Getting To Know Renal Diseases

Are you having problems with micturation? Is your urine of a different color, smell and amount? Do you feel consistent, radiating pain on your back? Well, I don’t want to scare you or anything, but you might want to visit a doctor as soon as possible and take some diagnostic exams. For all you know, you might already be suffering from a kidney disease.

The kidney is a vital part of the body. And aside from the heart; it is probably one of the most hardworking too. It filters about 5 to 6 liters of blood constantly for 24 hours. When we are resting, it functions with same consistency as when we are active; ensuring that we that have properly balanced fluids and electrolytes. In addition, the kidneys serve as the body’s strain, ridding it of excess and unhealthy substances. They control the byproducts of metabolism and consumption, segregating those that are needed from those that are not, and removing those deemed unimportant through urine. Now, aside from toxins, the kidneys also help regulate the amount of free radicals in our system in order to preserve the integrity of our body. In large amounts, free radicals can disturb normal processes and destroy cells.

So, in a nutshell, the kidneys play a major role in maintaining our health. Once they become dysfunctional, (particularly the nephrons, which are its functional structures) toxins, acids, free radicals and excess fluids and electrolytes will build up inside us and cause our physiology to go haywire. Unadjusted amounts of fluids will result to abnormal fluid shifting (edema, pleural effusion) and cardiac overload. Non-proportional levels of sodium, potassium, magnesium, calcium and other electrolytes will produce neurologic, muscular and circulatory abnormalities.

Kidney diseases are categorized into two major types {acute and chronic); the first often involving sudden injury to the kidneys as in a car accident and the second, pertaining to progressive degradation of renal function, caused by infection or an unhealthy lifestyle (excessive smoking, drinking, consumption of salty foods). Though these two have different onsets, they are equally detrimental to the health and should be immediately addressed. Death is eminent for people who do not take renal disease seriously. Again, the kidneys play a major role in sustaining our overall well-being. So one must be adamant in preserving them.

The Truth About Colon Cancer

Colorectal is a cancerous condition wherein the organs of the digestive system and the rectum are affected. The primary digestive organs include the large intestinal tract and the colon hence the term colorectal was coined.

Statistics show that there are about 145,000 people who are being diagnosed with the symptoms related to colon cancer. Symptoms such as severe pain in the abdominal region, presence of blood during bowel movements, loss of appetite, diarrhea and prolonged constipation can be associated with the disease. While these may not be considered as inclusive symptoms for colon cancer, they may be signs for some serious health conditions and must be treated right away.

With the application of the latest technology, doctors are using various methods in diagnosing colorectal cancer. The whole screening procedure usually includes the series of tests. This includes the rectum exam which will determine the presence of lumps or growths then followed by the fecal examination. The stool will be analyzed for any further abnormalities. Once abnormalities are detected, the patient usually undergoes Ultrasounds, Colonoscopy, or MRI’s. A biopsy will be considered once there are abnormalities detected along the process.

The most common treatment available for colorectal cancer is the surgery wherein infected portions of the intestines are completely removed. Depending on the kind of treatment designed by the doctor, treatment can either be intrusive or non-intrusive. In some severe cases, colostomy is often considered wherein a stoma is inserted and the waste products of the body are passed through the bag and discarded.

For non-intrusive treatments, chemotherapy, Electrofulgeration, or Immunotherapy are considered as an option for the patients. But like any other medical procedures, the doctors need to discuss each of them with the patient for this may cause some side effects.

Even though the sickness can attack people at a certain age, 50 up for instance, it may be best that people will learn how to take care of oneself before any sickness will strike them. Always remember that prevention is always better than cure.

Bizarre Disorder: Couvade Syndrome

I always love reading about bizarre occurrences and I’m very much interested in the area of medical or mental disorders. As I was exploring the internet, I found this very odd disorder. Its name was Couvade syndrome. This medical phenomenon iss probably one of the most bizarre cultural disorders today that I’ve read. The term “couvade” was derived from the early French word “couver” or to brood. As such, it pertains to a medical or mental disorder involving fathers who experience some of the behavioral and physical manifestations of pregnancy, along with his wife, especially as they near the time of their child’s birth. A few of these pseudo pregnancy symptoms include weight gain, irregularities in digestion and elimination, breast enlargement, cravings, birth pains, and postpartum seclusion. These are quite odd considering that males should not go through them at all. In some worst cases, the fathers can grow a belly similar to a 6-7month pregnant woman and gaining 25 to 30 lbs.

Unlike what’s commonly suspected, couvade syndrome is actually very common. However, it is a poorly unstated phenomenon. There are several hypothesized causes for it. But among all of them, no specific reason(s) has been identified. Some people rally that psychological problems bring about this condition. As such, ambivalence towards fatherhood, parturition envy, and pregnancy-related anxiety are a few of those they pinpoint as probable causative factors. But in relation, some researchers believe that there is a hormonal aspect to this experience. In line with this, it has been suggested that sleep disturbances may cause neurohormonal imbalances that set off the couvade response. Since the pregnancy-involved hormone estrogen is also present in males, it might be that it is triggered upon a “sympathetic pregnancy” mindset. Other suggested explanations of how and why this occurs include an interaction of factors (such as circadian rhythms, pheromones, mitogenetics and simple stress). In addition,

Diabetes

Diabetes is a condition in which the body doesn’t produce enough insulin. Insulin is a hormone that has wide effects on metabolism and other body functions. Insulin is required to turn glucose or blood sugar from the foods we eat into energy. In diabetes, the body doesn’t respond properly to its insulin or doesn’t make enough of the hormone. This results in body weakness and delayed cell regeneration. Now, there are a few types of diabetes that are recognized. The Type 1 diabetes results from the body’s failure to produce insulin. Type 2 diabetes, meanwhile is brought about by insulin resistance. Gestational diabetes is another form of diabetes that are commonly seen among pregnant women. These women usually have never had diabetes before but have experienced high blood sugar levels during their pregnancy. The only difference with gestational diabetes is that it is only temporary and disappears after delivery. Type 1 and Type 2 are often permanent. All types of diabetes are manageable with proper diet, exercise and meds. Insulin is the most popular pharmacological treatment for this condition. It was during 1921 when Fredrick Banting and Collip discovered the process for creating insulin. And ever since then, it has been widely used to control diabetes. By the standards of the American Diabetes Association, blood glucose levels are under control if:

• Your daily checking show levels close to 70–130 mg/dL before meals and less than 180 mg/dL within 2 hours after meals, and
• You keep your A1C test scores under 7%

Talk to your doctor and find out what goals are right for you. In United States there are 23.6 million people or 8% of the population who have diabetes. The overall prevalence of diabetes rose by 13.5% from 2005-2007. Among those who are affected, only 24% of of diabetes cases are undiagnosed. This is a great improvement from the 30% in 2005 and 50% ten years ago. No doubt diabetes is one of the top ten causes of death in the United States. That’s why it is vital that we always check our blood sugar or have a regular visit to our doctor.

The Lupus Attack

The function of our body’s immune system is to attack bacteria and viruses that can cause various diseases. Lupus, also known as systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) on the other hand, works the other way around. Instead of the foreign substances, the body’s natural defense will attack its own tissues causing inflammation and creating damage throughout the body. When the case is already severe, organ complications also develop.

Lupus is a lifelong disease. Its exact cause is not yet known. Some experts say that there are people born with certain genes that make them prone to developing such disease. Some of its common symptoms include joint swelling, over fatigue, skin rashes and fever. The rashes appear when the patient is exposed in the sun. Hair loss can also occur.

This kind of disease is very hard to diagnose since it affects people in various ways. No single test is available for lupus. Doctors base their diagnosis on the symptoms that the patient have while various blood tests are done. Once the person is diagnosed to have the disease, the doctor will recommend medicines that treat the symptoms but not lupus itself. As what was mentioned earlier, lupus has no cure.

There are several ways on how the patient will cope with the disease. It is recommended that if possible, one must avoid stress. Use sunscreen when going outside or wear protective clothing to avoid direct contact with sunlight as this will trigger rash development. Also, include exercise in your daily regimen. This will prevent joint swelling or stiffness. And as much as possible, quit smoking.

Once a person is diagnosed with the disease, he or she can still perform daily activities. However, proper care of the self is necessary.

Swine Flu Outbreak hits United States

Scientists still do not get how the swine influenza has come to affect humans. Five U.S states have reported that swine flue is present in their states. Almost 40 cases are reported but only one case led to hospitalization according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in Atlanta. The states that are hit by the swine flue outbreak were New York, Texas, Kansas, Ohio and California.

But in Mexico, where the outbreak started, hundreds were reportedly ill and 149 of them have died with the same strain of virus that hit the United States. Reports also emerge telling that the outbreak has reached other countries like Britain, Canada, New Zealand and France. Scientists now know what the virus’s main component is and found out that this kind of influenza strain contains genetic materials from swine, bird and human influenza. But it still remains a mystery how lethal the combination of these three does to people.

An epidemiologist in Atlanta says that until the biological properties of this influenza strain is understood, it is better for the people to refrain from going to Mexico where the outbreak started. Some officials also told the public to limit interpersonal contact, close schools in affected areas, canceling all social events and subjecting the people who have been exposed to the virus to quarantine is necessary.

Scientists are hoping that the timing of the influenza outbreak will limit the impact and they also said that as of now, no existing vaccine is found to be effective against this kind of strain. They believe that the outbreak will continue but they are positive that they can find a cure for this disease in time.

In Search of Swine Flu (Influenza A H1N1 Virus)

Searches for swine flu and related information have been topping search engine results pages since last week when the swine flu virus was first detected and confirmed. This issue on health has turned out to be a word of mouth not only among Mexicans but through out the world, making it a potential global threat.

But what really is swine flu? How is it acquired and transmitted?

Swine flu is a new influenza virus that causes illness among people. It is believed to have originated from pigs, hence the name swine flu, and may be transferred from one person to another in the same way that regular flu viruses spread.

Swine flu is now referred to as influenza A H1N1 and has affected countries like Mexico, the United States, Israel and Canada. The signs and symptoms of influenza A H1N1 virus include fever, cough, body aches, headaches, chills and fatigue which are common signs and symptoms of the common flu that affects people. This disease may also be accompanied by diarrhea and vomiting.

H1N1 influenza virus may be spread through coughing, sneezing and direct contact with materials contaminated with the virus. Health experts strongly encourage regular hand washing to prevent contacting this disease. Medical professionals also encourage getting plenty of sleep as well as plenty of fluids and nutritious foods to counter the A H1N1 influenza virus.

To avoid the spread of this deadly virus, it is also encouraged that everyone be protective not only of themselves but of others as well. Individuals who cough or sneeze are encouraged to cover their mouth and nose with a tissue when sneezing or coughing so as to avoid the spread of the virus. Everyone is also encouraged to avoid large crowds and to limit contact with other people.

How to Deal with Multiple Sclerosis

A chronic disease known as multiple sclerosis (MS) is an autoimmune condition that affects the brain, the brain stem and the spinal cord. Nerve fiber coats are damaged and so the nerve function of leading orders of the brain can be interrupted. This sickness, which is considered common to young adults, is the second leading cause of disability.

After the initial diagnosis, MS shows no typical symptoms. The very first sign that appears is the blurring of eyesight or loss of vision. Most of the patients also experience other abnormal sensations such as numbness and itching. Also common are loss of strength in the extremities, problems with regards to discharges, and dizziness. Other rare symptoms include psychosis, aphasia and epilepsy. There can be difficulty in moving and speaking. Causes of multiple sclerosis are still unknown but epidemiological studies regarding the disease have provided hints on its possible causes which consider the genes and environmental factors.

There are known stages for MS. The unexplained appearance and disappearance of symptoms characterizes the initial diagnosis. The most common is known as the multiple sclerosis relapse-remissions. The secondary progressive form may have the accumulation of neurological symptoms. Pain and fatigue can become more severe. In some cases, such as the benign MS, symptoms usually regress after the initial attack and the patient will live a normal life. However, in malignant sclerosis, there is a rapid deterioration that leads to disability. MS is rarely fatal and that patients still have the normal life expectancy.

In confirming the diagnosis, MRI and study of the cerebrospinal fluid are done. These procedures can help in locating the lesions in the central nervous system for a specific treatment. There are also rehabilitation procedures that are designed to prevent further disabilities. During symptomatic attacks, high doses of methylprednisolone can be administered for short term relief.

Preventing Osteoporosis in Women’s Health

A disease that affects much more often to women than to men that weakens the bones and even makes the bones more likely to break is called Osteoporosis. Millions and millions of people are affected with this disease, which made difficult struggles to older women especially.

But don’t worry, because it can be prevented and even can be treated. Experts quoted recommendations on eating a healthy diet with a matching constant workout. Early on, women should eat a diet rich with calcium and vitamin D that kills the possibility of having Osteoporosis in the later years. Mentioning the word workout should be comprehended with the mixture of strong fitness workouts, avoiding the use of cigarette and creating standards for preventive measures.

Women on early age should drink milk which is rich with calcium. Between these ages 9-18, people are required to have 1,300 milligrams of calcium a day which is good for the bone growth and will create a strong foundation to prevent Osteoporosis. Dairy products are good sources of calcium which is known to be better than supplements.
Women should give importance on building their strong foundation on their bones when they are still young and are able to take good diets and perform minor or extreme fitness workouts.

Remember these two things, proper diet and constant workouts prevent the risks of having Osteoporosis.

Natural Remedies for Asthma

Asthma is a common thing for people who have allergies. It is a condition of abnormal lungs characterized by difficulty in breathing. Symptoms may be a combination of coughing, shortness of breath, chest tightness and wheezing.

Asthma which means panting or shortdrawn breath may lead to death if not taken seriously. There are many cases which prove that asthma can lead people to death.

Asthma is deadly but is treatable. There are now many medications used to treat asthma attack. Example is the puffer or albuterol when puffed it will act as tissues in the lungs. This then will help relieve the difficulty of breathing. This puffer can be useful in a way but it can also give side effects to your body especially when the drug gets absorbed to the rest of the body. The main side effect on this kind of medication is increase heart rate.

So, to avoid side effects of the drugs it is more beneficial if we treat this kind of disease using the natural remedies.

Below are the natural remedies your kitchen can offer to treat asthma:

1. Garlic- Ten cloves of garlic added with milk can be effective. You can also add minced garlic in a ginger tea.

2. Honey- If inhaled or eaten can help patient to breath easier and deeper. Honey thins out accumulated mucus.

3. Apples- With its phytochemical content including flavonoids it is found that it help prevent asthma attack.