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  • Guillain-Barre Syndrome

    Guillain-Barre’ Syndrome:  causes segmental
    demyelination (destruction or loss of the myelin sheath of a nerve or nerves)
    of the peripheral nerves.  Guillain-Barre syndrome is an acute, rapidly
    progressive, and potentially fatal form of polyneuritis (inflammation of
    many nerves simultaneously).  It causes both the posterior (sensory)
    and anterior (motor) nerve roots, signs of sensory and motor losses occur
    simultaneously.

    Cause:  True cause for Guillain-Barre syndrome is unknown,
    but it may be a cell mediated immunologic attack on peripheral nerves in
    response to a virus.  Predisposing factors may include mild febrile
    illness, surgery, viral illness, Hodgkin’s disease or some other cancer,
    or systemic lupus erythematosus.

    Symptoms:

    Along with a history of preceding febrile illness (usually a respiratory
    tract infection) – other signs includes:

    Paresthesia ( morbid or perverted sensation; and abnormal sensation,
    as burning, prickling, formication, etc.)

    Muscle weakness  – usually appears in the legs first, then extends
    to the arms and facial nerves in 24 to 72 hours.  In some patients
    it may develops in the arms first or in the arms and legs simultaneously.

    May have facial diplegia (paralysis of like parts on either side of
    the body).

    May have difficulty swallowing (dysphagia) or imperfect articulation
    of speech due to disturbances of muscular control (dysarthria)

    Less often symptom – weakness of the muscles supplied by the 11th cranial
    (spinal accessory) nerve.

    May have absent of reflexes (areflexia) or diminished tone of the skeletal
    muscles (hypotonia)

    Treatment:

    May require prednisone therapy

    Treatment is primarily supportive, and patient may require endotracheal
    intubation or tracheotomy if he has difficulty clearing secretions.

    Plasma exchange for patients with this disorder is currently under investigation.

  • Gum Problems

    Gum Problems or Gingivitis:  Inflammation
    of the gingiva or gum.  First sign of periodontal disease, and gum
    disease is the major reason adults lose their teeth.

    Cause:    Early sign of hypovitaminosis ( a condition
    produced by lack of an essential vitamin), diabetes, or blood dyscrasias
    (abnormal or pathologic condition of the blood).  Can be related to
    use of oral contraceptives.  Can be due to poor oral hygiene.

    Symptoms:

    Inflammation with painless swelling, redness, change of normal contours,
    bleeding, and periodontal pocket (gum detachment from teeth)

    Treatment:

    Good oral hygiene , regular dental check-ups, vigorous chewing

     Good well balance diet – vitamin C and calcium (well cleaned raw
    vegetables -hard and fibrous foods clean and stimulate teeth and gums)

    May require oral or topical corticosteroids

    Removal of irritating factors (calculus, faulty dentures)

  • hCG Levels in Pregnancy

    If you are pregnant or trying to get pregnant, more than likely you have heard the term hCG over and over again; however, you may not be sure what hCG levels in pregnancy are really all about. Basically, hCG is a hormone, called human chorionic gonadotropin, that is produced when you are pregnant, although many women are familiar with it being called simply the pregnancy hormone. Basically the cells that form the placenta actually make this hormone. Within about 8-11 days of conception, a blood test can detect the hCG levels and usually within 12-15 days after conception a urine test can detect these levels as well.

    When it comes to hCG levels in pregnancy, in most women those levels will get higher and higher every day. In fact, about every 2-3 days the hCG level in your blood will actually double. While some women seem to think that hCG levels are indicative of whether their pregnancy will be healthy, this is not always the case. In fact, you can have lower than normal hcG levels in pregnancy and still have a healthy pregnancy and a healthy baby. So, it is important that you don’t totally look to the levels of hCG to figure out how your pregnancy is doing.

    Also, hCG levels in pregnancy should never be sued to try and figure out when a baby will be born. The levels of hCG in pregnancy can vary by a huge amount from woman to woman, so they cannot accurately let you know how far along you are in the pregnancy. While your hCG levels do have some importance and they are definitely used to find out if you are pregnant, you should not be too concerned about them as you through your pregnancy. The best way to find out about the health of your pregnancy is to have an ultrasound done, which can give more results than a simple test of your hCG levels.

  • Dermatitis

    Dermatitis: Inflammation of the skin

    Cause: Either by direct contact with an irritant or due
    to allergic reaction to a substance

    Symptoms:

    (may or may not have these symptoms depending on type of irritant substance
    and or the underlying cause.There are different types of dermatitis:
    see below)

    Dry, red and usually itchy skin

    Crusty scales with or with blisters that may ooze fluid

    Yellowish scales

    Ulcerative skin

    Treatment:

    The doctor will have to determine and eliminate the underlying cause

    Treatment varies with diagnosis

    Usually an over the counter medication and or prescription from your
    doctor. Usually steroid type topical medication and or special
    shampoo for seborrheic dermatitis.

    * Note: with all medication use as prescribed by your doctor.

    Actinic dermatitis: due to exposure to actinic radiation,
    such as that from the sun, ultraviolet waves, or x- or gamma radiation.

    Artefacta: a skin condition marked by lesions that
    are self-inflicted by the patient, whether by chemical or physical means.

    Atopic dermatitis: a chronic pruritic eruption of
    unknown etiology; allergic, hereditary, and psychogenci factors appear
    to be involved.

    Berlock dermatitis: typically of the neck, face,
    and breast, with drop-shaped or quadrilateral patches or streaks, induced
    by sequential exposure to perfume or other toilet articles and then to
    sunlight.

    Contact dermatitis: acute dermatitis due to contact
    with a substance to which the patient is allergic or sensitive; when severe,
    it is called veneata —Primary irritant (nonallergic)

    Dysmenorrheica: a rosacea-like eruption on the cheeks
    of a female, recurring during or just before painful menstrual periods.

    Exfoliative dermatitis: virtually universal erythema,
    desquamation, scaling, and itching of the skin, and loss of hair

    Exfoliativa neonatorum: exfoliative dermatitis supervening
    in bullous impetigo of the newborn.

    Gestationis: herpes gestationis

    Herpetiformis: dermatitis occurring in successive
    crops of grouped erythematous papular, vesicular, eczematous, or bullous
    lesions, accompanied by burning and itching.

    Industrial dermatitis: contact dermatitis, usually
    of the allergic type, caused by material used in the patient’s occupation.

    Infectious eczematoid dermatitis:& a pustular eczematoid
    eruption frequently following or occurring coincidentally with some pyogenic
    process.

    Meadow-grass dermatitis: phototoxic dermatitis marked
    by an eruption of vesicles and bullae arranged in streaks and bizarre configurations,
    caused by exposure to sunlight after contact with meadow grass.

    Medicamentosa: drug eruption

    Pediculoides ventricosus: grain itch.

    Photocontact dermatitis: allergic contact dermatitis
    caused by the action of sunlight on skin sensitized by contact with a substance
    capable of causing this reaction, such as a halogenated salizylanilide,
    sandalwood oil, or hexachlorophene.

    Phototoxic dermatitis: erythema followed by hyperpigmentation
    of sun-exposed areas of the skin, resulting from sequential exposure to
    agents containing photosensitizing substances, such as coal tar and certain
    perfumes, drugs, or plants containing psoralens, and then to sunlight.

    Primary-irritant dermatitis: dermatitis induced
    by a substance acting as an irritant rather than as a sensitizer or allergen.

    Radiation dermatitis: radiodermatitis -Roentgen-ray
    dermatitis:

    Rat-mite dermatitis: inflammation of the skin due
    to a bite of the rat-mite, Ornithonyssus bacoti.

    Repens: acrodermatitis continua

    Schistosome dermatitis:swimmers itch.

    Seborrheic dermatitis:a chronic, usually pruritic,
    dermatitis with erythema, dry, moist, or greasy scaling, and yellow crusted
    patches on various areas, especially the scalp, with exfoliation of an
    excessive amount of dry scales (dandruff).

    Stasis dermatitis:an eczematous eruption of the
    lower legs, usually due to impeded circulation, with edema, pigmentation,
    and often chronic ulceration.

    See also:
    Impetigo
    Eczema
    Hives
    Jock Itch

    See also:
    Poison Ivy / Poison Oak

    Psoriasis

    Scabies

  • Go Baby Go

    Music industry veterans, Andy Blackman Hurwitz and Bernstein together produced Go Baby Go. This musical album for the kids features songs that are quite popular among the kids. The songs have been interpreted in a number of jazz styles.

    What Makes The Go Baby Go Album So Special?
    The songs really strike a chord in the young hearts and are also a good learning experience. The kids will love the collection of songs in the Go Baby Go album. The opening number of the album, ‘If you are happy and you know it’, for instance has been re-imagined with an N’awlins vibe and you will also find some of the words in the song changed. The new words run, ‘If you’re happy and you know it, play those drums! If you’re happy and you know it, the beats will really show it”¦’.

    The songs in the Go Baby Go album fit today’s attitude and age and it is for the better as the kids are able to relate themselves to it. In the popular kids number, ‘Old MacDonald’, you will find that Old MacDonald is not a farmer anymore, but to suit the modern world, he has become a bandleader. Wondering where the ducks, dogs, pigs of the farm vanished? Well, they have been replaced by the musicians in Old MacDonald’s group and the song goes, ‘Old MacDonald had a band…’.

    The List Of Songs In The Album
    The tracks that the kids simply love in the album are If You’re Happy And You Know It, Baby Loves Jazz Theme, The Trumpet, ABC, Old MacDonald, I’ve Been Working On The Railroad, Paw Paw Patch, The Piano, Ten Little Monkeys, The Drums, The Saxophone, The Wheels On The Bus, Go Baby Go, Scat Song, You Are My Sunshine, The Bass, Lullabye and Banana Boat Song.

    What Else Does The Album Offer?
    Go Baby Go includes some short interludes that introduce the children to the different instruments that are used in jazz, like the saxophone, bass and the trumpet. This is also great for holding the interest of the kids.

    The album is also formulated to play through. This lulls the kids to sleep as the album winds down. The last three songs in the kids’ album are especially made for the bedtime. These songs are ‘Lullabye’, ‘You Are My Sunshine’, and ‘Banana Boat Song’.

    The Go Baby Go disc is a hot favorite with both the kids as well as their parents. Gift your little one this lovely album and see them have a great time.

  • Diabetes

    Diabetes Insipidus: 
    A deficiency of circulating antidiuretic hormone (ADH), or (vasopressin),
    or because the kidneys are not responding properly to the presence of ADH. 
    It affects both sexes, and more common in childhood or early adulthood. 
    In uncomplicated diabetes insipidus, the prognosis is good.  With
    adequate water replacement, patients usually lead normal lives.  In
    cases complicated by an underlying disorder, such as metastatic cancer,
    the prognosis varies.

    Diabetes insipidus is marked by frequent urination, as frequently as
    every half hour, all day and night.  Resulting in the need to keep
    drinking – huge quantities.

    Cause:  Diabetes insipidus may be familial, acquired, or
    idiopathic.  It can be acquired as the result of intracranial neoplastic
    or metastatic lesions.  other causes may include hypophysectomy or
    other neurosurgery; head trauma, which damages the neurohypophyseal structures;
    infection; granulomatous disease; and vascular lesions.

    Symptoms:

    Extreme polyuria (frequent urination) usually 4 to 16 liters/day of
    dilute urine, but sometimes as much as 30 liters/day with low specific
    gravity (less than 1.005)

    Extreme thirst and increase fluid intake

    Fatigue (in severe cases)

    Dehydration – may have increase heart rate, low blood pressure, dry
    mouth, eyes may appear sunken, lack of tears, weight loss, confusion
    and irritability

    Treatment:

    Until the underlying cause of diabetes insipidus can be identified and
    eliminated, administration of various forms of vasopressin or of a vasopressin
    stimulant can control fluid balance and prevent dehydration.

    Chlorpropamide may be prescribed to stimulate ADH secretion.

    Call your doctor if you have the above symptoms and or signs of dehydration
    as soon as possible.

    Diabetes Mellitus

    Diabetes mellitus: A chronic insulin deficiency
    or resistance, diabetes mellitus is marked by disturbances in carbohydrate,
    protein, and fat metabolism.  Diabetes is a major risk factor for
    myocardial infarction, cerebrovascular accident, renal failure, and peripheral
    vascular disease.  It is also the leading cause of new blindness in
    adults.

    Diabetes mellitus occurs in two forms:  insulin-dependent
    diabetes mellitus     (IDDM) also called:  Type I, or juvenile-onset
    diabetes and the more prevalent non insulin-dependent
    diabetes mellitus     (NIDDM), also called Type II, or maturity-onset
    diabetes.

    Type I diabetes:  Usually occurs before age 30 (although
    it may occur at any age).  The patient is usually thin and will require
    exogenous insulin and dietary management to achieve control.

    Type II diabetes:  usually occurs in obese adults
    after age 40 and is most frequently treated with diet and exercise, may
    also requires hypoglycemic drugs.  Treatment may also include insulin
    therapy.

    In diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) or hyperglycemic hyperosmolar nonketotic
    coma (HHNC), dehydration may cause hypovolemia and shock.  Long-term
    effects of diabetes may include retinopathy, nephroopathy, artherosclerosis,
    and peripheral and autonomic neuropathy.  Peripheral neuropathy usually
    affects the legs and may cause numbness.

    Cause:  Both Types I and II are of unknown cause but may
    be hereditary.

    Type I appears to be an autoimmune disease and is strongly associated
    with human leukocyte antigens (HLA) DR 3 and 4.  It may also be associated
    with certain viral infections.

    Type II is associated with impaired insulin secretion, peripheral insulin
    resistance, and increased basal hepatic glucose production.  Other
    associated factors include obesity; insulin antagonists such as excess
    counter regulatory hormones and phenytoin; oral contraceptives; and pregnancy.

    Symptoms:

    Fatigue

    Polyuria (frequent urination) related to hyperglycemia

    Polydipsia (excessive thirst)

    Dry mucous membranes

    Poor skin turgor

    Type II, weight loss and polyphagia (excessive ingestion of food)

    Treatment:

    Effective treatment attempts to normalize blood glucose levels and prevent
    complications.

    Type I – Insulin replacement that mimics normal pancreatic function. 
    Current means of insulin replacement include mixed, split doses of rapid
    (short-onset) with intermediate – or long-onset insulin injected usually
    twice a day (varies according to doctors orders); premeal injections of
    rapid insulin with intermediate -onset injections at bedtime; and continuous
    subcutaneous insulin infusion (insulin pump) (NOTE – this is a example,
    all medications should be prescribed and follow your doctors orders)

    Pancreas transplantation, is still experimental.

    Diabetic therapy also requires a diet carefully planned to meet nutritional
    needs, to control blood glucose levels, and to reach and maintain appropriate
    body weight.

    For the obese diabetic patient, weight reduction is a dietary goal. 
    In Type I, the  calorie allotment may be high, depending on growth
    stage and activity level.  To be successful, however, the diet must
    be followed consistently, and meals must be eaten at regular times.

    Type II diabetes may require oral hypoglycemics.  These medications
    stimulate endogenous insulin production and may also increase insulin sensitivity
    at the cellular level.

  • Giving Birth Videos

    Giving birth videos to your partner could be the best gift that you could ever afford. The video can be a great asset for those who are unable to attend the childbirth classes. It familiarizes every woman with the steps of childbirth that helps reduce their panic and anxiety. Watching the birth video would be an informative as well as rewarding experience before delivery.

    The recent birth videos are developed to provide a finer insight into childbirth. These videos are efforts from the midwives realizing the importance of positive natural birth for pregnant women. Therefore, giving birth videos would ensure that your spouse knows what to do and when to do. The birth videos usually enclose information on labor & delivery, prenatal care, new baby care, postpartum, parenting, child abuse prevention, breastfeeding, teen pregnancy and prevention, nutrition and safety as well as staff training.

    The Features Of Child Birth Videos
    If your partner is unable to attend a regular childbirth class, the videos could be very handy. In such circumstances, giving birth videos to you partner can be a great alternative, as it would equip her with all the information required to be prepared for childbirth. Here are some details:

    • The birth videos are excellent guides providing precise and up-to-date medical information from Lamaze certified childbirth educators and qualified obstetrical registered nurses.
    • The video allows learning about the childbirth preparations at the convenience of your home.
    • The birth videos can be repeated and seen a hundred times, which makes it possible to progress with the preparation at convenient pace.
    • You may have other family members who are interested in birth videos to share the experience.
    • The most appreciable feature of the video is that the videotapes contain easy instructions in a sensitive and informative manner that is easy to follow.

    Giving birth videos to your beloved would not cost you much as they are easily available in market at affordable prices. You would always prefer to pay the price for the well-being of your family and expected-baby. Of course, you will need to make sure that she understands whatever instructions have been provided in the video after giving birth videos to your partner.

  • Diverticulitis and Diverticulosis

    Diverticular disease: Diverticulitis is an
    inflammation to a diverticulum, which is an inflammation of saclike bulges
    in the wall. Diverticulosis is the presence of diverticula.

    Studies shows that diverticula probably result from high intraluminal
    pressure on areas of weakness in the GI wall, where blood vessels enter.
    Diet, such as highly refined foods, may be a contributing factor.
    The like of fiber reduces fecal residue, narrows the bowel lumen, and leads
    to higher intra – abdominal pressure during defecation.

    In this disorder, bulging pouch like herniations in the GI (gastrointestinal
    ) wall push the mucosal lining through the surrounding muscle.  Diverticula
    occur most commonly in the sigmoid colon, but they may develop anywhere,
    from the proximal end of the pharynx to the anus.  Other typical sites
    are the duodenum, near the pancreatic border or the ampulla of Vater, and
    the jejunum.

    Diverticular disease of the ileum is the most common congenital
    anomaly of the GI tract. Diverticular disease has two clinical forms.
    In Diverticulosis, diverticula are present but do
    not cause symptoms.  In diverticulitis, diverticula
    are inflamed and may cause potentially fatal obstruction, infection, or
    hemorrhage, in this disorder, undigested food mixed with bacteria also
    accumulates in the Diverticular sac, forming a hard mass ( fecalith ). 
    This substance cuts off the blood supply to the thin walls of the sac,
    making them more susceptible to attack by colonic bacteria.

    Symptoms:

    Diverticulosis – recurrent left lower abdominal quadrant pain is relieved
    by defecation or passage of flatus.  Constipation and diarrhea alternate.

    * This disorder is usually asymptomatic ( without symptoms )

    Diverticulitis – the patient may have moderate left lower abdominal
    quadrant pain, mild  nausea, gas, irregular bowel habits, low – grade
    fever, leukocytosis, rupture of the diverticuli can occur in severe diverticulitis,
    and fibrosis and adhesions may occur in chronic diverticulitis.

    Treatment:

    Asymptomatic Diverticulosis usually does not require treatment.

    Patient with intestinal Diverticulosis who experience pain, mild GI
    distress, constipation, or have difficulty with bowel movement may respond
    well with  a liquid or bland diet, stool softeners, and occasional
    usage of mineral oil. These measures relieve symptoms, minimize irritation,
    and lessen the risk of progression to diverticulitis. After pain
    subsides, patients also benefit from a high residue diet and bulk forming
    laxatives.

    Patient with mild diverticulitis without signs of perforation must prevent
    constipation and combat infection. It may include; bed rest, a liquid
    diet, stool softeners, a broad spectrum antibiotic, and antispasmodic to
    control muscle spasm, mild to moderate analgesic to control pain and relax
    smooth muscle.

    * When diverticulitis is unresponsive to medical treatment requires
    a colon resection to remove the involved segment. Complications that
    accompany diverticulitis may require a temporary colostomy to drain abscesses
    and rest the colon, followed by later anastomosis

  • Depression

    Depression: a morbid sadness, dejection, or melancholy.

    Depression affects twice as many women as men, major depression is
    characterized by at least one 2 week episode of depressed mood.  Incidence
    is also high among patients hospitalized with medical illness.

    There is multiple cause of depression and not all are completely understood,
    most are controversial.  Research suggests possible genetic, familial,
    biochemical, physical, psychological, and social causes.  Studies
    shows that with many patients, the history identifies a specific personal
    loss or severe stress that probably interacts with a person’s predisposition
    to major depression.

    Symptoms:

    Major depression is a relatively persistent and prominent dysphoric
    mood, with loss of interest in usual activities and pastimes, which may
    shift periodically to anger or anxiety.

    • Appetite disturbance – weight loss without dieting, or significant appetite
      or weight gain
    • Sleep disturbance – insomnia or hypersomnia
    • Fatigue – energy loss
    • Psychomotor agitation – hyperactive or slow inactive behavior
    • Loss of interest – possible decreased sex drive, or loss of pleasure in
      activities
    • Feelings of worthlessness – excessive guilt and self reproach
    • Difficulty in concentration, decision making, or thinking
    • Recurrent suicidal thoughts, suicide attempts, or wishing death over life

    Treatment:

    Psychotherapy drugs and or Antidepressant therapy (combination of the
    two has been known to work well together)

    Somatic therapy – aim to relieve depressive symptoms

    Sedative – if patient has insomnia

    Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) or Electric shock treatment – use for
    severely depressed or suicidal patients who do not respond to other treatments.

    Depression is very difficult to treat, especially in children, adolescents,
    elderly, and those with a history of chronic disease, but treatment has
    become more effective.

  • Giving Birth Video Clips

    If you are pregnant and are concerned about giving birth and want to know what the birth experience will actually be like, it is advisable to watch giving birth video clips. It wasn’t so long ago that the idea of filming a birth was a controversial one, but today, many proud fathers film their wives in labor and keep the film as a family memento, like a wedding video. In the recent past, expectant mothers had to rely on diagrams in books as their only source of information on the birth experience (and women 100 years ago were not even permitted this resource), so it is a good idea to appreciate the resources available to those women who are preparing for the birth experience.

    Giving birth video clips can be found online, or it may be a good idea to view giving birth video clips of a good friend. The advantage with the latter idea is you can sit with your friend and discuss with her what the birth experience was like as you watch her giving birth video clips. Having a close friend advise you at such a crucial time is important for moral support as well as vital information which will make giving birth much easier.

    Giving birth video clips are also useful resources when deciding what kind of birth you will have. Talking about water birth, for example or a home birth may seem quite abstract until you actually see giving birth video clips of a women giving birth in a small pool or in her living room. Once you have seen the birth, you are more likely to have a clearer idea of what is involved and can make informed choices.

    Giving birth video clips can be viewed online and are often quite short, since they only include the last few pushes before the baby comes out.