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Abdominal Pain in Kids – Treatment and Remedies

Sep 23, 2014

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Abdominal pain causes discomfort in children

Abdominal pain in kids is very common and may be a symptom of different kinds of condition. Whether it is a simple food overload or a more serious problem, kid's abdominal pain can be categorized as mild, uncomfortable pain to excruciating pain. Children who are 4 years and above can already tell if they have stomach aches, however, for children less than 3 years old, parents are left to assume it's a belly ache when the child cries endlessly.

There are several reasons a child may complain abdominal pain. It is crucial for a parent to know whether it should need immediate medical attention or not. Most abdominal pain in kids can be treated at home using natural home remedies but there are times that the condition can be a cause of a more serious underlying condition that warrants an immediate checkup with a� doctor.

Symptoms of abdominal pain in kids

Abdominal pain or belly ache can be a nuisance, especially if the child cannot pinpoint what's bothering them. For parents who can't seem to address what is bothering their child, the following symptoms may mean abdominal pain:

Diarrhea

Diarrhea causes abdominal pain, especially when your child ate something that is contaminated with bacteria that cause stomach irritation. Children who have diarrhea are usually brought to the emergency room for proper diagnosis and medication. They are usually given intravenous therapy to keep them from being dehydrated while doctors treat the condition.

Constipation

A child may experience belly ache because of the abnormal movement of their stool. Constipation can lead to fluid retention as well as the inability to pass out gas. Bloating can result to abdominal pain in which doctors may prescribe oral medication to loosen their bowel.

Vomiting

When a child vomits, it� is usually caused by bad bacteria that irritate the stomach. It is also the body's initial reaction to withdraw the toxins out from the body. After a child vomits, he usually feels better and can be on the road to recovery, however, if it persists for more than 24 hours, parents should bring the child to a doctor for proper diagnosis.

Hardening of the abdomen

In the event that there is an occurrence of abdominal pain in kids for whatever reason, their abdomen tends to tighten because of the stress brought by too much pain. A gentle massage sometimes helps ease the pain and to pass out gas.

Home remedy for abdominal pain in kids

Most abdominal pain that kids feel can be treated at home. Because of their active lifestyle, it is very common for them to experience belly aches every now and then. Here are some of the home treatment and management that you can do for abdominal pain in children.

Rest

Have your child lay still in her bed to calm her abdomen. Most mild abdominal pain can go away in a span of 35-45 minutes. Along with this, a parent may gently massage the belly part to help relax the muscle in the abdominal part.

Gentle massage on the belly part

Parents can gently massage the painful area using a baby oil to keep the abdomen warm and comfortable. The massage will normalize the movement in the stomach and will eventually relieve the pain felt by the child. Massaging should be in a circular motion, alternately moving to the left and to the right.

Give fluids

If a child is experiencing abdominal pain, see if they can drink clear fluids such as water or juices. Some belly aches are normally caused by solid foods that are hard to digest. Fluids also help relax the abdomen and hydrate the child that can eventually make the abdominal pain go away.

Convince the child to pass stool

Abdominal pain usually happens before passing stool. Children are more prone to hold their stool and undermine the call of nature.� Convincing them to go to the bathroom and sit there for a while until they feel the urge to pass up stool can help ease their abdominal pain.

Avoid giving them carbonated drinks

Sodas and other drinks that have caffeine in them should not be given to the child even they ask for it. This can increase the pain they feel and cause diarrhea after a period of time.

Apply topical cream to the abdomen

Topical creams are usually applied to babies who have abdominal pains. In most cases, parents assume that their baby is experiencing abdominal pain when they can't seem to stop them from crying. Sometimes a gentle pat on their stomach lets you hear bloated sound. This means that the baby's stomach is full of gas that needed to come out. Applying a topical cream has a warm feeling in the abdomen that eventually leads to passing out gas.

When do you know it is time to see a doctor?

While some abdominal pains in children are mild and can be treated at home, there are some symptoms that require an immediate medical attention.

Localized pain

If a child complains about an abdominal pain in a specific, localized region, parents should pay more attention to it. Pain on the side of their abdomen may affect their kidneys, liver or gall stones. Pain in the lower part of the abdomen is another thing to watch as it can be caused by a urinary tract infection (UTI).

Nausea, fever and diarrhea

When a child complains about abdominal pain that is accompanied by vomiting, fever and diarrhea, immediately bring her to the emergency room for proper diagnosis. While it is not very common, some abdominal pains accompanied by other illnesses can be fatal especially with children.

Frequent abdominal pain

If a child experiences frequent abdominal pain, you may need to see a doctor for proper diagnosis. Regular bouts with abdominal pain can also be the cause of other underlying illnesses the parents may not know about.

Medical treatment of abdominal pain for children can only be given after a series of laboratory tests and diagnosis from the doctors. Meanwhile, the child may only be given first aid or emergency treatment to ease the pain.

Diagnosis of abdominal pain in kids

The diagnosis of abdominal pain in kids varies depending on the severity and frequency of the pain. If the pain comes regularly that seems to increase every time, the doctor may take a blood sample in order to check the liver function as well as the blood cell count. Urine tests can also be performed to see if there is any urinary tract infection that causes the pain.

A stool sample is also considered for proper testing. Most children acquire parasites that usually give them the stomach bug. The stool sample will also enable doctors to see another cause of their abdominal pain. Imaging or CT scan can also be performed if the above testing proves negative of anything that can possibly lead to abdominal pain. CT scan allows doctors to see if there is any abnormality in the abdomen of the child such as growth and tumors.

Once a child complains of a chronic abdominal pain, it is very important to see a doctor for proper diagnosis. Any type of abdominal pain left untreated may lead to a life threatening situation in the future.� Parents should know the emergency signs of abdominal pain in kids and bring them to the doctor immediately.

Asthma in Children – Parents Guide on Reducing Their Risk

Sep 22, 2014

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Asthma in Children

Asthma is a chronic lung disease that causes the airways to get inflamed and tightened. People who have this kind of illness tend to make a wheezing sound when they breathe because of the narrow air passage. Asthma affects people of all ages and commonly starts during childhood. Asthma in children doesn't come as a surprise, especially when they have a weak immune system at birth. Allergies are one of the most common causes of asthma. In order for a child to overcome this kind of illness, proper monitoring as well as keeping the child away from the triggers of the illness can lead to an early recovery from the condition.

In the United States alone, where the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute listed a record high of 7 million children who have asthma, the statistics did not promise lower and reduced occurrence. Since there is no concrete study that shows a specific cause of asthma, medical research proves, however, that there are several asthma triggers that can cause flare ups.

What causes asthma in children?

There are many known causes of asthma that increase the risk of getting an asthma attack. Known triggers can also result in more severe flare ups and keeping your child away from them will help reduce the occurrence of asthma symptoms.

Family History

Family history of asthma is not a trigger, but it is a genetically acquired illness that can be passed on to the next generation whether you like it or not. If a child develops asthma from a family history, the best thing a parent can do is to avoid exposing the child to possible triggers.

Atopic eczema, allergies or hay fever

Food allergies and hay fever are usually the initial cause of asthma in children. The irritation caused by hay fever dramatically affects the child's airways, causing it to get inflamed and constrict after a period of time. Food allergies also bring irritants that affect the child's airways, which brings the same result as the hay fever syndrome.

Lung infection at birth

Babies who were born with lung problems are likely to develop asthma as they grow up. Their weak lungs are very prone to irritants causing constrictions to happen in the slightest presence of allergies.

Exposure to tobacco smoke

One of the main reasons a pregnant woman is prevented from smoking tobacco is the several side effects it can pass on to the unborn child and this includes asthma. A baby whose mother smokes tobacco during pregnancy has a higher risk of developing the disease while in the womb and it becomes a full blown asthma during birth.

Premature birth

Premature birth can be related to the development of asthma because of the child's weak immune system. During birth, a baby fights off several triggers outside the womb, this is why it is very important to build them a strong immune system even before they are born.

Symptoms of asthma in children

Chronic coughing�

Chronic coughing is one of the most notable signs of an asthma attack in children. The coughing is caused by the constricted airways to make room for air, thus, voluntary and involuntary coughing are essential in order to relax the lungs and to pump air into it.

Wheezing� sound

Wheezing sound is caused by the air passing through the inflamed airway. As it passes through the constricted area, the tiny opening makes it hard for the child to breathe air, causing the wheezing sound and labored breathing at the same time.

Chest tightness / difficulty breathing

Breathing difficulty is a result of a partially blocked airway. Children should be given immediate medical attention as the attacks can escalate faster than you expect. Keeping the child calm during an asthma attack can help reduce the inflammation on the air passage.

How to reduce the risk of asthma in children

Generally, asthma can be controlled. Children who have asthma tend to overcome this illness as they grow older, however, if children are constantly exposed to its triggers, there is a big chance that they will have to live with the disease forever. Here are some helpful ways of reducing the risk of children to asthma.

Keep them away from pollutants

Pollutants include exposure to secondhand smoke, polluted air and dirty environment. Pollutants can be all over the place and they are usually airborne. Making sure that the air is clean, especially inside the house will prevent asthma attacks and help the child's lungs and airways to recuperate.

Know their food allergies

Once a child is diagnosed with asthma, parents should know what triggers this illness and what they can do to avoid them. One of the main triggers of asthma is food allergy. Parents should know the different kinds of food that should not be eaten by the child. Food allergies, including certain medicines can cause asthma attacks. It is best for parents to consult with the child's doctor before giving her any medication.

Keep a clean and dust free environment for the child

A child who suffers from asthma should have a living space conducive to the illness. The house should be free of allergens. Make sure you have clean pillows and blankets, as well as dust free table tops and cabinets. Avoid carpets as much as possible as they can serve as a living space for dusts and mites.

Watch their weight

Weight can also be considered as one of the� factors in the development of asthma, especially for children. While there is no concrete� study that confirms this theory, medical researchers observed that there is a greater chance of asthma attacks for obese children than those who are in their weight range.

Stress free living

Children need to learn how to relax most of the time as a stressful environment or situation can trigger an asthma attack. Parents need to keep their children away from emotional stress as much as possible.

Diagnosing asthma in children

Diagnosing asthma in children will usually involve making a doctor appointment where your child will go through a more complete examination of their symptoms. The doctor will take the child's medical history, evaluate symptoms and diagnose any underlying illnesses that may be present. Make sure to provide an accurate medical information about your child and volunteer any information that may help your doctor understand your child's symptoms. A nose and throat examination will likely be performed and the doctor will also listen to your child's breathing using a stethoscope. A wheezing sound will indicate breathing abnormality. Doctors will also routinely check on the possibility that your child may be allergic to certain foods or medicine and will ask whether you keep a pet at home.

Asthma in children is treatable. It can be controlled as long as you keep your child away from the common triggers of asthma. Certain medications can also ease your child's symptoms and building his immune system will also help overcome an asthma attack. Make sure to give your child the right nutrition, make them exercise, and provide a clean and happy environment to make them healthier to reduce the incidence of their asthma attacks.

Dealing With Infectious Mononucleosis

Sep 22, 2014

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Symptoms of Infectious mononucleosis

Infectious mononucleosis is a flu-like syndrome that is a highly infectious condition caused by the herpes viruses. Infectious mononucleosis is also called the kissing disease because it is initially known to spread the virus by kissing someone. Its oral transmission makes it even faster to spread. It is also caused by the Epstein-Barr virus (EBV). While it is not categorized as deadly and dangerous, infectious mononucleosis can result in very uncomfortable symptoms.

What is infectious mononucleosis

Infectious mononucleosis is a common viral infection that comes from the herpes virus origin. It spreads by direct contact, such as through salivary contact or by coming in contact with the saliva when coughing. It can also spread by sharing foods or drinks and eating utensils from an infected person. It is common for an infected individual not knowing they have the disease because the symptoms only become apparent after four to eight weeks from the time of their exposure to the virus. Adults are likely to manifest more symptoms while infected children usually seldom show symptoms of Infectious mononucleosis.

Infectious mononucleosis that lasts for more than 8 weeks can possibly result to a chronic EBV infection. This will cause the virus to lie dormant in the blood. The infected person will not manifest any symptom, but it has the potential risk of developing nasopharyngeal carcinoma and Burkitt's Lymphoma, which are rare forms of cancer. In certain cases, people may reach the age of 35 without knowing that they already have the infection. But for some reasons, their body already developed an antibody that keeps the virus dormant and may only become active when the body's immune defenses become weak.

Symptoms of infectious mononucleosis

The infectious mononucleosis has flu-like symptoms that may initially be considered as a normal flu and you will likely experience these symptoms whenever you contract the illness:

Fever
Sore throat
Swollen lymph glands
Weak muscles (body)
Body pain
Headache
Night sweats
Inflamed tonsils

Once you get the virus, you may have to endure several weeks of agonizing sore throat if medical attention is not immediately given. It is important to get an early treatment for your condition as your symptoms may continue to progress and may become worse.

Treatment of infectious mononucleosis

The most common treatments indicated for infectious mononucleosis includes the following:

Pain reliever
Excessive liquid intake
Enough rest
Water with salt gargle

Infectious mononucleosis spreads through the saliva and is very common to teenagers. However, anyone can get it regardless of their age. The difference of infectious mononucleosis from a regular flu is that it takes longer to go away and may take one to two months before one completely gets well. The mononucleosis' incubation period for children is less than those with adults who contracted the disease.

Possible complications of infectious mononucleosis

Liver inflammation

Infectious mononucleosis can possibly result in hepatitis that can cause minor inflammation in the liver and jaundice, which is the yellowing of the skin and the eyes.

Anemia

The white blood cells reproduced more to combat the disease which ultimately result to low red blood cells.

Enlarged spleen

There is a possibility of a ruptured spleen during bouts of infectious mononucleosis. Avoid engaging in strenuous activities after recovery to avoid it from getting ruptured. A ruptured spleen can cause significant pain and may cause infection.

Swollen tonsils

A swollen tonsil can obstruct the air passage that may cause significant difficulty in breathing.

Inflammation of the heart

Inflammation of the heart is usually caused by the overall stress that the body goes through during the infection. Fever, muscle weakness and pain can stress the heart activities and it may become a potential risk of triggering a heart attack among those with a heart condition.

Seeing your doctor

Most patients usually treat their condition with over-the-counter medicines for flu during the early stage of the infection. In most cases, treating your condition early may not require you to see a doctor. Long term symptoms that may last for weeks, however, usually force patients to visit their doctor to get the proper diagnosis of their flu-like symptom. The early symptoms of infectious mononucleosis are manageable with sufficient rest, fluid intake, gargling with water mixed with salt and flu medicine. However, getting professional help is needed at the early stage of the illness in order to prevent infecting others. The virus can spread easily to family members and seeing your doctor will help you obtain the appropriate treatment intervention before spreading the infection.

Antibiotics are also prescribed to be taken for a week or two. Infectious mononucleosis cannot be directly treated, however, and the usual intervention given includes the management of its symptoms. Strengthening the body's immune system is helpful. Prior to taking any medication, it is best to see your doctor for proper prescription. Antibiotics are usually prescribed by your doctor while making sure that It is safe for your condition. Some patients have drug allergy and a rash formation may potentially occur. It is not advisable to self medicate when you have infectious mononucleosis. Your doctor knows better and you should get professional help immediately, especially at the early stage of the infection.

The Truth Behind The Bipolar Disorder

Sep 20, 2014

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Bipolar disorder is an acute mental illness that is characterized by severe mood swings. The person may appear energetic at one time and then suddenly feels sad or miserable. This mental disorder can take a toll on one's life and family members need to understand about the nature of the disorder to be able to help the person cope with the condition. While the classic symptom of a bipolar disorder is mood swing, such takes a different form. The mood swing is characterized by a mania or a sudden high emotion and may transition back to depression or the sudden feeling of sadness. Owing to this characteristic symptom, the bipolar disorder is also referred to a manic depression.

The bipolar disorder can become bothersome to the person affected by it and the manic depressive state can encourage the development of a suicidal tendency. Mental health professionals usually categorize the condition into bipolar I, bipolar II, Cyclothymic Disorder and Bipolar Disorder Not Otherwise Specified.

What are the causes of bipolar disorder?

The exact cause of bipolar disorder is unknown, but health professionals believe that this kind of mental condition is due to the combination of different causative factors.

Genes

The risk of developing bipolar disorder is higher among individuals with positive family history of the mental illness. Medical studies view some correlative relationship between bipolar and schizophrenia, which tend to share the same genetic link.

Biochemical�

An imbalance in the brain chemical activities is considered to be a causative factor that influences the mood changes experienced by the affected individual. The neurotransmitter activities have an influence on triggering the manic depressive state of the person and it can also result in hormonal imbalance.

Environment

Environmental factors are also considered to affect the development of bipolar disorder, especially when the person is experiencing a highly emotional event, such as a death in the family or a divorce. Teens are likely to be susceptible to manic depression caused by environmental factors.

What are the classic symptoms of bipolar disorder?

Both men and women who experience the disorder manifest similar symptoms. While these symptoms are commonly experienced by any ordinary person, the extent by which they occur among bipolar is quite extreme.

�Symptoms of Mania

decreased need for sleep
increased energy physically and mentally
racing thoughts and speaks very fast
having delusions and hallucinations
heightened mood and exaggerated optimism
excessive irritability, aggressive behavior, and impatience
poor judgment that tends to become impulsive
reckless behavior
inflated sense of self-importance
difficulty concentrating

Symptoms of Depression

loss of interest or pleasure in doing usual activities
lasting sad or experiencing crying spells
irritable mood or restlessness
loss of energy or fatigue
feelings of guilt or worthlessness
oversleep or unable to sleep
difficulty concentrating which affects performance in school or work
loss in appetite or overeating which results weight loss or gain
experiencing chronic and persistent pain in body without physical injury or illness
inability to experience pleasure
feeling of always fatigue or decreased in energy
feeling of hopelessness or despair
feeling of worrying and anxiety
Suicidal attempts

�How is bipolar disorder diagnosed?

Suicide attempts are fairly common even at the early stage of the disorder. An early diagnosis and intervention is crucial in order to help the person with a bipolar disorder before the condition progresses into a more serious mental illness. You should suspect that mania is present when the person manifests any three from the above symptoms and there is a depression when any five of the depression symptoms mentioned above are present. It is important to take the affected individual to a professional in order to obtain a more accurate diagnosis for the symptoms he or she manifests.

Treatment and intervention for bipolar disorder�

Bipolar disorder is a long-term illness. Without proper treatment, the symptoms may become worse and the person may experience more severe manic and depressive episodes. This mental condition does not only involve the affected person, but also the family members. That is why in most treatment interventions, doctors usually involve the family members as a support group for the patient. The gold standard of treatment for bipolar disorder is medication. Others include psychotherapeutic methods and alternative medicine, as among others.

Pharmacotherapy

Medicine helps to control the neurostimulation that is occurring in the brain that caused the fluctuating moods of the person with a bipolar disorder. However, medical therapy can involve side effects. Doctors take note that individuals on medications may experience a rapidly developing cycle of mania and hypomania state. This makes pharmaceutical intervention under the close supervision of a doctor crucial. Lithium Carbonate or Lamotrigine is the most commonly prescribed medications in managing the bipolar symptoms. Lamotrigine in particular is the best choice in preventing depression symptoms while sodium valproate is also prescribed as a mood stabilizer. Other anticonvulsants used in bipolar disorder include carbamazepine, which is an effective medication for rapid cycling bipolar disorder, and lamotrigine, which is the first anticonvulsant that is proven to treat bipolar depression. Other antipsychotic medications like Quetiapine, Olanzapine and Chlorpromazine also treat anxiety in acute manic episodes.

Psychotherapy

Psychotherapeutic intervention takes different forms in treating bipolar disorder. The Cognitive Behavioral Therapy is the most common of all. The main objective of this kind of treatment is to recognize and distinguish what a bipolar disorder sufferer negatively thinks about and makes them behave the way they do. In the course of treatment, the negative thoughts and behaviors are being substituted with optimistic views and actions.

Family therapy involves the participation of the family members of the patient. The approach of treatment is to identify common stressors in the home that can trigger the patient's symptoms. The members of the family are taught on how to cope with the condition of their loved one and how they can provide support and proper management at home. In group therapy, the patient mingles with individuals having the same disorder. The therapy provides a forum for them to communicate and express their feelings, their anxiety and problems. It helps them to develop healthy relationship skills.

Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT)�

This therapy is ideal for people who have severe depression with suicidal tendencies or for people who have undergone treatment for bipolar without any improvement. The process triggers a seizure using electroconvulsive therapy that can induce mood changes from a negative to positive ones.

Hospitalization

In severe cases of bipolar disorder episodes, hospitalization may be indicated in order to closely monitor the condition of the patient.

Herbal treatment�

There are natural supplements that might help people with bipolar disorder like the St. John's wort (Hypericum perforatum) and other brands of herbal medicines composed of different amounts of active ingredient. These alternative medicines act as a mood stabilizer that can help reduce the manic depressive symptoms of the person with a bipolar disorder. It is important, however, to consult your doctor before taking any of these alternative treatments to ensure that it is safe and without side effect. Some of these medications may cause an adverse reaction to your health, especially when you have an existing other medical conditions that may be contraindicated to it.

Cure Apnea Without CPAP

Sep 19, 2014

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Apnea is a condition characterized by difficulty in breathing caused by swollen or collapsed pharyngeal muscles, leading to blocked airways. In sleep apnea, breathing can stop for several minutes, causing oxygen levels in the bloodstream to drop and carbon dioxide to build up. The three categories of sleep apnea are central, mixed, and obstructive sleep apnea. The muscles in the roof of the throat close and obstruct the airway, preventing oxygen from entering the body and carbon dioxide from leaving.

The most common type of treatment for apnea is the use of a continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) machine. A CPAP device is a mask placed on the patient’s nose that provides a constant flow of air pressure to the lungs to prevent obstruction. While CPAP devices are a very effective form of apnea treatment, many patients report having chest discomfort, skin irritation, and nasal problems, such as nosebleeds. The mask can even leave some feeling claustrophobic and may lead to anxiety. There are several alternatives to CPAP devices that are more comfortable and can be just as effective in treating sleep apnea.

Alternative PAP therapy

There are other forms of PAP treatment besides CPAP that are also very effective. Bi-level positive airway pressure (BiPAP) machines assist breathing by providing internal and external air pressure. Auto PAP devices automatically adjust PAP levels to counter apnea episodes. These full-face mask devices are more comfortable than CPAP masks and are less likely to lead to adverse reactions.

Oral appliances

Instead of CPAP nose masks, oral appliance therapy uses mouth guard devices to open the airways. These devices are worn over the mouth while sleeping while providing a constant flow of air pressure into the lungs similar to CPAP. Oral appliances give relief for obstructive apnea while eliminating the discomfort associated with CPAP devices. Oral therapy devices are easier to wear and to maintain. They make less noise, allowing patients to sleep more peacefully. Studies report that patients usually opt for oral appliances as a more effective and low maintenance treatment than CPAP. The FDA and the American Academy of Sleep Medicine have both approved oral appliance therapy as an effective cure for obstructive apnea symptoms.

Positional therapy

Positional sleep therapy is the most practical form of treatment for sleep apnea. While it has only been reported for mild cases, shifting sleeping positions has been known to effectively counter apnea symptoms. A simple technique to reduce airway blockage involves patients tying a tennis ball to their back while sleeping on their side. Doctors also advise against lying supine, as the pharynx is most likely to collapse in this position. There are also some devices that help reduce symptoms, such as inflatable belts or vests that are worn while sleeping on one side.

Surgery options

There are several surgical procedures that help treat sleep apnea. The most common type of surgical treatment is uvulopalatopharyngoplasty (UPPP). This procedure involves widening the airway by removing excess tissue. UPPP is known to be very painful for the patient and recovery takes several weeks. Maxillomomandibullar advancement is a very delicate operation that expands the airway by altering the skeletal structure of the mandible. It is considered the most effective surgery for apnea, and achieves long-lasting improvement of the airway capacity. However, it is also very risky and results in a permanent change in the anatomy of the jaw. Radiofrequency ablation makes the tongue smaller by removing excess tissues to clear the airway. Palatal implants inserted into the soft palate stiffen the muscles to prevent collapse or blockage. Tonsillectomies are advisable for children, as swollen tonsils can cause obstruction.

Provent nasal devices

Provent is an FDA approved treatment that facilitates easier breathing while sleeping. It is a form of nasal expiratory positive airway pressure (EPAP) treatment that uses the sleeper’s own breathing to alleviate apnea. The pair of devices is attached to each nostril. Upon inhalation, a valve opens, allowing air to pass through easily. When exhaling, most of the valve closes, leaving the air to exit through a smaller opening, causing a buildup of air pressure in the airway. This helps leave the airway open and allows easier, unobstructed breathing. Provent is an effective and easy to use type of treatment. It is applicable to all cases of obstructive sleep apnea and is comfortable enough for constant use. It is also easy to carry and can thus be brought for travel.

Natural remedies

There are many alternative remedies that have not been definitively proven as effective apnea treatments, but have been known to provide relief for patients. Studies have discovered that both acupuncture and acupressure help apnea patients sleep better. They target specific points on the body that allow certain muscles to relax. Ear acupuncture, also known as auriculotherapy, focuses on different points on the ear that connect to the pharyngeal muscles for proper breathing. Certain herbal remedies have also been linked to symptom relief, such as passion flower and valerian. Studies have shown that cannabis can successfully reduce symptoms. Maintaining optimal health by exercising regularly and keeping away from alcohol and certain medications is also a good way to deal with obstructive apnea. Smoking is an especially toxic vice that can lead to further clogging of the airway. Despite these benefits, natural remedies can only help relieve symptoms and should not be relied on as an absolute cure.

Learn the best way of managing apnea without the use of CPAP here!

Researchers Discover The Newest Hemophilia Treatment In Plants

Sep 18, 2014

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A new study by the University of Florida Health and the University of Pennsylvania has discovered that a new treatment to combat hemophilia lies in the cells of plants. Hemophilia is a genetic disease wherein the body is no longer able to coagulate blood due to a deficiency in clotting factor proteins. The severity of symptoms can vary, where the most general cases involve internal and external bleeding.

More serious cases of hemophilia can lead to deeper and more frequent internal bleeding, joint damage, and inter-cranial hemorrhage. The most common type of hemophilia is hemophilia A, also known as clotting factor VIII deficiency. Typical treatments involve blood transfusions and clotting factor infusions. While even the severest case of hemophilia is completely treatable, up to 30 percent of patients develop antibodies known as inhibitors that combat the infusions, rendering them ineffective.

Plant cell treatment

The researchers, led by Doctors Dheeraj Verma and Babak Moghimi, discovered that plant cells are able to direct the immune system to take in the infused clotting proteins instead of attacking them. They studied hemophilia A, wherein the clotting factor protein FVIII becomes mutated. FVIII has a heavy and light chain, with the lighter containing a C2 domain. They fused the heavy chain with a cholera toxin subunit protein and injected the material into the chloroplasts of a genetically modified tobacco plant, where both the DNA of the cholera toxin and the C2 domain were mixed together.

The plant leaves were ground and fed over a period of time to an experimental group of mice that had hemophilia A. A second group of mice was fed unaltered FVIII. After two months, the unaltered FVIII group produced high amounts of inhibitors in their bloodstream, while the altered FVIII group had considerably lower levels. The scientists discovered more cytokines in the experimental group, which suppressed the immune response and allowed the immune systems of the mice to tolerate the clotting protein. The experimental FVIII also greatly suppressed inhibitor formation, and when injected into the control group mice, reversed the formation and decreased activity by seven times as much.

Benefits of taking plant-based capsules

There are numerous benefits of this new and innovative hemophilia treatment. It is much less expensive, as many current treatments cost up to a million US dollars, and is also considerably less risky to take. The FVIII material is produced as plant capsules and is much easier and safer for a patient than blood transfusions. It does not come with any risk of adverse reactions or infection. The research into plant cells has also proven how effective this treatment is against inhibitors. It still does not serve as a permanent cure and patients would need to continue taking it to maintain low levels of inhibitory activity.

Work is now underway to produce this substance in lettuce plants for human consumption. With global funding and support from pharmaceutical companies, FVIII medication will soon be available to the public as an official hemophilia treatment.

Potential for more discoveries in hemophilia treatment

This study about hemophilia treatment has not only produced very promising results, it also gives hope that even more effective hemophilia treatments will be discovered in the future. While there is still much to learn about this plant-based protein technique, it has already opened the door to a whole new slew of possible non-invasive treatments. With further improvement and research, this treatment not only has the potential to benefit those with hemophilia, but also other patients suffering from adverse immune system responses.

Fish Oil – Another Breakthrough In Preventing Epileptic Seizures

Sep 18, 2014

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Fish oil, as opposed to other edible oil from meat products is known to be healthy with several health benefits too. Fish oil can be taken by eating fish or by taking fish oil supplements. The oil is rich in Omega-3 fatty acid that is good for the heart, as well as in controlling the blood pressure. Fish oil is commonly found in mackerel fish, tuna, salmon and halibut.

Fish oil as treatment for seizure

Recently, the Journal of Neurology, Neurosurgery & Psychiatry published a study that claims the ability of fish oil in reducing seizures in epileptic people. A very low dose of fish oil is said to be an alternative treatment of epileptic seizures, especially when medically induced drugs cannot do wonders anymore. The study shows that minimal amount of fish oil is proven to be more effective while using higher doses will prove useless and impractical.

Fish oil that contains Omega 3 fatty acids are very effective in working their way through the bloodstream. From the bloodstream, they are able to reach the heart cells and work on alleviating its rhythm, thus preventing any kind of heart abnormality. The steady and normal heartbeat of an epileptic individual will reduce their chances of having seizures.

Epileptic people have higher chances of getting heart attacks, this is why the Omega 3 fatty acids are very helpful in subduing any possible attacks. This process also leads to the calming down of the heart cells and brain nerves that are immensely affected during an episode of a seizure.

Omega 3 fatty acids are also known to effectively produce nutrients that nurture the central nervous system that significantly relaxes the brain cells. During the experimental stage, using minimal amount of fish oil compared to higher doses of it did not result in anything phenomenal, which brought the conclusion that small amount of fish oil is more than enough to help prevent epileptic seizures.

Fish oil doses in seizure treatment

To study the effect of taking low dose of fish oil against high dose of Omega 3 fatty acids, researchers tested 24 patients who have already become unresponsive to medical drugs given to them. In a span of 10 months, the patients were given 3 capsules of fish oil daily with different dosages, and those who took the capsules with lower dose did not experience any kind of seizure during the testing period while those who took a higher dosage did.

During the experimental stage, there was no indication of any harm to those who took a higher dosage of fish oil capsules. However, the response of patients who took the smaller dose was significant. The low dose of fish oil consisted of 3 capsules in a day or roughly around 1080 mg Omega 3 fatty acids. The higher dosage is said to be 6 capsules of Omega 3 fatty acids or around 2160 mg of fish oil. They are subsequently supplemented by corn oil capsules taken twice a day.

The low dosage of fish oil significantly reduces blood pressure. However, in the case of those who took a higher dosage of fish oil, a spike in their blood pressure still occurs during the 10 week testing period.

Fish oil has been known to be good for the heart. It is a healthy fat source that helps normalize the heart rhythms and consequently reducing the incidence of seizure. Although researchers are fully aware that further studies are needed to confirm this claim, they are also sure that taking low dosage of fish oil can help improve epileptic seizures.

Prolactin And How It Helps Prevent Liver Cancer

Sep 18, 2014

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Liver cancer is one of the most common cancers in men. It has a higher toll of mortality rate in men and is usually diagnosed at its later stage where treatment is no longer viable to save a life. While the most common cause of a liver cancer is an unhealthy lifestyle, increasing age, hepatic infection, smoking, and low immunity among others, the Cancer Research Institute could not point out a definite cause for the development of a liver cancer.

Liver cancer is not as prevalent in the United States as it is in other countries. The cancer has a lower rate of occurrence than prostate, lung and breast cancers. However, its prevalence worldwide is significant for being the second most common cancer with a higher risk among individuals with hepatitis and other liver disorders. Prevention is the best cure against liver cancer and a medical breakthrough gives a better hope of liver cancer prevention.

Prolactin and liver cancer prevention

A research made by Arlin Rogers has a revealing discovery that a certain hormone called prolactin can help prevent liver cancer. Prolactin is a hormone that normally helps mothers produce milk during lactation. It appears that while the hormone is not a cure for liver cancer, it can help prevent its development.

The prolactin tests began when Rogers and his group made an important experiment, using first the pituitary hormones. Taking liver cells and exposing them to the pituitary hormones showed an insignificant result where liver cancer cure is concerned. In the case of the prolactin hormone, liver cells that were exposed to it significantly reduced the agitation of cancer cells. The discovery also led to the conclusion that prolactin may have played a significant role in women as liver cancer is more common in men than women.

Rogers proved his research using mice as their experimental subject. The mice that were exposed without the prolactin hormone had the highest rate of cancer occurrence as opposed to the one with prolactin. The same experiment is used for the male mice in which the rate of cancer is the same as that of the female mice but with a significantly smaller size of tumor.

This revelation is being positively hailed with prolactin being one of the human hormones approved to be artificially produced by the administration of Food and Drugs Authority. Prior to this, prolactin is known to be used for gastrointestinal problems and psychiatric disorders as well.

Potential future in liver cancer prevention and cure

The research made by Rogers was published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences. If the said experiment receives a high volume of supporters, this may be one of the unprecedented discoveries on a cure for liver cancer, not only in the United States, but throughout the whole world where at least 80% of liver cancer cases occur outside the United states.

The use of prolactin is the latest in the development of medicine. Since prolactin is now partly used in the market, its role in the prevention of liver cancer may come sooner than later. The Tuffs Medical Center work together with Rogers to develop more about the prolactin hormone and its connection to the cure or prevention of liver cancer. Today, Roger sees the prolactin hormone more as a liver cancer prevention than a cure but this is only an initial stage of research in an effort to find a cure for liver cancer.

Ebola Epidemic Shatters Sierra Leone

Sep 17, 2014

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The Ebola outbreak has been around for years, nevertheless, it has been easily contained by doctors and�other medical personnel where it is mostly present. In Sierra Leone, however, this year proved to be a year of medical scare and danger as the Ebola virus spreads its way not only to its neighboring regions, but also to the personnels and doctors attending the patients who are affected by the outbreak.

Sierra Leone will implement strict confinement of its people for three days. The total confinement aims to control the spread of Ebola virus that is said to have crippled most of the western part of Africa. The epidemic spreads so fast that the only immediate thing to control it is through a total shutdown.

The case of Sierra Leone having to bury 491 individuals affected by the disease is too much. The said quarantine practice will include everyone on the streets of Sierra Leone except for emergency cases and business necessities. The 72 hour quarantine is deemed to be sufficient in containing the virus and make the necessary medical sanitation.

Quarantine of the virus necessary

Abdulai Bayratay, a spokesman for the government said that the quarantine will be firmly abided and no one is exempted from it. The dreaded disease has claimed too many lives to be left unaccountable. Sierra Leone is one of the most affected countries by the outbreak among two others that are also significantly monitored for a possible uncontrolled outbreak.

Medical personnel as well as doctors and other authorities will take advantage of the three days quarantine period to search and reach for those who have been affected by the virus and who are still afraid to come out and receive proper treatment.

Health workers are fully aware of the dangers of this kind of medical mission, but in search for stoppage and containment of the said deadly virus, they are willing to risk their lives and run the three day period, helping those who are affected as well as making sure it will not spread and make contact to others who haven't been affected by it.

In order to make sure that the quarantine is on track, the local government of Sierra Leone has posted� at least 7,000 forces that will help in implementing the quarantine period. Ambulance and several vehicles for the military will be deployed in order to cautiously ask the people to cooperate with the medical team.

The deadly Ebola virus

The Ebola outbreak is being feared because it has no cure. To this day, there is no specific vaccine or� medical treatment that can stop the virus. The three regions most affected by the outbreak include Sierra Leone, Liberia and Guinea. Nigeria also recorded at least 22 cases of death caused by the Ebola virus.

The World Health Organization (WHO) released a statement that, from the beginning of 2014, there has been a total of 2,000 deaths due to Ebola virus from all different regions. Now, out of the recorded 3,944 affected by the disease, at least 2,097 suffered from it.

In the Democratic Republic of Congo, where Felix Kabange, Health Minister of the republic declared yet an increased fatality of the Ebola virus reiterated that the virus is still contained and hasn't spread dangerously. The World Bank has also released funds for medical supplies as well as protective garments for medical health workers working with the government. As of now, there are only a few ways the Ebola virus is being held up and that is through antibiotics and fluids.

The Ebola virus is said to affect people when they come in contact with bodily fluids. This hemorrhagic virus that kills the human immune system has no vaccine or definite treatment, making it harder to be contained.

Ringworm – Symptoms, Diagnosis and Remedies

Sep 15, 2014

10197

Ringworm is a dermatological condition that is highly infectious. While it may sound ironic, the condition is not caused by a worm, rather it is due to a fungal infection caused by a microorganism called dermatophyes. It is called ringworm because it forms a rash that is a ring in shape. The fungus usually thrives on the dead outer layer of the skin, making it highly infectious once you come in contact with a person with an active lesion.

A ringworm is common among children, but it can spread to anyone. The ringworm may occur in different parts of the body and the infection is called by different names. It is referred to as tinea corporis when it affects the body, tinea barbae when it occurs on the beard, tinea pedis or more popularly known as athlete's foot when affecting the feet, jock itch or tinea cruris when it grows on the groin and tinea capitis when it forms on the scalp.

How do you get a ringworm

The fungus that causes the ringworm can easily be passed on from one person to another by direct contact. Sharing personal things like towels, comb and beddings are potential sources of transmission of the fungus. An individual with a weak immune system and diabetes are also susceptible to getting the infection when they come in contact with the microorganism causing the condition. Living in a warm, humid environment can also increase the risk of getting a ringworm because fungus thrives in this kind of environment. It is also possible to contract the fungal infection from animals, especially cats and dogs that are known carriers of the fungus. A break in the skin, nails and scalp can also give the fungus a potential entry to the skin.

Symptoms of a ringworm

A ringworm usually appears as a raised, red and itchy patches on the skin. It is a ring in shape and may appear scaly or inflamed. The patches may appear to have sharply defined edges that look redder. The ring shaped rash can grow bigger gradually. Most of the time, you can only get a single patch of infection. The tendency to develop several ringworms on the body is higher when you are handling animals that are carriers of the fungus.

The symptoms of a ringworm may vary depending on what type of fungal infection one has. Some may appear like a rash, mildly irritating, inflamed or scaly. Other ringworm infection may look like a psoriasis. The symptoms usually appear on the face, legs, arms, neck and the body. When it affects the nails, it can cause discoloration and the nail may appear thick and may crumble. Ringworm on the scalp may cause bald patches.

How are ringworms diagnosed?

A physical examination of the skin gives an immediate diagnosis of ringworm. Just by looking at the characteristic appearance of the ring shaped skin patches will give an indication that you have a ringworm. In certain instances, however, your doctor may use a fluorescent that will cause the fungus to glow for effective detection and confirmation. Tests like a skin biopsy, skin culture and KOH exam may also be used as diagnostic tools. A tissue sample may be taken from your infected skin, such as when there is a discharge from a blister, for biopsy to test for the presence of a fungus. The potassium hydroxide (KOH) helps in destroying the normal cells where the fungus may hide to make it easier to find them under a microscope.

Treatment for ringworm

The most common form of treatment for a ringworm is an antifungal cream. They are administered topically as creams. Common types of antifungal creams are econazole, terbinafine, miconazole, ketoconazole, and clotrimazole. The cream is applied around the skin patch, including the surrounding areas that appear not to be infected. The application for treatment usually lasts up to 4 weeks or lesser depending upon the extent of your infection. The topical medicine that you will buy will provide the proper use of the medicine. You should also follow in using them as prescribed by your doctor.

More severe forms of ringworm is usually treated with antifungal cream together with a steroidal cream. The treatment may take seven days to complete. The use of steroid is discontinued afterwards and you will need to continue using the cream alone because the steroid mainly reduces the inflammation and symptoms of the ringworm, but it does not kill the fungus. Oral medicine is usually indicated for the most severe and widespread infection.

In addition to the prescription medicine and antifungal topical creams, proper home care and self care are also important. You can avoid spreading the infection by washing your beddings frequently and do not share personal things like towels and combs. Washing the hands frequently can also reduce the risk of spreading the fungus.

Home remedies for ringworm

There are also home treatments available for treating a ringworm. They are cheaper and they can be administered quick and easy.

Apply Aloe Vera extracts on the affected skin.
A tea tree oil (may be diluted in water) applied twice a day for four weeks can cure a ringworm.
Mix salt with vinegar to form a paste and directly apply it on the skin.
Soak a cotton ball in apple cider vinegar and apply it directly on the rash or red patch.
The antibiotic properties of turmeric can treat ringworm by directly applying it on the skin.

These ringworm treatments may take longer to cure a ringworm. Find out how to treat ringworms in three days or less. Click here!

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