Hemorrhoids: Important information one must know
Hemorrhoids are sometimes referred to as piles. These are small lumps or swellings in a person’s anus and in the areas sorrounding it. Hemorrhoids are usually the product of too much pressure in the anus. It can happen to anyone without bias as to gender or age.
What are the effects of hemorrhoids?
Like any disease, at the onset, hemorrhoids are far from deadly but if left untreated it can also lead to more serious health problems. Its effects are also be far reaching and can severely affect the normal functioning of the individual.
Hemorrhoids can have the following effects:
1) Physical pain such and discomfort because of the difficulty in passing stool and because of irritation.
2) Psychological pain brought about by the discomfort
3) Social stigma.
Hemorrhoids symptoms
Hemorrhoids usually have the following manifestations:
1) Prevalence of irritaion in the rectum
2) Appearance of swelling in the anal area.
3) Stools are hard and dry making it difficult to pass out.
4) There is sometimes irritation in the rectum.
5) Stools are sometimes stained with blood.
6) In the advanced stages, lumps can already be observed in the anus.
Causes of hemorrhoids
There are a number of studies pointing out that hemorrhoids are products of an interplay of a person’s lifestyle, eating habits and work. Here are the usual causes of hemorrhoids:
1) Poor bowel movement. Individuals who do not do regular bowel movements are prone to have hemorrhoids.
2) Eating patterns such as when individuals eat less fiber.
3) Pregnancy
4) Workplace such as temperature, prolonged sitting or lifting heavy objects
5) No physical exercise
6) Obesity
Precuations for Hemorrhoids
It may be daunting to hear all of these things about hemorrhoids. As the doctors always say, prevention is better than cure. Although hemorrhoids is a condition that can easily be treated, it alway pay to do preventive measure so we can avoid the hassle. Here are some recommendations:
1) Getting a regular dose of physical exercise. This is the most basic precautionary measure for hemorrhoids.
2) Fibrous diet. Eating foods that are rich in fiber helps in flushing out stool easily in the rectum avoiding too much pressure in the anal walls.
3) Drinking plenty of fluids. The water will help out to soften the stools so the invididual will not have difficulty in excreting them. If the stools are soft, there will be less pressure in the anus.
4) Have a regular defecation schedule. Condition yourself to do defecation in certain hours of the day such as in the morning.
5) Avoid lifting heavy items as this strains the anus.
Know more about hemroids and its treatment in an online guide for symptoms, causes and relief of hemorrhoids Article Source:http://www.articlesbase.com/diseases-and-conditions-articles/hemorrhoids-important-information-one-must-know-841200.html
Cure For Fatigue And Lack Of Energy
The prime cause for fatigue and lack of energy is said to be the absence of nutrition and unhealthy eating. Sleeping disorders such as insomnia, sleep apnea and lack of enough sleep due to emotional stress and workload are other proved reason for this condition. Today’s busy life that lack well balanced diet and adequate sleep leads to physical and mental exhaustion in people, causing extreme fatigue, tiredness and lack of energy. Our present dietary habits, over-stress and mental depression, unhealthy work environment, sleeplessness etc result in fatigue. Signs and symptoms of serious energy loss include confusion, dizziness, blurred vision, fever, dry skin, constipation, intolerance to cold, disturbed sleep, weakness, headaches, exhaustion, vertigo, palpitations, feelings of muscle weakness, shortness of breath, etc.
Fatigue and lack of energy has become a common health issue requiring special attention before being totally collapsed. Today’s sedentary life that lacks proper physical activity is also one of the main reasons for fatigue. Chronic infection, parasites, diabetes, cancer, autoimmune diseases like arthritis, lupus, liver or kidney disease are also associated with this condition. Hormonal imbalance and natural aging is another reasons for fatigue that can be cured with effective hormone treatments and anti-aging techniques. Adrenal deficiency that is caused by stress and cease of estrogen hormone in women after menopause is also responsible for tiredness and mental discomfort. The excess use of alcohol, drugs, smoking and caffeine consumption also pave way for fatigue. People with usual use of medications such as tranquilizers, sleeping pills, diuretics, steroid and drugs for heart diseases and blood pressure are also prone to risks for fatigue and lack of energy.
There are various reasons for fatigue and lack of energy that can be experienced differently in different people. Some people find it hard to get out of their bed in the morning due to the feeling of laziness, while some others feel drowsy and inactive throughout the day experiencing extreme weariness, lack of concentration, memory lapses, etc along with the negative effects on work and family relationships. In addition to various physical and psychological reasons, fatigue and lack of energy can be caused by other common causes such as heart diseases, hypothyrodism, pueumonia, hemochromatosis, anemia, urinary infections, pain, asthma, allergies etc. Change of lifestyle with healthy well balanced eating, regular exercise, plenty of water intakes, stress management, having regular scheduled sleeping patterns, etc can help in curing or preventing the risks for fatigue effectively.
Generally, fatigue and lack of energy is comforted by getting adequate sleep and reducing stress in the surroundings. In addition, several efficient meditations are available for low energy. Today, there are natural energy supplements with herbal ingredients and plant derived minerals to help reduce stress and fatigue. Most of them are a good source of high quality multi-vitamins and nutrients to improve cellular function and make the supply of energy more efficient. As these products provide the necessary vitamins, minerals and essential fatty acids, they are highly efficient in preventing this condition. These supplements not only facilitate fight fatigue but also improve strength of immune system, general vitality and overall functioning of the system. Relaxation therapies, acupuncture, yoga etc are other alternative cure for relief.
Mary John writing for http://xtend-life.com, there always been a time where you are struggling out of triedness and have lots to do, this is mainly due to lack of energy. Here are few measures and treatment for fatigue caused due to lack of energy Article Source:http://www.articlesbase.com/diseases-and-conditions-articles/cure-for-fatigue-and-lack-of-energy-841202.html
Arachnoid Cyst Awareness
Arachnoid Cyst Awareness, a non-profit organization, is the only organization of its kind. Its sole purpose is to educate and support Arachnoid Cyst patients and their families.
Aarchnoid Cysts are a very rare type of brain tumor that can have a severely debilitating effect on anyone unfortunate to have one.
In 2003 a young woman by the name of Dia DiCristino suffered eleven brain surgeries because of her Arachnoid Cyst and the problems it caused: Bacterial Meningitis, reaccumulation of the Arachnoid Cyst, Hydrocephalus, Paralysis and more. There was no organization at the time for someone like her to turn to, so she founded and created Arachnoid Cyst Awareness. Since 2003 thousands of Arachnoid Cyst patients and their family members have joined in the fight to raise awareness for the symptoms Arachnoid Cyst patients suffer from on a daily basis, that are often misdiagnosed or overlooked: dystonia, dysphagia, aphasia, spasticity, vertigo, severe headaches and backaches, and so many more.
In addition to supporting those with Arachnoid Cysts, ACA helps those with any related condition such as Dany Walker Syndrom, Chiari Malformation, Adhesive Arachnoiditis, Arachnoiditis, Hydrocephalus and Syringomyelia. Arachnoid Cyst patients can sometimes have one or two of these disorders of the brain: e.g. A person can have an Arachnoid Cyst in the brain and also Arachnoiditis of the spinal cord. Sometimes this comes about because of entire Arachnoid Membrane being diseased and scarred.
There are many organizations out there for brain tumors in general, but ACA is the only one dedicating itself solely to Arachnoid Cysts.
Paul O’Grady is the author of Orphan Disorders of the Brain, and has suffered from a brain tumor which nearly killed him. He spends his time writing and playing with his two cats in New York City. Article Source:http://www.articlesbase.com/diseases-and-conditions-articles/arachnoid-cyst-awareness-838915.html
Back Pain – SI Joint Dysfunction
Sacroiliac joint pain
Sacroiliac (SI) joint pain has gained a lot of attention in the last ten years as an underappreciated cause of back pain with some studies indicating it is responsible for 15% to 40% of low back pain. The increased attention is due to the increasing knowledge of the SI joints intimate role in pelvic stability. I hope more physicians consider SI joint pain in their differential after reading this article.
Pathophysiology
SI joint dysfunction due to inflammation within the joint itself is called sacroilitis. Pain from within the SI joint is common in rheumatoid patients and spondyloarthropathies.
The other cause of SI joint dysfunction stems from instability of the SI joint. Many experts feel that SI joint pain is a component of a larger problem of pelvic instability (1). Pelvic instability has traditionally been underappreciated as a cause of low back pain, buttock pain, groin pain, and leg pain. Physical therapists and doctors of osteopathic medicine have been teaching these concepts for years but only relatively recently has this dissemination of knowledge trended towards mainstream thinking among medical doctors.
The SI joint complex (the SI joint and its associated ligaments) is the major support structure of the pelvic ring and is the strongest ligament complex in the body. The complex consists of interosseous sacroiliac ligaments, iliolumbar ligaments, posterior sacroiliac ligaments, and the sacrotuberous and sacrospinous ligaments. The SI joints are two of the three joints involved in the stability of the pelvic ring. The pelvic ring is the meeting place of the force vectors from the upper body and the lower extremities. The third joint in the pelvic ring is the pubis symphysis. Pelvic instability causes pelvic rotation which can also cause twisting of the pubis symphysis. Coupling this with its anterior location appears to provide an explanation as to why patients with SI joint instability can also experience anterior groin pain. Anecdotal evidence for this is seen when patients undergo a successful SI joint intra-articular injection relieving all of their posterior back, buttock, and leg symptoms but the patient still has groin pain. Groin pain is almost never eliminated by SI joint injections unless pelvic symmetry is corrected.
If the SI joints are unstable, it can lead to significant pain and discomfort over the SI joints as well as numerous referred areas. If an individual affected by SI joint pain has pain only over his or her SI joint, he/she should be considered lucky. Most often SI joint instability causes unnatural strain on the entire low back and pelvic region causing a sometimes confusing clinical picture. Pain referral patterns of SI joint pain are often confused with L5 or S1 radiculitis or radiculopathies.
Referral patterns of SI joint dysfunction (2)
SI joint dysfunction often presents with a confusing clinical presentation.
1. Buttock pain 94%
2. Lower lumbar pain 74%,
3. Lower extremity pain 50%, with 28% of these lower extremity pains going distal to the knee
4. Pain goes all the way into the foot 13%. Younger patients are more likely to refer pain distal to the knee.
5. Groin pain 14%.
Most patients with SI joint instability also experience pain over the buttock region due to secondary muscle spasm of the gluteus muscles and piriformis complex. Lower extremity symptoms are explained by the piriformis muscles natural tendency to spasm or tighten over the sciatic nerve whenever the SI joint is out of alignment. This spasm of gluteus and piriformis muscles can cause a mechanical crowding or impingement of the sciatic nerve as it exits just below the SI joint (see figure 1. note the intimate association of the piriformis muscle, SI joint, and sciatic nerve). Patients often complain of buttock pain and radiation of pain down to the knee and even down to the foot. Not all back pain and leg pains are due to a pinched a nerve from an intervertebral disk herniation. SI joint dysfunction very closely mimics S1 or L5 radiculitis’ or radiculopathies because of the above described sciatic nerve irritation or impingement.
Groin pain and abdominal pain are not uncommon with SI joint instability. Often times the groin pain is mistaken as a urologic problem like pudendal neuralgia, prostatitis, genitofemoral neuralgia, or sterile epidydymitis(1). This is likely either due to unnatural tension on the nerves and ligaments around the pubis symphysis or actual impingement of the pudendal nerve which lies between the sacrospinous ligament and sacrotuberous ligament. The distance between these two ligaments abruptly narrows when the Ilium and sacrum are out of alignment i.e. SI joint instability.
The typical history of SI joint dysfunction consists of lateral or bilateral low back pain almost always below the pelvic rim. Pain can also radiate into the hip, groin, pelvis, leg, and foot. The most common location of pain is in the buttock with pain extending down to the knee. Females are much more affected than males though the ratio is unclear. The mechanism of injury is a continuum from completely atraumatic events to more obvious trauma like motor vehicle accidents, childbirth, or falls. A little over one third of failed back surgery patients suffer from SI joint dysfunction. In my practice, I often see patients who lose a substantial amount of weight and then develop SI joint dysfunction. The etiology of this is unclear. Women who have had multiple births also seem to have a higher incidence of SI joint dysfunction. The symptoms may be acute or may present as a remote or cumulative injury with chronic waxing and waning of symptoms with slow progression over time. Patients often experience some degree of temporary relief with manipulation. Patients must change positions frequently to avoid pain. This is called “Theater Party Cocktail Syndrome”. Patient’s legs can also feel like they’re going to give out, but with objective testing of motor strength, no dysfunction is found. This is called a “Slipping Crutch syndrome”. Patients usually have a difficult time sleeping and getting out of bed in the morning can be excruciatingly painful. Continued movement after waking up tends to improve the pain.
There are many provocative physical exam maneuvers used to help establish the diagnosis of SI joint dysfunction. Going through each one of these provocative maneuvers is beyond the scope of this article. It is important to note that the predictive value of provocative SI joint maneuvers in determining SI joint dysfunction is only 60%(4). The conclusion of a recent study by Slipman et al(5), was that physical exam techniques can at best enter SI joint dysfunction into the differential diagnosis of a patient’s low back pain. Of the alleged signs of sacroiliac joint pain, maximum pain below L5 coupled with pointing to the PSIS or local tenderness just medial to the PSIS (sacral sulcus) has the highest positive predictive value (PPD) at 60%(4).
Diagnosis
The gold standard for making a diagnosis of SI joint dysfunction is a fluoroscopically guided SI joint injection. Fluoroscopy is needed to accurately and consistently inject the sacroiliac joint. Only 12% of patients had intra-articular SI joint injections when fluoroscopy was not utilized (3). Also important is to anesthetize the entire SI joint complex. In my experience as an interventional pain physician this cannot be consistently done by palpation alone, especially in obese patients. It is humbling to see anatomy change under fluoroscopic guidance. What you perceive with palpation is sometimes markedly different than the actual location of the structure that you palpate. Also vitally important is that these diagnostic injections are followed up with another physical exam while the patient is in the recovery room. Sending a patient home, having them follow up in several weeks, and then determining if this “diagnostic” injection was successful has consistently been shown to be an inaccurate way of establishing a pathoanatomic diagnosis.
Treatments
There is no one specific treatment for SI joint dysfunction which helps all patients. The treatment varies if the dysfunction is intra-articular (inflammatory), or if it’s a lack of stability. Conservative treatment should first be tried including the manipulation by a qualified physical therapist or osteopathic physician to restore normal motion and balance, home self-correction exercises, a walking program (avoid heavy axial loading maneuvers), and core strengthening exercises (Pilates, Yoga, or guided physical therapy). Some patients also benefit from a quality SI joint support belt. If conservative therapy is not helpful then I recommend a diagnostic SI joint complex injection. The injection should include the SI joint ( intra-articularly) and the supporting ligaments with pain relief lasting for the duration of the local anesthetic and achieving greater than 75% pain relief. If there is any question about the positivity of this diagnostic test, it should be repeated.
Radiofrequency Denervation
If the diagnosis has been established by an intra-articular SI joint injection and pain relief using conservative therapy affords no long-term pain relief, then consideration for other treatments can be made. Radiofrequency denervation of an SI joint carries about a 65% success rate for patients who have failed other conservative therapies and only mild instability around the joint. The procedure involves the neurotomy of the lateral branch nerves that lay over the sacrum and innervate the posterior SI joint. The advantage of SI joint radiofrequency is that it is a very safe procedure with almost no documented morbidity.
Prolotherapy
Another treatment for SI joint pain is Prolotherapy. Prolotherapy works by stimulating an inflammatory cascade which leads to fibroblastic activity thereby strengthening the entheses of ligaments and tendons. Prolotherapy on SI joints usually requires very strong Prolotherapy solutions. In my experience, hypertonic Dextrose Prolotherapy only relieves 20 to 30% of most patients’ pain. More aggressive prolotherapy usually reduces pain by 50% or greater in roughly 75% of patients. The greatest advantage of Prolotherapy is that it is provides a level of permanent relief.
SI joint Fusion
If the patient fails radiofrequency and prolotherapy, the last treatment option would be consideration for an SI joint fusion. The outcome data on SI joint fusions is not highly favorable. However, there are new minimally invasive SI joint fusions that have recently been approved by the FDA that appear promising. Patients with very diffuse pelvic pain and leg pains are not good candidates for fusion surgery.
Mark A. Janiga, MD, DABPM, is a practicing medical physician at Minnesota Interventional Pain Associates in Minnesota. http://www.mnpain.comArticle Source:http://www.articlesbase.com/diseases-and-conditions-articles/back-pain-si-joint-dysfunction-839238.html
Diabetes Type 2 : Myth about
Diabetes Type 2 : Myth about
There has been a lot of research done over recent years about the causes of type 2 diabetes. For example, doctors now realize more than ever before that type 2 diabetes is prevalent in the bloodline of families. It is very common for a person that has type 2 diabetes to find out that one or more of his relatives also had the disease. Therefore, type 2 diabetes has been labeled as an illness that is genetic.
Insulin Resistance The Major Factor In Type 2 Diabetes
While people with type 1 diabetes do not have enough insulin running through their bodies, those with type 2 diabetes actually have plenty of insulin. The problem is that they just do not respond to insulin in the normal ways a healthy person would. In other words, people with type 2 diabetes are what is called "insulin resistant".
There are definitely signs of being insulin resistant before a person is actually diagnosed with type 2 diabetes. However, these signs are often ignored for years before the disease has set in. For example, a person can get a simple test that will show if the amount of insulin in their blood is higher than normal. Right now you can be a totally healthy person, eat right, exercise, and avoid drugs and alcohol, but you may have lower insulin resistance. By getting tested in knowing this information early, you can take steps to preventing type 2 diabetes.
Myths About Type 2 Diabetes
Do not get too paranoid after reading through the common signs and symptoms of type 2 diabetes. Although it is very important that you go see your doctor to get checked, it is also just as important to make sure that you are not the victim of false beliefs about type 2 diabetes. Below are some common falsehoods that people have about the causes of type 2 diabetes:
Stress is the cause of Type 2 diabetes : This is not true. While stress is a leading factor in many illnesses, high levels of stress have not been proven to cause diabetes. However, stress can definitely worsen the disease by triggering off other medical conditions.
Too much sugar is the cause of Type 2 diabetes? Eating high quantities of sugar does not necessarily cause diabetes. However, just like eating too much of anything, it will make you fat and lead to obesity – which is a leading cause of diabetes.
Type 2 diabetes is gender specific. Diabetes is reported to strike men and women in equal proportions. Gender has no role when it comes to who gets stricken down with this disease.
Too many changes in your emotionsis the cause?. This is another falsehood that is mistakenly believed to be a cause of type 2 diabetes. There is no proof that changes in a person’s emotions plays a role in the development of this disease.
B.Sc.(Med.), B.Ed., M.A.(Edu.), M.Litt.(Edu.), Ph.D.(Edu.Psy.)PGDCA. Served as Science Master, Employment Department as Vocational Guidance Officer. Retired from Employment Department, Punjab India as Dy. Director (Off.) Serving now Arihant Computer Center and Many Medical Hospitals such as Sadbhavna Medical & Heart Institute. Article Source:http://www.articlesbase.com/diseases-and-conditions-articles/diabetes-type-2-myth-about-839248.html
How to Deal with Yeast Infection
Candida infection or yeast infection is the most common infection that plagued millions of men and women. The Candida fungus which is responsible for the occurrence of the infection is naturally present in our body making us prone to the infection. At a controlled level, the fungus does not cause any harm but when the fungus grows rapidly, infection occurs. Anyone is at risk and it is important that you know how to deal with yeast infection.
Most people suffer from yeast infection at some time in their lives and some are still having recurring yeast infections. If you are suffering from a chronic yeast infections, you probably know how disturbing and frustrating the symptoms are. The symptoms of the infection include itching or burning sensation on your genital area, painful sexual intercourse, painful urination, chronic rashes and vaginal discharge. Learning how to deal with yeast infection is important to get rid of the discomfort.
Here are some tips on how to deal with yeast infection:
Get medical help. At the first sign of the infection, it is better to seek medical advice to be sure that what you have is yeast infection and rule out other health issues that you might have. It is always advisable to get the help of experts than deal with yeast infection on your own.
Over the counter and prescribed antifungal medications. There are antifungal medications to treat yeast infection and give you immediate relief. Although in some cases the medications are just for temporary relief, it is also helpful to suppress the infection and get rid of the annoying symptoms for a while. But of course, it is best to find a treatment that will get rid of the infection for good.
Home treatment. Although it is recommended that you seek medical advice, some people are not comfortable talking about yeast infection to other people and they try using home treatment. There are numerous home remedies that some sufferers find effective like applying plain yogurt on the effected area, using garlic as an antifungal home remedy and avoidance of sweetened foods because sugar feeds yeast which encourages the growth of candida fungus.
Natural remedies have been around for ages and some people find them effective and inexpensive. Learning how to deal with yeast infection naturally is another option if you have tried almost everything and still suffering from recurring yeast infection. To deal with yeast infection without the use of drugs visit 12 Hour Cure For Yeast Infection.
To find out more about health and beauty remedies visit Great Discovery-Health and Beauty
Gerry Restrivera writes informative articles on various subjects including How to Deal with Yeast Infection. You are allowed to publish this article in its entirety provided that author’s name, bio and website links must remain intact and included with every reproduction. Article Source:http://www.articlesbase.com/diseases-and-conditions-articles/how-to-deal-with-yeast-infection-839613.html
How to Prevent Vaginal Yeast Infection
Candidiasis or yeast infection is something that should be avoided because this infection could affect you not only physically but your sexual relationship will also suffer. The vagina is a very private and personal part of the body and it is very embarrassing and uncomfortable to deal with genital infections. There are measures that you need to know to prevent vaginal yeast infection.
Candida, the fungus responsible for yeast infection, naturally resides in the warm, moist parts of the body like the vagina, mouth and intestines. When the natural balance of the body is disturbed, Candida grows rapidly leading to infection. Yeast infection is commonly associated with women because the most common Candida infection is vaginal yeast infection. The symptoms are very disturbing that your sexual life will also suffer that is why it is important that you know how to prevent vaginal yeast infection. Symptoms include vaginal discharge, itching or burning sensation around your genitals, vulval soreness and painful sexual intercourse.
Here are some tips to prevent vaginal yeast infection:
Genital hygiene. Of course one way to prevent vaginal yeast infection is to put attention to the cleanliness of your vagina. Keep your vagina clean and dry. Avoid using soaps or vaginal sprays that irritates the vagina. Do not use any washing product that will disrupt the natural balance of your genitals. It is important to maintain the vaginal pH at the normal level to avoid any vaginal problem. If the vagina has low pH, yeast cells will continue to grow. However, high pH or acidity within the vagina discourages the growth of Candida fungus.
Avoid foods that feed Candida. Stay away from foods that encourage overgrowth of yeast cells or candida to prevent vaginal yeast infection. Avoid yeast foods like vinegar, wine, beer, mushrooms and bread. Sugar feeds yeast and you also must avoid honey, white sugar and other sweetened foods.
If you suspect that you already have yeast infection, it is recommended that you seek medical help at once to prevent vaginal yeast infection from becoming a chronic problem. There are cases that women are embarrassed to talk about their genital problems to other people and there are people who turn to natural remedies to cure yeast infection.
Natural remedies have been around for ages and some people find it effective as an alternative treatment for various diseases including yeast infection. To get rid of vaginal yeast infection naturally visit 12 Hour Cure For Yeast Infection.
To find out more about health and beauty natural remedies visit Great Discovery-Health and Beauty
Gerry Restrivera writes informative articles on various subjects including How to Prevent Vaginal Yeast Infection. You are allowed to publish this article in its entirety provided that author’s name, bio and website links must remain intact and included with every reproduction. Article Source:http://www.articlesbase.com/diseases-and-conditions-articles/how-to-prevent-vaginal-yeast-infection-839644.html
