A Simple Guide to Meningitis
-----------------------------------
What is Meningitis?
---------------------------
Meningitis is a serious medical disease which causes inflammation and infection of the meninges which are the protective lining of the spinal cord and brain.
What are the causes of Meningitis?
----------------------------------------
The causes of Meningitis may be divided into:
Infections:
------------
1.viral infections are the most common and are usually mild
(enterovirus, herpes simplex virus 2 and mumps) except for Hand mouth and foot disease(enterovirus EV7)which can cause fatality in children
2.bacterial infections such as meningoccocus (Neisseria meningitidis) and pneumococcus (Streptococcus pneumoniae) can be serious and fatal in some cases.
Meningococcal meningitis can cause outbreaks(spread easily).
E.coli, Group B streptococus and Pseudomonas infection are common in neonates.
Neisseria meningitidis, Haemophilus influenzae, Streptococcus pneumoniae are common in infants and children
Streptococcus pneumoniae, N. meningitidis, Mycobacteria are more common in adults.
Mycobacterium tuberculosis meningitis are more common in developing countries and in people whose immune systems are impaired(eg. AIDS) and are preceded by active tuberculosis infections elsewhere.
3.fungi
Cryptococcus neoformans is the most common cause of fungal meningitis
Non-infectious:
------------------
Non infectious causes usually irritates the meninges through inflammation and auto immune reactions:
1.cancers,
2.systemic lupus erythematosus
3.drugs.
4.head injury
5.post neurosurgical procedures
What are Signs and symptoms of Meningitis?
---------------------------------------------
The triad of symptoms which often defines meningitis are:
1.Severe headache
2.Neck rigidity (unable to flex the neck forward),
A positive Kernig's sign means that the neck will painful when one hip is flexed to 90 degrees and the knee flexed to 90 degrees in a patient lying supine.
3.vomiting
Other symptoms are:
4.high fever
5.mental confusion.
6.Malaise
7.photo-phobia (inability to tolerate bright light),
8.phono-phobia (inability to tolerate loud noises),
9.irritability especially in small children
10.seizures .
11.swelling of the fontanelle may be present in infants
12.rash with numerous small, irregular red spots on the body, lower legs, soles of feet, palms
13.ulcers of the mouth (present in hand,mouth and foot disease).
How is the diagnosis of Meningitis made?
------------------------------------------
1.Classical symptoms and signs as above especially neck rigidity
2.blood tests (complete blood count, ESR and blood culture)
3.X-rays of chest and brain
4.cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) analysis via lumbar puncture is examined for white blood cells, red blood cells, protein content, glucose level and micro-organisms.
This test should not be done if there is suspected cerebral mass lesion or raised intracranial pressure (head injury, localizing neurological signs)
A pressure of over 180 mm suggests bacterial meningitis.
5.CSF glucose is low,protein high and cells high in bacterial meningitis,
CSF glucose is normal,protein normal and cells high in viral meningitis
CSF glucose is low,protein high and cells high in fungal meningitis
6.CT or MRI of the brain and spine with MRI preferred over CT because it can detect more easily areas of cerebral edema,tumors, ischemia, and meningeal inflammation.
What are the complications of Meningitis?
-----------------------------------------------
1.Neurological deficits
2.deafness
3.learning disorders in children
4.brain infarction,
5.septic shock,
6.adult respiratory distress syndrome
7.seizures also more in children
8.pneumonia especially in the elderly
What is the treatment of Meningitis?
------------------------------------
1.Hospitalization should be immediate as meningitis is an life threatening condition.
2.Antibiotics such as cephalosporin, ampicillin, chloramphenicol, intravenous vancomycin to be started even before doing lumbar puncture.
Acyclovir may be given for herpes virus infection
High dosages of anti-fungals may be given for Fungal meningitis for a prolonged period of time
3.corticosteroids is useful to reduce complications
4.High-flow oxygen
5.intravenous fluids
What is the prognosis of Meningitis?
------------------------------------------
This depends on the severity and type of infection.
Viral infections except for enterovirus EV7 usually recover quickly.
Bacterial infections such as meningococcus and pneumococcus are more dangerous.
What are the Preventive measures taken for Meningitis?
--------------------------------------------------------
Vaccinations against Haemophilus influenzae in children and adults has reduced the incidence of this form of meningitis.
Vaccines against type A and C Neisseria meningitidis are used to prevent these types of meningitis especially in those who travel abroad.
Vaccines against type B Neisseria meningitidis have yet to be produced athough a drug company is doing research on the production of this vaccine.
Pneumococcal vaccine against Streptococcus pneumoniae has been given to newborns to prevent pneumococcal meningitis.
Mumps vaccination as part of Measles, mumps and rubella vaccine(MMR) has reduced the incidence of mumps related form of meningitis
Showing posts with label vomiting. Show all posts
Showing posts with label vomiting. Show all posts
Friday, August 15, 2008
Wednesday, February 13, 2008
A Simple Guide to Cholera
A Simple Guide to Cholera
---------------------------------
What is Cholera?
---------------------------
Cholera is an acute infectious illness caused by the Vibrio cholorae bacteria.
What is the cause of Cholera?
----------------------------------
The bacteria which causes Cholera is the Vibrio cholorae which is an extremely hardy bacteria able to live in polluted water and contaminated food.
There are 2 main types of cholera bacteria:
1.the Classic short slightly curved Gram negative aerobic rods
2.The El Tor strain which is hardier,persists longer in nature and is more likely to cause carrier states in humans.
Incubation period is 12 hours to 6 days.
What are symptoms of Cholera?
----------------------------------------------
The main symptoms of Cholera are
1. Vomiting after 12 hours of ingestion of bacteria
2. abrupt painless rice water diarrhoea
3. abdominal pain
4. prostration and muscle cramps
Severe cases may have dehydration leading to:
1.hypotension
2.cardiovascular collapse
3.tachycardia
4.difficulty in breathing and cyanosis
5.weak peripheral pulses
6.delirium and disorientation
7.lassitude and tiredness
8.convulsions in small children
Symptoms usually appear within 12 hours after exposure to the germ and last up to 1 week.
How is Cholera transmitted?
------------------------------------------
Most epidemics are water borne espcially after severe flooding.
The germs can also be transmitted by food handlers.
How is the diagnosis of Cholera made?
-----------------------------------------------------
Doctors generally diagnose Cholera based on the symptoms and a physical examination.
Confirmation is by blood tests and stool cultures.
What are the complications of Cholera?
-------------------------------------------
Cholera is a disease which can kill espcially through its complications:
1.Severe dehydration especially in young children and the very old patients
2.Hypovolemic shock
3.uncompensated metabolic acidosis
4.renal failure
How is Cholera treated?
-------------------------------------
Cholera is an infectious disease which can spread to other people through contaminated food and water.
It is therefore advisable to quarantine the patient in hospitals.
1.The most important complication in Cholera is dehydration so prompt replacement of fluids and electrolytes intravenously is necessary.
WHO diarrhea treatment solution consists of
a.4gms of sodium chloride
b.6.5gms of sodium acetate
c.1 gm of potassium chloride
d.10gms of glucose
in 1 liter of sterile distilled water.
Where intravenous administration of diarrhea solution is not available, isotonic drinks and even coconut water may act as replacements.
2. Careful monitoring of the patient as 1 liter of fluid may be lost in the stools in one hour.
3.Antibiotics is the main treatment against cholera.
The best antibiotic is tetracycline or deoxycline.
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 Cholera prevented?
----------------------------------------
Prevention of Cholera can be by vaccination with the cholera vaccine.
However the success rate of immunisation against Cholera is only 20-30% so most doctors do not recommended it.
You can avoid infection by:
Avoid eating or drinking foods or liquids that might be contaminated
Good food hygience
What is the prognosis of Cholera?
-------------------------------------
Prognosis is excellent with prompt treatment of rehydration treatment.
After replacement symptoms usually clear within 48 hours with tetracycline treatment.
---------------------------------
What is Cholera?
---------------------------
Cholera is an acute infectious illness caused by the Vibrio cholorae bacteria.
What is the cause of Cholera?
----------------------------------
The bacteria which causes Cholera is the Vibrio cholorae which is an extremely hardy bacteria able to live in polluted water and contaminated food.
There are 2 main types of cholera bacteria:
1.the Classic short slightly curved Gram negative aerobic rods
2.The El Tor strain which is hardier,persists longer in nature and is more likely to cause carrier states in humans.
Incubation period is 12 hours to 6 days.
What are symptoms of Cholera?
----------------------------------------------
The main symptoms of Cholera are
1. Vomiting after 12 hours of ingestion of bacteria
2. abrupt painless rice water diarrhoea
3. abdominal pain
4. prostration and muscle cramps
Severe cases may have dehydration leading to:
1.hypotension
2.cardiovascular collapse
3.tachycardia
4.difficulty in breathing and cyanosis
5.weak peripheral pulses
6.delirium and disorientation
7.lassitude and tiredness
8.convulsions in small children
Symptoms usually appear within 12 hours after exposure to the germ and last up to 1 week.
How is Cholera transmitted?
------------------------------------------
Most epidemics are water borne espcially after severe flooding.
The germs can also be transmitted by food handlers.
How is the diagnosis of Cholera made?
-----------------------------------------------------
Doctors generally diagnose Cholera based on the symptoms and a physical examination.
Confirmation is by blood tests and stool cultures.
What are the complications of Cholera?
-------------------------------------------
Cholera is a disease which can kill espcially through its complications:
1.Severe dehydration especially in young children and the very old patients
2.Hypovolemic shock
3.uncompensated metabolic acidosis
4.renal failure
How is Cholera treated?
-------------------------------------
Cholera is an infectious disease which can spread to other people through contaminated food and water.
It is therefore advisable to quarantine the patient in hospitals.
1.The most important complication in Cholera is dehydration so prompt replacement of fluids and electrolytes intravenously is necessary.
WHO diarrhea treatment solution consists of
a.4gms of sodium chloride
b.6.5gms of sodium acetate
c.1 gm of potassium chloride
d.10gms of glucose
in 1 liter of sterile distilled water.
Where intravenous administration of diarrhea solution is not available, isotonic drinks and even coconut water may act as replacements.
2. Careful monitoring of the patient as 1 liter of fluid may be lost in the stools in one hour.
3.Antibiotics is the main treatment against cholera.
The best antibiotic is tetracycline or deoxycline.
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 Cholera prevented?
----------------------------------------
Prevention of Cholera can be by vaccination with the cholera vaccine.
However the success rate of immunisation against Cholera is only 20-30% so most doctors do not recommended it.
You can avoid infection by:
Avoid eating or drinking foods or liquids that might be contaminated
Good food hygience
What is the prognosis of Cholera?
-------------------------------------
Prognosis is excellent with prompt treatment of rehydration treatment.
After replacement symptoms usually clear within 48 hours with tetracycline treatment.
Wednesday, November 21, 2007
A Simple Guide to Measles
A Simple Guide to Measles
--------------------------------
What is Measles?
---------------------
Measles is usually a contagious childhood infection caused by the measles virus, one of the paromyxovirus.
It is characterised by typical prodromal symptoms, generalised rash and Koplik's spots in the mouth.
Who is at risk for Measles?
--------------------------------
Any one at any age can contract measles but it usually occurs in childhood.
Spread is usually by infected persons either from mucous discharges from their coughing and sneezing, or from contact with their skin rash,contaminated items and surfaces.
Usually a person is contagious for about two days before symptoms appear, and up to five days after appearance of the rash.
What are the Symptoms of Measles?
-------------------------------------------
There is a prodromal peroid of 5 to 7 days after contact with a infected person.
Early symptoms include:
1.high fever
2.coughing,
3.runny nose, stuffy nose,
4.tiredness,
5.red eyes, tearing. ,
6.Koplik's spots (white spots with a red background , located on the inside of the cheeks near the back molars start to appear 2-4 days after the fever.
7.measles rash usually occurs after the appearance of the Koplik's spots.
The rash is typically red,maculopapular, and starts from behind the ears and face, then spreads downward to the neck, trunk, limbs, and soles. Once it reaches the soles, the rash begins to fade in about four days , first the head and neck, then trunk and limbs. There may be a brownish discoloration in areas of affected skin rashes but this is only temporary.
8. enlarged lymph glands may be felt in the neck and groins
9.inflammation of the eyes (conjunctivitis) with tearing may also occurs.
10. diarrhoea and vomiting may occurs in some patients.
Adults tend to suffer more severe symptoms than children do.
People who have had measles develop a natural immunity and cannot contract it again.
What are the Complications of Measles?
------------------------------------------------
1.Ear infection (Otitis Media) is a common complication of measles.
2.pneumonia in very young children and older patients may be dangerous.
3.encephalitis (brain infection)may ocur in 1 out of 600 patients putting them at risk of suffering seizures, coma or dying.
4.the digestive organs (including the liver),the heart muscle or the kidneys may be damaged in rare cases
A pregnant woman who develops a measles infection has
1.an increased risk of premature labour,
2.miscarriage
3.delivery of a low birth weight baby.
What is the Treatment for Measles?
------------------------------------------
There is no cure for measles.
Treatment is therefore symptomatic.
Fever symptoms are treated with Paracetamol.
Children should not be given aspirin due to the risk of Reye's Syndrome which affects the brain
Itch may be controlled by antihistamines which can also help to relieve the runny nose.
Antibiotics may be given if there is superimposed secondary bacterial infection such as otitis emdia and pneumonia.
Cough mixtures may be given to relieve the cough.
Plenty of bed rest is necessary.
Lots of fluids helps to prevent dehydration.
A cool-mist humidifier to soothe respiratory passages may help.
Most patients recover completely from measles.
Death is extremely rare (one out of every 1000 cases), usually from pneumonia or encephalitis.
How do You prevent Measles?
-------------------------------------
Measles can be prevented with the measles vaccine, which is usually given to children at the age of 15 months as part of the MMR (measles, mumps and rubella) combination.
A second MMR vaccine is now given at the age of 12 years.
--------------------------------
What is Measles?
---------------------
Measles is usually a contagious childhood infection caused by the measles virus, one of the paromyxovirus.
It is characterised by typical prodromal symptoms, generalised rash and Koplik's spots in the mouth.
Who is at risk for Measles?
--------------------------------
Any one at any age can contract measles but it usually occurs in childhood.
Spread is usually by infected persons either from mucous discharges from their coughing and sneezing, or from contact with their skin rash,contaminated items and surfaces.
Usually a person is contagious for about two days before symptoms appear, and up to five days after appearance of the rash.
What are the Symptoms of Measles?
-------------------------------------------
There is a prodromal peroid of 5 to 7 days after contact with a infected person.
Early symptoms include:
1.high fever
2.coughing,
3.runny nose, stuffy nose,
4.tiredness,
5.red eyes, tearing. ,
6.Koplik's spots (white spots with a red background , located on the inside of the cheeks near the back molars start to appear 2-4 days after the fever.
7.measles rash usually occurs after the appearance of the Koplik's spots.
The rash is typically red,maculopapular, and starts from behind the ears and face, then spreads downward to the neck, trunk, limbs, and soles. Once it reaches the soles, the rash begins to fade in about four days , first the head and neck, then trunk and limbs. There may be a brownish discoloration in areas of affected skin rashes but this is only temporary.
8. enlarged lymph glands may be felt in the neck and groins
9.inflammation of the eyes (conjunctivitis) with tearing may also occurs.
10. diarrhoea and vomiting may occurs in some patients.
Adults tend to suffer more severe symptoms than children do.
People who have had measles develop a natural immunity and cannot contract it again.
What are the Complications of Measles?
------------------------------------------------
1.Ear infection (Otitis Media) is a common complication of measles.
2.pneumonia in very young children and older patients may be dangerous.
3.encephalitis (brain infection)may ocur in 1 out of 600 patients putting them at risk of suffering seizures, coma or dying.
4.the digestive organs (including the liver),the heart muscle or the kidneys may be damaged in rare cases
A pregnant woman who develops a measles infection has
1.an increased risk of premature labour,
2.miscarriage
3.delivery of a low birth weight baby.
What is the Treatment for Measles?
------------------------------------------
There is no cure for measles.
Treatment is therefore symptomatic.
Fever symptoms are treated with Paracetamol.
Children should not be given aspirin due to the risk of Reye's Syndrome which affects the brain
Itch may be controlled by antihistamines which can also help to relieve the runny nose.
Antibiotics may be given if there is superimposed secondary bacterial infection such as otitis emdia and pneumonia.
Cough mixtures may be given to relieve the cough.
Plenty of bed rest is necessary.
Lots of fluids helps to prevent dehydration.
A cool-mist humidifier to soothe respiratory passages may help.
Most patients recover completely from measles.
Death is extremely rare (one out of every 1000 cases), usually from pneumonia or encephalitis.
How do You prevent Measles?
-------------------------------------
Measles can be prevented with the measles vaccine, which is usually given to children at the age of 15 months as part of the MMR (measles, mumps and rubella) combination.
A second MMR vaccine is now given at the age of 12 years.
Wednesday, September 26, 2007
A Simple Guide to Liver Cancer
A Simple Guide to Liver Cancer
----------------
What is Liver Cancer?
---------------
Liver Cancer develops when the liver cells undergo abnormal changes to form cancer cells.
Most Primary cancer of the liver begins as mutated hepatocytes(liver cells).
Secondary cancer of the liver is due to spread from the stomach, colon, breast, lungs, ovaries etc
What is the incidence of Liver Cancer?
----------------------------------------------
Liver cancer is one of the most common cancer.
It occurs in men more than women.
It is more common in the 40s and 50s age groups.
What are the Risk Factors of Liver Cancer?
--------------------------------------------------
The main risk factor for liver cancer is
1.Hepatitis B infection.
Other important risk factors include
2.Hepatitis C infection
3.alcoholic liver disease (disease of the liver caused by heavy alcohol consumption).
4.family history of liver cancer
5.Chemicals exposures such as nitrites,solvents, hydrocarbons,viny chloride
6.poisons (e.g. aflatoxin present in some spoilt or mouldy peanuts).
7.inherited liver diseases (alpha-1 anti-trypsin deficiency)
8.Drug abuse eg heroin
What are the Signs and Symptoms of Liver Cancer?
------------------------------------------------------------
During the early stages, most people with liver cancer do not show any signs or symptoms.
Signs and symptoms, when they do appear, include:
1.loss of appetite and weight
2.discomfort or swelling in the upper part of the abdomen on the right side
3.weakness and fatigue
4.nausea and vomiting
5.jaundice - yellowness of the skin and eyes
6.dark color urine
7.Persistent or swinging fever
How is the Diagnosis of Liver Cancer confirmed?
--------------------------------------------------------
1. full medical history especially history of Hepatitis B and alcohol
2. full examination especially of the liver
3.an ultrasound scan of the liver and gallbladder, if possible the whole abdomen.
4.CT scan or MRI of the liver and surrounding tissues
5.blood tests (a protein present in blood called the alpha- fetoprotein or AFP may be found to be raised in liver cancer)
6.needle liver biopsy into the liver swelling as detected by ultrasound or MRI (to confirm the liver cancer).
With the diagnosis confirmed, the doctor will proceed with further tests to find out how advanced the liver cancer is. This will help the doctor to plan the treatment.
What is the Treatment of Liver Cancer?
---------------------------------------------
As in all cancers, treatment includes surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy.
In Liver cancer percutaneous ethanol (alcohol) injection is injected directly into the tumour, by means of a small needle, to kill the cancerous cells.
Liver transplant can also be carried out in selected cases where the size of the cancer is not too massive but surgery is not feasible due to the patient's limited liver reserve(provided a suitable liver donor can be found).
Treatment depends on the the stage of the cancer as well as health of the affected person.
The goal of treatment is complete cure.
However, where this is not possible, treatment is aimed at
preventing the tumour from spreading or growing.
Helping to eliminate uncomfortable symptoms is also an important aspect of liver cancer treatment.
How to Protect yourself from Liver Cancer?
---------------------------------------------------
Prevention from getting liver cancer is by taking steps to reduce your risk factors.
1. Reduce your risk of Hepatitis B by getting vaccinated. The Hepatitis B vaccine is safe and effective.
Both Hepatitis B and C are spread through infected blood or sexual fluids as well as intravenous drug abuse. It is therefore important to avoid activities that put you at risk:
2.Avoid multiple sex partners and having sex with commercial sex workers, strangers or anyone with multiple sex partners.
3.Do not abuse drugs or share injection needles.
4.Never share personal items like razors, toothbrushes or other items that may cause breaks in the skin.
5.Visit only reliable operators for ear/body piercing, tattooing or acupuncture.
6.It is also important that you limit your consumption of alcohol as excessive drinking can give rise to liver disease and increase your risk of liver cancer.
The liver is one of the largest and most important organs in your body. It performs many essential functions including:
making and storing of essential nutrients
making important hormones and enzymes
breaking down harmful substances.
Do not abuse Your LIVER by excessive drinking or taking drugs!
----------------
What is Liver Cancer?
---------------
Liver Cancer develops when the liver cells undergo abnormal changes to form cancer cells.
Most Primary cancer of the liver begins as mutated hepatocytes(liver cells).
Secondary cancer of the liver is due to spread from the stomach, colon, breast, lungs, ovaries etc
What is the incidence of Liver Cancer?
----------------------------------------------
Liver cancer is one of the most common cancer.
It occurs in men more than women.
It is more common in the 40s and 50s age groups.
What are the Risk Factors of Liver Cancer?
--------------------------------------------------
The main risk factor for liver cancer is
1.Hepatitis B infection.
Other important risk factors include
2.Hepatitis C infection
3.alcoholic liver disease (disease of the liver caused by heavy alcohol consumption).
4.family history of liver cancer
5.Chemicals exposures such as nitrites,solvents, hydrocarbons,viny chloride
6.poisons (e.g. aflatoxin present in some spoilt or mouldy peanuts).
7.inherited liver diseases (alpha-1 anti-trypsin deficiency)
8.Drug abuse eg heroin
What are the Signs and Symptoms of Liver Cancer?
------------------------------------------------------------
During the early stages, most people with liver cancer do not show any signs or symptoms.
Signs and symptoms, when they do appear, include:
1.loss of appetite and weight
2.discomfort or swelling in the upper part of the abdomen on the right side
3.weakness and fatigue
4.nausea and vomiting
5.jaundice - yellowness of the skin and eyes
6.dark color urine
7.Persistent or swinging fever
How is the Diagnosis of Liver Cancer confirmed?
--------------------------------------------------------
1. full medical history especially history of Hepatitis B and alcohol
2. full examination especially of the liver
3.an ultrasound scan of the liver and gallbladder, if possible the whole abdomen.
4.CT scan or MRI of the liver and surrounding tissues
5.blood tests (a protein present in blood called the alpha- fetoprotein or AFP may be found to be raised in liver cancer)
6.needle liver biopsy into the liver swelling as detected by ultrasound or MRI (to confirm the liver cancer).
With the diagnosis confirmed, the doctor will proceed with further tests to find out how advanced the liver cancer is. This will help the doctor to plan the treatment.
What is the Treatment of Liver Cancer?
---------------------------------------------
As in all cancers, treatment includes surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy.
In Liver cancer percutaneous ethanol (alcohol) injection is injected directly into the tumour, by means of a small needle, to kill the cancerous cells.
Liver transplant can also be carried out in selected cases where the size of the cancer is not too massive but surgery is not feasible due to the patient's limited liver reserve(provided a suitable liver donor can be found).
Treatment depends on the the stage of the cancer as well as health of the affected person.
The goal of treatment is complete cure.
However, where this is not possible, treatment is aimed at
preventing the tumour from spreading or growing.
Helping to eliminate uncomfortable symptoms is also an important aspect of liver cancer treatment.
How to Protect yourself from Liver Cancer?
---------------------------------------------------
Prevention from getting liver cancer is by taking steps to reduce your risk factors.
1. Reduce your risk of Hepatitis B by getting vaccinated. The Hepatitis B vaccine is safe and effective.
Both Hepatitis B and C are spread through infected blood or sexual fluids as well as intravenous drug abuse. It is therefore important to avoid activities that put you at risk:
2.Avoid multiple sex partners and having sex with commercial sex workers, strangers or anyone with multiple sex partners.
3.Do not abuse drugs or share injection needles.
4.Never share personal items like razors, toothbrushes or other items that may cause breaks in the skin.
5.Visit only reliable operators for ear/body piercing, tattooing or acupuncture.
6.It is also important that you limit your consumption of alcohol as excessive drinking can give rise to liver disease and increase your risk of liver cancer.
The liver is one of the largest and most important organs in your body. It performs many essential functions including:
making and storing of essential nutrients
making important hormones and enzymes
breaking down harmful substances.
Do not abuse Your LIVER by excessive drinking or taking drugs!
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?
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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?
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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?
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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?
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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?
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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?
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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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