ChickenPox

By Heart Hatchet

ChickenPox

Chickenpox (varicella) is a common contagious illness caused by a type of herpes virus. It easily affects children between 5-10 years of age. It is easily passed between members of families and school classmates through airborne particles, droplets in exhaled air, and fluid from the blisters or sores. It also can be transmitted indirectly by contact with articles of clothing and other items exposed to fresh drainage from open sores. Chickenpox is usually more severe in adults and very young infants than children. Winter and spring are the most common times of the year for chickenpox to occur. Chickenpox is very highly transmittable.

2.0 Causes of ChickenPox

Straightforwardly, the varicella-zoster virus (VZV) causes chickenpox. The disease is highly infectious -- over 90% of non-immune individuals will develop chickenpox following exposure. VZV is communicable by both direct skin-to-skin contact and via respiratory droplets (for instance coughing, sneezing) from the infected individual. While the average incubation period from viral exposure to onset of symptoms is 12-14 days, symptoms may appear as early as 10 days or as late as 21 days after exposure to the virus.

3.0 Symptoms and signs

There’re plenty of obvious signs when a person suffering from chickenpox. In this case, most children with chickenpox have the following symptoms before the rash appears:
- Fever : which can up to 102 F
- Headache
- Stomach ache
- Abdominal pain or loss of appetite
- General feeling of unease and discomfort (malaise) or irritability

The chickenpox rash occurs about 10 to 21 days after coming into contact with someone who had the disease. The average child develops 250 to 500 small, itchy, fluid-filled blisters over red spots on the skin. The rash can be seen in 3 phrases:-

1. Raised pink or red bumps (papules), which break out in different spots over several days
2. Fluid-filled blisters (vesicles), forming from the raised bumps over about one day before breaking and leaking
3. Crusts and scabs, which cover the broken blisters and take several more days to heal

Most pox will not leave scars unless they become infected with bacteria from scratching.

4.0 Treatment

Normally, Medications that fight the chickenpox virus are available but not given to everyone. To work well, the medicine usually must be started within the first 24 hours of the rash. Anyway, there’re some medicine which work for the symptoms of chickenpox.

=> Acetaminophen (Tylenol) can be used to decrease the fevers and aches often associated with the initial presentation of the viral infection.
=> Frequent oatmeal baths (Aveeno) can decrease the itching associated with chickenpox.
=> Soothing lotions and moisturizers (calamine) can be applied to the rash.
=> Diphenhydramine (Benadryl) or other antihistamines can control the itching.
=> Antiviral medication (Zovirax) can be used to shorten the duration of the infection. This medication has only been shown to be affective if started within one to two days of onset of the rash associated with chickenpox, mostly for severe cases.

Besides, it is very important to understand the ‘Do’ and ‘Don’t’ during chickenpox, such as:
· Do take precautions not to spread the infection. - Symptoms usually develop 8 to 21 days after exposure and the infected person can spread the infection for up to 3 days before the rash appears and until the last spot has crusted over.
· Do make yourself as comfortable as possible. – Take a warm baths two or three times a day with baking soda or oatmeal products will help to ease the itching. Remember to pat the skin dry.
· Do prepare yourself to be very patient as you can become very irritated by the constant itchy feeling.
· Do try to be calm as possible - reading, watching TV etc, as energetic activities may cause the skin to sweat and become uncomfortable.
· Do treat the spots with a calming lotion such as Eurax to relieve the itching.
· Don't scratch! - Scratching can cause scarring. If necessary use mittens and cut your nails.
· Don't spend time in the contact of the eldery - the elderly are more prone to developing shingles when in contact with chickenpox.
· Don't take aspirin based products if you have a fever and chickenpox as this has been associated with the development of Reyes Syndrome in later years.

5.0 Prevention

The ways that you can take to prevent chickenpox is chickenpox vaccine (Varivax). Although the vaccine doesn’t immune a person from chickenpox, it provides nearly 90% of protection from the virus. Young and older children, unvaccinated adults are recommended to get the vaccine. In this case, there’re some types of people are not approved to get the vaccine, for instance pregnant woman, people with weakened immunity, and also people who allergic to gelatin or the antibiotic neomycin. Many studies have consistently proved that the vaccine is safe and effective. Side effects are generally mild and include redness, soreness, swelling and, hardly, small bumps at the site of the shot. Anyhow, if you've had chickenpox, you don't need the vaccine. A case of the chickenpox usually makes a person immune to the virus for life. It is possible to get chickenpox more than once, but this isn't common.

I had chickenpox before, during my age of 7. Honestly, I barely remember the feelings or the pain I’ve been through. What I can recall is my friend, Tom who always hanging around with me had chickenpox after I was healed. I feel so sorry to him, as I believe that this disease is so contagious that it caused Tom to suffer for 2 weeks. Yet today, thanks to the advent of the varicella vaccine, chickenpox is relatively rare.

Up?

INFLUENZA

By Heart Hatchet

Influenza

Influenza, also commonly known as Flu, is an illness of the breathing system (respiratory system) and muscles caused by a virus. Flu is highly contagious and able to cause mild to severe illness, and at times can lead to death. Certain people, such as older people, young children, and people with certain health conditions, are at high risk for serious flu complications. Flu is easily spread through air, water and also objects. Most healthy adults may be able to infect others beginning 1 day before symptoms develop and up to 5 to 7 days after becoming sick. Children may pass the virus for longer than 7 days. Symptoms start 1 to 4 days after the virus enters the body. In this case, the patient could already carry the virus and spread it before he/she fell sick. Meanwhile, there are some individual that can be infected by flu virus but have no symptom.

2.0 Causes

Straight-forwardly, influenza is caused by its’ viruses. Three types of viruses exist: A. B and C. Types A and B cause epidemics of severe respiratory illnesses, known as "the flu; whereas type C delivers a mild illness that not associated with epidemics. Influenza viruses continually transform over time, usually by mutation (change in the viral RNA). This constant changing frequently enables the virus to avoid the immune system of the host (humans, birds, and other animals) so that the host is susceptible to changing influenza virus infections throughout life. In other word, the antibodies will not detect the virus from time to time. For instance, influenza virus A (H1N1) had cause a major illness in the spring of 2009, where almost no individual has the antibodies to recognize this modified virus.

3.0 Symptoms

The symptoms of flu normally appear in sudden, such as fever, cough, sore throat, runny nose, headache and etc. Most people who get influenza will recover in a few days to less than two weeks, and no longer suffer from the symptoms; but some people will develop complications (such as pneumonia) as a result of the flu, some of which can be life-threatening and result in death.

4.0 Treatment

Symptomatically, the flu is treated with rest and fluids. The patient has to increase consuming of water, especially water which contains adequate electrolytes (sodium and potassium) that the body requires. Commercially available products such as Gatorade and other similar sports drinks can be useful in this regard. Besides, warm shower and warm compresses, especially in the nasal area, can reduce the body aches and reduce nasal congestion. Particular drugs for fever and cough might be necessary sometimes.

5.0 Prevention

The most effective way is by getting the influenza vaccine (the flu shot). With a simple shot and a little bit of soreness, a person who is vaccinated less likely to get flu compare to those without vaccine, approximately 60% protection by the vaccine. Besides, there are plenty of control methods in order to prevent flu, such as wearing mask, watching hands, and stop smoking. In other words, tightly control exposure to flu.

Nobody escapes from flu before, even myself suffering from flu since I were young. Influenze may looks simple, as many of us take it as "not a big deal", somehow it is the sixth leading cause of death among American adults. Every year, about 36,000 people die from influenza, and 114,000 people are hospitalized. It may not an impressive numbers compare to other diseases, but again, simple and dealy.

Up?

Diarrhoea

By Heart Hatchet

Diarrhoea

Diarrhoea, or also recognize as Diarrhoeal, is a common diseases that affects every human being. The WHO estimates that about 2.5 million people die annually as a result of infectious diarrhoea, it is also the second leading killer of children under the age of five, accounting for approximately 15% of under-five child deaths worldwide. However, this figure is under estimation, as many patients do not seek medical attention for mild episodes, which possibly lead to critical stages. The question here, almost everyone suffered from it before, but what do people knows about diarrhoea?

1.0 What Is Diarrhoea?

Diarrhoea refers to the frequent passage of loose or watery unformed stools. This would generally involve watery stools have been passed at least three or more times within a day. There are three types of diarrhoea are: acute diarrhoea, persistent diarrhoea, and dysentery.
If an episode of diarrhoea lasts less than 14 days, it is acute diarrhoea. Acute watery diarrhoea causes dehydration and leads to malnutrition. The death of a child with acute diarrhoea is usually due to dehydration.
If the diarrhoea lasts 14 days or more, it is persistent diarrhoea. Up to 20% of episodes of diarrhoea become persistent. Persistent diarrhoea often causes nutritional problems, creating the risk of malnutrition and serious non-intestinal infection. Dehydration also happens.
Diarrhoea with blood in the stool – with or without mucus – is called dysentery. Dysentery is pretty dangerous because of its ability to lead to anorexia, rapid weight loss, and damage to the intestinal mucosa.

2.0 Symptoms

It’s not hard to detect diarrhoea as it comes with frequent passage of watery stools. There are other symptoms like abdominal pain and bloating as well. Some may also be nausea and vomiting, but these symptoms of diarrhoea may vary depending on the causes of diarrhoea. Food poisoning would most likely cause vomiting as a symptom, whereas the consumption of excessively spicy food may just trigger diarrhoea along with abdominal pain and cramping.

3.0 Cause

Diarrhoea may be caused by some factors; however, there are several common causes that lead to it, such as:-
Bacterial infections: Several types of bacteria, consumed through contaminated food or water, can cause diarrhoea. Generally is known as food poisoning.
Viral infection: Especially viral infection of the stomach and the small intestine) is the most common cause of acute diarrhoea worldwide. It usually last only 48-72 hours.
Parasites: Parasites can enter the body through food or water and settle in the digestive system.
Food intolerances: Some people are unable to digest some component of food, such as lactose, the sugar found in milk which probably ends up with diarrhoea.
Drugs: Some people may react to medicines, such as antibiotics, blood pressure medications, and antacids containing magnesium thus suffer from diarrhoea.

4.0 Treatments

Diarrhoea may seem not harmful, but it can become dangerous or signal a more serious problem. One should consult the doctor if any of the following is true:
•Having diarrhoea for more than 3 days.
•Severe pain in the abdomen or rectum.
•Fever of 102 degrees Fahrenheit or higher.
•Detect blood in the stool or have black, tarry stools.
•Signs of dehydration.
Most of the cases of diarrhoea, replacing lost fluid and salts can be the only & significant treatment needed. This is usually by mouth – oral rehydration therapy (ORT). ORT consists of a solution of salts and sugars which is taken by mouth.
Water, clear soups and sugary drinks are ideal to replace lost water, salt and sugar.
Eat foods as usual, unless this makes matters worse. Sometimes bland foods such as bread, rice and potatoes are better tolerated.
Anti-diarrhoea medication, such as Loperamide is available from the pharmacist. For chewable tablet type of medicine, it should be taken on an empty stomach. The chewable tablets should be chewed thoroughly before swallowing.
Ask the doctor for advice if there's mucus, pus or blood in the diarrhoea, severe stomach pains, no passing of urine over a 12-hour period, if the diarrhoea continues for more than four days or if there are signs of dehydration.
In short, diarrhoea will usually go away in two to three days without specific medical therapy.

5.0 Diarrhoea Prevention

Generally, diarrhoea may spread from person-to-person, or even through food and water. There’re some precautions can help an individual avoid diarrhoea and other viral or bacterial infections:
(I) Wash hand frequently & thoroughly, rub with soap for 20 seconds as possible. Apply hand sanitizer which contains alcohol to clean the hands.
(II) Avoid contaminated food. For instance, serve food right away or refrigerate it after it has been cooked or reheated. Leaving food out at room temperature can encourage growth of bacteria.
(III) In order to reduce the risk of traveller’s diarrhoea, foods and water are the most important things to be concerned. Eat hot, well-cooked foods and somehow avoid tap water and ice cubes which can cause diarrhoea easily.

Up?

Cancer

By Heart Hatchet

Cancer

My uncle passed away after suffering from cancer for 2 years. Back to his days torturing by cancer, I’ve seen him went through really tough times: different treatments, various medicine, and etc. This has made me think a lot… Since human civilization begins, this disease has not been cured in whatever possible ways. I started to do some diggings on cancer, and below is what I got:

1.0 What is cancer?

Cancer is also known as “Carcinoma” or “Malignant tumor”. It is a kind of diseases characterized by uncontrolled cell growth. There are more than 100 different types of cancer, and each is classified by the type of cell that is initially affected. Cancerous cells are also called malignant cells.

2.0 Causes Of Cancer

Cancer grows out of normal cells in the body. Normal cells multiply when the body needs them, and die when the body doesn't need them. Cancer appears to occur when the growth of cells in the body is out of control and cells divide too quickly. There are many different kinds of cancers. Cancer can develop in almost any organ or tissue, such as the bones, breast, colon, lung, skin, or nerve tissue. There are many causes of cancers, including:
•Benzene and other chemicals
•Excessive alcohol consumed
•Environmental toxins (poisonous mushrooms)
•Excessive sunlight exposure
•Genetic problems
•Obesity
•Radiation
•Viruses
However, the cause of many cancers still remains unknown.

3.0 Symptoms

Cancer symptoms are quite varied and depend on where the cancer is located, where it has spread, and how big the tumor is. Some cancers can be felt or seen through the skin, while some may not have any symptoms at all. In certain cancers, such as pancreatic cancer, symptoms often do not start until the disease has reached a critical stage. The following symptoms can occur with most cancers:
•Chills •Fatigue •Fever •Loss of appetite •Malaise •Night sweats •Weight loss

4.0 Treatment

Generally, there is no single treatment for cancer, and patients often receive a combination of therapies and palliative care. Cancer treatment depends on the type of cancer, the stage of the cancer and how much it has spread, age, health status, and additional personal characteristics. Treatments usually fall into one of the following categories: surgery, radiation, chemotherapy, immunotherapy, hormone therapy, or gene therapy.
Detected & Not spread => Surgery
Not removable => Radiation, Chemotherapy
Unfortunately, there is still no complete technology or medical treatments which is able to cure cancer.

5.0 Prevention

Study suggests that certain practices and behaviors to prevent cancer as below:
- Healthy diet
- Exercising regularly
- Limiting alcohol
- Maintaining a healthy weight
- Minimizing the exposure to radiation and toxic chemicals
- Not smoking or chewing tobacco
- Reducing sun exposure

Up?

Hypertension (HTN) / High Blood Pressure

By Heart Hatchet

Hypertension (HTN) / High Blood Pressure

High blood pressure (HBP) or hypertension means high pressure (tension) in the arteries. Arteries are vessels that carry blood from the pumping heart to all the tissues and organs of the body. High blood pressure does not mean excessive emotional tension, although emotional tension and stress can temporarily increase blood pressure. Normal blood pressure is below 120/80; blood pressure between 120/80 and 139/89 is called "pre-hypertension", and a blood pressure of 140/90 or above is considered high. Persistent hypertension is one of the risk factors for stroke, myocardial infarction, heart failure and arterial aneurysm, and is a leading cause of chronic kidney failure. Moderate elevation of arterial blood pressure leads to shortened life expectancy. Dietary and lifestyle changes can improve blood pressure control and decrease the risk of associated health complications, although drug treatment may prove necessary in patients for whom lifestyle changes prove ineffective or insufficient.

Causes Of High Blood Pressure

Two forms of high blood pressure have been described: essential (or primary) hypertension and secondary hypertension. Essential hypertension is a far more common condition and accounts for 95% of hypertension. The cause of essential hypertension is multifactorial, that is, there are several factors whose combined effects produce hypertension. In secondary hypertension, which accounts for 5% of hypertension, the high blood pressure is secondary to (caused by) a specific abnormality in one of the organs or systems of the body. (Secondary hypertension is discussed further in a separate section later.
In over 90% of cases, the cause of high blood pressure (hypertension) is unknown but several factors can increase your risk of developing the condition.
Where there is no specific cause, high blood pressure is referred to by doctors as primary high blood pressure (or essential high blood pressure).
Factors that can raise the risk of developing primary high blood pressure include:-

•Aging: the risk of developing high blood pressure increases as you get older
•Genetic: a family history of high blood pressure
•Being of African or Caribbean origin
•High intake of salt - exceeding 5.8 grams daily
•Lack of exercise
•Being overweight
•Smoking
•Drinking large amounts of alcohol
•Stress

About 1 in 10 cases of high blood pressure are the result of an underlying condition or cause. These cases are referred to as secondary high blood pressure. Common causes of secondary high blood pressure include:-

•Kidney disease
•Diabetes
•Narrowing of the arteries (large blood vessels) supplying the kidneys
•Hormonal conditions, such as Cushing's syndrome (body produces excess of steroid hormones)
•Conditions that affect the body’s tissue, such as lupus
•Oral contraceptive pill
•Painkillers known as Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as ibuprofen
•Recreational drugs, such as cocaine, amphetamines and crystal methamphetamine

2.0 Treatment For High Blood Pressure

Basically, there’re two main treatment which can deal with high blood pressure. The treatment goal is blood pressure below 140/90 and lower for people with other conditions, such as diabetes and kidney disease. Adopting healthy lifestyle habits is an effective first step in both preventing and controlling high blood pressure. If lifestyle changes alone are not effective in keeping your pressure controlled, it may be necessary to add blood pressure medications. Below is about blood pressure-lowering lifestyle habits and blood pressure medications:-

Lifestyle Treatment

Lose weight => Losing some excess weight can make a big difference. Blood pressure can fall by up to 2.5/1.5 mm Hg for each excess kilogram which is lost. Losing excess weight has other health benefits too.

Regular physical activity => Do some physical activity on five or more days of the week, for at least 30 minutes. For example, brisk walking, swimming, cycling, dancing, etc. Regular physical activity can lower blood pressure in addition to giving other health benefits. Doing regular physical activity five times a week, can reduce systolic blood pressure by 2-10 mm Hg.

Healthy diet =>

~ Ideally 7-9 portions, of a variety of fruit and vegetables per day.

~ The bulk of most meals should be starch-based foods (cereals, wholegrain bread, potatoes, rice, pasta), plus fruit and vegetables.

~ Reduce fatty food such as fatty meats, cheeses, full-cream milk, fried food, butter, etc. Use low-fat, mono-unsaturated or polyunsaturated spreads.

~ Limit salt in daily meals, the amount of salt that we consume can have an effect on our blood pressure. Government guidelines recommend that we should have no more than 5-6 grams of salt per day.

~ Drink alcohol in moderation. A small amount of alcohol (1-2 units per day) may help to protect you from heart disease. One unit is in about half a pint of normal-strength beer, or two thirds of a small glass of wine, or one small pub measure of spirits.

•Men should drink no more than 21 units of alcohol per week (and no more than four units in any one day).
•Women should drink no more than 14 units of alcohol per week (and no more than three units in any one day).Study showed that cutting back alcohol consumption to the recommended limits can lower a high systolic blood pressure by up to 10 mm hg.

A healthy diet provides benefits in different ways. For example, it can lower cholesterol, help control body weight, and has plenty of vitamins, fibre, and other nutrients which help to prevent certain diseases. Some aspects of a healthy diet also directly affect blood pressure. For instance, if you have a poor diet and change to a diet which is low-fat, low-salt, and high in fruit and vegetables, it can lower systolic blood pressure by up to 11 mm Hg.

Medication Treatment

Medication to lower blood pressure is usually advised for:

- All people who have a blood pressure that remains at 160/100 mm Hg or above after a trial of any relevant lifestyle changes.
- People with a blood pressure that remains at 140/90 mm Hg or above after a trial of any relevant lifestyle changes and who have: Diabetes; existing Cardiovascular disease
- People with a blood pressure of 130/80 mm Hg or more who have certain diseases. For example, people who have certain complications from diabetes, people who have had a recent heart attack, stroke or transient ischaemic attack (TIA) - sometimes called a mini-stroke. Also, some people with certain chronic kidney diseases.

Medicine for high blood pressure as below:

Diuretics - sometimes called "water pills" because they work in the kidney and flush excess water and sodium from the body.
Beta-blockers - reduce nerve impulses to the heart and blood vessels. This makes the heart beat slower and with less force. Blood pressure drops and the heart works less hard.
ACE inhibitors - Angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors prevent the formation of a hormone called angiotensin II, which normally causes blood vessels to narrow. The ACE inhibitors cause the vessels to relax and blood pressure goes down.
Angiotensin antagonists - shield blood vessels from angiotensin II. As a result, the vessels become wider and blood pressure goes down.
Calcium channel blockers (CCBs) - keep calcium from entering the muscle cells of the heart and blood vessels. This causes the blood vessels to relax and pressure goes down.
Alpha-blockers - reduce nerve impulses to blood vessels, which allows blood to pass more easily, causing the blood pressure to go down.
Alpha-beta-blockers - work the same way as alpha-blockers but also slow the heartbeat, as beta-blockers do. As a result, less blood is pumped through the vessels and the blood pressure goes down.
Nervous system inhibitors - relax blood vessels by controlling nerve impulses. This causes the blood vessels to become wider and the blood pressure to go down.
Vasodilators - directly open blood vessels by relaxing the muscle in the vessel walls, causing the blood pressure to go down.
In most cases, medication is needed for life. However, in some people whose blood pressure has been well controlled for three years or more, medication may be able to be stopped.
If you stop medication, you should have regular blood pressure checks. In some cases the blood pressure remains normal. However, in others it starts to rise again. If this happens, medication can then be started again.

Notes:
§ Reader’s Digest Asian health survey indicates that 61.6% of Malaysian respondents are affected by high blood pressure followed by high cholesterol (48.2%), obesity (40.7%) and diabetes (36.6%).
§ High blood pressure is often called the silent killer because in the initial stages it presents with no symptoms. It is only after an organ in the body is irritated or damaged, that the consequences of high blood pressure are realized.

Up?

Toothache

By Heart Hatchet

Toothache

1.0 What is a toothache?

"Toothache" usually refers to pain around the teeth or jaws primarily as a result of a dental condition. In most instances, toothaches are caused by tooth problems, such as a dental cavity, a cracked tooth, an exposed tooth root, or gum disease. However, disorders of the jaw joint (temporo-mandibular joint) can also cause pain that is referred to as "toothache." The severity of a toothache can range from chronic and mild to sharp and excruciating. The pain may be aggravated by chewing or by cold or heat. A thorough oral examination, which includes dental X-rays, can help determine whether the toothache is coming from a tooth or jaw problem and the cause.

Sometimes, a toothache may be caused by a problem not originating from a tooth or the jaw. Pain around the teeth and the jaws can be symptoms of diseases of the heart (such as angina or heart attack), ears (such as inner or external ear infections), and sinuses (air passages of the cheekbones). For example, the pain of angina (inadequate supply of oxygenated blood to the heart muscle because of narrowing of the arteries to the heart) is usually located in the chest or the arm. However, in some patients with angina, a toothache or jaw pain is the only symptom of their heart problem. Infections and diseases of the ears and sinuses can also cause pain around the teeth and jaws. Therefore, evaluations by both dentists and doctors are sometimes necessary to diagnose medical illnesses causing "toothache."

2.0 What causes toothache?

· Dental decay.
· A fracture of the tooth.
· A cracked tooth. This may be invisible and so can be difficult to diagnose.
· Irritation of the pulp following dental treatment. Regardless of how well it is done, dental treatment and the materials used to fill the tooth can sometimes cause pain later.
· An exposed tooth root, which can occur if the gums recede or are damaged by over-vigorous brushing.
The following problems can also cause symptoms similar to toothache, even though the teeth themselves may be free of disease:
· an abscess in the gum (lateral periodontal abscess).
· ulceration of the gums (acute ulcerative gingivitis).
· ulceration of the soft tissues can sometimes be mistaken for toothache.
· inflammation of the gum around a tooth which is in the process of growing/breaking through (pericoronitis).
· inflammation of the sinuses (sinusitis) can be mistaken for toothache in the upper jaw.
Several other conditions may also cause pain in the mouth - always seek advice from your dentist if you have toothache.

It is worth remembering that the nerves supplying the teeth sometimes give the wrong message to the brain. This means that, although you feel pain in a particular tooth, the problem may actually be in a different tooth - even one located in the opposite jaw.

3.0 Toothache Treatment

3.1 Self-Care at Home

For toothaches
Over-the-counter pain medications such as acetaminophen (Tylenol) or ibuprofen (Advil) may be used. Take these as directed on the package and around the clock on a schedule while you arrange a dental appointment.
Avoid very cold or hot foods because this may make the pain worse.
Relief may be obtained from biting on a cotton ball soaked in oil of cloves. Oil of cloves is available at most drug stores.

For jaw pain
Aspirin may be helpful for problems in the joint of the jaw in adults.
Acetaminophen (not aspirin) should be used for children and teenagers.
If pain occurs every time you open your mouth widely, the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) may be the source of the pain. Yawning or taking a large bite of food may intensify the pain. An appointment with your doctor or dentist will help to determine the cause.

3,2 Medical Treatment

In most cases, dental or jaw pain can be cared for with pain medications and antibiotics. A referral to a dentist for follow-up will usually be arranged. In some cases, the doctor may try an injection around the tooth for pain control. If there is swelling in the gums or face, or you have fever, antibiotics may be prescribed.
At the dentist's office, fillings , pulling teeth, or other procedures may be performed as required. A tooth extraction will be the most likely procedure with a baby tooth. On permanent teeth if the problem is severe, root canals (sealing off the root of the tooth) and crown procedures are generally performed.
An antibiotic will usually be prescribed if a fever or swelling of the jaw is present. Such procedures are generally done in stages, with pain and infection being cared for immediately, and reconstructive procedures being performed at a later time (weeks to months). You will be able to return to work or school while you recover. Dentists and oral surgeons may plan additional procedures at the most appropriate time.
If causes other than the teeth or jaw are responsible for the pain, management will be according to the condition.

Up?

ACNE (PIMPLES)

By Heart Hatchet

ACNE (PIMPLES)

1.0 What is acne?

Acne (acne vulgaris, common acne) is a disease of the hair follicles of the face, chest, and back that affects almost all males and females during puberty; also known as pimples. Pimples form when hair follicles under your skin clog up. Most pimples form on the face, neck, back, chest and shoulders. Anyone can get acne, but it is common in teenagers and young adults. It is not serious, but it can cause scars.

1.1 What cause acne?

Acne happens when sebaceous (oil) glands attached to the hair follicles are stimulated at the time of puberty by elevated levels of male hormones. Sebum (oil) is a natural substance which lubricates and protects the skin. Associated with increased oil production is a change in the manner in which the skin cells mature so that they are predisposed to clog the follicular openings or pores. The clogged hair follicle gradually enlarges, producing a bump. As the follicle enlarges, the wall may rupture, allowing irritating substances and normal skin bacteria access into the deeper layers of the skin, ultimately producing inflammation.
Inflammation near the skin's surface produces a pustule; deeper inflammation results in a papule (pimple); deeper still and it's a cyst. If the oil breaks through to the surface, the result is a "whitehead." If the oil accumulates melanin pigment or becomes oxidized, the oil changes from white to black, and the result is a "blackhead." Blackheads are therefore not dirt and do not reflect poor hygiene.

There’s no factor causes acne; however some factors are believed to play a role in acne:-
•Heredity: With the exception of very severe acne, most people do not have the problem exactly as their parents did. Almost everyone has some acne at some point in their life.

•Food: Teens are often told to avoid pizza, chocolate, greasy and fried foods, and junk food. While these foods may not be good for overall health, they don't cause acne or make it worse. Although some recent studies have implicated milk and pure chocolate in aggravating acne, these findings are very far from established.

•Dirt: As mentioned, "blackheads" are oxidized oil, not dirt. Sweat does not cause acne, therefore, it is not necessary to shower instantly after exercise for fear that sweat will clog pores. On the other hand, excessive washing can dry and irritate the skin.

•Stress: Some people get so upset by their pimples that they pick at them and make them last longer. Stress does not really cause acne; somehow stress can make it worse.

Anyway, in occasional patients, the following may be contributing factors:
•Pressure: In some patients, pressure from objects, such as helmets, chin straps, collars, suspenders, and the like can aggravate acne.

•Drugs: Some medications may cause or worsen acne, such as those containing iodides, bromides, or oral or injected steroids (either the medically prescribed prednisone [Deltasone, Orasone, Prednicen-M, Liquid Pred] or the steroids that bodybuilders or athletes take). Other drugs that can cause or aggravate acne are anticonvulsant medications and lithium (Eskalith, Lithobid), which is used to treat bipolar disorder. Most cases of acne, however, are not drug related.

•Occupations: In some jobs, exposure to industrial products like cutting oils may produce acne.

•Cosmetics: Some cosmetics and skin-care products are pore clogging ("comedogenic"). Among many available brands of skin-care products, it is crucial to read the list of ingredients and choose those which have water listed first or second if you are concerned about acne. These "water-based" products are usually safe.

1.2 What can we do about acne?

Cleansing and skin care: Despite what you read in popular style and fashion magazines, there is no magic product or regimen that is right for every person and situation.

•Mild cleansers: Washing once or twice a day with a mild cleansing bar or liquid, will keep the skin clean and minimize sensitivity and irritation.

•Exfoliating cleansers and masques: A variety of mild scrubs, exfoliants, and masks can be used. These products contain either fine granules or salicylic acid in a concentration that makes it a very mild peeling agent. These products remove the outer layer of the skin and thus open pores. Products containing glycolic or alpha hydroxy acids are also gentle skin exfoliants.

•Retinol: Not to be confused with the prescription medication Retin-A, this derivative of vitamin A can help promote skin peeling.

Kill the bacteria:
•Antibacterial cleansers: The most popular ingredient in over-the-counter antibacterial cleansers is benzoyl peroxide.

•Topical (external) applications: These products come in the form of gels, creams, and lotions, which are applied to the affected area. The active ingredients that kill surface bacteria include benzoyl peroxide, sulfur, and resorcinol. Some brands promoted on the Internet and cable TV (such as ProActiv) are much more costly than identical products you can buy in the drugstore.

Benzoyl peroxide causes red and scaly skin irritation in a small number of people, which goes away as soon as you stop using the product. Keep in mind that benzoyl peroxide is a bleach, so do not let products containing benzoyl peroxide leave unsightly blotching on colored clothes, shirts, towels, and carpets.

Reduce the oil:
You cannot stop your oil glands from producing oil. Even isotretinoin (Accutane, see below) only slows down oil glands for a while; they come back to life later. What you can do is to get rid of oil on the surface of the skin and reduce the embarrassing shine.

•Use a gentle astringent/toner to wipe away oil. (There are many brands available in pharmacies, as well as from manufacturers of cosmetic lines.)

•Products containing glycolic acid for instance blemish control wipes are also mildly helpful in clearing the skin by causing the superficial layer of the skin to peel (exfoliate).

•Masks containing sulfur and other ingredients draw out facial oil.

•Antibacterial pads containing benzoyl peroxide have the additional benefit of helping you wipe away oil.

Up?

Followers

ChickenPox

INFLUENZA

Diarrhoea

Cancer

Hypertension (HTN) / High Blood Pressure

Toothache

ACNE (PIMPLES)

About Me

ARCHIVES

Sponsored Ads