Bronchial asthma is a very common disease. Presently the number of people with bronchial asthma has been increasing despite the early diagnosis and contemporary approaches to treatment. Total number of asthmatic patients in the world counts more than 150 million people.
Asthmatic patients have chronic inflammation in their respiratory tract which causes suffocation at exacerbation. The attack may be short or prolonged. Very often, at the early stages of the diseases the attacks go away by themselves and the patient does not suspect he has the disease. With time without treatment and prophylaxis these episodes of suffocation become more severe and frequent. As a rule, only in this stage of the diseases most patients consult a doctor for the first time. Bronchial asthma is a hereditary disease, and the diseases in one of the parents doubles the risk of getting bronchial asthma by the child. If both parents have the disease, the chances of development of asthma in the child are quadrupled. In children and aged people the diseases tends to runs in more serious mode.
There could be several causes of development of bronchial asthma. The common risk factors which may provoke its development include:
domestic allergens (domestic and paper dust), pets (hair and dandruff of cats and dogs), fungal spores;
allergens widely spread in the environment (e.g. pollen);
food allergens;
smoking (both passive and active);
occupational allergens, i.e. paint, varnish, etc.
Viral respiratory tract infections also play a role in development of bronchial asthma. It is more characteristic of younger children. In older children allergy is the most common cause of the disease. In adults the disease often develops due to the impact of allergens associated with their occupation. Another cause of bronchial asthma may represent bad environmental condition. Asthma is very common in big cities and industrial regions. Leading unhealthy lifestyle and unfavorable climate (wet and cold) may also have a negative effect on the course of the disease.
The common symptoms of bronchial asthma are:
1. Recurrent asthma attacks with sibilant wheezes during exhalation when the patient for facilitating breathing assumes sitting position with hands resting against knees and upper body leaned forward;
2. Shortness of breath (difficulty breathing) often experienced at night; the patient wakes up because of lack of air or cough;
3. Physical load, emotional stress and allergen inhalation may provoke asthma attack;
4. In asthmatic patients colds usually last more than 10 days and it feels like cough is getting deeper into chest;
5. Shortness of breath goes away soon after taking bronchial spasmolytics (medicines dilating bronchi).
An asthma attack may start gradually or suddenly. In either ways the patient need medical care during the attack. If you experience the attack for the first time, get examined by a pulmonologist.
Bronchial asthma treatment
In recent years the attitude towards the treatment of bronchial asthma has changed radically. This has happened due to the latest researches, in the results of which scientists have defined a decisive role of allergic inflammation in respiratory tract problems and hyperactivity (excessive sensitiveness) of bronchi. The two directions in the treatment of bronchial asthma (basic anti-inflammatory therapy and emergency actions in the event of an asthmatic attack) are based on the above mentioned conclusion.
The method of treatment of bronchial asthma is chosen individually for each patient depending on the severity of the disease. As a rule, the severity of the disease is determined after a full examination of the patient and analysis of the symptoms of the disease.
Mild bronchial asthma is characterized by rare attacks (1-2 times a day) which go away soon whether treated or not. Between attacks the general condition of patients with mild asthma is quite normal.
Moderate asthma is characterized by more serious attacks with involvement of cardiovascular system (e.g. palpitation). In this stage of the disease patients should use antispasmodic inhalers.
Severe asthma is characterized by frequent attacks (almost every day or 2-3 times a week) which pose threat to life and require emergency care. Patients with severe asthma suffer from short breath even between the attacks.
Basic anti-inflammatory therapy of bronchial asthma includes corticosteroids (hormonal agents) coming in tablets or inhalers. Inhalation corticosteroids are more preferable, since they have a number of advantages: the agents delivered directly to the respiratory tract work more effectively and do not cause serious side effects.
Emergency care in case of asthma attack:
1. Eliminate the causative allergen;
2. Provide fresh air access, unbutton the cloths;
3. Give the patient an inhalator with antispasmodic effect which was prescribed for him.
4. Repeat the inhalation if no effect is observed in 20 minutes;
5. Call emergency care if the asthma attack symptoms are getting worse.
An asthmatic patient should always maintain close contact with his supervising doctor. As it was mentioned, a specific plan of treatment should be worked out individually for each patient. The plan should be flexible and change depending on the severity and duration of the disease. The patient should regularly be informed about new methods of treatment by his doctor. One of the most effective methods of asthma treatment is a step therapy (different treatment for each stage of the disease). As the symptoms of the bronchial asthma get worse, a more intense therapy is prescribed. In case the symptoms improve and stay stable within 3 months, the doses of the prescribed medicines are reduced and even could be fully withdrawn. The most important goal of step therapy is achievement of prolonged remission (less frequent asthma attacks or their absence).
In the result of such an approach towards treatment of bronchial asthma it has become easier to control the disease and prevent the attacks. Due to this approach life quality of asthmatic patients has improved and their life duration increased.
As a prophylaxis of bronchial asthma professionals recommend exercising, swimming, breathing gymnastics or walking in the park in any weather. At the same time, try to avoid factors promoting development of asthma. Though, it is almost impossible to fully eliminate such allergens as animal hair, dust or pollen, you can reduce the time you contact with them by leaving the place where they are in abundance. It is recommended to change your workplace or even move to another place, in case the allergens you suffer from are associated with your occupation.
And of course, it is important to avoid inflammation of the upper respiratory tract and receive timely treatment in case you get it.
The causes of Achilles tendon injuries
The problems with Achilles tendon are mainly caused by overuse. It may happen during exercising, at work or other activities.
Achilles tendon injury may happen if you start exercising in the period when you are out of shape, or you do not warm-up before work-out.
Uncomfortable shoes that hurt also may lead to torn calf. Very often torn calf occurs in the result of abrupt movements, when too much load is passed on them. It is common in sportsmen while they run or jump. Another risk group that often get tendon injuries are people of middle age. Such types of injuries may also happen during playing basketball, tennis, etc. Very often Achilles tendon is torn when sprained, in the result of inflammation or some other reasons.
Symptoms of Achilles tendon injury
The symptoms and the signs of Achilles tendon are severe calf pain, swelling or inflammation of the tendon and the region around it. At rest you may not feel any pain, it usually appears in motion. A sharp and sudden pain could be felt at the moment of tendon injury. Very often patients with tendon injury are unable to remain on feet and need hospitalization.
Only a healthcare professional may tell you whether your injury is serious. First, your doctor may ask you to describe the pain so that he could determine the seriousness of your condition. If the symptoms do not improve and even get worse, you may have your ankle x-rayed for a more exact diagnose.
The treatment of Achilles tendon injury
The treatment of Achilles tendon injury may include medical therapy and some stretching exercises. You may also need to wear special shoes that do not create excessive pressure on your tendon. The sooner you start the treatment the more chances you will have to avoid further complications of the injury. The treatment of even an insignificant tendon injury may take a considerable period of time before the tendon is rehabilitated and the patient is able to walk and exercise again. In severe cases (torn tendon) a surgery and immobilization may be required. Special exercises which are included in the treatment course can help to accelerate the recovery process and make your leg stronger. The treatment may take from several weeks to a month.
Psoriasis is one of the most common and at the same time mysterious diseases. Nobody can tell for sure what the exact causes of psoriasis are. It is only known that it is a systemic disease of noninfectious etiology. The first symptoms of psoriasis are skin exfoliation and itching. Further on, round pink plaques with scales develop on the skin; when scratched droplets of blood appear on them. With time psoriasis may affect significant areas of skin and nails. But the most dangerous form of the diseases is psoriatic arthritis which damages vessels.
Earlier psoriasis had been treated with small doses of arsenic. Presently it is treated with immunosuppressive agents, creams with vitamin A and D and other ointments. If the disease has reached a more serious phase, blood purification and ultraviolet therapy are usually prescribed. But do not think that you can treat yourself by simply attending a solarium, though UV therapy is almost same thing. Ultraviolet in large doses may worsen the course of the disease.
Most researchers have come to the conclusion that the causes of the psoriasis have neurological nature. They advise psoriatic patients to cope with internal problems, fears, sense of guilt and offence, etc. Psychotherapy sessions indeed may give positive effects in the treatment of psoriasis.
Keep your home or office clean, do not allow dust or animal hair to accumulate on your carpet or bedspread. During the treatment course do not consume too much meat, refuse spicy dishes. If the allergy recurs regularly- consult an allergist so that he could help you to define the allergen that causes allergy in you. With identified allergen it would be easier for you to avoid it further on. If you suffer from seasonal allergic rhinitis (the most common type of allergy also called pollinosis or pollen disease) the symptoms of which are the following: severe itching in the nose, redness in the eye region and lacrimation, you can resort to medical treatment to eliminate them. In severe cases using medicines is indispensible despite their side effects, which may include heart impact, sedative effect and mucous membranes desiccation. A good solution for treating pollinosis exacerbations is homeopathic medicines. For successful treatment of allergy it is first necessary to ascertain its origin. Defining the causative agent is crucial both for the treatment and prophylaxis of the disease. However, it is not that easy to do and very often, even when defined, it is just impossible to get rid of it. Therewith, any manifestation of an allergy is a signal of your body that something is wrong with your immune system. It means that even if you fully neutralize the action of “your” allergen, you cannot be sure something else would not cause allergy in you. That is why the best way of treating allergy is a complex therapy including such methods as elimination therapy (simply speaking creation of hypo-allergic condition at home and workplace), specific immunotherapy and pharmacotherapy. It is also important to keep to special hypo-allergic diet during the treatment.
Allergy is an excessively sensitive response of a body to certain substances (allergens). The mechanism of allergy consists in release of antibodies in human body which may lead to its decreased or increased sensitivity. Allergy symptoms manifest themselves in the form of skin rash, severe irritation of mucous membranes and total exhaustion.
Allergic reaction is a condition developed on the basis of immunological conflict. In diagnosing allergy it is important to define the allergen, its causative relation with clinical manifestations and the type of the immunological reaction. Pathogenetic principle of defining 4 types of allergic reactions is the generally accepted method of diagnosing allergy.
Presently allergic diseases are very common among children and the number of affected children and severity of the disease in children grows every day. Supposedly it is associated with environmental pollution: exhaust, industry waste, etc; and appearing in household use multitudes of synthetic materials and dyes which are potential allergens and may promote spreading allergic diseases. The uncontrolled use of medicines may also lead to the growth of the number of allergic patients. The increased sensitivity to medicines often occurs in the result of unjustified use of several medicines simultaneously, uncontrolled use of antibiotics or your doctor`s insufficient knowledge of pharmacokinetics who prescribed incompatible medicines or wrong dosage for you. Other factors which may play a significant role in the development of an allergy are climate, food habits, heredity, somatic pathologies, etc.
Thus allergy is a pathologically increased response of a human body to specific substances of antigenic nature which usually do not cause any symptoms of disease in people with normal body reaction. Allergy may also be caused by gastrointestinal pathologies, nervous or endocrine system dysfunctions, etc. Any agent which causes antibody response in case of getting into human body can become an incentive for an allergy.
Some people experience sudden drop in blood pressure when they stand up from lying or sitting position. This type of low blood pressure is called postural hypertension.
Postural hypertension is a condition when autonomic nervous system (part of nervous system which controls such vitally important involuntary processes as heartbeat) is unable to respond adequately to sudden changes. When you get up, a significant blood volume flows into your lower extremities. This may cause drop in our blood pressure. But, as a rule, your body compensates this drop by sending by sending impulses to heart to make it to beat faster and to blood vessels to make them contract. Thus, pressure drop is neutralized. Postural hypertension develops when this process does not happen or happens too slowly. The risk of high or low pressure is increased with age and is partially associated with the natural process of aging. Moreover, with age blood supply to brain is worsened due to formation of plaques on the walls of vessels.
The pattern of loss of consciousness in patients with postural hypertension is stereotypical. Fainting usually occurs in the way well known by the patient. In such patients the arterial blood pressure is normal in lying position. They usually lose consciousness at night or in the morning right after getting up from the bed. Unlike vasodepressor fainting, loss of consciousness caused by postural hypertension occurs suddenly and without any precursors. After getting into horizontal position, the arterial pressure of the patient increases to the normal level and the patient comes into consciousness.
First of all, the factor caused persistent decrease of arterial pressure should be revealed and eliminated. The factors causing hypotension include heart pathology, vascular dystonia or malnutrition.
If you suspect that the cause of hypotension is a long-term use of a certain medicine, consult your doctor and discuss the possibility of substitution of this medicine with some other one.
Presently, there is no such a drug which could not be substituted with a medicine which is as effective but has fewer side effects.
Moreover, there are many simple methods and recommendations which can help to improve your condition:
The volume of liquids consumed within a day (up to 2.5 liters (10 glasses)) should be more than the volume recommended to people with normal blood pressure. It is best to use drinks at regular intervals. Patients with hypotension should avoid alcoholic drinks.
Do not restrict your salt consumption if you have not any other condition which may require low salt intake.
It is very important to lead active mode of life. However, you should start exercising with caution: start from lying exercises and only in a while, in case you feel well, you can gradually proceed to vertical position exercises.
If you have to stay long in a standing position (e.g. in line or public transport), make small motions all the time: shift from one foot to the other, roll from heels to toes,etc.
Avoid staying in stuffy rooms.
Use caution when taking shower or bath. Avoid taking hot shower and bath. Warm shower should be taken in a sitting position and never stay long under running water. Short -term cool washings would do you a lot of good.
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Very often chronic arterial hypotension is associated with serious cardiac dysfunction; it is when the heart pumps insufficient quantity of blood per unit time.
Other reasons which may cause hypotension are decreased activity of adrenal cortex or significant weight loss induced by prolonged malnutrition.
Low arterial pressure may also be a consequence of spending many days in lying position (in cases when a doctor told you to keep to bed due to some health conditions).
The risk group also includes patients who have to regularly use some certain medicines such as diuretics, drugs for decreasing arterial pressure (started due to initial increase in blood pressure), drugs for treating some psychic and neurological conditions.
Chronic arterial hypertension could be associated with vegetative nervous system disorder. It is a comparatively rare condition mainly found in elderly men. The main symptom of the diseases in such cases is considerably decreased arterial blood pressure which may lead to fainting or seizures when the patient gets up suddenly. At the same time, the patient`s pressure in lying position, no matter how paradoxical it sounds, could be even higher than the norm. Arterial hypotension is often found in teenagers. The disease may first manifest at the age of 8-9. Persistently low blood pressure rate speaks of the seriousness of the disease. The rates of blood pressure dangerous for health may vary in different age groups:
- at the age of 8-9 – the dangerous rate is below 90/50 mm Hg independently of sex;
-at the age of 11-12- below 80/40 mm Hg in boys and below 90/40 mmHg in girls;
-at the age of 14-15 below 90/40 mm Hg in boys and below 95/50 mm Hg in girls.
Teenagers suffering from hypotension usually complain of dull pressing headache in frontoparietal and parietooccipital regions, which usually starts at school and gets worse in the afternoon, dizziness and fatigue, especially in case of sudden change of body position or infrequent nutrition. Apparent absent-mindedness, inability to concentrate and bad memory are also characteristic of patients with hypotension. Some patients are unable to tolerate emotional and physical loads. Breaks during classes, outdoor physical activity and good sleep may significantly help to relieve the condition of children with hypotension.
Hypotension is a characterized by low arterial pressure. This diseases runs in such a peculiar way, that very often the person who became its victim could be taken as a malingerer, slacker or mollycoddle.
The trouble is that, even professionals find it difficult to give definition to normal arterial pressure. It is considered that it should not exceed 140/90 mm Hg at least in people younger than 40~50 years old. However, according to statistics 20% of adult population have a higher arterial pressure. The lowest threshold of blood pressure is considered 100/60 mm Hg. Nonetheless, many people with even lower blood pressure are virtually healthy and their lifetime exceeds duration of life of people with “normal” arterial pressure.
So, how to define when does the blood pressure is out of norm and at what rate does the disease starts? Patients with genuine arterial hypotension, besides having low blood pressure rate, also feel unwell all the time. They complain of fatigue, weakness, dizziness and fainting (especially when you suddenly change your position by standing or getting up). These symptoms indicate insufficient blood supply to the brain, heart and skeletal muscles.
Surgical treatment is used when the vascular tumor is localized too deep and it could be removed wholly without much cosmetic damage or when other methods of treatment are supposed to be ineffective.
Radiotherapy is used in complicated cases when Hemangioma is localized in areas where other methods of treatment are impossible to use (e.g. eye socket region). Radiotherapy is intended for treating simple Hemangioma, when it affects large areas of skin.
Radiotherapy is carried out by separate fractions with intervals varying from 2-4 weeks to 2-6 months. Tiny Hemangioma localized in regions inaccessible for other methods of treatment are treated with electrocoagulation. Bleeding Hemangioma are treated with electrocoagulation too.
Electrocoagulation is not used for treating deeply located and spreading types of Hemangioma.
Sclerosing is used for treating small but deeply localized vascular tumors, especially cavernous and mixed Hemangioma on the face and tip of the nose. For sclerosing a 70% alcohol is used.
The disadvantages of sclerosing therapy include painfulness and prolonged course of the treatment.
The advantage of injection therapy against other conservative methods consists in its simplicity.
One of the new methods of treatments of spreading Hemangioma in children is hormonal therapy with prednisolone. Hormonal therapy is a rather efficient method of treatment, however its high effectiveness (98%) does not provide desired cosmetic effect. This method stops the vascular tumor growth and is used as a supplemental treatment.
Cryogenic therapy (treatment with low-temperature impact) is used for simple Hemangioma of any localization. It does not require anesthesia and is carried out in the outpatient setting.