Scurvy Definition

It is a disorder resulting from an acute deficiency of Vitamin C, or ascorbic acid, in the daily diet.

The condition leads to various problems, such as:

• Gum disease
• Weakness
• Skin hemorrhages
• Anemia

The disease is also known by various other names, such as:

• Scorbutus
• Vitamin C deficiency
• Moeller’s disease
• Cheadle’s disease

People affected by this disorder generally feel depressed and appear pale and partly immobilized.

Scurvy Incidence

This is a rare disease in the United States. The condition is particularly predominant in underdeveloped regions and third-world countries that suffer from a deficiency of Vitamin C. The prevalence is wider in populations that have a low amount of fruits and vegetables as their part of daily diet.

Scurvy History

At one time, the condition was common among seamen and pirates who were in ships and had limited amounts of perishable fruits and vegetables. Such people mainly survived on dried grains and salted meats. Such diets provided their body with little or no Vitamin C and caused Scurvy. The condition was described by Hippocrates, the renowned medical practitioner who is regarded as the Father of Medicine.

In the winter of 1556, an epidemic of Scurvy plagued the European population. The outbreak was later attributed to the deficiency of vegetables and fruits in the winter months of that year. This was one of the earliest reported instances of Scurvy epidemic. But it was not until in 1742 that a British doctor named James Lind stated that there was a definite association between Scurvy and diet. He was the first person to report about this disorder.

Scurvy ICD9 Code

The ICD9 code for this disorder is 267.

Scurvy Causes

Scurvy, or the subclinical form of the disease, results from a deficiency of Vitamin C in the body. In modern Western communities, adults rarely suffer from the condition although older individuals and infants are affected. The process of pasteurization destroys Vitamin C. It is due to this reason that babies who are fed ordinary milk from feeding bottles sometimes suffer from Scurvy in case they are not given adequate amounts of vitamin supplements.

Babies of mothers who consume very high doses of Vitamin C during maternity can suffer from Infantile Scurvy. In infants, the condition is sometimes referred to as Barlow’s disease.

Scurvy Risk Factors

Elderly adults and children who do not get adequate nutrition are the most affected by this condition. The other risk factors for this disease include:

Unhealthy diet

Individuals who neglect their diet on a regular basis, such as illegal drug users, alcoholics, mentally ill or older people are prone to this disease.

Allergy diets

Following diets that are extremely restrictive in an attempt to control specific allergic conditions.

Crash diets

People who follow certain diets that exclude foods high in protein and low in carbohydrate are also susceptible to this disorder.

Eating disorders

Individuals suffering from eating disorders such as Bulimia or Anorexia nervosa are also at risk of developing the condition.

Fussy eating habits

People who are fussy in eating habits, such as not eating vegetables and fruits, can also suffer from this condition.

Smoking

Smokers suffer from additional stress on their body and require more amounts of Vitamin C to cope with the problem. Naturally, they are often found to develop this disease.

Scurvy Symptoms

The signs and symptoms of this disorder can be differentiated into:

Early symptoms

The majority of the early symptoms of the disorder are mild and similar to that of many common ailments. A sufferer may not visit a doctor for remedy under the false assumption that they are suffering from flu or other self-limiting condition.

Some of the non-specific signs of the disease may include:

• Nausea
• Fever
• Diarrhea
• Fatigue
• Loss of appetite
• General feeling of malaise
• Painful muscles and joints
• Small bleeding spots around the hair follicles that can be seen in the skin

Late symptoms

The signs of severe Scurvy are more particular in nature. These may include:

• Loose teeth
• Slow-healing wounds
• Bulging eyes (Proptosis)
• Scaly, dry and brownish skin
• Opening of previously healed scars
• Extremely dry hair that curls and breaks off close to the skin
• Bleeding into the skin (severe and easy bruising)
• Swollen, spongy and purplish gums which are susceptible to bleeding
• Premature obstruction of bone growth (in children and babies).
• Bleeding into the joints and muscles, which results in regions of inflammation over the bones of the legs and arms

In kids, the deficiency can result in painful inflammation of the legs along with vomiting, diarrhea and vomiting. In adults, the initial signs of the condition can include aches, tiredness and weakness.

A common sign of this disorder is the development of small red blood-blisters to larger purple botches on the skin of the legs. Wounds may start healing at a slower pace and the scars that have healed may begin to break down. The gums bleed and swell easily, eventually resulting in loosened teeth. Pain may also occur in the joints and muscle.

Scurvy Diagnosis

The diagnosis of this condition can be conducted with physical examination and the analysis of medical history of affected individuals. Physicians may also ask patients detailed questions about their dietary habits. Diagnostic tests for this disease may include:

• X-rays of joints in areas like the ribs, wrist and knee
• Blood tests, to determine the iron and Vitamin C levels of sufferers

Scurvy Differential Diagnosis

The symptoms of this disorder are easily confused for those of Osteomyelitis. Physicians should distinguish the symptoms of Scurvy from those of Osteomyelitis as well as other similar disorders, such as:

• Acrodynia
• Child abuse and neglect
• Clotting factor deficiencies
• Senile purpura
• Necrotizing gingivitis
• Thrombophlebitis
• Medication side effects
• Vitamin D deficiency and related disorders
• Platelet dysfunction (eg, immune thrombocytopenic purpura)
• Disseminated intravascular coagulation
• Hypersensitivity vasculitis (Leukocytoclastic vasculitis)
• Hematologic malignancies (such as Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia)
• Autoimmune diseases (like Henoch-Schönlein purpura, systemic lupus erythematosus, Sjogren syndrome)

Some other disorders that should also be taken into consideration include the following:

• Septic Arthritis
• Rheumatic Fever
• Rheumatoid Arthritis
• Pediatric Syphilis
• Pediatric Poliomyelitis
• Meningococcemia
• Osteomyelitis
• Retinoblastoma Imaging
• Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever

Scurvy Treatment

The disorder is comparatively easy to cure. An affected individual needs to increase his or her daily intake of Vitamin C. A physician may recommend use of a short-term course of supplements, generally a minimum of 250mg on a daily basis, to make relief from the symptoms faster. Bleeding in the gums and the skin is likely to stop within 24 hours after the beginning of treatment. Muscle and joint pain may take a few weeks to go away.

A Vitamin C-rich diet and the short-term intake of supplements may help cure other nutritional deficiencies, such as anemia. Physicians may need to address underlying problems like alcoholism or eating disorders.

In some cases, physicians may also recommend patients that they consult a dietician for a proper diet that can help them recover from this disorder.

Scurvy Prognosis

If the disorder is recognized at an early stage, treatment with Vitamin C is effective in bringing about a successful outcome for patients. If left untreated, however, the disease may cause death of sufferers.

Scurvy Complications

The growth of the long bones in the legs and arms is typically reduced in babies and young kids suffering from this disease. This is due to the reason that Vitamin C deficiency prompts the growth plates to harden prematurely in the bones.

Untreated scurvy may give rise to complications in sufferers of all ages. The problems include:

• Anaemia
• Heart attack
• Death

Unless addressed in time, the disorder may give rise to life-threatening consequences for its sufferers. Naturally, it is important to cure the condition as early as possible.

Scurvy Prevention

The condition can be prevented by increasing the intake of Vitamin C in the daily diet. The human body is unable to manufacture this vitamin from other compounds. This vitamin needs to be consumed as a part of the daily diet as the body cannot store the component for extended periods of time. Animals, however, do not face this problem as their body is able to synthesize their own Vitamin C.

The dietary sources of this component include:

• Kidney
• Liver
• Vegetables, specifically green vegetables such as broccoli, capsicum, cabbage and spinach
• Fruits such as lemons, limes, strawberries, oranges, grapefruits, tomatoes, mangoes, kiwifruits, and blackcurrants

Intake of supplements containing the RDA of Vitamin C can also help sufferers prevent a deficiency. Infants who are weaned to cow’s milk from breast milk require a supplement comprising of Vitamin C.

Precautions for taking Vitamin C

The intake of large amounts of Vitamin C can be harmful for sufferers. It is advised that you never take Vitamin C in more than the recommended dosage without the knowledge and approval of your doctor.

An overdose of Vitamin C can give rise to various problems, which include:

• Nausea
• Diarrhea
• Abdominal cramps
• History of kidney stones
• Kidney stones in people suffering from kidney disease
• Reduced effect of certain prescription drugs, such as some blood-thinning medications

It is advised that you get in touch with your physician to avoid such complications.

Scurvy Pictures

Take a look at these images to know how the skin of people affected by this disorder appears to view.

Picture 1 – Scurvy

Picture 2 – Scurvy Image

If you suspect yourself or any of your family members to be suffering from Scurvy, seek medical attention on an early basis and increase your daily intake of Vitamin C. Proper treatment of the disease can help you recover from the disorder while it is still at an early stage, and avoid all its possible future complications.

References:

http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/000355.htm

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Scurvy

http://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/bhcv2/bhcarticles.nsf/pages/Scurvy

http://www.nhs.uk/Conditions/Scurvy/Pages/Symptoms.aspx

The post Scurvy appeared first on Prime Health Channel.

What is Vitamin B12 Deficiency?

As the name indicates, it is a condition characterized by a lack of the water soluble vitamin known as B12. A deficiency of this vitamin, which is vital for physical processes, increases the risk of heart attack and can damage the nerve cells apart from giving rise to a host of other problems.

The disorder is also referred to as Hypocobalaminemia.

What is Vitamin B12?

Also referred to as Cobalamin, it is an important vitamin that is necessary for a number of vital functions of the body. Along with the B vitamin folate, it helps create the genetic material of the human body. It helps maintain the levels of the amino acid known as homocysteine – which is supposed to reduce the risk of heart attacks. It is also important for the manufacture of red blood cells or RBCs which transport oxygen to various tissues of the body through blood.

Vitamin B12 Deficiency ICD9 Code

The ICD9 Code for this disorder is 266.2.

Vitamin B12 Deficiency Incidence

The exact incidence of the condition is not known. However, it is estimated to affect anywhere between 300,000 to 3 million people in the United States. According to certain studies, the disorder has a 3-40% incidence in the general population.

Vitamin B12 Deficiency Causes

The condition can arise due to a number of factors:

Impaired digestive systems

It typically arises in individuals who have defective digestive systems that fail to properly absorb the B12 vitamin from the foods that they consume. The vitamin, before being utilized, must be processed inside the stomach. It must also be absorbed inside the small intestine to enter the bloodstream. If the stomach fails to produce adequate amounts of the necessary enzymes or acids, or if the small intestine fails to absorb the vitamin, a deficiency can arise as a result.

AIDS and other disorders

Disorders of the small intestine like Crohn’s disease or surgical removal of a part of the small intestine can lead to too little absorption of the B12 vitamin. People suffering from AIDS may also have trouble in absorbing this nutrient.

Side effects of certain medications

Some medicines may also interfere with the absorption of the B12 vitamin. These include medications like:

• Colchicine, used for curing gout
• Phenytoin, used to cure seizures
• Metformin, for the treatment of diabetes
• Acid-reducing drugs, that are used to cure ulcers

Those suffering from low levels of Vitamin B12 and using any of the above drugs should consult their doctors and seek some alternative medicines.

Low dietary intake of Vitamin B12

As the vitamin can mainly be found in animal products, vegetarians can also suffer from a deficiency of this vital component. Those who are strict vegetarians and do not consume any animal products such as eggs, meat or even milk, are the most susceptible to this condition.

Even those vegans who consume milk products and eggs are at risk of suffering from the condition as they tend to consume lower than half of the recommended amount of the B12 vitamin.

Being born to B12-deficient mothers

Babies, who are born to mothers deficient in this vitamin, also suffer from this condition.

Excessive alcohol consumption

Excessive consumption of alcohol can also hamper proper absorption of the vitamin.

Vitamin B12 Deficiency Risk Factors

The risk factors for this disease include:

Being of a certain age

The condition can affect people of any age group. However, it is found to arise more frequently in individuals aged between 40 and 70 years of age.

Being women

Pernicious anemia (PA), a natural consequence of this disorder, affects males and females equally in the United States. However, it is more prevalent in older females than males in Europe and Africa.

Being Hispanic

The prevalence of PA is higher in white population and may be reduced in black individuals and those of Hispanic origin.

Vitamin B12 Deficiency Symptoms

The condition gives rise to a host of problems in sufferers. A lack of B12 can cause Vitamin B12 Deficiency anemia. A moderate lack of the vitamin may only give rise to mild symptoms. However, as the anemia worsens, patients may experience more acute problems such as:

• Sore tongue
• Pale skin
• Rapid breathing
• Fast heartbeat
• Tiredness or fatigue
• Lightheadedness
• Constipation or diarrhea
• Weight loss
• Stomach upset
• Tendency to bleed or bruise easily, including bleeding from gums

Unless the deficiency is treated on time, the nerve cells may suffer damage. In such cases, the symptoms may include:

• Difficulties in walking
• Changes in mood
• Depression
• Numbness or tingling in the toes and fingers
• Disorientation, dementia or loss of memory

In infants, unless diagnosed and treated within a short time, the condition may cause acute and permanent damage to the nervous system. Women who follow a vegetarian diet and have just become mothers should get in touch with a doctor and have the level of B12 checked in their babies.

Vitamin B12 Deficiency Diagnosis

Doctors usually begin the diagnosis of this syndrome by asking patients about the symptoms that they have been experiencing. This is followed by a physical examination, in which physicians look for the following symptoms:

• Paleness or yellowness of skin
• Tachycardia, or abnormally fast heart rate
• Changes in the eyes
• Elevated body temperature
• Enlarged spleen (Splenomegaly)

Patients are likely to exhibit even more symptoms. Based on the severity of the disorder, they may also experience pinpricks and loss of temperature sensations.

This may be followed by a number of tests, which include:

Blood tests

These exams reveal a deficiency in the level of B12 vitamin in blood. A lack of this component, and the presence of clinical symptoms of the disorder, confirm the diagnosis. Complete Blood Count (CBC) may indicate the presence of anemia.

Schilling test

In this method, a sufferer is administered with B12 in an injected or tablet form to assess whether it is being properly absorbed by the body.

Bone marrow test

In some cases, this exam may be carried out to diagnose the condition by allowing microscopic examination of cells.

Metabolite assessment

If the levels of Vitamin B12 in blood are borderline, blood may be tested for metabolites such as Methylmalonic acid and Homocysteine. This can help either affirm or rule out the diagnosis of B12 deficiency.

Vitamin B12 Deficiency Treatment

The aim of treatment of this disorder is to reverse the deficiency of the B12 vitamin. This is done by administering the supplements of the vitamin, in oral or injected form. In cases where the condition arises due to a dietary deficiency, the sufferer is to be educated on good sources of B12 and the importance of a well-balanced diet.

Those who refuse to consume animal products are prescribed Vitamin B12 supplements in an oral form for everyday usage. If the problem arises due to an underlying condition, treatment of the disorder is vital for successfully managing the disorder.

If the condition gives rise to complications, they need to be treated properly. Patients suffering from encephalopathy may get benefit from neuropsychological care. Those suffering from abnormalities in gait and balance may need physical and occupational therapy.

Vitamin B12 Deficiency Complications

Long-time sufferers of this condition tend to develop PA. PA sufferers have a higher risk of developing stomach cancers. If left without being treated, the disorder can result in acute neuropathies which include optic neuropathy, encephalopathy and myelopathy.

If you suspect yourself to be suffering from problems associated with Vitamin B12 Deficiency, consult a doctor and have a blood test done to analyze whether there is a reduction in the B12 levels of your body. Those deficient in Vitamin B12 may also suffer from a lack of other important nutrients. In such cases, the condition may be complicated by the occurrence of a number of other nutritional disorders.

In some rare cases, patients suffer from side effects arising due to Vitamin B12 supplementation. Very rarely, affected individuals suffer from hypersensitivity which is characterized by problems like:

• Itching
• Inflammation
• Shock

Sometimes, extremely high doses may result in acne problems. Other rare side effects include:

• Cardiac arrhythmia
• Dizziness
• Hot flushes
• Nausea
• Skin rash

Vitamin B12 Deficiency Prognosis

Affected people generally notice a significant improvement in their condition in 5-7 days, unless there is severe neurological involvement. Certain sufferers need vitamin therapy for as long as they live. Those who have suffered from motor abnormalities due to lack of Vitamin B12 for more than 6 months may only show a little response to treatment.

In acute cases, where treatment has been delayed for 6 months or more since the onset of nervous problems, affected people may suffer from permanent neurological problems and even have paralysis. In rare cases, death may also occur.

Those suffering from congenital cases of Vitamin B12 Deficiency have a less favorable outcome than those with acquired forms of the disorder.

Vitamin B12 Deficiency Prevention

Higher consumption of the following foods can help a majority of people avoid this condition:

• Milk
• Eggs
• Seafood
• Cheese
• Poultry
• Meat

If you do not consume animal products or suffer from a medical condition that prevents proper absorption of nutrients in your body, you are recommended to eat breakfast cereal containing B12 or have a B12-fortified multivitamin.

The amount of Vitamin B12 needed by a person depends on his or her age and gender. Other factors, such as pregnancy and ailments, are also essential to consider. Women who are in a stage of maternity or are breast-feeding their children, require higher amounts of the vitamin.

If you suspect yourself to be exhibiting the symptoms of Vitamin B12 Deficiency, consult a doctor to get your blood tested for this condition. If you test positive, seek treatment on an immediate basis to attain quick recovery. The faster you seek treatment, the quicker you can recover from this disorder.

References:

http://www.webmd.com/food-recipes/guide/vitamin-b12-deficiency-symptoms-causes

http://www.mdguidelines.com/vitamin-b12-deficiency

http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/002403.htm

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vitamin_B12_deficiency

The post Vitamin B12 Deficiency appeared first on Prime Health Channel.

Decompression sickness is the condition that arises due to the rapid decrease in pressure due to the dissolved gases that come out of the solution as bubbles and cause depressurization in the body. It is normally caused by an uncontrolled or an emergency ascent while one is diving. It is also known as the Diver’s disease, Caisson disease or the Bends decompression sickness disease. This disease is particularly experienced by the scuba divers on very poorly managed ascent, or aviators who fly in those aircraft which are pressurized inadequately.

Decompression Illness is a term that is used for a condition in which both decompression Sickness and Lung Expansion Injury are clumped under. This is due to the reason that both these diseases have similar medical treatment and they are almost identical. Decompression Sickness is a Diving disorder as the divers are caught up with this disease, since they may very often breathe a gas that is at a higher pressure than the pressure that is prevailing in the surrounding areas. This condition manifests those people those who have undergone frequent decompressions.

Decompression Sickness Definition

Decompression Sickness is a fatal condition that occurs due to the formation of nitrogen bubbles and precipitation of dissolved gases and bubbles in the body due to depressurization, and is mostly noticed in case of deep sea-divers and aeronauts.

Decompression Sickness Classification

The classification of the Bends Decompression Sickness is mostly according to its symptoms. Earlier people used to describe this disease by different conditions. They described it as bends when the pain would occur in the joints, as staggers, if there was some sort of neurological problem, and Chokes, if the person faced breathing problem. Decompression Sickness is classified as type 1, type 3 or type 3.

Decompression Sickness Type 1

This is the least serious type of Decompression Sickness. This takes the form of pain in the joints and in the body. This type cannot be termed as a life threatening one, although treatment measures need to be taken at this stage itself, or else it may progress to type 2. It characterizes itself in the following ways:

• Pain in the joints and loss of function of the joints
• Mild pain in the body
• Bends in the skin, that may cause burning sensation or itching in the skin
• Skin rashes, mottling, and swelling of the lymphs

This type of sickness occurs when there is an outflow of nitrogen bubbles from the solution and reaches the skin capillaries. This results in the formation of a red rash on the chest and the shoulders. Since this type causes pain in the joints, it is very essential to know that this pain is primarily caused due to the bubbles aggravating the bone marrow, tendons and the joints.

Decompression Sickness Type 2

The type 2 of Decompression Sickness is basically a serious form of this disease. It is characterized by an involvement of the nervous system in the pulmonary problems, circulatory problems and the lung symptoms. In this type decompression, pain is reported only for about 30% of the cases. Since the anatomy of the central and the peripheral nervous system is very complex, there are variations in the symptoms and signs of this disease.

Some of the common symptoms that appear on the occurrence of this type of decompression are:

• Back pain
• Incontinence or retention
• Paresthesia
• Loss in the control of the urinary sphincter

This condition can be classified as a life-threatening one, since it may go to the extent of causing a respiratory collapse. The main effects that ot causes are:

• Neurological Decompression sickness
• Cerebral Decompression Sickness
• Pulmonary Decompression Sickness.

Decompression Sickness Type 3

This type of sickness is basically a combination of the AGE and decompression sickness with some neurological symptoms. It is a very serious condition and may go to the extent of causing a serious threat to life of the individual.

Decompression Sickness Symptoms

Decompression sickness is mostly observed in the knees, shoulders, ankles and in the joints. It manifests itself in many ways. The most common symptoms of the Decompression Sickness are:

• Red rash on the skin
• Numbness
• Dizziness
• Blurred vision
• Confusion
• Vertigo
• Stomach Sickness
• Extreme fatigue
• Heart problems
• Ringing of the ears
• Pain in the joint and limbs
• Unconsciousness
• Headache and nausea
• Respiratory problems
• Blurred vision
• Weakness in the hands and legs
• Numbness and tingling
• Chest pain due to lung rupture
• Paralysis in severe cases
• Shortness of breadth
• Itching
• Feeling of tiredness

Signs of Decompression Sickness

There are certain signs that may demonstrate the occurrence of the decompression sickness. The most commonly occurring signs of decompression sickness are:

• Staggering
• Amnesia
• Tremors
• Collapse and unconsciousness
• Blood in cough
• Blotchy rash
• Problem in urination
• Problem in urination
• Personality changes
• Frothy sputum
• Instability
• Spasms of cough

Decompression Sickness History

The history of decompression sickness is very long. It was first experienced in 1670. Robert Boyle was the first one who demonstrated that a reduction in pressure can lead to the formation of bubbles in a living being. In 1769, Giovanni Morgagni described that the cause of death of a dead body was cerebral circulation. Then during 1870 to 1910, all the prominent features were established. In 1908, JS Haldane published “the Prevention of Compressed Air Illness”.  There was a similarity between the decompression sickness and the iatrogenic air that was noticed.

Decompression Sickness Causes

The primary cause of Decompression Sickness is the reduction in ambient pressure, due to which there is a formation of bubbles and some inert gases inside the tissues of the body. This condition also happens when a person leaves a high-pressure environment, or when he moves from a lower altitude to a higher one.

The main causes of this disease can be discussed in detail:

Leaving a High-pressure environment

There are certain regions, where this condition is particularly common. If a person comes out from a pressurized mine, he may experience a reduction in the atmospheric pressure. Similarly when astronauts come out from a space vehicle, for an extra-vehicular space activity, they experience a similar situation.

Ascent from Depth

This is the diver’s disease, affecting the divers who breathe a gas which is at a relatively higher pressure than the surface pressure. As the divers dive at a greater depth for a long period, the risk of Decompression sickness increases. Sometimes, when divers try breadth-holding, the risk of  Decompression Sickness increases.

Ascent to Altitude

Sometimes, when suddenly, an unpressurized aircraft ascends to a higher altitude, Decompression sickness becomes a very common problem in such a situation. Actually, there is no specific altitude that can be considered safe for everyone.

Decompression Sickness Aviation

This problem is commonly observed in case of aeronauts and aircraft flights. The technology today is such that the airplanes fly much faster than ever before. But as there is continuous increase in the flight of these planes, the risk of Decompression Sickness is continuously increasing. The problem of depressurization is continuously increasing.

Decompression Sickness Diagnosis

Generally, you can detect this condition, if you notice any of the symptoms of this disease occurring, due to a drop n pressure within 24 hours of diving. However, if the symptoms begin more than 6 hours following decompression, then alternative diagnosis method should be looked for.  MRI scans or CT scans can identify bubbles, still they are not very good methods of diagnosis.

Decompression Sickness Prevention

It is very important to prevent the Decompression Sickness, since it can lead to serious consequences in future, if allowed to continue. Some of the ways of preventing this condition are:

Diving

If the divers want to prevent the formation of bubbles, then they can limit the rate of their ascent to about 10 meters per minute, and may also carry a decompression schedule, as that may help. This schedule can help them, since this schedule allows the under-sea divers to carry the schedule that tells them whether they should remain at a particular depth, or move to a higher altitude, until there is an elimination of a particular amount of gas from the their body, before they can ascend to a higher altitude.

However, it is not always recommended to use a schedule for decompression sickness, since it does not completely protect one against this condition. Therefore the use of certain algorithms is preferable since these algorithms are designed in such a way, that they reduce the probability of decompression sickness to a very low level, but it does not completely reduce it to zero.

Exposure to high Altitude

Another very important way of preventing decompression sickness is Pre-breathing.  If one breathes pure oxygen, then there is a significant reduction in the nitrogen loads in the body tissue. This technique also offers protection upon the exposure to low-barometric pressure environments. But even this method has a drawback, due to which it cannot be availed by al. It is a comparatively expensive method, and logistically complicated, and therefore it is not always used.

Decompression Sickness Treatment

Whenever there is a case of decompression sickness, it should be treated with 100% oxygen treatment. This process should be continued until a hyperbaric oxygen therapy can be provided to the person suffering from this disease. Sometimes, if the conditions are mild, then it often disappears on the descent from the higher altitude. If the conditions seem to worsen, then only hyperbaric oxygen therapy can help.

Another effective method of treatment was the recompression on room air. This technique also utilizes oxygen, and is considered to be a standard care of this problem. Oxygen therapy has always increased the success of the recompression therapy. Sometimes, dehydration also helps. It is very beneficial to give fluids to the patient. Apart from this, Trendelenburg position and lateral decibitus position have also proved to be beneficial.  But it is not recommended for extended periods, since it may lead to cerebral edema problems.

Decompression Sickness Prognosis

If the correct treatment procedure, with recompression therapy and 100% oxygen treatment is followed, then there is no long term effect. But if there is a sort of long term injury from this disease, then it may even result in death. It may even lead to neurological sequelae in extreme cases.

Decompression Sickness Epidemiology

Decompression Sickness is a relatively rare disease, and its incidence is relatively more in males than in females. This disease affects the scuba divers in the US. Some of the people suffering from this disease also contain incidents of Arterial Gas Embolism. It is a fatal condition, when allowed to thrive. Therefore, adequate prevention measures must be taken to prevent the occurrence of this condition.

References:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Decompression_sickness

http://www.emedicinehealth.com/decompression_syndromes_the_bends/article_em.htm

http://www.thescubasite.com/Learn-To-Scuba-Dive/decompression-sickness-decompression-illness

http://www.wisegeek.com/what-is-decompression-sickness.htm

http://scuba.about.com/od/divemedicinesafety/

http://www.scuba-diving-smiles.com/scuba-diving-bends.html

The post Decompression Sickness appeared first on Prime Health Channel.

Why Do Mosquito Bite?

Picture 1 – Mosquito Bite
Source – picturesofinsectbites

It is typically female mosquitoes that bite a human. Male mosquitoes generally feed on plant juices and nectar while females feed on human blood. This is because female mosquitoes get from human blood nutrients that are essential for them to produce eggs.

How Does a Mosquito Bite?

Picture 2 – How Does a Mosquito’s Body Work ?
Source – google

The mouthparts of mosquitoes are specially designed to pierce the surface of animals and plants. They have special sensory receptors that help them become aware of sources of blood. They have special heat, chemical and visual sensors on their body. The chemical sensors let them be aware of presence of carbon dioxide.

When animals give out carbon dioxide while breathing out, mosquitoes can detect the source of Co2 and bite them.

What Do Mosquito Bites Look Like?

Picture 3 – Mosquito Bite Picture
Source – rkm

A Mosquito Bite typically looks like a mild red, raised bump over the skin surface.

Why Do Mosquito Bites Itch?

When a mosquito bites a human it actually pierces the body surface and injects a small quantity of its own saliva into the body. The saliva helps to dilute the blood and let it pass easily through the narrow snout of the mosquito.

But even after the mosquito has finished feeding, a small trace of saliva remains in the wound. The presence of this foreign substance instantly prompts a reaction from the immune system which results in itching. A bump arises over the skin as the immune system works to break down the protein component in the saliva. The itchiness and elevation lasts until the body has broken down all the protein.

Mosquito Bites Symptoms

Mosquito Bites can give rise to a number of symptoms like :

Inflammation

In Mosquito Bites swelling is one of the main symptoms. It arises as an automatic immune response of the body to the saliva injected by the mosquito bite. In severe cases, swelling can last for a few hours.

Itchiness

Itchiness is the main symptom of mosquito bites. Itchy feeling arises as a natural reaction of the body against the saliva, which is a foreign object. Itchiness may last for 5-6 hours in severe cases.

Malaria

This infective disease arises as a long term effect of a mosquito bite. It is caused by the transmission of Sporozoan parasites into the body of the victim through the sting of an infected Anopheles mosquito. The disorder causes chills and fever and may even give rise to death if left untreated or not treated properly.

Yellow Fever

This tropical disease results from an infection by the transmission of arbovirus from mosquitoes of type Aedes especially Haemagogus and A. Aegypti. It is marked by jaundice, high fever and also Gastrointestinal Haemorrhaging in some cases.

Dengue Fever

This severe infectious tropical disease results from an infection of the body by an arbovirus, a kind of RNA virus that is transmitted by mosquitoes. Such an infected Mosquito Bite causes highly discomforting Mosquito Bite effects like headaches, aching joints, muscular pain, rashes and fever.

Viral Encephalitis

This is a very painful disease that is characterized by swelling of the brain. It is generally caused by a virus transmitted by mosquitoes. It gives rise to symptoms like nausea, drowsiness, headache, neck pain and fever.

How To Treat Mosquito Bites?

Mosquito Bites treatment can be done by reducing the symptoms. Severe itchiness can be reduced with the aid of oral medicines like Benadryl and topical application of antihistamines.

Picture 4 – Mosquito Bites Picture
Source – buzzle

Antihistamines help to curb allergic Mosquito Bites. Corticosteroids like Triamcinolone and Hydrocortisone can also be used to control severe cases of swelling.

How To Get Rid Of Mosquito Bites At Home?

Home remedies can work as the best treatment for Mosquito Bites in some cases. Some of the ways to treat Mosquito Bites at home are :

Papain Solution

Mix Papain and water to make a paste. Apply this over the area stung by the mosquito. It helps break down the protein contained in the mosquito saliva and reduces symptoms very fast thus treating Mosquito Bites.

Hot Water Therapy

Heat water to a temperature of around 49 degree C. Run this over the stung area for some time. This will provide relief from itching symptoms.

Sudsy Ammonia

Apply ammonia found in home to wash the area immediately after the symptoms begin to occur. This will help reduce swelling and itchiness after bite.

How To Avoid Mosquito Bites?

Want to know how to stop Mosquito Bites? Using any of the following ways can work as effective Mosquito Bites Prevention. Avoiding mosquito bites is highly necessary to prevent complicated diseases like Dengue and Malaria.

Using Repellents

Use of repellents like Picaridin and DEET, Eucalyptus oil and Citronella Oil can keep mosquitoes away for a long time. Mosquitoes are driven away from a localized region as long as the repellents are in use. But many mosquito repellents contain allethrin which can cause breathing problems and irritation of the eye or nose.

Using Mosquito Nets

Hanging mesh mosquito nets around the bed can prevent mosquitoes from coming into contact with the skin surface.

Using Window Nets

Fitting nets over windows can also prevent entry of mosquitoes into your home to a great extent. It is a great way of preventing Mosquito Bites. These mosquito screens not only restrict entry of skeeters but also flies and many other small insects.

Mosquito Bite Pictures

Want to know how if the swelling on your arm is a result of mosquito bite? Check out these pictures of Mosquito Bites to make sure.

Picture 5 – Mosquito Bites Image
Source – azbowserfamily

Picture 6 – Mosquito Bites Photo
Source – essentialoilsforhealing

If you are suffering from serious discomforts from Mosquito Bites, try some home remedies. If the symptoms show no improvement even after several hours, it is best to call a doctor. Early medical treatment is necessary to treat Mosquito Bites, which can give rise to serious complications in some cases.

References:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mosquito_bites

http://www.wrongdiagnosis.com/risk/mosquito_bites.htm

http://www.wisegeek.com/why-do-mosquitoes-bite.htm

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mosquito_net

http://chemistry.about.com/cs/howthingswork/a/aa050503a.htm

The post Mosquito Bites – Pictures, Itch, Swelling, Prevention and Treatment appeared first on Prime Health Channel.

What is Underarm Odor?

This is a problem that needs no defining. It is the foul, offensive smell that is emitted from the armpit. It is a frustrating condition that affects many people around the world.

What Causes Underarm Odor?

Know about some of the main causes of Underarm Odor.

Accumulation of sweat

The problem mostly occurs due to accumulation of sweat in the armpits. However, sweat alone is not responsible for the foul odor. This is due to the fact that sweat itself has little or no detectable odor. The offensive smell is actually the result of bacterium that thrives in bodies that do not get enough oxygen. The odor is emitted when bacteria get mixed with sweat. When sweat is released through the armpits, it gets decomposed (broken down) and is then consumed by bacteria that are present in the underarm area. It is these bacteria which emit a foul-smelling chemical.

Food items

Certain food items contain a small amount of toxins that can get into the system during consumption. Naturally, the human body releases them through sweat as waste products. Consumption of these foods leads to a build-up of toxins within the body. The presence of these toxins is the reason behind foul armpit odor. Foods such as garlic and onions, spicy items, fast foods and beverages like coffee and alcohol may also give rise to armpit odor.

Diseases

Some other reasons that can cause excessive sweating and subsequently, foul underarm odor are liver disease, menopause, low blood sugar, emotional stress, metabolic dysfunction, etc. It has also been observed that sweating can be the symptoms of some serious health problems like fungal infections, kidney disease, liver disease, etc.

How to Eliminate Underarm Odor?

Bad armpit smell can be cured with the aid of deodorants, home remedies and natural remedies. Read on to know how to stop underarm odor by various methods.

Over-the-counter Underarm Odor Treatment

Armpit odor can be treated as well as prevented with the aid of deodorants as well as antiperspirants. Deodorants help in combating bacteria while antiperspirants cure the problem by preventing sweat production. Using these products after taking a shower or bath can help reduce strong underarm odor in women as well as men for several hours.

However, these products consist of several chemicals that may not be suitable for all users and produce side effects such as skin problems. If you have a history of allergenic reactions from using such products, it is better to try out some simple home remedies for getting rid of underarm odor.

Home Remedy for Underarm Odor

Cleanliness and personal hygiene are quite effective in treating underarm odor. Some hygienic methods that can help remove armpit odor problems include

Frequent bathing

People with this problem should take a shower frequently. If that is not possible, bathing at least twice a day can help avoid the odor. This is especially true for people who sweat a lot, especially during the summers. It is important to scrub the underarm area thoroughly with a soapy washcloth while bathing. This will help remove bacteria from the armpits.

Wearing loose-fitting clothes

It is also important to wear loose-fitting clothes that prevent accumulation of sweat and allow natural drying up of perspiration. It is for this reason that cotton or silk clothes are preferable to polyester or nylon garments. Clothes made of silk or cotton help sweat escape from armpits and prevent the development of a bad odor.

Shaving

Regularly shaving your underarm region can prevent development and growth of hair in the region. Hairs in armpits trap sweat, making its escape a slow process. This helps prevent the development of underarm odor.

Making dietary modifications

Changes in diet are also essential to remove underarm odor. If your diet includes foods like garlic, meat, exotic spices and onions, try removing them to make a recovery. Avoiding these foods will help you prevent toxins that are present in them.

Natural Remedies for Underarm Odor

Here are some natural remedies that you can try at home to avoid underarm odor. Unlike antiperspirants and deodorants, these are inexpensive and do not have any side effects.

White Vinegar

Alcohol white vinegar is one of the most effective home remedies to remove persistent underarm odor. Here is a step-by-step direction on how to use it. Pour a small amount of white vinegar in a bowl, soak a cotton ball in it and rub it onto your armpits after taking a bath. This will help you prevent underarm odor all through the day.

Witch Hazel

Witch Hazel is a great remedy for curing excessive underarm odor. Keeping it for sometime in the armpits after taking a bath can help you avoid an odor throughout the day.

Baking Soda

Take a small amount of baking soda. Apply it onto your armpits. This will help in absorbing the sweat as well as kill the bacteria.

How To Prevent Underarm Odor?

The development of bad armpit odor can be prevented in the following ways:

Drinking enough water

Water is supposed to be a natural cleanser of the body. Drinking plenty of water can naturally remove toxins from the body and prevent their accumulation in the system. A build-up of such toxins can result in offensive odor in the underarm region.

Making dietary changes

Removing foods like excess spices, onions, garlic and meat from your diet can help you avoid an accumulation in your body of toxins contained in them.

Following good hygienic practices

Proper hygienic practices such as changing clothes often and taking frequent baths can help reduce the smell generated by sweat in the armpits.

Underarm Odor in Young Children

Armpit odor is a common problem in young children as well as toddlers. This is mainly due to the onset of puberty which is normal in girls of about 8 years of age and boys around the age of 9. However, kids as young as 18 months old can also have excessive production of adrenal gland hormone.

Production of hormones is mostly supposed to be the factor behind armpit odor problem in children. Although no scientific research has proved this, hormones present in non-organic dairy products and meats are suspected to play a role in underarm odor in toddlers and infants.

Over-the-counter (OTC) antiperspirants or deodorants are quite effective remedies for some children while frequent baths, dietary modifications and loose clothes help cure the problem in others. For toddlers, keeping the armpit region clean and dry can help reduce the strength of odor.

Most of the aforementioned remedies are effective in reducing, controlling and preventing armpit odor. However, if you fail to get any relief despite such measures, it would be advisable that you consult a physician who can find the actual cause of the problem and eliminate it.

References:

http://www.naturalnews.com/004417.html

http://howshealth.com/armpit-odor-causes-treatment-and-remedies/

http://www.health911.com/body_odor

http://www.earthclinic.com/CURES/body_odor.html

The post Armpit (Underarm) Odor Causes, Remedies and Treatment appeared first on Prime Health Channel.