Jock itch or tinea cruris refers to a fungal infection affecting the skin of the genitals, inner thighs and the buttocks causing scratchy, scarlet and ring-shaped rashes in warm, moist areas of the body. This fungal infection is common in people who sweat a lot such as athletes and the overweight. It is however, less serious as much as it makes people uncomfortable thus, keeping the groin area dry and clean aside from applying relevant antifungal drugs are enough to treat it.

Signs and symptoms

Jock itch commonly starts with a reddened region of the skin that spread from the fold in the groin in a shape similar to that of half a moon and onto the upper thigh. The edge of the rash might entail a line of diminutive, raised blisters. The rash may constantly itch or burn and the skin may start peeling or become crusty.  A general practitioner may recommend prescription medication, if a person has a rash on the skin that fails to improve within two weeks.

Causes

Jock itch can be caused by a kind of fungus that spread from one person to another or from sharing of contaminated towels and clothing. Jock itch is regularly caused by the similar fungus that brings about athlete’s foot in individuals. It is ordinary of the disease to spread from a person's feet to his groin because the fungus can be passed through the hands or on a towel due to poor personal hygiene.

Risk factors

The organisms causing jock itch proliferate well in damp areas, warm and humid environments that promote heavy sweating; and close environments.  These wash away fungus killing oils, making one's skin permeable and vulnerable to infection. One is susceptible to jock itch if he or she wears tight underwear or athletic supporters that do not get cleaned after use, is overweight, sweats heavily, has a weakened immune system, has other skin conditions  such as atopic dermatitis or a chronic and inherited skin infection that is characterized by inflamed skin; or if the individual is a man.

Treatment

For a mild case of jock itch, the general practitioner might recommend the use of an over the counter antifungal cream, ointment, spray or powder. These treatments should clear the rash arising from jock itch but one ought to continue applying the drug twice a day for a period not less than ten days.

In case one has an athlete’s foot, it should be treated at the same time jock itch is being treated to reduce the risk of recurrence. If jock itch becomes severe or fails to respond to the medicine, the victim may require prescription strength gels and probably antifungal pills.

athletes foot

Prevention

Affected individuals can reduce the risk of jock itch by taking certain preventive measures, such as staying clean and dry. One ought to keep his or her groin area by drying the genital area with clean towel immediately after shower or exercise. Apply powder around the groin area and inner thighs to prevent excess dampness. In addition, wear clean clothes, avoid thick clothing for long periods in warm and humid weather, and avoid sharing personal items to prevent transfer of the fungus.

Make sure you treat athlete's foot as soon as possible and bear in mind that the fungus can be transferred to other susceptible regions of the body. Change your underwear daily or as frequently as possible, especially if you sweat a lot. You should make sure that the clothes worn fit correctly, specifically the underwear, sports uniform and athletic supporters as tight-fitting clothes may rub and scratch the skin surface making it defenseless from jock itch.

References

https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=1&cad=rja&uact=8&ved=0CCUQFjAA&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.webmd.com%2Fmen%2Ftc%2Fjock-itch-topic-overview&ei=I6xbU5mYOsH_4QTI-YGAAQ&usg=AFQjCNFQfjW1CVW8lJ4MQu1iXKJl6ZyXkw&bvm=bv.65397613,d.bGE

https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=6&cad=rja&uact=8&ved=0CFgQFjAF&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.mayoclinic.org%2Fdiseases-conditions%2Fjock-itch%2Fbasics%2Fdefinition%2Fcon-20021468&ei=I6xbU5mYOsH_4QTI-YGAAQ&usg=AFQjCNEYqluQiQ7e_XXq-0Pd7XV_11wjFQ&bvm=bv.65397613,d.bGE

Elder Dehydration

While dehydration is an ever present risk for the general population, the elderly is part of the high risk group for dehydration for several reasons and preventing them from becoming dehydrated is just as challenging for even several more.  This makes it very important to understand how dehydration occurs, the symptoms to watch out for and how to treat it as quickly as possible.

It doesn’t matter whether you are at home doing nothing or are exercising, you have to stay hydrated! Most people assume that lack of activity abates their requirement for water. While it is true that those who spend hours under the sun or are involved in more activity, need more water to replenish their internal systems, even people who are dormant most of the day need to drink water too.

Why Makes Elderly Dehydration Different?

The causes for dehydration in elderly patients are the same as with everyone else (diarrhea, vomiting, illnesses such as bacterial infection, diabetes, burns, bleeding, increased temperature, lack of fluids).  What puts them in the high risk group is the increased risk of inadequate fluid intake.  The elderly don’t feel immediately thirsty even if their bodies are already nearly dehydrated, some may not like to take in fluids as much as they used to because of fluid restrictions or intake of fluid eliminating drugs and some may have decreased function of the kidneys or experience incontinence.  This lack of fluid, when combined with external factors such as elevated temperature, injury or illness, can cause a drop in the body’s fluid volume and cause dehydration faster in older patients compared to young adults.

What are the symptoms of dehydration?

Depending on the severity, there are many different signs and symptoms associated with dehydration: Mild- this is when the thirst mechanism is usually experience.  Though with the elderly, this may not be as readily manifested or reliable as it once was.  Some may even not experience it at all. Moderate- when fluid loss reaches a certain low point, nausea, weakness, fatigue, dizziness, muscle cramps, palpitations and darker (more concentrated) urine can be experienced.  Most patients experiencing these symptoms require hospitalization. Severe- fluid loss at a critical level will cause confusion, loss of consciousness, coma, shock and eventually death unless appropriate interventions are done.

How is Dehydration treated?

Treatment will depend on the cause of dehydration though largely it will consist of fluid replacement interventions.  For moderate to severe cases, intravenous fluid replacement therapies may be started.  An increase in oral fluids may be prescribed unless contraindicated by other present medical conditions.  Aside from fluid management, resolving the underlying cause of dehydration should also be done, especially if it is an infection or a disease that can be treated by medications or an environmental cause that can be modified.

How can it be prevented?

Keeping a close eye on the elderly is the key in preventing and identifying possible dehydration.  Monitor the elderly patients’ fluid intake and encourage them to increase their fluids as allowed by their personal restrictions.  If it’s possible, incorporate fluids other than water to their diet such as broths, jelly or popsicles to add variety and to encourage compliance.  Also keep an eye on the quality and quantity of their urine.  Since the body will attempt to save up on water during fluid volume loss, excreting a lesser quantity or producing dark-colored urine can be a sign of dehydration.  Finally, if the patient begins to complain of headaches, is nauseous and weak or is noted to be restless and irritable, immediately refer to them to healthcare authorities as prompt diagnosis and treatment is essential for these high risk clients.

References

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2625510/

https://www.h4hinitiative.com/hydration-and-health/different-needs-different-life-stages/hydration-and-elderly

Insect Bites

Insect bites result in redness and swelling in affected areas of the skin. This sometimes leads to a life threatening allergic reaction in victims. Moreover, another infectious disease called tetanus may be caused by contamination of wounds from the bacteria clostridium tetani. Insects that dominate the current flora and fauna include the arthropods such as the spider which represent the largest percentage of known animal life. Such insects do not however, attack unless they are provoked.

Causes

Stings from insects are commonly due to defense after provocation. They sting to prevent their nests or hives by injecting venom to their aggressors. This venom contains proteins and other substances that have the potential of triggering an allergic reaction to the victim. Bites and stings from bees, wasps, yellow jackets and hornets may cause serious reactions in individuals who are allergic to them leading to redness and swelling at the site of the sting.

Death from bee stings is imminent than death from snake bites. A bee loses the entire injection apparatus and dies in the process when it stings, a wasp can inflict multiple stings since it does not lose its stinger after stinging. Relatively, fire ants inject venom through their mandibles and rotating their bodies.

Bites from mosquitoes do not convey significant diseases unless they contain vectors. Other types of insect bites and diseases include lice causing fever, sleeping sickness caused by protozoan trypanosomes, ticks transmitting Lyme disease among many others.

Symptoms

The symptoms and signs resulting from bites and stings vary depending on various factors. There is always pain, swelling and itching of the affected. Further, should the bite area become scratched, the skin of the victim may be broken and become infected which if left untreated; the local illness may develop into severe leading to cellulitis.

Anaphylaxis may arise in severe reactions beyond the immediate area of the sting if the victim is allergic to the bite or sting. Such symptoms include wheezing, shortness of breath, unconsciousness, hives and even death of the victim in 30 minutes. In addition, when an insect stings the tongue, a throat swelling arises due to the obstruction to the airway whereas multiple bee stings have been occasionally reported to cause kidney failure and muscle breakdown. A pimple like sore may result that is very itchy and painful when a fire ant bites a person.

Treatment

In case of redness and severe pain at the location of the bite, apply ice. Consequently, clean the affected area with soap and water to remove any particle left behind by insects such as mosquitoes to avoid further contamination of the wound. Do not scratch to avoid breaking down the skin that may lead to infection.

Individuals with a history of severe reactions to these bites and stings should visit a general practitioner who may prescribe an anaphylaxis kit necessary for self injection.

Prevention and home remedies

Minimize the exposure to insect bites by changing behavioral patterns. Steer clear of outdoor activities at dawn and dusk as some vector mosquitoes are usually most active during these periods. Moreover, wear long-sleeved shirts and then tuck in trousers. Also wear hats to reduce the body parts that are exposed to such venomous insects; use insect repellants to enhance protection.

Insect bites being a common phenomenon, ought to be minimized by taking precautions as allergic reactions due to the venom passed through stings may lead to other complications that may require the attention of a general practitioner. It is noted that in case of a bite or sting, victims should avoid scratching their skins as doing so leads to skin breakdown which thus necessitates infection.

References

https://books.google.com/books?id=SbsQij5xkfYC&pg=PA480&dq=insect+bites&hl=en&sa=X&ei=oMhUU8LYPMak0QXYlIDoBA&ved=0CCoQ6AEwAA

https://books.google.com/books?id=CDRlspRDeboC&pg=PA637&dq=insect+bites&hl=en&sa=X&ei=oMhUU8LYPMak0QXYlIDoBA&ved=0CFMQ6AEwBw

Anaphylaxis is a severe allergic reaction which occurs within seconds or minutes of exposure to allergens such as peanuts, some medications, insect venom and latex. It is  potentially life-threatening as the flood of chemicals released by the immune system leads to shock, thereby dropping the blood pressure, and causing sudden narrowing of the airways and blocking the normal breathing process.

Symptoms

The signs and symptoms of anaphylaxis may either occur within minutes of exposure to an allergen or half-hour or even longer.

When exposed, the following symptoms are experienced:

• dizziness or fainting
• pulse becomes weak and rapid
• vomiting
• diarrhea
• nausea
• a feeling of warmth
• a feeling of having a lump in your throat
• constriction of the airways coupled with a swollen tongue or throat which may lead to difficulty in breathing and wheezing
• skin reactions manifested through itching and pale skin

If anaphylaxis is left untreated, it may lead to unconsciousness of the victim or even eventual death.

Causes

Bodies produce antibodies that defend individuals against presence of harmful foreign bodies such as bacteria and viruses. However, some people's immune systems overreact to certain substances setting off a chain of chemical reactions which lead to allergic symptoms. This severe allergic reaction is what results into anaphylaxis although allergy symptoms are not always life threatening.

Other medications trigger anaphylaxis, certain foods like peanuts, wheat, fish, shellfish, milk and eggs, bee stings and wasps are common causes too.

Risk factors

Not many known risk factors for anaphylaxis exist. Nonetheless, things that may increase the risk of one experiencing anaphylaxis include but are not limited to personal history of anaphylaxis where the future reactions may become more severe than the first reaction; allergies or asthma and having a family history.

Complications

This reaction may be life threatening when a severe attack occurs. This may stop heartbeat or breathing. When such a scenario arises, the victim would require other emergency treatments in order to survive.

Treatment

One should act fast in case he notices an individual with signs of shock due to anaphylaxis such as weak and rapid pulse, pale, cool and clammy skin, confusion and loss of consciousness. Call emergency medical help, get the patient in a comfortable position, elevate his or her legs, and check pulse and airway. In case the victim stops breathing or the heart stops during an anaphylactic attack, emergency services should perform cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR).

In case an anaphylactic reaction is due to insect stings, it is important to get a series of allergy shots to reduce the body's allergic response and prevent future allergic reaction. Always avoid known allergy triggers and make sure you carry self-administered epinephrine at all times. If you come in contact with an allergen, either intentionally (from the consumption of foods that are allergic too without knowing about it, such as peanuts) or unintentionally (when you know you have a food allergy but are unaware that a certain product contains it “ remember that most candy bars need to be treated with caution. Always check the ingredients as most contains nuts, especially peanuts), make sure you administer epinephrine ASAP.

Prevention

Avoid substances that are known to cause the severe reaction, wear medical alert bracelet for indication, and ensure that you alert the general practitioner about the drug allergies before the commencement of a medical treatment, carefully read the labels of food in case of specific food allergies and exercise caution when near stinging insects. This can be done by wearing long-sleeved shirts and avoiding sandals or walking barefoot in the grass. In addition, one ought to keep a correctly stocked emergency kit containing medications at all times.

References

https://books.google.com/books?id=yEsNlUqj7ZkC&printsec=frontcover&dq=anaphylaxis&hl=en&sa=X&ei=ksVDU_3DGZDy7AbZmIGQCw&ved=0CCoQ6AEwAA

https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=1&cad=rja&uact=8&sqi=2&ved=0CCUQFjAA&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.mayoclinic.org%2Fdiseases-conditions%2Fanaphylaxis%2Fbasics%2Fdefinition%2Fcon-20014324&ei=FMZDU4rzMome7Ab_j4HQCA&usg=AFQjCNEzGaJHfzSqZ3ZHVbPvn2ANk4ls-A&bvm=bv.64367178,d.ZWU

Corneal Abrasion

Corneal abrasion refers to the a problem which results from a scratch to the cornea from poking the eye or by the entering of dirt or foreign particle into the eye, which gets trapped under the eyelid and leads to pain and discomfort in the eye. It is thus, advisable that one should seek help from a general practitioner and not to rub the affected eye in such a situation to prevent further injury and irritation to the eye.

Causes

Corneal abrasion may be caused due to aggressive rubbing of the eye, dirty contact lenses, certain forms of eye infections, chemical burns, being poked in the eye by a plant, fingernail etc; dirt, ash, or other foreign objects blown into the eye and caught under the eyelid and failure to protect the eye during surgery especially under a general anesthesia. Besides, the signs and symptoms of this eye condition do not usually take place immediately therefore, it is sometimes difficult to discern its cause.

Symptoms of corneal abrasion

When a person's eye has been poked by an object, he or she may experience blurred vision or even lose memory, sensitivity to light, tearing and redness, pain when opening and closing the eye and a sensation like one has grit in his or her eye. Notably though, when an individual has had a corneal abrasion, he or she is often not likely to forget the severe pain and discomfort that it can cause.

Treatment

A general practitioner may recommend specific antibiotic eye drops or ointment to prevent any infections when one has had corneal abrasion. The pain and inflammation that comes when the cornea is poked may also be eased by using a medicated eye drop or pain medication; at times, the eye may be temporarily patched during treatment.

However, a slight scratch should heal on its own in less than three days while more severe corneal abrasion may last long to completely heal. Healing of a severe abrasion may be hastened by not rubbing the eye, wearing of sunglasses to help reduce pain that is felt when the victim glares at the sun and avoiding wearing contacts until the eye has completely healed and the general practitioner says it is safe to do so.

Many people who suffer from minor corneal abrasions recover fully from the condition without any permanent damage to the eye. Nonetheless, deeper scratches may lead to cornea erosion, scarring of the cornea and even corneal infections. Lack of proper treatment may worsen such complications resulting into long-term problems. An optician should be sought for advice and treatment in case an unusual symptom including the recurrence of pain following healing.

The first reaction when a foreign particle enters the eye is to urge to scratch or rub the eyes with your hands. However, do not rub it as doing so can cause an abrasion. Instead, blink your eye severally, pulling the upper eyelid over the lower one; or  gently rinsing the eye using a sterile saline solution of clean water while avoiding rubbing the eye in the process.

In case there is something in the cornea, do not attempt to remove it, only a general practitioner should do so as one may end up doing permanent eye damage. One should therefore visit an optician as soon as possible when he or she still feels like there is something still caught in his or her eyes. Doctors shall examine the patient's eye using special eye stain that sees the surface of the cornea better and that provides a clear way of removing such objects in the eye.

References

https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=1&cad=rja&uact=8&sqi=2&ved=0CCUQFjAA&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.webmd.com%2Feye-health%2Fcorneal-abrasions&ei=wcZUU66-IIfFtAa18IHgBQ&usg=AFQjCNFt0rtU-y9WAhZOTtxO2hrLEXf7Cg&bvm=bv.65058239,d.Yms

https://books.google.com/books?id=BFIi40hGC9oC&pg=PT339&dq=corneal+abrasion&hl=en&sa=X&ei=EMdUU5fMLu6V0QXkyYCgCA&ved=0CGIQ6AEwCQ

Heart Disease and Angina

Angina refers to the severe pain that radiates across the chest, at times down the arm, into the neck, jaw into the back due to coronary disease. This illness is often mistaken for indigestion as it comes with discomfort, pressure, heaviness, squeezing and aching, shortness of breath, vomiting, sweating, weakness and nausea. Angina is usually brought about by active activities that require the heart to pump more blood tasking the heart muscles to do more work that can cause it to go beyond its energy supply. However, angina should subside with enough rest. Angina is classified as stable, unstable and prinzmetal's angina.

 Symptoms of Angina and heart disease

It tends to develop slowly over a period of time thus patients may fail to recognize that their signs and symptoms are due to heart disease. This might be experienced through fatigue and exercise intolerance that graduates to the inability to perform certain tasks that had once been easier to do; shortness of breath for instance while walking uphill,  pain that comes during rest or when sleeping. Angina is described by chest pressure that trickles down to the arm, into the neck, shortness of breath, sweating, pain, fullness, ache and tightness.

Symptoms of this disease are felt in dissimilar ways by victims thus may not be recognized as coming from the heart. Some patients may not even have any symptom at all, even with major narrowing of their coronary arteries thus may first present for care during heart attack.

Causes

Angina is caused by the reduction of blood flow to an area of the heart hindering the delivery of oxygen and fundamental nutrients to the heart muscle cells. As a result, the heart muscle is forced to use alternative and less efficient forms of fuel so as to perform the function of pumping blood to the body. When the heart uses this less efficient fuel, lactic acid builds up in the muscle causing pain to the individual.

To evaluate angina, a general practitioner may first ask a range of questions to establish what the symptoms are and what trigger them. After examination, he may then order more of a series of tests to determine the core cause of the angina and the degree of coronary artery disease if any.

Treatment

Heart disease and angina treatment depend on the severity of the primary problem that is, the extent of damage to the heart. People with mild angina require a combination of lifestyle changes and drugs to control the symptoms. Such include getting regular exercise, eating a heart healthy diet, controlling high blood pressure and diabetes and quitting smoking. People who smoke and drink frequently are also at risk of heart disease. Moreover, obesity and overconsumption of saturated fats from animal sources, junk food and fast food can increase your risk therefore your best bet would be to minimize and replace with healthier sources such as vegetables, fruits and whole grains or avoid unhealthy foods completely. People with more serious angina should however see a general practitioner to recommend treatment to open the blocked arteries.

Prevention

The risk for atherosclerotic heart disease can be minimized by use of preventive drugs. The risk of developing atherosclerotic heart disease, peripheral artery disease and stroke is reduced by exercise, a healthy diet, and avoiding smoking. Regular screening and controlling hypertension, high cholesterol, and diabetes will diminish the individual susceptibility to heart disease to a great extent.  One should understand that not all angina is chest pain and this may help a general practitioner to enhance early diagnosis and treatment. To lead a healthy and productive life, one ought to listen to his or her body in case of any illness.

References

https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=9&cad=rja&uact=8&ved=0CGoQFjAI&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.mayoclinic.org%2Fdiseases-conditions%2Fangina%2Fbasics%2Fsymptoms%2Fcon-20031194&ei=-MdUU7rmNIaU0AXhpoDgDA&usg=AFQjCNFom9l2m8mGkTky3hp2iL-23S-ULA&bvm=bv.65058239,d.Yms

https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=1&cad=rja&uact=8&ved=0CCoQFjAA&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.webmd.com%2Fheart-disease%2Fguide%2Fheart-disease-angina&ei=-MdUU7rmNIaU0AXhpoDgDA&usg=AFQjCNGfGgnqz5Le462Y6Awom6eWqPh97w&bvm=bv.65058239,d.Yms

Cholera

Cholera is an acute infectious bacterial infection resulting in painless and watery diarrhea in humans brought about by the ingestion of the orgasms through contaminated food or water. People who are affected might have abundant amounts of diarrhea. They thus develop dehydration and lose body fluids and this may at times become severe leading to their death.

Signs and symptoms

Signs and symptoms of cholera disease include a watery diarrhea that usually contains mucus and some epithelial cells the size of pieces of rice, vomiting, rapid pulse, loss of skin elasticity, dry mucous membranes, low blood pressure, thirst, muscle cramps and especially in children, restlessness or irritability.

The affected persons require immediate hydration to stop the symptoms from continuing as they indicate that the victim is becoming dehydrated and may develop cholera. Often, cholera cases become higher in people with poor nutrition or elderly people where severe dehydration may lead to relentless electrolyte imbalances, acute renal failure or the individual may be in a coma. If not immediately treated, this relentless dehydration can quickly lead to shock and lead to death of the victim.

 Causes

Cholera is caused by a bacterium called V. cholerae that produces a toxin referred to as enterotoxin composed of two subunits A and B. The enterotoxin toxin makes human cells to remove water and electrolytes from the upper gastrointestinal tract, pumping it into the intestinal lumen. Here, the fluid and electrolytes are excreted as diarrheal fluid. The enterotoxin resembles that toxin created by the bacterium causing diphtheria because both of them secret the toxins into their adjacent setting and the toxin then enters the human cells. These bacteria are transmitted by drinking unhygienic water, but can also be ingested in contaminated food for instance, raw oysters.

Treatment

The most common and primary treatment for cholera involves rehydration of the patient with the Oral Rehydration Salts fluids or ORS. The ORS fluids are obtainable commercially and they contain glucose and electrolytes in pre packed containers. The general practitioner should assist in administering the ORS until dehydration stops and the patient feels better. Generally, antibiotics should be given to patients with more severe cholera infections since their role is to diminish fluid rehydration volumes and fasten recovery. This should however be taken as per the prescription of a general practitioner.  It is on the other hand important to treat a patient with antibiotics that are medically recognized to be effective against the infecting bacteria.

Prevention

Prevention of cholera involves several methods. Developed countries experience almost zero incidence of cholera because they have widespread structures put in place to manage its outbreak. For instance, such countries have extensive water treatment plants, most of the citizens have access to toilets and hand washing facilities. Besides, developed countries have food preparation facilities that primarily practice sanitary protocols. Even though these countries may be struck by occasional lapses and gaps in the above preventive methods, they have nonetheless averted many disease outbreaks including cholera.

People can reduce the chances of getting cholera disease by washing their hands thoroughly, avoiding regions or individuals with cholera, drinking treated water or similar safe fluids and consuming dirt free and well cooked food. Good personal hygiene is also the key. Make sure you avoid sharing personal items such as towels to make sure that you and your household is risk free. Whichever country you belong to, always make sure you eat and drink clean food. Boil your water prior to drinking and always wash your plates and dishes before using them. Cooking your food thoroughly can also help reduce your risk.

References

https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=1&cad=rja&uact=8&ved=0CDgQFjAA&url=http%3A%2F%2Fen.wikipedia.org%2Fwiki%2FCholera&ei=aatbU-OXPMbg4QT714FI&usg=AFQjCNH2AMHkejfy5lIfrHL_SAWhgk-YiQ&bvm=bv.65397613,d.bGE

https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=11&cad=rja&uact=8&ved=0CH4QFjAK&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.webmd.com%2Fa-to-z-guides%2Fcholera-faq&ei=aatbU-OXPMbg4QT714FI&usg=AFQjCNF0fuWbViUXe0ZkYCd76E6IC2dsEQ&bvm=bv.65397613,d.bGE

Epilepsy refers to a central nervous system disorder which comes about as a result of the disturbance of the nerve cell activity of the brain leading to seizures in a victim coupled with abnormal behavior, symptoms and sensations; and unconsciousness. It is noted that such seizures vary from one person to another, as others will experience repeated twitching of arms and legs, some will simply gaze blankly for a few seconds all through seizure. Treatment of seizures to reduce their intensity and frequency is necessary because even mild seizures can prove dangerous during activities like swimming and driving.

Epilepsy

Symptoms

Symptoms such as loss of consciousness, psychic symptoms, temporary confusion, unmanageable jerking movements of the legs and arms and a gazing spell are produced by victims of epilepsy due to the episodes of seizures that may affect the coordination of the brain. General practitioners have since classified seizures based on how the abnormal brain activity commences; for instance, focal seizures and generalized seizures.

Victims of epilepsy ought to seek immediate medical attention when the seizures lasts more than five minutes, when pregnant, when there is loss of consciousness after the seizure stops, when a second seizure follows instantly, in case one is diabetic or in case the victim injures self during the seizure.

Causes

The exact cause of epilepsy has not yet been identified as people suffering from this condition may be traced to various factors such as genetic influence, head trauma due to cr accidents or other forms of traumatic injuries causing epilepsy. In addition, brain conditions such as brain tumors or strokes causes epilepsy, infectious diseases like HIV/AIDS and meningitis, developmental disorders and injuries that occur to babies' brains before they are born such as an infection in the mother, oxygen deficiencies and poor nutrition.

Risk factors

Factors that may aggravate the possibility of epilepsy in individuals include having a family history of epilepsy, head injuries, stroke and other vascular illnesses, seizures during childhood may be due to high fevers, brain infections causing inflammation in the brain and spinal cord and age “ epilepsy is most common in childhood and after the age of 60.

Complications

Seizures at times can lead to dangerous circumstances like falling which can make one to break his or her bone or injure the head. Other complications that may arise during seizures include drowning, car accidents due to loss of awareness or control, pregnancy complications posing dangers to both the mother and the baby, sudden unexplained death in epilepsy(SUDEP) and psychological problems such as depression, anxiety which may even lead to suicide in some cases. These problems may be the result of inability to deal with the condition itself as well as the side effects of medications used.

Treatment

A general practitioner may recommend medications to take in treating epilepsy, when to begin or stop taking them and even surgery. This is because finding the right dosage may prove complex, the general practitioner shall therefore consider the patient's condition, frequency of seizures, age and other factors like other medications that the victim might be taking in order to ensure that the anti-epileptic medications do not cause reactions with such drugs. During such treatments, anti-seizure drugs can cause side effects like dizziness, memory and speech problems, skin rashes, fatigue, depression, suicidal thoughts and inflammation of organs such as the liver.

Home remedies

One should ensure he or she takes the medication correctly as prescribed by the general practitioner, avoid triggers of seizures by getting sufficient sleep, wear a medical alert bracelet and exercising regularly to help keep one healthy and reduce depression. In addition, drink enough water and rest when one gets tired during exercise, manage stress, limit alcohol consumption and avoid cigarettes.

References

https://books.google.com/books?id=lEAGjxZQHb4C&printsec=frontcover&dq=epilepsy&hl=en&sa=X&ei=W8ZDU-66PLDH7AbBiYHAAw&sqi=2&ved=0CEgQ6AEwBQ

https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=1&cad=rja&uact=8&sqi=2&ved=0CDoQFjAA&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.mayoclinic.org%2Fdiseases-conditions%2Fepilepsy%2Fbasics%2Fdefinition%2Fcon-20033721&ei=v8ZDU6roDIbA7Aadu4GYDA&usg=AFQjCNFr4f_ER3c09HO1e8U6xTrmLdRPMw&bvm=bv.64367178,d.ZWU