Sarvesh Joshi - GPSH | Ganadhipati Purshottam Shekhawati Hospital and Research Center

Malaria: Causes, Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Treatment

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What is Malaria?

This disease is caused by a parasite called malaria. Humans become infected with the parasite when infected mosquitoes bite them. A malaria patient usually feels very sick and has a high fever and shaking chills.

There are still many tropical and subtropical countries where malaria is prevalent, even though it is uncommon in temperate climates. The disease kills more than 400,000 people each year, infecting nearly 290 million people.

People are protected from mosquito bites through the distribution of preventive drugs and insecticide-treated bed nets through world health programs. WHO has recommended malaria vaccines for use in countries where malaria cases are high.

You can protect yourself while traveling by wearing protective clothing, using a bed net, and using insecticides. If you are traveling to a high-risk area, you can also take preventative medicine before, during, and after your trip. Resistance has developed among many malaria parasites to the drugs commonly used to treat it.

Symptoms of Malaria

Whenever you travel to an area where malaria is prevalent, you should be aware of the symptoms. The advantage of this is that you can receive medical attention immediately.

There are similar symptoms to those of flu and they usually appear six to thirty days following a mosquito bite, but they can sometimes last for up to a year.

The common symptoms of malaria include:

Headache
High body temperature (fever)
Sweats
Chills
Muscle aches or pains
Convulsions
Severe anemia
A feeling of nausea or diarrhea
Changes in consciousness
Breathing difficulties
Prostration
Limited urine production

Malaria can cause a variety of mild symptoms that are difficult to identify at first.

You can Read Also: Shingles: Symptoms, Causes, Prevention, and Treatment

Causes of Malaria

A single-celled parasite of the genus plasmodium causes malaria. Mosquito bites are the most common way in which the parasite is transmitted to humans.

Mosquito transmission cycle:

Uninfected mosquito. Malaria is transmitted by mosquitoes feeding on malaria patients.
Transmission of a parasite. Malaria parasites can be transmitted to you if you are bitten by this mosquito again in the future.
In the liver. Some types of parasites can lay dormant for as long as a year in your life once they enter your body.
Into the bloodstream. Your red blood cells become infected with parasites when they mature in your liver. A person typically develops malaria symptoms at this time.
On to the next person. This is when uninfected mosquitoes can become infected with malaria parasites and infect other people with malaria parasites.

Other modes of transmission:

People can also contract malaria by coming into contact with infected blood because malaria parasites affect red blood cells:

From the mother to the unborn
In the form of blood transfusions
The sharing of needles used for drug injections

Risk factors Of Malaria

Living in or visiting malaria-prone areas is the greatest risk factor for developing the disease. The following tropical and subtropical regions are included:

Sub-Saharan Africa
South and Southeast Asia
Pacific Islands
Central America
Northern South America

Malaria risk varies with local malaria control, seasonal changes in malaria rates, and mosquito bite prevention measures.

Risks of more-severe disease

People at higher risk of serious malaria disease include:

Young children and infants
Older adults
The traveler is coming from a malaria-free region
Women and their unborn children during pregnancy

Lack of access to medical care, preventive measures, and information is a major problem in many countries with high malaria rates.

How is Malaria Diagnosed?

You will be asked questions about your health and given a physical exam by the doctor. Your doctor will conduct a blood smear if he or she suspects you may have malaria. This test involves placing blood samples on glass slides, preparing them, and examining them under a microscope.

The results of a blood smear test can be used to diagnose malaria. As well as identifying the type and number of malaria parasites in your blood, can help a doctor diagnose your condition. Treatment decisions can be influenced by this information.

You may need to have more blood tests every 12 to 24 hours if the first blood test does not show malaria. Several blood tests are available to diagnose malaria quickly. Malaria is usually confirmed by a blood smear if the rapid test indicates malaria.

During the first year after you return from an area where malaria occurs, your doctor may test you for malaria if you are experiencing a fever. You may need more tests to make sure that you do not have malaria if the tests do not show malaria.

To determine whether treatment is working and to monitor the course of the infection, testing is repeated during treatment.

Other Tests

Other useful tests that may be done for the diagnosis of malaria include:

Polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Tests that detect parasite nucleic acids and identify malaria parasite species are performed here.

Complete blood count (CBC). Infections or anemia may be detected during this procedure. Malaria can cause anemia, as the parasite damages red blood cells.

A blood glucose test. In this test, the doctors measure a type of sugar in your blood called glucose.

Complications of Malaria

Malaria is more likely to cause severe or complicated symptoms in certain groups, including:

Young children
Pregnant women
Those who have never been exposed to malaria parasites before

There are usually one or more serious complications attached to malaria that lead to death. Possible complications include:

You may have trouble breathing if you suffer from malaria because of fluid accumulating in your lungs.
Having malaria can cause organ failure, including kidney and liver failure, spleen rupture, and splenic rupture.
A blockage in small blood vessels in your brain caused by malaria can lead to swelling and even brain damage, which is known as cerebral malaria. There is a possibility of death or coma from this condition.
Insufficient oxygen and nutrients can be delivered to your tissues when your red blood cells are damaged.
Blood glucose levels can fall dangerously low when a patient has severe malaria. In addition to lowering blood sugar levels, quinine can also treat malaria. You can fall into a coma or die if your blood sugar drops too low.

Prevention of Malaria

Several malaria prevention methods are widely accepted and known, even though you may think it’s impossible to avoid being bitten by a mosquito. Here are a few listed below:

Avoidance: Do your best to avoid travel to areas where malaria is prevalent if possible. Changing your travel plans may be necessary, but if you cannot avoid it, keep reading.

Medication: If you plan to travel to a malaria-risk country, you can take the standard medications. It is usually mandatory to submit these when applying for a visa.

Personal Protection: Sprays and lotions designed specifically to repel mosquitoes can be used as well as topical creams and lotions. It has been proven that topical products containing DEET are effective at keeping mosquitoes away. Wearing clothing that covers your arms and legs is another easy way to protect yourself.

Added Protection: If you want to keep mosquitoes out of your sleeping area, you can use mosquito nets, as well as put screens on your doorways and windows. As a final precaution, be sure to wash or clean any protective gear above with products that contain permethrin.

Treatment of Malaria

Among the factors that will determine the treatment your doctor recommends are:

What type of parasite do you have
The severity of your symptoms
You were infected in the following geographic area:
Your age
Whether you’re pregnant

Treatment for malaria may involve the use of the following medications:

Chloroquine or hydroxychloroquine. There is a possibility that your doctor may recommend one of these drugs if your symptoms are not too serious and you are living in an area where chloroquine has not become resistant to the parasite.

Artemisinin-based combination therapy (ACT). The combination of these two medicines works differently. Milder cases of malaria are treated with them or more serious cases are treated with them.

Atovaquone-proguanil, artemether-lumefantrine. Chloroquine resistance has led to the use of these combinations in areas where the parasite has become resistant to the medication. As well to adults, children can also take them.

As the last research, this medication can be used instead of chloroquine if it is not available. However, it has been linked to rare but serious side effects related to the brain.

The drug may be recommended for the first 24 hours of your symptoms, followed by three days of artemisinin-based combination therapy if you have severe symptoms.

As malaria parasites have become resistant to most medicines used to treat the illness, researchers are constantly looking for new medicines to treat it.

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Shingles: Symptoms, Causes, Prevention, and Treatment

Leave a Comment / Health and Tips / Sarvesh Joshi

What is Shingle?

Shingles are a side effect of the varicella-zoster virus, which also causes chickenpox. The chickenpox virus stays dormant for years in your nervous system before it reactivates as shingles.

As well as shingles, herpes zoster is also known as chicken pox. A red rash on the skin can cause burning and pain caused by this type of viral infection. Blisters typically appear on one side of the body, most commonly on the face, neck, or torso.

It usually takes 3 to 5 weeks for shingles to clear up. One in three Americans will experience shingles at some point in their lives. There is a possibility that the same person may develop the condition again, especially if they have risk factors for it.

Symptoms of Shingles

It is usually one side of the body that is affected by shingles. Usually, this occurs around the waist, chest, abdomen, or back. In addition to the face, eyes, mouth, and ears, symptoms can also appear on the skin. In addition to affecting some internal organs, the virus can also cause infections.

Dorsal root ganglions, which are sensory nerves near the spinal cord, are commonly affected by shingles. It is for this reason that symptoms manifest in specific body parts rather than across the whole body.

Instead of being caused by the rash itself, the pain is caused by nerve involvement. The nature of symptoms varies based on where they appear on the body.

Early symptoms of shingles may include:

Feeling tired.
Sensitivity to light
Fever
Chills
Headache
Stomach upset

In addition to the early symptoms, there are a few other signs and symptoms that may appear a few days later.

You may experience an itching, burning, or tingling sensation on your skin.
You will experience redness on the affected part of your skin.
Symptoms include a raised rash on your skin.
Breaking open then scabbing over fluid-filled blisters.
Skin affected by this condition may experience mild to severe pain.

Causes of Shingles

Chicken pox and shingles are caused by the varicella-zoster virus, which belongs to the herpes family. The virus that causes cold sores (oral herpes) and genital herpes are also included in this category.

Although varicella-zoster causes cold sores and genital herpes, it is not the same virus that causes varicella. Infection with herpes simplex 1 or 2 leads to oral and genital herpes.

Shingles can be contracted after having chicken pox. The varicella-zoster virus is primarily found in the spinal cord and cranial nerves after chickenpox has passed. A shingles rash appears on your skin when the virus reactivates, traveling along nerves.

Stages of Shingles

There are four stages of Shingles which are described below:

1. Tingling pain or numbness

A particular area of your body may feel different before anything appears on your skin during the first stage of shingles. Symptoms of shingles outbreaks include itchiness, burning, and pain. There is often only one side of your body that feels this.

Individuals may experience different symptoms of shingles at the beginning. Some people with shingles experience intense sensitivity, making it painful to even wear clothing over their skin, while others may experience numbness all over their bodies.

2. Burning feeling and red rashes

Your skin will develop a red rash between 1 and 5 days after you first feel tingling or numbness. There is a tendency for the rash to appear on one side of your torso, but it can appear anywhere on your body.

A rash may also be accompanied by other symptoms, such as:

Headache
Fever
Bad stomach

It is important to seek medical attention right away when the rash appears. If you begin treatment within 3 days of noticing a rash, you are less likely to develop complications, such as long-term pain.

3. Blistering

The rash will start to form painful blisters filled with fluid a few days after it appears. Infectious amounts of varicella-zoster virus can leak from these blisters when they break open.

Someone who does not have chickenpox can get chickenpox if they touch this liquid. You will not be at risk of catching the virus if you have already had chickenpox or the chickenpox or shingles vaccine.

In general, shingles cannot be passed from one person to another, although it is possible. It is very rare to contract chickenpox today since most people either had chickenpox as a child or have been vaccinated.

4. Blisters crust over

It takes two to ten days after the rash stage of shingles begins for blisters to dry up and leave behind yellow, crusty scabs. The crusting over of the blisters means the rash has become non-contagious.

Risk factors Of Shingles

The risk of developing shingles is higher for those who have ever had chickenpox. It is estimated that 80% of Americans had chickenpox as children. Before chickenpox vaccinations became routine, children were not protected against chickenpox.

You may be more likely to develop shingles if you have the following factors:

Developing shingles becomes more likely as you get older. People over the age of 50 are most likely to develop shingles. It is also more likely for people over the age of 60 to suffer more severe complications.

Some diseases. HIV/AIDS and cancer can weaken the immune systems, making you more likely to develop shingles.

Cancer treatments. Shingles may be triggered by radiation or chemotherapy which lowers your resistance to diseases.

Some medications. You may be more likely to get shingles if you take drugs that prevent organ rejection after transplantation. Using steroids for a long period, such as prednisone, may also increase your risk.

When to see a doctor?

Infections can be less severe and last less time if they are treated after the onset of symptoms. The risk of developing serious complications is especially high for people over 60 and those with weakened immune systems.

In the case of a rash spreading to other parts of the body or other symptoms such as high fever, a medical consultation is recommended.

Additionally, those who develop a rash near their eyes should seek medical attention immediately, as this could be an indication of HZO. Leaving it untreated can cause scarring, vision loss, and permanent eye damage.

How are Shingles Diagnosed?

During a medical exam, your doctor inquires about your history of chickenpox. If your doctor is unable to identify shingles from the skin rash, they may take a sample of the fluid from your blisters for testing.

If you’re getting ready for an organ transplant, have a weakened immune system, are at high risk for problems, or are starting a medicine that suppresses immunity, a diagnosis is very crucial.

Shingles tests include:

A blood sample is used in an antibody test to look for antibodies that your immune system produces when battling a virus. Antibodies indicate chickenpox exposure.
If a virus is present in the rash, it can be detected with a viral detection test.

Complications of Shingles

Complications from shingles are as follows:

Postherpetic neuralgia. Some patients experience shingles pain well after the blisters have healed. The name for this condition is postherpetic neuralgia. It happens when injured nerve fibers cause pain signals to travel from your skin to your brain in a jumbled, excessive manner.
Vision loss. Ophthalmic shingles, often known as eye shingles, are painful eye diseases that can impair eyesight.
Neurological problems. Inflammation of the brain (encephalitis), facial paralysis, hearing loss, and balance issues are all potential side effects of shingles.
Skin infections. Blisters from shingles may get infected with bacteria if they are not adequately treated.

Prevention of Shingles

Getting immunized can prevent you from experiencing severe shingles symptoms or complications, according to the NIA. The varicella vaccination, which prevents chickenpox, should be administered to all kids twice. This vaccination should also be given to adults who have never had chickenpox.

The vaccination does not guarantee that you won’t contract chickenpox, but it does prevent it in 90% of recipients.

The CDC advises adults aged 50 and above to receive the varicella-zoster vaccination, often known as the shingles vaccine. This vaccine aids in preventing severe shingles-related symptoms and consequences.

Shingrix is the only shingles vaccination that is offered (recombinant zoster vaccine). The CDC advises that even if you have previously had the shingles vaccine Zostavax, you should still obtain the Shingrix shot.

Treatment of Shingles

Although there is no known treatment for shingles, antiviral medication may help to ease the symptoms and limit complications. As soon as symptoms appear, make an appointment with your doctor to request a prescription for antiviral medication.

Three days after the shingles rash appears, treatment should begin. Consult your doctor if you are pregnant to determine whether antivirals are appropriate for you.

Pain treatment can be achieved by using over-the-counter medications such as paracetamol and non-steroidal anti-inflammatories. Your doctor might recommend different medications if over-the-counter pain relievers aren’t working to reduce your discomfort.

You can take several actions to aid in managing the disease. These are a few of them.

Keep the rash as dry and clean as you can.
If at all possible, cover the rash to prevent the virus from spreading. Make use of a nonstick sauce. Avoid applying antibiotic creams or bandages to the blisters because doing so could delay the healing process.
Avoid scratching the rash. Blisters that have been scratched may become infected and leave scars.
Use a fresh towel to gently wipe yourself dry after taking a bath or shower. Do not rub or scratch yourself with the towel, and do not exchange towels.
Wear loose cotton clothing all over the affected body areas.
Ice packs, baths, or cool compresses may ease the soreness. Applying ice to the skin directly is not advised. Place the ice pack carefully over the dressing after wrapping it in a thin cloth. After use, wash the towel in hot water.
Applying creams or gels is not advised if the blisters are open since they could raise the risk of a secondary bacterial infection.
Avoid making contact with those who may be more vulnerable, such as infants younger than one-month-old, pregnant women who are not immune to chickenpox, and those with compromised immune systems.
Don’t go swimming, play sports with contact, or share towels. Regularly wash your hands.

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Appendicitis: Symptoms, Causes, Prevention, and Treatment

Leave a Comment / Health and Tips / Sarvesh Joshi

What is Appendicitis?

On the right side of the abdomen, there is a tiny finger-shaped tubular organ called the appendix. Although it is a vestige of an organ, it is a part of our digestive system. Appendicitis can result from an obstruction in the appendix.

Appendicitis is an inflammation of the appendix, a finger-shaped pouch on the right side of the abdomen that arises from the colon. The lower right abdomen is painful if you have appendicitis. However, for the majority of patients, the pain starts near the navel and spreads. Appendicitis pain often intensifies and finally becomes unbearable as the inflammation develops.

It most commonly affects adults between 10 and 30 years of age, but it can affect anyone. The appendix is typically surgically removed as part of standard care.

Types of Appendicitis

Acute appendicitis:

Appendicitis that occurs suddenly and severely is known as acute appendicitis. Males are more prone to it than females, and it most frequently affects kids and young people between the ages of 10 and 30. For 24 hours, pain frequently starts mild and quickly gets worse.

It needs emergency medical attention. If left untreated, it may lead to the rupture of the appendix. We are dealing with a potentially lethal issue. About 7 to 9 percent of all Americans will experience acute appendicitis in their lifetime, which is more prevalent than chronic appendicitis.

Chronic appendicitis:

Less frequently than acute appendicitis, chronic appendicitis. People with chronic appendicitis are only likely to experience it in 1.5% of cases.

There are a variety of symptoms of chronic appendicitis, and these are generally associated with episodes of acute appendicitis. Weeks, months, or even years may pass before symptoms vanish again. Appendicitis of this type is usually difficult to diagnose. Appendicitis is sometimes not diagnosed until the condition has progressed to the acute stages.

Symptoms of Appendicitis

Appendicitis is characterized by severe abdominal pain, particularly in the lower right abdomen, which is where the appendix is located.

Symptoms frequently start unexpectedly and worsen. They consist of:

Coughing, sneezing, breathing in, or moving causes abdominal discomfort or soreness.
Swollen belly.
Inability to pass gas.
Feeling less hungry than usual (reduced appetite).
Low-grade fever (below 100 degrees F).
Nausea and vomiting.

Causes of Appendicitis

Appendicitis’ precise cause is frequently unknown. According to experts, it arises when a portion of the appendix becomes clogged or obstructed.

Your appendix may get blocked for a variety of reasons, including:

a buildup of hardened stool
enlarged lymphoid follicles
intestinal worms
traumatic injury
tumors

Risk Factors of Appendicitis

In the world, appendicitis is one of the most prevalent diseases. Although anyone can have this illness at any moment, appendicitis in children under two years of age is uncommon. Most cases affect people between the ages of 10 and 30. The next paragraphs cover a few of the typical appendicitis complications and risk factors.

Ruptured appendix: With a ruptured appendix, this issue becomes more complicated. In this situation, a rupture causes infection to spread throughout your abdomen, necessitating immediate surgery.
Peritonitis: When your appendix bursts, microorganisms are released into your abdominal cavity. Your abdominal cavity’s lining develops an infection and inflammation. It may result in a high fever, difficulty breathing, and excruciating stomach discomfort.
Abscess: An infection results from the appendix bursting inside your abdomen (abscess). It causes an uncomfortable pus pocket to form nearby. A catheter will be inserted through your abdominal wall by a surgeon to drain the abscess.
Sepsis: Your bloodstream may allow a burst abscess to spread to other bodily areas. Sepsis is a devastating illness, although uncommon. It may result in a fever, mental disorientation, fatigue, and shortness of breath.

Diagnosis of Appendicitis

Appendicitis can be difficult to diagnose. Many times, the symptoms of an illness, such as gallbladder issues, bladder or urinary tract infections, Crohn’s disease, gastritis, kidney stones, intestinal infection, and ovary issues, are vague or resemble those of other conditions.

Appendicitis can be identified using these tests:

Blood tests: Complete blood count is frequently advised by doctors (CBC). To do this, a medical practitioner will take blood samples from your veins and send them to a lab for analysis. It aids in identifying any bacterial infections that may coexist with appendicitis. Additionally, you might be required to have a C-reactive protein test to rule out any additional potential reasons for your appendix inflammation.
Urine test: Urinalysis requests from doctors are possible. It is done to rule out the chance that your symptoms are being caused by a kidney stone or urinary tract infection. Your urine samples will be sent to a lab for analysis.
Abdominal imaging tests: To evaluate the inflammation of your appendix, doctors will most likely perform imaging studies of your abdomen. For this, they request tests such as a stomach MRI, CT scan, ultrasound, or X-ray. These aid in the diagnosis of inflammatory bowel illness, faecal impaction, and abscess. Before taking these examinations, you might need to fast.
Chest imaging tests: Frequently, lower respiratory infections like pneumonia can mimic the signs and symptoms of appendicitis. To rule out this possibility, doctors could request a chest X-ray. They can get a clear picture of the state of your lungs thanks to a CT scan.
Pelvic exam: Your symptoms may be brought on by pelvic inflammatory disease, an ovarian cyst, or another disorder affecting your reproductive organs if you were born a girl. Your doctor might conduct a pelvic exam to look at your reproductive system. They will visually examine your cervix, vulva, and vagina during this examination. Additionally, they will physically examine your uterus and ovaries. They might take a tissue sample for analysis.
Pregnancy test: Ectopic pregnancies have occasionally been misdiagnosed for appendicitis in the past. If a fertilised egg instals itself in a fallopian tube rather than the uterus, it takes place. To rule out this possibility, the doctors can ask you to submit to a urine or blood pregnancy test.

Complications of Appendicitis

An infected appendix will eventually burst, releasing bacteria and other debris into your abdominal cavity, which is where your liver, stomach, and intestines are located in the middle of your body. Peritonitis, a severe inflammation of the lining of the abdominal cavity, may result from this (the peritoneum). If not treated swiftly with potent antibiotics and surgery to remove the pus, it can be fatal.

An abscess can occasionally develop outside of an inflamed appendix. The appendix is then “walled off” from the rest of your organs by scar tissue. As a result, the virus doesn’t spread. However, an infected appendix may tear, which can cause peritonitis.

Treatment of Appendicitis

A procedure to remove the inflamed appendix, often known as an appendectomy or appendicectomy, is the primary treatment for appendicitis. The body may survive without an appendix and still function normally.

One of two methods can be used to remove the appendix:

Through a small telescope, laparoscopic (or “keyhole”) surgery is performed.
There will be 3 little keyhole wounds that are open, each measuring between 1 and 2 cm long. One of the cuts will be on the right lower abdomen.

The type of operation, the patient’s general condition, and whether or not the appendix has ruptured all affect how long it will take to recover after surgery. The majority of folks heal without too many issues. The wound may occasionally become infected and require further medical attention.

When the appendix is removed and later discovered to be normal and not inflamed, this usually indicates that there is another cause for the symptoms that are consistent with appendicitis. Your doctor can suggest checking for a different problem-causing factor. Your surgeon may advise modest exercise for a few weeks following surgery to allow the surgical wound to heal.

Although surgery is the primary treatment for appendicitis, antibiotics may also be employed on occasion. They are not always effective. If surgery is delayed, such as if you have to travel a considerable distance to undergo the procedure, or for patients who are unsuitable for surgery, such as being too fragile, antibiotics may be administered. Before surgery, your doctor could advise taking antibiotics to lower the chance of infection.

Prevention of Appendicitis

Although appendicitis may not be preventable, making healthy decisions and adopting good habits might assist.

Foods you should eat:

Foods high in fibre are advised since having appendicitis seems less likely if you consume a diet high in fibre. So, incorporate the following foods into your diet:

Over morning cereals, choose oats or wheat groats
substituting whole wheat flour for all-purpose flour
instead of white rice, use brown rice
Dessert with fresh fruit

Foods to avoid:

Foods that have been processed, fried, or junk food is fatty and may aggravate the digestive tract.
In addition to damaging the liver, alcohol affects digestion as well.
The fat content of red meat makes it difficult to digest.
Typical sugary foods include cakes and pastries.

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Arrhythmia: Symptoms, Types, Causes, Treatment, and Prevention

Leave a Comment / Health and Tips / Sarvesh Joshi

What is Arrhythmia?

Arrhythmia is an irregular heartbeat (uh-RITH-me-uh). If the electrical signals that coordinate the heart’s beats do not work properly, heart rhythm problems (heart arrhythmias) can occur. Heart rhythms are affected when the signaling malfunctions, resulting in fast, slow, or irregular heartbeats.

It is possible to feel a racing or fluttering heart with an arrhythmia and it may be harmless. Heart arrhythmia can, however, cause troubling or even life-threatening symptoms in some people.

Heart rates can be fast or slow depending on a person’s health. Exercise makes your heart rate run fast. When you sleep, your heart rate might slow down.

To control or eliminate fast, slow or irregular heartbeats, medications, catheter procedures, implanted devices or surgery may be used. Lifestyle choices that promote heart health may prevent certain heart arrhythmias from occurring.

Arrhythmia vs. Dysrhythmia

Both arrhythmias and dysrhythmias are types of heart rhythm disorders. An abnormal heartbeat has an abnormal pace or rhythm.

Arrhythmia is characterized by the “a” prefix, which means absence. As in this case, there is no (normal) rhythm.

Likewise, the prefix “dis” means something is difficult or fails to work properly. This is exemplified by the word “dysfunction.”. This can refer to an abnormal rhythm, such as dysrhythmia.

In general, both terms refer to heart rates that differ from those typically observed due to their speed or rhythm. It is more commonly referred to as arrhythmia today.

Types of Arrhythmia

As described here, arrhythmias come in several forms:

Atrial fibrillation

Almost always, tachycardia is present in this type of irregular beating of the atrial chambers. The condition of atrial fibrillation (A-fib) is common in adults over the age of 65.

The chamber fibrillates instead of producing one, strong contraction, often resulting in rapid heartbeats.

Atrial flutter

Atrial flutter typically results from a single spot in the atrium that is not conducting properly, whereas fibrillation creates numerous random and diverse quivers in the atrium. This produces a consistent pattern in abnormal heart conduction.

Some people may experience both flutter and fibrillation. Without treatment, atrial flutter frequently develops into fibrillation and can be a dangerous condition.

Supraventricular tachycardia

Overventricular tachycardia (SVT) is the phenomenon of a rapid but rhythmically regular heartbeat. In some cases, an individual may experience a short burst of accelerated heartbeats, which can last from a couple of seconds to several hours. It is classified as an SVT by physicians if you have atrial fibrillation or flutter.

Ventricular tachycardia

There are abnormal electrical impulses that originate in the ventricles of the heart, resulting in an abnormally fast heartbeat. This often occurs when the heart has to scar from a previous heart attack.

Ventricular fibrillation

Heartbeats that are fast, uncoordinated, and fluttering are termed ventricular fibrillation. There is no pumping of blood in the ventricles; instead, they quiver.

A life-threatening condition, ventricular fibrillation is usually associated with heart disease. The most common cause is a heart attack.

Long QT syndrome

Heart rhythm disorders can cause rapid and uncoordinated heartbeats as a result of this syndrome. This can cause fainting, a potentially life-threatening condition. Taking certain medications or having a genetic predisposition can also cause it.

Symptoms of Arrhythmia

The symptoms of an arrhythmia may not be apparent to you. Here are some of the most common signs:

The experience of having your heart skip a beat
A feeling of fluttering in your chest or neck
Rapid heartbeat
Slow or irregular heartbeat

Make an appointment with your doctor to discuss your symptoms so your arrhythmia can be diagnosed and treated effectively. A malfunctioning heart can also cause more serious symptoms, such as:

Chest pain
Tightness in the chest
Difficulty in breathing
Dizziness
Fainting, or almost fainting
Irregular pulse
Weakness
Heart palpitations
Low blood pressure
Fatigue
Sweating

Causes of Arrhythmia

The following conditions can cause arrhythmia:

A heart attack
Diabetes
A structural abnormality of the heart such as cardiomyopathy, valve disease, or scarring caused by a previous heart attack.
High blood pressure
Heart failure
Congenital heart disease
Coronary heart disease
Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA)
Thyroid problems

Risk Factors of Arrhythmia

Arrhythmias may be more likely to develop if you have certain risk factors. There are, however, some people who do not develop irregular heartbeats despite having these risk factors.

There are some medical conditions that increase the risk of arrhythmia. There are others that may be caused by genetics, behavior, or medication.

The following conditions may increase your risk of developing arrhythmia:

Failure of the heart or heart attack
Cardiomyopathy (heart muscle disease)
Endocarditis (heart inflammation)
Coronary artery disease
Heart valve disease
High blood pressure
Having an overactive or underactive thyroid gland
Kidney disease
Eating disorders that lead to electrolyte imbalances or malnutrition
Fever
Sleep apnea
Chronic lung disease
Diabetes

Diagnosis of Arrhythmia

Doctors use a variety of tests to diagnose arrhythmias and determine their causes:

EKG: Electrocardiograms record the electrical activity of your heart. You put on tiny electrode patches on your arms, legs, and chest when you visit the doctor. The test is quick and painless.

Holter monitor: Portable EKGs (also called ambulatory electrocardiograms or ECGs) are about the size of postcards or digital cameras. They are used for two weeks or 1 to 2 days.

Your heart is tested by measuring the movement of electrical signals or waves. Heart contractions (squeeze) and blood pumping are signaled by these signals. It will be necessary to tape electrodes to your skin.

While some people experience mild skin irritation from the tape used to attach the electrodes to the chest, the procedure is painless. The electrodes can be worn while showering or bathing, but not while swimming. Upon completion of the test period, you’ll see your doctor again. You can download the information from them.

Event monitor: A doctor may recommend you wear one of these, usually for about a month, if your symptoms don’t occur often. You can record and store your heart’s electrical activity when you push a button. You should get a reading as soon as you notice symptoms. The doctor will interpret the results for you.

Implantable loop recorder: It constantly records the electrical activity of your heart, which your doctor implants under your skin. Information will be sent to your doctor.

Stress test: It is possible to perform different kinds of stress tests. The purpose is to determine how much stress your heart can handle before developing a rhythm problem or not receiving enough blood.

Stress tests typically involve walking on a treadmill or pedaling a stationary bike while getting an EKG and having your heart rate and blood pressure monitored. Technicians gradually increase your exercise intensity.

In this test, ultrasound is used to examine the muscles and valves of the heart.

Cardiac catheterization: A thin, long tube called a catheter will be inserted into a blood vessel in your arm or leg. A special X-ray machine will help guide the needle to your heart. After injection of dye through the catheter, your heart valves, coronary arteries, and chambers will be photographed with X-rays.

Electrophysiology study: An electrocardiogram records the electrical activity and pathways of your heart. A heart rhythm test can help determine the cause of a heart rhythm problem and recommend the best treatment for you.

An abnormal heart rhythm will be safely triggered during the test by your doctor. After that, they will determine which medication works best or what procedure or device you need to treat it with.

Head-up tilt table test: These tests are used by doctors to diagnose fainting spells. Standing up and lying down cause blood pressure and heart rate to differ. The head-up tilt table test will be performed in a lab.

The specialists will check your blood pressure and oxygen level while you lie on a stretcher tilted at different angles. The results show whether your electrical, nervous, or vascular systems are responsible for your passing out symptoms.

Complications of Arrhythmia

Uneven heart rhythms can cause serious problems, such as:

Alzheimer’s disease and dementia. It is possible that these cognitive disorders occur as a result of not getting enough blood to the brain.

Heart failure. Having repeated arrhythmias may cause you to have poor heart pumping.

A clot can occur when blood remains in the atria. The clot may cause a stroke if it travels to the brain.

Cardiac arrest. In case you have V-fib, your heart can stop.

Treatment of Arrhythmia

The treatment for Arrhythmia is as follows:

Sinus node dysfunction – Permanent pacemakers are usually prescribed for people with frequent, severe symptoms.

Supraventricular tachyarrhythmias – Arrhythmias are treated differently depending on their causes. People with this problem may find relief by massaging their carotid sinuses in their necks.

There are a variety of medications that may be necessary for some people, including beta-blockers, calcium channel blockers, digoxin (Lanoxin), and amiodarone (Cordarone).

The radiofrequency catheter ablation procedure, which destroys a section of tissue in the A-V node, is effective for some patients because it prevents excess electrical impulses from reaching the ventricles.

Atrial fibrillation – Overactive thyroid can cause atrial fibrillation that can be treated with medications or surgery. A damaged heart valve can be replaced to treat fibrillation caused by mitral or aortic valve disease.

A number of medications have been found to slow the heart rate, including beta-blockers (such as atenolol and metoprolol), amiodarone, diltiazem (Cardizem, Tiazac), or verapamil (Calan, Isoptin, Verelan).

Atrial fibrillation can be prevented with medications such as amiodarone. A radiofrequency catheter ablation or electrical cardioversion may also be used as a treatment option, where an electrical shock is delivered to the heart to restore normal heart rhythm.

A-V block – It is usually not necessary to treat a first-degree A-V block. EKGs may be performed frequently on people with second-degree A-V blocks, especially if they show no symptoms and have an appropriate heart rate for their daily activities.

The patient may need a pacemaker permanently if he or she has second-degree heart block. Permanent pacemakers are almost always used for third-degree A-V blocks.

VT – If the heart has not suffered any structural damage, non-sustained VT may not require treatment. Treatment options for sustained VT include intravenous medicine or an emergency electrical shock (defibrillation), which can return the heart’s rhythm to normal.

Ventricular fibrillation – Defibrillation is used to treat this, delivering the heart a controlled electrical shock to get it back to a normal rhythm. In an emergency, the skin over the heart can get an electrical shock.

Potential candidates for an automated implantable cardioverter defibrillator include those who have survived ventricular fibrillation and those who are at high risk.

With wires linked to the heart that connects to an energy source under the skin, the device resembles a pacemaker. The operation is done in the operating room is where the procedure is done.

Prevention of Arrhythmia

By making a conscious effort to lead a healthy and active lifestyle, irregular heartbeats can be avoided.

The first steps in prevention involve focusing efforts on conscious choices including eating a diet low in cholesterol, avoiding smoking or exposure to secondhand smoke, and engaging in regular exercise to burn any extra body fat.

There are some preventive measures that can avoid the occurrence of irregular heartbeats are:

Limiting consumption of alcohol, drugs, and caffeine
Preventing unneeded stress such as fear, anger, and tension, and avoiding circumstances or situations that could mimic stress in these forms.

To the greatest extent possible, control blood sugar and salt levels in the body to prevent diabetes.

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Hepatitis: What are Hepatitis, Types, Symptoms, Causes, and Treatment

Leave a Comment / Health and Tips / Sarvesh Joshi

What is Hepatitis?

There are many types of hepatitis, but hepatitis, in general, refers to inflammation of the liver. The liver is prone to inflammation due to several causes, including viruses (viral hepatitis), chemicals, drugs, alcohol, genetic disorders, and an overactive immune system attacking the liver, called autoimmune hepatitis.

Acute hepatitis flares up suddenly and then subsides, but chronic hepatitis produces more subtle symptoms and results in progressive liver damage over time. Hepatitis A, B, C, D, and E are the five main viral types of hepatitis. Hepatitis caused by viruses differs from one type to another.

Types of Hepatitis:

Hepatitis A. There are no long-term infections associated with this type, and complications are usually not experienced. About two months pass before your liver heals. There is a vaccine you can use to prevent it.

Hepatitis B. A person usually recovers from this type of illness within six months. Unfortunately, it can sometimes lead to long-term infections that lead to liver damage. It is possible to spread the virus even if you don’t feel sick once you have the disease. A vaccine will prevent you from getting it.

Hepatitis C. There are several types of this disease, but many people don’t have symptoms. A long-term infection occurs in about 80% of people with the disease. There is a possibility that it can lead to cirrhosis of the liver. As far as I know, there is no vaccine to prevent it.

Hepatitis D. Only hepatitis B infections cause this rare form of hepatitis. Inflammation of the liver is also caused by the hepatitis D virus (HDV), but a person cannot contract HDV without also having hepatitis B. Hepatitis B chronic patients are affected by HDV in almost 5 percent of cases worldwide.

Hepatitis E. Viruses such as the hepatitis E virus (HEV) cause hepatitis E, a waterborne disease. People typically contract hepatitis E through ingesting fecal matter contaminated by contaminated water in areas with poor sanitation. A CDC report indicates that this disease is rare in the United States. When a pregnant woman is infected with hepatitis E, it can be particularly dangerous.

Causes of Hepatitis:

Infecting the liver with a virus causes viral hepatitis. About 90% of acute hepatitis cases in developed countries are caused by hepatitis A, B, and C viruses. It is also possible to contract hepatitis D and E from these viruses.

Alcohol, drugs, toxic chemicals, etc., are some of the main causes of non-viral hepatitis. There are also diseases affecting the liver that can cause them, such as fatty liver (NASH).

Symptoms of Hepatitis:

Most of the time, you don’t see any symptoms of hepatitis A until you’ve had the virus for a few weeks. The symptoms of hepatitis A do not affect everyone. You may experience the following signs and symptoms of hepatitis if you do:

Fatigue
Sudden vomiting and nausea
Discomfort or pain in your abdomen, especially beneath the lower ribs on your upper right side.
Constipation with clay-colored stools
Loss of appetite
Joint pain
Low-grade fever
Dark urine
Having yellow skin and eyes (jaundice)
Intense itching

These symptoms may last for a few weeks and be relatively mild. Although hepatitis A infections can sometimes cause severe illness, they do not always last for long periods.

How to Diagnose Hepatitis?

The diagnosis of hepatitis usually involves a combination of blood tests, imaging tests, and liver biopsies, depending on its cause and degree of progression. The immune system produces antibodies to fight viral hepatitis if it is suspected that a particular virus is causing the disease.

Samples of blood are tested to diagnose viral hepatitis if that virus is suspected. Viral and non-viral hepatitis can also be diagnosed with blood tests that look for signs of liver damage.

Labs and Tests:

Health care providers may suspect hepatitis if they notice flu-like symptoms, gastrointestinal symptoms, or jaundice (yellowing of the skin or whites of the eyes). A blood test may be ordered based on these symptoms as well as medical history and physical exam.

Liver Function Tests:

An individual’s blood can provide a great deal of information about his or her liver’s health. Tests for liver function are used to detect symptoms of hepatitis caused by bilirubin (a by-product of blood that causes jaundice) and certain liver enzymes.

In normal circumstances, the liver maintains tight control over these enzymes. Your healthcare provider can detect enzymes in a small sample of blood when it is damaged since enzymes escape into the blood when it is damaged.

Liver damage is typically detected by testing four enzymes:

Alanine aminotransaminase (ALT)
Aspartate aminotransferase (AST)
Gamma-glutamyl transaminase (GGT)
Total Bilirubin

Antibody Tests:

The body makes two types of antibodies: IgM antibodies for fighting specific viruses, which are produced as soon as the body identifies one. After infection, the body produces IgG antibodies that function to provide future immunity while also being specific to the virus.

Three hepatitis viruses can be tested for antibodies against – hepatitis B (HBV), hepatitis C (HCV), and hepatitis A (HAV).

Direct Viral Measures:

Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) tests can measure the amount of virus in the blood in addition to detecting antibodies against HBV and HCV.

Imaging:

While imaging tests cannot detect viral infections of the liver, they can reveal inflammation, changes in size, and tumors that result from chronic infections or liver disease caused by hepatitis.

Abdominal ultrasound: A liver and abdomen ultrasound can detect abnormalities in the liver and abdomen, as well as fluid buildup in the abdomen due to liver disease.
Computerized axial tomography (CT): Hepatitis can cause changes to the liver’s size and density, and an abdominal CT scan may detect masses or signs of early cancer.
Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI): MRIs can detect abnormalities suggestive of cancer or liver dysfunction.

How is Hepatitis treated?

Your treatment options will depend on the type of hepatitis you have and the severity of the infection.

Hepatitis A

The symptoms of hepatitis A may go away without treatment if it is a short-term illness. There may, however, be a need for bed rest if symptoms cause a great deal of discomfort. A dietary plan to maintain hydration and nutrition may be recommended by your doctor if you experience vomiting or diarrhea.

Hepatitis B

Acute hepatitis B does not have a specific treatment program. Those with chronic hepatitis B, however, will require antiviral medications. The cost of this type of treatment can be high, as you may need to continue it for several months or even years.

In addition to regular medical evaluations and monitoring, chronic hepatitis B treatment must also be monitored to determine whether the virus is responding.

Hepatitis C

Hepatitis C can be treated with antiviral medications both acutely and chronically. The most common type of antiviral drug therapy used for chronic hepatitis C is a combination of antiviral drugs. Further testing may also be required to determine the best treatment option.

The liver transplant procedure may be considered for people who develop cirrhosis or liver disease as a result of chronic hepatitis C.

Hepatitis D

Hepatitis D can be treated with pegylated interferon alpha, according to the WHO. There are, however, some severe side effects associated with this medication. Due to these reasons, it should not be taken by people with cirrhosis liver damage, psychiatric conditions, or autoimmune diseases.

Hepatitis E

Due to the nature of the infection, no specific medical treatment for hepatitis E is available at present. It usually resolves on its own because it is often acute.

A doctor will usually recommend getting enough rest, drinking plenty of fluids, eating enough nutrients, and avoiding alcohol for patients with this infection. This infection, however, must be closely monitored and treated in pregnant women who develop it.

You can Read Also: Hematoma: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatments

Tips to Prevent Hepatitis:

Keep your weight in check: Obesity leads to fatty liver and eventually cirrhosis. A low-fat diet is recommended to maintain the health and function of your liver. A liver scarred by fat infiltration interferes with its normal function and causes it to malfunction.

Limit alcohol consumption: If you consume too much alcohol, you will permanently damage your liver. Alcohol irritates the liver and causes swelling. The consumption of alcohol increases the risk of developing cirrhosis if you have any type of liver disease.

Vaccinations: A vaccine is available to protect against viral liver diseases such as Hepatitis A and B. It’s important to make sure you have completed all your vaccinations to avoid viral liver diseases, which can be prevented with the right prophylactic measures.

Be careful while taking medications: Acetaminophen is one of the most common drugs with harmful side effects on the liver. It is also possible to adversely affect your liver when you regularly consume drugs like Ibuprofen and Aspirin. NSAIDs (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) and other painkillers should be avoided to the greatest extent possible. A vitamin-like Vitamin A and a mineral-like Iron should be avoided if you already have some type of liver disease. Some herbal medicines, which are hepatotoxic should also be avoided.

Personal hygiene: The importance of personal hygiene in preventing Hepatitis cannot be overstated. Hepatitis infection can be prevented through frequent hand washing, avoiding sexual contact, not sharing needles, and consuming clean water and food. Food and water that have been contaminated should be avoided completely, especially when traveling. Person-to-person contact with an already infected patient should also be avoided to prevent the spread of the Hepatitis virus.

Complications of Hepatitis:

Hepatitis is primarily associated with liver complications. However, it can also cause:

Leg, ankle, and foot swelling
Confusion
Jaundice
Blood in the feces and vomit

Fibrosis, liver cirrhosis, and cancer are among the liver’s problems. The consequences of hepatitis are life-threatening if not treated properly.

When to See Doctor?

It is important for people who haven’t had the vaccine and believe they may have been exposed to hepatitis to see a doctor. Healthcare providers can take preventive measures to protect a fetus if a pregnant woman undergoes HBV screening.

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Hematoma: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatments

Leave a Comment / Health and Tips / Sarvesh Joshi

What is a Hematoma?

A hematoma is blood gathering outside of the blood vessels that cause discomfort, swelling, and disfiguring bruising. Some hematomas can harm internal organs, cause skin and tissue damage, and necessitate medical intervention.

Hematomas can occur when any type of blood vessel is injured, including arteries, veins, and small capillaries. Traumas such as vehicle accidents, head injuries, falls, aneurysms, and bone fractures can all result in hematomas. Hematomas are more likely to form in people with certain medical problems such as hemophilia, blood malignancies, and liver illness.

Hematoma is a common condition that many people face at some point in their lives. Under the skin or on the nails, bruises appear as purple bruises of varying sizes. Skin bruises are commonly referred to as contusions. A bruise may not be visible because it is deep within the body. It is not uncommon for hemostasis to produce a lump or mass that is feelable. Depending on where a hemorrhage is found, it is sometimes called by a specific name. Here are a few examples:

Subdural hematoma: A hematoma is a blood clot between brain tissue and the lining of the brain.
Spinal epidural hematoma: a hematoma between the spinal vertebrae and the spinal cord’s outer lining
Intracranial epidural hematoma: a hematoma between the skull and the brain’s outer lining
Subungual hematoma: Underneath the nail, there is a hematoma.
Intra-abdominal, peritoneal, or retroperitoneal hematoma: an internal hematoma in the abdominal cavity
Ear or aural hematoma: a hematoma involving the ear cartilage and the skin above it
Splenic hematoma: the presence of a hematoma in the spleen
Hepatic hematoma: the presence of a hematoma in the liver

What Are the Differences Between Bruises and Hematomas?

Bruises form when small blood vessels are damaged and blood leaks into the tissues beneath the skin. Hematomas, on the other hand, are greater leaks from larger blood arteries that cause blood to pool and can occur deeper in the body than broids.

Hematomas differ from bruises in that a bruise is flat and causes the affected area of the skin to turn black and blue. Meanwhile, a hematoma causes a painful bump on the skin that might be red, black, blue, or purple if the hematoma is visible.

Hematomas differ from bruises in terms of intensity and duration. Hematomas might remain a month or longer, but most bruises wear away within a few days to weeks. Hematomas can cause more severe and long-term pain than bruising.

Causes of hematoma:

Blood can flow into the surrounding tissue when a blood artery ruptures or is wounded, where it pools and forms a hematoma. Trauma or injury is the most prevalent cause of a hematoma. A bruise can be caused by a little injury to small blood vessels, such as capillaries in the skin. Larger veins can result in greater bleeding (hemorrhage) and larger hematomas, and head injuries can result in a hematoma forming inside the skull, compressing the brain.

Hematomas can also develop if your blood is unable to clot properly due to a coagulation condition, anticoagulant medicines, or a chronic disease.

Common causes of hematoma

A hematoma can be produced by several things, including:

Warfarin (Coumadin) and heparin are anticoagulant medicines.
Chronic diseases may necessitate a blood draw technique (venipuncture) or the implantation of an intravenous catheter.
Hemophilia and Von Willebrand’s disease are examples of coagulation abnormalities (hereditary bleeding disorder)
a lack of platelets (platelets are part of the normal blood clotting process)
Injury or a traumatic event

Certain blood thinners can increase the chances of a hematoma forming. People who take Coumadin (warfarin), Plavix (clopidogrel), aspirin, Persantine (dipyridamole), or aspirin-containing products (like Alka Seltzer) are more likely to develop a hematoma and have less severe blood vessel injury than others.

Because these drugs affect the blood’s ability to clot, modest blood vessel damage becomes more difficult to repair, resulting in hematoma formation.

Other drugs and substances that may cause excessive bleeding include:

vitamin E,
NSAIDs, or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications, such as ibuprofen (Motrin, Advil, Aleve),
garlic supplements, and
Ginkgo biloba.

Symptoms of Hematoma:

Symptoms of more superficial hematomas include:

discoloration
inflammation and swelling
tenderness in the area
redness
warmth in the skin surrounding the hematoma
Pain

Internal hematomas might be difficult to detect. Anyone who has been in an accident or experienced a significant injury should see a doctor regularly to have hematomas checked.

Hematomas in the brain are especially deadly. Even if you’ve seen a doctor about an injury, keep an eye out for new symptoms like:

a severe, worsening headache
uneven pupils
difficulty moving an arm or leg
hearing loss
difficulty swallowing
sleepiness
drowsiness
loss of consciousness

Risks of Hematoma:

The chance of acquiring a hematoma is increased by several variables. Hematoma can be caused by many factors, including:

Intracranial and intracerebral (brain) aneurysms are two types of aneurysms.
Therapy with anticoagulants, antiplatelets, or aspirin to prevent blood clots
Bleeding disorders, such as hemophilia
Blood vessel disorders or damage
Heavy alcohol use
Injuries caused by direct force or by explosions/blasts
Bleeding may be made worse by liver disease
As people get older, their skin and blood vessels grow more vulnerable.
a lack of platelets
Surgery
Vitamin K insufficiency is an example of a vitamin deficit (vitamin K is necessary for blood clotting)

Diagnosis of Hematoma:

A hematoma examination comprises a physical examination as well as a thorough medical history. There are no specific blood tests for evaluating a hematoma in general.

However, depending on the situation, tests such as a complete blood count (CBC), coagulation panel, chemistry and metabolic panel, and liver tests may be beneficial in examining a person with a hematoma and establishing whether any underlying disorders are responsible for the hematoma formation.

Imaging techniques are commonly used to diagnose hematomas within the body.

A computed tomography (CT) scan of the head can be used to diagnose a subdural hematoma.
If a hematoma in the abdominal cavity (intra-abdominal, hepatic, splenic, retroperitoneal, peritoneal) is suspected, a CT scan of the abdomen is a suitable test.
A magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan is more accurate than a CT scan in detecting epidural hematomas.

When to See the Doctor for Hematoma?

If the symptoms of a hematoma are severe or the size of the hematoma continues to grow, medical attention should be sought. Hematomas in the brain (subdural) and epidural hematomas, for example, usually require immediate medical and surgical intervention, especially if they are coupled with neurologic issues.

Emergency department physicians, urgent care physicians, surgeons, neurosurgeons, and internal medicine doctors are the most common clinicians who treat hematoma patients.

Home remedies for Treating hematoma:

Contusions are the most common cause of cutaneous hematomas, which can be treated with rest, cold, compression, and elevation (RICE). They will eventually be resolved. Immobilization of the damaged body part for a few days, depending on the location, may hasten recovery, but there must be a balance between healing and maintaining the affected body part’s range of motion.

Patients using blood thinners, for example, should avoid ibuprofen because of the risk of stomach bleeding, while patients with liver illness should carefully monitor their acetaminophen intake.

Treatment of Hematoma:

A hematoma may not require treatment in some instances. The blood from the hematoma is normally absorbed by the body over time.

Rest the wounded area and apply an ice pack wrapped in a towel to relieve any pain or swelling from a hematoma under the skin, nail, or other soft tissue.
Wrapping or splinting the area around the hematoma may help prevent the blood vessel from reopening while it heals. If this is essential, a doctor will give you detailed instructions on how to perform it.

If the injury is painful, doctors may prescribe over-the-counter or prescription pain medications. They would normally advise a person to stay away from certain pain medicines, such as aspirin because they thin the blood and can exacerbate the hematoma.

A hematoma may require surgical drainage in some cases. If blood is placing pressure on the spinal cord, brain, or other organs, surgery may be necessary. Doctors may decide to remove a hematoma that is in danger of infection in other instances.

Even though the hematoma is inside the skull, surgical therapy may not be required in all situations. The hematoma may continue to expand in rare circumstances when the injured blood vessel continues to leak blood. The outcome is a mixture of old and fresh blood, which specialists will have to extract.

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Heart Attack: Symptoms, Causes, Diagnosis, Prevention, and Treatment

Leave a Comment / Health and Tips / Sarvesh Joshi

A heart attack ensues when the blood supply to the heart is substantially diminished or blocked. An accumulation of chemicals, fat, and cholesterol blocks the coronary arteries. Plaques are fatty, cholesterol-containing deposits. Their accumulation is called atherosclerosis.

When a plaque breaks, a clot can form, cutting off blood flow. A shortage of blood flow can cause a portion of the heart muscle to be damaged or destroyed.

What is a Heart Attack?

A myocardial infarction (also known as a heart attack) is a dangerous ailment that occurs when the blood supply to your heart muscle is interrupted. There are a variety of things that can cause problems with your blood flow, but the most common cause is a blockage in one or more of your heart’s arteries. The injured cardiac muscle will begin to die if there is no blood supply. If blood flow isn’t restored soon after a heart attack, serious cardiac damage and death can result.

Causes of Heart Attack

Coronary artery disease (CAD) is a condition in which your arteries constrict and harden as a result of the buildup of a fatty substance called plaque.

Plaque is a substance that forms in the inner lining of your artery walls and is made up of fat, cholesterol, and other components. Atherosclerosis, or artery stiffening, is the result of this buildup.

When a blood clot lodges in an artery that has previously been constricted by plaque development, blood flow to your heart can be entirely cut off or substantially diminished.

A spasm, or tightness, of a coronary artery, is a less common cause of heart attacks. In extreme cold or under stress, smoking, high blood pressure, alcohol withdrawal, recreational stimulants, or exposure to high blood pressure can result in spasms.

Three common heart disease risk factors can put you at higher risk for a heart attack:

High blood pressure
High blood cholesterol or triglycerides
Smoking

Other factors that enhance your chances of having a heart attack include:

Being male age 45 or older
Being female age 55 or older
Obesity
Diabetes
Family history of heart disease
Lack of physical activity
Stress
Use of stimulant medications for recreational purposes (including cocaine and amphetamines)
Autoimmune illnesses are a type of autoimmune disease (such as rheumatoid arthritis and lupus)

Heart Attack Symptoms

A heart attack has distinct symptoms that necessitate prompt medical intervention.
A sense of pressure can detect a heart attack, tightness, discomfort, squeezing, or hurting in the chest or arms that spread to the neck, jaw, or back.

Other probable signs and symptoms of a heart attack include the following:

Coughing
Nausea
Vomiting
Crushing chest pain
Dizziness
Shortness of breath called dyspnea
Face seeming grey
There is a sense of terror that life is about to end
Feeling awful, generally,
Restlessness
Feeling clammy and sweaty
Shortness of breath

The agony of a heart attack is not relieved by changing positions. A person’s discomfort is usually constant, though it might be sporadic at times. It’s possible to have a silent heart attack, in which you don’t feel any pain and the sole symptom is indigestion-like discomfort. Women and diabetics are more likely to experience this. Silent ischemia (lack of oxygen) to the heart muscle is the medical term for it.

Heart Attack Risk Factors

Heart attacks are caused by several factors, including:

Men and women in their fifties and sixties are more likely than younger men and women to have a heart attack.
Tobacco use is a problem. Tobacco use also includes long-term exposure to secondhand smoke. Smokers should give up.
Blood pressure that is too high. High blood pressure can damage the arteries that lead to the heart over time. High blood pressure, raises the risk even more along with other health problems, such as obesity, high cholesterol, or diabetes.
Cholesterol or triglyceride levels that are too high. A high amount of low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol (the “bad”) is the most common cause of artery narrowing. A high level of triglycerides, a kind of blood fat, also raises the risk of a heart attack. If your high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol — the “good” cholesterol — levels are in the normal range, your risk of a heart attack may be reduced.
Obesity has been associated with high blood pressure, diabetes, high triglyceride and bad cholesterol levels, and low good cholesterol levels.
During times of low insulin or insufficient insulin utilization, blood sugar levels rise. A heart attack is more likely when blood sugar levels are high.
Metabolic syndrome. An expanded waist (central obesity), high blood pressure, low good cholesterol, high triglycerides, and excessive blood sugar are all factors in this condition. If you have metabolic syndrome, your chances of developing heart disease are two times higher than if you don’t.
Family history of heart attacks. You may be at higher risk if a sibling, sister, father, or grandparent had a heart attack at a young age (by age 55 for men and 65 for women).
Not enough exercise. Sedentary behavior (lack of physical activity) has been related to an increased risk of heart attacks. Exercise enhances heart health when done regularly.
Unhealthy diet. Heart attacks are increased by a diet heavy in sweets, animal fats, processed foods, trans fats, and salt. Consume plenty of fruits, veggies, fiber, and omega-3 fatty acids.
The risk of heart attacks increases when people are under stress, such as when they are angry.
Illegal drug use. Stimulants include cocaine and amphetamines. They can cause a heart attack by causing a coronary artery spasm.
A history of preeclampsia. High blood pressure occurs during pregnancy; this is the cause of preeclampsia. It raises the risk of heart disease over time.
An autoimmune condition. Heart attacks are more likely to occur if you have conditions like lupus or rheumatoid arthritis.

How to Diagnosis of Heart Attack?

Your doctor may prescribe one or more of the following tests:

EKG: This simple test, often known as an electrocardiogram or ECG, measures the electrical activity of the heart. It can determine how much and where your cardiac muscle has been affected. Your heart rate and rhythm can also be monitored.

Blood tests: A series of blood tests, performed every 4 to 8 hours, can aid in the diagnosis of a heart attack and the detection of any ongoing cardiac damage. Heart muscle injury might be indicated by different levels of cardiac enzymes in your blood. These enzymes are frequently found inside the heart’s cells. When those cells are injured, their contents leak into your bloodstream, including the enzymes. Your doctor can determine the size of the heart attack and when it began by examining the levels of these enzymes. Troponin levels can also be measured using tests. Troponins are proteins produced by heart cells when they are injured due to a shortage of blood supply to the heart.

Echocardiography: Sound waves are bounced off your heart to create images in this ultrasound test. It can be used to determine how your heart is pumping and which parts aren’t pumping as they should be during and after a heart attack. The “echo” can also identify if any portions of your heart were harmed during the heart attack (valves, septum, etc.).

Cardiac catheterization: If drugs aren’t improving the ischemia or symptoms, you may need cardiac catheterization, also known as cardiac cath, during the initial hours of a heart attack. Cardiac catheterization can provide an image of the blocked artery and aid your doctor in making a treatment decision.

A catheter (a thin, hollow tube) is placed into a blood artery in the groin or wrist and threaded up to your heart during this treatment. The arteries of your heart are highlighted with dye. Blockages can then be identified and repaired using angioplasty or stents to unblock the artery and restore blood flow. Your doctor may do a variety of tests to evaluate your heart. If cardiac catheterization is not a possibility, an intravenous blood thinner can be used to open the artery.

Heart computed tomography (CT) scan: This imaging procedure creates a very detailed scan of your heart using X-rays and computer processing.

Heart MRI: This test creates a picture of your heart using a high magnetic field and computer processing.

Nuclear heart scans: These scans, like angiography, involve a radioactive tracer injected into your blood. They differ from angiography in that they employ computer-assisted imaging techniques such as computed tomography (CT) or positron emission tomography (PET) scans.

Treatment of Heart Attack

Your doctor may suggest a procedure if you’ve had a heart attack (surgery or nonsurgical). These procedures can help ease pain and reduce the risk of another heart attack.

Common procedures include:

A stent is a wire mesh tube that surgeons place in the artery after angioplasty to keep it open.
An angioplasty is a procedure that involves the use of a balloon to unblock a blocked artery or remove plaque buildup. It’s vital to know that angioplasty is no longer often used by doctors.
Heart bypass surgery. The blood is rerouted around the blockage during bypass surgery.
Heart valve surgery. Valve repair or replacement surgery helps the heart pump by repairing or replacing leaky valves.
Invasive medical devices consist of pacemakers that are inserted under the skin. It can aid in the normalization of your heart’s rhythm.
Heart transplant. In circumstances where a heart attack results in the permanent tissue death of the majority of the heart, surgeons may consider a heart transplant.

Your doctor may also prescribe the following medications to help you recover from a heart attack:

aspirin
other drugs to break up clots
Blood thinners include antiplatelet and anticoagulants.
pain relievers
nitroglycerin
blood pressure medication
Beta-blockers

When it comes to a heart attack, the timing of therapy is critical. After a heart attack, the sooner you receive treatment, the faster blood flow can be restored to the afflicted area of your heart, and the more effective the outcome will be.

Helping Someone Having a Heart Attack:

Call 108 or your local emergency number. Don’t dismiss the warning signs of a heart attack. Have a neighbor or a friend drive you to the nearest hospital if you can’t get an ambulance or emergency vehicle to come to you. Only drive yourself if you have no other choice. Your health may deteriorate while you are behind the wheel.
Take an Aspirin. Aspirin works by preventing blood clots. It may help to decrease cardiac damage if given during a heart attack. If you are allergic to aspirin or have been instructed by your doctor that you should not take it, don’t take it.
If nitroglycerin is prescribed, take it. You should take nitroglycerin as prescribed by your physician if you believe you are suffering a heart attack and are waiting for emergency medical care.
If the victim is unconscious, start CPR. After calling for emergency medical care, if the person isn’t breathing or you can’t find a pulse, start CPR to keep the blood flowing.
Push firmly and fast on the person’s chest center in a very rapid rhythm — around 100 to 120 compressions per minute.
If an automated external defibrillator (AED) is nearby and the person is unconscious, use it according to the device’s instructions.

Heart Attack Complications

Damage to the cardiac muscle is a common cause of heart attack complications. A heart attack may result in the following complications:

Irregular or atypical heart rhythms (arrhythmias). Damage from a heart attack can alter the way electrical signals go through the heart, creating irregular heartbeats. Some of these are potentially fatal.
Cardiogenic shock. This uncommon illness happens when the heart stops pumping blood suddenly and unexpectedly.
Heart failure. Damage to the heart muscle tissue can prevent the heart from pumping blood. Heart failure can be short-term or long-term (chronic).
The sac-like tissue that surrounds the heart is inflamed (pericarditis). A defective immune system response can be triggered by a heart attack. Dressler syndrome, postmyocardial infarction syndrome, or postcardiac damage syndrome are all names for this illness.
Cardiac arrest. The heart ceases without warning. Abrupt cardiac arrest is caused by a sudden change in the heart’s signaling. This life-threatening illness is made more likely after a heart attack. Without quick treatment, it can result in death (sudden cardiac death).

Recovery from Heart Attack

Your heart may be injured if you’ve had a heart attack. Your heart’s rhythm and capacity to pump blood to the rest of your body may be affected. As well as second heart attacks, you might also be at risk for illnesses such as strokes, renal disease, and peripheral arterial disease (PAD).

Following these steps will reduce your risk of experiencing future health problems after a heart attack:

Physical activity: Talk to your healthcare providers about the things you do in your life and at work daily. Following a heart attack, your doctor may advise you to reduce your employment, travel, and sexual activity for a while.
Lifestyle change: In addition to taking prescription medications, you can improve your heart health and quality of life by eating a healthy diet, increasing physical activity, stopping smoking, and managing stress. For assistance in making these lifestyle changes, discuss enrolling in a cardiac rehabilitation program with your doctor.
Cardiac Rehabilitation: Anyone recovering from a heart attack, heart failure, or another heart disease that necessitated surgery or medical treatment should consider cardiac rehabilitation. In cardiac rehab, a variety of activities are incorporated into a supervised program.
- Physical activity
- Education about how to live a healthy lifestyle, including how to eat well, take medications as recommended, and quit smoking.
- Stress can be managed and mental health improved through counseling.

Prevention of Heart Attack

A healthy lifestyle is the most effective method to avoid a heart attack. The following are some examples of healthy living measures:

not smoking
eating a balanced, healthful diet
getting plenty of exercises
getting plenty of good quality sleep
keeping diabetes under control
keeping alcohol intake down
maintaining blood cholesterol at optimum levels
keeping blood pressure at a safe level
maintaining a healthy body weight
avoiding stress where possible
learning how to manage stress

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Headaches: Types, Symptoms, Causes, Diagnosis & Treatment

Leave a Comment / Health and Tips / Sarvesh Joshi

People experience headaches many times during their lives, as they are a very common condition. An intense headache is usually accompanied by head or facial pain. It may be throbbing, constant, dull, or sharp.

There are several ways to treat headaches, including medication, stress management, and biofeedback. Nobody wants to experience throbbing in the head. This is a common condition in the world. In the past year, 75% of adults worldwide experienced headaches.

The presence of a headache is a major cause of absenteeism at work and in school. It can affect a person’s social and family life as well. Chronic headaches can make some people feel anxious and depressed.

Symptoms of Headaches:

There are different types of headaches. Symptoms such as headache frequency and intensity may vary, as well. Typical headache symptoms include the following:

Chronic headache with a slow onset
In most cases, the head hurts both sides
A dull ache or a feeling of vice or band around the head
The back or neck may be affected by pain
The pain is moderate to mild, but not severe

The most common symptoms of tension-type headaches are nausea, vomiting, and sensitivity to light (photophobia).

There are many conditions or medical problems that can mimic headache symptoms. Go check with your healthcare provider if you have any symptoms of severe headache.

Causes of Headaches:

Pain is caused by a combination of signals between your brain and blood vessels, as well as nearby nerves. In your blood vessels and head muscles, certain nerves activate and send pain signals to your brain.

There is no clear way to turn on these signals, Here are some common causes of headaches:

Illness: Fever, infections, and colds are examples of this. Other conditions that can cause headaches include sinusitis (inflammation of the sinuses), a throat infection, and an ear infection. Occasionally, headaches may be caused by a blow to the head or may indicate an underlying medical condition.

Stress: Among the causes of depression and emotional stress are drinking, skipping meals, changing sleep patterns, and taking too many medications. A bad posture can also lead to neck and back pain.

Environment: There are a variety of pollutants in our environment. For example, secondhand tobacco smoke, household chemicals, perfumes, and food allergens. Other triggers may include stress, pollution, noise, lighting, and weather changes.

Genetics: Headaches, particularly migraine headaches, run in families. Children and teens who have migraines are more likely to have family members who also suffer from migraines. In families with migraine histories, there is a 70% chance that their child will also suffer from migraines. Only 25%-50% of children will suffer from these headaches if only one parent suffers from them.

Diagnosis Headaches:

An examination of the nervous system and a detailed patient history help physicians diagnose headache causes and rule out underlying medical conditions. Diagnosis of headache includes the following tests:

Computed tomography (CT) imaging of the head: The CT scan combines sophisticated x-ray equipment with sophisticated computers to produce multiple images of the inside of the body.

Using CT imaging of the brain, doctors can detect bleeding caused by aneurysm ruptures or leaks, strokes, brain tumors, and diseases or malformations of the skull. It is possible to perform a CT angiography (CTA). An intravenously injected contrast material is used in CTA to examine cerebral blood vessels.

MRI: Magnetic resonance imaging MRI produces detailed pictures of organs, soft tissues, bones, and virtually all internal body structures using a magnetic field, radio frequency pulses, and a computer.

An MRI of the brain helps physicians diagnose tumors, developmental abnormalities, blood vessel problems (such as aneurysms), disorders of the eyes and the inner ear, stroke, and certain chronic diseases of the nervous system, such as multiple sclerosis.

It’s easy to diagnose MRI headaches caused by a condition called a Chiari malformation, which is congenital and can cause migraines.

Lumbar puncture: A small amount of cerebrospinal fluid is removed from the lower part of the spinal column, the region surrounding the brain and spinal cord, for analysis.

Lumbar punctures are commonly used to diagnose infections, including meningitis (an infection of the membranes that cover the brain) and encephalitis (an infection of the brain itself), inflammatory conditions of the nervous system, including Guillain-Barre syndrome, multiple sclerosis, and bleeding around the brain (subarachnoid hemorrhage).

CT Angiography: If you are suspected of having an aneurysm, you may undergo CT Angiography.

You can also read: Hair Loss: Causes, Prevention, Treatments, and Restoration

Treatment for Headaches:

Pain killers and rest are the most effective medications for headaches.

Various other options are also available if you have severe pain:

Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, which are available over-the-counter.
Medications prescribed by a physician.
Medications that prevent specific conditions, like migraines.
The treatment of underlying conditions.

To prevent medication overuse headaches, it’s important to follow a doctor’s recommendations.

To treat medication overuse headaches, the medication must be reduced or stopped.

A healthcare provider can help develop a plan for safely reducing or stopping medications. There may be times when an individual needs a short hospital stay to deal with withdrawal safely and effectively.

Prevention of Headaches:

The first step in stopping a headache is to identify what is causing it. Most people suffer from chronic headaches because of a specific trigger. Here are some tips to prevent headaches are as follows:

Reduce stress: Considering how busy we are currently and how connected we are, this might sound impossible in today’s world. To stop headaches in their tracks, you need to manage and reduce your stress levels.

Try yoga, meditation, or focus on a hobby that you find soothing and relaxing instead of overcommitting yourself. Anything that reduces your stress and makes you feel calmer will help reduce your headache frequency.

Eliminate the use of caffeine: Caffeine is one of the more effective headache remedies (and it is even used in some over-the-counter migraine medications). Even though caffeine is unlikely to be the sole cause of chronic headaches, it is a risk factor that can be addressed relatively easily.

Those who are heavy coffee drinkers may experience withdrawal-induced headaches when they cut out caffeine at first, but those symptoms will go away within a few days.

Change diet: Nutrition and diet are several factors that can cause headaches. Certain food additives and ingredients can trigger an allergic reaction in some people, such as chocolate and a certain quality of cheese.

Alcohol, especially red wine, can also trigger an allergic reaction. Others suffer from headaches caused by dehydration if they don’t drink enough water. Allergic reactions to food can also contribute to headaches.

Eliminate foods and drinks that you suspect are triggers from your diet one at a time to find the culprit. Always remember to eat healthily, get regular exercise, and stay hydrated. Even small changes can have a big impact on headache prevention.

Get some sleep: Go to bed earlier and get a solid eight hours of sleep rather than watching just one more episode of your favorite Netflix show. It will do wonders in terms of headache prevention.

You should try to maintain a consistent sleep/wake schedule so that you get used to waking up and going to bed at roughly the same time regardless of whether you are at work or on vacation.

Quit smoking: Smoking and headaches are not proven causally linked, but there is plenty of anecdotal evidence pointing that way. According to studies, 90% of people with chronic cluster headaches smoke.

The results of these studies suggest that smoking might contribute to headaches. Quitting smoking could help you experience fewer headaches each month.

You can also read: Food Allergies: Symptoms, Treatment, and Causes

Home remedies for getting rid of headaches

Home remedies do wonders when it comes to curing something, while headache is not a dangerous disease but it can if it is very severe. Mild headaches can be cured by doing some home remedies which are listed below:

Drink plenty of water: This advice is also a good way to stop a headache if you did not heed it about how to prevent headaches. Water relieves headaches. You can eat a lot of fruits, soups, and other foods with a lot of water if you don’t like water.

Use a hot or cold compress: You might have to experiment a bit before determining whether heat or cold is right for your headache, but both should be included in your repertoire of home remedies.

If you have a migraine, apply cold water or an ice pack to your forehead or back of your neck. By constricting blood vessels and reducing inflammation, the cold will decrease the sensation of pain. Warm compresses can soothe your muscles and relieve headaches caused by tension headaches.

Massage pressure points: Whenever your head hurts, you may instinctively rub your back or your temples. It’s a good idea to massage these areas of your head and face to help relieve tension and ease a tension headache.

There are also pressure points between the eyebrows and on either side of the bridge of the nose, in addition to the neck and temples.

Vitamins & minerals: The use of vitamin and mineral supplements is one of the most popular natural treatments for headaches.

There is evidence that low magnesium levels can cause migraine headaches, and vitamins B and E may help treat them. You can find natural headache relief by increasing your intake of the above supplements.

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Hair Loss: Causes, Prevention, Treatments, and Restoration

Leave a Comment / Health and Tips / Sarvesh Joshi

You can lose your hair temporarily or permanently depending on whether it is on your scalp or your whole body. There is a possibility that it is caused by heredity, hormonal changes, medical conditions, or a normal process of aging. Hair loss on the head is common among men, but it can affect anyone.

Hair loss from the scalp is usually the cause of baldness. Baldness is most commonly caused by hereditary hair loss as we age. Untreated and unhidden hair loss is desirable for some people. There are other ways to conceal it, such as with hairstyles, makeup, hats, or scarves. Moreover, some people choose to stop further hair loss or restore existing hair growth by choosing one of the available treatments.

Speak with your doctor about your hair loss treatment options and the cause of your hair loss before starting.

Hair Loss Symptoms:

Losing more hair than usual is the main symptom of alopecia, but it’s challenging to identify.

Here are some signs to look for:

Widening part. A thinning hair strand may appear as a wider part in your hair, which can indicate that your hair is thinning.

Receding hairline. Thinning hair could also appear higher on the hairline than usual.

Loose hair. Be sure to check your brush after using it. It’s a sign that you can check whether your fall is massive or not. Then you may be experiencing hair loss.

Bald patches. Their size can vary and they can grow over time.

Clogged drains. A clogged shower drain or sink drain might be caused by hair.

Pain or itching. You may also experience pain or itching on your scalp if you have an underlying skin condition that is causing your hair loss.

Causes of Hair Loss:

Here are some of the causes of hair loss which include:

Hormonal Changes: A woman’s hormone levels change during pregnancy, childbirth, menopause, or when she changes contraceptives. As a result of hormonal changes, hair falls tend to increase. The childbirth process is extremely stressful on the body and can cause a large number of hair follicles to go into a resting phase. A condition known as telogen effluvium describes this type of hair loss. It is, however, reversible.
Heredity: Genetically caused hair loss is a natural occurrence. Men commonly suffer from androgenetic alopecia. It is also referred to as male-pattern baldness or hereditary baldness.
Medications: Chemotherapy drugs, antidepressants, arthritis medications, and high blood pressure medications can cause hair loss. Radiation therapy is used to treat cancer and it can lead to hair loss.
Stress: Hair becomes weaker after being deprived of nutrients due to stress. Try yoga, meditation, or working out to stay healthy. It works in controlling hair loss as you gave up all your stress and be stress-free.
Vitamin Deficiency: A hair is composed of protein, amino acids, and peptide bonds. Eating a balanced diet can help nourish these structures. Hair loss may be caused by a low diet in proteins (from animal or plant sources), iron, zinc, and vitamin C and B.
Lifestyle Habits: Hair loss can be caused by lifestyle habits like inadequate sleep, working outdoors while exposed to the sun, and smoking. Those habits disrupt the body’s natural mechanisms that maintain healthy hair.

How is Hair Loss Diagnosed?

The doctor will look at your diet, how you care for your hair, and your medical and family history before making a diagnosis. Among the tests you might undergo are the following:

Blood test. Hair loss might be caused by certain medical conditions.

Pull test. As your doctor gently pulls several dozen hairs, he counts how many have fallen out. By doing so, he can determine what stage the hair loss process is in.

Scalp biopsy. In order to examine the hair roots under a microscope, your doctor scrapes skin samples or pulls a few hairs from the scalp. A biopsy of these samples can help identify the cause of hair loss.

Light microscopy. Doctors use special instruments to examine the hairs trimmed at their bases. Microscopy provides insight into possible hair shaft disorders.

You can also read: GENETIC DISORDERS: TYPES, SYMPTOMS & CAUSES

Treatment Options for Hair Loss

Your provider will address these factors in case of medication side effects, hormonal imbalances, thyroid disease, or diet-related hair loss. Stopping hair loss is often as simple as fixing the underlying problem.

Androgenic alopecia (which affects both men and women) is typically treated with hair loss treatments. Treatment options include:

Medication: Usually, thinning hair is treated with over-the-counter medications applied to your scalp (like minoxidil or Rogaine®). Finasteride, or Propecia®, is an oral prescription medication approved only for men suffering from male pattern baldness.

Hair transplant: When you undergo a hair transplant, your provider carefully removes hair from an area of your scalp where it is thickest. After implantation, the provider implanted those strands on the scalp, where the hair is thinnest.

Scalp reduction: A surgeon removes hairless skin from the scalp and then seals the area with hair from the rest of your scalp. An alternative method is a flap, in which your surgeon folds hairy scalp over bald patches.

A couple of procedures are required to cover bald spots with tissue expansion. An expander is placed under the part of your scalp that still has hair next to the bald spot in the first operation.

A few weeks after you apply the expander, the hair-bearing part of your scalp stretches. The surgeon will remove the expander in the second surgery and pull the expanded area of hair over the bald spot.

How to Prevent Hair Loss?

When you lose your hair, you can suffer emotional stress as well as lose confidence. The good news is that you can stop hair loss in a number of ways.

Eat extra protein: Your hair growth may be affected if you do not consume enough protein each day. Vegans and vegetarians may need to consume more protein. You can also get your daily protein requirement by eating beans and legumes, eggs, or Greek yogurt.
Vitamins: Several tests can be performed by your doctor to determine if you are vitamin deficient. Hair growth can be affected by certain vitamins and minerals, such as vitamins A, B, C, D, E, zinc, and iron.
Maintain Mediterranean diet: The Mediterranean diet consists of fruits, vegetables, and protein, which is beneficial, especially compared to other trendy diets.
Medications: You may have heard of minoxidil, the over-the-counter medication that helps in preventing hair loss. This medication really helps to prevent hair loss.
Maintain good hair and scalp care: Don’t use harsh hair treatments like hair dye, bleaching, and heating tools. Your hair may also be affected by hairstyles such as tight ponytails or braids. Take care to wash your scalp and hair regularly.

When to See Doctor about Hair Loss

You should consult your doctor if you are concerned about persistent hair loss in you or your child. Talk with your doctor about early treatment if you have a receding hairline (frontal fibrosing alopecia) to avoid permanent hair loss.

When combing or washing your child’s hair, speak with your doctor if you notice more than usual hair loss or sudden or patchy hair loss. Unexpected hair loss may indicate an underlying health condition that needs to be addressed.

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Genetic Disorders: Types, Symptoms & Causes

Leave a Comment / Health and Tips / Sarvesh Joshi

What are Genetic Disorders?

Mutations (also known as pathogenic variants) can affect your genes and cause genetic disorders or when you have an incorrect amount of genetic material. A person’s genes are composed of DNA (deoxyribonucleic acid), which contains instructions for how their cells function and the characteristics that make them special.

Genetic mutations are inherited from one or both biological parents, as well as half your genes from each parent. Mutations can occur when DNA is damaged and is often caused by mutations. While some develop soon after birth, others develop over time.

Genetic disorders can be:

Chromosome: A chromosome is a structure that holds your genes or DNA in each cell. These conditions cause people to have extra or duplicated chromosomes.
Complex (multifactor): These conditions are caused by a combination of gene mutations and environmental factors. A few of these include chemical exposure, diet, certain medications, as well as tobacco and alcohol use.
Single-gene (monogenic): These conditions are caused by a single gene mutation.

What are common genetic disorders?

There are basically four types of genetic disorders and further are classified into these categories. The four different types of genetic disorders (inherited) include:

1. Single gene inheritance: Several other names for single gene inheritance exist, including Mendelian inheritance and monogenetic inheritance. This type of inheritance results from changes in the DNA sequence of one gene. This type of inheritance is known as one-gene inheritance or single-gene inheritance. They’re called monogenetic disorders (disorders resulting from a single gene).

Examples of single-gene inheritance are as follows:

Sickle cell anemia (sickle cell disease).
Marfan syndrome.
Fragile X syndrome.
Cystic fibrosis.
Alpha- and beta-thalassemias.
Huntington’s disease.
Hemochromatosis.

2. Multifactorial inheritance: It is also referred to as polygenic inheritance or multifactorial inheritance. Genetic disorders caused by multiple factors are called multifactorial inheritance disorders. Chromosomes 6, 11, 13, 14, 15, 17, and 22 have been found to contain genes that are associated with breast cancer susceptibility. Multifactorial diseases are common chronic conditions.

Examples of multifactorial inheritance are as follows:

Alzheimer’s disease.
Arthritis.
Diabetes.
Heart disease.
High blood pressure.
Cancer.
Obesity.

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3. Chromosome abnormalities: DNA and proteins are found in distinct structures called chromosomes, which are contained in the nucleus of every cell. A disorder of chromosome number or structure can lead to disease since chromosomes carry genetic material. Cell division abnormalities are typically responsible for chromosomal abnormalities.

Some examples of this kind of disorder are as follows:

Down syndrome
Klinefelter syndrome.
Triple-X syndrome.
Turner syndrome.
Trisomy 18.
Trisomy 13.
fragile X syndrome.

4. Mitochondrial inheritance: There is a mutation in mitochondrial non-nuclear DNA that causes this genetic disorder. A mitochondrion is a small, round, or rod-shaped organelle found in the cytoplasm of plants and animals that performs cellular respiration. It is possible for mitochondrion to contain up to 10 circular DNA pieces. Mitochondrial DNA is always inherited from the female parent as egg cells, but not sperm cells, keep their mitochondria during fertilization.

Examples of mitochondrial inheritance are as follows:

Leber’s hereditary optic atrophy (LHON).
Mitochondrial encephalopathy, lactic acidosis, and stroke-like episodes (MELAS)
Myoclonic epilepsy with ragged red fibers (MERRF).
Lactic acidosis.

Other types of genetic disorders?

Rare diseases can also be caused by genetic disorders. There are less than 200,000 Americans affected by this group of conditions. Approximately 7,000 of these diseases may exist, according to experts.

Rare genetic problems include:

AA amyloidosis.
Mitochondrial diseases.
Adrenoleukodystrophy (ALD).
Ehlers-Danlos syndrome.
Usher syndrome.

What are the causes of genetic disorders?

For a better understanding of how your genes and DNA work, it’s helpful to learn more about how they work. Your genes contain the DNA that instructs your body to make proteins.

They help you maintain a healthy immune system by allowing complex cell interactions to occur. The instructions for making proteins are affected by mutations. It is possible that proteins are missing. Or they might not work properly.

Factors that may lead to genetic mutations (also called mutagens) are:

Chemical exposure.
Radiation exposure.
UV exposure from the sun.

What are the symptoms of genetic disorders?

Listed below are some characteristics that may suggest that your child has a genetic disorder. Many of these characteristics are common to people without a mental disorder as well. Consult your doctor if your child displays two or more of the following symptoms:

abnormal ears
Unusual or different features compared to other members of the family
brittle or sparse hair
excessive body hair
white patches of hair
unusually shaped eyes
different colored eyes
a large or small tongue
miss happen teeth
missing or extra teeth
loose or stiff joints
behavioral changes or disturbances.
breathing problems.
unusually tall or short stature
excessive skin
unusual birthmarks
webbed fingers or toes
increased or decreased sweating
unusual body odor

How are genetic disorders identified?

Doctors can suspect a genetic disease from a person’s physical characteristics and family history, or they may rely on screening tests to confirm the diagnosis.

In addition to genetic testing, doctors also use other techniques to diagnose genetic conditions. Examples of such approaches are:

A physical examination: Genetic disorders can be diagnosed based on certain physical characteristics, such as distinctive facial features. Geneticists will evaluate you physically, including measurements such as the circumference of the head, the distance between the eyes, and the length of your arms and legs. Specialized examinations can be performed, such as those of the nervous system (neurology) or the eyes (ophthalmology). As well as x-rays, computerized tomography (CT) scans, or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), a doctor can use imaging studies to examine the body’s structures.
Medical history: Genetic diagnoses can be figured out from information about a person’s health, often going back to birth. Past medical issues, hospitalizations, surgeries, allergies, medications, and the results of any genetic or medical tests a person has had are examples of medical history.

Family history: A family history can help diagnose genetic disorders because genetic conditions are often passed down through generations. If an individual has parents, siblings, children, or even more distant relatives with health problems, a doctor or genetic counselor may inquire about their conditions. Information like this can help determine whether and how a genetic condition is inherited in a family.
Laboratory tests: Genetic disorders can be diagnosed using chromosomal, biochemical, or molecular genetic testing. Other laboratory tests measuring the levels of certain substances in blood and urine can also provide clues as to the diagnosis.

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Treatment for genetic disorders

There is no known cure for genetic disorders called “inborn errors of metabolism” or “storage diseases.” The only known treatment is bone marrow transplantation (BMT). Gene mutations lead to an imbalance of certain substances in the body, usually proteins, resulting in toxic chemicals accumulating inside cells.

Depending on what proteins are missing and which chemicals accumulate, a specific disease manifests. Hearing loss and eye damage are among the symptoms, as are growth failure, neurodegenerative disorders, and early death. During a BMT, stem cells are implanted into the patient (undifferentiated cells with the potential to develop into a wide variety of cell types). There are no genetic mutations in the new stem cells. They become the appropriate cell type when they migrate to the affected organ.

BMT has also been successful in treating storage diseases such as adrenoleukodystrophy, metachromatic leukodystrophy, Krabbe disease, and Niemann-Pick disease.

Various other treatments are also available that help to treat various genetic disorders:

Symptoms can be controlled by medications, or abnormal cell growth can be slowed by chemotherapy.
Nutritional counseling or dietary supplements to ensure your body gets the nutrients it needs.
Therapy to increase your capabilities such as physical, occupational, or speech.
Blood transfusions to replenish healthy red blood cells.
Surgical treatment to correct abnormal structures.
Radiation therapy to treat cancer.

How can I prevent a genetic disorder?

Many diseases such as heart disease, asthma, cancer, and diabetes are known to run in families for many years. Families are also affected by diseases like hemophilia, cystic fibrosis, and sickle cell anemia.

It is more likely that a child will have high blood pressure as an adult if a parent has high blood pressure. If you know your family’s medical history and share this with your doctor, you can find out whether you have a higher risk for some common diseases.

The health care provider can then provide you with personalized and specific information about how to:

The disease should be checked regularly.
Eat a healthy diet.
Don’t forget to exercise regularly.
Avoid tobacco use and excessive alcohol consumption.

Diagnose and treat your condition by getting specific genetic testing.

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