Med Help

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  • Zinc Deficiency

    Zinc: Is an essential
    trace element present in the bones, teeth, hair, skin, testes, liver, and
    muscles. It also forms a vital component of many enzymes.
    It promotes synthesis of deoxyribonucleic acid ( DNA ), ribonucleic acid (RNA ), protein and maintains normal blood
    concentrations of vitamin A by mobilizing it from the liver. This disorder
    is most common in the underdeveloped countries, especially in the Middle
    East.  Children are most susceptible to this deficiency during periods
    of rapid growth, but with proper treatment, patients has a good outcome.

    Zinc deficiency usually results from inadequate intake of foods high
    in zinc, such as seafood, oatmeal, bran, meat, eggs, and nuts, or from
    impaired absorption caused by short bowel syndrome, Crohn’s disease, or
    pancreatic insufficiency.  It may also be due to excessive intake
    of foods containing iron, calcium, vitamin D, and the fiber and phytates
    in cereals, that bind zinc to form insoluble chelates that prevent its
    absorption.  It occasionally can results from blood loss caused by
    parasitism.  Alcohol, cirrhosis, dialysis, burns, draining wounds,
    and corticosteroids increase renal excretion of zinc.

    Symptoms:

    Enlargement of the liver and spleen (hepatosplenomegaly)

    Sparse hair growth

    Soft and misshapen nails

    Anorexia

    Hyposmia (decreased odor acuity)

    Dysosmia (unpleasant odor in nasopharynx)

    Severe iron deficiency anemia

    Bone deformities

    Chronic form:  hypogonadism (decrease functional activity of
    the gonads, with retardation of growth and sexual development)

    dwarfism and hyper pigmentation.

    Protein malnutrition and poor wound healing may occur

    Treatment:

    Correcting the underlying cause of the deficiency
    Zinc supplements
    A balanced diet
    Correct use of calcium and iron supplements.

    Diet consists of seafood, oatmeal, bran, meat, eggs, nuts and dry yeast.

    When taking zinc supplements, take with meals to prevent gastric distress and vomiting.

    Dairy products may hinder zinc absorption

    Avoid excess intake of zinc, which can cause GI discomfort.

    * With any and all medications, use as prescribed by your doctor.

  • Yeast Infections

    12 Hour Cure for Yeast Infection
    Stop Waiting Days for Relief

    Yeast, or fungal, infection: also called Candidiasis

    YEAST: A General term including single-celled, usually rounded
    fungi that produce by budding, some of which transform to a mycelial stage
    under certain environmental conditions, while others remain single-celled.

    Infection: Invasion and multiplication of microorganisms in body
    tissues.

    Candida: A genus of yeast like fungi that are commonly part of the
    normal flora of the mouth, skin, intestinal tract, and vagina, but can
    causes a variety of infections.

    Candidiasis:  infection by fungi of the genus (a particular
    group or category into which related organisms are classified (taxon).

    Yeast infections takes many forms. yeast infection often develop
    where a moist environment encourages fungal growth. It is seen especially
    on the genitals, webs of fingers and toes, folds of skin and nails.

    Oral thrush is usually painless, often recurrent infection of the
    mouth and throat. It is common in babies, young children and the elderly,
    but also affects all ages.

    Moniliasis (candidiasis) is a painful vaginal yeast infection experienced
    by many women, most commonly during pregnancy or when patient is being
    treated with antibiotics.

    Balanitis (inflammation of the glans penis) is less common but equally
    irritating infection of the penis.

    Systemic yeast infections can occur in cases of diabetes, AIDS, and
    other conditions or drug treatments that suppress the immune system.

    Symptoms:

    In women, vaginal itching and irritation, unusually thick,
    white discharge; redness and swelling of the vulva (the external organs
    of the female) including the mons pubis, labia majora and minora, clitoris,
    and vestibule of the vagina) and may experience pain during intercourse.

    In men ,red patches and blisters at the end of the penis and around
    foreskin, may experience itching and pain.

    Oral thrush,  experience painless white patches in mouth or
    throat that may or may not come off when eating or brushing teeth; most
    common in infants, AIDS patients, and the elderly.

    Esophageal thrush, experience; white patches in the mouth and throat,
    sometimes associated with painful swallowing.

    Intertrigo (an erythematosus skin eruption occurring on apposed skin
    surfaces), experience; itchy or burning shiny, pink rash with a scaly or
    blistered edge in the folds of the skin. may have skin peeling on the hands,
    between the fingers, and swollen nail folds above the cuticle; possible
    painful, red and may contain pus.

    Treatment:

    Treatment will depend on your symptoms and specific condition, but
    will focus on counteracting the growth of the yeast organism that causes
    the infection.

    *Oral thrush: Antifungal medication such as clotrimazole
    or ketoconazole. For babies or young children with oral thrush are normally
    given nystatin oral suspension (with dropper).

    *Intertrigo -(nail. and skin): Topical applications of clotrimazole.

    *Vaginal yeast infection: Your doctor may prescribe a cream with
    terconazole or an oral antifungal medication containing fluconazole. And
    if your doctor determines that you have a systemic yeast infection, you
    may get IV doses of amphotericin or flucytosine. It is important that you
    see your Doctor, especially if you are experiencing this for the first
    time.

    Miconazole or Clotrimazole topical cream. There are over the counter
    topical cream containing miconazole or clortimazole in the market today.
    (For first time infection, see your doctor to be sure that you do have
    a yeast infection) with all medication, use as prescribed by your doctor.

  • Xeroderma Pigmentosum

    Xeroderma Pigmentosum or XP is a very rare, heritable
    disorder.  A genetic defect in ultraviolet radiation induced DNA repair
    mechanisms.  Distinguishing features; increase sensitivity to UV radiation,
    especially sun light.

    Early intervention and diagnosis can delay the onset of it’s many complications.
    and or can lead to death.  It appears typically by 1 – 2 years of
    age, with the detection of severe sunburn with just the very minimal exposure
    to sunlight, and freckles – like spots on exposed areas, later symptoms
    includes; premature aging, cancer of the skin, eye problems and neurologic
    abnormalities can develop.

    Xeroderma pigmentosum is categorized in different groups according
    to the capacity of the body to repair DNA.

    Symptoms:

    Sun – burns easily, developing blisters with just minimal sun exposure

    Deafness

    Dwarfism ( hypergonadism )

    Developmental disabilities

    Skin Cancer

    Mental retardation

    Eye Cancer

    Failure of muscular coordination

    Can be life threatening

    Treatment:

    Early detection and interventions

    Management of this disorder

    Gene therapy for DNA repair

    Protein Therapy

    Seek medical treatment promptly if you suspect your child to have
    sensitivity to any UV source.

  • Xanthoma

    Xanthoma:  a yellow papule, nodules, or plaque
    in the skin due to lipid deposits; microscopically the lesions show light
    cells with foamy protoplasm (foam cells).

    It can appear anywhere in the skin, but more common on the elbows,
    knees, hands and feet.  It can appear in the joints and tendons, usually
    painless.

    Xanthomatosis: an accumulation of excess lipids in the body, and or
    fatty degeneration of the cornea due to disorder of lipid metabolism, marked
    by xanthomas.

    Xanthoma; fatty deposit under the skin, usually benign and painless.
    It is a common skin disorder mark by yellowish red to brown in color. 
    Usually caused by increase blood lipids ( fat levels ), increase blood
    cholesterol level, and triglycerides level.

    Xanthomas is associated with diabetes.

    Symptoms:

    Skin lesion

    Raised, flat bumps under the skin

    Color may be yellowish, yellowish red to brown

    Benign and painless

    May cause disfigurement

    Treatment:

    To control this condition, by controlling the blood lipids, cholesterol,
    and triglycerides levels.

    You and your doctor may decide to surgically remove it.

    * NOTE: nodules may return

  • Varicose Veins

    Varicose Veins: Pertaining to an unnatural swelling,
    as in varix or varicose veins; (Veins: a vessel in which blood flows
    toward the heart.

    Varicose veins is a condition in which the superficial veins have
    become swollen, tortuous and ineffective. It is frequently a problem in
    the esophagus, the rectum, the spermatic cord in the male and
    in the broad ligament of the uterus in the female. The veins which are
    most commonly found to be abnormally enlarged are those that involve the
    saphenous veins of the lower extremities, and this condition is found frequently
    in people who spend a great deal of time standing, for instance, sales
    people. Also pregnancy, with the accompanying pressure on the veins in
    the pelvis, may be a predisposing cause. Varicose veins in the rectum are
    commonly referred to as piles, or more properly, hemorrhoids
    (hem.o-roids). The general term for these enlarged veins is varices
    (var’i-sez), the singular form being varix (var’iks).

    Varicosity results from a chronic increase in blood pressure which
    dilates the vein. When the vein walls are pushed apart, the valves no longer
    seal properly, making it difficult for the muscles to push the blood upwards.
    Instead of flowing from one valve to the next, the blood begins to pool
    in the vein increasing venous pressure, causing congestion, and the vein
    begins to bulge and twist. Because superficial veins have less muscular
    support than the deeper veins, they are more likely to become varicose.

    Varicose veins is usually bulging, bluish cords running just beneath
    the surface of your skin. Most common is the legs and feet, but can appear
    anywhere in the body. Sometimes varicose veins is surrounded by patches
    of flooded capillaries known as; spider-veins, and are considered superficial
    varicose veins. Although they can be painful and disfiguring, they are
    usually harmless. When they become inflamed, they become tender to touch
    and can hinder circulation to the point of causing swollen ankles, itchy
    skin and aching in the affected area (limb).

    Deep varicose veins may be sites where blood clots can form. Deep
    vein inflammation, or thrombophlebitis, in the thighs and pelvis may lead
    to pulmonary embolism, a potentially fatal condition.

    Women are twice as likely to develop varicose veins than men.

    Symptoms:

    * Prominent swollen dark blue blood vessels

    * Bulging, rope-like, bluish veins indicate superficial varicose
    veins.

    * Affected area may be painful to touch

    * Discolored, peeling skin; skin ulcers; and constant rather
    than intermittent pain are sings of severe varicose veins.

    * Pregnancy, obesity and standing for long period of time can
    lead to excessive pressure, which in turns lead to varicosity.

    * Chronic constipation can lead to varicose veins (hemorrhoids)

    * Muscles that are out of condition offer poor blood-pumping
    action

    * Increase in age; and weak veins

    Treatment:

    Mild case of varicose veins does not normally require a doctor’s
    care

    If there is pain and swelling to the affected area, see your
    doctor

    Using support stocking for your legs and elevating your feet
    can help with the discomfort

    Your doctor may prescribe an anti-inflammatory medication
    if there’s swelling and pain (with all medication, use as prescribed by
    your doctor).

    If your skin around a varicose vein becomes ulcerous or discolored,
    or if you have pain with no obvious outward signs, call your doctor ASAP
    -may have deep varicose veins.

    Varicose veins can be eliminated by several methods:

    * Spider veins can be removed by laser treatment.

    * Mild case of superficial varicose veins can be treated by
    sclerotherapy ( a chemical known as a sclerosing agent is injected into
    the vein to collapse its walls so it can no longer transport blood).

    * Severe cases: may need surgical removal, or stripping.

    * Discuss all options with your doctor, dermatologist, or
    vascular surgeon.

    *** Staying fit is the best way to keep your leg muscles toned and
    your blood flowing – exercise regularly.

    *** Low salt diet and plenty of water (at least 8 glasses of water/day)
    -see your doctor about any change in diet

    *** Smoking may contribute to elevated blood pressure, which can
    aggravate varicosity

    *** If pregnant: sleeping on your left side rather than on your
    your back can minimize pressure from the uterus on the veins in your pelvic
    area and improve blood flow to the fetus.

    Call your doctor if you have red varicose veins, this may be a sign
    of phlebitis, a serious circulatory condition.

    Call your doctor if the skin over your varicose veins becomes ulcerous
    and discolored.

    Call your doctor if you cut a varicose vein, seek emergency care
    promptly.

  • Sinusitis

    Sinusitis:  Inflammation of the sinus. 
    ” I have sinus” is an expression many people use to indicate they have
    an infection of the sinuses.  The sinuses are located close to the
    nasal cavities, and in one case near the ear.  Infection may easily
    travel into these sinuses from the mouth, the nose and the throat along
    the mucous membrane lining, and the resulting inflammation is called sinusitis.

    The sinuses are opening in the bones around the nose.  There are
    four paranasal sinuses, only two , the frontal and maxillary sinuses, can
    be assessed. ( In children under age 8, the frontal sinuses are usually
    too small to examine.)  The other two, the ethmoidal and sphenoidal
    sinuses, are inaccessible for general examination.

    Normally, air passes in and out of the sinuses and mucus and fluid drain
    from the sinuses into the nose.  Sinusitis usually follows when one
    gets a cold and or other respiratory infection, or disease and disorder
    such as Cystic Fibrosis.

    Sinusitis occurs when there is a undrained collection of pus in one
    or more of the sinuses.  Swelling occurs and prevents fluids from
    draining out of the sinus.  Fluids trapped in the sinus may then become
    infected with bacteria, viruses or fungi.

    Disorders such as a deviated septum, obstruction of the nose, allergic
    rhinitis are susceptible to sinusitis.  Dental infection such as a
    tooth abscess may spread into the sinus and become infected.

    Pressure and inflammation results in mild to severe pain.

    Long – standing, or chronic, sinus infection may cause changes in the
    epithelial cells, resulting in tumor formation.  Some of these growths
    have a grape – like appearance and cause obstruction of the air pathway. 
    These tumors are called polyps.

    Symptoms:

    Facial pain – pressure around the eyes, cheeks and or forehead

    Facial swelling – common around the eyes

    Headache – especially around the eyes and front of head

    Nasal drainage

    May have pain in the roof of the mouth or teeth

    May have fever

    May experience chills

    Possible sore throat

    Possible nosebleed

    Bad breath and or foul smell in the nose

    Treatment:

    Antibiotic therapy

    Nasal decongesting

    Your doctor may prescribed a mild analgesic for moderate to extreme
    pain

    If it is due to a deviated septum, repair may be needed which may require
    surgery

     * Call your doctor if treatment does not help within 48 hours
    after antibiotic therapy

     * Take all of the prescribed antibiotic, stoppage of antibiotic
    therapy may result in reinfection and or other complications.

     * Call your doctor promptly if you experience an adverse reaction
    to any medication.

  • Squamous Cell Carcinoma

    Squamous cell carcinoma: The skin cancer is an invasive tumor with
    metastatic

    potential. It may be caused by overexposure to ultraviolet rays,
    X – ray therapy,

    chronic skin irritation and inflammation, ingestion of herbicides containing
    arsenic, and

    exposure to local carcinogens such as tar, and oil. Risk factors
    include being white

    male, and over age 60. Those who work outdoors and are expose to
    the sun, those

    who have a pre malignant lesion. Squamous cell carcinoma commonly
    develops on

    sun damaged areas of the skin.

    Symptoms:

    A nodule growing on a firm indurated base, there may be some ulceration
    at the lesion

    site ( if carcinoma develops in normal skin )

    A pre malignant, preexisting lesion may be inflamed and indurated.
    Metastasis to

    regional lymph nodes may cause pain, malaise, fatigue, weakness, and anorexia

    Diagnostic test – Excisional biopsy of the lesion confirms the diagnosis

    Treatment:

    Depending on the lesion, treatment may consist of wide surgical excision
    or

    electrodesiccation and curettage.

    Radiation therapy ( usually used for older or debilitated patients)

    Moh’s surgery also may be indicated.

    * Regular follow up with your doctor is important

    Call your doctor if you have any of the above symptoms.

    CancerTreatments:

    Cancer treatments seek to destroy malignant cells while sparing normal
    ones, to

    reduce pain, and to induce cure or remission. A single primary treatment
    or a

    combination of treatments may be used. These treatments can provide
    local and

    systemic therapy and offer doctors the advantage of attacking cancer cells
    with

    several mechanisms. They include:

    * Chemotherapy – which interrupts malignant cells life cycles, inhibiting
    or destroying

    their ability to divide

    * Radiation – which also inhibits cell division by impairing DNA synthesis
    and causing

    cell membrane lysis. Radiation can be used as a primary treatment
    or as an adjunctive

    procedure intended to kill cancer cells that may have survived other treatments.

    * Biotherapy ( immunotherapy ), which employs biological response modifiers
    that

    act on malignant cells by inhibiting division and by enhancing the body’s
    immune

    responses to such cells.

    * Bone marrow transplantation, which is used to replace or replenish the
    bone

    marrow of patients with leukemia or multiple myeloma

    * Surgery, which removes tumors or reduces their size. Surgery enables
    other

    treatments because there are fewer malignant cells to combat.

    * Several new cancer treatments are emerging. surgical treatments
    using lasers and

    intraoperative radiation can effectively remove tumors or reduce their
    size at the time

    of initial surgery and staging. Hyperthermia – the use of heat to
    destroy cancer cells is

    being investigated as a single modality and in combination with radiation
    and

    chemotherapy.

  • Stroke

    Stroke also called Cerebrovascular accident or CVA: Is a sudden
    impairment of

    cerebral circulation in one or more of the blood vessels supplying the
    brain. A CVA

    interrupts or diminishes oxygen supply and commonly causes serious damage
    or

    necrosis (death of an individual cell or group of cells) in brain tissues.
    The sooner

    circulation returns to normal after a CVA, the better the patients chance
    for recovery.

    There is different types of CVA and are classified according to their course
    of

    progression. (See * below)

    * Transient ischemic attack or TIA , also called ” little stroke”,
    it is a result from a
    temporary interruption of blood flow. it is considered the least severe.
    It is usually a
    recurrent episode of neurologic deficit, it may last for just seconds or
    hours and clears
    within 12 – 24 hours. It is considered to be a warning sign of an
    impending thrombotic
    cerebrovascular accident (CVA ). Studies shows that TIA’s have
    been reported in
    50% to 80% of patients who have had a cerebral infarction from such thrombosis..
    More common after the age of 50 and men are more prone to have TIA’s.
    In TIA, microemboli released from a thrombus probably temporarily interrupt
    blood
    flow, especially in the small distal branches of the arterial tree in the
    brain. Small
    spasms in those arterioles may impair blood flow and also precede TIA.
    Predisposing
    factors are the same as for thrombotic CVAs.
    Distinctive characteristics of TIA’s include the transient duration of
    neurologic deficits
    and complete return of normal function.

    Symptoms of TIA’s:

    Double vision
    Speech deficits ( slurring )
    Unilateral blindness
    Uncoordinated gait (staggering ) – May fall easily due to weakness of
    legs
    Unilateral weakness
    Numbness
    Dizziness

    Treatment:

    Treatment to prevent a complete CVA –
    Aspirin or anticoagulants to minimize the risk of thrombosis.
    After or between attacks; preventive treatment includes carotid endarterectomy
    or
    cerebral microvascular bypass

    * Progressive CVA, or stroke – in – evolution ( thrombus – in –
    evolution ), begins
    with slight neurologic deficit and worsens in a day or two.

    * Complete CVA, the patient experiences maximal neurologic deficits
    at onset.

    Most common cause of CVA is a result from thrombosis. Other causes
    include
    embolism and hemorrhage. Risk factors increase the likelihood
    of CVA, such as
    atherosclerosis, hypertension, dysrhythmias, rheumatic heart disease, diabetes
    mellitus,
    gout, postural hypotension, and cardiac hypertrophy. Other risk factors
    include high
    serum triglyceride levels, and sedentary life – style ( inactive
    habit ), the use of
    contraceptives, cigarette smoking, and a family history of CVA.

    CVA Symptoms:

    Clinical features of CVA vary with the artery affected ( and , Consequently,
    the portion
    of the brain it supplies ), the severity of damage, and the extent of collateral
    circulation
    that develops to help the brain compensate for decreased blood supply.
    If CVA occurs
    in the left hemisphere, it produces symptoms on the right side; if in the
    right hemisphere,
    symptoms are on the left side. However, a CVA that causes cranial
    nerve damage
    produces signs of cranial nerve dysfunction on the same side as the hemorrhage.
    Usually the symptoms are classified according to the artery affected.
    It can also be
    classified as premonitory, generalized, and focal.

    Middle cerebral artery: This type of CVA may cause aphasia ( loss
    of the power of
    expression of speech, writing, or signs or of comprehending spoken or written
    language)
    , dysphasia ( impairment of speech), visual field cuts, and hemiparesis
    on the affected
    side ( more severe in the face and arm than in the leg ).

    Carotid artery: The patient may experience weakness, paralysis, numbness,
    sensory
    changes, visual disturbances on the affected side, altered level of consciousness,
    bruits,
    headaches, aphasia, and ptosis ( paralytic drooping of the upper eyelid
    ).

    Vertebrobasilar artery: patients may experience weakness on the affected
    side,
    numbness around the lips and mouth, visual field cuts, diplopia ( the preception
    of two
    images of a single object ), poor coordination, dysphagia, slurred speech,
    dizziness,
    amnesia, and failure of muscular coordination (ataxia).

    Anterior cerebral artery: This type of stroke can cause confusion,
    weakness and
    numbness on the affected side ( especially in the leg ), incontinence,
    loss of coordination,
    impaired motor and sensory functions, and may have personality changes.

    Posterior cerebral arteries: Paralysis usually doesn’t occur.
    Patient may experience
    visual field cuts, sensory impairment, dyslexia, coma, and cortical blindness.

    Diagnostic tests: CT scan shows evidence of thrombotic or hemorrhagic
    stroke, tumor,
    or hydrocephalus. Brain scan show ischemic areas but may not be positive
    for up to 2
    weeks after the CVA. Other tests includes; lumbar puncture, ophthalmoscopy,
    angiography, EEG, and lab studies.

    Treatment:

    Medication useful in CVA include: anticonvulsants to treat seizures,
    stool softeners, to
    avoid straining, which increases ICP ( intracranial – pressure ), corticosteroids,
    to
    minimize associated cerebral edema, analgesics to relieve headache that
    may follow
    hemorrhagic CVA. Usually aspirin is contraindicated in hemorrhagic
    CVA because it
    increases bleeding tendencies, but it may be useful in preventing TIAs.

    Surgery to improve cerebral circulation for patients with thrombotic or
    embolic CVA
    includes; endarterectomy ( removal of atherosclerotic plaques from inner
    arterial wall),
    or microvascular bypass ( extracranial vessel is surgically anastomosed
    to an intracranial vessel ).

  • Syphilis

    Cold Sore Freedom In 3 Days

    Syphilis:  This Chronic, infectious venereal disease begins in the mucous membranes and rapidly becomes systemic, spreading to nearby lymph nodes and the bloodstream.  The infecting agent is the spirochete Treponema pallidum.  Syphilis spreads by sexual contact during the primary, secondary and early latent stages of infection.  For those expecting mothers who has this
    disorder, it may be spread to the neonate through the placenta.

    Syphilis rank the third most prevalent reportable infectious disease in the United States, and more common between the ages of 15 to 39.  If left untreated syphilis leads to crippling or death.  Prognosis is excellent with early treatment. 

    Symptoms:

    Clinical features vary with the stage of the disease: 

    Primary syphilis:  Applies to a period of 3 weeks after contact.  Patients may develop chancres – small fluid filled lesion on the genitalia, fingers, anus, lips, tongue, nipples, tonsils, or eyelids that eventually erode and develop indurated ( becomes abnormally hard), raised edges and clear bases.  Regional lymphadenopathy may also occur (disease of the lymph nodes) 

    Secondary syphilis:  Applies to a period from a few days to 8 weeks after the onset of initial chancres.  Patients may exhibit a rash which can be macular (a distinguishable by color, thickening , spot), it can be papular ( a small circumscribed, solid, elevated lesion of the skin), or it could be nodular (resembling nodules), and it can be symmetrical mucocutaneous (pretaing to
    mucous membrane and skin) lesions. Macules commonly erupt between rolls of fat on the trunk and, proximally on the arms, palms, soles, face, and scalp. Condylomata lata may develop it drives in warm, moist areas such as the perineum, scrotum, vulva, and between rolls of fat, the lesions may be enlarge and erode, producing highly contagious, pink or grayish white
    lesions. 

    Watch for signs of general lymphadenopathy; mild constitutional symptoms such as headache, malaise, anorexia, weight loss, nausea, vomiting, and sore throat. Patient may have brittle and pitted nails, possible a low grade fever, and may have hair loss (alopecia). 

    Latent syphilis:  Characterized by an absence of symptoms 

    Late syphilis:  This stage includes three subtypes;  late benign syphilis, cardiovascular syphilis, and neurosyphilis.  Any or all may be present during this stage. 

    *Late benign syphilis:   the typical lesion is a gumma – a chronic, superficial nodule or deep granulomatous (a tumor like mass) lesion that is solitary, asymmetrical, painless, and  abnormally hard (indurated).  Other symptoms may affect the liver, causing epigastric pain, tenderness, enlarged spleen, and anemia; also the patient may develop upper respiratory involvement with potential perforation of the nasal septum or palate.

    *Cardiovascular syphilis:  The patient may develop aortitis (inflammation of the aortic), aortic regurgitation, or aortic aneurysm, or the patient may experience no symptoms at all.

    * Neurosyphilis:  meningitis and widespread CNS (Central nervous system) damage, symptoms includes, general paresis (slight or incomplete paralysis ), personality changes, and arm and leg weakness.

    Treatment: 

    Antibiotic therapy, treatment of choice is penicillin I.M. For early syphilis, treatment may consist of a single injection of penicillin G benzathine I.M. Syphilis of more than 1 year’s duration should be treated with penicillin G benzathine I.M. for 3 weeks.

    Patient who is allergic to penicillin may be treated successfully with tetracycline or erythromycin – 15 days for early syphilis; and 30 days for late infections; usually by mouth 4 times a day.

     * Important to complete the course of therapy even after symptoms subside. 

     * Have a recheck scheduled appointment with your doctor after 3, 6, 12, and 24 months to detect a possible relapse. 

     * For patients who is treated for latent or late syphilis should receive blood tests at 6 months intervals for 2 years. 

     * Please inform your sex partner of his infection so they can receive treatment, and to prevent the spread of this disease. 

  • Tendinitis

    Tendinitis: It is a painful inflammation of the
    tendons and of tendon muscle attachments to bone, usually in the hip, achilles
    tendon, hamstring and the shoulder rotator cuff.

    Tendinitis results from trauma, hypermobililty, postural misalignment,
    abnormal body development, and other musculoskeletal disorders.

    X-rays may show; calcium deposits,  bony fragments, and
    or osteophyte sclerosis (  osteophyte : a bony excrescence or outgrowth
    ) (sclerosis: hardening )

    Arthrography (radiography of a joint after injection of opaque
    contrast material ) may be done to see if it shows any irregularities on
    the under surface of the tendon.

    Symptoms:

    -Restricted shoulder movement, especially abduction swelling

    -Localized pain. The pain may intensified rather than get relief
    from applying heat to area.

    -Pain increasing more so at night

    Calcific tendinitis includes proximal weakness and possibly
    acute calcific bursitis.( Bursitis is a painful inflammation of one or
    more of the bursae, ( Bursa: a fluid filled sac or sacllike cavity situated
    in places in tissues where friction would otherwise occur)

    Treatment:

     Your doctor may prescribe medication to relieve pain

     Oral anti-inflammatory agents

     Ultrasound

     Application of cold and heat

     Local injection of an anesthetic and corticosteroids to reduce
    inflammation

    For immediate pain relief, your doctor may give a mixture of
    a corticosteroid and an anesthetic, such as lidocaine injection

    For extended release your doctor may give an injections of a
    corticosteroid, such as triamcinolone or prednisolone (it offers longer
    pain  relief

    Rest and immobilization with a sling, splint or cast to affected
    area.

    Short term analgesics may be prescribed until the patient is
    able to perform ROM easily

    Supplementary treatment includes:  fluid removal by aspiration,
    physical therapy to preserve motion and to prevent frozen joints, heat therapy for calcific tendinitis and ice packs.

    May need  to change life style to prevent recurring joint
    irritation

    * If taking anti-inflammatory medications, take with milk to
    minimize GI distress.

    Call your doctor immediately if experiencing signs of distress.