Constipation

Constipation is one of the most common modern human suffering. Constipation spoils your mornings, cuts your mood and can make life extremely unpleasant in some situations. Besides all the familiar constipation causes – lack of sufficient intake of fiber and water, physical inactivity and unhealthy eating, constipation also has hidden causes. Although it is a matter of joke, constipation is a problem that must be taken seriously. If conditions associated with slow intestinal transit become chronic, all your attempts to lead a healthy life will be sabotaged. One of the unpleasant effects of constipation is that is the main cause of bloating, skin disorders, acne and accumulation of toxins.

Constipation

Here are some of the hidden causes of constipation:

If you drink enough water, and you have a healthy diet rich in fiber and yet you are the victim of torments in the morning, is likely you suffer from hypothyroidism. The most common thyroid dysfunction causes chronic constipation in young people. In parallel the metabolism is very slow and there is a tendency  of weight gain. A routine medical examination, especially if problems are common, is required.

Painkillers can be the cause of constipation! If you abuse painkillers due to various reasons, they can lead to a period when constipation becomes a problem. You can fight the suffering related to slow intestinal transit, consuming more fluids and fruits. “Kill two birds with one stone”, increase the analgesic effect and fiber intake.

If you are a chocolate addict, you have all chances to become dependent on laxatives due to the fact that the substances in cocoa have constipation as a side effect. The solution is to reduce the dose of chocolate and increase consumption of whole grains and green leafy vegetables.

Supplements of calcium and iron are two of the hidden causes of constipation. The phenomenon occurs only when the intake of calcium and iron exceeds indicated doses over a period of time. The best solution is to drink more water.

Laxatives are the most commonly used solution to get rid of constipation but, ironically, these drugs encourage the installation of chronic constipation. The body becomes dependent on these incentives and can no longer function normally in their absence. One solution is to vary the active ingredient in laxatives or use natural laxatives such as green tea, plums,  dry apples, for example.

Restrictive diets, those with very low-calorie intake or diets dissociated with weight loss, adopted  for a long period of time cause constipation. Orient yourself to diets with increase consumption of fruits and vegetables, always choose whole grains and rely with confidence on the benefits of yogurt.

Depression and antidepressant treatments lead to constipation. Transit difficulties arising from the inhibition of neurovegetative mechanisms that are responsible for depression, but also stimulates the intestinal mechanisms. Treatments of this kind are strictly supervised by physicians. Ask your doctor for help also in terms of bowel problems.

Drugs that control and reduce stomach acidity  have adverse effects like bowel blockage. Most drugs of this kind contain aluminum, which neutralize stomach acid and once with it and the final process of digestion. An increased consumption of fiber is very helpful.

Antiallergic drugs and drugs that control your blood pressure leading to constipation. The bowel is turned upside down also by diuretics, often used for treating and regulating blood pressure. Constipation caused by these drugs, can be cured if you drink more liquids. An important support comes from the herbal laxative teas effects that do not cause addiction.

In early pregnancy, but also throughout it, all women have problems with slow intestinal transit. Constipation is the effect of specific hormonal mechanisms associated with the period of pregnancy. I know it sounds trite, but increased consumption of vegetables and fruits is always effective.

Ignoring the need to go to the toilet. Ignoring this need may in time lead to constipation.

Constipation is a real pain, which brings other problems, some of them very serious. For this reason  constipation and its hidden causes should be kept under control.

Abdominal Bloating

Abdominal bloating is one of the most common gastrointestinal disorders. This problem can occur regardless of lifestyle and diet. Abdominal bloating can also be a sign of an acute or chronic suffering, so if the problem is a constant you need to see the doctor. If bloating is transient, there are rules which, if followed, can help prevent it. Some studies show that more than half of the population may face problems that lead to abdominal bloating, so our advice is more than helpful and teaches you how to get rid of it. Here are some useful tips:

• One of the most common causes of abdominal bloating is a certain sensitivity to gluten and lactose. The solution is to replace wheat with whole grains and get rid of bloating. Choose fermented dairy products, cheese and yogurt, foods which contain less lactose than milk.
• Do not eat too fast. Aerophagia (swallowing air) and chewing gum are other causes of abdominal bloating.
• Chew food well. Digestion begins in the mouth and when you swallow food without chewing it enough, the stomach has to work harder, which can cause abdominal bloating.
• Avoid gluten and lactose.
• Chew well and slowly.
• Give up chewing gum
• Avoid carbonated drinks.
• Ditch artificial sweeteners.
• Avoid excess salt.
• Combat constipation.
• Choose foods high in fiber.
  

  Bloating

The combination of carbonated drinks and the wrong foods is one of the contributory factors. Carbonated beverages should be avoided as much possible. Good solutions are peppermint or ginger tea that helps digestion and stimulates the elimination of gasses.

Another cause often leads to abdominal bloating are artificial sweeteners. Sorbitol, Xylitol, Mannitol are all substances that lead to the irritation of the gastric mucosa. Classic sweets are a common cause of bloating.

Sodium salt and excessive consumption are another major cause of water retention and abdominal bloating. Processed foods can hide huge amounts of sodium, so it is desirable to avoid them if you want to get rid of bloating.

Although it may seem strange, even healthy foods can lead to bloating. Everyone knows what problems beans, broccoli, cabbage and cauliflower can bring. The secret is that all vegetables are well cooked. In addition, fresh vegetables (including frozen) are a better choice that canned vegetables.

Constipation is also a cause of abdominal bloating. Fiber, fluids in sufficient quantities and physical activity are the main remedies. For woman it at least 25-30g of fiber are consumed each day. A constant consumption of fiber is able to help you get rid of bloating. The secret is that the “portion of fiber” to be consumed daily!

Abdominal bloating is a problem, but with little attention to the causes and favoring factors of bloating you can avoid this inconvenience .

Ideal Weight And Weight Loss

Ideal weight has become a goal, a benchmark, but remember that it is primarily a condition of a healthy life. Tables showing the standard values of ideal weight in relation to sex, age and height, are very much welcome and useful for self-assess, but not enough. It must be said that you can be in the ideal weight limits also even if you exceed by 10%. Furthermore, if an overweight person looses only 10% of his body weight has huge benefits. Ideal weight is an approximate value which can be interpreted differently from person to person, depending on sex, age, activities and, not least depending on personality. Any metabolic suffering are added that can change the weight upwards or downwards.

Ideal Weight

The body has metabolic control mechanisms that are able to maintain body weight very close to the ideal weight. Variations are registered in the range of 10-20%. In principle these mechanisms should be sufficient with only one condition: to respect the rules of healthy eating and physical activity present constantly. Ideal weight is maintained first by natural hormone that control hunger. In these circumstances it can be said that weight gain is a result of food abuse, which alters the delicate hormonal balance. The result is that the body loses the ability to control the weight  and hunger sensation. In addition the body adjusts to a higher weight and resets on these new coordinates.

The mechanism can be used in reverse. A reduction in weight, especially if it is graduate can set the “internal scales” on a lighter weight. This explains the stagnation of weight loss procedures in the course of diets, when they reach certain values. If the diet is continued the weight loss process resumes.

It turned out that most of the people when it comes to weight overestimate themselves . In each decade of age about two to three kilograms are added, which is normal. A healthy life and a balanced diet can help keep your ideal weight, regardless of age.

If you want to lose weight in healthy way, without starvation, then the rule say you must limit daily calorie consumption to 25 units per kilogram. This means that a person of 70 kg should be limited to a caloric intake of 1,700 calories.

The solution is to eat nutritious foods, but that are low in fat, to bring enough protein, healthy fats and sugars that are so much needed. On the other hand the success of a diet for weight loss is guaranteed to meet a few conditions.

• Regular meals. This way you consume fewer calories than those with irregular meals.
• Eat slowly, not at the computer, not when watching TV.
• At least 30 minutes of exercise every day.
• Follow a normal volume of food portions.

In conclusion the ideal weight should be seen as a body constant like all other biological constants that ensures a healthy life.

Pregnancy Test

What is a pregnancy test and how does a pregnancy test work? If you feel that your body is acting unusual lately, or simply you are not sure if last night has or has not left long-term consequences? You need to know your options in finding a pregnancy. The first thing you should do is consult the list of signs which can tell you if you really are pregnant, and see if these symptoms are present. If you still think that it is possible, the easiest way to find out if your suspicions are correct is a pregnancy test. All pregnancy tests search for a special hormone in the blood or urine. It present only if a woman is pregnant.

Pregnancy Test

There are two types of pregnancy tests:

• Pregnancy test on collected urine
• Pregnancy test on blood sample

Most women use a urine test to find out if they are pregnant because they are very handy, are cheap and easy to use. If the pregnancy test result is positive, the woman must submit to the doctor. Another testi will be performed on a blood sample and a pelvic exam will be performed. Unlike urine tests, blood tests can detect a pregnancy in the early days. Urine tests can detect the pregnancy only after two weeks.

How does a pregnancy test work?

There are several types of pregnancy tests that can be done at home. For some you must collect urine in a special container and then put inside a cardboard indicator. Others require you to put a few drops of urine on the indicator card. Finding and waiting for the outcome varies with the type of the test. This can take between 5 and 10 minutes. Fortunately, all tests come with instructions for use and reading the results. Pregnancy tests are reliable in 98% of the cases. Despite this their manufacturers recommend retesting after a few days, whatever the outcome. It is very important not to do the test too quickly. The best timing is  two weeks after ovulation.

Precautions in case of a pregnancy test

First of all check the test expiration date and make sure it is not exceeded. If you kept it in a place with plenty of moisture it has deteriorated, so it is best for you to replace the pregnancy test with a new one. If you are not satisfied and think that the test result is not the correct one, call your doctor. He is able to banish any doubt, by performing a blood test and a gynecological examination. The presence of the egg in the uterus can be also be seen using ultrasound and sometimes a blood test is not necessary . Whatever the method of testing if you live with uncertainty if you are pregnant or not, it is time to find out.

Splenomegaly

Splenomegaly is defined as enlargement of the spleen, exceeding the limits of physiological variations. The spleen has an average weight of 180-250 g lower in women and older men than men with the physiological property to relax for blood storage and to contract, throwing blood rich in red blood cells into circulation in case of effort or major bleeding.  Splenomegaly must be distinguished from organ changes that occur in the same external region of the body in which the spleen is situated (enlarged left lobe of the liver, kidney tumors , splenic left angle tumors of the colon, pancreas tail tumors, spine tumors, uterine fibroids or cysts ovary.

Enlarged spleen

Splenomegaly sometimes causes a feeling of heaviness in the left upper quadrant (upper left abdomen) and pain. Also, these changes should be considered when the cause of an illenes is not detected, the cause of splenomegaly must be found  eliminating infectious diseases, parasitic diseases, taking into account the physiology and functional links with other organs of the spleen, hematopoietic system diseases, liver diseases.

Splenomegaly symptoms

Splenomegaly symptoms include mild pain, sensation of weight in the spleen area, the spleen may be palpable, under ribs (normal spleen is not palpable, and increases its volume only in pathological conditions). Palpation along with imaging test are indispensable to diagnose splenomegaly.

Splenomegaly causes

Different diseases or infections can cause splenomegaly: liver disease as cirrhosis, bacterial infections: septicemia, typhoid and paratyphoid, brucellosis, tuberculosis, systemic diseases: lupus erythematosus, sarcoidosis or amyloidosis, haematological diseases: leukemia or myeloid splenomegaly, parasitic diseases like malaria, viral diseases: infectious mononucleosis. Splenomegaly may be caused by certain diseases such as blood diseases, viral diseases, liver diseases, parasites, bacteria, cysts and tumors.

Splenomegaly

Splenomegaly may be confused sometimes with a large left kidney, a tumor of the colon or left liver lobe hypertrophy. It can also be caused by infectious diseases such as typhoid fever, endocarditis, infectious mononucleosis, streptococcal septicemia and parasitic splenomegaly (malaria, spleen hydatid cyst), splenic tumors, hypersplenism (exaggerated destruction of red blood cells and platelets), cirrhosis, haemolytic anemia , septicemia, brucellosis, tuberculosis, lupus erythematosus, leukemia or myeloid splenomegaly, infectious mononucleosis. The diagnosis of splenomegaly is achieved by X-rays, echography, chest puncture, blood examination, splenic puncture, liver tests, etc..

Treatment depends on the disease that lead to splenomegaly. Chemotherapy in splenomegaly is used in the case of hematological malignancies, antibiotics in infections, and surgery in the case of splenic abscess. Voluminous spleen predisposes to a ruptured spleen by abdominal wounds or chest trauma. Morbidity and mortality in case of splenomegaly results from associated diseases and surgical procedures.

Allergies And Kids

How many times have our children faced annoying allergies? Whether they were caused by much desired fruits such as strawberries or after a walk on a field or an orchard in bloom, itching, rash or more serious respiratory problems marred the joy of the day. Why doe allergy occur and especially what we can do in this case? These are the most common questions that the doctor is asked regarding allergies wich I will try to respond to in this article.

What is an allergy?

Allergy is a hypersensitivity reaction of the body of a person acquired from contact with certain substances or allergens that are normally harmless (hair, dust, pollen, chocolate, fish, milk) or a medicinal product or a particular bacterium. Many unexpected body side effects can occur, but the most common allergic reactions occur in the skin, mucous membranes and airways.

What are the causes of allergies?

The most common reasons that cause allergies in children are: pollen (leading to seasonal allergic rhinitis ), mold spores, cat or dog dander, cockroaches, dust mites (which are nestled in carpets, mattresses, pillows, carpets) , food (eggs, chocolate, some cookies, fish, yeast, cow’s milk protein or soy, celery, peanuts, strawberries, berries, orange, apple, kiwi, nuts, tomatoes), the venom coming from animal bites (snakes), stinging insects (bees, wasps or spiders), drugs (penicillin) or vaccines (tetanus vaccine, pertussis vaccine, the vaccine against pneumococcal pneumonia), cosmetics and detergents (containing chlorine, caustic soda or phosphates ), various irritants. A special type of allergy, which occurs mainly in infants (2-3%) is caused by milk. It disappears, most often by the age of 4-5 years and is caused mainly by cow’s milk, goat or sheep and, rarely, by mother milk. The allergy is caused by the milk protein and leads to upset stomach, evidenced by loose stools, colic, rash, restlessness and irritability of the child. This should not be confused with lactose intolerance, which occurs at much higher ages and is caused by an inability to digest lactose.

Allergy

What are symptoms of an allergy?

The most common allergic reactions occur in the skin, mucous membranes and airways. They manifest as rhinitis, hives, eczema ,endogenous asthma or edema (acute or chronic), high in intensity or mitigated. A first contact with the allergen can trigger an acute reaction manifested by difficulty in breathing, bronchospasm, cough, swelling at the bite site, urticaria with severe itching, skin bruising, stomach cramps, nausea, vomiting, headache, changes of pulse, also known as anaphylaxis. Fortunately these manifestations are rare, but must be treated immediately by a doctor at the hospital because anaphylaxis can be life threatening. More frequently a slight reaction with hives, watery eyes, hoarseness, upset stomach, and possibly local inflammation, occurs.

Allergies

What treatment is indicated for allergies?

Acute allergies such as anaphylaxis, are treated in a hospital and after the crisis, antihistamines are prescribed to reduce itching and a type of cortisone to reduce inflammation. In the case of mild allergies, along with your doctor prescribed treatment, a liver protecting diet and avoidance of emotions and hard work should be enough.

Drug treatment that is indicated by physicians or local allergist include oral antihistamines, which diminishes the symptoms, cortisone, immunotherapy. Desensibilization can be done under certain conditions, depending on the allergen, condition or age of the child.

Is there an effective prophylaxis for allergies?

Knowing the substance that the child is allergic to and avoiding it as much as possible, is the main prevention method. For those sensitive it is very important to avoid areas with excess pollen from trees (maple) or herbs (plantain and watercress). Balancing the immune system is essential, by adopting a diet with more fruits (sea-buckthorn, blueberry, cranberry), fresh vegetables, seeds and grains. Consume foods rich in vitamins C, A, E, bioflavonoids which controls the production of histamine, a substance responsible for the itching and inflammation, flavonoids as natural antioxidants, carotenoids, zinc, selenium, and calcium. The allergy must be treated from the first symptom to prevent complications and a chronic disease.

Last but not least, it is indicated that teens with increased sensitivity to allergens or parents whose children are allergic to keep at hand, an emergency, the drugs given by the doctor for crisis situations.

Hemolytic Anemia

Hemolytic anemia can occur in people of any age. Hereditary disorders are usually evident early in life. Autoimmune hemolytic anemia is more common in people of middle age and elderly persons. Symptoms of hemolytic anemia are diverse and are due to anemia, ongoing treatments and the causing factor of anemia. Patients with minimal hemolytic anemia may be asymptomatic for long periods of time so hemolysis is discovered accidentally during routine testing.

Symptoms

During intravascular hemolysis, iron deficiency is caused by elimination of hemoglobin in urine to chronic  that worsens anemia and body weakness. Tachycardia, dyspnea, angina and weakness occur in patients with severe anemia. Cardiac function is sensitive to anoxia (lack of oxygen). Angina and cardiac decompensation in patients with severe anemia occurs if the onset is sudden. Gallstones can cause abdominal pain. Bilirubin stones may develop in patients with persistent hemolytic anemia. Tanned skin color and diabetes result from multiple transfusions  hemochromatosis or incorrect iron therapy. Elimination of hemoglobin in the urine produces a dark urine, that can be present in patients with intravascular hemolysis and transfusion from a incompatible blood group. Thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura patients may experience fever, neurological signs, renal failure, petechiae, and hemolysis due to small vessel occlusion expansion. Foot ulcers can develop in patients with sickle cell disease or hemolysis as a result of decreased red blood cell deformation.

Penicillin, quinina, quinidine, L-dopa and other agents can cause immune hemolysis. Oxidative drugs, infection stress can trigger hemolysis in patients with G6PD deficiency. Fava beans can cause hemolysis in individuals with susceptible Mediterranean G6PD deficiency.

Anemia, Red Blood Cells

Physical examination.

Physical examination in patients with hemolytic anemia shows signs of anemia, destruction of red blood cells, hemolysis and signs and symptoms of the underlying disease.

• Generalized pale conjunctiva, pale nails indicate anemia but are not specific for hemolytic anemia.
• Tachycardia, tachypnea, and hypotension due to anoxia (lack of oxygen) and vascular volume decrease, usually occur in severe anemia but are not specific for hemolytic anemia.
• Jaundice may occur with due to increased indirect bilirubin in hemolysis. The increase is not specific for hemolytic disease and can occur in liver disease, biliary obstruction and congenital liver disease. Bilirubin level is rarely more than 4 mg / dL in hemolysis if it is not complicated with liver disease or cholelithiasis.
• Splenomegaly occurs in hemolytic anemia and spherocytosis but is not present in G6PD deficiency. The presence of splenomegaly suggests diseases such as chronic lymphocytic leukemia, lymphomas and lupus erythematosus. Right upper quadrant abdominal sensitivity indicates biliary disease. Bleeding and petechiae with thrombocytopenia indicate Evans syndrome or thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura if neurological signs are present. Lymphadenopathy with splenomegaly indicates chronic lymphocytic leukemia.

Evolution

Mortality is usually low in cases of hemolytic anemia. Elderly patients and those with cardiovascular risk have an increased risk. Morbidity is dependent on the etiology of hemolysis and the underlying disease like sickle cell disease or malaria. Tachycardia and dyspnoea occur when the onset and hemolysis sudden and the anemia is severe. Angina and heart failure occurs in patients with cardiovascular disease and decompensated severe hemolysis. Haemosiderosis, leg ulcers, gallstones and folate deficiency may also occur.

Donath-Landsteiner hemolytic anemia

It is a common form of hemolytic anemia in children, intravascular caused by exposure to cold with abnormal immunoglobulin G reactivity to cold directed against an antigen P on the erythrocyte surface. Antibodies attach to the erythrocyte surface in cold weather, below 30 degrees. Anemia resolves spontaneously, but in severe cases can cause shock heart failure or kidney failure. Classic symptoms of hemolytic anemia include sudden onset of pallor and jaundice accompanied by elimination of hemoglobin in urine. Hemoglobinuria resolves spontaneously. Anemia can be mild, describing fever, chills, back or leg pain, abdominal cramps along with headaches, nausea and vomiting.

Hemolytic Anemia Treatment

Therapy is different for each type of hemolytic anemia. Transfusions are indicated only in patients with severe angina or severe cardiopulmonary compromised status.

Transfusion therapy.

Different erythrocyte concentrates will be administred to avoid cardiac stress. The risk of acute hemolysis due to transfusion is increased but the degree of hemolysis is dependent on the infusion rate. Different slow infusions should be administered to prevent rapid destruction of erythrocytes. Iron overload by repeated transfusions for chronic anemia can be treated with chelation therapy. Chelating agents like deferoxamine and deferiprone are used. Drugs that promote hemolysis should be removed. Folic acid, corticosteroids, iron therapy is indicated in autoimmune cases.

Anemia Treatment

Penicillin and other agents that cause immune hemolysis and drugs such as drug oxidizing sulfate are contraindicated:

• Penicillin, cephalothin, ampicillin
• Meticilin, quinina, quinidine.

Folic acid is administred because active hemolysis can cause megaloblastic anemia and folate consumption. Intravenous immunoglobulin G is used for patients with autoimmune hemolytic anemia, but only some patients respond to treatment and response is transient.
Splenectomy (surgical spelin removal) may be the first choice in some types of hereditary hemolytic anemia as sperocytosis. In other cases it is recommended when other medical treatments have failed. Splenectomy is usually not recommended in hemolytic anemia with cold agglutinins. Immunization against encapsulated organisms infections such as Haemophilus influenzae and Streptococcus pneumoniae is indicated.

Fava beans can cause severe hemolysis in some populations with Mediterranean variant of G6PD deficiency.

Drugs that should avoided in G6PD deficiency include:

• Acetanilide, furazolidone, isobutyl nitrite
• Nalidixic acid, naphthalene, niridazol.

Hemolytic anemia prognosis depends on underlying disease.

Hemolytic Anemia

Hemolytic anemia is a condition that involves destruction of red blood cells (also called erythrocytes), faster than the bone marrow can normally produce. The medical term for red blood cell destruction is hemolysis. There are two types of hemolytic anemia:

1. Intrinsic – the destruction of red blood cells is caused by a defect in the red blood cells. Among such diseases are sickle cell anemia and thalassemia, conditions characterized by the fact that red blood cells that do not survive as long as normal red blood cells. These diseases are often inherited.
2. Extrinsic – red blood cells are healthy at the time of production but later are destroyed by infection, drugs, hypersplenism. There are other causes of extrinsic hemolytic anemia, also called immune hemolytic anemia, including:

• Infections -viral hepatitis, cytomegalovirus infection, Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) infection , typhoid fever, E. coli (Escherichia coli) and streptococci
• Drugs inclugind penicillin, malaria drugs, sulfa drugs or acetaminophen
• Leukemia or lymphoma
• Autoimmune disorders – systemic lupus erythematosus, rheumatoid arthritis, Wiskott-Aldrich syndrome or ulcerative colitis
• Various tumors.

Hemolytic Anemia

Some types of extrinsic hemolytic anemia can be ameliorated only temporarily or for a few months. On the other hand some types of hemolytic anemia are chronic and include periods of remission and recurrence.

Hemolysis is triggered by a variety of hereditary or gained diseases. The etiology of premature destruction of red blood cells is diverse and may be caused by conditions such as intrinsic membrane defects, abnormal hemoglobin, erythrocyte enzyme defects, immune destruction of erythrocytes, damaged mechanics and hypersplenism. Hemolysis is associated with release of hemoglobin and lactic acid dehydrogenase. A patient with mild hemolysis may have normal hemoglobin levels if red blood cell production equelizes the rate of desctruction. Patients with mild hemolysis may experience anemia if bone marrow production of erythrocytes is low due to viral infections with parvovirus or other red blood cell destruction due to other infections. Deformities of the skull and skeleton may occur due to marked increase in hematopoiesis, bone expansion during childhood and early childhood diseases such as sickle cell anemia or thalassemia.

Causes and risk factors

Haemolysis causes include hereditary diseases with abnormal erythrocyte membrane and enzyme system or  hemoglobin: hereditary spherocytosis, sickle cell anemia, immune conditions, toxic agents, antiviral agents, infections agents, mechanical injury. Therapy is different for each type of hemolytic anemia.

Hereditary diseases include:

• G-6-PD deficiency ( lack of an enzyme necessary in the red blood cell metabolism)
• Hereditary spherocytosis  (smaller than normal red blood cells)
• Sickle cell anemia (red blood cells with the shape of a sickle)

Gained diseases include:

• Autoimmune hemolytic anemia can result from hot or cold agglutinin antibodies, most common warm antibodies are IgG and can be detected with direct Coombs test
• Autoimmune hemolytic anemia can occur after allogenic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation
• Microangiopathic anemia described in patients with disseminated intravascular coagulation, hemolytic uremic syndrome and thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura.

Sickle Cells

Sickle cell anemia

Is a severe inherited disease in which the body produces abnormal hemoglobin causing abnormal shaped erythrocytes. These abnormal red blood cells do not live as long as normal and they die after 10-20 days, while normal red cell die after 120.

Thalassemia

Are inherited blood disease in which the body can not produce a certain type of hemoglobin.

Hereditary spherocytosis

This condition is characterized by a defect in the erythrocyte membrane surface that determines the shape of the sphere thus abnormal cells. They also present a shorter lifespan. This kind of disease is most common in people with European ancestry.

Deficiency of glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G-6-PD)

Erythrocytes with this condition lack an very important enzyme called G6PD . Cells that lack the enzyme are breaked by several triggering factors:, anti-malarials, exposure to naphthalene, fava beans, infections. The disease affects people African genetic heritage and the Mediterranean.

Autoimmune hemolytic anemia

The normal immune system can distinguish between its own and foreign structures. Thus it can attack any threat coming from the outside. In autoimmune hemolytic anemia the immune system produces antibodies that attack red blood cells, and no longer recognizes them as its own structures. The risk of autoimmunity occurs in lupus, chronic lymphocytic leukemia, non Hodgkin lymphoma, Epstein-Barr virus, cytomegalovirus infection, hepatitis, HIV. In some types of disease antibodies called cold agglutinins, destroys red blood cells at low temperatures of the environment and other hot agglutinins are active at high temperatures.

Posttransfusional hemolytic anemia

Occurs when the body produces antibodies against red blood cells that were transfused from another blood group.The condition occurs in pregnancy if there are differences between maternal and fetal blood type.

Insomnia

Sandman is not coming to your house as often as you would like, so you sit for hours staring at ceiling? Do not let insomnia take hold on your life and learn how to treat it!

Sleep fulfills several important functions for the mind and body. However, there are people for whom bedtime is very far from a pleasant and refreshing experience, it became a battle against insomnia. Millions of people can not enjoy a good and productive day as the previous night they could not rest. Insomnia can occur at any age but is typically found in adulthood. Normally, with age a person needs less sleep each night.

Insomnia symptoms  are easy to recognize.

• Short or shallow sleep, with continuous state of fatigue during the day
• Normal sleep in the early hours of the night, followed by waking up occasionally along the way, prevents you to rest.
• Sleepless periods alternated with periods of sleep time.
• Changes in the day-night alternation rhythm of sleep (eg, you started to sleep during the day)

Woman with Insomnia

What are the causes of insomnia?

1. Alcohol. Despite what many people think, alcohol does not help you to have a quiet sleep, in fact just the opposite happens. If you drink too much alcohol in the evening, not only you will sleep worse that night, but fatigue can add up to hangover the next day.
2. Nightmares. Sleep can be influenced by your fear of bad dreams every night. One cause of repetitive nightmares is lack of magnesium.
3. Depression. This and other psychological disorders such as panic attacks or anxiety can cause difficulty in sleeping during the night.
4. Personal reasons. For example, you have a baby who sleeps little at night and therefore you or the father, much less. It is normal find it difficult to sleep when you were awakened 2-3 times per night.
5. Various diseases. Sometimes people who have asthma, irritable bowel syndrome, impotence, various skin problems, allergies, obsessions, hypertension can suffer from insomnia. These diseases cause the body a number of difficulties which can not relax for a restful sleep.
6. Changing sleep time. Sleep disorders be caused by a job which gives you a timescale, but with many changes made over time.
7. Nocturnal noises. Whether you live in an area with noise at night, whether you are sleeping with a person who snore can both be causes of insomnia.
8. Stimulating substances. Consumed in the afternoon, coffee, tea or cola-based products may induce sleep disturbances.

How many hours of rest does a person need?

For each age group requires a certain number of hours of sleep per night:

• Between 0-12 months: 13-16 hours, 2-4 periods of sleep during the day.
• Between 1-4 years: 11-13 hours, a period of sleep during the day.
• 5-9 years: 10-11 hours without sleep during the day.
• Between 10-16 years: 9-10 hours without sleep during the day.
• Between 17-39 years old: 8-9 hours without sleep during the day.
• 40 years: 6-7 hours without sleep during the day.

What you can do for a peaceful sleep?

Try to establish a daily routine designed to stimulate your sleep and also apply the following methods:

• Make sure the bedroom has a pleasant temperature and minimum light or noise that may disturb you
• Use clothes that are comfortable during sleeping and soft bedding
• Do not try to fall asleep by force, only because it is late. Get up if you do not mange to fall asleep and read a book, watch TV or just relax.
• Avoid naps during the day
• Give up fatty foods, alcohol or beverages containing caffeine
• Take a hot bath before getting into bed and try using relaxing products like foam, salt bath