Medipedia

Asthma: Treatment Physiotherapy , Treatment of crises / exacerbations, Prevention, Risk Factors and Prognosis

2009-09-12T20:16:00.000-07:00

Asthma:
Treatment Physiotherapy

If you need help, consult a health professional.
The information contained herein does not have the character of advice.

The physiotherapy treatment in patients with asthma is divided into two: Children and Adults.

The procedures implemented to help improve ventilation, help relax the respiratory muscles, sanitize the air hypersecretive, besides preventing the search for emergency services and hospitalizations, improving physical fitness and improve quality of life of affected individuals.

In children, the treatment works are breathing exercises reexpansivos persons through bronchial clearance maneuvers, postural drainage or inhalation, with cough stimulation if necessary. Children with excellent collaborative and coordination developed can benefit from training techniques of ventilatory pattern.

In adults, treatment emphasizes the general stretching, aerobic exercise, breathing exercises reexpansivos, monitoring changes in airflow and monitoring exercises with the use of pulse, if necessary. In some cases it is necessary to work bronchial hygiene, coupled with the aspiration of bronchial secretions (phlegm), common in infected patients. When lung hyperinflation is present, techniques are used to increase lung deflation volume of air current.

In later stages of treatment, it is necessary the use of incentive breathing, mechanical ventilation noninvasive, where the patient is sufficiently stable framework, aimed at fitness together with the pulmonary resistance vital to the reduction of asthma attacks. Postural exercises for relaxation, mobility, stretching and strengthening are also needed to correct a chest deformity and posture, common in cases of advanced disease and frequent crises.

Treatment of crises / exacerbations

The patient should be able to distinguish asthma medication in the maintenance of medication use in crises and emergencies. It should be borne in mind that sometimes the packages may be the same and that is not always to follow the colors, namely red packaging is not always to the crisis and the green is not always to maintain, depends on the trademark .

In the treatment of severe attacks, use is usually:
Corticosteroids (particularly intravenous systemic)
Agonists adrenergic beta-2 agonist (salbutamol, terbutaline and fenoterol for example)
Anti-cholinergic (bromide ipratropium or tiotropium)

Prevention

As prevention of asthma, the asthmatic may use corticosteroids, the beta2-agonists and leukotriene modifiers, and has a good environmental control, avoiding exposure to agents of asthma.

There is no way to prevent the occurrence of disease, but its exacerbation and their symptoms daily.

Risk Factors and Prognosis

The prognosis for asthmatics is good, especially for children with the disease. For asthmatics diagnosed during childhood, 54% will not have more the diagnosis after a decade. The extent of permanent damage to the lung in asthma is still unclear.

Some of the potential risk factors in the prognosis of bronchial asthma are hyper-reactive airway, atopic allergy, respiratory infections, smoking, weather and the onset of the disease at an early age. Now as precipitating factors and aggravating factors include the allergens (animal dander, fungi, pollen, insects, etc.), irritants (paints, aerosols, perfumes, chemicals, cigarette smoke, etc), weather conditions (pollution, air cold, etc.), infections (usually viral), physical exercise, emotional factors, gastroesophageal reflux, endocrine factors and non-allergic hypersensitivity to drugs and chemicals.

17-OH progesterone: How the test is performed, Prepare for the Test, Why the test is performed, Normal Values, Risks, Considerations, Other Names

2009-09-07T19:26:00.000-07:00

17-OH progesterone

It is a blood test that measures the amount of 17-OH progesterone, a hormone produced by the adrenal glands and gonads.

How the test is performed

Blood is drawn from a vein, usually from the inside of the elbow or the back of the hand. The puncture site is cleaned with a disinfectant (antiseptic). The health care provider wraps an elastic band around the upper arm to apply pressure to the area and make the vein swell with blood.

The doctor then gently inserts a needle into the vein and blood collected in a vial or tube attached to the needle. The elastic band is removed to restore circulation.

Once it has collected the blood sample, the needle is removed and covered the puncture site to stop any bleeding.

In infants or young children, you can use a tool called a lancet to puncture the skin and make it bleed. The blood collects into a small glass tube called a pipette, a slide or test strip. Finally, you can place a bandage over the area if there is any bleeding.

The blood sample is sent to the laboratory for analysis.

Prepare for the Test

Your doctor may ask you to stop taking any drugs that may cause false test results. These drugs include corticosteroids and birth control pills.

The doctor may also recommend the examination at a specific time of day, which can be sensitive to circadian rhythms, ie the natural ups and downs that the body undergoes a period of 24 hours.

What you feel during the examination

When the needle is inserted to draw blood, some people feel moderate pain, while others feel only a prick or stinging sensation. Subsequently, there may be some throbbing.

Why the test is performed

This test is used to identify congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH) in infants. Often performed on infants who are born with external genitalia that do not have the typical appearance of a boy or a girl.

This test is also used to identify persons with nonclassical adrenal hyperplasia, a condition that occurs when the body does not produce enough of a substance that helps the adrenal glands to produce cortisol.

Your doctor may recommend this test if you are a woman who have excessive hair growth in places where they grow to adult men or other signs of virilization.

Normal Values

Normal and abnormal values differ for babies born with low weight. In general, normal results are as follows

* Umbilical cord: 1,000-3,000 ng / dL
*> 24 hours: less than 100 ng / dL
* Adults: less than 200 ng / dL

Note: ng / dL = nanograms per deciliter.

Note: Normal value ranges may vary slightly among different laboratories. Talk to your doctor about the meaning of your specific test results.
Significance of abnormal results

High levels of 17-OH progesterone may be due to:

* Adrenal tumors
* Congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH)

In infants with CAH, the levels of 17 - OH progesterone ranging from 3,000 to 40,000 ng / dL. In adults, a level above 200 ng / dL may be due to nonclassical adrenal hyperplasia.

Risks

Veins and arteries vary in size from one patient to another and from one side of the body to another reason why blood from some people may be more difficult than from others.

Other risks may include:

* Excessive bleeding
* Fainting or dizziness
* Hematoma (blood accumulating under the skin)
* Infection (a slight risk that is broken skin)

Considerations

The doctor may suggest an ACTH test whether the level of 17-OH progesterone is between 200 and 800 ng / dL.

Alternative Names
17-hydroxyprogesterone, 17-OH Progesterone

Asthmatics should be careful with the influenza vaccine

2009-09-07T19:23:00.000-07:00

Asthmatics should be careful with the influenza vaccine

Asthmatics should not get vaccinated against influenza because the vaccine can cause adverse reactions

The Chief of Allergology, University Hospital Insular de Gran Canaria and Canary Society President Anselmo Sanchez Palacios Allergy believes that asthmatics should not get vaccinated against influenza because the vaccine can cause adverse reactions.

The allergist, who is also the chairman of the Organizing Committee of the European Congress of asthma Interasma "09 to be held in Gran Canaria from 22 to 25 September, he said vaccinations circumscribe the H1N1 flu strain to those" severe asthma " with "chronic bronchitis" and very designed to colds or flu conventional told Europa Press.

Instead, the opinion of the Ministry of Health seems to be the opposite, as its general secretary, José Martínez Olmos, said last August that asthmatics "probably going to be part of the risk groups" that receive a priority the vaccine against the H1N1 influenza virus in autumn because they are "patients with chronic respiratory disease.

Sanchez Palacios said "the real pandemic of the XXI century are allergies." "In the last 100 years we have reduced infectious diseases, but increased allergies and autoimmune diseases. And in fifteen years, half the world population will be allergic to something."

Saliva help early diagnosis of oral cancer

2009-09-07T19:15:00.000-07:00

Saliva help early diagnosis of oral cancer

A study suggests a potential diagnostic test noninvasive

A study by U.S. scientists, whose findings were published in the online edition of the journal Clinical Cancer Research 25 August, found that saliva contains at least 50 microRNAs, which would help in the detection of oral cancer.

The microRNA molecules that control the activity and evaluate the behavior of multiple genes, according to background information in a press release on the study of the American Association for Cancer Research (American Association of Cancer Research).

In the study, researchers measured the levels of microRNAs in the saliva of fifty oral squamous cell carcinoma patients and fifty healthy people, and identified at least 50 microRNAs that could be related to oral cancer.

The researchers found that levels of two of them, miR-125A and miR-200A, were significantly lower among cancer patients than among healthy people.

Dr. David T. Wong, study author and professor at the Faculty of Dentistry, University of California, Los Angeles, said in a press release that "the oral cavity is a mirror of systemic diseases" and that "many diseases that develop in elsewhere in the body have spoken. "

The study's findings must be confirmed by analysis larger and longer, according to Wong.

For his part Dr. Jennifer Grandis, a professor of otolaryngology and pharmacology at the Faculty of Medicine and Cancer Institute, University of Pittsburgh and senior editor of Clinical Cancer Research, said "It is the corner stone of cancer detection to measure the presence of cancer without biopsy, which is very attractive to think that we could detect a specific marker of cancer in the patient's saliva, "said

Hair loss or alopecia: What about treatment?,

2009-09-07T18:59:00.000-07:00

I drop the hair ...

Hair loss or alopecia is a problem facing many people. For genetic reasons is more common in men. But women may also be affected.

Before moving on, perhaps we should explain that there are two types of alopecia as to the extent that they affect: the diffuse alopecia, which are equally affecting all areas of the scalp and alopecia areata, which are those that only affecting a given area. The latter is what gives rise to local clapas, completely unaffected by all the hair.

The causes of these different are often different. In the case of diffuse alopecia the cause is often related to hormone levels. Alopecia areata in principle not have a hormonal cause. This is often due to situations of anxiety or nervousness kept or the presence of a scar with loss of scalp after an injury, for example. You can also generate an alopecia areata-tineas infection superficial mycoses - (it is a fungus that, like infection that is, is an effective treatment).

What we do in primary care centers when it comes to a patient suffering from alopecia?

In men, whether the onset was gradual, not much we can do at the time of diagnosis. Especially if you have a family history of baldness.

If you have been of sudden onset or in the case of women with diffuse alopecia, the first thing to realize is an analytic where we can assess the existence of iron deficiency anemia and thyroid function, since a hyper / hypothyroidism can cause alopecia .

Anyway, it should be noted that a major medical or surgical stress, a prolonged febrile illness, the birth of a child, or a sudden loss of weight can also lead to diffuse alopecia. In this case, there will be a spontaneous recovery within 6-12 months (not despair).

Furthermore, as almost always in medicine, certain drugs can lead to this type of alopecia. Our recommendation is obviously consult your primary care physician, who will be able to assess the possible causes and solutions.

What about treatment?

As mentioned, the diffuse alopecia caused by significant stress usually recover spontaneously within 6-12 months.

If the cause is iron deficiency anemia, treatment with the mineral solve the problem.
If the issue of his alopecia is a thyroid disorder, the same regulation will solve the conflict.
For alopecia areata may be effective potent topical corticosteroids, or even infiltration of the plate by corticosteroids. However, the alopecia areata are usually reversible spontaneously resolves once the reason that generated them, and it is not usually one that acute stress.

If alopecia areata is about a scar, bad thing, because the scar is not capable of regenerating hair.
In the case of androgenic alopecia, which is one that appears in men the effect of male hormones, there are various treatments, most of them without a great result.

Apart from a balanced diet that provides all kinds of vitamins to prevent deficiency states that may generate an alopecia, there are two treatments. Provide, at this point that neither is funded by the Social Security.

These treatments are:
- Minoxidil Topical: relative effectiveness. It is a vasodilator and therefore its mechanism of action would be to increase the blood supply to the bulge, and thereby avoid the death of it. As mentioned, relative effectiveness.
- Finasteride: proven, it is a substance that prevents the passage of an androgen to a more powerful. Remember that the more androgen is the patient, in general, more alopecia (not always the case, but can serve as a mnemonic). Its main drawback is that it is expensive: a one-month treatment can cost between 60 and 100 euros.

A recurring question is whether the alopecia is hereditary, and if we can do something about it. In fact, the question I've received in recent days is: If my father is bald, "I am bound to lose my hair? The answer you will find in the following article, which purports to explain a bit how genes work in the case of alopecia:

17-hydroxycorticosteroids: How the test is performed, Prepare for the Test, Why the test is performed, Significance of abnormal results, Risks, Names

2009-09-05T20:15:00.000-07:00

17-hydroxycorticosteroids

17-hydroxycorticosteroids (17-OHCS) is an inactive product that forms when the liver and other body tissues break down the steroid hormone cortisol. This article discusses the laboratory test to measure the amount of 17-OHCS in urine.

How the test is performed

A sample of urine for 24 hours.
On day 1, urinate into the toilet upon arising in the morning.
Collect all urine in a special container for the next 24 hours.
On day 2, urinate into the container in the morning on rising.
Cap the container and store in the refrigerator or a cool place during the collection period.
Label the container with the name, date, time of completion, and return as instructed.

For an infant, thoroughly wash the area around the urethra, opening a urine collection bag (a plastic bag with an adhesive on one end) and place it on the baby. In children, place the entire penis in the bag and attach the adhesive to the skin in females, place the bag over the labia. Diaper as usual over the secured bag.

They may have to repeat the procedure, as lively infants can displace the bag, causing the urine to be absorbed by the diaper. Check the infant is frequently and the bag after the infant has urinated into it. The urine is drained from the bag into the container provided by your doctor.

Deliver the container in the laboratory or doctor as soon as possible.

Prepare for the Test

If necessary, your doctor will instruct you to discontinue drugs that may interfere with the test.
Ampicillin and glucocorticoids can increase 17-OHCS measurements.
Estrogens pills (pills) and dexamethasone can decrease 17-OHCS measurements.

If you are collecting the urine sample of a baby, you may need a couple of extra collection bags.
What you feel during the examination

The test involves only normal urination and there is no discomfort.

Why the test is performed

This test can help determine if your body is producing too much hormone cortisol.
Normal Values
Men: 4 to 14 milligrams per 24 hours
Women: 2 to 12 milligrams per 24 hours

The normal value ranges may vary slightly among different laboratories. The person should talk to your doctor about the meaning of your specific test results.

Significance of abnormal results

The 17-OHCS levels above normal may indicate:
Cushing syndrome caused by adrenal or pituitary tumor
Ectopic ACTH-producing tumor
Severe physical or emotional stress

Levels above normal can also be filed with:
Hydrocortisone therapy
Obesity
Pregnancy
Severe Hypertension

The 17-OHCS levels below normal may indicate:
Adrenal hemorrhage
Adrenal insufficiency
Adrenal infarction
Hereditary enzyme deficiency
Hypopituitarism
Surgical removal of adrenal gland

Risks

There are no risks.

Alternative Names

17-OHCS, 17-OH corticosteroids

Marital separation might affect cancer survival

2009-09-05T20:11:00.000-07:00

Marital separation might affect cancer survival

One study shows that married people and those who have never married are more successful a decade later

A recent study shows that in terms of cancer survival, marital separation seems worse health than divorce or widowhood. By contrast, being married or not married never, apparently, are the states that more civilians improves the chance of survival.

An analysis of records of nearly 3.8 million cancer patients found that married people obtained the best results after a diagnosis of cancer, while those who had separated were almost a third less likely to survive a decade.

The stress of separation appears to be key, said study author Gwen Sprehn, neuropsychologist at the Faculty of Medicine, Indiana University. "Maybe it's a critical period early in the course of the disease when stress increases have a particularly adverse effect on the immune system's ability to eliminate or suppress cancer," he said.

Researchers know that marriage in general is good for the health of a person, perhaps because the spouse offers both physical and emotional support before and during illness.

After the researchers made statistical adjustments in place to take into account any errors, found that 36.8 percent of people living separated after 10 years of cancer diagnosis, compared with 57.5 percent of married. Nearly 41 percent of widowers lived for a decade and 45.6 percent of divorced and 51.7 percent of those who had never married.

The number of separated was very small compared with other groups, against 51.857 married 2184055.

Why separate people die sooner than those who are widowed?

"The difference might be that the death of a spouse has to do with a natural stage of life," said Sprehn. "Along with that, widowers may have a stronger support system, both personally and culturally. The separation, even if" best "is not an expected event in life and could be preceded by a period of great conflict .

Janice Kiecolt-Glaser, director of the Division of Health Psychology, Faculty of Medicine, Ohio State University, said the study is well done and fits with your own research about how most stressful disruptions affect the health of spouse.

"Many studies now show that stress and depression increase inflammation in a reliable manner," which can aggravate cancer, he said.

However, the study leaves several questions in the air, apparently due to the limitations of the statistics used by researchers, said Liu Hui, assistant professor of sociology at Michigan State University.

The investigation took into account the marital history of respondents, or other details. "Previous research suggests that remarriage offer fewer health benefits than the first," he said. Moreover, studies suggest that marriages last longer could offer more health benefits, he said, and the bad effects of crumbling marriages could disappear over time.

The expertise of physicians to detect skin cancer

2009-09-05T19:41:00.000-07:00

The expertise of physicians to detect skin cancer
Most melanomas are discovered by a routine examination of all skin
The lesions were at a very early stage of the disease

Melanoma is the cause of his European tour by Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band, completed in early August in Spain, had a notable absence, the musician Danny Federici, who died in 2008 with 58 years due to this type of skin cancer. Early detection of this pathology is the cornerstone for effective treatment.

A recent study published in Archives of Dermatology ', calls for an early discovery of this tumor. The authors believed that "if a large number of melanomas are discovered only after a thorough examination of the body, perhaps the recognition of the entire skin should be considered as a routine practice for selected patients, although the patient did not come to medical attention for this reason.

Of the 126 cases of melanoma diagnosed during the three years of the project, 56% was found by a dermatologist, although not the reason that the person concerned had come to the meeting, and the remaining 44% was detected at the request the patient. The researchers, Jonathan and Deborah Kantor, conclude that "the majority of melanomas detected were found in the consultation initiated by the specialist to examine the entire skin of the body, which had gone unnoticed without full recognition.

Moreover, 60% of melanomas in situ (localized only in the epidermis) were found only by a specialist. This tumor is characterized by several stages (from 0 to 4) depending on the degree of involvement, with stage 0, the 'in situ', the better prognosis.

Previous studies suggest that doctors and dermatologists in particular, can better detect lesions and in a less advanced stage. The authors suggest that "as the thickness of the tumor is closely related to survival, this exam plays an important role, particularly in people at high risk."

Lesions less thick

Another objective of the research was to determine whether the discovery by the specialist was associated with thinner tumors finding. The results found that in the group of invasive melanomas, the average depth was discovered by the physician of 0.33 mm and 0.55 mm patient.

Jonathan Kantor acknowledges the limitations of the study, unable to generalize the findings in other populations, in addition to the limited sample size. With the addition that the detection rate of lesions made by the specialist can not be compared with respect to other professionals.

In the U.S. this type of cancer was responsible for the deaths of about 8,000 people last year (including musician of the E Street Band) with what Kantor believes that "any intervention seeking to mitigate this potential should be considered. In Spain the figures are around 800 deaths a year from this disease.

Among the risk factors are exposure to ultraviolet radiation and family history. If a mole changes size, shape or color, we must see a doctor. Survival rates are higher the first discovered and treated the disease.

The authors of the investigation "hoping that these findings will help stimulate larger studies in high risk populations. Research in this area can lead to major changes in clinical practice that could potentially reduce mortality from melanoma.

The guys over 'crazy' have more signs of brain maturity

2009-09-05T19:37:00.000-07:00

The guys over 'crazy' have more signs of brain maturity

Adolescents with risky behaviors are more developed white matter
Scientists believe that in the future may predict which children will be imprudent

The boys and girls to be 'put to the eyebrows' all are, a priori, more immature. Unfortunately, the drugs also fall (much) more mature, adult head 'well furnished'. However, data from a new job has left some gaping the perpetrators to discover that adolescent risk behaviors are signs of increased brain maturation. Specifically, they are more white matter [that is responsible for transmitting information from one point to another] in the front area of the brain than their more conservative counterparts.

Thanks to new imaging techniques, we now know that the brain matures during adolescence and gradually reaches its not 'adult form' until the mid 20s. Specifically, one of the brain areas that takes longer to fully develop is the prefrontal cortex, which plays an important role in executive function, self-regulation of behavior and the organization of thought ... Ultimately, the area responsible for making informed decisions.

"Each year, according to the Centers for Disease Control in Atlanta [U.S.], 27,000 people ages 10 to 24 years die due to 'bad decisions'. The first cause is accidents, homicides and then ultimately suicide" enter Brens Gregory, Department of Psychiatry at Emory University (USA) and author of the study. For this specialist, "although no one is immune to making wrong decisions, adolescents and younger adults appear to accommodate much higher percentage of them."

The 'justification', until now, risky and foolish actions of this sector of the population has relied on hormonal changes, brain immaturity or the lack of development of cognitive skills and emotional. But the new paradox is published in the latest issue of 'PLoS ONE'.

Dangerous Games

Scientists chose to 91 teenagers between 12 and 18 who underwent tensor imaging [DTI, its acronym in English] Magnetic Resonance. This technique allows quantification of the "architecture" of the white matter. To 'identify' potential 'reckless acts', scientists are also subjected to the Adolescent Risk Questionnaire, which consists of 22 questions, like taking drugs, having sex or going to risk driving under the influence of alcohol or without a license driving.

All participants, who were diagnosed with no previous mental illness and was not taking any medication, were followed over three years when they were practicing more imaging. The data reveal that precisely the kids who were more risk behaviors were "those who were more mature brain, the researchers clarified.

"Adolescents who are more risk attitudes are more impulsive and seek further experience new sensations but also are the most mature have white matter of the frontal brain," he added.

And they doubt if the 'prematurity' in this development is what triggers the precocity in risky behavior or vice versa. "There are still many questions to be resolved so that should be doing more work with imaging techniques that can predict the future involvement of the kids in risky activities and to resolve the role played in them, biology, development cognitive control and life experiences, the study determined.

This future is near, according to Dr., San Sebastian, "given that impulsivity is the best known risk factor of risk behaviors and, therefore, can help predict which boys or girls are going to adopt risky behaviors. For So, yes it is very likely that with imaging techniques can 'get ahead' and identify those most likely to commit reckless acts. "

Increased use of antiobesity drugs among British children

2009-09-05T19:35:00.000-07:00

Increased use of antiobesity drugs among British children

"Today I have math class, dentist, and the dinner, which I forget the diet pill. According to a study shows, this is the reality of hundreds of British children, for whom anti-obesity drugs are a more routine day-to-day. A study has shown that consumption of these drugs has increased considerably in recent years, although not specifically indicated for children.

The authors of this paper, members of the University of London, analyzed the recipes in this class of drugs carried out in different primary care clinics in the country (covering about 5% of the population) between 1999 and 2006.

Although orlistat and sibutramine are indicated only in the UK for adults, health authorities authorized its use for the treatment of obese children and adolescents but only "under certain circumstances."

The reality is that since the introduction of these drugs on the market "its use grew very quickly", say the researchers, who noted that consumption in 2006 was 15 times higher than in 1999.

In this period, a total of 452 children and adolescents-mostly girls-received 1334 prescriptions for anti-obesity drugs (mainly orlistat and sibutramine).
Discontinuation

The research also showed that monitoring of the medication was very poor. "Only 25% of those taking orlistat and 35% of those who were treated with sibutramine therapy continued for more than three months, which is considered adequate to verify its clinical benefit, researchers say.

Although no information on the reasons for this neglect, the researchers suggest that these data "are likely to reflect both a poor therapeutic efficacy as a lack of education and preparing the patient before prescribing.

By extrapolating their data to the general population, these authors suggest that, in fact, about 1,300 British children a year could be receiving anti-obesity drugs.

In its conclusions, the researchers remark that, given the extensive use of drugs among children, they become more than necessary further work to examine in depth the specific safety and effectiveness of these drugs in this population and, on the other hand , analyzed the causes of the rapid abandonment of the treatments detected.

The situation in Spain

Although no similar studies on children's consumption of these drugs in Spain, it seems that the situation in our country is very different to the UK.

Empar Lurbe, head of pediatric service of Consorcio Hospital General Universitario de Valencia and researcher at the Research Center on Obesity and Nutrition Network (CIBERobn) indicates that these drugs are indicated only in exceptional cases. "Usually in children with other associated problems, and only when already implemented changes in their habits," he says. "It's never the first choice and, really, is performed in very few kids," she insists.

Lurbe, who heads ETIOBE program, an initiative that uses new technologies to customize treatments and enhance the motivation and monitoring of therapies in children with obesity, said that "the solution to these problems is never a pill."

In his words, "the key is to learn to eat right and lead an active life, which often requires a multidisciplinary specialists (endocrine, pediatricians, psychologists, etc.) and involvement of all affected environment.

The human papilloma virus also causes penile cancer

2009-09-05T02:34:00.000-07:00

The human papilloma virus also causes penile cancer

HPV causes cervical cancer in women, is also responsible for half of cancers of the penis

The same sexually transmitted virus that causes cervical cancer in women is also responsible for half of the tumors in the penis, Spanish researchers reported recently.

Although tumors in the penis are much less frequent, representing less than 1 percent of cancers in male adults in Europe and North America, its incidence can reach 10 percent in some areas of Africa and Asia. It is estimated that worldwide there are over 26,000 new cases per year.

The finding suggests that vaccines currently available against human papillomavirus (HPV), used to prevent cervical tumors, could also be effective in fighting cancer of the penis, doctors said the Catalan Institute of Oncology in Barcelona.

The vaccine Gardasil, Merck & Co., and Cervarix, from GlaxoSmithKline, have been used for some years to immunize girls against HPV infection, which can lead to cervical cancer or cervical cancer.

Dr. Silvia de Sanjose and colleagues reviewed cases of penile cancer reported in clinical studies conducted between 1986 and 2008 and found that 46.9 percent of tumors were associated with HPV.

Almost all of these cases linked to the virus were linked to strains 16 and 18, the two most common types that commonly cause cervical cancer and targeting both Gardasil and Cervarix, wrote in the Journal of Clinical Pathology.

In November, Merck announced results of a clinical trial showing that Gardasil is effective in preventing injuries caused by the virus in men.

The rubber misrepresents an aircraft within an expensive diet.

Dental amalgam, a material "safe and effective"

2009-09-05T02:32:00.000-07:00

Dental amalgam, a material "safe and effective"

Encapsulated amalgam, a filling made from a combination of mercury with silver, copper or tin, has been listed as safe and effective material by the FDA (Food and Drug Administration), located in the same category of class II medical device that have gold fillings and composite resin for use in dental restorations.

Dr. Susan Runner, head of the FDA, said that "patients with dental amalgam fillings are not endangered by the adverse health effects associated with mercury. As stated by "prolonged trials in adults and children six years and older with dental amalgam fillings, have not established a causal connection between it and adverse health effects.

Runner explained that some patients "suffer from allergies or a sensitivity to mercury or other metals used in dental amalgams" so that such patients may develop "Contact reactions" within the oral cavity.

To address the needs of these patients, Dr. Runner indicated that "the FDA is organizing special controls for dental amalgam to help provide reasonable assurance on its safety and effectiveness."

In this sense, the U.S. agency advised caution against the use of amalgam in patients with mercury allergy, use ventilation when handling this material and present clearly and succinctly the benefits and risks of the technique before applying it to the patient.

Diabetic women have fewer checks are Pap and mammography

2009-09-04T19:20:00.000-07:00

Diabetic women have fewer checks are Pap and mammography

with diabetes are less likely than those without the disease to be the main cancer screening studies confirmed a new study in Spain.

The team doctor Rodrigo Jiménez-Garcia, Universidad Rey Juan Carlos, Alcorcón, Spain, analyzed data from 12,429 women in a position to have a mammogram (40 years or more) and 13,739 able to take a Pap test or Pap - - (women between 18 and 69 years).

The 62 percent of women without diabetes in terms of having a mammogram she had been made in the last two or three years, unlike 58 percent of diabetic participants.

Among women who should have a Pap test, only 66 percent of those without diabetes and 62 percent of diabetic patients had undergone the test recently.

After controlling for age, education, obesity and other factors that might influence the risk of diabetes and the likelihood of becoming a cancer control, the researchers found that women with diabetes were still significantly less likely to be a study of cancer detection breast and cervix.

Diabetic women were 16 percent less likely to undergo a mammogram and 18 percent less likely to have had a Pap test than non-diabetic.

These results replicate findings obtained in Spain in the United States indicate that women with diabetes are less likely to get a mammogram or a Pap test, as recommended by the experts.

Influenza A: the new device in 10 points

2009-09-04T19:15:00.000-07:00

Influenza A: the new device in 10 points

Since July 23, the management of patients is assigned to general practitioners and not just to hospitals. What changes for patients? Who to contact in case of flu symptoms? When to go to the hospital? ... Doctissimo answers your questions.

Here are 10-point change on the management of pandemic influenza A/H1N1, following the press conference the Ministry of Health July 22, 2009 1:

1. The doctor becomes the first contact

Since July 23, sick of influenza A should not call the 15 but through their doctor. In cases of high fever (> 38.5 ° C), cough, fatigue, you should no longer pass by the UAS but directly call your family doctor. The latter decide the course of treatment. Most often, it is limited to paracetamol and rest.

The prevention recommendations are still valid: washing hands several times a day with soap or a hydro-alcoholic solution, using a tissue to cough or sneeze and put used tissues in a garbage can followed by a handwashing.

2. An organization set up to study

How will GPs be able to accommodate these cases of influenza without risk of infecting others see patients? Ideally, two different waiting rooms would be required but for most firms, such an organization is difficult or impossible. "Everything depends on the number of patients: 5 or 45 patients per day? If premises do not adapt, time slots dedicated to patients with influenza will be to provide and use barriers that the measures we recommend to our patients : clean doorknobs, wear masks ... We will adapt to the reality that will change every day, "said Dr. Martial Koehret Olivier, president of the union MG France.

Spatial Location, time slots, capacity management support during the summer months ... "This will require adjustments along the water."

3. GPs sufficiently informed and prepared?

The Minister responsible initiatives have multiplied of information to GPs: 300 000 training kits and information sent two years ago, 450 of 000 kits including protective masks and protective Splash, training sessions in 2006 and 2007 in all regions, direct information to subscribers of DGS Urgent, two preparatory meetings with unions in early July and a letter sent to the 80 000 general practitioners, pulmonologists and pediatricians July 15. Finally, according to the Minister, the Prefect will meet with doctors from July 23 and before August 10 at a briefing. These meetings should also help to adapt the management of the epidemic through the "mountain land" professionals. A site dedicated to health professionals to provide medical information but also regional national epidemic.

Large stocks of FFP2 masks (to protect themselves from viruses) and Splash masks (for those infected) are distributed from a single point in the region since early May Today, 16 distribution centers are operational. "They should cover tomorrow all departments," says Thierry Coudert, Managing Director of the Institution of preparation and response to health emergencies.

4. No systematic Tamiflu ®

Only cases potentially most serious benefit of Tamiflu ®, the famous new antiviral available in pharmacies and reimbursed by the National Health Insurance. No indication for preventive medication is recommended, since the contrary view that such use might encourage the emergence of resistance to antiviral drugs.

In a pandemic, stockpiles made by the Government will be sufficient, according to Health Minister Roselyne Bachelot, which invites the public not to provide Personal Reserve: "We have enough antiviral treatments to address a wide pandemic. No effect medicine cabinet! Doctors are the guarantors of a good use of antivirals and I know I can count on them.

5. The hospital reserved for severe cases

Only children under 1 year (through their parents) or victims of complications of influenza should contact the 15 or go directly to the hospital. Hospitals have antivirals pediatric use.

Where appropriate, the physician can guide the serious cases to hospital. But because of the less formidable profile of the virus and its active movement throughout the territory, the hospital is no longer the centerpiece of the national plan of care for patients.

6. Masks Free Pharmacy

As of July 23, the repellent masks to be worn by the patient (to avoid contaminating the environment in cases of infection and not to protect the virus) will be issued free pharmacy if they have been prescribed by the doctor. Director General of the establishment of preparedness and response to health emergencies, and Thierry Coudert said that "the deployment of masks to the metropolitan territory of pharmacies will be completed July 23 in the afternoon. For Reunion and New Caledonia the transaction will be completed July 27.

7. More systematic research of the virus

Given the spread of the virus (and its relative harmfulness), the naso-pharyngeal sampling to search the H1N1 virus is no longer mandatory. They now share the principle that symptoms necessarily reflect confirmed influenza infection with influenza A.

This also means that the procedures related to localized foci of infection (isolation of sick children in summer camps for example) will be triggered without infection by the H1N1 influenza virus is confirmed by analysis laboratory.

8. Vaccine against pneumococcal recommended for some people

The Society of Infectious Pathology (SPILF), the SFLS (French Society for the Fight against AIDS) and ESC (GP's National College of Teachers) recommend increased pneumococcal vaccination in some people fragilisées2. Must be vaccinated: respiratory insufficiency, cardiac insufficiency, alcoholic patients with chronic liver disease, persons with a history of invasive lung infection or pneumonia, patients with functional asplenia or splenectomy, patients with homozygous sickle cell disease the patients with nephrotic syndrome and patients with HIV infection and with CD4> 200/mm3. The aim is to prevent the population in this pneumococcal superinfection of influenza.

9. Vaccines available at best in October

94 million doses ordered were ordered by the government in three different laboratories (Sanofi-Pasteur: 28 million doses, GlaxoSmithKline: 50 Novartis 16). Based laboratories, the doses should be delivered between October and December 2009. Given that vaccination require two injections three weeks apart and a time of incubation before being protected, some fear that the first doses arrive after the peak of the pandemic ...

If England is planning to ignore the permissions on the market (AMM) European (via emergency procedures), France seems more prudent. The epidemiological situation in France is less cause for concern. If the virus retains a moderate virulence, France could expect to obtain the European marketing authorization prior to vaccination.

Today, the vaccination strategy is not adopted, but no compulsory vaccination is now considered. Depending on the evolution of the epidemic, mass vaccination could be achieved in immunization clinics or by physicians.

10. The management of drug stocks and masks to improve

It is the establishment of preparedness and response to health emergencies (Eprus) who manages a stock valued at 845 million euros, including 33 million antiviral 1 billion surgical masks and 537 million protective masks FFP

His action was pinned by a report of centrist Senator Jean-Jacques the criticisms made, we note: dispersion and heterogeneity of the 72 storage sites, uncertainty related to exceeding the expiry date of products, storage products in places sometimes just adequate, a lack of clarity between the roles attributed to the public, health agencies and various departments ... Without putting into question the creation of Eprus, the report estimates that these findings could "pose difficulties in coordinating emergency health" ...

Discover two new antibodies against HIV

2009-09-04T18:46:00.001-07:00

Discover two new antibodies against HIV

The prestigious journal Science has published a very interesting article, two American scientists discovered two antibodies appeared to be very effective against HIV.

The new vaccines will be developed based on these sensitive antibodies that attack parts of itself.

These powerful antibodies called "bNAbs" are capable of neutralizing the virus. This is critical since one of its main characteristics is its ability to achieve rapid and different mutations. Investigators have said that the research process (methodology) provide further details on the weaknesses of the virus.

The director of research and development of the IAVI, the Global Initiative for Aids Vaccine (nonprofit organization) Wayne Koff said that "This finding in itself represents a promising development toward the goal of developing an effective vaccine against AIDS, since we have potentially a better target on which to mobilize our efforts. " Also, "Now that we identify these two antibodies (baptized PG9 and PG16) we can find other, which should accelerate the global community's efforts to develop a vaccine against AIDS"

Influenza A: measures for schools

2009-09-04T18:46:00.000-07:00

Influenza A: measures for schools

Influenza A preferentially affects young people. In order to better address the school year, the Minister of Education Luc Chatel presented August 18, 2009 a series of preventive measures and organizational measures to overcome the best possible pandemic influenza outbreak.

Key announcements, distribution of information pamphlets and the closure of classes on the occurrence of clustered cases in one week. This measure already worried, no alternative form of care being provided.

Do not trivialize or dramatize

"We must avoid two pitfalls, ensured Luc Chatel, at the press presentation of the prevention against influenza A, August 18: trivialization, which would be the best ally of the virus and the dramatization that would effect of unnecessarily worried families. "

12 million leaflets for parents

Inform students when the return on gestures barriers, those designed to curb the spread of the virus, is one of the first concrete steps in this plan. Moreover, 12 million copies of the leaflet "Learning about the influenza A/H1N1) and the education of your child" will be distributed to parents. The medical school nurses and school doctors, will also be involved to educate and inform parents and students.

The Minister of Education also calls for vigilance of parents urging them not to take their child to school if there is any suspicious symptoms. If the infection is said in class, students will be isolated and then headed to her doctor.

It is from three cases in less than a week occurring in the same class or different classes with shared activities, including the canteen, the prefect of the department concerned may decide to close schools or not, "if by case ".

Nothing is planned for parents in case of closure

If the facility closes, it is for a minimum six days (the period of H1N1 virus infection is 7 days) and it will reopen after a complete and thorough cleaning of the premises.

But then, what about the children during this period? It will be everyone to fend for nothing in the plan is scheduled for an alternative mode of care or any aid to parents. "If we come to close schools is to prevent the spread of viruses. Therefore to protect children and teachers," insisted the minister. "That is why I am appealing to family solidarity, but it can also be solidarity neighborhood or within a municipality. The situation is very different from those who meet annually at Epidemic of gastroenteritis for example, where parents are required to keep or to keep their child for a few days. "

Vaccinated in schools or not?

Regarding a possible vaccination campaign in schools to curb the epidemic, Luc Chatel said that "this decision is the competence and the total liability of the Minister of Health. At this stage we have no plans for vaccination systematic, both collectively or for targeted populations. This question will in any manner specified in the coming weeks depending on the authorization of placing on the market in one or more vaccines, their availability and the possible indication for the most vulnerable persons (children, pregnant women for example).

Finally, in the case of prolonged closure of schools, it will not be provided holidays for children! Anxious to ensure educational continuity, the Ministry has already prepared in collaboration with France and France Culture, 264 hours of television broadcasts and 288 hours of radio.

17-ketosteroids: How the test is performed, Prepare for the Test, What you feel during the examination, Why the test is performed, Normal Values

2009-09-03T20:01:00.000-07:00

17-ketosteroids

These are substances that form when the body breaks down male steroid sex hormones called androgens and other hormones released by the adrenal cortex and testes in men.

This article discusses the laboratory test used to measure the amount of 17-ketosteroids in a urine sample.

How the test is performed

A sample of urine for 24 hours.
The first day, urinate into the toilet when you get up in the morning.
Afterwards, collect all urine in a special container for the next 24 hours.
The second day, urinate into the container when you get up in the morning.
Cap the container and store in the refrigerator or a cool place during the collection period.
Mark the container with your name, date, time of completion, and return as instructed.

For an infant, thoroughly wash the area around the urethra. Open a urine collection bag (a plastic bag with an adhesive on one end) and place it on the baby. In children, place the entire penis in the bag and attach the adhesive to the skin. In girls, place the bag over the labia. Diaper as usual over the secured bag.

They may have to repeat the procedure, and lively infants can displace the bag, causing the urine to be absorbed by the diaper. Check the infant frequently and change the bag after the infant has urinated into it. Drain the urine from the bag in a container provided by your doctor.

Deliver it to the laboratory or doctor as soon as possible after completion.

Prepare for the Test

If necessary, your doctor will instruct you to discontinue drugs that may interfere with the test.

Drugs that can increase 17-ketosteroids measurements include:
Antibiotics
Chloramphenicol
Chlorpromazine
Dexamethasone
Meprobamate
Phenothiazines
Quinidine
Secobarbital
Spironolactone

Drugs that can decrease 17-ketosteroids measurements include:
Birth control pills
Estrogens
Probenecid
Promazine
Reserpine
Salicylates (prolonged use)
Thiazide diuretics

What you feel during the examination

The test involves only normal urination and there is no discomfort.

Why the test is performed
Your doctor may order this test if you have signs of a disorder associated with abnormal levels of androgens.

Normal Values

Normal values are as follows:
Male: 8 to 20 milligrams (mg) per 24 hours
Women: 6 to 12 mg per 24 hours

The normal value ranges may vary slightly among different laboratories. Talk to your doctor about the meaning of your specific test results.

Significance of abnormal results

Increased levels of 17-ketosteroids may indicate:
Adrenal Tumor
Congenital adrenal hyperplasia (very rare)
Cushing Syndrome
Ovarian Cancer
Testicular cancer
Ovarian dysfunction (polycystic ovarian disease)

The decreased levels of 17-ketosteroids may indicate:
Addison's Disease
Castration
Hypopituitarism
Myxedema
Nephrosis

Risks
There are no risks.

Special Considerations

This test is not performed as often as it was done in the past, because instead newer tests are used.

Excess weight (obesity) can also interfere with test results.

Influenza A: The people most at risk: Young people are most affected by influenza A, Influenza A: pregnant women particularly at risk

2009-09-03T19:57:00.000-07:00

Influenza A: The people most at risk

Influenza A continues to spread worldwide since its appearance in spring 2008. Today, this viral infection can affect all age groups. However, some populations are at higher risk.

While the usual seasonal influenza is rather dangerous for the elderly, it appears that influenza A (H1N1) to be more for younger, and in certain physiological or pathological conditions.
Diseases that weaken against influenza A

According to the Institut de Veille Sanitaire (InVS), although mortality is low, a large proportion of deaths attributable to influenza A on patients already suffering from a chronic illness. Thus, people with respiratory problems such as asthma or chronic bronchitis from cardiovascular disease, of diabetes, the autoimmune disease or obesity, are prone to more serious complications. Chronic infection with the virus of AIDS is also a risk factor.

Young people are most affected by influenza A

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), influenza A (H1N1) particularly affects young people under 25 years. InVS stresses and in metropolitan The average patient is hospitalized for 24 years, that serious cases of 39 years. Children under 15 years are also 37% of hospitalizations. However, unlike seasonal flu, the elderly seem to be least affected by influenza A, have probably been exposed to a virus similar in the fifties.

Influenza A: pregnant women particularly at risk

Pregnant women are also considered at-risk population. Not because they are more likely to contract the disease, but because they have more risk of complications (severe forms more frequent) and death. The Health Minister Roselyne Bachelot has nevertheless stated in early August that "the draft report a pregnancy because of the flu is in the current state of knowledge, totally disproportionate".

People with certain chronic illnesses, pregnant women and young people are the three populations with the greatest risk facing the H1N1 virus and will probably priority when vaccine is available. In these cases, should be especially vigilant and seek medical attention at the onset of flu symptoms to begin as soon as possible antiviral therapy adapted.

A single dose of vaccine against the H1N1 virus could be sufficient

2009-09-03T19:44:00.000-07:00

A single dose of vaccine against the H1N1 virus could be sufficient

Novartis has announced that a single dose of the vaccine against influenza A (H1N1) had been successful in clinical trials, which is expected supply better suited than expected start when the needs of mass immunization campaigns.

The pandemic influenza A (H1N1) could affect up to two billion people worldwide, according to estimates by the World Health Organization (WHO).

Many experts expected that the injection of two doses of vaccine per patient is needed in anticipation of a second wave of possible contamination at the beginning of winter in the Northern Hemisphere.

Vaccination campaigns should begin this month in some countries in October and many others.

Novartis said that its vaccine Celtura provoked a strong immune response after administration of a single dose during clinical trials at the University of Leicester UK.

Chinese health authorities have given their green light to Sinovac pharmaceutical group, which also ensures that the vaccine is effective because a single dose.

"This is good news because a single dose of Celtura may be sufficient to protect adults against the flu. This potentially increases the amount of vaccine available for the flu season coming," says Karl-Heinz Koch, analyst Swiss broker Helvea.

According to Novartis clinical trials Celtura achieved in Leicester over 100 volunteers have created a strong immune response in 80% of subjects after injection of a dose, and in more than 90% of them after two doses.

Further clinical studies are ongoing with more than 6,000 adults and children.

Sinovac first company to have completed clinical trials, received approval from Chinese authorities to produce a vaccine against the H1N1 virus.

Other pharmaceutical companies involved in the race for the development of H1N1 vaccines are Sanofi-Aventis, GlaxoSmithKline and AstraZeneca's MedImmune unit.

The Australian CSL is already producing a vaccine against the H1N1 and produces 1 to 1.5 million doses per week until it meets all its orders.

Relenza and Tamiflu Glaxo, antiviral manufactured by Roche the Swiss who treat influenza more than they n'immunisent against it, are also subject to high demand.

All about masks against influenza A, Masks issued free prescription, In schools, public places ...

2009-09-03T19:33:00.000-07:00

All about masks against influenza A

We hear a lot of masks for protection against influenza A, but when, how and under what conditions to get them? Instructions for the use of masks against influenza A.

Many questions arise: should I wear a mask if one of my family is sick? How much does a mask? Where am I supposed to get a mask if necessary?
Influenza A: masks for patients and professionals

Only proven and suspected patients must wear a mask projection, said surgery in order to protect their environment from contamination by the virus. Those around the patient did not wear masks, as a preventive measure to protect themselves.

The medical professionals, emergency personnel, pharmacists ... are more likely to be exposed and infected by the virus and are also affected by wearing protective mask (called FFP2).
Two types of masks against influenza A
The surgical mask: also called mask projections, it is for people sick so they avoid contaminating their surroundings, especially when they cough or sneeze. He must wear a mask since the onset of symptoms and this for at least 7 days (period of contagion).
The breathing mask FFP2 said: for health professionals essentially is a respirator disposable protects the wearer against inhalation of infectious agents transmitted by air.

The stock of surgical masks EPRUS currently stands at 1 billion units and 700 million masks FFP2. "The stocks of EPRUS are only intended for the Ministry of Health who then distribute them (at hospitals, private physicians, pharmacies, etc..) Via departmental platforms. The other departments or private companies who wish to order masks pass directly by the supplier and not through us, "confirms Avaro Claude, Director General and head of the pharmacist Establishment of emergency preparedness and health (EPRUS *).

Masks issued free prescription

The enlargement of the operative care of patients in ambulatory care, introduced since July 23, 2009, established general practitioners and pharmacists in the heart of the device (2). In case of suspicious symptoms, you should contact your GP who will determine the care most appropriate. The 15 is reserved for urgent cases. Once in his office, you wear a surgical mask that you have been given to avoid infecting people in the waiting room.

If you suffer much flu, your doctor "prescribes you a box of 50 surgical masks, paracetamol and possibly of Tamiflu ®. But the prescription of Tamiflu ® is far from systematic," says Claude Avaro. So, with your order, you go to the pharmacy that delivers you free masks.

Note that health authorities have also ordered 150 million masks of pediatric anti-suppression, for children 1 to 12 years, to be worn by the sick children to protect their environment. These masks should be available very rapidly, particularly for children over 5 years.
A life of 4 hours

The patient should stay well away (over one meter) of others and constantly wear a mask. "Beware when the mask gets wet, it is more effective. We must therefore change at this time. Generally, we observe that a patient consumes about 4 masks per day," says Claude Avaro. "The ratio is the same for FFP2 masks worn by health professionals.

The masks have an expiry date, but the masks provided by pharmacies are not normally affected as usual checks were made upstream. Finally, concerning the quality of masks, all meet the same standards, not to worry at this level.

In schools, public places ...

Is it possible to find masks outside medical facilities, such as in public places, school or within the company? "Everything depends on the departments concerned in the public sector and enterprises in the private sector," replied Claude Avaro. "Several masks were purchased by the government for their staff. It's the same in the private sector."

* The EPRUS is a public administrative institution under the Ministry of Health and Sports. It was created in 2007 to allow the State to respond to health threats of large scale efficiently and effectively.

Influenza A more dangerous for pregnant women

2009-09-03T18:26:00.000-07:00

Influenza A more dangerous for pregnant women

Pregnant women have a risk four times greater complications after infection with influenza A H1N1. These data encourage health authorities to act quickly to detect and handle this viral infection during pregnancy.

Published in late July in the prestigious medical journal The Lancet , a U.S. study has highlighted the increased risk of severe or fatal damage during pregnancy following infection with influenza A H1N1. Data that make the alarming support for pregnant women.
Influenza A: Pregnant women have 4 times greater risk of complications

Researchers at the control and prevention of disease (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) have analyzed the cases of 34 pregnant women infected with the pandemic virus. They found that nearly one third of them (32% or 11 women) had been hospitalized. According to their study, pregnant women infected with influenza A H1/N1 have a prior 4 times greater risk of complications. In these women, the risk of death from pneumonia and respiratory distress is also higher than average.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), several other countries, where there is a transmission range of the pandemic virus, have also reported an increased risk for pregnant women, especially in the second and third trimester of pregnancy . They also reported an increased risk of fetal death and spontaneous abortions.

For pregnant women, initiate treatment without delay

If you still do not know if pregnant women are more likely to contract the virus, what we know now is that once sick, they incur greater risk of complications.

On the one hand, these findings are not all surprising. First, data from past pandemics supports the fact that pregnant women are exposed to greater risk. On the other hand, risk takes on added significance with the current pandemic, which continues to affect the age groups younger than that seen with seasonal flu.

Thus in regions where infection by the H1N1 virus is widespread, the World Health recommends "very pregnant women and their doctors to carefully monitor the possible occurrence of any influenza-like symptoms. But the treatments available are compatible with pregnancy? Yes, as a publication of the Journal of the Association of Canadian physicians (Canadian Medical Association Journal).

Canadian researchers believe that new antivirals (the neuraminidase inhibitors - Tamiflu ® and Relenza ®) can be used in pregnant women and nursing mothers, focusing however oseltamivir (Tamiflu ®) for which more data on safety are available. The conclusions set by the WHO considers it "necessary to administer antiretroviral treatment with oseltamivir as soon as possible after symptoms appear. This treatment with maximum efficiency within 48 hours, the doctors must prescribing immediately and not wait for the results of laboratory tests. Even beyond this period, the WHO states that "limitation later may also be beneficial (...) for lowering the risk of pneumonia (one of the causes of death most frequently reported in individuals infected) and needs hospitalization.

Pregnant women a priority for vaccine

Nobody knows yet unclear what factors that expose pregnant women to more complications. According to Dr. Denis Jamieson, lead author of the study in The Lancet 1, the mechanical and hormonal changes, particularly in the cardiovascular system, respiratory and immune systems may partly explain this phenomenon. Possibilities include a reduction of lung capacity due to the greater role of the uterus compresses the diaphragm. These changes expose pregnant women to greater risk of contracting influenza virus.

The impact of illness on the child is so far unclear. Five babies died 6 women were born by caesarean section and are in good health. At the time of publication of this study, only one baby delivered by Caesarean section 13 weeks prematurely, was still in hospital.

In view of these data, WHO recommends that health authorities to classify pregnant women in the priority groups for vaccination when vaccines against pandemic influenza will be available. Several other risk categories were identified: those suffering from a pathological condition underlying, especially chronic pulmonary (including asthma patients), cardiovascular disease, diabetes, immunosuppression and extreme obesity.

5'-Nucleotidase: How the test is performed, Prepare for the Test, Normal Values, Alternative Names

2009-09-03T06:58:00.000-07:00

5'-Nucleotidase

5'-nucleotidase (5'-NT) is a protein produced by the liver. You can do a test to measure the amount of this protein in the blood.

How the test is performed

Blood is drawn from a vein, usually from the inside of the elbow or the back of the hand. The puncture site is cleaned with a disinfectant (antiseptic). The doctor puts a rubber band around the upper arm to apply pressure to the area and make the vein swell with blood.

The doctor then gently inserts a needle into the vein and blood collected in a vial or tube attached to the needle. The elastic band is removed to restore circulation.

Once it has collected the blood sample, the needle is removed and covered the puncture site to stop any bleeding.

In infants or young children, you can use a tool called a lancet to puncture the skin and make it bleed. The blood collects into a small glass tube called a pipette, a slide or test strip. Finally, you can place a bandage over the area if there is any bleeding.

Prepare for the Test

If necessary, the doctor will instruct you to withhold drugs that may interfere with test results, including:
Acetaminophen (Tylenol)
Halothane
Isoniazid
Methyldopa
Nitrofurantoin
What you feel during the examination

When the needle is inserted to draw blood, some people feel moderate pain, while others feel only a prick or stinging sensation. Subsequently, there may be some throbbing.
Why the test is performed

Your doctor may order this test if you have signs of a liver problem. It is used primarily to determine whether the high level of protein is due to liver damage or injury of skeletal muscle.

Normal Values

The normal value is 2 to 17 units per liter.

Note: Normal value ranges may vary slightly among different laboratories. Talk to your doctor about the meaning of your specific test results.
Significance of abnormal results

The higher than normal levels may indicate:
Cholestasis
Destruction of liver cells
Hepatitis
Hepatic ischemia
Liver tumor
Use of a medication that damages the liver
Risks

Veins and arteries vary in size from one patient to another and from one side of the body to another, why get a blood sample from some people may be more difficult than from others.

Other risks associated with having blood drawn are slight but may include:
Excessive bleeding
Fainting or dizziness
Hematoma (blood accumulating under the skin)

Infection (a slight risk any time there is skin breakdown)

Alternative Names

5'-NT

Launch the first electronic stethoscope with bluetooth

2009-09-03T03:06:00.000-07:00

Launch the first electronic stethoscope with bluetooth

Bluetooth connectivity also has internal flash memory, system external noise reduction, sound amplification and various applications for analysis and storage of recordings

Agreement between the companies 3M and Zargis Medical has developed a new type of stethoscope, the Littmann 3200, the first electronic stethoscope that incorporates Bluetooth with many other applications, the physician shall make available a wealth of information enabling them to further improve diagnosis and treatments.

This new model has an internal flash memory, which stored recordings of the sounds, which then become part of the patient's medical history. Along with that has bluetooth connectivity, which will send information to the nearest computer for analysis.

Moreover, also offers a system to reduce outside noise by up to 85% and an amplification system which can amplify the sound up to 24 times. Also features a suite of applications for analysis and storage of the recordings obtained.

Vulvitis: Causes, Symptoms, Treatment, Complications, Prevention, Expectations, Exams and Tests, incidence and risk factors

2009-09-01T19:12:00.000-07:00

Vulvitis

Is inflammation of the external female genitalia (vulva). The vulva includes the "lips" or folds of skin, the clitoris and the openings of the urethra and vagina.

Causes, incidence and risk factors

Vulvitis may be caused by a number of conditions, among which are:

* Allergies, particularly to soaps, colored toilet paper, vaginal sprays, laundry detergents, bubble bath, or fragrances
* Dermatitis, seborrhea or eczema prolonged
* Fungal and bacterial infections, pediculosis, or scabies

Vulvitis can affect women of all ages. The condition may be due to low estrogen levels in young women and women who have reached menopause.

Symptoms

The following symptoms affecting the skin in the vulvar area:

* Burning or itching
* Possible small cracks in the vulvar skin
* Possible vaginal discharge
* Redness and swelling
* Thickening of the skin

Exams and Tests

A pelvic examination reveals redness and thickening and may reveal cracks or skin lesions on the vulva.

If you have any vaginal discharge, a wet prep can show that an infection such as vulvovaginitis or vaginitis, is the cause.

Treatment

Stop using any products that may cause irritation. Apply cortisone cream counter two or three times a day over the affected area, up to a week. If these measures do not relieve symptoms, see a doctor.

Vaginal infections should be treated appropriately. You can use a cortisone cream to decrease vulvar itching.

If treatment fails, you can make a skin biopsy to rule out vulvar dystrophy, or vulvar dysplasia, a precancerous condition. It also may require a biopsy if you have any skin lesions.

Expectations (prognosis)

The itching can be difficult to control, but after identifying and treating the cause, should disappear in a few weeks.

Complications

Itching of the vulva may be a sign of genital warts (human papillomavirus, HPV, by its initials in English), vulvar dystrophy, or cancerous or precancerous conditions of the vulva.

Sexually transmitted diseases (STDs), which can cause vulvitis, may lead to other problems such as infertility, and should be treated appropriately.

Calling your health care

Make an appointment with the doctor if symptoms and do not respond to measures of care or if vaginal discharge accompanies the symptoms. Also call if you notice sores on the vulva.

Prevention

Daily cleansing with mild soap, adequate rinsing and thorough drying of the genital area may help.

Avoid using aerosol sprays, fragrances, or powders for feminine hygiene products in the genital area.

Similarly, avoid the use of pants or shorts are too tight can cause irritation by constantly rubbing against the skin and also reduce air circulation.

Wear cotton underwear or pantyhose with cotton. Avoid clothing made of silk or nylon, because these materials are highly absorbent and restrict airflow. This can increase sweating in the genital area, which can cause irritation and may provide a better environment for infectious organisms.

Do not wear sweaty exercise clothing for long periods.

The infections can be spread by intimate or sexual contact can be prevented or minimized by avoiding sexual activity or practicing safer sex behaviors.

To resume the sport, ask a friend

2009-09-01T19:10:00.000-07:00

To resume the sport, ask a friend

There is nothing better than a sport for several reasons and will be scheduled. A friend, colleague, your spouse or even your children can help you take the path of the effort.

In many gyms, tariffs 'group' for a company's employees are proposed. Otherwise, there is also the solution personal coaches who come to you, give the course at 3 or 5 people and you share the costs. It's been 10 or 15 Euros per session instead of 60 Euros to you alone.

Get a swimming club where people of your age share the same passion for example, and feel free to call doctinautes for you to create a sports group in your city.

Run two training team is the only solution to last, and to keep fit until winter

Aphrodisiacs: Aphrodisiac food of love, Top 6 of aphrodisiac foods

2009-09-01T19:03:00.000-07:00

Aphrodisiacs
Aphrodisiac food of love

These foods that promote the desire

The love potions and other aphrodisiacs have been used since time immemorial by peoples of all continents. Cocoa, celery, oysters ... discover the main foods which are ready for such virtues.

During the Aztecs, cocoa was known to be a stimulant. Very spicy, the drink containing chilli, pepper and cloves. This famous courtesan thought so aphrodisiacs strengths of this vegetable, it was regularly prepare a gratin of celery to Louis XV, to maintain his sexual vigor. The nutrient composition of some foods could explain an effect on stimulating hormone linked to sexual functioning. For those who do not cook, there are food supplements. But it's much less fun ...

Top 6 of aphrodisiac foods

The food list is long known aphrodisiac. The spices are also known to develop naturally desire. Among the most known for their effects on sexuality, there are of course:

Chocolate. But why this delicious delicacy excites she senses? Because it contains L-arginine, an amino acid converted by the body nitric oxide, the vasodilator effect. Another benefit: the stimulation of endorphins, hormones of pleasure.

Asparagus. Do you like asparagus for fresh and subtle taste? You know now, they stimulate the production of testosterone, a hormone that plays a key role in the functioning of sexuality. Pliny the Elder, Roman writer and naturalist, who discovered the aphrodisiac effects of asparagus.

The seafood is also very good sexual stimulants, thanks to their high content of iodine and phosphorus. The queen is their oyster, very rich in zinc. This trace element is thought to promote the production of testosterone, the hormone that stimulates the desire of both men and women.

Caviar is very expensive. And if the reason for this was exciting her powers? Humor aside, the Persians still called the "bread lovers"! Its main virtue is to give a boost to the bloodstream.

Garlic has similar virtues. But what lovers dare eat garlic before a tryst on the pretext that he could make it stronger before its beautiful?

Other condiments expensive, but ensures the success of a night of love: the truffle. Highly prized white truffles of Italy can sell up to 15 000 euro per kilogram! Few lovers who could spend so much money just to drink androsterone, derived from male hormone testosterone.
Spices and herbs at the origin of desire

Condiments, spices and herbs also play a role in the awakening of the senses:
Ginger, used by Chinese emperors to satisfy their numerous concubines, cause the flow of blood to the genitals. One of its components, gingerol, would also increase the number of sperm. A whole program!
Other virtues to be discovered: those of natural vanilla. The small seeds of the pod would be totally euphoric.
The ultimate aphrodisiac spice is saffron. Its stimulating action would be as high as some hormones.
Cinnamon has been used for centuries for its exciting components, like chili, rich in vitamins A, E, C, K and PP.
Very stimulating to circulation, cayenne is also an aphrodisiac.
Thyme is an herb tonic for the nerves. It is advisable if you plan to crazy nights, like the savory and yohimbine. Grass People coming from South Africa, the latter is known worldwide for its stimulatory function.
Cloves, one of the most powerful natural aphrodisiacs, is effective against mental and physical fatigue. To test if small outage in the couple.
Consuming stimulants sex easy, nothing's easy with food supplements. Yohimbine, which we have mentioned above, is sold in capsules. Ditto for the amino acid L-arginine.
Boosters sex capsules

Ginseng is also available as a dietary supplement. Recommended for sexual disorders, it would act on the central nervous system. Its vasodilatory properties also promote improved erections.

Ginkgo biloba, used to stimulate the memory, would also vasodilating action, thereby facilitating the flow of blood to the genitals.

The maca, a plant from the highlands of Peru, is a natural stimulant energy use since the Inca Empire to improve the sexual tone.

Finally, tribulus terrestris, a plant also known as cross-de-Malte, is used since the 80s, for its positive effect on athletic performance and libido. The tribulus would increase testosterone levels, also supporting the increase in muscle mass.

Caution, caution is necessary regarding these products. Side effects are always possible. Before any use of dietary supplements, it is essential to talk to your doctor.

Love potion "authentic"

The most romantic enthusiasts love potions, choose to make this recipe for old, used by lovers for centuries. Heat 2 vanilla beans in a quart of milk for 10 minutes. Remove the cloves, squeeze to extract juice and scrape to keep small seeds. Then, mix 2 tablespoons cocoa in a little water before adding the hot milk. Stir well. Add 4 tablespoons of honey. Stir a pinch of cayenne pepper and a glass of rum. The fragrance of this sweet chocolate preparation will take you to the path of love. Its use promises to love, magical moments and unforgettable sensual.

A pill of tomato for a heart of iron

2009-09-01T03:03:00.000-07:00

A pill of tomato for a heart of iron

A new pill containing the antioxidant benefits of the typical Mediterranean diet based on tomatoes, may be a solution without side effects for a heart of iron as a biotechnology laboratory in Cambridge ( Great Britain).

"Ateronon", whose main ingredient is lycopene, an antioxidant component of tomatoes which protects the heart, was filed this week in Barcelona (Spain) during the congress of the European Society of Cardiology.

"We know that the Mediterranean diet is beneficial in reducing blood pressure and cholesterol levels, and the key element is the tomato," a professor of pharmacology at the University of Cambridge, Ian Wilkinson, whose work is funded by the British Heart.

Scientists have managed to reduce the size of lycopene molecules so they can be easily absorbed by the body.

Until now, tests to check and investigate the properties of this pill that its discoverers considered revolutionary, the first product to be the world's natural antioxidant that protects the heart, have been very positive.

Its creators, the Cambridge biotech company Theranostics Limited (CTL), has conducted clinical trials on 150 people with heart disease.

These investigations have shown that, besides preventing fatty buildup in artery walls, in just eight weeks treatment also destroys the fat already accumulated.

The president of CTL, Gunter Schmidt, said: "We are confident that Ateronon have very beneficial effects in patients with circulatory and cardiac problems.

I have been very promising research in this direction, by teams from Cambridge University in England, and Harvard Medical School, United States, according to CTL.

In Catania (Italy), heart disease specialists conducted trials in which up to 10,000 patients will participate throughout the year.

For treatment to be effective only need to take a pill a day and, according to Schmidt, improvements in cardiovascular function are visible three months after taking the first dose of "Ateronon.

Test your fitness: Test your muscles, Test your flexibility, Test your balance

2009-09-01T02:46:00.000-07:00

3, 2, 1, top: Test your fitness

Being in shape is not a question of age, but maintenance of muscles and flexibility.
And you, where are you?
Take the test by performing the series of exercises.
You will identify and areas for improvement.

The advantage of performing such tests is to determine exactly where you are and in what specific areas you can improve. Simply by repeating such exercises and assess your progress. There are however many other exercises and activities to help you improve yourself. It's like with food: the variety is very important.

Test your muscles

Your arms are sufficiently muscular?

Can you make a series of 20 pumps (hands on floor, arms outstretched, you are the board: bend your arms and go back)? Rest assured, beyond 10 is not bad.

Can you make between 10 and 15 pumps sport (your hands do not support the ground but on a lower cabinet)? In short, you must train seriously! Rest assured, at least 40 to pump 4 times a week, your arms will not inflate ...

In what state are your abs?

Test your abdominals by making statements bust: lie on your back, bring your bent legs toward your chest. Hands behind head, raise your torso as high as possible. If you can repeat statements 30 bust up your abs are in shape. Between 20 and 30, it is advisable to make the abs at least 2 times a week. In short, you have to reconstruct a lap gradually to the help of specific exercises.

Test your flexibility

What degree of flexibility in your arms?

Sit back straight, stretch your arms behind you and intertwine your fingers. Raise your arms as high as possible and hold for about twenty seconds. Good flexibility helps to raise the arm parallel to the ground.

Stretch this time your arms up, fingers interlaced, palms up. Stretch yourself up by pushing your shoulders back. The more you practice this exercise with ease, the more you will become more flexible.

What degree of flexibility in your legs?

Lie on your back, knees bent, feet on the ground. Extend one leg straight up. Grab it with your hands and try to close as possible to your face (the leg is stretched). By dint of repetition, you will gain in amplitude.

Make big gap face: sitting on the floor, legs straight up and apart, bend your torso forward, laying hands on the ground as far as possible before you.

Test your balance

Standing, arms outstretched, lift one leg bent, hold a stationary position for 10 seconds. You can progress in your stretching as far as possible up, straight and squeezing your glutes and your abs.

You can also do this exercise arm straight up with your leg bent but not stretched to 90 °.

Another exercise: standing behind you grab with your hands a foot. Move closer to your foot as close to your buttocks. Hold the stretch and balance for ten seconds.

Remember, the goal is to feel fit, physically fit and mentally .... So who pays regularity.

Scan: WHAT IS IT, HOW IT WORKS, REQUESTED FOR, PROBLEMS, PRECAUTIONS

2009-09-01T02:36:00.000-07:00

Scan

WHAT IS IT?

It is a functional medical imaging technique that uses radioactive isotopes to study the functionality of various organs

HOW IT WORKS

The different tissues of the body capture the different chemical elements selectively.

Using radioactive isotopes of these, you can get information on how to purchase the various tissue elements they need for their function, by quantifying the radiation emitted (with a gamma camera; set of radiation detectors located in a grid), and obtain an idea of the functioning of organs.

The classic example is the assessment of thyroid gland function, which selectively accumulates iodine that enters the body.

It also serves to detect ectopic activity (misplaced) and in thyroid cancers in which the metastases (planting distance) also capture the radioactive iodine, visualizing early with this technique.

In other cases, exploits the tendency of certain processes such as inflammation or accumulate certain metastases certain products that are concentrated in normal circumstances, so you can monitor the activity of inflammatory processes of bone metastases from breast cancer or extension of a heart attack.

In all these cases the two main advantages of scintigraphy lies in its functional nature, demonstrating ongoing processes and its high sensitivity, demonstrating some lesions much earlier than other media.

In turn, the two biggest disadvantage is the small risk posed by the introduction into the body of radioactive substances, but with the improvement in sensitivity of the cameras and the use of short-lived isotopes of low intensity and this is today At present, small, and the relative anatomical imprecision obtained, the blurring of radiation on the uptake zone.

REQUESTED FOR

As already mentioned, the scan is essential today in functional studies of specific physiological processes (normal) and pathological conditions such as:

Exploration of thyroid function and, within this, the valuation of solid nodules (for the study of cysts are used ultrasound and fine needle aspiration).

In the evaluation of metabolically active bone processes, such as Paget's disease or ankylosing spondylarthritis in its early stages, which is more sensitive than conventional radiography.

In cardiology, in assessing the extent of the stroke, if this information is necessary.

In the proof of metastasis of solid tumors such as breast cancer, which provides a global information and early.

In kidney and liver function studies.
HOW DOES THE EXPLORATION ADVANCE PREPARATION
Normally needed no preparation.
Pregnancy is a contraindication of this test.
TO LEAVE TO DO THE TEST
It should go without metal objects of a certain size.

He probably put a nightgown at the time of detecting radiation to improve sensitivity and reduce the administered dose, although in many cases not necessary to undress.

There is no need for gonadal protection, since the radiation, unlike in radiology, from inside your body, not outside, so that you can not dazzle.

WHAT IS THE EXPLORATION
The doctor, nurse or technician will be injected into a forearm vein using a syringe surrounded by lead, the calculated dose (for its weight and specific exploration) of the radioactive element concerned.

After a variable period of time (about which you report), must undergo the study with the gamma camera, of which there are several models, usually consisting in a kind of plate that he passes along the body, front and behind, or that is placed on the body to explore. Can be integrated into an examination table, which you then will move.

PROBLEMS
They are not expected.

The chances of harmful effects of a radionuclide scan is minimal given that the doses used are too.

LONG DOES
It depends on the study to be conducted in particular, the waiting time between the injection and passage through the radiation detector (the gamma camera) is variable. Consult in advance.

The injection itself will take less than a minute, and exploration with the gamma camera for ten minutes.

TELL YOUR DOCTOR IF
Are afraid or unaware of the technique.

PRECAUTIONS
Generic Scan
They are not expected.

Children and pregnant
It is not advisable, except in very special cases. Check with your doctor.

Special Diseases
Could pose problems in patients with alterations in DNA repair mechanisms (genetic code), such as ataxia telangiectasia patients.

Infant Vomiting: What is it, Causes and risk factors, Infections, Dietary Errors, treatment

2009-08-31T19:12:00.000-07:00

Infant Vomiting

[?] What is it?

Before talking about vomiting, we must withdraw from that part which is not vomiting, that is to say:

Regurgitation who are only discharging liabilities related to the contraction of the smooth muscle of the stomach (the mothers sometimes say that their infants "spit" the contents of the stomach is slowly emerging from the mouth of the child and stain the sheets, blankets and clothes. regurgitation These are favored by the sudden movement imposed on the infant);

The Rumination is the ability to go back voluntarily to the esophageal gastric contents, a true act of rumination in a baby who takes pleasure, lack of emotional contact and bored.

Vomiting true is defined by the active rejection of all or part of the stomach contents as a result of contraction of abdominal muscles, diaphragm and smooth muscle of the stomach.

[?] Causes and risk factors

Infections

Meningitis can be revealed by vomiting and fever. All parenteral infections may be responsible for vomiting in infants:
Oral thrush;
A herpetic (herpes);
A rhino-pharyngitis, otitis, mastoiditis;
The broncho-pulmonary viral or bacterial infections: bronchitis, bronchiolitis, broncho-pneumonia, flu (vomiting triggered by coughing), etc.;
Whooping cough, scarlet fever;
A urinary tract infection ...

Enteral infections (gastroenteritis) can be revealed by vomiting diarrhea before externalized. The abdomen is usually distended and gurgling.

Dietary Errors

They are very often the cause of vomiting in infants:
Meals too high (overnutrition: diet too high, dry milk too concentrated, too early introduction of flour or vegetables);
Too frequent meals;
An unbalanced diet;
An under-nutrition (inadequate intake, dry milk too diluted, extended exclusive milk diet);
A nipple pierced too;
A swallowing too fast (aerophagia) ...

We may compare the etiology of errors:
Therapeutic (drug overdose: digitalis, theophylline, Negram ®, tetracyclines, aspirin, vitamin D, A. ..);
Or psychological forcing food (the mother is anxious, unstable, in the rigorous schedule and wants to force her baby to drink), relocation of part or nurse, etc..

The hiatal hernia (cardio-tuberosity malposition)

This defect causes a malfunction of anti-reflux existing at the junction of the lower esophagus and fundus of the stomach called "cardiac." Vomiting occurs in the first days of life. They appear early and often even during meals. They are sometimes bloody. It radiography (transit oesogastroduodénal TOGD) which allows the diagnosis. The endoscopy and pH monitoring are increasingly used. .

The treatment in medical:
Children kept sitting in a seat-type Baby ® Relax during meals and time that follows, sometimes 24 hours on 24. (Some pediatricians advise the prone position ventral);
Thickening of the meal (Gumilk ®, Gélopectose ®);
Digestive Dressings (Phosphalugel ®, infant Polysylane ®, Gaviscon, etc.).
Antispasmodics (Primperan ®, Vogalène ®, Prepulsid, etc..).

Pyloric stenosis

Vomiting occurs around the age of 3 weeks then after a free interval without vomiting. They are explosive and plentiful. The appetite of the child is kept: he protests indignantly after vomiting and seeks to eat ... "The stool is rare. The pediatrician sees sometimes in the abdomen touching the pyloric muscle hypertrophy (" pyloric olive " ) and the peristaltic waves from the left hypochondrium hypochondrium to right. Radiological examination confirmed the diagnosis by indirect signs (stasis food hyperperistalsis) and direct signs (pyloric canal end and elongated image of the stenosis ). Ultrasound reveals hyperplasia of the pylorus. The only treatment is surgical.

The gastric plication

The stomach is partially turned on itself by excessive colonic distension. The diagnosis is radiological. Treatment consists of the sleeping child in the womb. The causes mentioned in surgical cases of acute onset of vomiting:
The intussusception;
The strangulation hernia (hernia);
Appendicitis;
Peritonitis;
An incomplete duodenal stenosis (trisomy 21) ...

Other less common causes:

Vomiting cause psycho-emotional intolerance to proteins in cow's milk, gluten or sugar, certain kidney diseases (malformations, nephropathy, chronic kidney disease, chronic renal failure), the congenital adrenal hyperplasia), metabolic diseases (galactosemia, phenylketonuria, maple syrup urine disease, hypercalcemia ...), hypertension intracranial (subdural hematoma, hydrocephalus, roseola, Négram ®, tetracycline, vitamin A etc. ...), hypertension hypertension (acute glomerulonephritis etc. ...), congenital heart disease, chronic intoxication by lead (lead poisoning) causes are much rarer than the pediatrician should know mentioned.

Sometimes, despite careful investigation, doctors found no cause. This is called "usual vomiting. This condition heals with symptomatic treatment only continued a few weeks.

What needs to change in your diet when you have too much cholesterol?

2009-08-31T19:08:00.001-07:00

My anti-cholesterol diet in 10 Days

You have been diagnosed with high cholesterol?
Not a minute to lose, you must now change your eating habits.
And it works: the dietary measures can effectively reduce cholesterol.
Well done, the system can reduce cholesterol up to 15%!

What needs to change in your diet when you have too much cholesterol?

1) Replace butter with vegetable oils (mono and polyunsaturated essential) or margarine 'soft' that are not in paper packaging (as saturated).

2) Emphasize olive oil. Choose an oil extra virgin cold-pressed.

3) Cook as much as possible without body fat: steamed, braised, grilled, wok ...

4) Avoid cold cuts, with the exception of lean ham.

5) Limit the industrial products which contain trans fatty acids: pastries, cookies, cakes, ready meals, sauces, pie ...

6) Emphasize the expense of fish meat.

7) Eat at least two times per week of fatty fish rich in polyunsaturated acids (omega-3): salmon, tuna, sardines, herring, mackerel ...

8) Limit dairy products richer in fat and Opt for low fat (cheese, yogurt, cottage cheese lean), while ensuring the adequate intake of calcium.

9) Do not eat more than two eggs per week.

10) Eat enough fiber: fruits, vegetables, bread and starchy foods.

Finally, limit your consumption of alcohol (no more from 1 to 6 drinks per week), making three meals a day at regular hours, sitting at the table and quietly and do not snack! Obviously, the practice of regular physical activity is very strongly recommended ...

Vulvovaginitis: Symptoms, Treatment, Causes, incidence and risk factors, Exams and Tests, prognosis, health care, Prevention and Alternative Names

2009-08-31T18:54:00.000-07:00

Vulvovaginitis

It is an inflammation or infection of the vulva and vagina.

Causes, incidence and risk factors

Vulvovaginitis can affect women of any age and is very common. It can be caused by bacteria, yeasts, viruses and other parasites can also be caused by sexually transmitted diseases, and various chemicals found in bubble baths, soaps and perfumes. Environmental factors such as poor hygiene and allergens may also cause this condition.

Candida albicans, which causes yeast infections, is one of the most common causes of vulvovaginitis in women of all ages. The use of antibiotics can lead to yeast infections by destroying the normal antifungal bacteria that live in the vagina. Yeast infections typically cause genital itching, a thick, white vaginal discharge and other symptoms. For more information see: vaginal yeast infection.

Another cause of vulvovaginitis is bacterial vaginosis, an overgrowth of certain types of bacteria in the vagina. This condition can cause a vaginal discharge thin, gray and a fishy odor.

Another common cause is a sexually transmitted disease infection known as vaginitis, which causes genital itching, vaginal odor, and heavy vaginal bleeding that may be yellow-green or green.

Bubble baths, soaps, vaginal contraceptives, feminine sprays, and perfumes can cause irritating itchy rashes in the genital area, while tight fitting or nonabsorbent clothing sometimes cause heat rashes.

Irritated tissue is more susceptible to infection than normal tissue and many infection-causing organisms thrive in environments that are warm, moist and dark. All these factors not only contribute to the cause of vulvovaginitis, they frequently prolong the recovery period.

Lack of postmenopausal estrogen can cause vaginal dryness and thinning of the skin of the vulva and vagina, which also lead to or worsen genital itching and burning.

Nonspecific vulvovaginitis (where you can not identify any cause) can be seen in all age groups but occurs most commonly in young girls before puberty. Once puberty begins, the vagina becomes more acidic, which helps prevent infection.

Nonspecific vulvovaginitis can occur in girls with poor genital hygiene and is characterized by a foul-smelling, brownish-green and irritation of the opening of the mouth and vagina. This condition is often associated with the proliferation of a type of bacteria is typically found in feces, which are sometimes spread from the rectum to the vaginal area by wiping from back to front after using the bathroom.

You should consider the possibility that there existed sexual abuse in children with unusual infections and recurrent episodes of unexplained vulvovaginitis. Neisseria gonorrhoeae, the organism that causes gonorrhea, produces gonococcal vulvovaginitis in young girls. Gonorrhea related vaginitis is considered a sexually transmitted disease. If laboratory tests confirm this diagnosis, young girls should be evaluated for sexual abuse.

Symptoms

* Irritation and itching in the genital area
* Inflammation (irritation, redness and swelling) of the labia majora, labia minora, or perineal area
* Vaginal discharge
* Foul vaginal odor
* Discomfort or burning when urinating

Exams and Tests

Vaginal symptoms are best diagnosed by a doctor. If you have been diagnosed with a yeast infection in the past, try over-the-counter products. However, if symptoms do not disappear completely in about a week, be sure to contact your doctor, as many other infections have similar symptoms.

The doctor will perform a pelvic exam, which can show vulvar or vaginal skin red and sensitive. You must inspect any injury or ulceration.

Typically, you perform a wet prep (microscopic evaluation of vaginal discharge) to identify a vaginal infection or overgrowth of yeast or bacteria. In some cases, a culture of vaginal discharge may identify the organism causing the infection.

Treatment

You can also use a cream containing cortisone to relieve some irritation. If an allergic reaction may also be prescribed an antihistamine. For women who have irritation and inflammation caused by low estrogen levels (postmenopausal) may prescribe a topical estrogen cream.

To help with the healing process and prevent future infections, it is necessary to improve perineal hygiene for those whose infections are caused by bacteria normally found in feces, for which they may be recommended sitz baths. Often it helps to allow the genital area is more airy, using cotton underwear (rather than nylon) or underwear with cotton lining in the crotch area allows greater air flow and decreases amount of moisture in the area. It can also be helpful to sleep without underwear.

Note: If you are diagnosed with a sexually transmitted disease, it is very important that both partners receive treatment also, even if symptoms are present. Many organisms do not produce noticeable symptoms. The refusal of the (s) partner (s) to accept treatment can cause continual reinfection, which may eventually (if neglected) lead to more extensive problems, possibly limiting fertility and affecting overall health.

Expectations (prognosis)

Proper treatment of the infection is usually very effective.
Complications

* Persistent discomfort
* Skin infection (from scratching)
* Complications of causal condition (such as gonorrhea and candida infection)

Calling your health care

Call your doctor if symptoms of vulvovaginitis or if known vulvovaginitis does not respond to treatment.

Prevention

The use of a condom during sexual intercourse can prevent most sexually transmitted vaginal infections. The use of fitting and adequately absorbent clothing, combined with good hygiene of the genital area also prevents many cases of non-infectious vulvovaginitis.

Children should be taught how to properly clean the genital area while bathing or showering. Will also help clean properly after using the toilet (girls should always wipe from front to back to avoid introducing bacteria from the rectal area to the vagina).

Hands should be washed thoroughly before and after using the bathroom.

Alternative Names

Vaginitis, vaginal inflammation, inflammation of the vagina

Food Poisoning: Transmission, Symptoms and mortality, Incubation, Infectious Dose, Food Crisis, Statistics, Prevention

2009-08-31T18:33:00.000-07:00

Food Poisoning

A foodborne illness (commonly, food poisoning) is a disease, often infectious and accidental contracted from ingestion of food or drink contaminated with pathogens ranging from bacteria, viruses, parasites or prions. For foodborne illness caused by ingestion of non-edible or toxic (drug poisoning, heavy metal poisoning, poisonous mushrooms, chemicals), it speaks only of food poisoning.

Such contamination usually results from the improper handling, preparation, storage or storage or cooking (non-compliance storage temperatures or cooking, cross contamination). Good practices of hygiene before, during, and after food preparation can reduce the risk of food-borne infections. The action of monitoring food ( "from farm to fork") to ensure it does not cause disease transmitted via food, as is known under the term food security.

A food-borne group (TIAC) is an infectious disease notifiable (MDO) which occurs when there is "at least two cases grouped with similar events due to contamination by micro-organisms (bacteria in general ) or a toxin. The largest 'food poisoning collective are "food crisis".

Transmission

The sick employees who handle food are a source of contamination most common transmitted through food. Some common diseases are occasionally transmitted to food by the water used in this case vector. Among them there are the infections caused by Shigella, the hepatitis A and parasites such as Giardia lamblia and Cryptosporidium parvum. The defilement of food by pests especially flies, rodents and cockroaches, is another way of food contamination by other vectors. The disease transmitted through food may also be due to the presence of pesticides or medicines in food, or the involuntary consumption of natural toxic substances like poisonous mushrooms or reef fish.

Symptoms and mortality

The symptoms typically begin several hours to several days after the ingestion and depending on the agent in question may comprise one or more of the following: nausea, abdominal pain, vomiting, diarrhea, gastroenteritis, fever, headache or fatigue. In most cases the symptoms disappear permanently recover after a short period of discomfort and illness. However, the disease transmitted by food may result in permanent health problems and even death, especially among infants, pregnant women and fetuses, the elderly, the sick, people with weak immune systems . The disease transmitted through food is a major cause of reactive arthritis, which occurs typically 1 to 3 weeks after infection. Similarly, people with liver disease are particularly susceptible to infection with Vibrio vulnificus, which can be transmitted by oysters or crabs.

Incubation

The delay between consumption of contaminated food and onset of first symptoms of illness called incubation period. This ranges from hours to several days (and rarely months or even years, as in the case of listeriosis or Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease), it depends on the causative agent and the amount consumed. If symptoms appear within 1 to 6 hours after consumption of food, we must assume it was caused by a bacterial toxin or toxic chemical rather than by bacteria. During the incubation period, the microbes pass through the stomach to the intestine, binds to cells of the intestinal wall and begins to multiply. Some pathogens remain in the intestine, some produce a toxin that passes into the bloodstream, and some can directly invade the deeper tissues of the body. The resulting symptoms depend on the type of infectious agent in question.

Infectious Dose

The infectious dose is the amount of infectious agent that must be consumed to cause the symptoms of the disease transmitted by food. The infective dose varies depending on the agent involved and the age and health of the consumer. In the case of salmonella, a volunteer for human health, a relatively large inoculum of 10 million to 100 million organisms is necessary to cause symptoms because salmonella is very sensitive to acid. Thus, a level of abnormally high gastric pH significantly reduces the number of bacteria required for the onset of symptoms (a factor of 10 to 100 times).

Pathogens

Bacteria

Infections bacteria are the most common cause of food poisoning.

In the United Kingdom during 2000, the different bacteria involved were as follows: Campylobacter jejuni (77.3%), Salmonella (20.9%), Escherichia coli O157: H7 (1.4%), and all other (less 0.1%)

In France an infectious agent was detected in less than 50% of cases. Then it was salmonella (64%), Staphylococcus aureus (14%), Clostridium perfringens (5%) and Bacillus cereus (3.5%)

In the United States, the Noroviruses are the most common cause of disease transmitted through food, causing 57% of epidemics in 2004. In the past, bacterial infections were considered the most prevalent because few laboratories have the ability to search the norovirus and no active surveillance was conducted for this particular germ.

Symptoms of bacterial infections is delayed because the bacteria need time to multiply. Usually, not observed before 12 to 36 hours after eating contaminated.

The bacterial pathogens most commonly transmitted through food are:
Aeromonas hydrophila, Aeromonas caviae, Aeromonas sobria
Bacillus cereus
Brucella spp.
Campylobacter jejuni that causes Guillain-Barre
Corynebacterium ulcerans
Coxiella burnetii or Q fever
Escherichia coli

Salmonella
E. coli O157: H7: enterohaemorrhagic that cause hemolytic uremic syndrome |
Salmonella
E. coli enteroinvasive
E. coli enteropathogenic
E. enterotoxigenic E. coli
E. coli enteroagrégatif
Listeria monocytogenes
Plesiomonas shigelloides
Salmonella spp.
Shigella spp.
Streptococcus
Vibrio cholerae, including O1 and non-O1
Vibrio parahaemolyticus
Vibrio vulnificus
Yersinia enterocolitica
Yersinia pseudotuberculosis

Exotoxins

In addition to the disease due to direct bacterial infection, some foodborne illnesses are caused by exotoxins which are excreted by the cell when the bacteria multiply in the food. The exotoxins are enterotoxin which can cause illness even if micro-organisms that produced them have been killed. Symptoms typically appear after 1-6 hours depending on the dose of toxin ingested. This is called intoxination.
Clostridium botulinum
Clostridium perfringens
Staphylococcus aureus

For example, Staphylococcus aureus (Staphylococcus aureus) produces a toxin that causes severe vomiting and diarrhea about 3 hours after ingestion of food. Healing is spontaneous. The botulism, a rare but potentially lethal (5 to 10% of cases) occurs when the bacteria anaerobic Clostridium botulinum multiplies in foods with low acidity, which provides condition anaerobic (without oxygen) and produces Botulinum toxin, a powerful paralytic toxin. Foods most often implicated are raw hams (development near the bone) and poorly sterilized canned family.

Virus

Infection viral constitute perhaps a third of food poisoning in developed countries. They usually have an incubation period of intermediate (1-3 days), cause diseases that limit themselves in subjects that have no other health problems, and are similar to bacterial forms described above.

Rotavirus
Norovirus (formerly Norwalk Virus)
Rotavirus
The Hepatitis A is distinguished from other viral causes of its incubation period prolonged (2-6 weeks) and its power to spread beyond the stomach and intestines, the liver. It often induces jaundice (jaundice), or yellowing of the skin, and only rarely leads to chronic liver dysfunction.
The hepatitis E

Parasites

Most food poisoning caused by parasites are zoonoses:

the scolex of Tenia solium
Platyhelminthes:
Taenia saginata
Taenia solium
Fasciola hepatica
Nematodes:
Ascaris lumbricoides
Trichinella spiralis
Trichuris trichiura
Protozoa:

Giardia lamblia
Acanthamoeba and other amoebae free
Cryptosporidium parvum
Entamoeba histolytica
Giardia lamblia
Sarcocystis hominis
Sarcocystis suihominis
Toxoplasma gondii

Others
Anisakis sp.
Cyclospora cayetanensis
Diphyllobothrium sp.
Eustrongylides sp.
Nanophyetus sp.

Natural Toxins

In contrast, various foods can naturally contain toxins that are produced by bacteria and occur naturally in food, including:
of hemolysins (toxins thermolabile some natural foods eaten raw)
of mycotoxins), such as the aflatoxins, ochratoxin A, etc..
the alkaloids, see Cicuta and Conium
the ciguatera
the ergotamine (rye flour parasitized see Ergotism)
the grayanotoxine (poisoning by honey)
the toxins of higher fungi (amatoxines, phallotoxines ...)
the Mycotoxin (poisoning caused by fungi microscopic)
the phytohaemagglutinin (poisoning beans red)
the pyrrolizidine alkaloid
the shellfish toxin
the scombrotoxine
the histamine present in scrombiacae and cheese
the triterpenes and sesquiterpenes
the ILLUDIN the crustulinol ...
the tetrodotoxin (intoxication caused by certain fish such as fugu)
toxins xenobiotics (food contamination by pesticides, metals such as lead or arsenic, radionuclides exceeding 600 Bequerel / kg dry matter), etc..)

Other pathogens
the prion, leading to the Creutzfeldt-Jakob

Food Crisis

Despite their heading directly media, food crises have caused a very small number of food poisonings and deaths.

Recent food crises

major food crises, over-publicized, were:
"Listeriosis"
"Crisis of mad cow disease (bovine spongiform encephalopathy) (with a huge media coverage, despite the very low number of human cases, about 100 people in the world)
FMD
Listeria
Salmonella
Dioxins:
Seveso dioxin (Seveso disaster) has made no deaths
"Chicken dioxin in May 1999, extensive media coverage, no deaths
meat treated with hormones (hormone-treated beef)

Reporting

In France, any suspicion of TIAC in a community in the restoration or in the food industry must be immediately reported to the DDCCRF (Departmental Directorate for Competition, Consumption and Repression of Fraud) http:// www.minefi.gouv.fr / directions_services / dgccrf / documentation / dossier_litiges / index.htm, DDASS (Departmental Directorate of Health and Social Affairs or the DDSV (Departmental Direction of Veterinary Services) to an investigation is conducted to identify :
The micro-organism responsible (through a comparison of clinical, microbiological analysis and case-control);
The food vehicle (through the case-control);
The factors favoring the multiplication of micro-organism;
The origin of the contamination: lots and possible trade channels.

Remember to keep the labeling of food suspected food poisoning. These data are valuable to trace the source of the problem.

Identifying causes of TIAC will enable the DGCCRF DDASS or DDSV to take specific measures that will prevent recurrence and facilitate the correction of errors in preparation, rehabilitation facilities, withdrawal of marketing contaminated food, the closure of premises, destruction of infected flocks, and disinfection.

Statistics

United Kingdom

In the United Kingdom in the year 2000, 2 million poisonings (around 3 400 per 100 000 inhab.), The bacteria were involved
Campylobacter jejuni: 77.3%
Salmonella: 20.9%
Escherichia coli O157: H7: 1.4%
and all others <0.1%. style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">the United States

In the U.S., for 76 million food poisoning (26 000 per 100 000 inhab.)
325 000 persons were hospitalized (111 per 100 000 inhab.)
5 000 people died (1.7 per 100 000 inhab.).

In Canada

In Quebec, for foodborne illness reported to MAPAQ in 2007-2008
47.8% home
45.5% were due to consumption of food in restaurants,
4.4% in the other categories of schools.
2.3% in institutions

Prevention

In developed countries, prevention against food poisoning is primarily the action of the State, by establishing an intelligence service veterinarian to monitor the live animals were slaughtered and food products derived therefrom, with d a power of inspection (slaughterhouses, butcher shops, food factories, shops, restaurants ...) and repression also putting in place a requirement for traceability (identification of batches of food to be able to withdraw if health risk). La France has also created the French Agency for Food Safety (AFSSA), to ensure that food security.

From professionals, it is necessary to adopt strict hygiene measures (clothing, food grade material, cleaning, cold chain, personnel training ...), and a risk monitoring (sampling at regular for analytical procedures HACCP ...). Some foods are irradiated (or irradiated) to eliminate bacteria on food and reduce the risk of food poisoning.

For individuals, prevention is to fulfill the conservation of foods, controlling date consumption of packaged foods, cleaning the fridge regularly to wash their hands before preparing and eating meals, washing clear water consumed fresh products (fruit, salad, vegetables), washing the dishes after use and maintain the kitchen in a sufficiently clean. During a trip abroad, respect for culinary traditions can often protect themselves against food poisoning, it must in some countries are wary of tap water (including ice) and foods washed in water common.

Fluoroscopy: What is it, How it Works, Requested for, Advance Preparation, Problems, Precautions, Children and pregnant

2009-08-30T19:33:00.000-07:00

Fluoroscopy

WHAT IS IT?
It is the view inside the human body dynamically through X-rays

HOW IT WORKS

The X-ray machine emits these rays, high energy electromagnetic radiation that pass through the body for it so it will depend on the density through which they pass.
These are collected after passing through the body on a screen of a special material that emits light when receiving an X-ray, see the doctor behind.
A variation that does not expose the operator to capture radiation is through a fluorescent screen (analog) or radiation detectors (digital) image which is then broadcast on a television screen.

REQUESTED FOR
Today, rarely, by the wide circulation in the patient and the doctor who provokes.

In pulmonary disorders and cardiac dynamics was very useful.

It is still used in trauma surgery, to check for proper alignment intervention (reduction) of the lesions.

HOW DOES THE EXPLORATION
Standing between the transmitter and the fluorescent screen, or during surgery.

ADVANCE PREPARATION
Not required.

TO LEAVE TO DO THE TEST
Take off any metal item such as chains, earrings, dentures, etc..
Usually performed with a bare torso.
WHAT IS THE EXPLORATION
The patient is placed between the device and the screen, which handles the doctor.
Usually follows the doctor's instructions during the examination.

PROBLEMS
X-rays are electromagnetic radiation energy, can produce alterations by excessive exposure, and we are talking during fluoroscopy.
Although a useful technique in cardio-respiratory problems, outside the operating room has been almost today.

LONG DOES
Rapid, requires neither disclosed nor has been checking how.

PRECAUTIONS
Generic Scan
Try to expose only the chest, protecting the rest of the body and especially the gonads stained materials (the lead is so dense that no radiation passes X).

Children and pregnant
It strongly discouraged.

Food habits and self-esteem

2009-08-30T19:29:00.000-07:00

Food habits and self-esteem

Many people are dissatisfied and even live unhappy with any part of your body. The idea that there is an ideal figure was accepted by the majority. However, throughout history the concepts of physical beauty and aesthetics have evolved with such different parameters is not easy to understand why at present be considered beautiful can have a direct relationship with happiness.

Too much advertising and commercialism are behind this. We all know well. But sometimes that little rejection of the body itself can become a pathological obsession that allows us to appreciate the qualities or enjoy the surroundings and the good times you give away each day.

"We are what we eat" they say. In reality we are what we say about us our self-esteem. Eating is a necessity and a pleasure, and only with a positive attitude and good habits can take control of what we do when we get something in their mouths.

Overeating, eating too little and even quit are attitudes that say a lot about the love we feel for ourselves.

We receive information about miracle diets, bought expensive equipment, we believe that a little pill will do all the work. And in extreme cases lose the perception of reality on what beauty really is our body, as in the case of anorexics or bulimics who can not be assessed objectively.

It is important to understand that if we are out of shape is not what we eat, but for the reasons that lead us to eat that way. Before you say such unpleasant things as "my legs are horrible" or "I have a huge ass", we mean that we have chosen to consider less handsome than they really are.

Before beginning any diet or program, we must be honest with ourselves and ask ourselves how far I am really committed to this goal? If we are not really willing to give everything we can feel frustrated more than once.

Maybe we're just living in "automatic" and have made this attitude of defeat, a constant. Perhaps we are postponing the resolution of more complicated problems that have nothing to do with how our body. Eating too much or too little becomes a shield to avoid the stress, pain, loneliness or lack of love.

To improve our eating habits should start with a deeper self-knowledge. The solution is not outside but within us. We define the triggers that lead us to lose control of what we eat. Analyze situations, people, motives or thoughts that keep us from our true selves. Comer, stop and go back to eating can become a vicious circle, and the less fortunate of cases in a way of life.

Well that is that beauty is in the eye of the beholder. Do not forget how happy we are Shrek and Fiona. We must love ourselves as we are because of "physical perfection" only with photo-shop. And Long live life!

Xanthoma: Causes, Symptoms, Treatment, prognosis, Prevention, Other Names, health care, Exams and Tests, incidence and risk factors

2009-08-30T18:33:00.000-07:00

Xanthoma

It is a skin condition in which fat is deposited beneath the skin surface.

Causes, incidence and risk factors

Xanthomas are common, especially among older adults and among people with high blood lipids.

Xanthomas may vary in size. Some are very small, while others are bigger than 3 inches (7, 5 cm) in diameter. They can appear anywhere on the body but occur most often on the elbows, joints, tendons, knees, hands, feet and buttocks.

Xanthomas may be a sign of a medical condition that involves an increase in blood lipids. Some of these disorders are:

* Diabetes
* Primary biliary cirrhosis
* Certain cancers
* Inherited metabolic disorders such as familial hypercholesterolemia

The eyelid xanthelasma is a common type of xanthoma that appears on the eyelids.

Symptoms

A xanthoma looks like a sore or bump under the skin and usually flat, soft to the touch and yellow, with clearly defined edges.

Exams and Tests

The doctor examines the skin and usually can diagnose a xanthoma simply by looking. A biopsy of the tumor shows a fatty deposit.

Treatment

If a person has a disease that causes increased blood lipids, treating the condition can help reduce development of xanthomas.

The doctor may remove the tumor if it gets annoying, however, xanthomas may come back after surgery.

Expectations (prognosis)

The tumor is not cancerous and painless, but can be a sign of another medical condition.
Complications

The growth may cause a change in the appearance of the person, which is called cosmetic disfiguring.
Calling your health care

Call your health care provider if xanthomas develop which may indicate an underlying disorder that needs treatment.

Prevention

Controlling blood lipids, including triglycerides and cholesterol, may help reduce the development of xanthomas.

Alternative Names

Skin growths fatty; Xanthelasma

Xeroderma Pigmentosa: Causes, Symptoms, Exams and Tests, Treatment, Forecast, Prevention

2009-08-29T20:03:00.000-07:00

Xeroderma Pigmentosa

It is a rare condition that is passed down through families in which the skin and the tissue covering the eye is extremely sensitive to ultraviolet light.

Causes

Ultraviolet light, like that found in sunlight damages the genetic material (DNA) in cells of the skin, but usually the body repairs this damage. However, in people with xeroderma pigmentosa, the body does not fix the damage as a result, the skin becomes very thin and appear patches of varying colors (mottled pigmentation).

The condition also causes spidery blood vessels in the skin (telangiectasia) and skin cancer. The latter often occurs before the child is 5 years.

Symptoms

* Sunburn that does not heal after a bit of sun exposure
* Blisters after a bit of sun exposure
* Arachnoid blood vessels under the skin
* Patches of discolored skin that get worse
* Crusting of skin
* Peeling skin
* Skin surface oozing raw
* Discomfort when being in bright light (photophobia)

Exams and Tests

The doctor will perform a physical exam and ask if you have a family history of xeroderma pigmentosa.

An eye exam may show:

* Cloudy cornea
* Keratitis
* Lid tumors
* Blepharitis

The following tests can help diagnose the condition in a baby before birth:

* Amniocentesis
* Chorionic villus sampling
* Culture of amniotic cells

The following tests can help diagnose the disorder after birth:

* Culture of skin fibroblasts
* Skin biopsy

Treatment

Children with this condition require total protection from sunlight. Even the light coming through windows and fluorescent bulbs is dangerous.

When these children have to go into the sun should wear protective clothing.

Use high protection sunscreen (SPF of 70 or more) and very dark glasses with ultraviolet light protection. Your doctor may prescribe medications to help prevent certain skin cancers.
Support Groups

Forecast

Most people with this problem die of skin cancer in early adulthood.
Possible complications

* Change in skin appearance (deformation)
* Skin cancer

When to Contact a Medical Professional

Call for an appointment if you or your child has symptoms of xeroderma pigmentosa.

Prevention

Experts recommend genetic counseling for people with a family history of xeroderma pigmentosa who wish to conceive.

Xerosis: Causes, Symptoms, Treatment, Prevention, incidence and risk factors, Other Names

2009-08-29T20:00:00.000-07:00

Xerosis

It is an abnormal dryness of the skin or mucous membranes.

Causes, incidence and risk factors

Dry skin often worsens in the winter.
Older people generally are more affected by this disease.

Symptoms

The skin is dry, scaly, itchy, and red Fine cracks may appear on it.
The legs and arms are usually the most affected.

Treatment

Treatments include:

* Moisturizers, especially those that contain urea and lactic acid
* Topical steroids for areas that become very inflamed and itchy
Prevention

* Avoid excessive exposure to water
* Keep the relatively cold water bath
* Use gentle skin cleansers that do not contain dyes and fragrances

Alternative Names

Asteatotic eczema; Asteatotic Dermatitis

Communicating with our children

2009-08-29T19:56:00.000-07:00

Communicating with our children

Promoting dialogue and communication has become a key priority in the education process of our children. Establish channels of sincere and respectful dialogue will allow us to participate actively in the various stages of development.

We must banish from our lives, and especially the relationship with our children, fear or embarrassment to express feelings freely and naturally.

To enhance the dialogue between the family members I propose a simple game. On a blackboard placed in a visible place in our kitchen will mark the names of each family member, giving each one two columns for each day of the week. In one of the columns appear the words BEST and WORST in the other.

Dinner is usually the best time of day to develop this activity, let alone television, music and distraction trying to create a relaxed and welcoming atmosphere in which we share with our children the events of the day.

The game is to tell our family the best and the worst thing that happened during the day. We will take turns scoring on the board a brief summary that can be a word or drawing, depending on the age of small, representing this situation.

It is essential that parents be involved in the game, at first, while our children to internalize a part of the routine of dinner, you should be the adults who are started at the same, this is a fun time, and our voice and our gestures and so should be seen. That our children participate in a great measure depend on the illusion that we can pass on to develop the activity.

If we get your mind relating the dialogue with conflict resolution, we have given our children a cornerstone for its present and future happiness.

Before remedies medicines ...: hangnail, skin abscess, Irritative cough, Musculoskeletal pain

2009-08-29T19:52:00.000-07:00

Before remedies medicines ...
Mon, Aug 24 13:09

This article aims to explain some home remedies applicable in certain situations. This is avoided whenever possible, having to take medication.

There is no doubt that there are problems that can not be solved except with certain drugs, and that is to be our doctor, who can guide us in this regard.

In any case, let's see how our grandmother had acted with most situations:

A hangnail: Enter the affected finger in a bowl with warm salt water. This helps to drain the pus that may have within it.

A larger skin abscess: abscess speak when we have a "bag of pus" located in the skin. In these cases, especially if the abscess is located in the cleft region, we can take a slice of ripe tomato and leave it in place for a while on the infected area. I do not know to explain why, but sometimes just opening the abscess and draining the contents.

Irritative cough, with no improvement or syrup: Place half an onion on the bedside table and leave it for our dream. In the morning you will notice significant relief of our cough. An alternative that a patient told me for months is to take soup made with onions. She claimed it was just as effective. Say at this point that any persistent or productive cough (with which "start snot) must be evaluated by a physician.

Musculoskeletal pain: Hot or Cold? Generally, with rare exceptions, we only use heat when muscle spasms (especially in cases of neck pain or back pain, where, due to pain, there is a muscle contraction that we have around the affected area). In other cases, especially those in which the cause is usually osteoarthritis (knee pain, hip pain, shoulder, elbow ...) always apply cold. They are useful for this purpose, the bags of frozen peas or corn, applied on the joints in question.

Well known is the role of aloe vera as a topical anti-inflammatory. There are topical creams or preparations containing it and which are used to treat insect bites, for example.

Do you know any home remedy but I have occasionally been effective? Would you like to share? You can leave your comment so that others can enjoy. Thank you very much in advance.

Electrocardiography: What is it, How it works, techniques, Problems, Precautions, Generic Scan, Children and pregnant, Special Diseases

2009-08-29T19:47:00.000-07:00

Electrocardiography

WHAT IS IT?

It is the study from outside the heart's electrical activity.

HOW IT WORKS

The heart contracts because the electrical signals of their pacemaker and conduction system neatly spread across the same from the left atrium, causing the muscle to contract.

This signal causes a change in the electrical properties of heart muscle contraction preamble, which produces a "wave of depolarization," as a continuous front of activity, starting from the left atrium is displaced to the apex of the heart.

Einthoven, Belgian physiologist, discovered that the heart's electrical activity can be collected from outside the body, which gave rise to the ECG.

REQUESTED FOR

To study the electrical conduction disorders of the heart, important in two areas:

Study of cardiac conduction abnormalities, such as in heart block.

On the principle that the heart muscle without sufficient intake of oxygen presents an abnormal electrical signal for the diagnosis of ischemic heart injury, angina and myocardial heart.

HOW DOES THE EXPLORATION ADVANCE PREPARATION
Usually not necessary.

TO LEAVE TO DO THE TEST
You have to undress from the waist up, placing electrodes on both ankles, so it is recommended not to wear "panties".
If it is too hairy, you should shave your chest (if not shave in the office).

WHAT IS THE EXPLORATION
He placed a series of electrodes (one at each end, usually by forceps, and six in the anterior and left lateral chest, around, around, the left breast, usually held up by a suction cup). For skin that transmit better signal can be spread with pasta or alcohol. Rarely performed a study with an esophageal electrode, placed in the same from the mouth.

Subsequent to the electrodes is the recording, for which the device is manipulated. Twelve combinations are usually studied with them, called derivatives "standard" and precordial increased.

There are two main variations of the technique.
The first, called "stress test" or "Bruce protocol" the record is done while the patient exercises on a formal, on a bicycle or treadmill. It is used to determine exercise tolerance after an episode of angina or heart attack.

In the second, "permanent monitoring" of 24 hours or Holter protocol, the patient wears for a long time (one or two days) is a device that continuously recorded the ECG. Used in cases of sporadic arrhythmias and angina-type pains. Currently, the emergence of mobile devices (credit card size) for specific event recording technique may become obsolete, but remains the standard.

PROBLEMS
It is a completely passive system for collecting electrical signals, so you are not foreseen.

LONG DOES
A normal ECG, about three minutes.

PRECAUTIONS

Generic Scan
Not necessary.

Children and pregnant
They can be performed without difficulty, although in children requires interppretación personnel.

Special Diseases
No difficulties are expected with any disease.

The top 10 of the world's weirdest allergies: Allergy to the sun, Hives, sweat, urticaria, heat, hormones, vibration, exercise, pressure

2009-08-28T19:00:00.000-07:00

The top 10 of the world's weirdest allergies

In recent years the incidence of allergies has grown exponentially and continues to increase. The appearance of intolerance to certain elements is becoming more frequent, but until recently was detected at an early age, it is now common to find in adults and even elderly.

The allergy has become a global scourge that afflicts both young and old to profoundly affect the quality of life of its victims. The statistics are alarming, only in Europe and North America more than 50 million people suffering from allergies and it is estimated that by 2015 one in two people to suffer, so allergists concern has focused on prevention of them.

An allergy is defined as the hypersensitivity of an organism to a particular substance to be inhaled, ingested or touched, causes reactions ranging from excessive itching or irritation to more severe symptoms.

There are widely known as allergic rhinitis, allergic conjunctivitis, asthma or certain food allergies to eggs or milk. However, allergies are another set of strange or unusual as those described in the top 10 world's rarest allergies, published on the Internet website Health.com.

Starting from the least to most rare, the top 10 weirdest allergies according to this publication is:

• Allergy to the sun
It is believed that is because the skin does not tolerate the proteins that are generated by receiving solar radiation. Sufferers have small rashes, excessive itching and the worst burns, even when carrying clothing or sunscreen.

• Hives or allergy to water aquagenica
It is a rare allergy that occurs after being in contact with water at any temperature and in any condition. In severe cases to the contact of body fluids themselves can trigger a reaction. This condition seriously complicates personal hygiene and care of sufferers.

• Allergy to sweat
It is manifested by the appearance of welts and care should be taken as the components of this fluid can cause discomfort that may require more medical care.

• Allergy to cold urticaria Frigor
It is believed that fungi and mites that thrive in winter are the cause of this allergy that appears to have enough exposure to cold or frozen foods. It manifests with skin rash, wheezing, decreased blood pressure and difficulty breathing.

• Allergy to heat
People intolerant of high temperatures may get hives, excessive sweating and even hallucinations.

• Allergy to hormones
The most common is the rejection of estrogen and progesterone. This allergy is controlled with medications and antihistamines.

• Allergy to vibration
It is usually associated with mechanical vibration, those suffering feel the vibration as assault, his body begins to release histamines, causing proliferation of eruptions and sores in just a few minutes.

• Allergy to exercise
The physical activity occurs or other agent that reacted with body movement. In most cases it can be ingested from food, alcohol, or the climate where business practices.

• Allergy to pressure or dermatographism
It is a type of hypersensitivity related to any type of stroke or grip is made in the skin. It manifests with spots or hives.

• Hypersensitivity to semen
It's a very strange allergy. Its most common symptom is the appearance of hives, itching and irritation that is often confused with an STD. It is estimated that affects 5% of couples have infertility problem.

Argentine researchers designed a rapid test to detect dementia

2009-08-28T18:56:00.000-07:00

Argentine researchers designed a rapid test to detect dementia

Argentine research team designed a test Ineco in seven minutes you can detect dysfunction of the frontal lobes of the brain that affect memory and the ability to plan or interact, Efe said Thursday its director.

"Front Ineco Screening is a brief tool that, with a demonstrated sensitivity of 96 percent and a very specific, differentiating frontotemporal dementia from Alzheimer's disease.

The test is intended to check the functioning of the brain's frontal lobe, ie the area that is responsible for making decisions, planning, social interaction and memory.

"It is a dementia in which people change the personality, respects no manners, and apathy may have difficulty getting along," he told Efe Facundo Manes, research leader.

The symptoms of this neurodegenerative disease are also disinhibition, materialized with impulsive behaviors, or changes in diet, and tended to sweet foods.

This type of dysfunction, which mainly affects patients between 40 and 65 with Alzheimer's may also occur in young people aged 20 years who do not suffer another kind of pathology.

"The interesting thing about this disease, however, is the cognitive part: memory, language or attention, and it is very difficult for doctors to diagnose, because what changes is the behavior, not the cognitive aspects," the also director of the Institute of Neurosciences, Favaloro Foundation local.

The test "Front Ineco Screening" is a neuropsychological test that seeks to replace the previous controls, which were delayed two hours to discuss patients and high cost of materials needed or highly qualified personnel.

"This test is, however, a brief tool sensitive and specific for the detention of executive dementia that occurs in patients and allows doctors who do not have to implement this battery materials," said Manes.

The test consists of eight sections that control the concentration and retention of patient information.

Iodine in diet: Functions, Food Sources, Side Effects, Recommendations, Infants, Children, Adolescents and Adults, Alternative Names

2009-08-27T19:30:00.000-07:00

Iodine in diet

Iodine is naturally found in the body and it is an essential element.

Functions

Iodine is necessary for the metabolism (the process of converting food into energy) normal cells. Humans need iodine for normal thyroid function and the production of thyroid hormones.

Food Sources

Iodized salt, salt with iodine added, "is the main food source of iodine. Iodine is found naturally in seafood, and also cod, sea bass, haddock and perch are good sources. The brown algae or marine (kelp) is the most common vegetable seafood and features a rich source of iodine. In addition, dairy products and plants grown in iodine rich soils are excellent sources of this nutrient.

Side Effects
Lack of enough iodine (deficiency) may occur in areas with poor soils in this element. Iodine deficiency in the diet for several months can cause goiter or hypothyroidism. Without enough iodine, the thyroid cells and thyroid gland enlarged.

This deficiency most often affects women than men and is more common in pregnant women and children. Sufficient iodine intake in the diet can prevent a form of physical and mental retardation called cretinism, a condition rare in the United States, since deficiency of iodine, usually not a problem.

Iodine poisoning in the United States is rare. The high consumption of this element can reduce the function of the thyroid gland.

Recommendations

The best way to get the daily requirement of essential vitamins is to eat a balanced diet containing a variety of foods from the pyramid of basic food groups.

A 1 / 4 teaspoon of iodized table salt provides 95 micrograms of iodine. A serving of 6 ounces (170 grams) of sea fish provides 650 micrograms of iodine. Most people can meet the daily recommendations by eating seafood, iodized salt and plants grown in iodine rich soils. When buying salt make sure it is labeled "iodized."

The Food and Nutrition Committee of the Institute of Medicine (Food and Nutrition Board of the Institute of Medicine) recommends the following dietary intake for iodine:

Infants:

* 0 - 6 months: 110 micrograms per day (mcg / day)
* 7 to 12 months: 130 mcg / day

Children:

* 1 to 3 years: 90 mcg / day
* 4 to 8 years: 90 mcg / day
* 9 to 13 years: 120 mcg / day

Adolescents and Adults

* Men age 14 and older: 150 mcg / day
* Women age 14 and older: 150 mcg / day

Specific recommendations depend on age, sex and other factors (such as pregnancy). Women who are pregnant or producing milk (lactating) need higher amounts. Ask your doctor what amount is best for you.

Alternative Names
Diet and iodine

Zinc in diet: Functions, Food Sources, Side Effects, Recommendations, Infants, Children, Adolescents and Adults, Alternative Names

2009-08-27T19:25:00.000-07:00

Zinc in diet

Zinc is an important trace element that is second only to iron in its concentration in the body.

Functions

Zinc is necessary for the body's defense system (immune system) to work properly. Play a role in cell division and cell growth, as in wound healing and in the metabolism of carbohydrates. Zinc is also needed for the senses of smell and taste.

Food Sources

Protein-rich foods contain large amounts of zinc. Beef, pork and lamb contain more zinc than fish. The dark meat of chicken has more zinc than white meat.

Other good sources of zinc are peanuts, peanut butter and legumes.

Fruits and vegetables are good sources, because zinc in plant proteins is not as available for human consumption such as zinc from animal proteins. Therefore, low-protein diets and vegetarian diets tend to be low in zinc.

Side Effects

The symptoms of zinc deficiency include:

* Frequent infections
* Hypogonadism in men
* Hair loss
* Loss of appetite
* Problems with taste
* Problems with the sense of smell
* Slow growth
* Difficulty seeing in the dark
* Various skin lesions
* Wounds that are slow to heal

Zinc supplements in large amounts can cause diarrhea, abdominal cramps and vomiting, usually within 3 to 10 hours after ingestion. The symptoms disappear within a short period of time after discontinuing the supplements.

Recommendations

The best way to get the daily requirement of essential vitamins and minerals is to eat a balanced diet containing a variety of products from the pyramid of basic food groups.

The Food and Nutrition Committee of the Institute of Medicine (Food and Nutrition Board of the Institute of Medicine) recommends the following dietary intake for zinc:

Infants:

* 0-6 months: 2 milligrams per day (mg / day)
* 7-12 months: 3 mg / day

Children:

* 1-3 years: 3 mg / day
* 4-8 years: 5 mg / day
* 9-13 years: 8 mg / day

Adolescents and Adults

* Males age 14 and older: 11 mg / day
* Women age 14 to 18 years: 9 mg / day
* Women age 19 and older: 8 mg / day

Specific recommendations depend on age, sex and other factors (such as pregnancy). Women who are pregnant or producing milk (lactating) need higher amounts. Ask your doctor what amount is best for you.

Alternative Names
Diet and zinc

Shingles: Causes, Symptoms, Exams and Tests, Treatment, medicines, Possible complications

2009-08-27T19:17:00.000-07:00

Shingles

It is a painful, blistering skin rash due to varicella-zoster virus that causes chickenpox.

Causes

After you get chickenpox, the virus remains inactive (dormant) in certain nerves. Shingles occurs after the virus reactivates in these nerves after many years.

The reason why the virus becomes active again is not clear. Often only one attack.

Shingles can develop in any age group, but one is more likely to develop the condition if:

* Has over 60 years
* He gave chickenpox before their first birthday
* Your immune system is weakened by medications or disease

If an adult or child has direct contact with the herpes zoster rash and has not had chickenpox as a child or has not received the vaccine against this disease, can develop chickenpox rather than shingles.

Symptoms

The first symptom is usually pain on one side, tingling or burning. The pain and burning may be severe and generally occur before any rash appears.

In most people, form patches on the skin, followed by small blisters.

* The blisters break, forming small ulcers that begin to dry and form scabs, which fall in two to three weeks. Scarring is rare.
* The rash usually involves a narrow area of the spine around the front of the ventral or chest.
* The rash may involve the face, eyes, mouth and ears.

Additional symptoms may include:

* Abdominal pain
* Chills
* Difficulty moving some of the muscles in the face
* Drooping eyelid (ptosis)
* Fever and chills
* General ill feeling
* Genital lesions
* Headache
* Hearing loss
* Joint pain
* Loss of eye movement
* Swollen lymph nodes
* Problems with taste
* Vision problems

It also may have pain, muscle weakness and a rash that involves different parts of the face if shingles affects a nerve in the face.

Exams and Tests

The doctor can diagnose by looking at your skin and asking questions about your medical history.

Rarely tests are needed, but may include taking a skin sample to see if you are infected with the virus that causes shingles.

Laboratory tests may show an increase in white blood cells and antibodies to the chickenpox virus but can not confirm that the rash is due to shingles.

Treatment

Shingles usually disappears spontaneously and only need treatment for pain relief.

Your doctor may prescribe a medicine that fights the virus, called antiviral, which helps reduce pain and complications and shorten the course of the disease. You can use acyclovir, famciclovir and valacyclovir.

The medications should be started within 24 hours of feeling pain or burning, and preferably before the blisters appear. Usually, the drugs are given as pills, in much higher doses than those recommended for herpes or genital herpes. It is possible that some people need to be administered the drug intravenously (IV).

Strong anti-inflammatory medications called corticosteroids such as prednisone, can be used to reduce inflammation and risk of continued pain. These drugs do not work in all patients.

Other medicines may include:

* Antihistamines to reduce itching (taken by mouth or applied to the skin)
* Analgesics
* Zostrix, a cream containing capsaicin (an extract of pepper) to prevent post-herpetic neuralgia

They can be used wet and cold compresses to reduce pain. Soothing baths and lotions such as colloidal oatmeal bath, starch baths, or calamine lotion can help relieve itching and discomfort.

It is also recommended bed rest until the fever goes down.

You must keep the skin clean and reuse contaminated items. Similarly, non-disposable items should be washed in boiling water or otherwise disinfected before reuse. The person may need to be isolated while lesions are oozing to prevent infection of others, especially pregnant women.
Forecast

Shingles usually clears up in two or three weeks and rarely recurs. If the virus affects the nerves that control movement (motor nerves) may be weakness or temporary or permanent paralysis.

Sometimes the pain in the area where the shingles occurred may last from months to years.

Possible complications

Sometimes the pain in the area where the shingles occurred may last for months or years. This pain is called postherpetic neuralgia and occurs when nerves are damaged after an outbreak of shingles. The pain ranges from mild to very severe and more likely to occur in people over 60 years.

Other complications may include:

* Another attack of shingles
* Blindness (if lesions occur in the eye)
* Deafness
* Infection, including encephalitis or sepsis (blood infection) in people with weakened immune systems
* Bacterial skin infections
* Ramsay Hunt syndrome if shingles affects the nerves in the face

When to Contact a Medical Professional

Call your doctor if you have symptoms of shingles, particularly if you have defenses or if symptoms persist or worsen. Shingles that affects the eye can lead to permanent blindness if you do not receive emergency medical care.
Prevention

Avoid touching the rash and blisters of persons with shingles or chickenpox if you have never had chickenpox or has not been immunized against this disease.

The varicella vaccine may be recommended for teenagers or adults who have never had chickenpox. Medical evidence has shown that older adults who receive the vaccine are less likely to have complications from shingles. Adults over 60 should receive the vaccine as part of routine medical care.

Alternative Names

Shingles

Massage during pregnancy

2009-08-27T19:05:00.000-07:00

Massage during pregnancy

Today we will talk of massage during pregnancy, which has many advantages and also some contraindications.

In general associate relaxation massage, and that is also in pregnancy. But what few people know is that a good will provided by a professional massage can help us to have a healthier baby. Below we explain why.

Massage during pregnancy is recommended, in general, allowing relief and relaxation of the woman, who are so concerned over this beautiful but tough stage. It has been shown that establishing a strong and narrow channel of communication between mother and baby. This was demonstrated by Dr. Tiffany Field at the University of Miami, in his "Touch Research Institute" The researcher says that massage actually reduces stress hormone body of origin. Physical contact is vital to the physical and emotional wellbeing of the mother.

The benefits both the mother and her son are several, some of them mentioned below:

Relaxing. The massage will remove pressure from the back and neck, who bear most of the physical weight of pregnancy.

Cardiovascular system. Another of the wonders of massage is its effect on our circulatory system as it helps to stimulate blood pressure. Recall that the circulatory system is closely linked to the fetus, because there (umbilical cord) is where you get all their nutrients.

Diuretic. Lymph nodes are stimulated to activate the lymph, and helps activate the circulatory system thus increasing the filtration through the kidneys, which increases urine production and purification of toxins.

Endocrine system, to massage different body parts also some glands are involved, it generally has a beneficial effect on our hormones.

Beauty, massage all contributes to the freshness and elasticity of the skin which will be reflected in healthier skin and more beautiful.

Relaxing. Help to reduce pressure on neck, back and joints. Muscle problems that manifest themselves as overweight due to cramps, muscle tension and stiffness are relieved by massage.

Antidepressant. By stimulating the endocrine system stimulates the release of endorphins that help to counteract depression so common at this stage of women.

Contraindications:

Premature delivery. The main contraindication of massage is premature labor. Very carefully. The professionals have seen the relationship between areas and massage the ankle bone and heel, or massage or vigorous and prolonged stimulation of uterine areas and the ability to stimulate labor. Should be placed in the hands of professionals to perform these massages.

Below is a list of the main contraindications of massage in pregnancy:
Diarrhea
Unusual pain
Threatened abortion
Diabetes
Nausea
Contagious
Fever
Vomiting
Pre eclampsia
Hypertension
Abdominal pain

Expectant mothers do not infect their children

2009-08-25T19:27:00.000-07:00

Expectant mothers do not infect their children

Experts point out that there is no vertical transmission of influenza A virus
In the last months of gestation increases the risk of complications in the mother

A pregnant woman doing yoga.

Najat, weighed 4.2 pounds at birth and is healthy, free of influenza A/H1N1. His mother died this weekend due to the disease within three days of giving birth to small, becoming the first victim of the virus Andalusian.

Like Rayan, who was born healthy at 28 weeks gestation without 'trace' of influenza virus A. Dalila His mother became the first fatality in Spain. Her son died days after birth due to medical negligence at the Hospital Gregorio Marañón, the same medical center where she inaugurated the statistics of deaths from infectious disease in our country.

Serve these two examples and the call for calm by the experts to remind all women who were currently pregnant, "the transmission of influenza A virus does not exist. The horizontal transmission is through airways, "insists Juan García de Lomas, head of the Microbiology Unit of Hospital Clínico de Valencia.

Ana Fernandez Sesma, Department of Microbiology, Mount Sinai School of Medicine makes this point. "The flu virus can not be acquired either by mouth or by blood but by aerosol in the airways of a person to another. The virus replicates in the lungs of the mother and does not cause systemic disease or reaches the blood ".

To further understand this process, Dr. Lomas said that acts differently to other viruses. "The flu is not like that rubella is contracted by the respiratory route and that at 5 days or week of the infection appears in the blood, and spreads through the body. It is thus able to cross the placenta and infect the fetus. "

On the contrary, "the influenza A virus never reaches the bloodstream. Only in the case of a mother with cough illness in your newborn during childbirth may lead to the infection, a fact which is unlikely," adds .

In the same opinion shows Jose Ramon Yuste, an internist specializing in infectious diseases at the University Clinic of Navarra. "There is no evidence of transmission from mother to child or influenza A or the seasons. All children born to women with the disease have been healthy."

They recognize, however, that the fact that pregnant women are considered a risk group is clearly something that has happened before. "In the three previous pandemics was observed that morbidity and symptoms were higher among pregnant women. Everything should be a natural physiological process by which cellular immunity woman descends to allow growth of the embryo or fetus. The decline of immune cells is greatest during late pregnancy, so the risk of complications rises, "said Valencia specialist.

But also other factor. "The body has no 'memory' of this type of flu. That is, no virus antibodies generated by previous infections causing helplessness against rising" remark.

In fact, as reported by the Centers for Disease Control in Atlanta [U.S. CDC] have recently been published in the journal The Lancet, the rate of hospitalization of pregnant women with influenza A is four times higher the general population and over 10% of deaths triggered by the disease across the Atlantic have occurred in pregnant women.

Indeed, Dr. Yuste recalls that in this same work, "muses on the possibility that influenza also causes systemic infection [move into the blood], which can cause the fetus to catch, but it also recognizes that not there is evidence that this infection occurs because babies born to mothers who have passed both influenza A, such as seasonal symptoms and had no infection.

The US cardiologists recommend reducing 'dramatically' sugar intake

2009-08-25T19:21:00.000-07:00

The American cardiologists recommend reducing 'dramatically' sugar intake

Soft drinks are the main added sugar in the American diet
The packaged food does not distinguish between natural and added sugars

Heart Association has recommended the United States today the country's population to reduce "dramatically" consumption of sugar in your diet after finding that, on average, each American consumes 90 grams of sugar (mainly from soft drinks ), almost four times the 25 grams recommended daily for women and more than double the recommended 37.5 for men.

Researchers have pointed particularly to the soft drink market, estimated to worth over 80,200 million euros each year, to be identified as "the number one source of added sugar in the American diet.

"For the first time we made specific recommendations on the amount of sugar that can be consumed in a heart-healthy diet," said research author, Rachel Johnson.

In this sense, Johnson has assured that the labels on packaged food in the United States do not distinguish between natural and added sugars, but has clarified that any product labeled as "syrup" in the list of ingredients you probably have added sugar.

"Too much sugar not only makes Americans more obese, but is also guilty of diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease and heart attacks," said the report published in the journal 'Circulation'.

The U.S. sugar industry said through a statement he was "very disappointed" by the report, from which it follows a direct correlation between sugar intake and heart health.

For its part, the Association of American soft drink maker said that beverages sweetened with sugar "does not represent a particular risk to health."

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Scientists develop a new method for improving assisted fertilization

2009-08-25T19:17:00.000-07:00

Scientists develop a new method for improving assisted fertilization

Argentine scientists have developed a method that improves sperm samples used for assisted fertilization techniques, as confirmed today.

"The new methodology involves the selection of sperm for use in an assisted reproduction procedure," said biologist Vanesa Rawe Argentina in an interview with Efe.

Rawe, the Center for Studies in Gynecology and Reproduction (CEGYR) of Argentina, lead researcher, explained that this selection is based on molecular properties that have certain abnormal sperm and which is "Exposure of a molecule in the outer portion sperm.

This is called apoptotic sperm, those who "have DNA fragmentation levels high and have a poor prognosis for successfully fertilize an egg and create an embryo implantation potential," said the researcher.

"With a filter that recognizes this molecule, we can enrich the sperm sample, discarding outliers and using only normal to fertilize eggs," added the scientist.

Similar techniques have already been used in Germany for animal reproduction, but Argentine scientists developed a method to apply to human patients with fertility problems.

"We achieved first in the world to obtain pregnancies with this method and soon we will have births," said Rowe.

Depression in Children and Adolescents

2009-08-23T19:14:00.000-07:00

Depression in Children and Adolescents

Depression is a disease that was underestimated in the past and confused with other ailments, and sometimes lazy. It is now well known and studied. Unfortunately most frequently diagnosed in increasingly younger people, even in very young children.

Genetic factors have been scientifically demonstrated. There are also trigger events in the everyday life of a child can lead to a depressive state and that his parents could overlook before symptoms become more severe.

What might be the signs in a depressed child?

Experts mentioned in this regard that may lose their appetite and lose weight, seems to enjoy the game, refuses to attend school or to socialize, looks and feels insecure that does nothing well .

Adolescents may show little interest in his person and appearance. Your family and friends are no longer important to them.

Generally lose interest in daily activities of life. Drastic changes in the way of eating and sleeping hours. Frequent complaints of headaches or stomachaches. Easily lose control and express their emotions in an exaggerated way.

There are some facts of life that can mourn as: moving, changing schools, a family member or pet die, divorce or illness at home. In adolescents, hormonal changes can also cause changes in mood.

However, if signs persist for several weeks, most likely, they are suffering from depression. But it must be diagnosed properly because other affective disorders such as dysthymia and bipolar disorder.

Of course it has a solution and as everything valuable in life, involves time, effort and above all, love. The professional help is an important support. There are very comprehensive therapies which work simultaneously feelings, thoughts and behaviors of the child and give comprehensive assistance to parents.

There is considerable controversy about the medication early as a real and effective solution, because some drugs are addictive and can create a vicious circle by making the child a person unable to control his emotions without the aid of drugs. Many doctors recommend it only in severe cases that have not responded to psycho therapeutic therapies.

A common intestinal bacteria can cause colon cancer

2009-08-23T19:04:00.000-07:00

A common intestinal bacteria can cause colon cancer

A team of U.S. researchers has unraveled the mechanism by which a bacterium commonly found in the intestinal flora can cause colon cancer.

In an article published by the British journal Nature, experts from the Johns Hopkins University in Baltimore (USA) argue that ETBF bacteria (enterotoxigenic bacteria fragilis) are able to colonize the intestine in mice and cause inflammation of the colon and tumor development.

To achieve this, ETBF using the cytokine interleukin 17 (IL-17) or IL-23, which amplifies the responses of the first, continues the review team led by Cynthia Sears.

The IL-17 is a type of pro-inflammatory cytokine secreted by several subtypes of activated T cells and influences, in addition to cancer, autoimmune disease development.

Discovered this association, the researchers say such an alliance would be enough to avoid blocking the formation of cancer, opening the door for research into new therapies to combat the disease.

Discovered magnetic nanoparticles capable of halting the progression of cancer

2009-08-23T18:51:00.000-07:00

Discovered magnetic nanoparticles capable of halting the progression of cancer

Japanese research team has discovered a new type of magnetic nanoparticles are able to include nucleic acid in the body and slow the progression of cancer in mice.

Lancet Nanotechnology ", this new formulation of magnetic nanoparticles offers better results than hitherto used in gene therapy against cancer.

Confirmed their results in humans, it would be a major step for the noninvasive treatment of different types of tumors.

To reach this result, a team of scientists at The Jikei University, Chiba (Japan) led by Yoshihisa Namiki injected into the bloodstream of rodents magnetic nanoparticles consist of a sequence optimized small interfering ribonucleic acid (siRNA, which stands in English).

Once done, the nanoparticles led to a tumor through magnetic plates attached or implanted under the skin of the affected area.

Thus, the ribonucleic acid specially designed to "silence" the gene responsible for tumor could reach their destination and, after eight shots, was able to stop its growth.

In addition, the research team says that this therapy has not submitted any adverse cases.

Black widow spider: Definition, toxic element, Symptoms, Treatment at home, Expectations and prognosis

2009-08-21T19:00:00.000-07:00

Black widow spider

Definition

The black widow spider (Latrodectus mactans) has a glossy black body with a red hourglass on the ventral area. The bite of this spider is poisonous.

This is for information purposes only and not for use in the treatment or management of an actual toxic exposure.

toxic element

The venom of black widow spider contains toxic chemicals that make people sick.

Where is

The black widow spider is found throughout the United States, but mainly in the south and west. Usually found in barns, sheds, stone walls, fences, piles of logs, garden furniture and other outdoor structures.

Symptoms

The first symptom is usually pain similar to a puncture with a pin and the sensation experienced when actually carried out the sting of the spider. However, some people do not feel. It can be mild redness and swelling present.

From 15 minutes to an hour later, a dull muscle pain radiates from the area of the bite throughout the body.

* If the bite is in the upper body, most often feel pain in the chest.
* If bitten on the lower body, most will feel the pain in the abdomen.

You can also submit the following symptoms:

* Anxiety
* Shortness of breath
* Extremely painful muscle cramps
* Headache
* Hypertension
* Increased salivation
* Increased sweating
* Muscle weakness
* Nausea and vomiting
* Numbness
* Restlessness
* Seizures (usually seen just before death in children)

Pregnant women may have contractions and premature birth.

Treatment at home

Look for urgent medical treatment immediately. Wrap ice in a cloth fabric or similar material and place it on the site of the bite, leaving him 10 minutes and removed 10. Repeat this process.

Determine the following information:

* Age, weight and condition of the patient
* Time at which the bite occurred
* Area where the bite occurred
* Type of spider, if possible

The doctor measures and monitors patient vital signs, including temperature, pulse, respiratory rate and blood pressure. The symptoms can be treated with a variety of therapies, such as:

* Drugs antihipertensores
* Muscle relaxants
* Analgesics

In severe cases, it should be administered an antidote to neutralize the toxic effect. However, this drug may cause dangerous allergic reactions.

Expectations (prognosis)

Severe symptoms usually disappear in 2 to 3 days, but milder symptoms may persist for several weeks. Death is uncommon in a normally healthy person, but young children, the very sick and the elderly can not survive a bite of this spider.

Funnel web spider in: Definition, Toxic element, Symptoms, Treatment at home and Progmosis

2009-08-21T18:52:00.000-07:00

Funnel web spider in

Definition

This article describes the effects of a bite in the funnel web spider, the males are more poisonous than females.

This is for information purposes only and not for use in the treatment or management of an actual toxic exposure.

Toxic element

* Venom of the spider cloth funnel

Where is

Spider web in the funnel is located in southeast Australia, around Sydney. They are a species native to the United States, although some people can keep as exotic pets.

Symptoms

Bites into the funnel web spider is extremely painful and cause numbness or tingling, especially in the mouth or lips for 10 to 15 minutes. These bites can be very dangerous and is known to have caused all the symptoms listed below:

* Eyes, ears, nose and throat
or droopy eyelids
or double vision
or difficulty swallowing
* Heart and blood
or collapse
or hypertension
or rapid heart rate
Lungs *
or difficulty breathing
* Muscles and joints
or joint pain
or severe muscle spasms, usually in the legs and the ventral area
* Nervous System
or chills
or coma
or headache
or numbness of the mouth and lips
* Skin
or redness around the bite site
or excessive sweating
* Stomach and intestines
or diarrhea
or nausea
or vomiting

Treatment at home

Bites into the funnel web spider is extremely poisonous. It should seek immediate medical attention and call the Poison Center for guidance. Also, apply a bandage and firm pressure on the sting and immobilize the affected area, if possible, to prevent the spread of venom.

Before calling the emergency service Back to Top

You must determine the following information:

* Age, weight and condition of the patient
Identify the insect, if possible
* Time when the bite occurred

If possible, it is recommended to bring the container of the substance to the hospital.

The doctor measures and monitors patient vital signs, including temperature, pulse, respiratory rate and blood pressure. The symptoms are treated in an appropriate manner.

The patient may receive an antidote, whether it is available.

Expectations (prognosis)

Bites into the funnel web spider is potentially fatal, especially in children and should be treated quickly with an antidote by an experienced physician.

Arachnodactyly or achromachia: Definition, Common Causes and General considerations

2009-08-21T18:44:00.000-07:00

Arachnodactyly or achromachia

Alternative Names
Spider fingers; Dolicostenomelia; Acromacria

Definition

It is a physical condition in which the fingers are long, thin and curved, resembling the legs of a spider.

General considerations

Long, slender fingers can be a normal feature that is not associated with any health problems. However, in some cases, the tendency to express spider fingers can indicate an underlying disease.

Common Causes

*Homocystinuria
* Marfan Syndrome
* Other rare genetic disorders

Note: having long, slender fingers can be normal.

You must call the doctor if

Some babies are born with arachnodactyly, although it can develop over time. The person must consult with the doctor during a routine examination if your child has long slender fingers and was concerned that there may be an underlying condition.

What you can expect at the doctor's

The doctor will perform a physical exam and ask questions about the patient's medical history, including:

* Standard time:
or When for the first time he noticed that his fingers had made this way?
* Family history:
o Is there a family history of early death?
o Is there a family history of inherited disorders known?
* Symptoms:
o What other symptoms are also present?
or Have you noticed any other unusual aspect?

Normally not necessary diagnostic tests, unless there is a suspicion of an inherited disorder.

Rheumatoid Arthritis : Definition, Other Names, Causes and Symptoms of Rheumatoid Arthritis, Treatment and medicines, SURGERY and PHYSIOTHERAPY

2009-08-19T20:32:00.000-07:00

Rheumatoid Arthritis

Definition

It is a chronic disease that leads to inflammation of the joints and surrounding tissues. It can also affect other organs.

Alternative Names

RA, rheumatoid arthritis

Causes

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is considered an autoimmune disease and its cause is unknown. The body's immune system normally fights foreign substances such as viruses. But in an autoimmune disease, the immune system confuses healthy tissues or taking as foreign substances, and as a result, the body attacking itself.

Rheumatoid arthritis can occur at any age and women are affected more often than men.

Rheumatoid arthritis usually affects joints on both sides of the body equally, with the wrists, fingers, knees, feet, ankles and body parts most commonly affected. The course and severity of rheumatoid arthritis can vary considerably. Infection, genes and hormones may contribute to this disease.

Symptoms

The disease usually begins gradually with:

* Fatigue
* Inappetence
* Morning stiffness (lasting more than an hour)
* Muscle aches widespread
* Weakness

Finally, there is joint pain. When the joint is not in use for some time, may become warm, sensitive and rigid. When the lining of the joint becomes inflamed, produces more fluid and the joint swells. The joint pain is often felt on both sides of the body and can affect the wrists, knees, elbows, shoulders, hips, fingers, hands and feet, ankles and neck.

Additional symptoms include:

* Anemia due to insufficient bone marrow to produce enough new red blood cells
* Burning, itching and discharge from the eye
* Deformities of hands and feet
* Range of motion limited
* Fever
* Inflammation of the lungs (pleurisy)
* Round, painless nodules under the skin (usually a sign of a more severe disease)
* Numbness or tingling
* Paleness
* Redness or swelling of the skin
* Swollen lymph nodes

The destruction of the joint may occur in a matter of one to two years after the onset of the disease.

Examinations and tests

Availability of a specific blood test to diagnose and differentiate rheumatoid arthritis from other types of arthritis. This test is called a review of antipeptidos cyclic citrullinated antibodies (anti-CCP). Other tests that can be done include:

* Complete Blood Count
* C-Reactive Protein
* Erythrocytic sedimentation rate
* Ultrasonography and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of joints
* Radiographs of the joints
* Rheumatoid factor (positive in approximately 75% of people with symptoms)
* Analysis of the synovial fluid

Treatment

Rheumatoid arthritis usually requires lifelong treatment, including medication, physiotherapy, exercise, education and possibly surgery. Aggressive treatment and appropriate for this type of arthritis can slow the destruction of the joint.

MEDICINES

Medicines disease-modifying antirheumatic (DMARD stands for English) are the current treatment of reference for cases of rheumatoid arthritis, in addition to rest, strengthening exercises and anti-inflammatory drugs. Methotrexate (Rheumatrex) is the most commonly used DMARD for rheumatoid arthritis. Leflunomide (Arava) may be replaced by methotrexate. These drugs are associated with toxic side effects, so one needs frequent blood tests when you are taking.

Anti-inflammatory medications: These include acetylsalicylic acid (aspirin) and non-steroidal antiinflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen. Although NSAIDs work well, their prolonged use can cause stomach problems such as ulcers and bleeding, and possible heart problems. NSAIDs now come with warning labels on the product to warn users about an increased risk of cardiovascular events like heart attack or stroke, and gastrointestinal bleeding.

Antimalarial drugs: This group of drugs includes hydroxychloroquine (Plaquenil) and sulfasalazine (Azulfidine), typically used in combination with methotrexate. However, it may take weeks or months to see any benefit of these drugs.

Corticosteroids: These drugs work well to reduce joint swelling and inflammation. However, due to the potential side effects long-term corticosteroids should be taken only for a short time and at low doses where possible.

Inhibitors of cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2): These drugs block an enzyme called a promoter of COX-2 inflammation. Initially it was believed that these drugs work as well as traditional NSAIDs, but with fewer stomach problems. However, numerous reports of heart attacks and stroke have prompted the FDA to reassess the risks and benefits of COX-2. Celecoxib (Celebrex) is still available, but labeled with strong warnings and a recommendation that it be prescribed at the lowest dose and for the shortest time possible. Talk to your doctor about whether these COX-2 inhibitors are appropriate for you.

BIOLOGICAL AGENTS:

Specific modulators of white blood cells: These treatments control the inflammation and effectively include:

* Orencio (abatacept), applied under the skin (subcutaneous) or into a vein (intravenous) once a month. Reduce the number of T cells (a type of white blood cell).
* Rituxan (rituximab), applied under the skin or into a vein twice a year. Reduce the number of B cells (a type of white blood cell).

Inhibitors of tumor necrosis factor (TNF): This relatively new type of drug blocks a protein in the body involved in producing inflammation. Administered intravenously and directly include:

* Adalimumab (Humira)
* Etanercept (Enbrel)
* Infliximab (Remicade)

SURGERY

Occasionally, surgery is needed to correct severely affected joints. Surgeries can relieve joint pain, correct deformities, and modestly improve joint function.

The most successful surgeries are those performed in knees and hips. Usually the first treatment is surgical synovectomy or removal of the lining of the joint (synovial membrane).

A further alternative is total joint replacement with a prosthetic joint. In extreme cases, complete replacement of the hip or knee can mean the difference between total dependence on others and to live independently at home.

PHYSIOTHERAPY

The exercises range or range of motion and individualized exercise programs prescribed by a physiotherapist can slow the loss of joint function.

Joint protection techniques, treatments with heat and cold and the use of splints or orthotic devices to support and align joints may be very useful.

Sometimes, therapists use special machines to apply deep heat or electrical stimulation to reduce pain and improve joint mobility.

Occupational therapists can construct splints for your hand and wrist, and teach how to best protect and use your joints when they are affected by arthritis. They also show people how to cope better with daily tasks at work and at home, despite the limitations caused by rheumatoid arthritis.

Recommended frequent rest periods between activities, as well as 8 to 10 hours of sleep each night.

Support Groups

To find additional resources and information, see the section on support groups for arthritis.

Expectations (prognosis)

It should do blood tests or urine regularly to determine how well medications are working and whether they are causing any side effects.

Rheumatoid arthritis varies from person to person. People with rheumatoid factor, antinuclear antipeptidos cyclic citrullinated or subcutaneous nodules seem to have a more severe form of the disease. People who develop rheumatoid arthritis at an early age also appear to worsen more quickly.

Many people with rheumatoid arthritis are working full time. However, after many years, approximately 10% of patients with this type of arthritis to become severely disabled and unable to perform simple tasks of daily living such as washing, dressing and eating.

In the past the average life expectancy for a patient with this type of arthritis could be reduced from 3 to 7 years and those with severe forms of the disease often died 10 to 15 years earlier than expected. However, as we have improved the treatment for rheumatoid arthritis, severe disability and life-threatening complications have decreased significantly and in many people lead relatively normal lives.

Possible Complications

Rheumatoid arthritis is a disease that not only destroys joints, which can compromise nearly all organs.

Can present a potentially fatal complication in the joints when the cervical spine (neck bones) becomes unstable as a result of rheumatoid arthritis.

Rheumatoid vasculitis (inflammation of blood vessels) is a serious and potentially fatal complication of this type of arthritis that can lead to ulceration and skin infections present, bleeding gastric ulcers and neurological problems that cause pain, numbness or tingling. Vasculitis may also affect the brain, nerves and heart, which can cause stroke, heart attack and heart failure.

Rheumatoid arthritis can cause the exterior of the heart to become inflamed (pericarditis) and cause heart complications. Also may be inflammation of the heart muscle, called myocarditis, and both conditions can lead to the development of congestive heart failure.

Treatments for rheumatoid arthritis can also cause serious side effects. If you experience any of these effects, tell your doctor immediately.

When contacting a medical professional Back to top

Consult your doctor if you think you have symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis.

Prevention

There is no known prevention for rheumatoid arthritis. However, it is often possible to prevent major damage to the joints with proper treatment to onset of the disease.

Quit smoking. Research shows that the risk of developing rheumatoid arthritis is almost twice that for current smokers compared with nonsmokers.

Because rheumatoid arthritis may cause eye complications, patients must take regular checkups of your eyes.

Poisoning with sodium hypochlorite: Where is it found, other Names, Definition, Treatment at home and Expectations

2009-08-19T05:35:00.000-07:00

Poisoning with sodium hypochlorite

Definition

Sodium hypochlorite is a chemical that is commonly found in bleach, water purifiers and cleaning products.

The ingestion of sodium hypochlorite can lead to poisoning. In the same way, inhaling the vapors of this substance can also cause poisoning, especially if the product is mixed with ammonia.

This is for information only and not for use in the treatment or management of an actual exposure to toxic substances.

Alternative Names

Clorox; Carrel-Dakin Solution, Bleach

toxic element

Sodium hypochlorite.

Where is it found.

* Chemical used to add chlorine to swimming pools
* Disinfectants
* Some bleaching solutions
* Water Purifiers

Note: This list may not include all of them.

Symptoms

Sodium hypochlorite diluted in water generally causes only mild stomach irritation, but ingesting large quantities can cause more serious symptoms.

NEVER mix ammonia with sodium hypochlorite (bleach or products containing bleach) and that this common household error produces a toxic gas that can cause choking and serious breathing problems.

Symptoms of poisoning with sodium hypochlorite may include:

* Lungs and airways
or cough (the Vapors)
* Eyes, ears, nose, mouth and throat
or redness and burning eyes
or feeling nauseous
or pain in the mouth
or sore throat
or any burns in the esophagus
* Heart and blood vessels
or chest pain
or low blood pressure
or slow heartbeat
or shock
* Nervous System
or delirium
or coma
* Skin
or irritation of the exposed area
or burns
or blisters
* Stomach and intestines
stomach or abdominal pain or
or vomiting

Treatment at home

Look for immediate medical assistance and do not induce vomiting in the person, unless otherwise directed by the poison control center or a health professional.

If the chemical was in contact with skin or eyes, rinse with plenty of water for at least 15 minutes.

If the person ingested the chemical suminístrele a small amount of water or milk immediately, unless the doctor has instructed otherwise. Does not provide milk or water if the patient has symptoms that impede swallowing, such as vomiting, convulsions, or a decrease in mental clarity.

If a person inhales toxic, move immediately to a site where you can take fresh air.

Determine the following information:

* Age, weight and condition of the patient
* Product name, ingredients and concentration, if known
* Time it was swallowed
* Quantity ingested

.

The person must be hospitalized. The doctor will measure and monitor patient's vital signs, including temperature, pulse, respiratory rate and blood pressure. The symptoms are treated in an appropriate manner.

The specific treatment depends on how the poisoning occurred.

If the ingest toxic:

* A tube through the nose into the stomach to empty the latter (gastric lavage)
* Endoscopy: Placement of a camera through the throat to see burns in the esophagus and stomach
* Intravenous fluids
* Medicine (antidote) to neutralize the toxic effect of

In case of inhalation of toxic:

* Breathing Tube
* Bronchoscopy (placement of a camera through the throat to see burns in the airways and lungs)
* Oxygen

For dermal exposure, treatment may include:

* Irrigation (washing of the skin), perhaps for a few hours or several days
* Debridement skin (surgical removal of burned skin)
* Transfer to a hospital specializing in care of burns

Expectations (prognosis)

Ingest, touch or smell of household bleach will probably not cause any significant problems. However, the most serious problems can occur with industrial use of bleach or mix bleach with ammonia.

The patient's prognosis depends on how fast it has been diluted and neutralized sodium hypochlorite and there are good chances of recovery if proper treatment is applied shortly after the toxic ingestion. Without timely treatment, it is possible that this damage is in the mouth, throat, eyes, lungs, esophagus, stomach and nose, depending on how the exposure occurred.

Ketones in urine: Definition, examination for Children or adults, Infants, Preparation and reviews, Normal Values, abnormal results, risks

2009-08-19T04:19:00.000-07:00

Ketones in urine

Alternative Names
Ketones in urine, urinary ketones, and acid acetoacetic acid betahidroxibutiric

Definition

Is a test that measures the presence or absence of ketones in the urine.

Manner in which the examination is performed

Children or adults:

To take the urine sample, the person takes a clean ( "in the middle of urination). For this, men and children should clean the head of the penis, while women and girls should wash the area between the lips of the vagina with soapy water and rinse well. When the process of eliminating urine, which should make a small amount of it falls to the toilet (and cleans the urethra of contaminants). Later, in a clean container is recommended that approximately one to two ounces (30 to 60 ml) of urine and remove it. Finally, we must give this container the doctor or his assistant.

Infants:

It is necessary to thoroughly wash the area around the urethra opening and a urine collection bag (a plastic bag with adhesive tape on one end) and then place the bag baby. The children, they can enter the entire penis into the bag and the adhesive sticks to the skin. For girls, the bag being placed over the labia majora. You can put the diaper on the baby as usual, covering and securing the bag. It is recommended that the baby frequently and remove the bag after he has urinated into it. Active babies can move the bag, so that may be needed more than an attempt to obtain a sample. Finally, you should pour the urine into a container and then hand it to the doctor.

Urinary ketones are usually measured as a "rapid test" using a dipstick impregnated with chemicals that react with ketone bodies. The test strip is dipped into the urine sample and a color change is an indicator of the presence of ketones.

Preparation for the review

It may recommend a special diet and medications should stay that may affect the test (see Special Considerations).

If the sample was taken to a baby, it may require additional bags.

What you feel during the test

The review involves only normal urination, and produces no discomfort.

Reasons for which the examination is performed Back to top

Ketones (acid betahidroxibutírico, acetoacético acid and acetone) are the end products of metabolism, rapid or excessive fatty acids. As with glucose, ketones are present in the urine when blood levels exceed a certain threshold.

The release of fatty acids from adipose tissue (body fat) is stimulated by many hormones such as glucagon, epinephrine and growth hormone, whose levels are increased by starvation (whether in connection with alcohol or not ), uncontrolled diabetes and many other ailments.

Normal Values

A negative test is normal. The results from the presence of acetone in the urine usually appear as small, moderate or large with their corresponding values:

Small: <20> 80 mg / dL

Significance of abnormal results

A positive test may indicate:

* Metabolic abnormalities, including uncontrolled diabetes or glycogen storage disease.
* Abnormal nutritional conditions, including starvation, fasting, anorexia, diets high in protein and low in carbohydrates.
* Vomiting frequently over a long period of time, including hyperemesis gravidarum (a severe form of nausea during pregnancy).
* Disorders of increased metabolism, including hyperthyroidism, fever, or severe acute illness, burns, pregnancy, lactation (feeding a baby) or post-surgical condition.

What are the risks

No risk.

Special considerations

Some special diets can alter the results of this test. For example, a diet that is composed of low amounts of carbohydrates and high amounts of protein and fat can affect ketone levels.

Medicines that can cause false positive results include glucocorticoids.

Muscular dystrophy: Symptoms, tests, Treatment, Definition, Other Names, Complications, medical assistance and treatments

2009-08-18T20:53:00.000-07:00

Muscular dystrophy

Other Names
Hereditary myopathy, DM

Definition

Is a group of disorders involving muscle weakness and loss of muscle that worsens over time.

Causes, incidence and risk factors Back to top

Many diseases called muscular dystrophies are inherited disorders, such as:

Becker muscular dystrophy *
* Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy
* Muscular Dystrophy Emery-Dreifuss
* Facioscapulohumeral muscular dystrophy
* Muscular Dystrophy waist or pelvic escapulohumeral
* Congenital myotonia
* Myotonic dystrophy

Symptoms

The symptoms vary with different types of muscular dystrophy.

All muscles can be affected or only specific groups of muscles such as those around the pelvis, shoulders or face. Muscular dystrophy can affect adults, but severe forms tend to occur in early childhood.

Symptoms include:

* Intellectual retardation (only present in some types of the disorder)
* Muscle weakness that slowly gets worse
or delayed development of muscle motor skills
or difficult to use one or more muscle groups
or drooling
or droopy eyelid (ptosis)
or frequent falls
or problems walking (delayed walking)

Signs and tests

The examination and medical history will help the doctor determine the type of muscular dystrophy. Specific muscle groups are affected by different types of muscular dystrophies.

Signs may include:

* Curved spine (scoliosis)
* Contractures articular (clubfoot, hand grip or other)
* Low muscle tone (hypotonia)

Some types of muscular dystrophy compromise the heart muscle, causing cardiomyopathy or heart rhythm disturbance (arrhythmia).

Often there is a loss of muscle mass (atrophy) that may be hard to see because some types of muscular dystrophy cause a buildup of fat and connective tissue that makes the muscle look bigger, which is called seudohipertrofia.

A muscle biopsy can be used to confirm the diagnosis and, in some cases, the blood test used to analyze DNA may be all that is needed.
Other tests may include:

* Electrocardiography (ECG)
* Electromyography (EMG)
* Creatine kinase in serum

This disease may also alter the results of the following tests:

* Aldolase
* AST
* Creatinine
* LDH
* Myoglobin in urine / serum

Treatment

There is no known cure for the various muscular dystrophies and the treatment is to control symptoms.

Physiotherapy can help patients maintain muscle strength and functioning. Orthopedic devices such as braces and wheelchairs can improve mobility and ability to self-care. In some cases, surgery of the spine or legs may help improve function.

Sometimes oral corticosteroids are prescribed for children in order to keep walking as long as possible.

The person must be as active as possible because the complete inactivity (such as bed rest) can make the disease worse.

Support Groups

The stress caused by a disease can be relieved by joining a support group where members share common experiences and problems. See support groups for muscular dystrophy.

Expectations (prognosis) Back to Top

The severity of disability depends on the type of muscular dystrophy. All types of dystrophy slowly get worse, but how fast this happens is something that varies widely.

Some types of muscular dystrophy, including Duchenne, are fatal. Other cause little disability and the people who have suffered a period of normal life.

Complications

Cardiomyopathies *
* Decreased ability to care for himself
* Decreased mobility
* Joint Contractures
* Mental impairment (varies)
* Respiratory failure
* Scoliosis

Situations requiring medical assistance

Consult your doctor if:

* You have symptoms of muscular dystrophy.
* Has a personal or family history of muscular dystrophy and is planning to have kids.

Prevention

Genetic counseling is recommended when there is a family history of muscular dystrophy. Women may be asymptomatic, but be carriers of the gene that causes the disorder. Duchenne muscular dystrophy can be detected with about 95% accuracy by genetic studies performed during pregnancy.

Diabetic Ketoacidosis - Causes, incidence, Symptoms and Treatment for Ketoacidosis, risk factors, tests, Complications, medical assistance, Prevention

2009-08-18T20:31:00.000-07:00

Diabetic Ketoacidosis

Other Names
DKA, Ketoacidosis

Definition

It is a complication of diabetes that occurs when there is no availability of sugar (glucose) as energy source for the body and instead uses fat. Byproducts of the metabolism of fat, called ketones, accumulate in the body.

Causes, incidence and risk factors

People with type 1 diabetes lack sufficient insulin, a hormone the body uses to process sugar (glucose) to obtain energy. When glucose is not available, body fat is metabolized into place.

The byproducts of fat metabolism are ketones and acids, which accumulate in the blood when fat is metabolized. When blood is more acidic than normal, a condition called ketoacidosis.

Blood glucose levels are elevated, usually above 300 mg / dL, because the liver produces glucose to try to combat the problem, however, that cells can not absorb glucose without insulin.

Diabetic ketoacidosis can lead to the initial diagnosis of type 1 diabetes, as is often the first symptom that makes a person seek medical attention. You may also be the result of increased insulin needs in someone who already has been diagnosed with type 1 diabetes. In such cases, an infection, trauma, heart attack or surgery can lead to diabetic ketoacidosis present. Skipping doses of insulin may also lead to ketoacidosis in people with diabetes.

People with type 2 diabetes can develop ketoacidosis, but is rare. It is usually triggered by a severe illness. Hispanics and African Americans appear to be more likely to develop ketoacidosis as a complication of type 2 diabetes.

Symptoms

* Fatigue
* Frequent urination or frequent thirst for a day or more
* Encourage fruit (bad breath)
* Mental stupor that can progress to become a coma
* Muscle pain or stiffness
* Nausea and vomiting
* Breathing fast
* Shortness of breath

Other symptoms that may occur with this disease:

* Abdominal pain
* Difficulty breathing when lying
* Decreased appetite
* Loss of consciousness
* Headache

Signs and tests

* Arterial blood gases
* High glycemia
* Low blood pressure
* Heart Rate Rapid
* Presence of glucose and ketones in the urine by means of tests at home or in the office
* Heart Rate Rapid
* High serum amylase
* High serum potassium
* Signs of dehydration

This disease can also affect the results of the following tests:

* CO2
* Collection of cerebrospinal fluid
* Potassium urine
* Serum Magnesium
* Serum Phosphorus
* Serum sodium
* Sodium urine
* PH of urine

Treatment

The goals of treatment are to correct the high blood glucose levels through the administration of more insulin, as well as replenish the fluids lost through urination and excessive vomiting. One may be able to recognize the early warning signs and take appropriate corrective action in the home, before the disease progresses.

If ketoacidosis is severe, it will be necessary to go to the hospital where they will:

* Administer insulin
* Replace fluids and electrolytes
* Find and treat the cause of the disorder (such as an infection)

Expectations (prognosis)

Acidosis can lead to serious illness or death. Improved therapy for young people with diabetes has decreased the mortality rate from this disease, however, remains a significant risk to the elderly and for people who fall into a coma when treatment is delayed.

Complications

* Collection of fluid in the brain (cerebral edema)
* Heart attack and death of intestinal tissue due to low blood pressure
* Renal

Situations requiring medical assistance

This condition can become a medical emergency. Call your doctor if you notice the early symptoms of diabetic ketoacidosis.

Go to the emergency room or call the local emergency number if you experience:

* Loss of consciousness
* Shortness of breath
* Breath with fruity odor
* Mental stupor
* Nausea
* Vomiting

Prevention

People with diabetes must learn to recognize signs and symptoms preliminary warning ketoacidosis. Measurement of urine ketones in people with infections or in patients with insulin pump therapy can provide more information than glucose measurements alone.

It is necessary that users of the insulin pump review frequently to see that insulin is still flowing through the tube and no obstructions, faults or disconnections.

Osteoarthritis: Causes, Symptoms, incidence ,risk factors, Definition, Other Names, Signs and tests, Treatment of Osteoarthritis

2009-08-18T01:50:00.000-07:00

Osteoarthritis

Index:

* Images
* Other Names
* Definition
* Causes, incidence and risk factors
Symptoms *
* Signs and tests
* Salutation
* Support Groups
* Expectations (prognosis)
* Complications
* Situations that require medical assistance
* Prevention
* References

Other Names
Degenerative joint disease, hypertrophic osteoarthritis, Osteoarthrosis; EAD; Osteoarthritis (arthritis)

Definition

It is the most common joint disorder.

Causes, incidence and risk factors

Most of the time, the cause of osteoarthritis is unknown. It is a disease that is primarily related to aging, but metabolic factors, genetic, chemical and mechanical processes can also lead to its development.

Symptoms usually appear in people of middle age and almost everyone submits to the age of 70 years. Before the 55 years, the disease occurs equally in both sexes. However, after 55 years is more common in women.

The disease causes an erosion in the buffer (cartilage) between the joints of the bones. As the disease worsens, the cartilage disappears and the bones rub each other. Generally, there are bone spurs around the joint.

Osteoarthritis is classified as primary or secondary.

Primary osteoarthritis occurs without any injury or obvious cause, while secondary osteoarthritis is due to another disease or condition. The most common causes of this are:

* Inflammatory disorders such as arthritis
* Injury
* Metabolic disorders such as acromegaly
* Problems with anatomy (for example, be patizambo)

Symptoms

The symptoms of osteoarthritis include:

* Joint pain that worsens deep after exercise or weight-bearing and relieved by rest
* Chirping of articulation with the movement
* Joint pain when the weather is rainy
* Joint inflammation
* Motion Limited
* Stiffness in the morning

Some people may not show symptoms.

Signs and tests

A physical examination may show:

* Crepitation of the joints with movement
* Joint inflammation
* Limited range of motion
* Sensitivity

An x-ray of affected joints will show loss of joint space and, in advanced cases, wear of the ends of the bone and bone spurs.

Treatment

The goals of treatment are:

* Increase the strength of the joints
* Maintain or improve joint mobility
* Reduce the disabling effects of disease
* Relieving pain

Treatment depends on which joints are involved.

MEDICATIONS:

The most common drugs used to treat osteoarthritis are the non-steroidal antiinflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are common pain relievers that reduce pain and inflammation. The types of these medications include: acetylsalicylic acid (aspirin), ibuprofen and naproxen.

Although NSAIDs work well, their prolonged use can cause stomach problems such as ulcers and bleeding. Manufacturers of NSAIDs include a warning label on the product to alert consumers about an increased risk of cardiovascular events (heart attacks and strokes) and gastrointestinal bleeding.

Other medications used to treat osteoarthritis include:

* COX-2 inhibitors (coxibs), which block a substance called COX-2 that causes inflammation. Initially it was believed that this class of drugs works so well as other NSAIDs, but with fewer stomach problems. However, reports of heart attacks and stroke have prompted the FDA to re-evaluate the risks and benefits of COX-2. Celecoxib (Celebrex) was still available at the time of this report, but labeled with strong warnings and the recommendation to be prescribed at the lowest dose and for the shortest time possible. Patients should ask their doctor if the medicine is appropriate and safe for them.
* Steroids: these drugs are injected directly into the joint and can be used to reduce inflammation and pain.
* Supplements: many people help the OTC medicines such as glucosamine and chondroitin sulfate. There is some evidence that these supplements are used to control pain, but do not seem to allow the development of new cartilage.
* The artificial synovial fluid (Synvisc, Hyalgan) can be injected into the knee and provide temporary relief of pain for up to 6 months.

CHANGES IN LIFESTYLE:

Exercise helps maintain mobility and Articulatory general. You should ask your doctor to recommend an appropriate home exercise routine. The exercises in the water, like swimming, are especially useful.

Other recommendations on lifestyle include:

* Apply heat and cold
* Consume a balanced diet and healthy
* Rest
* Lose weight if overweight
* Protect your joints

PHYSIOTHERAPY:

Can be used to improve muscle strength and movement of stiff joints. Therapists have many techniques for treating osteoarthritis, but if therapy does not cause an improvement after 3 to 6 weeks, then you probably do not work forever.

Orthopedic devices:

Orthopedic splints and sometimes can provide support for weakened joints. Some prevent the movement of the joint, while others allow some movement. Orthopedic devices should be used only when the doctor or therapist recommends, as the incorrect use of a device they can cause damage, stiffness and joint pain.

SURGERY:

Severe cases of osteoarthritis might need surgery to replace or repair damaged joints. The surgical options may include:

* Arthroscopic surgery to trim cartilage injury and broken links and to rinse
* Restoration of the cartilage to replace damaged or missing cartilage in some young patients with arthritis
* Changes in the alignment of a bone to relieve the stress on the bone or joint (osteotomy)
* Surgical Fusion of the bones, usually in the spine (arthrodesis)
* Partial or total replacement of the damaged joint by an artificial joint (knee arthroplasty, hip arthroplasty)

Expectations (prognosis)

The movement may be very limited. The treatment usually improves joint function.

Complications

* Adverse reactions to drugs used to treat
* Decreased ability to perform activities of daily living such as personal hygiene, housekeeping or cooking
* Decreased ability to walk
Surgical complications *

Situations requiring medical assistance

Check with your doctor if symptoms of osteoarthritis.

Prevention

Weight loss can reduce the risk of knee osteoarthritis in overweight women.

Pinworms(Oxiuros) Symptoms, Signs and tests, Causes, incidence and risk factors, Definition, prognosis, Prevention, Complications and medical assistan

2009-08-18T01:31:00.000-07:00

Oxiuros

Content:

* Images
* Alternative Names
* Definition
* Causes, incidence and risk factors
* Symptoms
* Signs and tests
* Salutation
* Expectations (prognosis)
* Complications
* Situations that require medical assistance
* Prevention

Alternative Names

Enterobiasis; Oxyuriasis; Oxiurosis; oxiuros infection, Enterobius vermacularis E. Vermacularis; helminthosis

Definition

They are small worms that infect the intestines.

Causes, incidence and risk factors Back to top

The oxiuros are the most common worm infection in the United States and occurs mainly in school-age children.

The eggs of oxiuros spread directly from person to person spread or by contact with bedding, food or other items contaminated with eggs.

Generally, children are infected by touching the eggs and inadvertently oxiuros then put their fingers in their mouths. The eggs are ingested and eventually hatch in the small intestine. The oxiuros mature in the colon.

The females of these worms were then transferred to the child's anal area, especially at night, and lay more eggs. This can cause intense itching and even the anal area can become infected. When the child scratches the anal area which presents pruritus, the eggs can stay under the nails. The eggs can be transferred to other children, family members and household items.

Symptoms

* Difficulty sleeping because of the itching that occurs during the night
* Itching around the anus
* Irritability due to itching and interrupted sleep
* Irritation and infection of the skin around the anus due to constant scratching
* Vaginal irritation or discomfort in young girls (if they oxiuro an adult enters the vagina rather than the anus)
* Loss of appetite and weight (uncommon but can occur in severe infections)

Signs and tests

The oxiuros can be seen in the anal area, especially at night when they lay their eggs in that area.

The doctor may ask to conduct a review with an adhesive tape, which is pressed a piece of cellophane tape against the skin around the anus and then withdrew. This should be done in the morning before showering or using the toilet, because bathing or cleaning can remove the eggs. The doctor sticks the tape to a slide and slide seeking eggs using a microscope.

Treatment

The main treatment is a single dose of either mebendazole or albendazole (anti drugs), available with or without prescription.

Because it is likely that more than one family member is infected, it is often recommended to treat the whole family. The single-dose treatment is often repeated after two weeks in order to remove the eggs that hatched since the time of initial treatment.

To control the eggs:

* Clean the toilet daily
* Keep nails short and clean
* Wash all bedding 2 times a week
* Wash hands before meals and after using the toilet

Avoid scratching the infected area around the anus, as this can contaminate your fingers and everything else that hands touch later.

Keep hands and fingers away from mouth and nose, unless they are freshly washed. Implement these measures while family members are under treatment for oxiuros.

Expectations (prognosis)

Oxiuros infection can be treated completely.

Complications

* Pelvic inflammatory disease
* Repetitive infection with the parasite
Vaginitis *

Situations requiring medical assistance

Request an appointment with your doctor if:

* You or your child have symptoms of infection oxiuros
* You have seen his son in the oxiuros

Prevention

Wash your hands after using the toilet and before preparing food. Also, frequently wash bedding and underwear, especially those of any family member affected.

Antithrombin III: Definition, examination, Normal values, risks and Special Considerations

2009-08-18T01:02:00.000-07:00

Antithrombin III

Index:

* Alternative Names
* Definition
* Manner in which the examination is performed
* Preparation for the review
* What you feel during the examination
* Why is the consideration that
* Normal values
* Significance of abnormal results
* What are the risks
* Special Considerations

Alternative Names
A-Th3; AT III

Definition

It is a blood test that measures the amount of antithrombin III (AT III), a protein that helps control blood clotting.

Manner in which the examination is performed

Blood is drawn from a vein, usually from the inside of the elbow or the back of the hand. The puncture site is cleaned with a disinfectant (antiseptic). The doctor places a rubber band around the upper arm to apply pressure on the area and cause the vein to fill with blood.

Then the doctor inserts a needle gently into the vein and blood collected in an airtight jar or a tube affixed to the needle. The elastic band is removed from the arm.

Once you have collected the blood sample is withdrawn and covers the needle puncture site to stop any bleeding.

In infants or young children, you can use a pointed instrument called a lancet to puncture the skin and make it bleed. The blood is collected in a small glass tube called a pipette, in a slide or a strip. Finally, we can put a bandage on the area if there is any bleeding.

Preparation for the review

It is possible that the doctor will ask the person to suspend or reduce the dose of certain medications before the procedure, some of which can affect the outcome of the review. However, one should not stop taking any medication without first talking to your doctor.

What you feel during the test

When a needle is inserted to draw blood, some people feel moderate pain, while others feel only a prick or sting sensation. Subsequently, there may be some pulsating sensation.

Reasons for which the examination is performed Back to top

The doctor may order this test if there is blood clots in repetitive or anticoagulant drugs do not work.

Normal Values

The ranges of normal values may vary slightly among different laboratories. Talk to your doctor about the meaning of the specific results of its review.

Significance of abnormal results

Antithrombin III levels lower than normal may mean that you have an increased risk of clotting and abnormal results may not appear to be an adult.

Examples of disorders and conditions associated with increased blood clotting may include:

* Deep vein thrombosis
* Phlebitis (inflammation of a vein)
* Pulmonary embolism (blood clot that travels to the lung)

Antithrombin III levels lower than normal may be due to:

* Bone Marrow Transplant
* DIC (disseminated intravascular coagulation)
* Other coagulation disorders
* A hereditary condition that causes lower levels of the protein in blood clotting
* Liver
Nephrotic Syndrome *

Antithrombin III levels higher than normal may be due to:

* Use of anabolic steroids

What are the risks

* Excessive Bleeding
* Fainting or dizziness
* Hematoma (blood accumulating under the skin)
* Infection (a slight risk any time that this break in the skin)
* Multiple punctures to locate veins

Special considerations

The use of contraceptive pills may cause a slight decrease in the levels of AT III.

Veins and arteries vary in size from one patient to another and from one side to another, therefore, may be more difficult to obtain a blood sample from some people than others.

Prevention and treatment, Surgical management of Haemorrhoids

2009-08-17T19:33:00.000-07:00

Surgical management

Surgical treatment should be performed whenever the improved habits and medical treatment are not sufficient or where there is already starting and the complications of hemorrhoids, generally for third and fourth grade or even second grade who did not respond to non-surgical alternatives management. Haemorrhoidectomy surgery is used to remove the veins that are swollen or dilated around the anus.

For the intervention of hemorrhoids may refer the patient to general anesthesia or a local (local anesthesia or spinal anesthesia) with sedation. Dilated veins (hemorrhoids) are removed and the area is left in a package of sterile gauze to reduce bleeding.

There are several types of surgical procedures for treatment of hemorrhoids can be divided into two:

1) is an open technique, when performing resection or removal of hemorrhoids and the wound is left open to allow to heal by secondary intention;
2) the other is the closed technique, where hemorrhoidal tissue is removed and the mucosa of the anal canal and hit the edges of the wound is closed leaving again to face.

Other techniques are the use of staplers, they are inserted through the anus and the stapling and cutting redundant tissue, performing a hemorroidopexia.

The newest treatment is the laser hemorrhoidectomy, which permits operation with either zonal or local anesthesia and the patient can resume normal life in one or two days. Although this technique has not demonstrated a clear advantage over traditional techniques if it increases the cost of the surgery since it requires specialized equipment and intrumentales.

During convalescence the patient may experience a sharp pain after surgery or when he relaxes his anus, so it should be administered analgesics. To avoid the use of paper over the anus, should be used in washing after defecation bidet. In addition, the bathrooms will reduce mild painful contractions of the anus, and can soothe the itching and burning in the area. You can expect a full recovery in two weeks. Intrathecal analgesia has demonstrated a significant reduction of pain in the patient after the operation in the first 24 hours.

Prevention and treatment

Should exercise at least three times a week for half an hour (walking, jogging or bicycle) in order to improve the flow of your body. The foods recommended are the little irritants and condiments such as chilli, spices and seasonings, garlic [citation needed], parsley, onion and mustard, tomato sauce, tomatoes, vinegar, coffee, black chocolate, tea or black tea, cinnamon, alcohol, all fruit is not ripe or acidic (like lemon, tangerine, orange, pineapple, grapefruit), which have long bone (such as tuna or prickly pear, strawberry or guava) and astringent (apple, pear, pomegranate, cashew, quince).

Recommended foods are those that have fiber, such as tortillas or bread made with whole flour, vegetable or fruit can be eaten with the husk or bagasse (like grapes) or soft (like papaya and banana), so to soften the stool and make it easier to expel, and take plenty of water (always boiled or purified).

Another type of non-surgical treatment for hemorrhoids is the use of photocoagulation, cryosurgery, radiofrequency or rubber band ligation. These options are generally considered for haemorrhoids grade II and some grade III.

Hemorrhoids: Medical treatment of hemorrhoids, Sclerosing treatment, Hemorrhoidectomy, Advice and basic care

2009-08-17T19:15:00.000-07:00

Treatment

* Maintain good hygiene and avoid anal hemorrhoids rub or scratch to help prevent infection.
* Correct constipation by adding fiber to your diet: fruit, vegetables, bread, abundant liquid
* Correct as diarrhea.
* Avoid highly seasoned foods, spicy and fat, and alcohol consumption.
* Avoid efforts to defecate.
* Reduce the time of defecation.
* Use soft toilet paper or cleaning anal by bathing with warm water.
* Should not apply ice or cold dressing because, although this action temporarily relieves pain, prevents the cold to dissolve the thrombus that causes hemorrhoids.

Medical treatment of hemorrhoids

Most of the time, first-degree hemorrhoids (which shall not be removed from the anus) can be treated easily with a few home care.

To regularize the intestinal transit, doctors suggest, first and foremost, to respect as far as possible the rules of hygiene and lifestyle described in the Prevention section.
Drugs

When the itching and pain are mild, it is possible to effectively relieve with products offered for sale free ointments, creams, suppositories. The majority of these products contains hydrocortisone or benzocaine. Specialty products sold under the name Preparation H does not contain hydrocortisone or benzocaine, but the liver oil of sharks.

Caution. Do not use drug products to hydrocortisone or benzocaine for more than a week, unless the doctor recommends it.

If a blood clot forms in a hemorrhoid, medicine oral analgesics can be used to relieve pain, such as acetaminophen (Tylenol ®), ibuprofen (Advil ®, Motrin ®) or aspirin. You can also apply an ointment locally based nitroglycerin or nifedipine obtained on prescription, which relieves pain by reducing the pressure in the veins.
To treat hemorrhoids resistant

If symptoms persist, any of the following may contribute to treatment.

Sclerosing treatment. The doctor may use various methods to induce sclerosis of a hemorrhoidal protrusion (injection, cryotherapy, infrared, electric current, laser). It can also use a device that sets a tie elastic at the base of the protuberance. In all cases, tissues necrosent and fall of themselves after a few days.

Hemorrhoidectomy. This surgical procedure done under general or epidural anesthesia is to remove the knife, part of the fabric where the hemorrhoids. This method is more radical than previous ones and reduces the risk of recurrence, but requires a longer recovery.

Advice and basic care

* Keep the anal area clean take a bath or shower daily. It is not necessary to use soap.
* After going to the bathroom, to clean gently with a tissue moistened with water, a wet towel for baby or damp cotton cloth. Avoid perfumed tissue.
* In case of itching, apply cold compresses on the anus for about ten minutes, three or four times a day.
* In case of clot or hemorrhoid down, take a bath seat in a hot, 10 to 15 minutes, two or three times a day to relieve pain. Some pharmacies and some stores sell small bathroom that can be installed on the toilet. Do not add soap to water. Drain carefully and put a non-scented powder to keep the skin dry (eg, cornstarch or powder antifungal).
* Wear underwear cotton. The lycra, acrylic and other synthetic fibers prevent the escape of moisture.
* While hemorrhoids are not healed, avoid foods and beverages that can irritate the mucous membranes: coffee (even decaffeinated), alcohol, mustard, hot peppers and other strong spices. Avoid lifting heavy objects, because it increases the pressure in the veins.

Hemorrhoids: Causes and Prevention, Preventive measures of Hemorrhoids

2009-08-17T02:49:00.000-07:00

Causes

* A family history.
* A diet rich in peppers frequently, for example.
* The frequent handling of heavy loads that induce excessive pressure in the abdominal cavity.
* Work in a sitting in a vehicle as a truck driver, bus or taxi.
* Suffer from chronic constipation. Physical inactivity, poor diet and stress cause constipation. Some drugs may be involved, such as laxatives if used over a long period.
* The birth.
* The work is accompanied by a blockage in breathing, head of an abdominal hypertension maintained.

Prevention

This is to prevent or fight against constipation by increasing the amount of fiber in the diet (the fibers soften the stool. Fresh fruits, leafy vegetables, cereals and breads Whole grains are excellent sources of fiber. Liposoluble fibers are very beneficial to the digestive functions when associated with adequate intake), with good hydration (avoiding beer and soft drinks in general) and regular physical activity (note: do too much to stomach can worsen the problem).

If necessary, the taking of laxatives can increase the volume of feces, p. ex. bran, psyllium (eg Metamucil, Fibrepur, Novo-Mucilax, Prodiem (nature)) and other (Fibyrax, Forlax). The use of laxatives should be casual and does not replace a good diet.

Certain foods and certain medications can trigger seizures. These are individual sensitivities, and everyone should try in this regard, to the correlation between what he ate the day before and the appearance of a crisis. You can find such foods as triggers: alcohol typically cited, but also other more unexpected, according to the individuals strong cheeses, roasted chicory, coffee, magnesium tablets, some antibiotics, some conservatives, some spices.

The veinotoniques are widely used but have not demonstrated their effectiveness.

The presence of blood in the stool, for preventive measure, must consult as may be indicative of other disease.

Hemorrhoids: Symptoms of hemorrhoids, People at risk, Risk Factors, Prevention of hemorrhoids

2009-08-17T02:45:00.000-07:00

Hemorrhoids are dilated veins in the anal area (anus and rectum) and the surrounding tissue, a phenomenon similar to varicose veins that can appear on the legs.

Produced by dilatations whose size varies from one individual to another, the hemorrhoids may be internal (inside the anus) or external depending on their location. They are normal anatomical structures and are of a pathological when moving towards a hemorrhoidal disease.

When it creates a stasis in these veins, a thrombus (blood clot) can form and cause inflammation and pain with discomfort in the bowel. Hemorrhoids can also cause bleeding or local pruritus (itching).

Examination of the anus to determine the size and position of hemorrhoids and helps eliminate other causes of bleeding or pain locales (anal fissure, anal prolapse, cancer ...). Anal prolapse itself may be the cause of hemorrhoidal complications. Indeed, hemorrhoids output at the same time as the prolapse after defecation suffer friction may lead to their ignition and their bleeding.

In case of bleeding in a patient over 40 years, another cause must be sought (polyp or tumor) by a short or colonoscopy colorectal scanner.

Symptoms of hemorrhoids

* A burning sensation, itching or discomfort in the anal area.
* A slight bleeding and pain when defecating.
* The presence of protuberances sensitive anus for external hemorrhoids.
* The feeling that the inside of the rectum is swollen for internal hemorrhoids.
* A seepage of mucus through the rectum.

People at risk

* Those with a close relative suffers from hemorrhoids.
* Pregnant women.
* Women who gave birth by vaginal delivery.

Risk Factors

* Suffer from constipation or diarrhea on a regular basis.
* Being overweight.
* Sitting on the long toilet seat.
* Be required to frequently lift heavy objects.
* Practicing anal intercourse.

Prevention of hemorrhoids

Basic preventive measures
Food

* Gradually increase the amount of fiber in their diet. This is the best prevention possible. Fruits and vegetables, cereals and whole grain breads are excellent sources of fiber. It is better to integrate them gradually into the diet. Fibers soften the stool and increase their volume, thus facilitating their expulsion smoothly.
Note. Be patient: improvement occurs within a few weeks.
* Drinking enough water and other liquids during the day.
* Take time to eat in the morning. The intestine has the reflex to empty after eating, especially after breakfast.

Regular exercise

* Twenty minutes of walking per day at a good pace can stimulate intestinal transit.
* Do not sit for long hours. If you can not otherwise stand on occasion, for a minute or two.
* Maintain a healthy weight. The healthy weight is determined by body mass index (BMI). To calculate yours, do our test.

Intestinal health

* Go to the bathroom regularly. Do not delay the time to defecate if the need arises. Longer we wait, the more the stool becomes dry and hard. At the time of defecation, avoid forcing holding its breath.
* Do not sit on the seat of the toilet longer than necessary (not to read). In this position, the muscles of the anus are released, causing an influx of blood.

Measures to prevent recurrence

* If necessary, take fiber supplements like psyllium (Metamucil ®, Fibropur ®, Prodiem ®, etc..) Or other fibers (Fibramax ®). Make sure to drink plenty to avoid obstruction of the digestive tract. They are widely available through chemists. They can be taken long term without problems.
* Avoid taking other types of laxatives as additional fiber.

Hemorrhoids: Definition and Evolution of hemorroids

2009-08-17T02:34:00.000-07:00

Hemorrhoid

Hemorrhoids (feminine noun), the first meaning, the veins are present in the mucous membranes of the anus and lower rectum.

In common usage, refers mainly hemorrhoids varicose dilation and inflammation of the veins, then called hemorrhoidal veins.

About one in two adult aged 50 is suffering from hemorrhoids. Constipation, pregnancy and loss of tonus of the tissues with age are the main causes.

The symptoms are occasional and easily identifiable itching around the anus, discomfort in sitting and bleeding when going to the bathroom.

It is normal for the veins of the anal region swell slightly during defecation. But unlike normal veins, hemorrhoids remain permanently dilated.

Attention. It is recommended to consult a doctor immediately in case of anal bleeding, even if it is just intense. This symptom may indicate a health problem more serious.

Evolution

It classifies haemorrhoids according to their stage of evolution.

* First degree. The hemorrhoid is inside the anus.
* Second degree. The fate of hemorrhoid anus during defecation, and returns to normal position to stop the effort.
* Third degree. The hemorrhoid has to be seen gently with fingers after defecation.
* Fourth degree. The hemorrhoid can not be seen inside the anus.

Hemorrhoids may progress from one level to another if nothing is done to curb the trend. In pregnant women, symptoms of hemorrhoids usually disappear after childbirth.
Complications

When the discomfort or slight pain turns into pain, it is usually a sign that a blood clot formed in a hemorrhoid. This is a hemorrhoidal thrombosis. Better to consult a doctor immediately. The symptoms usually disappear within a week or two, using pain killers and laxatives emollients that soften the stool.

In rare cases, infection can occur, or a significant loss of blood causing anemia.

Sinusitis: What are sinuses?, Sinusitis is a disease of the sinuses, Do not drag sinusitis

2009-08-17T02:18:00.000-07:00

Sinusitis

Sinusitis is an inflammation of one or more of the four sinuses (maxillary, frontal, or sphenoidal ethmoïdal) that includes the human body.

What are sinuses?

The sinus cavities are air, so filled with air, located in the bones of the face (on the forehead and cheeks) and those that constitute the base of the skull. They are in contact with the nose and throat and therefore the air-through small holes.

They grow during childhood until about 12-13 years. At birth, only the sine of the ethmoid bone (a small bone in the nose between the two eyes) is present.

Sinusitis is a disease of the sinuses

Sinusitis is an inflammation of the lining of the sinuses. It is most often caused by a bacterial infection secondary to an affection of the upper airway (mouth-nose-throat) as a cold for example.

A trailing cold

Classically, it is a cold that hangs beyond a week: the patient feels to have his head full, the nose is "taken", he flies, the drying is more or less abundant, the voice is more or less nasillarde he coughs sometimes, a headache especially focusing forward (shoe laces), the pressure above the eyes or the eyes is painful, he has a fever.

The mucous membranes lining the sinuses are swollen, the openings communicating with the nose are more or less blocked, stagnant secretions within the sinus cavities as they are not evacuated everything together to create an increase of pressure in these cavities and cause pain.

It is likely that the cold has a complicated bacterial infection, the patient has fever and is acute sinusitis.

Do not drag sinusitis

The problem with this disease, apart from the discomfort caused, the risk of transition to chronicity where treatments are less effective.

Then we must properly care: first, with simple means to drain the sinuses: drying, washing the nose with a product such as hypertonic saline solution (sold in pharmacies) or otherwise, or inhalations from essential oils in a bowl of hot water (there are preparations made in a pharmacy) and sometimes the change of position may help drain the sinuses, it is also possible to drop decongestant in the nose, they reduce the swelling of mucous membranes and open the openings of the sinuses. Warning! We must not give to children under 12 years or using them too long because these products may eventually be harmful.

Once the sinuses are cleared, the pain fades, as the pain persists, the patient can of course take painkillers, it is useless to suffer.

In most cases it will also take antibiotics to control bacterial infection. The patient's best interest to follow the antibiotic treatment until the end, a minimum of 5 days is required even if the disease appears before ending, as in any bacterial infection, there is a risk of relapse if the sinuses are not fully cleaned.

Sometimes sinusitis is very painful, pulsatile, there is no secretion externalised, the patient has a fever, it is likely that an abscess is formed in the sinuses, but must act quickly to clear the sinuses and prevent a spread of infection to adjacent organs.

Eye to the "frappuccino": fat as a full dinner

2009-08-15T19:07:00.000-07:00

Eye to the "frappuccino":
fat as a full dinner

1 beveroni with cold coffee, sugar and cream may exceed 500 calories, one quarter of those needed
in an entire day in an adult woman

Red card for 'beveroni "based on cold coffee, sugar and cream, which, alone, can also contain more than 500 calories or the equivalent of an evening meal.

DIET BEFORE PREVENTION -

The warning comes from the World Cancer Reasearch Fund (Wcrf), an international organization dedicated to the prevention and control of cancer through healthy eating and physical activity. The Wcrf conducted a survey of beverages sold by the coffee giants all anglosassone, or Starbucks, Caffe Nero and Costa Coffee, which are present in the United States and several European countries. The purpose of the study: put on notice those who love the glass take away, pointing out that, after not smoking, keeping the weight "is the most important thing on can do to prevent cancer."

HOW TO COMPLETE A MEAL -

According to data collected, the accused number one is the "dark berry mocha frappuccino" by Starbucks, with cream, which brings the beauty of 561 calories, a quarter of the recommended daily adult woman . Whipped cream without the calories down to 457 and if you take the smaller version is limited to 288. And even some prepared with skimmed milk save "the double chocolate frappe 'and' milk mocha frappe 'of Caffe Nero also gives 452 calories in the" light ". 'E' alarming that a cold coffee beverage containing the amount of calories you would expect from a full evening meal, not a drink, 'said Rachel Thompson, Head of the scientific program of Wcrf.

NON-DAILY - No Time for frappuccino, then? Not really. "Once in a while can also go - gives Rachel Thompson - but not every day, otherwise increase the likelihood of getting sick of not only cancer but heart disease and diabetes. As a general rule, if you want a coffee, choose a non-sugared milk and skimmed. For its part, Starbucks has responded by stressing that the "dark berry mocha frappuccino" is just one of 87mila variants available, including some four calories, just like coffee, or cold coffee from 11th Consumers the choice.

Rheumatoid arthritis: women without children fall ill first

2009-08-15T19:00:00.000-07:00

Rheumatoid arthritis: women without children fall ill first
The diagnosis comes on average five years sooner than those who have children

Have one or more children 'protects' arthritis and diseases such as ankylosing spondylitis or psoriatic arthritis: the data presented show the last congress of the European League Against Rheumatism by a group of Norwegian scientists, that women children who do not have the diagnosis comes, on average five years sooner than those with children.

THE STUDY - Marianne Wallenius, the head of research, involving 557 women between 18 and 45 years, all with a diagnosis of chronic arthritis arrived before the age of menopause. The Wallenius analyzed data related to their disease to see if there was a correlation between the time of diagnosis and whether or not having given birth to a baby. The results show that the association exists and how as women without children fell ill and were diagnosed on average at 26 years, those with at least one child to 31. Five more years without disease, a difference that remained significant even considering the smoking habits (similar between the two groups) or level of education (higher in nulliparous). The rheumatoid factor, an autoantibody all'artrite not always associated arthritis is less present in women without children is in the blood of 37 percent of them, while women with children have this in 41 percent of cases. This difference is not significant, but which Wallenius may indicate an increased susceptibility of women with children to develop arthritis. Like say, the presence of a child may develop the disease but also sets in motion the mechanisms that keep the firm longer.

PROTECTION - Carlomaurizio Montecucco, president of the Italian Society of Rheumatology because of doubts on the rheumatoid factor: "Do not tell me much, but the studies presented at conferences in principle should be taken with the tongs and are not subject to thorough scrutiny to ensure its methodological correctness as in the case of papers published in scientific journals, the data must therefore be always re-elected. Having said that - continues the rheumatologist - that pregnancy has a protective effect and creates a sort of "suspension" of the risk of developing rheumatoid arthritis does not surprise me: during pregnancy more than 75 percent of patients improve, so some of the complex hormonal mechanisms in place during the nine months is obviously a positive effect on rheumatic diseases. The Wallenius adds: "The reasons behind what we have observed remain to be clarified. Chronic arthritis are more common in women in their childbearing age: our data show that pregnancy and lactation, however, may delay the appearance, "concludes the researcher.

Omega-3: no benefit if the diet is rich in saturated fat

2009-08-15T18:52:00.000-07:00

Omega-3: no benefit
if the diet is rich in saturated fat

Consume many saturated fats could frustrate
the benefits of fats

The omega-3 are good, now there is a myriad of research to confirm this. It seems, however, that as an association consume a diet that spare no saturated fat, the positive effect can be completely lost. It is the hypothesis of an experimental research conducted so far only in rats, published in Hypertension.

RATTI -
The study, conducted by an international team of scientists assume that when the heart is "stressed out", as in the case of heart failure, diet rich in saturated fats can prevent heart cells to absorb fatty acids good polyunsaturated present in fish oil. Indeed, rats fed fish oil and a diet low in fat showed an increase in left ventricular mass (index of wholesale and poor cardiac function) of only 4 percent in those who eat fish oil and amount of saturated fat in the heart is' swollen 'by 36 percent. In addition, a diet low in saturated fat combined with omega-3 would activate some genes related to insufficient heart. "The current guidelines suggest limiting saturated fats to 7 percent of daily calories and to consume fish twice a week - say the authors -. Our data suggest that to maximize the beneficial effects of omega-3 patients to cardiovascular risk should involve a diet low in fat. " That, however, is not a suggestion so absurd.

DOUBTS - 'Everything has a rational basis - in fact, commented Claudio Galli of the Department of Pharmacological Sciences at the University of Milan, who for years involved in lipid metabolism and fatty acid omega-3 -. But the data will be confirmed and deepened, meanwhile, because it is a study in animals, and secondly because I do not seem particularly convincing. The rats, from which the world is the world, have a diet that provides an average of 3 per cent of fat: the experiment came to 10 percent of total calories in food "low-fat", even at 60 percent in the diet high in fat. Enormous even for a human being, which during evolution has adapted to eating fat (people who consume a greater amount to reach 38 per cent), a blunder for a rat. The experimental conditions are somewhat 'forced and results can only be inspired to make further inquiries. " That will probe other aspects secondary: for example, the baseline levels of omega-3, because the impact on cardiovascular health of a higher consumption or supplementation is different if a person is poor or has enough. "Even saturated fats are not all equal: some data, for example, seem to indicate that the stearic acid is less" bad "of palmitic - added Galli -. The amount of data collected on omega-3 is now huge, but we must also specify that there is some impact on confidence, others are less sure. We know for example that have antiarrhythmic, anti-inflammatories, which decrease the pressure and reduce triglycerides, however, does not lower cholesterol. If anything makes it more "fluid" and therefore less easy to rupture and thrombus formation of atherosclerotic plaque, because they promote the formation of LDL particles to larger, less easily leading to the occurrence of atherosclerosis, "concluded Galli.

The diet that helps the heart keeps the brain young

2009-08-15T18:39:00.000-07:00

The diet that helps the heart keeps the brain young

Foods recommended to reduce cardiovascular risk are a blessing .

Foods that are good for the heart keep the brain young. According to the latest data, presented in Vienna at the International Conference on Alzheimer's Disease, a table, you can do much to prevent or at least slow down Alzheimer's: the food that are typically recommended in the diet to reduce cardiovascular risk are a cure for the brain, and also vitamin D, and spices such as curry can reveal unsuspected talents protective.

DIET - The first study to be useful to research conducted by some doctors at the University of Utah, USA, who were testing the DASH diet . This is a diet designed to reduce the pressure, very similar in their tenets to the typical Mediterranean diet (lots of fruits and vegetables, nuts, whole cereals, fish, dairy products low in fat), try it on 3800 over 65 researchers have noticed that is also very good against Alzheimer's. Indeed, a re-evaluating 11 years after the first visit to the elderly involved an estimate of their cognitive abilities, it soon became clear that the more each member of the greater DASH diet, the more likely it was to keep the brain functioning and to protect from dementia . The elements of the diet associated to the anti-Alzheimer were vegetables, nuts, whole grains and dairy products low in fat: those who ate more of the brain was perfectly shaped and more than 75 years. The reason, according to scholars, it is quite intuitive: because this diet is very effective to keep the low pressure or hypertension is one of the recognized risk factors for Alzheimer's, the DASH diet is an excellent way to prevent disease .

THERAPY - Some went further. Milan Fiala, from the University of Los Angeles, has tried vitamin D and Curcumin, a substance found in curry, the serum of nine patients with Alzheimer's in an attempt to understand whether they can even have a therapeutic role. According to the first data collected and published in the Journal of Alzheimer's Disease, it looks so. Fiala isolated monocytes, blood cells that form the "garbage" and transformed into macrophages, clean fabrics from waste substances, their macrophages should remove the beta-amyloid, the protein that, when it aggregates in Alzheimer's forming plaques that "stifle" the cells of the brain. The monocytes of patients, made with vitamin D or Curcumin (natural or synthetic, that is more easily absorbed by our body and acts for longer), have shown greater activity "eat-amyloid: is better to attack the protein to incorporate and destroy faster and better. "In practice, vitamin D and Curcumin may stimulate the immune system to cleanse the brain of plaques of beta-amyloid - says Fiala -. In our previous work we demonstrated that there are two types of patients with Alzheimer's, those who respond to Curcumin and those which did not effect the first substance may even be a new therapeutic option, perhaps in combination with vitamin D since the two substances appear to act on the immune system and on macrophages in a somewhat 'different. In any case, Curcumin and vitamin D may have a preventive role against interesting of AD. At the moment, we can not show tilted in recommended doses. " That the curry can be good for the brain confirms Tiziana bag, Head of Cell Death and Neuroprotection in the Department of Neuroscience of the Mario Negri Institute of Milan: "Just this year another American scientist has conducted studies on curry, reaching to say that along with a balanced diet and exercise this spice can become the anti-Alzheimer future. For now, nothing confirmed, but hypotheses are interesting to explore and consider. "

OMEGA-3 - bag at the table confirms that we can do much to prevent the disease: "It was demonstrated, for example, a strong correlation between Alzheimer's and diabetes: the insulin receptors on the neurons of people with Alzheimer's will be reduced 80 percent compared to healthy brains. Therefore, the dietary rules of use in preventing diabetes are also applicable to the prevention of this neurodegenerative disease - explains the researcher -. Other nutrients that seem decidedly important to prevent the degeneration of AD are the omega-3 fatty acids, those of fish docosahexaenoico acid or DHA, found in high concentrations in cold water fish, significantly slows the development of reducing the disease of amyloid plaques. Are recommended for the prevention of coronary heart disease, heart attack and complications of diabetes are recommended to women during pregnancy: the current data suggest that should be made to keep your brain in shape longer. Finally - concludes bag - the vitamins of group B are considered excellent long allied against many degenerative diseases. "

Decalogue for protection from the flu: Preventive and precautionary measures for swine flu

2009-08-15T05:05:00.000-07:00

Decalogue for protection from the flu

While the numbers of infections appear to stabilize different countries, the Ministry of Health has launched a campaign to prevent infection with influenza A, the best measure to address the pandemic. These are the 10 key recommendations to prevent A/H1N1 virus.

1. Avoid contact with people whom they have been diagnosed with the disease.

2. Wash hands frequently. The influenza virus is transmitted through droplets of saliva and nasal secretions through coughing or sneezing. Wash hands for at least a minute to completely eliminate the pathogen.

3. Cover mouth and nose with a tissue when sneezing or coughing and then just throw the used tissue in the trash.

4. Clean more frequently surfaces of furniture, door knobs and other objects which may have become contaminated secretions.

5. Ventilate often stays. Thereby preventing the accumulation of particulate matter containing the virus.

6. If you are sick to avoid infecting other people following the advice of health professionals. An infected person can transmit the virus from one days before the onset of symptoms until a week later.

7. Avoid kissing and close contact and sharing cups, cutlery and other objects that may have been in contact with saliva or secretions. Thus, reducing the risk of infection.

8. Lead a healthy life for addressing the disease in better health. Eating fruits and vegetables rich in vitamins A and C (carrot, papaya, guava, orange, tangerine, lime, lemon and pineapple), or avoid exercise habits such as alcohol and snuff will improve their defenses.

9. It is important to avoid congestion and emergency services. If flu symptoms appear, you must go to your doctor .

10. If you plan to become pregnant, there is no need to delay their plans but you should know that pregnant women are a risk group.

Compound capable of eliminating the cancer stem cells found

2009-08-15T04:59:00.000-07:00

Found a compound capable of eliminating the cancer stem cells

* This cell population is rare and difficult to study in the laboratory
* The chemical compound that he was the target Salinomycin
* The substance is 100 times more powerful than those used in chemotherapy

They are responsible for the growth of tumors and their recurrence, and immune to conventional treatments against this disease. However, a team of researchers recently announced that it has found a chemical compound that attacks a selective stem cells of cancer. A discovery that opens a new avenue for the development of antitumor therapies, "according to the authors.

"Many treatments for cancer, but kill most tumor cells, ultimately fail because they do not eliminate the cancer stem cells that regenerate the tumor to survive," explained the researchers from Massachusetts Institute of Technology (USA) in pages of the journal 'Cell'.

These cells represent a small proportion of all those that make up a tumor, which makes their isolation and, moreover, is complicated to handle in the laboratory, a further obstacle to investigate them. To try and avoid these pitfalls, Piyush Gupta, the Department of Biology of the said center, and his colleagues manipulated samples of breast tumors to enhance the presence of stem cells.

After undergoing a process called epithelial-mesenchymal transition (important in phenomena such as the occurrence of metastases) Gupta and his team found that the number of stem cells had increased 100 times, as well as resistance to chemotherapy of the population.

After analyzed the effect of 16,000 compounds, including natural extracts and market principles on these cells. The process was simple: choose a group of cells was grown for one day, after adding the chemical agent and three days later analyzed whether cells had died and in what degree.

10% of the compounds reduced the viability of the crop but, of these, 98% did not selectively attack the cancer cells but also the rest. Of the 32 chemicals that showed selective toxicity against these cells, eight were selected for their properties to be subjected to more thorough examinations.
An antibiotic compound

After numerous tests, the researchers gave the winning candidate with the salinomycin, a compound with antibiotic properties that reduced 100-fold the proportion of cancer stem cells compared to paclitaxel, an anticancer very common. Furthermore, cells treated with salinomycin had less ability to cause tumors when injected into mice.

"To date, the anti-cancer therapies are designed to target specific genetic alterations present in tumors, the authors suggest. "Our findings indicate that there may be another useful way for its development: the search for agents directed at specific stages of differentiation of cancer cells." In the future, they conclude, the traditional drug treatments combined with other specially developed to eliminate cancer stem cells.

Causes, Treatment, cure, symptoms of Gingivitis

2009-08-14T18:52:00.000-07:00

Definition - Gingivitis

Gingivitis is a bacterial disease which causes mouth swelling and bleeding of the gums caused by food debris that get trapped between teeth and a null or poor oral hygiene. Too often their origin is caused by the growth of wisdom teeth that produces a concavity between toothache and gum is deposited where the pathogen or bacteria.

They also contribute in the development of gingivitis the accumulation of plaque, poor dental arrangements, defective closure of the teeth and the accumulation of food debris between teeth.

Are more common in childhood and adolescence in women due to hormonal changes that occur are also very common, especially during the menstrual period and pregnancy. In the latter, usually, gums become enlarged and swollen slightly.

Clinical

In its presentation simple, gingivitis manifests as an intense reddening of the gum around the base of the teeth, associated with a local swelling without causing pain. It is very common to bleed usually before the head trauma, such as brushing teeth.

One complication that can happen is the progression of the table to the depth of the gingiva, leading to periodontists.

Another form of presentation desacamativa is gingivitis, in which the above symptoms are intensified and it is very painful. This type of gingivitis is more common in menopausal women by falling levels of sex hormones.

This disease can be the first manifestation of a pattern of systemic, as a lack of vitamins, herpes virus infection, AIDS or diabetes. It should not be underestimated.

Treatment

Proper dental hygiene is the most practical way to prevent the installation of a gingivitis.

Daily brushing and flossing removes plaque effectively. It is ideal to be carried out regularly visiting the dentist or dental hygienist to perform a proper cleaning.

Besides proper hygiene, rinsing the mouth with liquids that contain substances that fight bacteria, contributes greatly to reverse the inflammation.

Symptoms

The symptoms of gingivitis are as follows:

Swollen gums
Mouth sores
Bright-red, or purple gums
Shiny gums
Swollen gums that emit pus
Severe oral odor
Gums that are tender, or painful to the touch.
Gums that bleed easily, even with gentle brushing, and especially when flossing.
Gums that itch with varying degrees of severity.