A Simple Guide to Laryngitis
----------------------------------
What is Laryngitis?
------------------------
Laryngitis is the inflammation of the mucous membranes of the Laryngx which produces the sound of the voice.
What causes the Laryngitis?
---------------------------------
Laryngitis is caused by
1.bacterial or viral infections of the larynx.
2.excessive use of voice
3.inhalation of irritants such as cigarette smoke
Laryngitis is also associated with
1.bronchitis
2.pneumonia
3.whooping cough
4.diphtheria
What are the Symptoms of the Laryngitis?
--------------------------------------------------
Laryngitis produces mild but uncomfortable symptoms:
1.hoarseness of voice
2.loss of voice
3.pain on speaking
4.Fever low grade rare
How is the diagnosis of Laryngitis confirmed?
------------------------------------------------------
1.Symptoms of hoarseness or loss of voice
2.Physical examination of the throat may showed the presence of redness and swelling of the vocal cords with some pus discharge.
The movement of the vocal cords may be impeded.
Sometimes nodules may be found on the vocal cord due to excessive usage of voice.
What are the investigations done in Laryngitis?
-----------------------------------------------------------
1.nasal and throat swabs to determine the type of infection
2.Xray of the chest and neck to determine any pressure of other organs pressing on the larynx
3.A biopsy of the nodules on the vocal cords if present to exclude malignancy
What is the Treatment of Laryngitis?
---------------------------------------------
1.Rest the voice. A rested patient will recover faster.
2.Adequate warm fluids helps to keep the mucus membranes moist
3.Steam inhalations may help
4.Antibiotics if there is suspicion of bacterial infection.
5.Gargles and decongestants may help to soothe the throat and vocal cords
6.Avoid smoking.
What is the prognosis of Laryngitis?
------------------------------------------
Acute laryngitis usually clears up within 10 days.
Very rarely chronic laryngitis may cause hoarseness of voice for months or years.
Showing posts with label bacterial. Show all posts
Showing posts with label bacterial. Show all posts
Sunday, November 25, 2007
Sunday, August 19, 2007
A Simple Guide to Sinusitis
A Simple Guide to Sinusitis
-----------------
What is sinusitis?
----------------
Sinusitis is a condition in which the lining of your sinuses becomes inflamed.
The sinuses are the air chambers in the bone behind your cheeks, eyebrows and jaw.
They produce mucus, a fluid that cleans bacteria and other particles out of the air you breathe. Tiny hairs called cilia sweep mucus out of your sinuses so it can drain out through your nose.
The paranasal sinuses are in direct communication with the nose.
The sinuses are normally sterile.
If the sinus openings may become blocked, the mucus becomes congested in the sinuses, resulting in stagnation of secretion and finally bacterial growth.
What causes sinusitis?
---------------------------
Anything that causes swelling in your sinuses or keeps the cilia from moving mucus can cause sinusitis.
This can occur because of changes in temperature or air pressure,
Using decongestant nasal sprays too much,
Smoking, and
Swimming or diving.
Some people have growths called polyps that block their sinus passages.
When sinusitis is caused by a bacterial or viral infection, you get a sinus infection.
Sinus infections sometimes occur after you've had a cold.
The cold virus attacks the lining of your sinuses, causing them to swell and become narrow.
Your body responds to the virus by producing more mucus, but it gets blocked in your swollen sinuses.
This built-up mucus makes a good place for bacteria to grow.
The bacteria can cause a sinus infection.
Acute sinusitis is usually bacterial in origin.
Haemophilus influenzae and Streptococcus pneumoniae are the organisms most commonly found in adults.
In children, similar organisms are seen, with the addition of Moraxella catarrhalis.
In older children and young adults, Staphylococcus aureus is an occasional finding.
In systemically impaired hosts, Candida, Aspergillus, and Phycomycetes may be the cause.
Risk factors include the following: diabetes mellitus, cancer, hepatic disease, renal failure, burns, extreme malnutrition, and immunosuppressive diseases.
What are the signs of acute sinusitis?
-------------------------------------------
Presentation of sinusitis is often nonspecific.
Patients may present with a persistent cold.
A cold that starts to get better and then gets worse may be a sign of acute sinusitis.
Pain or pressure in some areas of the face (forehead, cheeks or between the eyes) is often a sign of blocked sinus drainage and can be a sign of acute sinusitis.
Pain in your forehead that starts when you lean forward can also be a sign.
Other symptoms may include a stuffy nose.
Some patients complain of dental pain or alteration in smell.
Fever is seen in fewer than 2% of individuals with sinusitis.
Facial tenderness to palpation is present.
Complete opacification of sinus on transillumination is present.
An X-ray of the paranasal sinuses usually confirms the presence of sinusitis as opacity in the sinuses.
How is acute sinusitis treated?
------------------------------------
Your doctor may prescribe an antibiotic.
You may take an antibiotic for 10 to 14 days, but you will usually start feeling better a couple of days after you start taking it. It is important to take this medicine exactly as your doctor tells you and to continue taking it until it is gone, even after you're feeling better.
If you have sinus pain or pressure, your doctor may prescribe or recommend a decongestant to help your sinuses drain.
Painkillers may be prescribed if there is severe pain.
How to take care of sinusitis?
-----------------------------------
1.Get plenty of rest.
2.Lying down can make your sinuses feel more congested, so try lying on the side that lets you breathe the best.
3.Drink plenty of fluids.
4.Apply moist heat by holding a warm, wet towel against your face or breathing in steam through a cloth or towel.
5.Rinse your sinus passages with a saline solution.
How is chronic sinusitis treated?
---------------------------------------
In cases where the acute sinus infection does not cleared or become chronic, a sinus washout may be necessary to remove the mucus stucked in the sinuses.
This involves syringing of antiseptic solution through a hole in the septum separating the maxillary sinuses from the nose.
Sometimes syringing of frontal sinuses can be done through a tube inserted into the sinuses.
In severe case of chronic sinusitis, endoscopy surgery may be done to strip the lining of the maxillary sinuses and clean the cavity of the sinuses.
A new therapy is the use of phage therapy where bacterial viruses are used to cause bacterila lysis in the sinuses.
-----------------
What is sinusitis?
----------------
Sinusitis is a condition in which the lining of your sinuses becomes inflamed.
The sinuses are the air chambers in the bone behind your cheeks, eyebrows and jaw.
They produce mucus, a fluid that cleans bacteria and other particles out of the air you breathe. Tiny hairs called cilia sweep mucus out of your sinuses so it can drain out through your nose.
The paranasal sinuses are in direct communication with the nose.
The sinuses are normally sterile.
If the sinus openings may become blocked, the mucus becomes congested in the sinuses, resulting in stagnation of secretion and finally bacterial growth.
What causes sinusitis?
---------------------------
Anything that causes swelling in your sinuses or keeps the cilia from moving mucus can cause sinusitis.
This can occur because of changes in temperature or air pressure,
Using decongestant nasal sprays too much,
Smoking, and
Swimming or diving.
Some people have growths called polyps that block their sinus passages.
When sinusitis is caused by a bacterial or viral infection, you get a sinus infection.
Sinus infections sometimes occur after you've had a cold.
The cold virus attacks the lining of your sinuses, causing them to swell and become narrow.
Your body responds to the virus by producing more mucus, but it gets blocked in your swollen sinuses.
This built-up mucus makes a good place for bacteria to grow.
The bacteria can cause a sinus infection.
Acute sinusitis is usually bacterial in origin.
Haemophilus influenzae and Streptococcus pneumoniae are the organisms most commonly found in adults.
In children, similar organisms are seen, with the addition of Moraxella catarrhalis.
In older children and young adults, Staphylococcus aureus is an occasional finding.
In systemically impaired hosts, Candida, Aspergillus, and Phycomycetes may be the cause.
Risk factors include the following: diabetes mellitus, cancer, hepatic disease, renal failure, burns, extreme malnutrition, and immunosuppressive diseases.
What are the signs of acute sinusitis?
-------------------------------------------
Presentation of sinusitis is often nonspecific.
Patients may present with a persistent cold.
A cold that starts to get better and then gets worse may be a sign of acute sinusitis.
Pain or pressure in some areas of the face (forehead, cheeks or between the eyes) is often a sign of blocked sinus drainage and can be a sign of acute sinusitis.
Pain in your forehead that starts when you lean forward can also be a sign.
Other symptoms may include a stuffy nose.
Some patients complain of dental pain or alteration in smell.
Fever is seen in fewer than 2% of individuals with sinusitis.
Facial tenderness to palpation is present.
Complete opacification of sinus on transillumination is present.
An X-ray of the paranasal sinuses usually confirms the presence of sinusitis as opacity in the sinuses.
How is acute sinusitis treated?
------------------------------------
Your doctor may prescribe an antibiotic.
You may take an antibiotic for 10 to 14 days, but you will usually start feeling better a couple of days after you start taking it. It is important to take this medicine exactly as your doctor tells you and to continue taking it until it is gone, even after you're feeling better.
If you have sinus pain or pressure, your doctor may prescribe or recommend a decongestant to help your sinuses drain.
Painkillers may be prescribed if there is severe pain.
How to take care of sinusitis?
-----------------------------------
1.Get plenty of rest.
2.Lying down can make your sinuses feel more congested, so try lying on the side that lets you breathe the best.
3.Drink plenty of fluids.
4.Apply moist heat by holding a warm, wet towel against your face or breathing in steam through a cloth or towel.
5.Rinse your sinus passages with a saline solution.
How is chronic sinusitis treated?
---------------------------------------
In cases where the acute sinus infection does not cleared or become chronic, a sinus washout may be necessary to remove the mucus stucked in the sinuses.
This involves syringing of antiseptic solution through a hole in the septum separating the maxillary sinuses from the nose.
Sometimes syringing of frontal sinuses can be done through a tube inserted into the sinuses.
In severe case of chronic sinusitis, endoscopy surgery may be done to strip the lining of the maxillary sinuses and clean the cavity of the sinuses.
A new therapy is the use of phage therapy where bacterial viruses are used to cause bacterila lysis in the sinuses.
Saturday, August 18, 2007
A Simple Guide to Conjunctivitis
A Simple Guide to Conjunctivitis
-----------------
-----------------
What is Conjunctivitis?
---------------
Conjunctivitis is an inflammation of the conjunctiva(the white of the eye and inner lining of eyelids).
It is one of the most common and treatable eye infections in children and adults.
What causes Conjunctivitis?
---------------------------------
Conjunctivitis can be caused by a
virus
bacteria
irritating substances (shampoos, dirt, smoke, and especially pool chlorine)
allergens (substances that cause allergies).
Conjunctivitis caused by bacteria, viruses can spread easily from person to person, but is not a serious health risk if diagnosed promptly.
What are the symptoms of Conjunctivitis?
-------------------------------------------------
1.Redness in the white of the eye or inner eyelid
2.tears overflowing
3.yellow discharge that crusts over the eyelashes, especially after sleep
Other discharge from your eye (green or white) .
4.Pain in the eye
5.Itchy eyes (especially in conjunctivitis caused by allergies)
6.Burning eyes (especially in conjunctivitis caused by chemicals and irritants)
7.Blurred vision
8.sensitivity to light
How is Conjunctivitis spread?
-----------------------------------
Bacterial or viral Conjunctivitis can also be spread through hand contact when rubbing the eyes or touching contact lenses after touching infected skin.
Being around a person who has conjunctivitis and wearing contact lenses may increase your risk of getting conjunctivitis, but the outcome is usually very good with treatment.
How is Conjunctivitis treated?
-----------------------------------
Bacteria:Conjunctivitis caused by bacteria is treated with antibiotics.
The antibiotic can be given as eye drops, ointments, or pills.
Eye drops or ointments may need to be applied to the inside of the eyelid three to four times a day for five to seven days.
Virus: No Medicine can treat conjunctivitis caused by a virus.
This type of conjunctivitis often results from a common cold.
You may, however, help relieve symptoms by applying a cold compress.
Irritating substance:For this type of conjunctivitis, use warm water for five minutes to wash the irritating substance from the eye.
Allergies:Allergy-associated conjunctivitis is treated with antihistamines or when the allergen is determined and removed.
How to relieve symptoms of Conjunctivitis?
---------------------------------------------------
1.Protect your eyes from dirt and other irritating substances.
2.Do not use contact lenses, if you wear them.
3.Place cold compresses on your eyes.
4.Wash your face and eyelids with mild soap or baby shampoo and rinse with water to remove irritating substances.
5.Do not rub your eyes with hands that are not washed.
6. Do not use the same bottle of drops in the other eye if it is not infected.
How to prevent spreading Conjunctivitis?
-------------------------------------------------
1.Do not touch or rub the infected eye(s).
2.Wash your hands often with soap and warm water.
3.Wash any discharge from your eyes twice a day using a fresh cotton ball or paper towel. Afterwards, discard the cotton ball and wash your hands with soap and warm water.
4.Wash your bed linens, pillowcases, and towels in hot water and detergent.
5.Avoid wearing eye makeup.
Don’t share eye makeup with anyone else.
6.Do not wear another person’s contact lens.
7.Wear glasses instead of contact lenses.
Throw away disposable lenses or be sure to clean extended wear lenses and all eyewear cases.
8.Avoid sharing common articles such as unwashed towels, cups, and glasses.
9.Wash your hands after applying the eye drops or ointment to your eye or your child’s eye.
10.Do not use eye drops in a non-infected eye that were used for an infected one.
Wednesday, August 15, 2007
A Simple Guide to Gastroenteritis
A Simple Guide to Gastroenteritis
-------------------------------------
What is Gastroenteritis?
---------------------------
Gastroenteritis is an inflammation of the lining of the intestines caused by a virus, bacteria or parasites resulting in leakage of fluid from the cell into the intestine(diarrhea),abdominal pain and vomiting.
What are the causes of Gastroenteritis?
--------------------------------------------
Viral Gastroenteritis:
The most common cause of Gastroenteritis is Viral.
Rota virus is the leading cause among children 3 to 15 months old and the most common cause of diarrhea in children under the age of 5 years.
Adenovirus occurs mainly in children under the age of 2 years.
Caliciviruses especially the norovirus cause infection in people of all ages.
Astrovirus also infects primarily infants, young children, and the elderly.
Bacterial Gastroenteritis:
The most common cause is the E. coli bacteria, usually mild with diarrhea, abdominal pain and occasional vomiting. It rarely cause fever.
Salmonella, Shigella ,Vibrio cholerae, are more serious bacterial infection causing diarrhea and high fever.
Parasitic Gastroenteritis:
Most common is amoebic dysentery,common in India and Africa.
Other parasitic infection are giardiasis and threadworms.
What are symptoms of Gastroenteritis?
----------------------------------------------
The main symptoms of gastroenteritis are
1. watery diarrhea
2. abdominal pain
3. vomiting
4. headache
5. fever.
6.loss of appetite and energy
Symptoms usually appear within 4 to 48 hours after exposure to the germ and last for 1 to 2 days, though symptoms can last as long as 10 days.
How is Gastroenteritis transmitted?
------------------------------------------
Gastroenteritis can be highly contagious. The germs are commonly transmitted by people with unwashed hands.
People can get the germs through close contact with infected individuals by sharing their food, drink, or eating utensils, or by eating food or drinking beverages that are contaminated with the germs.
Noroviruses in particular, are typically spread to other people by contact with stool or vomit of infected people and through contaminated water or food—especially oysters, prawns, crabs, lobsters, cockleshells from contaminated breeding waters.
How is the diagnosis of Gastroenteritis made?
-----------------------------------------------------
Doctors generally diagnose gastroenteritis based on the symptoms and a physical examination. Your doctor may ask for a stool sample to test for rotavirus or to rule out bacteria or parasites as the cause of your symptoms.
How is Gastroenteritis treated?
-------------------------------------
Most cases of viral gastroenteritis resolve without specific treatment.
Antibiotics are not effective against viral infections.
The primary goal of treatment is to reduce the symptoms which may include an antispasmodic drug to stop abdominal cramps, medicine to harden the stools such as kaolin and slow down the intestinal movement (lomotil or loperamide).
Prompt treatment may be needed to prevent dehydration which is the loss of fluids from the body. Important salts or minerals, known as electrolytes, can also be lost with the fluids. Dehydration can be caused by diarrhea, vomiting, excessive urination, excessive sweating, or by not drinking enough fluids because of nausea, difficulty swallowing, or loss of appetite.
The symptoms of dehydration are
excessive thirst
dry mouth
little or no urine or dark yellow urine
sunken eyes
severe weakness or lethargy
dizziness or lightheadedness
Mild dehydration can be treated by drinking liquids.
Severe dehydration may require intravenous fluids and hospitalization.
Untreated severe dehydration can be life threatening especially in babies, young children and the elderly.
The following steps may help relieve the symptoms of gastroenteritis.
1.Allow your gastrointestinal tract to settle by not eating for a few hours.
2.Sip small amounts of clear liquids or suck on ice chips if vomiting is still a problem.
3.Give infants and children oral rehydration solutions to replace fluids and lost electrolytes. 4.Gradually reintroduce food, starting with bland, easy-to-digest food, like porridge or soups.
5.Avoid dairy products, caffeine, and alcohol until recovery is complete.
6.Get plenty of rest.
How is Gastroenteritis prevented?
----------------------------------------
You can avoid infection by:
1.washing your hands thoroughly for 20 seconds after using the bathroom or changing diapers
2.washing your hands thoroughly for 20 seconds before eating
3.disinfecting contaminated surfaces such as counter tops and baby changing stations
4.Avoid eating or drinking foods or liquids that might be contaminated
-------------------------------------
What is Gastroenteritis?
---------------------------
Gastroenteritis is an inflammation of the lining of the intestines caused by a virus, bacteria or parasites resulting in leakage of fluid from the cell into the intestine(diarrhea),abdominal pain and vomiting.
What are the causes of Gastroenteritis?
--------------------------------------------
Viral Gastroenteritis:
The most common cause of Gastroenteritis is Viral.
Rota virus is the leading cause among children 3 to 15 months old and the most common cause of diarrhea in children under the age of 5 years.
Adenovirus occurs mainly in children under the age of 2 years.
Caliciviruses especially the norovirus cause infection in people of all ages.
Astrovirus also infects primarily infants, young children, and the elderly.
Bacterial Gastroenteritis:
The most common cause is the E. coli bacteria, usually mild with diarrhea, abdominal pain and occasional vomiting. It rarely cause fever.
Salmonella, Shigella ,Vibrio cholerae, are more serious bacterial infection causing diarrhea and high fever.
Parasitic Gastroenteritis:
Most common is amoebic dysentery,common in India and Africa.
Other parasitic infection are giardiasis and threadworms.
What are symptoms of Gastroenteritis?
----------------------------------------------
The main symptoms of gastroenteritis are
1. watery diarrhea
2. abdominal pain
3. vomiting
4. headache
5. fever.
6.loss of appetite and energy
Symptoms usually appear within 4 to 48 hours after exposure to the germ and last for 1 to 2 days, though symptoms can last as long as 10 days.
How is Gastroenteritis transmitted?
------------------------------------------
Gastroenteritis can be highly contagious. The germs are commonly transmitted by people with unwashed hands.
People can get the germs through close contact with infected individuals by sharing their food, drink, or eating utensils, or by eating food or drinking beverages that are contaminated with the germs.
Noroviruses in particular, are typically spread to other people by contact with stool or vomit of infected people and through contaminated water or food—especially oysters, prawns, crabs, lobsters, cockleshells from contaminated breeding waters.
How is the diagnosis of Gastroenteritis made?
-----------------------------------------------------
Doctors generally diagnose gastroenteritis based on the symptoms and a physical examination. Your doctor may ask for a stool sample to test for rotavirus or to rule out bacteria or parasites as the cause of your symptoms.
How is Gastroenteritis treated?
-------------------------------------
Most cases of viral gastroenteritis resolve without specific treatment.
Antibiotics are not effective against viral infections.
The primary goal of treatment is to reduce the symptoms which may include an antispasmodic drug to stop abdominal cramps, medicine to harden the stools such as kaolin and slow down the intestinal movement (lomotil or loperamide).
Prompt treatment may be needed to prevent dehydration which is the loss of fluids from the body. Important salts or minerals, known as electrolytes, can also be lost with the fluids. Dehydration can be caused by diarrhea, vomiting, excessive urination, excessive sweating, or by not drinking enough fluids because of nausea, difficulty swallowing, or loss of appetite.
The symptoms of dehydration are
excessive thirst
dry mouth
little or no urine or dark yellow urine
sunken eyes
severe weakness or lethargy
dizziness or lightheadedness
Mild dehydration can be treated by drinking liquids.
Severe dehydration may require intravenous fluids and hospitalization.
Untreated severe dehydration can be life threatening especially in babies, young children and the elderly.
The following steps may help relieve the symptoms of gastroenteritis.
1.Allow your gastrointestinal tract to settle by not eating for a few hours.
2.Sip small amounts of clear liquids or suck on ice chips if vomiting is still a problem.
3.Give infants and children oral rehydration solutions to replace fluids and lost electrolytes. 4.Gradually reintroduce food, starting with bland, easy-to-digest food, like porridge or soups.
5.Avoid dairy products, caffeine, and alcohol until recovery is complete.
6.Get plenty of rest.
How is Gastroenteritis prevented?
----------------------------------------
You can avoid infection by:
1.washing your hands thoroughly for 20 seconds after using the bathroom or changing diapers
2.washing your hands thoroughly for 20 seconds before eating
3.disinfecting contaminated surfaces such as counter tops and baby changing stations
4.Avoid eating or drinking foods or liquids that might be contaminated
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