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What is Dandruff Symptoms, Causes, Diagnosis, Treatment, and Prevention

What is Dandruff? Symptoms, Causes, Diagnosis, Treatment, and Prevention

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Introduction 

It is made up of dead cells which protect the more fragile cells below, which are then shed by the scalp, eyebrows, or even along the sides of the nose. Dandruff can also be referred to as seborrheic dermatitis.

As cells are constantly produced and replaced by new ones, it is natural for these to be shed and rubbed off. In the case of dandruff, larger scales are shed at an increased rate.

Many people view dandruff as an unattractive or embarrassing aesthetic problem. It does not cause baldness, and it is not contagious. Itching may accompany it. Hair follicles (roots of the hair shafts) are not usually infected by dandruff.

Those who have acne or oily skin are more likely to suffer from dandruff. Men and women suffer from this problem equally. Scalp dandruff tends to become more common during adolescence and in early adulthood.

Summer is the best time to get rid of dandruff unless the weather is exceptionally hot and humid. Exposure to sunshine and reducing stress may help control dandruff. 

Signs and Symptoms of Dandruff: 

The signs and symptoms of dandruff include:

  • White flakes appear on dark clothes’ shoulders
  • Itchy scalp
  • Scaly facial skin
  • Recurrent ear “eczema”
  • Rash covering the eyebrows, nose, and ears
  • Dry flakes on the scalp and face due to oiliness
  • Eyebrow rash
  • Beard rash
  • Red spots and dry flakes on the chest

White flakes on dark clothes are often the first sign of dandruff, as is itchiness on the scalp. Dry facial skin without any other rashes or symptoms can also indicate the presence of dandruff.

In some cases, patients complain of dry skin that does not respond to lotions and creams purchased at the drugstore or from a department store. This is often caused by undiagnosed scalp dandruff that is affecting their face downstream.

You Can Read Also: CIRRHOSIS: CAUSES, SYMPTOMS, PREVENTION & TREATMENT

Hair follicles can produce dandelions on areas of the body with hair. These areas include the scalp, ears, face, and middle of the chest. No hair follicles are located on the palms or the soles. 

Causes of Dandruff: 

Causes of dandruff are:

  • Oily Scalp: Dandruff is caused by a fungus that thrives on an oily scalp; dandruff feeds on oil glands on the scalp. Greasy skin makes you susceptible to dandruff.
  • Weather: When you don’t rinse your hair promptly, oils and skin cells can accumulate on the scalp creating dandruff. Shampoos are mainly used to remove excess oil and product buildup.
  • Diet: Dairy products and foods that are high in fat will cause your scalp to suffer from dandruff, irritation, and itching if you consume too many of them.
  • Stress: Dandruff arises from stress, which causes a cycle where the more you scratch, the itchier your scalp becomes. Stress can cause any skin condition to worsen and impair your immune system.
  • Alkaline Shampoos: Hair products containing oil can also worsen dandruff. Shampoos with an alkaline pH disturb the scalp’s pH balance and cause dandruff. If you choose the wrong kind of shampoo, you could end up with damaged hair.
  • Brushing Your Hair Irregularly: Regularly brushing your hair will not only make them smooth and tangle-free but also prevent the build-up of dead skin on your scalp.
  • Not Shampooing Enough: In the absence of regular shampoo, your scalp can accumulate oils and skin cells, resulting in dandruff.

Risk Factors of Dandruff: 

One can be affected by Dandruff for various reasons, including:

  • Skin type: Dry or oily skin is more likely to have dandruff. 
  • Weather condition: Dandruff can be caused by extremely cold temperatures. Winter is the most common season for dandruff. 
  • Diet: The consumption of excessively salty, sugary, spicy, or alcoholic foods and beverages may exacerbate Dandruff. 
  • Age: Adults are more likely to have dandruff than children. 
  • Gender: Men are more likely to suffer from dandruff than women, and it may be hormonal. 
  • Poor diet: An unhealthy diet that consists of processed or junk foods is linked to Dandruff. 
  • Poor immunity: A person with weak immunity, such as those with HIV, tuberculosis, etc., is more likely to develop dandruff. 
  • Stress: Emotional stress has been proven by dermatologists and research studies to play a significant role in Dandruff development. 

How Is Dandruff Diagnosed? 

In most cases of dandruff, the cause can be determined by a thorough scalp examination. Occasionally, a scalp biopsy is recommended to remove a small amount of scalp skin under local anesthesia for examination under a microscope. 

Preventions of Dandruff: 

Following these steps can help you reduce your risk of dandruff or control it:

  • Learn to manage stress: You are more vulnerable to several conditions and diseases when you are stressed. Stress may even worsen the symptoms of conditions and diseases. 
  • Eat a healthy diet: It may be possible to prevent dandruff by including enough zinc, B vitamins, and certain types of fats in your diet. 
  • Follow a hair and scalp care routine that suits you: When your hair tends to be dry and your scalp is sensitive, shampoo less frequently and condition your scalp between wash days if you have an oily scalp. Gently massage your scalp to remove flakes. Rinse thoroughly. 
  • Get a little sun: Sunlight might help control your dandruff, but skin cancer risks increase when your skin is exposed to ultraviolet light. To prevent skin cancer, don’t sunbathe. Instead, take a stroll outside, and wear sunscreen on your face and body. 
  • Limit hair-styling products: Hair-styling products can accumulate on the hair and scalp, making them oilier. 

Treatment for Dandruff: 

If dandruff doesn’t improve, try a medicated shampoo to soothe itching and flaking. For mild dandruff, cleanse with a gentle shampoo to remove oil and skin cells.

People with drier hair may be better off using less frequent shampooing and moisturizing conditioner for the hair or scalp if they can tolerate using a medicated shampoo two to three times a week.

You may need to try more than one product to find the routine that works best for you. You may also need to continue treatment for a prolonged period. You will probably need to undergo several treatments.

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You should stop using any product that is causing itching or stinging. If you experience an allergic reaction, such as a rash, hives, or difficulty breathing, you should see your doctor right away.

There are different types of shampoos for treating dandruff. Some of them require a prescription and contain stronger formulas.

  • Pyrithione zinc shampoos (DermaZinc, Head & Shoulders, others). The zinc pyrithione present in these products acts as an antibacterial and antifungal.
  • Tar-based shampoos (Neutrogena T/Gel, Scalp 18 Coal Tar Shampoo, others): It may cause discoloration of light-colored hair if you use this type of shampoo. It can also cause sensitivity to sunlight if you have light-colored hair.
  • Shampoos that contain salicylic acid (Jason Dandruff Relief Treatment Shampoo, Baker P&S, others): These products help eliminate scaling.
  • Selenium sulfide shampoos (Head & Shoulders Intensive, Selsun Blue, others): The products in this category contain an antifungal agent. For optimal results, use the products as directed, and rinse well after shampooing to avoid discoloration of the hair and scalp.
  • Ketoconazole shampoos (Nizoral Anti-Dandruff): Activating this shampoo kills the fungus that causes dandruff on your scalp.
  • Fluocinolone shampoos (Capex, Derma-Smoothe/FS, others): To reduce itching, flaking, and irritation, these products contain a corticosteroid.

To prevent and maintain dandruff, use the medicated shampoo less frequently after it has been controlled. If one type of shampoo works for a time and then loses effectiveness, try alternating between two types of shampoos.

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Cirrhosis- Causes, Symptoms, Prevention & Treatment

Cirrhosis: Causes, Symptoms, Prevention & Treatment

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What is Cirrhosis? 

The condition of Cirrhosis involves the replacement of healthy liver tissue by nonliving scar tissue, which inhibits blood flow through the liver and reduces the liver’s ability to process nutrients, hormones, and medications.

Cirrhosis has always been associated with other liver diseases, such as chronic hepatitis, alcohol-related liver disease (ARLD), and nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). If cirrhosis is not treated, liver failure may occur.

The liver can become scarred or fibrotic when it is exposed to toxic substances – like alcohol and drugs – or to inflammation, which is often caused by liver diseases. 

Symptoms of Cirrhosis:

In the early stages of cirrhosis, symptoms are rare. However, as scar tissue accumulates, the liver loses its ability to function properly. The following symptoms may occur:

  • On the upper abdomen, blood capillaries are visible.
  • fatigue
  • insomnia
  • There is pain or tenderness around the liver
  • itchy skin
  • loss of appetite
  • loss of bodyweight
  • nausea
  • red or blotchy palms
  • weakness

As liver cirrhosis progresses, the following signs and symptoms may become apparent:

  • accelerated heartbeat
  • personality changes
  • bleeding gums
  • mass loss in the body and upper arms
  • difficulties processing drugs and alcohol
  • confusion
  • dizziness
  • a fluid buildup on the legs, ankles, and feet, known as edema
  • hair loss
  • higher susceptibility to bruising
  • Jaundice
  • loss of sex drive
  • memory problems
  • Increased fevers and infection risks
  • muscle cramps
  • nosebleeds
  • pain in the right shoulder
  • breathlessness
  • Black and tarry stools are produced, or stools turn very pale.
  • urine becomes darker.
  • blood in vomiting
  • problems in walking and mobility 

Causes of Cirrhosis:

Long-term excessive alcohol consumption and hepatitis C virus infection are two of the most common causes of liver cirrhosis. However, several other conditions can also damage the liver and cause cirrhosis. ‘Fat liver’, or non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, is the major cause of cirrhosis. Cirrhosis is mainly caused by infection with the hepatitis B virus.

Alcoholic liver cirrhosis:

Cirrhosis is a disease that can develop after drinking excessive amounts of alcohol over many years. Chronic drinking of alcohol is the leading cause of liver cirrhosis.

Liver cirrhosis and hepatitis:

Viruses, like hepatitis B or C viruses, cause viral hepatitis, which is inflammation of the liver. Hepatitis B, as well as hepatitis C, can result in liver cirrhosis. Alcohol increases your risk of developing cirrhosis if you have either of these conditions.

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Liver cirrhosis and fatty liver: 

Unlike an alcoholic liver disease, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) causes fat to accumulate in the liver. It affects about 20 percent of Australians and is becoming more prevalent in children who are overweight or obese. 

Liver cirrhosis from inherited conditions: 

Inheritable liver conditions can cause scarring that contributes to cirrhosis. These include:

  • hemochromatosis
  • galactosemia
  • cystic fibrosis
  • alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency

Other causes of liver cirrhosis: 

Several medical conditions can damage the liver and cause cirrhosis, including:

  • some autoimmune diseases – This condition occurs when immune cells attack the liver. It is caused by autoimmune hepatitis, primary biliary cholangitis, and primary sclerosing cholangitis (inflammation and scarring of the bile ducts). 
  • exposure to poisons – Prolonged exposure to environmental toxins such as arsenic can cause liver damage and lead to cirrhosis since the liver is responsible for cleaning the blood of toxins. 
  • schistosomiasis – Chronic schistosomiasis damages organs including the liver. It is caused by an intestinal parasite called Schistosoma. The worm is spread to humans by snails. 
  • certain medications – in rare cases, may cause cirrhosis in susceptible people.
  • unknown conditions – There is evidence that cirrhosis can occur in about one-third of cases (called ‘cryptogenic cirrhosis’, which can result from non-alcoholic fatty liver disease). 

Risk Factors of Cirrhosis: 

  • Chronic hepatitis (B and C)
  • Bacterial, fungal, or parasitic infections
  • Alcoholism
  • Smoking
  • Injecting illicit drugs (including shared needles)
  • Tattoo and body piercing needles that are not sufficiently sterilized
  • Fatty liver disease
  • Primary sclerosing cholangitis, autoimmune hepatitis, primary biliary cirrhosis, and primary sclerosing cholangiocarcinomas are autoimmune conditions
  • Hemochromatosis and Wilson’s disease are two rare inherited or genetically associated conditions
  • Unprotected sex
  • Diabetes
  • Obesity
  • High levels of triglycerides in the blood

Other risk factors include: 

  • Gender – Compared to men, women are more prone to liver cirrhosis. 
  • Age – People between the ages of 30 and 60 are more likely to suffer from liver problems. 
  • Genetics – An individual’s susceptibility to liver disease can be increased if they have close family members with liver disease. 

Diagnosis of Cirrhosis: 

You will have a physical exam with your healthcare provider. After reviewing your past health, they will determine your current health.

Some other tests may be administered to you, including:

  • Blood tests: Tests may be done to determine your liver function, your blood clotting ability, and how well your liver is functioning.
  • Liver biopsy: A needle is used to take small samples of liver tissue from the patient. These samples are examined under a microscope to determine the type of liver disease.

Depending on your healthcare provider, you may need imaging tests such as:

  • CT scan (computed tomography): CT scans are imaging tests in which X-rays and a computer are used to detect abnormalities in bones, muscles, fat, and organs.
  • MRI (magnetic resonance imaging): This imaging technique uses a magnetic field and radio waves to take detailed pictures of your internal organs. A dye may be injected into your vein to enhance the visibility of the liver and other organs.
  • Ultrasound: It uses high-frequency sound waves to create images of blood vessels, tissues, and organs. It checks how blood is flowing through blood vessels.

Alternatively, you may undergo an upper endoscopy (EGD), in which a flexible lighted camera is inserted through your mouth into your upper digestive tract to look for enlarged blood vessels that are at risk of bleeding.

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In the case of fluid in the belly (ascites), you will likely need to follow a low sodium diet, take water pills (diuretics), and have the fluid removed with a needle (paracentesis). 

Complications of Cirrhosis: 

Complications of cirrhosis can include:

  • Having high blood pressure in the vessels supplying the liver (portal hypertension): Cirrhosis causes the liver’s blood flow to slow down, increasing pressure in the vein that transfers blood from the intestines and spleen to the liver.
  • Swelling in the legs and abdomen: Edema and ascites can be caused by inflammation in the legs (edema) and the abdomen (ascites). Inadequate liver production of certain blood proteins can also lead to edema and ascites.
  • Enlargement of the spleen (splenomegaly): As a result of portal hypertension, the spleen can become enlarged, which can cause white blood cells and platelets to be trapped. This is the first sign of cirrhosis that you will notice a decrease in white blood cells and platelets.
  • Bleeding: Hypertension in the portal veins can cause blood to be redirected to smaller veins, which can burst if restrained by the extra pressure. If the liver cannot produce enough clotting factors, this too can contribute to continued bleeding. Port hypertension may cause enlarged veins in the esophagus (esophageal varices) or stomach (gastric varices) which can lead to life-threatening bleeding.
  • Infections: When you have cirrhosis, you can have problems fighting infections. Ascites can lead to a serious infection called bacterial peritonitis. 
  • Malnutrition: Having cirrhosis may cause your body to have difficulty processing nutrients, which can result in weight loss and weakness.
  • The buildup of toxins in the brain: By comparison, a healthy liver is capable of clearing the blood of toxins more efficiently. Toxins can build up in the brain and cause confusion and difficulty concentrating, and hepatic encephalopathy can progress to unresponsiveness and coma over time.
  • Jaundice: Symptoms of jaundice include yellowing of the skin, whites of the eyes, and darkening of the urine, which are caused by the diseased liver not removing enough bilirubin from the blood.
  • Bone disease: Cirrhosis may lead to bone loss and increase fracture risk.
  • Acute-on-chronic cirrhosis: In some cases, people with cirrhosis go on to experience multiorgan failure. Scientists are not sure why this occurs, but they think it could be caused by cirrhosis itself. 

Preventions of Cirrhosis: 

Cirrhosis can be prevented by maintaining a healthy lifestyle.

  • If you have cirrhosis, do not drink alcohol. Consult your doctor if you have liver disease but not cirrhosis so they can determine whether you are allowed to drink alcohol at all. For women of all ages and men over 65, the recommended amount is one to two drinks per day.
  • Eat a healthy diet. Avoid fried foods and fatty foods. Caffeinated coffee may protect against fibrosis and liver cancer. Consume fruit and vegetables regularly. Choose whole grains and lean proteins.
  • Maintain a healthy weight. Overweight or obese individuals can have liver damage due to an excess amount of body fat. Speak with your physician about losing weight.
  • Reduce your risk of hepatitis. You can get hepatitis B and C from sharing needles and having unprotected sex. Your doctor can give you a hepatitis vaccination.
  • Avoid using drugs. You should avoid using nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), as they can damage your liver. 

Treatment of Cirrhosis: 

Cirrhosis can’t be reversed, but treatment for the disease can stop or slow progress and reduce complications. Treatment varies depending on what is causing cirrhosis and whether specific complications have developed.

Self-Care at Home for Cirrhosis: 

  • When you stop drinking alcohol, you will notice a difference in how you feel and how fast the disease is progressing.
  • Make sure you avoid medications that may cause harm to your liver (Tylenol), kidneys (Advil), or both. Ask your doctor for a list of these medications.
  • A low-sodium diet can help you if you have fluid retention problems.
  • Protein intake should be decreased if you have ever developed liver-related brain disorders (hepatic encephalopathy).

Medical Treatment for Cirrhosis: 

There are several ways in which cirrhosis can be treated. The most common is to treat the symptoms. Some underlying causes of cirrhosis, such as Wilson’s disease, can be treated by medication.

Studies have looked at several medicines, including steroids, penicillamine (Cuprimine, Depen), and anti-inflammatory (colchicine), but none of them have shown prolonged survival or improved survival rates.

  • Portal hypertension: The blood pressure in your blood vessels can be lowered with a drug called a beta-blocker.
  • Ascites: As your liver ages, its blood flow slows, putting pressure on your blood vessels, forcing fluid out into the surrounding tissues, where it is retained.
    • You may be prescribed water pills (diuretics), which will remove extra fluids from your body, causing you to urinate more frequently.
    • If you have a large amount of fluid in your abdomen, a needle may be inserted to remove it. However, this fluid usually collects again.
  • Hepatic encephalopathy: Your symptoms might be severe enough that you need to be hospitalized, particularly if you have become so confused you cannot care for yourself.
  • Clotting disorders: To correct clotting disorders, adequate protein intake and vitamin supplements are important.

Itching: Itching can be reduced with medications.

Cirrhosis: Causes, Symptoms, Prevention & Treatment Read More »

Cavities Tooth Decay, Toothache, Causes, Prevention & Treatment

Cavities: Tooth Decay, Toothache, Causes, Prevention & Treatment

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What is a Cavity? 

Cavities, commonly known as tooth decay, can be caused when your tooth enamel, the hard, outer layer of your teeth, is destroyed. Plaque, a film of bacteria that builds up on your teeth, is constantly forming.

A cavity forms when the enamel on your teeth breaks down due to acid from plaque caused by sugar-containing foods. Because plaque sticks to your teeth, this erosion leads to cavities. Cavities are tiny holes in your teeth that are largely caused by decay.

Although cavities are more common in children, age-related changes make them a problem for adults, as well. The recession of gums away from their teeth, along with an increased incidence of gum disease, creates an environment where plaque can accumulate.

The roots of your teeth are surrounded by soft, decay-prone cementum, which is more sensitive to touch and temperature. People over age 50 are more likely to develop tooth-root decay.

Often, older adults suffer from decay around fillings, or at the margins of fillings. That’s because most older adults didn’t receive fluoride or preventive dental care growing up.

Bacteria accumulate in tiny crevices of the fillings of the tooth, causing acid to build up which leads to decay. Over time, these fillings might weaken and crack and leak around the edges. 

How common are cavities? 

Cavities are a common disease. In the middle of their 30s, more than 80% of Americans will have at least one cavity. Cavities are one of the most chronic diseases which affect people of any age at any time. 

Who might get a cavity? 

In children, teens, and older adults, cavity-causing tooth decay is especially prevalent, but everyone with teeth is susceptible to the condition, including infants.

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Regular dental visits and good brushing and flossing habits will eliminate cavities and tooth decay. If you ignore cavities, they can lead to severe toothache, infection, and tooth loss. 

What are the types of cavities? 

The most common image of a cavity is a tiny hole in the tooth surface. While this is a fairly accurate representation, cavities can affect teeth in various ways. Here are the three most common types of cavities, along with the proper treatment options.

The Major Types of Cavities

  • Root cavities – This occurs when tooth roots develop cavities.
  • Pit and fissure cavities – The grooves on the surfaces of molars that bite into the cheeks have areas of decay.
  • Smooth-surface cavities – Decay on the surfaces of teeth that have flat, smooth surfaces. 

What causes cavities? 

Cavities are the result of several steps starting with the loss of tooth mineral (demineralization) and ending with the consumption of the whole tooth until a cavity is formed.

Likewise, food that has carbohydrates can cause tooth decay when it becomes trapped between the teeth and is not fully removed by brushing and flossing.

Foods and beverages high in sugar and sticky tend to cause tooth decay. The more sugar you consume, the more acid, also known as acetic acid, is produced, causing decay. Sugar combines with plaque to weaken tooth enamel, resulting in decay.

It is important to be aware of the factors that contribute to tooth decay so you know to protect your teeth and maintain good health. Cavities and tooth decay factors to be aware of:

  • Poor Oral Hygiene: Tooth enamel is weakened when plaque builds up and does not get brushed regularly.
  • Plaque Formation: When plaque is not removed regularly, it will adhere to your teeth and build up over time. Sugar present in plaque can produce acid, which can attack your teeth’ enamel and ultimately result in holes in your teeth, also known as cavities.
  • Dry Mouth: When you have a dry mouth with a little saliva, plaque and bacteria can accumulate more quickly. Saliva helps wash away plaque from the teeth and buffer acid.
  • Eating and Drinking: The first step in preventing cavities is eating and drinking since we need them to survive, but they do contribute to the development of cavities. When you consume carbohydrates, they remain on your teeth until you brush them away.

The clinging agent in foods can increase your risk of developing a tooth cavity even after you brush. Foods that adhere to your teeth can cause cavities to develop, even after you brush. If you drink milk or sugary sodas or eat dried fruit, dry cereal, hard candy, caramel, taffy, raisins, sugary cereals, or cookies, be sure to brush your teeth regularly.

  • Plaque Bacteria and Acid: Bacteria naturally reside on your teeth and in your mouth, which means they digest the carbohydrates you retain on them and in your mouth. Acid is formed when this happens.
  • Medical Problems: Radiation treatments that are given to the head and neck can cause an increase in tooth decay by altering the way saliva is made so it promotes bacterial growth. 

What are the risk factors for cavities? 

Several factors can put you at risk of dental caries, including:

  • Excessive sweets- We all know that sugary snacks and drinks provide the bacteria lurking in the mouth with a lot of fuel to carry out their destructive activities. Causing plaque on the teeth can also be stimulated by foods and drinks that stick to them. 
  • Poor oral hygiene- Visiting your dentist for regular cleanings will help to remove any plaque you missed after a thorough brushing and flossing routine. Plaque is damaged by acid, but it can be prevented with a good oral hygiene routine.

Cutting corners with your oral hygiene will increase the chances that you will suffer from cavities. Seeing your dentist regularly offers an opportunity to address problems early before they become more difficult to treat. 

  • Tooth placement- You should schedule an appointment with a dentist if you have any teeth that are misaligned or located in the back of your mouth. There are many options for correcting misaligned teeth. 
  • Inadequate fluoride- Too much fluoride can be harmful, but without enough fluoride, teeth are more at risk of decay. Fluoride is a mineral that is widely recognized as a powerful enemy of dental decay. 
  • Certain health conditions- With dry mouth, less saliva is produced to wash bacteria and plaque from teeth surfaces. Heartburn and poor eating habits can lead to stomach acids destroying the enamel, weakening it, and making it easier to decay. Other medications and health conditions can also lead to tooth decay. 
  • Worn dental fixes- Dental fillings, crowns, and other repairs restore the appearance and function of damaged teeth. But they weaken and wear out over time, creating hiding places for bacteria. They aren’t designed to last forever, so seeing your dentist regularly will ensure they are still intact. 

What are the signs of cavities? 

A cavity may begin with different signs. An already existing cavity may also display red flags that suggest it is getting larger.

These are some of the most common symptoms of a cavity.

  1. Dark Spots: When a cavity begins or occurs, it creates dark spots on a tooth’s surface. At first glance, these spots may appear as simple discoloration and you may even believe that you just have a mild stain on your teeth. Eventually, the dark spot can grow larger, indicating decay. Cavities can also appear as white spots on teeth in some cases.
  2. Sensitivity to Hot or Cold: Once the decay begins to penetrate the tooth further, the dentin will become exposed. The dentin is more porous, and this can cause sensitivity problems. You might notice that you are experiencing sensitivity problems on one or two of your teeth.
  3. Holes or Craters on Teeth: The bacteria that cause cavities to start eating away at the enamel, causing small pits and holes. These pits are indications that you have a cavity needing a filling. The decay can be easily removed, and the new filling will fill in the visible hole.
  4. Pain and Discomfort: You may have difficulty biting down on a tooth that has a cavity. Some patients experience discomfort when brushing or flossing certain areas due to the dentin being exposed, impacting the inside of the tooth.
  5. Swelling or Bleeding Gums: It can result in bleeding or swollen gums when the cavity is located near the gum line. Infected teeth near the gum line can also cause gingivitis, so a visit to the dentist is recommended. 

How are cavities diagnosed? 

The dentist will use various instruments to inspect your teeth at a twice-a-year dental checkup for the best chance of saving a lot of your teeth. Early detection of cavities is crucial. When your dentist probes a tooth with a cavity, it will feel softer. X-rays will also show cavities before they become visible. 

How are cavities managed or treated? 

Early detection of cavities and other dental problems can prevent more serious problems. The sooner you seek assistance, the better your chance of getting rid of the earliest signs of tooth decay. It is probably not necessary to treat an extensive cavity if it is treated before it causes pain.

Cavities can be treated in various ways depending on their severity and your circumstances. Some options include:

  • Fluoride treatments: It is sometimes possible to reverse a cavity in its very early stages with a fluoride treatment that restores the enamel to your tooth.

You will get fluoride treatments in liquids, gels, foams, or varnishes that can be brushed over your teeth or placed in a tray that fits over your teeth. These treatments have more fluoride than tap water, toothpaste, and mouthwash. 

  • Fillings: In cases of decay where the earliest stages of decay have been reached, fillings, also known as restorations, are the preferred treatment option. Various materials are used for dental fillings, including tooth-colored composite resin, porcelain, and dental amalgam that combines several materials. 
  • Crowns: The entire natural crown of your tooth may need to be replaced with a crown – a custom-fitted cover that replaces the chewing surface throughout.

Your dentist will remove enough of your remaining tooth to ensure a good fit. You can get crowns made out of gold, high-quality porcelain, resin, porcelain fused to metal, etc. 

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  • Root canals: A root canal is prescribed when decay infects the inner material of the tooth (the pulp). The diseased tooth pulp is removed during the procedure, allowing the tooth to be repaired and saved rather than being extracted.

An infected root canal is often treated with medication, followed by a filling over the pulp. 

  • Tooth extractions: You can remove a tooth if it becomes so severely decayed that it cannot be repaired. Having your tooth pulled can cause another tooth to shift. If you cannot replace the missing tooth with a bridge or dental implant, consider getting a bridge. 

How can I prevent a cavity? 

A sticky plaque adheres to your teeth where the acid attacks your tooth enamel, leading to cavities. When you eat or drink sugars, bacteria use them as a source of acid. So, here are some tips to prevent a cavity which you have to follow to stop the cavity.

  • Brush Your Teeth
  • Floss or Clean Between Your Teeth Daily
  • Eat Healthily
  • Avoid frequent snacking and sipping
  • Visit Your Dentist and Dental Hygienist regularly
  • Have Sealants Placed
  • Use a Mouthrinse
  • Chew (Sugarless) Gum 

What are the complications of cavities? 

Many people take tooth decay and cavities for granted. And you might assume it doesn’t matter if your child gets cavities in his or her baby teeth. However, even if your child still has baby teeth, cavities can have serious and lasting consequences.

Complications of cavities may include:

  • Pain
  • Tooth abscess
  • Chewing problems
  • Positioning shifts of teeth after tooth loss
  • Swelling or pus around a tooth
  • Damage or broken teeth

The following can happen when cavities and decay get severe:

  • Pain limits one’s ability to function normally.
  • Loss of weight or nutritional problems caused by painful or difficult chewing or eating.
  • The loss of a tooth can negatively affect your appearance, self-esteem, and confidence.
  • There are rare cases of a tooth abscess, which is a pocket of pus on the gum line caused by a bacterial infection and can lead to life-threatening infections. 

What is the prognosis (outlook) for people with cavities? 

Since cavities develop gradually, it’s important to get regular dental examinations since most people with cavities won’t suffer long-term problems. In the early stages of tooth decay, fluoride treatments can prevent decay from reaching the root, which can result in the loss of the tooth or painful abscesses (infections).

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Chalazion Symptoms, Causes, Treatment, and Prevention

Chalazion: Symptoms, Causes, Treatment, and Prevention

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What is a chalazion?

Chalazion (also known as Meibomian cyst) is a cyst in the eyelid caused by a blocked meibomian gland. The cyst is typically in the middle of the eyelid, is red, and is not painful. They usually appear gradually over a few weeks.

A chalazion may occur after a stye or if hardened oils block the gland. Meibomian glands are typically blocked, but Zeis glands can also malfunction.

To keep your eyes moisturized, your eyelids contain tiny glands that secrete an oily substance. Rather than experiencing pain, a chalazion occurs when one of these glands becomes obstructed.

Is chalazion is a stye? 

The skin around or inside the eyelids may develop lumps called styes and chalazia. The symptoms may be painful or annoying, but they rarely lead to serious complications. The majority of these will disappear without treatment.

Infections that cause tender red lumps on the eyelids are called styes. Styes are most common along the eyelid edge. It is called an internal hordeolum when a stye occurs inside the eyelid. An external hordeolum appears at the base of the eyelash. Hair follicle infections are the most common cause. You might think it’s a pimple at first glance.

A chalazion is a lump that forms on the eyelids. Although chalazia can look like styes, they are usually larger and don’t hurt.

A bacterial infection is the cause of styes. The bacteria usually grow at the root (follicle) of an eyelash. The infection in a tiny oil gland of the eyelid causes a stye.

During the stye growth, the eyelids may become swollen and painful, and an eyewatering may occur. It normally takes 3 days for the styes to break open and drain. Most styes will heal within about a week.

Causes of Chalazion 

The development of chalazia is often caused by something blocking the small oil gland inside the eyelid. Keeping the eyes moist is the function of these glands. Oil starts to accumulate in a blocked gland, which swells. The fluid on your eyelid will drain eventually, so you may have a lump.

The following are some additional causes of chalazia:

  • Rosacea (an inflamed skin condition that causes acne and redness).
  • Efficacy of topical medications for chronic blepharitis, inflammation of the eyelid (redness, swelling, irritation).
  • Seborrheic dermatitis (which is characterized by a red, dry, flaky, itchy face).
  • Infectious tuberculosis (TB).
  • Infections caused by viruses.

Chalazion Risk Factors 

Adults have a higher prevalence of chalazia than children. Your chances to have a chalazion is higher if you have:

  • A condition of inflammation of the eyelid (blepharitis)
  • It might be seborrheic dermatitis, acne rosacea, or an inflammatory skin condition
  • The presence of other diseases, such as diabetes and tuberculosis
  • Previous experience with chalazion

What are the symptoms of a chalazion?

In most cases, a chalazion is a harmless lump or swelling on your upper or lower eyelid. In addition to affecting the upper and lower lids, chalazia may also affect both eyes simultaneously. Depending on the size and location of the chalazion, it may cause blurriness or obstruction of vision.

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A chalazion can be red, swollen, and painful if it is infected, although it is not as common. This condition occurs more often in adults than children; most commonly in people between the ages of 30 and 50.

Additionally, you can have:

  • An unsightly bump on the upper eyelid that is painless.
  • Irritation leading to watering of the eyes.
  • The heavy appearance of the eyelids
  • A chalazion pushing against the eyeball causes blurred vision.

There is no guarantee that the symptoms described above indicate you have a chalazion. Please consult your ophthalmologist if you experience any or all of these symptoms.

Diagnosis of chalazion

The diagnosis of chalazia cannot be confirmed with a specific test. When you have a chalazion, you will usually seek treatment from an eye specialist. A doctor of optometry or ophthalmology might examine you. In this case, healthcare providers can examine the chalazion and prescribe treatment options.

When you visit an eye specialist, you can expect:

  • Please include your full medical history. This data can provide clues to your provider as to what underlying problems might be causing the chalazion to form.
  • Your provider is likely to examine your eye, eyelid, eyelashes, and skin texture during an external examination.
  • In a thorough eyelid examination, eye specialists use magnification to examine the base of the eyelashes under bright lights. In addition, they examine the openings of oil glands.

Potential Misdiagnosis 

In cases where lesions appear around the eye, a chalazion may not be the best diagnosis.

Lesions that appear frequently in the same place, don’t respond to treatment, or are strange in appearance are cases to notify an ophthalmologist. There may be another health issue underlying the lesion. 

Among the medical conditions that can lead to misdiagnosis are:

  • There is a possibility that these abnormal masses of tissues are benign or malignant. To exclude cancers such as sebaceous gland carcinoma, basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, and Merkel cell carcinoma, a biopsy and microscopic analysis will be required.
  • Infectious masses. Meibomian gland drainage can be affected by leishmaniasis or tuberculosis (TB). Eye care specialists may have more insight into the health issue due to the travel history, immune status, and exposure to TB of a patient.
  • Immune disorders. In patients suffering from an immunodeficiency disorder such as AIDS or other diseases that affect the immune system, ophthalmic features in hyper-IgE syndrome can occur.

Treatment for Chalazion

Home treatment:

In most cases, chalazion usually resolves on its own within a few weeks without any medical assistance. It may take 2 weeks or 1 month or even 6 months.

During this time, it is best to avoid squeezing or popping the chalazion, as this can increase the possibility of an eye infection.

It is possible to speed up the healing process with several safe ways that promote drainage. The following are among them:

Warm compresses:

A warm compress can be applied to the affected eye to soften any hardened oil blocking the gland ducts. This opens the ducts and improves drainage, which can reduce irritation.

Use and make a warm compress as follows:

  • In a bowl of warm water, soak a soft, clean cloth or cotton pad.
  • Make sure all excess liquid is wrung out.
  • Put the damp cloth or pad on the eyelids and let them sit for 10–15 minutes.
  • The compress should be kept warm by frequently wetting it.
  • It is recommended to repeat this daily until the swelling is reduced.

Gentle massage:

The oil ducts can be more effectively draining by gently massaging the eyelids each day. If you are going to do this, ensure your hands are clean to reduce the chance of infection. Keeping the area clean and avoiding contact with the chalazion once the draining has begun is crucial.

Surgery: 

A doctor may recommend surgery to drain a chalazion if it is severe or persistent. If it is troublesome or persistent, a small operation might be a good idea. For this, your physician can refer you to an eye surgeon (ophthalmologist).

Most of the time, the operation is carried out under local anesthesia, but some patients, particularly children, may need a general anesthetic instead. There is a numbing effect on the eyelid. On the inside of the eyelid, a small cut is made to release the contents of the cyst, then it is scraped out. It is common to prescribe antibiotic drops or ointment after surgery.

Steroid injection: 

A soluble steroid injection, generally 0.1 to 0.2 ml of triamcinolone acetonide (TA), may be given intralesionally or subcutaneously to treat chalazia, as the inflammatory cells are sensitive to steroids.

Approximately 77% to 93% of the applications are successful. There is the possibility of occlusion of the central retinal artery, acne-related focal depigmentation, and inadvertent ocular penetration in dark-skinned patients.

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Among the many treatment options available, it’s simple and effective, with a high success rate. It may achieve the same results as orthopedic surgery (I&C). Surgical treatment is recommended for lesions that have been present for a long time.

For marginal lesions and those located near the lacrimal punctum, steroid injections are preferred over surgery because of the risks of surgery. Injections alone have an 80% success rate. If needed, a second injection can be administered approximately one to two weeks later.

Carbon dioxide laser: 

Using a CO2 laser for chalazion excision is also a safer procedure with minimal bleeding and no need for eye patches

Over-the-counter treatments:

A chalazion or stye can be treated with many over-the-counter products. By reducing irritation and preventing infection, these remedies may speed up healing. Medicated eye pads, ointments, and solutions are some of these products. It is beneficial to get advice from a pharmacist.

Complications during chalazion:

When the cornea is compressed, astigmatism can result from a large chalazion.

Due to the use of lasers for corneal surgery, where parts are burned away, leaving the cornea weak and vulnerable, people can develop deformities in the cornea after the operation from small chalazion.

The conjunctival approach of injection, however, is less likely to result in adverse effects such as hypopigmentation and fat atrophy.

Occasionally, chalazion recurrence at the same site may indicate sebaceous cell cancer

Prevention of chalazion

If you follow good hygiene habits, you can avoid getting chalazion. The following are essential elements of good hygiene:

  • Hand-washing: Wash your hands frequently and thoroughly. Touching your eyes should be done only after washing your hands.
  • Contact lens care: Before removing your contact lenses, wash your hands. Ensure that your contacts have been cleaned thoroughly with a disinfectant and lens cleaning solution. Don’t forget to throw away daily and limited-time contacts on time.
  • Face-washing: Remove dirt and makeup from your face by washing it every day. For people with blepharitis, a special scrub or baby shampoo may be recommended to cleanse your eyelids.
  • Makeup hygiene: You should throw away all of your old makeup. Every two to three months, be sure to replace your mascara and eye shadow. Be careful about sharing and using other people’s makeup.
  • Warm water compression: Using a warm compress on closed eyelids three times a day for five minutes before sleep can help prevent the Meibomian gland from clogging in the middle of the night.
  • Gentle massage: Do a gentle massage over and under your eyelids every day for two to three minutes. You can use this method to unclog your oil glands.

How long will I have a chalazion?

There will be differences in the results from patient to patient and from condition to condition. Generally, a chalazion can last for a week, a month, or even longer.  Chalazia is more common among patients with blepharitis, an inflammation of the eyelids.

Rub one’s eyes frequently and have poor hygiene, and you are more likely to get styes and chalazia.  The children can also pick at them, causing simultaneous cellulitis, even though they are not dangerous.  In the absence of oral antibiotics, cellulitis can be fatal.

In most cases, a chalazion will heal within one week, or less, if treated properly.

Conclusion:

First, everyone thinks it’s a pimple near the eyelid, but it’s usually not. You may have a stye or chalazion. However, if it is not causing pain, it is most likely a Chalazion. There is no acute or fatal infectious disease associated with a chalazion. This type of skin condition can occur to any person who is careless when it comes to their skin and face.

Preventative measures are better than cures, as we all know. Make a habit of washing your face every single day at appropriate intervals of time, ensuring good hygiene.

Within one month or six months, the disease will be cured. A chalazion is a self-cure disease that will go away without treatment but if it does not go, you should take the proper advice of your doctor and be regular with the treatment.

Several treatments are available, including water compression, gentle massage, maintaining proper hygiene, small surgeries, steroid injections, and antibiotic creams.

Don’t neglect your skin and health. Maintaining good hygiene and drinking a lot of water are the keys to healthy skin.

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Cataracts - Symptoms, Causes, Prevention and Treatment

Cataracts – Symptoms, Causes, Prevention and Treatment

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What are Cataracts?

A Cataract is a cloudy area that is formed on the lens of the eye; it is dense and begins as a result of clumps formed by protein. Seeing through a cloudy lens appears as if you are looking through a frosty window. Cataracts make it difficult to perform daily activities with ease like reading a book, driving a car, etc.

A cataract is known to develop slowly and does not cause any hindrance in normal vision early on. Cataract surgery might be required if it begins to interfere with the vision and makes it difficult to perform normal activities.

Cataracts might occur due to different reasons such as aging or changes in the tissue of the eye lens as a result of injury. It may also take place due to inherited genetic disorders causing health problems and thereby increasing the risk of cataracts.

Some other reasons behind its occurrence include eye conditions, medical conditions including diabetes, and past eye surgery. If someone has been using steroid medications for the long term then it causes cataracts as well.

The lens in which the cataract occurs is present behind the colored part of the eyes known as the iris. Here, the lens works by focusing light that passes into the eye creating sharp and clear images on the retina. The retina is a light-sensitive membrane present in the eye that functions like a camera.

With age, the lens of the eyes becomes less transparent, flexible, and thicker. These age-related and various other medical conditions can lead to the clumping together or break down of tissues present in the lens causing clouding.

With the development of cataracts, the clouding gets denser and spreads across the lens. The light gets scattered and blocked as it passes via lens restricting the reaching of a sharp image to the retina. This causes blurred vision making it difficult for the person to do day-to-day activities with ease.

Types of Cataracts?

There are different types of cataracts, let’s read about which these are.

Congenital Cataract:

When people are born with a cataract, it is termed a congenital cataract. This type of cataract is either genetic or is related to intrauterine trauma or infection. This may also occur as a result of certain conditions comprising of myotonic dystrophy, rubella, or galactosemia. This doesn’t necessarily affect vision if they are diagnosed early and removed.

Nuclear Cataract:

In this type of cataract, the person suffering from it experiences improvement in the eyesight temporarily or nearsightedness. It is known for affecting the center of the eye lens; the vision turns cloudy and the lens turns densely yellow.

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With the progression in cataracts, the lens may turn brown from yellow which makes it difficult to distinguish between various shades of color.

Cortical Cataract:

A cortical cataract affects the edges of the eye lens; it begins as whitish with streaks on the outer edge of the lens cortex. With progression, these streaks further extend to the center and interfere with the light that passes from the middle of the eye lens.

Posterior Subcapsular Cataract:

This type of cataract affects the back of the eye lens; it starts as a small and opaque area that forms close to the back of the lens and in the middle of the light path. It not only interferes with the reading vision but also reduces the visibility in bright light.

This cataract may lead to the creation of halos or glares around the light at night time. This cataract is known for progressing faster than the other types of cataracts.

Age-related Cataract:

One of the causes of cataracts may be the occurrence of natural change in the eye lens. This change is generally age-related and therefore termed as an age-related cataract.

This is one of the most common types of cataracts which is more likely to happen to those who smoke, consume alcohol, steroids, have diabetes, have a history of cataracts, or have gone through eye surgeries such as glaucoma surgery.

Radiation Cataract:

Cataract that occurs as a result of radiations such ultraviolet rays from sun or radiation treatment in cancer is known as radiation cataract.

Traumatic Cataract:

If someone has gone through serious eye injuries then there is a possibility that a cataract may develop. It may happen soon after the injury or may happen years after the injury took place.

Secondary Cataract:

Once a person has gone through cataract surgery, there is a possibility that cataracts may occur again in the form of cloudy vision. This is termed a posterior capsule opacification or secondary cataract.

This type of cataract is very common and may be easily cured through laser treatment. During this surgery, the eye lens is replaced with an artificial lens.

Pediatric Cataract:

Children may develop cataracts too which means that they might be born with cataract or may develop it later in life. However, this type of cataract is rare and generally genetic; it may also happen as a result of serious complications at the time of pregnancy or due to some childhood illness such as a tumor.

The other reasons behind its occurrence include exposure to radiation, eye injury, and steroid medications. When the situation worsens, there might arise a requirement for immediate treatment. It is important that cataract in children is treated on time to protect them from other vision problems.

Who is at Risk of Cataracts?

Following factors may increase the risk of cataracts, let’s read what these are – obesity, diabetes, aging, exposure to radiation such as UV rays, family history of cataracts, smoking, eye injury history, high blood pressure, previous eye surgery, intake of steroid medicines.             

What are the Symptoms of Cataracts?

The common cataract symptoms generally comprise sensitivity to light, clouded or blurred vision, a requirement for bright light for the purpose of reading and other activities. Yet some other symptoms include difficulty in night vision, seeing halos around lights, double vision, yellowing and fading of colors, and having frequent changes in eyeglass.

Implications of Cataracts?

Eyes help us to see things and live a normal life by engaging in daily chores without much trouble. Any discomfort in our eyes can make it troublesome for us to lead a content and happy life. It can make the performance of day-to-day activities difficult for us creating a huge problem.

A cataract is one of the eye conditions that can make living a normal life difficult. It makes the eye lens cloudy and when not treated on time can lead to blindness. It is one of the main causes of visual impairment. The only treatment for cataracts is surgery in which the clouded lens is replaced with an artificial one.

It has been observed that cataract surgery helps in improving the quality of life by providing better vision and reducing the mortality risk.

How are Cataracts Diagnosed?

Cataract diagnosis is done by a doctor through eye examination which comprises of review of medical history and symptoms. There are several tests that the doctor might conduct to confirm the situation. These tests are as follows.

Slit-lamp Examination:

In this test, the doctor examines the structure of the front part of the eyes through magnification. The microscope used here is called a slit lamp and that is why this test is known as a slit-lamp examination.

This lamp is known as a slit lamp as it utilizes an intense line of light or slit for illuminating the cornea, lens, iris, and the space present between the iris and cornea. This slit helps the doctor in viewing structures in small sections making the detection process easier.

Visual Acuity Test:

This type of test uses the eye chart for measuring your reading capability of letter series. The eyes are tested one at a time; while one eye is being tested, the other remains covered. The chart or viewing device is used with smaller letters in progression. It is checked whether you have 20/20 eyesight or if there is any impairment present.

Retinal Exam:

For this check-up, the doctor puts eye drops in order to dilate or open the pupils wider. This makes it easier for the doctor to examine the back portion of the eyes comprising the retina. A special device known as an ophthalmoscope or a slit lamp is used by the doctor for checking the lens for signs of a cataract.

How are Cataracts Treated?

When the condition worsens, the only treatment left for cataracts is to get the surgery done. To ensure that it is time for surgery, consult with your doctor. Cataract surgery is suggested mostly when it begins to affect the quality of life by making normal activities difficult.

Ultimately, it depends on you and your doctor to decide whether cataract surgery is right for you or not. Mostly, people take their time before making the final leap as there is no rush for surgery. This is because cataract does not harm the eyes, however, in diabetic patients, this situation is likely to worsen faster.

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Any delay in cataract treatment does not affect the result of cataract surgery. This means even if you delay the treatment, the result will still be as it would have been had you opted to go for surgery a bit earlier. It is best to be mentally prepared before you undergo this surgery as it will help you in dealing with it in a better way.

Before the treatment, ensure that you understand the risk involved and the benefits that come with the surgery. If you do not wish to undergo the surgery then the doctor might call you for regular check-ups to keep a track of progressing situation.

Cataract treatment through surgery involves the replacement of the clouded lens with a clear artificial one. This artificial lens is known as an intraocular lens which is positioned in place of the natural lens. This artificial lens becomes the permanent part of the eye and helps in the creation of sharp images.

In some people, it might not be possible to use artificial lenses due to the existence of other eye problems. In such conditions, vision may be corrected by using contact lenses or eyeglasses after the cataract is removed.

Cataract surgery is generally performed on an outpatient basis which means that the patient is not required to stay in the hospital. The patient is discharged once the surgery is performed successfully and the doctor permits.

During cataract surgery, local anesthesia is used for numbing the area around the eyes and the patient remains awake during the entire surgical procedure. This surgery is considered safe however, it does carry a risk of infection or bleeding. It also increases the risk of retinal detachment.

Once the surgery is performed successfully, the patient might feel discomfort for a few days. It generally takes around eight weeks for healing to happen. If a patient requires surgery in both eyes then the doctor may remove the cataract from the second eye after the first eye gets treated and healed.

When you visit your doctor, share each and every symptom that has been facing. If you have been on medication or have been going through some sort of medical treatment, share it with the doctor. Clear your doubts and answer all the questions of the doctor correctly as this will help you in providing relevant treatment.

It is best for you to be well prepared before getting the cataract surgery done. You must clarify all the doubts that you have with your doctor before taking the decision. Ensure that you share all the symptoms and health history with your doctor as this will help him in taking the right action. Correct treatment will help you in getting optimum results and speedy recovery.

If you ever experience any discomfort in your eyes, make sure that you consult a good doctor who helps you in curing it. Eyes play a crucial role in our lives; it helps us see and live a normal life. It is our duty and responsibility to take care of it in the best possible manner.

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What is a CT Scan Procedure, Risks, and Results

What is a CT Scan? Procedure, Risks, and Results

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An X-ray and a computer are used to produce images of a cross-section of your body during a computed tomography scan, also known as a CT scan or CAT scan. This technique enables healthcare providers to see very fine detail in your bones, muscles, organs, and blood vessels by taking pictures that make very thin slices of your body.

When an X-ray machine uses a fixed tube, it places X-rays in one single area of the body. As radiation moves through the body, it is absorbed in different ways by different tissues. Higher density tissues create white images against the black film.

In contrast, X-rays produce 2D images. CT scans produce a 3D view of the inside of your body by rotating an X-ray around you and capturing data.

CT scans can be useful for assisting diagnosis in medicine, but they can also cause cancer if ionizing radiation is present. The National Cancer Institute warns patients to talk with their doctors about these risks and benefits. 

Why is a CT Scan Performed? 

A CT scan is recommended by your doctor to help following situation:

  1. Determine the presence of bone tumors and fractures in muscles and bones.
  2. Detects tumors, infections, or blood clots.
  3. Surgical procedures, biopsy procedures, and radiation therapy can be guided by the following.
  4. Cancer, heart disease, lung nodules, and liver masses can be detected and monitored.
  5. Using effective treatment methods, such as cancer treatments, With the help of CT scan, we can monitor the whole process.
  6. Determine whether there is internal bleeding or injured internal organs.

What does the CT equipment look like? 

CT machines are typically large, donut-shaped machines with a short tunnel in the center. As you lie on the narrow examination table that slides into the short tunnel during your surgery, your image is taken. In the center of the room, opposite each other in a ring, are an x-ray tube and an electronic x-ray detector. A computer is located in a control room where the images are processed.

The technologist operates a scanner and monitors your exam, watching it directly from your side. A speaker and microphone will allow the technologist to speak to you.

How Do CT Scans Work? 

CT scanners do not use conventional x-ray tubes; instead, they are powered by a motorized x-ray source that rotates around a circular opening that is built into a donut-shaped structure called a gantry.

CT scans or CAT scans process involves a patient lying on a bed moving slowly through a gantry while an x-ray tube rotates around the patient, traveling through narrow beams of light. Towards the end of the x-ray, the detectors detect it and transmit it to the computer.

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During each rotation of the x-ray source, the CT computer constructs a 2D image slice of the patient utilizing sophisticated mathematical techniques. The thickness of tissues showed in each slice image varies slightly by type of CT machine but usually ranges from 1-10 millimeters. After a complete image slice has been obtained with the help of a scanning machine, the image is stored and the motorized bed is incrementally moved forward into the gantry.

After that, an additional x-ray scan is conducted to produce another slice, which is repeated until the desired number of slices is accumulated. An image obtained by the CT scan whose slice can be displayed either individually or stacked together by the computer as a 3D image of the patient. This 3D image shows the skeleton, organs, and tissues of the patient as well as any abnormalities that may be present.

Among its many advantages, this method allows you to rotate the 3D image in space or view slices sequentially, which makes it easier to locate the exact problem location.

What are the benefits? 

  • With a CT scan, an experienced radiologist can diagnose many abdominal pain and trauma conditions with a high level of accuracy and enable more effective treatment. It may even eliminate additional, more invasive diagnostic testing.
  • The method of a CT examination can be used to decrease the risk of serious complications like those caused by an infected fluid collection or a burst appendix and the subsequent spread of infection when pain is caused by infection and inflammation.
  • In addition to being non-invasive and painless, CT scans are accurate.
  • A major advantage of CT imaging is that soft tissue, blood vessels, and bone can all be visualized simultaneously.
  • With CT scanning, detailed images of bones, lungs, and blood vessels are obtained without the use of conventional x-rays.
  • CT scans are simple and fast. In emergencies, they can show internal bleeding and injuries quickly enough to save lives.
  • The cost-effectiveness of CT has been demonstrated for a wide range of clinical problems. The sensitivity of CT to patient movement is less than that of MRI.
  • In other terms, a CAT scan provides real-time imaging, making it ideal for performing minimally invasive procedures such as needle biopsies and needle aspirations of many parts of the body, including the lungs, the abdomen, the pelvis, etc and the bones.
  • CT scanning may allow a direct diagnosis to be made without requiring exploratory surgery or surgical biopsy.
  • An X-ray used in a CT scan should not cause any side effects to the patient immediately after the scan. There is no radiation left in the body after the CT scan.

What happens during a CT scan 

CT scans are performed lying on your back on a flatbed that passes through a rotating circle as you pass through the scanner. During the scan, you will usually lie on your back in the ring-shaped scanner.

You do not have to worry about feeling claustrophobic since the scanner does not surround your entire body at once. Radiographers will operate scanners in separate rooms. You will have the ability to speak and hear them over an intercom while the scan takes place.

During each scan, you must lie completely still and breathe normally. So that, the scan images will not be blurred. At certain points, you may be asked to take a deep breath, let it out, or hold it. The scan normally takes about 10 to 20 minutes. 

What happens afterward

A CT scan is not expected to cause any lasting effects, and most patients can return home shortly afterward. You can drive, eat, and drink as normal.

The contrast used in the test is harmless and passes out of your body through your urine at the end of an hour, so you may be asked to wait in the hospital for up to that long.

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You won’t receive the results of your scan instantly. A computer will need to process the information and then examine the picture. A radiologist (a physician who interprets images of the body) will then interpret the results.

An MRI radiologist examines your images and develops a report he or she sends to the referring doctor so that you can discuss the results with them. This usually takes a few days or weeks to complete. 

What Is It Used For? 

CT scan is useful for obtaining images of:

  • soft tissues
  • blood vessels
  • lungs
  • the pelvis
  • brain
  • abdomen
  • bones

The CT scan is often preferred for diagnosing many types of cancer, including liver, lung, and pancreatic cancer. It provides clear images that allow doctors to determine how much tissue is affected by the tumor, its size, and its location.

The results of a CT scan can reveal a tumor in the abdomen and any swelling or inflammation in nearby organs if there is a tumor in the head. A head scan can reveal bleeding, swelling of the arteries, or a tumor on the brain.

A CT scan can provide valuable information on blood flow, kidneys, liver, and spleen lacerations. Also, a CT scan detects abnormalities in tissue, making it useful for planning radiotherapy and biopsies.

A doctor can use it to assess bone disease and density and the condition of a patient’s spine. Additionally, it provides vital information about injuries to the hand, foot, or other skeletal structures of a patient. The surrounding tissue around small bones can even be seen. 

What Are the Risks obtained through CT Scan? 

It is considered that radiation exposure during a CT scan is low, so if you are pregnant or believe that you may be pregnant, you should notify your doctor immediately.

A patient with a history of hypersensitivity to contrast dye, shellfish, medications, or iodine should tell their physician if they have any of these allergies. Radiation exposure during pregnancy contributes to birth defects.

It is important to notify your physician if you have kidney failure or another kidney disease. Contrast dye can sometimes cause kidney failure, especially when the person is taking Glucophage (a diabetic medication).

A chest CT scan may be more accurate if certain factors interfere with the accuracy of the procedure. Your physician should be consulted about any concerns you have about the procedure.

There are a variety of factors that contribute to these findings, including, but not limited to:

  • Surgical clips or pacemakers, for example, maybe, metallic objects inside the chest
  • Body piercings on the chest
  • A recent barium study in the esophagus showed barium in the organ 

What Do CT Scan Results Mean? 

If the radiologist doesn’t see tumors, blood clots, fractures, or other abnormalities in the scan images, it may require further tests or treatments. If abnormalities are detected, further tests or treatments may be needed, depending on the type of abnormality.

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Cardiomyopathy Symptoms, Treatment, and Prevention

Cardiomyopathy: Symptoms, Treatment, and Prevention

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An enlarged heart muscle causes a condition called cardiomyopathy. The enlarged heart muscle stretches, which makes the muscle weak, thus preventing it from pumping blood as efficiently as it should.

You may develop heart failure if your heart muscle weakens too much (a serious condition that requires special treatment). Cardiomyopathy is relatively mild and most people can lead almost normal lives.

Heart attacks and cardiomyopathy are both conditions that damage a part of your heart muscle. Heart attacks may also cause you to need a heart transplant. People with severe heart failure may also need a heart transplant. 

Types of Cardiomyopathy 

Five types of cardiomyopathy are listed below:

  • Dilated cardiomyopathy: A person with cardiomyopathy has an enlarged (dilated) left ventricle, thus limiting its ability to pump blood effectively.

This type of heart disease can affect anyone of any age, though it is more likely to affect men over the age of 50. It is most commonly caused by coronary artery disease or a heart attack, but it can also be caused by inherited defects. 

  • Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy: It is the type of cardiomyopathy in which an abnormal thickening of your heart muscle, which makes it more difficult for your heart to pump. It mainly occurs in the main pumping chamber of your heart (left ventricle).

Some genetic mutations have been linked to the development of hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. This condition can occur at any age but is typically more severe in childhood. People with this condition generally have a family history of it. 

  • Restrictive cardiomyopathy: It is the least common type of cardiomyopathy, characterized by stiffening and decreased flexibility of the heart muscle so it cannot expand and fill up with blood between heartbeats. Although it can affect people of any age, it most commonly affects older adults.

Occasionally, restrictive cardiomyopathy has no known cause (idiopathic), but it can also be caused by another disease elsewhere in the body that affects the heart, such as Amyloidosis. 

  • Arrhythmogenic right ventricular dysplasia: It is a rare type of cardiomyopathy caused by genetic mutations, causing scar tissue to replace the muscles in the lower right heart chamber (right ventricle). 
  • Unclassified cardiomyopathy: Other remaining types of cardiomyopathy can fall into this category. 

Who is at risk for cardiomyopathy? 

Risk factors for cardiomyopathy include certain diseases or conditions. Some of the most common are:

  • Family History: Cardiomyopathy is more likely to occur in individuals with a history of it in their families. 
  • Hypertension: A person with long-standing hypertension who is not adequately controlled has a high risk of developing Cardiomyopathy. 
  • Thyroid Disorders: Cardiomyopathy is also common in people with thyroid problems. 
  • Diabetes Mellitus: Cardiomyopathy is also more common in diabetics with longstanding diseases. 
  • Obesity: Overweight individuals are at a greater risk of developing cardiomyopathy because their heart is put under more pressure. 
  • Alcoholism: Cardiomyopathy is also a risk factor for chronic alcoholics. 
  • Polysubstance Use: The risk of Cardiomyopathy increases in those who abuse drugs like amphetamines or cocaine as a recreational activity.
  • Other Cardiac Condition: Cardiomyopathy can also affect individuals with preexisting cardiac conditions. 

Symptoms of Cardiomyopathy 

Common cardiomyopathy symptoms include:

  • Unexplained fatigue
  • Body weakness
  • Sometimes feeling of fainting
  • Regular chest pain
  • Breathing problems
  • Palpitations
  • Fluid and water retention
  • Light-headedness or headache
  • Bloating
  • Cough
  • Dizziness
  • Poor appetite
  • Sudden death
  • Swollen Extremities

How does cardiomyopathy affect children and teenagers? 

There is no gender or race discrimination in pediatric cardiomyopathy for children or teenagers. Children and teenagers are more likely to develop this disorder when they are infants.

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In about 75% of cases, healthcare providers don’t know what causes cardiomyopathy in children. However, children may inherit cardiomyopathy or they may acquire it through a viral infection.

Early detection and treatment can improve a child’s outcome if cardiomyopathy is detected and treated during a sudden cardiac arrest, as some children may not exhibit symptoms.

The majority of children and teenagers with cardiomyopathy require routine medical attention from a cardiologist (a specialist in the heart); they receive daily medication. Depending on the cause, type, and stage of cardiomyopathy, there may not be many lifestyle restrictions. 

Diagnose cardiomyopathy 

In the diagnosis of the disease cardiomyopathy, the doctor will consider your medical history, family history to examine the exact cause of cardiomyopathy, physical examination, and diagnostic test results are used to diagnose cardiomyopathy. A cardiologist or pediatric cardiologist is often responsible for diagnosis and treatment. These doctors who specialize in heart disease are known as cardiologists or pediatric cardiologists.

  • Medical and family histories: If any member of your family has been diagnosed with cardiomyopathy, heart failure, or cardiac arrest, your doctor will ask about your medical history and the signs and symptoms you are experiencing for further process of treatment. 
  • Physical exam: A stethoscope is used by your doctor to listen to the sounds of your heart and lungs to hear if they are similar to those that might indicate cardiomyopathy. Certain sounds may even indicate a specific type of the disease. A loud, rhythmic heart murmur can be a sign of obstructive hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. If a doctor hears a “crackling sound” in your lungs, this could symbolize heart failure. Your doctor can also use certain physical signs to detect cardiomyopathy. Ankle, foot, leg, abdomen, or neck swelling indicates fluid accumulation, a sign of heart failure. 
  • Diagnostic tests: To diagnose cardiomyopathy, your doctor might recommend any of these tests.
  • Blood tests: By using a needle, blood is drawn from a vein in the arm to test. 
  • Chest X-ray: Images of your chest may reveal an enlarged heart or swelling of your lungs. An X-ray may also reveal fluid within your lungs. 
  • Electrocardiogram (EKG or ECG): The electrocardiogram records the heart’s electrical activity, showing how fast it beats and if its rhythm is steady or irregular. EKGs can help detect cardiomyopathy and other conditions such as heart attacks and arrhythmias (irregular heartbeats). Depending on the type of heart problem you have, your doctor may have you wear a portable EKG monitor. 
  • Holter and event monitor: In both cases, this is a portable device that monitors the heart’s electrical activity during a specific time. A Holter monitor provides long-term electrocardiogram data for 24 or 48 hours. An event monitor is limited to certain times only. 
  • Echocardiogram (Echo): Echocardiograms (echos) use sound waves to create a moving picture of your heart. They provide important information about how well your heart is working and its size and structure. Transesophageal echo (or TEE), which provides views of the back of the heart, is one type of echocardiography that is used during a stress test. Other types of echocardiography include those used during stress tests. 
  • Stress Test: In a stress test, your heart is systematically made to work hard (and beat fast) throughout various tests such as nuclear heart scanning, echocardiograms, and positron emission tomography (PET). During your appointment, you will walk on an inclined treadmill or receive medicine to simulate exertion if you are unable to exercise.
  • Genetic Testing: Since Cardiomyopathy may also be genetically linked in some cases, the physician may suggest a genetic test if the patient has a family history of Cardiomyopathy. 

Treatment for cardiomyopathy? 

Treatment for cardiomyopathy involves controlling symptoms, stopping the progression of the disorder, and preventing sudden cardiac death. It can vary depending on the severity of symptoms and the type of cardiomyopathy.

Treatment of Cardiomyopathy includes:

Lifestyle changes:

The use of healthier lifestyle habits may also help slow the progression of cardiomyopathy. Lifestyle changes may help reduce the severity of conditions that may have caused the condition.

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Following a healthful diet may also help modify lifestyle, as it limits the intake of saturated fats, trans fats, sugar, and salt.

Medications: 

Some types of medicines may be prescribed to patients with cardiomyopathy, including:

  • Beta-blockers: A beta-blocker slows the heart rate, resulting in less strain on the heart. 
  • Diuretics: Insufficient heart pumping can lead to excess fluid buildup in the body, which is removed by diuretics. 
  • Blood thinners: Blood-thinning medications lower your chance of developing blood clots. 
  • Blood pressure drugs: Heart disease patients can use angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors, angiotensin receptor blockers, and angiotensin receptor-neprilysin inhibitors to reduce blood pressure and block the stress receptors. 
  • Antiarrhythmics: An antiarrhythmic is a medication that prevents abnormal heart rhythms. 

Implanted devices: 

Different types of implantable devices may also be used in treatment, depending on the symptoms. Implantable devices may include:

  • Pacemaker: In such a case, a pacemaker can help the heartbeat at normal speed by delivering electrical impulses beneath the skin in the chest near the implantation site. 
  • Implantable cardioverter-defibrillator: As part of the device, on detection of an abnormal, potentially unstable heartbeat, the electric shock is delivered. This restores the heart rhythm to normal. 
  • Left ventricle assist device (LVAD): In this process, While a person receives a heart transplant, an LVAD is helpful while the heart is weakened by cardiomyopathy. 
  • Cardiac resynchronization device: This implanted device enhances heart function by improving coordination between left and right ventricles. 

Surgery: 

Surgery may be recommended if symptoms are severe. Possible surgery procedures for cardiomyopathy include:

  • Septal myectomy: By removing the thickened tissue in the left ventricle, this surgery improves blood flow out of the heart. It is done for patients with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy with obstructions in blood flow.
  • Heart transplant: Heart transplant might be an option for people who have certain types of cardiomyopathy with advanced heart failure. However, heart transplantation is a complex procedure, not everyone qualifies for one. 

How can cardiomyopathy be prevented?

Cardiomyopathy can’t be prevented, but you can take steps to lower your risk for conditions responsible for creating (or complicating) cardiomyopathies, such as coronary heart disease, high blood pressure, and heart attacks.

An underlying health problem can precipitate cardiomyopathy. Treating it early can help prevent the complications associated with cardiomyopathy. As an example, you can control high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and diabetes by preventing the underlying causes:

  • Regular checkups with your doctor are mandatory and all should do for their health.
  • Follow your doctor’s advice about lifestyle changes and diet plans.
  • Take all of your medications on time as prescribed by your doctor.

Cardiomyopathy can also cause other complications, just as some underlying conditions might cause cardiomyopathy.

Heart diseases, such as cardiomyopathy, can increase the risk for sudden cardiac arrest (SCA), which can be mitigated by implanted cardioverter defibrillators (ICDs).

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Bladder Infection Symptoms, Causes & Treatment

Bladder Infection Symptoms, Causes & Treatment

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What is a bladder infection (Cystitis)?

Inflammation occurs when something in your body becomes red, swollen, or inflamed. Common causes of cystitis are urinary tract infections (UTI), which occur when bacteria enter the bladder or urethra and multiply there.

In some cases, cystitis is caused by bacteria that are naturally found in the body, which can cause an infection and inflammation. Cystitis is not always caused by an infection. For instance, sometimes certain medicines and hygiene products can also cause inflammation.

Treatment for cystitis depends on the cause of the infection, such as antibiotics or hygiene products. Medicines and hygiene products can also cause cystitis, so girls need to be very careful about hygiene.

Cystitis most often affects women, but it can affect anyone at any time. Cystitis is acute and occurs suddenly in most cases. Interstitial cystitis disorders usually last for a long time. 

Bladder Infection Symptoms 

There will be immediate changes during urination when you have a bladder infection depending on the severity. Some of the most common symptoms are:

  • Inflammation on either the side (flank), the abdomen, or the pelvis.
  • Pressure in the lower pelvis area.
  • Urinary incontinence (urinate too often), frequent need to urinate (frequency), and urgency to urinate (urine leakage).
  • Blood in the urine and painful urination (dysuria).
  • Need to urinate all night, causing disturbance of sleep.
  • Color and odor of urine that are abnormal (cloudy urine).

A urinary tract infection can also cause the following symptoms:

  • Pain in the urethra during sex.
  • Pain in the penis.
  • Insomnia, or back pain in the lower back or the flanks (sides of the body).
  • Confusion in making decisions, and mental changes. 

Bladder Infection causes 

A bladder infection is usually caused by E. coli bacteria that are on your skin and in your intestines. These organisms cause infections when they get into the urethra and travel to the bladder.

For several reasons, women are more likely to get bladder infections than men. A woman’s urethra is shorter, and it’s located close to the vagina and anus, where bacteria usually live.

You can acquire bacteria through having sex, wiping after using the bathroom from back to front, using a tampon, or using a diaphragm for birth control. Your bladder can become blocked by the baby during pregnancy, preventing it from fully emptying and giving bacteria a place to thrive.

After Menopause causes a decrease in estrogen levels. This causes a thinner urethral lining and a change in the bacteria balance in the vagina, increasing the risk of infection.

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The most common cause of bladder infections in men is a prostate infection. However, blocks, like bladder stones or enlarged prostates can prevent the bladder from fully emptying and thus cause infection.

Types of cystitis (Bladder infection) 

There are two types of cystitis. In terms of the types of cystitis, acute cystitis occurs suddenly, while interstitial cystitis (IC) occurs over a while, affecting multiple layers of bladder tissue.

There are many possible causes of acute and interstitial cystitis. The cause will determine the type of cystitis a person has.

  • Bacterial cystitis: Infections in your urethra or bladder are caused by bacteria entering your body and causing an infection. They can also affect you when your body’s normally growing bacteria become unbalanced. The result is cystitis or inflammation of your bladder. The treatment of a bladder infection is extremely important. If the infection spreads to the kidneys, it can cause serious health problems. 
  • Drug-induced cystitis: Some medications can trigger inflammation in your bladder. The medicine passes through your body and eventually exits through your urinary system. Many medications will irritate your bladder as they exit your body. Cyclophosphamide and ifosfamide are examples of chemotherapy drugs that can cause cystitis. 
  • Radiation cystitis: Unlike chemotherapy, radiation therapy kills cancer cells and shrinks tumors, as well as damaged healthy cells and tissues. Radiation treatment in the pelvic area may cause bladder inflammation. 
  • Foreign body cystitis: Inflammation can be caused by both bacteria and damaged tissues in the urinary tract when you use a catheter indefinitely to facilitate the release of urine from your bladder. 
  • Chemical cystitis: You should avoid certain hygiene products since they can irritate your bladder. Erratic bladder products can cause cystitides, such as spermicidal jelly, spermicide diaphragms, and chemicals from bubble baths. 

Diagnosing bladder infections 

There are various ways to diagnose bladder infections some of them are as follows- 

  • Basic Test: Diagnosis of bladder infections can be determined by a test. A urinalysis is a test that a doctor performs on a urine sample to determine whether there are any of the following substances:
    • white blood cells
    • red blood cells
    • nitrites
    • bacteria

The doctor may also perform a urine culture, which determines what kind of bacteria are present in the urine and which antibiotic will work best. Once the type of bacteria is identified, antibiotic sensitivity tests will determine which antibiotic to use.

  • Advanced Tests: Sometimes, knowing the cause of the infection is important, because medicine alone may not be enough to treat it. Often a bladder infection isn’t a serious health concern, but it may be an inconvenience.

If you fall into one of these categories, you may be given more advanced tests:

  • Children
  • Men (Men do not get the bladder infection, it may be the sign of something else, so they need to do the advanced test.
  • People who had a kidney replacement.
  • Women who get three or more bladder infections a year or urinate with blood.

Other ways to find the cause of bladder infections are:

  • Cystoscopy: During a cystoscopy, your doctor inserts a thin tube with a camera into your urethra to check for problems or to take a tissue sample for further analysis, it is also called a biopsy. 
  • Imaging: Ultrasound, CT scans, and MRIs can detect tumors, kidney stones, and other health complications 
  • Intravenous urogram (IVU): Imaging the kidney, ureters, and bladder is done with contrast dye using X-rays in this process. 
  • Voiding cystourethrography: To find out if there is any urine backing up from the bladder towards the kidneys, your doctor inserts a dye into your bladder. 
  • Retrograde urethrography: To detect problems within the urethra, contrast dye is used. 

Bladder infection treatment 

Antibiotics are usually prescribed for both simple and complicated urinary tract infections, but the type of antibiotic and its duration depend on the particular situation. A few examples of antibiotics the doctor might prescribe include amoxicillin, (Bactrim), ciprofloxacin, sulfamethoxazole/trimethoprim, and nitrofurantoin (Macrobid).

The specific medication needed for your condition and the organisms responsible for it will depend on your health care provider’s decision.

Lower urinary tract infection (cystitis, or bladder infection): 

  • An antibiotic course of three days is usually enough for a healthy person. However, some health care providers prefer a seven-day course. Sometimes, a single dose of an antibiotic can also be used. A health care professional will determine which of these options is most appropriate.
  • Males with an infected prostate (prostatitis) may need to be treated with antibiotics for four weeks or longer.
  • Generally, antibiotics are given to adult females with kidney involvement, urinary tract abnormalities, or diabetes.
  • Antibiotic treatment is usually given for 10 days to children with uncomplicated cystitis.
  • In addition to antibiotics for one to two days, Phenazopyridine (Pyridium) or similar medication can alleviate burning pain during urination.

Upper urinary tract infection (pyelonephritis):

  • Those with symptoms of pyelonephritis who are young and otherwise healthy can receive treatment as outpatients. In the emergency department, they may receive IV fluids and antibiotics or receive an antibiotic injection followed by 10-14 days of oral antibiotic therapy. In one to two days, they should contact their healthcare professional to monitor their progress.
  • It may be necessary to implant an IV in the arm of someone who is very ill, dehydrated, or vomiting excessively. Until he/she is well enough to drink fluids and take oral antibiotics, he/she will be hospitalized and given fluids and antibiotics through an IV line.
  • It may take several weeks to treat an acute infection that is complicated and severe.

Like sexually transmitted diseases (STDs), urinary tract infections are often caused by the same bacteria. Therefore, people with symptoms of STDs (unusual vaginal bleeding or penile discharge, for instance) should be treated with appropriate antibiotics. In case of pain in the genital area, your doctor needs to conduct a urinalysis as well as check for UTIs. 

Who is at risk of cystitis? 

Cystitis is associated with the following risk factors:

  • Female gender
  • Shorter urethra
  • Less distance between the urethra and anus
  • History of urinary tract infections
  • Use of a diaphragm with spermicide
  • Postmenopausal status (low estrogen so the loss of protective vaginal flora)
  • Sexual intercourse (introduction of bacteria in the urethra)
  • Genetic predisposition or family history
  • Homosexual men
  • Lack of circumcision
  • Old age
  • Immobility

Foods Increasing Risk of Cystitis: 

There is some evidence that certain foods increase the risk of cystitis.

  • Spicy foods
  • Coffee or tea
  • Citrus fruit
  • Carbonated and alcoholic drinks
  • Vitamin C

Women’s Risk: 

Although researchers have yet to uncover the reasons behind the prevalence of bladder infections in women, it is believed that this is because women’s urethra is short, and its opening is close to the ranch. Thus, bacteria can easily travel from the colon to the bladder.

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An infection of the bladder can be caused by many factors, including:

  • Bacteria can be introduced into the urinary tract through sexual activity.
  • Women who use diaphragms and spermicides can alter their urethra’s bacterial composition.
  • A UTI can endanger an unborn child during pregnancy due to changes in anatomy and physiology (consult a doctor immediately if you suspect a UTI during pregnancy)
  • Diabetes
  • Poor hygiene
  • Increased age
  • Once a woman has a UTI, the risk of developing another one increases dramatically. These conditions suppress the immune system and make emptying the bladder becomes difficult. 

Top tips to prevent further bladder infections 

Combining medical and home treatments can help ease symptoms of UTI. Renal and blood infections are the most severe consequences of untreated UTIs. Here are some tips which help you to prevent further bladder infections:

1. Drink more fluid: Water can keep your bladder healthy; at least half of your fluid intake should be water. Healthy adults should consume six to eight 8-ounce glasses of fluid each day. Ask your consultant for the intake of water. 

2. Limit alcohol and caffeine: It may be helpful to cut back on alcohol and caffeinated foods and beverages such as coffee, tea, chocolate, and most sodas. 

3. Quit smoking: Smoking is injurious to any condition, so if you smoke- quit it. 

4. Maintain a healthy diet and weight: Maintaining a healthy weight can be achieved by eating a healthy diet and exercising. 

5. Exercise daily: Exercise is the most important part that everyone should follow daily. Constipation and bladder problems can be prevented by physical activity. 

6. Avoid constipation: Drinking enough water and eating foods high in fiber (such as whole grains, green vegetables, and fruits) can help prevent constipation. 

7. Use the clean bathroom often and when needed: You should urinate every three to four hours to prevent your bladder from weakening and causing you to suffer a bladder infection. 

8. Do Kegel exercise: Kegel exercises commonly known as pelvic floor exercises strengthen the muscles that help hold urine in the bladder. By doing these exercises daily, you can keep urine from leaking when you sneeze, cough, lift, laugh, or have the urge to urinate suddenly. 

9. Take enough time to fully empty the bladder when urinating: A bladder infection can occur if the urine stays in the bladder for a long period when you urinate in a hurry. 

10. Wear cotton and loose-fitting clothes: If you wear loose clothing, air will visit the area around your urethra to keep it dry. Wearing jeans that are too tight can trap moisture, which can promote bacteria growth.

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Bad Breath Causes, Treatments, and Prevention

Bad Breath: Causes, Treatments, and Prevention

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The term bad breath is used to describe an unpleasant odor coming from the mouth. Halitosis can be an occasional problem, or it can be chronic. It may be caused by the foods a person eats, bad oral hygiene, chronic diseases, or other factors.

Bad breath may also impact a person’s quality of life by negatively affecting personal relationships and their quality of life. Some people are not aware that they have bad breath, and they learn about it from a family member, friend, or coworker. Let’s understand the causes of bad breath. 

Bad Breath causes 

There are many causes of bad breath. Some of them include:

  • Food: Food particles can break down between your teeth and increase bacteria, causing a foul smell. Onions, garlic, spices, and other foods can lead to bad breath as well. Once digested, these foods are transported into your bloodstream, where they affect your breathing.
  • Tobacco products: Tobacco and smoking both cause unpleasant mouth odors, and the likelihood of developing gum disease in smokers and oral tobacco users is even higher.
  • Poor dental hygiene: Without brushing and flossing daily, food particles remain in your mouth, resulting in bad breath. A sticky film of bacteria (plaque) forms on your teeth, irritating your gums and eventually causing plaque-filled pockets between your teeth and gums (periodontitis).

Similarly, bacteria on your tongue can cause unpleasant odors, and dentures that are not cleaned regularly or that don’t fit right can harbor bacteria that cause odors.

  • Dry mouth: Saliva helps to clean your mouth, eliminating anything that might cause bad breath. A condition called dry mouth or xerostomia (zeer–o-STOE-me-uh) can also contribute to bad breath because it reduces saliva production. It occurs naturally during sleep, causing morning breath, and can worsen if you sleep with your mouth open. Dry mouth can also be caused by problems with your salivary glands or disease.
  • Crash diets: The breakdown of fats produces chemicals called ketones, which have an unpleasant odor. Fasting and low-carbohydrate eating programs can contribute to halitosis.
  • Medications: Some medications may cause bad breath indirectly by causing dry mouth. Others can break down into chemicals that are released into your breath when they are broken down.
  • Mouth Infection: There are several causes of bad breath, including wounds from oral surgery after tooth extraction, tooth decay, gum disease, or mouth sores.
  • Other mouths, nose, and throat conditions: Infections or chronic inflammation in the nose, sinuses, or throat, which can result in postnasal drip, can cause bad breath. Small stones in the tonsils, covered with bacteria, can occasionally cause bad breath.
  • Other causes: Several illnesses, including some cancers and metabolic disorders, produce chemicals that cause breath to smell distinctive.

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Bad breath can be caused by chronic reflux of stomach acids (gastroesophageal reflux disease, or GERD). Foreign bodies lodged in the nostrils of young children can cause bad breath. 

Bad Breath symptoms 

The symptoms of bad breath (Halitosis)

  • Bleeding Gums
  • Food Impaction
  • Foreign Body in the Nose
  • Liver Failure
  • Lung Abscesses
  • Medications
  • Oral Abscess
  • Oral Ulcers
  • Mouth Sores
  • Dry Mouth
  • Bacterial Infections
  • Dietary Factors
  • Periodontitis
  • Poorly Fitting Dentures or Oral Appliances
  • Poor Oral Hygiene
  • Tooth Decay 

Bad Breath Diagnosis 

When someone with suspected halitosis comes in to see the dentist, they may simply smell their breath and rate the odor as intensely as they can. They may scrape the back of the tongue and smell the scrapings as it is often the source of the odor.

It is possible to rate odor more precisely by using sophisticated detectors used to diagnose bad breath. These include:

  • Halimeter: Low levels of sulfur are detected with this device. 
  • Gas chromatography: In this test, the three sulfur compounds hydrogen sulfide, methyl mercaptan, and dimethyl sulfide are measured. 
  • BANA test: The specific enzyme that causes halitosis in the body is measured by this device.
  • Beta-galactosidase test: Studies have shown that mouth odor correlates with beta-galactosidase levels. 

Bad Breath Prevention 

The problem of bad breath happens to everyone at some point, but you can prevent it. Follow these prevention steps of bad breath to avoid embarrassing situations in the future:

  • Maintain Good Oral Hygiene: Most people overlook this factor when it comes to reducing bad breath. Ideally, you should brush and floss after every meal.

This will help you reduce bacteria in your mouth that cause bad breath. Follow this with a twice-daily mouth rinse to help prevent cavities and plaque. It is better to use a mouthwash that kills bacteria rather than a cosmetic rinse that only covers up odors and does not get to the root of the problem. 

  • Watch What You Eat: Almost everything you consume is absorbed into your bloodstream and then reabsorbed when you breathe and speak. Pungent ingredients like garlic, onions, and spicy foods pose the biggest health risk.

By eating more onions, celery, and carrots – all of these vegetables contain a lot of water, which will help flush all of the debris from your mouth. 

  • Hydrate: Drinking water after a meal is a great way to help clean your mouth of oral bacteria and food particles before they can cause problems. If you cannot brush, floss, and rinse after eating, drinking fluids can help to rinse out the toxins from your body.

You should avoid soda, as excess sugar will bond to your teeth and gums, causing bad breath when mixed with leftover remnants of your meal.

  • Chew the Right Thing: If you chew sugar-free gum after eating, it can improve your breath and keep saliva flowing, which helps keep bacteria and food particles out of your mouth. Chewing gum sweetened with 100% xylitol can also help reduce cavities.

Mints are considered the best way to mask bad breath, but at their worst, they’re loaded with sugar that sticks to your teeth and makes your problem worse. To help maintain fresh breath when you’re in a pinch, keep breath strips in your desk drawer, inside your pockets, and in your purse so that you can use it whenever you need them. 

Bad Breath Home Remedies 

To reduce or even stop the bad breath, you may try some of the home remedies that work on your bad breath to make it good.

  • Brush your teeth after you eat: Using antibacterial toothpaste after meals have been shown to reduce bad breath odors. Keep a toothbrush at work to use after meals. Brushing is most important, so brush at least twice a day, especially after meals.
  • Brush your tongue: A tongue brush can effectively reduce odors if your tongue harbors bacteria; people who have a coated tongue due to an overgrowth of bacteria (such as those who smoke or have a dry mouth) may benefit from a tongue scraper. You may use a toothbrush that has tongue cleaner with it.
  • Floss at least once a day: Flossing removes food particles and plaque from between your teeth, thereby improving the quality of your breath.
  • Clean dentures or dental appliances: It is important to clean your bridge or denture every day or as directed by your dentist. If you wear a dental retainer or mouth guard, you should clean them each time before you use them. Your dentist can advise you on good cleaning products.
  • Maintain your diet: Don’t consume foods such as onions and garlic, which can cause bad breath. Diets high in sugar are also linked with bad breath.
  • Avoid dry mouth: Chew gum or suck on candy (preferably sugarless) to stimulate saliva production and keep the mouth moist. Avoid smoking and drink plenty of water, not soft drinks or coffee, which can lead to dry mouths.

If you suffer from chronic dry mouth, you may be prescribed artificial saliva preparations or oral medications to stimulate saliva flow.

  • Change your brush regularly: You should change your toothbrush once it becomes frayed, approximately every three to four months.
  • Schedule regular dental checkups: It is important to see your dentist regularly to have your teeth and dentures checked and cleaned.

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Once the dentist has identified the likely cause of bad breath, the treatment can begin. 

Bad Breath treatment 

The cause of bad breath will determine the further treatment you need; however, you can reduce bad breath by practicing good oral hygiene consistently.

The treatment for bad breath will also depend on the cause, that is the reason that causes bad breath. Your dentist may refer you to your primary care provider if you have bad breath that may be linked to a health condition.

Dentists will often recommend dental measures to combat oral health conditions. These measures may include:

  • Depending on the cause of bad breath, a specific medical treatment needs to be prescribed.
  • A dentist may prescribe artificial saliva to patients with dry mouths (xerostomia).
  • The dentist may recommend special toothpaste or mouthwash to treat bad breath.
  • Treatment of dental disease- The symptoms of gum disease will require you to see a gum specialist (periodontist), or you may be referred that way. The problem occurs when your gums pull away from your teeth, leaving deep pockets filled with bacteria that cause bad breath.
  • It is not always possible for your dentist to remove these bacteria with standard cleaning. In addition, he or she might recommend replacing faulty restorations, a breeding ground for bacteria. 

Follow-Up for Bad Breath 

Here are some follow-ups for bad breath to improve your breathing.

  • Make sure you follow all recommendations from your dental or medical professional, including any recommended mouthwash or toothpaste.
  • Patients who suffer from bad breath odor that is determined not to be caused by the oral disease may be referred to a physician.
  • A dentist who suspects the patient has gum disease may refer them to a periodontist, an expert in gum treatment.

Conclusion: 

Taking time to set up a thorough diagnosis with a dentist before starting any treatment is a wise move. A dentist’s examination will indicate which treatment is best for patients with bad breath, and how extensive it should be.

Getting to the bottom of a bad breath problem may uncover a more serious problem, which may result in the need for referral to an appropriate specialist. In such situations, treating a case of bad breath can prevent further complications.

We explained all the treatment and prevention tips above so that you can easily understand the problem of your bad breath and take precautions to reduce it.

Simple home remedies are also available to stop the bad breath like you need to brush your teeth two times a day or after a meal, maintain a proper diet, avoid eating smelling food, etc.

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Back Pain Symptoms, Causes, Diagnosis, and Treatment

Back Pain: Symptoms, Causes, Diagnosis, and Treatment

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Back pain normally happens due to a muscle stretch. It is a very painful condition which 60-70% of people suffer from once in their lifetime. Several reasons contribute to back pain, including absences from work and medical treatment.

It is often uncomfortable and debilitating because you can not do any work properly if you bend your back, it may create a problem. It may end up in injury, activity, and some medical conditions. Back pain can affect people of any age, for different reasons, but it can mostly be seen in old people.

As people become older, the chance of developing lower back pain increases, because of factors like previous occupation and degenerative disk disease or lack of exercise.

Lower back pain could also be linked to the bony lumbar spine, discs between the vertebrae, ligaments around the spine and discs,  lower back muscles, nerves, abdominal and pelvic internal organs, spinal cord, and skin the lumbar area.

Pain in the upper back could also be due to disorders of the aorta, tumors in the chest, and spine inflammation.

Back pain home Remedies

Back pain is a common problem that can interfere with a person’s professional and personal life. Fortunately, many home remedies are available to help relieve back pain. The home remedies for Back pain are:

  1. Oils and ointments to ease the pain: Many skin creams and ointments will help relieve stiff and sore back muscles. Some of these products contain various ingredients such as menthol, camphor, or lidocaine.

These ingredients warm, cool, or numb the affected area. Put cream on the area that hurts. If you have trouble getting the cream on, ask someone to help you. Maybe ointments will not get the proper cure for your problems but they will help you to ease the pain.

  1. Try the Ice and Heat method: One might have heard that one is better than the other for relief from back pain. The short answer is that whatever works for you is the best option. Some people prefer heat and some prefer ice in the pain, but you might try both to see the better result.

If you’re having stiffness or muscle tension in your back, ice may be the best choice, while heating pads may be more effective at relieving swelling or inflammation.

  1. Maintain Good Posture: By keeping your head over your pelvis and not slouching your shoulders, you can ease the pressure with your lower back. If necessary, you can use tape, straps, or stretchy bands to help keep your spine straight.

You should get up from your chair every 30 minutes, stretch regularly, and walk every few minutes if you work in front of a computer or any screen.

  1. Stretch and Strengthen: Strengthening the muscles of your upper and lower body, especially your abdominals, can help relieve your back pain as well as prevent it. Stretching is the first thing that everyone should do in the morning.

It is okay to stretch and do your strengthening exercises later in the day after your body is warmed up if you are older or worried about overdoing it.

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  1. Keep Moving: During pain, you might not feel like it, but this is something your doctor will probably recommend first. You should continue to stay active daily, whether that is walking for 30 minutes or playing with your pet. Make sure you move at least three times a week.

Back pain causes

Many conditions, common to back pain, are not readily identifiable through a test or imaging study. Some of the common conditions that may cause back pain are:

  • Muscle or ligament strain: You may suffer painful muscle spasms from repeated heavy lifting or a sudden awkward movement. Your back muscles and spinal ligaments may be stressed by repeated heavy lifting. If you’re in poor physical condition, this can lead to stiff, sore back muscles.

  • Structured Problems:

  • Bulging or ruptured disks: In your back, disks serve as cushions to protect the bones (vertebrae). The soft tissue inside a disk can stretch or rupture, putting pressure on nerves. However, you can have a bulging or ruptured disk without having back pain. It is often discovered incidentally by X-rays taken for other reasons when you have disk disease.

  • Arthritis: Osteoarthritis affects the hips, lower back, and other joints. It can narrow the space surrounding the spinal cord, a condition called spinal stenosis.

  • Sciatica: A bulging or herniated disk pushing on nerve results in a shooting pain running along with the boot and down the back of the leg.

  • Abnormal curvature of the spine: Spinal curvature can also cause pain in the back. Scoliosis is a health condition where the spine curves in an abnormal way.

  • Osteoporosis: When bones, including the vertebrae of the spine, become porous and brittle, compression fractures are more likely to occur.

  • Kidney Problems: Stones or infections can also cause back pain.

Back pain symptoms

Back pain can come with other symptoms, and some of them can be quite concerning. Radiating pain through the legs is one fairly common symptom that accompanies back pain, but other ones should alert you to speak with your doctor. The symptoms of back pain include:

  • Bowel or bladder issues
  • Fever
  • A recent injury
  • Sudden and unexplained weight loss
  • Weakness
  •  Tingling in legs
  • Urinary incontinence
  • Difficulty urinating
  • Fecal incontinence, or loss of control over bowel movements
  • Numbness around the genitals
  • Numbness around the anus
  • Numbness around the buttocks

Back pain diagnosis

It is very difficult to suspect the specific condition that causes back pain, here is some diagnosis that diagnosed back pain. The diagnosis of back pain are:

  • X-ray: The images measure the alignment of your bones and show whether you have arthritis or broken bones. These images won’t show if you have problems with your spinal cord, muscles, nerves, or disks.

  • MRI or CT scans: An MRI produces images of herniated disks as well as problems with bones, muscles, tissues, nerves, tendons, ligaments, and blood vessels.

  • Blood tests: Doctors use these tests to determine whether you have an infection or another condition that might be causing your pain.

  • Bone scan: A bone scan might be used in rare cases to look for conditions such as osteoporosis or tumors.

  • Nerve studies: An electromyogram (EMG) determines whether the nerves produce electrical impulses or whether the muscles respond to them. This can confirm whether you have nerve compression caused by herniated disks or a narrowed spinal canal (spinal stenosis).

How to prevent back pain

Back pain can be complicated to determine the cause of, but you can take many different actions to help relieve or prevent it from getting worse. You need to relieve pressure, reduce strain, protect your back, and strengthen your muscles to do so. The prevention for back pain are:

  • Increase your calcium and vitamin D intake: You can prevent osteoporosis by eating plenty of calcium and vitamin D.

Bone fragility is one of the main causes of back pain for women later in life. The food which has Calcium such as milk, yogurt, leafy greens, vitamin supplements. The foods that contain vitamin D are fatty fish, egg yolks, cheese, etc.

  • Straighten up: Having a good posture contributes to your overall health as well as maintaining the integrity of the intricate pieces of your spine. You should avoid rounding your shoulders when standing, slouching, and bending sideways. Bad posture puts strain and stress on your back.

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  • Stretch: The long hours you spend standing, sitting, or lying in one place are harmful to your back, which makes it more difficult to perform tasks.

It will be helpful if you can get up from your desk, walk around, and do some simple stretches throughout the day. The exercise will also help to improve circulation to your back and ease any aches and pains caused by inactivity.

  • Sleep with a pillow under your knees: If you sleep on your back, it puts pressure on your spine. Elevating your legs as you sleep helps relieve the pressure on your back. By placing a pillow under your knees, you can reduce that pressure in half.

  • Quit smoking: The health risks of smoking are well-known, but smokers are also more likely to suffer from back pain than nonsmokers. This is because smoking restricts blood flow to the discs, which produces dryness, cracking, and rupture.

In addition, smoking reduces blood oxygen levels, which impairs the blood’s ability to nourish the muscles and tendons. If the back isn’t well-nourished, it is susceptible to strains and pulls that are detrimental to health.

Risk factors for back pain

Anyone can develop back pain children and teens can have back pain too. These factors may make you more likely to develop back pain:

  • Age. Getting older leads to back pain, which commonly begins around age 30 or 40.

  • Diseases. Back pain can be caused by arthritis and cancer.

  • Lack of exercise. Your back pain might be caused by unused, weak muscles in your abdomen.

  • Smoking. In smokers, there is a greater risk of back pain because coughing causes more disks to bulge, so they might be more likely to suffer herniated disks.

  • Psychological conditions. The risk for back pain seems to be higher in people who suffer from depression or anxiety.

  • Improper lifting. If you use your legs instead of your back, you can develop back pain.

Back pain treatment

Back pain is generally treated by taking pain relievers, staying active, and doing some specific exercises. However, some people may require additional medical attention. The treatment for back pain are:

  • Home Treatment: Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen are sometimes effective for reducing discomfort. Hot compresses or ice packs can also be applied to the painful area.

  • Medications: For back pain that is not treated well by over-the-counter painkillers, NSAIDs may be prescribed. Codeine or hydrocodone, as well as muscle relaxers, may be used for short periods. These drugs require careful monitoring by a doctor.

  • Physical Therapy: Back muscles and soft tissues may be relieved with heat, ice, ultrasound, electrical stimulation, and some muscle-releasing techniques.

As the pain improves, the physical therapist may introduce stretches and exercises specific to the back and abdominal muscles. He may also introduce techniques to strengthen the spine and improve posture.

  • Cortisone injections: The cortisone injections can be used only if other options have not worked. Cortisone is an anti-inflammatory drug. It reduces inflammation around the nerve roots.

  • Traction: Stretching the back with pulleys and weights may result in the repositioning of a herniated disk. It may also relieve pain, but only while applying traction.

  • Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT): CBT aims to promote new ways of thinking and maintain a positive attitude to effectively manage chronic back pain. Studies show that patients with CBT work more actively and do exercise, resulting in a lower risk of back pain recurrence.

  • Complementary therapies: The use of complementary therapies is not limited to traditional medicine.

  • An osteopath is a medical specialty that treats skeletal and muscular problems.
    • A chiropractor specializes in treating joint, muscle, and bone problems.
    • A Shiatsu therapist applies pressure with their fingertips, thumbs, and elbows along energy lines in the body. Shiatsu can also be known as finger pressure therapy.
    • Acupuncture. In an acupuncture treatment, needles are inserted into specific points on a patient’s body to release endorphins, which are natural painkillers. Acupuncture can also stimulate nerve and muscle tissue.
    • Yoga. A variety of movements poses, and breathing exercises are done in yoga. It is important not to overdo the exercises and make the back pain worse. Yoga helps strengthen the back muscles and improve posture.

Exercises to help your back pain

The best way to reduce back pain is to choose an activity you enjoy; you will be more likely to stick to it. Many types of exercise have been proven to help with back pain. Examples include:

  • Swimming
  • Walking
  • Running
  • Yoga
  • Pilates
  • Going to the gym

According to research, a 12-week yoga program can be beneficial in helping people with low back pain live an active lifestyle and manage their health conditions better.

The feeling of discomfort and pain you may experience at the beginning of exercise is normal. These feelings should fade away within a few minutes after you finish. It is not a sign that you have injured yourself. Exercise will reduce that pain and will help you manage your back pain better. It is important to not overdo it when you exercise. If you experience pain that is unbearable during or after the exercise you should speak to a doctor. The key is to start slowly and to build up gradually.

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