Click on the links below to find your appropriate health topics and its details:
Quick search/navigation:
- Acne.
- AIDS/HIV.
- AIDS - What Women Should Know.
- Allergies.
- Alzheimer's Disease.
- Anaemia.
- Anthrax
- Antibiotics & You.
- Anxiety/Stress.
- Anxiety Disorders.
- Arthritis.
- Asthma.
- Athlete's Foot.
Acne
Acne is a condition of the epidermis or skin. It typically occurs on the face, neck,
upper back, chest, or shoulders.
It is a disease occurring in the skin's sebaceous glands and hair follicles. Sebaceous
glands are glands that produce an oily moisturising secretion. The chances of acne
occurrence are higher in places with a high concentration of these glands, such as the face.
The sebum produced by these glands empties into the skin's hair follicles which cover most
of the body. Tiny skin cells usually shed so that new skin can replace the ones on the surfaces.
However, if the shedding of such cells is abnormal, the opening of the hair follicle can be blocked.
The result is a build-up of sebum in the follicle that can easily become infected. Plugged pores,
deeper lumps and pimples can cause discomfort due to infection and inflammation, and, if severe
enough, can result in scars.
The severity of symptoms varies from individual to individual:
- Small bumps that bulge under the skin and have no opening are known as whiteheads.
- Dark spots with open pores at the centre are blackheads.
- Persistent, recurrent red spots or swellings on the skin, that may become inflamed or
pus-filled. These red swellings or lumps, filled with pus, are pustules.
- Lumps under the skin which are inflamed and fluid-filled, are nodules, or cysts.
Treatment:
For those with minimal symptoms, simple healthy skin care can resolve the problem.
Topical medications that dry up the oil and/or promote skin peeling can be applied
on the skin. Such products may contain benzoyl peroxide, sulfur, resorcinol, salicylic
acid or tretinoin, or retinoic acid (Retin-A).
Your doctor may prescribe antibiotics (such as tetracycline or erythromycin) if the skin
lesions appear infected. Topical antibiotics (applied to a localized area of the skin) such
as clindamycin or erythromycin are also used to control infection.
Relatively new forms of treatment with synthetic vitamin A analogues (isotretinoin, Accutane)
have been shown to be beneficial in the treatment of severe acne. This medication is not to be
taken by pregnant women and sexually active adolescent females. A small amount of sun exposure
may also help acne problems.
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AIDS/HIV
Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS) is caused by the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV).
The HIV infection will gradually destroy the body's immune system. AIDS is the final and most
serious stage of HIV infection. This could take up to 10 years.
The HIV infection weakens the body's immune defenses by destroying CD4 (T-cell) lymphocytes.
These are white blood cells that protect against attacks by bacteria, viruses and other harmful pathogens.
When CD4 lymphocytes are destroyed and weakened, opportunistic infections that are normally countered by
strong immune responses will meet with little defence.
HIV can attack almost every organ. Eventually, the syndrome is fatal;
the patient usually dies within one and a half to three years from various infections and cancers.
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AIDS - What Women Should Know?
Did you know ?
- The majority of Bhutanese men are infected through sexual contact with casual partners and
sex workers.
- The majority of Bhutanese women are infected through sex with their husbands or boyfriends.
Ignorance can kill:
Ignorance has resulted in more women in world becoming HIV infected each year. Like most other
women in rest of the world, these women knew about AIDS, but never thought that it would happen to them.
The question they asked was, "How did I become HIV positive?"
Real testimonies from women with HIV:
- "He was a good man. He gave me enough money to spend on anything that I wanted. His job sent him on many
overseas trips but he never gave me any indication that he slept with other women on these trips. At
times, I did wonder, but thought that he was not that kind of man. When he told me that he has HIV, I
felt like my world has collapsed. I also have HIV now. Now, I just pray that my children will not be
infected also." - HIV-infected since June 2003.
- "At first I could not believe it. How could it be? My boyfriend and I were both virgins when we first had sex.
But he had lied. He didn't want me to know that he'd slept with others before me. Now we both have HIV. - "
HIV-infected since August 2003.
- "My husband always got angry when I asked if he was sleeping with other women. I knew he was. But how could
I refuse sex with my own husband? Now I regret. No point getting angry now. It's too late. My advice to other
women like me is: don't let your husbands give you HIV. Don't be afraid to confront him or get help." -
HIV-infected since January 2004.
Unlike these women, you can still ask, "How can I avoid getting HIV?"
How can I protect myself from contracting HIV?
Sex between two faithful, uninfected persons is the safest option.
However, if you are not totally certain that your spouse or partner
is free from HIV, the next best option is to use condoms. Although
condoms do not give 100% protection, they can reduce your chances of
contracting HIV when used properly and consistently.
How do I know when to use condoms?
Always insist on a condom if your partner/husband:
- has had sex with others before, and is unsure of his HIV status
- is having sexual relations with others as well as you
- is often away from home
- travels to places known to offer sexual services
- uses needles for drugs
- is unwilling to discuss about any of the above with you.
How can I protect my family?
- Show this article to your husband and explain the reasons for your concern. Stress the importance of
remaining faithful to each other.
- Talk to your spouse and your teenaged children about HIV, how it is spread and the dangers of unprotected
and casual sex.
- Go for HIV screening if you are pregnant and are not sure if you or your spouse is infected.
Get help early, as your doctors can advise you on how to prevent the transmission of HIV to
your unborn child.
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Allergies
Allergies are the immune system's inappropriate response to a substance foreign to our body.
It is a reaction of the body to a harmless substance. The reaction of the body causes discomfort.
Substances that cause allergies are called allergens.
Upon contact with an allergen, there may be a number of allergic symptoms that can be experienced.
They include itchy, watery nose and eyes, asthma, wheezing and coughing or hives.
Common types of allergens: The most common of allergens are pollen and dust mites.
Although, there can be a wide range of substances that can trigger an allergic response.
- Dust mites: These microscopic insects live on the tiny skin flakes that we shed every day.
They are found just about everywhere humans live, especially in the carpeting, on mattresses,
pillows, bed covers, and upholstered furniture. Something in the mite's faeces is the main
substances in dust that causes sneezing and wheezing. House dust in general contains a group
of allergenic substances including fibres from different fabrics, dander from animals, cockroach
faeces, bacteria, moulds, fungus spores and breakdown products from human skin.
- Pollen: Allergic rhinitis, or hay fever, is the allergic response to pollen. Typically it irritates
the sensitive epithelium of the nose causing inflammation and swelling, as well as the protective
tissue of the eyes (conjunctiva).
- Moulds: These are parasitic, microscopic fungi with spores that float in the air like pollen.
Mould can be found in damp areas of the house, especially the basement or bathroom, as well as
in the outdoor environment in grass, leaf piles, hay, or under mushrooms.
- Animal proteins: Proteins produced by glands in an animal's skin and saliva can cause allergic
reactions in some people.
- Food: Allergies to certain foods, most notably, fish, eggs, milk, nuts, and wheat, induce intestinal
disturbances and occur frequently in children who often outgrow it after age three.
Symptoms:
- coughing.
- difficulty breathing.
- skin redness.
- hives.
- runny nose (rhinitis).
- tearing, increased.
- itching of the nose, mouth, eyes, throat, skin, or any area.
- wheezing.
- skin rashes.
Treatment:
The plan of treatment depends on the severity and type of symptom.
- Antihistamines: can relieve symptoms such as sneezing and running nose. However, Epinephrine/adrenaline may
be used in life-threatening situations to reduce acute swelling of the airways. Antihistamines such as
diphenhydramine, however, can cause drowsiness.
- Broncodilators (theophylline and beta-agonists e.g. salbutamol): are used to relieve coughing, wheezing,
shortness of breath and difficulty in breathing. They work by opening up the bronchial tubes so that more
air can flow through.
- Corticosteroids: such as dexamethasone or prednisolone may be prescribed to reduce symptoms.
They work to reduce the immune response. However, caution must be taken when the medication is
discontinued.
The best long-term treatment plan is to avoid the allergens.
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Alzheimer's disease
Alzheimer's disease is marked by a devastating and progressive mental decline. This is due
to the degeneration of brain tissue. The cause is uncertain. The disease commonly affects
people over age 65.
Mental abilities such as memory, comprehension, speech, span of attention, simple calculations
become increasingly difficult. The person may become disoriented and will often become lost.
Physical problems, such as a limp, poor coordination, urinary incontinence will develop.
Eventually, the person will become non communicative, and physically dependent. The disease
is invariably fatal.
Symptoms of Alzheimer's Disease:
- Memory loss is usually the first symptom of Alzheimer's disease
- Recent memory loss that affects job skills
- Difficulty performing familiar tasks
- Problems with language
- Disorientation to time and place
- Poor or decreased judgment
- Problems with abstract thinking
- Misplacing things
- Changes in mood and behaviour
- Changes in personality
- Loss of initiative
Treatments:
Treating cognitive symptoms - This group of drugs aims to improve the ability to think,
understand, and remember. The drugs inhibit the production of the enzyme, cholinesterase
that breaks down acetylcholine so increasing its level They are called 'cholinesterase inhibitors'.
They are:
- Tacrine (Cognex).
- Donepezil (Aricept).
- Rivastigmine Tartrate (Exelon).
- Galantamine hydrobromide (Reminyl).
Galantamine hydrobromide is the newest drug. It has two compounds. It is a cholinesterase
inhibitor, and it works on the nicotinic receptors in the brain. Nicotine, increases the
levels by promoting the brain cell release of acetylcholine.
A second group of drugs is used to treat the behavioural problems associated with Alzheimer's,
such as aggressiveness, agitation, depression, and anxiety. They are:
- Antipsychotics (neuroleptics) e.g. Haloperidol, Risperidone.
- Anxiolytics e.g. Alprazolam, Lorazepam.
- Antidepressants e.g. Amitriptyline, Fluoxetine.
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Anaemia
Anaemia is a blood condition in which there is a deficiency of haemoglobin - the red chemical
in red blood cell which carries oxygen around our bodies. This can be due to a reduced number
of red cells - the result of decreased production or increased destruction or both.
It can also be the end result of abnormally formed haemoglobin and abnormal red cells in normal numbers.
Any factors that inhibit the production of red blood cells will result in anaemia. Inadequate delivery of
oxygen to tissues causes the many symptoms of anaemia.
Causes: The commonest cause of anaemia is blood loss such as excessive menstrual flow or internal bleeding from
the stomach e.g. peptic ulcer or bowel e.g. cancer of the colon, piles which shows up as red or black vomitus or motions.
Anaemia is also due to deficiency in the diet for foods rich in iron, vitamin B12 or folica acid. Anaemia can be a
result of associated causes include infections, liver disease, thyroid disease, cancer, radiation therapy, drugs and
toxic substances such as lead, inherited abnormalities (Thalassaemia) and surgery on the gastro-intestinal tract,
particularly the stomach.
Symptoms Common to Many Types of Anaemia:
- Easy fatigue.
- Unusually rapid heart beat, particularly with exercise.
- Difficulty concentrating.
- Dizziness.
- Pale skin.
- Leg cramps.
- Insomnia.
- Shortness of breath and headache.
Treatment:
Treat the underlying cause of the anaemia. Eat a well-balanced diet that includes good sources of iron
(liver, meat, peas, beans, whole grain,), vitamin B12 (foods of animal origin only, including meats, liver and kidney,
milk, cheese, fish, shell fish and eggs) and folate.
Vitamin C can make the stomach more acidic and can improve the absorption of iron in your diet. Decrease your
consumption of caffeine products and tea as they can decrease the absorption of iron.
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Anthrax
Anthrax is a disease caused by a bacterium that occurs as very small resistant spores in the soil.
It affects mainly animals but can cause serious illness in humans if one is exposed to these spores.
It can affect the skin, the intestines or the lungs.
Cutaneous anthrax: is the most common type of anthrax and occurs 1-2 days after the skin is
scratched and exposed to soil, animal parts or faeces containing the spores.
The affected skin forms an itchy black swelling that becomes a blister that breaks into an ulcer.
The bacteria enter the bloodstream and cause septicaemia (blood poisoning). 20% of cases will die
if they are not treated promptly.
Intestinal anthrax: happens 2 to 5 days after one eats contaminated meat containing the spores.
The intestinal lining breaks and bleeding occurs.
The victim feels nausea, loss of appetite, vomiting, fever and suffers from severe abdominal pain,
bloody vomiting and diarrhoea. Blood poisoning occurs and the loss of blood can result in shock.
25% to 75% of cases will eventually die.
Inhalation anthrax: is the least common but the most serious form of anthrax where the spores are
inhaled into the lungs. Flu-like symptoms occur for 2 to 3 days with fever, cough and then breathlessness
before the lungs bleed internally, much like a person drowning in his own blood.
Death occurs rapidly most of the time. This is the type that is most feared if it is used as a
biological weapon by terrorists.
Naturally occurring anthrax: is not common and is not contagious from person to person.
The bacterium is easily killed by several antibiotics, the most effective one being ciprofloxacin
given intravenously (directly into the bloodstream).
Oral ciprofloxacin is also effective in less severe cases but there is no need to take antibiotics to
prevent anthrax. Doing so, not only risks harming your body unnecessarily, it can also cause the bacteria
to become resistant to the antibiotic and make it more difficult to treat.
Cutaneous anthrax: comprises 95% of all natural cases and affects mainly farm workers exposed to infected
animals or soil, and is highly curable if treated promptly. Intestinal anthrax is prevented by eating properly
cooked meat. Government regulations also prevent the import or export of infected animals in the first place.
Treatment:
A cell-free vaccine has been developed for people who are at risk of contracting anthrax.
This vaccine may be mass produced in the future for common use.
Thus, although anthrax is a much feared disease, it can be prevented and treated with careful and alert practices,
and its use as a biological warfare agent is currently very limited with very effective counter measures in place.
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Antibiotics & You - What Are Antibiotics?
Antibiotics are medicines used to treat infections caused by bacteria only. Infections are usually caused by
bacteria or viruses. Antibiotics, therefore, do not cure all infections. Many infections like the common cold,
flu, mild sore throat or diarrhoea are caused by viruses. Antibiotics do not cure these.
What If Antibiotics Are Used Incorrectly?
No healing effect - If antibiotics are used for viral infections, there will be no effect on the illness.
Antibiotic resistance - This occurs when one antibiotic no longer works on a specific type of bacteria.
A stronger antibiotic will be needed to treat the infection caused by this resistant strain of bacteria.
What Causes Antibiotic Resistance ?
Antibiotic resistance develops when antibiotics are used wrongly such as:
- Antibiotics taken when not needed, thus killing the 'good' bacteria,
which normally keep harmful bacteria from multiplying, and allowing harmful bacteria
to multiply and cause illness.
- Insufficient antibiotics taken e.g. lower than the required dose or when full course is not completed,
resulting in not all the harmful bacteria being killed. The surviving harmful bacteria then change to protect
themselves against the particular antibiotic. So this same antibiotic may not work the next time you take it.
- How To Keep Antibiotics Working For You. Antibiotic-resistant infections can spread from one person to another.
It can lead to severe and harder to cure infections, and even death. So antibiotic resistance concerns everybody
including YOU!
Here is what you can do to help prevent antibiotic resistance from developing:
- reduce your chances of getting infections as far as possible
- take antibiotics correctly when prescribed for you by your doctor
- avoid 'doctor-hopping' as this will make it more difficult for the doctor to come to an accurate diagnosis
Avoid Getting Infections - To help your body better resist infections:
- Get enough rest and sleep: Insufficient rest weakens your immune system and makes you more prone to
getting common infections. Try to get 8-10 hours of sleep a night.
- Drink sufficient fluids: Drink more than 8 glasses of non-alcoholic, non-caffeinated
fluids a day. (1 glass = 210 ml or 7 oz).
- Have a nutritious and balanced diet: Your daily diet should include a variety of food from the 4 basic food groups,
especially fresh, coloured fruits and vegetables (e.g. guava, papaya, strawberry, orange, red and green pepper, tomato
and green leafy vegetables) to help strengthen your immune system.
- Exercise regularly: Exercise helps to relieve stress and strengthens your immune system.
However, when you don't feel well, stop all forms of strenuous exercise (e.g. jogging, swimming)
until you have recovered completely.
- Maintain personal hygiene: Wash your hands thoroughly before eating and after going to the toilet.
Avoid touching your nose, eyes and mouth to minimise the transfer of viruses from your hands into your body.
Don't share food, utensils, handkerchiefs and towels.
- Ensure food hygiene: Wash your hands before handling foods and after handling raw meat.
Rinse fresh fruits and vegetables. Cook meats thoroughly and refrigerate leftover foods.
- Avoid crowded places during outbreaks of diseases: Many infections are spread through the air, so avoid crowded
places during outbreaks of diseases.
Use Antibiotics Correctly, don't demand antibiotics from your doctor because they do not work for all infections. Let your doctor decide the
appropriate treatment for you. If your doctor prescribes antibiotics for you, take them correctly to prevent antibiotic
resistance.
Take the antibiotic as frequently as instructed so that there will be enough antibiotic in your blood to kill all the harmful bacteria.
Find out if you need to take them before or after your meals. Some antibiotics become less effective if they are taken with food.
Take the correct dose of antibiotic, insufficient antibiotics delay your recovery and may also lead to antibiotic resistance.
Finish the full course of antibiotics because this is the amount needed to kill the harmful bacteria. Although you may feel
better after starting the antibiotic, not all the bacteria would have been killed yet. Also, never share your antibiotics with
someone else or take somebody else's unfinished course of antibiotics.
Ask your doctor if there is any food, drink or activity that you should avoid while taking the antibiotic prescribed.
Generally, dairy products (e.g. milk, cheese and yoghurt), acidic food and beverages (e.g. fruit juices and soft drinks)
and alcohol are to be avoided when taking certain kinds of antibiotics, as these may reduce the effectiveness of the
antibiotics and/or cause side effects.
You should also avoid overexposure to sunlight. Check with your doctor. Let your doctor know if you are taking any other
medicines e.g. oral contraceptive pills, antacids, iron supplements, traditional and herbal medicines. These medicines
and the given antibiotic may affect each other's effectiveness. Ask your doctor if you should expect any side effects
from the antibiotic and, if possible, how to prevent them.
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Anxiety and Stress
Generalised Anxiety Disorder (GAD) is a condition that is much more severe than the normal anxiety most people experience
from time to time. It is characterised by 6 months or more of chronic, exaggerated worry and tension that is unfounded
or much more severe than the normal anxiety.
People with this disorder usually expect the worst. Typically, they worry excessively about money, health, family, or work,
even though there are no signs of trouble. They are unable to relax and may suffer from insomnia.
Symptoms:
Following are symptoms of Anxiety and Stress:
- Headaches.
- Heart palpitations.
- Sense of impending doom.
- Inability to concentrate.
- Muscle tension; muscle aches.
- Diarrhoea.
- Chest pain.
- Dry mouth.
- Excessive sweating.
- Under eating or overeating.
- Insomnia.
- Irritability.
- Breathlessness; hyperventilation.
- Loss of sex drive.
- Fatigue.
And for children of school-going age, symptoms include:
- Fear of being away from the family.
- Refusal to go to school.
- Fear of strangers.
- Fear of falling asleep or having recurrent nightmares.
- Unnecessary worry.
Treatment:
Anxiety can be treated with conventional medications and psychotherapy as well as alternative approaches.
A combination of conventional and alternative methods has been shown to be effective. If self-treatment
does not seem to be working, see a health professional, as you may be suffering a bona fide anxiety disorder.
Conventional Medicine: Psychotherapy and psychoanalysis concentrate on identifying buried
conflicts and stresses that may be causing the anxiety. Behaviour modification, on the other hand,
focuses on changing patterns of behaviour to help the patient avert anxiety or to cope better with it.
Cognitive therapy similarly concentrates on changing ways of thinking.
Daily exercise has proven to be one of the best forms of treatment for anxiety. Medication alleviates
symptoms of anxiety and is often prescribed in conjunction with other therapies.
Alternative Medicine: Massage, music therapy, herbs and aromatherapy are some other ways that are
prescribed to help GAD sufferers to relax.
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Anxiety Disorders
What Are the Different Kinds of Anxiety Disorders?
Panic Disorder - Repeated episodes of intense fear that strike often and without warning.
Physical symptoms include chest pain, heart palpitations, shortness of breath, dizziness, abdominal
distress, feelings of unreality, and fear of dying.
Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder - Repeated, unwanted thoughts or compulsive behaviours that seem
impossible to stop or control.
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder - Persistent symptoms that occur after experiencing a traumatic
event such as rape or other criminal assault, war, child abuse, natural disasters or crashes. Nightmares,
flashbacks, numbing of emotions, depression and feeling angry, irritable, distracted and being easily
startled are common.
Phobias - Two major types of phobias are specific phobia and social phobia. People with specific
phobia experience extreme, disabling, and irrational fear of something that poses little or no actual danger;
the fear leads to avoidance of objects or situations and can cause people to limit their lives unnecessarily.
People with social phobia have an overwhelming and disabling fear of scrutiny, embarrassment, or humiliation
in social situations, which leads to avoidance of many potentially pleasurable and meaningful activities.
Generalised Anxiety Disorder - Constant, exaggerated worrisome thoughts and tension about everyday routine
life events and activities, lasting at least six months. Almost always anticipating the worst even though there
is little reason to expect it; accompanied by physical symptoms, such as fatigue, trembling, muscle tension,
headache, or nausea.
What Are the Treatments for Anxiety Disorders?
Treatments are extremely effective and often combine medication or specific types of psychotherapy. More medications
are available than ever before to effectively treat anxiety disorders. These include antidepressants or benzodiazepines.
If one medication is not effective, others can be tried. New medications are currently being tested or are under development
to treat anxiety symptoms.
The two most effective forms of psychotherapy used to treat anxiety disorders are behavioral therapy and cognitive-behavioral
therapy. Behavioural therapy tries to change actions through techniques such as diaphragmatic breathing or through gradual exposure
to what is frightening.
In addition to these techniques, cognitive-behavioral therapy teaches patients to understand their thinking patterns so they can
react differently to the situations that cause them anxiety.
Is it Possible for Anxiety Disorders to Coexist with Other Physical or Mental Disorders?
It is common for an anxiety disorder to accompany another anxiety disorder, or in some cases depression, eating disorders or substance abuse.
Anxiety disorders can also coexist with physical disorders.
In such instances, these disorders will also need to be treated. Before undergoing any treatment, it is important to have a thorough medical
exam to rule out other possible causes.
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Arthritis
What is arthritis?
Arthritis is often defined by a swelling or redness in one or more joints, stiffness in the morning, and recurring pains.
Symptoms may vary, depending on which form of arthritis you have.
What causes arthritis?
Arthritis takes on many forms, and may be the result of a disease, an infection, a genetic defect or some other cause.
Many people associate arthritis with pain, discomfort and general stiffness of joints, including lower back pain.
What are the different forms of arthritis?
There are over 150 forms of arthritis. The following occur more frequently:
- Osteoarthritis: This is the most common form of arthritis. It is caused by wear and tear and old injuries
suffered in the joints over the years. It usually affects the large weight-bearing joints like the knees, hips
and spine. Pain and stiffness increases progressively to the end of the day. Chills or fever during normal activities
may be experienced. It commonly affects people over 60 years of age.
- Gout: Gout is caused by a build-up of uric acid, which forms crystals that are deposited inside the joints.
The base of the big toe is usually affected . The big toe becomes , becoming red, hot, swollen and very painful.
The pain may last for days to weeks if not treated. Attacks may recur at intervals of weeks or months. Gout can
also affect other joints like the ankle, knee, wrist and fingers.
- Rheumatoid arthritis: This is caused by an abnormal reaction of the immune system to the joints.
It is identified by painful swellings, inflammation and stiffness in the arms, legs, wrists or fingers.
It usually affects people between the ages of 40 and 60, particularly women. It is not caused by climate
changes.
- Infectious arthritis: This is caused by joint inflammation, resulting in tenderness and sharp pain,
sometimes accompanied by chills or fever. It m ay be associated with an injury or other illnesses.
- Juvenile rheumatoid arthritis: This form of arthritis affects children. It causes intermittent fevers,
loss of appetite and weight, anaemia, or blotchy rash es on the arms and legs.
Won't I contract arthritis only when I grow old?
No. Anyone from as young as six months can develop arthritis. However, most people contract arthritis
between the ages of 15 and 65. It is the leading cause of physical disability for those aged 18 and above.
However, in many cases it is treatable. You can also take measures to reduce the chance of contracting arthritis.
How do I treat arthritis?
Anti-inflammatory drugs are often prescribed to reduce pain and inflammation, in mild cases of rheumatoid arthritis
and osteoarthritis. Warming stiff joints may help, in cases of rheumatoid arthritis.
In severe cases, injections are given to ease the pain and stiffness of affected joints. Depending on the individual,
results range from temporary relief to long-lasting relief of symptoms. Please consult your doctor to address your specific
problem.
What can I do to prevent arthritis?
Following are the few suggested ways to prevent Arthritis:
- Lose weight: In cases of osteoarthritis, losing weight takes away some stress on weight-bearing joints such as the
knees and hips. There is also a clear link between obesity and the development of osteoarthritis in women's knees.
- Get sufficient exercise: Exercise is important for maintaining healthy and strong muscles, preserving joint mobility
and maintaining flexibility. However, be careful not to overstrain yourself. Strike a good balance between exercise and rest.
If you experience tiredness, swollen joints, or persistent pains as a result of exercise, you are advised to see your physical
therapist or doctor.
- Have a healthy diet: An overall nutritious diet with enough calories, protein and calcium is important. People taking
the drug methotrexate may need to avoid alcohol altogether. If you suffer from gout, avoid foods rich in purines (e.g. organ meats,
and seafood like crab, cockles, prawns and scallops).
- Take care of your joints: At home, reduce stress on joints by using ergonomically-designed devices (for example, zipper pullers,
long-handled shoe horns) and devices to help with getting on and off chairs, toilet seats and beds. Use a splint for a short time
around a painful joint to reduce pain and swelling by supporting the joint and letting it rest. Splints are used on wrists and hands,
ankles and feet. In the workplace, ensure that you maintain a good posture, especially if you
tend to spend long hours at the computer and are involved in repetitive or physically strenuous activities. Engage in stretching
exercises.
- Reduce stress: Stress may also affect the amount of pain a person feels. Regular rest and relaxation helps, as does exercise
and participation in support groups.
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Asthma
What is Asthma?
Asthma is a disease in which the airways (bronchial tubes) in the lungs become inflamed, narrowed
and obstructed, causing breathing problems. The disease didn't get much limelight until it claimed
the life of celebrated Taiwanese crooner Teresa Teng, who allegedly died from a severe asthma attack.
Yes, asthma is a potentially fatal condition and you probably also weren't aware that it can develop
at any age and is fairly common worldwide.
What happens during an asthma attack?
During an asthma attack, the linings of the bronchial tubes become inflamed and swollen. Also, the
muscles in the walls of the tubes contract and go into spasm, further narrowing the space in the tubes.
Additionally, a lot of thick mucus is produced and clogs up the airways, making breathing very difficult
and sometimes impossible. The following signs and symptoms occur:
- Breathlessness or trouble breathing in and out.
- Tightness/Pain in the chest.
- Wheezy or noisy breathing.
- Lots of coughing.
What causes asthma?
Asthma is actually an oversensitive response by your respiratory system to common environmental substances,
which normally cause no reaction. Those with known allergies to certain substances (allergens) are more likely
to suffer asthma attacks, when they are continuously exposed to the allergens. Other non-allergic substances
can also cause asthma. Usually, asthma is caused by a combination of allergic and non-allergic triggers. The
list of common triggers include:
- Allergens e.g. house dust mites, insects (e.g. cockroaches), animal dander (shed hair, fur etc.), moulds, pollen.
- Tobacco smoke.
- Perfumes.
- Cooking fumes.
- Aerosol sprays.
- Chemical fumes.
- Cold air.
- Sulphites (found in seafood and some preserved foods).
- Air pollution.
- Respiratory infections (e.g. the common cold).
- Sinusitis.
- Certain drugs (e.g. aspirin, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, propanolol).
Triggers differ for different people and depend on the individual's level of sensitivity.
Mental stress, extreme emotions and trauma can also trigger off the immune system and cause asthma attacks.
Who gets asthma?
Scientists can't explain why some people get asthma and some don't. However it is well-known that asthma runs
in families. If a parent or a sibling is asthmatic, your chances of developing asthma are greater. For reasons
unclear, asthma is also more common in ethnic Indians and Malays.
It is a common misconception that only children get asthma, and it can be outgrown. Sometimes, attacks can
recur in those who have had asthma in their childhood. Asthma can develop at any age, even in adult and the elderly.
Anyone with an allergy is at risk of developing asthma, when they are constantly exposed to the allergen.
Can Asthma be cured?
No, there is currently no known cure for asthma. The good news is that modern medicine is extremely effective in controlling
symptoms. You can lead a relatively normal life if you seek to understand how to control your asthma and prevent attacks from
occurring. Asthma attacks may be prevented at a reasonable cost. It usually requires long term treatment with 'preventer medication'.
How do you treat asthma?
The asthmatic should find out what triggers off his asthma attacks and diligently avoid these trigger factors. There
is no cure for asthma. However, there are several types of medication to control asthma: the quick relievers and the
preventive medications.
- Quick relievers work to provide immediate relief during an asthma attack, by opening up the airways.
They are often inhaled.
- Preventive medications can be taken orally or inhaled. Taken regularly, they lower the chances of an asthma attack.
- In the event of an asthma attack, get the patient to use his inhaler medicine. If his breathing doesn't improve, he should
be brought to the hospital immediately.
- An asthmatic need not live with frequent asthma attacks. The inflammation that causes asthma attacks can be effectively
and safely controlled by long-term treatment with the right kind of medication. The best treatment for asthma is to adopt
an all-round approach with a personal asthma management plan which incorporates avoidance of trigger factors with the
appropriate lifestyle adjustments, exercise and medication.
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Athlete's Foot
Athlete's Foot is a common problem caused by various forms of fungi known collectively as dermatophytes. Closed, warm,
moist environments are the perfect medium for the growth of dermatophytes. Keratin, a protein found in hair, nails and
skin, provides the nutrition for the dermatophytes.
The condition can be mildly contagious. Direct contact with the infected skin cells found on unclean garments can spread the infection.
Symptoms:
Symptoms of Athlete's Foot are:
- Unpleasant foot odour.
- Small itchy bubbles or blisters on the soles of the feet.
- Itchy, scaly, red rash that usually starts between the toes.
If untreated, it develops into cracked, blistered skin that may become infected.
- Dry, flaking skin on the soles of the feet.
Treatment:
The aim of the treatment is to inhibit the growth of the fungi as well as to prevent it from spreading.
A common way for the fungi to spread is through scratching. Scratching allows the fungi to become more
embedded into the skin.
Antifungal powder and basic good hygiene can resolve most cases. If the infection is not adequately
treated with anti-fungal powder, your doctor may prescribe anti-fungal cream or anti-fungal medication.
Even when treated with antifungal drugs, the infection may take several weeks to disappear.
Prevention:
Wash and dry your feet thoroughly in the morning and evening. Change your socks or stockings daily.
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