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Description

Hives are a sudden eruption of red and white bumps on the skin. While hives are usually itchy, and therefore bothersome, they are generally not dangerous-except in cases of bee or insect stings, when hives indicate a true medical emergency. A case of hives may last for less than 30 minutes or as long as a week.

When the body comes into contact with a substance it considers dangerous, it floods the skin with histamine to combat the problematic substance. Hives result when there is excess buildup of histamine on a particular area of skin. Substances that cause this histamine release differ from person to person, though common irritants include animal dander, pollen, aspirin, penicillin, insect bites, and foods to which the person is allergic.

Signs and Symptoms

A batch of raised, red or white bumps on a localized area of skin

Bumps may appear and disappear suddenly

The affected area may be mildly or severely itchy

Certain people can develop recurrent hives from sunlight, cold, pressure, vibration or exercise. These are called the physical urticarias. If hives develop from scratching or firmly rubbing the skin it is called dermatographism. It is the most common of the physical urticarias and it affects about 5 percent of the population. It doesn’t always itch. This condition sometimes also occurs along with other forms of hives.

Conventional Medical Treatment

Hives often do not usually require medical treatment, but if the hives remain for an extended period of time, see your doctor. After taking your medical history, your physician may ask about your exposure within the last two weeks to any possible irritants. Unfortunately, hives can be caused by such a wide range of irritants that your physician may not be able to identify the exact cause. If the cause is identified, you will be urged to avoid the substance that caused the outbreak. In severe cases, your doctor may prescribe a medication, usually an antihistamine, to treat the condition.

If the hives are accompanied by shortness of breath, fever, nausea, or abdominal cramps, immediately seek medical help. You could be suffering from anaphylactic shock. Many antihistamines are available without prescription, such as diphenhydramine (Benadryl), taken in doses of 25 milligrams and chlorpheniramine (Chlor-Trimeton), taken in a dose of 4 milligrams. These can be taken up to three times a day, but because these medications can cause drowsiness, they are often taken at bedtime.

Aromatherapy

German chamomile oil can help bring relief from itching. Simply place a drop directly on the itchy skin and massage in.

Ayurvedic Medicine

Hives come from excessive heat in the body, say Ayurvedic practitioners. To cool the heat and soothe the maddening itch, they favor eating watermelon as well as drinking coriander milk or cilantro.

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Description

Colitis, or ulcerative colitis as it is also known, is one of the two chronic disorders known as inflammatory bowel syndrome (the other is Crohn’s disease). The exact cause of ulcerative colitis is still unknown, but the condition most commonly affects people of Jewish descent between the ages of 15 and 35 and those who have a family history of the disease.

Ulcerative colitis occurs when tiny ulcers and small abscesses develop on the interior walls of the colon, causing moderate to severe inflammation of the intestinal lining. This inflammation causes diarrhea and abdominal pain. Sometimes the ulcers bleed, streaking the diarrhea with blood. Ulcerative colitis usually affects only a small segment of the intestine, though the entire colon can be effected.

Most individuals with colitis have remission periods-during which they do not experience symptoms-that alternate with flare-ups. In some people these painful flare-ups are brought on by stress; in others the cause of flare-ups is less predictable. In the majority of cases, the condition is more a discomfort than a serious health risk. But approximately 15 percent of sufferers whose entire colons are affected are at increased risk of developing colon cancer.

Signs and Symptoms

Abdominal pain

Diarrhea that contains either blood or pus

Painful, urgent bowel movements

Fever

Fatigue and muscle weakness

Weight loss

Joint pain, skin problems, and eye problems

Conventional Medical Treatment

After taking a detailed history of your symptoms, a physician may perform a barium X-ray, colonoscopy, or sigmoidoscopy to arrive at a diagnosis. Treatment for ulcerative colitis is generally limited to symptomatic periods and typically includes an anti-inflammatory medication, such as sulfasalazine or corticosteroids. An estimated 20 to 25 percent of colitis patients do not respond to medication and need colostomy surgery to remove the affected portion of the colon. If you have had colitis for eight years or more, your physician may suggest an annual colonoscopy to check for cancerous growths.

Also Recommended

flaxseed oil (as directed on label)-protects the lining of the colon

garlic (as directed on label)-has a healing effect on the colon

Multimineral complex with calcium, chromium, magnesium, and zinc (as directed on label)-minerals are not easily absorbed in colitis victims; calcium is needed for the prevention of cancer, which can occur as a result of constant irritation

vitamin C with bioflavonoids (3000 to 5000 mg in divided doses)-boosts immune function and heals mucous membranes; use in buffered form

(For an acute condition, take supplements until your symptoms subside. If symptoms persist, seek the advice of your health care provider. For a chronic condition, consult your health care provider regarding the duration of treatment.)

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Basic Description

A first-degree burn is the most minor type of burn. It only affects the outer layer of skin-the burn is at the surface only. First-degree burns can be caused by the sun (sunburns), chemicals, or heated objects or fluids.

With a second-degree burn, the top layer of skin has been burned through and the second layer of skin has also been burned (though not burned through). Second-degree burns also can be caused by the sun (sunburns), fire, chemicals, or heated objects or fluids.

A third-degree burn is an extremely severe burn that damages the top and bottom layers of skin and the underlying layers of fat, nerves, muscles, and even bones. The area will be charred black or white and will be dry and Powdery. Third-degree burns are usually caused by fire, though they can also be caused by chemicals or electrical wires.

Signs and Symptoms

First-Degree

Pink or red areas that mayor may not be accompanied by swelling and blisters

Tenderness or pain at the site

Second-Degree

Mottled, intensely red areas

Blistering at the site, sometimes accompanied by oozing fluid

Intense pain

Swelling

Third-Degree

Charred black and/or white areas

Visible bone, fat, nerves and/or muscles

Victim may be in shock or unconscious

First and second-degree burns often accompany third-degree burns

Severe pain, or if the nerves have been burned, lack of feeling

Conventional Medical Treatment

Unless the first-degree burn is accompanied by more serious burns, or covers large areas of the hands, feet, face, groin, buttocks, or major joint, you can treat it at home. If the second-degree burn is limited to an area 3 inches in diameter or smaller, it can also be treated at home. If the skin is unbroken, run cool water over the area or soak it in a cool bath. Either way, keep the area submerged for 2 to 4 minutes. Then cover the burn with a sterile bandage or clean cloth. Minor burns usually heal without further attention. If an infection sets in, see your physician.

If the second-degree burn is larger than 3 inches in diameter, or has occurred on the feet, face, groin, buttocks, hands, or major joint, immediately go to your physician or hospital emergency room.

If any part of the body contains third-degree burns, immediately call an ambulance. If you are a bystander, check to see if the burn victim is breathing. If not, perform cardiopulumonary resuscitation (CPR). (If you are not trained in CPR, find someone who is.) If the person is breathing, cover the burned areas with a cool, moist, sterile bandage or a clean sheet (make sure it is a flatweave sheet rather than a fuzzy one). Do not apply any oils, ointments, or lotions, and do not move the victim.

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Description

Unlike osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis is an inflammatory, not degenerative, disease. It first appears as an inflammation in a joint’s synovium, the membrane that lines and lubricates the joint. Once inflamed, the membrane thickens and become sore and swollen-which in turn may limit the affected joint’s movement. In time, this inflammation spreads to other parts of the affected joint, causing even more stiffness and pain. Eventually, the inflammation can spread to organs, such as the heart, lungs, and eyes. Its ability to spread throughout the body makes rheumatoid arthritis a systemic disease-a disease that affects the entire body.

Inflammation is not a harmful state, per se. It’s actually your body’s normal response to infections and injuries, caused when your white cells battle an invading organism. Typically, the inflammation subsides after the infection is wiped out. However, with rheumatoid arthritis, the autoimmune system seems to fight the body instead of protecting it.

While the disease can strike at any time, it usually occurs between the ages 20 and 50. It affects approximately three times as many women as men.

Unlike illnesses that have a set progression of symptoms, rheumatoid arthritis is unpredictable. What symptoms appear, how often they appear, and what joints and organs are affected vary widely, depending on the individual. In some sufferers, rheumatoid arthritis will flare up occasionally, only to be followed by periods of normal health. Others experience recurring attacks without returning to a state of full wellness in between. Many experience a slow and steady increase in the severity of their symptoms over time.

Some people with rheumatoid arthritis develop small lumps under the skin near the elbow, ears, or nose, or on the back of the scalp, over the knee, or under the toes. Called rheumatoid nodules, these painless and non-problematic bumps range from the size of a pea to the size of a Ping-Pong ball.

While medical experts have not identified a single cause for rheumatoid arthritis, possibilities include heredity, viral or bacterial infection, and emotional stress.

Signs and Symptoms

Pain, swelling, redness, and warmth in the affected joint-most commonly affects the smaller joints of your hands and feet, but elbows, knees, and ankles can be affected

Usually affects joints symmetrically (both hands, for example)

Overall stiffness and achiness, especially after periods of stillness, such as sleeping or long plane rides

Symptoms are worse in the early morning and lessen as the day progresses. General malaise/weakness

Anemia

Pain usually occurs during rest and movement

Conventional Medical Treatment

A series of blood tests, along with a thorough physical exam and medical history, can confirm whether you have rheumatoid arthritis. X-rays may also be helpful. Strategies for treating rheumatoid arthritis differ, depending on whether it is active or in remission. During a flare-up, a combination of rest, heat, and medication is prescribed. Anti-inflammatory drugsaspirin, in particular are the first line of treatment and may ease symptoms. There are several other medications used to treat rheumatoid arthritis. Your doctor may prescribe gold salts, penicellamine, methotrexate, azathioprine, or anti-malarials, depending on how your symptoms progress. Corticosteroids can temporarily relieve pain and inflammation, but they are usually reserved for those with more serious disease.

Physical therapy plays a major role in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis. It is most effective when swelling and inflammation of the joint are suppressed with medications. Physical therapy can reduce deformity and restore function.

In severe cases, surgical removal of affected joint lining can prevent damage to other joint structures and cartilage. Another surgical procedure fuses the painful, uncushioned bones together but is only performed on the wrist, feet, ankles, and thumbs because it restricts motion. Tendon transfer is another surgical option for repairing damaged tendons and ligaments it is performed most frequently on the hands. Another option is arthroplasty, or joint replacement, which is usually performed on knees, hips, and shoulders.

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Description

Cavity is a hole in the tooth’s protective enamel layer. Cavities are the result of tooth decay, process triggered by bacteria in the mouth, sugary food, and a vulnerable tooth surface. The bacteria in your mouth help with digestion by converting a portion of the sugars and carbohydrates you consume into acid. This acid and bacteria can combine with mucus and food particles to form a sticky deposit called dental plaque, which clings to the surfaces of your teeth. If it is not brushed away, the acid in plaque erodes the outer enamel surface of the tooth. These points of erosion are called cavities, or dental caries. In time, the acid can move further into the tooth, invading the interior dentin material, and in severe cases, tunneling through the tooth to the root.

Of course, this process does not happen overnight A cavity takes time to develop. It can take a year or more for a cavity to develop in permanent teeth, or less than a year in primary teeth (children’s first set of teeth).

Signs and Symptoms

Pain in a specific tooth a dull ache or shooting stab when the tooth is exposed to hot and cold temperatures and sugary substances

In advanced cases, a dark spot will appear on the tooth (though it may be on a surface that you cannot see)

Conventional Medical Treatment

If you feel pain in a tooth, schedule a visit with your dentist. The dentist physically examines the tooth and may take X-rays before diagnosing a cavity. Standard cavity treatment involves drilling away the decayed portion of the tooth, then plugging the resulting hole with silver amalgam, gold inlay, or tooth-colored plastic resin. This “plug” is known as a filling.

If the cavity is so deep that it has burrowed. into the tooth’s root, you must get a root canal. In a root canal, the dentist removes the tooth’s nerve and vascular tissue as well as the decayed portion of the tooth. The resulting canal is then sterilized and filled with a dental cement.

Complementary and Alternative Treatments

Nutrition and Supplementation

A healthy diet is very important for building strong teeth. Include calcium-rich foods in your meals, especially broccoli, dark leafy greens, milk, yogurt, sardines and canned salmon (with bones), and sesame seeds. Eat raw fruits and vegetables to keep your saliva from becoming too acidic.

Avoid refined sugars, white flour products, exssive amounts of sweets and carbonated soft drinks (which are high in sugar). Substitute desserts made with fresh fruit or yogurt. Use honey instead of sugar to sweeten desserts and beverages.

Experts recommend the following daily supplements for adults:

calcium (1500 mg)-essential for strong, healthy teeth

magnesium (750 mg)-balances with calcium

vitamin A (5000 IU)-important for tooth formation

vitamin B complex (50 mg)-maintains healthy gums

vitamin D (400 IU)-aids in calcium absorption and helps heal gums

vitamin C (3000 mg)-protects against infection (Do not use in chewable form.)

Aromatherapy

The essential oils of caraway, clove, niaouli, and nutmeg can help quiet the throbbing pain of a toothache caused by cavity. Using the tip of your finger, apply a single drop of one of these essential oils to the gum surrounding the painful tooth. If the oil is irritating to your gum, dilute it with 1 or 2 drops of safflower oil. Use the oil just until you’re able to see a dentist for treatment.

Ayurvedic Medidne

Ayurvedic practitioners recommend having cavities treated by a dentist as soon as possible. Until you can see your doctor, however, applying one of the following remedies directly to the affected tooth may bring pain relief: paste or oil made from sesame seeds, or a blend of powdered ginger, ground cardamom, and licorice extract.

Hydrotherapy

Some hydrotherapists suggest using either a hot-water bottle or an ice pack on the jaw near the tooth to lessen pounding dental pain. Others advise using a charcoal compress. To make the compress, simply combine 1 tablespoon of activated powdered charcoal and enough water to make a paste. Apply the mixture to a piece of gauze and place the gauze over the affected tooth. Bite down to hold the compress in place and to allow the charcoal to ooze around the tooth.



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Description

Infertility is a condition that currently affects some five million Americans. The condition is defined by the inability to conceive a child after having healthy sexual relations for one year without using birth control. The condition can be caused by a problem with either the male or the female reproductive system. In fact, in approximately 40 percent of infertility cases, the problems are attributed to the man; and 40 percent are related to the woman. In approximately 20 percent of infertility cases, no cause is determined.

There are a multitude of physical factors, in both men and women, that can lead to infertility. In men, infertility can be caused by impotence, low ***** count, absence of ***** in the semen, or production of malformed *****. In women, the condition can result from irregular ovulation, obstruction or dysfunction of the fallopian tubes, or abnormalities of the cervix or uterus, such as polyps. One major risk factor for infertility in women is age. Many women today are waiting until their thirties or forties to conceive a child, which increases their risk of becoming infertile.

Signs and Symptoms

The inability to conceive after one year of regular, unprotected sexual intercourse

Conventional Medical Treatment

If you (or your partner) are unable to conceive after a year of trying, visit your physician or fertility specialist for a fertility evaluation. This evaluation involves ruling out underlying conditions in both partners that can impair fertility, such as sexually transmitted diseases, an overactive or underactive thyroid, substance abuse, pelvic conditions, and prostate conditions.

A man should visit his urologist for an examination and tests, many of which are non-invasive and painless. Usually, ejaculated ***** is collected or is examined for quality and quantity.

A woman should visit her gynecologist for examination and testing. These tests include any of the following:

Hormonal tests to confirm that ovulation is occurring monthly

Endometrial biopsy-a small portion of endometrial tissue is tested to determine whether and when ovulation is occurring and whether the uterine lining is hormonally prepared

Hysteroscopy-a flexible fiberoptic device used to examine the interior of the cervix and uterus for irregularities

Hysterosalpingography-radiography (often performed under general anesthesia) to evaluate the condition of the uterus and fallopian tubes

Laparoscopy-an incision is made beneath the navel, and a needle inserted into the abdominal cavity to test whether there are any block ages in the fallopian tubes and uterus

If any of these tests reveal an underlying condition that is affecting fertility, the condition is treated and fertility may be restored.

For example, if a man has a low ***** count, artificial insemination-implanting healthy donor ***** into a woman’s uterus-is one option. Women who do not produce eggs regularly may be prescribed a medication-such as clomipene citrate (Clomid) or human menopausal gonadotropin (Pergonal)-to induce ovulation or encourage the body to produce more than one egg at a time.

For those in whom no precise cause for infertility is found, or for whom other treatments have failed, there are still available options. In vitro fertilization, a form of assisted fertility, is one possibility. During this procedure, the man’s ***** and an egg extracted from the woman are combined in a petri dish; the fertilized egg is then implanted into the woman’s uterus. It is important to remember that many of these tests and therapies are stressful, expensive, and time-consuming. Counseling is often essential for the couple experiencing infertility.



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Description

Celiac disease is a type of malabsorption syndrome. During digestion, food is broken down into nutrient molecules that can be absorbed by the bloodstream. In people with malabsorption syndrome, nutrients are not released into the bloodstream but are instead eliminated in the stool. As a result, the body does not get the nutrients it needs from food.

Also called celiac sprue, celiac disease is a relatively uncommon ailment, affecting approximately 1 person in 1000. It is caused by a sensitivity to gluten, a substance found in wheat, rye, oats, and barley. With extended exposure to gluten, the intestinal lining loses the tiny folds through which nutrients are absorbed and stops producing adequate amounts of digestive enzymes.

While the precise cause of gluten sensitivity is unknown, celiac disease is believed to be hereditary. The disease is diagnosed most often in children, though it can appear in adults with no prior sensitivity to gluten.

Signs and Symptoms

Abdominal pain or cramps

Bloating

Diarrhea

Foul-smelling, grayish stools that may float and may be larger than normal

Gas

General weakness and fatigue

Weight loss

In children, failure to grow or muscle weakness

Conventional Medical Treatment

To diagnose celiac disease, your physician may take a stool sample and a barium X-ray of your small intestine. You may also have to have a biopsy (tissue sample) taken from the lining of your small intestine. Celiac disease is usually treated with a strict gluten-free diet. When carefully followed, a gluten-free diet allows the villi of the small intestines to resume their normal shape and absorption ability. Within two to four months, you should resume normal digestion and will begin to regain weight.

Complementary and Alternative Treatments

Nutrition and Supplementation

The number one enemy of celiac is gluten in any form. Avoid all products containing barley, rye, wheat, oats, hydrolyzed vegetable or plant protein, textured vegetable protein, malt, modified food starch, binders, fillers, and “natural flavorings.” Do not eat hot dogs, gravies, luncheon meat, beer, mustard, catsup, non-dairy creamer, white vinegar, curry powder, or seasonings. Be sure your nutritional supplements do not contain gluten. Gluten-free products are available at health food stores, call 800-633-3826 and ask for a gluten-free product catalog.

Because lactose intolerance often occurs with liac disease, eliminate milk and dairy products from your diet. For optimum health, breastfeed your child for a longer period of time and postpone introducing cow’s milk and grains into the diet until the child is older. Do not eat sugary products, processed foods, bouillon cubes, chocolate, or bottled salad dressings.

Although it may sound as though there aren’t any foods left to eat, you can and should eat foods rich in folic acid, such as green leafy vegetables, lentils, seeds, nuts, and beans. Be sure to include raisins, strawberries, raspberries, fresh vegetables, sunflower seeds, and rice bran. Pay close attention to your intake of iron and B vitamins; people with celiac disease are often deficient in these nutrients.

Because celiac disease affects the intestine, your body is unable to absorb many vital nutrients. Make sure your healthcare professional checks your digestion and nutrient absorption. Supplementation is necessary, and the daily guidelines that follow should help manage your symptoms. (Note: To avoid any digestive problems you should gradually build up to these amounts. Always do so under the supervision of your healthcare professional.)



medical treatment

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Description

Indigestion is a symptom that is caused by a number of stomach conditions, including hiatal hernia, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), Helicobacter pylori, heartburn, and dyspepsia. Because many of these conditions can pose serious health risks, it is important to visit your healthcare provider in order to properly diagnose the reason for your indigestion. The condition usually occurs after eating. People experience indigestion for a variety of reasons-after eating a specific food, after eating too much food, after drinking alcohol or carbonated beverages, or after smoking cigarettes. The frequency of occurrence also varies from person to person. Approximately one in ten adults experiences indigestion weekly, while approximately one in three experiences it monthly.

Heartburn, a problem affecting the esophagus, is perhaps the most common type of indigestion. Your esophagus is a 10-inch-long tube leading from the back of your mouth to your stomach. Food travels down the esophagus to the lower esophageal sphincter, a muscle that opens to allow food to pass into the stomach and closes to prevent food and acids from escaping from the stomach into the esophagus. Heartburn occurs when this lower esophageal sphincter is weak or dysfunctional, allowing stomach acid to escape.

People who are overweight are at increased risk for developing indigestion because excess weight can increase pressure on the abdomen which, in turn, can make it difficult for the lower esophageal sphincter to stay tightly shut. Pregnant women also experience a higher incidence of the condition because they, too, experience increased pressure on the abdomen. In addition, people who smoke are at increased risk because cigarettes relax the lower esophageal sphincter.

Signs and Symptoms

Abdominal tenderness and distention

Feeling of fullness and discomfort in the upper abdomen

Burning sensation in the chest, often originating in the upper abdomen and radiating to the neck

Regurgitation of bitter liquid into the throat or mouth, commonly when lying down

Nausea and vomiting

Conventional Medical Treatment

If you suffer from indigestion only occasionally, you may experience relief by taking over-the-Counter antacids, which neutralize gastric acids. You also can prevent future cases of indigestion by avoiding any food or drink that irritate your stomach.

If you experience indigestion frequently, see your doctor, who will try to determine when your indigestion occurs, what foods and drinks seem to trigger it, in what part of the abdomen the discomfort is strongest, and how long it typically last. Your physician also may want to run a series of tests to make sure that your indigestion is not being caused by a more serious condition, such as gastroesophageal reflux disease, colon cancer, stomach ulcer, gastritis, pancreatic disease, or irritable bowel syndrome. A barium X-ray, endoscopic examination of the digestive tract, or stool sample may be necessary. In order to rule out disorders of the pancreas, liver, or gallbladder, your doctor also may recommend an ultrasound examination of those organs.

If over-the-counter products do not offer relief, your physician may prescribe cimetidine (Tagamet), ranitidine (Zantac), famotidine (Pepcid), or omeprazole (Prilosec) to block acid production in the stomach. A medication that increases the strength of the lower esophageal sphincter, such as metocopramide or bethanechol, also may be prescribed.



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