Showing posts with label Common Problems. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Common Problems. Show all posts

Puerperial Pyrexia and its causes

Puerperal Pyrexia : Short Summary and Causes
Peurperium
Puerperium is a period following child birth during which body tissues especially the pelvic organs revert back approximately to pre-pregnant state both anatomically and physiologically. Normally, it lasts for 6 weeks after delivery.




What is puerperal pyrexia?
also called childbed fever, is a rise of temperature reaching 100.4 degree Fahrenheit or 38 degree celcius measured orally on 2 separate occasions at 24 hours apart ( excluding first 24 hours) within first 10 days following delivery is called puerperal pyrexia.

Causes of fever during Peurperium
Puerperal Sepsis : Most common cause. It is an infection of genital tract which occurs as a complication of delivery. Peuperal pyrexia is considered to be due to genital tract infection unless proved otherwise.
Urinary tract infection
Cystitis
pyelonephritis
Mastitis : breast infection
Infection of cesarean section wound
Pulmonary infection
Septic pelvic thrombophlebitis
Recrudescence of malaria or pulmonary tuberculosis
Unknown causes


Read more: http://medchrome.com/major/gynaeobstr/puerperal-pyrexia-and-its-causes/

Bed sore Stages


Classification
The definitions of the four pressure ulcer stages are revised periodically by the National Pressure Ulcer Advisory Panel (NPUAP) in the United States. Briefly, however, they are as follows:


Stage I is the most superficial, indicated by non blanchable redness that does not subside after pressure is relieved. This stage is visually similar to reactive hyperemia seen in skin after prolonged application of pressure. Stage I pressure ulcers can be distinguished from reactive hyperemia in two ways: a) reactive hyperemia resolves itself within 3/4 of the time pressure was applied, and b) reactive hyperemia blanches when pressure is applied, whereas a Stage I pressure ulcer does not. The skin may be hotter or cooler than normal, have an odd texture, or perhaps be painful to the patient. Although easy to identify on a light-skinned patient, ulcers on darker-skinned individuals may show up as shades of purple or blue in comparison to lighter skin tones.

Stage II is damage to the epidermis extending into, but no deeper than, the dermis. In this stage, the ulcer may be referred to as a blister or abrasion.

Stage III involves the full thickness of the skin and may extend into the subcutaneous tissue layer. This layer has a relatively poor blood supply and can be difficult to heal. At this stage, there may be undermining damage that makes the wound much larger than it may seem on the surface.

Stage IV pressure ulcerStage IV is the deepest, extending into the muscle, tendon or even bone.

Unstageable pressure ulcers are covered with dead cells, or eschar and wound exudate, so the depth cannot be determined.

Skin Care for A Better You

SKIN CARE:


For Healthy Skin
F
or Healthy Skin
Skin has three layers-epidermis ,dermis and hypodermis. Epidermis the top most layer. It has melanocytes which gives brown tint to the skin. Below it is dermis .It has fibrous tissue , collagen and elastin. Hypodermis the deepest layer containing connective tissue and fat cells keeps the skin warm and protects it.
TYPE OF SKIN:
NORMAL: Fine textured , soft and smooth.
DRY: Tight , flaky and predisposing to facial lines.
OILY: Greasy skin due sebum production.Looks shiny with enlarged pores leading to blemishes and blackhead.
SENSITIVE :Fine ,translucent,suffer from redness and irritation.
COMBINATION:T –Zone is oily and the rest of the skin is dry (cheeks ,eyes ,cheeks )
DAILY REGIME FOR A HEALTHY SKIN:
HealthySkin
HealthySkin
CLEANSING: Helps to remove dirt ,sweat and make up .Must do atleast twice a day or more for oily skin. Use a cream cleanser for a dry skin. Apply cleansing for 1min in outward and upward in circulation motion.Soaps also can be used by everyone.Must see that they are not harsh.
Toning: Cleansing must be followed by toning . It helps to remove any leftover grease or make up .Closes the pores and refines the skin. Alcohol must be used for dry skin.
MOISTURING :Only time our body retains moisture is just after bath.pat the skin and apply moisturizer to the skin according to the skin type .It must even in oily skin.
SUN PROTECTION: Sun protecting factor(SPF) must be used according to the skin tyope and the intensity of the sun, Time you can stay out in the sun- multiply the SPF with 10 (e.g. 20 SPF means 200 mins i.e. 3 hrs and 20 mins ) recommended is 15-30 .
Tips for sun protection:
Avoid sun for long between 11:00am to 4:00pm in summer.
Drink plenty of water.
Cool yourself with warm shower (extreme temperature is bad for skin ) ,use uv blocking sun glasses ,use a umbrella or a hat.
WEEKLY REGIMEN:
EXFOLIATION: Removing dead skin as it the skin looks dull .must be frequent in older age. Fine grains are good.apricot,strawberries with milk,oat meal,rice bran with glycerine.
FACEMASK: They are stimulating for skin.
Fuller earth with egg white for oily skin.
Egg yolk with honey is for dry skin.
Article By- Dr. Akriti Sharma

Source : www.medchrome.com

Stye : External Hordeolum



An External hordeolum
Sty



is an acute small staphylococcal abscess of a lash follicle and its associated gland of Zeis or moll.

Signs:
Tender Inflamed swelling in the lid Margin, which points anteriorly thought the skin.
More than one lesion may be present and occasionally minute abscess may involve the entire lid margin.
In severe case a mild preseptal cellulitis may be present.

Treatment:
No treatment is required in most cases because styes frequently resove spontaneously or discharge anteriorly
Hot compresses
Epilation
Systemic Antibiotics may be necessary.

Headache : Most common causes

# Infection

* Common cold
* Flu
* Fever - headaches are common with fever from any type of infection
* Ear infection
* Tooth infection (type of Dental conditions)
* Sinus infection
* Pneumonia
* Measles
* Mumps
* Tonsillitis
* Sinus blockage
* Coughing - too much coughing can cause a form of traction headache.

# Various possible types of headache:

* Migraine
* Cluster headache
* Tension headache
* See also types of headache

# Lifestyle causes

* Hangover
* Excessive alcohol
* Stress
* Fatigue
* Tension
* Tiredness
* Excessive smoking

# Dyspepsia
# Eye conditions

* Glaucoma
* Eyestrain

# Medical procedures

* Spinal tap treatment
* Epidural - this anaesthetic procedure (common for childbirth) can occasionally cause damage to the spinal area and cause headache.

# Systemic or metabolic conditions

* Hypertension
* Thyroid disease
* Anemia
* Kidney failure (type of Kidney disease)
* Uremia
* Lead poisoning - African Folk Remedies - Kohl - headache
* Various toxins - see toxin causes of headache

# Brain or head conditions

* Meningitis
* Encephalitis
* Head injury
* Brain injury
* Mild traumatic brain injury
* Concussion
* Temporal arteritis
* Heatstroke
* Sunstroke
* Blood clots - in the brain, these can cause a stroke.
* Brain aneurysm
* Subdural hematoma
* Stroke
* Transient ischemic attacks
* Subarachnoid hemorrhage
* Brain tumor
* Benign intracranial hypertension
* Trigeminal neuralgia

Irrirtable Bowel Syndrome IBS : Short review and Rome II Criteria




Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a term for a variety of diseases causing discomfort in the gastro-intestinal tract. Also called spastic colon, it is a functional bowel disorder characterized by chronic abdominal pain, discomfort, bloating, and alteration of bowel habits in the absence of any organic cause.


In some cases, the symptoms are relieved by bowel movements.Diarrhea or constipation may predominate, or they may alternate (classified as IBS-D, IBS-C or IBS-A, respectively). IBS may begin after an infection (post-infectious, IBS-PI) or a stressful life event or may begin at onset of maturity without any other medical indicators.

Differential Diagnosis


celiac disease, mild infections, parasitic infections like giardiasis, several inflammatory bowel diseases, functional chronic constipation, and chronic functional abdominal pain.


Symptoms
The primary symptoms of IBS are abdominal pain or discomfort in association with frequent diarrhea or constipation, a change in bowel habits. There may also be urgency for bowel movements, a feeling of incomplete evacuation (tenesmus), bloating or abdominal distention. People with IBS more commonly than others have gastroesophageal reflux, symptoms relating to the genitourinary system, psychological symptoms, fibromyalgia, chronic fatigue syndrome, headache and backache.


Rome Process for Diagnosing IBS
The cardinal requirement for the diagnosis of IBS is abdominal pain. The Rome II criteria is used to diagnose IBS after a careful examination of the patient's medical history and physical abdominal examination which looks for any 'red flag' symptoms. More recently, the Rome III criteria, incorporating some changes over the previous set of criteria, have been issued. The Rome II and III efforts have integrated pediatric contents to their set of criteria.

According to the Rome II committees and the Functional Brain Gut Research Group, IBS can be diagnosed based on at least 12 weeks, which need not be consecutive, of the preceding 12 months there was abdominal discomfort or pain that had two out of three of these features:

Relieved with defecation; and/or
Onset associated with a change in frequency of stool; and/or
Onset associated with a change in form (appearance) of stool.
Symptoms that cumulatively support the diagnosis of IBS:


Abnormal stool frequency (for research purposes, "abnormal" may be defined as greater than 3 bowel movements per day and less than 3 bowel movements per week);
Abnormal stool form (lumpy/hard or loose/watery stool);
Abnormal stool passage (straining, urgency, or feeling of incomplete evacuation);
Bloating or feeling of abdominal distention.
Supportive symptoms of IBS:

A) Fewer than three bowel movements a week
B) More than three bowel movements a day
C) Hard or lumpy stools
D) Loose (mushy) or watery stools
E) Straining during a bowel movement
F) Urgency (having to rush to have a bowel movement)
G) Feeling of incomplete bowel movement
H) Passing mucus (white material) during a bowel movement
I) Abdominal fullness, bloating, or swelling
Diarrhea-predominant: At least 1 of B, D, F and none of A, C, E; or at least 2 of B, D, F and one of A or E.
Constipation-predominant: At least 1 of A, C, E and none of B, D, F; or at least 2 of A, C, E and one of B, D, F.

Red flag symptoms which are not typical of IBS:

Pain that awakens/interferes with sleep
Diarrhea that awakens/interferes with sleep
Blood in the stool (visible or occult)
Weight loss
Fever
Abnormal physical examination

An update to these criteria was issued at the Rome III conference and published in May 2006.The validity of subtypes is called into question:



Management: Davidson

Bed Bug Bites

Disease transmission

Bedbugs seem to possess all of the necessary prerequisites for being capable of passing diseases from one host to another, but there have been no known cases of bed bugs passing disease from host to host. There are at least twenty-seven known pathogens (some estimates are as high as forty-one) that are capable of living inside a bed bug or on its mouthparts. Extensive testing has been done in laboratory settings that also conclude that bed bugs are unlikely to pass disease from one person to another. Therefore bedbugs are less dangerous than some more common insects such as the flea. However, transmission of Chagas disease or hepatitis B might be possible in appropriate settings.

The salivary fluid injected by bed bugs typically causes the skin to become irritated and inflamed, although individuals can differ in their sensitivity. Anaphylactoid reactions produced by the injection of serum and other nonspecific proteins are observed and there is the possibility that the saliva of the bedbugs may cause anaphylactic shock in a small percentage of people. It is also possible that sustained feeding by bedbugs may lead to anemia. It is also important to watch for and treat any secondary bacterial infection.







Computer Eye Strain: Tips to relieve

Computer Eye Strain: 10 Steps for Relief

1. Get a computer eye exam.

2. Use proper lighting.

3. Minimize glare.

4. Upgrade your display.


5. Adjust the brightness and contrast of your computer screen

6. Blink more often.

7. Exercise your eyes.

8. Take frequent breaks.

9. Modify your workstation.

10. Consider computer eyewear.

Contact Dermatitis

Contact dermatitis is a localized rash or irritation of the skin caused by contact with a foreign substance. Only the superficial regions of the skin are affected in contact dermatitis. Inflammation of the affected tissue is present in the epidermis (the outermost layer of skin) and the outer dermis (the layer beneath the epidermis).Unlike contact urticaria, in which a rash appears within minutes of exposure and fades a

way within minutes to hours, contact dermatitis takes days to fade away. Even then, contact dermatitis fades only if the skin no longer comes in contact with the allergen or irritant. Contact dermatitis results in large, burning, and itchy rashes, and these can take anywhere from several days to weeks to heal. Chronic contact dermatitis can develop when the removal of the offending agent no longer provides expected relief.

Causes

In North/South America, the most common causes of allergic contact dermatitis are plants of the Toxicodendron genus: poison ivy, poison oak, and poison sumac. Specific plant species that can induce

such contact dermatitis include Western Poison Oak, a widespread plant in the western USA. Common causes of irritant contact dermatitis are harsh (highly alkaline) soaps, detergents, and cleaning products.

Types of contact dermatitis

There are three types of contact dermatitis: irritant contact, allergic contact, and photocontact dermatitis. Photocontact dermatitis is divided into two categories: phototoxic and photoallergic.

Chemical irritant contact dermatitis

Physical irritant contact dermatitis

Low humidity

Plants

Allergic contact dermatitis


Common allergens implicated include the following:
  • Nickel (nickel sulfate hexahydrate) - metal frequently encountered in jewelry and clasps or buttons on clothing
  • Gold (gold sodium thiosulfate) - precious metal often found in jewelry
  • Balsam of Peru (Myroxylon pereirae) - a fragrance used in perfumes and skin lotions, derived from tree resin (see also Tolu balsam)
  • Thimerosal - a mercury compound used in local antiseptics and in vaccines
  • Neomycin - a topical antibiotic common in first aid creams and ointments, cosmetics, deodorant, soap and pet food. Found by itself, or in Polysporin or Triple Antibiotic
  • Fragrance mix - a group of the eight most common fragrance allergens found in foods, cosmetic products, insecticides, antiseptics, soaps, perfumes and dental products [15]
  • Formaldehyde - a preservative with multiple uses, e.g., in paper products, paints, medications, household cleaners, cosmetic products and fabric finishes
  • Cobalt chloride - metal found in medical products; hair dye; antiperspirant; metal-plated objects such as snaps, buttons or tools; and in cobalt blue pigment
  • Bacitracin - a topical antibiotic found by itself, or as Polysporin or Triple Antibiotic
  • Quaternium-15 - preservative in cosmetic products (self-tanners, shampoo, nail polish, sunscreen) and in industrial products (polishes, paints and waxes).[16]
  • Colophony (Rosin) - Rosin, sap or sawdust typically from spruce or fir trees
  • Topical steroid - see steroid allergy

Photocontact Dermatitis

Sometimes termed "photoaggravated"(Bourke et al. 2001)[17], and divided into two categories, phototoxic and photoallergic, PCD is the eczematous condition which is triggered by an interaction between an otherwise unharmful or less harmful substance on the skin and ultraviolet light (320-400 nm UVA) (ESCD 2006), therefore manifesting itself only in regions where the sufferer has been exposed to such rays. Without the presence of these rays, the photosensitiser is not harmful. For this reason, this form of contact dermatitis is usually associated only with areas of skin which are left uncovered by clothing. The mechanism of action varies from toxin to toxin, but is usually due to the production of a photoproduct. Toxins which are associated with PCD include the psoralens. Psoralens are in fact used therapeutically for the treatment of psoriasis, eczema and vitiligo.

Photocontact dermatitis is another condition where the distinction between forms of contact dermatitis is not clear cut. Immunological mechanisms can also play a part, causing a response similar to ACD.

Symptoms

Allergic dermatitis is usually confined to the area where the trigger actually touched the skin, whereas irritant dermatitis may be more widespread on the skin. Symptoms of both forms include the following:

  • Red rash. This is the usual reaction. The rash appears immediately in irritant contact dermatitis; in allergic contact dermatitis, the rash sometimes does not appear until 24–72 hours after exposure to the allergen.
  • Blisters or wheals. Blisters, wheals (welts), and urticaria (hives) often form in a pattern where skin was directly exposed to the allergen or irritant.
  • Itchy, burning skin. Irritant contact dermatitis tends to be more painful than itchy, while allergic contact dermatitis often itches.

While either form of contact dermatitis can affect any part of the body, irritant contact dermatitis often affects the hands, which have been exposed by resting in or dipping into a container (sink, pail, tub, Sun, Swimming Pools With High chlorine ), containing the irritant.

Treatment

Self-care at Home

  • Immediately after exposure to a known allergen or irritant, wash with soap and cool water to remove or inactivate most of the offending substance.

- Weak acid solutions [lemon juice, vinegar] can be used to counteract the effects of dermatitis contracted by exposure to basic irritants [phenol etc.].

  • If blistering develops, cold moist compresses applied for 30 minutes 3 times a day can offer relief.
  • Calamine lotion and cool colloidal oatmeal baths may relieve itching.
  • Oral antihistamines such as diphenhydramine (Benadryl, Ben-Allergin) can also relieve itching.
  • For mild cases that cover a relatively small area, hydrocortisone cream in nonprescription strength may be sufficient.
  • Avoid scratching, as this can cause secondary infections.
  • A barrier cream such as those containing zinc oxide (e.g. Desitin, etc.) may help to protect the skin and retain moisture.

Medical Care

If the rash does not improve or continues to spread after 2-3 of days of self-care, or if the itching and/or pain is severe, the patient should contact a dermatologist or other physician or physician assistant. Medical treatment usually consists of lotions, creams, or oral medications.

  • Corticosteroids. A corticosteroid medication similar to hydrocortisone may be prescribed to combat inflammation in a localized area. This medication may be applied to your skin as a cream or ointment. If the reaction covers a relatively large portion of the skin or is severe, a corticosteroid in pill or injection form may be prescribed.
  • Antihistamines. Prescription antihistamines may be given if nonprescription strengths are inadequate.

Prevention

Since contact dermatitis relies on an irritant or an allergen to initiate the reaction, it is important for the patient to identify the responsible agent and avoid it. This can be accomplished by having patch tests, a method commonly known as allergy testing. The patient must know where the irritant or allergen is found to be able to avoid it. It is important to also note that chemicals sometimes have several different names.[18]

In an industrial setting the employer has a duty of care to the individual worker to provide the correct level of safety equipment to mitigate the exposure to harmful irritants. This can take the form of protective clothing, gloves or barrier cream depending on the working environment.

Allergic Rhitinitis: A seasonal problem

Allergic Rhinitis -2 types: seasonal and Perennial


http://www.entusa.com/Nasal%20Photos/Chronic_Allergic_Rhinitis_15.jpg

Seasonal Allergic Rhinitis


Seasonal allergic rhinitis is the medical term for congestion and runny nose caused by exposure to plant allergens, commonly known as hay fever. For most people, spring through fall are the worst seasons for allergies, but symptoms can occur throughout the year.

    Causes

  1. PollenPollen Seasonal allergic rhinitis is considered an atopic disease, meaning that it is caused by a genetic predisposition to hypersensitivity to certain substances. In this case, the reaction is to wind-borne pollens. The allergens change with the seasons: tree pollens in spring, grass and weed pollens in summer, and weed pollens in fall. Fungal spores can also cause symptoms. Sufferers may experience hypersensitivity during one or all of these seasons, and will often experience different symptoms in different geographic locations.
  2. Symptoms





Mast Cells and Eosinophils



  1. Swollen eyelid due to allergies
    Swollen eyelid due to allergies
    Seasonal allergic rhinitis is marked by congestion of the nasal mucosa on exposure to the allergen. Itching is also common, especially in the nose, roof of the mouth, throat and eyes. This is often followed by sneezing, tears and clear nasal discharge. The conjunctiva of the eyes may turn red and the eyelids may swell. The nasal lining will appear red and swollen. Some patients will experience headaches, loss of appetite and mood changes. Coughing and wheezing may also occur.
  2. Treatment

  3. The best treatment for seasonal allergic rhinitis is to avoid the allergens. However, this is often not possible. Many over-the-counter and prescription drugs are used to treat the symptoms, including antihistamines, eye drops, nasal steroid sprays and in severe cases, systemic steroids.
  4. Natural Remedies

  5. Natural remedies for seasonal allergic rhinitis abound. Neti pots, or other forms of nasal lavage, can provide relief from congestion and itchiness of the nose. Herbs used for allergies include eyebright, nettles, yarrow, and Oregon grape root. Some of the many homeopathic remedies include euphrasia, allium, apis and urtica. Acupuncture can also provide relief from allergic symptoms.
  6. Practical Solutions

  7. Many allergy sufferers will find relief from making changes in their day-to-day lifestyle. Air purifiers and dust filters can make inside air easier to breathe. The filters on furnaces and air-conditioning units should be changed every 1 to 3 months. Filters come in several grades, and the higher grades--though much more expensive--reduce airborne allergens and improve the quality of indoor air. Carpets, bedspreads and drapes collect dust and allergens, and should be cleaned frequently and carefully. Hardwood floors are a better choice than carpeting for many allergy sufferers.
  8. Cautions

  9. Consult a naturopathic doctor, qualified herbal practitioner, homeopath or acupuncturist for further information on the use of natural remedies for allergy relief. If allergy symptoms are accompanied by fever, lethargy, severe headache, productive cough or unusual discharge from the nose or eyes, contact a physician or qualified practitioner immediately.

Stretch Mark: Do you Have it?

Stretch marks

Defn:Stretch marks are thin, stretched tissue. They appear in people who put on or lose weight rapidly. The upper layer of the skin is normal, but in the lower layer the collagen and elastin, which give the skin its strength and elasticity,become thinner and broken.At first, they look reddish-purple. The purplish colour then fades to white, which is simply fat under the skin showing through.

Risk Group
Pregnancy:breast and abdomen during pregnancy.
IdiopathicSome women have weaker collagen than others, so are more likely to get stretch marks.
Too quick slimming and bodybuilders can get stretch marks on the upper arms, chest and thighs.
Growing adolescents can get them on their backs, where they look like a series of horizontal lines.

Treatment:They are permanent.Collagen creams.Cocoa butter creamLasers can be used to treat stretch marks at an early stage, when they are still red.Tretinoin is another approach to the treatment of early stretch marks.Surgery is a possibility for tummy stretch marksPreventiion:If you are overweight, aim to lose it slowly (do not aim to lose more than 0.5 kg (1 lb) a week.Baby oil applied to abdomen can be helpful for pregnants

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