Adnexitis

Unfortunately, increasingly more women, especially young women, have this pathology. Adnexitis is a inflammatory diseases that is generally affecting the fallopian tubes and ovaries, but can also affect the uterus. It is called metro-adnexitis (the uterus is affected). Inflammatory lesions occur most commonly in the fallopian tubes and ovaries and uterus are less damaged.

Statistical studies show that one in four women suffers from adnexistis and in 60% of cases the infection becomes chronic.

Causes Of Adnexitis

The main cause of adnexitis can be an infection which is transmitted during unprotected intercourse, and in this case, treatment should be followed by both sexual partners. Other causes are vaginal infections (vaginitis) or uterus infections that are transmitted to the fallopian tubes.

Abdominal infections: appendicitis infection can be transmitted through the ligament which is connecting the appendix to the ovary, resulting in adnexitis which is secondary to appendicitis (this infection is unilateral).

Adnexitis

Other abdominal infections, which can be transmitted to the genital organs, causing secondary infections.

Exposure to cold or alternating hot-cold, the settlement on cold surfaces (concrete, stairs, etc..) can favor the occurrence of adnexitis.

Diagnosis And Symptoms Of Adnexitis

Adnexitis is generally affecting both of the fallopian tubes, but the inflammation is more pronounced in one fallopian tube, which becomes symptomatic. Symptoms of acute forms of adnexitis are characterized by:

• Pain in lower abdomen, unilaterally or bilaterally. Pain may be deaf and sometimes may become intense, exaggerated by the urination or defecation efforts.
• Fever.
• Modified and more abundant vaginal discharge.
• Menstrual disorders, especially manifested by heavy bleeding and prolonged menses.
• Nausea and vomiting, headaches and frequent urination in small amounts.
• Malaise.

Complications Of Adnexitis

Unfortunately the worst and also most common complication of adnexitis is infertility. For a woman to become pregnant, during the ovulation the egg must be fertilized by a sperm, and this thing happens in the fallopian tubes. If a woman has adnexitis, the fallopian tube is narrowed and it is possible that the egg not to be released, and for this reason the woman can not get pregnant naturally.

Adnexitis

Treatment Of Adnexitis

Treatment is using antibiotics and should be initiated quickly.

Because adnexitis is an infection, the treatment consists of antibiotics administration. The doctor may suggest to the patient, before the antibiogram results (test used to determine germ sesitivity to certain antibiotics) , to use broad-spectrum antibiotics or antibiotics which proved by medical practice that are the most effective in treating adnexitis.

Vitamin D Deficiency Rickets

Vitamin D deficiency rickets is a common clinical manifestation of advanced vitamin D deficiencies, characterized by a disorder of bone mineralization, mainly encountered during growth. Daily need of vitamin D is 400-800 IU, with an average of 500 IU / day, regardless of age, depending on the growth, sun exposure and individual factors.

Vitamin D deficiency rickets occurs most frequently in the first two years of life but the disease can affect any period of childhood. In adults, in advanced forms of vitamin D deficiency, osteomalacia is installed. There are forms of rickets, where the genetic component is involved:

• Vitamin-dependent rickets (Prader hereditary rickets).
• Vitamin D resistant rickets (Albright hereditary rickets).

Deficiency Rickets

Causes Of Vitamin D Deficiency Rickets

The main cause of  vitamin D deficiency rickets is represented by a insufficient intake of endogenous or exogenous vitamin D:

• Absence of vitamin D prophylaxis.
• Insufficient sun exposure or ineffective sun exposure due to pollution, season or skin pigmentation.
• Nutritional deficiency of calcium and phosphorus (common in premature infants).
• Nutritional deficiency of vitamin D.

Risk Factors Of Vitamin D Deficiency Rickets

• Age 3-6 months – 2 years.
• Prematurity.
• Artificial feeding, without vitamin D supplementation.
• Malnutrition, malabsorption.
• Hypovitaminosis
• Frequent infections, diarrhea.
• Neonatal septicemia.
• Intranatal trauma.
• Corticotherapy for a long period.
• Antiepileptic treatment.
• Extrahepatic biliary atresia.
• Abandoned, institutionalized children.
• Kidney failure.
• Pregnancy disorders.
• Ecological factors.

Signs And Symptoms Of Vitamin D Deficiency Rickets

• Manifestations of mild hypocalcemia events: anxiety, night sweats, unmotivated irritability, feeling of breathlessness, muscle cramps, numbness of extremities, feeling of lump in throat.
• Palpitations, abdominal pain, bloating, loss of appetite, early satiety, asthenia, emotional volatility, reduced ability to concentrate.
• Manifestations of sever hypocalcemia: seizures, muscle contractures, screaming for no apparent reason, glottis spasm, tremor, signs of intracranial hypertension (in newborns).
• Delay of growth, short stature, bone changes, thickening of the extremities, thickening of the condro-costal joints, deformations of the chest (sternum out in relief, and distant lower ribs – pigeon breast), the appearance of Harrison subcostal groove, cranial deformation (asymmetric prominence of the frontal and parietal bose, occipital flattening) craniotabes – occipital bone softening, at palpation it has the consistency of a celluloid ball.
• Fontanels are open after the age of  18 months or, sometimes, craniosynostosis.
• Delayed appearance of the first incisors (after 10 months) or incomplete tooth eruption after 3 years.
• The abdomen is relaxed due to the low muscle tone.
• Liver and spleen are pushed down, due to chest deformity.
• Limb deformities and bone fractures.

Symptoms Of Deficiency Rickets

Diagnosis Of Vitamin D Deficiency Rickets

Diagnosis of vitamin D deficiency rickets is based on clinical examination and paraclinical investigations

Laboratory investigations

• Low or normal serum calcium.
• Phosphorus – low or normal.
• Low elimination of calcium in the urine.
• Increased alkaline phosphatase.
• Increased phosphaturia.
• Increased levels of parathyroid hormone.

Morphological changes

• Demineralization of the skeleton.
• Proliferation of osteoid tissue in the growth areas of the bones.

Special tests

• Magnesium levels.
• Total proteins levels.
• Investigation of liver and kidney function.

Deficiency Rickets

X-ray investigations

• Radiography of the extremities:

1. Enlargement of the epiphysis cartilage enlargement and irregular calcification of the metaphyseal extremity.
2. Shaft head looks like a cup;
3. Osteo-cartilaginous junction looks fringe, with a vague contour.

• Chest radiography: anterior extremities of the ribs are enlarged.

Treatment And Prophylaxis Of Vitamin D Deficiency Rickets

General Measures

• Exposure to sun at minimum 15 minutes a day.
• Correct diet, rich in vitamin D, A, calcium and phosphorus.
• Until the recovery of vitamin D deficiency rickets, will not be encouraged sitting position and walking of the baby, in order to prevent bone deformations.

Diet

• Will be avoided the abuse of flour.
• White fish, because is rich in vitamin D, which can be used after the age of 10-12 months, are indicated, in the absence of intolerance, milk, cream, egg yolk, liver, beef, veal or pork and butter.
• Is required a high calcium and phosphorus intake (400-800 mg / day).
• Foods rich in vitamin D: cod liver oil, cod liver and tuna liver, oysters, fish oil, egg yolk, liver and veal.
• Diet will ensure adequate amounts of vitamin A and vitamin F.

Attention!!! Vitamin D is toxic in high doses.

Vitamin-D

Prophylaxis

Prophylaxis is based on vitamin D supplementation in the form of drugs.

• Antenatal prophylaxis should be started by administration of vitamin D, 1000 – 1200 IU / day and calcium preparations in the last trimester of pregnancy.
• Vitamin D supplementation will continue in the first days after birth, for 18-24 months continuously and then up to age of 5 years, during the cold seasons of the year.
• 500 – 800 IU vitamin D daily.
• 1000 -1500 IU vitamin D daily during the first months of life: in twins, in the absence of prenatal prophylaxis, in anticonvulsant therapy, in corticosteroids therapy and in other high-risk groups of children.
• In premature newborns, in underweight newborns, 160 IU / kg / day of  vitamin D, daily is recommended. Premature infants are more susceptible to vitamin D deficiency rickets and require high doses of vitamin D, until the third quarter of life (period required for calcium stocks recovery).
• In premature infants and infants who receive less than 400 ml of milk per day is required  addition of calcium, 50 mg / kg / day.

10 Golden Rules For A Healthy Weight Loss

Rule 1:

Do not drastically reduce the amount of calories.

If the body is not fed enough, it slows its metabolism and adjust carefully to create fat reserves to survive the new harsh conditions. Starvation only reduces the catabolism, therefore, at the end of a weight loss diet, when you return to your normal way of feeding, often you gain weight, usually with some bonuses. Try to eat about two thirds of the amount of food that you used to. Calculate your minimum caloric needs and do not descend below this value. To maintain its vital functions, the body of an adult needs 1 kcal / kg / hour of waking.

Rule 2:

Do not practice starving.

Meals should be small and dense. Best would be to eat every 3-4 hours or just a fruit or a piece of cheese. Meal taken after a long pause may cause excessive secretion of insulin, which results in the accumulation of fat.

Rule. 3:

Avoid processed industrial pasta.

They contain refined flour and sugar that are absorbed very quickly by the body, resulting in an abundance of insulin secretion. In contrast, do not avoid flour and whole grains – black bread, whole grain flakes, pasta made from wheat and paddy rice – for the amount of vitamins and minerals are absolutely necessary for the body. Consumed in moderation, are not harmful to a weight loss diet.

Rule 4:

Eat healthy fats.

Do not avoid healthy fats such as those that are contained in fish meat, nuts or sunflower oil, especially those contained in olive oil. Healthy fats are beneficial from many points of view, and are absolutely necessary, because some fat-soluble vitamins (vitamin A, vitamin D, vitamin E and Vitamin K) are vital, so those vitamins need fat to be absorbed.

10 Golden Rules for A Healthy Weight Loss

Rule 5:

Eat fewer carbohydrates and compensate the deficit of proteins.

Do not apply this rule in a extreme way, because carbohydrates are the primary source of energy for the body and the only source of energy for some organs such as the brain. On the other hand, a diet based mainly on proteins can lead over time to kidney disease. For a proper diet all three types of nutrients in equal proportions must be inculded in the daily menu: 33% carbohydrates, 33% proteins and 33% fats.

Rule. 6:

Avoid combinations between carbohydrates and fats.

It is the most harmful combination in a diet, unfortunately is the most prevalent in our regular diet. Sandwiches with sausages or cheese, pastries, pizza, pasta with cheese or meat, french fries, associations between meat and potatoes or rice, all are disastrous for our weight balance. Pasta – accepted only from whole grains – can be combined with vegetables or totally defatted diary. Meat can be combined with vegetables, except potatoes, corn, beans, peas. Caution at the combination with carrots because they contain more sugar. Protein gets along well with any of the other two nutrients.

Rule. 7:

Eat carbohydrates in the morning and fats at noon.

This will give you full energy in the morning, when the body needs fuel, and stocks made by insulin will be consumed during the day and not stored.

Rule. 8:

Rule. 9:

Rule. 10:

Memory Loss

As parts of the body get older, and the brain shrinks with age, the neural connections become slower and fewer nervous cells are formed .This process starts earlier than 30 years and affects tens of millions of people, giving rise to frustration, loss of self-esteem, social insecurity and sometimes even decrease satisfaction of living, which can sometimes lead to self-neglect and to other serious health problems.

To counteract age-related memory disorders, many people resort to various exercises,  concentration and memory games: chess, crossword, puzzles, reading aloud, computer games, etc.

Activities That Can Improve Your Memory:

Experts who study the effect of aging on the brain believe that there are measures that can be taken to keep the youth of the brain:

Ways To Prevent Memory Loss

 Physical activity – constant exercise (aerobics, walking and moderate walking and other sports) have a beneficial effect on your memory. Their positive effect can not be explained accurately, but the main reason is to reduce stress, and improve general health. Also, physical activity helps people to have a more restful sleep, which improves memory and the blood supply to most parts of the body. In general, what is good for the heart is good for the brain, experts believe.

Diversified consumption of fruits and vegetables – experts emphasize that people should pay attention to their diet and eat a variety of fruits and vegetables (five to seven servings per day), from green leafy vegetables, blueberries, tomatoes and sweet potatoes . Foods need for the brain health should contain antioxidants, which are found in fruits and vegetables and are helpful in fighting free radicals. Also, there is no magic supplement that protects the brain against memory loss. Some researchers believe that the group  of B vitamins may be helpful.

Training the mind – to preserve sharpness of mind, experts believe that memory should be stimulated just like a muscle. There is some evidence that mental gymnastics helps to avoid memory loss, but some games (including some of the computer) could be useful in this regard.

Rest – a healthy and restful sleep is crucial to achieve a cognitive and memory performance, experts believe. In the end, sleep at least 7 hours each night. Sleep is essential to reduce stress hormones, relax and refresh the entire body, but also for preserving the memory: at certain times of sleep, memory is archived. Many people are tempted to use drugs to induce sleep without the aware that those drugs affect their memory. It is also important that those who suffer from sleep disorders and are taking pills for this purpose, do not consume alcohol.

Red wine – some studies indicate that red wine is good for the heart but also for the brain. Since there is no scientific evidence to fully explain the beneficial effects, but researchers believe that red wine has a positive effect because it contains a antioxidant called resveratrol. But there is the possibility that the positive effects associated with red wine derive from other causes, such as the social aspect involved in the consumption of red wine or the standard of living of those who drink red wine. A study in 2007, which had Italian citizens older subjects, showed that alcohol consumption in moderation may slow the progression of dementia in older people who already show a slight mental decline. Defining for the study was that a glass of alcohol a day is associated with a much slower progression of dementia among persons with a slight age-related cognitive decline than in those who do not consume alcohol.

Avoid overload and multiple tasks – among the main causes of inattention are  included multiple tasks. It is difficult for a person of advanced age to do several things at once. Overloading may aggravate the remembrance of a recipe, a name or any information that has just been passed. This happens because the brain systematize information before you retrieve from memory. An exception is when the brain can not encode information that are need to be used later.

Learning new tricks to boost your memory – one of the techniques teach those who are interested how to focus on a person or thing by making an association (with a sound, work or another person) that will help them remember the person or that thing. These types of techniques can be learned very easily and can be long-term strategies, useful for remembering a person’s name or various types of details.

What You Should Eat During Pregnancy

Proper nutrition during pregnancy is important for both the mother and the baby. It is essential what you eat, not how you eat, say nutritionists, who pointed out that excess pounds during pregnancy are harmful. A pregnant woman needs 300 calories more than a normal intake, especially in the last trimester of pregnancy, because the baby is developing more rapidly. Those calories should come from rich nutritious foods, so that they contribute to the baby’s development and not to the mother’s weight gain.

Proper Food For Pregnant Women

Many women are wondering if during pregnancy is normal to gain weight between 12 and 16 kg, since, at birth, the baby has about a quarter of this weight. Although, the weight gain can vary from one woman to another. Added weight during pregnancy should be distributed, as follows:

• 3.4 kg – average weight of the child;
• 3.17 kg – proteins, fats and other nutrients accumulated during pregnancy;
• 1.8 kg ( L) – more blood;
• 1.8 kg ( L) – fluids;
• 0.906 kg – from breast enlargement;
• 0.906 kg – from uterus enlargement;
• 0.906 kg – amniotic fluid;
• 0.68 kg – the placenta.

The Baby Is What You Eat

When you are pregnant, you should know that what you eat and drink is the main source of food for the baby. In fact, the link between what the baby “eats” and your health is more powerful than you can imagine. Therefore, the first warning released by the doctors comes to dismantle the myth that a glass of wine or beer does not harm the baby during pregnancy. The doctors say that, no amount of alcohol, no matter how small, should be considered safe during pregnancy.

Also, extra food during pregnancy should not be “empty”  in calories, but it should provide all those nutrients which are necessary for the baby to grow harmoniously in the utero phase. For example, calcium contributes to the formation and development of bones and teeth, so you intake should be enough for both of you and the baby.

The proportions can vary depending on the type of pregnancy, especially if it is the case twins or triplets.

Healthy Food For Pregnant Women

Nutrition Plan For Pregnant Women

Whether you are pregnant or not, a healthy diet includes proteins, carbohydrates, fats, vitamins, minerals and water in abundance. After a visit to the obstetrician and nutritionist, you will find out what changes will happen in your life during this nine months of pregnancy and which is the  diet and lifestyle is apropiate. for you bring into the world a healthy baby. The next step for you is to read the food labels and to interpret the nutritional labels in your favor.

Take as reference point the indication GDA (Guideline Daily Amount for an adult) that should be increased, according to the indications of your nutritionist.

Experts believe that diet can affect your baby’s health even before conception. For example, recent studies have shown that folic acid prevents neural tube disorders in the fetus, including spina bifida, which can occur during early stages of intrauterine life. Although folic acid can be found in many foods, especially in cereals, doctors recommended folic acid supplements, which should be consumed before becoming pregnant and during pregnancy, especially during the first 28 days.

Calcium is another important nutrient. As the baby is growing during intrauterine phase, he will consume more calcium, and for this reason you should increase the intake of this nutrient, in order to avoid large losses of calcium.

Foods that are rich in calcium are milk and milk derivatives. If you not tolerate lactose or milk, you should ask your doctor for dietary supplement which are containing calcium. Lactose intolerance is manifested by diarrhea, bloating or feeling sick after drinking milk. Other foods rich in calcium are sardines or salmon with bones, tofu, broccoli and spinach.

Vegetarian Diet, Not Recommended

Doctors do not recommend vegetarian diets before pregnancy or during the nine months of pregnancy. However, if you are vegetarian, you may continue this diet during pregnancy, but under the supervision of your doctor. In such conditions, it will be hard for you achieve a intake of all nutrients that you need if you do not eat fish, chicken, milk, cheese or eggs, . Most likely you will need protein supplements, vitamin B12 and vitamin D.

Healthy Food For Pregnant Women

The Main Nutrients For Pregnant Woman

• Protein – needed for the development and production of blood cell – lean meat, fish, poultry, eggs, beans, peanut butter, tofu;
• Carbohydrates – provides daily needed energy – bread, cereals, rice, potatoes, pasta, fruit, vegetables;
• Calcium – necessary for the formation and growth of bones and teeth, for muscle contractions and nerve function – milk, cheese, yogurt, sardines or salmon with bones, spinach;
• Iron – helps red blood cells and prevents anemia – lean red meat, spinach, whole grains;
• Vitamin A – good for skin, eyes, helps in bone growth – carrots, greens, sweet potatoes;
• Vitamin C – contributes to healthy gums, teeth and helps to absorb iron – citrus, broccoli, tomatoes, fruit juices;
• Vitamin B6 – helps red blood cells, involved in the efficient use of proteins, fats and carbohydrates – pork, bacon, whole grains, bananas;
• Vitamin B12 – contributes to a healthy nervous system – poultry, fish. Vegetarians should take supplements of vitamin B12;
• Vitamin D – helps the absorption of calcium – milk rich in protein, dairy products, cereals, bread;
• Folic acid – is good for blood and protein production and for efficient functioning of enzymes – yellow fruits and vegetables green vegetables, beans, peas, nuts;
• Fat – good for energy storage – meat, dairy products, nuts, peanut butter, margarine, vegetable oils.

Foods Needed For A Proper Brain Function

It is well known that the food we eat acts on our body functions, default on the brain activity. The brain is a hungry organ, its cells require energy intake twice as high compared with other organ cells. In this sense, to function effectively during the day, energy levels have to be kept at rates high enough so as not to appear stress or exhaustion. It is therefore important, that the diet to be healthy both for the body and brain.

The main food principles necessary for the brain are:

Carbohydrates. Glucose is carried by the bloodstream to the brain, in order to confer energy. The blood sugar is extracted from the carbohydrates present in foods such as whole grains, nuts, fruits, vegetables and other foods rich in starch. For the braincells is needed twice as much energy than for other body cells, and for this reason the carbohydrates food intake should be increased. Although in terms of carbohydrates, there is not know a daily dose which is recommended for consumption, but it is known that for a proper brain function, the body needs a minimum of 130 g of glucose per day. Should be know that carbohydrates are found in most foods, but are found in large amounts in powdered sugar, beverages and candies made from dust gumoase and also in cereals.

ATTENTION! Excessive consumption of carbohydrates, especially of refined sugars (such as sugar or corn syrup) can cause obesity, type 2 diabetes and cancer.

Foods Needed For A Proper Brain Function – Carbohydrates

Fats. To stimulate growth of the healthy cells and of the brain, the body “demands” fatty acids, which can be obtained only from food. Omega 3 fatty acids are found in foods such as fish, green leafy vegetables and nuts. Also, omega-6 fatty acids, also very important for a proper functioning of the brain and are found in sunflower seeds, corn, sesame seeds and other oil seeds. If you ignore consumption of foods rich in healthy fats, the brain loses its cognitive ability and also the memory will suffer.

Proteins. Amino acids from protein are essential for brain stimulation because are responsible for making connections in the brain. In addition to providing protein, amino acids have an important role, namely to calm the brain, to stimulate it and to give energy. Complete proteins contain all amino acids required for a proper brain and body function and are found in foods like fish, meat, cheese, eggs. Some amino acids are found in smaller quantities in cereals, vegetables and nuts.

Protein

Micronutrients. Vitamins and minerals are other elements present in foods (and food supplements), which stimulates the brain. Micronutrients are maintaining a balance of oxygen to the brain, eliminating free radicals (those high energy particles that cause cell damage). Among the important micronutrients that are stimulating brain activity are antioxidants, vitamin E and C, lycopene, lutein and beta carotene.

Water. Do not forget that we are 70% water. Brain molecules, in turn, are made of 80% water, which is necessary for maintaining healthy brain membranes to ensure the smooth functioning of neurotransmitters. Therefore, an adequate amount of water is preventing brain overloading and loss of brain cognitive functions.

How to make your brain productive:

Nutritionists recommend us some simple ways by which we can make the brain to function at full capacity, to get rid of stress and of mental fatigue.

There is no secret that breakfast is the most important meal of the day. Morning coffee is among the best “jumps” for the brain, especially since its effects are felt almost immediately. Caffeine increases the mental and physical ability, so a cup of coffee in the morning does not hurt anyone.

Foods Needed For A Proper Brain Function

Here is an example of menu for one day for both the mind and the body:

A healthy breakfast involves the following foods:

• Foods rich in animal protein, saturated and monounsaturated fat: meat, eggs, cheese, butter (Is good to be known that all these foods should not be consumed all in one meal, but one, on different days of the week, except the eggs, which can be consumed by healthy persons with another protein – eg. omelette with ham);
• Foods rich in vegetable protein and complex carbohydrates: whole-grain bread;
• Soft drinks: natural mineral water, herbal tea, green tea or black coffee without milk and sweetened with a spoonful of sugar, preferably brown sugar or natural honey.

Lunch is a meal with problems, especially for those who work and whose work does not allow compliance mealtimes. It is important to know that for a healthy mind, at lunch you should not miss the fruits or vegetables, bread, and preparations containing egg, because egg yolk is a rich source of bilineurin, nutrient which has recently demonstrated its ability to increase the brain activity, accelerating brain cell signals to the nerves.

Even if obstacles are time and job, would be better to keep in mind that a hearty lunch is always preferable than a rich dinner.

Is recommended fish, which is rich in omega 3 fatty acids, because are developing gray matter and brain membranes. Omega 3 has an important role for the brain: to maintain emotional balance and strengthen the positive attitude. And if you finish your lunch with a yogurt, you have ensured the production of neurotransmitters and thus, will improve the signals sent by neurons.

Brain Food

Nutritionist advises us that at lunch, we should fill our diet with low-fat foods rich in animal protein: poultry (chicken, turkey, ostrich, quail), foods containing vegetable protein and complex carbohydrates: lentils, beans , peas, carrots, eggplants, broccoli, cabbage and  non-alcoholic drinks: natural mineral water, green tea or black coffee (1 cup prepared with 150 ml of water).

Dinner should be the lightest meal of the day, because if you eat copious, not only the body suffers, because of the shortness of the digestive process, but also the brain will suffer. At this meal can be served animal protein (fish) and vegetables. Any use of fats, cheese, starchy or fatty meat will be hard to digest and the result will be that you will not rest well, thus becoming stressed.

Ultimately, the key is moderation. They say that nothing is harmful if is done in moderation.

Diarrhea

Diarrhea is defined as elimination of more than three watery stools per day. If diarrhea consits of just two loose stools a day, and the normal bowel movements are resumed, it does not require any treatment.

Among the main causes of acute diarrheal disease, are:

• Bacterial infections with Staphylococcus, Escherichia coli and Salmonella;
• Viral infections with echovirus;
• Parasitic infections with Giardia and Entamoeba;
• Allergies to foods such as milk and strawberries;
• Poisoning with arsenic or fluoride;
• Different types of drugs: antibiotics, antihypertensive, antacids containing magnesium;
• Irritable bowel syndrome;
• Surgical interventions;
• Changing environment

Diarrhea Causes And Remedies

The first thing you need to do when you experience symptoms of diarrhea is food resting for 24 hours. It is also very important to hydrated and for this reason are given antidiarrheal teas, followed by a careful diet.

Example of diet:

• Grated apples without peel, 300-500g in 3-5 meals a day for 2-3 days;
• Carrot soup with boiled and chrused carrots;
• Boiled rice: decoction or mucilage;
• Both  at the carrot soup and at rice can be added, after boiling, 2-3 crushed cloves of garlic (for the antiseptic role).

WARNING! Returning to normal diet will be made gradually, in about 2-3 weeks. Back diet can include cottage cheese, boiled eggs, mashed vegetables (without potatoes), lean meat, fish and chopped grain porridges.

Types of food allowed:

In case of lactose intolerance, whole milk should be avoided and in the case of a child, should be considered the administration of a lactose-free milk powder preparations, specially designed for these situations.

Will be chosen a diet without fat, with increased fiber content and will be avoided the excesses of sweets. Deviations from these principles may worsen the diarrhea.

The following foods are allowed in the diet of children with diarrhea: rice, carrots, boiled potatoes, bananas, boiled chicken. They may have even a slight therapeutic effect.

Diet For Diarrhea

Prevention of travelers diarrhea:

To avoid such inconvenience when travelling, special attention will be given to foods and to their preparation provess before being consumed. So, remember the basic rule: Vegetables and fruits should be washed before eating!

Also, when you travel, it is imperative to know that:

• Do not drink water from unsafe water sources (even for brushing teeth) or ice from the same type of sources;
• Unpasteurized milk should be avoided;
• Meat and fish should not be consumed raw or incompletely cooked;
• Is not advisable the consumption of foods which are purchased from vendors;
• Consumption of bottled juice or water;
• You should have antidiarrheal drugs and specific antibiotics for such situations.

Among the classic diarrhea remedies include: antibiotics, antispasmodic drugs, corticosteroid therapy and antidiarrheal therapy, but most important this is to consult your doctor, because he is the only person who is able to determine the diagnosis and prescribe an appropriate treatment.

Frequent Diseases In The First Years Of Life

For a parent, especially one who is in this position for the first time, the signals of child’s illness give him the creeps. Temperature, diarrhea, vomiting or skin rashes are among the first symptoms often encountered in children’s  diseases up to 2 years.

Common diseases that often bring parents to the doctor with infants and young children (1-2 years) are: rotavirus infection, acute bronchiolitis and allergy to cow’s milk protein.

Bronchiolitis is an acute inflammatory disease of the lower airways, of small diameter, which are obstructed by a inflammatory processes. This disease has almost exclusively viral etiology, most commonly is involved respiratory syncytial virus. Peak incidence is close to the age of 6 months and the time of occurrence is in winter and early spring. The most common, are involved male infants, aged between 3 and 6 months.

Most often, the source of infection is represented by the family members who have a minor respiratory disease. The main causes of the disease are lack of natural food, overcrowded conditions at home and tobacco or cigarette smoke. Most affected infants have a positive history of exposure to infection through contact with older siblings or adults with minor respiratory symptoms in the week before the onset.

Bronchiolitis

Initially, bronchiolitis presents signs of minor respiratory infection with serous nasal discharge and sneezing. This condition may be accompanied by loss of appetite and fever (38-39 degrees). In evolution of the disease, will appear cough, breathing faster and wheezing (whistling in expiration) – characteristic sign of this disease. Eating can become difficult due to the vigor of breath. Critical phase of the disease, in which the infant may seem to be severely affected is in the first 48-72 hours after the onset of cough and breathing difficulties. After the critical phase, there is a rapid improvement and recovery is complete within a few days.

Because is  a viral disease, antibiotic therapy is not necessary. In cases of moderate and severe forms of disease, hospitalization is required, antibiotic treatment is necessary only to prevent bacterial superinfections. The baby usually feels better in a semi-sitting position at an angle of 30-40 degrees or sitting with the torso slightly raised and the head in extension. Food should not be changed, but often the fluid intake should be increased. Bronchodilator drugs (salbutamol) are frequently used in empirical aerosols and is accepted that if the therapy is improving the state, then it should be continued. Also, spray with adrenaline may be effective in bronchiolitis.

Rotavirus infection. Rotavirus is found with maximum frequency in children aged 4 to 24 months and is unusual in the neonate, because the newborn has the ability to excrete the virus without showing signs of illness. Symptoms begin with vomiting followed by four to eight days of diarrhea, which can cause dehydration. Self-limiting disease, like most viral infections, is lasting 7-14 days.

Frequent Diseases In The First Years Of Life

Allergy to cow’s milk protein. Between 5% and 15% of children have adverse reactions to cow’s milk protein, but the prevalence of allergy occurs in 2% to 7.5% of cases. Warning: do not confuse this condition with lactose intolerance or other adverse reactions to cow’s milk protein. The cause of allergy is a immunological reaction to one or more proteins from cow’s milk.

Allergy to cow’s milk protein presents gastrointestinal tract symptoms, such as regurgitation, vomiting and functional changes in the digestive tract, respectively dermatological symptoms such as atopic dermatitis and urticaria. Respiratory symptoms are less common.

Breastfeeding of the baby should be the only way to feed the baby, at least in the first 4 months of life. Breastfeeding significantly reduces the risk of developing an allergy to cow’s milk protein. If breastfeeding is leading to the appearance of symptoms, then the mother should eliminate from her diet  cow’s milk, peanuts and eggs. This diet must be followed for at least 2 weeks after the appearance of the results, and 4 weeks if the baby has developed an atopic dermatitis or allergic colitis. If after such a diet there is an improvement in children condition, then the mother can reintroduce in her diet one food product a week. If there is no improvement after the diet, then should be considered a discussion with a specialist in children allergies.

Cow’s Milk Protein Alergy

Diagnosis begins with the infant history, complete physical examination to determine other causes of occurrence of the disease and to identify if the disease is mild, moderate or severe. Skin prick tests and radioallergosorbent testing does not confirm or refute the diagnosis of allergy to cow’s milk protein, so that elimination of cow milk from mother and children diet is the best method of diagnosis. However, serological markers may be helpful in predicting the development of the disease.

Gold standards for treatment are elimination of cow’s milk protein from mother and infant diet, then followed by its reintroduction in the diet. If symptoms recur after the dairy products are reintroduced into the mother’s diet, then is recommended extensively hydrolysed milk formula if the baby is aged between 9 and 12 months. Infants with mild or moderate symptoms should be fed, for 2-4 weeks or more, only with extensively hydrolysed formulas or amino acid formulas. In those who respond well to treatment, cow’s milk can be reintroduced in their diet, but under the supervision of a physician. In the opposite case, the child must be kept with hydrolysed formula or amino acid formula for 6 months, or more, or until it reaches the age of 9-12 months. Infants with severe symptoms should use the formula based on amino acids and must be supervised by paediatricians. Doctors warn that after a period from the elimination of cow’s milk from the diet, patients who previously had mild or moderate reactions may develop severe allergic reactions. Using the unmodified protein from milk (cow, sheep, goat etc.) or soy or rice is not recommended for infants because of the deficit of food nutrients and because it can lead to the risk of cross-allergies.

Rotavirus Infection In Children

Recent statistics show, that half a million children die worldwide each year due to rotavirus infection. Most susceptible to rotavirus infection are children from six months to two years, the elderly and those with low immunity status.

Infection caused by rotavirus is the most common cause of severe diarrhea among infants and young children. By the age of five, nearly every child in the world was infected with rotavirus at least once. With each infection, immunity develops and subsequent infections are less severe. There are five species of rotavirus, called A, B, C, D and E. The most common is rotavirus type A, which causes more than 90% of rotavirus infections in humans. Rotavirus gastroenteritis is usually a mild disease, but it can become severe. It is characterized by vomiting, watery diarrhea and, less frequently, by fever. Rotavirus infection rate peaks during the winter months.

Rotavirus Infection

Transmission of disease:

The rotavirus has a fecal-oral transmission. Rotavirus is stable in the environment and is found in water samples that were previously treated to remove bacteria and parasites. The most common transmission is achieved by contact with hands, surfaces and objects that are contaminated with rotavirus and, rarely, by the respiratory route.

Manifestations:

Rotavirus infections can occur throughout life: first, usually produce symptoms, but subsequent infections are usually asymptomatic, because the immune system provides a partial protection. The virus infects and destroys the lining cells of the small intestine and causes gastroenteritis. Once a child is infected with this virus, there is an incubation period of about two days before the appearance of symptoms.

Often, events begins with vomiting followed by four to eight days of diarrhea, which can cause dehydration. This symptoms are more common in rotavirus infection than in most infections caused by bacteria and represents the most common cause of death in children.

Rotavirus Infection – Symptoms

Treatment:

Acute rotavirus infection is nonspecific and involves management of symptoms and, most importantly, maintain hydration. In untreated cases, children may die by severe dehydration. Depending on the severity of diarrhea should be performed oral or intravenous rehydration. It is recommended to be given small quantities of water, which contain small amounts of salt and sugar. Some infections are serious enough to warrant hospitalization, were the administration of liquids is done intravenously and are also monitored electrolytes and glucose levels. Because the disease prevalence dose not improve after sanitation and hospitalization rate remains high, despite the use of oral rehydrate, the only effective method of preventing the disease is vaccination.

Rotavirus infection is usually a mild disease of childhood, but worldwide more than 500.000 children under five years die of this infection, and each year over two million become severely ill.

Since 2006, two rotavirus vaccines have proven to be safe and effective in children. Both are taken orally and contain live attenuated virus.