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How Does Yeast Infections of the Skin Occur and How To Treat Them

Jun 20, 2015

18185

Our body harbors many harmless bacteria and fungal organisms. However, there are some organisms that can hurt our health. If you notice some rash formation along the skin areas, you may consider that harmful organisms may be causing its occurrence. If the rash appears specifically on the skin fold, you might suspect that is caused by Candida Albicans, a type of fungus that is harmful, especially among individuals with a weak immune system. Rashes are just the typical symptom of the yeast infection called Candidiasis, but you may experience some bothersome symptoms that need to be treated right away to prevent the significant discomfort it can cause you.

What is a yeast infection of the skin?

A yeast infection of the skin is caused by the fungus called Candida Albicans. It is the most common type of fungus that lives in the skin and when present in more than the average amount, can cause skin infection called cutaneous Candidiasis or yeast infection of the skin. The yeast infection can affect any skin area, but is very common on the skin folds. The condition can occur in the groin, between fingers, the armpits and under the breast. The rashes will appear red or white and when they start peeling, they can cause pain and significant skin irritation. The rashes can be itchy and feel hot in some cases. As the infection continues to progress without treatment, it can form into blisters, cracked skin and soreness.

Types of yeast infection of the skin

Candida Albicans can appear on the various areas of the body and they are called differently based on the affected area. The most common types of Candida infection are the following:

Vaginal yeast infection � a fungal yeast infection affecting the vaginal area characterized by inflammation and itching.
Thrush � a yeast infection causing white patches to appear on the mouth and throat.
Congenital cutaneous Candidiasis � a yeast infection acquired by an infant during its passage through the birth canal of an infected mother.
Erosio interdigitalis blastomycetica � a Candida infection causing rashes to appear on the skin folds between the fingers.
Candida paronychia � the yeast infection causes an inflammation and swelling on the nail folds.
Intertrigo � yeast infection that commonly affect the skin folds that are warm and moist.

Who are at risk of yeast infection of the skin?

People with a weak immune system are highly susceptible to a yeast infection. Pregnancy and changes in the hormone activity can also trigger the infection, making pregnant women at risk to develop the infection. Individuals who are taking certain medications, such as antibiotics, birth control pills and steroids can develop susceptibility to Candidasis, too. Stress and obesity are also risk factors for the infection. Those who eat high sugar level must reduce their intake of sweets because these are sources of food for the yeast.

How is the infection diagnosed?

A laboratory test will suffice in diagnosing the presence of a fungal infection, but it does not necessarily diagnose the presence of Candida Albicans. This is usually accomplished by taking a swab on the affected area. A vaginal culture can determine the presence of a yeast infection, while a blood test may ordered to determine whether you have a condition that can make you susceptible to the infection (eg. diabetes).

Treating yeast infection of the skin

The skin infection is usually treated conservatively by home remedies or over-the-counter medicine or prescription drugs. Self medication must be avoided when you also have other health conditions that may complicate any treatment that you choose. Over-the-counter medications may take the form of topical products or suppositories for vaginal infections. Make sure to read the package instruction before using them. Observe proper hygiene and make sure to keep your immune system strong.

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Herpes Simplex and What It Does To Your Body

Jun 19, 2015

9712

The herpes simplex virus is a very common type of sexually transmitted disease (STD). It can be a chronic condition with the risk of recurrence even after treatment. The viral infection usually manifests around the mouth, which is called oral herpes, and on the genitals, a condition called genital herpes. The early stage of the infection is usually undetected when it does not produce any symptoms. While the outbreaks are very common in these areas, sores can also occur almost anywhere on the skin. Herpes simplex are of two types, namely type 1 and type 2. They are highly contagious and one can easily get the infection upon direct contact with someone who is infected. The type 1 herpes simplex is usually the cause of the oral herpes, while genital herpes is caused by type 2 herpes simplex infection. The infection is transmissible by direct contact and 8 out of 10 individuals who are affected by the disease are unaware that they are infected.

What happens to your body when you have oral herpes

When the infection affects the mouth, it is common to find sores and blisters along the lips and around the mouth. They can also appear inside the mouth, but usually manifests during the initial outbreak of the symptoms for the first time the infection occurs. The blisters and sores are very painful and may last for a few weeks, usually 2 to 3 weeks. However, there is a big chance of recurrence even after treatment. The infection may occur again after months or years and sometime within just weeks after they are gone. You will find the symptoms to be annoying, especially when you find it difficult to eat or move the mouth without feeling the pain from the sores. Outbreaks can also extend to the face.

What happens to your body when you have genital herpes

Genital herpes tends to be more chronic than its oral counterparts. The symptoms can last up to 6 weeks and there is a tendency for recurrence of about 4 to 5 times within the first two years. Afterwards, the outbreaks can become less severe and sometimes less frequent. During the initial period of the infection, no symptoms are experienced. Later outbreaks cause the formation of blistery sores on the vagina, within the penile area, cervix, vulva, anal area and the buttocks. The sores will cause a burning sensation, especially during urination, itching and pain. In severe cases, painful urination occurs when the symptoms occur the urethra.

Symptoms affecting the body in general

During the initial outbreaks of the symptoms, one will usually experience itching, tingling or burning sensation to the skin where the blister or sore is about to appear. Once the blister appears on the skin, it will break open and will ooze with a fluid that will later on form a crust prior to healing. The sores usually appear between 2 or 20 days after contracting the infection and it may last up to 10 days. It is also possible for the virus to cause other symptoms to the body such as the following:

Painful urination
Flu-like symptoms
Fever
Herpes keratitis (an eye infection)
Swollen lymph nodes
Muscle aches
Chills
Headache

Getting relief from the herpes simplex symptoms

To get relief from the annoying symptoms of herpes infection, you need to take certain medications that will help hasten the healing process of the sores and blisters. Warm baths are effective in giving relief to pain, while a cold compress can relieve soreness and itching. Pain and fevers can be managed by taking acetaminophen, aspirin or ibuprofen. Antiviral medications are effective for both types of herpes infection and can reduce the severity of the symptoms.

Herpes can be a highly infectious condition. Learn how to�get rid of herpes and its annoying symptoms fast. Click here!

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Getting Rid of Uterine Fibroids – Know Your Treatment Options

Jun 18, 2015

4625

Uterine fibroid growths are common forms of benign tumors in the womb. The condition is present between 20% and 80% of women who reach the age of 40 and 50. The condition is relatively silent as it does not produce symptoms. They usually cause pain and heavy menstrual bleeding and may cause rectal pressure when they are big enough. In certain instances, pelvic pain is experienced, as well as frequent urination. When the fibroid begins to enlarge, the usual symptom that is noticeable is the enlargement of the abdomen. Uterine fibroids are usually called myoma and they are not cancerous.

Who are at risk for uterine fibroids?

The main cause of the condition is not determined, but risk factors are known. Familial history can make a woman at risk for developing the fibroids and there is a higher incidence of developing the condition among African Americans. The risk doubles among overweight individuals and it is commonly reported among women who are in their 40's and 50's. Women whose food intake usually involve red meat and ham are also at a higher risk of developing uterine fibroids. Medical researchers establish the role of hormones in influencing the fibroid activities in the body, such as when they multiply in the body and when they sink. Estrogen is known to stimulate the fibroid growth, and they tend to grow in numbers during the first trimester of pregnancy. Other risk factors include having a first menstrual cycle younger than 10 years old, uterine infections, alcohol consumptions and high blood pressure.

Should you get treatment for uterine fibroids?

Uterine fibroids come in different sizes. Smaller ones and those that do not cause any significant discomfort and symptoms are usually harmless and can be left untreated. In certain cases, close observation is required in order to monitor whether they increase in size more rapidly. In order to diagnose a fibroid, your doctor will likely order an ultrasound. In most cases, a pelvic examination is performed, but to ensure that you get the right diagnosis, a test such as an ultrasound, MRI and CT scans may be preferred.

Your treatment options

Not all uterine fibroids will require treatment, but there are different types of treatments available when treatment is necessary under your condition. Most of the time, treatment includes the management of your symptoms.

Prescribed medications

Pain medications like ibuprofen and acetaminophen are given to control pelvic pain.
Iron supplements may be taken when you experience heavy menstrual bleeding.
Birth control pills are also prescribed in controlling menstrual bleeding.
Gonadotropin releasing hormone agonists can help shrink the fibroid. They are administered intravenously or by nasal spray usually prior to a surgical procedure to make the removal of the fibroid much easier.

Surgical options

Hysterectomy involves the surgical removal of the uterus. It is often indicated for women experiencing heavy bleeding and with large fibroids that may not be treated conservatively. The downside of getting a hysterectomy is not being able to get pregnant again.
Uterine fibroid embolization involves the injection of a substance on the blood vessels supplying the fibroid to block its blood supply. In the absence of sufficient blood supply, the fibroid will sink.
Myomectomy is a localized surgical procedure that removes the fibroids while leaving the healthy tissues intact. It is a better option for women who intend to get pregnant in the future.
Myolysis is a procedure involving the freezing of the fibroid or introducing an electric current to destroy the fibroid tissues.
Endometrial ablation is a surgical solution for heavy menstrual bleeding. The uterine lining is removed using microwaves, electrical current, wire loops and freezing.

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Free Yourself From Eczema With These Self Help Remedies

Jun 18, 2015

5443

An eczema is not a single disease entity, but it represents a group of skin conditions that manifest skin inflammation and irritation. It is a very common skin disorder that affects over 30 million Americans and highly prevalent in the younger population, with one every three affected children having a severe dermatitis. Those affected during their childhood will likely experience the same skin condition even as they reach adulthood. The most common type of eczema is atopic dermatitis, which is linked to heredity and tend to develop in the presence of allergies, such as asthma and hay fever.

Cause of Eczema

There is a high indication that the skin disorder is caused by an abnormal autoimmune response of the body, although the main cause has yet to be discovered. There is a high correlation between eczema and allergies, too. Other theories on the cause of eczema is the absence of or poor skin barriers that protect the skin against germs and bacteria. The environment and genetics also play a role of putting you at risk of developing eczema. Sweating, exposure to too much hot or cold environment, dry climate and prolonged exposure to water can also known triggers for eczema.

Signs and symptoms of eczema

The classic symptom of eczema is itchiness. It usually precedes the formation of the rash, which commonly appears on specific areas of the body, like the elbow, neck, face, hand, back of the knees, feet and wrist. Babies usually develop the itchy rash on the face, especially on the cheek and chin areas. The rash may also appear on the trunk and scalp. Eczema tends to appear on the wrist, neck, ankles, elbows and knees in children. Those who developed eczema during their childhood tends to have less severe eczema when they reach adulthood.

In some cases, eczema may appear on any parts of the body. The affected area will appear scaly, dry, thickened and with reddish rashes. Later on, the skin will turn brown. Eczema can also affect the pigmentation among darker skinned individuals, causing the skin to appear lighter or darker. Eczema can also have flare-ups when the affected becomes irritated or exposed to certain substances. When the skin comes in contact with a course material, for instance, it will cause more itching and redness. Soap and detergents can also induce an outbreak.

Self help remedies for eczema

There is no specific treatment for eczema, but there are methods that can help reduce its flare ups. The symptoms are manageable, even with conservative treatment.

Avoid common irritants that can cause the symptoms to flare up or worsen. You can avoid skin exposure to harsh chemicals contained in bath soaps and detergents. Use mild soaps or hypo-allergenic soaps instead. Avoid animal dander if you notice that your skin responds differently upon exposure. Stressful conditions can also increase the outbreak with flare ups tending to occur worse. Wools and man made fibers are known to be triggers of eczema and it is best to avoid their use. Other irritants of eczema include cigarette smoke, dust, make up, perfume, chlorine and solvents.
Eczema is very common in dry and sensitive skin. Make sure to moisturize and hydrate the skin in order to prevent dryness.
Use prescription corticosteroid creams or ointments to manage the inflammation. There are also over-the-counter hydrocortisone products that you can use. However, when the affected skin develops an infection, an antibiotic may also be needed. Talk to your doctor about the ideal prescription medicine that will be best for your skin condition.
A bacteria infection or a flu can also worsen the symptoms of eczema. Make sure to get treatment immediately for these conditions in order to prevent worse flare ups.

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Foods and Workout For Building Lean Muscles

Jun 17, 2015

5802

Building lean muscles can be quite challenging. There are many ways that you can achieve this, but the process usually entails hard work, patience, commitment and knowing the best approach that will suit your needs. Getting a ripped muscle can boost your self esteem and confidence. It is not going to be easy, but it is doable and many have already succeeded. Here are two natural ways by which you can build lean muscles with less risks and injuries.

Build lean muscle with foods

There are certain foods that can help you build lean muscles. Eating them will support the effects of your workout by giving your muscle cells the nutrition they need for better muscle building activities.

Brown rice

Brown rice is a good alternative for white rice in giving your body a boost of energy throughout the day. It can also hasten the activity of your growth hormones that are essential in promoting lean muscle formation, fat loss and strength buildup during workouts.

Beets

Beets contain nitrates that enhance muscle performance during exercise. It comes with energy boosting components that reduce the demand for oxygen during workouts, thereby allowing the muscles to build strength better with a better stimulus for hypertrophy based resistance workout.

Quinoa

High in protein, quinoa contains a slow digesting carbohydrate that increases the level of IGF 1, an insulin like growth factor that is critical in building muscle strengths and lean muscle gain.

Chocolate milk

Drinking a glass of chocolate milk after a workout session will re-synthesize muscle glycogen that will encourage growth of muscles by promoting muscle and protein synthesis within the molecular level.

Apples

The polyphenols content in apples gives the body a boost of strength that allows you to sustain longer workouts and avoid muscle fatigue. Polyphenols also increase the fat burning process, allowing the body to burn more fats and build more muscle fibers instead.

Build lean muscle with a safe workout

Progressive resistance training

When doing some resistance training, it is important to know that your body adapts to the level of resistance that is being applied to it. Make sure to do a progressive training for your muscle and challenge its strength gradually to help build up more muscles. Instead of doing the same muscle resistance training regimen, apply some varieties to your regimen, such as doing lower repetition workouts and then higher repetition sets for your strength and endurance training block. This variation will help stimulate your muscle cells.

Include a cardio workout

This type of workout will increase the blood flow to the muscles. It promotes better tissue healing and help in the recovery of muscle fatigue. When the muscle tissues heal faster, the quicker it builds muscles. Cardio workout, whether high or low intensity, can always help build leaner muscles.

Build more muscle gradually, but consistently

You need not have to overdo your workout just to build your muscles. It is important to be consistent, though. A common mistake is to engage in a high intensity workout that can result in muscle injury. It is best to work on building your muscles gradually, but make sure to do your workout regularly. You will gradually build your muscle tone and eventually grow the muscle fibers to make your muscles look leaner, fuller and stronger.

Coordinate your muscle activities

As you perform your workout, you will understand that your muscles respond based on the type of exercise you want to perform. Slow twitch fibers are perfect for workouts designed for endurance, while the fast twitch fibers are active for burst of activities that require strong energy. As you learn how to use these muscles for your weight training and muscle exercise, you can control to what extent you want to perform a particular exercise to build muscles. You need not over stress the body during your exercise to bring your muscles to its limit. �Well coordinated exercise will help you build muscles gradually with less injuries.

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Diabetic Neuropathy Explained

Jun 16, 2015

5393

Being diabetic can also put you at risk to nerve pain and injury. Diabetes mellitus does not only affect the body's systemic function. It can also be harmful to the nerves, causing many diabetic patients to suffer from peripheral neuropathy or diabetic pain. The condition is manageable and highly preventable. Control of the blood sugar level can help you prevent the occurrence of diabetic neuropathy and its complications.

How does diabetic neuropathy occur

The damage to the nerve in diabetes is caused by the toxic effect of the blood sugar level in the body. The poor circulation in the body caused by diabetes also contributes to the nerve damage. As a result, the nerve loses its ability to function efficiently, causing it to fail in transmitting sensation in the body. This is the reason why diabetic pain and neuropathy usually manifest as a numbing sensation in the feet and legs, accompanied by pain which is caused by the misfires on the nerve signals of the affected nerve. When the nerve is injured or damaged, the most classic sensation that will be felt are electric shock-like sensation, tingling, or pin and needles type of pain, which are the typical nerve pain symptoms.

Diabetic neuropathy is considered as a complication of diabetes because of the failure to control the blood sugar level in the body. The exact mechanism by which a high blood sugar level can cause damage to the nerve remains unclear, but studies are focused on how the blood sugar level can interfere with the ability of the nerves to send signals to the body. Blood sugar in high quantities can also weaken the walls of capillaries that help supply nutrients and oxygen through the blood to the nerves. Genetic factors are also considered risk factors for diabetic neuropathy, while the destructive effects of smoking and alcohol to the nerves are also possible causes. Being overweight and the presence of a kidney disease is also other known risk factors for developing diabetic neuropathy.

Treatment options

Treatment is usually directed at controlling and managing the symptoms. There is no known cure for diabetic neuropathy. The main objective in diabetic pain treatment is to relieve the pain, prevent the progression of the disease, preventing complications and restoring function. Diabetic neuropathy can be debilitating if not managed properly. It can interfere significantly with one's ability to carry out their daily functions and activities.

Slowing down the disease progression

The best measure against progression of the disease is to control the blood sugar level in diabetes. Ideally, talking to your doctor in order to determine the ideal blood sugar range for your condition is better. Observing proper foot care can also help prevent progressive nerve pain experienced at� the foot. Maintaining a healthy weight can also help control the blood sugar level activities in the body. Making lifestyle changes, such as quit smoking and avoid drinking alcoholic drinks will also reduce your risk of getting the disorder. Keeping yourself physically feet will also bring a healthy bodily condition that will help you avoid developing possible nerve damage.

Relieve painful symptoms

Pain is a classic symptom in diabetic pain and neuropathy. Pain is highly manageable with pain medications. Anti-seizure medications are effective in managing nerve pain, while antidepressants can also provide pain relief. You will need a prescription medicine for these medications and your doctor can provide you the ideal dose to take under your circumstances.

Improve nerve damage recovery

In order to aid the healing process of an injured nerve, increasing your physical activity will help improve the blood circulation in the body that can help enhance the regeneration of the injured nerve. Exercise is the best form of intervention to assist nerve damage recovery and it is effective in taming the blood sugar level.

Free yourself from the pain and discomforts caused by diabetes. Click here to find out how.

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Bench Press and Building Muscle Correctly and Safely

Jun 15, 2015

5858

Doing the bench press is one of the most popular workouts in the gym. While it is effective in building muscles, build strength, power and endurance, it can also be a common source of muscular injuries. The bench press can also be dangerous for someone who do the lift the first time and it is always recommended to start this type of workout with a spotter to help you. To perform the bench press exercise, one assumes a supine position and start lifting a weight upwards. It is an upper body strength training that can be dangerous if you do not know the safety features of using the equipment and you are using a weight that is not appropriate to your level of training and capacity.

Build muscle mass properly and safely by observing these bench press techniques:

Safety comes first � use safety pins

Almost all gyms with a bench press have safety hooks or pins. Make sure to use them for your own safety. The power rack comes with safety pins that can keep the barbell in place in case you are unable to manage the weight. It is wise to use this safety feature even with a spotter around to help you in your sets. An accident can happen anytime and you are highly responsible with the precautionary measures that you observe when doing your routine.

Initially measure your hand spacing

It is best to start your exercise without any weight placed on the bar. This is essential if you want to determine the most appropriate hand spacing before lifting weights. This will help you estimate the proper orientation of your forearms and test your grip. You can optimize your power by aligning the forearm vertically close to the bottom of the rep.

Wear gloves or use chalk

Weight lifters who do a bench press have the habit of putting on chalk on their hands. This is done for a good reason. During your workout, your palms will likely become sweaty and you are at the risk of slipping your grip over the bar. The chalk will prevent this from happening. Wearing gloves can also keep the moisture off your palms.

Test the weight that you can handle

You can build muscle if your workout progresses to a higher intensity level. However, this process must be done gradually, beginning of a weight that you are most comfortable and able to handle. The last thing you want to happen is to experience muscular injuries. Doing smaller reps will also warm up your muscles and let it build tension and strength as you progress. Make sure to condition your muscles before lifting heavier weights.

The technique of raising the bar

When raising the bar, make sure to observe the proper body mechanics. Do the lifting gradually and not abruptly, while slowly exhaling through pursed lips. Make sure to keep the feet planted on the floor. This is important in keeping a solid base of power to your torso. If you have the tendency of lifting your feet, you can use weights or plates to keep it on planted on the floor.

Take control of the bar

Focus on controlling the bar, especially when completing the lift and re-racking the bar. Make sure not to simply drop it on the hooks, but place it safely on the rack with a smooth execution. Otherwise, you are putting yourself in danger of causing the bar to bounce off and fall on you. Ask for the assistance of a spotter when you think you are beginning to lose control of the bar.

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Are Breast Enlargement Procedures Safe

Jun 15, 2015

4401

Breast enlargement is a common cosmetic procedure that helps to enhance the appearance of the breast. The surgical procedure uses silicone or saline implants that can help enlarge breasts. Breast enlargement is often resorted to improve the breast appearance of patients with a breast cancer and in mastectomy patients. Today, the procedure is also opted as a cosmetic enhancement that is very popular among models and celebrities. While a breast enlargement procedure has earned quite a success, there remains a lot of debate questioning its safety. In 2013, there were about 23,000 reported instances of breast implant removal and it is common for many to ask whether breast enlargement procedures are safe.

Common reported complications

The FDA reported some risks and complications with breast enlargement procedures. Among the risks involved when using breast implants include pain, changes in the sensation in the breast and the nipple area, rupture and the saline filled implants deflating, and silent rupture with no signs and symptoms manifest. In some cases, additional surgeries will be recommended.

Among the other complications reported with breast enlargement include the following:

Breast muscle atrophy
Breast asymmetry
Chest wall asymmetry
Deflation due to a leakage of the saline solution
Bruising
Inflammation
Irritation
Skin rash
Implant being visible through the skin
Skin wrinkling

How to avoid complications

The key to avoiding complications with breast enlargement complications is to hire a professional cosmetic surgeon to perform the surgery. There are certain pre and post op care that the patient needs to undergo that can help mitigate the possible risks and complications. These procedures can also enhance the successful outcomes of the surgery. There are certain steps that your doctor will do in order to prevent complications. It is best to discuss with your doctor what should be your expectations after the procedure and become educated prior to the going through the knife.

Breast enlargement usually uses saline (composed of sterile salt water or a saline solution) and silicone gel implants. Both are susceptible to rupture, but there are differences on how they occur. Saline implants that rupture will almost be instantly noticeable as it causes a significant change in the shape of the breast. When the silicone gel implant ruptures, no symptoms are usually apparent and it is difficult to notice. The FDA recommends that women with a silicone gel implant should undergo an MRI every two or three years to ensure that the implant remains intact. It is also important to follow your doctor's instructions regarding the do's and don't to ensure that your activities will not cause any issues with the breast implants. In case you notice something out of the ordinary, it is always best to see your doctor immediately.

Important considerations

Just as any surgical procedure, a breast enlargement procedure involves some risks and complications. It is critical to discuss with your cosmetic surgeon whether you are a good candidate for getting a breast implant, and to understand the risks and benefits of the procedure. Complications of breast enlargement procedures are preventable. With the help of your doctor and with the right screening and monitoring of your condition post surgery, risks and complications are highly preventable and manageable.

However, it is important to know that breast implants are not created for a lifetime use. In case reverses on the appearance of your breast occur, it is possible that can be irreversible. If you think it is best to have a breast enlargement, make sure to monitor its condition regularly and contact your doctor immediately at the first sign of abnormality or changes on your breast begin to occur.

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Can Antidepressant Relieve Premenstrual Syndrome Symptoms?

Jun 4, 2015

4694

Premenstrual syndrome (PMS) is a common condition experienced by about 85 percent of menstruating women. If you are getting the symptoms of premenstrual syndrome just before your monthly cycle, you may be interested to know that antidepressant can help relieve your discomforts. According to the research findings by a group of researchers led by Dr. Thelma Lovick, a reduction in the progesterone can reduce the breakdown of a hormone called allopregnanolone. It acts as a sedative to the brain. It has been postulated that women experience some form of a withdrawal syndrome whenever the amount of allopregnanolone is decreased. This causes the manifestation of the symptoms of premenstrual syndrome.

Prevalence of premenstrual syndrome

Premenstrual syndrome (PMS) usually occurs in the early 20's and 40's in women with a menstruation. The PMS is more severe among women who are in the 4^th decade of life. PMS occurs between ovulation and the start of menstrual bleeding. It is also common among those with at least one child and has experienced some form of a mood disorder and postpartum depression. The symptoms usually manifest at least one to two weeks before your menstruation. Among these symptoms include acne formation, fatigue, tender breast, mood changes and anxiety. In most cases, irritability is common and sensitivity to pain. These symptoms then disappear after your menstruation begins. A more serious form of PMS is the premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD) that rarely occurs but can produce more serious and severe symptoms. PMDD occurs only in about 3 to 8 percent of women.

Symptoms of PMS

PMS can produce disturbing symptoms like anxiety, depression, irritability, tension, oversensitivity, crying and exaggerated mood swings. It can also result in physical symptoms of fatigue, weight gain, acne, tenderness of the breast, insomnia, changes in appetite and bloating. Antidepressant drugs, more specifically the fluoxetine, have the ability to reduce these mood-related and physical symptoms of premenstrual syndrome.

The role of antidepressant in premenstrual syndrome

Researchers found out that the PMS symptoms may be triggered by the reduced amount of progesterone secretion by the end of the menstrual cycle. As a result, the reduction of progesterone causes the fall in the breakdown of the hormone called allopregnanolone. An antidepressant drug called fluoxetine has been discovered to increase the level of allopregnanolone that can help reduce the symptoms of PMS.

It has been published in the British Journal of Pharmacology and European Neuropsychopharmacology that a study was conducted on the action of fluoxetine to allopregnanolone by testing it on the brain of adult female rats. The finding from the study showed that fluoxetine is capable of blocking the enzyme that is responsible in deactivating allopregnanolone. The antidepressant drug fluoxetine was given to female rats before the beginning of their premenstrual cycle. The result showed an increase in the level of the allopregnanolone in the brain and it retarded the symptoms known to be present in PMS. Over activity of the brain cells commonly occur in PMS that causes stress and fear responses and the antidepressant drug was able to reduce these activities of the brain cells.

The effect of the drug becomes apparent within an hour after its administration. This is faster as compared to its effect against the symptoms of depression. The significance of this discovery is essential in finding a targeted and intermittent treatment for premenstrual syndrome among women with very few side effects. As an antidepressant drug, fluoxetine provides a promising lead among the researchers in developing a better treatment against premenstrual syndrome. Other forms of antidepressant drugs like the citalopram are believed to slow down Alzheimer's disease.

Ankylosing Spondylitis Linked To A Specific

Jun 3, 2015

4573

Genetic testing for ankylosing spondylitis is getting closer to a successful discovery regarding the link of a specific gene to inflammatory rheumatic disease. The researchers conducted a study focusing on the genetic involvement in the development of the disease. It has been found out that a natural variation of enzymes in the immune system can make a person more susceptible to having an inflammatory rheumatic disease called ankylosing spondylitis.

What is ankylosing spondylitis

An ankylosing spondylitis is a type of chronic inflammatory arthritis affecting the joints in the spine. The pelvic bone (hip) called the ilium and the base of the spine called the sacrum fuse together in order to form the sacroiliac joint which is the one primarily involved in ankylosing spondylitis. The sacroiliac joint becomes inflamed, resulting to a condition called sacroilitis. When the inflammation begins to spread to involve the joints of the vertebra, spondylitis occurs. Ankylosing spondylitis also affects the other joints in the body. This includes the joints of the shoulders, hips, and the knees. In certain cases it can also involve the joints of the spine and ribs.

The genetic involvement in ankylosing spondylitis

Clinical researchers believe that the disease is due to the combination of genetic and environmental causes. The majority of these causes have not been clearly identified. There are certain genes, however, that were identified to cause a greater risk of having the disorder. The gene HLA-B is known to give instructions on certain proteins that are responsible for playing an important role in the immune system that helps distinguish foreign invaders like bacteria and viruses. The HLA-B has another variation called the HLA-B27 which was suspected to be linked to the risk of having the disorder. Its association to ankylosing spondylitis remains unclear, however. Other genes that are believed to increase the risk for the disorder are ERAP1, IL1A, and IL23R. All these play an important role in the immune system but their variations have been suspected to be associated with ankylosing spondylitis as well.

Genetic testing underway

A current genetic testing is getting closer to finding the association of certain types of genes to ankylosing spondylitis, more specifically the ERAP1. As published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, UK researchers found different variants of ERAP1 among individuals affected by ankylosing spondylitis. The researchers believe that a better understanding about this gene can help identify the risk factors and prognosis in ankylosing spondylitis through the conduct of a genetic testing.

The disease usually develops at a younger age, usually between 20 and 30 years old and it is thrice as common among males as females. Because there is no cure for the disease, an early diagnosis and preventive measures can help prevent the potential risk of having the disease. The treatment approach is mainly designed to help alleviate the pain and other symptoms. With early detection through genetic testing, there is a greater chance of slowing down its progression and prevent other potential complications.

The ERAP gene

The researchers found out that certain natural variations of the ERAP1 gene can increase the chance of having ankylosing spondylitis as it changes its enzymic function. Among the important function of ERAP1 is to help the proteins become recognizable by the immune system by cutting them down into proteins. Once the ERAP1 fails to accomplish this task, the immune system will identify the proteins as foreign invaders and will attack it to produce the symptoms of ankylosing spondylitis.�The research study was able to identify 13 variants of the ERAP1 genes and certain pairs were found to be present among those with ankylosing spondylitis.

As further research is currently underway, the researchers are hopeful to discover how these genes may predispose someone to the disease in order to formulate better preventive measures against the disease.

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What is a yeast infection of the skin?

Types of yeast infection of the skin

Who are at risk of yeast infection of the skin?

How is the infection diagnosed?

Treating yeast infection of the skin

What happens to your body when you have oral herpes

What happens to your body when you have genital herpes

Symptoms affecting the body in general

Getting relief from the herpes simplex symptoms

Who are at risk for uterine fibroids?

Should you get treatment for uterine fibroids?

Prescribed medications

Surgical options

Cause of Eczema

Signs and symptoms of eczema

Self help remedies for eczema

Build lean muscle with foods

Brown rice

Beets

Quinoa

Chocolate milk

Apples

Build lean muscle with a safe workout

Progressive resistance training

Include a cardio workout

Build more muscle gradually, but consistently

Coordinate your muscle activities

How does diabetic neuropathy occur

Treatment options

Slowing down the disease progression

Relieve painful symptoms

Improve nerve damage recovery

Build muscle mass properly and safely by observing these bench press techniques:

Safety comes first � use safety pins

Initially measure your hand spacing

Wear gloves or use chalk

Test the weight that you can handle

The technique of raising the bar

Take control of the bar

Common reported complications

How to avoid complications

Important considerations

Prevalence of premenstrual syndrome

Symptoms of PMS

The role of antidepressant in premenstrual syndrome

What is ankylosing spondylitis

The genetic involvement in ankylosing spondylitis

Genetic testing underway

The ERAP gene