Emed News Wednesday, April 28, 2010   Vitamin E for Treating the Liver Disease Vitamin E pills can helps people with a nonalcoholic fatty liver disease called steatohepatitis, researchers reported. There is currently no treatment for the disease, which is similar to the liver disease that is caused by excessive drinking and that can lead to cirrhosis and scarring the impair function of the organ, eventually proving fatal. It can affect people of all ages and most of them drink little, if any, alcohol. It is believed to be caused by abnormal metabolism of fats, which raises the level of damaging oxidants in the liver. An estimated 3% to 4% of Americans are afflicted with the problem, although many do not realize they have it. Several small studies had previously suggested that insulin sensitizers and antioxidants might alter the progression of the disease. Research enrolled with 247 adults with the disease but without diabetes, dividing them into three groups. One group received 800 international units of vitamin E daily, the second received the diabetes drug pioglitazone and the third received a placebo. It was the largest clinical trial ever conducted for treating the disease. Journal of Medicine reported 43% of the patients receiving vitamin E showed a major improvement in liver function, compared with 19% of those who received either placebo or pioglitazone. Pioglitazone reduced liver inflammation and improved retention of lipids in 34% of the individual receiving it, but the improvements were not statistically significant. But those taking the diabetes drug also had a 10-pound weight gain.   posted by emedinfo @11:12 PM permanent link   | |    Bookmark & Share     Tuesday, April 27, 2010   Grapes Reduces the Risk of Heart Disease and Type 2 Diabetes New study findings were presented at the Experimental Biology convention in Anaheim, California, showing the effect of grapes in the diet reducing the risk of heart disease and type 2 diabetes. Study of the Benefits of Grapes Researchers at the University of Michigan Health System found in the animal study they conducted that adding grapes to a regular high-fat American style diet helped to prevent risk factors for metabolic syndrome which can be a precursor to developing type 2 diabetes. If a person has two or more of, can raise the risk of heart disease, stroke and type 2 diabetes. These conditions include high blood pressure, high cholesterol, high insulin levels and increased fat around the waist. The University of Michigan Health System’s study found that grapes may decrease the risk of developing these conditions. The study consisted of adding grape powder (derived from red, green and black grapes) to food given to one group of research rats while the other group of rats ate the same diet minus the grape powder. After three months, the group that ate the grape powder had lower blood pressure, lower triglyceride levels, reduced indicators of inflammation in the heart and blood and overall better heart function than the group that had no grape powder. The researches feel that the study shows that a grape-enriched diet can have positive effects in lowering the risk factors that can lead to heart disease and type 2 diabetes. Why Grapes are Effective in Lowering Risk of Heart Disease Grapes contain phytochemicals, a naturally occurring antioxidant, which is believed to be the main reason that grapes have health benefits. Phytochemicals help to protect heart cells from the damaging effects of metabolic syndrome. The rats that ate the grape powder showed low levels of inflammation, oxidative damage and other indicators of cardiac stress. The University of Michigan Health System plans on conducting further research this summer on the effects of grapes and other fruits containing high levels of antioxidant phytochemicals in lowering the risk of heart disease.   posted by emedinfo @11:21 PM permanent link   | |    Bookmark & Share     Monday, April 26, 2010   Epilepsy Attacks in the Brain can be Cured An American study has shed new light on the mechanism behind epilepsy attacks in the brain. Epilepsy attacks, which can manifest as fits in some people, or "absences" in others, are caused by too much electrical signaling from the brain's neurons. In epilepsy, excessive signaling between neurons, a major type of brain cell that communicates electrical signals across gaps called synapses, can lead to epileptic seizures. However, another class of brain cells called glia can regulate those signals. Among the glia are star-shaped cells called astrocytes-the particular focus of the research. The astrocytes is known to have a wide range of functions, including supplying nutrients to other brain cells, and even helping the brain cope with damaged nerve cells and it is key to brain dysfunction and opens the potential for novel therapeutic strategies in epilepsy. The researchers focused on an abnormal condition called reactive astrocytosis, known to occur in many neurological diseases. The astrocytes swell to a large size and change expression levels of a number of proteins. The impact of reactive astrocytosis on brain function is difficult to investigate because it usually occurs in the context of brain inflammation and abnormal changes in surrounding cells. In epilepsy, inhibition is not working properly, and uncontrolled signaling leads to epileptic seizures. Because both disrupted inhibition and reactive astrocytosis are known to occur in other neurologic conditions, including many psychiatric disorders, traumatic brain injury, and neurodegenerative disorders such as Parkinson's disease, our findings may have wide implications. The researchers solved this problem by using a virus to selectively cause reactive astrocytosis without triggering broader inflammation and brain injury, in a mouse model. They were able to focus on how the altered astrocytes affected specific synapses in neurons in the brain's hippocampus.   posted by emedinfo @10:44 PM permanent link   | |    Bookmark & Share     Sunday, April 25, 2010   Drug Addiction Disease is a Curable Complex Illness Addiction is a complex disorder characterized by compulsive drug use. People who are addicted feel an overwhelming, uncontrollable need for drugs or alcohol, even in the face of negative consequences. This self-destructive behavior can be hard to understand. The answer lies in the brain. Repeated drug use alters the brain causing long-lasting changes to the way it looks and functions. These brain changes interfere with your ability to think clearly, exercise good judgment, control your behavior, and feel normal without drugs. These changes are also responsible, in large part, for the drug cravings and compulsion to use that make addiction so powerful. Drug addiction symptoms or behaviors include: Feeling that you have to use the drug regularly this can be daily or even several times a day Failing in your attempts to stop using the drug Making certain that you maintain a supply of the drug Spending money on the drug even though you can't afford it Doing things to obtain the drug that you normally wouldn't do, such as stealing Feeling that you need the drug to deal with your problems Driving or doing other risky activities when you're under the influence of the drug Focusing more and more time and energy on getting and using the drug Effective Treatment for Drug addiction Medication and behavioral therapy, especially when combined, are important elements of an overall therapeutic process that often begins with detoxification, followed by treatment and relapse prevention. Easing withdrawal symptoms can be important in the initiation of treatment; preventing relapse is necessary for maintaining its effects. And sometimes, as with other chronic conditions, episodes of relapse may require a return to prior treatment components. A continuum of care that includes a customized treatment regimen addressing all aspects of an individual's life, including medical and mental health services and follow up options (e.g., community or family based recovery support systems) can be crucial to a person's success in achieving and maintaining a drug free lifestyle.   posted by emedinfo @11:19 PM permanent link   | |    Bookmark & Share     Friday, April 23, 2010   What is jaundice in newborn conditions? Jaundice is a condition that makes a newborn's skin and the white part of the eyes look yellow. It happens because there is too much bilirubin in the baby's blood (hyperbilirubinemia). Bilirubin is a substance that is made when the body breaks down old red blood cells. Jaundice usually is not a problem. But in rare cases, too much bilirubin in the blood can cause brain damage (kernicterus). This can lead to hearing loss, mental retardation, and behavior problems. In healthy babies, some jaundice almost always appears by 2 to 4 days of age. It usually gets better or goes away on its own within a week or two without causing problems. In breast-fed babies, mild jaundice sometimes lasts until 10 to 14 days after birth. In some breast-fed babies, it goes away and then comes back. Jaundice may last throughout breast-feeding. This isn't usually a problem as long as the baby gets enough milk by being fed at regular times. Your doctor probably will ask you to keep checking your baby at home to make sure the jaundice is going away. Your baby will need a follow-up exam within the first 5 days after birth. Call your doctor if the yellow color gets brighter after your baby is 3 days old. Causes jaundice in newborns Jaundice occurs because your baby's body has more bilirubin than it can get rid of. Bilirubin is made when the body breaks down old red blood cells. It leaves the body through urine and stool. During pregnancy, your body removes bilirubin from your baby through the placenta. After birth, your baby's body must get rid of the bilirubin on its own. Breast-fed newborns can become dehydrated easily if feedings are spaced too far apart. This lack of enough milk in the body makes it harder for your baby to get rid of wastes such as bilirubin. Also, some of the things that make up breast milk can change the way the body removes bilirubin. In rare cases, too much bilirubin may be caused by infections, a problem with the baby's digestive system, or a problem with the mom's and baby's blood types (Rh incompatibility). Your baby may have one of these problems if jaundice appears less than a day after birth. Symptoms Jaundice in newborns Jaundice can make your baby's skin and the white part of the baby's eyes look yellow. You may see the yellow color between 1 and 4 days after birth. It shows up first in the baby's face and chest. Babies who have bilirubin levels that are too high may have a high-pitched cry. They also may be sluggish and cranky. Jaundice in newborns diagnosed Your baby's doctor will do a physical exam and ask you questions. The doctor may ask about: Your general health, especially during your pregnancy. Whether your baby was born early (prematurely) or at full term. Whether there were any problems with the birth. Your baby's birth weight and whether the baby has lost or gained weight since birth. Your baby's feeding and elimination habits. Your blood type and whether you and the baby have a problem with Rh incompatibility. Any family history of health problems that could cause jaundice. Treating Methods for Jaundice in newborns Most of the time no treatment is needed for jaundice, because it usually goes away on its own. If you are breast-feeding, you may be able to help reduce the jaundice by feeding your baby about 8 to 12 times a day. Sometimes babies with jaundice are put under a type of fluorescent light. This is called phototherapy. The skin absorbs the light. This changes the bilirubin so that the body can more easily get rid of it in the stool and urine. The treatment is usually done in a hospital.   posted by emedinfo @11:44 PM permanent link   | |    Bookmark & Share     Thursday, April 22, 2010   Thyroid disease Causes, Symptoms and Treatment Thyroid disease occurs when the thyroid gland doesn't supply the proper amount of hormones needed by the body. If the thyroid is overactive, it releases too much thyroid hormone into the bloodstream, resulting in hyperthyroidism ("Hyper" is from the Greek, meaning "over" or "above."). Hyperthyroidism causes the body to use up energy more quickly than it should, and chemical activity (like metabolism) in the cells speeds up. . When the thyroid doesn't produce enough hormones, the body uses energy slower than it should. This condition is called hypothyroidism ("Hypo" means "under" or "below."). What causes thyroid disease? There are several different causes of thyroid disease. The following conditions cause hypothyroidism: Thyroiditis is an inflammation of the thyroid gland. This can lower the amount of hormones produced. Hashimoto's thyroiditis is a painless disease of the immune system that is hereditary. Postpartum thyroiditis occurs in 5 percent to 9 percent of women after giving birth. It is usually a temporary condition. Iodine deficiency is a problem affecting approximately 100 million people around the world. Iodine is used by the thyroid to produce hormones. Although prevalent before the 1950s in the USA, iodine deficiency has been virtually wiped out by the use of iodized salt. A non-functioning thyroid gland affects one in 4,000 newborns. If the problem isn't corrected, the child will be physically and mentally retarded. What signs and symptoms can occur if thyroid function is affected? If the thyroid is under-active, symptoms of hypothyroidism may occur. The signs and symptoms of hypothyroidism vary widely, depending on the severity of hormone deficiency. Some of the complaints experienced by patients with hypothyroidism include: Fatigue Mental fogginess and forgetfulness Feeling excessively cold Constipation Dry skin Fluid retention Non specific aches and stiffness in muscles and joints Excessive or prolonged menstrual bleeding (menorrhagia) Depression Hyperthyroidism is suggested by a number of signs and symptoms. Patients with mild disease usually experience no symptoms. Symptoms are usually related to an increase in body metabolism are, Excessive sweating Heat intolerance Increased bowel movements Tremor (usually a fine shake) Nervousness; agitation Rapid heart rate Weight loss Fatigue Decreased concentration Irregular and scant menstrual flow In older patients, irregular heart rhythms and heart failure can occur. In its most severe form, untreated hyperthyroidism may result in "thyroid storm," a condition involving high blood pressure, fever, and heart failure. Mental changes such as confusion and delirium may also occur. How is thyroid disease treated? The goal of treatment for any thyroid disorder is to restore normal blood levels of thyroid hormone. Hypothyroidism is treated with a drug called levothyroxine. This is a synthetic hormone tablet that replaces missing thyroid hormone in the body. With careful monitoring, your doctor will adjust your dosage accordingly, and you'll soon be able to return to your normal lifestyle. Hyperthyroidism, generally more difficult to treat, requires the normalization of thyroid hormone production. Treatment could involve drug therapy to block hormone production, radioactive iodine treatment that disables the thyroid, or even thyroid surgery to remove part or the entire gland. The most popular treatment is radioactive iodine. This therapy often results in hypothyroidism, requiring the use of levothyroxine (synthetic replacement hormone) in order to restore normality.   posted by emedinfo @10:44 PM permanent link   | |    Bookmark & Share     Wednesday, April 21, 2010   Chagas Disease Causes and Prevention Chagas disease is a caused by parasite disease commonly transmitted to humans and other mammals by an insect vector, the infected blood-sucking bugs, sometimes called kissing bugs. The disease may also be spread through blood transfusion and organ transplantation, ingestion of food contaminated with parasites, and from a mother to her fetus. Symptoms The early symptoms may include Fever Flu-like symptoms A rash A swollen eyelid Tiredness Enlarged liver or spleen Swollen lymph glands Loss of appetite Diarrhea Vomiting These early symptoms usually go away. However, if you don't treat the infection, it remains. Later, it can cause serious intestinal and heart problems. Prevention and Treatment Medicine given during the acute stage of infection is usually effective. Once the disease has progressed to the later stages, there is no effective cure. Prevention is the best method, There is no vaccine or drug to prevent Chagas disease. When traveling to areas where Chagas disease occurs, follow these precautions: Avoid sleeping in poorly constructed thatch, mud, or adobe houses. If that is not possible, use a bednet. Use insecticides to kill insects and reduce the risk of transmission. Be aware of the risk of contracting Chagas disease through blood transfusions. In many countries, the blood supply is not well screened.   posted by emedinfo @10:56 PM permanent link   | |    Bookmark & Share     Monday, April 19, 2010   Reduce the Salt in Food Prevent from Risk of many Diseases Gradually reduce the salt prevent from hypertension and heart disease. Cutting salt reduces blood pressure, a key factor contributing to heart attacks and stroke. Healthy 19- to 50-year-old adults should consume 3.8 grams of salt a day. Any more can, in some people, lead to high blood pressure, which in turn causes stroke, heart and kidney disease. The most salt anyone should eat a day is 5.8 grams. Almost everyone gets more than this U.S. men's median intake of salt is between 7.8 and 11.8 grams per day, and women take in between 5.8 and 7.8 grams every day. High level of salt intake health conditions Excessive sodium intake has also been linked to other conditions, such as: Heart failure Kidney problems and kidney stones Oedema Stroke Gastric cancer Left ventricular hypertrophy Osteoporosis Reducing salt in your diet High-sodium diets are linked to an increase in blood pressure and a higher risk for heart disease and stroke. Reducing the amount of sodium you consume can help lower high blood pressure or prevent it from developing in the first place. Keeping your blood pressure at healthy levels is important, because high blood pressure can lead to heart attacks or stroke. Follow a healthy diet that is low in sodium (salt) and saturated fat. Don't cook with salt, avoid prepared foods that are high in sodium, and don't add salt when you're eating. Keep fat calories to fewer than 30% of the total calories you take in during a day. Your doctor can help you create a diet plan that is right for you. Tips for reducing salt in the diet Choose fresh, frozen or canned food items without added salts. Select unsalted nuts or seeds, dried beans, peas and lentils. Limit salty snacks like chips and pretzels. Avoid adding salt and canned vegetables to homemade dishes. Select unsalted, lower sodium, fat-free broths, bouillons or soups. Select fat-free or low-fat milk, low-sodium, low-fat cheeses and low-fat yogurt. Learn to use spices and herbs to enhance the taste of your food. Most spices naturally contain very small amounts of sodium. Add fresh lemon juice instead of salt to fish and vegetables. Specify how you want your food prepared when dining out. Ask for your dish to be prepared without salt. Don't use the salt shaker. Use the pepper shaker or mill.   posted by emedinfo @11:10 PM permanent link   | |    Bookmark & Share     Saturday, April 17, 2010   Alcoholic Liver Disease Symptoms and Diagnosis The liver is one of the major and complex organs in the body. It performs many of the body's vital functions. Alcohol is metabolized in the liver so that it can be eliminated safely from the body. Alcoholic liver disease usually occurs after years of excessive drinking and will reduce the quality of life for patients and for their families as well. Liver cirrhosis is one of the leading causes of death in the United States. There are individual variations in the development of liver disease among those who drink heavily. One should drink sensibly and in moderation, as there may not be many signs or symptoms until the liver damage has been done. 3 Kinds Of Liver Disease Heavy alcohol consumption causes three kinds of liver diseases: Simple uncomplicated fatty liver (steatosis). Fatty liver with inflammation (alcoholic hepatitis or steatohepatitis). Cirrhosis. Fatty liver is the earliest stage of liver disease marked by accumulation of fat in the liver cells. This occurs in almost all people who drink heavily. Apart from occasional right upper abdominal discomfort due to enlarged liver, there may not be any significant symptoms. Fatty liver does not cause serious damage to liver function and these changes are reversible if alcohol consumption is stopped. Continued drinking may lead to alcoholic hepatitis. About 10 percent to 35 percent of heavy drinkers develop this condition which causes the liver to become inflamed. In its milder form, this will cause progressive liver damage and may last for years before it develops into cirrhosis. In its severe form, binge drinking can cause acute alcoholic hepatitis within a few days with liver failure and life-threatening complications. Patients may feel nauseated, vomit, run a fever, have abdominal pain, and become jaundiced and even experience a change in mental status. This stage is also reversible, provided the drinking ceases. Liver Cirrhosis Liver cirrhosis is the more serious form of alcoholic liver disease and is irreversible. At this stage, healthy liver tissue is replaced by scar tissue and the liver is not able to perform its normal vital functions. About 10 percent to 20 percent of heavy drinkers develop cirrhosis after 10 or more years of drinking. Generally, drinking 80 grams of ethanol daily for 10 to 20 years is required to develop cirrhosis. That amount corresponds to approximately one liter of wine, eight standard sized beers, or a half-pint of hard liquor each day. Progression is more rapid in those who have hepatitis C or any other chronic liver disease. Symptoms vary depending on the severity of the disease and also the complications of cirrhosis. Apart from symptoms similar to alcoholic hepatitis, one can develop more serious complications such as accumulation of fluid in the abdomen (ascites), bleeding from esophageal or stomach veins, kidney failure, liver cancer or significant liver failure and show signs of acute changes in mental status and possibly coma. No cure exists for liver cirrhosis and the liver will never be normal again. Diagnosis And Treatment A long history of alcohol use is the best indicator of the alcoholic liver disease. Physical signs and lab tests with elevated liver enzymes, imaging in the form of ultrasound, CAT scan or MRI scan may help in diagnosis and to rule out other causes of liver disease. Though the liver biopsy is the gold standard for diagnosis, it is not always necessary. Completely stopping the consumption of alcohol and lifestyle changes is the cornerstone to prevent further progression of the disease. Smoking cessation and maintaining healthy weight are equally important. Alcohol rehabilitation programs may be helpful, as well as joining support groups to help ease the stress associated with the illness. Many alcoholics take less than the recommended amount of nutrients and are malnourished. Some of the supplements (vitamin B1, B2, B6, folic acid, and medium chain fatty acids) may prevent the serious effects of alcohol to some extent. No therapy exists for either alcoholic hepatitis or cirrhosis. Steroids have been studied for short-term use in severe alcoholic hepatitis with varying results. Liver transplantation is the only definitive treatment for severe liver failure. It is essential to remain abstinent before and after surgery and to comply with medications. Alcohol use has also been associated with oropharyngeal and esophageal cancers, liver cancer, pancreatitis, osteoporosis and increased risk of accidental and suicidal deaths. Anyone with liver disease who stops drinking improves his health and life expectancy. Those who do not stop will have a poor outlook and will likely suffer from a variety of complications of alcohol induced liver disease.   posted by emedinfo @4:01 AM permanent link   | |    Bookmark & Share     Wednesday, April 14, 2010   A High-Carb Diet Risks Heart Disease in Women Women, beware: A high-carb diet may double your risk of heart disease. New research illuminates the health risk that foods with a high glycemic index pose to the body particularly in women. Carbohydrates with a high glycemic index raise blood sugar levels at a faster rate than foods with a low index. Foods that are high on the glycemic index tend to be white and starchy, like potatoes, white bread and doughnuts. A study out of Italy finds women who ate the highest glycemic load in their diet had 2.24 times the risk of heart disease compared to women with the lowest glycemic load. Carbohydrate intake, glycemic index and glycemic load did not influence heart disease risk in men. Researchers say while further studies are needed to better understand the relationship between glycemic load and heart disease in women, sex-related differences in lipoprotein and glucose metabolism may play a major role.   posted by emedinfo @11:17 PM permanent link   | |    Bookmark & Share     Monday, April 12, 2010   Age-related Macular Degeneration (AMD) Link Cholesterol Eye Disease Two new studies provide more evidence of a genetic link between an eye disease that affects millions of older people and the regulation of so called "good" cholesterol in the body. The researchers don't fully understand the connection, nor are they near finding better treatments for the eye disease, known as age-related macular degeneration (AMD). Still, they say the results could lead to future advances. Scientists had been exploring the cholesterol eye disease link for some time investigated by the National Eye Institute and lead author of one of the reports. But somehow, their studies did not get much attention. Hopefully now the genetic evidence is so strong that people will explore those possibilities. An estimated 10 million or more people in the United States develop AMD each year, including about 25 percent of people over the age of 65 and 30 percent to 35 percent of those over 75. The disease affects an area of the retina known as the macula, causing people to lose the ability to see in the central area of their field of vision. You cannot see straight. In the most severe cases, you cannot drive, and you cannot do day-to-day things in life. For some patients, the disease can cause blindness. The cause appears to be a blend of genes and environment. Genes alone do not cause the disease, and environment alone cannot cause the disease. In the new studies, researchers examined the genetic makeup of hundreds of people with and without age-related macular degeneration. Those with the condition turned out to share a particular variant of a gene known as LIPC, which regulates the metabolism of high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol in the blood. But what is the link, exactly? It's not clear if high levels of HDL ("good") cholesterol might somehow boost a person's risk of developing the eye disease. That would create a complication if treatments designed to prevent the eye disease harmed cardiovascular health by lowering levels of "good" cholesterol. The reverse a treatment that boosted HDL cholesterol but also raised the risk of the eye disease would be a problem, too. In any case, the researchers believe there isn't a direct cause-and-effect relationship, in which the genes in question cause both high levels of good cholesterol and raise the risk of the eye disease. It's possible that the eye disease might have something to do with how the body transports nutrients in the blood.   posted by emedinfo @10:28 PM permanent link   | |    Bookmark & Share     Sunday, April 11, 2010   Isotretinoin Leads to Inflammatory Bowel Disease With a new study citing a link between isotretinoin use and inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and a recent lawsuit award of $25 million to a patient who developed IBD after using Accutane, it seems only natural that isotretinoin users would be a bit nervous. If you take isotretinoin, are you at risk for developing IBD? A new study published in the American Journal of Gastroenterology shows a link between ulcerative colitis (a form of IBD) and isotretinoin use. Even according to this study, though, the absolute risk of developing ulcerative colitis was very small and previous studies have found IBD is no more common among isotretinoin users than among non-users. So, if you are using, or have used, isotreinoin (like Sotret, Amnesteem, Claravis, Accutane, etc.) what should you do? First, there is no reason to panic. Treat this information as you have the knowledge of other side effects of this medication know the risks and warning signs, and weigh the possible side effects against the benefits. Be proactive and talk to your doctor about all your questions or concerns, but don't let the hype terrify you.   posted by emedinfo @11:46 PM permanent link   | |    Bookmark & Share     Thursday, April 8, 2010   Gum Disease in Your Mouth Causes Risky Diseases When it comes to our mouths, it's not just teeth that need care. Our gums are also an important part of our dental health. The risk factors that are caused by Gum diseases are: Head and Neck Cancer For years people have been warned that persistent periodontitis can cause heart disease. Now a new study suggests that gum disease may also be a risk factor for cancers of the head and neck. Alveolar bone is the ridge of bone that surrounds the roots of the teeth, holding them in place. Loss of this bone is typically seen with severe periodontal disease. With each millimeter of alveolar bone loss, the risk of head and neck cancer increased more than 4-fold, the report indicates. (One millimeter is about the size of the head of a pin.) The link was seen even in subjects who had never used tobacco and alcohol. Increases Severity of AIDS An acid produced in the mouth due to gum disease invigorates the virus that can lead to full blown AIDS, a Japanese researcher, billing the finding as a world first. A group of bacteria causes periodontal disease a chronic inflammation that erodes bony structure in the gum posing a threat to the teeth and the entire body. The acid, which can also exist in rancid butter, hinders a kind of enzyme called HDAC that blocks HIV from proliferating. In-vitro experiments have shown that the virus in two kinds of cells related to the immune system rapidly proliferates after given culture fluid containing the gum disease-causing bacteria and butyric acid they produced. Serious periodontal disease could lead to the development (of AIDS) among HIV positive people although the probability largely depends on individual physical strength. Preterm Delivery in Women Gum disease raises the risk of preterm birth in pregnant women and it was thought that getting rid of gum disease may potentially reduce the risk of preterm delivery. Preterm delivery rates were roughly 13 percent in the women who made the four trips to the dentist and nearly 12 percent in those that did not. That's not to say pregnant women should not get their teeth cleaned and treated as needed; they should, the researchers emphasize, noting that treating gum disease during pregnancy is safe. Worsening of gum disease occurs in about 25 percent of pregnancies. The bacterial infection attacks the teeth-supporting tissues below the gum line. Left untreated, it can lead to tooth loss as well as a host of other problems. Linked with Diabetes Patients who have gum disease, also called peridontitis, could also be at risk for another disease - type 2 diabetes. And it might be a good idea to screen people for diabetes during their dental visits for gum disease. At this point, no dentist has signed on to test patients. It remains to be seen if this idea takes hold or if dental groups sign on to support it. But a link between gum disease and diabetes definitely exists, but just how they are related is not yet clear.   posted by emedinfo @11:46 PM permanent link   | |    Bookmark & Share     Wednesday, April 7, 2010   Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) Symptoms And Treatment Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) is an infection and inflammation of the female reproductive organs. It can scar the tubes that carry eggs from the ovary to the uterus which can lead to infertility, ectopic pregnancy, pelvic pain and other problems. PID is the most common preventable cause of infertility in the United States. Gonorrhea and chlamydia are the most common causes, but other bacteria can also cause PID. Symptoms of PID Most women with PID have no symptoms. If you do, they may include: an abnormal vaginal discharge irregular periods, or having heavier periods than usual pain in the lower part of your abdomen (tummy), which may spread to your legs uncomfortable or painful sex pain when urinating Vaginal discharge that is usually yellow or green and may have an unpleasant smell. Chills, high fever, nausea, diarrhea and vomiting. feeling sick or vomiting Medical Treatment Your health care provider will start antibiotic therapy for PID as soon as the diagnosis is made. Gonorrhea and chlamydia are suspected and treated in every person. Pain medication and IV fluids will be given if you need them.   posted by emedinfo @9:46 PM permanent link   | |    Bookmark & Share     Monday, April 5, 2010   Protect Yourself Against Shadow Disease For years, doctors have observed that patients with one illness may be stricken by another condition that's seemingly unrelated and sometimes more serious, known as a "shadow disease." One of the most well-known is the connection between migraines and heart attack or stroke. Now researchers are uncovering even more linked ailments and zeroing in on why they appear to travel in pairs. It's difficult enough to deal with one type of chronic disease, but it's possible having one disease might raise the risk of developing another. Researchers are learning more about "shadow" diseases. Studies show that these couplings occur for different reasons. In some cases, one disease creates damage that causes the second illness. In others, troublesome genes or poor health behaviors, such as smoking or lack of exercise, trigger one problem, then the other. Being alert to the following dangerous connections can help you avoid the shadow disease or get early diagnosis and treatment, leading to a better outcome. Migraine Its Shadow: Stroke or Heart Attack If you regularly suffer from migraine pain (especially if you develop auras, which are visual or sensory phenomena that accompany the headache), your doctor has probably warned you about your susceptibility to heart attack or stroke. Frequency matters. If you have fewer than one migraine a month, you're 50 percent more likely to have a heart attack than nonsufferers. Protect yourself: Unfortunately, existing research has not yet found that preventing migraines has the effect of lowering stroke or heart attack odds. However, by keeping your cardiovascular system as healthy as possible, you diminish your chance of a cardiac event, according to the National Stroke Association. To do this, control known hazards, such as high cholesterol and obesity, via diet and exercise. You should also quit smoking and limit alcohol intake. Endometriosis Its Shadow: Melanoma A huge, study confirmed that women with endometriosis (in which tissue similar to the uterine lining grows outside the womb) are 62 percent more likely to suffer from melanoma. Researchers are unsure why endometriosis and the deadly skin cancer sometimes travel together, but one possibility is a genetic defect that triggers both conditions. Protect yourself: If you have endometriosis, ask your doctor to scan your skin for melanoma advises. High Blood Pressure Its Shadow: Diabetes Doctors have long wondered how high blood pressure and diabetes are related, because the two often appear together, especially in obese patients. Constantly elevated blood pressure, or hypertension, doubles your risk of developing diabetes, regardless of your BMI. Protect yourself: If you have mild hypertension or are at risk for this problem, get tested for diabetes. You can help prevent onset of diabetes with lifestyle changes: Increase your physical activity, lose excess weight, limit salt, and stub out those cigarettes for good, suggests Conen. Psoriasis Its Shadow: Heart Attack The rough, itchy patches of psoriasis are more than uncomfortable and unsightly: They may increase your odds of a heart attack, concludes a study that followed half a million people for 5 years. The risk of a cardiac emergency was related to the severity of the psoriasis, serious cases of the skin ailment could mean a more than doubled heart attack risk. Protect yourself: Will controlling the skin disease diminish the inflammation that can cause a heart attack? New psoriasis medications are including Amevive (generic name alefacept). They're made from living sources, much as vaccines are. They may work, even if past treatments failed. Metabolic Syndrome Its Shadow: Kidney Stones Metabolic syndrome is a serious health condition associated with coronary heart attacks, diabetes, and even early death. Excess abdominal fat, high blood triglycerides, low HDL (which is the good cholesterol), high blood pressure, and impaired glucose tolerance. Protect yourself: Obesity is a key player in both metabolic syndrome and kidney stones, perhaps because overweight people are likely to consume excess protein and sodium, which may cause the painful crystals to develop. Your waistline reduces one of the metabolic syndrome traits and may diminish your chances of getting kidney stones. Asthma Its Shadow: Depression and Anxiety Disorders Breathing difficulties may cause anxiety or even depression. Or psychological problems may make asthma worse. Protect yourself: If you know you have either asthma or mental health problems and suspect you have the other, get tested for it. Seek help for any confirmed illnesses so you don't find yourself in a downward spiral, with each condition exacerbating the other one.   posted by emedinfo @10:28 PM permanent link   | |    Bookmark & Share       Severity of Sleep Apnea and CPAP If you have shallow breathing or pauses in breaths while you sleep, that's a clear sign of sleep apnea. This chronic condition often leaves people feeling sleepy during the day and can increase risk for high blood pressure, heart attack, stroke, obesity, and diabetes. A new study in the journal Ophthalmology links the most common form of sleep apnea - called obstructive sleep apnea to an eye disorder called floppy eyelid syndrome. In this condition, a patient has elastic upper lids that are easily folded up. This condition is hard to diagnose, and is most often seen in obese patients. Researchers examined 102 patients with floppy eye syndrome and 102 controls. They found that about one-third of patients with floppy eyelid syndrome also had obstructive sleep apnea, and the association was still statistically significant when controlling for body mass index. The study also confirmed earlier findings that the cornea disease keratoconus is also associated with floppy eye syndrome. In this condition, the cornea becomes thin and cone-shaped. There are two more common types of sleep apnea, obstructive sleep apnea and central sleep apnea. The third type is a mixed apnea, a combination of the two previous types. As the name suggests, this is sleep apnea caused by an obstruction. The obstruction develops when one's upper airway muscles relax and collapse during sleep. It also develops when the weight of the neck narrows the airway. Causes of Sleep Apnea If you have sleep apnea, you may observe the following: Excessive sleepiness even after a good night's sleep. Snoring (The volume of the snoring does not absolutely indicate the severity of obstruction. There may not be enough air movement to make much sound if there is severe obstruction. On the other hand, the sign that is most suggestive of sleep apneas occurs when snoring stops). Irregular breathing during sleep (gasping, long pauses, etc - a spouse or partner may notice these) Poor concentration and memory. Morning headaches. Sexual dysfunction. Excessive weight Smoking Congestive Heart Failure Stroke or brain tumor Treatment for Sleep Apnea Apnea may have the tendency to complicate major surgeries Continuous Positive Airway Pressure Treatment (CPAP). With Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP), people with moderate to severe obstructive sleep apnea such as Pramana can start sleeping well and feeling well-rested. CPAP, a non-invasive treatment, is the most widely accepted in treating patients with sleep apnea. It uses a machine that delivers air pressure through a mask placed over the nose while sleeping. The greater air pressure helps keep the airways open and prevents apnea. It can even halt snoring.   posted by emedinfo @12:25 AM permanent link   | |    Bookmark & Share

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