Health Fitness & Care
Health tips for women | Girls Health Tips | Health Tips for Girls
Thursday, November 17, 2011
Restless Legs Syndrome Causes,Symptoms,Treatments,Remedies,Relief
What Is Restless Legs Syndrome?
Restless legs syndrome is a movement disorder that causes uncomfortable sensations in the legs. These sensations typically are worse during periods of rest, especially just before sleeping at night, but they may happen during daytime periods of inactivity, such as watching a movie, attending a long business meeting, or flying in a plane.
The discomfort of restless legs syndrome usually is accompanied by an overwhelming urge to move the legs, which may relieve leg discomfort temporarily. At night, people with restless legs syndrome often find that their leg symptoms make it difficult to fall asleep. Because of this, insomnia is common, together with extreme drowsiness and fatigue during the daytime.
Restless Legs Syndrome Symptoms :-
Restless legs syndrome causes a wide range of uncomfortable leg sensations, which may be described as any of the following: tingling, prickly, boring, crawling, pulling, drawing and, sometimes, pain.
Although the muscles of the lower legs are affected most often, restless legs syndrome occasionally can cause symptoms in the arms as well. The discomfort of restless legs syndrome is almost always accompanied by an irresistible need to move the legs. Leg movement, such as walking, stretching and deep knee bends, seems to bring temporary relief. A leg massage or a warm bath also may help.
In addition to leg discomfort, restless legs syndrome also can cause periodic jerking leg movements during sleep. These involuntary leg movements often disturb both the patient and the patient's bed partner. Also, because symptoms of restless legs syndrome tend to be worse at bedtime, people with restless legs syndrome may find it hard to fall asleep and to stay asleep. This can cause insomnia and severe daytime drowsiness that may interfere significantly with work, school and social life.
Restless Legs Syndrome Prevention :-
Although there is no way to prevent restless legs syndrome, it may help to avoid caffeine, alcohol and cigarette smoking.
Restless Legs Syndrome Treatment :-
Treatment of restless legs syndrome depends on the severity of your symptoms. If your symptoms are mild, simply exercising, stretching or massaging your legs, or taking a hot bath may bring relief. Lifestyle changes also may help, especially following a balanced diet and avoiding caffeine, alcohol and cigarette smoking. If your restless legs syndrome is linked to iron deficiency anemia, your doctor may prescribe iron.
When medication is used to treat restless legs syndrome, the following drugs are used individually or in combination:
Restless Legs Syndrome Medication :-
Dopaminergic agents :- These drugs usually relieve the discomfort of restless legs syndrome symptoms and improve sleep quality. They include carbidopa/levodopa (Sinemet), pramipexole (Mix) and ropinirole (Requip).
Benzodiazepines :- These drugs are sedatives that improve sleep quality. They include clonazepam (Klonopin), temazepam (Restoril), triazolam (Halcion) and diazepam (Valium).
Opioids :- These are narcotics, such as codeine (several brand names), propoxyphene (Darvon) or oxycodone (OxyContin and others), that relieve pain and suppress restless legs syndrome in people with severe, unrelenting symptoms.
Anticonvulsants :- These medicines are especially useful in patients whose symptoms are painful. They include gabapentin (Neurontin), carbamazepine (Tegretol and others) and valproic acid (Depacon, Depakene, Depakote).
Others :- Tramadol (Ultram), clonidine (Catapres), amantadine (Symadine, Symmetrel) and propranolol (Inderal) also may be useful to treat this condition. Tramadol is a non-opiod pain reliever that sometimes is recommended.
Many people with restless legs syndrome also have periodic limb movement disorder (PLMD), a common movement disorder that causes involuntary, periodic, jerking leg movements during sleep. The movements occur 1 to 10 times per minute.
Cirrhosis Of The Liver-Symptoms,Treatments,Stages,Causes
Cirrhosis Of The Liver Causes
Alcoholic liver disease :- Cirrhosis of the liver is synonymous with chronic alcoholism, but in fact, alcoholism is only one of the causes. Alcoholic cirrhosis usually develops after more than a decade of heavy drinking. Alcohol seems to injure the liver by blocking the normal metabolism of protein, fats, and carbohydrates.
Chronic hepatitis C :- The Hepatitis C virus ranks with alcohol as a major cause of chronic liver disease and cirrhosis in the United States. Infection with this virus causes inflammation of and low grade damage to the liver that over several decades can lead to cirrhosis.
Chronic hepatitis B and D :- The Hepatitis B virus is probably the most common cause of cirrhosis worldwide.Hepatitis B,like hepatitis C, causes liver inflammation and injury that over several decades can lead to cirrhosis.Hepatitis D is another virus that infects the liver, but only in people who already have hepatitis B.
Autoimmune hepatitis :- This disease appears to be caused by the immune system attacking the liver and causing inflammation, damage, and eventually scarring and cirrhosis.
Inherited diseases :- Alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency, hemochromatosis, Wilson disease, galactosemia, and glycogen storage diseases are among the inherited diseases that interfere with the way the liver produces, processes, and stores enzymes, proteins, metals, and other substances the body needs to function properly.
Nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) :- In NASH, fat builds up in the liver and eventually causes scar tissue. This type of hepatitis appears to be associated with diabetes, protein malnutrition, obesity, coronary artery disease, and treatment with corticosteroid medications.
Blocked bile ducts :- When the ducts that carry bile out of the liver are blocked, bile backs up and damages liver tissue. In babies, blocked bile ducts are most commonly caused by biliary atresia, a disease in which the bile ducts are absent or injured. In adults, the most common cause is primary biliary cirrhosis, a disease in which the ducts become inflamed, blocked, and scarred. Secondary biliary cirrhosis can happen after gallbladder surgery if the ducts are inadvertently tied off or injured.
Drugs, toxins, and infections :- Severe reactions to prescription drugs, prolonged exposure to environmental toxins, the parasitic infection schistosomiasis, and repeated bouts of heart failure with liver congestion can all lead to cirrhosis.
Cirrhosis Of The Liver Symptoms :-
Many people with cirrhosis have no symptoms in the early stages of the disease. However, as scar tissue replaces healthy cells, liver function starts to fail and a person may experience the following symptoms:
(1) Exhaustion
(2) Fatigue
(3) Loss of appetite
(4) Nausea
(5) Weakness
(6) Weight loss
(7) Abdominal pain
(8) Spider-like blood vessels (spider angiomas) that develop on the skin
Cirrhosis Of The Liver Treatment :-
Liver damage from cirrhosis cannot be reversed, but treatment can stop or delay further progression and reduce complications. Treatment depends on the cause of cirrhosis and any complications a person is experiencing. For example, cirrhosis caused by alcohol abuse is treated by abstaining from alcohol. Treatment for hepatitis-related cirrhosis involves medications used to treat the different types of hepatitis, such as interferon for viral hepatitis and corticosteroids for autoimmune hepatitis. Cirrhosis caused by Wilson disease, in which copper builds up in organs, is treated with medications to remove the copper.
Health Tips Facts- Cystitis Symptoms, Treatment, Pain Relief, Causes
Cystitis is bacterial infection which affects part of the urinary tract. It is caused by bacteria entering the bladder and multiplying.
Cystitis is an infection or inflammation of the bladder, is a lower urinary tract infection (UTI).
There are two types of Cystitis. One is “bacterial cystitis”, if an attack is due to an infection by germs or bacteria. Another is “non-bacterial cystitis”, if an attack is due to an infection by germs or bacteria.
Cystitis usually affects women; male suffers should immediately. It has been estimated that 50% of women suffer from cystitis sometime in their life.
The condition causes a feeling of needing to pee all the time and then, when you do, there is burning or stinging pain and you can only pass a tiny amount. The bacteria that cause cystitis come from the vagina, the back passage or the skin surface. In woman, the urethra - the tube from the bladder to the outside of the body - is very short, making it easier for bacteria to travel from around the vagina and anal area up into the bladder.
Cystitis can also be caused by bruising to the urethra, encouraging bacteria to thrive, as a result of frequent, horse-riding or riding a bicycle for long periods.
Symptoms of Cystitis:-
(1) A burning or stinging sensation while peeing.
(2) A severe, knife-like pain when you finish urinating.
(3) The appearance of blood in the urine.
(4) A severe dragging-down pain, usually in the front of the abdomen, but quite often at the sides and to back or down the front the thighs.
(5) The frequent and urgent need to urinate, although only a small amount of urine may be passed each time.
(6) A raised temperature and shivering attacks.
(7) Felling Sick.
Cystitis Treatment :-
(1) Drink plenty of water-8 glasses a day.
(2) Try placing a heated pad or hot water bottle on the abdomen.
(3) A mild painkiller may help.
(4)Try to live unsweetened yogurt-this contains "good" bacteria which help combat the bad.
(5) Avoid wearing tight trousers.
(6) Do not fight the urge to urinate, even if this is painful.
(7) Drink 2 glasses of unsweetened cranberry juice as this can help prevent bacteria adhering to the bladder wall.
(8) A warm bath will help give some pain relief.
(9) Take a Vitamin C tablet-this can help the immune system fight the infection.
(10) Avoid using perfumed products near the vaginal area as these can cause irritation.
Cystitis Causes :-
Dehydration, poor nutrition and ignoring the urge to urinate regularly can also trigger the condition. It is also common in early pregnancy, when the urethra relaxes under the influence of the hormone progesterone and infections spread more easily. Later on in the pregnancy, when the bladder is compressed by the growing baby, it is unable to empty completely. A small amount of urine may remain in the bladder and become stagnant, encouraging bacteria to multiply, resulting in an attack.
It is especially important for pregnant woman not to ignore a urinary tract infection, as it can lead to high blood pressure or an infection within the womb.
Cystitis is an infection or inflammation of the bladder, is a lower urinary tract infection (UTI).
There are two types of Cystitis. One is “bacterial cystitis”, if an attack is due to an infection by germs or bacteria. Another is “non-bacterial cystitis”, if an attack is due to an infection by germs or bacteria.
Cystitis usually affects women; male suffers should immediately. It has been estimated that 50% of women suffer from cystitis sometime in their life.
The condition causes a feeling of needing to pee all the time and then, when you do, there is burning or stinging pain and you can only pass a tiny amount. The bacteria that cause cystitis come from the vagina, the back passage or the skin surface. In woman, the urethra - the tube from the bladder to the outside of the body - is very short, making it easier for bacteria to travel from around the vagina and anal area up into the bladder.
Cystitis can also be caused by bruising to the urethra, encouraging bacteria to thrive, as a result of frequent, horse-riding or riding a bicycle for long periods.
Symptoms of Cystitis:-
(1) A burning or stinging sensation while peeing.
(2) A severe, knife-like pain when you finish urinating.
(3) The appearance of blood in the urine.
(4) A severe dragging-down pain, usually in the front of the abdomen, but quite often at the sides and to back or down the front the thighs.
(5) The frequent and urgent need to urinate, although only a small amount of urine may be passed each time.
(6) A raised temperature and shivering attacks.
(7) Felling Sick.
Cystitis Treatment :-
(1) Drink plenty of water-8 glasses a day.
(2) Try placing a heated pad or hot water bottle on the abdomen.
(3) A mild painkiller may help.
(4)Try to live unsweetened yogurt-this contains "good" bacteria which help combat the bad.
(5) Avoid wearing tight trousers.
(6) Do not fight the urge to urinate, even if this is painful.
(7) Drink 2 glasses of unsweetened cranberry juice as this can help prevent bacteria adhering to the bladder wall.
(8) A warm bath will help give some pain relief.
(9) Take a Vitamin C tablet-this can help the immune system fight the infection.
(10) Avoid using perfumed products near the vaginal area as these can cause irritation.
Cystitis Causes :-
Dehydration, poor nutrition and ignoring the urge to urinate regularly can also trigger the condition. It is also common in early pregnancy, when the urethra relaxes under the influence of the hormone progesterone and infections spread more easily. Later on in the pregnancy, when the bladder is compressed by the growing baby, it is unable to empty completely. A small amount of urine may remain in the bladder and become stagnant, encouraging bacteria to multiply, resulting in an attack.
It is especially important for pregnant woman not to ignore a urinary tract infection, as it can lead to high blood pressure or an infection within the womb.
Health Tips Facts- Enuresis Bedwetting Symptoms, Treatment, Causes
It can be a frustrating journey for parents seeking a handling for bed wetting in children. There are quite a few different methods out there for treating bed wetting, and being well informed.
Bedwetting, or Enuresis, is the involuntary passage of urine during sleep. An inherited small bladder is the cause of bed-wetting for most children. Their bladder is so small that it cannot hold the urine their bodies produce throughout the night. Although their kidneys are normal, they sleep so deeply that the signal of a full bladder does not wake them.
Enuresis is not caused by emotional problems; however they can be created if the situation is mishandled. Bedwetting causes guilt and embarrassment in most children. Parents should create a supportive environment, encouraging their child to overcome his or her problem. Punishment or pressure to stop having accidents in the night often creates secondary emotional problems and causes the child to take even longer to overcome bed-wetting.
Even without treatment, most children will overcome bed-wetting.
Bedwetting or Enuresis Home Care Treatments:-
Encourage your child to get up during the night. At bedtime, be sure to gently remind your child to get up when he or she has to urinate.
Empty the bladder before bedtime. Remind your child to use the restroom before getting into bed at night.
Limit fluid before bedtime. Discourage your child from drinking excessive amounts during the two hours before bedtime and avoid drinks with caffeine.
Improve access to the bathroom. Put a nightlight in the hallway and bathroom or place a portable toilet in your child's bedroom.
Parent-awakening. Wake your child up at a specific time each night, such as your own bedtime.
Medication can also be used to temporarily stop bed-wetting for special occasions such as slumber parties or other overnights.
A bedwetting alarm is one technique that teaches a child to awaken when he or she needs to urinate.
Bedwetting or Enuresis Causes:-
Common causes and risk factors of Enuresis,
(1) Genetic factors.
(2) Difficulties waking up from sleep
(3) Slower than normal development of the central nervous system.
(4) Hormonal factors.
(5) Urinary tract infections.
(6) Abnormalities in the urethral valves in boys or in the ureter in girls or boys.
(7) Abnormalities in the spinal cord.
(8) Inability to hold urine for a long time because of small bladder.
Bedwetting or Enuresis Common signs and symptoms :-
(1) Children have never achieved complete nighttime control. They have always wet the bed at least two times a month.
(2) Children may suffer significant psychological stress and develop feelings of low self-esteem.
(3) Families of bedwetters can experience disturbed sleep, turmoil, and a drain on energy and resources.
Health Care Tips Facts- Gastritis Symptoms,Treatment,Cure,Remedies
Gastritis, a condition that involves the irritation and inflammation of the stomach, afflicts millions of people. Any number of things causes it, from injury to bacteria. In that respect, it is akin to a headache:
It can strike anyone, and it can be caused by a wide variety of factors both internal and external.
It can be divided into 3 categories:
(1) Erosive and hemorrhagic gastritis
(2) Non erosive and nonspecific gastritis
(3) Specific gastritis indicative of a disorder.
Gastritis Symptoms:-
(1) A burning pain similar to indigestion in your upper abdomen.
(2) Nausea. A “sick-to-your-stomach” kind of feeling, which may or may not be accompanied by vomiting.
(3) Loss of appetite. This tends to go along with nausea, but many gastritis patients find they have no appetite even when they’re not feeling nauseated. After a couple of mouthfuls they’re done.
(4) Belching or bloating. This can simply be gas, but if it’s chronic or severe, it could be caused by gastritis.
(5) Feeling particularly “full” in your upper abdomen after a meal.
(6) Unexplained weight loss.
Gastritis Causes Risk Factors:-
Gastritis is more common with age and most sufferers complain of indigestion.
People with acute gastritis caused by illness or injury have already been hospitalized for treatment of their underlying condition; therefore, symptoms of gastritis are managed in the course of their intensive care.
The most frequent cause of gastritis is a dietetic indiscretion such as habitual overeating; eating of badly combined or improperly cooked foods, excessive intake of strong tea, coffee or alcoholic drinks, habitual use of large quantities of condiments, sauces.
It may sometimes follow certain diseases such measles, diptheria, influenza, virus pneumonia.
It also results from worry, anxiety, grief and prolonged tension. Use of certain drugs, strong acids and caustic substances may also give rise to gastritis.
Gastritis Treatment Home Remedies:-
(1) Only rice that has been aged for one year must be used. Wheat and barley are beneficial.
(2) Among vegetables white pumpkin, bitter gourd, cucumber, green banana and banana flower are effective.
(3) Cow’s milk is preferable to buffalo’s milk.
(4) People suffering from gastritis must not confuse their stomach glands with different kinds of foods at the same time. It is beneficial if the person is kept on a single diet. Ideally the person must be kept on a milk diet or on a diet of old rice.
(5) Vitamin C has the capacity to help in the absorption of iron and calcium salts in the body. This eases the digestive process. Therefore, the diet must be rich in vitamin C. Foods that contain vitamin C to a commendable quantity are amlas, oranges, etc.
(6) Pungent and sour tastes must be avoided. Even chocolates, tea and coffee must be avoided as these can increase the acidic contents in the stomach.
(7) The person must never eat till the stomach is fool. In gastritis it is better to eat little quantities each time, so that the stomach gets proper time to digest the food.
(8) Sesame seeds and curds must be avoided.
(9) Have a banana early in the morning. Drown them with milk. This reduces the acidity within the stomach in some days.
It can strike anyone, and it can be caused by a wide variety of factors both internal and external.
It can be divided into 3 categories:
(1) Erosive and hemorrhagic gastritis
(2) Non erosive and nonspecific gastritis
(3) Specific gastritis indicative of a disorder.
Gastritis Symptoms:-
(1) A burning pain similar to indigestion in your upper abdomen.
(2) Nausea. A “sick-to-your-stomach” kind of feeling, which may or may not be accompanied by vomiting.
(3) Loss of appetite. This tends to go along with nausea, but many gastritis patients find they have no appetite even when they’re not feeling nauseated. After a couple of mouthfuls they’re done.
(4) Belching or bloating. This can simply be gas, but if it’s chronic or severe, it could be caused by gastritis.
(5) Feeling particularly “full” in your upper abdomen after a meal.
(6) Unexplained weight loss.
Gastritis Causes Risk Factors:-
Gastritis is more common with age and most sufferers complain of indigestion.
People with acute gastritis caused by illness or injury have already been hospitalized for treatment of their underlying condition; therefore, symptoms of gastritis are managed in the course of their intensive care.
The most frequent cause of gastritis is a dietetic indiscretion such as habitual overeating; eating of badly combined or improperly cooked foods, excessive intake of strong tea, coffee or alcoholic drinks, habitual use of large quantities of condiments, sauces.
It may sometimes follow certain diseases such measles, diptheria, influenza, virus pneumonia.
It also results from worry, anxiety, grief and prolonged tension. Use of certain drugs, strong acids and caustic substances may also give rise to gastritis.
Gastritis Treatment Home Remedies:-
(1) Only rice that has been aged for one year must be used. Wheat and barley are beneficial.
(2) Among vegetables white pumpkin, bitter gourd, cucumber, green banana and banana flower are effective.
(3) Cow’s milk is preferable to buffalo’s milk.
(4) People suffering from gastritis must not confuse their stomach glands with different kinds of foods at the same time. It is beneficial if the person is kept on a single diet. Ideally the person must be kept on a milk diet or on a diet of old rice.
(5) Vitamin C has the capacity to help in the absorption of iron and calcium salts in the body. This eases the digestive process. Therefore, the diet must be rich in vitamin C. Foods that contain vitamin C to a commendable quantity are amlas, oranges, etc.
(6) Pungent and sour tastes must be avoided. Even chocolates, tea and coffee must be avoided as these can increase the acidic contents in the stomach.
(7) The person must never eat till the stomach is fool. In gastritis it is better to eat little quantities each time, so that the stomach gets proper time to digest the food.
(8) Sesame seeds and curds must be avoided.
(9) Have a banana early in the morning. Drown them with milk. This reduces the acidity within the stomach in some days.
Health Tips Facts- Hepatitis C Virus Symptoms, Risk Factors,Cure
What is hepatitis C?
Hepatitis C Virus causes an inflammation of the liver. The hepatitis C virus (HCV) is found in the blood of persons who have this disease. HCV is spread by contact with the blood of an infected person.
What are the causes?
Hepatitis C infection is caused by the hepatitis C virus (HCV). Persons who may be at risk for hepatitis C are those who:
(1) Received blood, blood products, or solid organs from a donor who has hepatitis C
(2) Have injected street or shared a needle with someone who has hepatitis C
(3) Have been on long-term dialysis for kidney failure
(4) Have frequent contact with blood on the job such as doctors
(5) Share personal items, such as toothbrushes and razors, with someone who has hepatitis C
(6) Are born to hepatitis C infected mothers
What are the symptoms?
Many people who are infected with the hepatitis C do not have symptoms. Hepatitis C is often detected during blood tests for a routine physical or other medical procedure. The following symptoms could occur:
(1) Jaundice
(2) Abdominal pain in the right upper abdomen
(3) Fatigue
(4) Loss of appetite
(5) Nausea and vomiting
(6) Low-grade fever
(7) Pale or clay-colored stools
(8) Dark urine
(9) Generalized itching
How is it diagnosed?
There are several blood tests that can be done to determine if one has been infected with HCV. Your doctor may order one or a combination of these tests.
a) Anti-HCV (antibody to HCV) :-
EIA (enzyme immunoassay): This test is usually done first. If positive, it should be confirmed
RIBA (recombinant immunoblot assay): A supplemental test used to confirm a positive EIA test
Anti-HCV does not tell whether the infection is new (acute), chronic (long-term) or is no longer present
Qualitative tests to detect presence or absence of virus (HCV RNA)
Qualitative tests to detect amount (titre) of virus (HCV RNA)
Hepatitis virus serology with negative antibody to hepatitis A and hepatitis B
ELISA assay to detect hepatitis C antibody
Hepatitis C PCR test
Elevated liver enzymes
Liver biopsy showing acute or resolving hepatitis
What is the treatment?
Some patients with hepatitis C benefit from treatment with interferon alpha or a combination of interferon alpha and ribavirin.
Interferon alpha is given by injection just under the skin and has a number of side effects, including flu-like symptoms, headaches, fever, fatigue, loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, depression, and thinning of hair. Treatment with interferon alpha may also interfere with the production of white blood cells and platelets.
Ribavirin is a capsule taken twice daily, and the major side effects are severe anaemia (low red blood cells) and birth defects. Women should, therefore, avoid pregnancy during and for 6 months following treatment.
Recently, a version of interferon alpha with a longer half-life (pegylated interferon alpha) has been introduced, and the longer half-life means the injections are taken weekly instead of the three times a week with standard interferon alpha. Pegylated interferon alpha and ribavirin lead to a sustained response in approximately 50% of patients. A sustained response means that the patient remains free of hepatitis C virus 6 months after stopping therapy. People with hepatitis C should avoid any substances toxic to the liver (hepatotoxic). All patients with hepatitis C should be immunized against hepatitis A and B also.
People with hepatitis C should also be careful not to take vitamins, nutritional supplements, or new over-the-counter medications without first discussing it with their doctor. Patients with hepatitis C should avoid alcohol. Even moderate amounts of alcohol speed up the progression of hepatitis C, and alcohol reduces the effectiveness of the treatment.
What are the complications?
Chronic hepatitis
Cirrhosis
What is the prevention?
One should avoid contact with blood or blood products whenever possible. Health care workers should practice universal precautions when handling blood and body fluids.
One should not inject of abuse, and especially not share needles with anyone. One should be cautious when getting tattoos and body piercings done.
Hepatitis C Virus causes an inflammation of the liver. The hepatitis C virus (HCV) is found in the blood of persons who have this disease. HCV is spread by contact with the blood of an infected person.
What are the causes?
Hepatitis C infection is caused by the hepatitis C virus (HCV). Persons who may be at risk for hepatitis C are those who:
(1) Received blood, blood products, or solid organs from a donor who has hepatitis C
(2) Have injected street or shared a needle with someone who has hepatitis C
(3) Have been on long-term dialysis for kidney failure
(4) Have frequent contact with blood on the job such as doctors
(5) Share personal items, such as toothbrushes and razors, with someone who has hepatitis C
(6) Are born to hepatitis C infected mothers
What are the symptoms?
Many people who are infected with the hepatitis C do not have symptoms. Hepatitis C is often detected during blood tests for a routine physical or other medical procedure. The following symptoms could occur:
(1) Jaundice
(2) Abdominal pain in the right upper abdomen
(3) Fatigue
(4) Loss of appetite
(5) Nausea and vomiting
(6) Low-grade fever
(7) Pale or clay-colored stools
(8) Dark urine
(9) Generalized itching
How is it diagnosed?
There are several blood tests that can be done to determine if one has been infected with HCV. Your doctor may order one or a combination of these tests.
a) Anti-HCV (antibody to HCV) :-
EIA (enzyme immunoassay): This test is usually done first. If positive, it should be confirmed
RIBA (recombinant immunoblot assay): A supplemental test used to confirm a positive EIA test
Anti-HCV does not tell whether the infection is new (acute), chronic (long-term) or is no longer present
Qualitative tests to detect presence or absence of virus (HCV RNA)
Qualitative tests to detect amount (titre) of virus (HCV RNA)
Hepatitis virus serology with negative antibody to hepatitis A and hepatitis B
ELISA assay to detect hepatitis C antibody
Hepatitis C PCR test
Elevated liver enzymes
Liver biopsy showing acute or resolving hepatitis
What is the treatment?
Some patients with hepatitis C benefit from treatment with interferon alpha or a combination of interferon alpha and ribavirin.
Interferon alpha is given by injection just under the skin and has a number of side effects, including flu-like symptoms, headaches, fever, fatigue, loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, depression, and thinning of hair. Treatment with interferon alpha may also interfere with the production of white blood cells and platelets.
Ribavirin is a capsule taken twice daily, and the major side effects are severe anaemia (low red blood cells) and birth defects. Women should, therefore, avoid pregnancy during and for 6 months following treatment.
Recently, a version of interferon alpha with a longer half-life (pegylated interferon alpha) has been introduced, and the longer half-life means the injections are taken weekly instead of the three times a week with standard interferon alpha. Pegylated interferon alpha and ribavirin lead to a sustained response in approximately 50% of patients. A sustained response means that the patient remains free of hepatitis C virus 6 months after stopping therapy. People with hepatitis C should avoid any substances toxic to the liver (hepatotoxic). All patients with hepatitis C should be immunized against hepatitis A and B also.
People with hepatitis C should also be careful not to take vitamins, nutritional supplements, or new over-the-counter medications without first discussing it with their doctor. Patients with hepatitis C should avoid alcohol. Even moderate amounts of alcohol speed up the progression of hepatitis C, and alcohol reduces the effectiveness of the treatment.
What are the complications?
Chronic hepatitis
Cirrhosis
What is the prevention?
One should avoid contact with blood or blood products whenever possible. Health care workers should practice universal precautions when handling blood and body fluids.
One should not inject of abuse, and especially not share needles with anyone. One should be cautious when getting tattoos and body piercings done.
Peritoneal Mesothelioma Cancer Symptoms,Treatment,Cause,Risk Factors
What is Peritoneal Mesothelioma Cancer?
Peritoneal Mesothelioma is a tumor of the membrane Peritoneum.
The peritoneum is a thin membrane in the organs in the abdomen consisting of mesothelial cells.
Peritoneal mesothelioma is a disease that affects the lining of the abdomen or peritoneum.
It is caused by exposure to asbestos, which has been widely used in many industrial products, such as cement, brake linings, roof shingles, flooring products, textiles, and insulation.
The peritoneal form of mesothelioma is a relatively uncommon type of cancer that accounts for less than a quarter of all mesothelioma cases.
It is inconspicuous until decades after asbestos exposure.
Many cases are found through routine abdominal x-rays and CT scans showing something different than normal.
Peritoneal Mesothelioma Symptoms:-
Symptoms may include abdominal pain, abdominal swelling, a change in your bowel habits, such as more frequent diarrhea or constipation, lumps of tissue in the abdomen and unexplained weight loss.
Peritoneal Mesothelioma Treatment:-
Peritoneal mesothelioma treatments are classified into localized treatments and systemic treatments. Systemic treatments are whole body treatments like chemotherapy. Localized treatments include surgery and radiotherapy.
Radiation therapy or radiotherapy uses high energy rays (like x-rays) to kill cancer cells in the affected area.
Chemotherapy for peritoneal mesothelioma controls symptoms and tries to slow the cancer down. This therapy is used to kill mesothelioma cells by injecting anti-cancer drugs that are usually injected into a vein.
New treatments include Photodynamic, gene, angiogenesis, and immunotherapy that could hold the key to turning the tide on this deadly, debilitating, and tragic disease.
Peritoneal Mesothelioma is a tumor of the membrane Peritoneum.
The peritoneum is a thin membrane in the organs in the abdomen consisting of mesothelial cells.
Peritoneal mesothelioma is a disease that affects the lining of the abdomen or peritoneum.
It is caused by exposure to asbestos, which has been widely used in many industrial products, such as cement, brake linings, roof shingles, flooring products, textiles, and insulation.
The peritoneal form of mesothelioma is a relatively uncommon type of cancer that accounts for less than a quarter of all mesothelioma cases.
It is inconspicuous until decades after asbestos exposure.
Many cases are found through routine abdominal x-rays and CT scans showing something different than normal.
Peritoneal Mesothelioma Symptoms:-
Symptoms may include abdominal pain, abdominal swelling, a change in your bowel habits, such as more frequent diarrhea or constipation, lumps of tissue in the abdomen and unexplained weight loss.
Peritoneal Mesothelioma Treatment:-
Peritoneal mesothelioma treatments are classified into localized treatments and systemic treatments. Systemic treatments are whole body treatments like chemotherapy. Localized treatments include surgery and radiotherapy.
Radiation therapy or radiotherapy uses high energy rays (like x-rays) to kill cancer cells in the affected area.
Chemotherapy for peritoneal mesothelioma controls symptoms and tries to slow the cancer down. This therapy is used to kill mesothelioma cells by injecting anti-cancer drugs that are usually injected into a vein.
New treatments include Photodynamic, gene, angiogenesis, and immunotherapy that could hold the key to turning the tide on this deadly, debilitating, and tragic disease.
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