Category: Medicine

Am I Depressed

Do you find it hard to concentrate on your job? Are you experiencing sleeping disorder? Do you worry too much? Have you become irritable? Do you get emotional or upset for no specific reason? Then you may be going through depression. Depression is a tough phase in anyone’s life. However, depression can be treated. If you consult a doctor in time, you can relieve the affects of depression through proper counseling. Sometimes, doctors will prescribe medication. If you follow the medication and treatment properly, it will also help to eliminate depression.

In order to determine whether or not you are depressed, you have to realize that we all have good days and bad days. It is when the bad days don’t go away that the possibility of depression is likely. Many believe that a chemical imbalance triggers depression. This imbalance is responsible for sending messages to the brain. Chemicals known as neurotransmitters are responsible for passing messages to and from the brain. If the neurotransmitter levels are too low, messages are not being transmitted correctly and depression occurs. Symptoms include feeling sad and crying a lot, always tired, extremely anxious, low self-esteem and loss of sex drive.

Millions of people suffer from depression, and women are more likely to suffer than men. However, depression affects everyone on some level. If you think you might be depressed, don’t hesitate to seek the help of a trained professional. Depression can be treated with counseling and sometimes medication. Whatever the treatment, the benefits far outweigh the negative effects of living with depression.

Alternative Mesothelioma Treatment

People are on the lookout for alternative mesothelioma treatment due to the complex nature and deadliness of mesothelioma. Not only patients, but researchers and doctors are trying to find out new ways to treat mesothelioma. ‘Alternative’ refers to the use of different methods from the traditionally accepted. Most alternative mesothelioma treatments are not scientifically approved but certain treatments have found to give relief to patients and certain others are found to be of no use. Intraoperative Photodynamic Therapy (IPT), Immunoaugmentative Therapy (IAT) and Gene Therapy are some of the important alternative mesothelioma treatments in modern medicine.

Alternative treatments attack the mesothelioma cancer quite aggressively, with few or no side effects. It works by training the patient’s immune system to recognize and destroy the tumor tissue. The method relies on cancer vaccines to stimulate the patient’s immune system and destroy tumor cells. Immunoaugmentative Therapy (IAT) works by strengthening and balancing four different proteins found in the blood. Special drugs are administered to kill cancer cells in Intraoperative Photodynamic Therapy (IPT). The drug makes cancer more sensitive to light. Several days before the surgery, it is injected into a vein. A special light is used to detect cancer during surgery. IPT is basically used in the early stages of mesothelioma in the chest. Mutilated genes, which cause mesothelioma, are either replaced or removed in gene therapy. This treatment is at its infant stage but is a promising treatment.

Some types of alternative treatments have been practiced for generations but do not have any scientific backup. Homeopathy is used as an alternative system. An example of homeopathic treatment in mesothelioma is the use of Iscador from mistletoe. Iscador is an herbal medicine used to boost the body’s immune system. Specific diet therapy, rich with vitamins and minerals, and metabolic therapy are other types of alternative treatment. Cow or shark cartilage is used as a food supplement in some treatments. Essiac is an herb supplement used. Bach flower is used in aromatic treatment. Other examples of alternative medicine are faith healing, vitamins, herbs, and supplements sold in your local drugstore.

Alternative Homeopathic Medicine

What are the various types of alternative medicines?

The first classification of alternative medical system is based on complete systems of both practice and theory. These systems may have either evolved separately or earlier than their conventional medical counterparts.

Examples of these alternative medical practices that developed in Western cultures include naturopathic and homeopathic medicine. Medical systems that originated in cultures outside the Western world include Ayurveda and traditional Chinese medicine.

The second type of alternative medicine is called mind-body intervention. This makes use of various techniques to improve the capacity of the mind to affect various functions of the body. Some techniques that used to be considered as alternative now have become conventional. They include cognitive and behavior therapy as well as patient support groups.

Nowadays, even spiritual practices are being considered as a valid form of therapy. These include prayer, meditation, mental healing and therapies that make use of creative outlets such as music, dance and art.

The third classification of alternative medicine involves therapies based on biology and makes use of natural products such as herbs and vitamins. Examples of this type include herbal products and dietary supplements. They also include natural yet scientifically unproven methods such as making use of shark cartilage as a cancer cure.

Another type is called body-based manipulative methods, which are centered on moving parts of the body. Examples of this are osteopathic manipulation and massage.

The last category is termed energy therapy. It makes use of the body’s energy fields. There are two types. Biofield therapies intend to affect energy fields that surround the body by applying pressure and manipulation. Examples of this are Qi Gong, therapeutic touch and Reiki. On the other hand, Bioelectromagneticx96based therapies involve the use of magnetic and pulsed fields.

Before trying out anything, be sure to consult your doctor for advice.

Allergy Medication

Allergy is the reaction of a body to an intolerable allergen. Individuals use various medications to treat allergy and its symptoms. It is also advisable to avoid these allergens if identified. Antihistamines are the major group of chemicals that are used as medication in case of allergy. Histamine, a type of chemical is released at some stage in an allergic reaction and anti histamine is used to curb their effect.

Anticholinergics, mast cell stabilizers, and decongestants are other classes of medications that are used to prevent or take care of allergy symptoms. Corticosteroids are also used as anti allergic medications. Each medication is found in different forms, such as pills, eye drops, and nasal sprays.

In case the source of allergy is known, it is advisable to stick with the tried and tested formula of the usual anti-allergen, as they are known to be repetitive in their effect. However if the source is not known, it is recommended to take advice from medical professionals regarding the medication. Allergy medications at times have a number of different products and hence it is necessary to read the labels on these medications thoroughly, before using them.

It is important to give due thought to side effects, while deciding on an allergy medication. Drowsiness is a common side effect of anti histamines. There are however newer antihistamines that are non-sedative by nature and hence do not affect the mental alertness. Cetirizine is one of the anti-allergens known to cause high levels of drowsiness and hence can be a potential hazard.

vAllergy medications are usually safe for most people. However if an individual suffers from high blood pressure, diabetes or any such ailment, it is advisable to ask the medical practitioner regarding the safest anti allergen that can be consumed. Pregnant women and lactating mothers are also recommended not to take any medication for allergy without consulting their medical practitioner.

Allergy Asthma

Of all the diseases related to the respiratory system, asthma allergy is the most prevalent. This condition is usually visible in children and young adults, but the process may progress throughout their lives. Asthma allergy is a lung disease characterized by difficulty in breathing, wheezing, coughing, and the increase in production of mucus during an attack. The symptoms may bring simple discomfort or they may eventually lead to death, depending on the number allergens that affect the patient, causing blockages in the airways.

Cause of Asthma Allergies

The cause of asthma allergy is similar to the causes of an allergic reaction in a person. Allergens include dust, chemicals, scents, odors and changes in temperature. The actual reactions vary from patient to patient. In some cases of asthma allergy, symptoms are triggered by exercise or the emotional state of a person. These symptoms are quite unique.

Smoke is the most recognized cause of allergy asthma, especially for children. Statistics show that a ratio of eight out of 10 children are at risk of developing asthmatic conditions when exposed to smoke. It is believed that as the city becomes more industrialized, people may develop symptoms that are similar to asthma.

Risk Factors

Asthma allergy is not distinct to certain types of people. Anyone of any age, race, weight, height or gender is at risk of acquiring the disease. People who are involved in industries that deal with heavy emissions are at a higher risk of developing asthma.

It is also believed that asthma allergy is a hereditary disorder. A person who has a history of asthma allergy in the family is also at risk.

Treatments

Treatment starts with managing asthma attacks. To do this, a person needs to stay away from allergens that trigger asthma allergy. There are also medicines that can be prescribed by a physician to alleviate some symptoms.

Alcohol Rehabilitation Centers

Rehabilitation is the term used to refer to the restoration of lost capabilities or the treatment used to heal a body from ailments. Alcohol addicts are usually admitted to an alcohol rehabilitation center. Alcohol addiction begins with a casual curiosity or peer pressure. It affects the brain and creates a desire to consume more alcohol resulting into addiction. Typically, a person starts consuming alcohol to obtain relief from his problems. Alcohol addiction affects a person’s life in all spheres.

A rehabilitation center begins treatment by studying all the psychological factors of the patient, including their social background and the degree of addiction of a patient, to decide a course of treatment. A patient is counseled, and sometimes given medication. There is a whole range of treatments to choose from. The time required for recovery varies from one person to another. Money can be a major constraint for treatment. Apart from a few charitable centers, most treatment programs are expensive.

While choosing a rehabilitation center, it is of prime importance that the patient is kept away from the people or surroundings where this addiction began. In the initial stage of addiction, an outpatient treatment program may be sufficient. Patients with an acute history of alcohol addiction may require an inpatient treatment program wherein a patient is supervised and his progress is monitored 24 hours a day. This treatment may be in a hospital or a residential surrounding which offers supervision like a hospital.

Almost all major cities have well-equipped rehabilitation centers. Rehab centers not only work towards treating a patient, but also towards ensuring that the patients do not revert back to the addiction. They restore the addict’s lost faith and confidence. These patients come out as confident individuals ready to face life with renewed vigor.

Alcohol Detox

Alcohol detox implies the removal of alcohol from the body of an alcoholic. Alcohol detox is brought about by abstinence from alcohol, medication, and altering the diet of the patient. Detox is not possible without support from friends and family and a commitment on the part of the patient.

The liver and kidneys normally carry out detoxification in the body. However in hardened alcoholics, alternative detoxification processes become necessary. There are several general practitioners, nurses, and pharmacists who volunteer in detox centers for alcoholics.

In most cases, detoxification can be done at home. This is when the alcohol consumption is moderate, but in complicated cases that involve symptoms such as hallucinations, severe withdrawal symptoms, and multi-substance misuse, inpatient detoxification becomes necessary. Volunteers even conduct community detox programs, usually in compliance with the Alcoholics Anonymous (AA). Alcoholics attending AA meetings are stressed upon the need to be determined to give up alcohol.

In extreme cases, medication is used to detoxify heavy drinkers. This is also termed pharmacological detoxification. Here, the patients are forewarned that they may suffer anxiety and insomnia for a couple of days. The most common drugs used for alcohol detoxification are benzodiazepines, with Chlordiazepoxide being the most preferred benzodiazepine used. Diazepam is also widely used, but fatal effects may occur if it is mixed with huge doses of alcohol. Hence, supervision is necessary for use of diazepam as a detoxifier.

A detoxification session usually lasts 5 to 6 weeks. The diet is to be protein-rich and with a generous amount of fiber and fluids, and the person should consume water throughout the day. Since most alcoholics have sugar problems, hypoglycemic substances should be consumed. Parsley and chamomile teas are effective alkaloids which stimulate kidney elimination processes.

Inpatient detox is carried out in rehabilitation centers, but there is a social stigma attached to being admitted in such rehab centers. Usually, such centers are located in the lesser-developed areas of the country, causing people from affluent classes to be reluctant to be admitted in them. Also, the ratio of workers to patients is generally 1:4, meaning that there is an emphasis on self-care.

Age Related Macular Degeneration

Age-related Macular Degeneration or AMD is a common eye disease that causes progressive damage to the central part of the retina, also known as the Macula. AMD is the leading cause of visual impairment in the United States, and blindness in senior citizens of America, aged 65 and older.

As people age, the retinal pigment epithelium (RPE), which supplies nutrients from the choroid (layer of blood vessels that nourishes the cones and rods of the retina) to the retina and helps remove waste products, may deteriorate. This results in the formation of waste deposits and the light-sensitive cells of the macula may be damaged due to lack of nutrients. The normal signals sent through the optic nerve to the brain by these cells become disrupted and the vision becomes blurred.

According to the estimate of Archives of Ophthalmology in 2004, approximately 1.75 million U.S. residents have indicative symptoms associated with AMD or age-related macular degeneration. The number is expected to grow to almost 3 million by 2020 according to this estimate.

Age-related Macular Degeneration rarely results in complete blindness but leads to distorted vision and reduces contrast sensitivity and color perception. Peripheral vision may not be affected and victims may be able to see from the corners of their eyes. However, in the worst cases, AMD or Age-related Macular Degeneration may result in a complete loss of vision or lead to blindness.

Although the chances for developing AMD or age-related Macular Degeneration increase radically as people age, researchers suspect an association between development of AMD and occurrence of a variant of a gene known as complement factor H (CFH). The cause of this eye disease may also be related to nutrition, smoking, and sunlight or as a side effect of a particular drug.

Affordable Plastic Surgery

Plastic surgery costs are typically very high. Individuals are always in a dilemma whether to go in for such an expensive procedure and whether the results would be worth the expenses. Until a few decades back, plastic surgery was restricted to just a few Hollywood beauties. However, with recent developments, the price has come down quite a bit and is now within the reach of the common individual.

It is essential to consider the cosmetic surgery costs in totality. Apart from the mere physical or external change, the boost given to an individual’s self-esteem cannot be ignored.

The cost of plastic surgery is dependent on several factors. It is influenced by the need of the individual and the part of the anatomy that has to undergo surgery. Hence, the cost of a tummy tuck will be different that the cost of a face-lift. Each surgery type and method depends largely on whom it is to be performed on, as it is based on various factors such as the extent of damage, length of the surgery, risk involved, and the amount of work that is required.

It is also important to keep in mind that the doctors’ rates keep changing, and, hence, there is a lot of fluctuation in cost. Renowned doctors are typically known to charge more than those who haven’t had as much experience.

Location is also another important factor, as doctors practicing in big cities definitely charge more for the same procedure than those practicing in a more rural area. This is basically because they have more important clients, and the demand for their services is quite high.

Plastic surgery, though desired by many, is still within the reach of a mere handful. This is because of the exorbitant cost involved in plastic surgery. However, as a result of the rising popularity and the increasing competition, the rates are reduced to a great extent.

Advanced Mesothelioma Symptoms

Mesothelioma symptoms tend to develop gradually, and earlier symptoms are often confused for illnesses that are more amenable to treatment. For example, the cough, difficulty breathing, and chest pain experienced in pleural mesothelioma is often seen in lung infections such as pneumonia. Typically, once symptoms are more pronounced the cancer is fairly advanced and treatment becomes less effective.

In advanced pleural mesothelioma, chest pain and pain under the ribcage may become more pronounced; back pain may also be present. Coughing may be present; blood may also be coughed up. Hoarseness and swelling of the face and arms may be seen. Patients may also experience muscle weakness and sensory loss. In advanced peritoneal mesothelioma, abdominal symptoms become more pronounced. These include a swelling or lump in the abdomen, abdominal distension due to a collection of fluid in the abdominal cavity, abdominal pain, constipation due to bowel obstruction, nausea and vomiting, and appetite loss. If there is a lot of abdominal fluid, breathing may become increasingly difficult. The feet may become swollen. In advanced pericardial mesothelioma, coughing, worsening breathlessness, palpitations and chest pain may be experienced.

In all types of malignant mesothelioma, generalized symptoms such as fever, unexplained weight loss and fatigue are usually present. Patients with advanced mesothelioma are usually offered palliative treatment to reduce the discomfort from their symptoms. Pleural or abdominal fluid collections may be drained, and substances that prevent further formation and collection of fluid may be placed in the pleural or abdominal cavities. Surgery or radiotherapy may reduce some of the obstructive symptoms, and radiotherapy may be used to reduce pain. One or more anti-cancer drugs may also be used. A number of clinical trials are ongoing to find better ways to provide symptomatic relief to people with advanced malignant mesothelioma.