Preventing workout injuries

Every person who exercises, be it a beginner or an expert fears getting that dreaded injury.

Everyone who suffers from any kind of gym injury can feel their goals of fitness and the body of their dreams slipping out of their reach.

Such can be the de-motivating effect of an injury.

The first and probably the easiest way to avoid an injury is to get the help of a coach or a trainer. A guide who is experienced, has knowledge of the human body and its functions and is there for you at a constant beck and call would be the one to rely on for you to be able to realize your goals.

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Stretching and warming up are factors without which no workout can give you any results. A proper warm up is very essential for the body to adapt to change in movement, breathing, and lifting that you are about to do. A cold body would never respond to the heavy weights you lift as would a warmed up body that has a good blood flow going through its veins that will enhance and promote size gains and the much talked about pump� that young bodybuilders so crave.

Lack of proper warm up schedule in your routine could cause cramps, muscle pulls and strain on delicate parts of your body.

Smart training is another important training trick that a lot of us don't follow. A lot of people think that lifting as much weight as possible would be the way to get maximum gains, whereas that is not necessarily the case.

If done in the right posture, light weight can also prove heavy, and that is when we realize that we were compromising movement and form over our craze for lifting more weights, which don't even target our muscle, but cause serious injuries.

A combination of the right weight and correct form and movement only can target the muscle you want to focus on and will give you maximum benefits.

Proper attire for working out at the gym is as important as the water we drink in between sets. A t-shirt and a pair of comfortable lowers and flexible sports shoes are the key to an active and effective workout session. This kind of attire can give you much room for free movements of the exercises and stretching after the workout, which �is a must to cool off the body, relax it and avoid any injury.

Eating a balanced diet and hydrating yourself can prevent from many major gym injuries. Carbohydrates will provide you with glycogen stores that are useful for muscle recovery, protein synthesis.

Protein shake or an easily digestible form of soft protein, such as eggs or sweetened soya-milk after your workout is very important as this will help repair those muscles you just broke down at the gym.

Advice by a professional health and nutritional guide can help you determine your protein and carbohydrates need for building a healthy and muscular body.

These diets and an ample amount of hydration could save you from the injuries caused by the stiffness and lack of recovered muscle tissues.

Rest and recovery are two more major factors that need to be kept in mind while building a body.

There is a concept called overstraining your body. After a time limit, your body cannot produce more pump or size gains, therefore it goes into depletion mode which can be avoided by taking rest intervals and recovery breaks from either the sets or workout itself.

It helps gaining back strength to start working out afresh with renewed energy.

References

https://www.webmd.com/fitness-exercise/features/6-ways-avoid-workout-injuries

https://www.bodybuilding.com/fun/bbinfo.php?page=injuryprevention

Foods for Cancer prevention

Cancer, even the mention of this word sends a chill down our spine. The affliction that cancer patients go through while fighting it can only be realized first hand, which nobody would want to endure.

However, there are certain preventive measures that can be taken to avoid this unwanted chill and much more. Researchers say that certain foods can prevent cancer in anybody.

There are so many stigmas attached to this problem that people consider it a topic off-limits for the most part. It is to be faced with facts and prevented rather than avoided.

Whether you have had a history of cancer in your family, or currently battle the disease yourself, lifestyle factors and habits, including your diet, can make a huge difference in helping you fight off different kinds of cancer.

The foods we took so lightly can be saviours if we pay just a little heed.

Apples, they contain quercetin, epicatechin, anthocyanins and Triterpenoids. They have been said to have anti-inflammatory properties and are strong antioxidants,� that can lower the risk of Colorectal cancers. The majority of Quercetin (80%) is found in the apple peel and it can heal lung, breast and stomach cancer.

Blueberries are great antioxidants. Phytochemicals and flavonoids like Anthocyanins, Ellagic acid and Urolithin are present in blueberries. By consuming these, free radical damages to the DNA can be prevented, that leads to cancer. They also decrease the growth of breast, colon and prostate cancer cells.

Vegetables like Cauliflower, Green Cabbage, Broccoli, Brussels sprouts, White Turnip, have Glucosinolates present in them, which is converted into isothiocyanates and indoles on consumption, which help decrease inflammation, one of the risk factors of cancer.

Walnuts, Alpha-linolenic acid , Gamma-tocopherol, Elligtannins, �phytosterols and Melatonin are the major actives found in walnuts, which can prove very vital in preventing and treating breast cancer, colon tumor and prostate cancer. �A regular consumption of walnuts has also shown decreased damage to the DNA.

Omega-3 fatty acids have been believed to have delaying or reducing effect on tumor development in breast and prostate cancer. The omega-3 fatty acids include alpha-linolenic acid, eicosapentaenoic acid and docosahexaenoic acid. Olive oil is said to be the ideal source of these fatty acids. Seafood, especially cold-water fish like salmon, mackerel, sardines, also have high amounts of omega 3 fatty acids.

Garlic, this smelly ingredient can not only ward off vampires(according to some horror movies) but can also fight off cancer. Allicin and alkyl sulphur are the two important and active compounds in garlic that can prevent and fight cancer in both animals and humans.

Adding crushed garlic to your food can give you the full benefit of these compounds.

Fibre, is the one thing we tend to ignore heavily in our diets. Roughage, as it is so commonly called, not only keeps the digestive system clean and healthy, but also keeps cancer causing compounds out of the tract before they can create any harm.

Fibre is found in unprocessed foods which are fruits, vegetables, whole grain products, etc .

Grapefruit, capsicum, oranges, all have ample amounts of vitamin c in them, which prevents nitrogen compounds from forming in the body, which in turn can cause various kinds of cancer. To take full benefit of this vitamin, it is advised to take foods rich in this mineral rather than a supplement, which is less reliable.

Peanut and peanut butter are rich in vitamin E, which reduce the risk of contracting colon, stomach, lung and liver cancers. Almonds, sunflowers seeds can also do the trick, provided a healthy dose of such ingredients is incorporated in the diet.

References

https://www.webmd.com/cancer/features/seven-easy-to-find-foods-that-may-help-fight-cancer

https://www.aicr.org/foods-that-fight-cancer/

Spices for Better Mood

The use of spices and herbs in cooking and preparing food has a very long history. Spices were once used to annul smell of not so fresh food. But today when spices and herbs are no longer as expensive as they once were and when every average household can afford it, it is hard to imagine cooking without them. Spices are added to most savory dishes while cooking to enrich the flavor, or simply as a garnish for the finished dish. Spices can also put you in a better mood. We give you List of spices that are proved to make you feel just a bit happier and of a better mood.

Saffron

Saffron is well-known and valued as a spice. But according to the latest research saffron is not only tasty spice but helps to alleviate the symptoms of premenstrual syndrome and depression.
In fact, saffron has been used for thousands of years in traditional Persian medicine to lift up the mood, usually as an additive to tea or cooked with rice. Saffron has a similar effect as antidepressants; fluoxetine and imipramine. Saffron works the same way that helps the exemption of serotonin (the happy hormone) in the brain.

Basil

Basil is used for the treatment of diseases of the stomach and intestine (stomach catarrh, inflammation of the small intestine, poisoning, poor appetite), bloating symptoms (bloating prevented by the addition of food that causes bloating – pulses), a weak stomach. It is also used to encourage the work function of the stomach, poor motility, spasms of smooth muscle (intestine), and intestinal parasites and also affects the balance of intestinal microflora. It can be taken for depression and neurosis. It helps with fever and loss of smell, skin disorders (acne, rash, skin impurities ), women’s diseases ( stimulates menstruation ). It also helps with Low sex drive, low blood flow ( lower pressure ), strong secretion – catarrh of the stomach, intestines and bronchi, severe headache, high fever and nausea.

Coriander (cilantro)
Coriander has a gentle and specific sweet taste that reminiscent on a blend of lemon and sage. The leaves are used for culinary porpoises.��Dried seeds are added to dishes; whole or ground. Ground coriander has a much more pronounced flavor than fresh coriander.Besides in cooking, coriander is used in medical purposes as well. It is believed that it has antioxidant and antibacterial properties, it helps insomnia, and it is a diuretic, and recent studies show that works well in the treatment of diabetes and increased cholesterol. With all this said; it has an impact on people's mood. It makes us feel happier.Coriander juice strengthens the gums and relieves pain and reduces bleeding.
Cardamom

Cardamom is a shrub. Cardamom grows 1-3 feet tall with bunches of 20-50 cm. It is a small, permanent shrub with spear leaves and short blossoming stalks. It blooms between January and May, and the flowers are green-white or purple. Except as spice, is used in medical purposes and the cosmetics industry, mostly for perfumes. In addition to being a catalyst for romance, cardamom has many medicinal properties. It is used raw.Cardamom extract contains volatile components that help with poor digestion and improve metabolism.
By drinking tea with ground cardamom will alleviate depression; it will make us feel better, it will help to have a happier state of mind. Tea of cardamom and cinnamon helps in cases of sore throat and hoarseness that occurs with colds or flu.

Cinnamon

Cinnamon is one of the oldest spices. Modern scientific research suggests that cinnamon is a very useful spice.�Cinnamon helps with diseases like��gastritis, diabetes, high cholesterol and many other diseases. It is known that cinnamon helps with stress and memory loss. If we smell cinnamon, we can improve brain function and our mood.

References

https://www.mentalhealthsupport.co.uk/goodmoodfood.html

https://howtoovercomestressnaturally.com/blog/2010/07/13/food-to-lift-your-mood-pt-7-more-spices/

Acid Reflux

Acid reflux, also known as gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is a condition that occurs when the lower esophageal sphincter ring of muscle fails to close all the way or it opens too often as food passes through it. This in turn produces an acid in the stomach which can move up into the victim's esophagus causing symptoms such as chest pain or heartburn. If this happens more than twice a week, such an individual is deemed to be suffering from acid reflux disease.

Causes

The most common cause of acid reflux disease is hiatal hernia which is a stomach abnormality which occurs when one's upper part of the stomach and the lower esophageal sphincter (LES) move above the diaphragm � a muscle separating human beings' stomach from the chest. More often than not, it is the diaphragm that helps in keeping the acid in our stomach but if one is suffering from a hiatal hernia, the acid can move up into his or her diaphragm causing the signs and symptoms of acid reflux illness.

Risk factors

Common risk factors of acid reflux disease in individuals include consuming large meals or if a person lies down immediately after taking a meal, an overweight person, snacking just before bedtime, eating heavy meal then bending over at the waist or lying. In addition, eating foods such as mint, garlic, onions, citrus or fatty foods; smoking, being pregnant or taking certain muscle relaxers, pressure medications, ibuprofen and aspirin.

Signs and symptoms

Common signs and symptoms of acid reflux include a feeling of heartburn which is a burning sensation or discomfort that may move from an individual's tummy to the chest and even up to his esophagus; and regurgitation which is a sour acid backing up into the person's mouth. Other signs and symptoms common to acid reflux disease include bloating, bloody vomiting or bloody and black stools, burping, wheezing, chronic sore throat, dry cough and hoarseness; loss of weight for no apparent reason, unending hiccups and narrowing of the esophagus creating a sensation of food getting stuck in the throat � also known as dysphagia.

Home remedies

An individual should strive to do moderate exercise aimed at helping in weight loss. Inasmuch as most dietary interventions have less supporting evidence of gastroesophageal reflux promotion, people should be keen on foods they eat. Besides, one should stop smoking and drinking of alcohol, eat before lying down if it is associated with the symptoms of acid reflux. Spicy foods, fatty foods, acidic foods, chocolate, coffee and alcohol should be avoided by victims of acid reflux at all times. In addition, one ought to go to the bed with an empty dry stomach by avoiding any food three hours prior to bedtime. Check on your posture as bending or lying down a lot increases reflux. When you sit hunched or you decide to wear tight belts extra pressure may be directed on your stomach which is likely to worsen the acid reflux.

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Complications

An individual who has had a long-standing inflammation coupled with severe pain may experience stricture of the esophagus, may develop cancer of the esophagus or may even be affected with barret's esophagus. A patient should thus seek medical attention immediately he or she experiences any of the symptoms of acid reflux to avoid developing any of the above complications.

Treatment

Treatment of acid reflux include the use of antacids which are the alkaline liquids or tablets used to limit the amount of acid, acid suppressing medicines such as proton pump inhibitors and histamine receptor blockers; proknetic medicines to speed up food passage through the stomach including dompperidone and metoclopromide, and surgical operation.

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References

https://www.webmd.com/heartburn-gerd/guide/what-is-acid-reflux-disease

https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/146619.php

Alcoholism refers to a chronic and progressive illness that is accompanied with problems controlling drinking, preoccupation with alcohol, continued use of alcohol even when it leads to problems, physical dependence and having withdrawal symptoms when one reduces or stops alcohol consumption.

An alcoholic cannot consistently predict how much he or she would consume, how long he will drink or the consequences that accompany such drinking. Binge drinking in persons may also lead to the similar health risks and social predicaments that are linked with alcoholism as the more a person drinks, the bigger the dangers. Thus, binge drinking, a common habit amongst teenagers may lead to quicker development of alcoholism.

Signs and symptoms

Alcoholism signs and symptoms include the inability to limit the amount of alcohol intake, a strong compulsion to drink, development of tolerance to alcohol so that one requires more to feel its effects, drinking alone or hiding while drinking, physical removal symptoms like nausea, sweating and shaking; forgetting commitments or conversations which is often referred to as black-out.

The victim may make a custom of drinking at given times and turn out to be irritated when this habit is interfered with. Other problems include, irritation when the normal drinking time nears and mostly when the alcohol is not there, lose interests in activities that previously brought pleasure, have problems with relationship, problems with finance as a result of drinking, intentionally becomes drunk to feel better or �normal'; and keeping alcohol in unusual places.

Causes

Alcoholism in individuals may be caused by social, environmental, genetic and psychological factors that impact greatly on the body and behavior. Addiction is a gradual process although others have an abnormal response to alcoholic drinks from the commencement of drinking. When a person consumes alcohol over a long period, the normal balance of chemicals and nerve tracks in his or her brain that is responsible for pleasure, judgment and control of the person's behavior is changed. It is because of those changes that the craving for alcohol to restore good feeling or to remove negative emanates.

Risk factors

The risk factors associated with alcoholism include a physical dependency on alcohol due to steady drinking over time, those who start drinking at an early age are at high risk of problem drinking, affects people who have an alcoholic parent or relatives, depression and other mental disorders like anxiety or bipolar disorder. The risk of mixing medication with alcohol increases toxic effects or decreases their effectiveness or may even become fatal; and social cultural factors sending wrong messages to close friends and relatives about alcohol consumption.

Complications

Alcohol depresses the central nervous system and to others, the initial reaction could be stimulation then one later becomes sedated. Further, alcohol consumption reduces one's inhibitions and affects thoughts, emotions, judgment, speech, muscle coordination and vital brain centers. At times, heavy alcohol intake leads to death or coma.

When inhibitions are lowered, dangerous situations might arise such as domestic problems, motor vehicle accidents, poor work performance and likelihood of committing crimes. Health complications may be liver disease, digestive problems, heart problems, diabetes, sexual function and menstruation, eye problems, birth defects, bone loss, neurological complications, weakened immune system and increased risk of cancer.

Treatment

Treatment for alcoholism may entail a number of methods such as detoxification and withdrawal, learning skills and setting up treatment plan, psychological counseling, oral medication, injected medication, continuing support, treatment for psychological problems and medical treatment for other conditions like blood pressure, high blood sugar, liver disease and heart disease; and regular spiritual practice to assist in maintaining recovery from alcoholism or other addictions.

References

https://www.google.co.ke/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=2&cad=rja&uact=8&sqi=2&ved=0CDoQFjAB&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.mayoclinic.org%2Fdiseases-conditions%2Falcoholism%2Fbasics%2Fdefinition%2Fcon-20020866&ei=L3dsU-LKMKqu7AbB34C4BQ&usg=AFQjCNHmwLFGxpkkmYffg_kaM6d2QL12Vg&bvm=bv.66330100,d.ZWU

https://www.google.co.ke/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=10&cad=rja&uact=8&sqi=2&ved=0CHgQFjAJ&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.healthline.com%2Fhealth%2Falcoholism%2Fbasics&ei=L3dsU-LKMKqu7AbB34C4BQ&usg=AFQjCNG11Hu-K_YL28DCBZFAjFW5J4R0Xw&bvm=bv.66330100,d.ZWU

Tension Headaches

Tension headache is the most common type of tension type headache whose causes are not well understood. It is a diffuse, mild to moderate pain in the head that is usually described as a feeling like a tight band around the victim's head. Tension headaches are divided into two major categories namely episodic tension headaches and chronic tension headaches. To treat tension headache, the patient has to balance between cultivating healthy practices, finding effective nondrug treatments and the appropriate use of medications.

Signs and symptoms

Tension headache is manifested through tenderness of the scalp, neck and shoulder muscles, dull, aching head pain and a sensation of tightness across the forehead or at the back of the head. The victim should seek immediate medical attention if he or she has an abrupt, severe headache, headache that worsens after an injury to the head; or headache that is accompanied with fever, stiff neck, seizures, mental confusion, weakness, numbness, difficulty speaking and double vision.

How would you like to know The REAL Cause Of Headaches

Causes

The exact cause of tension headaches is not yet known as some specialists claimed that it emanated from the contractions of muscles present in the neck, face and scalp due to increased tension, emotions and stress. However, research conducted suggest otherwise. The most general theories hold the same view that an improved sensitivity to pain in individuals with tension headaches and probably an increased sensitivity to stress as the causes. Increased muscle softness which is a general symptom of tension headache, might come about due to a sensitized pain system.

Risk factors

Risk factors for tension headache include two major indicators: being a woman and being middle-aged. Most studies suggest that 90% of women and 70% of men go through tension headaches in their lifetimes. Besides, the incidences appear to peak in the 40s.

Complications

This is a very common phenomenon whose effects are felt on job productivity and overall quality of life is enormous in situations that such tension headaches become chronic. Such regular pains make one unable to perform his duties normally thus, the victim is at times forced to stay home from work and even if he goes to work, his ability to function efficiently becomes impaired.

Treatment

Most people with tension headaches opt not to seek medical attention and attempt to treat the ache on their own using over the counter pain relievers like aspirin and ibuprofen. Repeated use of such drugs can however cause overuse headaches. Seek the attention of a general practitioner in case of unrelenting headaches for prescription and treatment.

Lifestyle changes and home remedies

A number of strategies can help reduce the frequency of tension headaches including their severity. For instance, managing one's stress level, going hot or cold by applying both heat and ice to sore muscles and perfecting the posture to keep the muscles from tensing. Rest, ice packs or a long, hot shower may be all the victim requires to ease a tension headache.

Prevention

Aside from regular exercises, try biofeedback training, cognitive behavioral therapy and other relaxation techniques such as deep breathing, meditation, yoga and progressive muscle relaxation. In addition to regular exercise, techniques such as biofeedback training and relaxation therapy can help reduce stress. In biofeedback training, one is connected to devices that monitors and gives feedback on functions such as heart rate, blood pressure and muscle tension. One can therefore learn to reduce muscle tension, slow his or her heart rate and breathing.

Headaches can also be prevented by getting sufficient sleep, avoiding smoking, regular exercises and regular and balanced diet. Additionally, drink plenty of water, limiting alcohol, sugar and caffeine.

References

https://www.google.co.ke/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=2&cad=rja&uact=8&sqi=2&ved=0CDIQFjAB&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.mayoclinic.org%2Fdiseases-conditions%2Ftension-headache%2Fbasics%2Fdefinition%2Fcon-20014295&ei=IXhsU86kEcmN7Qa_o4D4BQ&usg=AFQjCNGySGorygTl-04s9IpOwlicnbYhCw&bvm=bv.66330100,d.ZWU

https://www.google.co.ke/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=2&cad=rja&uact=8&sqi=2&ved=0CDIQFjAB&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.mayoclinic.org%2Fdiseases-conditions%2Ftension-headache%2Fbasics%2Fdefinition%2Fcon-20014295&ei=IXhsU86kEcmN7Qa_o4D4BQ&usg=AFQjCNGySGorygTl-04s9IpOwlicnbYhCw&bvm=bv.66330100,d.ZWU

Nicotine Dependence

Also known as tobacco dependence, nicotine dependence refers to the addiction to tobacco products caused by nicotine drug where the user cannot stop using the substance even when it is causing harm to that person. There is physical and mood altering effects produced by nicotine that pleases the user temporarily. The effects give one the urge to use tobacco leading to dependence whereas stopping the use leads to withdrawal symptoms such as anxiety and irritability.

Signs and symptoms

Signs and symptoms that may indicate that one has been addicted include experience of withdrawal symptoms when the victim attempts to stop, one continues to smoke in spite of health problems, one gives up social or recreational activities in order to smoke and unsuccessful attempts to stop smoking. Many smokers try to stop smoking before they find sure self-restraint from smoking. A doctor may help develop an effective treatment plan or advise accordingly on how one can obtain help and stop smoking.

Causes

Nicotine dependence includes both behavioral and physical factors. Behaviors and signals that one might be associated with smoking are drinking alcohol, certain places, driving your car, smell of a burning cigarette, stressful situations, talking on phone and specific times of the day like the first activity of the daybreak or at break time. In order to deal with dependence on tobacco, one has to overcome behaviors and routines linked to smoking. Notably, nicotine is the chemical in tobacco that increases the urge to smoke and which is extremely addictive when conveyed to the lungs. It speeds the discharge of brain chemicals known as neurotransmitters that control mood and actions.

Risk factors

The factors exacerbating nicotine dependence include genetics; home and peer influence, age when the individual begins smoking, depression or other mental diseases like schizophrenia; and substance abuse for instance, alcohol abuse and illegal drugs like marijuana are more likely to become smokers.

Complications

Smoking destroys almost all the organs of the body and lead to death of a great percentage of smokers. The negative health effects of nicotine dependence include lung cancer and other lung infections, other forms of cancer like cancer of the esophagus, larynx, pancreas and kidney; heart and circulatory problems, diabetes, eye problems, impotence and infertility, pregnancy and infant complications, cold, flu and other diseases like bronchitis. Besides, other complications are weakened senses, teeth and gum disease, physical appearance like wrinkles, premature aging and yellow teeth and fingernails; and risks posed to one's family.

Home remedies

To help deal with nicotine withdrawal symptoms, one needs to exercise regularly, include a lot of fruits and vegetables and water, be practical on the energy and time it takes to end smoking, avoid high risk situations by knowing triggers, talk to a support person to assist you get through a hard craving, identify rationalizations and wait out cravings.

Prevention

The noblest prevention method of tobacco dependence is to not smoke from the onset, stop smoking yourself if you want to prevent your children from smoking. A parent should also try to promote smoke free environments, support legislation to increase taxes levied on tobacco products to discourage its use, talk with the teenagers to establish if their peers smoke as the friends may influence them to the habit. In addition, learn what the children perceive of smoking, assist them explore personal feelings, note the social repercussions by reminding the teenager of the effects of doing so; and work with schools to initiate stop smoking programs.

References

https://www.google.co.ke/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=1&cad=rja&uact=8&sqi=2&ved=0CCcQFjAA&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.mayoclinic.org%2Fdiseases-conditions%2Fnicotine-dependence%2Fbasics%2Fdefinition%2Fcon-20014452&ei=dXdsU9uJEPGw7Abq94HoCg&usg=AFQjCNG_0S6ZG6wTpdYqMqLw7LLCKWo8Eg&bvm=bv.66330100,d.ZWU

https://www.google.co.ke/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=2&cad=rja&uact=8&sqi=2&ved=0CDIQFjAB&url=http%3A%2F%2Fen.wikipedia.org%2Fwiki%2FNicotine&ei=dXdsU9uJEPGw7Abq94HoCg&usg=AFQjCNEFTejqehApVNuAKhE4XQAsvXD5cQ&bvm=bv.66330100,d.ZWU

Bacteraemia

Bacteraemia, also called blood poisoning, is the proliferation of bacteria in the blood stream. Bacteraemia can result from infections (like pneumonia or meningitis), dental or medical procedures (especially when it involves mucous membranes) and from catheters or other foreign bodies entering the body.

Usually, bacteraemia presents no symptoms because bacteria entering the blood stream are rapidly removed by the immune system. However, bacteraemia can cause serious infections if they are present long enough in large numbers in certain tissues and organs such as in the brain, heart, bones and joints. If the body has a weakened immune response, bacteraemia can cause a potential life-threatening complication called sepsis.

Bacteraemia is most often diagnosed by blood culture. It is important to seek medical assistance if fever, rapid heart rate and rapid breathing are experienced with bacteraemia because sepsis is most likely. The hallmark of treatment for bacteraemia is antibiotics.

Causes

Bacteraemia can result even from the most ordinary activities. Tooth decay may also result in severe consequences, such as bacteraemia and heart attack. For instance, vigorous tooth brushing can force bacteria in the gum pockets into the bloodstream. The same blood reaches the heart and causes heart disease. Other causes include catheterizations, urinary tract infections, gastrointestinal surgery exploration or surgical management of infected wounds, and intravenous drug use. Treatment may be dependent on the cause.

Signs and Symptoms

Bacteraemia usually presents no symptoms. However, if bacteraemia is associated with other medical conditions, any of the following symptoms may be present:

• A sudden high fever
• Rapid heart rate
• Rapid breathing
• Body weakness
• Chills
• Nausea and vomiting
• Abdominal pain
• Diarrhea

Bacteraemia may lead to�septic shock, whose symptoms include decreased consciousness, rapid heart rate and rapid breathing. In severe cases, death may also result.

Test and Diagnosis

Bacteraemia is most often diagnosed by blood cultures wherein a blood sample is incubated in a medium to promote growth of bacteria. The result is typically obtained after 24 to 48 hours. Blood analysis may also reveal an increased number of white blood cells which signals occurrence of infection. There is a close monitoring for blood pressure because a sudden decline may indicate a septic shock.

Other tests may be ordered to identify the source of infection which may include urinalysis, CT scans, wound cultures, ultrasounds, X-rays and MRI scan.

Treatment

The mainstay treatment for bacteraemia is antibiotics. The choice of antibiotic therapy solely relies on the likely causes of bacteraemia obtained from laboratory results. Strict monitoring is always carried out to guard against septic shock. It is very important that bacteraemia is treated at its earliest stage. The sooner the treatment begins, the better are the chances of a complete recovery. If bacteraemia is left untreated, fatal complications may arise.

Prophylactic antibiotics are given to those people who are at most risk of complications (such as those with heart valve abnormalities) before the procedures such as insertion of bladder catheters, surgical wound treatments and dental procedures.

Complications

Bacteria entering the bloodstream can easily proliferate in large numbers can easily spread to vital organs and tissues which can lead to organ inflammations, abscesses, and meningitis. �Bacteria in the blood also can lead to sepsis, shock, unusual blood clotting, organ failure and ultimately death.

Bacteraemia is a condition in which local infections spread to organs that are distant, often termed as hematogenous spread. Bacteraemia is normally temporary and is not continuous because of your immune system response which detects the problem and tries to rectify it.

References

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/12495685

https://www.hpa.org.uk/Topics/InfectiousDiseases/InfectionsAZ/Bacteraemia

Shingles

Shingles refers to a viral infection causing painful rash and often occurs as a single stripe of sores that wraps around the left or right side of one's chest. It is caused by a virus called Varicella zoster, the same virus that causes chicken pox which lies inactive in nerve tissue close to one's spinal cord and brain after one have had chickenpox. The virus may reactivate many years later and develop shingles.

Signs and symptoms

These typically have an effect on only a small side of one's body and include ache, flaming, lack of sensation, a red rash that starts a few days after the pain, itching and fluid filled blisters that break open and crust over. Others experience fatigue, headache, fever and chills and general achiness. Pain is commonly the initial symptom of shingles which can sometimes be powerful. Many people usually mistake such pains for problems that affect the heart, lungs or kidneys. Some victims get shingles ache without ever developing the common rash.

Causes

Shingles is caused by the Varicella zoster virus which is also the same virus that causes chickenpox. Any person who has previously been infected with chickenpox stand a greater risk of developing shingles because the virus may enter the nervous system of that person, lie dormant for years before eventually reactivating and travel along nerve pathways to the skin, causing shingles. Shingles are more prone to people with low immune systems and in older adults. An individual with chickenpox should avoid physical contact with anyone with weak immune system, newborns or pregnant women as chickenpox can be dangerous and contagious. A person with shingles can pass the virus to another person who is not immune to chickenpox through direct contact with open sores of the shingles rash.

Risk factors

Anybody who has at any given time had chickenpox can develop shingles. Factors that may exacerbate a person's likelihood to developing shingles include diseases that weaken one's immune system like cancer and HIV/AIDS. Besides, shingles is most common in people older than 50years, undergoing chemotherapy in cancer treatments lowers resistance to diseases and brings shingles; and other medications increase the risk of shingles.

Complications

Shingles in or around an eye may lead to vision loss of the affected individual, an inflammation of the brain leading to neurological problems and even bacterial skin infections. Other complications of shingles infection include postherpetic neuralgia where damaged nerve fibers send confused signals of ache from the skin to the brain.

Lifestyle and home remedies

One can manage shingles at home effectively by taking a cool bath or using cool, wet compresses on his or her blisters. This assists in relieving pain and itching that normally accompanies shingle infections.

Prevention

Shingles can be prevented by two vaccines namely chickenpox Varicella vaccine and the shingles Varicella zoster. The Varicella vaccine commonly known as varivax is routinely used in childhood immunization to prevent chickenpox. It is also recommended for adults who have never had chickenpox. The vaccine reduces the chances of complications, reduces the severity of shingles in individuals. However, for adults of over the age of 50, the Food and Drug Administration has recommended the use of Varicella zoster as the vaccine reduces the course and cruelty of the illness thereby reducing one's risk of developing postherpetic neuralgia. Shingles vaccine is only used as a prevention strategy and not as treatment for individuals who presently have the illness. Notably, the shingles vaccine has live virus thus, not recommended for persons with a weakened immune system.

References

https://www.google.co.ke/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=3&cad=rja&uact=8&sqi=2&ved=0CEQQFjAC&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.mayoclinic.org%2Fdiseases-conditions%2Fshingles%2Fbasics%2Fdefinition%2Fcon-20019574&ei=vHdsU_8Z1MbsBpK_gfgM&usg=AFQjCNETWDllWq3kGdxuYTA_pFI8zP6F4A&bvm=bv.66330100,d.ZWU

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