Category: Medicine

Cause Of Primary Pulmonary Hypertension

It is strange but true that the exact Cause of Primary Pulmonary Hypertension is yet to be ascertained. However, researchers in this regard suggest that certain diet drugs (appetite suppressants) can make a person more prone to developing this fatal condition.

Primary Pulmonary Hypertension is basically a disorder of the blood vessels wherein the pressure in the pulmonary artery rises above normal levels, thereby posing a life-threatening risk. Several diseases or causative factors, largely unknown, may lead to the malfunctioning denoted by the term Primary Pulmonary Hypertension.

Research done in recent times point out that A mutation in the gene denoted BMPR2 Causes Primary Pulmonary Hypertension. Researchers have sensed that other genes may also possibly lead to causing Primary Pulmonary Hypertension. It is also probable that other genes can contribute to the development of the disease in people, together with the known mutation of the BMPR2 gene. The disease is thereby inheritable via genes.

Most cases of Primary Pulmonary Hypertension are, however, found to be not inherited as a result of traits in genes. Cirrhosis of THE liver, stimulant abuse and H.I.V. infection are often closely associated with Primary Pulmonary Hypertension, though no cause of the disease has been specifically delineated. Conclusive evidence has, however, been found regarding a direct correlation between the usage of appetite suppressants (diet drugs) and the risk of Primary Pulmonary Hypertension. The names of Pondimin and Redux, commonly known as Fen Phen, are important in this regard. These drugs were recommended by hospitals and health centers from the 1970s to late 1990s. The manufacturers and the people prescribing it (doctors and the like) did not have the necessary diligence to discover the severe risk involved in using the drugs. Their ignorance has, thus, been the cause of thousands of people either suffering from the disease or potentially at risk to fall prey to the deadly condition.

Cause Of Insomnia

The National Institute of Health defines insomnia as, “the perception or complaint of inadequate sleep” and classifies it as three types; transient, intermittent and chronic. Most people have suffered from insomnia at one time or other in its transient (one day to a month) or intermittent (occasional) form. Around 10% of the population suffers from chronic insomnia. Elderly persons, menopausal women and pregnant women are more likely to be more affected than others.

Causes of insomnia are classified into three broad categories – life style, physical health disorders and mental health disorders. Life style can be subdivided into what we eat, sleeping environment and sleep schedule. Alcohol, caffeine, nicotine, some allergic foods and medications like decongestants, bronchodilators, anti hypertensives, anti depressants, diuretics, anti epileptics, anti arrhythmic, thyroid medications and histamine H2 inhibitors are known to cause insomnia.

Environmental noise, extreme temperatures, change of sleeping area, uncomfortable bed and insects like mosquitoes are the main environmental factors that prevent sleep. Varying work schedules like shift work, jet lag, long afternoon naps and recreational activities are also causes that upset a good night’s sleep.

Obviously, one cannot fall asleep if in pain due to injury or illness. Sleep specific disorders are obstructive sleep apnea, central sleep apnea, restless leg syndrome, circadian rhythm disorder and periodic limb movement disorder. The diseases that become an underlying cause of insomnia are arthritis, asthma, Parkinson’s diseases, hyperthyroid, prostrate problems, degenerative disease, gastro esophageal reflux, fibromyalgia kidney disease, heart failure and rhinitis. Menopause can cause sleep problems due to hormonal imbalance.

Stress, anxiety, grief, depression, schizophrenia, panic disorder and mania and acute psychosis are psychiatric conditions that cause insomnia. Above all, the worry that one is not getting sufficient sleep is likely to worsen the problem. This, in turn, creates a vicious cycle, which can make the condition serious.

The causes of insomnia are very complex and it is very difficult to pin down to a single or even a few causes. A patient study of behavioral pattern, sleep history chart and if required specialized study with polysomnogram and full co-operation of the family is needed to determine the cause of insomnia.

Cause of Heartburn

Heartburn is a burning pain starting from behind the breastbone and ribs and radiating upwards towards the throat. Basically, heartburn is caused by hydrochloric acid spilling upward into the esophagus from the stomach. The lining of the esophagus, unlike that of the stomach, is not protected against acid. The acid, being corrosive, inflames and irritates the esophagus and causes the heartburn.

There is a one-way valve between the stomach and the esophagus called the lower esophageal sphincter (LES), which seals the stomach and keeps the acid inside the stomach. Due to weak LES, relaxed LES or any other disease affecting the LES, the sphincter muscle allows acid to flow backwards into the esophagus and cause heartburn.

Foods that loosen or relax the LES include alcohol, citrus fruits, mint and chocolate. Foods that are acidic and irritate the esophagus directly are citrus fruit juice, tomato and spicy foods. Foods that increase the acid secretion in the stomach include caffeine beverages or carbonated beverages, alcohol, fatty foods, spicy foods, raw onions, garlic, black pepper and vinegar.

Pressure on the stomach causes it to eject acid into esophagus. Overeating, certain exercises, tight clothes, bending down, and stomach fat due to excess weight or pregnancy are some factors which increase pressure on the stomach. The acid secretion is also increased through stress, smoking and the practice of going to bed immediately after eating. Aging is another factor that may relax the LES valve, thereby causing heartburn.

Heartburn can also be a symptom of conditions like gastro-esophageal reflux disease (GERD), pregnancy, hiatal hernia, acid regurgitation, peptic ulcer, stomach emptying disorders, gastrointestinal motility disorder or even coughing too hard. Medications to treat respiratory problems, heart problems, blood pressure, arthritis, osteoporosis, anxiety, depression, insomnia, Parkinson’s disease and cancer are also known to cause heartburn. The use of aspirin can also cause heartburn.

From the causes of heartburn, it can be clearly deduced that generally, heartburn can be avoided or lessened by effecting some lifestyle changes, like altering our food intake, exercising, avoiding smoking and intake of alcohol, changing sleeping habits and avoiding certain medications.

Cause Of Bad Breath

Bad breath is a problem most people face today. Most bad breath problems begin in the mouth, and are a result of poor dental hygiene. Others are indicative of internal infections such as kidney failure, malfunction of the liver, disorders of metabolism, and infection of the sinuses or lungs.

Infections such as kidney failure and disorders of the metabolism can cause the release of unpleasant odors from the mouth. Metabolic disorders are difficult to diagnose because the unpleasant odors are not constant.

The three simplest reasons for bad breath from poor oral hygiene are consumption of food and drinks such as garlic, onions and soda; insufficient tooth brushing, and regular smoking or tobacco use. Brushing, flossing and rinsing with mouthwash on a regular basis are essential for good dental hygiene.

In addition, bad breath can also be caused by improper care of tooth cavities. Cavities are an ideal hiding place for food particles, which collect bacteria over time. Upon decomposing, these food particles release a sulfur compound that results in an unpleasant odor.

Improper care of the tongue can result in unpleasant odors being released from the mouth. The back of the tongue is rough and acts as an ideal hiding place. Food particles get lodged in the cracks and crevices, resulting in the release of sulfur compounds causing bad breath.

Bad breath can also result from not eating enough. In such cases, we deprive the body of its daily supply of fuel, in the form of food. To continue normal metabolism, the body breaks down fat and proteins, its secondary food supply, causing the release of bad odor.

A simple visit to the dentist can identify and treat potential oral health problems. However, if bad breath persists, it is essential that one consults a doctor to rule out any serious causes.

Massage Therapy

The ancient civilizations of the Chinese, Egyptians, Hindus and Persians used massage therapy as a principal treatment for many an ailment. Now, the fact that Americans spend 6 billion dollars annually on massage therapy gives an idea of its popularity in treating a wide range of disorders.

It is important to clearly differentiate massage therapy from sensual massage, as the word ‘massage’ calls to mind massage parlors, which were used to peddle sex. Today, health professionals who are well trained, certified and insured give the therapy in a clinical and comfortable atmosphere.

Massage is part art and part science. Hands manipulate the skin, muscles, soft tissues, joints, tendons and ligaments. The therapist strokes, kneads, squeezes, presses or taps to achieve the aim of treatment. The patient is made comfortable, and some lubricants like oil, cream, jelly or lotion are applied. The therapist keeps the patient covered and exposes only the area that he is working on. A typical massage session lasts about an hour.

The massage relaxes the muscles and soft tissues, improves circulation, stimulates the lymphatic system and calms the nerves. There are a wide range of mental and physical disorders for which massage therapy is very beneficial. It eases tension, knots, cramps and spasms in the muscles. Massage therapy is a prime component of most relaxation therapies and stress management. As stress is perceived to be the root cause of many problems like cardiac diseases, diabetes, gastrointestinal disorder and hypertension, stress management via massage therapy is an excellent supporting treatment for these disorders. There are quite a variety of massages – some for general purpose and some others targeting a specific problem. Some of the popular ones are Swedish massage, sports massage, shiatsu, acupressure, aromatherapy, neuromuscular therapy and prenatal pregnancy massage.

Today’s therapists are trained in professional schools, both in theory and practice. They need to pass a board examination and many states have certification standards. Therapists are registered with their professional associations. These associations like the National Certified Board for Therapeutic Massage and Body Work (NCTMB), Associated Massage and Body Work Professional (AMBP) and American massage therapy Association (AMTA) set a high standard of professional ethics and competency.

This is a treatment well suited to hectic modern lifestyles even without any illness, and has no comparative competition in relaxing the body and mind, and relieving stress.

Bad Breath Cure

A simple trip to the dentist can help identify the cause of bad breath. If the cause is poor dental hygiene, the dentist will recommend a proper cleaning regimen, which will include regular brushing, rinsing and flossing. Treatment may also include repairing or removing infected cavities, which can be rather unpleasant. No wonder the saying, ‘Prevention is better than cure’ has become so common!

Fortunately, most treatments are not painful. Brushing and flossing are essential to fight bad odor. Brushing helps by dislodging food particles from the teeth, gums, and tongue, thereby preventing the buildup of bacteria. Most bacteria in the mouth are anaerobic, surviving without oxygen. They survive in the mouth by living under a protective layer of mucus and proteins, which can be eliminated by thorough brushing.

Some people consider flossing to be irrelevant to oral hygiene. Floss reaches areas behind and between the teeth which are inaccessible by brushing, thereby making flossing as pertinent to oral hygiene as brushing. For those who are too lazy to floss, it is advisable to use triangular or anatomical toothpicks. However, toothpicks cannot be used to clean behind the last teeth, the wisdom teeth. They are only a reasonable substitute.

Dryness in the mouth makes it hospitable to odor-causing bacteria. Dryness can be caused by use of prescription medications, excessive talking, exercising, dieting and excessive drinking and smoking. Drinking water washes away food particles and stimulates saliva flow, which results in elimination of odor causing bacteria. It is therefore recommended to regularly consume adequate amounts of water.

A regular dental checkup will allow the dentist to check for other common causes of bad breath such as periodontal disease, better known as gum disease, and allow him to prescribe a better antibacterial mouthwash, which will help fight bacterial infection.

Sexual Enhancement Creams

Most sexual enhancement creams, in spite of having different active ingredients, contain L-arginine, an amino acid that improves the flow of blood and is a potent dilator of blood vessels around the clitoris. Just as Viagra works among men, the concept here is to increase blood flow to the genitals, thereby increasing sensation and enhancing lubrication, which makes having an orgasm much easier. It should be remembered that L-arginine aggravates genital herpes, so those having this sexually transmitted disease should stay away from it. The presence of peppermint or menthol in some of these creams creates a tingling sensation and warmth. However, it can also be irritating to delicate tissues.

The response time varies from person to person and for each specific product. But the effects are felt more rapidly by stimulation through touching, rubbing, and licking in the clitoral area. Most creams begin to work right away, and with continued use, the response becomes much more intense.

For those women who have been losing their sexual urge and sensitivity, the use of enhancement creams along with healthy living habits will help them regain their lost sexual intensity and create a condition conducive to orgasm.

It has been observed that most of the high-quality creams have little to no side effects. However, the best way is to sample a small dose of the cream before using it on a permanent basis. If there is no irritation, you can just go ahead.

Although all reputable firms offer guarantees for their products, it is wise to fully understand how they work and refrain from taking a hasty decision. The prices of these products depend on the quality of the essential active ingredients used.

In choosing a cream, you should look at the ingredients and the method of manufacture. It makes sense if you decide to go with a reputable and experienced company which has been recommended by a large number of satisfied customers. Better still, consult your doctor if you want to use one of these creams.

Cosmetic Acne Skin Care

Cosmetics, though by no stretch of imagination a valid line of defense, are widely used to camouflage acne. Though this is reasonable and makes sense, any kind of topically applied oil-based compound will aggravate acne. This especially applies to foundation creams, the longest-lasting of which are generally oil-based (or oleaginous).

Specifically, the ingredients to avoid include isopropyl myristate, isopropyl esters, oleic acid, stearic acid, petrolatum and lanolin. Cosmetic brands of lower quality will not mention the presence or absence of such compounds on the label and must be avoided. Though alcohol-based cosmetics are not the best choice for acne-prone skin, they are certainly preferable to oil-based ones. The best bets are water-based cosmetics which, though not as long-lasting as oleaginous ones, are far more suitable and less detrimental to acne.

There are a number of cosmetics available for camouflaging unsightly acne. They usually come in the form of a regimen that includes a concealing cream, a sheer or opaque foundation and a dusting powder. Prior to using these products, the skin must be gently but thoroughly cleansed and a certain amount of individual inventiveness may be called for to match camouflaged acne with unaffected skin areas.

A lot of research has been conducted to isolate the ideal shades of foundation creams for hiding acne, and you can now choose the shade that best suits the degree of acne you suffer from. For instance, green creams have been found most suitable for camouflaging redness resulting from rosacea. Yellow cream is best suited for purplish bruising and excessively pigmented skin (which can be caused by severe acne), and so on.

It is best to consult a knowledgeable salesperson attached to a reputed cosmetics outlet rather than pick up such ‘designer’ products off the shelf at the local supermarket.

Breast Augmentation Before And After

Before deciding upon breast augmentation surgery one must choose a qualified surgeon for better odds of successful surgery. Prior to consultation, one should find a surgeon certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery. Tests performed by the surgeon should include ones that assess the existing tissue to conclude if there is an adequate amount to cover the breast implant.

After surgery, incisions are stitched, taped and the breasts are covered and supported by a gauze dressing. Patients are fitted with a surgical bra that provides support for a number of weeks. After surgery, the common symptoms are exhaustion, pain, and discomfort. However these after effects can be reduced considerably though administration of oral medicines. Inflammation slowly subsides and becomes un-noticeable in about a month’s time. Stitches are removed within seven to ten days.

For weeks after the surgery, the breasts will be exceptionally sensitive. Physical contact should be avoided until sensitivity subsides. The rehabilitation process takes about three to four weeks. Breasts will continue to be swollen for approximately four to five weeks. Post surgery, activities such as a working out, lifting heavy items and anything strenuous should be avoided for about a month. Breast augmentation scars will be rigid and pink in color for roughly six weeks. Subsequently, scars may appear to widen but will start to fade within a few months, though they will never completely disappear.

There are risks that could come from breast implants. For one, an implant may make it difficult to perform a mammography, or even get in the way of detecting breast cancer during a mammogram. Post-surgery, one may develop Capsular contracture, better known as build-up of scar tissue around the implant. This causes excessive and unnatural breast firmness. If it is of an extreme nature, one may require corrective surgery. An excessively large breast implant may cause problems after surgery as well: it may be more affected by gravity and consequently trigger an earlier droop.

Deflation of an implant is mostly harmless. However, it may carry the danger of additional surgical treatment for a substitution. Breast augmentation infection is rare and can be easily treated with antibiotics. Despite it once being thought of as a risk, multiple studies have consistently failed to demonstrate that women with breast implants have a higher rate of breast cancer. In fact, two major studies have shown a lower than expected rate of disease in women with implants.

Depression and Anxiety

The relationship between anxiety and depression isn’t always clear-cut. If you’ve been diagnosed with depression, you might have anxiety as a secondary condition. Conversely, people diagnosed with anxiety often suffer from depression. While both conditions have many symptoms in common, there are important differences.

Both anxiety and depression can manifest themselves in a variety of physical symptoms such as fatigue, difficulty sleeping, headaches, muscle pain, weight loss or weight gain, loss of appetite and loss of libido. Mental or psychological symptoms include difficulty concentrating, loss of interest or pleasure in normal, everyday activities, feelings of excessive guilt, loss of self-esteem, loss of self-confidence, feelings of unworthiness, and self-blame and self-deprecation.

While there are significant “crossover” or common symptoms, it’s more important to recognize the important differences. While anxiety manifests itself primarily in feelings of fear, apprehension and impeding doom, depression involves mostly feelings of emptiness, sadness, or loss of hope. On the physical side, the anxious person might feel agitated or keyed up, while someone who’s depressed exhibits a loss of energy and lack of physical movement. Anxious people often feel tense and rigid, while those who suffer from depression tend to slump and feel flaccid. Anxiety sufferers may fear death or feel death is imminent, but do not have thoughts of suicide like deeply depressed people do.

While depression is sometimes thought of as a more “serious” condition than anxiety, people who suffer from anxiety often report that they are depressed as well. Such depression is the result of the person’s excessive worry and fear. This can make the treatment of anxiety tricky, since treatment methods and medications for anxiety differ from those for depression. It takes a skillful health-care professional to sort out the differences and similarities, and design a meaningful treatment regimen for the person suffering from anxiety and/or depression.