Medical News

As infants, all of us have already been practicing proper breathing; that’s a fact. Try observing small children, when they breathe it is not the upper chest that does most of the work, this is because smaller children and infants use their lower respiratory organs to breathe. For most part this breathing method utilizes the lower respiratory organs, meaning; diaphragm and abdomen. This in turn balances pressure within the three major respiratory organs and assures full oxygen circulation all throughout the body.

As we grow older sadly we either tend to forget this method or we are taught differently. Most of us have been informed that the proper way of breathing would be chest breathing, for so long most have been fed with this idea that breathing using the abdomen and diaphragm is not only improper but also unnecessary.

Now science has proven this otherwise as breathing using the chest muscles alone weakens the other breathing organs and puts entire pressure on the upper respiratory organ which is the chest. This can lead to shortness of breath, inefficient lung usage and for asthmatics, can even trigger or worsen their condition. But this method of incorrect breathing can be reversed through the use of breathing techniques.

Breathing techniques like Pranayama, Buteyko, and Papworth have been known to help a lot of asthmatics deal and successfully manage their condition by correcting erroneous methods of breathing. While these three may differ in core principles and base techniques, each of them provides common sense methods along with rational explanations as to why some asthma causes and breathing are in a sense, highly related.

Take Buteyko for example. The particular formulation of this technique was based on the premise that asthmatics tend to over-breathe during flare-ups and attacks thereby worsening the condition. It has also further concluded and proven that hyperventilation caused by over-breathing highly diminishes the affectivity of carbon dioxide within the body to ease inflamed respiratory muscles. Papworth although slightly similar in terms of techniques, revolves around its core principle, which is the importance of nasal and diaphragmatic breathing as well as the individual development of breathing patterns within each individual to suit every activity, which also minimizes, if not, eliminates the chances of EIA or exercise induced asthma.

Pranayama on the other hand have long been used in India and is, in one way or another basis for the development and eventually creation of the Buteyko breathing method. This yogic method has been known to teach individuals the achievement of greater well-being through the use of breathing alone. Even from a simple standpoint asthma causes and breathing are in a way, have been, and always related. If you would like to know more about any of the methods mentioned above, check the internet for medical journals or articles, you never know, you might actually find the alternative that you have so long been looking for as well.

Men are using surgical options to change their noses in order to correct breathing issues and change their appearance in greater numbers today than ever before. Because an overly prominent nose is thought to draw too much attention to itself and overwhelm other parts of the face the largest proportion of male rhinoplasty patients are those requesting size reduction of their noses.

Still other men may be concerned about the overall shape of their noses, requesting a change because of unhappiness with the size of a dorsal hump in the center of the nose or a drooping nose. While rhinoplasty procedures for men and women are fairly similar, the main difference in the sexes is that males are advised to wait a bit longer to assure their features are mature before electing for a surgical intervention. The female face is considered done growing at roughly seventeen while men are advised to put of surgery until they are at least twenty.

Modern rhinoplasty involves more than just taking out tissue to decrease the size of a person’s nose. A properly done rhinoplasty needs to be done by a surgeon who will be sure the nose as it is remade will blend with the patient’s other facial features rather than just changing the nose to a desired model.

In order to create the best overall outcome and in some cases a more dramatic change in appearance male rhinoplasty patients may receive recommendations to add other cosmetic alterations such as a chin implant or even a full facelift along with the desired rhinoplasty.

Computer imaging is often used in pre-surgery consultations by plastic surgeons to help patients understand what changes may be made by a rhinoplasty operation, this way patients may see results before committing. This step in consultation allows the patient to understand the limitations of cosmetic surgery as well as the benefits so that he may be more confident going into the procedure with a full understanding of what he is committing to.

It is also the surgeon’s duty to explain possible risks and side effects of cosmetic procedures such as infection, swelling, bruising, possible visible scarring, nerve damage, broken capillaries, excessive bleeding and complications with anesthesia. Information will also be shared with the patient as to how the patient and physician can become a team, working toward the best possible outcome and the smoothest, speediest recovery time.

If the patient is fit for and agrees to the details of his surgery plan his surgeon will then schedule the rhinoplasty procedure to be completed at a day surgery facility. Surgery is performed under local or general anesthesia and may take from one to three hours depending on the extent of the surgical work to be done.

Many male rhinoplasty patients find that they have little pain or may even be pain free after their procedures. If they follow aftercare instructions patients should be back to their usual schedules after a few days. Post surgery swelling should disappear within about three weeks.

As if growing pains were not enough, there is such a thing known as systemic-onset juvenile rheumatoid arthritis which afflicts both girls and boys as they progress from childhood to preadolescence. As a juvenile disorder, it affects children younger than 16 years of age, although there are cases wherein it persists beyond the teens.

What is Systemic JRA?

Think of it as an autoimmune disorder wherein the immune system which normally responds beneficially to fight any infection automatically reacts to combat its own defenses. Even a minor infection which raises the white blood cell count could trigger the autoimmune system of to attack its own body tissues.
Poorly understood, systemic JRA is difficult to diagnose and treat without a series of tests to rule out all other diseases. It can be worrisome because some of its symptoms closely resemble those of leukemia, bone cancer, and other nervous syndromes.

How does it show?

Depending on its severity, the disease is characterized by multiple signs and symptoms such as joint pain, swelling, and stiffness for more than six weeks straight. The child experiences prolonged bouts of high fever and chills which peaks with unexplained measles-like rashes. The experience can be very disheartening and debilitating, which is why pain management should be given importance in systemic JRA.

It is not contagious, because it is neither bacterial nor viral but rather a disease of the immune system. It can be inherited as a third-generation disease, meaning it skips one generation and manifests itself in the next. There is no clear explanation why some children outgrow it completely while others have long symptom-free periods followed by a sudden show of flare-ups.

How do you manage it?

During JRA flare-ups, a child is prone to lose weight and muscle mass which results from lost appetite and limited body movement. On the other hand, prolonged medication and lack of activity would lead to excessive weight gain. Rather than leading a sedentary lifestyle, you could encourage your child to engage in non-strenuous play and sports activities which exercise the joints, bones, and muscles.

As part of pain management care, a child with systemic JRA is attended to by a pediatric rheumatologist. Aside from pain relievers, the usual medications would include NSAIDs and low-dose steroid treatment. The patient may also need specifically-prescribed exercise programs and rehab sessions under the supervision of a physical therapist to completely recover.

How do you deal with it?

When chronic joint pain is recurrent, it goes far beyond what we know of as musculoskeletal pain. The pain is simply indescribable. It could affect the entire body starting from the ankles to the knees, higher to the hips and the shoulders, and even up to the neck and jaws.

As parents of a child with systemic JRA, we only have to deal with it. However, it is our children afflicted with the disease who have to live with it. They will have to cope with its long-term side-effects such as growth delays, accelerated tooth decays and inner eye inflammations which lead to premature scarring and vision problems. With prolonged medication, complications of the heart and liver as well as stomach ulcers are bound to happen.

Aside from our love and patience, we can only lend our children additional support through pain management medications, clinics, and therapies. Keeping informed and updated on current developments in patient care for systemic JRA would help families deal and live with a disease which goes beyond the pains of growing up. Turn to our Fitness Books for more information on pain management and other health matters.

The heart attack symptoms are the heart of the matter. Are you overly concerned about the possibility of a heart attack? We all know that it is a very serious lifestyle disease that could end a life in a matter of minutes.

When the attack actually takes place, one might feel feverish, nauseous, short of breath, sweat a lot, chest pain, and excessive tingling in the arms. Many victims-to-be act like they are in denial about their condition. They brush aside the signs that are telling them a full-blown heart attack is happening. Necrosis of a region of the heart muscle caused by an interruption in the supply of blood to the heart, usually as a result of occlusion of a coronary artery resulting from coronary artery disease. Heart disease remains the number one reason for death in both men and women. Because many women don’t even know that they have heart disease, it’s important to know the early warning signs and when it’s time to see your doctor.

For men the feeling of heaviness in the chest is often described. This can be felt by women, but only 30% of women who have heart attacks state they experienced any chest pain at all through this process. You can feel pain in the same area as you do when you have eaten something you shouldn’t have eaten. Don’t dismiss heartburn pain. Silent heart attack symptoms do not resemble the classic heart attack symptoms. A known cause of this condition is Silent Ischemia (Decreased blood supply to the heart muscle). Eat low sodium foods, reduce salt intake, avoid top salt. Check your blood pressure regularly. Take proper medication to control blood pressure.

Discomfort in other areas of the upper body. Symptoms can include pain or discomfort in one or both arms, the back, neck, jaw or stomach. Those mostly at risk for a silent heart attack are people who have had a previous heart attack. Also at risk are diabetics and those over the age of sixty-five and people prone to strokes. Stress and heart attacks are correlated. Interpersonal relationships and financial worries may cause stress leading to heart attacks. If someone’s skin suddenly goes an ashen color and their lips go blue, they will probably need your help anyway, but this can also be the symptoms of a heart attack, generally not on their own, but if they also feel faint and dizzy watch out.

Women do have different heart attack symptoms than men do, but heart disease is just as disabling and just as fatal to women as it is to men. Silent heart attacks can be identified by studying one’s medical history, testing the blood regularly for cardiac enzymes, and measuring one’s heart activity via electrocardiograms. Heart attacks may have the symptoms that you see in movies, but there are some that have no clear manifestations or very mild ones, but don’t let them cheat on you and don’t mistake them for indigestion or anxiety. A heart attack is nothing to mess around with. If you have any of these symptoms, even if you are not sure, especially if you are not sure, please have yourself checked out. With a heart attack, time is critical.

Insomnia is one of those words that scare most people. The word ‘Insomnia’ scares most people either because they do not know what it is, or do not know how to deal with it. If you have Insomnia, you do not want to ‘deal’ with it, rather solve the mystery of missing sleep and cure the Insomnia that plagues us.

No matter what kind of insomniac you are, whether it be intermittent or advanced, the end result is the same… no sleep. Insomnia cures should be on the basis of individual needs, this is very important. Six of seven good hours of sleep every night are absolutely essential in order to function properly during the day. Any If you are not getting enough sleep at night you going to feel tired throughout the day and you will also increase your risk of health problems.

The problem lies with the big pharmaceutical corporations. We have been led to believe that insomnia can be cured with just a few pills like a headache or indigestion. What people don’t realize is that these big corporations are businesses and are purely profit driven.

The major benefit of herbal cures is that they’re gentler on your overall health than drugs. It’s best to use the herbal insomnia cures in combination with the next two cures, especially exercise.

The most common of curing insomnia is by taking medications. This is probably the way most people take when they start to have sleepless nights. The medications can indeed serve as a way for insomnia cure. However, it should not be seen as a long-term cure for it. One of the risks of taking insomnia medications is that one can become over dependent and additive to it.

Popular insomnia cures include chamomile (as a tea), hops (also as a tea), and valerian, which may be taken in tablet or liquid form. While valerian’s taste won’t thrill you, it’s very effective and will help you to get a good night’s sleep. The most common way people treat insomnia is by taking medication. This is usually how most people react when they start having sleepless nights. Medication should not be seen as a long-term way to cure insomnia. You can become very dependent and addicted to sleep medication.

This is a huge reason why so many people suffer from insomnia. When this is the cause, acupuncture insomnia cures can really help. One of the best applications for acupuncture is in pain reduction. When the pain is reduced or controlled, the acupuncture insomnia cure has done its job. Long-term treatments might be necessary for chronic conditions, but they can help keep sleep issues at bay. When pain is the cause of sleep disorders, acupuncture insomnia treatments tend to work very well for some people.

Most sufferers treat insomnia like a cold or a cough, believing that it can be cured with the use of a few pills. It’s easy to fall into this way of thinking because we believe what we see. We turn on the TV and see sleep aids advertised by big corporations. We instinctively assume that there is a quick fix solution and that the big corporations are not just in it for the money.

Grass allergy is one of the more usual type of allergies which affects persons having its histories during the spring and summer seasons. The grass allergies are related to hay fever as indications and causes are the same.

If you have a grass allergy, you should learn and understand how to live with this allergy so that you could enjoy being outdoors or sitting in your garden. It’s about quality of life.

Symptoms of the allergic reaction
Allergy take place when your body’s immune system over reacts to a substance that it condiders as a potential health danger.

The most typical indication of a grass allergy is sneezing, itchy eyes, and runny nose, what is also called rhinitis. Rhinitis is a condition in which the lining of the nose, back of the mouth and throat is inflamed. The allergic rhinitis is a very common illness that many individuals suffer as a consequence of pollen, dust or other airborne particles.

This rhinitis is caused by an increase in histamine, and this is normally caused by airborne allergens.

Further, many people with a grass allergy also suffer from other types of allergies.

Grass – an allergen
Grass pollen was detected for the first time as probable trigger of periodic hay fever in late 19th century. There are more than one thousand varieties of grass but only a few causes an allergic reaction which could make it difficult to diagnos a grass sensitivity without proper examination.

Grass-like plants are among the most flexible life forms on our planet. Plants having grass-like structures have existed for millions of years. Unluckily, for some of us this makes it pretty hard to avoid exposure to this type of pollen.

Treatments
Essentially there are three kinds of treatments available. The first one is pretty obvious – if you have an airborne allergy to grass, you might try staying away from the grasses that promote your rhinitis. This is often much easier said than done, but you should at least go inside when your neighbor cuts the lawn

The second kind of treatment include medication taken on a regular basis, and among the most effective treatments for hay fever are nasal sprays (antihistaminic and/or cortisone) and antihistaminic tablets. If taken regularly, these medications help you to relieve the allergic reactions caused by the hay fever. This treatment can improve your quality of life considerably.

The third treatment is immunotherapy, a remedy which treats the underlying cause of the allergic reaction. Immunotherapy starts with subcutaneous injections of a small amount of grass allergen, slowly increasing the dose until your body starts to tolerate exposure without producing an allergic response. This is a treatment that can take years to conclude, but the benefits are long lasting.

Renal dialysis diet is for patients undergoing dialysis treatment. To keep a balance of electrolytes, minerals, and fluid in patients who are on dialysis, they have to carry out renal dialysis diet. The exceptional regimen is important because dialysis single-handedly does not effectively eradicate ALL waste products. For the period of dialysis medication, waste products can develop.

But what is renal dialysis? Renal dialysis is a man-made practice through which waste products and surplus fluid are eradicated from the body by diffusion from one fluid compartment to another across a semipermeable membrane. Active or mechanical dialysis cycles blood through a machine (dialyzer) or cycles dialyzing fluid into and out of the patients abdominal cavity (peritoneum) through a semipermeable membrane to remove impurities and toxins and to sustain fluid, electrolyte and an acid-base stability. Passive dialysis bring into play the client’s peritoneal membrane as the filter.

Acute renal breakdown may perhaps necessitate dialysis until the client’s kidney function gets better and starts filtering the patient’s blood independently. ESRD is defined as irreparable, recurring renal malfunction forcing repeated dialysis or a kidney transplant to uphold existence.

There are two kinds of dialysis measures in conventional clinical practice: hemodialysis and peritoneal dialysis. Both of them call for renal dialysis diet as a additional way of action.

Throughout the hemodialysis route, blood passes through an artificial kidney device and the waste products diffuse across a synthetic membrane into a bath solution known as dialysate after which the cleansed blood is returnedsent to the client’s body. Hemodialysis is completed frequently in three- to four-hour meetings, three times a week.

Infrequently, medical problems happen where a patient maintains more fluid than is fit following a standard dialysis medication. The method of taking out surplus fluid from the blood through a dialysis membrane by exerting force is ultrafiltration. This system is part of a hemodialysis medication and is incorporated in the composite speed for the hemodialysis dealing. Ultrafiltration cannot be used as a stand-in for dialysis.

During the peritoneal dialysis process, waste products pass from the client’s body through the peritoneal membrane into the peritoneal (abdominal) cavity where the dialysate is set up and taken away from time to time.

Renal dialysis diet is employed as an adjunct to patients undergoing dialysis. This particular pattern of eating will also assist you retain proper fluid and electrolyte levels in amid dialysis dealing. Coupled with dialysis, it will in fact help you sense as nice as possible and decrease barriers from the build up of toxins from having renal sickness.

Dental implants have come a long way since the Mayans implanted pieces of shell, shaped into teeth, into the sockets of missing teeth 1300 years ago. Today Dental Implantology has evolved into one of the most sought after treatments for missing teeth. Replacing a lost tooth with a dental implant is a relatively painless procedure providing the next best result, both aesthetically and functionally, to natural teeth.

What are the steps involved in getting an implant?

The first step towards getting an implant involves setting an appointment with your nearest trained restorative dentist. He/she will conduct a complete oral examination along with a detailed medical history to evaluate whether you are an eligible candidate to undergo implant surgery. For example, certain dental/medical conditions like Hyperparathyroidism, recent radiation therapy, certain cardiac problems, blood disorders, uncontrolled diabetes, bruxism, etc. may preclude you for surgery. Radiographs including conventional X-rays and CT scans may be needed, depending on the case.

The next step entails arriving at a treatment plan with your restorative dentist. The type of implant will vary, depending on your treatment needs and your present oral condition. The most commonly used implant type is the Endosteal or Root form Implant. As the name suggests, this implant is shaped like the root of a tooth and is placed within the bone directly. Other types include Subperiosteal, Transosteal, Plate-form, Intra-mucosal etc. Dental Implants are made from commercially pure titanium.

There are many methods of placing Root form implants after extraction of a tooth.

1. Immediate post-extraction implant placement.

2. Delayed immediate post-extraction implant placement (2 weeks -3 months after extraction).

3. Late implantation (3 months after extraction).

Dental Implants can be classified into Immediate loading, Early loading and Delayed loading depending on the timing of placement of load on the implant.

Steps involved in the placement of a Single tooth Endosteal, Late implantation, and Delayed loading Implant system include:

Implant Surgery Phase (Couple of hours)

• Generally you will be administered local anesthesia to numb the area of the surgery. The surgery may also be done under general anesthesia, conscious sedation or Nitrous Oxide sedation.

• The gum tissue in the area of the missing tooth will be removed to expose the bone where the implant will be placed.

• An instrument will be used to prepare the bone to receive the implant.

• When the bone has been adequately prepared, the implant can be placed.

• When the implant has been fully inserted into the prepared cavity, the gum is sutured back in place to enclose the implant within the tissue.

Healing Phase (3-6 months)

• During this phase the gum heals over the implant and bone forms around the implant, fusing with the implant (Osseo integration). You may experience mild discomfort and tenderness in the area for a few days. You can expect to be prescribed pain management medication and antibiotics for the first few days. Sutures are removed within 7-14 days.

Restorative Phase (Around 2 months)

• When the implant is ready to be uncovered, the gum tissue over the implant is opened and a healing collar is placed. This collar allows the gum to form around the new implant in a natural form. After 2 weeks, this collar is removed.

• The healing collar is then replaced with a post to support the new dental crown.

• Impressions are taken. Later, a temporary crown is fabricated. The dentist will place a permanent crown once he is completely satisfied with the healing.

The duration of treatment given is an estimation as each person reacts differently to treatments. Contact your dentist for further information.

The theory behind acupuncture is at once complex and rich in detail, yet really quite easy to grasp. The following will outline the basics of acupuncture theory and provide a springboard for further investigation into the depths of Chinese medical theory.

Most basically, Meridians or energetic lay lines, have been mapped throughout the human body. These meridians flow within the body and not on the surface.

Each meridian exists in a corresponding pair and has many acupuncture points along its path. The meridian system consists of twelve main channels. Each channel or meridian has many specific, recognized acupuncture points.

Although the meridians themselves are not thought of as physically identifiable, their existence is proved by observation of the effect of stimulating various pressure points.

The theory and practice of acupuncture developed hand in hand as practitioners observed the effects of different kinds of needling in different specific areas of the body.

The meridian system can be thought of as an energetic distribution network that in itself tends toward an energetic manifestation. Many charts and graphs exist that show the meridian pathways of the body.

Another feature that is always present on a meridian chart of the human body is the specific points that are marked upon the individual channel or meridian. These specific points are known as acupoints. Some channels appear to have many points distributed along them, some have fewer; some points are grouped closely together and others more distantly. These acupoints along the meridian channels can be thought of as access points to the flow of qi, or energy, in the body.

The idea of Qi flow in the body could be thought of as a river. A river has a source and it follows its course ultimately toward the ocean. As the river flows it will vary from shallow to deep, quick flowing to slow flowing, while always following the most ‘natural’ path. If we use this analogy of a river, we can think about a whirlpool in that river and consider how the whirlpool effect draws everything down into the heart of the river. This whirlpool is a vortex that gives access to the depth of the river at this point. We can consider acupuncture points as ‘energy vortices’ that draw Qi into or out of the body’s energy flow and provide access points at which the Qi flow of the body can be directly influenced from the outside.

Simple pressure on a specific point or ‘energy vortex’ will produce changes in the energy system, with consequent physical effects. This provides the basis for simple acupressure treatment. We do this simple acupressure technique naturally when we rub our temples when we have a headache or massage our lower back when it aches. Acupuncture simply takes this a stage further.

In acupuncture, fine needles are inserted into the patient’s body as a series of appropriately selected acupoints. The effect of the needling is expected to cause changes in the pattern of the patient’s energy system with the result being beneficial changes at the physical level. It is thought likely that the practitioner’s own energy system is also a factor in the process, the needle becoming an extension of that energy system.

Many conditions can be cured or at least improved by acupuncture administered by a qualified and experienced practitioner. A distal point (farthest from the site of the symptoms) is usually needled, as well as local points. A course of treatment is generally required, although results of a single treatment may sometimes be immediate and dramatic.

Acupuncture theory includes a system of differentiating disease patterns and the level of the problem in the body. If the client is suffering a lot of pain problems on the exterior of the body and/or an acute condition then the problem is considered a channel problem (meaning more superficial). Acupuncture at this level moves stuck qi, clears stagnation and expels external pathogenic factors. Local and distal points may be used and the results are often seen quickly.

If the client is suffering more chronic and long term problems, then the condition is considered to be an organ or Zang fu disharmony. The situation may be one of excess or deficient energy, or perhaps both, and the points selected will be dictated by the situation and the organs effected.

A combination of both channel problems and organ disharmony can also be treated at one time but priorities must be set. Excess conditions are usually treated before a deficiency condition and problems of a dual or complex nature are often treated with other modalities as well as acupuncture, such as herbal medicine or tui na massage.

Gout is known as one of the most painful diseases that a person as suffer from as it attacks and damages the joints. Some of the joints that are affected by this type of arthritis are the knee, finger joints, wrist, elbow, heel, the instep which is the arch of the foot and the ankle. Mostly in men gout affects men who are in the age bracket of about thirty years to sixty years. With proper treatment any one who is suffering from gout can be cured using some of the gout pain relief diet.

Foods that cause gout are usually foods that have high levels of purine or any diet that consists of food rich in purines. A diet that has high levels of purine usually causes gout as the purine is broken down to produce the end result which is uric acid, which if not properly flushed out of the body, accumulates in the joints of the body and solidifies to cause inflammations on the joints that are very painful. A good gout diet should have fruits such as strawberries which help to neutralize the uric acid that may be present in the body. Also cherries can be consumed as they as well neutralize the uric acid in the body. A gout diet should include drinking a lot of water about eight to ten glasses a day so as to flush and dilute the uric acid. Gout pain relief diet for out gout cure includes consuming foods which are rich in vitamin C and also citrus fruits such as tomatoes which reduce inflammations that may be present in the joints thus relieving the patient of any pain that he or she may be suffering from.

Gout diet should be high with carbohydrates such as whole grains, vegetables and fruits. Also the diet should have low protein food like soy, lean meat and poultry and the diet should contain more than ten percent of animal fat and thirty percent of calories. Foods to avoid for gout are foods that are rich in purine; these foods include meat extract, gravies, cauliflower, peas, yeast, anchovies, sardines in oil, fish roes and beverages such as beer. Gout treatment includes medicine that is prescribed to the patient to relief pain as well as the swelling on the joints.