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Influenza (flu)

Dec 26, 2020 Posted by admin General Health 0 comments

Woman with sore throat sick of coronavirus 2019 ncov

Influenza, commonly called “the flu,” is an illness caused by RNA viruses (Orthomyxoviridae family) that infect the respiratory tract of many animals, birds, and humans.(nose, throat and lungs.) but it’s not the same as stomach “flu” viruses that cause diarrhea and vomiting.For most people, the flu resolves on its own. But sometimes, influenza and its complications can be deadly.

Risk of developing flu complications include:

  • Young children under age 5, and especially those under 6 months
  • Adults older than age 65
  • Residents of nursing homes and other long-term care facilities
  • Pregnant women and women up to two weeks after giving birth
  • People with weakened immune systems
  • Native Americans
  • People who have chronic illnesses, such as asthma, heart disease, kidney disease, liver disease and diabetes
  • People who are very obese, with a body mass index (BMI) of 40 or higher

Though the annual influenza vaccine isn’t 100% effective, it’s still your best defense against the flu.

Symptoms

Influenza symptoms cartoon style infographic

At first, the flu may seem like a common cold with a runny nose, sneezing and sore throat. But colds usually develop slowly, whereas the flu tends to come on suddenly. And although a cold can be a bother, you usually feel much worse with the flu.

Common signs and symptoms of the flu include:

  • Fever
  • Aching muscles
  • Chills and sweats
  • Headache
  • Dry, persistent cough
  • Shortness of breath
  • Tiredness and weakness
  • Runny or stuffy nose
  • Sore throat
  • Eye pain
  • Vomiting and diarrhea, but this is more common in children than adults

If you have emergency signs and symptoms of the flu, get medical care right away. For adults, emergency signs and symptoms can include:

  • Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath
  • Chest pain
  • Ongoing dizziness
  • Seizures
  • Worsening of existing medical conditions
  • Severe weakness or muscle pain

Emergency signs and symptoms in children can include:

  • Difficulty breathing
  • Blue lips
  • Chest pain
  • Dehydration
  • Severe muscle pain
  • Seizures
  • Worsening of existing medical conditions

Diagnosing Flu

Some of the symptoms of flu and COVID-19 are similar, making it hard to tell the difference between them based on symptoms alone. Diagnostic testing can help determine if you are sick with the flu or COVID-19.

Medical professionals clinically diagnose the flu by evaluating the patient’s history of association with people known to have the disease and their symptoms listed above. Usually, a health care professional performs a quick test (for example, nasopharyngeal swab sample) to see if the patient has an influenza A or B viral infection. Most of the tests can distinguish between A and B types.

A number of flu tests are available to detect influenza viruses in respiratory specimens. The most common are called “rapid influenza diagnostic tests (RIDTs).” RIDTs work by detecting the parts of the virus (antigens) that stimulate an immune response. These tests can provide results within approximately 10-15 minutes but are not as accurate as other flu tests. Therefore, you could still have flu, even though your rapid test result is negative. Other flu tests are called “rapid molecular assays” that detect genetic material of the virus. Rapid molecular assays produce results in 15-20 minutes and are more accurate than RIDTs. In addition, there are several more accurate and sensitive flu tests available that must be performed in specialized laboratories, such as those found in hospitals or state public health laboratories. All of these tests require that a health care provider swipe the inside of your nose or the back of your throat with a swab and then send the swab for testing. Results may take one to several hours

How long is the flu contagious?

The flu is typically contagious about 24-48 hours before symptoms appear (from about the last day of the incubation period) and in normal healthy adults is contagious for another 5-7 days. Children are usually contagious for a little while longer (about 7-10 days). Individuals with severe infections may be contagious as long as symptoms last (about 7-14 days).

Complications

If you’re young and healthy, the flu usually isn’t serious. Although you may feel miserable while you have it, the flu usually goes away in a week or two with no lasting effects. But children and adults at high risk may develop complications that may include:

  • Pneumonia
  • Bronchitis
  • Asthma flare-ups
  • Heart problems
  • Ear infections
  • Acute respiratory distress syndrome

Pneumonia is one of the most serious complications. For older adults and people with a chronic illness, pneumonia can be deadly.

Types of Influenza Viruses

There are four types of influenza viruses: A, B, C and D. Human influenza A and B viruses cause seasonal epidemics of disease (known as the flu season) almost every winter in the United States. Influenza A viruses are the only influenza viruses known to cause flu pandemics, i.e., global epidemics of flu disease. A pandemic can occur when a new and very different influenza A virus emerges that both infects people and has the ability to spread efficiently between people. Influenza type C infections generally cause mild illness and are not thought to cause human flu epidemics. Influenza D viruses primarily affect cattle and are not known to infect or cause illness in people.

Influenza A viruses are divided into subtypes based on two proteins on the surface of the virus: hemagglutinin (H) and neuraminidase (N). There are 18 different hemagglutinin subtypes and 11 different neuraminidase subtypes (H1 through H18 and N1 through N11, respectively). While there are potentially 198 different influenza A subtype combinations, only 131 subtypes have been detected in nature. Current subtypes of influenza A viruses that routinely circulate in people include: A(H1N1) and A(H3N2). Influenza A subtypes can be further broken down into different genetic “clades” and “sub-clades.” See the “Influenza Viruses” graphic below for a visual depiction of these classifications.

Human Seasonal Influenza Virus

This graphic shows the two types of influenza viruses (A,B) that cause most human illness and that are responsible for the flu season each year. Influenza A viruses are further classified into subtypes, while influenza B viruses are further classified into two lineages: B/Yamagata and B/Victoria. Both influenza A and B viruses can be further classified into specific clades and sub-clades (which are sometimes called groups and sub-groups).

Flu Treatment and Prevention

If you get sick with flu, antiviral drugs may be a treatment option.

Check with your doctor promptly if you are at high risk of serious flu complications and you get flu symptoms.  People at high risk of flu complications include young children, adults 65 years of age and older, pregnant women, and people with certain medical conditions such as asthma, diabetes and heart disease.

When used for treatment, antiviral drugs can lessen symptoms and shorten the time you are sick by 1 or 2 days. They also can prevent serious flu complications, like pneumonia. For people at high risk of serious flu complications, treatment with antiviral drugs can mean the difference between milder or more serious illness possibly resulting in a hospital stay. CDC recommends prompt treatment for people who have influenza infection or suspected influenza infection and who are at high risk of serious flu complications.

Annual influenza vaccination can prevent most of the illness and death that influenza causes. The CDC’s current Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) issued recommendations for everyone 6 months of age and older, who do not have any contraindications to vaccination, to receive a flu vaccine each year.

Flu vaccine (influenza vaccine made from inactivated and sometimes attenuated [noninfective] virus or virus components) is specifically recommended for those who are at high risk for developing serious complications from influenza infection.

Other simple hygiene methods can reduce or prevent some individuals from getting the flu. For example, avoiding kissing, handshakes, and sharing drinks or food with infected people and avoiding touching surfaces like sinks and other items handled by individuals with the flu are good preventive measures. Washing one’s hands with soap and water or by using an alcohol-based hand sanitizer frequently during the day may help prevent the infection. Individuals with the flu should avoid coughing or sneezing on uninfected people; quick hugs are probably okay as long as there is no contact with mucosal surfaces and/or droplets that may contain the virus. Wearing a mask may help reduce your chances of getting the disease, and if you unknowingly or know you have the infection, help to reduce spreading it to others

Controlling the spread of infection

The influenza vaccine isn’t 100% effective, so it’s also important to take several measures to reduce the spread of infection, including:

  • Wash your hands. Washing your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds is an effective way to prevent many common infections. Or use alcohol-based hand sanitizers if soap and water aren’t available.
  • Avoid touching your face. Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth.
  • Cover your coughs and sneezes. Cough or sneeze into a tissue or your elbow. Then wash your hands.
  • Clean surfaces. Regularly clean often-touched surfaces to prevent spread of infection from touching a surface with the virus on it and then your face.
  • Avoid crowds. The flu spreads easily wherever people gather — in child care centers, schools, office buildings, auditoriums and public transportation. By avoiding crowds during peak flu season, you reduce your chances of infection.Also avoid anyone who is sick. And if you’re sick, stay home for at least 24 hours after your fever is gone so that you lessen your chance of infecting others.

Takeaway

Influenza viruses travel through the air in droplets when someone with the infection coughs, sneezes or talks. You can inhale the droplets directly, or you can pick up the germs from an object — such as a telephone or computer keyboard — and then transfer them to your eyes, nose or mouth.

People with the virus are likely contagious from about a day before symptoms appear until about five days after they start. Children and people with weakened immune systems may be contagious for a slightly longer time.

During the COVID -19 pandemic, both COVID -19 and the flu may be spreading at the same time. Your local health practioner may help and suggest other precautions to reduce your risk of COVID -19  or the flu. For example, you may need to practice social distancing (physical distancing) and stay at least 6 feet (2 meters) from others outside your household. You may also need to wear a cloth face mask when around people outside your household.

Influenza (Flu)

Dec 26, 2020 Posted by admin General Health 0 comments

Woman with sore throat sick of coronavirus 2019 ncov

 

Influenza, commonly called “the flu,” is an illness caused by RNA viruses (Orthomyxoviridae family) that infect the respiratory tract of many animals, birds, and humans.(nose, throat and lungs.) but it’s not the same as stomach “flu” viruses that cause diarrhea and vomiting.For most people, the flu resolves on its own. But sometimes, influenza and its complications can be deadly.

Risk of developing flu complications include:

  • Young children under age 5, and especially those under 6 months
  • Adults older than age 65
  • Residents of nursing homes and other long-term care facilities
  • Pregnant women and women up to two weeks after giving birth
  • People with weakened immune systems
  • Native Americans
  • People who have chronic illnesses, such as asthma, heart disease, kidney disease, liver disease and diabetes
  • People who are very obese, with a body mass index (BMI) of 40 or higher

Though the annual influenza vaccine isn’t 100% effective, it’s still your best defense against the flu.

Symptoms

Influenza symptoms cartoon style infographic

At first, the flu may seem like a common cold with a runny nose, sneezing and sore throat. But colds usually develop slowly, whereas the flu tends to come on suddenly. And although a cold can be a bother, you usually feel much worse with the flu.

Common signs and symptoms of the flu include:

  • Fever
  • Aching muscles
  • Chills and sweats
  • Headache
  • Dry, persistent cough
  • Shortness of breath
  • Tiredness and weakness
  • Runny or stuffy nose
  • Sore throat
  • Eye pain
  • Vomiting and diarrhea, but this is more common in children than adults

If you have emergency signs and symptoms of the flu, get medical care right away. For adults, emergency signs and symptoms can include:

  • Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath
  • Chest pain
  • Ongoing dizziness
  • Seizures
  • Worsening of existing medical conditions
  • Severe weakness or muscle pain

Emergency signs and symptoms in children can include:

  • Difficulty breathing
  • Blue lips
  • Chest pain
  • Dehydration
  • Severe muscle pain
  • Seizures
  • Worsening of existing medical conditions

Diagnosing Flu

Some of the symptoms of flu and COVID-19 are similar, making it hard to tell the difference between them based on symptoms alone. Diagnostic testing can help determine if you are sick with the flu or COVID-19.

Medical professionals clinically diagnose the flu by evaluating the patient’s history of association with people known to have the disease and their symptoms listed above. Usually, a health care professional performs a quick test (for example, nasopharyngeal swab sample) to see if the patient has an influenza A or B viral infection. Most of the tests can distinguish between A and B types.

A number of flu tests are available to detect influenza viruses in respiratory specimens. The most common are called “rapid influenza diagnostic tests (RIDTs).” RIDTs work by detecting the parts of the virus (antigens) that stimulate an immune response. These tests can provide results within approximately 10-15 minutes but are not as accurate as other flu tests. Therefore, you could still have flu, even though your rapid test result is negative. Other flu tests are called “rapid molecular assays” that detect genetic material of the virus. Rapid molecular assays produce results in 15-20 minutes and are more accurate than RIDTs. In addition, there are several more accurate and sensitive flu tests available that must be performed in specialized laboratories, such as those found in hospitals or state public health laboratories. All of these tests require that a health care provider swipe the inside of your nose or the back of your throat with a swab and then send the swab for testing. Results may take one to several hours

How long is the flu contagious?

The flu is typically contagious about 24-48 hours before symptoms appear (from about the last day of the incubation period) and in normal healthy adults is contagious for another 5-7 days. Children are usually contagious for a little while longer (about 7-10 days). Individuals with severe infections may be contagious as long as symptoms last (about 7-14 days).

Complications

If you’re young and healthy, the flu usually isn’t serious. Although you may feel miserable while you have it, the flu usually goes away in a week or two with no lasting effects. But children and adults at high risk may develop complications that may include:

  • Pneumonia
  • Bronchitis
  • Asthma flare-ups
  • Heart problems
  • Ear infections
  • Acute respiratory distress syndrome

Pneumonia is one of the most serious complications. For older adults and people with a chronic illness, pneumonia can be deadly.

Types of Influenza Viruses

There are four types of influenza viruses: A, B, C and D. Human influenza A and B viruses cause seasonal epidemics of disease (known as the flu season) almost every winter in the United States. Influenza A viruses are the only influenza viruses known to cause flu pandemics, i.e., global epidemics of flu disease. A pandemic can occur when a new and very different influenza A virus emerges that both infects people and has the ability to spread efficiently between people. Influenza type C infections generally cause mild illness and are not thought to cause human flu epidemics. Influenza D viruses primarily affect cattle and are not known to infect or cause illness in people.

Influenza A viruses are divided into subtypes based on two proteins on the surface of the virus: hemagglutinin (H) and neuraminidase (N). There are 18 different hemagglutinin subtypes and 11 different neuraminidase subtypes (H1 through H18 and N1 through N11, respectively). While there are potentially 198 different influenza A subtype combinations, only 131 subtypes have been detected in nature. Current subtypes of influenza A viruses that routinely circulate in people include: A(H1N1) and A(H3N2). Influenza A subtypes can be further broken down into different genetic “clades” and “sub-clades.” See the “Influenza Viruses” graphic below for a visual depiction of these classifications.

Human Seasonal Influenza Virus

This graphic shows the two types of influenza viruses (A,B) that cause most human illness and that are responsible for the flu season each year. Influenza A viruses are further classified into subtypes, while influenza B viruses are further classified into two lineages: B/Yamagata and B/Victoria. Both influenza A and B viruses can be further classified into specific clades and sub-clades (which are sometimes called groups and sub-groups).

Flu Treatment and Prevention

If you get sick with flu, antiviral drugs may be a treatment option.

Check with your doctor promptly if you are at high risk of serious flu complications and you get flu symptoms.  People at high risk of flu complications include young children, adults 65 years of age and older, pregnant women, and people with certain medical conditions such as asthma, diabetes and heart disease.

When used for treatment, antiviral drugs can lessen symptoms and shorten the time you are sick by 1 or 2 days. They also can prevent serious flu complications, like pneumonia. For people at high risk of serious flu complications, treatment with antiviral drugs can mean the difference between milder or more serious illness possibly resulting in a hospital stay. CDC recommends prompt treatment for people who have influenza infection or suspected influenza infection and who are at high risk of serious flu complications.

Annual influenza vaccination can prevent most of the illness and death that influenza causes. The CDC’s current Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) issued recommendations for everyone 6 months of age and older, who do not have any contraindications to vaccination, to receive a flu vaccine each year.

Flu vaccine (influenza vaccine made from inactivated and sometimes attenuated [noninfective] virus or virus components) is specifically recommended for those who are at high risk for developing serious complications from influenza infection.

Other simple hygiene methods can reduce or prevent some individuals from getting the flu. For example, avoiding kissing, handshakes, and sharing drinks or food with infected people and avoiding touching surfaces like sinks and other items handled by individuals with the flu are good preventive measures. Washing one’s hands with soap and water or by using an alcohol-based hand sanitizer frequently during the day may help prevent the infection. Individuals with the flu should avoid coughing or sneezing on uninfected people; quick hugs are probably okay as long as there is no contact with mucosal surfaces and/or droplets that may contain the virus. Wearing a mask may help reduce your chances of getting the disease, and if you unknowingly or know you have the infection, help to reduce spreading it to others

Controlling the spread of infection

The influenza vaccine isn’t 100% effective, so it’s also important to take several measures to reduce the spread of infection, including:

  • Wash your hands. Washing your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds is an effective way to prevent many common infections. Or use alcohol-based hand sanitizers if soap and water aren’t available.
  • Avoid touching your face. Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth.
  • Cover your coughs and sneezes. Cough or sneeze into a tissue or your elbow. Then wash your hands.
  • Clean surfaces. Regularly clean often-touched surfaces to prevent spread of infection from touching a surface with the virus on it and then your face.
  • Avoid crowds. The flu spreads easily wherever people gather — in child care centers, schools, office buildings, auditoriums and public transportation. By avoiding crowds during peak flu season, you reduce your chances of infection.Also avoid anyone who is sick. And if you’re sick, stay home for at least 24 hours after your fever is gone so that you lessen your chance of infecting others.

Takeaway

Influenza viruses travel through the air in droplets when someone with the infection coughs, sneezes or talks. You can inhale the droplets directly, or you can pick up the germs from an object — such as a telephone or computer keyboard — and then transfer them to your eyes, nose or mouth.

People with the virus are likely contagious from about a day before symptoms appear until about five days after they start. Children and people with weakened immune systems may be contagious for a slightly longer time.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, both CO and the flu may be spreading at the same time. Your local health practioner may help and suggest other precautions to reduce your risk of COVID-19 or the flu. For example, you may need to practice social distancing (physical distancing) and stay at least 6 feet (2 meters) from others outside your household. You may also need to wear a cloth face mask when around people outside your household.

Conjunctivitis/Pink Eye

Dec 22, 2020 Posted by admin Ophthalmology 0 comments

 

Close up shot of female pours drops in red eye, has conjuctivitis or glaucoma, bad eyesight and pain. Eyes pain treatment concept. Woman cures red blood eye

What is Conjunctivitis?

The eye infection conjunctivitis, also known as pinkeye, is an inflammation of the conjunctiva. The conjunctiva is the thin clear tissue that lies over the white part of the eye and lines the inside of the eyelid.It is common in young kids. It’s usually contagious,(spresds rapidly) and breakouts can sweep through preschools and playgrounds. But even teens and adults can get pinkeye.but it’s rarely serious. Still, if you or  your child shows signs of pinkeye, it’s important to see a doctor. Some kinds of pinkeye go away on their own, but others need treatment.It’s very unlikely to damage your vision, especially if you find it and treat it quickly.

Causes

The most common causes of conjunctivitis (pink eye) are

  • viruses
  • bacteria
  • allergens

Other causes include

  • chemicals
  • contact lens wear
  • foreign bodies in the eye (like a loose eyelash)
  • indoor and outdoor air pollution caused, for example, by smoke, dust, fumes, or chemical vapors
  • fungi
  • ameba and parasites

It can be difficult to determine the exact cause of conjunctivitis because some symptoms may be the same no matter the cause.

Viral Conjunctivitis

  • Infection of the eye caused by a virus
  • Can be caused by a number of different viruses, such as adenoviruses
  • Very contagious
  • Sometimes can result in large outbreaks depending on the virus

     

Viral conjuctivitis in human eyes

                                                                 Diagram showing viralconjunctivitis in human eye

Bacterial Conjunctivitis

  • Infection of the eye caused by certain bacteria
  • Can be caused by Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus pneumoniae,  

    Haemophilus influenzae, Moraxella catarrhalis, or, less commonly, Chlamydia trachomatis and Neisseria gonorrhoeae

  • Can be spread easily, especially with certain bacteria and in certain settings
  • Children with conjunctivitis without fever or behavioral changes can usually continue going to school
  • More common in kids than adults

  • Observed more frequently December through April

Diagram showing bacterial conjunctivitis in human eye

Diagram showing bacterial conjunctivitis in human eye

Chemical conjunctivitis 

 Chemical conjunctivitis is caused by an irritant in the eye. Noxious chemicals, pool chlorine, and air pollution can all cause this form of pink eye. A chemical splash or exposure to a foreign object in the eye can cause chemical conjunctivitis, which is not contagious or spread by touch or from person to person.

Allergic Conjunctivitis

girl with itchy eyes sitting among flowers

  • The result of the body’s reaction to allergens, such as pollen from trees, plants, grasses, and weeds; dust mites; molds; dander from pets; medicines; or cosmetics
  • Not contagious
  • Occurs more frequently among people with other allergic conditions, such as hay fever, asthma, and eczema
  • Can occur seasonally, when allergens such as pollen counts, are high
  • Can also occur year-round due to indoor allergens, such as dust mites and animal dander

Conjunctivitis Caused by Irritants

  • Caused by irritation from a foreign body in the eye or contact with smoke, dust, fumes, or chemicals
  • Not contagious
  • Can occur when contact lenses are worn longer than recommended or not cleaned properly

Symptoms and Signs

The most outwardly noticeable symptom of pink eye is the reddish or pink color of the eyes. Other symptoms include:

  • Increased tearing.
  • Discharge that can form a crust overnight and seem to “seal” the eye shut.
  • Feeling like there is something “gritty” in the eye.
  • Itchiness of the eye.
  • Irritation or pain in the eye.
  • Sensitivity to light.
  • Swollen eyelids.
  • Burning sensation in the eye.
  • Contact lens discomfort.

How Is Pinkeye Diagnosed?

If any of you have pinkeye, it’s important to see your health care provider to learn what’s causing it and how to treat it. Other serious eye conditions can have similar symptoms, so if you notice  severe pain, changes in eyesight, swelling around the eyes, or sensitivity to light should be examined.

If you can’t get an in-person visit, you might be able to do a “video visit” instead. Telemedicine — when patients and health care providers use technology for the remote diagnosis and treatment of some health conditions — is becoming more and more popular. Ask your health care provider if his or her practice participates in telemedicine

Treatments for Pink Eye?

Home remedies might be enough to soothe pink eye symptoms associated with colds, minor infections, or allergies. Treatment consists primarily of cleansing the eyes with artificial tears. Cool compresses can also be soothing.

To help relieve the discomfort of pink eye, apply a cool compress for 5 to 10 minutes, three to four times a day. Preservative-free artificial tears can be applied a few times a day. Never use steroid eye drops or medications from a friend without a doctor’s prescription. And be extremely careful not to share towels or washcloths with others so as not to spread an extremely contagious viral or bacteria pink eye to others. You should also be careful about using the same cloths or drops between your two eyes so as not to transfer the infection to your other eye. Discard cosmetic eye products which may have been contaminated. Do not wear contact lenses.

Pink eye that includes itching and affects both eyes would suggest an allergy. Place a cool compress on your closed eye and use nonprescription allergy or antihistamine eye drops to relieve itching and burning. If the condition worsens or does not improve in a few days, consult your doctor. Marked discomfort, loss of vision and involvement of one eye only suggests a more serious problem which needs to be medically evaluated by your health care provider or eye doctor.

Takeaway

Pink eye or conjunctivitis  can impact one or both eyes, and it can range from mild to more significant. Pink eye usually resolves within one to two weeks, and it does not usually result in serious complications.following are the few preventive methods can be helpful releive pinkeye

Methods for Preventing Conjunctivitis

Allergic conjunctivitis and chemical conjunctivitis are harder to prevent since they can be caused by airborne and foreign objects that may not be predictable or discernible ahead of time. Viral and bacterial pink eye are more common, however. There are some things you can do to prevent the spread of these contagious forms of conjunctivitis.

  • Wash your hands with soap and water immediately upon contact with someone suffering from conjunctivitis.
  • Keep your hands away from your eyes.
  • Don’t share contacts, eye glasses, eye makeup or cosmetics, facial lotions, or makeup brushes with others.
  • Use your own towels, washcloths, pillowcases, and blankets, and wash them often.
  • Follow the directions on your contact lenses. Change them as often as needed and disinfect them properly.
  • Clean eyeglasses regularly and thoroughly.

 

Bipolar Disorder

Dec 17, 2020 Posted by admin Uncategorized 0 comments

Bipolar Disorder

smiling-psychologist

Bipolar disorder is a serious mental health condition in which some individuals experience alternating periods of high energy levels and extremely low mood. People with bipolar disorder may find the COVID-19 pandemic and resulting lockdown to be particularly challenging to manage.

Do you feel very happy and outgoing—or very irritable—on some days, but unusually sad or anxious on other days? Do the “up” periods go along with increased energy or activity? Do the “downs” go along with low energy, hopelessness, or inability to enjoy what you usually like to do, and sometimes suicidal thoughts? Do these mood swings make it hard to sleep, stay focused, or get things done? Some people with these symptoms have a lifelong but treatable mental disorder called bipolar disorder.

What is bipolar disorder?

Bipolar disorder is a chronic or episodic (which means occurring occasionally and at irregular intervals) mental disorder. It can cause unusual, often extreme and fluctuating changes in mood, energy, activity, and concentration or focus. Bipolar disorder sometimes is called manic-depressive disorder or manic depression, which are older terms.

Everyone goes through normal ups and downs, but bipolar disorder is different. The range of mood changes can be extreme. In manic episodes, someone might feel very happy, irritable, or “up,” and there is a marked increase in activity level. In depressive episodes, someone might feel sad, indifferent, or hopeless, in combination with a very low activity level. Some people have hypomanic episodes, which are like manic episodes, but less severe and troublesome.

Most of the time, bipolar disorder develops or starts during late adolescence (teen years) or early adulthood. Occasionally, bipolar symptoms can appear in children. Although the symptoms come and go, bipolar disorder usually requires lifetime treatment and does not go away on its own. Bipolar disorder can be an important factor in suicide, job loss, and family discord, but proper treatment leads to better outcomes.

Symptoms of bipolar disorder?

The symptoms of bipolar disorder can vary. An individual with bipolar disorder may have manic episodes, depressive episodes, or “mixed” episodes. There are different types of bipolar disorder, which differ in their symptoms and severity.

The main symptoms of bipolar disorder is alternating episodes of high and low mood

Symptoms of a Manic Episode

Feeling very up, high, elated, or extremely irritable or touchy

Feeling jumpy or wired, more active than usual

Decreased need for sleep

Racing thoughts

Thinking you can do a lot of things at once without getting tired

Excessive appetite for food, drinking, sex, or other pleasurable activities

Feeling like you are unusually important, talented, or powerful

Symptoms of a Depressive Episode

Feeling slowed down or restless

Trouble concentrating or making decisions

Feeling very down or sad, or anxious

Unable to do even simple things

Talking very slowly, feeling like you have nothing to say, or forgetting a lot

Feeling hopeless or worthless, or thinking about death or suicide

Most people experience mood changes at some time, but those related to bipolar disorder are more intense than regular mood changes, and other symptoms can occur. Some people experience psychosis, which can include delusions, hallucinations, and paranoia.Anxiety disorders and ADHD often are diagnosed in people with bipolar disorder.People with bipolar disorder are more prone to misusing drugs or alcohol,also eating disorder, such as binge eating or bulimia.

Between episodes, the person’s mood may be stable for months or years, especially if they are following a treatment plan.

Causes

The exact cause of bipolar disorder is unknown. However,Men and women are equally likely to get it. research suggests that there is no single cause. Instead, a combination of factors may contribute to bipolar disorder.For example, sometimes it can simply be a matter of genetics, meaning you have it because it runs in your family. The way your brain develops may also play a role, but scientists aren’t exactly sure how or why.

Bipolar Disorder Types

There are a few types of bipolar disorder, including:

Bipolar I disorder: With this type, you have extreme erratic behavior, with manic “up” periods that last at least a week or are so severe that you need medical care. There are also usually extreme “down” periods that last at least 2 weeks.

Bipolar II disorder: With this type, you also have erratic highs and lows, but it isn’t as extreme as bipolar I.

Cyclothymic disorder: This type involves periods of manic and depressive behavior that last at least 2 years in adults or 1 year in children and teens. The symptoms aren’t as intense as bipolar disorder I or bipolar disorder II.

With any type of bipolar disorder, misuse of drugs and alcohol use can lead to more episodes. Having bipolar disorder and alcohol use disorder, known as “dual diagnosis,” requires help from a specialist who can address both issues.

Diagnosis

A psychiatrist or other mental health professional diagnoses bipolar disorder based on the symptoms, lifetime course, and experiences of the individual. Some people have bipolar disorder for years before it is diagnosed.

Diagnosing bipolar disorder is all about the person’s symptoms and determining whether they may be the result of another cause (such as low thyroid or mood symptoms caused by drug or alcohol abuse). How severe are they? How long have they lasted? How often do they happen?

The most telling symptoms are those that involve highs or lows in mood, along with changes in sleep, energy, thinking, and behavior.

Talking to close friends and family of the person can often help the doctor distinguish bipolar disorder from major depressive disorder or other psychiatric disorders that can involve changes in mood, thinking, and behavior.

Diagnosing bipolar disorder can be trickier for children and teenagers. Their symptoms may be the same as adults but might be confused for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) or even just bad behavior.

Treatment

Treatment aims to stabilize the person’s mood and reduce the severity of symptoms. The goal is to help the person function effectively in daily life.Bipolar disorder is generally a chronic condition, meaning that there is no cure. However, it is possible to manage the condition and lead a full and productive life. The key is to find the right combination of treatments and remedies, including medications and healthful lifestyle measures, and to stick with them. It may take some time to accomplish this, so friends and family should be patient and remain supportive.

Treatment involves a combination of therapies, including:

  • medication
  • counseling
  • physical intervention
  • lifestyle remedies

It can take time to get a correct diagnosis and find a suitable treatment, as individuals react differently, and symptoms vary widely.

Tips and precautions

The following coping strategies can help people with bipolar disorder proactively navigate the potential problems of COVID-19 and lockdown:

  • acknowledging that these are stressful times during which it is understandable to feel concerned
  • appreciating that the goal is to be able to manage feelings as they manifest
  • establishing a schedule for work, relaxation, and connecting with friends and family, while maintaining the correct physical distancing measures
  • eating regular, healthful meals
  • establishing and following good sleep habits
  • spending some time outside each day
  • staying physically active by walking, running, biking, or using free online exercise options
  • trying to move therapy sessions online — virtual therapy is a great option for those without access to their usual sessions
  • working with a pharmacy to arrange delivery of medication
  • doing various relaxing and engaging activities, from cooking to reading to doing crossword puzzles

Takeaway

Bipolar disorder is a serious mental health condition in which some individuals experience alternating periods of high energy levels and extremely low mood. People with bipolar disorder may find the COVID-19 pandemic and resulting lockdown to be particularly challenging to manage. Above tips and precautions may help them to cope with the same.

Coronavirus and Immunity Boosting Food

Dec 14, 2020 Posted by admin Health & Nutrition 0 comments

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Wondering how to boost your immunity against COVID-19? Well as you know Covid‐19 attacks people with low immune systems and people especially people of under and over ages. The immune system is built on beneficial live bacteria that lives in the gut which protect the human body from various diseases. When the immune system response is low, weak, or damaged, it becomes an open invitation for infections such as coronavirus or other diseases like  common cold, diabetes, heart disease, or cancer. A strong immune system could be the perfect solution to tackle COVID-19!  Our body uses and absorbs nutrients more efficiently when they come from whole food sources like fruits and vegetables, rather than processed foods or supplements.

Discussed below are five measures on how to increase immunity against COVID-19:

1. Take Immunity-Boosting Foods & Vitamins

Immunity boosting vegetables like carrot, spinach, sweet potatoes, cantaloupes, dark leafy greens, tomato, asparagus, and broccoli; and immunity boosting fruits like mango, citrus fruits, and strawberries.

These fruits & vegetables contain vitamins A, C, D, and E, and minerals like magnesium, selenium, and zinc that acts as an immunity boosting vitamins.

All the above foods are also immunity boosters for kids. Special care is required in terms of diet for older people during Coronavirus pandemic as they are prone to catching it faster.

2. life Style

Take Proper 7-8 Hours of Sleep

Sleeping well is one of the easiest ways to increase immunity for COVID-19. A human body naturally repairs and recovers, during sleep, from all the wear and tear. Not sleeping enough not only leaves the body tired and lethargic but also reduces immunity to fight against viruses like COVID-19.

Regular Excercise

Exercising helps raise the levels of white blood cells and antibodies that fight off infections, Home workout exercises are another way of flushing out toxins from the body through sweat.

Practice meditation

Meditation is a mindful exercise that relaxes the mind of all external chaos and distractions. A mere 10 minutes of meditation every day can make a big difference not only throughout the day but also in life as a whole. A calm mind helps in better focus, better decisions, and builds a sound body.

3. Balanced Diet

Eating a well‐balanced, healthy diet and staying away from processed junk food is very important to maintain overall health, as well as to support immune functions.Making sure you are eating a diet high in immune-boosting nutrients is one way you can take an active role in maintaining your health and wellness.Consuming foods high in vitamin A, C,D, E, B6, B12 etc.. is the key in regulating and supporting immune system function.

Staying hydrated is the best way to increase immunity to fight Coronavirus because it flushes out all the toxins from the body. Immunity booster drink such as fresh fruit juices and coconut water, along with consuming enough water throughout the day helps in keeping the body hydrated.

Avoid Smoking and Alcohol

Smoking and other substance abuse weakens the respiratory system, while alcohol reduces the immunity. This makes the body susceptible to catching the virus and being infected.

Avoid Non-essential travelling

Social distancing is key to fighting novel coronavirus, and hence avoiding non-essential travel will help in protecting oneself and others from the virus.

 

Ayurveda and immunity

The ancient medical science had stated long ago that plant extracts could do a lot to strengthen the body. According to Ayurveda, our body can withstand infections only when all the seven layers of our body’s tissues (Rasa, Mamsa, Rakta, Medha, Majja, Asthi and Shukra) are strong. When the seven layers are working together, our immunity will be boosted.

Ayurveda has said that certain plants and plant products can empower our immunity.Make a point to consume one or more of the following every day

Moringa

Moringa is a herb that can ward off many health complications. And during the COVID-19 pandemic, it should be your go-to herb for immunity strengthening.

So what makes moringa such a powerful immunity booster? It contains 7 times more Vitamin C than even oranges. Vitamin C is the chief nutrient that our bodies need to build strong immunity.

That’s not all, moringa also contains some other vital nutrients that strengthen your cells, muscles, tissues and help your body heal. Consume moringa for its high levels of potassium, iron, calcium and amino acids.

Neem

Neem can also keep your blood clean. It purifies the blood by flushing away toxins and this can strengthen immunity.

In-Blog-02

Tulsi

Tulsi is another wonder herb that is much favoured by Ayurveda. This aromatic leaf can be your primary line of defence against COVID-19. Tulsi or basil is a powerful germicide.

tuls

Turmeric

Every time your grandmother said you need to consume turmeric for your health, she was right. Turmeric contains curcumin– a phytochemical that can remove toxins from your body and strengthen your immune system to fight off germs and bacteria

Health benefits of fresh turmeric and ways to use it | TheHealthSite.com

Ginger and Garlic

Ginger has been an age-old remedy for flu and the common cold. It can also be effective against COVID-19.  It contains gingerol – an antioxidant that can power up our immune system and kill viruses. Ginger is particularly good in preventing respiratory tract infections. Add ginger to your meals or you can also have it raw.

Here's how you can make ginger garlic paste at home - Times of India

Just like ginger, garlic too will protect you from coronavirus by stimulating your immunity. It contains allicin- a plant compound that acts as a germicide. But remember, to make the most of garlic, consume it raw or partially cooked.

TakeAway

People with low immunity are more prone for this world pandemic named as COVID‐19. To help or boost the immunity, the plant‐based foods play vital role by promoting beneficial bacteria in the body. Various vitamins like C, D, and E are investigated to provide important aspects for improving immunity. Fruits like oranges, papaya, kiwi, and guava are rich in vitamin C, while vegetables like eggplant, bell peppers, beetroots, spinach, and cauliflower are known to be quite rich in vitamin C and are good for immunity. Ayurveda and herbs  like Tulsi, Ashwagandha, Moringa, Honey  ginger etc..play a vital role in boosting the immunity.More research is needed to know about the behavior of coronavirus and the role of food in its prevention.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Common Winter Illness

Dec 9, 2020 Posted by admin General Health 0 comments

Bored sick woman holding hand at head, blowing nose with napkinWinter has arrived, and with it comes cold and flu season. You do your best to keep yourself and your family healthy, despite your best efforts, you may still find yourself ill.Common health problems like cold, cough, fever, dryness, asthma, joint pain are widely noticed.The cold season cools your body and this makes simple illness harder to heal. Thus, you need to take precautionary measures before you ever allow a common disease to leave you hospitalised. Here are few winter diseases/illness that you and your child are prone to.

Dry Skin:

It is one of the most common problems faced during winters. Cracked skin, bleeding, pain and infection are apparent due to dryness. A few winter tips for skin like using moisturizers, mild moisturizing soap rather than regular one or applying hand lotion or petroleum jelly can help you in avoiding this problem.

Flu:

Winters are commonly known as the flu season. The flu viruses spread through the air and during winters, your immune system might get little slower than usual. In order to avoid this most common winter disease, make sure to eat a healthy and nutritious diet, drink enough water and exercise regularly.

Joint Pain:

It is most commonly seen in arthritis patients. Drastic fall in temperature can trigger joint pain leading to immobility in some cases. Make sure you wear warm clothes. Please exercise especially during the winter season to keep the body warm.

Asthma:

Cold weather triggers asthma attacks. Winters come with a lot of allergens in the air, which is the main causative factor for asthma. Wear an air purifying mask outside to avoid inhaling any allergen.

Sore Throat:

A Sore Throat is the very first sign that you may be suffering from a bad cold. Most people do not care to treat it and as a result, this may get worse. This disease is one of the most common winter diseases and is usually caused by viral infections.

Could it be coronavirus?

If you have a high temperature, a new, continuous cough or a loss or change to your sense of smell or taste, it could be coronavirus (COVID-19).

If you have any of the main symptoms of coronavirus:

  1. Get a test to check if you have coronavirus as soon as possible.
  2. You and anyone you live with should stay at home and not have visitors until you get your test result – only leave your home to have a test.

Anyone in your support bubble should also stay at home if you have been in close contact with them since your symptoms started or during the 48 hours before they started.

Strep Throat

Strep is most often seen in school-aged children. Strep presents as a sore throat, headache, and stomachache. Some people will experience a high fever or vomiting.  Strep throat does not usually cause cold symptoms or coughing and it can usually be easily treated with antibiotics.

Norovirus

Also known as the winter vomiting bug, norovirus is an extremely infectious stomach bug. It can strike throughout the year but is more common in the winter. The illness is unpleasant, but it’s usually over within a few days. If you are ill with vomiting and diarrhea, it’s important to drink plenty of fluids to prevent dehydration.

Cold Sores:

The reason for cold sores to occur in winter is majorly because of the harshness of the dry and cold environment. The dry and cold air dries out the lips; which make them more susceptible to the herpes virus. Adequate nutrition, regular exercise, Home Remedies for Cold and rest will help reduce the chances of getting cold sores.

Pneumonia:

Unlike other common winter illnesses, pneumonia is often caused due to bacterial infection. Pneumonia is a life-threatening disease that can be fatal and this usually starts with viral and fungal infection. This disease clogs the alveoli that are tiny air sacs in your lungs and fills it with fluids. This disease can happen among young people, but if an older person is suffering from it, it can turn out to be dangerous.

Causes of Pneumonia:

Pneumonia is caused by bacteria and viruses that multiply and settle in tiny holes of your lungs (Alveoli). This bacteria is found in terms of liquid that clogs the tiny holes in your lung thus making you develop shortness in breath. However, this disease is deadly because it can spread by coughing, sneezing or by touching an object. The bacteria that powers pneumonia is so deadly that it can fill the lung sacs with bacterial fluid and pus and this can kill you if not treated immediately.

Symptoms of Pneumonia:

The symptoms of pneumonia can be present in different ways, meaning sometimes this disease may start as cold and begins to evolve. Keep in mind that if your child has a bad cold for several days and that the child developed high fever, this can be an immediate sign of pneumonia. Here are some of the symptoms of pneumonia that will help you identify the disease.

  • Severe cough
  • Green phlegm and coughed up lungs
  • High fever
  • Shortness in breath
  • Chills
  • Severe headache
  • Diarrhea
  • Vomiting
  • Profuse sweating
  • Purple colour skin
  • Pain in muscles

  •  Acute Ear Infection:

    An ear infection is something that is caused by bacterial infections in the middle ear, which is a section found behind your eardrum. Ear infections can be very painful due to inflammation and fluid buildup in the middle ear. There are both acute as well as chronic ear infections. When it comes to acute ear infection, it is considered very painful but it will last only for a short duration. Winter climate can cause acute ear infections. Usually, people with acute ear infections experience blocked, itchy and painful ears.

    Causes of Acute Ear Infection:

    An acute ear infection is usually caused when eustachian tube begins to swell and this causes blockage thereby causing fluids to build in your middle ear. Here are some causes of acute ear infection.

    • Cold
    • Sinus infection
    • Smoking
    • Changes in climatic condition

    Symptoms of Acute Ear Infection:

    Here are some symptoms of acute ear infection that will help you identify the disease.

    • Severe pain
    • Discomfort in the ear
    • Pus-filled ear like feel
    • Hearing loss.

      RSV/Bronchiolitis

      Bronchiolitis is a common viral respiratory infection. Symptoms include nasal congestion, cough, low-grade fevers, and wheezing. RSV, a particular virus that is often the cause of bronchiolitis, although many different viruses can cause bronchiolitis.  It too can resemble a common cold before it progresses into a more serious illness with wheezing, difficulty breathing, and dehydration.

    Prevention of Winter illness:

    During winter many people have the risk of getting sick. Infectious disease are available in the air and you need to take precautionary measures to stay safe and healthy. There are some simple tips that you can do at home that will safeguard you as well as your family from any winter infection.

    • Wash your hands with soap consistently to avoid germs and bacteria.
    • If you have a bad cold, then you need to cover your mouth when you sneeze and cough.
    • Make sure you use your own utensils when it comes to eating and drinking.
    • Drink plenty of water and keep yourself hydrated.
    • Regular excercises help to strengthen the immunity.
    • Get enough sleep.
    • Stay well covered in warm clothes and avoid exposure to cold as much as possible.
    • Consult a doctor right away when you are feeling sick.

Takeaway

Even though nobody can surely prevent winter illnesses for a lifetime so, maintainig basic hygiene, staying warm and hyderated is very important. make sure to stay away from people if you or others near you are contagious. However, if you feel it is taking too long for you to get better its time you consult a doctor.

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Charley Horse

Dec 4, 2020 Posted by admin Uncategorized 0 comments
Woman muscle pain during running training

Charley Horse is another name for  muscle spasm – when a muscle suddenly tightens up on its own resulting severe pain.They’re common in your legs, often occurs during exercise and at night. It commonly affects the calf muscle at the back of the lower leg, but it can also occur in the foot and, occasionally, in the thigh.The sudden and uncontrollable spasm can often be brief, but it can last for several minutes or up to 10 minutes.

Causes:

Doctors do not know exactly why muscle cramps happen when a person is exercising or when they have no other medical conditions.

Things that can trigger a charley horse include:

  • Poor blood flow
  • Working your muscles too much
  • Not stretching enough
  • Being active in high temperatures
  • Dehydration
  • A lack of magnesium and/or potassium in your diet
  • A problem such as a spinal cord injury or a pinched nerve in your neck or back
  • Kidney disease
  • Muscle cramps are also a side effect of some drugs – diuretics, raloxifene (Evista), or statin drugs

Risk factors for charley horses

Muscle spasms can happen to anyone, at any age. And a charley horse can occur at any time of the day or night.

Charley horses do tend to occur more often among people in the following groups:

  • athletes
  • infants
  • older adults
  • people who are obese
  • people taking certain medications like diuretics, raloxifene (Evista), or statin drugs
  • people who smoke

People who are obese are more likely to experience charley horses because of poor circulation in their legs. Athletes often experience charley horses because of muscle fatigue or overuse.

Charley Horse Diagnosis

The occasional charley horse doesn’t require an official medical diagnosis. However, your doctor should investigate frequent, recurrent muscle spasms. This would apply if a charley horse occurs more than once a week without an adequate explanation.

Your doctor can usually make a diagnosis based on your medical history and a physical examination.

The doctor will more than likely ask about their symptoms, including:

  • what the cramping is like and where it occurs
  • when the cramps happen and for how long
  • how severe or regularly the cramps occur
  • whether they have started recently

A doctor is likely to ask about the person’s exercise habits, diet, and any other symptoms, medical problems, or current medications, as well.

Treatment

There is little evidence that medical intervention can help cure or reduce muscle cramping.

However, when a muscle is cramping, and a person experiences a charley horse, the following action may help them find some relief:

  • If you get a charley horse in your calf or in the back of your thigh (hamstring), put your weight on the affected leg and bend your knee slightly. Or sit or lie down with your leg out straight and pull the top of your foot toward your head.
  • For a cramp in the front of your thigh (quadriceps), hold on to a chair and bend the knee of the affected leg. Pull your foot up toward your buttock.

    Massage, a bath with Epsom salts, or a heating pad can relax the muscle. To fight pain, use an ice pack or take an over-the-counter medication like ibuprofen or naproxen.

    In most cases, the charley horse will stop within a few minutes. But if you get them often and for no clear reason, consult your doctor

  • In severe cases, your doctor may prescribe antispasmodic medication. Also, physical therapy can help you cope with muscle spasms and prevent further complications.
  • In extreme cases, you doctor may recommend surgery. If other treatments fail, surgery can enlarge the space around a nerve to relieve pressure. This may help if nerve compression causes your spasms.

Preventing charley horses

Once you identify the cause of the occasional charley horse, symptoms are generally easy to prevent. Take these steps to help avoid future muscle spasms:

  • Stretch before and after exercise.
  • Avoid exercising the same muscles on consecutive days.
  • Weight loss for people with excess weight
  • Changing to different more comfortable footwear
  • Do not exercise in severe weather.
  • Drink water throughout the day.
  • Drink beverages that contain electrolytes, such as Gatorade.
  • Stretch before going to bed
  • Don’t smoke.
  • Limit Alcohol intake

Takeaway

Charley horses are common and can occur in any muscle at any time. They’re usually treatable and can sometimes be prevented.

Any pain caused by a spasm won’t typically last more than a day. However, if you experience charley horses frequently, talk with your doctor about treatments.

Stress Management

Nov 30, 2020 Posted by admin Neurology 0 comments

 

Stress, health, illness and problems concept. Studio image of de

In today’s fast-paced world, chronic stress is common, but your mind and body can pay a high price. Learn to recognize overwhelming stress—and what you can do about it.

What is stress?

Stress is your body’s way of responding to any kind of demand or threat. When you sense danger—whether it’s real or imagined—the body’s defenses kick into high gear in a rapid, automatic process known as the “fight-or-flight” reaction or the “stress response.”

When you feel threatened, your nervous system responds by releasing a flood of stress hormones, including adrenaline and cortisol, which rouse the body for emergency action. Your heart pounds faster, muscles tighten, blood pressure rises, breath quickens, and your senses become sharper. These physical changes increase your strength and stamina, speed up your reaction time, and enhance your focus—preparing you to either fight or flee from the danger at hand.

The stress response is the body’s way of protecting you. When working properly, it helps you stay focused, energetic, and alert. In emergency situations, stress can save your life—giving you extra strength to defend yourself, for example, or spurring you to slam on the brakes to avoid a car accident.

The effects of chronic stress

Your nervous system isn’t very good at distinguishing between emotional and physical threats. If you’re super stressed over an argument with a friend, a work deadline, or a mountain of bills, your body can react just as strongly as if you’re facing a true life-or-death situation. And the more your emergency stress system is activated, the easier it becomes to trigger, making it harder to shut off.

 

If you tend to get stressed out frequently, like many of us in today’s demanding world, your body may exist in a heightened state of stress most of the time. And that can lead to serious health problems. Chronic stress disrupts nearly every system in your body. It can suppress your immune system, upset your digestive and reproductive systems, increase the risk of heart attack and stroke, and speed up the aging process. It can even rewire the brain, leaving you more vulnerable to anxiety, depression, and other mental health problems.

 

Health problems caused or exacerbated by stress include:

  • Depression and anxiety
  • Pain of any kind
  • Sleep problems
  • Autoimmune diseases
  • Digestive problems
  • Skin conditions, such as eczema
  • Heart disease
  • Weight problems
  • Reproductive issues
  • Thinking and memory problems

Causes of stress

The situations and pressures that cause stress are known as stressors. We usually think of stressors as being negative, such as an exhausting work schedule or a rocky relationship. However, anything that puts high demands on you can be stressful. This includes positive events such as getting married, buying a house, going to college, or receiving a promotion.

Of course, not all stress is caused by external factors. Stress can also be internal or self-generated, when you worry excessively about something that may or may not happen, or have irrational, pessimistic thoughts about life.

Signs and symptoms of stress overload

The most dangerous thing about stress is how easily it can creep up on you. You get used to it. It starts to feel familiar, even normal. You don’t notice how much it’s affecting you, even as it takes a heavy toll. That’s why it’s important to be aware of the common warning signs and symptoms of stress overload.

Cognitive symptoms:

  • Memory problems
  • Inability to concentrate
  • Poor judgment
  • Seeing only the negative
  • Anxious or racing thoughts
  • Constant worrying

 

Emotional symptoms:

  • Depression or general unhappiness
  • Anxiety and agitation
  • Moodiness, irritability, or anger
  • Feeling overwhelmed
  • Loneliness and isolation

Other mental or emotional health problems

Physical symptoms:

  • Aches and pains
  • Diarrhea or constipation
  • Nausea, dizziness
  • Chest pain, rapid heart rate
  • Loss of sex drive
  • Frequent colds or flu

Behavioral symptoms:

  • Eating more or less
  • Sleeping too much or too little
  • Withdrawing from others
  • Procrastinating or neglecting responsibilities
  • Using alcohol, cigarettes, or drugs to relax
  • Nervous habits (e.g. nail biting, pacing)

Common external causes of stress include:

  • Major life changes
  • Work or school
  • Relationship difficulties
  • Financial problems
  • Being too busy
  • Children and family

Common internal causes of stress include:

  • Pessimism
  • Inability to accept uncertainty
  • Rigid thinking, lack of flexibility
  • Negative self-talk
  • Unrealistic expectations / perfectionism
  • All-or-nothing attitude

What’s stressful for you?

Whatever event or situation is stressing you out, there are ways of coping with the problem and regaining your balance. Some of life’s most common sources of stress include:

  • Stress at work
  • Job loss and unemployment stress
  • Caregiver stress
  • Grief and loss etc..

How much stress is too much?

Because of the widespread damage stress can cause, it’s important to know your own limit. But just how much stress is “too much” differs from person to person. Some people seem to be able to roll with life’s punches, while others tend to crumble in the face of small obstacles or frustrations. Some people even thrive on the excitement of a high-stress lifestyle.

Factors that influence your stress tolerance level include:

Your support network. A strong network of supportive friends and family members is an enormous buffer against stress. When you have people you can count on, life’s pressures don’t seem as overwhelming. On the flip side, the lonelier and more isolated you are, the greater your risk of succumbing to stress.

Your sense of control. If you have confidence in yourself and your ability to influence events and persevere through challenges, it’s easier to take stress in stride. On the other hand, if you believe that you have little control over your life—that you’re at the mercy of your environment and circumstances—stress is more likely to knock you off course.

Your attitude and outlook. The way you look at life and its inevitable challenges makes a huge difference in your ability to handle stress. If you’re generally hopeful and optimistic, you’ll be less vulnerable. Stress-hardy people tend to embrace challenges, have a stronger sense of humor, believe in a higher purpose, and accept change as an inevitable part of life.

Your ability to deal with your emotions. If you don’t know how to calm and soothe yourself when you’re feeling sad, angry, or troubled, you’re more likely to become stressed and agitated. Having the ability to identify and deal appropriately with your emotions can increase your tolerance to stress and help you bounce back from adversity.

Your knowledge and preparation. The more you know about a stressful situation, including how long it will last and what to expect, the easier it is to cope. For example, if you go into surgery with a realistic picture of what to expect post-op, a painful recovery will be less stressful than if you were expecting to bounce back immediately.

Improving your ability to handle stress

Get moving. Upping your activity level is one tactic you can employ right now to help relieve stress and start to feel better. Regular exercise can lift your mood and serve as a distraction from worries, allowing you to break out of the cycle of negative thoughts that feed stress. Rhythmic exercises such as walking, running, swimming, and dancing are particularly effective, especially if you exercise mindfully (focusing your attention on the physical sensations you experience as you move).

Connect to others. The simple act of talking face-to-face with another human can trigger hormones that relieve stress when you’re feeling agitated or insecure. Even just a brief exchange of kind words or a friendly look from another human being can help calm and soothe your nervous system. So, spend time with people who improve your mood and don’t let your responsibilities keep you from having a social life. If you don’t have any close relationships, or your relationships are the source of your stress, make it a priority to build stronger and more satisfying connections.

Engage your senses. Another fast way to relieve stress is by engaging one or more of your senses—sight, sound, taste, smell, touch, or movement. The key is to find the sensory input that works for you. Does listening to an uplifting song make you feel calm? Or smelling ground coffee? Or maybe petting an animal works quickly to make you feel centered? Everyone responds to sensory input a little differently, so experiment to find what works best for you.

Learn to relax. You can’t completely eliminate stress from your life, but you can control how much it affects you. Relaxation techniques such as yoga, meditation, and deep breathing activate the body’s relaxation response, a state of restfulness that is the polar opposite of the stress response. When practiced regularly, these activities can reduce your everyday stress levels and boost feelings of joy and serenity. They also increase your ability to stay calm and collected under pressure.

Eat a healthy diet. The food you eat can improve or worsen your mood and affect your ability to cope with life’s stressors. Eating a diet full of processed and convenience food, refined carbohydrates, and sugary snacks can worsen symptoms of stress, while a diet rich in fresh fruit and vegetables, high-quality protein, and omega-3 fatty acids, can help you better cope with life’s ups and downs.

Get your rest. Feeling tired can increase stress by causing you to think irrationally. At the same time, chronic stress can disrupt your sleep. Whether you’re having trouble falling asleep or staying asleep at night, there are plenty of ways to improve your sleep so you feel less stressed and more productive and emotionally balanced.

Why is it so important to manage stress?

If you’re living with high levels of stress, you’re putting your entire well-being at risk. Stress wreaks havoc on your emotional equilibrium, as well as your physical health. It narrows your ability to think clearly, function effectively, and enjoy life. It may seem like there’s nothing you can do about stress. The bills won’t stop coming, there will never be more hours in the day, and your work and family responsibilities will always be demanding. But you have a lot more control than you might think.

Effective stress management helps you break the hold stress has on your life, so you can be happier, healthier, and more productive. The ultimate goal is a balanced life, with time for work, relationships, relaxation, and fun—and the resilience to hold up under pressure and meet challenges head on. But stress management is not one-size-fits-all. That’s why it’s important to experiment and find out what works best for you. The following stress management tips can help you do that.

Tip 1: Identify the sources of stress in your life

To identify your true sources of stress, look closely at your habits, attitude, and excuses:

Do you explain away stress as temporary (“I just have a million things going on right now”) even though you can’t remember the last time you took a breather?

Do you define stress as an integral part of your work or home life (“Things are always crazy around here”) or as a part of your personality (“I have a lot of nervous energy, that’s all”)?

Do you blame your stress on other people or outside events, or view it as entirely normal and unexceptional?

Until you accept responsibility for the role you play in creating or maintaining it, your stress level will remain outside your control.

Tip 2: Practice the 4 A’s of stress management

While stress is an automatic response from your nervous system, some stressors arise at predictable times: your commute to work, a meeting with your boss, or family gatherings, for example. When handling such predictable stressors, you can either change the situation or change your reaction. When deciding which option to choose in any given scenario, it’s helpful to think of the four A’s: avoid, alter, adapt, or accept.

Tip 3: Get moving

When you’re stressed, the last thing you probably feel like doing is getting up and exercising. But physical activity is a huge stress reliever—and you don’t have to be an athlete or spend hours in a gym to experience the benefits. Exercise releases endorphins that make you feel good, and it can also serve as a valuable distraction from your daily worries.

While you’ll get the most benefit from regularly exercising for 30 minutes or more, it’s okay to build up your fitness level gradually. Even very small activities can add up over the course of a day. The first step is to get yourself up and moving. Here are some easy ways to incorporate exercise into your daily schedule:

Put on some music and dance around

Take your dog for a walk

Walk or cycle to the grocery store

Use the stairs at home or work rather than an elevator

Park your car in the farthest spot in the lot and walk the rest of the way

Pair up with an exercise partner and encourage each other as you work out

Play ping-pong or an activity-based video game with your kids

Tip 4: Connect to others

here is nothing more calming than spending quality time with another human being who makes you feel safe and understood. In fact, face-to-face interaction triggers a cascade of hormones that counteracts the body’s defensive “fight-or-flight” response. It’s nature’s natural stress reliever (as an added bonus, it also helps stave off depression and anxiety). So make it a point to connect regularly—and in person—with family and friends.

Keep in mind that the people you talk to don’t have to be able to fix your stress. They simply need to be good listeners. And try not to let worries about looking weak or being a burden keep you from opening up. The people who care about you will be flattered by your trust. It will only strengthen your bond.

Of course, it’s not always realistic to have a pal close by to lean on when you feel overwhelmed by stress, but by building and maintaining a network of close friends you can improve your resiliency to life’s stressors.

Tip 5: Make time for fun and relaxation

Beyond a take-charge approach and a positive attitude, you can reduce stress in your life by carving out “me” time. Don’t get so caught up in the hustle and bustle of life that you forget to take care of your own needs. Nurturing yourself is a necessity, not a luxury. If you regularly make time for fun and relaxation, you’ll be in a better place to handle life’s stressors.

Tip 6: Manage your time better

Poor time management can cause a lot of stress. When you’re stretched too thin and running behind, it’s hard to stay calm and focused. Plus, you’ll be tempted to avoid or cut back on all the healthy things you should be doing to keep stress in check, like socializing and getting enough sleep. The good news: there are things you can do to achieve a healthier work-life balance.

Don’t over-commit yourself. Avoid scheduling things back-to-back or trying to fit too much into one day. All too often, we underestimate how long things will take.

Prioritize tasks. Make a list of tasks you have to do, and tackle them in order of importance. Do the high-priority items first. If you have something particularly unpleasant or stressful to do, get it over with early. The rest of your day will be more pleasant as a result

Tip 7: Maintain balance with a healthy lifestyle

In addition to regular exercise, there are other healthy lifestyle choices that can increase your resistance to stress.

Eat a healthy diet.

Reduce caffeine and sugar

Avoid alcohol, cigarettes, and drugs.

Get enough sleep

Tip 8: Learn to relieve stress in the moment

When you’re frazzled by your morning commute, stuck in a stressful meeting at work, or fried from another argument with your spouse, you need a way to manage your stress levels right now. That’s where quick stress relief comes in.

Quick Stress Relief

Learn how to use sensory stimulation to relieve stress on the spot and stay calm, productive, and focused—no matter what life throws at you.

What is the fastest way to relieve stress?

There are countless techniques for managing stress. Yoga, mindfulness meditation, and exercise are just a few examples of stress-relieving activities that work wonders. But in the heat of the moment, during a high-pressured job interview, for example, or a disagreement with your spouse, you can’t just excuse yourself to meditate or take a long walk. In these situations, you need something more immediate and accessible.

One of the speediest and most reliable ways to stamp out stress is to engage one or more of your senses—sight, sound, taste, smell, touch—or through movement. Since everyone is different, you’ll need to do some experimenting to discover which technique works best for you—but the payoff is huge. You can stay calm, productive, and focused when you know how to quickly relieve stress.

 

Amla or Indian Gooseberry – A Natural Superfood

Nov 24, 2020 Posted by admin Health & Nutrition 0 comments

 

Green gooseberries in a wooden bowl

Well, have you heard of another such superfood, Amla also known as Indian gooseberry has been one of the most popular superfoods among health enthusiasts.Amla has been one of the most widely consumed Indian berry, but did you know Amla is not just an immunity booster and there’s a lot more to this little fruit, which can work wonders for your body, skin and hair in so many ways.

What is amla?

Amla is a green colored translucent fruit which derives its name from the Sanskrit word ‘Amlaki’ which means “nectar of life”. Biologically known as Phyllanthus emblica, Indian gooseberry has been used for its medicinal properties in making Ancient medicines like Unnani, Ayurveda and Siddha. Right from being a natural blood purifier to boosting immunity due to the presence of vitamin C to being a good source of fiber, Amla has been used for preventing as well as curing several ailments.Amla is famous in India for its many health benefits and its quality to treat countless ailments be it the common cold, cancer, or infertility. Ayurveda doctors claim that amla can help balance the three doshas (Kapha/vista/pitta) in the body and eliminate the underlying cause of many diseases.

Types of Gooseberries:

There are different varieties of Amla grown in different parts of the world and it also varies in its levels of nutrition. Understanding the health benefits of gooseberries is equally important as looking at the different types of gooseberries grown worldwide. Here is a list of different types of gooseberries.

1. Fredonia Gooseberry:

This is a larger variety of gooseberries that appear to be dark red and is cultivated and grown in the United States though it is a native fruit from England. This fruit is available from July to August.

2. Achilles Gooseberry:

This type of gooseberry appears to be small and hairy which is red in colour and is usually consumed in the United Kingdom. This is usually sold in the markets after the second week of July.

3. Whinham’s Gooseberry:

This type of gooseberry is a native of England and appears to be lengthy and when it ripens, this fruit it turns to be purple-red in colour and the taste and smell of the fruit is said to be fabulous.

4. Poorman Gooseberry:

This variety of gooseberry is said to be the best in the United States. It appears to be extremely large because of its red colour and also has an excellent taste and texture. It is usually sold in the month of July in America.

5. Whitesmith Gooseberry:

This type of gooseberry is also called as English Whiter. When this fruit ripens, the fruit turns green or yellow. This is one of the best varieties for consumption purposes and does not have to be processed in order to be consumed. This variety is usually found in The United Kingdom from the beginning of July.

Benefits of Amla

There are many benefits of eating amla daily and one of them is that it is excellent for your hair and skin.So, here are a few interesting uses of Amla that will make you fall for this miraculous fruit.

1. Improves Immunity:

Amla contains eight times more Vitamin C than an orange, it has twice the antioxidant power as of acai berry and 17 times that of a pomegranate. No wonder Amla is called a superfood!

The Vitamin C content of Amla makes it an excellent source of building your immunity and metabolism. It is known to fight both viral and bacterial ailments efficiently and reducing the impact of various health problems such and cancer and heart-related ailments.

Fights Infections and Prevents Cold, Chest Congestion:

Since Amla is a wonderful source for improving your immunity, amla powder benefits the body during viral and bacterial infections as well as while fighting from the common cold.

 

Amla Powder mixed with two teaspoons of honey provides relief from cough and cold when consumed around three to four times a day. Amla also aids in the removal of sputum from the respiratory tract and can soothe the inflamed airways. Therefore, Amla is used to provide relief from bronchitis, cough, and other respiratory illnesses.

Improves eyesight

Studies have shown that the carotene in amla improves vision. Daily consumption has also been linked to improvement in overall eye health as amla can reduce cataract problem, intraocular tension (the pressure you feel) as well as prevent reddening, itching, and watering of eyes.

Beautifies hair

It beautifies hair

Gooseberries can do good for your hair by making it seem smooth and silky. This has been used as a herbal treatment for preventing dandruff and dry hair for over centuries in India. Here are some hair benefits that gooseberry can offer.

Natural Hair Straightener:

Does your heart crave for straight hair? Well, you must be trying some hair straightening machines or creams in the past that have more chances of damaging your hair. Did you know that gooseberry paste was a natural hair straightener? Yes, gooseberry paste or juice have the tendency to repair your hair follicles and boosts hair growth. All you need to do is to add some amla juice over your scalp and leave it to dry for 30 minutes. Once it dries you can rinse it off with some lukewarm water. This will leave you stronger and will give it an extra layer of shine.

 Prevents Premature Greying:

One of the first signs of ageing fast is premature greying of hair. This can become a nightmare for those who are young, but you need to understand that this is something very serious. So, how do you prevent your hair from greying? It’s simple, all you need to do is to add some gooseberries juice to your hair and leave it dry for 30 minutes. Amla juice is filled with vitamin C and antioxidants that can prevent hair fall and premature greying.

Prevents Dandruff:

Dandruff can be a very serious situation to handle, especially, this is said to pull down your confidence in public. There are many anti-dandruff shampoos and creams out there in the market, but why not try something natural and put a complete stop to dandruff. Try amla juice and this will repair broken strands of hair and give it an extra layer of shine.

Natural Hair Conditioner:

Amla juice acts as a great conditioner for your hair and gives a smooth and shiny finish. All you need to do is to mix some amla juice with some henna and gently apply it on your scalp. This will make your hair look healthy and once this is dried, you can wash it away with some lukewarm water to give you that extra smoothness and shine.

Prevents Hair Problems

You may encounter loads of hair related problems during your teenage and as you enter in adulthood, the worst hair problem you would begin to face is greying. However, if you are facing any hair problems such as dandruff, premature greying, dryness of hair etc, then you definitely need to try amla juice. Applying it is the best way that you can fight any of the above-listed hair problems.

Acts as a Natural Blood Purifier:

One of the many benefits of Indian gooseberry is that its Vitamin C content makes the blood vessels stronger and thicker. Amla acts as an antioxidant agent and efficiently detoxifies the body.

It improves skin health

Amla not only gives glowing skin but it also keeps the skin hydrated and healthy. Amla is also used as a superfood for its anti-aging properties.Drinking amla juice with honey every morning can give you blemish-free, healthy and glowing skin.

some health benefits of gooseberry for  skin.

1. Anti-Ageing Properties:

Consuming gooseberry juice can help your skin age slowly. As you begin to age, you would always want to look younger and that is one particular phase of growing older. However, who does not want to look young? So, simply just make some amla juice and add some honey to it and drink it. This drink has loads of antioxidants in it that can make your skin look better and beat ageing cells. Vitamin C is found in amla and this aids in glowing skin. Regularly drinking amla juice will prevent premature ageing, fine lines, dark spots and wrinkles.

2. Treats Acne:

You can also make amla paste and apply it over the affected area of your face and leave it to dry for not more than 15 minutes. This will fight pimples, fine lines and reduce scarring done by acne. It is a natural blood purifier that keeps pimples and the after-effects of acne away. Thus, amla juice gives you flawless skin.

3. Good Skin Tone:

High amounts of collagen contents in your skin help in skin firmness and make your skin appear soft. Regular consumption of amla juice boosts vitamin C levels and helps increase the production of collagen level in your skin. This will make your skin look soft and youthful.

4. Treats Skin Pigmentation:

Applying or drinking amla juice is said to cleanse your skin and reduced skin pigmentation. All you need to do is to apply some amla juice onto your face and once this dries, make sure that you use a small piece of cotton and wipe it away. Also, keep your eye closed when you are doing this. Doing this on a regular basis will lighten skin marks and reduce skin pigmentation.

5. Removes Dead Skin Cells:

Amla juice is said to rejuvenate your skin and add an extra layer of skin brightness that will make your skin outshine itself. How more confident can you get with your skin appearing all bright and vibrant. This adds to some extra boost of your self-confidence. Also, amla juice is an excellent cleanser whether it is applied directly or consumed. This will help remove dead cells and make promote anti-ageing.

Helps Manage Chronic Conditions:

Diabetes, high cholesterol, heart diseases, asthma, and cancer have become common conditions that impact a large number of people in today’s times. The good thing is there are many medicinal uses of Amla and all these chronic health conditions can be managed by consuming this superfood.

The amino acids and antioxidants aid in the overall functioning of the heart. Chromium in Amla helps the body to be more responsive to insulin and also regulates the blood sugar level, making it excellent for diabetics.

It relieves pain

Be it arthritis-related joint aches or painful mouth ulcers, amla can provide relief owing to its anti-inflammatory properties. For ulcers, you simply need to dilute amla juice in half a cup of water and gargle with it.

Aids in weight loss management

Yes, gooseberry is said to aid in weight loss and this fruit must be added to your everyday diet. Gooseberry also speeds up your metabolism and flushes out the bad toxins from your body. It also aids in goods digestion which means that the faster your food gets digested, the more hungry you may feel. Thus, this also curbs your appetite by making you feel full.

Thus, gooseberry is a wonderful sour fruit that needs to be added to your everyday diet as this can help you lose weight and offers loads of health benefits for your hair and skin. So, all you need to do is to prepare some amla juice and apply it directly over your hair and skin and this will do good for you and your health. Stay Fit, Live Healthy.

 

How to use Amla in our daily diet?

Amla Juice

Drinking the juice of fresh amla is the best way to reap the benefits of this fruit. Amla is easily available from December through April. However, if you can’t handle the sour shot, try these tasty options:

Dried:

Deseed and chop amla into small pieces. Mix with a little salt and leave to dry in sunlight for a few days. Once it is completely dehydrated, store in a dry jar for an ideal on-the-go snack.

Pickled:

Make a spicy amla achaar or a sweet murabba by soaking amla in sugary water.

AMLA OIL AS A HAIR TONIC

Amla can be used in combination with coconut oil or almond oil as a hair tonic. To use it with coconut oil, simply boil some dried pieces of amla in coconut oil till the liquid turns brown. Use this tonic on your scalp and hair.

Potential downsides

Amla can make constipation worse - Yes, it is supposed to heal constipation but if not consumed in controlled quantity, it can make matters worse. And it gets even worse, if your water intake goes down.

Induce hyperacidity - We all know Amla is a rich source of Vitamin C, which makes the fruit acidic in nature. Amla is often prescribed to be consumed on empty stomach to detoxify but this can trigger acidity. So if you are sensitive to such foods, avoid eating this.

Diabetics should use with caution - Amla is considered to be a good antidote for diabetes. But it could intervene with your diabetes medication, so it’s always better to consult your doctor. It can bring down the sugar level in the blood leading to hypoglycemia when combined with anti-diabetes medicines.

Consult your doctor if you have heart ailments - Amla is considered to be a strong cardiovascular stimulant. While it may not have any serious implications, it is always advisable to consult your doctor before consuming this fruit for good health.

Can aggravate cold – Amla is known as a natural coolant and so it can make your symptoms of cold worse. It is believed to lower body temperature to a great extent. It can be used in the form of Triphala by diluting it in warm water with honey. It will help keep respiratory side effects of Amla powder at bay.

Take Away

In the current times or this pandemic time when almost everyone require a boosting immunity power & has hair problems because of poor lifestyle, diet, and environmental pollution, Amla is a wonder Ayurvedic fruit that helps in restoring hair health. Including it in the diet as well in our regular hair care routine is the best way to get those healthy, lustrous hair we all desire.

Deep Vein Thrombosis

Nov 20, 2020 Posted by admin vascular 0 comments

Deep Vein Thrombosis: DVT Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment – Medlife Blog: Health and Wellness Tips

Deep vein thrombosis (DVT)  can happen to anybody and can cause serious illness, disability, and in some cases, death. The good news is that DVT is preventable and treatable if discovered early.

What is Deep vein thrombosis (DVT)

Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is a medical condition that occurs when a blood clot forms in a deep vein. These clots usually develop in the lower leg, thigh, or pelvis, but they can also occur in the arm.If blood moves too slowly through your veins, it can cause a clump of blood cells called a clot. When a blood clot forms in a vein deep inside your body, it causes what doctors call deep vein thrombosis (DVT). Deep vein thrombosis can cause leg pain or swelling, but also can occur with no symptoms.

Deep vein thrombosis can develop if you have certain medical conditions that affect how your blood clots. It can also happen if you don’t move for a long time, such as after surgery or an accident, or when you’re confined to bed.

Symptoms of DVT :

About half of people with DVT have no symptoms at all. The following are the most common symptoms of DVT that occur in the affected part of the body:

  • throbbing or cramping pain in 1 leg (rarely both legs), usually in the calf or thigh
  • swelling in 1 leg (rarely both legs)
  • warm skin around the painful area
  • red or darkened skin around the painful area
  • swollen veins that are hard or sore when you touch them

These symptoms also happen in your arm or tummy if that’s where the blood clot is.

Pulmonary embolism

A serious complication associated with deep vein thrombosis is pulmonary embolism.

A pulmonary embolism occurs when a blood vessel in your lung becomes blocked by a blood clot (thrombus) that travels to your lung from another part of your body, usually your leg.

A pulmonary embolism can be life-threatening. It’s important to watch for signs and symptoms of a pulmonary embolism and seek medical attention if they occur. Signs and symptoms of a pulmonary embolism include:

  • Sudden shortness of breath
  • Chest pain or discomfort that worsens when you take a deep breath or when you cough
  • Feeling lightheaded or dizzy, or fainting
  • Rapid pulse
  • Coughing up blood

Postphlebitic syndrome

A common complication that can occur after deep vein thrombosis is known as postphlebitic syndrome, also called postthrombotic syndrome. Damage to your veins from the blood clot reduces blood flow in the affected areas, which can cause:

  • Persistent swelling of your legs (edema)
  • Leg pain
  • Skin discoloration
  • Skin sores

Causes/Risk Factors for DVT?

Many things can raise your chances of getting DVT. Here are some of the most common:

  • Age. DVT can happen at any age, but your risk is greater after age 40.
  • Sitting for long periods. When you sit for long stretches of time, the muscles in your lower legs stay lax. This makes it hard for blood to circulate, or move around, the way it should. Long flights or car rides can put you at risk.
  • Bed rest, like when you’re in the hospital for a long time, can also keep your muscles still and raise your odds of DVT.
  • Pregnancy . Carrying a baby puts more pressure on the veins in your legs and pelvis. What’s more, a clot can happen up to 6 weeks after you give birth.
  • Obesity . People with a body mass index (BMI) over 30 have a higher chance of DVT. This measures how much body fat you have, compared with your height and weight.
  • Serious health issues. Conditions like Irritable bowel disease, cancer, and heart disease can all raise your risk.
  • Certain inherited blood disorders. Some diseases that run in families can make your blood thicker than normal or cause it to clot more than it should.
  • Injury to a vein. This could result from a broken bone, surgery, or other trauma.
  • Smoking makes blood cells stickier than they should be. It also harms the lining of your blood vessels. This makes it easier for clots to form.
  • Birth control pills or hormone replacement therapy. The estrogen in these raises your blood’s ability to clot. (Progesterone-only pills don’t have the same risk.)

Diagnosis:

The diagnosis of superficial thrombophlebitis usually is made by the doctor based upon history, potential risk factors present, and findings from the physical examination.

If the probability of a leg thrombosis is low, a D-Dimer blood test may be ordered.

  • If the D-Dimer is negative, then it is unlikely that a DVT is the diagnosis.
  • If the D-dimer is elevated, then the possibility of a DVT exists and an imaging study, usually ultrasound, is required to look for the DVT

Ultrasound

  • Ultrasound is the standard method of diagnosing the presence of a deep vein thrombosis.

  • Other tests

    • Venography, injecting dye into the veins to look for a thrombus, is not usually performed anymore and has become more of a historical footnote.
    • Other blood testing may be considered based on the potential cause for the deep vein thrombosis.

 

Treatments for DVT and PE

DVT

Medication is used to prevent and treat DVT. Compression stockings (also called graduated compression stockings) are sometimes recommended to prevent DVT and relieve pain and swelling. These might need to be worn for 2 years or more after having DVT. In severe cases, the clot might need to be removed surgically.

PE

Immediate medical attention is necessary to treat PE. In cases of severe, life-threatening PE, there are medicines called thrombolytics that can dissolve the clot.  Other medicines, called anticoagulants, may be prescribed to prevent more clots from forming. Some people may need to be on medication long-term to prevent future blood clots.

Treating DVT at Home

When you return home after DVT treatment, your goals are to get better and prevent another blood clot. You’ll need to:

  • Take medications as directed. After a DVT, you’ll take blood thinners for at least 3 to 6 months.
  • See your doctor often. They’ll let you know if your medications are helping and make adjustments if you need them. If you’re taking warfarin, you’ll get a blood test to see how well your blood is clotting.
  • Make sure you aren’t bleeding too much. This is a side effect of blood thinner medications. Even a small cut can get serious when you’re taking blood thinners.
  • Be safe. Talk to your doctor about things that can lead to bruises or cuts. Try not to bump or injure your legs. Don’t cross your legs.
  • Stay active. Even if you’ve been on bed rest after surgery or for other reasons, get moving. That’s a sure way to prevent more blood clots. Don’t sit or stand still for more than an hour at a time. Change positions often, especially if you’re on a long trip.
  • Wear compression stockings. The most common kinds of these special socks go from the arch of your foot to just below or above your knee. They can relieve the pain and swelling in your legs, and they help prevent more clots. Compression stockings come in different levels of pressure. You can get mild ones over the co

     Preventing DVT.

  • Some simple actions include:
    • Lose weight.
    • Exercise.
    • Don’t stay still for long periods — move every 2 hours or so when you’re on a plane or long car trip.
    • Wear loose clothes and drink lots of water when you travel.

    unter, but you’ll need to get fitted and a prescription for stronger ones. Your doctor will help you figure out what kind you need.

  • You may have to wear them for 2 years or longer after you have DVT.
  • Eat a healthy, low-salt diet. Extra pounds put more pressure on the veins in your pelvis and legs. Salt boosts your blood pressure. Keeping your sodium and cholesterol levels low can help you avoid another blood clot.
  • Work on losing weight if you’re carrying extra pounds.
  • Quit smoking. It affects blood flow and circulation, which can raise your odds of getting another clot.
  • Lift up. Raise the bottom of your bed 6 inches off the ground. You can use blocks, books, or special risers you can find online or at home stores

When Traveling

On flights longer than 4 hours, get up and move around. Take the opportunity to walk and stretch between connecting flights, too.

When you’re traveling by car, stop when you can to walk around.

If you’re stuck in your seat, work the muscles in your legs often throughout your trip:

  • Stretch your legs.
  • Flex your feet.
  • Curl or press your toes down.

Drink plenty of fluids, but avoid coffee and alcohol. They’ll dehydrate you, which makes your veins narrower and blood thicker, so you’re more likely to get a clot.

Don’t wear short, tight socks, and try not to cross your legs a lot. You might want to wear compression stockings. They’ll help your blood flow and keep swelling down.

Take Away

Deep vein thrombosis (DVT)  can happen to anybody and can cause serious illness, disability, and in some cases, death. The good news is that DVT is preventable and treatable if discovered early.

A healthylifestyle is important for preventing DVT and helping to avoid life-threatening complications. Plus, a healthy lifestyle incorporates many of the changes that are necessary to prevent blood clots. This includes moving more, quitting smoking, and losing weight.

You can lower your risk for DVT and blood clots with a healthy diet. Fruits, vegetables, and whole grains deliver essential vitamins and minerals.

Review any vitamins or supplements you take with your doctor and ask about possible interactions with medications. It’s also important you talk with your doctor about any foods or nutrients you should avoid.

 

 

 

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