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Rheumatoid Arthritis Facts For Health

Published by in Medical Condition on April 14th, 2012

When most people hear the word, “arthritis”, they think of swollen and painful joints associated with old age. While that is one type of this disease, it is caused by wear and tear on the body over a period of time. Rheumatoid arthritis (RA), on the other hand, can strike as early as childhood and is actually an auto-immune disorder.

Unlike osteoarthritis, the causes of RA remain somewhat of a mystery. It is known to affect mainly people of middle age, though it has been recorded in people of all ages including infants. Women are more prone to this condition than men. Possible links have been made to certain types of infections, genetic causes, and different hormone levels, though none can be pointed to and named a definite cause.

Its effects can be readily identified, however. The body’s immune system begins to attack the healthy tissues in and around the joints. This leads to swelling, pain, fever in the affected joints, and eventual destruction of the joints. Unlike osteoarthritis, RA tends to affect both sides of the body equally. OA usually is worst on the dominant side because these joints are moved more and wear out quicker.

For the most part, medical treatment for rheumatoid arthritis has been based on symptoms experienced. Non-steroidal, anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS) have long been prescribed to reduce the swelling in the joints. These medications also reduce the pain associated with the disease. However, the entire NSAID class of drugs has come under fire in recent years because of links to heart disease and increased risk of stroke if taken over a long period. They are also known to irritate the stomach, possibly leading to ulcers, if taken without food.

Corticosteroids have also been used with success to reduce swelling. However, they pose a risk of serious long-term side-effects if used continuously over a period of time. Therefore, the frequency and dosage are kept as low as possible.

Another class of drugs, Disease Modifying Anti-rheumatic Drugs (DMARDs) has been used to help reduce the symptoms and slow the progress of rheumatoid arthritis. The most common is methotrexate, though there some other medications in this category that may be prescribed. These drugs pose a serious potential for bad side effects. Therefore, doctors require blood tests at frequent intervals to ensure no problems develop related to them.

A new class of drugs, biologic agents, has recently been introduced. These medications are given in the form of injections at regular intervals. While these have been used with high success rates, they do pose some serious risks for patients. They directly affect the immune system, making the patient more prone to certain serious infections. They may also increase the risk of developing lymphoma or other types of cancer.

Aside from drug therapies to treat rheumatoid arthritis, patients are normally advised to take moderate exercise in order to keep the joints flexible. Over time, it is possible that some joints may become so severely damaged that one needs surgery to restore function. The most common type is the removal of the lining tissue in the joints. The last alternative is total joint replacement.

 

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Ingrown Toenail Treatments

Published by in Medical Condition on March 31st, 2012

An ingrown toenail can cause excruciating pain and for this reason, treatment should not be delayed. An ingrown toenail is a common nail disease. It causes a painful condition in which the nail grows so that it cuts into the soft flesh surrounding the nail. The disease starts as a microbial infection around and under the nail, causing the nail to grow into the flesh. Fortunately it can be treated by cutting the nail properly, medication and surgery.

WHAT ARE THE SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS OF AN INGROWN NAIL?

The main symptom is pain in the toe along the margins of the toe nail. The pain increases when you wear a tight shoe or put pressure of any kind on the affected toe. Bumping the toe will cause agonizing pain. Usually ingrown toenails are easily susceptible to infection. The signs of infection are: redness, inflammation, pus and swelling along with pain in the affected area.

CAUSES OF INGROWN TOENAIL

Some of the causes of ingrown toenail are:

* Unsuitable footwear – shoes which do not have sufficient toe space plus tight stockings. This applies pressure on the sides and top of the toe.

 *Dampness – sometimes due to excessive sweating or damp working conditions, the nail plate gets softened, which eventually leads to ingrown toenails.

* Improper nail cutting – due to this, the nail cuts into the surrounding soft tissue either due to impact or growth of the nail.

* Injury – this can occur by stubbing the toenail, dropping something on the toe or going through the shoe end. This causes damage to the flesh surrounding the nail and may cause the nail to grow in an irregular shape.

* Bacterial infections – they can cause ingrown toenail. The infection has to be treated by antibiotics and proper care should be taken of the nail and surrounding flesh.

* Predisposition to ingrown toenails – some people are genetically predisposed to this condition. An irregular shaped nail bed is a common cause of ingrown toe nails.

PREVENTION AND MANAGEMENT OF INGROWN TOENAILS

Though ingrown nails can occur on any of the fingers or toes, it mostly occurs in the nail of the big toe. An ingrown toenail can be prevented by cutting straight across the nail. The nail should not be cut shorter than the surrounding flesh.

It is advisable to wear comfortable and properly fitting footwear, which has sufficient space for the toes. Ingrown toenails are sometimes caused by injury to the toe. To prevent this wear proper sports shoes when playing or safety shoes in the factory.

The treatment of an ingrown toenail depends on how severe the symptoms are. If the ingrown toenail is severe, then surgical intervention may be needed. In mild or moderate cases, then application of topical anti-bacterial creams, gutter splints etc. may be used as an  ingrown toenail treatment..

Fortunately an ingrown toenail is a treatable condition. Even so, ‘an ounce of prevention is better than a pound of cure’. The main culprit for this condition being improper footwear, the shoes worn should have sufficient room for toe movement. This will ensure that undue pressure is not acting on the toe. Do not neglect an ingrown toenail by wishing it away. It is important to get proper attention and treatment at an early stage.

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Are You Sure You Have Heel Spurs?

Published by in Medical Condition on February 15th, 2012

Simple Step and Tips to Get Rid of Heel Spurs

Heel spurs are tiny calcium deposits that can develop near the base of your heel bone, typically in conjunction with a condition known as plantar fasciitis. Heel spurs themselves are not believed to cause pain, but plantar fasciitis, inflammation of the plantar fascia (a connective tissue that forms the arch of the foot) can be excruciatingly painful.

Plantar fasciitis doesn’t usually develop overnight. Instead, it is most often a repetitive stress injury that can occur at any age, but which is most prevalent in middle age. Getting rid of the pain associated with heel spurs can require months of treatment, and in some cases correction of plantar fasciitis requires surgery or other more drastic measures.

Steps

1. Use orthotic inserts. Many people find that the use of shoe inserts helps treat their heel spur. Heel cups can reduce strain on the plantar fascia, and arch supports can prevent overpronation. Be sure to wear the orthotic in all your shoes, not just, for example, your running shoes. There are a wide variety of over-the-counter orthotics, and you may need to experiment a bit to find the insert that works for you. You can also get custom-fitted orthotics prescribed by your doctor.

2. Get a diagnosis. There are other possible causes of pain in the lower rear part of the foot, including a ruptured plantar fascia–this is usually a sudden injury–or nerve entrapment. While these conditions are less common than heel spurs, it’s still a good idea to check with your doctor. An x-ray will typically reveal a heel spur as a hook-like growth on the calcaneus (heel bone).

3. Cut back on your activity. In some cases, heel spurs can be so painful that it’s hard to put any pressure on the foot. If you feel pain developing, take action quickly to prevent this from occurring. Give your foot a few days rest, and then temporarily cut back on your exercise regimen and look for possible causes of the problem.

For example, did you recently start a new running route, or did you injure your other foot so that you are walking differently? If you take immediate action, self-treatment will be more effective, and you’ll likely be able to continue with a “normal” level of activity throughout your treatment.

4. Ice the affected area. Applying an icepack can reduce inflammation of the plantar fascia, and is especially useful for the initial onset of pain or a reaggravated injury. Ice the area for 10-15 minutes, moving the icepack around, and then wait at least a half-hour before icing again. Rolling your foot over an iced can or bottle is a great way to target plantar fasciitis swelling.

5. Take anti-inflammatory medication. Over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medications sometimes work wonders in reducing the initial pain of the plantar fasciitis. Once the inflammation has been alleviated, you should discontinue the use of medication.

6. Get good shoes. Overpronation, a flattening of the arch of the foot beyond where it’s “supposed” to go, is the most common culprit. Overpronation should not be confused with “flat feet.” Shoes that are worn out commonly cause overpronation. Take off your shoes and bend them. They should not bend at the arch or heel, but rather only at the ball of the foot. If your shoes do bend behind the ball of your foot, replace them. Make sure to get shoes with good arch support and overall mobility support.

7. Stretch your calf muscles. You should always stretch before working out, of course, but if you are developing heel spurs it’s essential to stretch your calf muscles more regularly. Gently stretch your calves by doing a typical wall stretch. Be sure to start stretching gradually, and move slowly. Stop if you feel pain beyond what you would normally feel while stretching.

8. Do towel curls. Towel curls can strengthen the muscles in the arch of the foot. Place a small towel on the floor and then pull it toward you using only your toes–keep the rest of your foot stationary. Do about 20 seconds of these three times a day.

9. Find a golf ball (a used one is fine) and keep it on the floor under your desk, or by another chair where you sit often. Wearing a sock on the affected foot, gently place your foot on top of the ball, then roll the ball up and down the length of your foot, roughly in the middle. It will probably feel tender at first; just do as much as you can tolerate without too much pain.

A few brief sessions per day work better than one long one. Increase pressure gradually over several days. What you are doing is slowly stretching the overly-tight plantar fascia, and slowly the “hook” on the heel bone recedes. When your pain is gone, just do it now and then to prevent recurrence.

Remedies

1.Prescription anti-inflammatory medications can sometimes reduce swelling of the plantar fascia when over-the-counter medications can’t. In severe cases, your doctor may prescribe cortisone injections. This treatment used to be more common, but there is the possibility of complications.

2. Shockwave therapy, known as ESWT, uses the same technology often used to break up kidney stones. It should generally be considered only after other treatment measures have failed for 6 months. Shockwave therapy is about 75 percent effective in treating heel spurs.

3. Surgery for plantar fasciitis is, fortunately, less common than it used to be, but it may be the only hope in some cases. It’s generally considered to be about 50 percent effective.

4. Many people find relief from plantar fasciitis through the use of a night splint. This is a device that holds the foot in position where it is tilted upwards, usually with an adjustment for how much upward pressure is placed on the toes. It is worn, as the name implies, while sleeping. This stretches the facsia gently and relieves the pain over time. Many variations in design of night splints are available or you can find directions online for approximating the effect by using medical adhesive tape.

Tips

1. Be patient and diligent with your treatment regimen. Orthotics and stretching may only be effective after several months. Consider, however, that it may have taken years for your heel spurs to develop.

2. Don’t walk barefoot when you’re afflicted with heel spurs. Wear supportive shoes, even around the house, to avoid overpronation.

3. Going barefoot as often as you can may prevent foot problems before they occur.

4. Taping or splinting the foot is sometimes effective, especially if you must participate in vigorous athletic activities.

5. Overweight people are far more prone to heel spurs. Lose weight now to avoid heel spurs in the future or to help in your treatment.

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How to Cure Dandruff

Published by in Medical Condition on January 3rd, 2012

Know causes and remedies for effective dandruff treatment

Dandruff consists of oily skin flakes that fall from the scalp. Normally, some dead skin falls from the scalp in flakes too small to see because the outermost layer of skin on the human body (epidermis) continuously replaces itself. Excessive shedding results in flakes large enough to be seen.

Excessive shedding often happens because of a symbiotic relationship between microscopic fungus and human skin. The common variety of this fungus, Malassezia furfur, is usually benign and found on people with or without dandruff.

 A less common type of fungus found only on scalps, Malassezia globosa, will feast on triglycerides in the natural oil secretions of skin. Research has shown that Malassezia globosa excretes oleic acid. Some people are susceptible to an inflamed skin reaction from oleic acid, causing dead skin to be shed in larger pieces at an excessive rate.

Other possible causes include:

1.Seborhhoeic dermatitis, which causes scaly red skin and itching on the face and torso as well as the scalp.

2. Psoriasis, an autoimmune disease which causes red scaly patches of skin to form anywhere on the body.

3. Allergic reactions to some chemicals in hair gels and sprays such as preservatives (parabens) and possibly sodium lauryl sulfate.

4. Head lice.

Flakes can be removed by increasing the normal usage of shampoo, especially one containing salicylic acid, which clears the scalp of dead skin cells and reduces the rate of shedding. Shampoos containing coal tar or baking soda can soothe the itching related to dandruff. To reduce excessive flaking in the long-term, however, the best strategy is to use shampoos with anti-fungal properties.

The most common anti-fungal ingredients include:

1. Zinc pyrithione, which kills bacteria and fungus. Because it also kills algae and mildew, it can be found in household cleaning sponges and outdoor paint.

2. Selenium Sulfide, which has the effects of zinc pyrithione and salicylic acid combined. It is effective against seborhhoeic dermatitis but can treat other types of dandruff as well.

3. Ketoconazole, which is designed for more serious cases of dandruff involving severe itching and non-stop flaking. In rare cases it actually causes dandruff as an allergic reaction.

4. Tea tree oil. This natural solution does have antifungal properties, but in rare cases will cause contact dermatitis.

5. Piroctone olamine, which is sometimes used as a replacement for zinc pyrithione. Its lower toxicity makes it less dangerous if accidentally swallowed.

Commercial anti-dandruff shampoos can contain a combination of useful ingredients, but are usually known for a primary active ingredient. Head & Shoulders, for example, contains zinc pyrithione as its sole active ingredient. Selsun Blue uses selenium sulfide and Nizoral uses ketoconazole.

All three commercial shampoos are proven anti-fungal dandruff treatments. A salicylic acid shampoo such as Sebulex will clear away existing flakes and reduces the rate of shedding, but is not as effective against dandruff-causing fungus.

Those looking for holistic treatment may find tea tree oil products in some drug and health food stores. Other natural treatments include taking biotin supplements or spraying your hair and scalp with apple cider vinegar fifteen minutes prior to washing. Neither of these is proven to work, and there are few currently existing studies on tea tree oil, but they may be worth a try if you are uneasy about synthetic anti-fungal cures.

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Is Acne Curable?

Published by in Medical Condition on January 3rd, 2012

Cure Acne by Knowing It

Acne vulgaris is a condition where lesions form on the skin, differing in size and severity depending on whether they are inflamed.

Acne vulgaris is a condition where lesions form on the skin, differing in size and severity depending on whether they are inflamed. These lesions are usually found on the face, neck, upper part of the chest, and back. The condition is common for teenagers, and starts with puberty. There is no way to predict how long it will continue, though it usually becomes less severe after the early twenties.

Acne will develop when skin pores become blocked. A plug forms over the pore, made of excess keratin and a natural oil secreted by skin called sebum. The gland which produces sebum will then enlarge. In some cases, a small blackish bump often called a “blackhead” will form, but if dead skin cells are in the clogged pore, bacteria commonly found on the skin can inflame the acne, causing redness and a white pustule.

Some factors may increase the likeliness of this pore blockage and the severity of the result.

1. A family history of acne seems to predict which people are more susceptible.

2. Hormones, particularly androgens that are produced in greater number for both genders at the onset of puberty. They can cause glands to become larger and more sebum to be produced. Hormone level changes during menstrual cycles can have a similar effect.

3. Skin inflammation of any kind can cause the acne to be more noticeable.

4. Stress levels have been tenuously linked to flare-ups of acne, though the connection between stress and acne is still debated.

5. Propionibacterium acnes, anaerobic bacteria commonly found in pores.

6. Abnormally low levels of vitamins A and E in the bloodstream.

7. Use of amphetamines.

Diet and hygiene do have an impact on acne, but not in the way that many people think.

Acne is wrongly blamed on excessive consumption of chocolate. Science does not support this connection. Chocolate contains antioxidants and can reduce stress which might otherwise worsen acne. More likely culprits are foods with a high glycemic index and simple carbohydrate content.

There has also been recent research linking acne to some dairy products. The problem may be the presence of sex hormones and bovine insulin-like growth factor 1 in cow’s milk.

Poor hygiene is typically blamed for acne due to the misconception that dirt blocks pores, when, in fact, built up oil of the skin and oxidized keratin block pores. These are produced by the human body and situated too deep in pores to be washed away. Standard face washing could, however, help remove some built-up oil before a pore becomes blocked.

While changes in diet and hygiene show promise, there are many available anti-acne treatments. Each has benefits and side effects.

1. Bactericidals such as benzoyl peroxide. This particular ingredient can be in ointments, creams, bar soaps or washes, and is like mild bleach. It can dry out skin and cause redness and irritation, so it is often used in combination with a moisturizer. Alternatives with fewer side effects include triclosan and chlorhexidine gluconate, but these are also less potent.

2. Antibiotics applied topically or ingested orally. Topical use is as effective as oral ingestion and avoids side effects common with treatments like erythromycin, such as upset stomach. Tetracycline can also cause yellowing of the teeth. Orally ingested antibiotics will, however, have a longer lasting effect. In either case, bacteria will become resistant to antibiotics over time.

3. Hormone treatments work for women. The hormones in common contraceptive pills have some effect, but a combination of Cyproterone and an estrogen can reduce the level of androgens. Cortisone injections can also flatten out the lesion by reducing inflammation, making it easier to cover with makeup.

4. Retinoids, including vitamin A and Retinol, help reduce the follicle cell errors that eventually lead to blockages. The topical treatment can irritate the skin, causing temporary facial flushing and an acne flare-up, and oral versions occasionally cause nosebleeds.

Retinol is often applied topically, while the vitamin A derivative isotretinoin (often called Accutane) is orally ingested. Retinoids can be more effective than bactericidals. Accutane should be avoided during pregnancy as it can cause birth defects.

5. Lights and lasers are known to cause temporary improvement without developing bacterial resistance. Phototherapy involves an intense violet light that, when used twice weekly or daily, greatly reduces the number of lesions.

Lasers cause thermal damage to the skin to remove follicle sacs from which hair grows, burn sebaceous glands that produce oils, and create oxygen inside pimples that will kill anaerobic bacteria. Both phototherapy and laser treatment can be expensive, and lasers are still considered an experimental technology in the field of dermatology.

If the side effects of these common treatments unsettle you, some natural treatments have shown promise. Preparations of tea tree oil can have moderate antibacterial and anti-inflammatory effects. Zinc pills can treat inflammatory acne, though not as effectively as antibiotics.

 Vitamins B3 and B5 may help skin in many ways such as reducing inflammation. Localized heat treatment helps in eliminating bacteria in developing pimples and speed-up the healing process.

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Is There Any Hope for Cystic Fibrosis Patient?

Published by in Medical Condition on January 3rd, 2012

Know What is Cystic Fibrosis to Diagnose and Cure It

Cystic fibrosis (CF) is a degenerative hereditary disease that attacks the mucous glands of the liver, pancreas, intestines and lungs.

Cystic fibrosis (CF) is a degenerative hereditary disease that attacks the mucous glands of the liver, pancreas, intestines and lungs. The patient becomes gradually more disabled as various bodily systems fail. Symptoms often appear in early childhood or infancy, but symptomatic diseases caused by CF may take longer to appear. These symptomatic diseases can include:

1. Hemoptysis, coughing up blood.
2. Pulmonary hypertension.
3. Heart failure.
4. Hypoxia, failure to deliver oxygen to the body.
5. Meconium, a blockage of the intestines.
6. Pancreatitis.
7. Heartburn.
8. Constipation.
9. A unique form of diabetes.
10. Increased likelihood of fractures due to vitamin deficiency.
11. Club fingers.

The gene responsible for CF is a mutated cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR). Both copies of the gene must be mutated to cause CF; the presence of one normal gene would prevent it. As a result, many people, particularly Western Europeans of Mediterranean descent (1 in 22), are believed to have one mutated gene yet never develop CF.

At present, there is no known remedy or cure for CF. Gene therapy has shown promise, hypothetically placing a healthy copy of the mutated gene in cells. However, current gene therapy methods are considered too inefficient and likely to fail.

The best that can be done is early diagnosis, monitoring, and treatment to improve the length and quality of a CF sufferer’s life. Some countries such as the United States currently have programs to diagnose infants with CF, though the test can produce false positives.

Once diagnosed, patients often undergo lung treatments including intravenous, inhaled and oral antibiotics. This can be difficult because the bacteria found in the mucous are often resistant to many different antibiotics, and therapy to kill that bacteria involves hospitalization. Some patients need to be hospitalized for heavy-duty antibiotics several times per year, while others seem to function without the treatments for years at a time.

Some patients need intravenous antibiotics often enough that a peripherally inserted central catheter or a port and catheter need to be implanted in the body for convenience. These more permanent catheters can be prone to infection, or heart problems depending on whether they are connected directly to the heart or merely to an important vein.

Chest physiotherapy can help patients expel mucous that causes lung-related problems, and medications can often loosen the mucous. Special oxygen masks can be worn at night to make sure the body gets enough oxygen during sleep. These treatments are effective, but patients can have problems balancing time consuming treatments with a normal life.

Organ transplants are also a possibility, though the patient must be healthy enough to survive the transplant. This creates a narrow window of time where it is already difficult to find matching donor lungs, particularly since both lungs must be transplanted. Adding to the difficulty, doctors often want to transplant a new pancreas and liver to alleviate diabetes while transplanting the lungs. This is quite a list of often scarce organs to track down in a narrow window of time.

The Cystic Fibrosis Foundation states that a patient’s average life expectancy is close to 37 years. Given access to treatments that have recently improved in quality, a baby diagnosed with CF today can expect to live longer.

 

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Schizophrenia-Causes and Cure

Published by in Medical Condition on January 2nd, 2012

Knowing Causes Can Help in Curing Schizophrenia

Factors responsible for Schizophrenia and steps to cure it

Schizophrenia is a mental disorder involving a distorted or abnormal perception of reality. These distortions could involve any of the five senses but are most often auditory hallucinations, paranoia, disorganized speech and thinking, or bizarre delusions. The disorder impairs cognition and in turn impacts emotional or behavioral problems. It can coincide with anxiety disorders and major depression.

Patients often have a difficulty telling inner speech from what is actually said to them, and have impaired reasoning about social situations.

At present, there is no clinical test for schizophrenia. Diagnoses are usually from reported experiences of the patient. However, increased dopamine activity in the brain is usually found. Imaging scans have also been able to find differences in the brains of schizophrenic people, which do not indicate the disease itself, but the memory and problem-solving issues associated with it.

Patients sometimes think they are being controlled, their thoughts are being transmitted to other people, or that thoughts are inserted or withdrawn from their minds. The delusions can be different from those described.

The causes of schizophrenia could be both genetic and environmental, but the specific combination of factors is not yet known.

1. Genetic factors would involve more than one type of gene working in tandem to cause the problem, but these same genes may develop bipolar disorder or another problem instead. Since known patients seem to have fewer children than average, it is not known how the condition could continue to exist if it has a strong genetic component.

2. The early development of the brain while in the womb is considered a possible factor. Prenatal exposure to infections can increase the risk of developing schizophrenia later in life.

3. Living in an urban setting is a risk factor, as is poverty, poor housing conditions, or migration due to racism or family dysfunction.

4. A childhood of trauma or abuse may be a factor, but parenting style is not the definite cause.

5. Drug abuse is not a proven cause, but may be related.

Currently, there is no existing cure for schizophrenia, but there are antipsychotic medications with varied effects. Some cases will resist more than one medication.

1. Typical antipsychotics can reduce psychosis and take 7 to 14 days to start working.
2. Atypical antipsychotics are now preferred for initial treatment but can induce weight gain.

Both types of medication are considered equally effective. The former type can, in rare cases, lead to potentially fatal neurological problems, and it is not yet known if the latter type does the same.

Two countries, the United States and Australia, are legally allowed to administer medications to uncooperative patients who are otherwise stable and living within the community.

Some patients may in the long term do better by not taking antipsychotics.

There are also therapies to alleviate symptoms which may have a greater appeal than medications and their side-effects.

1. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, available since the mid 1990s, can increase self-esteem and insight. Brain scans have shown significant improvements in cognition when patients use this therapy.

2. Family therapy is used to help patients socialize better in the context of a family system. The burden on the family is recognized.

3. Creative therapies such as music therapy have some benefit.

4. The Soteria method is a community therapy that creates a stable, quiet space for people recovering from mental crises, with minimal medication. It is just as effective as full medication in some cases.

5. Electroconvulsive Therapy still exists for patients who do not respond to other treatments, but it is not generally recommended.

In addition to these methods, the Hearing Voices and Paranoia networks provide a self-help approach outside the mainstream medical model. As large support groups, they attempt to encourage responsibility and a positive self-image. Hospitals are increasingly working with these groups to help patients integrate back into society.

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Is it Possible to Prevent Allergies?

Published by in Medical Condition on December 27th, 2011

Prevent Different Allergies Using Different Methods

Know simple methods to prevent various types of allergies

Allergies are a malfunction of the immune system where innocuous pollen, mold, food or dust is treated as a threat. Allergic reactions involve the antibody called IgE, which has the ability to communicate through cells found in the lining of the intestines, skin, nose and stomach to induce reactions. The reactions are induced by the release of chemicals, including histamines.

This is one reason why allergy medications typically contain antihistamines. Unfortunately, some medications have unwelcome side-effects like drowsiness, while others fail to work at all. Such medications also tend to target hay fever, while food allergies are a different matter.

The best strategy for preventing allergic reactions is to avoid the allergen. This is simpler to imagine when dealing with foods allergies, where once the troublesome ingredient has been identified a person can try not to eat it. A comprehensive knowledge of what is in food helps greatly, which is part of the thrust behind accurate ingredient listing for processed foods.

Other allergens pose different problems. Pets, pollen, mold and dust mites are four reaction causers that are complicated to avoid.

Though not having pets in your home is the best avoidance strategy, this may not be possible for various reasons. There are ways to minimize the allergens that accumulate and the likelihood of a reaction.

1. Keeping pets in areas that are not carpeted or upholstered, and out of bedrooms.

2. Wearing gloves and a dust mask if you expect to be near a rodent or small animal.

3. Washing your hands and cleaning your clothes after handling animals.

4. Avoiding soiled litter boxes or cages.

5. Frequent dusting.

Pollen is impossible to avoid at certain times of year, but there are ways to minimize exposure.

1. Do not venture outdoors between 5-10 AM. The best time, early or late, is after a heavy rain as pollen levels will be lower.

2. Keep home and car windows closed. Avoid the use of attic fans for cooling purposes, if possible. Air conditioners are fine.

3. Use a dryer for drying clothes instead of hanging them outside, or hang them inside if there is a suitable space to do so.

4. If allergic to grass, have someone else cut it or wear a mask while cutting it. In either case, keep grass short. It may also work to use ground covers that produce little pollen such as dichondra.

5. If allergic to some types of trees, the trees most suitable to be planted on your property (least likely to be allergenic) are dogwood, crape myrtle, fig, palm, fir, redwood, redbud, pear and plum. Maple, elm, cottonwood and ash are some trees which are suitable if they are female cultivars.

Molds can be more difficult to avoid because they grow indoors and outdoors, but there are ways to reduce the amount of it in your home or yard.

1. Keeping inside temperatures cool and relative humidity below 50%. A dehumidifier can help to reduce moisture. Venting bathrooms and clothes dryers to the outside can also help keep moisture low.

2. Leaving windows open in the home or car when first activating an air conditioning system, to let mold spores disperse.

3. Checking ductwork, faucets and pipes for leaks.

4. Clearing the yard of decaying leaves or other organic debris. If you must do this yourself, wear a mask and gloves and avoid doing this on a hot or humid day.

Dust mites, microscopic things that feed on flakes of dead skin from humans or pets, will always be present in a home. The following suggestions can help you reduce the number of mites, somewhat alleviating dust mite allergies.

1. Encasing your pillows and mattress in special dust-proof covers.

2. Washing all bedding once a week in hot water to kill mites, or freezing bedding if it is not supposed to be washed.

3. Using synthetic materials for bedding.

4. Removing carpets in favor of bare floors, or using a special HEPA-filtered vacuum cleaner to trap allergens removed from the carpet. A mask is recommended while vacuuming.

5. Dusting with a damp rag. A dry rag would only stir up allergens.

The humidity tips listed for mold work equally well for dust mites.

One way currently used to decrease allergic problems is immunotherapy. Patients are injected with progressively larger doses of allergens to gradually reduce allergies. This vaccination method is the closest thing to a cure for allergies, and has been proven through studies to work. It requires a long-term commitment.

Alternative treatments exist. They include homeopathy, naturopathy, herbal medicine, applied kinesiology and traditional Chinese medicine. Hundreds of rigorous studies by the Mayo clinic failed to show any beneficial effect to these methods, compared to a placebo.

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How to Avoid Asthma Triggers

Published by in Medical Condition on December 19th, 2011

Simple Steps that Help in Avoiding Asthma Triggers

Know asthma triggers and steps to avoid them

Asthma is an inflammation of the airways. The tubes that carry air to and from the lungs are more sensitive and swollen in patients, and may secrete an increased amount of mucus. They will react strongly if certain substances are inhaled, causing muscles around them to tighten.

The combination of a constricted airway, tightened muscles and the increased presence of mucus cause an asthma attack.

There is no cure for asthma, but inhaled medications can reduce the inflammation and sometimes the risk of an attack. Part of the treatment, though, is to avoid indoor and outdoor triggers in the same manner as if they were allergies.

Indoor triggers include pets, mold, dust mites, cockroaches, nitrogen dioxide and second-hand smoke.

1. The trigger from cats and dogs is urine and saliva, not fur. Keeping pets off the furniture and out of bedrooms is suggested, as is cleaning furniture and vacuuming carpets to be sure.

2. Mold requires moisture and will grow on damp shower curtains, tubs, basins, tiles and bath items. Drying these items within two days can prevent mold growth. Using exhaust fans or opening windows when showering or cooking can reduce the resulting moisture buildup. When you find mold, soap and water will clean it up. Keeping pipes leak-free is a must.

3. Dust mites are tiny bugs that thrive on microscopic flakes of dead skin normally shed by people. Washing bed sheets and stuffed toys, then drying them afterwards, can help. Vacuuming carpets, rugs and furniture, and generally reducing the amount of dust in your home, means the mites have less to eat. Though it is impossible to completely eliminate dust mites from home, their numbers can be reduced.

4. Cockroach droppings and its body parts may trigger attacks. The best way to keep cockroaches out is to limit the number of waste products they can eat. Cleaning counters, sinks, tables, floors and dishes of crumbs and spills is effective. Storing food in air tight containers and covering trash cans are also good strategies.

5. Nitrogen dioxide is an odorless gas that comes from any fuel-burning appliance including a wood burning chimney or gas oven. In all cases, ventilation is necessary. If no flues or exhaust fans are present, opening windows can help disperse this gas.

6. Second-hand smoke can be avoided by not being in a smoke-filled home or car. Public smoking bans have made it easier in many places to avoid second-hand smoke.

Some triggers are present both indoors and outdoors, like mold. The most important outdoor trigger, however, is air pollution. Many weather channels now feature an Air Quality Index to inform asthma sufferers. It is important to realize that asthma attacks can happen the day air quality is poor or the day after high levels are reported.

To deal with outdoor air pollution, sports activities can be postponed until pollution levels are lower, and patients can reduce the activity’s intensity or the amount of time spent engaged in it.

With proper management, patients can live normal lives and spend long periods of time without an attack. Despite the health improvements from medication and avoiding triggers, no one is ever considered cured, and a new attack could happen in the future.

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Are You Suffering from Eczema?

Published by in Medical Condition on December 6th, 2011

Signs and Symptoms, Treatment and Cure for Eczema

Know all about eczema

Eczema is a skin condition also known as dermatitis. The term actually covers a range of different symptoms.
1. Itchy inflamed skin.
2. Crusting and scaling of skin.
3. Blisters.
4. Small raised bumps called papules.
5. Leathery skin from excessive rubbing.
6. Oozing lesions.

There is no consensus about the exact cause of eczema, but a malfunction of the immune system is one compelling possibility. Any region of the body can be affected, but the scalp, forehead, cheeks, neck, forearms and legs are the most common flare-up sites.

Triggers, however, are well-known. Some environmental factors can stimulate a flare-up in people with this condition.
1. Soaps and detergents.
2. Perfumes, colognes, or other scented chemicals such as deodorants.
3. Make-up and cosmetics.
4. Environmental allergens such as dander, pollen, mold, air pollution, dust and dust mites, and certain foods.
5. Changes in humidity and temperature.
6. Stress.

Some flare-ups only last for a few hours or days, but people with chronic dermatitis can expect the symptoms to keep recurring throughout their lives.

There are several forms of treatment for dealing with flare-ups or reducing the frequency of symptoms.

Topical solutions include corticosteroids and immunomodulators.
1. Corticosteroid creams like hydrocortisone and betamethasone reduce the amount of inflammation and itch.
2. Immunomodulators like Elidel are a non-steroidal alternative that can reduce both the intensity and frequency of flare-ups over time.

Oral treatments include antibiotics, antihistamines, corticosteroids and cyclosporine A.
1. Antibiotics reduce the load of bacteria which is a problem with difficult cases.
2. Antihistamines reduce itching, and since the sedating ones work best, are often used at bedtime.
3. Oral corticosteroids are reserved for severe cases and cause problems with people who cannot be weaned off the medication.
4. Cyclosporine A, reserved for severe cases, allows a significant improvement of all symptoms with the possible long-term side effects of hypertension and renal problems.

An important part of living with eczema is to avoid some of the most obvious triggers. Even “moisturizing soaps” can cause flare-ups, so patients can help themselves by seeking soap-free mild cleansers. They can gently remove germs and dirt without damaging the skin.
1. Cetaphil and Seaquanil.
2. Lipikar Syndet.
3. SpectroJel, SpectroDerm and Spectro Kids EczemaCare Body Wash.
4. Emulsifying ointment.

Another way of coping is to help moisturize the skin while avoiding triggers. The goal is to trap moisture in skin with emollient therapy. Moisturizers should protect the surface of the skin, fill holes in gaps in the skin barrier, rehydrate the skin and be unscented and acceptable to the patient.
1. Vaseline, aqueous cream and unscented cold cream are three examples of acceptable moisturizers which are sticky.
2. Uremol, Dermalac and Lachydrin are acceptable non-sticky moisturizers.
3. Therapeutic bath oils also work, but are not as effective as directly applying cream to the skin.

Over time, using soap-free cleansers and moisturizers can hydrate the skin and may reduce the amount of topical medication required to manage eczema.

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