All about Laminectomy

Dec 29, 2020 Posted by admin Orthopaedic 0 comments

What is Laminectomy?

Laminectomy also known as decompression/Lumbar surgery, that creates space by removing the lamina (the back part of a vertebra that covers your spinal canal.) laminectomy enlarges your spinal canal to relieve pressure on the spinal cord or nerves.This pressure is most commonly caused by bony overgrowths within the spinal canal, which can occur in people who have arthritis in their spines. These overgrowths are sometimes referred to as bone spurs, but they’re a normal side effect of the aging process in some people.

Causes:

mild to severe back pain
numbness or weakness in the legs
difficulty walking
difficulty controlling bladder or bowel movements

A laminectomy is only used if your symptoms interfere with daily life. It’s performed when less invasive treatments have failed.

Why it’s done

Bony overgrowths within the spinal canal can narrow the space available for your spinal cord and nerves. This pressure can cause pain, weakness or numbness that can radiate down your arms or legs.

Because the laminectomy restores spinal canal space but does not cure you of arthritis, it more reliably relieves radiating symptoms from compressed nerves than it does back pain from spinal joints.

Your doctor may recommend laminectomy if:

Conservative treatment, such as medication or physical therapy, fails to improve your symptoms
You have muscle weakness or numbness that makes standing or walking difficult
You experience loss of bowel or bladder control

In some situations, laminectomy may be necessary as part of surgery to treat a herniated spinal disk. Your surgeon may need to remove part of the lamina to gain access to the damaged disk.

Risks

Laminectomy is generally a safe procedure. But as with any surgery, complications may occur. Potential complications include:

Bleeding
Infection
Blood clots
Nerve injury
Spinal fluid leak

During laminectomy

Surgeons usually perform laminectomy using general anesthesia, so you’re unconscious during the procedure.

The surgical team monitors your heart rate, blood pressure and blood oxygen levels throughout the procedure. After you’re unconscious and can’t feel any pain:

The surgeon makes an incision in your back over the affected vertebrae and moves the muscles away from your spine as needed. Small instruments are used to remove the appropriate lamina. The size of the incision may vary depending on your condition and body size. Minimally invasive surgeries typically use smaller incisions than those used for open procedures.
If laminectomy is being performed as part of surgical treatment for a herniated disk, the surgeon also removes the herniated portion of the disk and any pieces that have broken loose (diskectomy).
If one of your vertebrae has slipped over another or if you have curvature of the spine, spinal fusion may be necessary to stabilize your spine. During spinal fusion, the surgeon permanently connects two or more of your vertebrae together using bone grafts and, if necessary, metal rods and screws.
Depending on your condition and individual needs, the surgeon may use a smaller (minimally invasive) incision and a special surgical microscope to perform the operation.

After laminectomy

After surgery, you’re moved to a recovery room where the health care team watches for complications from the surgery and anesthesia. You may also be asked to move your arms and legs. Your doctor may prescribe medication to relieve pain at the incision site.

You might go home the same day as the surgery, although some people may need a short hospital stay. Your doctor may recommend physical therapy after a laminectomy to improve your strength and flexibility.

Depending on the amount of lifting, walking and sitting your job involves, you may be able to return to work within a few weeks. If you also have spinal fusion, your recovery time will be longer.

Takeaway

A laminectomy is only used if your symptoms interfere with daily life. It’s performed when less invasive treatments have failed.

Most people report measurable improvement in their symptoms after laminectomy, particularly a decrease in pain that radiates down the leg or arm. But this benefit may lessen over time if you have a particularly aggressive form of arthritis. Laminectomy is less likely to improve pain in the back itself. A laminectomy will often relieve many symptoms of spinal stenosis. However, it can’t prevent spine problems in the future and it may not completely relieve pain in everyone.People who also have a spinal fusion are more likely to have spinal problems in the future.

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Influenza (flu)

Dec 26, 2020 Posted by admin General Health 0 comments

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.

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

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

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

How long is the flu contagious?

Complications

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

Flu Treatment and Prevention

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Coronavirus and Immunity Boosting Food

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

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.

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

Winter 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:

Get a test to check if you have coronavirus as soon as possible.
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.

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.

What is Laminectomy?

Causes:

Why it’s done

Risks

During laminectomy

After laminectomy

Takeaway

Risk of developing flu complications include:

Symptoms

Diagnosing Flu

How long is the flu contagious?

Complications

Types of Influenza Viruses

Flu Treatment and Prevention

Controlling the spread of infection

Takeaway

Risk of developing flu complications include:

Symptoms

Diagnosing Flu

How long is the flu contagious?

Complications

Types of Influenza Viruses

Flu Treatment and Prevention

Controlling the spread of infection

Takeaway

Causes

Viral Conjunctivitis

Diagram showing viralconjunctivitis in human eye

Bacterial Conjunctivitis

Observed more frequently December through April

Chemical conjunctivitis

Allergic Conjunctivitis

Conjunctivitis Caused by Irritants

Symptoms and Signs

How Is Pinkeye Diagnosed?

Treatments for Pink Eye?

Takeaway

Methods for Preventing Conjunctivitis

Bipolar Disorder

What is bipolar disorder?

Symptoms of bipolar disorder?

Causes

Bipolar Disorder Types

Diagnosis

Treatment

Tips and precautions

Takeaway

1. Take Immunity-Boosting Foods & Vitamins

2. life Style

Take Proper 7-8 Hours of Sleep

Regular Excercise

Practice meditation

3. Balanced Diet

Avoid Smoking and Alcohol

Avoid Non-essential travelling

Ayurveda and immunity

Ginger and Garlic

TakeAway

Dry Skin:

Flu:

Joint Pain:

Asthma:

Sore Throat:

Could it be coronavirus?

Strep Throat

Norovirus

Cold Sores:

Pneumonia:

Causes of Pneumonia:

Symptoms of Pneumonia:

Acute Ear Infection:

Causes of Acute Ear Infection:

Symptoms of Acute Ear Infection:

RSV/Bronchiolitis

Prevention of Winter illness:

Takeaway

Causes:

Risk factors for charley horses

Charley Horse Diagnosis

Treatment