Osteoporosis

Osteoporosis is a common disease found in elderly adults. It is a disease of the bones that causes them to become fragile and brittle, easily broken and fractured.

This can be life threatening in older adults with their risks of health impairments and already having various impairments.

The density of the bone decreases and they become weaker and more prone to severe injury.

Osteoporosis can cause the bones to become abnormally porous, able to be compressed much like a sponge.

Normal bones are given their strength through a composition of protein, collagen, and calcium.

When Osteoporosis develops, these bones lose this composition and become porous, easily broken with the slightest injury that typically wouldn’t be strong enough to cause any type of fracturing.

This can occur in the hips and ribs frequently in the elderly and cause debilitating disability. In medical terms, with Osteoporosis, bone mineral density, or BMD decreases, allowing bone microarchitecture to be disrupted, changing the amount and variety of various proteins within the bone.

Osteoporosis is caused later in life, more often in women after menopause, yet still apparent within men. There are various causes, some that are attributed to diseases, medications, hormonal deficiencies, and some even diet-related.

There are various treatments used in order to provide better bone mass and improve the symptoms allowing the bones to gain some strength back and prevent the risk for severe injury. Quite often, Osteoporosis is seen as shrinking and slouching of the elderly body, and the decreased use and strength of the limbs.

There are many agencies that assist senior citizens in receiving care and assistance with osteoporosis as it can be quite difficult to manage without the appropriate health care. Family history can have an effect and the treatments chosen are likely to only provide relief and short term effects, more so than long term effective solutions. The best treatment is to prevent osteoporosis using the suggestions of physicians.

Symptoms

The earliest stages of osteoporosis show no symptoms. This doesn’t mean that it isn’t developing, which is why all elderly citizens are suggested to use preventative measures when aging begins to reach the later stages. When women reach menopause they are prompted to seek advice from a health care professional. The earliest stages are silent and run the course without any indication of a situation. It usually isn’t found until there is a bit of pain or a shrinking or slouching effect beginning.

Late Symptoms

The late stages of the disease present several symptoms including bone pain and tenderness as well as fractures from slight force. The first indication of the disease could be seen from an accidental fall that causes a bone fracture that is uncharacteristic for the type and force of the injury.

This gives many physicians the clue that there is an issue with bone mass and it could be linked to osteoporosis. The later stages of osteoporosis could also cause a severe loss of height through time, with as much as a six inch difference.

Low Back Pain

Low back pain can become severe and prevalent, as well as neck pain, which is all caused by tiny fractures of the spinal bones. Dowager’s hump is another condition that signifies osteoporosis and is the stooped posture that is signature of the disease.

Osteoporosis can remain a dormant disease for decades as there are no real symptoms until there are the first bone fractures that begin to continue and increase in severity.

Some of these fractures can even go without notice for years as the fractures can be very miniscule and not cause any significant pain or sensation. When fractures of the spine, or vertebra, occur, there are various symptoms such as band-like pain from the back out to the sides, as well as curving of the spine and loss of height.

Causes

There are several different causes of osteoporosis. Many of these causes are hereditary or even stemming from an imbalanced lifestyle.

There are various causes that are beyond your control, including

• Family medical history
• Gender of the individual
• Ethnic origin of the individual
• Family medical history can be a strong influence in your chances of developing osteoporosis.

Seen as a hereditary affliction, the instance of family members with osteoporosis could be a strong causing factor of the disease. There are various hormonal disorders that can actually cause osteoporosis by inhibiting the appropriate build of bone mass.

Osteoporosis is even seen to be caused by some medications including glucocorticoids. When this is the cause, the osteoporosis is termed steroid or glucocoricoid-induced osteoporosis.

Other Causes

Another major cause of osteoporosis is parathyroid gland disease, or hyperparathyroidism. This is a main cause of severe, young adult, or male gendered osteoporosis. It is a fairly easy cause to determine due to the untypical demographic affected.

Over excessive consumption of the dietary protein can also cause the disease, but is often ignored as a cause my many. When too much protein is consumed, calcium is stripped from the bones and expelled within the urine.

There are also several other causes of the disease such as

• Malabsorption
• Poor nutrition and health
• Low testosterone levels within males
• Chemotherapy causing early menopause
• Amenorrhea in young women

The various causes can differ and are often signified by those that are afflicted, as well as the severity of the disease. With males being less affected than women, it is an easier task to determine the cause when men are affected.

Risk Factors

One of the largest risk factors is being a female. Another is being a female going through menopause. With a family history of menopause, there is an even greater risk of about 25 to 80 percent. The actual risk factors of osteoporosis are non-modifiable and modifiable.

There are also various diseases in which osteoporosis has been identified as a side effect or complication associated with either the actual disease or its treatments. Men with a decrease in testosterone levels have a significant risk of developing the disease as well. Thos with a higher risk due to ethnicity are those of European or Asian descent.

Modifiable factors are those that can be changed or are causing osteoporosis as the individual encounters the risk willingly. Such causes include excess consumption of alcohol. This means consuming over three units of alcohol each day, especially when of a younger age.

This increases the risk for these individuals as they get older and aren’t building up the bone mass needed for a healthy structure. Vitamin D is another modifiable risk factor that can be avoided with the proper diet. Tobacco smoking and malnutrition are two more causes that contribute to the decrease in the development of bone mass.

Other risk factors include:

• High protein diets
• Underweight or inactive adults
• Excess physical stress
• Heavy metals including lead
• Sodas and caffeine-not highly supported

There are various medications as well such as long term use of heparin, phenytoin, or prednisone. These medications may be needed to combat other ailments and cannot be modified in some cases, however if there are medications that can increase the risk they should be discontinued if allowed.

Prevention Tips

There are several methods that can be taken as preventative measures to protect from the development of osteoporosis. These methods include lifestyle changes and medications. Avoiding an unhealthy diet or the overconsumption of protein, refraining from smoking, and avoiding excessive alcohol consumption can be great at preventing osteoporosis.

Exercise is also an effective prevention measure as there can be a bone density decrease without the proper exercise if there are other risks for osteoporosis present. Walking, jogging, as well as stair climbing with 70 to 90 percent of the maximum effort exerted at least three times per week has been shown to have a five percent increase in the bone density over 9 months. This can be an excellent method of preventing the disease from progressing or presenting health risks.

Any diet that is high in calcium and vitamin D will greatly prevent the occurrence of osteoporosis, offering a strengthening factor of the bone and an increase in bone density development. Combined, they are perfect for preventing bone fractures and are a low cost choice for prevention. Calcium carbonate is less expensive than calcium citrate, but the more expensive type can be much more effective and can even be taken without food.

SERM

Various medications prescribed to assist in the prevention of osteoporosis including a SERM, selective estrogen receptor modulator, raloxifene. Although estrogen replacement therapy has shown to be highly effective in prevention of osteoporosis, it is rarely recommended without various other indicators. For this reason, it is typically given to those that are the greatest at risk and the furthest from menopause at there has been some concern over the use of estrogen in women during the first decade after menopause has occurred.

Test and Diagnosis Considerations

In order to diagnose osteoporosis, a bone mineral density test will be performed, usually in the form of a densitometry or what is called a DEXA scan. This will measure how much bone is present compared to the normal amount. This will be used to predict any risks of future bone fractures due to the disease. There is also a spine CT scan that will show any loss of bone mineral density. In some rare cases, a QCT, or quantitative computed tomography will be used.

There are more severe cases in which a spine or even a hip X-ray may be necessary in showing the bone fractures or any collapse of the spinal bones, but this type of exam is ineffective at diagnosing or predicting whether or not someone has osteoporosis. If the osteoporosis is linked to any type of medical condition, there may be blood and urine tests that will identify any type of disorder.

Increased Mortality

Patients that are diagnosed with osteoporosis are more likely to have an increased mortality rate because of complications due to a fracture, however most patients don’t die from the disease, simply with it. If a hip fracture occurs, there can be various effects such as decreased mobility and other complications like a pulmonary embolism or even pneumonia.

There is an approximately 13.5% six month mortality rate that follows any hip fracture. Vertebral fractures don’t affect the mortality as much, however can cause severe chronic pain that is hard to manage, and even deformity in the patient’s form. Quality of life is severely impacted by osteoporosis, not allowing appropriate mobility and function.

Treatment Options

There are various objectives of osteoporosis treatment including controlling pain associated with the disease and slowing the progression of the disease. There are also treatments aimed at preventing any type of bone fractures by strengthening the bone.

A more comprehensive and physical treatment is aimed at preventing the risk of falls that are known to cause severe fractures in those affected by osteoporosis. There are several lifestyle changes and medicines that are used in order to treat and manage osteoporosis most effectively. Various newer alternative treatments are experimented and attempted showing differed effectiveness.

Herbal and Home Remedies

There are a great deal of natural and home remedies for osteoporosis, many proving to be quite effective in treating and assisting with the treatment of the disease. Such remedies include common bone building exercises. There should at least thirty minutes of some sort of weight bearing exercise like walking, jogging, and running, at least three times weekly.

This is a proven treatment that increases bone density significantly and can increase the progression and combat the disease. Water walking is a great idea for at about thirty minutes, three times weekly, as it is seen to support the body’s weight, decreasing joint pressure, but also providing the same effective bone strengthening.

Dandelion tea is made from the dandelion leaf and has been shown to promote the building of bone density. Increase Soy intake can assist in balancing the estrogen levels within women. There should be consumption of at least 40 mg each day of soy isoflavone supplements.

Chaste berry has also been shown to provide a hormone balance with the vitexicarpin and vitricin content. Taking 250 mg of the extract each day for two to three months can show a significant improvement.

Common Remedies

More common remedies are increasing calcium and vitamin D within the body to promote better bone density and a strengthened bone support, preventing the occurrence of fractures. The introduction of wholesome foods like Brussels sprouts and other vitamin K, and D rich foods, as well as those rich in calcium are quite essential to building and promoting healthy bones.

Medical Treatments

There are various medications used to treat the disease and appease the symptoms of osteoporosis. Such medications include bisphosphonates which are the primary medications used in postmenopausal women to treat and prevent the disease.

There are oral and intravenous medications with the oral medications the most commonly prescribed including

• Fosamax
• Boniva
• Actonel
• Calcitonin is another medication used and has shown effective in decreasing bone loss rate and relieving the pain associated with the disease.

There are side effects such as nasal irritation and nausea. The two main types of this medication are seen in nasal spray and injectable form but is shown to be less effective than bisphosphonates.

Hormone replacement or estrogen replacement therapies are sometimes used, but less often than others as they aren’t approved for treating women that have already been diagnosed with osteoporosis. If the treatment proves successful and there is no reaction to other forms of treatment, physicians may recommend continued use, otherwise it is a rare medical prevention method. There are various risks including infections and underlying health effects.

Parathyroid hormone treatments on the other hand are approved treatment for postmenopausal osteoporosis in women that are experiencing a severe form of the disease and have a higher risk of fractures. Teriparatide, or Forteo, is used through daily shots that are administered under the skin and can be taken at home. There are also other forms of hormonal treatment that are used to treat the disease.

Surgery

Surgery for osteoporosis isn’t possible as there can be no increase to bone mass density through surgical measures, however there is a vertebroplasty that is used to treat small fractures that may be present along the spinal column.

This surgery is also used to prevent week spinal bones from being fractured as the various bones strengthen as this can be a slight risk. There will be a type of fast-hardening glue injected into the fractured or week areas of the vertebrae, which is similar to kyphoplasty that uses balloons in order to spread the spaces for the glue.

Osteoporosis can be a very debilitating disease in that it restricts mobility and severely compromises the quality of life for those affected.

With women being a main candidate for osteoporosis after menopause, it is encouraged that they take much more care of their bones and ensure they live a life that includes healthy choices in diet and exercise, promoting the bones to develop strong and structured.

Rheumatism

Rheumatism, also referred to as rheumatic disorder, involves various medical problems that affect the joints and connective tissue within the body. Any study of the disorder and the treatments of it is called rheumatology.

Rheumatism isn’t typically used to name any specific disorder, as the traditional term is used to describe a wide range of various medical problems. There are various types and there are various intentions for the term. For instance, while some link arthritis to rheumatism, there can be non-articular rheumatism that is called regional pain syndrome and soft tissue rheumatism with no link to arthritis.

Together, rheumatism and arthritis can be used to describe up to 200 different disorders and conditions.

Various types of rheumatic disorders include

• Ankylosing spondylitis
• Back pain
• Bursitis and tendinitis
• Capsulitis
• Neck pain
• Rheumatic fever
• Systemic lupus erythematosus
• There are minimal connections between these various disorders; however, they share two common characteristics that make them relative in the rheumatic sense.
• These disorders each cause chronic and sporadic pain and are very difficult to treat. T
• hey are also quite common within society and are seen as common ailments presented to physicians when associated with pain or discomfort.
• There have been autoimmune disorders classed as rheumatism due to pain infliction and affected other organs.
• These diseases were later found to be not of rheumatic origin, but immune deficiencies that attack the joints and connective tissue, as well as muscles and joints.
• Various diseases can cause rheumatic disorders that are quite common and identified complications.

There are also forms of rheumatism that can occur do to repeating the same motion for a long period of time. This can cause disorders like Carpal Tunnel Syndrome which is identified as non-articular rheumatism.

This can be caused by poor typing posture as well as any positions or activities in which there will be repeated motion.

Temporamandibular Joint Syndrome, or TMJ, is another type of non-articular rheumatism that can affect the joints within the jaws. This can cause the jaw to be stuck open or shut, or even cause a painful pop and click whenever the jaw is moved.

Symptoms

The most common symptoms of rheumatism are

• Fever
• Pain
• Intense soreness in the joints
• Stiffness when bending and moving

When acute rheumatism disorders are onset, there will be various symptoms of fever and severe soreness and pain. This could erupt unexpectedly and can cause extreme sensitivity.

Rheumatism has been seen to even cause sensitivity from items like clothing and other thin and very light items. If improper treatment is administered or there is no adequate treatment provided, the acute stage can move to chronic, causing severe pain and stiffness within the affected muscles. This pain can be felt within most of the joints, causing swelling and severe soreness.

There are seven main symptoms that are listed as the main signs and symptoms for rheumatism

• Signs of underlying disorder
• Joint pain
• Joint swelling and sometimes redness
• Severe and moderate back pain
• Lung symptoms
• Heart symptoms
• Eye symptoms

There can be instances of loss of sleep due to painful nights that inhibit appropriate rest. Improper urination has also been attributed to rheumatism. One of the most severe symptoms includes coma, which is extremely rare and not a common case. The most common cases of rheumatism either involve acute pain that changes in severity over time or the effects of a disease or disorder.

Causes

The first step to researching and understanding the cause of some cases of rheumatism, it may be necessary to research the causes of the various diseases that are classified as rheumatism disorders.

These include

• Arthralgia
• Rheumatoid arthritis
• Osteoporosis
• Joint pain
• Caplan syndrome
• Felty syndrome

There are a variety of conditions that list rheumatism as a potential complication. These conditions could be the root cause of the disorder experienced such as Sydenham chorea.

There are also various conditions that list rheumatism as a symptom that can be the cause such as Cycad nut poisoning. There are also various infections that can cause rheumatism and various related disorders.

Some various infections such as intestinal autotoxemia, metabolic disturbance, and arterio-sclerosis can cause rheumatism, typically in the acute and articular types that can be sub-acute.

Risk Factors

There have been various risk factors found to cause a significant increase in the likelihood that developing a rheumatic disorder will occur.

These factors include the various diseases and conditions that could cause these disorders including osteoarthritis. This occurs when there is inherited cartilage weakness or there has been excessive stress on joints from a repeated injury or various activities.

Various other disorders include:

• Lupus
• Rheumatoid arthritis
• Scleroderma
• There are also various genetic factors as well as environmental triggers that have been found to have an increase in the risk of forming a rheumatism disorder.
• With a family history of various diseases like gout and Ankylosing spondylitis, there is also an increased risk of developing a rheumatic disorder.
• Women generally have a higher risk due to the fact that they are more apt to forming these and other related diseases that have been found to cause one form of rheumatism or another.
• There really is no specific group that isn’t afflicted with rheumatism as there can be occurrences in all genders and ages, as well as ethnicities and races.
• Nine out of ten people afflicted with Lupus are women, as well as fibromyalgia.
• Lupus also occurs at least three times more in African American females than Caucasian females.
• Men have more of a risk for Ankylosing spondylitis than women.
• Any disease that may affect the muscles, joints, soft tissue, and bones can cause symptoms and occurrence of rheumatism.
• Those who take various medications that have listed these disorders as a common side effect are also more at risk of developing the disorder than those who do not.

Prevention Tips

There are various preventative measures that can be taken in order to prevent the occurrence of rheumatism. These tips are great at avoiding and preventing the various disorders and diseases, as well as deficiencies that could have an influence in causing rheumatic disorders.

These tips include

• Avoid eating sour foods like curds and cheese
• Avoid eating cold fruits
• Maintain a balanced diet
• Include many green leafy vegetables, plenty of fresh fruit, whole grains, etc.
• Limit junk, oily, and spicy foods

These preventative measures can increase the body’s strength, immunity, and defense against various disorders and diseases that are known to cause rheumatism.

Test and Diagnosis Considerations

Testing and diagnosing rheumatism is very difficult as it can present various other diseases and disorders. It can be difficult in pinpointing rheumatism as an actual affliction, and many of the various disorders resemble other disorders. Many times a physician will refer the patient to a rheumatologist who can provide the most comprehensive analysis and treatment options.

A rheumatologist will typically review a great deal of the patient’s background, including any family history as well as a physical examination and an X-ray in some cases. The X-ray is more of a deductive measure that allows the health care professional to rule out any fractures or breaks when determining the cause for the pain and other symptoms. There are also various laboratory tests that may be conducted in order to provide a better insight into the condition at hand.

There may be several visits and tests needed before an accurate diagnosis is provided. This is because there will be a great deal of deductive evaluation to rule out various disorders and diseases that could be the true condition. The genetic history can be a strong indicator of the condition, providing a great basis for diagnosis. Individuals afflicted with conditions that are known to cause rheumatic disorders are also need to know information when diagnosing the condition.

Treatment Options

There are various treatments for rheumatic disorders that typically depend on the specific disorder that is present. There are other influences for the proper treatment such as the severity of the disease that is present and the actual patient and their health.

There are various types of therapies that include

• Rest and relaxing
• Appropriate light conditioning exercise
• Appropriate nutritional diet
• Various medications
• Appropriate use of joints and movements to conserve energy

Herbal and Home Remedies

There are several herbal and home remedies that are suggested for alleviating rheumatism symptoms and treating the condition. There are many household items and products that are useful and can provide a cost-efficient way of treating the affliction.

• Potato juice: one to two tsp before meals
• Cod liver oil: one tsp in orange juice before bed
• Apple cider vinegar and honey: two tsp in warm water
• Carrot juice and lemon juice: equal portion in one spoonful
• Oil of wintergreen, chloroform, and rubbing alcohol: 1:3:12 mixture

Some of the herbal and home remedies can create a great compress, while others provide a nutritional or consumed supplement that will provide support for the functions and defenses needed to combat rheumatism and its symptoms.

Massage with ajwain oil is highly recommended as it can decrease swelling and pain in joints, while tomato juice is a great and beneficial common drink that can cure rheumatism. This is one of the most beneficial treatments as tomatoes provide a support in absorbing iron in the blood.

The most common herbal remedies include the consumption of tea from alfalfa leaves which can safely be consumed up to six times a day. This is a great herbal tea for assisting in the dissolution of residues that have been left in the body. Indian gooseberry, most commonly in powder form and served with two tsp of jaggery. Winter cherry is another herb that is quite effective when the extract from the root is used in treatment for rheumatism. Pulp from Indian aloe leaves can provide great treatment and relief of the condition as well.

Medical Treatments

There are three main general classes of pharmacological drugs that are used which are

• Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs
• Corticosteroids
• Disease modifying anti-rheumatic drugs

The initial step taken to treat rheumatologic diseases is to use analgesics including paracetamol, as well as NSAIDS including

• Ibuprofen
• Aspirin
• Diclofenac

Some of the most commonly used DMARDs for the treatment of rheumatism are

• Arava
• Enbrel
• Remicade
• Humira
• Orencia
• Rituxan
• Corneal deposit
• Extraocular muscular weakness
• Sensitivity to light
• Retinopathy

There are many more medications that can be targeted more aggressively by these DMARDs. Generally, there is a combination of NSAIDs and DMRARDs allowing pain relief until the DMARDs are able to take effect.

There are gastrointestinal disturbances that have been linked to the use of NSAIDs, including ulcers and other gastrointestinal disorders. NSAIDs have also been shown to impair renal function in various patients leading to the retention of salts, development of edema, and high blood pressure.

Hydroxychloroquine is another form of treatment in the form of antimalarial drugs that are considered safe and quite effective. Chloroquine is another example of an antimalarial drug.

The most common side effects include

Surgery

There are some cases when treatment is not received well by the condition and surgery becomes an option for those who are seeking to treat rheumatism. There can be various types of surgeries, typically associated with the type of disorder that is present and the severity of such, as well as the location and the impairment. These surgeries could include re-strengthening bones and repairing fractures as well as removing diseased tissue and muscle.

Rheumatism is a more difficult condition as it is very broad and general and can explain several different disorders and conditions that cause chronic pain and debilitation such as immobility and stiffness. There are many people plagued with one rheumatic disorder or the other, as it is a very common condition that can be signified by several different indicating symptoms that can also resemble other diseases and disorders. The actual testing and diagnosis of rheumatism is very difficult and will involve a very deductive nature, seeking to rule out possible conditions that could be the actual cause of the pain and other symptoms

With many treatments, there is mainly a combination of analgesic medications accompanying the effective treatment with DMARDS and other effective therapies. The best way to prevent rheumatism is to follow the practices necessary to avoid various related disorders and the diseases and ailments that list rheumatism as a complication associated.

Bronchitis

Bronchitis is a disease that is characterized by a severe inflammation of the main air passages that stem from the lungs. There are two different types of bronchitis, one being acute (short-lived) and the other lasting a long time and often reoccurring or chronic.

Alternative Names for Bronchitis

Other names for bronchitis include Acute Bronchitis, Chronic Bronchitis, and Industrial Bronchitis. These are all distinct forms of bronchitis and are treated differently and caused by different circumstances.

Symptoms of Bronchitis

Acute bronchitis usually subsides within 7 to 10 days.

Acute bronchitis usually consists of a lingering cough and is accompanied by the following symptoms

• Shortness of breath, especially following physical activities
• Wheezing
• Difficulty breathing normally
• Clear, white, or yellowish mucus that is released during coughs
• Extreme discomfort in the internal chest region

Chronic bronchitis is very similar to acute bronchitis in that the symptoms are almost identical. The biggest difference between chronic bronchitis and acute bronchitis is that chronic bronchitis tends to linger for long periods of time or have a recurring affect.

Industrial bronchitis also exhibits the same types of symptoms but is characterized by its cause. Industrial bronchitis can be the result from prolonged exposure to chemicals, fumes, dusts, gas, and other dangerous substances.

High fevers may also accompany the bronchitis virus and can reach up to 101 to 102 degrees Fahrenheit. While a high fever may be present, it is not always a sign of bronchitis. Fevers can cause the body to feel tired throughout the day. Another common symptom of acute bronchitis is a feeling of tightness, pain, or burning throughout the chest region. This pain may become worse when the patient coughs or takes a deep breath.

Resulting Conditions

It can be difficult to tell the difference between the symptoms that are associated with acute bronchitis and other diseases such as pneumonia and asthma.

While bronchitis may not be considered a serious illness, pneumonia and asthma can be deadly. For this reason, it is important to see a physician who can properly diagnose these symptoms as being either acute bronchitis or some other illness. If you or a family member is experiencing more than one of these systems it is important to receive proper medical care.

Causes of Bronchitis

The leading cause of chronic bronchitis is smoking. Extensive smoking exposes the body to dangerous chemicals found in cigarettes and other forms of tobacco. These chemicals and substances cause a severe irritation in the bronchial tubes which can lead to chronic bronchitis. Second-hand smoke is also a factor in determining whether or not you are at risk of chronic bronchitis.

Most forms of acute bronchitis is caused by an infection of the epithelium of the bronchi due to exposure to a virus. A common form of the bronchitis virus that affects infants is known as Respiratory Syncytial Viruses, or RSV.
Bronchitis is contagious and parents are advised to keep their children indoors and home from school until the virus is destroyed. This act will protect other children from being exposed to the highly contagious bronchitis virus.

Bacteria and chemicals are also known causes of bronchitis. Bronchitis most often occurs during flu and cold season due to the environment which allows bronchitis viruses to survive.

Risk Factors of Bronchitis

Because smoking is one of the leading causes of bronchitis, people who smoke or chew tobacco are at the greatest risk.

People who have a history of asthmatic and other respiratory problems are also at a higher risk of bronchitis.

Elderly people, infants, and small children tend to be at a much higher risk for acute bronchitis than young adults and teenagers.

This trend is due to the weaker immune systems of people within the more susceptible age groups.

Chronic bronchitis is not typically found in young children, but is most common in adults over the age of 45.

Women have been shown to be at a much higher risk for chronic bronchitis than men.

Women account for over two times as many chronic bronchitis cases than men.

Existing lung diseases greatly increase the risk of a person to catch the bronchitis virus. These lung diseases can include conditions such as asthma and trouble breathing.

Factory employees who work closely with dangerous chemicals, asbestos, carbon dioxide, dusts and other harmful substances are also at an increased risk of attracting the industrial bronchitis virus. Industrial bronchitis is also more prevalent in large cities where air pollution, allergies, and infections are more common.

Prevention Tips Against Bronchitis

Environment and lifestyle tend to be the greatest causes of bronchitis. For this reason, there are many preventative measures that can be taken to protect ourselves against the viral disease.

The following are a few suggestions to prevent bronchitis

• Avoid the spread of the virus by avoiding people with colds. It is common knowledge that the less you are exposed to a virus or disease, the greater the chance you will have of avoiding the disease altogether.
• Get vaccinated. By receiving an annual flu vaccine you will be able to protect yourself from getting influenza, or the flu. Many cases of bronchitis stem from cases of the flue, so by reducing your chances of getting the flu you are also reducing the risk of bronchitis.
• Avoid smoking. This preventative measure includes avoiding secondhand smoke. Tobacco is one of the greatest causes of bronchitis and other diseases. Not only will you be protecting yourself from getting the virus, but you will also be protecting your children and family members.
• Regularly wash your hands. One of the best ways to prevent catching a viral infection is to have good hygiene. Good hygiene includes a frequent washing of the hands and the use of an effective hand sanitizer. Even when practicing this good hygiene it is important to avoid excessive rubbing of the nose and eyes.
• Wear a mask during flu season. When a large flu epidemic breaks out, it is important to have access to simple face masks that will prevent the spread of disease.
• Take vitamins regularly. By taking a daily vitamin and ensuring proper nutrition, the body’s immune system will be able to more effectively combat any external predators to the respiratory system. Proper health is the best protection against all vitamins.
• Perform regular exercise. Similar to taking daily vitamins, the habit of regular exercise will protect your body from unwanted diseases, viruses, and illness. It is important to set up a regular plan of exercise in order to protect your respiratory system from the attack of a bronchitis virus.

Tests and Diagnosis Considerations for Bronchitis

Most family and general practitioners will have the machines necessary in order to determine if you are infected with the bronchitis virus. If they are unable to determine the cause of the symptoms, he or she may refer you to a pulmonologist for further diagnosis.

There are a few tests that a physician will perform in order to determine if you have bronchitis. Most doctors will assume that if there is not a cough associated with the sickness that bronchitis is not the issue. However, they may deem it necessary to perform the tests even without the accompaniment of a cough.

The first test most physicians will perform is to listen for wheezing and other sounds within your lungs that are not normal. This is done using a standard stethoscope, similar to those used to hear a heart beat.

An x-ray is also important in order to rule out cases such as pneumonia. Physicians will take a sample of mucus from the throat in order to detect the presence of unwanted bacteria or the flu virus. You may also undergo certain blood tests and possibly a pulmonary function test in order to rule out other diseases such as lung cancer or pneumonia. If your physician determines that you may be afflicted with some other disease, he or she may refer you to a specialist in order to receive further diagnosis and treatment.

Treatment Options for Bronchitis

Herbal and Home Remedies

There are several methods of treating bronchitis at home, but if the symptoms do not subside within a few days it should be recommended to visit with a physician. One of the most common ways to recover from bronchitis is to drink lots of hot fluids, such as herbal teas, to wash away and clean out the infected mucus. Many vegetables such as peppers and onions have anti-pyretic and expectorant properties which are effective in combating fevers and other symptoms of bronchitis.

Herbal supplements such as Echinacea and astragalus are commonly known to be antivirals, meaning they can fight existing viruses within the body and also protect against unwanted viruses. Other herbs such as pau d’arco, reishi, and maitake mushrooms are also taken in addition to other herbs to combat acute and chronic bronchitis.
Vitamins are among the most important supplements in warding off the bronchitis virus. Vitamin C is an especially effective antiviral. Antioxidants, Vitamin A, and flavonoids are also vital to the bodies antiviral immune system.

Because most of these herbs and vitamins are natural, there are no significant risks associated with them.

Pharmaceutical Treatments

Antibiotics are typically used to kill or stop the growth of a dangerous type of bacteria. They are only taken if the patient has no other significant health problems. For acute bronchitis, most scientists recommend that antibiotics are not take.

Acute bronchitis patients are typically told to get plenty of rest and drink lots of fluids. This process will typically kill the virus or flush it out of the body’s system. However, if the bronchitis becomes chronic or is causes by industrial activities such as gas or chemicals, antibiotics can be prescribed in order to prevent other disease, such as lung disease, from becoming present.

Although prescription drugs have not been proven to significantly help in the fight against bronchitis, your doctor may prescribe a type of medicine called a bronchodilator. The purpose of this treatment is to dilate the patients airways and allow the lungs to transport air more easily.

A bronchodilator is not taken as a pill or liquid drug, but is rather inhaled through a machine. The inhaler is similar to those used by people with sever asthma.
If chronic bronchitis does not subside within a few months, your physician may require that you take steroids. Though steroids prevent some slight health hazards, they will allow your body’s immune system to get the nourishment it needs and hopefully kill off the bronchitis virus.

Surgical Treatments

There is no known surgical operation that successfully treats bronchitis. However, if you happen to be preparing for some other type of surgery and experience symptoms of bronchitis it is important to alert your surgeon. Bronchitis patients have been known to react poorly to surgical anesthetics.

Zits

Zits are a common problem for adolescents, but they can affect people of all ages. Zits are also commonly known as pimples or acne.

Specific types of zits are called blackheads or whiteheads depending on the color that forms at the apex of the zit.

Zits can occur on any part of the body, but they tend to occur most often on the face and back.

Common Zit Symptoms

Most zits occur as small, red bumps in the skin. They may itch or be sensitive to the touch. As a zit progresses, it will grow larger and more pronounced. A white or black colored dot sometimes forms at the very top of the zit, hence the name whitehead or blackhead.

Once the head has fully formed, the zit may rupture and leak a small amount of clear liquid. Ruptured zits can form sores that bleed and cause scars. In advanced cases of acne, zits will grow in clusters that contain several zits in a compact area. Zit clusters are more likely to form scars and permanent discoloration of the affected area.

Normal Causes for Zits

Clogged Hair Follicles

Zit formation is caused by a clog in the base of the hair follicles underneath the skin. Generally the clog is made up of dead skin cells that have sloughed off naturally. When the follicle becomes clogged, inflammation builds up and creates a zit.

Propionibacterium

Bacteria that lives on the skin also helps with the formation of zits. Propionibacterium produce enzymes that convert the normal oils into an irritating substance that causes inflammation, which leads to pimples.

Hormones

Androgens are hormones that can cause zits to form as well. People tend to experience a surge in androgens during their adolescence, which is why teenagers typically suffer from acne more often than older adults. These hormones increase the size of the skin’s pores and increase production of skin oils. As more oil is produced, the bacteria has more opportunities to create irritation.

Genetics

There has been some indication that zits are caused by heredity as well. Research is currently being conducted to discover the link between genetics and zits.

Risk Factors for Zits

Age

All adolescents are at risk for developing zits because of the increase in Androgens in their systems. Anyone going through puberty has a higher risk of developing acne, but the symptoms will generally disappear on their own once puberty is finished.

Skin Composition

People who have naturally oily skin also have a tendency to develop zits more easily.

Emotions and Hormones

Some people may develop zits when they become overly stressed. Hormonal changes, such as a woman’s menstrual cycle, can also cause zits to form.

Tips for Zit Prevention

The most powerful method of reducing zit breakouts is preventing them in the first place. When the proper steps are taken to reduce the possibility of zits it is much easier to control them because there will be fewer zits to control.

People who suffer from chronic skin disorders that cause pimples may not have much opportunity to control their symptoms, but the general population will find that a little bit of prevention can go a long way toward a zit-free complexion.

Keep it Clean

The simplest way to reduce the number of zits that form is to wash the areas that are most prone to zit formation at least twice a day. Using a strong cleanser can help keep the hair follicles from becoming clogged, as well as clear away excess oils that can exacerbate clogged follicles.

Washing regularly also removes excess skin cells so that they will not build up in the hair follicles. It is not necessary to scrub the skin with force. A gentle application of soap and water will be effective.

Keep Hands Away from Face

Hands contain oil, which can be transferred to the face easily by regular contact. Resting the chin or cheek on the hands can cause substances to be pressed into the hair follicles more directly, which can lead to zit formation.

Reduce Stress

Try to avoid elongated periods of high stress. Stress can deteriorate health very quickly, causing symptoms that include outbreaks of zits.

Healthy Diet

Avoid junk food as much as possible. Oily foods can create conditions that are ideal for the formation of zits.

Hair Care

Long hair contains natural oils that can collect dust and other particles from the air. As a person moves, the oils and particles in the hair can rub on to the skin and create pimples.

Individuals who suffer from extreme zits may choose to cut their hair so that it doesn’t have an opportunity to come into contact with their skin.

Drink Plenty of Water

At least 8 glasses of water are recommended to maintain skin health. The water helps flush toxins from the body’s system and keeps skin moisturized.

Avoid Oil-based Cosmetics

Wearing an oil-based product on your face for 8 hours every day will only serve to create more zits instead of help to get rid of them. Wear water based makeup when necessary. If possible, avoid wearing makeup at all if you are prone to zit breakouts.

How Zits are Diagnosed

Zits can be easily recognized by their appearance and life cycle. Normal zits will be visible for a week to ten days on average. Some acne requires assistance from a dermatologist, however.

Symptoms that indicate the need to visit a doctor include

• Zits that do not diminish over a natural course of time
• Zits that are extremely painful and cause visible scarring
• Sudden cases of zits that are accompanied by fever or illness

Women who begin to develop facial hair near zit outbreaks, or notice a substantial change in their menstrual cycles should see a specialist to determine the underlying cause of these symptoms.

Home Remedies

Depending on their severity, zits can usually be managed through home remedies very comfortably.

Organic treatments are the safest and least invasive way to handle acne without using harsh chemicals.

Most of these options involve fresh food products that most people keep in their pantries on a regular basis. Each of these remedies takes advantage of the natural properties of the foods and how they interact with a person’s skin.

Honey Mask

Once a week apply natural honey to areas that are prone to acne development. The antibacterial nature of honey will clear the harmful bacteria from the skin, as well as provide a healthy way to clear away blemishes.

Yogurt and Oatmeal

Mix fine oatmeal into an unflavored yogurt. Apply thoroughly to the face and allow to dry. Wash away with mild soap and warm water. Yogurt contains natural antibacterial elements that reduce the amount of bacteria on the face.

Lime Juice

There are several natural zit treatments that include lime juice. Ointments can be made by mixing lime juice with groundnuts, lime juice with boiled milk, or applying straight lime juice directly to zits. Lime juice is also effective when mixed with rose water or powdered pomegranate skins. The acidic nature of lime juice counteracts the oil that can lead to zit formation.

Mint

Fresh mint juice is a natural way to dry the oils from the face. Mint can be ground into a paste and mixed with other elements, like milk, and then applied directly to areas where zits are already forming. The mint will reduce the inflammation by drawing the moisture away from the zit as it forms.

Tomato Paste

Ripened tomatoes contain similar acids as lime juice. Tomato paste can be applied directly to existing pimples to make them go away faster.

Vitamins and Herbal Remedies

Several vitamins and herbal treatments can help control stubborn zit breakouts. Herbal methods will not control acne symptoms forever, but they do work well with other preventative measures to reduce the number of breakouts and provide a better chance of maintaining a clear complexion.

Some of the most effective vitamins for controlling acne include

• Niacin
• Vitamin A
• Vitamin E

Herbal remedies that are the most effective include ointments that have the following natural ingredients

• Fenugreek
• Orange Peel
• Lemon
• Lime
• Garlic
• Mint Juice
• Coriander
• Epsom Salts
• Cucumber
• Tea Tree Oil
• German Chamomile
• Licorice Root
• Calendula
• Witch Hazel
• Flaxseed
• Flaxseed Oil

Most of these treatments are meant to be applied directly to existing outbreaks of zits. Some herbal remedies, such as epsom salts and witch hazel extract, work best when used as a steam or soaking bath. The thing that all of these herbal remedies have in common is that they reduce the amount of oil in the skin, which reduces the possibility of clogged follicles that lead to zits.

When using herbal remedies, it is important to remember that they are the most effective when they restore a balance to your body’s system. Zits can be an indication of other internal problems that can be helped through the use of herbs in the proper amounts. If herbal remedies are not effective in treating acne and it continues to flare up, it is a good idea to visit a dermatologist to find out if there are pharmaceutical methods that may be more helpful in eradicating zit problems.

Over the Counter Zit Medications

Most of the over the counter medications that are designed to reduce the occurrence of zits contain Benzoyl Peroxide as their main ingredient. The peroxide penetrates deep into the skin and dries out infected and swollen hair follicles to arrest the development of zits. Peroxide also kills any bacteria that is present, which protects the skin from further irritation.

There are several well-known brands of over the counter zit medication that provide a good amount of relief from zit symptoms

• Neutrogena
• Clearasil
• Oxy-10
• Persa Gel
• Stri-dex
• Oxy Night Watch

These brand name products come in different strengths and can offer specific relief from different types of acne. Clearasil, for example, offers treatments that focus on adult acne as well as adolescent zit problems. Most over the counter creams and cleansing pads can be used once daily for the best results. They are designed to be used after the face has been washed thoroughly with normal soap and water.

Prescription Zit Medications

Some people suffer from chronic acne that resists home remedies and over the counter treatments. In extreme cases, it can be necessary to consult a dermatologist for more powerful pharmaceutical options. There are several different prescription medications that can be used to treat chronic acne. The effectiveness of each type of medication depends on the chemical makeup of each patient’s skin and the severity of the zits that are being treated.

Here is a short list of some prescription medications that are available through a dermatologist

• Azelex
• Differin
• Brevoxyl
• Benzac AC
• Clindets
• Benzamycin
• Accutane
• Minocin
• Novacet
• Tazorac
• Retin-A

This list is by no means comprehensive. It is just a small sample of the many different prescription medications that are available to treat chronic and severe acne problems.

Many doctors will prescribe birth control pills to girls and women who suffer from acne because the extra estrogen that they provide seems to have a positive effect on clearing the skin. Girls seem to have an easier time with zits because excess estrogen blocks the androgen hormones that increase the production of zits. Using birth control pills to increase the estrogen is an option that is only available to girls who suffer from severe zit breakouts.

Side Effects of Prescription Medication

Prescription medications can have some side effects which are important to note. The most common problems that patients report are crusting and blistering of the treatment area, staining of the teeth, and allergic reactions. Any unusual symptoms that seem to result from using a zit medication should be reported to a doctor immediately to avoid any further complications. Side effects from most zit prescriptions are very rare. Most patients experience an improvement in the clarity of their skin without any other health problems becoming evident.

What Causes Sunburn

Being in direct sunlight for a prolonged period of time can result in sunburn, which is a painful burn caused by ultraviolet light on the surface of the skin. Ultraviolet light is broken down into two categories: UVA and UVB rays. Both can cause sunburn. Tanning beds have been designed to emit both of these rays and, therefore, can also cause sunburn.

The amount of time it takes to get a sunburn differs from person to person, though those with light colored or fair skin are often more susceptible to receiving burns on their skin from the suns rays. The reason for this is that their skin possesses less melanin; giving it both it’s lighter color and making it more likely to be burned after long period of sun exposure.

Avoiding & Protecting

Though sunburn is painful, completely avoiding exposing your skin to UV rays is a bad idea. In order to produce the needed quantity of Vitamin D, the human body requires sunlight. The key is not to overly-expose the skin to unnecessary amounts of UV rays.

The problem with this is that knowing how much is too much often requires experience sunburn in the first place. It will depend on the amount of melanin in an individual’s skin.

Sunburn, also know as sun poisoning, is not easily detected before the damage is already done. For the most part, the symptoms of sunburn do not begin to manifest until several hours after UV rays have burned the skin. The worst part of having sunburn will usually occur around twenty-four hours after the initial over-exposure.

Symptoms of Sunburn

The symptoms of sunburn can vary depending on the severity of the burn. Mild sunburn, for example, is a first-degree burn, and will have less severe symptoms. A third-degree sunburn will be much more painful and will be accompanied by more symptoms.

Symptoms of minor sunburn can be as simple as irritation of the skin, manifesting in a reddish color. Though uncomfortable, sunburn of this degree is rarely overly painful.

Severe Burns

A more severe sunburn can cause blisters. These often appear as bubbled up skin filled with a water-like fluid. This is the body’s way of trying to remove the sun poising from the skin. When the blisters “pop” this fluid is removed. The skin beneath the blistered area will often be sore and irritated once exposed to the elements.

Severe sunburn can also cause the body to go into shock. The circulation of the blood to the body’s organs can be effected, causing this condition. Symptoms of this degree can cause death and should therefore be taken seriously. This severity of sunburn usually requires medical attention.

More Symptoms

Sunburn symptoms can also include; flu-like symptoms, chills, fever, nausea and vomiting. Due to the skin being exposed to massive amounts of sun, sunburn can also be accompanied by dehydration and an imbalance of electrolytes.

Due to the frequency of dehydration accompanying sunburn, many people also experience headaches when they are sunburned. If sunburn is severe enough to cause blisters; there is a risk of infection. Blisters should be cleaned with some sort of antiseptic to avoid such infections.

Losing Skin

Another symptom of sunburn is the loss of skin. Several days after being over exposed to UVA/UVB rays, skin often dries out and begins to peel. This skin will soon after come unattached from the remaining skin, exposing the under-layer of skin to the elements.

This new skin can sometimes feel tight and uncomfortable. In the worst types of sunburn this process can be painful. In lesser conditions, the process is usually little more than an annoyance. The skin peeling stage of sunburn can occur anywhere from four to eight days after the initial sun exposure.

Cures and Remedies for Sunburn

Though there are many remedies than can make sunburn heal quicker, there is no cure that will immediately do away with this condition. Most of the medicinal and natural remedies for sunburn are geared toward removing the stinging sensation from the skin and returning it to a more natural color.

One very popular remedy for sunburn is Aloe vera. Many over-the-counter products exist containing the juice of the Aloe vera plant. It can be found in a variety of gels and ointments. This plant juice helps to lubricate the skin, making the condition less painful.

Many say it also removes the pain of the burn. In addition to purchasing products made from Aloe vera, it is also possible to extract the juice from the plant its self and topically apply it to the skin. Bath products also exist containing extract from this plant. Some find that adding these to their bath water also gives the same effect.

Taking a Cool Bath

Many find that taking a cool bath can help remove much of the pain from having sunburn. Though cool water can be good for the skin in this condition, cold bath water should be avoided. In cases of extreme sunburn exposing the skin to cold water can cause the body to go into shock.

Cold temperatures restrict blood flow. If the body is already nearing shock, taking a cold-water bath can push it over the edge into a dangerous state. If you believe you are nearing such a condition, seek medical attention immediately.

While taking a cool bath, many find that adding vinegar to the water can help to remove the sting of sunburned skin. Others say that putting cooked oatmeal into the water is more soothing. Which of these works better is a matter of personal preference.

Packing the Damaged Skin

Packing the wounded skin with cooked oatmeal is another method to reduce the severity of sunburn. In order to do this properly it is important to wait until the oatmeal has cooled to add it to the skin. Putting it in the refrigerator can help to speed this process.

Once it has cooled, pack the skin and allow the oatmeal to dry in place. When you decide to remove the oatmeal poultice, take a cool shower. Once again, avoid cold water as if can cause shock.

Calamine Extract

Calamine extract is another herbal remedy for sunburn. Both lotions containing this plant and using the plant itself can remove the stinging sensation associated with sunburn. As far as herbal remedies go, one can also use the root of the plant colloquial called Touch-Me-Nots.

Potatoes can also come in handy when trying to cure sunburn. In order to do this you should first wash the potatoes well. Once they are cleaned, cut them into small pieces and blend them until they have been liquefied. After the potatoes have become fluid it is a good idea to add water if the substance is on the dry side. Pat this water and potato mixture onto the burned skin in order to decrease the pain of sunburn. Remember to wash off the residue in a cool shower after it has dried on the skin.

Steroids

If sunburn is severe enough to require medical attention, a doctor may prescribe steroid medication to be taken orally. The patient will usually be told to take these pills for a time span of several days.

All individuals suffering from sunburn should pay special attention to amount of fluids they drink. Since dehydration often comes hand-in-hand with sunburn, drinking extra water can help to prevent side effects from worsening. This is especially important if the person suffering sunburn is experiencing nausea or vomiting.

When trying remedies for sunburn it is extremely important to avoid anything containing oil. Since a sunburn is an injury to the skin, the composition of the epidermis most be taken into consideration. Oils can block the pores, which can prevent air from reaching the wound. Though this may not sound like such a bad thing, trapping in the poison caused by prolonged exposure to the skin can cause infection of the injured areas.

Preventing Sunburn

Taking preventative measures to avoid sunburn is always a very good idea. Many suntan lotions exist for this reason and are relatively cheap. When looking to purchase an over-the-counter sunburn preventative it is important to find a product that blocks not only UVA but also UVB rays.

Suntan lotion exists in many levels. Each level is assigned a number. This number explains how much sun protection the product offers. Those with light skin or who are prone to receiving skin burns from the sun should consider suntan lotions with a higher level of SPF.

Exposed Skin

Before going out into the sun for a long period of time, apply suntan lotion to all areas of exposed skin. Some children find certain brands of suntan lotion of be greasy to the touch. Because of this, they often wipe the product off their skin. This should be avoided at all cost! If the suntan lotion is not allowed to sink into the skin it will not be able to protect it.

Many experts suggest that suntan lotion should be re-applied frequently if one is to remain in the sun for more than an hour. Re-applying the product once every one or two hours should greatly decrease chances of receiving sunburns.

Sunglasses and Hats

Sunglasses should be worn when in the sun. The eyes are also sensitive to sunburns and therefore should be covered from exposure. If eyes are sunburned, none of the aforementioned topical products should be used. Medical attention is necessary in these cases.

Some find that wearing a wide-brimmed hat can also help to shield the face. Due to the sensitivity of the skin around the eyes, this area is extremely important to protect. Suntan lotion, sunglasses, and a hat combined can help keep this area safe.

Signs Sunburn May Require Medical Attention

Though the average case of sunburn can be treated at home, certain symptoms should be paid special attention as they could denote the necessity of medical attention. Sunburn should be taken seriously and more severe symptoms could require that the sufferer seek emergency care. There a qualified medical professional can tell you which type of treatment will best fit the condition in question.

If the sunburn is causing severe pain, seek immediate medical attention. Some discomfort is to be expected, but if intense pain is experienced it could be a sign that third-degree burns have occurred even large blisters have yet to surface.

Blisters

Severe blisters are another sign that the sunburned person may need a doctor’s care. A few small, blistered patches are usually not a reason for concern; however, if blisters larger than a dime occur, topical treatments stronger than over-the-counter products could be needed.

Headaches

If the sunburn is accompanied by an extreme headache, fainting, confusion or diminished mental acuity medical attention should be sought immediately. Those suffering from prolonged nausea or prolonged vomiting will need a doctor’s care in order to avoid dehydration, which can require intravenous fluid delivery.

In instances of high-grade third-degree burns a doctor will likely transfer the patient to the burn unit where medical practitioners who are familiar with intensive damage to the skin can treat them.

Young Children

If the sunburn victim is a very young child, it is best to seek medical attention immediately. Since kids often have trouble communicating exactly how they, it is always better to err on the side of caution.

As is always the case with issues of medical concern, if an individual is unable to assess their physical condition, they should be taken the emergency room as soon as humanely possible. This can help to avoid making the situation worse and put the sufferer’s mind at ease.

Malaria

Malaria’s widely known fear factor makes it hard to believe that this often fatal disease is caused by the bite of a tiny mosquito. While the disease in name doesn’t spark as much panic as it used to, malaria still kills more people each year than AIDS, one million of which are children.

Malaria is particularly widespread in Western Africa, although it is also a threat in regions where sub tropical conditions (and therefore, mosquitoes) exist, such as parts of Asia, Central America, and South America. Less than 1,100 cases were reported last year in the United States.

Malaria is often associated with poverty-like conditions, but this can result in a catch-22 cycle wherein the disease itself inhibits economic growth, causing poverty. Most of the cases of malaria reported within the United States stem from travelers who have visited regions where malaria is much more prevalent, unknowingly bringing the disease with them when they return.

For this reason, prevention and preventative treatment with antimalarial drugs is strongly encouraged for travelers visiting regions high in cases of malaria. In Africa, malaria is estimated to cause 20% of infant deaths, or one child every 45 seconds. Cures & remedies for malaria are constantly being developed and tested to attempt to eradicate the disease.

Symptoms

Since the symptoms of malaria can at first mimic those of septic shock and other illnesses, caution must be taken to seek the advice of a medical practitioner as quickly as possible if symptoms develop.

Malaria can take anywhere from a week to several months (and some case studies even reveal the disease taking years) to develop and spread in the bloodstream.

Generally, symptoms will develop between ten and fifteen days of contracting malaria.

Flu like symptoms, such as a fever and headache, nausea, and sweating can sometimes make the disease difficult to diagnose without a blood test.

Shivering, joint pain, vomiting, and convulsions will also show themselves individually or combined into a cycle if the patient is infected. Malaria is notorious for the vicious cycle of hot/cold that its victims endure. Often, several hours of chills and shivering are followed by hours of sweating, convulsion, and fever as the disease advances. Brain damage and anemia are known to occur in widespread form as the disease multiples within the bloodstream.

The cyclical nature of malarial symptoms makes the disease painful and unpleasant for those who contract it. Prevention and early detection are crucial with malaria, so if infection is suspected, it is important the patient address concerns with a medical provider as quickly as possible. Early detection with malaria can mean the difference between a short regimen drug treatment and a potentially fatal diagnosis.

Dehydration, kidney failure, and liver failure are some of several complications that may develop as a result of malarial infection. Untreated, when malaria isn’t fatal, it can lead to cerebral failure and

Causes

Malaria is caused by a single cell parasite which enters the bloodstream and multiplies, transmitted from the bite of an infected mosquito. Once a mosquito has bitten a person with malaria, it ingests gametocytes, a form of the parasite that will eventually mutate into malaria. The disease grows inside the mosquito, where it eventually mixes with the saliva of the insect when it bites again.

Once a human being is bitten by an infected mosquito, parasitic malaria has found a way into the body and will begin to attack its host from the inside out. The parasites develop in the liver and multiply, then rupture, eventually infecting the bloodstream. Once the bloodstream is infected, the parasites continue the progression of the disease by multiplying further and rupturing. Malaria can exist largely undetected by the body’s immune system due to its location within the red blood cells, making prevention and early detection even more crucial.

Parasite

P. falciparium, a parasite in the plasmodium genus, causes 80% of all cases of malaria and is considered the most common strain of infection. Nine in ten deaths due to malaria infection are also attributable to the P. falciparium parasite. All strains of malaria, according to research, stem from the parasitic genus Plasmodium, which has over 200 identified species.

However, only four strains of plasmodium cause malaria in humans: P. falciparum, p. vivax,p. malariae, and p. ovale. Those strains which are not in the p. falciparium species are considered easier to treat, and have a much lower rate of death.

Risk Factors

An increased risk factor for malaria contraction includes areas with a high population of mosquitoes and known cases of malaria, contaminated food, and contaminated water. If you’re going to be travelling to a remote location where the threat of malaria exists, be sure to check with your doctor on the best forms of prevention.

Other risk factors include your age, prevalence of malaria in the region in which you live or are traveling, and if you are pregnant. Typically, pregnant women are more likely than non pregnant women to contract malaria. The elderly and children are also more susceptible.

Suppressed Immune Systems

This is due to the suppressed immune system that occurs during pregnancy, as well as the relative weakness of the immune system in older people and children. Pregnant mothers, if infected, can transmit the disease to their unborn child via the bloodstream. Infants are particularly susceptible to contracting malaria.

Recently, more studies have been done examining the close relationship between infection of HIV/AIDS and malaria. People who have contracted HIV are extremely vulnerable to contracting malaria due to the weakened condition of their immune system. AIDS and malaria cause 4 million deaths a year combined; in countries where conditions are ripe for malaria, public health groups are also finding large populations of HIV infected adults, compounding both issues in terms of diagnosis, and especially treatment.

Prevention Tips

Some areas where malaria is prevalent have said to spark sort of an immunity to the disease amongst the local population, but the best prevention of malaria seems to be to attempt to eliminate or reduce the mosquito population in affected areas as much as possible. Nets, insecticide, and other control methods have a tangible impact on the number of cases when implemented consistently.

Prevention of mosquito bites to avoid initial infection cannot be underestimated in importance. Some of the most fatal strains of malaria are very resistant to conventional treatment, so the best attitude towards malaria should be the adage “an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure”.

A more intense method to restrict malaria outbreaks was employed successfully in the United States and southern Europe, known as vector control. Vector control uses insecticide over large areas of land to eradicate mosquito populations. The World Health Organization features several in depth research studies on the benefits of vector control for controlling malaria outbreaks. The pesticide used for this method can cause other environmental and health problems, which has led to a more recent method of attempting to develop genetically modified mosquitoes which are malaria resistant.

Prophylactics

Prophylactic drugs are sometimes used on a daily or weekly basis for preventative reasons (and occasionally as a form of treatment). Doxycycline is occasionally used as well, but the strain of malaria must be taken into consideration when prescribing preventative treatments, as resistant strains of the bacteria are known to exist.

In a recent study by the Boston University School of Public Health, vitamin A & zinc provided increased resistance to malaria, which researchers suspect is due to the known immune system boosting properties of vitamin A and zinc. This is, however, an experimental method and should not be used as the sole means of prevention.

If traveling to a country where there is a high instance of malaria, contact the Center for Disease Control (CDC) and/or the World Health Organization (WHO) for prevention tips. Some guidelines include limiting outdoor activity at night in areas where risk of infection exists, as well as contacting your healthcare provider to create a consistent regimen of prevention drugs to take before, during, and after your trip.

In this case, the most valuable prevention tactic would be to follow a strict regimen of preventative medications combined with avoidance tactics described above. Although a vaccine for malaria is not currently available, it is in development and researchers are optimistic for success in the near future.

Testing and Diagnosis Considerations

Typically, malarial symptoms are diagnosed using blood tests visually examined under a microscope, although sometimes saliva and urine are used as less invasive methods of diagnosis using optical microscopy.

The blood samples are placed on film and examined under a microscope to detect the presence of the parasite. Two samples, taken at different time intervals (typically between six and twelve hours apart) are used as checks and balances against one another to ensure the subject is being properly diagnosed.

Thin films typically allow for the best preparation technique and detection of the parasite’s appearance.

If optic microscopy is not readily available, which happens frequently in rural areas where malaria is prominent, an antigen test, or rapid diagnostic test, will be performed by technicians skilled in detection. Some of the recently available commercial tests for malaria require only a single drop of blood.

Treatment Options

Cures & remedies for malaria are constantly being developed. Hospitalization is usually required for patients with active strains of malaria to adequately provide treatment, although some less severe strains can be treated with outpatient therapy if caught early. Antiviral medications are the most commonly prescribed tools of modern medicine to combat malaria.

Industrially produced treatments include chloroquine, at one time the most popular form of malarial drug used for treatment; amodiaquine (which can be used alone or in conjunction with chloroquine); pyrimethamine, which is useful for strains resistant to chloroquine or for milder, uncomplicated cases; sulphadoxine, which is popular for treatment in clinical cases. Artemesinin, a Chinese herb, has become popular for use along with several derivatives which have had success.

A recently developed malarial drug is halofantrine, which was developed in the 1960’s at the Walter Reed Army Institute of Research. Many treatments are given at hourly intervals over a period of time set by the hospital providers. Doxycycline is another widely used malarial treatment.

Combination Therapy

Combination therapy is the most widely used form of treatment for malaria. Several single-drug treatments have been introduced to the market, but research and clinical results have proven multiple drug malarial treatments to typically be the most effective. As the most aggressive strains of malaria have grown more and more resistant to conventional treatments and techniques, new combinations and dosages are constantly being modified and introduced to implement a cure for patients.

Several treatments, amodiaquine in particular, can cause severe side effects and should be used only if the benefits of treatment outweigh the side effects. Homeopathy is gaining popularity in malaria treatment as the cost of treatment and drug-resistant parasites remain a growing concern. Goldenseal, grapefruit extract, and local herbs are often more readily available than expensive manufactured drug treatments. Quinine remains one of the oldest forms of treatment for malaria, and is still widely used in some regions of the world.

Cost of Prevention and Treatment

For preventative purposes, a rough estimate is approximately $75 US Dollars per week of malaria prevention tablets or pills. Doxycyclin is often cheaper, but many people avoid them due to the severity of side effects outweighing the initial cost savings. For people with adequate health insurance, the costs may be substantially lower.

While actual cost to treat malaria varies greatly by location, degree of infection, and strain, the overall costs are astronomical. Cost is a particular concern with outbreaks of malaria, as many areas in which the disease spreads are poverty ridden. Summarily, the disease affects those who can least afford to treat it. Treatment drugs are expensive and not always readily available. It is estimated that the average treatment for malaria in moderate cases can cost the average W. African ten days or more of full time pay.

The cost of malaria treatment in Africa is estimated to be over $800 million US dollars annually. Countries with high levels of transmission ha ve reported that approximately 1.3% or more of their annual Gross Domestic Product (GDP) is used for malaria treatment, according to the World Health Organization.

When the larynx, or the voice box, comes inflamed, it is known as laryngitis. The larynx is located just atop of the trachea, which is where the throat and the lungs cross and meet up. The larynx has two separate folds of skin on either side of it, which are called the vocal cords. The vocal cords create recognizable sounds and speech depending on how they are loosened or tightened.

To put it into perspective, imagine stretching the neck of a balloon in order to make that pitched squeak; this is how the vocal cords work, in essence.

Usually, the vocal cords are assisted by mucus, thinly and smoothly layered onto it, coating the cords to lubricate them. However, in the event that the larynx is affected by a bacterial infection or a virus, inflaming them, the mucus may either dry out or thin due to the swelling of the vocal cords. When the vocal cords dry up, the end result is a raspy or a hoarse voice, often accompanied by a cough and a fever.

Laryngitis is acute when it does not last longer than a few days. When it lasts up to over three weeks, it can be categorized as chronic.

Causes

Several people develop this condition due to straining their vocal cords.

Public speakers, lecturers and others who regularly use their voices as a requirement of their careers are recommended to use some kind of equipment for amplification or to at least undergo vocal training.

This is especially the case for those whose livelihoods depend on the usage of their voices, such as coaches, singers, cheerleaders and more.

These persons should all become very aware of the possibility of strain on the throat. Typically, a professional singer will receive special training so that they may properly defend themselves from developing laryngitis from stress.

Acute Laryngitis

Usually, an instance of laryngitis is a temporary one and the illness generally improves once the underlying cause experiences relief. Some causes of acute laryngitis may include:

• A cold or other similar virus infections;
• A virus such as the mumps or measles;
• Yelling, overusing the voice or other similar vocal strain;
• Bacterial infections, though rare, such as diphtheria.

Chronic Laryngitis

When this condition occurs for over three weeks, it becomes categorized as chronic. This kind of laryngitis will usually be caused by irritants over a long period of time. Chronic laryngitis may cause strain of the vocal cords, injuries, or even growths, known as polyps or nodules. The injuries may be caused by:

• Inhaled irritants, such as allergens, chemical fumes or smoke;
• Acid reflux, also known as gastroesophageal reflux disease, or GERD;
• Chronic sinusitis;
• Excessive use of alcohol;
• Constant overuse of the voice, such as with cheerleaders or with singers; and
• Smoking

Other factors that are known to cause laryngitis include the overconsumption of caffeine. This will often dry out the mucus that is necessary to coat over the vocal cords, which leaves them vulnerable to being inflamed. To alleviate the pain, it is possible to suck on medicated lozenges, or instead gargling water with salt in it. However, refrain from using mouthwashes with alcohol as this will likely just cause more dryness. The best way to resolve this issue is to refrain from coming into contact with irritants.

Less commonly, two other causes of chronic laryngitis may include:

• Fungal or bacterial infections; or
• Being infected with certain kinds of parasites.

There are a couple of other causes for instances such as chronic hoarseness, including:

• Cancer;
• Vocal cord bowing due to old age; and
• Paralysis of the vocal cords, which is possible to result from a lung tumor, stroke, injury or similar health conditions.

Symptoms

For the most part, laryngitis will usually just be due to a minor cause and will last a few days, such as a cold. However, there are some instances of laryngitis symptoms being due to something a bit more serious or chronic. Some of the signs and symptoms of laryngitis occurring including:

• Weak voice;
• Loss of voice;
• Hoarseness;
• Rawness feeling in the throat;
• Ticking sensation in the throat;
• Dry throat;
• Sore throat; and
• Dry cough

When to See a Doctor
Most instances of acute laryngitis can usually be managed at home with a few tips, including drinking a wealth of fluids and resting the voice and vocal cords. However, should the hoarseness remain for over two weeks, an appointment should be made with the doctor.

Seek medical attention immediately in the event that a child is experiencing a loss of voice combined with any of these other symptoms:

• The child drools more than usual;
• The child has difficulty breathing;
• The child experiences high pitched sounds of breathing when inhaling;
• The child has trouble swallowing; and
• The child has a fever measuring over 103 degrees Fahrenheit, or 39 degrees Celsius.

These symptoms point to croup, which is the inflammation of both the larynx and the airway that lies just beneath the larynx. Though most cases of croup may be successfully treated at home, when the symptoms are severe, medical attention is required.

Going to the Doctor

At first, a general practitioner or the family doctor may be seen. However, upon calling to make the appointment for the doctor, there may be the recommendation or the referral to another doctor who specializes in disorders that occur in the nose, throat and ears.

Since appointments have a habit of being brief, and since there is quite a bit of ground that needs to be covered, it is likely a good idea to ensure that the fullest preparation is undergone for this appointment. The following sections cover suggestions on preparing for the appointment as well as what to expect from the doctor.

What Can Be Done

1. Make note of any restrictions for pre-appointments. Upon calling to make the appointment, make sure to ask if there are any prerequisites or any such things that much be done in advance, prior to coming in.
2. Take a notepad and write down any and all symptoms that are currently being experienced, even those that may not seem to directly related to the reason for having made the appointment in the first place.
3. On the notepad, write down all key information pertaining to personal life, which should include recent life changes as well as any major stresses that have been occurring.
4. Make a note of all medication that is being taken, even if it is just a supplement or a vitamin.
5. If possible, have a member of the family or a friend tag along for the ride. There may be a wealth of different information offered during an appointment, and it may be difficult to take it all in at once. The companion will be helpful in remembering things that may have otherwise been missed or forgotten.
6. Remember to write down any questions for the doctor.

The list of questions will ensure that the time spent with the doctor is the most effective, which is especially important because time with the doctor is quite limited. To work against time running out, try to list the questions from most important down to the less important. Sample questions that may be asked to the doctor may include some of the following:

• What is causing the symptoms or the laryngitis?
• Could there be any other causes for these symptoms of this condition?
• What kind of tests will be necessary?
• Is this condition more likely temporary or chronic?
• What is the best way to handle it?
• Are there any good alternatives to this primarily suggested approach of action?
• These other health conditions also apply. How can these both be managed properly together?
• Are any certain restrictions present that are important to follow?
• Is it necessary to see a specialist?
• How much will it cost to see a specialist, and will this insurance cover such an appointment?
• Is there any kind of generic alternative to the medication that has been prescribed for this condition?
• Do any Web sites come recommended to handle this condition? Are there any printed materials, such as a brochure, that can be taken home which pertains to this condition?

If there is time present, in addition to the questions that have been prepared to ask the doctor at the appointment, feel free to ask any additional questions in the event that something within the appointment goes by not understood.

What to Expect From the Doctor

The doctor may also have a few questions, as well, which means it is important to be prepared to answer them. This may reserve time that was to be spent going over other things, otherwise. The doctor make ask:

• When did these symptoms first come to existence?
• Have the symptoms been occasional or continuous?
• How severe are the symptoms?
• If anything, what appears to improve these symptoms?
• If anything, what seems to worsen these symptoms?
• Is anybody close a smoker?
• Are there any allergies present?
• Have the vocal cords recently been overused, either by shouting or singing?

Risk Factors

There are a few risk factors:

• Having bronchitis, sinusitis, a cold or a similar respiratory infection;
• Overusing the voice, by speaking too loudly, speaking too often, singing or shouting; and
• Exposure to irritating substances, such as excessive alcohol, cigarette smoke, workplace chemicals or stomach acid.

Tests and Diagnosis

The most common and obvious sign of laryngitis is the presence of hoarseness. Whether or not the voice changes varies in the severity of irritation or infection, which means it can range from a simple mild hoarseness to a nearly complete loss of the voice. In the event of chronic hoarseness, a doctor may wish to examine the vocal cords and listen to the affected voice, and he or she will likely make a reference to a nose, ear and throat specialist.

Some of these techniques may be employed in order to properly diagnose laryngitis:

• Laryngoscopy. The doctor may choose to visually examine the vocal cords using a tiny mirror and a light in order to look down into the back of the throat. This process is called laryngoscopy. Alternatively, the doctor may employ fiber-optic laryngoscopy, which instead involves inserting a thin and flexible tube called an endoscope that has a tiny camera and a light. It is inserted through the mouth and nose and down into the back of the throat. This makes it possible to watch how the vocal cords move during speech.
• Biospy. If or when the doctor notices an area of suspicion, he or she may elect to perform a biopsy, which requires taking a tissue sample and carefully examining it under the assistance of a microscope.

Treatment Options

Medications

Viruses that cause acute cases of laryngitis usually improve on their own within a week or a bit longer. Chronic, on the other hand, has treatments that aim to treat the underlying causes thereof, such as smoking, heartburn or the excessive usage of alcohol.

Some of the medications that may be employed include:

• Antibiotics. This is rarely used because nearly every case of laryngitis is caused by a virus, rendering the antibiotic useless. However, in the rare instance of a bacterial infection causing the condition, the antibiotic may be used.
• Corticosteroids. There are some instances in which corticosteroids might help with the inflammation of vocal cords. However, this is only really used whenever there is an immediate need to treat the condition, such as needing to use the voice to give a speech, to sing or to present a project orally, or in the case of a toddler who is experiencing laryngitis due to croup.
  

  Home Treatment

  There are a few different ways to treat this condition at home, and it may relieve the symptoms that laryngitis causes, effectively reducing the strain occurring on the voice:

  • Try to breathe in moist air. To do this, try to employ a humidifier in order to introduce moisture into the air throughout the home or through the office. Alternatively, try to inhale the steam that rises from a hot shower or from a bowl of hot water.
  • At all costs, rest the voice to the fullest extent. Avoid singing too loudly, singing for too long and employ the same restrictions for talking. In the event that it is necessary to employ the voice before speaking to a large group of people, try to get a megaphone or a microphone to help.
  • Avoid dehydration by taking in a healthy amount of fluids while avoiding caffeine or alcohol.
  • Try to suck on a medicated lozenge to moisten the throat, or chew a piece of gum or gargle with water with salt in it.
  • Do not take any decongestants because this is likely to further dry out the throat.
  • Do not whisper. Though normal speech puts a strain on voice, whispering actually causes even more strain on the voice.

  Prevention

  To prevent both irritation and dryness to the vocal cords:

  • Do not smoke and avoid, at all costs, secondhand smoke. This smoke will irritate the vocal cords and dry out the throat;
  • Always drink a good amount of water. Fluids allow the mucus in the throat to stay thin and to stay easy to clear.
  • Try not to clear the throat because it actually hurts more than it helps. This is because it causes an abnormal vibration within the vocal cords, increasing the risk of swelling. Clearing the throat may also result in the throat secreting a larger amount of mucus, which causes it to feel even more irritated, which causes people to want to clear their throat again.
  • Avoid all upper respiratory infections as possible. Try to get the flu shot every year if the doctor recommends such a thing. Always wash the hands on a regular basis and, as possible, refrain from coming into physical contact with anybody who is suffering from an upper respiratory infection, such as a cold.

Snoring is a harmless annoyance that affects roughly 59% of American adults. While snoring provides no cause for serious concerns, it can be a sign of sleep apnea or other sleep disorders, though this may not always be the case. Most people who deal with snoring problems will not even recognize that they snore during sleep, unless told so by another individual.

Alternative Names

There are no common alternative names for snoring.

Symptoms

Snoring is any kind of noise related to breathing during sleep. Snoring noises are different for all people and can be loud, soft, raspy, deep, or even high-pitched. Snoring will not cause a person to stop sleeping, as this is a more serious ailment called sleep apnea.

Causes

In general, the causes of snoring are unknown to the medical world. Over the past 100 years, scientists have attempted to crack the snoring mystery with little success.

There are a few characteristics of people who are more prone to have snoring problems, however, and these are possibly related causes to snoring that scientists are looking into.

Some of these potential causes for snoring include:

1. Nasal congestion that is the result of a cold or allergies. If congestion lasts a particularly long time, snoring is more likely to follow.
2. Obesity. Being overweight can often lead to other problems that can affect the neck and air passageways. These problems often put extra pressure on a person’s airways and can lead to heavy snoring.
3. Tonsillitis or another tonsil-related problem. When tonsils become extremely swollen, they tend to block the patients airways which leads to snoring.
4. A relationship has recently been made between the use of sleeping pills and alcohol prior to falling asleep and snoring.
5. Genes and heredity. It has been shown that narrow throats and enlarged tonsils can be hereditary. This means that if your parents and grandparents had snoring problems, you may have a greater chance of experiencing them also.
6. Gender. Men tend to have a much more narrow airway than women. This physical characteristic causes men to snore more often than women.

Risk Factors

Snoring poses no serious health risks to most individuals. If snoring becomes excessive and prevents the individual or his or her sleeping partner from receiving adequate sleep, snoring can become more of an issue. The most common risks associated with excessive snoring are drowsiness, sleep apnea, shoulder and neck pains, and difficulty breathing during sleep.

Prevention Tips

Many cultures have had the challenge of dealing with snoring. For this reason there are many different tips on how someone can prevent snoring from disturbing their sleep. Though none of these tips is proven to cure snoring, many of them are used successfully by snorers.

1. Avoid alcoholic drinks at bedtime and sleeping pills if at all possible. Many of these substances tend to relax the entire body, including the airway. When airways become relaxed there is a greater chance that tissues within the airway will rub together and cause snoring.
2. Lose weight if you are obese. Obesity is one of the most common causes of snoring due to the pressure that is placed on the body’s airways. By losing weight, the person is able to reduce the pressure on airways and allow themselves to breathe easier throughout the night.
3. Avoid tobacco. Smoking and other uses of tobacco have been shown to cause severe respiratory problems. These problems can range from nasal and lung congestion, to cancer and other deadly illnesses.
4. Sleep on your side and stomach. Individuals who sleep on their back are more susceptible to snoring. Sleeping on your back relaxes the airways and has can cause the tissues in the airways to rub together, similar to using sleeping pills to relax your body.
5. Avoid dairy products before going to bed. Dairy products such as ice cream, milk, yogurt, and cheese create excess mucus in the mouth and throat. This excess mucus acts as a blockade to air that is attempting to pass through the throat.
6. Create regular sleep patterns. This is perhaps the best way to prevent snoring from entering your bedroom. As you create a regular, healthy sleeping schedule, your body will be able to get better sleep. It has been shown that snoring is often the result of poor sleeping.

Tests and Diagnosis Considerations

Diagnosing a snorer is very simple. It is easiest to diagnose a snorer when he or she has a sleeping partner because this person can verify whether or not there is a snoring problem. If you do not have a sleeping partner, you may be able to notice snoring problems by recognizing drowsiness throughout the day, excessive drooling during sleep, and waking up several times during the night for unknown reasons (i.e. not having to go to the bathroom, get a drink).

If you snore, there are some ways in which you can determine the cause of your snoring, though it may require a partner’s help. If you snore with your mouth closed, then there is most likely a problem with the tongue such as it falling back over the airway. Snoring with your mouth open is the result that the tissues in your throat are rubbing together and blocking air from passing through. If snoring only occurs while sleeping on your back, then the snoring probably is not severe and only requires improving your sleep habits and getting more regular sleep. If, however, snoring occurs in any sleep position then the snoring may be more intense and require a consultation with a physician.

Treatment Options for Snoring

Herbal and Home Remedies

There are many herbal solutions to snoring. One of the most common herbs is household ginger.

Ginger has historically been known to help in creating a greater secretion of saliva.

An increase in saliva will coat the throat and airways and provide a much smoother passage of air from the lungs through to throat.

Honey has been shown to have this same effect.

Using Dioscorea

Another herbal remedy that has been shown to protect against snoring is called Dioscorea villosa, or wild yam.

Dioscorea villosa is a natural cure for inflammation. Vitamin C is similar to the wild yam in that it helps to sooth the throat, cures inflammation, and aids in fighting against snoring. Marjoram oil is commonly believed to be a cure for snorers. The oils is sold in jars and is soaked in a type of sponge.

Snorers are instructed to open the jar and leave it by their beds, which allows the oils and scents of the marjoram oil to fill the room and enter the airways. There are other types of aromatherapy techniques to preventing snoring. The main purpose of these aromatherapeutic oils is to excite the airways and allow them to work properly without the rubbing together of tissues.

Breathing Strips

More recently, companies have released breathing or nasal strips that are believed to prevent snoring. The strips look like small band-aids and have a small flexible piece on its back that holds the nostrils open. The science behind holding the nostrils open is that this should provide a relief from congestion. Nasal strips work for some people, but not for all snorers.

Physical Conditions

Most snoring is the result of problems in the back of the throat and not entirely due to congestion of the nose.

Physicians suggest sleeping on a firm mattress to prevent snoring. A firm, durable mattress is considered to be the best way to support the neck and stop any obstructions from forming in the airway. Also, it is recommended that elevating your head above the rest of your body will prevent obstructions. This can be done by using multiple pillows or placing wood or bricks beneath the frame of the mattress on the side that supports your head.

Exercising

One of the most important activities that can be done without medical aid to prevent snoring is to receive regular exercise. It has been shown that healthy and fit people snore less than unhealthy, out-of-shape sleepers. Exercise improves cardiovascular health as well as respiratory and breathing health.

Another natural remedy for snoring is performing throat exercises before sleep. Throat exercise can refer to any activity that causes rigorous motion of the throat and airway, such as talking, singing, and deep breathing.

Pharmaceutical Remedies

Most physicians do not recommend any prescription drugs for snoring. If the snoring becomes excessive and shown to be a result of sleep apnea, doctors may recommend recommend the use of a CPAP mask, which stands for “Continuous Positive Airway Pressure”. The mask works similar to nasal strips but keeps the windpipe open during sleep and prevents any obstructive actions of the throat and other respiratory problems. The CPAP fits over the nose and delivers a low pressure stream of air to the mask and into the airway. There is another machine called a Bilevel Positive Airway Pressure, BiPAP. Both of these machines are used only in severe snoring cases and can have side effects. These side effects include:

• Nosebleeds
• Irritation of the eye
• Respiratory problems and infections
• Intense nasal congestion
• Dry tongue and mouth
• Claustrophobia

Surgical Treatments

There are several operations that can be performed to prevent snoring. While these operations are considered to be very effective, patients must consider the risks of being operated on prior to opting for surgery. The most common surgery for snoring is called LAUP, Laser Assisted Uvulopalatoplasty. This operation is often recommended to cure sleep apnea. During and LAUP operation, the surgeon is assisted by a laser that is able to cut away the tissue that hangs from the back of the mouth called the uvula. As the uvula is cut away, there becomes less of a chance for it to become inflamed and prevent air passage. LAUP operations often require that the patient be operated on more than once.

Another surgical procedure for snoring that is somewhat new is called Radio Frequency Tissue Ablation, RFTA. This type of operation can typically be done in a doctor’s office and is also called Somnoplasty. The purpose of an RFTA operation is to shrink the uvula. Rather than using a laser to cut away at the uvula, RFTA uses high energy radio waves to shrink the uvula and prevent irritation.

Nasal Surgery

Nasal surgery can often be performed to rid the airways of obstructions in the nose. This is a surgery that is recommended to people who have trouble breathing during the day, as well as at night.

Repose is the name given to another surgical method designed to treat snoring and other forms of sleep apnea. Repose is intended to prevent the tongue from blocking the airway during periods of sleep. This is done by inserting a small screw into the back of the lower jaw bone. The surgery is relatively new and studies are still being done on potential risks and irreversible affects.

As with any operation, surgeries that are designed to cure snoring problems have many associated risks. Patients should seriously consider the risks and benefits of any operation before making a decision.

Hives

Hives is an irritation of the skin that is characterized by itchy, swollen, inflamed welts that form on the exterior of the skin.

Hives can be caused by exposure to many different activities and substances, the most common of which are related to allergic reactions.

Hives can occur anywhere on the body and is generally not a dangerous disease. Though, if the problem goes untreated for long periods of time and does not subside, hives can leave lasting scars and other marks.

Alternative Names for Hives

Hives have several different names including urticaria, nettle rash, welts and uredo. Urticaria is the most common alternative name for hives. Angioedema is an irritation similar to hives but is present on the interior of the skin.

There are also several different types of hives such as the following

Acute Urticaria: This is a form of hives that typically lasts less than 6 to 8 weeks.

Chronic Urticaria

Any form of hives that lasts longer than the 6 to 8 week period that defines acute urticaria is called chronic urticaria. This form of hives is generally more difficult to treat.

Physical Urticaria

Physical urticaria is a form of hives that is caused by a physical stimulation of the person’s skin such as intense exercise or sweating, extreme heat or cold, or prolonged exposure to the sun.

Dermatographism

This is a form of hives that can be inflicted on a person if there is an intense scratching or stroking of the skin.

Symptoms of Hives

The most common symptom of ordinary or acute urticaria, or hives, is the appearance of red, itchy welts throughout the body that flare up randomly and disappear within a short period of time. These welts can range in size anywhere from a few millimeters in diameter to over a foot long.

Typically, these welts will disappear and reappear at different parts of the body. This process of reappearing and disappearing welts often continues for less than six weeks if the patient is inflicted with acute urticaria. If these welts continue to appear after a 6 to 8 week period, then it is probably that the hives are chronic.

Other symptoms of hives include

• An intense stinging or burning feeling around the affected areas.
• Extreme itching sensations which can lead to other problems, such as infection.
• Pain and soreness around the welted areas.
• Difficulty breathing.
• A loss of consciousness, or a dizzy or faint feeling.
• Increase in stress and anxiety.

Swelling on other parts of the body including mouth, hands, eyes, feet, or genitals. These are typically signs of the related disease known as angioedema.

In rare cases, hives may be accompanied by other illnesses that may cause a high fever, nausea, diarrhea, sore throat, and other problems. If these symptoms do not subside or cause extreme discomfort, it is important to contact a physician or health care provider as soon as possible.

Causes of Hives

The cause of each individual case of urticaria, or hives, can be one of many different activities or substances. Scientists are still debating the precise cause of hives, but have been able to identify a few of the most common culprits of the illness.

The most common cause of hives is related to allergies. There are a vast number of allergens that have been identified as causing hives. These allergies can include peanut allergies, dairy allergies, fruit and vegetable allergies, allergies related to various pollens and plants, and a large number of other common allergies.

Other causes of hives include:

• Prolonged exposure to fungi, dust, and other harmful chemicals
• Bad physical reactions to alcohol, yeasts, or dyes
• Extreme heat, cold, or pressure to the skin
• Harmful drugs such as cocaine and heroin
• Emotional stress and anxiety
• Autoimmune diseases that fight against Immunoglobulin

Along with these causes, some antibiotics have been shown to infect their patients with hives. While these antibodies can be related to hives, there are generally other factors involved such as an allergic reaction to a chemical that is part of the antibody.

Penicillin, anti-inflammatory drugs, some vaccines, and birth-control pills have also been shown to be related to some cases of hives.

Risk Factors for Hives

There are a few ways of predicting if someone has a good chance of contracting hives at some point in their lifetime. A person who has had hives or angioedema previously is at a much greater risk of contracting the itchy welts again.

People who have other disorders that are related to hives are also at a high risk. These other disorders include lymphoma, lupus, and any of a number of thyroid diseases. Urticaria has also been proven to be hereditary. Thus, if your relatives are known to have experienced hives, then you may be at a greater risk of also having hives at some point during your lifetime.

Some reports show that close to 20% of the population may develop some form of urticaria at some time during their lives. There have been documented cases of hives among people of all different races, ages, and lifestyles. Chronic urticaria is most prevalent among middle-aged women and acute urticaria is more common in infants, children, and young adults.

Prevention Tips for Hives

For most people, the best way to prevent hives is to avoid anything that they are allergic to. Since allergies are the most common cause of hives in the world, avoiding these allergies such as peanuts, shellfish, pollen, and others, is the best way to avoid the disease.

If you have previously contracted hives, try to remember what you were doing at the time the spots began to appear. If you can remember what you ate or where you were, you may be able to determine the allergy that caused the hives to appear. Many people also contract hives from insect bites or stings. If you happen to be stung by an insect, quickly use medication to ease the itchiness and pain. Avoid intense scratching or rubbing of the skin, as this irritation may cause hives to flare up.

It is important to discuss allergies with your physician prior to taking any prescription drug for any type of disease. Prescription drugs, antibodies, and other medications have been known to cause hives if the patient has an allergic reaction to the medicine. If you are currently taking medication and begin to contract hives, stop taking the medicine, if possible, until further discussions with your doctor.

Tests and Diagnosis Considerations When Dealing with Hives

In the case of acute urticaria, lab work and studies seem to not be beneficial. The best way to diagnose hives is to not if the physical symptoms of hives are present.

If you notice large, itchy splotch marks on your skin that appear and disappear a short while later, then you have probably contracted hives. In the case of chronic hives, most physicians will perform some blood tests in order to evaluate your histamine levels and perform CBC, UA, and ESR tests in order to rule out some other affliction

Treatment Options

Herbal and Home Remedies for Hives

The best way to treat hives from home is to avoid irritating the skin. Stop taking any prescriptions that may cause an allergic reaction and avoid environments where you may be susceptible to another type of allergic reaction.

It is important that you do not scratch or rub the red welts, no matter how itchy it becomes. Doing so will only cause greater irritation.

Some common home remedies to sooth the itching sensation include

Applying a small amount of cold pressure. This can be done by holding a wash cloth under cold water for a few seconds and allowing the cloth to rest upon the sores. Do not put too much pressure on the skin and avoid scratching the skin with the cloth.

Calamine lotion is known to relieve itching sensations caused by many different situations. The lotion is relatively cheap and can be purchased at most local pharmacies and department stores.

Milk of magnesia is a common alkaline solution and has a similar affect as the calamine lotion. Simply put a little bit of milk of magnesia onto a wash cloth and dab it onto the affected areas.

Aloe Vera & Other Lotions

Aloe vera lotion is a good source of vitamin E, which is a vitamin that our skin needs in order to be healthy. Apply the aloe vera lotion at least twice a day and it can be applied as needed to reduce the itching. Peppermint, passionflower, chamomile, and valerian teas have been used to calm the nerves of someone infected with hives. While the tea may have no direct relation to the curing of hives, it will calm your body down and allow you to relax and hopefully ignore the itching.

Cayenne pepper, vitamin C, vitamin E, and zinc tablets are all full of nutrients and minerals that will allow your skin to heal as quickly as possible.

The most important thing to remember when treating your hives at home is that nothing has been proven to get rid of the rashes. The best treatment you can give your skin is to avoid more irritation and scratching. These lotions and vitamins will provide you with temporary pain and itch relief, which will in turn allow the hives to subside more quickly on their own.

Pharmaceutical Treatment of Hives

Most cases of common hives will not be treated with prescription drugs. Your physician may suggest that you purchase one of several antihistamines that can reduce the swelling, itching, and inflammation caused by the hives.

Some of the more common antihistamines include

• Loratadine (Claritin)
• Fexofenadien (Allegra)
• Cetirizine (Zyrtec)
• Levocetirizine (Xyzal)
• Desloratadine (Clarinex)

Most of these medications can be purchased at over-the-counter drug stores and will cost around ten dollars for a few weeks’ supply. If the itching does not subside within a given period of time, your physician may feel it is necessary to take other treatments such as H2 antagonists (Pepcid AC), oral corticosteroids, antidepressants, and epinephrine.

Epinephrine would only be required in cases of a severe attack of hives and acts as an adrenaline shot. Most of these other medications are only prescribed in the case of chronic urticaria and occurrences of intense pain and itching.
Other medications are still being researched and include drugs that support the immune system and other drugs that treat allergic reactions and asthma. Few studies have been performed on these types of drugs and they are still not recommended by most clinical physicians.

Surgical Treatment of Hives

There is currently no type of surgical treatment for any case of hives that has been proven effective. Surgery will most likely never be an option for patients who have contracted hives due to the external nature of the problem.

Resources

EmedicineHealth.Com

MedicineNet.Com

WebMd.Com

The mumps is a condition that everyone has heard of in their time; it is an infection that primarily targets the parotid glands, which are one of the three pairs of salivary glands that are found in front of and below the ears. It is caused by a virus. If either an adult or a child contracts this condition, it bears the risk of causing swelling in either one or both of the parotid glands.

Though it is potentially serious to experience complications of mumps, it is a rare occurrence, and the odds of even getting mumps to begin with are not very good. Before the 1960s, mumps were a very common occurrence, but after the licensing of the vaccine for mumps, the amount of instances have dramatically dropped in number.

Since outbreaks of mumps are still present within the United States and are also still fairly common throughout other parts in the world, it is important to obtain the vaccine to prevent this condition altogether.

Symptoms of Mumps

Up to one in every five people who become infected with the mumps do not experience any symptoms nor do they show any signs thereof. When the symptoms and signs do develop, however, it will usually occur roughly two or three weeks after being exposed to the virus. Such signs and symptoms of the mumps may include:

• Swollen or painful salivary glands on either one or both sides of the face;
• Pain when trying to chew or swallow;
• Fever; and
• Weakness and fatigue.

As one may gather, the primary, most common and most familiar symptom of having the mumps is the occurrence of the salivary glands swelling, which causes the cheeks to up and puff outward. In fact, the name of the condition itself, “mumps,” used to be the expression those gave back in the day when referencing bumps or lumps within the cheeks.

When to Visit a Doctor

It is important to go right to the doctor when symptoms of the mumps occur. Because mumps are much more uncommon these days, it is always possible that the present symptoms and signs are being caused by another condition entirely. For instance, swollen glands and a fever are also signs of a blocked salivary gland or tonsillitis, which is the inflammation of the tonsils.

There are also other viruses, though rarer, that may infect the parotid glands that may cause an illness similar to mumps.

Causes of Mumps

The sole cause of mumps is the mumps virus, which can easy be spread from one person to another person by way of infected saliva. In the event that a person is not immune, it is easy to contract the disease by simply breathing in the saliva droplets of a person who has just coughed or sneezed and is infected with the illness.

It is also possible to obtain the mumps virus from sharing a cup or sharing utensils from a person who is infected with the mumps. As it can be seen, the mumps are just about as contagious as the influenza, or flu, virus is.

Complications

Though the complications of mumps rarely occur, they are potentially very serious and may include any of the following:

• Orchitis. This inflammatory condition only affects men, causing the swelling in either one or both of the testicles. Though this is a painful occurrence, it very rarely leads to the inability to father a child, which is sterility.
• Pancreatitis. This refers to the swelling of the pancreas. The symptoms and signs of this inflammatory condition include nausea, vomiting and pain located in the upper abdomen.
• Encephalitis. Similar to the mumps in that it is a viral infection, this is a condition that inflames the brain. Because the brain is such a sensitive place, encephalitis may lead to neurological problems and has the potential to become very life threatening. Again, though this is a very serious complication, encephalitis from the mumps is a rare occurrence.
• Meningitis. This is the inflammation and the infection of both the membranes and the fluid that surrounds both the spinal cord and the brain. Should the mumps virus decide to spread throughout the bloodstream in order to infect the central nervous system, meningitis may occur. However, similar to encephalitis, the occurrence of meningitis as a complication of the mumps is very rare.
• Inflammation of the ovaries. Obviously a condition that only affects women, a symptom of this condition may include pain in the lower abdomen. However, it rarely affects her fertility.
• Miscarriage. Again, another condition that will only affect women, miscarriage may occur, especially when contracting the mumps while early in a pregnancy.

Preparing for the Doctor

If anybody begins to experience signs or symptoms that are common to the mumps, it is important to call the doctor. The next couple of sections may help in preparation for this appointment.

Information to gather well in advance:

• Pre-appointment restrictions. Make sure to ask if there any present restrictions that must be followed prior to making the appointment, such as keeping away from other people in order to prevent spreading infection.
• History of symptoms. Take a notepad and write down any and all symptoms that have been present and how long they have been present.
• Recent exposure to any possible locations of infection. Try to remember whether any exposure may have been made to anybody who shares the same symptoms or signs common to the points within the last two or three weeks.
• Key medical information. Think about whether any medication has been taken and write down their names, as well as any other health problems that are present.
• Questions to ask the doctor. In order to make the most out of the time spent with the doctor, because it is limited, write down all intended questions in advance to remember to ask them.

The following is a list that aims to suggest questions that may be raised to the doctor with regards to the mumps:

• What are some of the more likely reasons for experiencing these signs and symptoms?
• Is there anything else that may be causing them?
• What kind of treatment is recommended?
• How soon will this condition improve?
• Are there any helpful self-care tips or home remedies to relieve symptoms?
• Is this contagious and for how long?
• What steps are necessary to avoid infecting others?

Do not feel shy to ask any other questions should something come up that is not fully understood.

What to Expect From the Doctor

Likewise, the doctor will probably have a list of questions to ask, so make sure to be ready, which will reserve time to discuss anything else that may not be understood in more depth. The doctor may ask any of the following:

• What symptoms and signs have been noticed?
• When were these signs and symptoms first noticed?
• Have any of these symptoms and signs gotten worse?
• Do any of the symptoms include abdominal pain or testicular pain?
• Has anybody else close experienced the same kind of symptoms that are similar and common to mumps in the last month or so?
• Is the infected current with all the recommended vaccines for the age group in which they fall?
• Is the infected undergoing treatment or are there any other treatments being done for other medical instances?
• What drugs are being taken, including over the counter, prescription, supplements and vitamins?
• Is the child in school or within child care?
• Is the infected either breastfeeding or pregnant?

What to Do in the Meantime

It can be stressful waiting for the appointment to come around, though it is possible to ease the symptoms of the mumps by using over the counter pain relievers, such as acetaminophen (Tylenol, others) or ibuprofen (Motrin, Advil, others) in addition to a cold compress.

However, do not give any child aspirin without first consulting a doctor.

Try to rest as often as possible, refraining from coming into contact with other people until having first seen the doctor. Within the first week that symptoms and signs begin to appear is when the mumps are their most contagious stage.

Tests and Diagnosis

Should the doctor suspect that the mumps are to blame for the symptoms, it may be necessary to take either a blood test or a virus culture. The blood test may be useful in detecting antibodies for pumps, which will determine whether or not this is a past or a recent infection.

Treatments and Drugs

Due to the fact that the mumps are caused by a virus, it will not be effective to take any antibiotics. As with just about any viral illness, the mumps infection need only complete its course. Luckily, the majority of cases of the mumps, provided that there are no complications, will only last about two weeks.

As a general rule of thumb, once a week has passed after a diagnosis of mumps, a person can no longer be considered contagious.

Prevention

For the most part, once an infection has occurred or the immunization of mumps has occurred, a person is considered to be immune to mumps. The vaccine for mumps is typically given in an inoculation that combines measles-mumps-rubella, or MMR.

This contains the most effective and the safest form of each kind of vaccine. Typically two doses of the MMR vaccine are applied as recommended prior to entering school, with the first being between the ages of 12 and 15 months and the second either between the ages of 4 and 6 years or the ages of 11 and 12 years.

Due an outbreak that recently occurred out in the Midwest, both health care workers and college students have been strongly encouraged to ensure that they have had their two doses of the MMR vaccine.

It has become increasingly obvious that just one dosage does not offer a sufficient amount of protection were an outbreak to occur. However, because this second dosage recommendation did not start until the late 1980s or the early 1990s, there are many young adults who have not actually gotten a second dosage and should consider doing so now.

Another vaccine is not needed under the following circumstances:

• Two dosages were given after the age of 12 months or a single dosage was given of the MMR vaccine in addition to another dosage of the measles vaccine;
• One MMR dosage was given and there is not a high risk of any exposure to mumps or measles;
• A blood test was proven that there is immunity to rubella, measles or mumps;
• Men born before 1957 do not need a vaccine;
• Women before 1957 and will not be having children, have had a positive rubella test or have already had the rubella vaccine do not need more vaccinations.

If none of the above apply, a vaccine is recommended, especially those who:

• are nonpregnant women who are of the age of childbearing;
• attend trade school, college or a postsecondary school;
• plan to take a cruise or plan to travel overseas; or
• work in a child care center, a school, a medical facility or a hospital

The vaccine is not recommended for those who: