Logo
Reply

"QUEEN’s CLINIC"

Tasha jee..thanks...tusi v doctor ??
Posted on 8/4/2007 7:48:30 PM
GR8 INFO THANKSSSSS
Posted on 8/10/2007 10:36:35 AM
What is liver cancer (hepatocellular carcinoma, HCC)?

Liver cancer (hepatocellular carcinoma) is a cancer arising from the liver. It is also known as primary liver cancer or hepatoma. The liver is made up of different cell types (for example, bile ducts, blood vessels, and fat-storing cells). However, liver cells (hepatocytes) make up 80% of the liver tissue. Thus, the majority of primary liver cancers (over 90 to 95%) arises from liver cells and is called hepatocellular cancer or carcinoma.

When patients or physicians speak of liver cancer, however, they are often referring to cancer that has spread to the liver, having originated in other organs (such as the colon, stomach, pancreas, breast, and lung). More specifically, this type of liver cancer is called metastatic liver disease (cancer) or secondary liver cancer. Thus, the term liver cancer actually can refer to either metastatic liver cancer or hepatocellular cancer. The subject of this article is hepatocellular carcinoma, which I will refer to as liver cancer.


What is the scope of the liver cancer problem?

Liver cancer is the fifth most common cancer in the world. A deadly cancer, liver cancer will kill almost all patients who have it within a year. In 1990, the World Health Organization estimated that there were about 430,000 new cases of liver cancer worldwide, and a similar number of patients died as a result of this disease. About three quarters of the cases of liver cancer are found in Southeast Asia (China, Hong Kong, Taiwan, Korea, and Japan). Liver cancer is also very common in sub-Saharan Africa (Mozambique and South Africa).

The frequency of liver cancer in Southeast Asia and sub-Saharan Africa is greater than 20 cases per 100,000 population. In contrast, the frequency of liver cancer in North America and Western Europe is much lower, less than five per 100,000 population. However, the frequency of liver cancer among native Alaskans is comparable to that seen in Southeast Asia. Moreover, recent data show that the frequency of liver cancer in the U.S. overall is rising. This increase is due primarily to chronic hepatitis C, an infection of the liver that causes liver cancer.

Posted on 8/25/2007 11:09:41 PM
What are the symptoms of liver cancer?

The initial symptoms (the clinical presentations) of liver cancer are variable. In countries where liver cancer is very common, the cancer generally is discovered at a very advanced stage of disease for several reasons. For one thing, areas where there is a high frequency of liver cancer are generally developing countries where access to healthcare is limited. For another, screening examinations for patients at risk for developing liver cancer are not available in these areas. In addition, patients from these regions actually have more aggressive liver cancer disease. In other words, the tumor usually reaches an advanced stage and causes symptoms more rapidly. In contrast, patients in areas of low liver cancer frequency tend to have liver cancer tumors that progress more slowly and, therefore, remain without symptoms longer.

Abdominal pain is the most common symptom of liver cancer and usually signifies a very large tumor or widespread involvement of the liver. Additionally, unexplained weight loss or unexplained fevers are warning signs of liver cancer in patients with cirrhosis. These symptoms are less common in individuals with liver cancer in the U.S. because these patients are usually diagnosed at an earlier stage. However, whenever the overall health of a patient with cirrhosis deteriorates, every effort should be made to look for liver cancer.

A very common initial presentation of liver cancer in a patient with compensated cirrhosis (no complications of liver disease) is the sudden onset of a complication. For example, the sudden appearance of ascites (abdominal fluid and swelling), jaundice (yellow color of the skin), or muscle wasting without causative (precipitating) factors (for example, alcohol consumption) suggests the possibility of liver cancer. What's more, the cancer can invade and block the portal vein (a large vein that brings blood to the liver from the intestine and spleen). When this happens, the blood will travel paths of less resistance, such as through esophageal veins. This causes increased pressure in these veins, which results in dilated (widened) veins called esophageal varices. The patient then is at risk for hemorrhage from the rupture of the varices into the gastrointestinal tract. Rarely, the cancer itself can rupture and bleed into the abdominal cavity, resulting in bloody ascites.

On physical examination, an enlarged, sometimes tender, liver is the most common finding. Liver cancers are very vascular (containing many blood vessels) tumors. Thus, increased amounts of blood feed into the hepatic artery (artery to the liver) and cause turbulent blood flow in the artery. The turbulence results in a distinct sound in the liver (hepatic bruit) that can be heard with a stethoscope in about one quarter to one half of patients with liver cancer. Any sign of advanced liver disease (for example, ascites, jaundice, or muscle wasting) means a poor prognosis. Rarely, a patient with liver cancer can become suddenly jaundiced when the tumor erodes into the bile duct. The jaundice occurs in this situation because both sloughing of the tumor into the duct and bleeding that clots in the duct can block the duct.

In advanced liver cancer, the tumor can spread locally to neighboring tissues or, through the blood vessels, to elsewhere in the body (distant metastasis). Locally, liver cancer can invade the veins that drain the liver (hepatic veins). The tumor can then block these veins, which results in congestion of the liver. The congestion occurs because the blocked veins cannot drain the blood out of the liver. (Normally, the blood in the hepatic veins leaving the liver flows through the inferior vena cava, which is the largest vein that drains into the heart.) In African patients, the tumor frequently blocks the inferior vena cava. Blockage of either the hepatic veins or the inferior vena cava results in a very swollen liver and massive formation of ascites. In some patients, as previously mentioned, the tumor can invade the portal vein and lead to the rupture of esophageal varices.

Regarding the distant metastases, liver cancer frequently spreads to the lungs, presumably by way of the blood stream. Usually, patients do not have symptoms from the lung metastases, which are diagnosed by radiologic (x-ray) studies. Rarely, in very advanced cases, liver cancer can spread to the bone or brain.

Posted on 8/25/2007 11:13:46 PM
What is Ulcerative Colitis?

Ulcerative colitis is a chronic inflammation of the large intestine (colon). The colon is the part of the digestive system where waste material is stored. The rectum is the end of the colon adjacent to the anus. In patients with ulcerative colitis, ulcers and inflammation of the inner lining of the colon lead to symptoms of abdominal pain, diarrhea, and rectal bleeding.

Ulcerative colitis is closely related to another condition of inflammation of the intestines called Crohn's disease. Together, they are frequently referred to as inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Ulcerative colitis and Crohn's diseases are chronic conditions that can last years to decades. They affect approximately 500,000 to 2 million people In the United States. Men and women are affected equally. They most commonly begin during adolescence and early adulthood, but they also can begin during childhood and later in life.

It is found worldwide, but is most common in the United States, England, and northern Europe. It is especially common in people of Jewish descent. Ulcerative colitis is rarely seen in Eastern Europe, Asia, and South America, and is rare in the black population. For unknown reasons, an increased frequency of this condition has been recently observed in developing nations.

Posted on 9/3/2007 10:14:02 PM
What Causes Ulcerative Colitis?

The causes of ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease are unknown. To date, there has been no convincing evidence that these two diseases are caused by infection. Neither disease is contagious.

Ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease are caused by abnormal activation of the immune system in the intestines. The immune system is composed of immune cells and the proteins that these cells produce. These cells and proteins serve to defend the body against harmful bacteria, viruses, fungi, and other foreign invaders. Activation of the immune system causes inflammation within the tissues where the activation occurs. (Inflammation is, in fact, an important mechanism of defense used by the immune system.) Normally, the immune system is activated only when the body is exposed to harmful invaders. In patients with Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis, however, the immune system is abnormally and chronically activated in the absence of any known invader. The continued abnormal activation of the immune systems causes chronic inflammation and ulceration. The susceptibility to abnormal activation of the immune system is genetically inherited. First degree relatives (brothers, sisters, children, and parents) of patients with IBD are thus more likely to develop these diseases.

Posted on 9/3/2007 10:15:17 PM
What are the Symptoms of Ulcerative Colitis?

Common symptoms of ulcerative colitis include rectal bleeding and diarrhea, but there is a wide range of symptoms among patients with this disease. Variability of symptoms reflects differences in the extent of disease (the amount of the colon and rectum that are inflamed) and the intensity of inflammation. Generally, patients with inflammation confined to the rectum and a short segment of the colon adjacent to the rectum have milder symptoms and a better prognosis than patients with more widespread inflammation of the colon. The different types of ulcerative colitis are classified according to the location and the extent of inflammation:

Ulcerative proctitis refers to inflammation that is limited to the rectum. In many patients with ulcerative proctitis, mild intermittent rectal bleeding may be the only symptom. Other patients with more severe rectal inflammation may, in addition, experience rectal pain, urgency (sudden feeling of having to defecate and a need to rush to the bathroom for fear of soiling), and tenesmus (ineffective, painful urge to move one's bowels).
Proctosigmoiditis involves inflammation of the rectum and the sigmoid colon (a short segment of the colon contiguous to the rectum). Symptoms of proctosigmoiditis, like that of proctitis, include rectal bleeding, urgency, and tenesmus. Some patients with proctosigmoiditis also develop bloody diarrhea and cramps.
Left–sided colitis involves inflammation that starts at the rectum and extends up the left colon (sigmoid colon and the descending colon). Symptoms of left–sided colitis include bloody diarrhea, abdominal cramps, weight loss, and left–sided abdominal pain.
Pancolitis or universal colitis refers to inflammation affecting the entire colon (right colon, left colon, transverse colon and the rectum). Symptoms of pancolitis include bloody diarrhea, abdominal pain and cramps, weight loss, fatigue, fever, and night sweats. Some patients with pancolitis have low–grade inflammation and mild symptoms that respond readily to medications. Generally, however, patients with pancolitis suffer more severe disease and are more difficult to treat than those with more limited forms of ulcerative colitis.
Fulminant colitis is a rare but severe form of pancolitis. Patients with fulminant colitis are extremely ill with dehydration, severe abdominal pain, protracted diarrhea with bleeding, and even shock. They are at risk of developing toxic megacolon (marked dilatation of the colon due to severe inflammation) and colon rupture (perforation). Patients with fulminant colitis and toxic megacolon are treated in the hospital with potent intravenous medications. Unless they respond to treatment promptly, surgical removal of the diseased colon is necessary to prevent colon rupture.
While the intensity of colon inflammation in ulcerative colitis waxes and wanes over time, the location and the extent of disease in a patient generally stays constant. Therefore, when a patient with ulcerative proctitis develops a relapse of his disease, the inflammation usually is confined to the rectum. Nevertheless, a small number of patients (less than 10%) with ulcerative proctitis or proctosigmoiditis can later develop more extensive colitis. Thus, patients who initially only have ulcerative proctitis can later develop left–sided colitis or even pancolitis.

Posted on 9/3/2007 10:15:46 PM
Cosmetic Procedures: Treating Aging Skin
New innovations in skin rejuvenation continue to develop, ranging from topically applied "cosmeceuticals" to new surgical techniques. A thorough understanding of how your skin changes as you age and how the sun affects your skin can help you decide with your doctor what treatment is best.

How Can I Maintain Healthy Skin?
The best way to keep skin healthy is to avoid sun exposure beginning early in life. Here are some other tips:

Do not sunbathe or visit tanning parlors and try to stay out of the sun between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m.
If you are in the sun between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m. always wear protective clothing–such as a hat, long-sleeved shirt, and sunglasses.
Put on sunscreen lotion before going out in the sun to help protect your skin from UV light. Remember to reapply the lotion as needed. Always use products that are SPF (sun protection factor) 15 or higher. It is also important to choose broad spectrum products that privde both UVB and UVA protection.
Check your skin often for signs of skin cancer. If there are changes that worry you, call the doctor right away. The American Academy of Dermatology suggests that older, fair-skinned people have a yearly skin check by a doctor as part of a regular physical check-up.
Relieve dry skin problems by using a humidifier at home, bathing with soap less often (use a moisturizing body wash instead), and using a moisturizing lotion. If this doesn't work, see your doctor.
What are the Treatment Options for Aging Skin?
The doctor's palette of resurfacing options continues to expand. In patients with early skin aging changes, nonsurgical treatment methods such as tretinoin, vitamin C, and alpha hydroxy acids may provide satisfactory improvement. Chemical peels, dermabrasion and laserabrasion may be used alone or in combination with other surgical procedures to treat moderate to severe degrees of facial photodamage.

Deeper facial lines may be treated with botulinum toxin or soft tissue enhancement, including collagen, autologous fat, and Goretex implants. Patients with more sagging, excess skin may benefit from additional procedures such as a facelift, browlift, or blepharoplasty (surgical reconstruction of the eyelid). Treatment must be individualized according to the patient's facial characteristics and cosmetic concerns.

Here is more detail about some of the more popular treatment options:

Posted on 9/10/2007 11:17:32 PM
Chemical peels. Chemical peels are effective for removing fine lines and smoothing out the skin. Chemical peels remove the upper surface of the skin to expose newer, clearer skin. After the upper layers of the skin have been removed, a new layer of skin develops. Chemical peels can be used in areas, such as around the eye and mouth, that are not improved by a facelift. Depending on the patient's skin type and degree of sun damage, a superficial, medium or deep chemical peel may be the appropriate treatment.
Dermabrasion. Dermabrasion removes lines and some scarring and can be used to treat moderate to severe photodamage (sun damage). In dermabrasion, the doctor sands away the top layer of skin, thus it has similar side effects and complications as medium to deep chemical peels. However, because of the bleeding associated with dermabrasion and variations in skill and technique, the control of wounding is not as accurate as with current resurfacing technology. Dermabrasion is not done on the thin skin around the eyes. Care must also be taken when dermabrading the skin around the mouth.
Laser resurfacing. In the past few years, the development of high-energy lasers has enhanced physicians' ability to improve photoaged skin, various types of scars and other dermatologic conditions. The precise depth control and ability to treat large areas in a relatively short amount of time makes these lasers valuable tools. Before laser resurfacing is performed, your doctor will discuss with you other treatment options, what to expect during recovery, how to take care of your skin after the procedure, and possible side effects and complications. Camouflage makeup suggestions will also be discussed.
Posted on 9/10/2007 11:18:24 PM
Skin Conditions: Nail Problems
Nail Fungus
Nail fungus, or onychomycosis, is a condition that occurs when a microscopic fungus enters either a fingernail or toenail. Fungal infections occur in toenails more often than in fingernails.

Anyone can get nail fungus, but infections are more common in people over the age of 60. Nail fungus is especially common in people with diabetes or circulation problems. For people who have diabetes or a weakened immune system, nail fungus can present serious risks.

What Causes Nail Fungus?
Usually, nail fungus occurs when fungus enters the nail through a small trauma (cut or break) in the nail. Nail fungus is not caused by poor hygiene. Nail fungus can be spread from person to person. If you notice an infected nail, don't pick at it or even trim it, as both of these activities can cause the fungus to spread. It may be hard to determine exactly where or how a fungal infection is obtained. However, a warm, wet place (for example, a locker room) is a good place for a fungus to grow.

What Are the Symptoms of Nail Fungus?
A nail fungus infection can make your nails thick and discolored. Uncommonly, you may feel pain in your toes or fingertips.

How Is Nail Fungus Diagnosed?
Your doctor may be able to tell if you have a nail fungus infection by looking carefully at your nails. He or she may scrape some tissue from your nail and send it to a lab in order to determine for certain what kind of infection you have.

How Is Nail Fungus Treated?
Treatment may include topical creams or oral medications (antifungal drugs), but topical antifungal agents may only help treat very mild cases. Rarely, surgery may be required. Removal of the infected nail can be performed to permit direct application of a topical antifungal.

Toenail infections are more difficult to treat than fingernail infections because the toenail grows more slowly. In addition, a damp, warm environment of a shoe or boot can encourage fungal growth.

Posted on 9/10/2007 11:19:20 PM
How Can I Prevent Getting Nail Fungus?
Avoid walking barefoot in public areas, such as locker rooms
Keep the inside of your shoes dry and change your socks frequently (100% cotton socks are recommended)
Wear proper fitting shoes (shoes with a wide toe area and ones that don't press your toes)
Use absorbent or antifungal powder
Ingrown Toenails
Ingrown toenails can occur when the corner or side of the nail grows into the flesh of the toe. In many cases, ingrown nails occur in the big toe. The end result of this common condition is pain, redness and swelling. Infection can occur in some cases.

What Causes Ingrown Toenails?
Some common causes of ingrown toenail include cutting the nails too short or not straight across, injury to the toenail, and wearing shoes that crowd the toenails.

How Can Ingrown Toenails Be Treated?
In mild cases, ingrown toenails may be treated with a 15-20-minute soak in warm water. Dry cotton can be placed under the corner of the nail. Talk to your doctor if you are experiencing increasing pain, swelling and drainage of the area. Minor surgery can be performed to remove the part of the nail that is poking into the skin.

How Can Ingrown Toenails Be Prevented?
You can prevent ingrown toenails by:

Wearing shoes that fit properly
Keeping your toenails at a moderate length and trimming them straight across
Wearing protective footwear
Posted on 9/10/2007 11:19:50 PM
Sudden cardiac death introduction
Sudden cardiac death is an unexpected, sudden death caused by sudden cardiac arrest (loss of heart function). Causes and risk factors of sudden cardiac death include (not inclusive): abnormal heart rhythms (arrhythmias), previous heart attack, coronary artery disease, smoking, high cholesterol, Wolff-Parkinson-White Syndrome, ventricular tachycardia or ventricular fibrillation after a heart attack, congenital heart defects, history of fainting, and heart failure, obesity, diabetes, and drug abuse. Treatment of sudden cardiac arrest is an emergency, and action must be taken immediately.




Sudden cardiac death (SCD) is a sudden, unexpected death caused by loss of heart function (sudden cardiac arrest). It is the largest cause of natural death in the U.S., causing about 325,000 adult deaths in the United States each year. SCD is responsible for half of all heart disease deaths.

SCD occurs most frequently in adults in their mid–30s to mid–40s, and affects men twice as often as it does women. SCD is rare in children, affecting only 1 to 2 per 100,000 children each year.

Posted on 9/21/2007 9:54:08 PM
How is Sudden Cardiac Arrest Different from a Heart Attack?

Sudden cardiac arrest is not a heart attack (myocardial infarction) but can occur during a heart attack. Heart attacks occur when there is a blockage in one or more of the arteries to the heart, preventing the heart from receiving enough oxygen–rich blood. If the oxygen in the blood cannot reach the heart muscle, the heart becomes damaged.

In contrast, sudden cardiac arrest occurs when the electrical system to the heart malfunctions and suddenly becomes very irregular. The heart beats dangerously fast. The ventricles may flutter or quiver (ventricular fibrillation), and blood is not delivered to the body. In the first few minutes, the greatest concern is that blood flow to the brain will be reduced so drastically that a person will lose consciousness. Death follows unless emergency treatment is begun immediately.

Emergency treatment includes cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and defibrillation. CPR is a manual technique using repetitive pressing to the chest and breathing into the person's airways that keeps enough oxygen and blood flowing to the brain until the normal heart rhythm is restored with an electric shock to the chest, a procedure called defibrillation. Emergency squads use portable defibrillators and frequently there are public access defibrillators (AEDs, ambulatory external defibrillators) in public locations that are intended to be available for use by citizens who observe cardiac arrest.


What are the Symptoms of Sudden Cardiac Arrest?

Some people may experience a racing heartbeat or they may feel dizzy, alerting them that a potentially dangerous heart rhythm problem has started. In over half of the cases, however, sudden cardiac arrest occurs without prior symptoms.

Posted on 9/21/2007 9:54:54 PM
What Causes Sudden Cardiac Death?

Most sudden cardiac deaths are caused by abnormal heart rhythms called arrhythmias. The most common life–threatening arrhythmia is ventricular fibrillation, which is an erratic, disorganized firing of impulses from the ventricles (the heart's lower chambers). When this occurs, the heart is unable to pump blood and death will occur within minutes, if left untreated.


What are the Risk Factors of Sudden Cardiac Arrest?

There are many factors that can increase a person's risk of sudden cardiac arrest and sudden cardiac death, including the following:

Previous heart attack with a large area of the heart damaged (75 percent of SCD cases are linked to a previous heart attack).


A person's risk of SCD is higher during the first six months after a heart attack.


Coronary artery disease (80 percent of SCD cases are linked with this disease).


Risk factors for coronary artery disease include smoking, family history of cardiovascular disease and high cholesterol.
Other risk factors include:

Ejection fraction of less than 40 percent, combined with ventricular tachycardia.


Prior episode of sudden cardiac arrest.


Family history of sudden cardiac arrest or SCD.


Personal or family history of certain abnormal heart rhythms, including long or short QT syndrome, Wolff–Parkinson–White syndrome, extremely low heart rates, or heart block.


Ventricular tachycardia or ventricular fibrillation after a heart attack.


History of congenital heart defects or blood vessel abnormalities.


History of syncope (fainting episodes of unknown cause).


Heart failure: a condition in which the heart's pumping power is weaker than normal. Patients with heart failure are 6 to 9 times more likely than the general population to experience ventricular arrhythmias that can lead to sudden cardiac arrest.


Dilated cardiomyopathy (cause of SCD in about 10 percent of the cases): a decrease in the heart's ability to pump


Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy: a thickened heart muscle that especially affects the ventricles.


Significant changes in blood levels of potassium and magnesium (from using diuretics, for example), even if there is not underlying heart disease.


Obesity.


Diabetes.


Recreational drug abuse.


Taking drugs that are "pro–arrhythmic" may increase the risk for life–threatening arrhythmias.
Posted on 9/21/2007 9:57:53 PM
What is acne vulgaris?
Acne vulgaris, or acne, is a skin problem that starts when oil and dead skin cells clog up your pores. Some people call it blackheads, blemishes, whiteheads, pimples, or zits. When you have just a few red spots, or pimples, you have a mild form of acne. Severe acne can mean hundreds of pimples that can cover the face, neck, chest, and back. Or, it can be bigger, solid, red lumps that are painful (cysts).

Most young people get at least mild acne. It usually gets better after the teen years. But many adult women do have acne in the days before their menstrual periods.

How you feel about your acne may not be related to how bad it is. Some people with severe acne are not bothered by it. Others are embarrassed or upset even though they have only a few pimples.

The good news is that there are many good treatments that can help you get acne under control.

What causes acne?
Acne starts when oil and dead skin cells clog the skin's pores. If germs get into the pores, the result can be swelling, redness, and pus. See a picture of how pimples form.

For most people, acne starts during the teen years. This is because hormone changes make the skin more oily after puberty starts.

You do not get acne from eating chocolate or greasy foods. But you can make it worse by using oily skin products that clog your pores.

Acne can run in families. If one of your parents had severe acne, you are more likely to have it.

Posted on 10/2/2007 11:24:09 PM
What are the symptoms?
Symptoms of acne include whiteheads, blackheads, and pimples. These can occur on the face, neck, shoulders, back, or chest. Pimples that are large and deep are called cystic lesions. These can be painful if they get infected. They also can scar the skin.

How is acne treated?
To help control acne, keep your skin clean. Avoid skin products that clog your pores. Look for products that say "noncomedogenic" on the label. Wash your skin once or twice a day with a gentle soap or acne wash. Try not to scrub or pick at your pimples. This can make them worse and can cause scars.

If you have just a few pimples to treat, you can get an acne cream without a prescription. Look for one that has benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid. These work best when used just the way the label says.

It can take time to get acne under control. Keep using the same treatment for 6 to 8 weeks. You may even notice that it gets worse before it gets better. If your skin is not better after 8 weeks, try another product.

If your pimples are really bothering you or are scarring your skin, see your doctor. A prescription gel or cream for your skin may be all you need. Your doctor may also order antibiotic pills. A mix of treatments may work best. If you are female, taking certain birth control pills may help.

If you have acne cysts, talk to your doctor about stronger medicine. Isotretinoin (such as Accutane) works very well, but it can cause birth defects. And using Accutane may be associated with depression. Let your doctor know if you have had depression before taking this medicine. And if you are female, you must protect against pregnancy by using two forms of birth control. Even one dose of this medicine can cause birth defects if a woman takes it while she is pregnant. You cannot take isotretinoin if you are breast-feeding.

What can be done about acne scars?
There are skin treatments that can help acne scars look better and feel smoother. Ask your doctor about them. The best treatment for you depends on how severe the scarring is. You can have scar tissue removed or have a shot of collagen. Collagen smoothes a pitted scar by plumping up the skin underneath. You may get the best results with a combination of treatments.

Posted on 10/2/2007 11:25:25 PM
What is ringworm of the skin?
Ringworm is an infection caused by a fungus that grows on the skin. Fungal infections of the skin are more common in warm, humid climates. In the United States, 1 to 2 people in 10 have a fungal skin infection.1

The medical term for many fungal infections is “tinea,” followed by a word that describes where the infection occurs. For example, ringworm of the skin (except on the scalp, beard, groin, feet, or hands) is called tinea corporis. Tinea cruris, or "jock itch," affects the groin area. Ringworm of the hands is tinea manuum.

What causes ringworm?
Ringworm is caused by fungi (plural of fungus). It is not caused by a worm or other parasite. The fungi that cause ringworm live and multiply on the outer layer of the skin.

The type of fungus that most commonly causes ringworm of the skin spreads from one person to another. You can get it by sharing towels, clothing, or sports equipment or by having direct contact with an infected person’s rash.

Another type of fungus is spread by cats and dogs. It is less common but causes more severe infections.

What are the symptoms?
Ringworm of the skin usually causes a very itchy rash. The rash is made up of circular patches with raised, red edges. The edges may be peeling or scaly or have bumps that look like blisters. The rash spreads from these edges, often leaving the center clear. This ring-shaped pattern is why it is called "ringworm." But this pattern is not always seen.

Jock itch is much more common in men than in women. It starts in the skin folds of the groin area and may spread to the inner thighs or buttocks. It usually does not affect the scrotum or penis. The rash is typically red and scaly. In rare cases, the rash forms blisters. The center of the rash may have a red-brown color. Most people get jock itch by accidentally spreading the fungus that causes athlete's foot to their own groin area.

Fungal infection of the hand looks like athlete's foot. The skin on the palm of the hand becomes thick, dry, and scaly, while skin between the fingers may be moist and have open sores.

Posted on 10/14/2007 2:10:31 PM
Can ringworm be prevented?
Fungi thrive in warm, moist areas, such as locker rooms and swimming pools, and in skin folds. To prevent ringworm:

Do not share clothing, sports equipment, towels, or sheets. If you think you have been exposed to ringworm, wash your clothes in hot water with fungus-killing (fungicidal) soap.
Wear slippers or sandals in locker rooms, showers, and public bathing areas.
Shower and shampoo thoroughly after any sport that requires skin-to-skin contact.
Wear loose-fitting cotton clothing. Change your socks and underwear at least once a day.
Keep your skin clean and dry. Always dry yourself completely after showers or baths.
If you have athlete's foot, put your socks on before your underwear so that fungi do not spread from your feet to your groin.
Take your pet to the vet if it has patches of missing hair, which could be a sign of a fungal infection.
To prevent ringworm from returning after treatment, apply talcum or other drying powder to the affected area daily.

Posted on 10/14/2007 2:11:34 PM
Best Ways to Ease Anxiety Disorders

Meditation may ease anxiety among people who suffer from anxiety disorders, including obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). But a new study suggests meditation isn't necessarily better than other types of relaxation techniques at treating anxiety disorders.

Researchers reviewed two studies comparing meditation to other relaxation techniques, such as biofeedback, and found both alternative therapies were equally effective in reducing anxiety.

No side effects were associated with meditation, but 33%-44% of the participants in the studies dropped out, which suggests that people with anxiety disorders may have a hard time sticking to a meditation regimen. Consequently, researchers say more studies are needed to determine the role of meditation in treating anxiety disorders.

Meditation vs. Relaxation
In the study, researchers reviewed research on meditation and other types of relaxation techniques. Only two studies that compared meditation to other relaxation techniques met the researchers' requirements for review.

The first compared transcendental meditation to relaxation therapy and EMG (electromyography) biofeedback.

Transcendental meditation involves focusing the mind on an object until the mind achieves stillness. EMG biofeedback measures muscle relaxation and teaches people to control their own level of muscle relaxation.

The second study compared mindfulness meditation, which encourages awareness of one's thoughts while maintaining detachment, to Kundalini yoga. Kundalini yoga includes a meditative form of breathing known as pranayama.

Researchers say both studies showed that meditation was comparable to other forms of relaxation therapy in reducing anxiety overall. But the small number of people involved in the studies makes it difficult to draw any firm conclusions about the effectiveness of meditation in the treatment of anxiety disorders.

In particular, the results showed:

All relaxation and meditation techniques resulted in improved scores on measures of anxiety, current mood, and symptoms of distress, but sleep disturbances did not improve.
Work, social functioning, and family relations also improved among all treatment groups, but marital relations and sex life were not affected.
Kundalini yoga wasn't as effective in treating obsessive-compulsive disorders as mindful meditation, although participants who practiced this form of yoga had more improvement on scores of perceived stress and purpose in life.
Posted on 10/21/2007 11:47:54 PM
wrinkles

Introduction

Although wrinkles can signify wisdom, most people nowadays would rather not have them.

Many products and procedures promise to reduce wrinkles. Some do little or nothing (like the products that claim they reduce "the appearance of fine lines," which means that they don't reduce the lines themselves). Others can achieve a fair amount of success.

Skin ages all over the body, but much more so where there has been sun exposure. Changes brought on by sun damage (photoaging) include "dryness" (really roughness), sagginess, skin growths like keratoses ("liver spots"), and wrinkles.

Most wrinkles appear on the parts of the body where sun exposure is greatest. These especially include the face, neck, the backs of the hands, and the tops of the forearms. Wrinkles come in two categories: fine surface lines and deep furrows. Wrinkle treatments are in general much more effective for fine lines. Deeper creases may require more aggressive techniques, such injection of fillers or plastic surgery.

What factors promote wrinkles?

Factors that promote wrinkling include:

Smoking
Light skin type (people with blue eyes and easily burned skin are more prone to sun damage)
Heredity (some families wrinkle more)
Hairstyle (some styles provide cover and protection against sun damage)
Dress (hats, long sleeves, etc.)
Occupational and recreational habits (farming, sailing, golfing, using tanning booths, and so forth)
Some of these factors are beyond our control. The main preventive measures we can take are to minimize sun exposure and not smoke.

SPF numbers on sunscreen labels refer to protection against UVB radiation (shortwave ultraviolet light, the "sunburn rays"). More and more sunscreens offer protection against UVA radiation (longer-wave ultraviolet light) as well. UVA rays are the ones you get in tanning salons; they may not cause immediate sunburn but do promote sun damage and skin cancer risk over time. (Sorry, but there is no such thing as a "safe tan.") Sunscreens that block UVA indicate this on the label and include such ingredients as Parsol 1789. The FDA has recently approved Mexoryl, another UVA-blocking ingredient, which has been available in Europe for some time.

Posted on 11/17/2007 11:59:23 PM
What is otitis media?

Otitis media is inflammation of the middle ear. Otitis media can be acute or chronic.

Acute otitis media is usually of rapid onset and short duration. Acute otitis media typically causes fluid accumulation in the middle ear together with signs or symptoms of ear infection; a bulging eardrum usually accompanied by pain, or a perforated eardrum, often with drainage of purulent material (pus). Fever can be present.

Chronic otitis media is a persistent inflammation of the middle ear, typically for a minimum of a month. This is in distinction to an acute ear infection (acute otitis media) that usually lasts only several weeks. Following an acute infection, fluid (an effusion) may remain behind the ear drum (tympanic membrane) for up to 3 months before resolving. Chronic otitis media may develop after a prolonged period of time with fluid (effusion) or negative pressure behind the eardrum (tympanic membrane). Chronic otitis media can cause ongoing damage to the middle ear and eardrum and there may be continuing drainage through a hole in the eardrum. Chronic otitis media often starts painlessly without fever. Ear pressure or popping can be persistent for months. Sometimes a subtle loss of hearing can be due to chronic otitis media.

How common is acute otitis media?

Otitis media is the most common diagnosis in sick children in the U.S. Young children, infants, and preschoolers are particularly prone. Almost every child has at least one bout of acute otitis media before the age of 6.

Why do young children tend to have ear infections?

The Eustachian tube is shorter and more horizontal in young children than in older children and adults. This allows easier entry into the middle ear for the microorganisms that cause infection and lead to otitis media.

Posted on 11/18/2007 12:02:02 AM
What are the risk factors for acute otitis media?

Upper respiratory infections predispose to acute otitis media. Exposure to groups of children (as in child care centers) results in more frequent colds, and therefore more earaches. Exposure to air with irritants, such as tobacco smoke, also increases the chance of otitis media. Children with cleft palate or Down syndrome are prone to ear infections.

Children who have episodes of acute otitis media before 6 months of age tend to have more ear infections later in childhood.

What are the symptoms of acute otitis media?

Young children with otitis media may be irritable, fussy, or have problems feeding or sleeping. Older children may complain about pain and fullness in the ear (earache). Fever may be present in a child of any age. These symptoms are often associated with signs of upper respiratory infection such as a runny or stuffy nose or a cough.

The buildup of pus within the middle ear causes pain and dampens the vibrations of the eardrum (so there is usually temporary hearing loss during the infection).

Severe ear infections may cause the eardrum to rupture. The pus then drains from the middle ear into the ear canal. The hole in the eardrum from the rupture usually heals with medical treatment.

Posted on 11/18/2007 12:02:43 AM
Headaches are one of the most common medical complaints
--------------------------------------------------------


Headaches are one of the most common medical complaints -- nearly everyone gets a headache at some point. Over 45-million Americans (about one in six) suffer chronic headaches each year. Headaches therefore have a big economic impact -- when you have a throbbing pain in your head, it's hard to work. The cost of these headaches in absenteeism and medical expenses is estimated as high as $50-billion per year.
A headache is a pain sensed in the nerves and muscles of the head and neck, as well as the meninges (the membranous coverings of the brain and spinal cord). Your brain itself cannot sense pain, so a headache has nothing to do with your brain hurting. It is really a pain somewhere around your brain, being picked up by nerve endings located in your head.
There are two main reasons why people get headaches, and doctors therefore classify headaches into two broad categories: primary and secondary.
Primary headaches are not associated with any underlying medical condition.
Secondary headaches are associated with medical conditions like infections, fever, head injury, hypoglycemia, tumors, dental conditions or increased pressure in the skull and/or sinuses (sinus headaches).
There are three main causes for primary headaches:
Migraine - Migraine headaches can be caused by reduced blood flow to various areas of the cerebral cortex.
Symptoms of migraines include sensitivity to light and noise, nausea, vomiting and intense throbbing pain that is usually on one side of the head.
A neurotransmitter, serotonin, is thought to be involved in migraines because many of the drugs used to treat migraines alter the binding of serotonin to various receptors.
Tension - Tension headaches are caused by muscular strains in the head and neck and/or emotional stress.
Tension headaches are usually dull, steady, aching pains on both sides of the head.
Sometimes, tension headaches develop into throbbing pains, leading researchers to believe that they may be closely related to migraines.
Eye strain (poor vision) can trigger frequent tension headaches.
Cluster - Cluster headaches are headaches that occur repeatedly over a period of weeks or even months.
Cluster-headache pain usually occurs on one side of the head and is centered around the eye.
The causes of cluster headaches are unknown, but may be related to changes in blood flow because substances that affect blood flow, such as alcohol, can trigger cluster headaches.
Primary headaches can also be caused by too much blood flow. For example, if you have read How Caffeine Works, you know that caffeine reduces blood flow in the brain. Some pain relievers contain caffeine to take advantage of this effect. If you have been taking caffeine every day and you stop, you can get an incredible headache because of the increased blood flow in your brain.
Secondary headaches result from some other problem with your body. For example, How Viruses Work talks about why you get a headache (and other pains) when you have the flu. Once you eliminate the disease, you eliminate the secondary headaches.
Most headache pain can be treated with over-the-counter medications such as aspirin, acetaminophen (Tylenol), ibuprofen (Motrin) and other non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. As mentioned above, migraines have been helped by drugs that block serotonin, such as sumatriptan (Imitrex). Cluster headaches have been treated with sumatriptan, steroids (Migranal) and narcotics.
If you experience chronic or frequent headache pain, see your physician -- it may be a symptom of an underlying medical condition.
Posted on 11/19/2007 4:21:49 PM
tasha dear plz try to post in a lil bit large font
it will be easy to read
thanx for this info
Posted on 11/19/2007 11:51:19 PM
Obesity is a physical condition that results from excessive storage of fat in the body. Obesity has been defined as a weight more than 20% above what is considered normal as per the body mass index, which is calculated from an individual's age, height, and weight. Presence of fat tissue is essential as natural energy reserve in our bodies. But excess fat tissues result in obesity and causes health disorders.



Obesity Symptoms
Watch out for increased waistline
In obesity, there is an increase in the size and the number of fat cells throughout the body. This causes a buildup of excess body fat.

One of the places where this excess body fat can most easily be seen is around the waistline. A waist measurement of 40 inches or more in men and 35 inches or more in women is linked to an increased risk for heart disease and other health problems associated with obesity.

Obesity treatment using Jujube
The leaves of jujube or Indian plum are another valuable remedy for obesity. A handful of leaves should be soaked overnight in water and this water should be taken in the morning, preferably on an empty stumach. This treatment should be continued for at least one month to achieve beneficial results.
Obesity treatment using Cabbage
Cabbage is considered to be an excellent home remedy for obesity. Recent research has revealed that a valuable chemical called tartaric acid is present in this vegetable which inhibits the conversion of sugar and other carbohydrates into fat. Hence, it is of great value in weight reduction. Substituting a meal with cabbage salad would be the simplest way to stay slim.
Posted on 11/19/2007 11:51:58 PM
What is Heartburn?

Heartburn is a burning feeling rising from the stomach or lower chest up towards the neck. It is caused by acid from the stomach backing up into the gullet (oesophagus or swallowing pipe). See also Dyspepsia, Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) and oesophagitis.

How do you get Heartburn?
Normally, a ‘valve’ at the lower end of the swallowing pipe (the lower oesophageal sphincter) opens when you swallow and closes when food has passed. In some people, this does not work properly and does not close off when it should, usually after a meal.

Heartburn can be infrequent or can occur regularly in patients with conditions such as acid reflux disease.

In patients with acid reflux disease, heartburn usually gets worse after they eat, or when they lie down or bend over.
How serious is Heartburn?
Heartburn symptoms produce a lot of discomfort and can affect feelings of well-being when they appear regularly. Heartburn may signal other problems such as oesophagitis (inflammation of the oesophagus) or GERD, which can be more serious. Patients may then require stronger medicines to control symptoms if heartburn persists, so it is important to seek a doctor’s advice.

How long does Heartburn last?
The symptoms of heartburn can be frequent and may last several weeks, months or longer if left untreated. Because they may appear now and again they may be experienced for a long time before a decision is taken to seek medical advice. They can also re-occur after treatment.

How is Heartburn treated?
Medications commonly used in the treatment of heartburn include:

Acid suppressants, such as histamine H2-antagonists (blockers). Histamine is a chemical released in the body under many different conditions. In the stomach it can release more acid, so blocking histamine’s action reduces acid production.

Proton-pump inhibitors also work on the cells in the stomach wall, which make acid, to reduce the amount of acid produced and released into the stomach chamber.

Other medicines (called pro-kinetic agents) increase the movement of the stomach. They work by increasing the pressure of the lower oesophageal sphincter (the point where the oesophagus joins the stomach) and promote emptying of the stomach.

Antacids are medicines that are commonly used to treat acid-related symptoms, like heartburn or indigestion, and work by neutralising acid in the stomach. However, they are not usually recommended to treat the frequent heartburn suffered by people with GERD.
Posted on 11/20/2007 4:05:32 PM
Signs and Symptoms of Chronic Kidney Failure
---------------------------------------------------


Your kidneys are vital for the excretory process of wastes in the
body. As you know, these waste buildups are excreted as urine. When
the kidneys job of cleaning blood toxins and waste products
deteriorates, "Chronic Kidney Disease" occurs.

Mostly, kidney failure occurs in asymptomatic patients. Risk of
sudden death is also counted.

In a small market, we gathered blood and urine samples of 100 people
who claim to be healthy. Surprisingly, 22 people were suffering from
chronic kidney disease, and 37 people were in need of special
medical attention for kidney disease! Only 41 people were considered
normal!

Why the majority of kidney disease victims did not notice their
declining kidney function?

In the case of Mr. A at 32 years old, he felt sudden severe headache
and palpitation. He seek medical attention and was diagnosed with
kidney disease. He had to go through a strict diet. However, after 6
years of hard life, he is now forced to undergo kidney dialysis. In
most cases of kidney disease, renal impairment is almost
irreversible and has a small chance of recovery.

EARLY SYMPTOMS OF KIDNEY DISEASE

As the kidney function decreases, symptoms will appear like
headache, weakness, dizziness, and low level of urination. Anemia,
hypertension, and frequent urination can also be counted. In many
cases, there are no signs of such symptoms at all.

According to medical information, apart from high blood sugar
levels, high blood pressure, eating fatty and salty foods, stress,
cigarette smoking, and bacterial infections can cause kidney
disease. Also, hard work or hard athletic exercise increases the
blood flow and the kidney cannot accommodate filtering the blood.
It's also bad to take a lot of milk or other sports drinks that
might produce too much protein as it may cause reduced kidney
function.

Early detection of kidney disease can be done by urine test. At
home, you can simply use urine test strips. If the result is not as
expected, then, consult your doctor.

We have a news magazine written about two Japanese pro-wrestlers who
never thought that they are suffering from kidney disease.

A popular pro-wrestler, packed with muscle and power, in his final
match, lost and carried to a hospital. His sidekicks and doctors
thought that the wrestler had some internal injuries occurred during
his fight. But medical test showed unexpected kidney disease with
him. The wrestler was sent for immediate surgical operation, but the
damage was too serious. He never regained from kidney disease. After
few days, the wrestler was gone.

Kidney disease is too dangerous, and could lead to death without any
symptoms. Another popular pro-wrestler was losing recently for all
his fights. To regain power, he had to eat a lot of meat and drink a
lot of milk. One day, after his fight, he was also rushed to a
hospital. Medical test showed that he was suffering from an advanced
stage of kidney disease. He and his family never imagined that
kidney disease was killing him. He is now under dialysis.
Posted on 11/23/2007 12:53:58 PM
Water is an important structural component of skin cartilage, tissues and organs. For human beings, every part of the body is dependent on water. Our body comprises about 75% water: the brain has 85%, blood is 90%, muscles are 75%, kidney is 82% and bones are 22% water. The functions of our glands and organs will eventually deteriorate if they are not nourished with good, clean water.

The average adult loses about 2.5 litres water daily through perspiration, breathing and elimination. Symptoms of the body's deterioration begins to appear when the body loses 5% of its total water volume. In a healthy adult, this is seen as fatigue and general discomfort, whereas for an infant, it can be dehydrating. In an elderly person, a 5% water loss causes the body chemistry to become abnormal, especially if the percentage of electrolytes is overbalanced with sodium.One can usually see symptoms of aging, such as wrinkles, lethargy and even disorientation. Continuous water loss over time will speed up aging as well as increase risks of diseases. If your body is not sufficiently hydrated, the cells will draw water from your bloodstream, which will make your heart work harder. At the same time, the kidneys cannot purify blood effectively. When this happens, some of the kidney's workload is passed on to the liver and other organs, which may cause them to be severely stressed. Additionally, you may develop a number of minor health conditions such as constipation, dry and itchy skin, acne, nosebleeds, urinary tract infection, coughs, sneezing, sinus pressure, and headaches.

So, how much water is enough for you? The minimum amount of water you need depends on your body weight. A more accurate calculation, is to drink an ounce of water for every two pounds of body weight.


Just multiply your weight with 33 to get the minimum water need per day in milliliters.
Posted on 11/26/2007 6:29:52 AM
Posted on 11/29/2007 3:02:15 AM
According to dear Stephan O Rihiley who is among one of the leading obesity researcher and a very well known genteticist and a friend aswell. One of the two cause of Obesity is due to a genetic defect and cannot be cured until or unless the patient is injected with a harmone known as Leptin. Leptin is manufactured by fat cells and it plays a part in deceasing fat which were previously attributed to fat cells along with hypothalamus.

If my memory serves me correct there was this doc at RockFeller University named as Professor Jeff or something, he experimented this phenomenon of leptin on some poor mouse. I think he won Noble for Bio aswell.

These days 90% patients of obesity are checked for leptin defeciency and more then 3/4th are leptin negative.

So, Miss Queen Victoria Cabbage or jujubu or some green leaves cannot be used as a treatment of obesity. Kindly do some research before posting. These things can be used as a part of a nutrituos meal but in no way I repeat in no way be used as a treatment of obesity.

Thnxx..
Posted on 11/30/2007 3:53:08 AM
Reply