Any opacity in the lens or capsule, whether developmental or acquired, is called a cataract. As a general rule, developmental opacities are partial and stationary, acquired opacities progress until the entire lens is involved; but exceptions are well known in both cases. The term “cataract” however is associated with anxiety among patients which is quite unnecessary. The procedure for cataract surgery takes only a few minutes and s over before you know it. Proper knowledge of the condition however may help alleviate the anxiety…
Learn more about Cataract posted under Ophthalmology in The Health Portal
A strain comes from stretching a muscle too far or too quickly. Ankles, knees and the lower back are particularly vulnerable to spraining. A sprained joint will swell up painfully and one may not be able to move it without brining on more pain. Its symptoms include stiffness, pain, and swelling.
AVOID SPRAINING & STRAINING BY…
- Warm up before starting strenuous activity or vigorous exercise.
- Take care when the ground is uneven or slippery.
- Avoid high heels until a sprained ankle is fully healed.
PAIN RELIEF FROM SPRAIN AND STRAIN…
- Follow the RICE sequence:
Rest: adequate rest for affected areas.
Ice: to ease the pain and swelling.
Compression: wrap a sprained joint firmly in a support bandage.
Elevation: keep the injured part raised up when you are resting.
- Use a topical pain relieving spray for immediate relief.
Sprains can be avoided by regular exercises of the vulnerable joints. Strengthening exercises make it harder for you to sprain or strain yourself.
Nobody needs an introduction to this topic… so let’s just go right ahead to the biomechanics of the menstrual cycle.
View the video of Menstrual Cycle posted under gynaecology in The Health Portal.
26 Jun
Posted by varsha as General Advice, Gynaecology, current worries, obstetrics
Oral contraceptive pills aka birth control as known by the layman in reality provides remedy to a wide range of problems.
Filled with the two female hormones estrogen and progestin that are generally produced by the ovaries, oral contraceptives prevent ovulation, and hence lead to thinner uterine lining. These oral contraceptives are very effective in preventing pregnancy. Hence planning a family is very easy with helpful drugs like these.
Besides this obvious benefit oral contraceptives can relieve severe menstrual cramps. They also prevent ovulation and save you from the ovulation pain in the middle of the menstrual cycle.
These pills are used to regulate the period length and frequency. They create a regular 28 day cycle and protect the bones by supplying estrogen. The hormones in oral contraceptives heal acne. Because you bleed less while on these pills you will not face anemia and its consequences. The risk of ovarian cysts, ovarian cancer and endometrial cancer also reduces.
These pills can relieve hormonal imbalance conditions of polycystic ovaries; they are also prescribed for girls with deficiency in estrogen and those suffering from endometrosis.
A few minor remediable problems may be faced while using oral contraceptives. Spotting may be experienced. It will disappear after around three weeks of usage of the capsules.
Nausea, a possible side effect can be eliminated by taking the pill along with some food, or taking a pill with lower estrogen content. Exercise and a balanced diet help counter mood swings. To prevent weight gain avoid fast foods, and eat more fruits and veggies. Also exercise well daily.
These pills should only be taken with the supervision of an experienced doctor for safety reasons. They cause no birth defects, fall in fertility levels or difficulty to conceive in future.
25 Jun
Posted by varsha as General Advice, current worries, internal medicine
Gastroentritis is an ailment characterized by the inflammation of the stomach lining along with small and large intestines as well. This is caused by microorganisms or intake of chemical toxins and drugs; the condition causes mild to severe diarrhea, vomiting, nausea and loss of appetite, cramps, ulcers, severe dehydration, electrolyte imbalance and discomfort in the abdomen.
It is most commonly caused by viruses like Rotavirus, Norovirus, Astrovirus and Adenovirus which enter the human body through fecal-oral transfer. Bacterial gastroenteritis is caused mainly by Salmonella, Shigella, E. coli and Campylobacter and is contracted through ingestion of undercooked poultry, contact with cats, dogs and reptiles.
Intestinal parasites like Cryptosporidium parvum, Cyclospora cayetanensis and Entamoeba histolytica also invade the intestinal lining through contaminated food and water, causing gastroenteritis symptoms. Chemical gastroenteritis occurs when you ingest food and water polluted by arsenic, lead, mercury, or cadmium. The high acidic content of citrus fruits can also cause the disease.
Gastroenteritis is most prevalent in summer because people intake a lot of food, water and beverages from street vendors to gain respite from the heat when outside. This contaminated food and water can result in infection. Use of swimming pools polluted with infected stools of animals or other persons in summer is also a source of gastroenteritis.
The only remedy for gastroenteritis is bed rest and intake of adequate liquids other than carbonated beverages to ease dehydration. For severe dehydration intravenous fluid and electrolyte provision is required. Bland foods may be given to the patient when his condition improves. To control diarrhea doctors may prescribe drugs depending on the patient’s age and the type of organism that is causing infection. Intake of probiotics or friendly bacteria through yoghurt is regarded safe.
Preventives of gastroenteritis include the rotavirus vaccine and proper hygiene. Undercooked food and polluted water should not be ingested. Pasteurized dairy products should be used and infants should be breast fed. During summer care must be taken when eating out to ensure that whatever food one is ingesting it should’ve been cooked under hygienic conditions especially with clean and boiled water.