawdust my condition flares up.  That is one reason why I would not want to work In a saw mill, or plywood plant where there are fine wood particles floating all over in the air as I would always be a sneezing worker.

I find that by staying away from areas contaminated with these fine particles, my condition has almost completely disappeared

Attention Deficit Disorder, otherwise commonly know as ADD, is a psychosomatic condition which is normally characterized by learning and behavioral disorders. ADD is generally diagnosed in children and it affects the male infant population more than girls. Attention deficit disorder not only occurs in childhood but also continues till adulthood in many cases. Anti-social behaviors are common with ADD individuals, but are not seen in children with ADD.

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder is a developmental disability based on neurobiological factors. However, the real cause of ADHD is still not known. Studies have shown that ADD is due to genetic transmission from parents to children. It can also be the result of deficiency of certain neurotransmitters or a chemical imbalance.

The neurotransmitters are specific chemicals that help the brain to regulate the behavior of a person. Researches have shown that the rate at which the brain uses glucose is lower in individuals who are suffering from Attention Deficit Disorder in comparison to people who are not affected by ADD.

Symptoms commonly found among children with ADD are inattentiveness, impulsive behavior and hyperactivity. Children with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder find it difficult to do their homework or any assigned task, and even in holding conversation. Those with ADHD often take part in risky activities and therefore suffer two to four times the rate of accidental injuries as do children or adults without ADD.

Some of the symptoms of inattentiveness include making careless mistakes in homework or activities, difficulty in focusing on completing activities, difficulty in performing tasks, not listening, and being forgetful in daily activities.

Some of the symptoms of hyperactivity include restlessness of hands or feet, excessive fidgeting, problems in playing or focusing on activities, or excessive talking.

Symptoms due to impulsiveness include interrupting a conversation, impatience in waiting their turn, or blurting out answers even before the question is completed.

Adults with ADD are prone to risk-taking, careless or impulsive behavior, and difficulty with time management and organization. They often show an inability to structure their lives and to plan complex daily tasks, and also difficulty in self-control and self-motivation.

ADD is very difficult to diagnose and treat in younger people as it is sometimes related with mood disorders, employment issues, substance abuse, relationship problems or other psychological disorders. Previously it was believed that children and adolescents would grow out of ADD but now it is clear to psychologists that if ADD is not treated in childhood then it can create problems for the patient or his family.

What is Fibromyalgia?

Sometimes referred to as “fibro” and “the invisible disease,” fibromyalgia is a very debilitating that can strike anyone.  Approximately three to six percent of the U.S. population suffers from this condition, which causes sufferers chronic pains and aches.  The chronic pain and fatigue associated with this disease causes sufferers a general discomfort and a loss of the ability to function normally.

The earmarks of fibromyalgia are muscular aches and pains, stiffness of joints, and general fatigue.  Most who suffer from fibromyalgia are faced with disturbed sleep, making it almost impossible to get a good night’s rest.  This only makes the general aches and pains of the disease that much worse.

What are the Symptoms of Fibromyalgia?

Fibromyalgia causes widespread, chronic pain.  No area of the body will remain untouched by the effects of fibro, though the pain is most commonly found in the back, shoulders, neck, and hands.  Those who suffer from fibromyalgia have complained of a tingling or burning sensation, and numbness.   Many who have been struck with fibro have experienced sensitized skin and nerve pain.

Other symptoms of fibro include impaired memory and concentration, anxiety, depression, dizziness, ringing in the ears, terrible headaches, and irritable bowels and bladder. Fibromyalgia most commonly causes sufferers a general, overall fatigue brought on by general pain, muscle ache, and sleeplessness.

What Causes Fibromyalgia?

Fibromyalgia is a disease that is the focus of much intense scientific study.  There are many theories about the causes of fibro, and in many cases it is the result of some trauma that sufferers have experienced.  But there is much still unknown about this horrible disease, and modern medicine has still to pinpoint the cause of fibromyalgia.  There is no known method of prevention.  Scientific research indicates that some people may be genetically predisposed to fibromyalgia, but nothing has been accurately proven.

Is There a Cure For Fibromyalgia?

There is no known cure for fibromyalgia. In fact, as there is much still unknown about this disease and as there are no accurate tests for fibromyalgia, it is very hard to be diagnosed with this disease.  Many doctors remain largely unfamiliar with the effects of fibro, and many doctors remain steadfast that fibromyalgia is not a true disease or physical ailment.

However, as awareness of fibromyalgia grows, new treatments are being explored.  Sufferers of fibro have more options today, and as scientists learn more there is great hope that a true cure will be discovered in the future.

What Treatments are Available To Those Who Suffer From Fibromyalgia?

Over-the-counter pain medications can help to relieve some of the chronic pain caused by fibromyalgia.  Most doctors will prescribe pain medication and antidepressants to those who suffer from fibro, and prescribe a light exercise regime to keep muscles loose and limber.

Daily stretching exercises, like yoga, can help alleviate some of the muscle pain associated with this disease.  Hollistic methods and medicines are very popular with fibromyalgia sufferers.  Proper diet and nutrition are very important to those who suffer from this disease, and there is a focus on eating healthy and treating the body very well.

As fibromyalgia causes sleeping problems, doctors have stressed the importance that those who have been diagnosed with fibro get plenty of healthy sleep.  Plenty of sleep will lessen the fatigue and exhaustion that those with fibromyalgia almost constantly feel, and alleviate some of the pain in the muscles and joints.

What’s Next?

With no known cure, and no way to reverse the effects of fibromyalgia, sufferers are forced to live with the disease for the remainder of their lives – or until a cure is found.  Treatment must remain strict, and diet and exercise programs followed explicitly.  Those who suffer from fibromyalgia will not be able to function at any high-level capacity.  They will not be able to engage in strenuous activities, or even to hold a full-time job in most cases.  But by maintaining treatment and living inside the realm of their physical capacity, those who suffer from fibro greatly reduce the pain that they experience.  When more is understood about this disease, and scientists are able to come up with a comprehensive cure, perhaps fibromyalgia will finally be wiped out.

Candida is a type of fungus which lives in our body. Yeast infection happens when Candida grow too much in the body system. The good bacteria in your body keeps the yeast from overgrowth. However, when you consume medication such as antibiotics, it kills the good bacteria thereby allowing the yeast to grow out of control. Yeast infection affects mostly women in the age group of  between 16 and 35.

Some of the symptoms to help identify this infection are:

1.burning feeling when urinating

2.feel itchy and irritating around vaginal area

3.white cheesy discharge from vagina

Anything that changes the acidity in the vaginal area and kills the good bacteria can encourage the yeast to grow at a faster rate. Some of the causes are lack of sleep, steroid hormone medication, high intake of sugary and starchy foods, antibiotics, stress, immune-damaging illnesses such as diabetes, oral contraceptives (birth control pills),  weakened immune system, steroid drugs, and estrogen replacement therapy.

The most common infection is at the vaginal area. You can get rid of these infections by using anti-fungal medicines which are easily available at the pharmacy. If you see your doctor, he may prescribe over the counter (OTC) medicines such as Femstat 3, Monistat 7, Vagistat, Gyne-Lotrimin, and Diflucan. Sometimes the infection doesn’t respond to these medications. There are other alternatives you can consider.

Boric acid capsules is the best natural treatment. Boric acid cures up to 98% of women infected with vaginal yeast infections. You can make your own boric acid suppositories by filling size 00 gelatin capsules with boric acid powder (approximately 600 mg). Standard yeast infection treatment is one capsule. You insert it into the vagina at bedtime for two weeks. Boric acid acidifies the vagina, which restores the natural balance of bacteria and yeast. After thirty days, symptoms may return in some women. For this recurring or chronic infection, you use boric acid as maintenance treatment twice a week for six months to one year.

During your menstrual cycle,  your pH changes and this leads to yeast infection. You can use KY jelly lubricant because it helps restore the pH balance. The infection may go away within 24 hours depending on the severity of your infections.

Oregano oil is very potent against yeast, especially those containing high content of carvacrol, an active ingredient. Just follow the directions on the bottle. This is to be taken internally.

Yogurt with active cultures such as acidophilus can be used as a treatment for Candida infections. Insert unpasteurized, plain yogurt with a small spatula or vaginal cream applicator into your vagina at night and wear a pad. Repeat this process for three to seven nights, until the symptoms are gone.

You can even have a yogurt every day. By eating a cup of yogurt a day can help to keep the yeast in your body in balance. Make sure when you buy yogurt, it contains healthy active bacteria Lactobacillus acidophilus.

After successful yeast treatment, you can take certain precautions to keep the infections under control such as:

1.Avoid douching with water as this causes an imbalance of the pH in the vagina

2.Avoid bubble baths.

3.Stop wearing thongs and g-strings that are to tight and leaves no room to breath. Wear cotton only.

4.Avoid clothing that fits tightly at the crotch.

5.Avoid scented hygiene products, harsh cleansers, perfumed soaps, deodorant tampons/sanitary pads  and feminine deodorant sprays, .

6.Wipe your vagina from front to back after every use of the toilet. This prevents bacteria from rectum reaching your vagina.

7.Don’t stay in your wet swimsuit after swimming. Change as soon as possible.

8.Stop taking antibiotics. If you have to, then take some probiotics such as acidophilus.

9.Cut down on food which are rich with yeast such as breads, sourdough, bagels, cakes and beer.

Whether you’ve never been treated for a yeast infection before or have repeated infections, you should consult a doctor first. There is no instant remedy for yeast infection. Most the treatment normally takes three to seven days. Sometimes up to four weeks. This is because the treatment you choose depends on many factors such as your symptoms and your previous treatments.

The idea of taking control of your own health is a big part of the National AIDS Fund AmeriCorps program. It was the first national AmeriCorps Program focused solely on HIV/AIDS. The program grew out of President Clinton’s initiative to encourage young people to serve communities in exchange for educational awards and a small living stipend. The program is funded through a unique partnership between the federally funded Corporation for National and Community Service and private supporters including the MetLife Foundation.

Members provide community-based HIV-prevention education, HIV testing and counseling, and quality-of-life assistance to people living with HIV/AIDS. This contribution directly supports the AIDS service infrastructure-ensuring that individuals and families living with HIV/AIDS get critical services. By providing HIV prevention and care services, members (most of whom are young people) serve as powerful peer educators, administer HIV counseling and testing, and provide case management and supportive services. Each member engages in what the academicians call “service learning” or “experiential learning”-activities that often foster a lifetime of commitment to community service.

During the 2005-2006 program year, six cities host AmeriCorps members at the following service sites:

– Charlotte, North Carolina,

– Chicago, Illinois,

– Detroit, Michigan,

– Indianapolis, Indiana,

– Tulsa, Oklahoma,

– Washington, D.C.

Every year, the AmeriCorps teams work with community mobilization efforts in these six cities to promote National HIV Testing Day. Because it is so important to both prevention and treatment to know your HIV status, organizations such as the National Association of People With AIDS (NAPWA), the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and local health departments join forces with local health advocates and AmeriCorps members to promote the testing campaign. Each year, the day is promoted as a way of getting people who are at risk of HIV infection to learn about their HIV status.

It is estimated that approximately 250,000 Americans are living with HIV but are unaware of it. The campaign for this year shares the message “Take the Test, Take Control” with a diverse group of people and communities nationwide.

What is Tinnitus

Tinnitus is a symptom and not a condition in itself.  Tinnitus describes the symptom of being able to hear things which nobody else can, although in a rare number of cases, this isn’t true.  Tinnitus is a very common condition with approximately 10% of the population suffering from Tinnitus to one degree or another.  It is most commonly found in elderly people although it is becoming much more widespread in the younger population.  Also, Tinnitus can be found in one or both ears or sometimes it feels like it is coming from the middle of your head.

The Symptoms of Tinnitus

Tinnitus is most commonly found in elderly people although possibly due to the different lifestyles it is becoming much more common in younger people now.  Maybe this is due to the fact that people are living in noisier environments today.

The sounds which are heard vary from patient to patient.  Some patients hear a musical tone, although most patients hear something which sounds more like a hissing or whistling or a buzzing or a ringing noise.  For a lot of patients, it is more of an inconvenience and doesn’t affect their daily lives although for a number of patients, it is so bad that they need some kind of treatment to relieve the symptoms

The Causes of Tinnitus

Tinnitus is caused by damage to the nerves in the inner ear (cochlea).  These nerves transmit electrical impulses to the brain which the brain then interprets as sounds.  When these nerves are damaged, the signal becomes distorted.  When this distorted signal gets to the brain, the brain interprets it as a noise which is Tinnitus.

In elderly people, it is seen as part of growing older and is called presbyacusis.  However, in younger people medical professionals believe it is due to be exposed to loud noises.

There are other causes of Tinnitus as well which include Anemia – where the thin blood rushes around the body so quickly that it can cause a sound.  Excessive wax in the ear can also cause tinnitus.  Menieres Disease which is a condition affecting balance can also have a side effect of Tinnitus.  Some drugs both legal and illegal can cause Tinnitus as the body reacts to them.

The Treatment of Tinnitus

For most patients, there is no cure for Tinnitus.  Most treatments simply relieve the symptoms by masking the cause of Tinnitus.

Tinnitus is sometimes strongly related to the patients level of stress.  By managing this level of stress via the use of sedatives, tranquilizers or anti-depressants, the symptoms of tinnitus can be relieved.

Some drugs which affect the conduction of electrical impulses in the affected nerves have been found to relieve the symptoms of stress.

There are a number of self help measures which patients can employ either on their own or in tandem with any assistance that a doctor can prescribe.  These include listening to soothing music on a personal stereo before the patient goes to sleep.  There are white noise generators which can mask the noise inside your head.  This means that you can’t hear the noise generated by tinnitus.

Laboratory tests have confirmed that bird flu was the cause of death of a middle-aged Indonesian male in November 2005. The man was the 14th fatality of bird flu infections in Indonesia, and the ninth bird flu case confirmed by the World Health Organization after the case was sent by local health officials to Hong Kong for verification.

The confirmation brings to 70 the number of people in Asia who have died in the last two years from the H5N1 strain, now considered the deadliest avian influenza virus subtype. Antiviral medications such as amantadine and rimantadine, which are usually given to treat influenza, do not work on the avian flu virus. Drugs are being developed and temporarily used on patients who appear to have succumbed to the avian flu disease. Although they appear to be responding to treatment and are showing improvements, further tests need to be done to ensure the effectivity of these new drugs.

With avian influenza, birds could transmit the disease to humans. Birds carry the bird flu virus in their intestines when they migrate for the winter. The virus, which does not affect the carriers, is deadly to those who come in contact with birds carrying the virus. When chickens, birds or geese come in contact with a bird carrying the virus through the bird’s saliva, nasal secretions or feces, they can become infected, fall ill and die in 48 hours.

Humans infected with the avian flu have symptoms that include a fever, sore throat or muscle pain, which are similar to symptoms of human influenza. Thus, it is easy to mistakenly diagnose an actual avian flu as human influenza. However, humans infected with avian flu would have worse symptoms – eye infections and respiratory problems that could become life threatening.

It’s important to note that humans will not usually get avian flu unless they have been in close contact with infected poultry. Since the number of people that has been infected with the disease is still low and confined to a few children and adults, there is no serious cause of alarm yet. However, scientists and the health community are concerned that the disease, which usually affects poultry livestock, may evolve into something that will adversely affect humans.

Before the bird flu, there was a disease that came from bovines, commonly known as mad cow disease. This disease came about from the practice of feeding cattle with processed foods. Later on, the cows developed an infection in the brain. The infection caused cows’ brains to produce sponges, which made the animals go wild and die. Humans who ate meat from infected cattle fell sick and died. To rid of the mad cow disease problem, entire livestock were slaughtered, killed and burned. This prevented the outbreak from reaching other farms. Slaughtering infected cattle was done in many countries in the Asian region, including parts of Eastern Europe and Russia.

The bubonic plague killed millions of people in the 14th century. Transmitted by rats, the disease originated from China and spread on to Europe through merchants who came back from the long voyage from China. The same disease was also transmitted by fleas, which proved fatal when it was passed on to humans. The disease dragged on for years, killing millions more. The bubonic plague happened centuries ago, when medical science was not yet developed to cope with the epidemic and save lives of millions.

However, with the advances in technology today, scientists will be able to study the avian flu disease further. By closely watching the migratory patterns of birds and understanding the disease, scientists may help prevent avian flu from becoming another global outbreak.

Few drug-based treatments of obstructive sleep apnea are known despite over two decades of research and tests.

Oral administration of the methylxanthine theophylline (chemically similar to caffeine) can reduce the number of episodes of apnea, but can also produce side effects such as palpitations and insomnia. Theophylline is generally ineffective in adults with OSA, but is sometimes used to treat Central Sleep Apnea, and infants and children with apnea.

In earlier years, some neuroactive drugs, particularly a couple of the modern-generation antidepressants including mirtazapine, have been reported to reduce incidences of obstructive sleep apnea. As of 2004, these are not yet frequently prescribed for OSA sufferers.

When other treatments do not completely treat the OSA, drugs are sometimes prescribed to treat a patient’s daytime sleepiness or somnolence. These range from stimulants such as amphetamines to modern anti-narcoleptic medicines.

In some cases, weight loss will reduce the number and severity of apnea episodes, but for most patients overweight is an aggravating factor rather than the cause of OSA. In the morbidly obese a major loss of weight, such as occurs after bariatric surgery, can sometimes cure the condition.

Neurostimulation

Many researchers believe that OSA is a neurological condition, in which nerves that control the tongue and soft palate fail to sufficiently stimulate those muscles, leading to over-relaxation and airway blockage.

A few experiments and trial studies have explored the use of pacemakers and similar devices, programmed to detect breathing effort and deliver gentle electrical stimulation to the muscles of the tongue. This is not a common mode of treatment for OSA patients, but it is an active field of research.

Surgical Intervention

A number of different surgeries are often tried to improve the size or tone of the patient’s airway. For decades, tracheostomy was the only effective treatment for sleep apnea. It is used today only in very rare, intractable cases that have withstood other attempts at treatment.

Modern treatments try one or more of several options, tailored to the patient’s needs. Often the long term success rate is low, prompting many doctors to favor CPAP as the treatment of choice.

Nasal surgery, including turbinectomy (removal or reduction of a nasal turbinate), or straightening of the nasal septum, in patients with nasal obstruction or congestion which reduces airway pressure and complicates OSA.

Tonsillectomy and/or adenoidectomy in an attempt to increase the size of the airway.

Removal or reduction of parts of the soft palate and some or all of the uvula, such as uvulopalatopharyngoplasty or laser-assisted uvulopalatoplasty. Variations of this procedure sometimes use radio frequency waves to heat and remove tissue.

Reduction of the tongue base, either with laser excision or radio frequency ablation.

Genioglossus Advancement, in which a small portion of the lower jaw which attaches to the tongue is moved forward, to pull the tongue away from the back of the airway.

Hyoid Suspension, in which the hyoid bone in the neck, another attachment point for tongue muscles, is pulled forward in front of the larynx.

Maxillomandibular advancement. A more invasive surgery usually only tried in difficult cases where other surgeries have not relieved the patient’s OSA, or where an abnormal facial structure is suspected as a root cause.

In MMA, the patient’s upper and lower jaw are detached from the skull, moved forward, and reattached with pins and/or plates.

Pillar procedure, three small inserts are injected into the soft palate to offer support, reducing snoring and sleep apnea.

The type of surgery is necessary for you will depend on the severity of your sleep apnea. Explore all the possibilities with your doctor.

Millions of Americans share their beds with enough dust mites to trigger an allergic asthma attack in susceptible people. In fact, two million times a year those symptoms are severe enough to cause a trip to the emergency room. In an effort to help allergic asthma sufferers reduce their exposure to allergens in the home, Andrew Dan-Jumbo of TLC’s While You Were Out has partnered with the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America (AAFA) on an educational campaign called “Sleep Work Play at Home.”

As part of the “Sleep Work Play at Home” campaign, asthma and allergic asthma sufferers can enter an essay contest to win a personal “at home” consultation with Andrew and a $500 gift certificate for supplies to manage exposure to allergens in the home. Contestants can enter online at www.sleepworkplay.com by Thursday, July 13, 2006.

Sleep Work Play aims to improve the dialogue between patients and physicians by helping patients to explain their experience with asthma symptoms.

At the Web site, you can find a questionnaire designed to help patients better assess the impact allergic asthma has on daily functioning. By asking three simple questions, Sleep Work Play helps allergic asthma patients understand that interruptions of sleep, work, school or play are not inevitable aspects of their disease and that improved communication with their doctor can lead to better asthma management.

Mimi Gilles, one of 10 million Americans who suffers from allergic asthma, attests to years of interruptions in her sleep, work and play. Rushing to the ER because of an asthma attack became an accepted intrusion in her life-she even considered herself lucky when the hospital visits were limited to only once per month.

However, Mimi finally found relief from her allergic asthma symptoms by discussing another treatment option with her doctor. “Until you know there is another way to manage your illness, you don’t know there’s anything different about how you have been living,” Mimi reflects.

If you are being treated for asthma and have tried reducing allergens in your home, but are still affected by symptoms, speak to your physician about a new treatment plan.

The Bird Flu has a defined area of infection and has found a host that has kept it alive for millenniums. Pigs are in the mutation chain as the virus transitions to people. The next bird flu step could be an overnite pandemic or a wimpering gasp of disappearance.

The virus H5N1, has a few similarities with the Spanish flu of 1918 that resulted in one of the largest pandemics in the last 200 years. Both of these contagious outbreaks cause high fever, lower respiratory tract failure symptoms, prostration, myalgias, and a postviral weakness that could last up to 6 weeks.

Twenty-four hour access channels have warned of a coming pandemic that may arrive in the form of H5N1 avian influenza, more commonly referred to as ‘bird flu’. The market for poultry products has decreased internationally because of a lack of consumer confidence in a safe supply.

In Eastern Asian countries entire flocks of chickens have been destroyed because of an outbreak that easily spreads from bird to bird, infecting the entire flock.

Proactive Steps

Current laboratory research currently indicates existing flu prescriptions should be an active and readily available treatment should the ‘bird flu’ H5N1 make its presence felt. While this is good news, there is a second wave effect that has historically been seen in such a widespread influenza outbreak. The second wave may occur when the flu strain alters just enough to render existing medications ineffective.

Knowledge is a primary key in the battle of any communicable disease. Understanding symptoms can provide both peace of mind as well as the information you need to know should a doctor’s visit be required.

Defining Bird Flu

Like the more common flu strains, ‘bird flu’ may include fever, sore throat, muscle aches and eye infections. However, ‘bird flu’ may also include pronounced lethargy, acute breathing difficulties and chest pain. In more extreme cases pneumonia may make an appearance as well as potential organ failure.

This virulent strain of flu virus has, to date, been spread primarily through poultry and water fowl. The limited human fatalities that have been reported have all been a result of close interaction with infected birds.

The incubation period for humans who do contract ‘bird flu’ may be as few as two days or as many as 17.

Industry Protection

Chicken farmers are taking radical steps to keep their investment safe. Disinfectant sprays are beginning to be applied and sterile clothing is becoming common when entering poultry facilities. Symptoms that include bird inactivity and decreased egg production are routinely reviewed and monitored.

What If?

Members of the World Health Organization have worked to develop a plan that could be implemented on a global scale to address both current issues as well as those that may be forthcoming in the event of a ‘bird flu’ pandemic. Steps are currently being taken to address the issues surrounding ‘bird flu’ and partner countries are gaining assistance from the findings of the World Health Organization.

Flu Shot

It is unclear if the annual flu shot will assist in the reduction of ‘bird flu’ cases should a pandemic occur. However, there is evidence to suggest they it may in fact do so.

It may be that ‘bird flu’ will never reach epidemic proportions, but knowing what it is and what it is capable of doing is a help in preparing for a flu strain that could join the ranks of some of the world’s greatest viral killers.

The best prevention of the bird flu is a strong immune system. Exercise the body and the lungs. Look for a natural antiviral supplement. While modern scientist search for a vaccine, we have natural remedies that we can employ. Colloidal silver is known to kill bacteria and virus.

Amnesia, is a condition where mrmory is disturbed. Amnesia affects both organic and functional causes. An example of an organic cause of amnesia is damage to the brain, through trauma or disease. Where as an example of a functional cause involve physcholigical elements such as the defense mechanisms. There is several different types of amnesia which I have broken down below:

Lacunar amnesia

Lacunar amnesia relates directly the loss of memory on one specific event.

Global amnesia

Global amnesia is when you lose your entire memory. It is thought that this is a defense mechanism that are body instates after a very traumatic event. As a result of this complete loss, it is common that post-traumatic stress disorder can develop, and involve the spontaneous and realistic flashes of these traumatic memoreis.

Traumatic amnesia

Traumatic amnesia occurs most often due to a head injury, such as falling or being hit on the head. General with traumatic amnesia the length of the amnesia is directly related to the extent of the injury itself. In often cases a mild trauma is suffered, during events such as a car accident, where the occupant of the car might have an interuption in their memory just before the accident because of a brief loss in the memory transfer mechanism.

Dissociative amnesia

Dissociative amnesia refers to the long-term repressed memory that can result in emotional or pschological trauma.

Childhood amnesia

Childhood amnesia, which in several instances is called Infantile amnesia, is probably the most common type of amnesia – the failure to remember events from our childhoods. There is many popular theories as to why we have this loss of memory from our child; most recently it has been thought to be as a result of language development or under-developed parts of the brain.

The first step of the program refers to the addition of the alcohol dependency and acceptance of the fact that the patient is powerless to alcohol, which leads to significant and unwanted life changes. After admitting the problem, the patients deal with admitting that they can recover from the unwanted condition and leave healthy lives again, due to a power “greater than themselves”. The third step of the program concentrates upon this “greater power”, which is associated with God; the patients accept that God can lead their lives and behavior, by guiding their wills in the right direction.

After the first steps that admit the problem and the power to change it, the patients are asked to make a morel introspection of themselves, in order to discover their needs and expectations regarding their problem. Admitting their mistakes to themselves, to God, to their family and friends represents the step that follows and which is the base of a process that accepts that patients are capable, as humans, to commit wrongs.  This process, which is expressed in the steps from 5 to 9, includes asking for help from the “greater power” in order to remove the shortcomings, but also, it implies listing the persons that were affected in the past by the patient’s wrong means and asking them for understanding and forgiveness. Making direct amends to relatives and acquaintances is represented in step number 9 and it is the base for the further conduct, as patients are thought to continue observing their inner self and promptly admit their mistakes.

The last 2 steps of the Alcoholics Anonymous program refer to improving the contact that the patients established with God and constantly praying and asking for knowledge to entirely overcome their condition. Step 12 basically refers to the accomplishment of a spiritual awakening, as a result of the recovery steps and accepting and willing to teach other alcoholic patients to discover and overcome their problem. The ending result of the twelve-step program in alcohol rehab is sharing the experience, believes and behavior means with the others, in order to prevent further collapses and live a healthy life. Full body detox treatments are the most sought after toxin removing remedies that help people rebalance their bodies, achieving a very good health condition. Lots of doctors are recommending to their patients to follow a full body detox treatment in order to get healthier and of course, to ease the healing treatments they must take for recovering from different diseases. A general cleansing diet is recommended to be done from time to time even for people who don’t seem to suffer from any chronic or profound maladies because the effect of a full body detox may prevent the development of many diseases and also it increases the body’s immune system.

Close your eyes and picture the person who has become the youngest woman in history to conquer “The Seven Summits”-the highest mountain on each of the seven continents, and the youngest American to stand atop Mount Everest.

Did an image of a 20-year-old girl come to mind? Most likely not. The fact is, Danielle Fisher does not look or seem the part of a mountain climber who has scaled the renowned Seven Summits – the awesome alliance of peaks that includes 29,035-foot Mount Everest.

Fisher’s Struggle With ADHD

But the challenge of mountain climbing is not the only thing Fisher has surmounted; she has also spent her life struggling with the challenges of attention-deficit/ hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). She has tackled ADHD as just another mountain; going at it with determination, strength and a good support team, including friends, family, a physician and a counselor.

When Fisher was diagnosed with ADHD in the sixth grade, her doctor explained that ADHD is very common-approximately 4.4 million children ages 4 through 17 have the disorder. The core symptoms of ADHD are inattention and/or hyperactivity and impulsivity. Fisher’s doctor prescribed Adderall XR (mixed salts of a single-entity amphetamine product), a once-daily medication, to combat the symptoms of ADHD.

Fisher says of her diagnosis and treatment, “I had to find a balance between knowing that I needed help and making an effort to push through it myself. I realize that medication helps me. It certainly makes it easier to focus, but I also have to make the personal effort to make my dreams possible.”

Managing her symptoms of ADHD was essential to Fisher being able to undertake the record-setting climbs. To prepare for each climb, Fisher not only had to stick to a strict fitness and diet regimen to meet the physical challenges of the extreme mountain environments, but she also had to raise money to fund each climbing expedition, which could cost several thousand dollars for travel, equipment and guides. For Fisher, managing her ADHD symptoms was the key to paying attention to details and staying focused to meet her goals.

Reaching New Heights

Fisher grew up around the majestic Cascade Mountains in Bow, Wash., and started climbing them with her dad the summer after her sophomore year of high school. It was when Fisher first climbed Mount Rainier at age 15 that she fell in love with the sport and grew excited at the thought of climbing other mountains and achieving record-setting goals.

In January 2003, Fisher conquered the first of the Seven Summits with a 22,848-foot climb to the peak of Aconcagua in Argentina. In July of that year she did two more climbs: 19,339-foot Kilimanjaro in Tanzania and 18,481-foot Mt. Elbrus in Russia.

Fisher’s next challenge was 7,320-foot Mount Kosciuszko in Australia, which she climbed in January 2004, followed in May of that year by the 20,320-foot-tall Mount McKinley in Alaska. She then headed halfway around the world to Antarctica and, in January 2005, she reached the top of the 16,067-foot Ellsworth Range. Finally, in June 2005, Fisher reached the 29,035-foot peak of the highest mountain in the world, Mount Everest in Nepal, Asia.

Upon Fisher’s return home from Mount Everest, she received a flood of media attention from around the world; everyone wanted to catch a glimpse of the young girl who triumphed over ADHD and climbed the Seven Summits of the world.

Fisher credits her success to the support from family and friends, to her determination to achieve her goals, and to her ADHD medication, which helped her to stay focused.

Climbing To The Future

Fisher is currently pursuing a degree in material science engineering at Washington State University. Fisher’s summer plans include climbing Pakistan’s Gasherbrum II, the 11th highest peak in the world at 26,360 feet, with the hope of becoming the youngest person to reach the summit. If you would like to follow Fisher’s journey, log on to www.daniellefisher.com.

Important Safety Information: Adderall XR was generally well-tolerated in clinical studies. The most common side effects in studies included: children-decreased appetite, difficulty falling asleep, stomachache and emotional lability; adolescents-loss of appetite, difficulty falling asleep, stomachache and weight loss; adults-dry mouth, loss of appetite, difficulty falling asleep, headache and weight loss.

Adderall XR may not be right for everyone. Patients should speak with their doctor if they have a history of high blood pressure or any heart conditions, glaucoma, thyroid problems, emotional instability, mental illness or a known allergy to this type of medication. Abuse of amphetamines may lead to dependence. Misuse of amphetamine may cause sudden death and serious cardiovascular adverse events. These events have also been reported rarely with amphetamine use.

If you are currently taking or have recently taken a type of antidepressant called a MAO inhibitor or have a preexisting structural heart abnormality, you should not take Adderall XR. There is a potential for worsening of motion or verbal tics and Tourette’s syndrome. A patient should report any new psychological symptoms to his or her physician.

My mother was about 65 when she first started to fool around, and lost her mind. You may think I am too hard when I say what happened like this, but this is what happened. She litterly lost her mind when the Alzheimers disease started to destroy her brain. It is tragic when it happens, and even though it happens to many people each year, I did not know much about it before it happened to my dear mother. First I thought she had got some psycik problems, that her nervs needed some help. But after taking her to hospital, she got the diagnos Alzheimer’s Disease.

She, her self, was the first person to reconise that something was wrong. The first symtoms, as forgetfullness, she managed to hide for us for months. Not knowing where to find things, or put things back, in her own house, was a terrible experience for her. Things like not remembering how to brush your teeth or how to tie a shoe become increasingly more difficult. But the worst was when she “saw” people who were not there. Hallucinating and anxiety become a big part of her last years, and it was terrible to be a vitness of what was happening to her. The end result is severe brain damage.

There is no cure for Alzheimer’s disease. Some drugs are used to slow down the progression of the disease in some patients. Some medications are used to treat the symptoms of the disease which can help to make patients more comfortable.

Alzheimer’s disease is a disease are different from patient to patient. It begins slowly, and can take many years to be a real problem for some, for others, it is much faster. Some Alzheimer’s disease patient will live from eight years from the time they are diagnosed. Others can live up to twenty years.

My mother left me more or less 2 years before she died. She could have lived longer, but she stopped eating, would not live anymore. Until her last days she had clear moments where she knew me, and was very sad and sorry for what was happening to her. So was I. So am I. Alzheimers disease is a dreadful disease. Those who get it need to have help and understanding night and day, complete care, for years. Not everybody have love-ones to take care of them.

It’s not easy to live with fibromyalgia.  It is not easy due to the fact that, like myself, you have no knowledge about how you are going to feel when you wake up in the morning.  One day there’s pain beyond belief and the next you can feel as if you are walking on clouds, no pain and a day full of activity.

My day normally starts with about 20 minutes of trying to stretch out my muscles and have them functioning normally again.  Then I have to pick up my little girl from her bed, and that can be a painful experience.  After that it’s time to change her diaper, and that is also a huge problem for me as my fingers normally are not working properly.  Fortunately my daughter has learned already to be patient with me.   After about half an hour it’s time to try out clothes and see if it’s going to be a good day or a bad one.  A bad day is a no tight clothes day.  Then it’s breakfast time but normally I can’t eat breakfast due to stomach problems also caused by my fibromyalgia.

Then the day goes on.  If I have the strength I will try to go out and do the shopping and also take out my kids.   The worse thing about fibromyalgia is that one get so tired.  The pain can be so hard that nothing works and even if you have had a good night’s sleep, you can wake up feeling as if you have never slept at all.  It takes control over every little thing you like to do.  One day I have all the strength I can ever use and the next day I have no strength at all.

Fibromyalgia takes all the good in you, and makes you feel horrible if you do more then your body can take.   I remember once I was at a dance, felt pretty good that evening and had no pain whatsoever.  The day after the dance I could not get out of bed, I had to call for help.  I have also had to have home assistant, and help with almost everything for some periods of my illness.  It’s been so bad that I haven’t even been able to take my kids out to play.

The weather is also a big problem for almost everyone with fibromyalgia..  For me that means that when the temperature is between 0-15 degrees Celsius, I’m in severe pain.  Those days, I can do hardly anything, and that means for me about 6 months a year.   There are a few things that you, who don’t have this illness can do:

1.   Remember that even if someone has fibromyalgia, it doesn’t mean you can see it.  We have no evidence on our bodies that prove our illness and too often we get to hear that we are lazy, and “How can you be ill, it doesn’t show”.  Those words hurt.  Because we have often had to fight a battle with our doctors to make them realize that we have fibromyalgia and prove it to far too many people.

2.   Also think about the fact that sometimes even a soft touch can hurt, so don’t pat us on the back saying “you’ll get better!”.  It’s an illness that is there for life.

3.   Don’t make demands on us, because what we can do today, we might not be able to do tomorrow.

This is just a little about fibromyalgia and I will probably write much more about it.

The latest statistics indicate that as many as 950,000 Americans may be infected with HIV, the virus that can cause AIDS. Even with advances in HIV treatments that have helped improve the lives of those with the condition, HIV wasting remains a significant problem.

One such person is former West Hollywood mayor John Duran. Several years after he was diagnosed with HIV, Duran experienced a rapid 60-pound drop in weight, most of which he attributed to the loss of muscle mass. He discovered that his sudden weight loss was the result of a condition known as HIV wasting.

“I was surprised to learn that my sudden weight loss was a result of HIV and that HIV wasting is a common effect of the disease,” Duran said. “I want people to know that HIV wasting does not have to impact your daily life. Managing the symptoms of this condition is important to managing your health and an essential part of feeling good about yourself. It gave me the self-confidence to accomplish my dreams.”

What is HIV wasting?

HIV wasting involves the unintentional loss of body weight or lean body mass. Lean body mass includes mainly the muscles and organ tissue and also fluids in your body. When you are healthy, the food you eat is broken down and converted to energy so you can function normally-a process called metabolism. When your metabolism is working right, your body fat is used for energy. With HIV wasting, however, the body uses mostly lean body mass for energy instead. This can be serious if it goes undetected and untreated.

What are the symptoms

of HIV wasting?

People with HIV wasting gradually begin to feel weak or tired and notice that they are unintentionally losing weight. Typically, people with HIV wasting experience a loss of lean body mass, which includes muscles and organ tissue.

What causes HIV wasting?

Although the exact cause of HIV wasting is not yet known, many factors may contribute to wasting including low food intake, poor nutrient absorption, a change in metabolism and HIV-related infections.

– Low appetite is common with HIV and some AIDS treatments have to be taken on an empty stomach, or with a meal. This can make it difficult for some people with AIDS to eat when they are hungry. Also, drug side effects and infections in the mouth or throat can make it painful for people with HIV to eat.

– In people with HIV, several infections interfere with the nutrient absorption. Diarrhea, a frequent side effect of AIDS drugs, can also cause loss of calories and nutrients.

– Food processing and protein building are also affected by HIV. People with HIV need more calories just to maintain their body weight.

Can unintentional weight loss be serious? Significant weight loss in people living with HIV/AIDS leads to greater risk of further complications and even death.

What can I do if I or someone I love suffers from this condition?

HIV wasting can be treated with appetite stimulants, nutritional supplements and hormone treatments.

“Because I’m able to pro-actively manage my illness and associated conditions such as HIV wasting,” Duran said, “I’m able to focus on what is most important to me-my life, my job, my community and my family.”

What is sciatica?  Sciatica is the official name given to a pain in the leg, foot, or buttock, brought on by a form of irritation to the sciatic nerve, the longest nerve in the entire body.

Sciatica is most commonly caused by a slipped disc in the lower back, some form of arthritis, or a pinched nerve.  It begins with back pain, followed by calf or hamstring pain, and sometimes included numbness in the toes.  Forms of sciatica, resulting from inflammation get better with time, healing themselves.  However, bed rest is not the best way to treat sciatica.  It is shown that remaining active and performing exercises that are not weight bearing can help.  Given time, even herniated spinal discs can heal.

Treatment for sciatica is varied.  It is only possible to find out what treatment is best for you by going to your doctor for an accurate diagnosis.  Your doctor may order an MRI to conclude the exact cause of sciatic pain, although many physicians can determine the cause through physical examination alone.

Proper stretching and exercising, combined with over-the-counter pain medications can assist on the road to recovery.  If your pain is not relieved by the milder pain medications, your doctor may prescribe a naroctic analgesic.  However be advised that these medications can cause nausea, dizziness, and drowsiness, and may result in dependency if taken over long periods of time.  In extreme cases, surgery may be required to remove fragment of the disc.

It is important to stay active.  Do exercises that develop muscles in your back and stomach.  This helps to stablilize your spine.  It is also important to maintain a reasonable body weight.  Ensure that you practice good posture, and sleep on a mattress that is neither too hard or too soft.

You should always discuss health matters with your physician, especially if you suffer progressive weakness, as this may constitute a medical emergency.  The problem thought to be something easily treated may be a serious condition caused by the compression of the nerve roots in the lower end ofthe spinal canal, which requires immediate medical attention.

Avian flu, which was identified more than 100 years ago in Italy, is an infectious disease of birds, and is caused by type A strains of the influenza virus. An outbreak of avian influenza has occurred in number of Asian countries in their domestic and wild bird populations.

Avian flu is a contagious disease and all birds are very susceptible to influenza viruses. These viruses are of different subtypes and subtype  H5N1 is the one, which has emerged as a threat to bird’s population and has affected the human’s health as well.

In fact, there is no report of transmission of this disease among humans but those people is likely to be infected who have touched or handled the infected birds directly and do not take preventive measure at the time of outbreak of this disease.

Shigeru Omi, Western Pacific Regional Director of World Health Organization, recently said that “We believe that the world is now in the gravest possible danger of a pandemic” and urged international co-ordination to fight the virus.

Another official of the U.N. Food and Agriculture Organization, Samuel Jutzi said that “there is an increasing risk of avian influenza spread that no poultry-keeping country can afford to ignore it”

Generally, avian influenza gets transmitted to the domesticated birds if direct contact is made with the infected fowl or poultry, or through their saliva, nasal secretion or feces, and sharing of same water or feed that have been contaminated with the virus.

When humans are infected by this virus, the visible symptoms are fever, cough, sore throat, muscle aches, eye infections, pneumonia, severe respiratory diseases, and other severe and life-threatening complications. But the severity of the infection will depend mostly on the immunity power of an infected person.

Until now, there is no specific drug available for the treatment of H5N1 infection in humans but the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention of the U.S. have suggested that the anti-viral medication oseltamivir phosphate, with the brand name Tamiflu, may be effective in treating avian influenza.

Apart from Tamiflu anti-viral medicines likeamantadine, and relenza has shown its power in preventing the spread of virus inside the body. Both drugs have been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for the treatment of type A influenza illness. Amantadine can prevent 61% of H5N1 cases and 25% of influenza-like illness and   relenza, which is available in the form of inhaler and is effective if used within two days of the onset of the influenza symptom.

Avian flu is spreading worldwide because of lack of effective diagnostic tools, and the surveillance system of the infected country. There is an urgent need to educate general public including health officials about the healthy way of tackling such outbreaks. Workers involved in culling process must be given proper clothing and equipment to prevent further spread of the disease.

Moreover, the need of an hour is to minimize the infection rate among poultry and keeping humans free of avian influenza. For this, constant studies are needed to make the available anti-viral medicine more targeted towards the upcoming viruses.

for more informations visit: http://www.checkflu.com

It is interesting to note that the aging dog (like his master) is also prone to prostatic enlargement, but (unlike his master) does not often develop retention of urine. However, due to the bulging upwards of the enlarged prostate the dog’s rectum is compressed. This engenders a feeling of continuous fullness in the rectum and induces straining. The prostates of eunuchs are small and underdeveloped, and enlargement of the prostate is unknown.

Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) is one of the most common diseases to affect men beyond the middle age. The prevalence goes up with age, and thus the total number of patients is increasing as a result of aging population. A majority of these people suffer gradual progression of symptoms and the concomitant discomfort, and require either medical or surgical treatment. The growth and development of the prostate is under the influence of male hormone “testosterone”.

Rather surprisingly, there is no close correlation between the size of the prostate and the extent of outflow obstruction. However, the larger the prostate, the greater is the risk of BPH complications such as acute urinary retention and the need for surgery.

BPH is usually a slowly progressive condition. An average increase in the prostate is 1-2 cm per year. BPH is the most common condition affecting the prostate accounting for over 80 per cent of prostate disease. The defined risk factor for BPH is age. Clinical BPH seems to run in families.

In the early stages of the disease, the patient complains of hesitancy, a reduced stream and incomplete bladder emptying and then frequency, urgency and nocturia. Later on, prolonged micturition, acute urinary retention, urge incontinence, etc, can have a negative effect on the quality of life and may be associated with sexual dysfunction like erectile dysfunction and disorders of ejaculation.

The treatment of BPH can be with the help of drugs or by going in for surgery. Some of the drugs used are Finasteride, Duatasteride, Terazosin, Alfuzosin and Tamsulosin. Adverse side- effects of these drugs can be erectile dysfunction, decreased libido, reduced ejaculation, drowsiness, headache, dizziness, postural hypotention, etc.

Acid reflux or GERD (gastroesophageal reflux disease) occurs when the liquid that is in the stomach backs up into the esophagus.  This is usually a condition which persists throughout the life of the individual.  Because the acid backs up into the esophagus, the esophagus may be damaged.

Acid reflux (GERD) can have many causes.  The action of the lower esophageal sphincter (LES) may be one cause.  The esophagus connects to the stomach.  There is a muscle ring that goes around the end of the esophagus at the point where it meets the stomach.  This is the LES.  When we eat or drink the LES allows the food to pass into the stomach and then the muscle ring closes so the food does not reflux.  People with acid reflux (GERD) may have abnormalities with their LES.  The LES may have a weak contraction so there is a very good chance of reflux.  Or, the LES may be too relaxed.  The longer the LES is open (relaxed) reflux can easily occur.

Another cause of acid reflux (GERD) is a hiatal hernia.  Some people with acid reflux have hiatal hernias and some do not.  Hiatal hernias are not a pre-requisite for acid reflux, but a large amount of people with acid reflux DO have hiatal hernias.  A hiatal hernia disrupts the location of the LES.  The LES should be on a level with the diaphragm but due to the hiatal hernia the LES is pushed up and lies in the chest.  This is a problem because the diaphragm is a large part of helping the LES to prevent reflux.  Now the pressure of both the LES and diaphragm are not working as a strong unit.  The hiatal hernia contributes to the reflux because of the decreased pressure.

Acid reflux can also be caused by a hiatal hernia due to the hernial sac.  The location of the sac is near the esophagus.  Acid gets trapped in the sac.  Because the sac is so close to the esophagus, when the LES relaxes, it is easy to reflux.

The hiatal hernia can lead to acid reflux in a third way.  Normally the esophagus connects to the stomach at an angle creating a flap of tissue.  The hiatal hernia leads to the flap becoming warped and therefore it is useless to stop reflux.

People with acid reflux have a problem with the contraction of the esophageal muscles when they swallow.  This is an issue because the contraction pushes all of the items in the esophagus into the stomach.  If there is not a good contraction then the acid does not get pushed back and remains in the esophagus.  Smoking disturbs the clearing of the esophagus too.  It takes about six hours from the last cigarette you smoke for the effect on the esophagus to wear off.

Acid reflux is most common after meals.  It is always better to be vertical so gravity can help the acid move down into the stomach.  Large meals are not recommended for people with acid reflux.

There are many different reasons people may have acid reflux.  Learning the cause may help in your quest to relieve some of the discomfort of acid reflux.

Recent outbreaks have put avian influenza, commonly known as bird flu disease, at the center stage of the global health community. From relative anonymity, the disease acquired notoriety for itself when it claimed more than fifty human lives. The deaths from bird flu disease are relatively small when compared to the number of deaths from other diseases. However, the possibility of a global pandemic is serious enough that deaths caused by bird flu warrant a closer examination and alarm.

Another pandemic waiting to happen

Officials at the World Health Organization (WHO) has said that the world is ripe for another influenza pandemic. An influenza pandemic occurs roughly every 30-40 years. The last influenza pandemic, which originated in Hong Kong in 1969, claimed 34,000 lives in the United States and even more in the Asian region. Although the viral subtype of the disease is still in circulation, the human body has already developed antibodies for it.

Historical precedence is not enough of a basis towards setting off global alarm bells. However, the patterns seen in the outbreaks point to the possibility of another influenza pandemic. There are an increasing number of cases wherein humans have been infected with the bird flu virus and the death toll from the disease is now more than 50.

One of the first signs of an impending pandemic is the crossing over of the disease from birds to humans. WHO is closely keeping its eye on the occurrence of a first case of human to human transmission of the bird flu virus. The human to human transmission of the disease will pose greater risks of infection to humans, which would effectively signal the start of a pandemic. To date, there are no recorded cases of bird flu being transmitted from an infected human to another.

To date, all human cases of bird flu were contracted by victims after having direct contact with infected animals and their secretions. However, the global health community is very much concerned because the bird flu virus mutates easily and is constantly evolving, and the first human to human transmission of the virus may just be around the corner.

Three global influenza pandemics: a brief history

Three major influenza pandemics have occurred: in 1918, 1957 and 1968. The first pandemic, the Spanish Flu of 1918-1919, had the highest mortality among the three pandemics. In less than a year, 20 to 40 million people died from the Spanish Flu, with over 50,000 lives claimed in the United States alone. Simultaneous outbreaks of the Spanish Flu were first detected in Europe and some parts of the United States. The infection spread to more areas through ships that traveled between the United States and Europe. Asia and Africa were eventually affected. The first wave of the pandemic was highly contagious although it was not deadly. The second wave, however, was deadly and occurred shortly in France, Sierra Leona and United States. It registered a ten-fold increase in mortality.

In 1957, a second pandemic occurred. Called the Asian Flu because it was first detected in Hong Kong and Singapore, it was much milder than the Spanish Flu, claiming between one and four million lives. When the second pandemic hit, the people were more prepared and knew what to expect. This was due largely to the world’s experience with the first pandemic. The Asian Flu virus was soon isolated in Japanese and Singaporean laboratories. The findings helped the World Health Organization alert the world about the onset of a pandemic and vaccines were immediately produced and distributed.

The most recent influenza pandemic happened in 1968 and lasted for a year. Dubbed as the Hong Kong Flu, it was first detected in China and later spread to Hong Kong where it escalated at an alarming rate. Like the Asian Flu, the Hong Kong Flu claimed between one and four million lives. It reached Canada, the United Kingdom and the United States, particularly California.

Gum disease, or periodontal disease is not an enjoyable experience! If you want to avoid gum disease, or if you already have it and want to fight it, read this article.

Symptoms of Gum Disease

How do you know if you have gum disease? Here are some of the symptoms you should look for. Often you will notice inflammation of the gums and mouth – soreness, bleeding, and/or redness. Another common symptom is bed breath (a.k.a. Halitosis), and / or a bad taste in your mouth. Other signs of gum disease include shaky or loose teeth, receding gums, and spaces between the teeth and gums.

Cause Of Gum Disease

What causes gum disease? Quite simply, gum disease is caused by bacteria growing in your mouth. These bacteria normally begin growing on particles of food left in your mouth. The infection then continues to grow, causing inflammation and breakdown of the gums and mouth.

Prevention Of Gum Disease

Gum disease can be prevented by discouraging the growth of bacteria in the mouth. Proper dental hygiene goes a long way in preventing bacteria growth in the mouth. Also helpful is a healthy diet low in refined sugars and other foods that make perfect bacteria fodder.

Treatment of Gum Disease

If you already have Gum Disease, there are several ways to treat it. The first and seemingly most common is a professional cleaning. A periodontist will clean your mouth to remove the plaque, etc that harbors the bacteria causing the disease. Drugs may also be used to treat gum disease. Recently, several natural treatments have been developed for gum disease as well.

Hopefully, the information in this article will have given you the information that you need to prevent and / or treat gum disease, also known as periodontal disease. Trust me when I say that you don’t want to get gum disease – it’s worth preventing, and prevention is simple when you follow the steps outlined in this article!

Kidney cancer is a malignant tumour developed from the kidney cells. Malignant kidney tumours account for 2-5% of malignant cancers in adults. Men are affected twice as often as women. The cause of kidney cancer is unknown, however, some genetic factors and damages of the kidney cell DNA caused by e.g. cigarette smoking, mutagens or environmental factors are taken into consideration. It is usually diagnosed in people over the age of 45, however, recently, the reduction of the age limit of people who are diagnosed with kidney cancer have been observed, which is affected by the growth of influence of the environmental carcinogenic factors, as well as the spread and constant improvement of diagnosing possibilities. Cancers constitute 85% of kidney tumours. There are many types of kidney cancer. The most common type is a renal cell cancer. Kidney cancer is very dangerous mainly due to the fact that its symptoms occur in a late stage. It can cause the late detection of the tumour change – often in an advanced developing stage. Kidney cancer often develops in a tricky way without causing any disturbing symptoms. Early detection and correct diagnosis of the ill person require performing some or all the types of examination mentioned below. Diagnostic tests which allow to make a diagnosis include: urine test, blood test (morphology, concentration of urea’s creatinine), and imaging tests: ultrasound scan of the abdomen, computed tomography scan, alternatively urography (x-ray examination of the ureters after injecting intravenous dye), renal arteriography (the blood vessels examination using dye). Magnetic resonance imaging is sometimes used. A kidney biopsy, that is removing cells from the tumour and examining under a microscope whether the tumour contains the tumour cells is not usually performed. Currently, over 80% of kidney cancers are detected incidentally, usually due to an ultrasound scan performed as a standard procedure or due to other ailments. Therefore, advanced cancers of kidney parenchyma rarely occur (they constitute >15%).

Kidney cancer treatment

Surgery is a standard treatment for kidney cancer. It’s aim is to surgically remove the tumour, usually along with the kidney and lymph nodes containing the tumour, and, if possible, surgically remove single metastases if they occur. A chance of cure (6-year survival rate without the presence of metastases is considered a recovery criterion) depends on the stage of the disease (the tumour’s size, infiltration of the surrounding tissues, metastases to other organs), and accounts for up to 75%. However, in highly advanced stages, it is much lower. The presence of impossible to remove metastases worsens prognosis to a large extent. Used in the treatment of other cancers  –  chemotherapy and radiotherapy – are not very effective in treating kidney cancer. Better effects are achieved by using immuno or chemoimmunotherapy. However, they are effective only in some patients.

Chemoimmunotherapy consists in administering recombinant cytokine together with chemotherapeutic agent (so called the Hanover schedule). The attempts of using tumour infiltrating leukocytes or vaccines from the tumour cells are also made. The effectiveness of these methods in treating advanced forms of kidney cancer is estimated at dozen or so per cent, however, they are still under clinical research.

Side effects that can occur when using some of the chemoimmunotherapy trials.

The side effects mentioned below don’t include all the possible complications. Chemoimmunotherapy should be performed in medical centres experienced in conducting such treatment.

Side effects list:

Capillary leak syndrom

Hypotony occuring due to the capillary leak syndrom and appearing within few hours after treatment’s beginning can recede spontaneously. Some patients can require careful intravenous administration of fluids and albumins, and, in persistent cases, small doses of dopamine. When administering fluids intravenously, it is important to remember that the risk of lungs swelling is higher in patients with capillary leak syndrom when filling the vascular tissue. Before performing chemoimmunotherapy, all serum exudations should be cured (especially those concerning organs important to living, e.g. liquid in pericardium), because due to the capillary leak syndrome they can intensify when administering a drug.

Kidneys’ functional activity

In all patients, it is important to monitor parameters of the ionic and acid-alkaline balance due to the possibility of occurring renal failure with oliguria.

Respiratory system

During treatment it is important to monitor the functional activity of the respiratory system, especially in patients who in physical examination are diagnosed with the increase in respiration frequency or auscultation changes over lung fields. In some patients, in case of respiratory failure, it can be necessary to use forced respiration for some time.

Central nervous system

Side effects from the central nervous system (anxiety, confusion, depression), though reversible, can remain for several days after discontinuing treatment. Chemoimmunotherapy can intensify the symptoms related to the undiagnosed focuses of metastases in the central nervous system. If drowsiness occurs, the treatment should be discontinued. Further drug administration can lead to coma.

Digestive system

In case of gastric-intenstine symptoms, antiemetic or antidiarrhoeal drugs are administered if necessary.

Skin

In patients who are diagnosed with skin carcinomas with pruritus, administering antihistamine drugs brings relief.

Autoimmunological diseases

It is common knowledge that some of the administered drugs can intensify the coexisting immunological disease and complications threatening life (in some patients with Crohn’s disease treatment caused exacerbation of the disease requiring surgical intervention), however, not in all patients who suffered from such complications immunological disorders had previously been diagnosed. Therefore, it is recommended to strictly monitor treated patients, taking into consideration irregularities in the thyroid’s function and other possible immunological disorders.

Infection risk

Using chemoimmunotherapy can cause higher susceptibility to bacterial infections. That is why, before administering drugs, all the infection focuses should be cured, and patients with catheters placed to the central veins should be prophylactically administered with antibiotics.

Pregnancy and breast-feeding

It is recommended for chemoimmunotherapy not to be used in persons of reproductive age who do not use the approved contraceptive methods, in pregnant or breast-feeding women.

Driving and operating machines

Chemoimmunotherapy can cause side effects that reduce the ability to drive or operate mechanical devices. It is not recommended to drive during the treatment till the side effects of the drug completely recede.

You should inform your doctor about each case of occurring or suspecting the occurrence of the side effects.

The qualification of symptoms, assessment of the level of their intensification and method of proceeding depend on their decision.

Directly after the surgery, the patient receives intensive nursing and medical care.

The main problem is the possibility of extended effect of drugs taken under anaesthetic, and in consequences, of respiratory disorders, heart’s and arterial pressure’s functions. Therefore, in patients after surgeries these parameters are monitored. During the postoperative period, the body temperature and the amount of excreted urine are also measured.

Patients who were operated under general anaesthetic are usually administered with oxygen. Drips providing water and electrolytes are also administered, especially to the patients who cannot yet receive food and fluids orally. In the next days after the surgery, the patient can gradually pass on to oral feeding. The moment in which the patient can receive food and fluids must be consulted with a doctor.

Convalescence

Together with the patient’s complete awakening after the general anaesthetic the patient starts feeling pain in the postoperative wound. The moment of the pain occurrence should be reported to a nurse. The first dose of the painkiller is administered after reporting the pain occurrence by the patient, the next doses –  in precise intervals dependant on the used drug..

During the postoperative period, nausea and vomiting sometimes occur. The occurrence of nausea and vomiting depend on the type of surgery, type of anaesthetic, sex and patient’s predispositions. The appearance of nausea and vomiting should be reported to the nurse. In some cases, the occurrence of vomiting can cause choking on the food, which is very dangerous.

During the convalescence after the surgery, the patient should sit and stand up as soon as possible. It is essential to avoid the potential complications caused by the respiratory system, as well as the risk of developing vein thromboses. If there are no surgical contraindications, the patient should sit on the second day after the surgery. In some patients, breathing exercises are additionally applied. In recumbent patients, there is a high risk of developing thromboses in veins. Especially in people with varicose veins. Such patients, before sitting or standing attempts,  should move their legs in the recumbent position as much as they can in order to improve blood circulation.

After about 7 days from the surgery, the stitches are removed from the postoperative wound. The time of removing the stitches depends on the doctor’s assessment of the wound healing process.

In some people after surgeries, so called keloids (i.e.lesions developing in the scar area) may be formed. After several weeks (5-9) from the surgery, when the skin is accurately healed, the ointment preventing the formation of unsightly changes may be used.

After discharging from the hospital, the patient should call for the histopathological examination results. Usually, such results are available after 2-4 weeks from discharging from the hospital.

All patients after surgeries receive scheduled dates of check-ups in hospital clinics.

Usually after removing the tumour with the kidney, the diet with smaller amount of protein (reducing meat, cured meat, and cheese consumption) and drinking higher amount of fluids are advised. The range of physical activity depends on the patient’s efficiency.

Kidney cancer symptoms

The most important symptoms include:

– Blood in the urine

– Low back pain

– Perceptible lump in the abdomen

It’s essential to pay attention to the following symptoms:

– Loss of appetite and weight loss

– Subfebrile temperature or persistent fever

– Spermatic cord varices in men

– Sudden drop of urine amount

– Frequent infections of the urethras

– Sudden appearance of arterial hypertension

Sciatica is not a specific disease, instead it is a condition characteristic of several different diseases. Simply put, it is a mild to intense pain in the left or right leg. Sciatica is caused by a compression of one or more of the five sets of nerve roots in the lower back.  These compressions are typically caused by a disc rupture or bone spur in the lumbar spine. It causes pain, numbness, tingling, and weakness in the arms or legs.  This is referred to as radiculopathy.  If the nerve root causing the problem is in the neck it is called cervical radiculopathy. Sciatica is called a lumbar radiculopathy since it occurs in the lower back.

There are six typical causes of Sciatica.

Spondylolisthesis

Spondylolisthesis is usually found at birth, early childhood or acquired from physical trauma such as weightlifting. It is a disorder that most often affects the lumbar spine. Spondylolisthesis is characterized by one vertebra slipping forward over an adjacent vertebra. Often sciatic leg pain is caused when a nerve root compresses due to the vertebra being displaced and slipping.

Piriformis Syndrome

Due to the lack of MRI or x-ray findings, it may be difficult to diagnose and treat piriformis syndrome. The piriformis muscle connects to the thighbone, assists in hip rotation and is located in the lower part of the spine. When muscle spasms develop in the piriformis muscle thereby compressing the sciatic nerve, Piriformis syndrome develops. The sciatic nerve runs beneath the piriformis muscle. Piriformis syndrome is named for the piriformis muscle and the pain caused when the muscle irritates the sciatic nerve.

Lumbar Bulging or Herniated Disc

When the nucleus breaks through the annulus a herniated disc occurs. It is called a ‘non-contained’ disc disorder. A bulging disc is also known as a contained disc disorder. This means the nucleus pulposus (gel-like center) remains ‘contained’ within the annulus fibrosus (tire-like outer wall) of the disc.  Because a herniated disc is a ‘non-contained’ disc disorder, the consequences of a herniated disc are worse. Whether a disc or herniates or bulges, disc material can press against an adjacent nerve root and compress delicate nerve tissue and cause sciatica. Irritation and nerve compression cause pain and inflammation often leading to extremity tingling, muscle weakness and numbness. The disc material itself also contains an acidic, chemical irritant (hyaluronic acid) that causes nerve inflammation. The herniated nucleus causes direct compression of the nerve root against the interior of the bony spinal canal.

Lumbar Spinal Stenosis

The condition of spinal stenosis results in the spinal canal narrowing. The narrowing causes pressure on the spinal cord and spinal nerves. Common in patients over the age of 50 and with causes that are not clear, spinal stenosis has two different types frequently described. A common complaint of spinal stenosis patients is leg pain which gets worse with walking. Another complaint is back pain. Sitting and bending can sometimes alleviate these pains.

There is one type of spinal stenosis that exists where individuals are born with a narrow spinal canal. In people that have this condition even minor structural changes to the spine can cause severe spinal stenosis.

Spinal stenosis related to age is the more commonly acquired form. This form of the stenosis condition may cause various spinal components to sag or bulge from arthritis. Discs, joints, and ligaments can be affected. These changes, which occur with age, can have the effect of narrowing the spinal canal and thus trigger spinal stenosis pain.

Spinal Tumors

Spinal tumors can be benign or malignant, but are fairly rare. They cause sciatica due to pressure on the disc.

Trauma

Another cause of sciatica is trauma caused by accidents.  The impact may injure nerves or cause fragments of bone to compress the nerves (lumbar or sacral spinal nerve roots)

If you think you may be suffering from sciatica, be sure and contact your physician to get a proper diagnosis!

In this article we’re going to discuss one of the most annoying kinds of allergies that there is, especially for us animal lovers – allergies to pets and what can be done to reduce the allergens produced by pets.

The sad fact is that 10 to 15% of all the people in the world suffer from some kind of allergy to animals, which can make owning a pet not only annoying but potentially dangerous if the allergy is severe enough.  Cat allergies are actually twice as common as dog allergies.  The body’s reaction to the animals is caused by a certain protein found in the animal’s saliva, urine or dander.  People aren’t really allergic to the pet’s fur but to the allergen that sticks to the fur, the carpeting or the furniture; basically anywhere your pet has been.  Also, these microscopic flakes of dander travel through the air.  As a matter of fact, studies show that these allergens can stay in the air even 3 years after an animal has actually been in the home.

Many people ask if there are any breeds of animals that people are not allergic to.  The answer is, since all animals have dead skin there are no non allergic breeds.  People may be more tolerant of certain breeds of dogs than others but there is no such thing as 100% non allergic.  All animals produce some amount of allergen, even if it is a small amount.  The allergic symptoms themselves build over time after handling or being near an animal, with the peak time being around 12 hours after.  Also, as the pet spends more time living in the person’s home the allergens begin to accumulate and a person who showed no symptoms when handling the pet at the store when buying it will start to show symptoms after it has been home for a while, usually within a day.

So what’s the answer for people who want to have a pet but are allergic?  What can they do in order to have a pet?  Unfortunately, the only thing you can do is try to reduce your exposure to the allergens.  You’re not going to be able to get rid of them completely.  One thing you can do to try to prevent the accumulation of allergens is to cover your furniture with plastic mattresses and pillow covers.  Replace your carpeting with hard wooden floors and washable throw rugs.  Clean the house as often as you can.  Make sure you vacuum with a cleaner that has a HEPA filter otherwise allergens are just going to end up getting spread into the air.  Your pet should be kept out of your bedroom completely.  This may be hard for a real pet lover but it is essential.  When you brush your pet, wear a face mask.  Then change your clothes immediately afterward.  Unfortunately, the success rate of allergy shots and other treatments for pet allergies is only about 50%.  Currently however, a vaccine for people allergic to cats is being tested.  This may be a major breakthrough in the future.

Until then, there really isn’t much more you can do.  If your allergies are severe it is probably best to stick with a fish for a pet.

We will cover something here that women don’t just sit around and openly talk about.  It is something that is kept covered up.  Not with lies, but with pants.  We will be addressing the topic of varicose veins.

When veins in the human body become enlarged, they are know as varicose veins.  The color of these veins can vary.  They can be a dark blue, blue, purple, or even a flesh like color.  These veins look like they are wrapped and enveloped into each other.  They are at their worst when they actual enlarge past the skin and protrude.  These veins do not make wearing shorts fun and they develop mostly on a persons legs.

If you suffer from the problem of varicose veins, don’t worry; you are by no means alone.  Over half the women in the Unites States on America suffer from this problem.  I always thought it was just something that happened to woman, as they get older.  I then found out that there are many factors that could cause a woman to get varicose veins.  I remember when my wife first started getting them.  She was the ripe old age of 28.  Were expecting our third child.  That’s when I found out that one of the causes is an increase of the flow of blood in the body.  Because she was pregnant there was more blood flowing through her veins.

The problem of varicose veins can escalate into something much more serious than just bad appearances.  If left untreated a woman could start to feel some discomfort in her legs.  That discomfort can lead to extreme pain.

Because the legs are so far below the heart the veins located there have the hardest time pumping the blood back up.  As more and more pressure is put on the legs (through pregnancy, weight gain, etc) the blood collects there.  It is pumped through at a much slower rate than the rest of the body.  The collection of blood could very easily lead to blood clots.  This is a very dangerous situation as blood clots passed to the heart and brain cause strokes and possibly death.

Another cause of varicose veins is one that we would not think of.  Women can become afflicted with varicose veins from over expose to the sun.  Yes, too much sun can bring on varicose veins.  These varicose veins don’t show up on the legs but in a far more obvious place.  They appear on the face.  Also women with a family history of varicose veins are much more likely to get them too.

How can you avoid the problem of varicose veins?  Well first, limit your exposure to the harmful effects of the sun.  No you don’t have to lock yourself inside.  Just put on a good sun block with a high SPF.  Also watch your weight.  Don’t gain too much to fast.  Keep to a healthy diet and regular exercise to keep that blood flowing like it should.

Sinus Infections also known as Sinusitis affect millions of people each and every year. A sinus infection is literally an infection of your sinuses, which are hollow passages or cavities inside of your head.

These sinus cavities can become a breeding ground for bacteria, viruses or fungus. In 1999, The Mayo Clinic released its findings that fungus is likely the cause of nearly all cases of chronic sinusitis.

Sinus infection symptoms can include Facial pains, tenderness of the sinus areas, headaches, nasal drainage that is thick and colored, sore throat and many other symptoms.

Antibiotics do not work against fungus. Colloidal silver kills both fungus and bacteria. Therefore, treating a sinus infection with antibiotics is not always an effective method.

Colloidal silver is also a very safe and natural solution with no know side effects other that a rare occurrence of Argyria.

Silver Sinus colloidal silver solution is pure colloidal silver in a fine mist nasal spray bottle.

If you think that you might be suffering from a sinus infection, you should visit your doctor for a proper diagnosis.

Because your nose can get stuffy when you have a condition like the common cold, you may confuse simple nasal congestion with sinusitis. A cold, however, usually lasts about 7 to 14 days and disappears without treatment. Acute sinusitis often lasts longer and typically causes more symptoms than just a cold.

Your doctor can diagnose sinusitis by listening to your symptoms, doing a physical examination, taking X-rays, and if necessary, an MRI or CT scan (magnetic resonance imaging and computed tomography).

For more information about sinus infections, sinus infection symptoms, what are sinuses and other sinus resources please visit (http://www.silversinus.com-Colloidal Silver Sinus Infection Treatment).

Are we on the brink of a Bird Flu Pandemic in the UK? That is the big question that everyone is wondering about in recent times. Only a few months ago Avian Influensa or bird flu as its known more widely was only reported in distant countries. In recent months the outbreak has been reported in European countries and now in the last month the first few cases have been reported in the UK.

Avian Influensa or bird flu is a highly contagious disease of birds caused by virus influenza. Bird flu is currently only affecting poultry and some in some cases people’s infection in the Far East. The virus strain is currently named H5N1 and can be spread by animals via contaminated droppings; this can be spread among other birds and passed onto other animals through ingestion and inhalation of the droppings.

It has been reported that no bird species are immune to this Avian influenza. Migratory birds such as wild ducks, geese can carry the virus between different countries and often show no signs of the symptoms connected with illness. Poultry flocks are particular vulnerable to epidemics of a severe and quick form of the disease.

According to the World Health Organisation there is evidence that the H5N1 strain has the capacity to jump between species and cause severe disease in people resulting in potential mortality. The history of avian influenza began in poultry in Korea in late 2003. This then spread between birds in countries such as Asia, Europe, Middle East and Africa.

The United Kingdom and the European Union have controls in place to prevent the outbreak of the virus, however it is still possible for wild poultry or poultry left outdoors to become infected through contamination with wild birds. The black market also poses a risk from spreading the virus through illegally imported birds which do not meet the required control methods in place.

H5N1 is able to infect people which are the most serious risk to society, the exchange of human and animal viruses can easily occur. Of the reported cases in humans, all have been in contact with infected birds but as yet only caused mild conditions such as eye infections and mild flu symptoms.

Rosacea causes a red face in the center forever. But this flares up and may cause more coloration and also pustules if some thing triggers it. We have to stop the rosacea from flaring up, so that we can manage the condition. Otherwise all the treatment will fail.

Rosacea – what may flare it up?

Rosacea is a condition of the very small blood vessels on the surface of the facial skin. Anything that causes normal red face will flare up the rosacea. Try eating very spicy food even if you have no rosacea and you may observe a red flush on your face. so these are the triggers-

Sun exposure

Eating Spicy Food

Change in temperature

Stress

Excess exercising

Caffeine

Irritating facial cosmetics

Once you know about these flare ups, you need to find out what causes more trouble to you. Avoid all of them as much as possible and you will be keeping your rosacea under control. Try to wear a high SPF sunscreen or sun block. Use umbrella and try to avoid walking out in the sun in the noon. Avoid the triggers to stop flare-ups of rosacea.

This article is only for informative purposes. This article is not intended to be a medical advise and it is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Please consult your doctor for your medical concerns. Please follow any tip given in this article only after consulting your doctor. The author is not liable for any outcome or damage resulting from information obtained from this article.

Every 20 minutes another child is diagnosed with autism. That’s three an hour and 67 a day. This complex neurobiological condition, which can inhibit a person’s ability to communicate, respond to surroundings or form relationships with others, is the fastest-growing developmental disability in the United States and presents lifelong consequences for individuals, family and society.

The statistics are alarming: Thirteen years ago only one in 10,000 children was diagnosed with autism; today it’s one in 166, making it more common than pediatric cancer, diabetes and AIDS combined. Despite these epidemic proportions, research shows that many parents of young children are generally unaware of autism.

While there is currently no cure, nor an effective means of prevention, early detection and intervention can result in critical improvements for many young children. The most important thing parents and caregivers can do is to learn the early signs of autism and understand the typical developmental milestones their child should be reaching at different ages. Research now suggests that children as young as 12 months old can exhibit signs of autism, some of which may include:

– No big smiles or other warm, joyful expressions by 6 months or thereafter

– No back-and-forth sharing of sounds, smiles or other facial expressions by 9 months or thereafter

– No babbling by 12 months

– No back-and-forth gestures, such as pointing, showing, reaching or waving by 12 months

– No words by 16 months

– No two-word meaningful phrases by 24 months

– Any loss of speech or babbling or social skills at any age.

The earlier a child is diagnosed with autism, the greater the chance for success in treatment. With appropriate early-intervention services, from ages 3-5, between 20 percent and 50 percent of children with autism will be able to attend mainstream kindergarten. Effective intervention programs focus on developing communication, social and cognitive skills, and include training for parents and teachers as well.

Many families are uninformed, confused and even fearful when a child exhibits signs of autism. They may be relieved to learn that there are ways to cope with it, reports Autism Speaks. For this reason the organization has made a commitment to raising public awareness about autism and its effects on individuals, families and society.

Short of a cure, awareness and early detection are our best weapons and are critical to improving the lives of individuals and families struggling with autism.