A Simple Guide to Burns & Scalds
--------------------------------
What are burns and scalds?
------------------------------
A burn is skin which is damaged most commonly by
1.fire or heat.
2.chemicals,
3.electricity
4.light including sunlight
5.radiation.
A scald is a burn caused by hot liquids or steam.
How do you determine the severity of the burn?
------------------------------------------------------
The following are considered when determining the severity of the burn:
1.Degree of burn
2.Extent of the burn
3.Age of patient
4.Body region burned
5.Other illnesses and injuries
What are the degree of burns and scalds?
--------------------------------------------
First degree Burn:
----------------------
superficial injury only affecting the epidermis
The skin is red, hot and painful.
Damage is superficial and temporary.
There is no blisters.
Second degree burn:
------------------------
first layer of skin is burned through, second layer is damaged
The underlying tissues are not damaged..
The skin is red, hot, swoolen and intensely painful and there is blister formation.
Third degree Burn:
-----------------------
The full thickness of the skin is damaged including sometimes the underlying tissues.
The skin may appear pale and leathery or charred.
Because the nerves are damaged, there may not be pain.
How do you estimate the extent of the Burn or scald?
-----------------------------------------------------
The rule of nines give a rough estimate of the extent of the burn:
Each of the following represents 9% of body surface:
head and neck
each upper limb
the front of each lower limb
the back of each lower limb
the chest
the abdomen
the upper back
the lower back and buttocks
These constitute 99% of the body surface.
The remainder 1% is assigned to the genitals.
Age of the Patient:
----------------------
The infant and young child have a surface area greater in proportion to the whole body compared with a older child or adult. There is therefore more body fluid loss and more danger.
An older adult above 55 years has less ability for his tissues to heal from any burns as compared to an younger adult.
Region of body burned
----------------------
Face- burn to the face is serious because it may involve the airway or injury to the eyes.
Hands and feet - burns are also of special concern because scarring may mean loss of movement of the fingers and toes.
Groins,buttocks- burns here are particularly prone to bacterial infection
Circumferential burns- encircle the body or body part and can block circulation to the tissues distal to the burn.
Other illnesses and injuries
----------------------------
Illness such as those below can aggravate the severity of the burns and affect the healing:
Respiratory diseases
Diabetes
Heart disease
Injuries like fractures
The source of the Burn-
is also important.
A minor burn caused by nuclear radiation is more dangerous than one caused by heat.
Chemical burns are particularly more serious because the chemicals may remain on the skin and burn for hours and may enter the bloodstream causing toxic reactions.
What is the treatment for burns and scalds?
---------------------------------------------------
Superficial(first degree) burns and scalds, and partial-thickness(2nd degree) ones which does not involve an area smaller than that of the victim's palm can be treated at home:
1.Remove all jewelry and clothing at the burn area
2.Put the injured part under cold running water for a few minutes to ease the pain.
Dry by patting with a clean cloth.
3.Apply a soothing cream or lotion for scalds and burns.
4.Try not to break a blister. If a blister is already broken, apply an antiseptic lotion.
5.Painkillers may be necessary for pain.
More severe cases should be treated in a hospital:
1.the burn or scald is full-thickness (3rd degree).
2.the mouth or throat, eyes, ears, entire face or genital area is involved .
3.chemical or any corrosive substance burns.
4.electric current or lightning burns .
5.thick smoke or hot air inhalation with breathing difficulty
6.the burn or scald gets infected(fever, pus formation and increasing pain, redness and swelling).
7.partial-thickness burn affects an area larger than the victim's palm.
8.medical illnesses such as diabetes, heart attack and stroke are present
Showing posts with label chronic illness. Show all posts
Showing posts with label chronic illness. Show all posts
Thursday, December 20, 2007
Friday, November 2, 2007
A Simple Guide to Depression
A Simple Guide to Depression
-----------------------------------
What is Depression?
------------------------
Depression is a very common mental ilness with an alteration of mood which exceeds normal sadness.
How common is Depression?
----------------------------------
Everyone has felt sad at one time or another.
It may be due to a disappointment, frustration or losing someone.
But time heals, the mood lifts and people continue to get on with their lives.
In some people, depression can be so severe that it dominates their lives, preventing them from living their lives as they used to.
Depression of this degree is a medical illness and needs treatment.
What Are The Types Of Depression?
------------------------------------------
1.Major depression is manifested by a combination of symptoms that affect our work, interests and feelings towards family and friends.
These disabling episodes can occur twice or several times in a lifetime.
2.Dysthymia is a less severe type of depression.
People with dysthymia have long-term depressive symptoms and it prevents them from functioning at an optimal level.
What Are The Causes Of Depression?
--------------------------------------------
1.hereditary or genetic factors in the transmission of depressive disorders.
In some families, major depression seems to occur generation after generation.
2.biological component in depression.
It may be associated with having too little or too much chemicals in the brain.
3. medications have mood altering properties.
Some medication act by altering the biochemical imbalances in the brain causing depression.
4. Life events such as loss of a job, retirement, divorce, death of a loved one or moving to a new house can precipitate a depressive illness.
5.Social circumstances also play a part.
If we are alone, have few or no friends, suffer from a chronic illness, then we may be more vulnerable to depression.
6. People with life threatening or long-term physical illness such as cancer, stroke, arthritis or heart disease are also more vulnerable to depression.
7. Personality may also play a part in depression. Some of us are more vulnerable than others because of the individual make-up or early life experiences.
Very often, a combination of genetic, psychological and environmental factors is involved in the onset of depression.
The good news is that whatever the cause, depression is treatable.
What are the Symptoms Of Depression?
----------------------------------------------
Certain characteristic symptoms can give you or your family a clue that you are depressed:
1.Depressed mood
2.lethargy and fatigue
3.loss of interest and enjoyment in life
4.lack of drive or motivation that makes even simple tasks or decisions difficult or impossible
5.loss of concentration
6.Loss of self confidence, avoiding people
7.Sleeplessness or excessive sleeping
8.Agitation or restlessness
9.ideas of being useless, inadequate, helpless or hopeless
10.Feeling guilty or worthless
11.Loss or gain in appetite, libido with loss or gain in weight
12.Thoughts of suicide;
These symptoms are very common in depression.
It is much better admitted to friends or relatives than to keep them hidden.
How is Depression Treated?
---------------------------------
Reassurance and support is most important in treatment of depression.
Recognition of suicide risk must be remembered when treating a depressed person.
Treatment for depression is well established.
Majority up to 90% of people with major depression have fairly good treatment outcome.
Treatment consists of
drug (antidepressant medication) and
non-drug therapy.
Usually, a combined treatment is best:
1.medication to gain relatively quick relief and
2.psychotherapy to learn more effective ways to deal with life stresses.
Antidepressant Medication
---------------------------------
All antidepressant medications are equally effective but they have different side effects.
The most often used antidepressants include tricyclics, monoamine oxidase inhibitors, lithium and selective serotonin inhibitors (SSRI).
Antidepressant medications do not begin working the day you take them but your mood will improve after one to two weeks.
However, you may notice some improvement on the first day, especially in your sleep and feeling less tense and anxious.
The medications are compatible with painkillers, antibiotics and contraceptives. However, you should avoid alcohol as the medication and alcohol combined can make you too drowsy.
Do not stop the medication once you start to feel better as you may relapse into depression again.
You should discuss this with your doctor and let him advise you when to stop.
Antidepressants like all drugs have some side effects, though these are usually mild and tend to wear off as treatment goes on.
The common side effects and their remedies are:
Dry mouth - drink more water
Constipation - eat more fruits, cereals, prunes and vegetables
Drowsiness - this will pass soon; do not drive or operate heavy machinery if feeling sedated Dizziness - rise from bed or chair slowly
Some side effects with the newer medications:
Headache - this will usually go away
Nausea and stomach discomfort - transient; take medication with food
Nervousness and insomnia - these may occur during the first few weeks, reducing the dose will usually resolve them.
Non Drug Therapy
-----------------------
Psychotherapy
Psychotherapy involves talking things through with a trained counselor or therapist.
Talking to someone who can really listen and understand you without passing judgement can be a tremendous relief.
You learn how to solve problems and cope with life stresses better.
Exercise
Exercise not only improves your health but it also gives you a sense of accomplishment. Endorphins ('feel good' hormones) are released during exercise and this can elevate your mood.
Relaxation Therapy
This involves deep breathing exercises and progressive muscle relaxation.
Support Groups
Support groups offer fellowship and you get to hear first hand accounts of how others with depression, like you, have learnt to cope.
There is also a psychoeducation group which help you learn about the depressive illness and methods of coping.
Electroconvulsive Theraphy (ECT)
ECT is only indicated for those with severe depression who have not responded to treatment or are highly suicidal.
It involves giving a light general anaesthetic and an electric current is passed through the brain for a few seconds. The whole procedure takes only about 15 minutes and the patient is only aware of having gone to sleep.
How Can You Prevent Depression ?
-----------------------------------------
1.try to talk to close friends about bad news
2. Be realistic about your goals. Do not aim too high. Set priorities and do what you can.
3. Do something - get out of the house for a walk or some exercise.
While you may not be able to work, it is always good to try to keep up with some light activities such as housework.
This will help take your mind off those painful feelings.
4. Eat a good balanced diet, even though you may not feel like eating.
5. Resist the temptation to drown your sorrows with alcohol.
Alcohol can depresses the mood, so while it may give you immediate relief by making you forget your problems, this is very temporary and you may end up more depressed.
It is also bad for your liver and general physical health.
6. Remind yourself that you are suffering from depression, something that many other people have gone through, and that you will eventually come out of it, as they do
7.Remember your appointments to see the doctor , take your medicine regularly and do not be afraid to ask for help from your friends and support groups.
-----------------------------------
What is Depression?
------------------------
Depression is a very common mental ilness with an alteration of mood which exceeds normal sadness.
How common is Depression?
----------------------------------
Everyone has felt sad at one time or another.
It may be due to a disappointment, frustration or losing someone.
But time heals, the mood lifts and people continue to get on with their lives.
In some people, depression can be so severe that it dominates their lives, preventing them from living their lives as they used to.
Depression of this degree is a medical illness and needs treatment.
What Are The Types Of Depression?
------------------------------------------
1.Major depression is manifested by a combination of symptoms that affect our work, interests and feelings towards family and friends.
These disabling episodes can occur twice or several times in a lifetime.
2.Dysthymia is a less severe type of depression.
People with dysthymia have long-term depressive symptoms and it prevents them from functioning at an optimal level.
What Are The Causes Of Depression?
--------------------------------------------
1.hereditary or genetic factors in the transmission of depressive disorders.
In some families, major depression seems to occur generation after generation.
2.biological component in depression.
It may be associated with having too little or too much chemicals in the brain.
3. medications have mood altering properties.
Some medication act by altering the biochemical imbalances in the brain causing depression.
4. Life events such as loss of a job, retirement, divorce, death of a loved one or moving to a new house can precipitate a depressive illness.
5.Social circumstances also play a part.
If we are alone, have few or no friends, suffer from a chronic illness, then we may be more vulnerable to depression.
6. People with life threatening or long-term physical illness such as cancer, stroke, arthritis or heart disease are also more vulnerable to depression.
7. Personality may also play a part in depression. Some of us are more vulnerable than others because of the individual make-up or early life experiences.
Very often, a combination of genetic, psychological and environmental factors is involved in the onset of depression.
The good news is that whatever the cause, depression is treatable.
What are the Symptoms Of Depression?
----------------------------------------------
Certain characteristic symptoms can give you or your family a clue that you are depressed:
1.Depressed mood
2.lethargy and fatigue
3.loss of interest and enjoyment in life
4.lack of drive or motivation that makes even simple tasks or decisions difficult or impossible
5.loss of concentration
6.Loss of self confidence, avoiding people
7.Sleeplessness or excessive sleeping
8.Agitation or restlessness
9.ideas of being useless, inadequate, helpless or hopeless
10.Feeling guilty or worthless
11.Loss or gain in appetite, libido with loss or gain in weight
12.Thoughts of suicide;
These symptoms are very common in depression.
It is much better admitted to friends or relatives than to keep them hidden.
How is Depression Treated?
---------------------------------
Reassurance and support is most important in treatment of depression.
Recognition of suicide risk must be remembered when treating a depressed person.
Treatment for depression is well established.
Majority up to 90% of people with major depression have fairly good treatment outcome.
Treatment consists of
drug (antidepressant medication) and
non-drug therapy.
Usually, a combined treatment is best:
1.medication to gain relatively quick relief and
2.psychotherapy to learn more effective ways to deal with life stresses.
Antidepressant Medication
---------------------------------
All antidepressant medications are equally effective but they have different side effects.
The most often used antidepressants include tricyclics, monoamine oxidase inhibitors, lithium and selective serotonin inhibitors (SSRI).
Antidepressant medications do not begin working the day you take them but your mood will improve after one to two weeks.
However, you may notice some improvement on the first day, especially in your sleep and feeling less tense and anxious.
The medications are compatible with painkillers, antibiotics and contraceptives. However, you should avoid alcohol as the medication and alcohol combined can make you too drowsy.
Do not stop the medication once you start to feel better as you may relapse into depression again.
You should discuss this with your doctor and let him advise you when to stop.
Antidepressants like all drugs have some side effects, though these are usually mild and tend to wear off as treatment goes on.
The common side effects and their remedies are:
Dry mouth - drink more water
Constipation - eat more fruits, cereals, prunes and vegetables
Drowsiness - this will pass soon; do not drive or operate heavy machinery if feeling sedated Dizziness - rise from bed or chair slowly
Some side effects with the newer medications:
Headache - this will usually go away
Nausea and stomach discomfort - transient; take medication with food
Nervousness and insomnia - these may occur during the first few weeks, reducing the dose will usually resolve them.
Non Drug Therapy
-----------------------
Psychotherapy
Psychotherapy involves talking things through with a trained counselor or therapist.
Talking to someone who can really listen and understand you without passing judgement can be a tremendous relief.
You learn how to solve problems and cope with life stresses better.
Exercise
Exercise not only improves your health but it also gives you a sense of accomplishment. Endorphins ('feel good' hormones) are released during exercise and this can elevate your mood.
Relaxation Therapy
This involves deep breathing exercises and progressive muscle relaxation.
Support Groups
Support groups offer fellowship and you get to hear first hand accounts of how others with depression, like you, have learnt to cope.
There is also a psychoeducation group which help you learn about the depressive illness and methods of coping.
Electroconvulsive Theraphy (ECT)
ECT is only indicated for those with severe depression who have not responded to treatment or are highly suicidal.
It involves giving a light general anaesthetic and an electric current is passed through the brain for a few seconds. The whole procedure takes only about 15 minutes and the patient is only aware of having gone to sleep.
How Can You Prevent Depression ?
-----------------------------------------
1.try to talk to close friends about bad news
2. Be realistic about your goals. Do not aim too high. Set priorities and do what you can.
3. Do something - get out of the house for a walk or some exercise.
While you may not be able to work, it is always good to try to keep up with some light activities such as housework.
This will help take your mind off those painful feelings.
4. Eat a good balanced diet, even though you may not feel like eating.
5. Resist the temptation to drown your sorrows with alcohol.
Alcohol can depresses the mood, so while it may give you immediate relief by making you forget your problems, this is very temporary and you may end up more depressed.
It is also bad for your liver and general physical health.
6. Remind yourself that you are suffering from depression, something that many other people have gone through, and that you will eventually come out of it, as they do
7.Remember your appointments to see the doctor , take your medicine regularly and do not be afraid to ask for help from your friends and support groups.
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