Thursday 13 October 2011

Hypercoagulation (Thick Blood) - Causes, Symptoms and Treatment




Hypercoagulation (Thick Blood) - Causes, Symptoms and Treatment
Hyper coagulation has become a common ailment these days. Therefore it's vital to know what causes this problem. It happens due to an anomaly in the coagulation system. Such anomaly arises due to problems in the clotting factors. Blood clotting can cause serious issues. This coagulation can be caused by genetically acquired problems in clotting. This disease does not have any particular treatment, but continuous problems of this kind warrant a long term solution for coagulation.
The most prevalent symptoms of this ailment are pulmonary embolism (PE) and deep vein thrombosis (DVT). The later occurs in legs and involves a lot of pain and inflammation of the limbs. The veins of the legs valves get destroyed due to heavy blood clotting which is responsible for clotting. This clot can also shift to legs. So, when blood clotting happens in lungs, it results in paucity of breath and huge pain in the chest.
This implies a huge risk of heart attack and chances of a stroke. Now, another clotting disorder called purpura fulminans, which happens in babies, causes the destruction of tissues and bleeding in the vital organs and skin. This kind of hypercoagulation occurs due to a lack of protein C in the child. Eventually, it prevents treatment with anti coagulant drugs like warfarin. When pregnant mothers suffer from hyper coagulation it can cause miscarriage. Other complications can also result during pregnancy apart from miscarriage like still birth, and intrauterine growth prohibition.

Anaemia - Symptoms and Treatment




Anaemia - Symptoms and Treatment
What is Anemia?
Anemia is the term given when the red blood cell count is lower than it should be. Rates vary for men and women. There are different types of anemia which can and do adversely affect various sections of the population.
Symptoms of Anemia
The following symptoms may or may not point to anemia as they can also relate to other medical conditions.
- Tiredness
- Dizziness
- Constant dry mouth
- Headaches
- Pallor
- Coldness
Please check with your doctor for an accurate diagnosis which should include a blood test.
Types of Anemia
Folate Deficiency - Megaloblastic Anemia
In order for red blood cells to grow and function properly, they need a steady supply of folic acid. This is generally obtained naturally through the eating of leafy green vegetables and a balanced diet.
When there is insufficient folic acid intake, our red blood cells can become enlarged and reduced in number. This condition is termed Folate Deficiency Anemia and / or megaloblastic anemia

Blood Diseases-Symptoms, Causes and Treatment





Blood Diseases-Symptoms, Causes and Treatment
Blood is the life-maintaining fluid that circulates through the heart, arteries, veins, and capillaries. Because the blood performs many and complex functions, there are many disorders related to blood that require clinical care by a physician or other health care professional. These conditions include anemia, bleeding disorders, as well as cancers of the blood.
Certain factors may cause Blood Disorders, disorders that affect the cells in the blood (blood cells) or proteins in the blood clotting or immune systems. Laboratory tests of blood samples are recommended to diagnose and monitor blood diseases. Because the liquid portion of the blood (plasma) carries so many substances essential to the functioning of the body, blood tests can be used to find out what is happening in many parts of the body.
There are a number of Blood Disorders prevailing these days. Some of them are Anemia, Pernicious Anemia, Sepsis, Sickle Cell Anemia, Hypoglycemia, Iron Deficiency Anemia and Leukemia.
Different type of Blood Disorder shows different symptom. Symptoms of blood disorders are often vague and nonspecific, that is, they could indicate a disorder of almost any part of the body. However, although no single symptom unmistakably indicates a blood disorder, certain groups of symptoms suggest the possibility. Such groups of symptoms most commonly relate to decrease in blood cells, such as a reduced number of red blood cells (anemia), a reduced number of white blood cells, a reduced number of platelets or increased numbers of blood cells.

Childhood Asthma




Childhood Asthma
Childhood asthma is characterized by the inflammation of the bronchial airways resulting to the production of excessive mucus, swelling and contraction of the respiratory muscles. The sudden change in the respiratory system obstructs the airways making breathing difficult. When this happens, your child will experience shortness of breath punctuated by coughing and wheezing. An asthma attack may be mild, moderate or severe. In any case, it would still be better if an asthma episode is prevented.
The cause of childhood asthma can not be pinpointed to a single factor. Many experts believe that childhood asthma is partially hereditary and have a strong allergic component. The inflammation of the airways may also be caused by allergy, airborne irritants or viral infections. A child with asthma might experience recurrent respiratory infections such as pneumonia or bronchitis. If your child coughs after a strenuous physical activity like running or crying, he should also be evaluated for asthma. Childhood asthma can cause a child to be irritable because of the discomfort from chest tightness and difficulty in breathing.
You would also be surprised that there is a condition called hidden asthma. This kind of childhood asthma is diagnosed by testing the child's pulmonary function. The child will exhibit only mild symptoms that are sometimes unrecognizable.

Definition of Adult Asthma




Definition of Adult Asthma
Asthma comes from the ancient Greek word meaning "to pant." An asthma attack suddenly occurs when the bronchial tubes in the lungs gets widespread inflammation. Within the lining of bronchial tubes is a membrane called bronchial mucosa. When patients expose themselves to common asthma triggers like pollen, dust or fumes, the membrane get inflamed and starts to redden and become swollen. The mucous glands within the bronchial lining get over-irritated and start to produce large quantity of mucus. The resulting effect is that air cannot flow in through the lungs as smoothly as before and the patient will begin to gasp for air
Adult asthma symptoms differ from person to person. Coughing and excessive mucus production may show the first sign of an attack. An adult may begin to sweat a lot and rapid breathing and heavy wheezing sound will occur. Sometimes, talking may be an insurmountable task if the breathlessness is severe enough. In extreme cases, the bronchial tubes can be so constricted that wheezing sounds is inaudible.
Many asthma cases are inherited from their own family members. Allergy induced asthma often occurred in families. Asthma is also increasing among the blacks and Hispanics in America. Patients who have asthma appear to have inherited specific genes from their family members and close relatives. Geneticist has noted a gene called ADAM33 which is responsible for making the bronchial tubes oversensitive.
Another gene called PFH11 can also increase the chances of an asthma attack occurring. The gene appears to control blood cells that produce Immunoglobulin E (IgE). These proteins lock onto the surface of mast cells which recognizes allergens. When these mast cells come into contact will the same allergens, the IgE proteins on the mast cells react with them. After which, the mast cell breaks apart and release chemicals causing an inflammation.
One type of asthma that is common among working adults is occupational asthma. Occupational asthma is an asthma that is triggered by a particular material in the workplace. The workplace is home to millions of allergens. Every year, new occupations are added to a growing list when agents that cause asthma are identified. For example, it has been noted that lower temperatures at air-conditioned offices lead to a drier atmosphere. A drier atmosphere is conducive for asthma attacks. Exposure to certain materials like textiles and grains activate the immune system to produce IgE. Stress during working is also known to activate asthma attacks.