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Tuesday, September 29, 2009

Burns

General Info about Burns


One of the most painful injuries that one can ever experience is a burn injury. When a burn occurs to the skin, nerve endings are damaged causing the intense feelings of pain.

Burn injuries, have reached epidemic proportions in recent years and are considered a health care
problem that is more serious than the polio epidemic when it was at its peak. It has only been in the past several years that the medical profession has begun to recognize and understand the problems associated with burns. Burn accident statistics show that at least 50% of all burn accidents can be prevented. Across the world approximately 4.8 million burn injuries are reported per year. Between 18,000 and 22,000 patients with burns die, and approximately one million will sustain substantial or permanent disabilities resulting from their burn injury.

The kitchen is the most frequent area within the home where burn injuries occur for children newborn to four years in age. The second most frequent area in which burns occur is in the bathroom.

Burns can be of two kinds based on the extent of damage:

Partial Thickness Burns.
In partial thickness burns, there may be redness due to capillary dilatation but the underlying germinal layer is intact.

Full Thickness Burns.
In full thickness burns, the skin is completely destroyed.



TTPartial ThicknessTFull Thickness
DepthSuperficialDeep
SensationPresentAbsent
HealingCompleteScar And
Contractute

Bullying at School - Tips For Schools

Introduction

Bullying is an intentional, hurtful and character damaging act by one individual or a group of individuals on other individual or group of individuals.


Bullying today is a societal menace and draws the attention of parents, teachers and sometimes education authorities. It can take the form of -

* Beating

* Kicking

* Name calling

* Excluding from peer group

* Insulting in public places

* Taunting

* Playing hurtful pranks

* Damaging belongings

Bullying in schools is a universal problem. The severity of the problem may vary from school to school. In recent years, the constant media attention has made bullying a global issue. Many schools have been forced to evaluate their teaching methods and add new policies on anti-bullying behavior.

Over thirty years of my experience in working with school children as a teacher and then as a principal, I have found many schools often deny the presence of bullying in their campus. However, denying the presence of a problem does not mean it’s not there. School authorities have often also been found to blame the current social structure. Some of these are:

* Working parents

* Unstable homes

* An increase in divorce rates

* And abuse at home

The above reasons definitely do create a volatile environment for the child and on many occasions does play a vital factor in the child’s psychology and behavioral patterns. Nonetheless, some stability needs to be brought in and only through a consistent effort of schools, government and parents can bullying be controlled.

Personally I feel that, youngsters often miss essential basic values, respect for themselves and others, humanity, love, tolerance and confidence. They spend much of their time on the Internet or watching television that does not help them learn or build on positive social behavior. In the recent years we have found that with every new batch of children, we have youngsters who are becoming increasingly aggressive and exhibit gross misbehavior. Hence there is considerable increase in the kind of bullying and its severity. The ratio of bullies to bullied is one is to ten, in the recent years

Bullying at School - Tips For Parents

About Bullying behavior


The murder of a schoolboy, Abhishek Tyagi by his classmates in the Euro International School in Gurgaon, Haryana, India, on 11 December 2007, shook a nation that was hitherto complacent about the lethal aspects of the bullying menace. Apart from the extensive media coverage, there were heated debates among parents, teachers, children and the general public. The alleged reason for Tyagi’s murder by his schoolmates in the school corridor: Tyagi was a bully.


Might is not always right

Having a fight in school may be part of growing up, but it takes an ugly turn when it assumes serious proportions. Bullying can happen anywhere when human beings interact with each other.

Schools and play areas make excellent breeding grounds for bullying in the case of children. Parents can contribute in a great way to put an end to this worldwide menace. They need to be aware that this is happening and keep constantly honing their parental skills to deal effectively with their bullying /bullied children. They can work in collaboration with school authorities, counselors and psychologists and involve the child’s siblings, if any, to instill firmly in the child’s mind that might is not always right.

Bullying behavior

A bullying tendency that is left unchecked in the earlier years of life, escalates to typical bullying behavior that includes being intentionally hurting, verbally abusive, mocking, threatening, extorting, ridiculing about appearance or lack of talent, all of which can cause considerable damage to the victim at the physical, psychological and emotional levels. Most bullies find it difficult to toe the line after the initial bout of success while teasing an unfortunate victim.

Fatal Bullying

Bullying can sometimes have violent consequences when the victims are driven to taking a gun in hand. On 24 January 1989, two students were fatally shot down by a fourteen-year-old student who claimed to be a victim of bullying at the Raumanmeri secondary school in Rauma, Finland. Brian Head, a teenaged student
from Georgia, shot himself dead in his economics classroom on March 26,1994, allegedly a target of bullies because of his weight and thick glasses. Eyewitnesses said, Brian’s last words before killing himself were, “I’m tired of it.” Brian’s father lobbied hard for the enactment of a law for criminalizing bullying and for schools to alert parents of bullied children.

Child bully now, adult bully next

Research has linked bullies to aggressive personalities. They are most often authoritarian with an urge to control or dominate others. Envy and resentment are also known motives for bullying. A bullying tendency has the danger of mutating as the child grows into an adult and begins to be controlling and manipulative in relationships.

Aggression is not assertion

Most parents are unable to differentiate between an assertive child and an aggressive child. In their desire to see their children become independent and capable of fending for themselves, parents fail to notice when assertion becomes aggression. On 29 January 1979 16-year-old Brenda Ann Spencer carried out a shooting spree in Cleveland Elementary school, San Diego, California, with a .22 rifle that her dad had gifted her, wounding 8 children, a police officer and killing 2 adults, one of whom was the school principal. She did it to liven up the day, because, “I don’t like Mondays,” she said. Her infamous statement prompted a song
by Bob Geldof that topped UK charts and was even performed later by the likes of Bon Jovi.

Bulimia Nervosa

Bulimia Nervosa - Overview


"In 30 patients whose illness bears a close resemblance to anorexia nervosa,…episodes of overeating constituted the most constant feature of the disorder…. Overeating was often overshadowed by more dramatic clinical phenomena--intractable self-induced vomiting or purgation…. The constancy and significance of overeating invite a new terminology for description of this symptom--bulimia nervosa."

- Gerald F.M. Russell, 1979


The term 'Bulimia' refers to episodes of uncontrolled excessive eating, known as "binges," followed by self-induced vomiting or purgation. It commonly occurs in adolescent girls. The key elements include the following

This 'Eating Disorder' is characterised by an irresistible urge to overeat.

Extreme measures to control body weight and misconceptions regarding the "perfect" shape and size of the body are observed, similar to that in patients with Anorexia Nervosa.

The condition might get severe with huge quantities of food being consumed.

To prevent weight gain patients resort to self-induced vomiting, abuse of laxatives, fasting or extremely rigorous exercising.

Bubbles and Brews - Alcohol Facts

About Alcohol



There is more to alcohol than mere intoxication. Infamous because of its social abuse but indispensable because of its many industrial applications. The process of fermentation obtains an alcohol.

Alcoholic drinks are widely popular and an essential element for socializing and relaxation - it is said the ingredients of man's happiness include - wine, women and mirth. Ethanol is the alcohol present in alcoholic drinks. Their excess uses lead to several social and health problems.

"He that drinks fast pays slow." Benjamin Franklin

The production and consumption of alcohol is part of most cultures and societies around the world. Drinking alcohol is an important social event among hunting tribes and civilized nations alike and may be closely associated to the culture of a community.

'Alcohol is the anesthesia by which we endure the operation of life.' - George Bernard Shaw

In early and modern cultures, alcoholic beverages have played a vital role in social interaction by providing confidence and removing inhibition. While several psychoactive drugs such as opium and cannabis have the same effect they are not as socially accepted as alcohol.




Uses of Alcohol

In the olden times various reasons are attributed to the usage of alcohol such as-

* Therapeutic

* Recreational

* Relaxation and feeling of euphoria

* Aphrodisciac (modern studies have proved that this notion is false)

* Inspiration for creativity

* Religion

With time alcohol was found to be a very useful solvent and as an energy source for industrial use. Today alcohol finds a place as an important substance in many Industrial and pharmaceuticals manufacturing processes.

* An alcohol is used as solvent to dissolve medical drugs, perfumes and essences like vanilla.

* Both methanol and ethanol are used as fuel for automobiles. In comparison to gasoline they burn cleanly producing only carbon dioxide and water.

* It is used as a preservative for specimen storage in laboratories and museums.

* Ethanol has been used as an antiseptic to disinfect the skin before injections. It is used for making soap with disinfectant properties. It is also used for cleaning paint- brushes.

Bruxism / Tooth Grinding / Jaw Clenching / Teeth Clenching / Parasomnia

Bruxism - Overview


Bruxism is the unconscious clenching or grinding of teeth, during sleep. Nocturnal teeth grinding is one of the most common sleep disorders.

"The smith's dog sleeps at the noise of the hammer, and wakes at the grinding of teeth." - Unknown

Bruxism comes from the Greek word "brychein," which means 'to gnash the teeth'. It can cause enough noise to disturb the bed partner's sleep.

On an average, bruxism occurs about 25 times a night, with each episode lasting anywhere between four to five-seconds. In some cases, people with bruxism may grind their teeth for more than two minutes.




Sleep bruxism may go unnoticed when it is in a mild form, which may not warrant treatment. Victims wake up to the problem only in the midst of complications which could manifest as jaw problems, headaches or injury to the teeth.

Awareness about the condition is important; Corrective dental care could remedy the problem to a great extent.

Colle’s Fracture / Broken Wrist

About




Colle's fracture is a wrist fracture which occurs within an inch of the wrist joint involving the forearm bone's distal end of the radius. The fracture runs transversely just above the wrist joint and displays this distal end of the bone more dorsally giving the wrist the classical 'dinner fork' deformity look.


Colle's fracture is named after Abraham Colles, an Irish surgeon, who first described the condition. Another name for this fracture is the 'Pouteau' fracture. It mostly results from a 'slip and fall' on an outstretched hand.

Usually the incidence goes up after the rains or after the first snow fall in winter when the roads are icy and slippery or. Typically, when people fall they try and prevent injury to their head or other parts of the body by putting their hands out to hit the ground first. A bad fall results in fracture of the wrist with bruise of the skin over it. As the bone is a living hard tissue it is supplied by blood vessels and nerves. This causes the fracture to be very painful.



Although this fracture occurs in all age groups it tends to be more common in two age groups - the elderly people and in children. In Children the bones are soft and supple and hence tend to bend easily. Here the fracture is usually incomplete while in adults it is a complete fracture. These fractures are also seen in menopausal women with osteoporosis, in whom it is second only to vertebral fractures.

Wrist arthritis can occur as a Colles fracture complication, either from cartilage injury, or from wear and tear in the joints after the fracture is healed. Carpel tunnel syndrome, characterized by numbness and tingling, may also set in after the fracture.

Breech Presentation and Delivery

Breech Presentation and Delivery - About


Breech presentation during pregnancy means that the buttocks of the fetus are presenting first at the bottom of the uterus, and the head is in the upper part or fundus of the uterus. The uterus is shaped rather like an upside-down pear, so the baby's head fits in the lower part, with more room at the top for movement of the extremities. As the baby grows, the uterus gets more crowded and it is most common for it to assume the head -down presentation. Generally, the placenta is attached at the side of the uterus, which seems to encourage the head-down presentation, too. There are a number of variations of the breech presentation, determined by the position of the baby's body parts, like arms and legs, in relation to his or her head and trunk. They are -



* Frank breech (50-70%) - Hips flexed, knees extended with the feet near the face (pike position)
* Complete breech (5-10%) - Hips flexed, knees flexed (cannonball position)
* Footling or incomplete (10-30%) - One or both hips extended, foot presenting
* Kneeling breech - the baby
is in a kneeling position, with one or both legs extended at the hips and flexed at the knees. This is extremely rare.






Breasts - Structures and Types

About Breast

"Thy two breasts are like two young roes that are twins, which feed among the lilies." Bible quotes


Anatomically breasts are quite literally two well structured and shaped mounds of fat that start to grow on the chest of girls when they hit puberty. The biological objective for women to have breasts is to eventually produce milk to wean her baby. Breast growth can be noticed in some girls as early as age 7 or 8, while in others it does not start until their late teens or even early 20’s.

Scientifically there is no way of knowing how big or small or how fast or slowly they will develop or when a woman’s breasts will start to grow.

It is however believed that the timing of these developments is associated with ones own biologic clock, which tells our body to start producing the required levels of female hormones called estrogen. From the moment the ovaries start to secrete these hormones, the connective tissues in the chest start to accumulate fat. This causes the first appearance of breasts on the chest wall of girls. The duct system in the breasts also begins to grow; these are what will eventually help to produce milk for the expecting mother.
Usually the first signs of puberty in most girls are associated with the development of the breast. Along with this, one can often expect the onset of pubic hair and hair of the arm pit.

The final size and shape of a girl’s breast varies greatly from being big breast, small breast or even perfect size breast. These pointers are all determined by the heredity of the girl.

Breasts from time immemorial have been the icon of a women’s beauty. They give the women the personality, make them often desirable and have always fascinated their male partner.

Over the years people have referred to breasts by various terms; however it is the slang that is more popular. Some common slangs are: Tits, Titties, Norks, Jugs, Knockers, Bust, Boobs, Bosoms, Boobies, Baps, Bust, Hooters and Melons.

To fully understand the developments of the breasts it is necessary to first look at the structure of the breasts.

Breast Reduction Surgery

Breast Reduction Surgery


Want firm and shapely breasts? Consider the option of traveling abroad to have it done at affordable prices.

Breast reduction is a surgical procedure carried out to minimize the size of breasts.

Also called reduction mammoplasty, this procedure is largely carried out on self-conscious women with pendulous, large- sized breasts. Besides the aesthetic aspect, the weight of these breasts may cause chronic pain in the head, neck, shoulders and back besides causing problems in circulation and breathing.

Breast reduction is also carried out on women with drooping or disproportionate breasts and on men with gynecomastia.

Breast Reduction is an out- patient surgery done under anesthesia. It involves the removal of excessive skin, fat and glandular tissue. Markings are made on the breasts after which incisions are created. Excess skin, tissues and fat will then be removed. Due to the reduction in size, the nipples may have to be repositioned.

This procedure is hugely popular among women as it results in smaller, firmer and shapely breasts. Male patients too,with gynecomastia, have their confidence restored.

Some of the common risks include difficulty in breast feeding, delayed wound healing, infection,pain, scarring and asymmetrical breasts. There could be permanent scarring from this procedure,but this could be made inconspicuous by an expert surgeon.

Are you self-conscious about your breasts? Would you like to make your life more manageable, free from back and neck pain?

If you have plans to travel abroad for an affordable breast reduction surgery, we suggest that you check out the credentials of the plastic surgeon and the hospital or consult us first to help you.

Breast Lumps-Screening

About



Breast lumps must never be neglected but instead be subjected to medical examination to rule out cancer
.
Breast lumps are common enough in women of all ages and may be caused by injuries, infections, non-malignant growth or cancer.

Routine breast cancer screening is carried out usually in healthy women above the age of 40 years with intent of detecting breast cancer even before the lumps appear.

Breast cancer deaths have declined in several parts of the world due to early detection and efficient treatment methodologies.

Once a breast lump appears it must not be neglected but subjected to medical examination to rule out cancer.

A breast lump is evaluated by taking the medical and family history of the patient, which is then followed by a physical examination. The risk factors associated with the patient are also observed.

Mammograms and breast scans are reliable screening tools.

In case of a family history genetic tests and breast MRI are also recommended.

Self-examination is not aggressively encouraged, as it tends to detect the cancer at a more advanced stage. The American Cancer Society now recommends it as a choice that can be exercised after the mandatory mammogram.

Breast Lumps

About



Do not neglect any breast lump. If you discover one - make a visit to your doctor.

An appearance of breast lump can be a cause of great anxiety to women whether young or old. A 'lump' is a three-dimensional discrete mass which is distinct from surrounding breast tissue.

Some women just ignore these lumps despite suspecting them to be malignant. The general thinking is 'it can't happen to me.' While it is true that majority of breast lumps are benign in nature, about 16 to 20% maybe malignant. In the medical faternity the dictum is to treat all lumps when they first present as malignant unless proven otherwise by tests such as ultrasound
or aspiration.

If in your case the lump does, unfortunately, turn out to be malignant - rememeber that there is a 'small window period' during which all early cancer are totally curable.

Our advise to you would be - DO NOT NEGLECT ANY LUMPS. Seeing your doctor is the first step you should take. Postponing this decision could make the difference - between living and dying.

Most common causes of Breast Lumps include: -

1) Fibroadenoma

2) Fibroadenosis

3) Breast Cyst

4) Breast Abscess

5) Breast Cancer

Breast Feeding and Problems

Directions for Breast Feeding

Good Health begins with mother.There is no substitute to her milk.



Most of the babies
come into the world knowing how to be breast-fed. If you get them anywhere close, they nuzzle, get attached, and suck away. Some need a little assistance.

To breast feed properly, your baby needs to open its mouth wide enough to take in the nipple and about a centimeter or two of the breast beyond it.

Your free hand should be used to support your breast, keep it in the baby's mouth, and keep it out of the baby's nose. Use your fingers under the breast with your thumb on the top.

Hold the baby at your breast by positioning it on its side or tummy-to-your tummy with its mouth at nipple level. During the first breast feedings, it is often helpful to remove the upper clothing from both mother and baby to be skin-to-skin.

To help the baby get started, express the milk into its mouth. This encourages the baby to open wide, suck, and swallow.

As a general rule, you'll breast feed your newborn eight to twelve times per day. Breast-feed your baby on demand, not by the clock. You don't want to let your baby get overtly hungry, as it does not feed well if you do so.

Sucking does not equal eating. Check to see if your baby, who is sucking away furiously, is actually swallowing. Babies usually do some sucking to swallow the saliva.

Newborns usually suck one to three times, and then swallow. Thus a new born who is sucking 15 minutes per breast, but not swallowing, is not receiving enough feeds and may need to breast feed 20 to 25 minutes per breast to get enough milk. The more the baby breast-feeds, the more milk your body will produce. Newborn babies breast feed about every two hours. However, they often breast feed for many reasons other than hunger. Therefore, allow the newborn to breast-feed as often as he or she wishes. Make sure the baby is sucking effectively. Offer both breasts at each feeding. Your baby's nose may be touching your breast during nursing. Babies' noses are designed to allow air to get in and out in such a case. But if you're concerned that your baby can't breathe easily, you can gently press down on your breast near your baby's nose to give him or her enough room to breathe.


Feeding her baby is a lifetime experience for a woman and there is no substitute for the mother's milk to the child. This is one of the most beautiful periods in the life for both the mother and child where the bond for each other develops. Breast feeding not only develops a baby into a healthy human being, but also contributes greatly to the mental development. In this feature, an attempt is made to make the expectant mother understand the various aspects of breast-feeding and its importance

Breast Feeding



To help the baby get started, express the milk into its mouth. This encourages the baby to open wide, suck, and swallow.

As a general rule, you'll breast feed your newborn eight to twelve times per day. Breast-feed your baby on demand, not by the clock. You don't want to let your baby get overtly hungry, as it does not feed well if you do so.

Sucking does not equal eating. Check to see if your baby, who is sucking away furiously, is actually swallowing. Babies usually do some sucking to swallow the saliva.

Newborns usually suck one to three times, and then swallow. Thus a new born who is sucking 15 minutes per breast, but not swallowing, is not receiving enough feeds and may need to breast feed 20 to 25 minutes per breast to get enough milk. The more the baby breast-feeds, the more milk your body will produce. Newborn babies breast feed about every two hours. However, they often breast feed for many reasons other than hunger. Therefore, allow the newborn to breast-feed as often as he or she wishes. Make sure the baby is sucking effectively. Offer both breasts at each feeding. Your baby's nose may be touching your breast during nursing. Babies' noses are designed to allow air to get in and out in such a case. But if you're concerned that your baby can't breathe easily, you can gently press down on your breast near your baby's nose to give him or her enough room to breathe.

Breast Cancer / Carcinoma of the Breast

About





Breast cancer, as the name suggests, is a cancer that affects the breasts or mammary glands.

It is the second most popular cancer after lung cancer and is the fifth most common cause of cancer deaths world wide.


On a global scale breast cancer is the most common cancer amongst women . According to estimates, in the 2004 alone breast cancer caused 519,000 deaths worldwide.

Breast cancer incidence increases with age; the older the woman, the more aggressive the evaluation techniques employed. Nevertheless, younger women with breast lumps are at a far greater risk for breast cancer in comparison to asymptomatic women of the same age group, and to older women.

Breast cancer mostly occurs in women over the age of 50, and the risk is especially high for women over age 60.

Contrary to popular belief that it is a woman’s affliction, it can affect both men and women.

A combination of enviornmental factors and genes are responsible for this cancer. In familial breast cancers. a mutation in the genes BRCA1 and BRCA2 play a major role in the disease onset.

Breast cancer can be inherited both from either a female or a male relative who may have had the disease or who acts as a carrier of the mutant gene(s).

Breast cancer incidence varies vastly worldwide. It is significantly higher in the developed countries of the world in comparison to the less-developed ones. There has been a surge in the number of affected individals since the 1970s and experts are of the opinion that the indulgent lifestyles of the western world could be largely responsible.

Breast cancer is also found to occur more often in white women than African American or Asian women. Several studies have revealed that the breast cancer scenario in the US is quite different for a for a black women in comparison to her white counterpart. The former is more likely to die from the disease although it is the latter who is more frequently diagnosed with the disease. This. experts say. is a reflection of the socio-economic and cultural disparity that exists among the races and that it is highly likely that the black woman has less access to screening and treatment facilities.

Breast lumps need to be taken seriously because the vast majority of breast cancers are detected as a palpable lesions sometimes by the clinician during a regular check or by the patient herself.It can also present as non palpable lesions during a routine mammography.It must be noted that the palpable lesions are assessed quite differently from the non -palpable lesions.

Breast cancer is one of the oldest cancers known to man. However, it is only with the modern understanding of the systemic nature disease that effective treatments began to evolve.

A pink ribbon denotes the struggle of the sufferers when fighting the cancer. In 1996 the pink and blue ribbon was designed to create awareness of the fact that "Men Get Breast Cancer Too!”

Breast Cancer - Facts

• Breast cancer is 100 times more frequent in women in comparison to men. Prognosis is the same in both.

• Most common cancer in women - the incidence rate among females is twice as much as that of colorectal cancer and cervical cancer
and approximately three times that of lung cancer


• Globally, the incidence of breast cancer is the highest among American women.

• 16% of women between the age of 40-60 years have breast-related problems. Of these 40% complain of breast lumps

• In women over 40 years, these breast lumps may carry a risk of breast cancer

• However, the majority of these breast- related complaints may be due to benign breast disease.

Breast Biopsy

Indications for Breast


Breast biopsy involves removing a sample of breast tissue to determine whether it is cancerous or benign (non-cancerous).

Breast abnormality can be detected by Physical examination, Mammography, Ultrasound and other breast imaging methods.


Biopsy followed by Pathological (Microscopic) examination of breast tissue is the only definitive way to determine the Cancer Pathology.

"It is estimated that over 48 million mammograms are performed each year and that less than one million of them (less than 5%) are recalled to undergo a biopsy"

Breast Augmentation

Breast Augmentation

Breast augmentation, breast enlargement or augmentation mammoplasty is a surgery done to enhance the size of a woman’s breasts. In this procedure a breast implant is used as prosthesis to enlarge the breasts for cosmetic purposes. It can also be done as part of a breast reconstruction (mastectomy) or a ‘sex change’ surgery.

Breast implants are of two types; silicone gel- filled or saline-filled implants
are the most popular ones. Different types of incisions are made to place the implants. The implants are placed in locations associated with the pectoralis major muscle.

The patients may be required to rest depending on the type of surgery. In general they may be able to restore normal activities within a week’s time. It is important not to strain the body during recovery. The scars due to the surgery may last for more than 6 weeks and may begin to fade only after several months of the surgery.

During initial recovery, it is important not to use the arms or strain the body in any way. Scars from a breast augmentation surgery will last six weeks or longer and usually begin to fade several months after surgery.

Infection, breast pain, change in nipple sensation and difficulty in breast feeding, are some of the complications that are asociated with this surgery. Women who have done breast augmentation surgeries may be required to do a repeat or a revision surgery to sustain the good results.

If you have lost sleep over the size of your breasts then wake up to breast enlargement!

There are many palstic surgeons and hospitals in India
doing commendable ‘boob jobs’. Check out their credentials or consult us first to help you.

Brain Tumor

General Info About Brain Tumor

Brain is one of the largest and complex organs in the human body and weighs about 1.3 Kgs. Neurons and glial cells are the basic units that make up the brain. There are about 40 billion nerve cells, known as neurons, in the brain. Brain controls our body, receives, analyzes and stores information. It produces electrical signals, which, together with chemical reactions
, helps in the communication of the different parts of the body. The brain has three main parts: the cerebrum, the cerebellum, and the brain stem (medulla).



Blood vessels (arteries, capillaries, and veins) supply the brain with oxygen and nourishment, and remove waste products. The cranium (the top of the skull) surrounds and protects the brain. Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) is a clear, watery liquid that surrounds the brain and cushions it from jolts.

The neurons in the brain divide rapidly till about 7 years of age. Further development is by the existing cells making increasingly elaborate connections with each other.When this control is lost in a single cell, then it starts dividing in an uncontrolled manner. As the cell makes more and more copies of itself, it grows to form a tumor. A brain cancer can arise from any of the cells, which makes up the brain.

Head Injury / Brain Injury

Head Injury- An Overview

Head injury or traumatic brain injury (TBI) occurs due to sudden trauma to the head or brain, resulting in brain damage. It is the leading cause for disability among children and young adults. Although traumatic head injury can affect people of all ages, young adults between the age of 15 and 24 years and those above 75 years face an increased risk of head injury.



The Brain Injury Association of America adopted the following definition of TBI in the year 1986 - 'Traumatic brain injury is an insult to the brain, not of a degenerative or congenital nature but caused by an external physical force, that may produce a diminished or altered state of consciousness, which results in an impairment of cognitive abilities or physical functioning. It can also result in the disturbance of behavioral or emotional functioning. These impairments may be either temporary or permanent and cause partial or total functional disability or psychosocial maladjustment'.

"Phineas Gage, a 25 year old, railway construction man was a quiet, well mannered, enthusiastic young man in pursuit of his dreams, until it all happened in 1848. The worker was busy packing an explosive powder into a packing rod (tamping iron), when a spark resulted in explosion, propelling the pointed rod (3-foo long) through his head. Just within a few seconds, the rod had penetrated his brain through the skull to exit the same by his temple. Dr. John Harlow who treated the victim for 73 days felt that he had very little chances of survival. To the surprise of the treating physicians, he survived the accident. However, became an obstinate, obscene, self-absorbed man following the accident. He continued to suffer from similar behavioral and personality problems until his death in 1861. "

This incident took place at a time when very little was known about the brain and it's function. Today, with our improved understanding of the brain anatomy and physiology, we are much more equipped to deal with traumatic brain injury. Yet a considerable number of people continue to lose their lives and survivors are left to suffer from devasting consequences.
The Human Brain


Every year, approximately 1.4 million people experience a head injury, out of which about 50, 000 individuals die. More than 230, 000 people, admitted each year in the hospital for TBI, survive the disaster and are left to cope up with different aspects of physical and mental stability. The following figure represents the magnitude of the public health problem only in the United States. The depth of the global burden then? We leave it to your imagination.

BOTOX: The Magic Toxin

Overview

Botox injections are the fastest growing cosmetic procedure and considered as the ultimate fountain of eternal youth. Though considered a dangerous neurotoxin, when injected in miniscule amounts, it can treat several medical conditions.


"A thing of beauty is a joy for ever,
Its loveliness increases, it will never
Pass into nothingness"

Wrote John Keats in his epic poem 'Endymion'.

But a lot of ordinary mortals, whose ideas of romanticism do not match the poet's, beg to disagree.

Socrates could not have been more apt when he said that 'Beauty is a short-lived tyranny', as we well know that beauty and youth go hand-in-hand.

Although with the changing trends, the concept of inner beauty and grace is fast catching up giving age a fair chance, retaining or regaining skin- deep beauty in all its youthful glory is too tempting for those in the twilight zone of their youth. This is where cosmetic procedures have stepped in to cater to the needy, and Botox is one such youth-enhancing procedure.

"Always remember that true beauty comes from within - from within bottles, jars, compacts, and tubes"- Peter's Almanac

Bone Marrow Biopsy

What is Bone Marrow?

Bone Marrow is the tissue present inside our long bones, which are responsible for producing blood cells. It contains stem cells, the base for producing red blood cells, white blood cells, platelets and other blood components.

Boils / Skin Abscess

About Boils / Skin Abscess

A boil, or skin abscess, is a localized infection deep in the skin. A boil generally starts as a reddened, tender area. Over time, the area becomes firm and hard. Eventually, the center of the abscess softens and becomes filled with white cells that the body sends to fight the infection. This collection of white cells is known as pus. Finally, the pus "forms a head" and drains out through the skin. Skin abscesses may occur anywhere on the body. They affect people of all ages.

There are several different types of boils. Among these are:

There are several different types of boils. Among these are:

Furuncle or carbuncle: This is an abscess in the skin caused by the bacteria Staphylococcus Aureus. It can have one or more openings onto the skin and may be associated with a fever or chills.

Cystic acne: This is a type of abscess formed when oil ducts become clogged and infected. Cystic acne is most common in the teenage years.

Hidradenitis suppurativa: This is an illness in which there are multiple abscesses that form under the arm pits and in the groin area. These are a result of local inflammation of the sweat glands.

Pilonidal cyst: This is a special kind of abscess that occurs in the crease of the buttocks. These frequently form after long trips that involve sitting.

Body Mass Index (BMI)

About

Body mass index (BMI) is a simple tool that is generally used to estimate the total amount of body fat.



It was first invented in the 19th century by a Belgian polymath called Adolphe Quetelet, hence it is also known as Quetelet Index.

BMI gained popularity as a body weight-tracking device in the mid twentieth century. This coincided with the time when obesity began to raise its ugly head in the more prosperous west. It became a tool whereby a doctor could actually guage a patient being too heavy or too thin and even discuss the issue with the individual.

To calculate BMI, you need to know your weight and height in kilo-grams and centimeters or meters. The weight of a person is then divided by the height.

If you only know your height and weight in inches and pounds the calculation is a little more complex.

A change in BMI over a short period of time is often used to measure the change in one’s lifestyle habits.

People of the same age and sex have different BMI depending on the amount of fat content in the body. However, with BMI, some exceptions apply to the general rules and there is the risk of both over- or under- estimating the total amount of body fat in an individual. Due to this shortcoming some researchers
use it only as a tool for population measure.

Although not a perfect index in predicting health risks, BMI is able to predict the underlying risks in a large population and can be used as an early warning sign that can suggest if lifestyle changes are required or not.

Blue Cohosh

General Info about Blue Cohosh

It is another herb which is a gift from Mother Nature. Sometimes it is accidentally mistaken for ginseng and used as such. The believers attribute a huge list of ailments curable by this herb. The sceptics as always playing a responsible part disagree.
Still, just like the enigma surrounding the urban legend there is a mystical mist around Blue cohosh.

Blood Group

What is a blood group?


The ABO blood group system was discovered by Karl Land Steiner in 1901.

Red blood cells or erythrocytes are present in the blood and contain certain proteins on their surface. These proteins are called antigens. The plasma which is the liquid part contains antibodies which will attack certain antigens if they are present. There are various types of red blood cell antigens - the ABO and rhesus types are the most important. By the time a person is six months old, he naturally will have developed antibodies against the antigens his red blood cells lack.
ABO Blood Group System

A blood group individuals will have type A antigens on the surface of red blood cells and anti-B antibodies in plasma. There are about 20 different subgroups of which A1 and A2 subtypes are the most common.

B blood group individuals will have type B antigens on the surface of red blood cells and anti-A antibodies in your plasma.

AB blood group are those who will have type A and type B antigens on the surface of red blood cells and no antibodies to A or B antigens in plasma.

O blood group are those who will have neither type A or type B antigens on the surface of red blood cells but will have anti-A and anti-B antibodies in plasma.

Blood Donation

Blood Donation - Overview



World Blood Donor Day is celebrated on the 14th of June every year to mark the birth anniversary of Karl Lansteiner who discovered the blood group system.

Blood donation is carried out when a person voluntarily agrees for blood to be drawn with the intention of donating it. The donated blood may be used for transfusions or it may be separated into individual components to be used as required. The latter procedure is called fractionation.

Blood donation may be of different kinds. In the developed countries unpaid donors give blood to replenish a community supply. In economically poorer countries, however, blood donation is carried out according to demand, as the established blood ties are extremely limited.

It may be an altruistic act or it may include a cash payment or incentives other than money. A person can have blood drawn and stored for own future use.

In 1997, the World Health Organization (WHO) set a target for all blood donors to be unpaid volunteers. But statistics, in 2006, revealed that only 49 of 124 countries surveyed had achieved this target.

Typically, it is mandatory for potential donors to consent to blood donation. In the case of minors, parental consent is required. In some countries the donors may enjoy anonymity while in others it may be essential to know the ethnic background of the donor because some blood types are more common among certain races while being rare in others.

People who are potential donors are physically examined by a physician and their medical history is also examined. They will also have their blood screened for diseases that are easily transmitted through blood donations, such as viral hepatitis and AIDS.

Blood donation is rather easy and safe for most people. Some may feel faint or feel some pain when the blood is being drawn. The frequency with which blood can be drawn is dependant on various factors and also the law of the land. It may in general vary from days to month.

The amont of whole blood donated may vary between 300ml-500 ml (1 pint). Collection may be carried out manually or by using automated equipments, the latter helping to draw specific components from the blood. How often a donor can donate varies from days to months based on which component of the blood they are donating and the laws of the country where the donation takes place.

Blood components have a very short shelf life, therefore, acquiring a steady supply or stock piling blood or any of its components is a perennial problem.To circumvent this obstacle, scientist even tried their hand at transfusing blood from other animals to humans but in vain.It appears that only the blood of one human suits another. But there is more to that too as will be discussed in the coming sections.

Globally, there are tragedies happening at magnanimous scale and the demand for blood will escalate.After the September 11 tragedy the need to store blood was discussed with great fervor and the need to keep stock of a steady supply was greatly emphasized. According to 2008 estimates there was an annual collection of 81 million units of blood.

Donating blood is definitely an altruistic noble and noble gesture filling the donor with happiness and contentment.It is an intensely humanitarian act which tides over man made barriers and one of the best ways to express our love and care for our fellow beings.

Blocked Tear Duct / Dacryostenosis

General Info about Blocked Tear Duct



This is a common condition affecting newborns. The partial or complete obstruction in the duct system
that carries tears away from the eye is known as "Dacryostenosis."

One or both eyes can be constantly filled with tears or mucus. Infection of the tear duct or gland is called dacryocystitis. This can be contagious.

Bleeding Gums

General Info about Bleeding gums


Bleeding gums is among the common conditions affecting the oral cavity. The Chinese might have noticed bleeding gums as early as 2500 BC. They termed the associated diseases as "Ya-Kon" which means diseases of soft tissue surrounding the teeth. This problem still continues to affect us even with so many modern facilities available in the field of oral care.

Birth Defects - Metabolic Defects

Introduction - Metabolism & Metabolic Disorders


Metabolism is the sum total of all chemical and physical changes that take place in any organism that enables it to function and grow. It is nothing different from reactions taking place inside a chemistry laboratory. Just that it tends to happen in a more controlled way inside the body. The metabolic process is dependent on a number of factors such as enzymes and other chemical compounds for its completion. It can be represented as


Enzyme Y

Substrate A→Product B→
Product C↓(Final end product)
Enzyme X

In a few cases, there is a block in any one of the steps of a reaction, either due to absence or deficiency of a particular enzyme. A disease arising out of such a defect is called a metabolic disorder.

Birth Defects - Introduction

Scientists have been baffled for centuries about how the zygote, a single cell, becomes transformed into an intricately complex organism with many different types of cells, tissues and organs. Birth defects have been very crucial in providing at least some answers regarding human development and function.


Following fertilization in the upper part of the fallopian tube, the zygote continues to divide; the mass of dividing cells is now called the blastocyst. After floating free for about two days, the blastocyst attaches itself to and begins to burrow into the spongy lining of the uterus. The embryo is now dependent on the mother's blood supply for its nourishment and development. The implantation into the uterus is complete by the end of the second week.

By the third week, the preliminary neural tissue continues to develop into the neural tube that gives rise to the brain and spinal cord during later stages of development. The cardiovascular system is one of the first functional systems
to be developed. It links the embryo with specialized tissue, the placenta that provides a channel for exchange of nutrients and waste materials between the mother and the embryo. In addition, it produces hormones that maintain pregnancy and prevent menstruation.

Birth defects - Infections

Introduction



Throughout the pregnancy, the embryo/ fetus faces the threat of infection from a variety of microorganisms. The mother's immune system
successfully combats some of these episodes. In some cases, it results in either an abortion or stillbirth. In certain other situations, it causes growth retardation and congenital effects.

Birth Defects - Genetic

Hemophilia



To be pronounced as –‘heem-o-FILL-ee-ah’

Hemophilia is a rare single gene, X- linked disorder, which tends to run in families.

In this bleeding condition, clotting of blood fails to take place in a normal manner. Following an accident, hemophilics suffer excessive bleeding, as it takes longer to heal, in comparison to normal individuals. This is due to a faulty clotting mechanism. Internal bleeding may also occur leading to organ damage, which may ultimately prove fatal.

Hemophilia is a condition, which only affects the males because it is an X-linked disorder. Males have only one X chromosome on which they carry a single copy of the Hemophilia gene, unlike the females who have two X chromosomes. If a mutant copy of the hemophilia gene is present, then males develop the disease. Women on the other hand, are non-symptomatic carriers.
Hemophilia-Pattern Of Inheritance

Incidence

Hemophilia A is known to affect one in every 5000 males. Hemophilia B occurs in one out of every 25-30 thousand male births. In the United States 18,000 people have hemophilia.

Causes

Due to an inherent gene defect, individuals with hemophilia are born with little or no ‘clotting factors’. These are proteins that are vital for blood clotting.

Hemophilia can also be acquired during a person’s lifetime when antibodies are developed against these clotting factors.

There are two types of hemophilia.In individuals with Hemophilia A there is very low amount of, or a complete absence of, a clotting factor VIII, while in those with Hemophilia B, there is an absence of clotting factor IX. In the case of Hemophilia C, there is an absence or very little of the clotting factor-XI. When an injury occurs, platelets play a lead role in stopping the blood flow. These platelets are joined together with the help of the clotting factors. So an insufficient quantity or absence of these factors will prevent clotting.

Clinical features
There are three different types of hemophilia, depending on the amount of clotting factors present involved. The disease can be classified as mild, moderate or severe depending on the amount of protein present. Seven out of every ten hemophiliacs suffer from the severe type of disorder.

a) Mild:
5 to 40 % of normal clotting factor.A mild bleeding present.

b) Moderate:
1 to 5 % of normal clotting factor.Heavy bleeding following injury

c) Severe:
1% of normal clotting factor.Spontaneous bleeding in skin, joints and muscles

Bruising usually involves the ankle, knees, hips, and elbows and intra cranial bleeding.

Treatment
There is no cure for hemophilia. Treatment involves supplying the deficient clotting factor though infusion. If the patient stops responding to treatment after a period of time, then the dose of the factor administered needs to be increased or, alternatively, non-human factors should be tried. Recombinant, genetically- engineered products can also be administered to patients who are refractory.

People who suffer from hemophilia are recommended to do certain exercises pertaining to the elbows, knees and ankles. They can even do certain specific exercises that can bring relief to their joints, on a regular basis.

Genetic Testing for hemophilia:
If the mother is a known carrier, Chorionic Villi sampling or amniocentesis can be done to determine the sex of the child. Clotting factor assay can be carried out using umbilical cord blood assay. The parents can then take an informed decision regarding continuation of pregnancy depending on whether the child is a male or a female.

Bleeding is the most important sign for hemophilia. In children or in adults, showing abnormal bleeding coagulation tests to detect and confirm the absence of coagulation factors and also to assess the type of hemophilia. Other forms of genetic tests with an increased specificity can also be done to confirm the diagnosis,if required.

Birth Defect - Structural Defects

About Structural Defects



It is true that medical technology has improved so much over the recent years. But the risk of having a child with a birth defect continues to be a significant medical problem. About 1 in 33 children are born with structural defects such as malformed limbs, heart problems and facial abnormalities. Patients of all age groups, races, education levels, socioeconomic backgrounds are affected. Birth defects demand a considerable amount of resources in terms of the economy. The problem is however mostly underestimated or rather overlooked by many in the scientific community. An adequate knowledge about the various birth defects and the causes alone can prevent the incidence of birth defects to an extent.

Birth Control Pills

General Info About Menstrual cycle



Today a 21st century woman has 450 periods during her life. She spends 50% of her life in tackling the monthly problem-the menstrual cycle...


Menstrual cycle is also called as periods or monthly bleeding, occurs in woman in the reproductive age group (15-44 years). When the body is preparing for pregnancy there is a surge of hormones (chemical substances) in the body resulting in the thickening of the uterus lining. When pregnancy fails, the thickened uterus (filled with blood and tissue) is lost and becomes thin again. There is also a reduction in the hormone levels. The cycle repeats again every month in anticipation of pregnancy throughout the reproductive phase of a woman.

Avian Influenza / Bird Flu

What is Avian Influenza ?



Avian influenza (AI) or Bird Flu
is a disease of viral etiology that ranges from a mild or even asymptomatic infection to an acute, fatal disease of chickens, turkeys, guinea fowls, and other avian species, especially migratory waterfowl.

Pierre Robin Syndrome / Bird Facies

Introduction



Pierre Robin syndrome, also called as Robin anomalad, is a condition, which could occur on its own or in association with a group of deformities. This condition was first described by Lannelongue and Menard in 1891 and subsequently in 1923 by Pierre Robin.


This condition is due to a genetic defect, which gives rise to three problem, a very small lower jaw, a slit like hole in the palate of mouth (called cleft palate) and the tongue appear to fall into the throat (condition called as retroglossoptosis)



The condition occurs approximately in 1 per 8500 live births with an equal occurrence among boys and girl babies except when it is inherited as an X-lined genetic disorder. In such an inheritance the ratio among boys increases.

Binge Eating : The Pleasure and Pain

Binge Eating - Sneak peek



The immortal lines by William Shakespeare, "If music be the food of love, play on" can be slightly modifid to read as , "If food be the love of people, eat on".

Dazed by this maze?!!? Don't be! The reason is that there exist some people; and more so between us; who live to eat and not eat to live!! To them food is the be-all and end-all.


So I am sure after this philosophical description, amalgamated with the scientific information, your appetite for this subject would have increased. Therefore, without further delay here comes the main course, oops! The main bone of contention that is 'Emotional or Binge Eating'.

Sarcoidosis / Besnier - Boeck disease

About

The well -known celebrity Bernie Mac died of a lung disease. Although the culprit was reported to be pneumonia, his death drew attention to the little -known disease, which the comedian was long diagnosed with- Sarcoidosis. Pneumonia is an oft-occurring pulmonary complication of sarcoidosis. Bernie’s condition was in remission since 2005

(Greek- 'sark' + 'oid' meaning 'flesh –like')

Sarcoidosis, also called sarcoid or Besnier-Boeck disease, is an idiopathic immune system disorder that causes tissue inflammation and affects many body organs.

The term ‘sarcoidosis’ was coined in reference to the skin eruptions that occurs as a consequence of the disease.It commonly affects young adults,of both sexes, with a preponderence towards people from certain geographical regions, particularly women.

The incidence of sarcoidosis is at its peak among young adults between 20-29. A second peak is observed in women over the age of 50 years.

Once considered a rare disease, sarcoidosis is now a common enough disorder. Human bodies fight foreign invasion by setting off an inflammatory immune response. In the case of sarcoidosis, this response is increased several manifold, resulting in the production of small clusters of cells all through the body. When these clumps of cells become too big for comfort, they hinder the normal functioning of several organs.






It was originally thought that sarcoidosis stemmed from a state of acquired inertness. Improved techniques, such as bronchoalveolar lavage, provided an insight into the lungs of the patients and helped to throw light on the immunological disturbances that played a role in the disease.

What causes the disease is still an enigma but researchers believe that enviormental agents trigger an already existing predisposition.

The most common target of sarcoidosis are the lungs, which is affected in the majority (90%) of the cases. This is followed by the lymph nodes, the eyes and the skin. Despite these common targets, it must be noted, that the disease can affect any body part.

The clinical picture ranges from an asymptomatic state to a chronic debilitating condition that can result in death.The manifestation of the disease is not static, and can change with gender and race.

Symptoms tend to appear suddenly and may disappear or they may appear gradually and may be long-lasting. Individuals with the disease experience difficulty in breathing. It is also very common to find ulcers breaking out on their skin.

Initially, Sarcoidosis can often be confused with Tuberculosis. Sometimes a biopsy of a gland is done to differentiate the two condtions. In both these, there maybe a ’granuloma’ seen under the microscope; however the granuloma is the caseating type in Tuberculosis and the non-caseating type in Sarcoidosis

In two-thirds of the cases the disease is mild and will resolve on its own.It may not have lasting effects and is likely to go into remission.

In some it may be severe and unremitting, causing progressive damage to multiple organs in its wake. Complications may be present in 20-25% of patients. As Sarcoidosis progresses inflammatory nodules (granulomas) may appear which could clear by themselves. In some cases, the tissues do not heal and the inflammed tissues remains scarred for life.

Death may occur due to respiratory failure resulting from scarring of lungs or from heart failure.

Up until now, there is no cure for Sarcoidosis. The disease continues to puzzle even the medical fraternity and is often misdiagnosed.

Besides its devastating physical impact, the uncertainty of the disease can be emotionally unsettling. It is not uncommon for Sarcoidosis patients to suffer from depression.

Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia

What is BPH?

Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) is a condition that often begins at about 40-45 years, due to hormonal changes that result in prostatic enlargment. The word "benign" means that the enlargement is not caused by cancer or infection. The word "hyperplasia" means enlargement.


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Benefits of Meditation / Meditation Therapy

About Benefits of Meditation / Meditation Therapy



The benefits of meditation / meditation therapy
is manifold. Meditation is a mental exercise, in which one focuses on breath or object or sound, in order to increase awareness of the present, to enhance one’s personality and bring about spiritual growth.


The English word ‘Meditation’ is derived from the Latin ‘meditatio’, which originally indicated all types of physical and intellectual exercise. Another version points to Indo-European root “med”, meaning ‘to measure’ from which English words such as ‘medicine’, ‘modest’, ‘mete’ and ‘moderate’ are derived.

Meditation therapy is a technique or tool to look within to increase the conscious state. Meditation has been practiced for over 5000 years by Rishis, Yogis, medical practitioners, practitioners of Alternative medicine (Healers) such as Reiki, yoga, pranic healing and even lay people.





Meditation rejuvenates the body and mind and enables practitioners to rise to higher spiritual levels. It pulls the mind away from distractions, unwanted worries, anxieties and increases the inner strength. Meditation prepares a person mentally and physically for all challenges in life. It is the best method for students to increase their concentration and memory power.

Meditation is one of the best Alternative Therapies. It is a Mind-Body Medicine. It is a safe and simple method to balance a person’s physical, emotional and mental state. More and more doctors
are prescribing meditation therapy along with their treatment to enhance and quicken the healing process.

Meditation therapy was predominantly an Eastern practice but is now popular even in the West. Meditation gives a chance to the practitioners to look within, conduct self-analysis and self-inquiry. If done well, meditation guides a person to fulfillment, atonement and salvation.

"Reading makes a full man, meditation a profound man, discourse a clear man." Benjamin Franklin

"When meditation is mastered, the mind is unwavering like the flame of a lamp in a windless place." - Bhagavad-Gita

Bell's Palsy

Bell's Palsy - Overview

Bell's palsy results in weakness of the facial muscles. Its cause is unknown but most people make a full recovery from it within 8 to 12 weeks.


Bell's Palsy is usually a type of temporary sudden paralysis that causes weakness of the muscles of the face on one side. Rarely it can affect both sides. The facial nerve that supplies the muscles of the face is affected by the palsy. This nerve is called the facial nerve (the seventh of the twelve nerves that supply the face and neck regions).

It is one of the most common problems that affects the cranial nerves and is also the most common cause of facial paralysis all over the world.

Leonardo da Vinci's Mona Lisa has fascinated many with her enigmatic smile. Her smile has been the subject of intense debate for centuries. One theory put forward in 1989 suggested that the famous expression was the result of changes in facial muscles - partial degeneration followed by regeneration - that occur after Bell's palsy.

Bedwetting / Enuresis

General Info about Bedwetting

Bedwetting or Enuresis is loss of urine during sleep which is a major problem for children. Bedwetting is never done on purpose or due to laziness on the child's part. It is involuntary urination by anyone over the age of five or six years when there are no medical or other causes.Majority of children learn bladder control between the ages of two and four. Bedwetting is a problem found more in boys than in girls. This is mainly due to a maturational delay in the development of bladder musculature and its ability to withstand the pressure of a large urine volume. If bed-wetting is still occurring at age of six or seven, you should consult a doctor.

BedWetting

Bacillary Dysentery / Shigellosis / Shigella Infection

About Shigellosis


Shigellosis is a virulent bacterial disease that is caused by a strain of bacteria of the genus Shigella

Bacillary dysentery or Shigellosis is a common cause of gastro-enteritis worldwide and can cause bloody diarrhea (called dysentery) or non-bloody diarrhea. The sight of blood in stools can be frightening and the patient may seek immediate treatment.

Worldwide estimates report that shigellosis is responsible for approximately over 600,000 deaths and above per year. The majority of these happen in the developing countries and 2/3rd of the victims are children under the age of 10 years.

Diarrheal outbreak due to shigella occurs in areas of overcrowding where sanitation is poor such as jails, mental hospitals, refugee camps, daycare or in primary schools. Outbreaks are also reported among homosexuals.

The Shigella bacteria enter the host's system through the epithelial lining of the large intestine and destroy the intestinal mucosa. The bacteria cause a highly contagious diarrhea.

Depending on the physical condition and age of the host, even as few as ten bacterial cells are enough to trigger an infection.

Watery loose stool is the classical symptom of Shigella infection. Some strains of bacteria produce toxins that cause 'hemolytic uremic syndrome'.

Evaluating the stool under a microscope confirms the diagnosis. Most cases of shigellosis do not require hospitalization.

Children, elderly and the immuno - compromised need antibiotic treatment. Intake of plenty of fluids is an absolute requirement in case of dysentery.

Death from bacillary dysentery is unusual. It may, however, occur in neglected, undiagnosed or extreme cases. It is more commonly prevalent in the following –

Children who suffer from mal-nutrition

In patients with co-existing debilitating conditions

Or in the elderly population.

Shigellosis may be prevented to a large extent by diligently following hygienic practices.