ULCERS

What is an ulcer?

Ulcers are sores on the lining of your digestive tract. Your digestive tract consists of the esophagus, stomach, duodenum (the first part of the intestines) and intestines. Most ulcers are located in the duodenum. These ulcers are called duodenal ulcers. Ulcers located in the stomach are called gastric ulcers. Ulcers in the esophagus are called esophageal ulcers.

What causes ulcers?

A type of bacteria called Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) causes many ulcers. Acid and other juices made by the stomach can contribute to ulcers by burning the lining of your digestive tract. This can happen if your body makes too much acid or if the lining of your digestive tract is damaged in some way. Physical or emotional stress may not necessarily cause an ulcer, but it can aggravate an ulcer if you have one.Ulcers can also be caused by anti-inflammatory medicines. Although most people take these medicines without problems, long-term use may damage the stomach lining and cause ulcers. Anti-inflammatory drugs include aspirin, ibuprofen (one brand name: Motrin), naproxen (brand name: Aleve), ketoprofen (brand names: Actron, Orudis KT) and some prescription drugs for arthritis.



Possible signs of an ulcer

1.Feel better when you eat or drink and then worse 1 or 2 hours later (duodenal ulcer)
2.Feel worse when you eat or drink (gastric ulcer)
3.Stomach pain that wakes you up at night
4.Feel full fast
5.Heavy feeling, bloating, burning or dull pain in your stomach
6.Vomiting
7.Unexpected weight loss


How can ulcers be treated?

One way to treat ulcers is to get rid of the H. pylori bacteria. Treatment may also be aimed at lowering the amount of acid that your stomach makes, neutralizing the acid and protecting the injured area so it can heal. It's also very important to stop doing things, such as smoking and drinking alcohol, that damage the lining of your digestive tract.



What is triple therapy?

Triple therapy is a treatment to eliminate H. pylori. It is a combination of 2 antibiotics and bismuth subsalicylate (one brand name: Pepto-Bismol). Other combinations may also be effective. This treatment may be used with medicine that reduces the amount of acid your stomach makes.

What about other medicines?

Several other medicines can be used to help treat ulcers. Two types of medicines (H2 blockers and proton pump inhibitors) reduce the amount of acid that your stomach makes. They usually help people start to feel better within 3 days.Antacids neutralize acid that the stomach makes. A medicine called sucralfate (brand name: Carafate) coats the ulcer to protect it from the acid so it has time to heal.Another medicine, misoprostol (brand name: Cytotec), reduces the amount of acid and protects the lining of the stomach. It is usually used to prevent gastric ulcers in people who need to take anti-inflammatory drugs and who have had stomach irritation or ulcers in the past.

How long will I have to take medicine?

Treatment to get rid of H. pylori usually takes about 2 to 3 weeks. Your doctor may want you to take medicine that lowers the stomach acid for up to 8 weeks. Most ulcers heal within this time.If your symptoms come back after you stop taking medicine, your doctor may want you to take a different medicine or take a low dose of medicine even when you're not having symptoms to keep the ulcer from coming back.


Tips on healing your ulcer

1.Don't smoke.
2.Avoid anti-inflammatory drugs such as aspirin and ibuprofen.
3.Avoid caffeine and alcohol (or have them only in small amounts and on a full stomach).
4.Avoid spicy foods if they cause heartburn.

Does what I eat affect my ulcer?

It may. But this isn't true for everyone. Certain foods and drinks may be more likely to make your pain worse. These include both regular and decaffeinated coffee, tea, chocolate, meat extracts, alcohol, black pepper, chili powder, mustard seed and nutmeg. You may want to avoid these things if they bother you. But keep your diet balanced. Try eating small, frequent meals when you're having pain.

Warning signs that your ulcer is getting worse

1.You vomit blood.
2.You vomit food eaten hours or days before.
3.You feel cold or clammy.
4.You feel unusually weak or dizzy.
5.You have blood in your stools (blood may make your stools look black or like tar).
6.You have ongoing nausea or repeated vomiting.
7.You have sudden, severe pain.
8.You keep losing weight.
9.Your pain doesn't go away when you take your medicine.
10.Your pain reaches to your back.

SILICOSIS

What is Silicosis?

Silicosis is an occupational lung disease. Silicosis is a respiratory disease caused by inhalation of silica dust.

When crystalline silica (a component of silica dust) is inhaled, it causes inflammation of the lung tissue. This inflammation leads to scar tissue formation on the lungs. The scar tissue obstructs the flow of oxygen into the lungs and into the bloodstream.

If silicosis is left untreated, it can eventually result in death.
Silicosis is also called dust consumption, grinder's asthma, grinder's rot, grit consumption, mason's disease, miner's asthma, miner's phthisis, potter's rot, rock tuberculosis, and stonemason's disease.

Complications of Silicosis?

Silicosis can also make an individual susceptible to bacterial or fungal infections. It can also lead to other respiratory diseases such as lung cancer and tuberculosis.

Symptoms of Silicosis?

The most common early symptoms include:

1.Shortness of breath following physical exertion
2.Cough
3.Minor fatigue
4.Loss of appetite
5.Occasional chest pains
6.Bluish skin—at edges of extremities

As crystalline silica exposure continues, symptoms usually become worse. Symptoms get worse because the lung cell and tissues become more scarred and are less able to function normally.
More severe symptoms of silicosis include:

1.Chronic shortness of breath
2.A persistent cough
3.Severe fatigue
4.Chest pains
5.Fever
6.Weight Loss
7.Night sweats
8.Advanced degree of cyanosis (bluish skin)
9.Respiratory failure

What is Silica?

Crystalline silica is a naturally occurring mineral. It is white or colorless and found in the earth's crust. Crystalline silica is a core component of quartz, sand, flint, agate, granite, and many other mineral rocks.

Who is at Risk for Silicosis?

Anyone who is exposed to crystalline silica is susceptible to developing silicosis. However, silicosis typically affects workers in the following professions:

1.construction workers
2.sandblasters
3.quarry workers
4.rock drillers
5.foundry workers
6.railroad workers
6.concrete blasters and cutters
7.brick masons
8.pottery workers
9.ship workers
10.miners
11.glass workers
12.welders

Types of Silicosis?

There are three main types of Silicosis. Each type is characterized by the level and duration of exposure to crystalline silica.

1. Chronic Silicosis

Chronic silicosis usually occurs after 10 or more years of low-level exposure to crystalline silica. Chronic silicosis is the most common form of the disease and can go many years without detection.

2. Accelerated Silicosis

Accelerated Silicosis typically occurs with moderate to high levels of exposure over a 5 to 10 year period. Accelerated Silicosis is often triggered when workers have direct contact with split or fractured rocks that contain potent concentrations of silica dust particles;

3. Acute Silicosis

Acute Silicosis is the most dangerous form of silicosis. It is the most dangerous because it involves the highest levels of exposure.

How to Prevent Silicosis?

Silicosis can be prevented when employees and employers are given sufficient education and training, proper facilities and removal systems, and appropriate warnings and compliance with government regulations.

Can Silicosis be cured?

Currently, silicosis cannot be cured.

What to do if you have Silicosis?

If you have silicosis and believed you developed it while working, contact an attorney that deals with silicosis cases.

CHICKENPOX

What Is Chicken Pox?

Chickenpox is a rash illness caused by a virus. Once a person is exposed to the chickenpox virus, it takes between 2 and 3 weeks before the symptoms appear. Chickenpox usually occurs in childhood. Adults who contract chicken pox are usually more ill, especially with pneumonia. Chickenpox is very common and highly contagious. Approximately 3 million cases occur each year in the United States. More than 90% of Chickenpox cases occur in children less than 12 years of age.

Symptoms of Chickenpox?

The symptoms of chickenpox vary from individual to individual. Some people may experience all of these symptoms while others experience one or two.

The most common symptoms of chickenpox are:

1.Mild fever. The fever varies between 101º F to 105º F and returns to normal when the blisters have disappeared.
2.backache
3.headache
4.sore throat
5.a rash (red spots)
6.blisters filled with fluid

How is Chickenpox Transmitted?

Chickenpox is transmitted through the air. When a patient with chickenpox coughs or sneezes, they expel tiny droplets that carry the chicken pox virus (varicella-zoster virus, VZV). If a person who has never had chicken pox inhales these particles, the virus enters the lungs and is carried through the blood to the skin where it causes the typical rash of chicken pox. The infected droplets cause an initial infection in the respiratory epithelium.

The incubation period of chickenpox is between 10 and 20 days.
Before the typical rash appears, patients often develop a fever, headache, swollen glands and other flu like symptoms.

Skin vesicles contain the virus but are not the primary sources. Scabs are not infectious. Patients are contagious from 2 days before onset of the rash until all lesions have crusted.

Can Chickenpox be prevented?

Chickenpox can be prevented . The easiest way to prevent catching chicken pox is to get vaccinated. However, vaccination is only successful in 70% to 90% of all vaccinations. Individuals who have been vaccinated but still acquire chickenpox, usually have a milder disease that heals more quickly than non vaccinated individuals.Chickenpox and PregnancyChickenpox can cause serious problems during pregnancy, especially when infection occurs early in the pregnancy or at the time of delivery. If chickenpox occurs early in pregnancy, several types of fetal abnormalities, including limb abnormalities, scarring of internal organs and neurological damage can occur. Pregnant women who suspect exposure to chickenpox should immediately contact their healthcare provider.

FLU

What is the Flu?

The Flu is a contagious disease that is caused by the influenza virus. It is a viral infection of the respiratory tract that causes fever, headache, muscle aches, and weakness. The flu is different from a cold. The flu usually comes on suddenly. The flu is also called: Asian flu; Asian flu type A; Asian flu type B; Flu; Influenza A; Influenza B.
If you have the flu, you should:

1.Rest;
2.Drink plenty of liquids;
3.Avoid using alcohol and tobacco; and
4.Take medication to relieve the symptoms of flu.

What are the Symptoms?

Symptoms start 1-4 days after the virus enters the body. There are several symptoms for the Flu.

The most common symptoms are:fever, cough with or without mucus, nasal discharge, headache, muscle aches and stiffness, shortness of breath, chills, sweating, fatigue, malaise, stuffy nose,sore throat , clammy skin, nosebleed, nausea and vomiting diarrhea, loss of appetite.

What Causes the Flu?

The flu is caused by a virus. It is transmitted from person to person, usually by inhaling infected droplets from the air.

Can the Flu be spread to others?

Yes. A person who has the flu can spread the flu starting one day before they begin to feel sick. The amount of time a person can spread the flu depends on whether they are an adult or child.
Adults can pass the flu virus to others 3-7 days after their symptoms begin. Children can pass the virus for longer than 7 days.

Can the flu be Prevented?

Yes. Certain strains of the flu virus can be prevented by Anti-influenza vaccines, also called flu shots.

STREP THROAT

What is Strep Throat?

Strep throat, is an infection of the mucous membranes lining the pharynx. Strep throat is caused by bacteria. Sometimes the tonsils are also infected (tonsillitis).

Strep throat accounts for between five and ten percent of all sore throats. Although anyone can get strep throat, it is most common in school age children. People who smoke, who are fatigued, run down, or who live in damp, crowded conditions are also more likely to become infected with strep throat. Children under age two and adults who are not around children are less likely to get strep throat.

Strep throat occurs most frequently from November to April.

Strep throat is also called Streptococcal sore throat.

How is Strep Throat Transmitted?

Strep Throat is transmitted directly from person to person by coughing, sneezing, and close contact. Very occasionally strep throat is passed through food, when a food handler infected with strep throat accidentally contaminates food by coughing or sneezing.

What causes Strep Throat?

Strep throat is caused by group A Streptococcus bacteria.

What are the Symptoms of Strep Throat?

Some of the symptoms of strep throat are:

1.a painful sore throat
2.high fever
3.chills
4.headache
5.muscle aches
6.bright red tongue
7.swollen lymph glands
7.nausea

Infants with strep throat often have a thick colorful nose drainage and possibly a low-grade fever, with a decrease in appetite.

Young children may complain of abdominal pain. The tonsils look swollen and are bright red, with white or yellow patches of pus on them. Sometimes the roof of the mouth is red or has small red spots.

Preventing Strep Throat

There is really no way to prevent getting strep throat. Some of the common ways to help prevent getting strep throat are: covering her mouth when she sneezes to keep from spreading the bacteria; wash their hands after sneezing, blowing their noses, and before cooking or eating; wash dishes, drinking glasses, and knives, forks, and spoons in hot, soapy water; and keep sores and cuts clean.

FEVER

Also called: Pyrexia

A fever is a body temperature that is higher than normal. It is not an illness. It is part of your body's defense against infection. Most bacteria and viruses that cause infections do well at the body's normal temperature (98.6 F). A slight fever can make it harder for them to survive. Fever also activates your body's immune system.

Infections cause most fevers. There can be many other causes, including

1.Medicines
2.Heat exhaustion
3.Cancers
4.Autoimmune diseases

Treatment depends on the cause of your fever. Your health care provider may recommend using over-the-counter medicines such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen to lower a very high fever. Adults can also take aspirin, but children with fevers should not take aspirin. It is also important to drink enough liquids to prevent dehydration.

Types of Fever

Continued Fever - the temperature remains above normal for long period of time.

Intermittent Fever - type of fever wherein body temperature periodically rises and falls.

Relapsing Fever - type that recurs sometimes a number of times, several days after the temperature has returned to normal.

Stages of Fever:

In the first stage of fever also known as the invasion period the patient will experience chill, loss of appetite, and headache. Chill occurs, occurs because of the tightening of blood vessels near the skin.

In the next stage, the body is hot and flushed, the skin dry, and the pulse and respiration are rapid. The patient will experience thirst and he/she will feel restless. In high fever, delirium and convulsions may occur.

In the final stage before returning to normal, the temperature falls, breathing and pulse slow down, and the skin becomes moist. The patient often sweats.

What are the signs and symptoms of a Fever?

There are different symptoms of a fever. The symptoms of a fever depends on what is causing it. Sometimes a fever can cause a chill. A chill occurs because when the brain raises the body's "thermostat," the body responds by shivering to raise the temperature. Shivering produces heat in the body. Once the temperature goes up, the person often feels warm. When the fever goes away, the person may start to sweat.

What causes a Fever?

Fever can be caused by many conditions. Some conditions that cause them are: infections such as strep throat, pneumonia, flu and chickenpox, tissue injuries,silicosis, tumors or cancer diseases that cause inflammation, rheumatoid arthritis, medications, and being in a hot environment for too long.

Risks during a Fever?

The main risk of mild or moderate fevers is dehydration. When a person has a fever, they need more fluids than usual. A fever greater than 106 degrees Fahrenheit can result in brain damage and possibly death. Fevers greater than 106 degrees are very unusual.

Why Drink Plenty of Fluids?

It is important to drink fluids when you have a fever. It is important because fever causes considerable fluid loss through the skin and perspiration. Because it is difficult to measure fluid loss, it is good to drink 1 to 2 quarts of extra fluid each day that you have a fever.

How are Fevers diagnosed?

A thermometer is used to measure the body temperature. The temperature can be taken in the mouth, rectum, ear, or under the arm.

How are Fevers treated?

Treatment is usually directed at whatever is causing the fever. Some steps that can help bring down a fever or comfort a person include the following: Acetaminophen or ibuprofen can help reduce a fever. Fevers greater than 106 degrees F are very serious. These high fevers need to be treated in the hospital. If you believe you may have a fever, please consult your doctor.

Fever Seizures?

A child with a high fever may have a febrile seizure. Symptoms of a seizure include shaking or jerking of the arms and legs, a fixed stare or the eyes rolling back, drooling, heavy breathing, and the skin turning blue. If your child has a febrile seizure, contact your doctor immediately.
The majority of children with febrile seizures have rectal temperatures greater than 102 degrees F. Most febrile seizures occur during the first day of a child's fever. Children prone to febrile seizures are not considered to have epilepsy, since epilepsy is characterized by recurrent seizures that are not triggered by fever.

ACIDITY

What is ACIDITY?
The stomach normally secretes acid that is essential in the digestive process. This acid helps in breaking down the food during digestion. When there is excess production of acid by the gastric glands of the stomach, it results in the condition known as acidity. Dyspepsia, heartburn and the formation of ulcers are some of the symptoms. It is more common in highly emotional and nervous individuals.

Most acidity problems occur

1.After meals
2.When lifting weight or straining and applying pressure in the intra-abdominal area.
3.At night when lying down.
4.Ulcers also occur as a result of over secretion of acid.

Home Remedies for Acidity

Tip 1:After all three meals, take a small piece of jaggery and keep it in your mouth and suck. no more acidity.

Tip 2: Boil one cup of water. To this add 1 tsp of Aniseed (Saunf). Cover and leave overnight. Strain the water in the morning, add 1 tsp of honey. When this is taken 3 times a day it prevents acidity.

Tip 3: To 1 ½ liters of water add 1 tsp caraway seeds (shah jeera).Bring to a boil and simmer for 15 minutes. Sip while warm. Have the concoction 2-3 times a day for 5-6 days.

Tip 4: Powder one clove and one cardamom; use the powder as a mouth freshener after every meal. No more acidity and no more bad breath.


What are the causes of acidity?

A weakness of the valve between the stomach and oesophagus (food pipe) can cause a reflux of the acid from the stomach to the lower part of the oesophagus. This gastro-oesophageal reflux can cause heart-burn. Sometimes, a heavy meal or increase in intra-abdominal pressure such as while straining or lifting weights, can bring about this reflux. Excess acid secretion can also cause acidity and ulcers, when the normal protective lining of the stomach and duodenum (the part of the intestine that joins the stomach), is damaged.

The resulting ulcer is called gastric ulcer if it is in the stomach and duodenal ulcer if it is in the duodenum. In a condition known as Zollinger-Ellison Syndrome, a large amount of acid is secreted because of stimulation by tumours located in the pancreas or duodenum. Any kind of break down in the defense mechanisms that protect the stomach and intestine from damage by acid can cause acidity. The body secretes bicarbonate into the mucous layer, which neutralises the acid. Hormone-like substances known as prostaglandins, help to keep the blood vessels in the stomach dilated, ensuring adequate blood flow.

Lack of adequate blood flow to the stomach may contribute to ulcers. Prostaglandins are also believed to stimulate bicarbonate and mucous production, which help protect the stomach. Consumption of alcohol, highly spicy foodstuffs, irregular food habits, and Non Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs) also predispose to gastric acidity. There is a higher incidence of acidity in highly emotional and nervous individuals. It is also more common in the developed and industrialized nations, though a recent increase in incidence has also occurred in the developing countries

What are the symptoms of acidity?

The main symptoms of acidity are Heartburn and Dyspepsia.
Heartburn is characterized by a deeply placed, burning pain in the chest behind the sternum (breast-bone). It occurs after meals and is precipitated by increase in intra-abdominal pressure like straining or lifting weights. It is more common at night when a person is lying down. Heartburn is usually relieved when the person sits up. Regurgitation of the gastric contents may also occur.

The symptoms of ulcers are mainly pain that can be either localized or diffuse. Sometimes it radiates to the back or to the chest.Dyspepsia is a burning or an aching pain in the upper abdomen, sometimes described as a stabbing sensation penetrating through the gut. In rare cases there may be no pain, but only a feeling of indigestion, fullness, bloating, flatulence or nausea. When the cause is a duodenal ulcer, having a meal usually relieves the pain. But in the case of a gastric ulcer there may be no change, or the pain may become worse after eating. Peptic ulcer disease can sometimes occur without symptoms. Symptoms may also arise when there is no ulcer present, which is known as non-ulcer dyspepsia.

IMMUNE SYSTEM

The Immune System -- An Overview

The immune system is composed of many interdependent cell types that collectively protect the body from bacterial, parasitic, fungal, viral infections and from the growth of tumor cells. Many of these cell types have specialized functions. The cells of the immune system can engulf bacteria, kill parasites or tumor cells, or kill viral-infected cells. Often, these cells depend on the T helper subset for activation signals in the form of secretions formally known as cytokines, lymphokines, or more specifically interleukins. Such an understanding may help comprehend the root of immune deficiencies, and perceive potential avenues that the immune system can be modulated in the case of specific diseases.

The Organs of the Immune System

Bone Marrow -- All the cells of the immune system are initially derived from the bone marrow. They form through a process called hematopoiesis. During hematopoiesis, bone marrow-derived stem cells differentiate into either mature cells of the immune system or into precursors of cells that migrate out of the bone marrow to continue their maturation elsewhere. The bone marrow produces B cells, natural killer cells, granulocytes and immature thymocytes, in addition to red blood cells and platelets.

Thymus -- The function of the thymus is to produce mature T cells. Immature thymocytes, also known as prothymocytes, leave the bone marrow and migrate into the thymus. Through a remarkable maturation process sometimes referred to as thymic education, T cells that are beneficial to the immune system are spared, while those T cells that might evoke a detrimental autoimmune response are eliminated. The mature T cells are then released into the bloodstream.

Spleen -- The spleen is an immunologic filter of the blood. It is made up of B cells, T cells, macrophages, dendritic cells, natural killer cells and red blood cells. In addition to capturing foreign materials (antigens) from the blood that passes through the spleen, migratory macrophages and dendritic cells bring antigens to the spleen via the bloodstream. An immune response is initiated when the macrophage or dendritic cells present the antigen to the appropriate B or T cells. This organ can be thought of as an immunological conference center. In the spleen, B cells become activated and produce large amounts of antibody. Also, old red blood cells are destroyed in the spleen.

Lymph Nodes -- The lymph nodes function as an immunologic filter for the bodily fluid known as lymph. Lymph nodes are found throughout the body. Composed mostly of T cells, B cells, dendritic cells and macrophages, the nodes drain fluid from most of our tissues. Antigens are filtered out of the lymph in the lymph node before returning the lymph to the circulation. In a similar fashion as the spleen, the macrophages and dendritic cells that capture antigens present these foreign materials to T and B cells, consequently initiating an immune response.

Humans have three types of immunity — innate, adaptive, and passive:

Innate Immunity Everyone is born with innate (or natural) immunity, a type of general protection that humans have. Many of the germs that affect other species don't harm us. For example, the viruses that cause leukemia in cats or distemper in dogs don't affect humans.

Innate immunity works both ways because some viruses that make humans ill — such as the virus that causes HIV/AIDS — don't make cats or dogs sick either.Innate immunity also includes the external barriers of the body, like the skin and mucous membranes (like those that line the nose, throat, and gastrointestinal tract), which are our first line of defense in preventing diseases from entering the body. If this outer defensive wall is broken (like if you get a cut), the skin attempts to heal the break quickly and special immune cells on the skin attack invading germs.

Adaptive Immunity We also have a second kind of protection called adaptive (or active) immunity. This type of immunity develops throughout our lives. Adaptive immunity involves the lymphocytes (as in the process described above) and develops as children and adults are exposed to diseases or immunized against diseases through vaccination.

Passive Immunity Passive immunity is "borrowed" from another source and it lasts for a short time. For example, antibodies in a mother's breast milk provide an infant with temporary immunity to diseases that the mother has been exposed to. This can help protect the infant against infection during the early years of childhood.Everyone's immune system is different. Some people never seem to get infections, whereas others seem to be sick all the time. As people get older, they usually become immune to more germs as the immune system comes into contact with more and more of them. That's why adults and teens tend to get fewer colds than kids — their bodies have learned to recognize and immediately attack many of the viruses that cause colds.

Things That Can Go Wrong With the Immune System

Disorders of the immune system can be broken down into four main categories:
1.immunodeficiency disorders (primary or acquired) autoimmune disorders (in which the body's own immune system attacks its own tissue as foreign matter) allergic disorders (in which the immune system overreacts in response to an antigen) cancers of the immune system Immunodeficiency DisordersImmunodeficiencies occur when a part of the immune system is not present or is not working properly. Sometimes a person is born with an immunodeficiency — these are called primary immunodeficiencies. (Although primary immunodeficiencies are conditions that a person is born with, symptoms of the disorder sometimes may not show up until later in life.) Immunodeficiencies can also be acquired through infection or produced by drugs. These are sometimes called secondary immunodeficiencies.Immunodeficiencies can affect B lymphocytes, T lymphocytes, or phagocytes. Some examples of primary immunodeficiencies that can affect kids and teens are:IgA deficiency is the most common immunodeficiency disorder. IgA is an immunoglobulin that is found primarily in the saliva and other body fluids that help guard the entrances to the body. IgA deficiency is a disorder in which the body doesn't produce enough of the antibody IgA. People with IgA deficiency tend to have allergies or get more colds and other respiratory infections, but the condition is usually not severe. Severe combined immunodeficiency (SCID) is also known as the "bubble boy disease" after a Texas boy with SCID who lived in a germ-free plastic bubble. SCID is a serious immune system disorder that occurs because of a lack of both B and T lymphocytes, which makes it almost impossible to fight infections. DiGeorge syndrome (thymic dysplasia), a birth defect in which children are born without a thymus gland, is an example of a primary T-lymphocyte disease. The thymus gland is where T lymphocytes normally mature. Chediak-Higashi syndrome and chronic granulomatous disease both involve the inability of the neutrophils to function normally as phagocytes. Acquired immunodeficiencies usually develop after a person has a disease, although they can also be the result of malnutrition, burns, or other medical problems. Certain medicines also can cause problems with the functioning of the immune system. Secondary immunodeficiencies include:HIV (human immunodeficiency virus) infection/AIDS (acquired immunodeficiency syndrome) is a disease that slowly and steadily destroys the immune system. It is caused by HIV, a virus which wipes out certain types of lymphocytes called T-helper cells. Without T-helper cells, the immune system is unable to defend the body against normally harmless organisms, which can cause life-threatening infections in people who have AIDS. Newborns can get HIV infection from their mothers while in the uterus, during the birth process, or during breastfeeding. People can get HIV infection by having unprotected sexual intercourse with an infected person or from sharing contaminated needles for drugs, steroids, or tattoos. Immunodeficiencies caused by medications. Some medicines suppress the immune system. One of the drawbacks of chemotherapy treatment for cancer, for example, is that it not only attacks cancer cells, but other fast-growing, healthy cells, including those found in the bone marrow and other parts of the immune system. In addition, people with autoimmune disorders or who have had organ transplants may need to take immunosuppressant medications. These medicines can also reduce the immune system's ability to fight infections and can cause secondary immunodeficiency. Autoimmune DisordersIn autoimmune disorders, the immune system mistakenly attacks the body's healthy organs and tissues as though they were foreign invaders. Autoimmune diseases include:Lupus is a chronic disease marked by muscle and joint pain and inflammation. The abnormal immune response may also involve attacks on the kidneys and other organs. Juvenile rheumatoid arthritis is a disease in which the body's immune system acts as though certain body parts such as the joints of the knee, hand, and foot are foreign tissue and attacks them. Scleroderma is a chronic autoimmune disease that can lead to inflammation and damage of the skin, joints, and internal organs. Ankylosing spondylitis is a disease that involves inflammation of the spine and joints, causing stiffness and pain. Juvenile dermatomyositis is a disorder marked by inflammation and damage of the skin and muscles. Allergic DisordersAllergic disorders occur when the immune system overreacts to exposure to antigens in the environment. The substances that provoke such attacks are called allergens. The immune response can cause symptoms such as swelling, watery eyes, and sneezing, and even a life-threatening reaction called anaphylaxis. Taking medications called antihistamines can relieve most symptoms. Allergic disorders include:Asthma, a respiratory disorder that can cause breathing problems, frequently involves an allergic response by the lungs. If the lungs are oversensitive to certain allergens (like pollen, molds, animal dander, or dust mites), it can trigger breathing tubes in the lungs to become narrowed, leading to reduced airflow and making it hard for a person to breathe. Eczema is an itchy rash also known as atopic dermatitis. Although atopic dermatitis is not necessarily caused by an allergic reaction, it more often occurs in kids and teens who have allergies, hay fever, or asthma or who have a family history of these conditions. Allergies of several types can occur in kids and teens. Environmental allergies (to dust mites, for example), seasonal allergies (such as hay fever), drug allergies (reactions to specific medications or drugs), food allergies (such as to nuts), and allergies to toxins (bee stings, for example) are the common conditions people usually refer to as allergies. Cancers of the Immune SystemCancer occurs when cells grow out of control. This can also happen with the cells of the immune system. Lymphoma involves the lymphoid tissues and is one of the more common childhood cancers. Leukemia, which involves abnormal overgrowth of leukocytes, is the most common childhood cancer. With current medications most cases of both types of cancer in kids and teens are curable.Although immune system disorders usually can't be prevented, you can help your child's immune system stay stronger and fight illnesses by staying informed about your child's condition and working closely with your doctor.

PHOBIA

A phobia is a type of anxiety disorder. It is a strong, irrational fear of something that poses little or no actual danger. There are many specific phobias. Acrophobia is a fear of heights. You may be able to ski the world's tallest mountains but be unable to go above the 5th floor of an office building. Agoraphobia is a fear of public places, and claustrophobia is a fear of closed-in places. If you become anxious and extremely self-conscious in everyday social situations, you could have a social phobia. Other common phobias involve tunnels, highway driving, water, flying, animals and blood.

People with phobias try to avoid what they are afraid of. If they cannot, they may experience
1.Panic and fear
2.Rapid heartbeat
3.Shortness of breath
4.Trembling
5.A strong desire to get away
Treatment helps most people with phobias. Options include medicines, therapy or both.





Having a phobia may produce the following signs and symptoms:

1.A persistent, irrational fear of a specific object, activity or situation
2.An immediate response of uncontrollable anxiety when exposed to the object of fear
3.A compelling desire to avoid what you fear and taking unusual measures to stay away from what you fear
4. impaired ability to function at normal tasks because of the fear
Often, the knowledge that these fears are out of proportion with the stimulus
5.When facing the object of your phobia, an experience of panicky feelings, such as sweating, rapid heartbeat, avoidance behavior, difficulty breathing and intense anxiety
6.In some cases, anxious feelings when merely anticipating an encounter with what you fear.

Children may develop symptoms of specific phobia as young as age 5, especially phobias related to the natural environment — such as storms or animals — or to bodily injury. Social phobia and situational phobias, such as fear of heights or of closed-in spaces, typically appear by the mid-20s.

Why Do Kids Get Phobias?

No one really knows exactly why certain kids get phobias. Some scientists think that a person's genes may have something to do with it, and that a kid who has a social phobia may have a parent with one, too. Sometimes a traumatic thing in a kid's life - like the death of a parent, dealing with a parents' divorce, or a big move - can cause a phobia to start.

Scientists do know some things about phobias, though. They know that about five out of 100 people in the United States have one or more phobias. Women are slightly more likely to have phobias than men. Most social phobias start when a person is a teenager, although this and other kinds of phobias can also start when a kid is younger.

How Are Phobias Treated?
Kids who have phobias often start by seeing their doctors. In many cases, the doctor will suggest that the kid visit a psychologist,psychiatrist or therapist. If one of these specialists diagnoses a kid with a phobia, he or she can help.

Some kids will take medications that help them better handle their phobias. Sometimes a kid can learn new ways of dealing with the phobia. This could include relaxation exercises that help the kid feel more in control. Part of handling the phobia may be facing it head on.

For instance, part of Hari's treatment might be riding on an elevator, though she might start slowly by just watching other people get on an elevator or just stepping inside with the doors open.

Depending on the kid and how severe her phobia is, treatment can take weeks, months, or longer. In the meantime, the important thing to remember is that phobias can be treated, and kids can learn to deal with them and feel more in control of their lives.

COUGH PROBLEMS

Home remedies for Cough Problems

All kinds of cough can be cured by eating the juice or powder of the roots of ash-gourd mixed with a little hot water.

To cure all kinds of cough: Mix 25 gms. each of the skin of pomegranate fruit, jyestamadhu, cloves, and pepper. Grind them in a little water; strain, dry in shade and form into small tablets. Put 1-2 of these tablets into the mouth and chew them.

For all kinds of cough: Make a decoction of 25 gms. Of the leaves of tamarind by boiling them in water, add half a gram of fried and powdered asafoetida and 2 gms. of powdered rock-salt and drink it a few times.

For phlegm congestion in the respiratory tract and coughs:

Mix together five leaves of tulasi, one betel leaf, one clove, and a little alum and eat them together 2 - 3 times a day. A glass of hot milk, or a little brandy in which a teaspoon of turmeric powder and a good pinch of coarsely crushed pepper have been mixed or boiled and taken before going to bed, cures cold, cough, phlegm and sore-throat.

Whooping-cough: When there is whooping cough in a locality, healthy children can be prevented from getting the contagion by gradually sipping a spoonful of honey to which 4-5 drops of garlic juice have been added. OR, mix a little garlic juice in a little gingely oil and let the child sip it a little at a time. A child is immunized by administering triple antigen prophylactic (and polio drops) at the tender age of about 3 months or more to make it immune for life against whooping cough, diphtheria, tetanus and polio.

Dry cough can be cured by gradually sipping a mixture of ghee and powdered cumin-seed ( jeera ).

For curing long-standing cough: Powder the root of “Hippali”, mix it with the juice of wild brinjal leaf and a little honey and eat it once daily for a few days.

KNEE PAIN

Knee pain is the most common musculoskeletal complaint that brings people to their doctor. With today’s increasingly active society, the number of knee problems is increasing. Knee pain has a wide variety of specific causes and treatments.

Home Care

In treating many types of knee pain, a common goal is to break the inflammatory cycle. The inflammatory cycle starts with an injury. After an injury, substances that cause inflammation invade the knee, which causes further injury, which leads to further inflammation, and so on.

This cycle of inflammation leads to continued or progressive knee pain. The cycle can be broken by controlling the substances that cause inflammation, and by limiting further injury to tissue.
Some common home care techniques that control inflammation and help to break the inflammatory cycle are protection, rest, ice, compression, and elevation. This regimen is summarized by the memory device PRICE.

1.PROTECT the knee from further trauma.

a)This can be done with knee padding.
b)A pad over the kneecap, for example, helps to control the symptoms of some knee injuries (an example is a form of bursitis sometimes called housemaid's knee) by preventing further repetitive injury to the prepatellar bursae.

2.REST the knee.

a)Rest reduces the repetitive strain placed on the knee by activity.
b)Rest both gives the knee time to heal and helps to prevent further injury.

3.ICE the knee.

a)Icing the knee reduces swelling and can be used for both acute and chronic knee injuries.
b)Most authorities recommend icing the knee 2-3 times a day for 20-30 minutes each time.
c)Use an ice bag or a bag of frozen vegetables placed on the knee.

4.COMPRESS the knee with a knee brace or wrap.

Compression helps accomplish 2 goals:
a)First, compression is another way to reduce swelling.
b)Second, in some knee injuries, compression can be used to keep the patella aligned and to keep joint mechanics intact.

5.ELEVATE the knee.

a)Elevation also helps reduce swelling.
b)Elevation works with gravity to help fluid that would otherwise accumulate in the knee flow back to the central circulation.
c)Prop your leg up when you are sitting, or use a recliner, which naturally elevates the legs.

6.Over-the-counter pain control medications: Commonly used pain relievers such as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as naproxen (Aleve or Naprosyn) and ibuprofen (Advil or Motrin) also play a role in the treatment of knee pain.

a)These drugs directly control pain and, at higher doses, act as anti-inflammatory agents, helping to break the inflammatory cycle. Like all medications, however, these drugs have side effects.
b)You should not use NSAIDs if you have a problem with bleeding or stomach ulcers or some types of kidney disease.
c)Acetaminophen (Tylenol) can also be used to control knee pain but does not have the anti-inflammatory properties of the NSAIDs. Still, this treatment is remarkably useful in many types of knee pain such as osteoarthritis.

SINUS

The term "Sinus" means a bony cavity next to the nasal passageway and its medical usage should be reserved for conditions involving this structure. It is a location not a medical condition. A "Cold" refers to an infection of the nose and throat. It is usually viral but may also be caused by a bacteria. Usually, patients with colds are febrile, have malaise (feels sick) and myalgias (sore muscles)

1.Do not give cough medicine to children under 2 years of age.
2.Too much medicine may cause serious life threatening side effects.
3.Over dosage can occur if two medicines have the same type of ingredients.
4.Cold and cough medicines only treat the symptoms of the common cold they do not cure the cold. The child will get better with time.


Breathe freely again by clearing blocked passageways and easing sinus pressure. According to research or other evidence, the following self-care steps may help you find some relief and fight off infection:

Wipe out irritants

Keep your environment free of irritants and allergens that can trigger sinus congestion, such as dust, mold, smoke, chemical fumes, and animal dander.

Steam clean with aromatic oils

Use steam inhalation with eucalyptus oil or products containing menthol to reduce nasal stuffiness

Try nasal irrigation

Prepare a warm, salt-water solution in a special ceramic pot known as a “neti lota” pot and pour it through your nose to relieve your sinuses .

Uncover food allergies

Work with a knowledgeable practitioner to find out if food allergens may contribute to your sinus congestion .

Get a checkup

Visit your healthcare provider to find out if your sinus congestion may be caused by an infection, inhalant allergy, or other treatable medical condition

These recommendations are not comprehensive and are not intended to replace the advice of your doctor or pharmacist. Continue reading the full sinus congestion article for more in-depth, fully-referenced information on medicines, vitamins, herbs, and dietary and lifestyle changes that may be helpful.

HYSTERIA

Hysteria is a mental disorder arising from intense anxiety. It is characterised by lack of control over acts and emotions, and by sudden seizures of unconsciousness with emotional outbursts. It is often the result of repressed conflicts within the person. This disease appears in both sexes, but it is far more common in young women between fourteen and twenty five years of age.
Symptoms of Hysteria

Heaviness in the limbs, cramps

The symptoms of hysteria are heaviness in the limbs, severe cramps, a strong feeling of ascending abdominal constriction, continual sighings, difficulty in breathing, constriction in the chest, palpitations, feeling of a foreign body lodged in the throat, swelling of the neck and of the jugular veins, suffocation, headache, clenched teeth, and generalized and voluntary tensing of muscles of locomotion.

Wild painful cries, loss of consciousness

In severe cases, additional symptoms are noticeable; these may include wild and painful cries, incomplete loss of consciousness, an enormously swollen neck, violent and tumultuous heartbeats, involuntary locomotor muscle contraction, frightening generalized convulsions, and violent movement.

Weakness, emotional instability

The physical symptoms include a weakness of the will, a craving for love and sympathy, and a tendency towards emotional instability. Hysterical trances may last for days or weeks. A patient in a trance may appear to be in a deep sleep, but the muscles are not usually relaxed



Causes of Hysteria

Stress

The most common causes of hysteria are sexual repression, perverted habits of thought, and idleness. Heredity plays an important part in its causation. A nervous family background and faulty emotional training when young are predisposing causes. The emotional situations may be mental, strain, stress, fear, worry, depression, traumatism, masturbation, and prolonged sickness.


Home Remedies for Hysteria

Hysteria treatment using Jambul

The jambul fruit is considered an effective home remedy for hysteria. Three kilograms of this fruit and a handful of salt should be put in a jug filled with water.The jug should be kept in the sun for a week. A women suffering from hysteria should take 300 gm of these fruits on an empty stomach, and drink a cup of water from the jug. The day she starts this treatment, 3 Kg more of these fruits, mixed with a handful of salt, should be kept in another jug filled with water, so that when the contents of the first jug are finished, the contents of the other will be ready for use. This treatment should be continued for two weeks.

Hysteria treatment using Honey

Honey is regarded as another effective remedy for hysteria. It is advisable to take one tablespoon of honey daily

Hysteria treatment using Bottle Gourd

Bottle gourd is useful as an external application in hysteria. Macerated fresh pulp of this vegetable should be applied over the head of the patient in the treatment of this disease.

Hysteria treatment using Lettuce

Lettuce is considered valuable in this disease. A cup of fresh juice of lettuce, mixed with a teaspoon of Indian gooseberry (amla) juice, should be given every day in the morning for a month, as a medicine in the treatment of hysteria.

Hysteria treatment using Rauwolfia

The herb rauwolfia is very useful for hysteria. One gram of the powdered root should be administered with one cup of milk in the morning as well as in the evening. Treatment should be continued till a complete cure has been obtained.

Hysteria treatment using Asafoetida

Asafoetida has also proved beneficial in the treatment of this disease. Smelling this gum prevents hysterical attacks. If taken orally, the daily dosage should be from 0.5 to 1.0 gm. An emulsion made up of 2 gm of the gum with 120 ml of water is a valuable enema in hysteria, when the patient resists taking the gum orally.



Diet for Hysteria

All-fruit diet

In most cases of hysteria, it is desirable for patients to start the treatment by adopting an all-fruit diet for several days, taking three meals a day of juicy fruits such as oranges, apples, grapes, grapefruit, papayas, and pineapples.

Exclusive milk diet

This may be followed by an exclusive milk diet for about a month. The milk diet will help to build better blood and nourish the nerves. If the full milk diet is not convenient, a diet of milk and fruits may be adopted. The patient may, thereafter, gradually embark upon a well-balanced diet of seeds, nuts, grains, vegetables, and fruits.

Avoid tea, coffee, alcohol etc.

The patient should avoid alcohol, tea, coffee, tobacco, white sugar and white flour, and products made from them.


Other Hysteria Remedies

Self control and occupying the mind
The patient should be taught self-control and educated in the right habits of thinking. Her mind must be drawn away from herself by some means. Proper sex education should be provided and a married patient should be taught to enjoy a normal sexual relationship.

Exercise and outdoor games

Exercise and outdoor games are also important. They take the mind away from self and induce cheerfulness.

Yogasanas

Yogasanas which are useful in hysteria are bhujangasana, shalabhasana, matsyasana, dhanurasana, halasana, paschimottanasana, yogamudra, and shavasana. Weak patients, who are not able to do much active exercise, may be given a massage three or four times a week.

HYPERTENSION

What is high blood pressure?

High blood pressure (hbp) or hypertension means high pressure (tension) in the arteries. Arteries are vessels that carry blood from the pumping heart to all the tissues and organs of the body. High blood pressure does not mean excessive emotional tension, although emotional tension and stress can temporarily increase blood pressure. Normal blood pressure is below 120/80; blood pressure between 120/80 and 139/89 is called "pre–hypertension", and a blood pressure of 140/90 or above is considered high.

The top number, the systolic blood pressure, corresponds to the pressure in the arteries as the heart contracts and pumps blood forward into the arteries. The bottom number, the diastolic pressure, represents the pressure in the arteries as the heart relaxes after the contraction. The diastolic pressure reflects the lowest pressure to which the arteries are exposed.

An elevation of the systolic and/or diastolic blood pressure increases the risk of developing heart (cardiac) disease, kidney(renal) disease, hardening of the arteries (atherosclerosis or arteriosclerosis), eye damage, and stroke (brain damage). These complications of hypertension are often referred to as end–organ damage because damage to these organs is the end result of chronic (long duration) high blood pressure. For that reason, the diagnosis of high blood pressure is important so efforts can be made to normalize blood pressure and prevent complications.

It was previously thought that rises in diastolic blood pressure were a more important risk factor than systolic elevations, but it is now known that in people 50 years or older systolic hypertension represents a greater risk.

Self-care

Lifestyle changes can help you control and prevent high blood pressure — even if you're taking blood pressure medication. Here's what you can do:

1.Eat healthy foods. Try the Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension (DASH) diet, which emphasizes fruits, vegetables, whole grains and low-fat dairy foods. Get plenty of potassium, which can help prevent and control high blood pressure. Eat less saturated fat and total fat. Limit the amount of sodium in your diet. Although 2,400 milligrams (mg) of sodium a day is the current limit for otherwise healthy adults, limiting sodium intake to 1,500 mg a day will have a more dramatic effect on your blood pressure.

2.Maintain a healthy weight. If you're overweight, losing even 5 pounds can lower your blood pressure.

3.Increase physical activity. Regular physical activity can help lower your blood pressure and keep your weight under control. Strive for at least 30 minutes of physical activity a day.

4.Limit alcohol. Even if you're healthy, alcohol can raise your blood pressure. If you choose to drink alcohol, do so in moderation — up to one drink a day for women, two drinks a day for men.
5.Don't smoke. Tobacco injures blood vessel walls and speeds up the process of hardening of the arteries. If you smoke, ask your doctor to help you quit.

6.Manage stress. Reduce stress as much as possible. Practice healthy coping techniques, such as muscle relaxation and deep breathing. Getting plenty of sleep can help, too.

7.Practice slow, deep breathing. Do it on your own or try device-guided paced breathing. In various clinical trials, regular use of Resperate — an over-the-counter device approved by the Food and Drug Administration to analyze breathing patterns and help guide inhalation and exhalation — significantly lowered blood pressure.

Lifestyle modification

In some patients, particularly those whose blood pressure is moderately elevated, life style modifications alone may achieve treatment goals. Patients who require pharmacological therapy may reduce the number and doses of medications through life style modification. The following modifications in diet and physical activity should be discussed with a doctor or health care provider.

Weight loss. Overweight patients can reduce blood pressure by losing weight. Gradual weight loss through modified calorie intake and increased physical activity is a good approach. A goal of losing 10-15 pounds is reasonable for many patients.

Physical activity. Regular, moderate aerobic exercise can modestly decrease blood pressure and has many other beneficial effects. A program of gradually increased activity is most prudent, such as taking a brisk, 20-30 minute walk, 3-5 times a week. All persons with chest pain (angina) and known or suspected heart disease should talk to their doctor before beginning a exercise program

Salt (sodium chloride) restriction. Excessive salt intake can contribute to hypertension in some people. Even modest restriction of salt may decrease blood pressure. Generally, many doctors advise those with high blood pressure to avoid salty food and to limit daily sodium intake to no more than approximately 2.4 grams. (Doctors use the words "salt" and "sodium" interchangeably.)

Limited alcohol consumption. Moderate alcohol intake (one or two glasses of an alcoholic beverage a day) does not appear to cause hypertension; however, chronic heavy alcohol use elevates blood pressure. This is the most common reversible cause of high blood pressure. Therefore, hypertension patients who drink alcohol excessively should discuss this issue with their health care provider and reduce their consumption of alcohol.

PSORIASIS

Psoriasis - Causes, Symptoms and Treatment


Psoriasis is believed to be an immune-mediated disease. Psoriasis is an inflammatory skin condition. Between 10% and 30% of people who develop psoriasis get a related form of arthritis called “psoriatic arthritis,” which causes inflammation of the joints. Females develop plaque psoriasis earlier than males. Psoriasis usually occurs in adults. It is affected around 2% of the population in the UK. It sometimes runs in families. Several factors are thought to aggravate psoriasis. These include stress and excessive alcohol consumption. Individuals with psoriasis may suffer from depression and loss of self-esteem. As such, quality of life is an important factor in evaluating the severity of the disease. There also is a genetic component associated with psoriasis. Approximately one-third of people who develop psoriasis have at least one family member with the condition.

There are five types of Psoriasis Plaque psoriasis is the most common type of psoriasis. About 80% of people who develop psoriasis have plaque psoriasis, which appears as patches of raised, reddish skin covered by silvery-white scale. The first peak occurrence of plaque psoriasis is in people aged 16-22 years. The second peak is in people aged 57-60 years. These patches, or plaques, frequently form on the elbows, knees, lower back, and scalp. However, the plaques can occur anywhere on the body. The other types are guttate psoriasis (small, red spots on the skin), pustular psoriasis (white pustules surrounded by red skin), inverse psoriasis (smooth, red lesions form in skin folds), and erythrodermic psoriasis (widespread redness, severe itching, and pain). Regardless of type, psoriasis usually causes discomfort. The skin often itches, and it may crack and bleed

Causes of Psoriasis

1.Immune-mediated disorder.
2.Migrate to the dermis.
3.Trigger the release of cytokines (tumor necrosis factor-alpha TNFa.).
4.Stress (physical and mental).
5.Skin injury.
6.Streptococcal infection.

Symptoms of Psoriasis

1.Red patches of skin.
2.Small scaling spots.
3. Itching.
4.Burning.
5.Soreness.
6.Swollen and stiff joints.

Treatment of Psoriasis

There are 3 basic types of treatments for psoriasis: (1) topical therapy (drugs used on the skin), (2) phototherapy (light therapy), and (3) systemic therapy (drugs taken into the body). Vitamin D reduce skin inflammation and help prevent skin cells from reproducing. Vitamin D analogue that may be used alone to treat mild to moderate psoriasis.There can be substantial variation between individuals in the effectiveness of specific psoriasis treatments. Moisturizers help sooth affected skin and reduce the dryness which accompanies the build-up of skin on psoriatic plaques. Ointment and creams containing coal tar, dithranol (anthralin), corticosteroids, vitamin D3 analogues (for example, calcipotriol), and retinoids are routinely used. Some topical agents are used in conjunction with other therapies, especially phototherapy. Tazarotene (Tazorac) is a topical retinoid that is available as a gel or cream. Tazarotene reduces the size of the patches and the redness of the skin.

ANEMIA

Introduction


Anemia is a decrease in the number of your red blood cells, and while there are a number of causes, the most common is iron deficiency. You may not have symptoms if you are mildly anemic, and even if you do, they may go undetected or be mistaken for something else.
Instructions


Things You'll Need


Iron Supplements

Step One


Examine your skin tone. Do you have very pale skin color? Even if you have a dark complexion, your lips may be pale and your skin may appear "washed out."

Step Two


Consider whether you are fatigued or irritable all of the time. These are common symptoms of anemia.

Step Three


Ask yourself whether you have frequent headaches or loss of appetite. These are usually early signs of anemia.

Step Four


Consider if you've been constipated - also an early symptom, and may occur without any change in dietary habits.

Step Five


Consider whether it is difficult for you to concentrate. This can affect your work and/or school performance.

Step Six


Ask yourself whether you're craving unusual foods. This is called pica, and you may find yourself craving very bizarre non-foods, such as soil and paper.

Step Seven


Take note of your moods. Anemia can bring on feelings of depression.

Step Eight


Consider whether you've been short of breath. Red blood cells are a vital part of the respiratory process, and this symptom may occur when anemia is moderate to severe.

Step Nine


Take note of whether you feel a sense of coldness in your extremities. This may be caused by poor circulation as a result of anemia.

Step Ten


As yourself if you've been feeling weak and/or dizzy. In severe cases, you may feel too weak to get out of bed, and dizzy when you do get up.


Tips & Warnings


1.Once you develop a sore tongue and/or sores in your mouth, or cessation of menstruation if you are a woman, anemia is well-established.


2.If you eat on the run, eat primarily processed foods, skip meals or go on periodic crash diets, you may not be getting enough iron and other nutrients in your diet. If you are having symptoms, it is possible you may be anemic. Anemia may also be caused by an underlying medical disorder as well as insufficient intake and/or absorption of nutrients such as iron. Having a blood test is the only way to diagnose anemia. If you suspect you are anemic, you should see a doctor.


3.Don't begin taking high doses of iron supplements if you do not know for a fact that you are anemic. Iron can be toxic in high doses. Symptoms of anemia can mimic those of other health problems, and iron deficiency is not the only cause of anemia.


4.If symptoms persist or if you have specific medical conditions or concerns, contact a physician. This information is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice or treatment.

Treatment of ANEMIA

Treatment will depend upon whether an individual is not getting enough iron in the diet (increase iron intake); not absorbing iron or losing small amounts over time due to anything from alcoholic gastritis to medication abuse to tumors. The doctor will often recommend iron-rich foods (such as liver, seafood, dried fruits, lima beans, whole grains, green leafy vegetables and blackstrap molasses) or iron pills. In the more severe cases of iron deficiency anemia caused by blood loss, surgery, blood transfusions or hormone injections may be recommended.

Vitamin B12 deficiency

Current treatment of vitamin B12 deficiency consists of a life-long regimen of monthly B-12 injections. Unfortunately, neither diet or iron pills will help, but if diagnosed early a full recovery is promising.

Folic acid deficiency

Treatment is frequently a dietary correction. Main sources of folic acid include meat, poultry, cheese, milk, eggs, liver, green leafy vegetables, raw fruits, lima and kidney beans, and yeast. Folic acid tablets cure the anemia quickly. If intestinal disorders impede folic acid absorption, a supplement may be needed for a time. In rare instances, injections of folic acid are necessary.


Prevention of Anemia

Consumption of a healthy diet including iron-containing foods and those with B-complex vitamins is essential to developing and maintaining a satisfactory blood count.

Tooth Ache

Overview/Causes

1. Tooth ache is primarily caused by tooth decay



2. Bacteria flourishes on sugar/starch in food particles inside mouth



3. A sticky plaque is then formed on teeth surface



4. The bacteria in the plaque produces acid



5. This acid erodes the enamel or hard covering of the teeth



6. This creates a cavity



7. The first sign of tooth decay is tooth ache



8. This occurs on eating something very cold/very hot/sweet



9. Tooth ache can also be caused by injury/trauma



10. Tooth ache can occur in children and adults

Symptoms

1. Pain in the tooth radiates to jaw, cheek, ear



2. Pain while chewing



3. Increased sensitivity to hot/cold things



4. Swelling in the jaw



5. Discharge/Bleeding from tooth or gums

Treatment

1. Use a floss to remove any particle lodged between teeth



2. Learn flossing from a dentist



3. Take a pain relieving tablet



4. Apply benzocaine containing antiseptic



5. Applying clove oil also might help



6. Do not place aspirin directly against the gums



7. This might lead to burning of gum tissue

Consult a Doctor
If

1. Tooth ache persists



2. Fever occurs with the ache



3. Difficulty in breathing occurs



4. Difficulty in swallowing occurs

Prevention

1. Brush teeth after every meal



2. Floss regularly



3. Visit your dentist twice a year



4. Wear a mouth gear while playing



5. Avoid smoking as it worsens dental conditions



6. Eat a balanced meal with reduced starch/sugar content

Health Related tips

GASTRIC TROUBLE

What are Gastric Problems?

1.Occurs in stomach / oesophagus
2.Disturbance of gastric mucosa leads to acid secretion
3.Acids contact stomach nerve endings
4.Causes pain / discomfort

Types

1.May be acute / chronic
2.Acute gastric problem reduces quickly
3.Chronic gastric problems lead to ulcers

Causes

Physical and mental stress can also cause ulceration.

Causes of gastric mucosa inflammation:
a. Acidic foods
b. Alcohol
c. Smoking
d. Stress
e. Drugs

Drugs which causes gastric trouble

1.Aspirin
2.Nicotine
3.Corticosteroids
4.Erythromycin
5.Beta- Blockers

Symptoms


1.Constant Pain
2.Indigestion
3.Nausea
4.Vomiting
5.Loss of appetite
6.Diarrhea

Avoid

1.Hot Spicy foods
2.Alcohol
3.Smoking
4.Excessive eating
5.Large meals before bed
6.Fatty food
7.Pulse
8.Late nights

Treatment

The best treatment of gastric trouble is to improve and control the eating habits. However, Nature Cure treatment if taken properly gives quick results. After cleansing the bowels with lemon water enema, Mud pack and Hip bath may be taken. The food substances responsible for wind formation may be avoided and light and Sattvic food may be adhered to. Full concentration over meal may be given during eating and food should be masticated properly. Weekly fast may be kept.

ASTHMA

What Is Asthma?

Asthma is a chronic disease that affects your airways. The airways are the tubes that carry air in and out of your lungs. If you have asthma, the inside walls of your airways are inflamed (swollen). The inflammation makes the airways very sensitive, and they tend to react strongly to things that you are allergic to or find irritating. When the airways react, they get narrower, and less air flows through to your lung tissue. This causes symptoms like wheezing (a whistling sound when you breathe), coughing, chest tightness, and trouble breathing, especially at night and in the early morning.

Asthma cannot be cured, but most people with asthma can control it so that they have few and infrequent symptoms and can live active lives.


When your asthma symptoms become worse than usual, it is called an asthma episode or attack. During an asthma attack, muscles around the airways tighten up, making the airways narrower so less air flows through. Inflammation increases, and the airways become more swollen and even narrower. Cells in the airways may also make more mucus than usual. This extra mucus also narrows the airways. These changes make it harder to breathe.


Asthma attacks are not all the same—some are worse than others. In a severe asthma attack, the airways can close so much that not enough oxygen gets to vital organs. This condition is a medical emergency. People can die from severe asthma attacks.

So, if you have asthma, you should see your doctor regularly. You will need to learn what things cause your asthma symptoms and how to avoid them. Your doctor will also prescribe medicines to keep your asthma under control.

Taking care of your asthma is an important part of your life. Controlling it means working closely with your doctor to learn what to do, staying away from things that bother your airways, taking medicines as directed by your doctor, and monitoring your asthma so that you can respond quickly to signs of an attack. By controlling your asthma every day, you can prevent serious symptoms and take part in all activities.

If your asthma is not well controlled, you are likely to have symptoms that can make you miss school or work and keep you from doing things you enjoy. Asthma is one of the leading causes of children missing school.


Causes of Asthma

The cause of asthma is not known, but there is evidence that many factors play a part.

Genetic factors: asthma tends to run in families, and many people with asthma also have other allergic conditions such as rhinitis (inflammation of the nose lining). "Allergy" is a hypersensitivity to some proteins foreign to the body; a small dose of the "allergen" will produce a violent reaction in the person concerned.


Environmental factors: in wealthy, hygienic Western countries, most babies are not exposed to bacterial infections that "kick start" the immune system in early life and may be important in directing the immune system away from allergic responses. They also grow up in warm, well-furnished, carpeted homes that don't allow much airflow. This encourages the rapid breeding of large numbers of house dust mites in bedding, carpets and furnishings. Many children, instead of playing outside in fresh air, spend most of their time indoors. This further increases dust mite sensitisation. Exposure to tobacco smoke, whether during the mother's pregnancy or in early childhood, predisposes children to developing asthma. It also makes their symptoms more severe. Children can also become sensitised to animals, pollens moulds and dust in the environment if they are genetically predisposed.


Dietary changes: changes in diet in Western countries, such as a high proportion of processed foods, a higher salt intake, a lower antioxidant intake and a lack of fresh oily fish (lower intake of omega-3 fatty acids) may contribute to the development of asthma.


Lack of exercise: spending more time inside in front of the television means that children get far less exercise. Reduced exercise may mean less stretching of the airways, and a greater tendency for the muscle in the airway walls to contract abnormally when exposed to minor irritants.


Occupational exposure: in adults, asthma can develop in response to irritants in the workplace - chemicals, dusts, gases, moulds and pollens. These can be found in industries such as baking, spray painting of cars, woodworking, chemical production, and farming.


How does asthma affect women differently?

Puberty and menstruation

Some girls find that when they first go through puberty their asthma symptoms worsen. Your symptoms will usually return to normal once your menstrual periods stabilize.

Keep a peak flow diary to track how your menstrual period is affecting your asthma.
If your asthma gets consistently worse, see your healthcare professional. You may be in need of an extra preventative medicine, which you would take on the week before your period to minimize symptoms.

Some medicines such as anti-inflammatory medicines used to treat menstrual pain may actually induce asthma attacks. If you take such medicines regularly, talk to your doctor.

Sleep

Asthma in young women significantly increases the risk of developing obstructive sleep apnea, a disorder where the tissues at the back of the throat temporarily collapse during sleep, causing the pathway to the lungs to be obstructed until the brain wakes up. This results in poor sleep quality and drowsiness. Symptoms of obstructive sleep apnea include loud snoring, cessation of breathing at night, excessive daytime sleepiness, and needing to pass urine frequently at night. Long-term consequences of untreated sleep apnea include high blood pressure and a higher risk for developing heart attacks and strokes.

Pregnancy

If you are pregnant, it is vital for both you and your baby that you control your asthma. Uncontrolled asthma can lower the oxygen level in your blood, which means that your baby gets less oxygen, too, and therefore your baby’s growth and development will be affected.

Most, although not all, asthma medicines are safe to take during pregnancy. Doctors recommend that it is much less risky to take some asthma medicines during pregnancy than to take the chance that you will have an asthma attack.

If you are pregnant or thinking about becoming pregnant, talk to your healthcare professional about your asthma and how to have a healthy pregnancy.

Motherhood

Asthma is a major issue for children. It is the third-leading cause of hospitalization among children under 15 years of age. Treatment costs are estimated at $3.2 billion annually for children under 18.

Menopause

Because menopause is another point in time when your hormones are in flux, your asthma symptoms may worsen. Be conscious of any changes in your symptoms, and discuss them with your healthcare professional.
Osteoporosis

This condition, through which your bones become brittle, is a major health problem for aging women. This disease affects one in three women after menopause. Studies have found that women who suffer from asthma may be slightly more likely to get osteoporosis. Taking steroid tablets (eg, prednisone) or high doses of preventative inhalers over an extended period of time may increase the risk of developing osteoporosis. You should talk to your clinician about this.

Women with asthma should be exceptionally careful to reduce their risk of osteoporosis. Here are some ways in which you can reduce the risk:

1.Ensure that your diet has sufficient calcium by consuming foods like yogurt, cheese, and milk. Tinned fish with bones, tofu, and leafy greens also contain a high dose of calcium.
2Do regular weight-bearing exercise. Walking, dancing, weight-training, and running are all examples of weight-bearing exercise.
3Do not smoke. Smoking is an independant risk factor for developing osteoporosis.
4Drink only moderate amounts of alcohol.


Asthma symptoms

Asthma symptoms may be mild, moderate or severe. They may include:

1.coughing
2.wheezing
3.shortness of breath
4.tightness in your chest
These symptoms tend to be variable and may stop and start. They are usually worse at night.


Home remedy for asthma relief

1.Express the juice from garlic. Mix 10 – 15 drops in warm water and take internally for asthma relief.

2.Mix, onion juice ¼ cup, honey 1 tablespoon and black pepper 1/8 tablespoon.

3.Mix licorice and ginger together. Take ½ tablespoon in 1 cup of water for relief from asthma.

4.Drink a glass of 2/3 carrot juice, 1/3 spinach juice, 3 times a day .

6.Add 30-40 leaves of Basil in a liter of water, strain the leaves and drink the water throughout the day effective for asthma.


How Is Asthma Treated?

Your doctor can work with you to decide about your treatment goals and what you need to do to control your asthma to achieve these goals. Asthma treatment includes:

1.Working closely with your doctor to decide what your treatment goals are and learning how to meet those goals.
2.Avoiding things that bring on your asthma symptoms or make your symptoms worse. Doing so can reduce the amount of medicine you need to control your asthma.
3.Using asthma medicines. Allergy medicine and shots may also help control asthma in some people.
4.Monitoring your asthma so that you can recognize when your symptoms are getting worse and respond quickly to prevent or stop an asthma attack.

With proper treatment, you should ideally have these results:

1.Your asthma should be controlled.
2.You should be free of asthma symptoms.
3.You should have fewer attacks.
4.You should need to use quick-relief medicines less often.
5.You should be able to do normal activities without having symptoms.


Your doctor will work with you to develop an asthma self-management plan for controlling your asthma on a daily basis and an emergency action plan for stopping asthma attacks. These plans will tell you what medicines you should take and other things you should do to keep your asthma under control.

Medicines for Asthma


There are two main types of medicines for asthma:


1.Quick-relief medicines—taken at the first signs of asthma symptoms for immediate relief of these symptoms. You will feel the effects of these medicines within minutes.
2.Long-term control medicines—taken every day, usually over long periods of time, to prevent symptoms and asthma episodes or attacks. You will feel the full effects of these medicines after taking them for a few weeks. People with persistent asthma need long-term control medicines.

Quick-relief medicines

Everyone with asthma needs a quick-relief or "rescue" medicine to stop asthma symptoms before they get worse. Short-acting inhaled beta-agonists are the preferred quick-relief medicine. These medicines are bronchodilators. They act quickly to relax tightened muscles around your airways so that the airways can open up and allow more air to flow through.

You should take your quick-relief medicine when you first begin to feel asthma symptoms, such as coughing, wheezing, chest tightness, or shortness of breath. You should carry your quick-relief inhaler with you at all times in case of an asthma attack.

Your doctor may recommend that you take your quick-relief medicines at other times as well—for example, before exercise.

Long-term control medicines

The most effective, long-term control medicine for asthma is an inhaled corticosteroid (kor-ti-ko-STE-roid) because this medicine reduces the airway swelling that makes asthma attacks more likely.

Inhaled corticosteroids (or steroids for short) are the preferred medicine for controlling mild, moderate, and severe persistent asthma. They are generally safe when taken as directed by your doctor.
In some cases, steroid tablets or liquid are used for short periods of time to bring asthma under control. The tablet or liquid form may also be used to control severe asthma.

Other long-term control medicines include:

1.Inhaled long-acting beta-agonists. These medicines are bronchodilators, or muscle relaxers, not anti-inflammatory drugs. They are used to help control moderate and severe asthma and to prevent nighttime symptoms. Long-acting beta-agonists are usually taken together with inhaled corticosteroid medicines.

2.Leukotriene modifiers (montelukast, zafirlukast, and zileuton), which are used either alone to treat mild persistent asthma or together with inhaled corticosteroids to treat moderate or severe asthma.

3.Cromolyn and nedocromil, which are used to treat mild persistent asthma.

4.Theophylline, which is used either alone to treat mild persistent asthma or together with inhaled corticosteroids to treat moderate persistent asthma. People who take theophylline should have their blood levels checked to be sure the dose is appropriate.

If you stop taking long-term control medicines, your asthma will likely worsen again.

Many people with asthma need both a short-acting bronchodilator to use when symptoms worsen and long-term daily asthma control medicines to treat the ongoing inflammation.

Over time, your doctor may need to make changes in your asthma medicine. You may need to increase your dose, lower your dose, or try a combination of medicines. Be sure to work with your doctor to find the best treatment for your asthma. The goal is to use the least amount of medicine necessary to control your asthma.

Most asthma medicines are inhaled. They go directly into your lungs where they are needed. There are many kinds of inhalers, and many require different techniques. It is important to know how to use your inhaler correctly.

HOW TO REDUCE ANGER

One of the biggest obstacles to personal and career success is anger. When we fail to control our anger, we suffer several blows:




1.Anger impedes our ability to be happy, because anger and happiness are incompatible.
2.Anger sends marriages and other family relationships off-course.
3.Anger reduces our social skills, compromising other relationships, too.
4.Anger means lost business, because it destroys relationships.
5.Anger also means losing business that you could have won in a more gracious mood.
6.Anger leads to increased stress (ironic, since stress often increases anger).
7.We make mistakes when we are angry, because anger makes it harder to process
information.


People are beginning to wake up to the dangers of anger and the need for anger management skills and strategies. Many people find anger easy to control. Yes, they do get angry. Everybody does. But some people find anger easier to manage than others. More people need to develop anger management skills.


Develop your anger management skills


Try these self-help anger management tips:
ANGER MANAGEMENT TIP #1


Ask yourself this question: "Will the object of my anger matter ten years from now?" Chances are, you will see things from a calmer perspective.


ANGER MANAGEMENT TIP #2


Ask yourself: "What is the worst consequence of the object of my anger?" If someone cut in front of you at the book store check-out, you will probably find that three minutes is not such a big deal.


ANGER MANAGEMENT TIP #3


Imagine yourself doing the same thing. Come on, admit that you sometimes cut in front of another driver, too ... sometimes by accident. Do you get angry at yourself?


ANGER MANAGEMENT TIP #4


Ask yourself this question: "Did that person do this to me on purpose?" In many cases, you will see that they were just careless or in a rush, and really did not mean you any harm.


ANGER MANAGEMENT TIP #5


Try counting to ten before saying anything. This may not address the anger directly, but it can minimize the damage you will do while angry.


ANGER MANAGEMENT TIP #6


Try some "new and improved" variations of counting to ten. For instance, try counting to ten with a deep slow breathe in between each number. Deep breathing -- from your diaphragm -- helps people relax.


ANGER MANAGEMENT TIP #7


Or try pacing your numbers as you count. The old "one-steamboat-two-steamboat, etc." trick seems kind of lame to me. Steamboats are not the best devices to reduce your steam. How about "One-chocolate-ice-cream-two-chocolate-ice-cream", or use something else that you find either pleasant or humorous.


ANGER MANAGEMENT TIP #8


Visualize a relaxing experience. Close your eyes, and travel there in your mind. Make it your stress-free oasis.