A Family Doctor's Tale -HYPERKALEMIA

DOC I HAVE HYPERKALEMIA

Hyperkalemia is defined as high Potassium in the blood.

Normal blood potassium varies from 3.4 to 5.7 mmol per liter.
Extracellular potassium level represents only 2 per cent of the total body potassium.

Potassium is a major determinent of intracellular volume of cells and intracellur osmolarity.
It is a also an important cofactor in many metabolic processes.
The resting membrane potential and excitable tissues like nerves is mainly determined by ratio of intracellular to extracellular potassium concentrations.

Plasma and extracellular potassium levels are influenced by many factors particularly acid based balance. Acidosis moves potassium out of cells while alkalosis shifts potassium into cells.

Hyperkalemia occurs with impaired renal function

Symptoms of Hyperkalemia:
1.cardiac arrhythmias

2.muscle weakness especially peripheral muscles

Diagnosis:
1.Plasma potassium levels

2.Electrocardogram shows peaked T waves, prolonged PR intervals,
complete heart block and atrial asystole

Treatment:
1.glucose with insulin infusion  can drives potassium into cells lowering the plasma potassium( U insulin for every 2gms of glucose)

2.Infusion of sodium bicarbonate to induce alkalosis

3.Infusion of calcium bicarbonate to induce alkalosis

4.administer potassium binding resins by mouth

5.hemodialysis

Prognosis:
is good in most cases depending on rapidity of treatment and cause.

A Family Doctor's Tale -HYPOKALEMIA

DOC I HAVE HYPOKALEMIA

Hypokalemia is defined as low Potassium in the blood.

Normal blood potassium varies from 3.4 to 5.7 mmol per liter.
Extracellular potassium level represents only 2 per cent of the total body potassium.

Potassium is a major determinent of intracellular volume of cells and intracellur osmolarity.
It is a also an important cofactor in many metabolic processes.
The resting membrane potential and excitable tissues like nerves is mainly determined by ratio of intracellular to extracellular potassium concentrations.

Plasma and extracellular potassium levels are influenced by many factors particularly acid based balance. Acidosis moves potassium out of cells while alkalosis shifts potassium into cells.

Hypokalemia occurs with gastrointestinal or urinary loss especially following use of potassium wasting diuretics or in diabetes mellitus.

Symptoms of hypokalemia:
1.lethargy

2.generalized fatigue

3.muscle weakness

4.polyuria

5.myocardial irritabilty is increased with hypokalemia and the use of digitalis becomes more dangerous.

Diagnosis:
1.Plasma potassium levels

2.Electrocardogram shows flattening of the T waves, U waves and sagging ST segment

Treatment:
1.oral potassium is given in most cases with improvement of blood potassium level

2.Intravenous potassium is given in emergency cases. The concentration of infused potassium should not exceed 40 mEQ per liter except in rare cases.

Prognosis:
is good in most cases depending on rapidity of treatment and cause.

A Family Doctor's Tale - UNDESCENDED TESTES

DOC I HAVE UNDESCENDED TESTES

Undescended Testis is incomplete or improper descent of one or both testes through the  canal which is the tunnel which leads the spermatic duct from the abdomen to the testis.

The causes of  Undescended Testis are:
1.Normally the testes in the fetus are in the abdomen and make their way to the inguinal canal by the 23rd week of pregenancy and enter the scrotum by the 39th week of pregnancy.

2.Sometimes one or rarely both testes fail to enter the scrotum before birth.They may remain in the abdomen or may be not fully descended to the scrotum at birth.

3.The undescended testes can either be normal or dyplastic(cells may turn abnormal)

4.Intra-abdominal testes may be unable to produce sperm and also susceptible to malignant change.

5.Testis situated outside the usual course of descent is termed ectopic.

Diagnosis:
All male babies are examined at birth to determine whether their testes have descended into the scrotum normally.

Where the testes are not found in the scrotum an ultrasound scan of the pelvis can determine where the testes are located.

Where there is no testes to be found, a human chorionic gonadotrophin test help to rule out anorchia(complete absence of testes) and whether there is a need for counseling later on at puberty.

The complications for Undescended Testis are:
Untreated undescended testes may have increased risk for

1.infertility

2.testicular torsion

3.malignant change

The treatment of Undescended Testis is:
1.In the absence of both testes, there is nothing that can be done.

2.If there is one Undescended Testis, the testis can be brought down to their scrotum.
Similarly if both testes are undescended the testes can be brought down to the scrotum by surgery.

This surgery is preferably done between 2 to five years old.

3.If there is associated indirect inguinal hernia that should be repaired simultaneously.

4.In some cases descent of the testes may occur up to the 3rd month of age.So hypermobile testes found at birth are observed if they can descend by themselves by that age.

The Prognosis of Undescended Testis is:
Most cases of Undescended Testis usually will recover with proper surgical treatment.

If there is bilateral occurence of undescended testes and test shows that they are intra-abdominal, there is high risk of subfertility or sterilty.

Even a single viable testis can have good prognosis for fertility.

Very rarely there may be complications such as postoperative infections or recurrence.

A Family Doctor's Tale - PREMENSTRUAL TENSION

DOC I HAVE PREMENSTRUAL SYNDROME

Premenstrual syndrome is a condition occurring seven to ten days before menses more common in women over the age of 30.

Premenstrual Syndrome may manifested itself as a period of irritability, abdominal discomfort, headache and other various symptoms for the patient presenting just before the menses.

The cause of Premenstrual Syndrome is still not known.
There are a few theories:
1.Fluctuation in estrogen and progesterone hormonal concentration may affect the body's function and emotions

2.The fluid retention action of estrogen may cause abdominal discomfort, irritability of the brain, and weight gain

3.changes in the other glands such as the adrenal gland may also be involved

4.Stress aggravates the symptoms of excessive hormones before the menses.

Symptoms of Premenstrual syndrome may consists of:
1.feeling of fullness in lower abdomen


2.Bloated abdomen and ankle edema(swelling due to fluid retention)


3.Weight gain during the second half of menstrual cycle due to fluid retention which is reversed after the onset of menses


4.Low back pain


5.headache and exacerbation of migraine,


6.painful breasts,


7.depression, anxiety, irritabilty


8.emotional instabilty and mood changes


9.interpersonal problems and social unhappiness

Treatment for premenstrual Syndrome are as follows:


Mild premenstrual Syndrome symptoms:
reassurance without other treatment

More severe Premenstrual syndrome symptoms:
1.ankle edema may require diuretics to pass out fluids or decreased salt intake

2.Tranquillizer or antidepressant for anxiety or depression

3.Analgesics or Muscle relaxant for headaches and back pain

4.breast support with properly fitting brassieres for painful breasts

Very severe symptoms:
a course of low combination female hormones may help

Family counseling may be indicated

Prognosis of Premenstrual syndrome:
It may improve spontaneously over years or it may recur on and off until menopause.

A Family Doctor's Tale - CHRONIC FATIGUE

DOC I HAVE CHRONIC FATIGUE 

Chronic Fatigue is a collection of symptoms with the predominance of severe fatigue(tiredness) which can last for months or years.

There are 2 main causes of Chronic Fatigue 

1.Pathological Chronic Fatigue :
Viral Infections may be a trigger
Others are:
Anemia
Dehydration and electrolyte disturbance
Diabetes
Fibromyalgia
Heart disease
Hypothyroidism
Narcotics
Paraneoplastic syndrome
Pulmonary disease
Renal disease
Chemotherapy

2.Psychological Chronic Fatigue :
Anxiety
Depression
sedentary lifestyle
Sleep disorders

Symptoms are:
1.Severe fatigue that prevents the patient from getting up of bed

2.weakness in the limbs

3.Pain in the head, abdomen, or muscles of the limbs

4.Poor appetite

5.reluctance to take part in social activities

6.Tired after any physical or mental exercise

7.difficulty in concentration

Diagnosis is by:
1.Blood tests to exclude anemia and infections

2.Tests to exclude diabetes, low thyroid hormones, endocrine disease

3.Psychological evaluation

Treatment is by :
1. No specific treatment eexcept for rest

2.Counseling in cases of psychological causes

3.Gradual return to work or school

4.Treat underlying causes such as diabetes, hypothyroidism

Prognosis:
usually good

P.S (on 22nd April 2011)

----------------------------------


I was advised by my expert readers that what I was writing about is Chronic Fatigue and not Chronic Fatigue Syndrome. Having gone through all their comments and their links, they are all correct and this post is all about Chronic Fatigue.

I am grateful for all these experts for their comments.

Please send me more comments.

A Simple Guide to Photo Dermatitis

A Simple Guide to Photo Dermatitis
----------------------------------------

What is Photo Dermatitis?
-------------------------------------

Photo Dermatitis is a common skin condition which presents as a erythematous or vesicular rash on face, neck, hands and other areas exposed to sunlight.


What causes Photo Dermatitis?
-------------------------------------

The cause of Photo Dermatitis is related to the exposure of the skin to the sun.
However some possible triggers are:
1.Genetic

Genes play a part in Photo Dermatitis as the condition runs in families

2.External causes

Photo sensitivity:certain exogenous sensitizers play a part in the development of Photo Dermatitis.

a.drugs such as phenothiazines, thiazides and tetracycline

b.cosmetic such as lipstick, perfumes, soaps, shaving cream, antiseptic creams, even sun screening agents (especially if they contain coal tar)

c.irritating chemicals which exaggerated the photosensitzing effect of the sun

d.sunburn reaciion which aggarvated the skin to react as rashes.

e.Photo allergic rash which persist for years

f. injury by ultraviolet light

g.feeling too hot and/or sweating will cause an outbreak.

h.Stress can also sometimes aggravate an existing flare-up.

Photo Dermatitis affects both sexes equally.

What are the symptoms and signs of Photo Dermatitis?
-----------------------------------------------------------

Typical features of Photo Dermatitis are:

1.vesicular or bubbles in areas most exposed to light

2.erythrematous or red rashes in areas most exposed to light

3.some occurs following severe sunburn

4.some are seasonal with recurrance in early spring and summer

5.actinoid reticuloid skin rash affecting the face and hands are also seen in chronic photo dermatitis patients

How is Photo Dermatitis diagnosed?
-------------------------------------------

1.History and appearance of the rash

2.Photo patch testing

3.Determination of light wavelength causing photo dermatitis

How can Photo Dermatitis be treated?
------------------------------------------

Treatment of an Photo Dermatitis treatment routine is:

1. Avoid ultraviolet light especially long wave ultraviolet light

2. application of lotions or creams to protect the skin against the sun

3.chloroquine sulphate 200mg daily may be useful for some patients over short periods

4.application of nonprescription corticosteroid creams and ointments to reduce inflammation
if the condition persists, worsens, or does not improve satisfactorily.

Hydrocotisone cream and ointment are preferred to prevent side effects such as skin thinning.

5.For severe flare-ups, your doctor may prescribe oral corticosteroids (this treatment is not recommended for long-term use).

6.sedative antihistamines are sometimes used to reduce the itch

Prognosis:

1.good to excellent in most cases with phot toxic eruptions

2.good to fair with photo allergic reactions

3.Some patients reacts persistently to light without exposure to an antigen.

How can Photo Dermatitis be prevented?
---------------------------------------------

Photo Dermatitis outbreaks can usually be avoided with some simple precautions.

The following suggestions may help to reduce the severity and frequency of flare-ups when exposed to the sun:

1.use sun screen

2.Avoid drugs or cosmetics which can trigger off photo dermatitis

3.Avoid sweating or overheating

4.Reduce stress

5.Avoid harsh soaps, detergents, and solvents

6.Avoid environmental factors that trigger allergies (e.g., pollens, molds, mites, and animal dander)

7.Be aware of any foods that may cause an outbreak and avoid those foods

A Family Doctor's Tale - ADDISON DISEASE

DOC I HAVE ADDISON DISEASE

Addison Disease is a  disease which is caused by the deficiency of  circulating glucocorticoids steroids and mineralocorticoids (aldosterone) hormones as a result of disease of the adrenal glands.

The causes are believed to be:
1. Auto-immune disease of the adrenals with destruction of the adrenal parenchyma is associated with circulating antibodies and decreased production of glucocorticosteroids.

2.Tuberculosis of the adrenal glands

3.Adrenal tumors which may be benign or malignant can reduce production of corticosteroids.

4.Rare causes are metastatic carcinoma, amyloidosis and hemachromatosis

5.Iatrogenic -sudden cessation of chronic corticosteroids or failure to increase therapy in corticosteroid dependent patients undergoing stress, surgery or infection.

Symptoms of Addison Disease are:

A.Acute Addison Crisis
The symptoms are :
1.vomiting


2.abdominal pain


3.back and extremity pain


4.extreme muscle weakness


5.dehydration leading to hypotension


6.shock


7.confusion


8.coma


Addison crisis is fortunately rare

B.Chronic Addison disease:
1.Chronic adrenal hypofunction begins gradually

2.fatique

3.loss of appetite and weight

4.abdominal pain.

5.vomiting

6.dizziness

7.craving for salty food

8.increased pigmentation especially palmar flexures, nipples, genitalia, mouth lining, scars and exposed areas.

9.postural hypotension is common with giddiness

10.occasionally hypoglycemic symptoms may occur in early morning or when a meal is missed

Diagnosis of Addison Disease:
1.The increased pigmentation and loss of weight can suggest the diagnosis of Addison Disease

2.Electrolytes especially sodium is low, potassium and urea nitrogen is high

3.ACTH stimulation test with impaired corticol response is required to confirm diagnosis

4.Plasma adrenal antibodies may be present

5.Chest and abdominal X-rays for tuberculosis

Complications of Addison Disease:
1.coma from Addison's crisis

2.Hypotension

Treatment of Addison Disease:
1.Addison crisis is treated by intravenous normal saline and hydrocortisone 100mg every eight hours
Treatment must be done before laboratory confirmation of
diagnosis because of the danger of coma

2.Chronic Addison disease requires replacement of glucocorticoid:
a.hydrocortisone 30mg daily or
b.cortisone acetate 37.5 mg daily or
c.fludrocortisone 0.05 to 0.2 mg daily

Prognosis of Addison Disease:
The prognosis of Addison Disease is usually very good.

Addison crisis patients have excellent recovery with appropriate treatment

Chronic Addison disease patients also recovered well with replacement therapy.

Care is needed when there is trauma, infection and surgery.

A Family Doctor's Tale - CUSHING SYNDROME

DOC I HAVE CUSHING SYNDROME

Cushing Syndrome is a  disease which is caused by the exposure of the body to excessive quantities of glucocorticoids steroids.

People of all ages are affected but more are seen in females between 30 to 50 years of age.

The causes are believed to be:
1. Cushing Disease -excessive production of adrenocorticotrophin hormone(ACTH) by the pituary gland causes bilateral adrenal(gland above kidney)hyperplasia(overgrowth of gland tissue).The enlarged adrenal gland will produce excessive corticosteroids.
A pituitary basophil or chromphobe adenoma may be present.

2.Adrenal tumors which may be benign or malinant can produce excessive corticosteroids

3.Ectopic ACTH syndrome
Production of ACTH by a tumor such as cancer of the lungd leads to adrenal hyperplasia

4.Iatrogenic -patients receiving excessive doses of corticosteroids may present as Cushing syndrome

Symptoms of Cushing Syndrome:
1.Obesity predominally truncal often with pad of fat between shoulders(buffalo hump)

2.Round flat plethoric(red) face (moon face)

3.Skin is thin and bruises easily

4.Purole striae on abdomen, thighs, and shoulders.

5.Proximal myopathy leads to difficulty in getting out of chairs and walking upstairs

6.Excessive adrenal androgen secretions leads to hirsutism, amenorrhea and acne

7.Osteoporis can lead to back pain

8.Hypertension and glycosuria(glucose in urine) are common

9.Depression and other psychiatric disturbance common

10.In children there may stunting of growth

Diagnosis of Cushing Syndrome:
1.The typical moon face and buffalo hump can suggest the diagnosis of Cushing Syndrome

2.24 hour urine cortisol tests

3.Overnight dexamethasone suppression test

4.Plasma ACTH level

5.Chest X-ray to exclude lung cancer

6.X-ray of pituitary fossa to exclde pituitary tumors

7.Ultrasound of adrenal glands for enlargement

Complications of Cushing Syndrome:
1.Hypertension

2.fractures from osteoporosis

3.stunted growth in children

Treatment of Cushing Syndrome:
1.Anti-sdrenal drug such as aminogluthemide

2.bilateral adrenalectomy

3.Surgery to remove pituitary tumor

4.surgery to remove primary neoplasm in lungs or pancreas

Prognosis of Cushing Syndrome:
The prognosis of Cushing Syndrome varies with cause.

The response is often excellent in cases of pituitary tumor removal. However recurrence of tumor or increase in size of the tumor will affect the prognosis.

Benign adrenal tumors have excellent response to treatment.

Iatrogenic Cushing syndrome often responds well to decreasing doses of corticosteroids.

In cases of lung cancer, treatment may have poor response.

A Family Doctor's Tale - NEPHROTIC SYNDROME

DOC I HAVE NEPHROTIC SYNDROME

Nephrotic Syndrome is a rare disease characterized by the edema(accumulation of fluid in the body) and hypo-albumemia (low blood protein due to protein loss through the kidneys).

The cause is the increased capillary permeability of the glomeruli to plasma protein  due to the inflammation and allows loss of blood and protein in the urine and retention of salt, water and nitrogen.

Loss of negative charges on the filtering membrane allows negatively charged molecules including albumin to enter the urinary tract.

Reduced protein in the blood leads to edema.

There are 3 types of Nephrotic Syndrome:
1.Minimal Change Nephropathy (MCN) occurs in children with very little microscopic changes in the glomerular tissues of the kidney.

2.Focal glomerulonephritis has appearance of MCN above but develop sclerosis of the glomeruli later.

3.Diffuse proliferative glomerulonephritis and membranous nephropathy are more common in adults and be secondary to other diseases such as:


a.SLE and other connective tissues
b.diabetes
c.allergies to drugs such as penicillinamine, tolbutamide, probenecid
d.certain infections
e.cancer (carcinomas and lymhomas)

Symptoms:
1.Urine may show the presence of protein at least 3.5g/day

2.low protein in blood causes decreased plasma mass pressure resulting in retention of water and salts

3.swelling of the face and ankle occurs as a result

4.edema ranges from puffiness of eyes, ascites (water in abdominal cavity), pleural effusions(water in the lungs) to generalized edema

5.With increasing edema and nitrogen retention, headaches, nausea and vomiting may occur.

6.high blood pressure may occur in one third of patients

7.The blood in nephrotic syndrome tend to clot easily and the patient may develop blood clots in his leg veins.

8.Lipids may be raised in the blood especially triglicerides and cholesterol

9.Symptoms and signs of underlying diseases such as diabetes, SLE etc may be present

Diagnosis:
1.A history of recent kidney infection followed by swelling of face ang legs

2.Urinary protein loss of 15g per day

3.Full examination of fresh urine for red blood cells and casts(indicating glomerulonephritis) and lipid

4.Full blood count and tests for kidney function

5.Ultrasound of kidneys

6.Biopsy of kidney and histology of specimen

Complications:
1.Renal failure

2.hemolytic uremic stndrome

Treatment should be in hospital:
1.Minimal change nephropathy in children are treated with high doses of corticosteroids up to 1mg prednisolone per kg per day.
In most cases within 10 days there should be reduction of fluid in the body with increased urinary passage of urine.
Relapses may occur and should be treated with more corticosteroids or cyclophosphamide

2.In adults treatment with corticosteroids should help to treat the edema.

3.In addition thiazide diuretics or frusemide to reduce edema.
Spironolactone and amiloride may also help

4.Hypertension may require anti hypertensive. The use of corticosteroids may aggravate hypertension.

5.Diet with low salt and protein

6.Intake of fluids are restricted
These 2 measures will reduce the strain on the kidneys and prevent accumulation of fluids

Prognosis:
1.In most cases of MCN the illness will clear up with proper treatment.

Some may have relapses.

After 3 years of remission 99% of MCN will not have relapses
MCN cases seldom progress to renal failure.

2.In focal glomerulonephritis cases nephrotic syndrome may develop into chronic renal failure.

3.In Membranous nephropathy
25% complete remission
25% improves in renal function
25% have persistent nephrotic syndrome
25% will have chronic renal failure

A Family Doctor's Tale -GLOMERULONEPHRITIS

DOC I HAVE GLOMERULONEPHRITIS

Glomerulonephritis is a disease characterized by the inflammation of the glomeruli, the filtering units of the kidneys.

The glomeruli are unable to function properly due to the inflammation and allows loss of blood and protein in the urine and retention of salt, water and nitrogen.

Both kidneys are affected usually.

It is not contagious.

The exact cause of Glomerulonephritis is not known.

1.It has been suggested that an autoimmune disease is the main cause of Glomerulonephritis disease.

The antibodies produced by the body to fight germs starts to attack the body's own healthy kidney tissue.

2.Sometimes Glomerulonephritis disease may follow an infection by the streptococcus bacteria or by viruses.

Symptoms of Glomerulonephritis disease:
1.Urine may show the presence of protein, red blood cells, casts.

2.less urine is passed than normal

3.swelling of the face and legs is quite common

4.high blood pressure may occur in rare cases

5.With increasing edema and nitrogen retention, headaches, nausea and vomiting may occur.

Diagnosis of Glomerulonephritis disease is made by:

1.A history of recent infection followed by swelling of face and legs

2.Urine test for blood, protein and casts

3.Full blood count and tests for kidney function

4.Blood Tests for raised ESR,  anti-streptolysin titer, C reactive protein

5.Ultrasound of kidneys

6.Biopsy of kidney if required

Complications of Glomerulonephritis disease are:
1.Nephrotic syndrome

2.hemolytic uremic syndrome

3.renal failure

Treatment of Glomerulonephritis disease is by:
1.Diet with low salt and protein

2.Intake of fluids are restricted
These 2 measures will reduce the strain on the kidneys and prevent accumulation of fluids

3. antibiotics are given if the glomerulonephritis is suspected to be caused by a bacteria

4.hypertension is usually controlled with drugs until the blood pressure returns to normal

5.Corticosteroids and cytotoxic drugs have not been found to be effective against glomerulonephritis

Prognosis of Glomerulonephritis disease:
In most cases the illness will clear up with proper treatment.

In rare cases nephrotic syndrome may develop with ensuing chronic renal failure.

A Family Doctor's Tale - THREADWORMS

DOC I HAVE THREADWORMS


Thread worms are parasitic worms (also called pin worms) which are found in the intestines of children in undeveloped countries.

It is rare in developed countries because of the modern sanitary conditions and better hygiene.

Several members of the same household may be infested at the same time so all the family should be treated together.

The cause of Threadworms infection is:
Threadworms eggs or larva are present on the hands or food prepared by people who has threadworms infestations.

When the eggs or larvae are swallowed  they developed into adult worms in the intestines.

The adult worms will cling on to the mucosal lining of the intestine and absorb nutrients from the food taken into the intestines by the affected person.


The female worms emerge from the rectum at night to lay their eggs on the skin around the anus.

The main symptoms of Thread worms are
1. Itch in the anal region especially at night when the worms lay the eggs.

2. Itch in the vulva in girls

3. inflammation of the anus as a result of constant scratching.

4.Rarely tiny white worms can be seen wriggling in the feces.

Doctors generally diagnose Thread worms based on:

1.sticky tape pressed to the anal area in the morning before the patient bathes or go to the toilet will collect the eggs for microscopic examination and confirmation of the presence of thread worms

2.Stool examination and culture

Treatment of thread worm infestation is by the use of anti-parasitic medicine:
1.Zentel or Abendazole 400mg in a single dose

2.Pyrantel pamoate 10mg/kg in a single dose

3.Mebendazole 100mg in a single dose

A single dose will usually cure the patient of thread worms but to prevent re-infection a second dosage is taken 2 weeks later.

All the family members should also be treated.

Prevention of thread worms is through:
1.good personal hygiene and hand washing

2. good food hygiene

Prognosis of thread worms treatment is excellent.

A Simple Guide to Giardiasis

A Simple Guide to Giardiasis
---------------------------------
What is Giardiasis?
---------------------------
Giardiasis is an acute infectious illness caused by the single celled parasite Giardia lamblia
What is the cause of Giardiasis?
----------------------------------
The bacteria which causes Giardiasis is the Giardia lamblia
which is an extremely hardy parasite able to live in  polluted water, contaminated food and soiled clothes.
Giardiasis infections occur most common in the small intestines.
The parasite can cling to folds of the lining of the small intestine and absorbs nutrients from the fluid in the intestines.
In this way the child may suffer from malnutrition.
What are symptoms of Giardiasis?
----------------------------------------------
The main symptoms of Giardiasis are
1. Many people with E.histolytica in stools are passive carrier
2. Invasive bowel disease begins 1-6 months after infection sometimes later
3. abdominal pain especially at the sides
4. altered bowel habit
5.diarrhea with blood or mucus in stools
6.foul stools
7.adominal bloating or gas
8.tenderness on palpation at caecum or sigmoid colon regions
Severe cases may have:
1.more severe symptoms as above
2.bloody stools
3.fever
4.weight loss
5.liver enlargement and tenderness on palpation
6.dehydration and its effects such as delirium and disorientation
7. lassitude and tiredness
8. convulsions
9.tender abdominal mass with obstruction
How is the diagnosis of Giardiasis made?
-----------------------------------------------------
Doctors generally diagnose Giardiasis based on:
1. stool cultures.
2.blood tests
3.colonoscopy
4.liver scan and ultrasound
What are the complications of Giardiasis?
-------------------------------------------
Giardiasis is a disease which can kill espcially through its complications:
1.Perforation of bowel leading to peritonitis or inta-abdominal abscesses
2.Severe hemorrhage uncommon but can cause death
3.Intussusception or insertion of part of colon into another part of colon is rare but can follow amebic ulceration and may cause intestinal obstruction
4.irritable bowel syndrome may persist for some months
5.Lung and pericardial involvement rare but can pose danger
6. cutaneous amebiasis cause deep painful and rapidly spreading ulceration
7.Liver infection can cause damage to liver and result in cirrhosis
8.Liver abscess may perforate and cause peritonitis or produce lung abscess or amebic pericarditis
9.Amebic brain abscess are rare but can occur.
How is Giardiasis treated?
-------------------------------------
Giardiasis is an infectious disease which can spread to other people through contaminated food and water.
1.Anti-parasitic medicines like metronidazole 750mg three times a day for 10 days should work for mild to moderate disease.
2.Metronidazole 750mg three times a day for 10 days and chloroquine or diiodohydroquin (1000mg for 2 days followed by 500mg per day up to 3 weeks) for hepatic amebiosis
3.Emetine hydrochloride 1mg pere kg per day by intramuscular injections for 5 days in acute amebic dysenery
4.tetracycline 250mg four times a day for 10 days my be needed for some with invasive intestinal disease.
5.Diloxanide furoate 500mg three a day for 10 days for asymptomatic amebic cyst carrier
Symptomatic treatment includes:
1.Paracetamol for relief of fever and headache
2.antispasmodic drug to stop abdominal cramps
3.medicine to harden the stools such as kaolin
4.slow down the intestinal movement (lomotil or loperamide).
Gradually reintroduce food, starting with bland, easy-to-digest food, like porridge or soups.
Get plenty of rest.
How is Giardiasis prevented?
----------------------------------------
Prevention of Giardiasis can be by:
1.boil drinking and cooking water for 5 minutes
2.Proper filtration of water
3.Examination of stools of food handlers
4.Avoid eating or drinking foods or liquids that might be contaminated especially by flies
5.Good food hygience and hand washing
What is the prognosis of Giardiasis?
-------------------------------------
Prognosis depends on the stage of disease
It is excellent with prompt treatment of amebic infection.
Luminal disease or dysentery usually respond well to treatment.
In refractory cases chloroquine may be added to metronidazole.
Surgery is rarely necessary.

A Family Doctor's Tale - THALASSEMIA

DOC I HAVE THALASSEMIA

Thalassaemia is an inherited condition caused by defects in the genes that produce the hemoglobin (the red pigment which carry the oxygen  to the body) of red blood cells of patients from childhood.

Thalassemia can cause the breakup of the red blood cells resulting in severe anemia.

Thalassaemia is more common in people from Asia, African and the Mediterranean region.

There are 2 types of Thalassemia:

1.Thalassemia Major is a major illness which is inherited from both parents with the affected thalassemia gene.

The hemoglobin is low and the red blood cells are small and fragile breaking up easily to give rise to severe anemia.

2.Thalassemia Minor is a minor illness which is inherited if only one parent has the affected thalassemia gene.

There is usually mild anemia.

The red blood cells are smaller than normal.

Symptoms of thalassaemia are:

1.Pallor

2.Fatigue

3.Weakness

4.Breathing difficulty

5.Slow growth

6.Jaundice

7.Dark colored urine

8.Bone deformities

Factors that increase the risk of thalassemia are:

1.Family history of thalassemia

2. History of familial Anemia

Diagnosis of Thalassemia is through:

1.Medical history of  thalassemia or anemia

2.Blood tests show a low level of red blood cells.

3.Blood tests can also check on the type of  abnormal hemoglobin present

4.Blood test using DNA analysis can diagnose thalassemia through the presence of defective genes.

Possible complications of thalassemia are:

1.Infection - there is a risk of infection because of the low red blood cells and the breakup of the red blood cells affecting the liver

2.Bone deformities are caused by the expansion of  the bone marrow especially in the face and skull.

The bones are thin and brittle and therefore prone to fractures.

3.Slowed growth rates are present in more severe thalassemia due to the bone deformities

4.Enlarged spleen can occur due to destruction and breakup of a large number of red blood cells

5.Heart problems especially congestive heart failure and abnormal heart rhythms (arrhythmias) may occur  with severe thalassaemia due to low oxygen.

6.Iron overload can occur from frequent blood transfusions especially in the severe thalassemia.

Treatment for Thalassemia is:
For thalassemia minor, no treatment is usually required because there is rarely symptoms

For thalassemia major the patient often require frequent blood transfusions often once a month.

Blood transfusions can lead to high levels of iron in the body which must be removed  through iron chelation therapy(desferrioxamine).

In some cases a bone marrow transplant or a stem cell transplant may help.

Prevention of Thalassemia:

Thalassaemia cannot be prevented because it is a genetic disease.

However if  a family history of thalassaemia is present, genetic counselling before considering a pregnancy is advised.

Prognosis of Thalassemia:

For thalassemia minor, prognosis is very good.

A healthy lifestyle and good diet is important to prevent anemia.

For Thalassemia major, treatment with frequent blood transfusion without excessive iron overload may be able to keep a patient alive up to middle age.

A Family Doctor's Tale - HENOCH-SCHONLEIN PURPURA

DOC I HAVE HENOCH-SCHONLEIN PURPURA

Henoch-Schonlein Purpura is a bleeding disease where small blood vessels become fragile and allow blood to leak from them.

Bleeding into the skin give rise to a typical rash called purpura like a bruise while bleeding into the joints, kidneys or digestive tract can cause damage to these organs.

People of all ages are affected .

It is more common in children between the age of 2 to 10 years.

The cause is unknown but believed to be an allergic reaction to something or a bacterial infection (suspected streptococcus)

Symptoms of Henoch-Schonlein Purpura are:
1.rash is pink, red or purplish blood filled spots that do not fade
when pressed

2.the rash appears first on the buttocks and the back of arms and body especially around the ankles and elbows then spread to the front of the limbs.

3.joint pain and swelling

4.abdominal pain in many cases with vomiting and diarrhea

5.blood in the stools or urine

Diagnosis of Henoch-Schonlein Purpura is by:
1.The typical rash and its location can suggest the diagnosis of Henoch-Schonlein Purpura

2.Blood and urine tests may be done to rule out other causes and to exclude any kidney inflammation.

Blood and protein in the urine may suggest kidney involvement.

3.Abdominal X-ray may be needed if there is abdominal pain and vomiting

4.Ultrasound of kidney may also be needed for exclusion of serious kidney involvement.

Complications of Henoch-Schonlein Purpura are:
1.inflammation of the kidneys

2.joint arthritis due to bleeding in the joint

Treatment of Henoch-Schonlein Purpura:
No treatment may be needed if the condition or symptoms are mild.

For moderate or severe cases:
1. Bed rest is important

2. paracetamol for pain or fever

3. corticosteroids are needed as treatment for allergy

4. antibiotics are given if there is a bacterial infection.

Prognosis of Henoch-Schonlein Purpura is:
The illness may last a few days to a month during which the symptoms may recur.

Most patients make a full recovery and there is no long term ill effects.

In most cases inflammation of the kidneys disappears in a few days but in some patient recovery from the kidney inflammation may take up to 2 years.

A Family Doctor's Tale - MOLLUSCUM CONTAGIOSUM

DOC I HAVE MOLLUSCUM CONTAGIOSUM

Molluscum Contagiosum is a mild viral infection which appears as small shiny pimple-like rash on the body.

The virus is of the pox family and can be very infectious.


It is more common in children between 2 to 5 years of age.

It is easily spread either by direct contact or indirectly through infected clothing or towels or in a swimming pool.

The virus can also be spread through sexual contact.


The causative agent is a virus called molluscum contagiosum which is highly infectious.

Secondary infection may occurs from invasion of staphalococcus.

Symptoms of MOLLUSCUM CONTAGIOSUM are:


Pimples appear 2 to 7 weeks after the infection.
1.Occurs mainly on the trunk, face, hands and rarely on palms and soles

2.Small dome shaped with a central pimple

3.pearly white or flesh colored

4.Pimples varies between 2mm and 5mm in diameter

5.appears in groups although they sometimes occur singly

6.usually painless but can itch


Diagnosis of Molluscum contagiosum is based on the:
1.typical appearance of the rash

2.Skin scraping or biopsy  for microscopic examination.

Complications of MOLLUSCUM CONTAGIOSUM are:
1.Spread to to other parts of body and causes disfiguring
appearance

2.bacterial infection

Treatment of MOLLUSCUM CONTAGIOSUM is sometimes unnecessary.


The condition will disappear even without treatment and without leaving scars.


However this may take from a few weeks to a year.

If there is disfiguring spots on the face or if the child has low immunity, then treatment may be necessary:

1.apply to the pimples podophyllin paint or salicylic acid cream to dissolve the hard layer of molluscum

2.removal of the pimples by scraping them off (curettage) or freezing them (cryotherapy)

3.surgical removal can cause scarring so it is not recommended


Prognosis of Molluscum contagiosum is:
generally good

Prevention of Molluscum contagiosum is:

1.Avoid contact with any one who has the condition

2.Avoid casual sexual contacts

A Family Doctor's Tale - GIARDIASIS

DOC I HAVE GIARDIASIS

Giardiasis is an acute infectious illness caused by the single celled parasite Giardia lamblia

The bacteria which causes Giardiasis is the Giardia lamblia
which is an extremely hardy parasite able to live in  polluted water, contaminated food and soiled clothes.

Giardiasis infections occur most common in the small intestines.

The parasite can cling to folds of the lining of the small intestine and absorbs nutrients from the fluid in the intestines.

In this way the child may suffer from malnutrition.

The main symptoms of Giardiasis are
1. Many people with Giardiasis 75 % do not have any symptoms .


2.Symptoms of Giardiasis in other cases occur only 1-3 days after infection of the parasite


3. abdominal pain especially at the central part of abdomen


4.diarrhea with foul stools

5.abdominal bloating or gas

Doctors generally diagnose Giardiasis based on:
1. stool cultures.

2.blood tests

The complications of Giardiasis are:
Giardiasis is a disease which can cause :

1.dehydration

2.malnutrition

Treatment of Giardiasis is by:
Giardiasis is an infectious disease which can spread to other people through contaminated food and water.

Anti-parasitic medicines like metronidazole  three times a day for 10 days should work for mild to moderate disease.

Symptomatic treatment includes:
1.Rehydration salts for dehydration


2.antispasmodic drug to stop abdominal cramps

3.medicine to harden the stools such as kaolin

4.medicines to slow down the intestinal movement (lomotil or loperamide).

5.Get plenty of rest.

Prevention of Giardiasis can be by:

1.Good food hygiene and hand washing

2.Avoid contact with the feces of infected person


3.boil drinking and cooking water for 5 minutes

4.Proper filtration of water

5.proper treatment of swimming pools and filtration systems


6.Avoid raw food and vegetables especially in areas where there is giardiasis


Prognosis of Giardiasis is excellent with prompt treatment .


It is important to treat Giardiasis patients  even without symptoms to prevent the spread of Giardiasis.

A Family Doctor's Tale - KAWASAKI DISEASE

DOC I HAVE KAWASAKI DISEASE

Kawasaki Disease is a childhood disease which was first seen in Japan which typically cause fever, swelling of the lymph nodes, and symptoms affecting the skin and mucous membranes.

It occurs mainly in children below 5 years.

One of its notable features other than high fever and skin peeling is the complication of the disease on the arterial system of the heart.

The cause of Kawasaki Disease is believed to be an infection although no causative organism has been found.

An autoimmune disease has been suggested as the cause of the Kawasaki disease.

The triad of symptoms which are common to Kawasaki Disease are:

1.Fever with headache lasting for more than 5 days

2.Swelling of one or more lymph nodes in the neck

3.blotchy red rash over the entire body with typical skin peeling in the second week of illness

Other symptoms are:
4.sore throat with sometimes tonsillar swelling

5.dry cracked and swollen lips

6.conjunctivitis

7.reddening of the palms and soles

8.swelling of the hands and feet

9.skin peeling from the tips of the fingers and toes in the second week of illness

Disease usually lasts for 2-3 weeks.

Diagnosis
1.Classical symptoms and signs as above especially high fever, lymph nodes enlargement, rash and peeling of the skin from the fingers and toes.

2.blood tests (complete blood count, ESR, blood culture).

3.X-rays of chest and neck

4.ECG or electrocardiogram of the heart

5.CT Scan of the heart

Complications of Kawasaki disease:
1.arthritis

2.myocarditis (inflammation of the heart muscles)

3.myocardial infarction (heart attack)

4.coronary artery disease

Treatment of Kawasaki disease:
Suspected cases should be treated as early as possible because of possible heart complications

1.Bed rest in isolation ward

2.Adequate fluids

3.Antipyretic medicines such as paracetamol for fever

4.Aspirin may be given (in spite of the danger of Reyes Syndrome) to prevent blockage of the coronary artery of the heart.

5.Injections of gamma globulin is the main treatment for Kawasaki disease.

6.corticosteroids is useful to reduce complications such as arthritis and myocarditis

Prognosis of Kawasaki Disease is generally good.

Most children make a full recovery after about 3 weeks.

Myocarditis and arthritis may last for 6 to 8 weeks.

Coronary artery disease improves gradually over 1 year.

In 1-2 per cent of patients serious heart complications may occur.