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Treating Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease

Archived in the category: Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease
Posted by Jack on 28 Jun 08 - 0 Comments

Apart from the medications prescribed by a medical practitioner, no over-the-counter drug is advised for treating Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease. Oxygen therapy has seen some advancement. It will be prescribed with a flow rate mentioned in liters per minute. It can be used in gas cylinders that are handy to carry or as a liquid form in vessel with very cool liquid that gets converted to gas on exposure. Oxygen concentrator is an electrically operated apparatus that takes out O2 from atmosphere, concentrates it and stores it. It is economic but requires its own power supply.

Another technique for treating COPD is to clear the chest using physiotherapy. Steam is inhaled followed by some vibration/shaking and single-hand clapping on chest wall to loosen the secretions. This is then followed by deep breathing (sniffing action by nose to inhale and ballooning by mouth to exhale passively) and coughing voluntarily. Deep inhalation is required for coughing. Secretions are taken out and deep breathing follows.

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease

Archived in the category: Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease
Posted by Jack on 24 Jun 08 - 0 Comments

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a lung disease in which the lungs are damaged, making it a tiresome job for the patient to breath in and out effectively. The airways branch out like an inverted tree with small air sacs (balloon-like) at the end of each branch known as alveoli. Normally they are pliable and springy in nature. It helps in balloon-like inflation & deflation of lung tissue while breathing in and out respectively. COPD causes lungs to lose this elasticity and become flaccid so the amount of air that can go in and out decreases. More mucus secretion, inflamed wall thickening and lost elasticity contribute to this inefficiency.

Smoking is the main and most common cause of COPD while inhaling other types of irritant substances like: pollutants, chemicals, metals or dust also leads to the condition.

The very first symptom is often coughing sputum. Bronchitis is one part of the disease resulting in thickened and inflamed walls with mucus production. Coughing is the outcome. Emphysema is another part involving the collapse of the alveoli which affects the process of gas exchange. It results in dropped blood O2 levels and then CO2 is raised causing acidosis.

Diagnosis And Treatment Of Endometriosis

Archived in the category: Endometriosis
Posted by Jack on 19 Jun 08 - 0 Comments

There are several known ways to diagnose a case of endometriosis. The most popular are laparoscopy and biopsy along with symptom history, ultrasound, MRI scans and gynecological examinations

There is no treatment yet that completely cures endometriosis so symptomatic treatment is the mainstay. This means a regimen of pain killers (analgesics; simple, compound and narcotic), hormonal therapy to control estrogen levels, progestin, birth control pills, GnRH-agonists and laparoscopic surgery.

Causes And Symptoms Of Endometriosis

Archived in the category: Endometriosis
Posted by Jack on 15 Jun 08 - 0 Comments

The exact cause and mechanism of endometriosis is unknown. There are several theories that have been suggested but not yet proven. These include: metaplasia, hereditary, disturbances of the immune system and environmental toxins.

There are a variety of signs and symptoms of endometriosis. The most common of which is pain that is both severe and weakening, felt at any time but especially during or after sex and located in the bowel or lower back.

Another sign of endometriosis is called a “frozen pelvis.” This is an aberration of internal organs and structures in the pelvis due to scar tissue formation and adhesions leading to fusion of the organs. More symptoms are:

  • Infertility
  • GI disturbances
  • Irregular bleeding during menstruation
  • Tiredness

Locations For Endometriosis

Archived in the category: Endometriosis
Posted by Jack on 12 Jun 08 - 0 Comments

Endometriosis is the presence of tissue similar to the lining of the uterus present in the body at sites other than the uterus. It can occur in a wide variety of locations on the body. Some of the more popular sites for endometriosis include the pelvic cavity: the ovaries, fallopian tubes and pelvic sidewall.

Unfortunately, endometriosis does not just stop in those locations. There are many more locations where it can strike.

  • uterosacral ligaments
  • Pouch of Douglas
  • scars (caesarian-section scars, laparoscopy or laparotomy scars)
  • Bladder, bowel, intestines, colon, appendix, and rectum.

While it’s considered very rare, endometriosis can even strike inside the bladder, on the skin, or even in the lungs, spine and brain.

Reasons And Risks Of Weight Loss Drugs

Archived in the category: Weight Loss
Posted by Jack on 09 Jun 08 - 0 Comments

Weight loss drugs are a booming industry right now. People choose to take them for many reasons but some of the most popular can include and inability to achieve and maintain a healthy weight through diet and exercise. The Body Mass Index (BMI) is frequently used to help measure a person’s weight and is a key factor in deciding whether or not one should take weight loss drugs. A BMI of 27 accompanied by obesity related medical problems like hypertension, diabetes and sleep apnea is usually a benchmark.

Using weight loss drugs of any kind comes with risks and pitfalls. Some of the most common are:

  • Abuse or dependence
  • Side effects of the medicines
  • Development of drug tolerance in the individual
  • Effects many times last only while the drug is being taken.
  • The patient would expect these drugs to work like magic and hence prevent him from working towards reducing weight by exercise and diet modifications.

Weight Loss Drugs And Their Side Effects

Archived in the category: Weight Loss
Posted by Jack on 06 Jun 08 - 0 Comments

Weight loss drugs are designed to help people fight obesity. They are effective only when combined with a healthy diet and an exercise program. As with most medications, effects can vary from patient to patient.

There are a wide variety of weight loss drugs. Drugs to reduce appetite work on the brain, mostly are for short term use except Meridia. Used to control cravings. Typical side effects can include: headache, lightheadedness, restlessness, tremors, nervousness or anxiety, insomnia, dry mouth, GI disturbances and rarely hypertension, seizures, strokes and cardiovascular damage.

Drugs to decrease fat absorption act on the digestive system to limit fat digestion and absorption. These are considered safer drugs for hypertensives and heart patients since it does not affect the brain. All unabsorbed fat is excreted so following a low fat diet is important to avoid side effects. Those side effects may include: steatorrhoea, diarrhea, bloating, abdominal pain, gas, unpredictable bowel movements and an inability to control bowel movements. These types of weight loss drugs might block other nutrients so multivitamin supplements become important.

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Visitors Medical Insurance

Archived in the category: Medical Bills
Posted by Jack on 05 Jun 08 - 0 Comments

What is visitors medical insurance? It’s a form of insurance that covers costly medical expenses for people who have unexpected medical needs while visiting foreign countries. Since the price of medical care while you are traveling can vary widely in price (and nine times out of ten leans towards the highly expensive side of things) having this form of medical insurance can turn out to be a fantastic idea for anyone who travels overseas frequently. It’s also great for travelers who frequently cross country lines for vacation or work related trips as well.

Visitors health insurance are built specifically for people who frequently visit foreign lands as tourists or on business trips. The insurance covers unexpected medical costs that can result from accidents or even sicknesses you experience while traveling. This form of insurance is pretty trivial to acquire and there are plenty of resources available from your local insurance agent or online as well. All you need to do to get a valid quote is supply your agent or a website with your age, the coverage you require and for how long and your country of citizenship. The rest is a piece of cake as you’ll generally be provided with a comprehensive list of visitors health insurance providers and plans to choose from.