Health Care

Gastroesophageal/Reflux Disease-cure

2011-03-07T21:08:00.000-08:00

gastroesophageal/ Reflux disease (GERD), reflux disease gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), gastric reflux, or acid reflux disease is chronic symptoms or mucosal damage caused by gastric acid from the stomach into the esophagus [1]. A typical symptom is heartburn.

GERD is usually caused by changes in the barrier between the stomach and esophagus, including abnormal relaxation of lower esophageal sphincter, which normally has the upper stomach is closed, impaired expulsion of gastric reflux or esophageal hiatal hernia. These changes may be permanent or temporary ("transient").

Another type of acid reflux, which causes respiratory symptoms and larynx, it is called laryngeal reflux (LPR) or reflux disease extraesophageal (EERD). Unlike GERD, LPR, it is unlikely heartburn, and is sometimes called silent reflux.

Gas pain

2010-03-17T17:50:00.001-07:00

Gas pain is often felt as a sharp, jabbing or crimpy pain in the abdomen due to the build-up of gas. Symptoms are often intense, but occur briefly. Gas pain is often caused by swallowed air, foods producing gas or certain discomfort due to this condition is relieved when the accumulated gas inside the body is expelled out by either burping or passing out gas through the anus (as flatus).

Advice:

• Learn to eat slowly and avoid gulping or taking in air. Also, eat less and fatty foods.
• Avoid chewing gum or sucking hard candy.
• Avoid sipping through straws or drinking from narrow-mouthed bottles.
Avoid carbonated drinks and beer

Feminine Hygiene

2010-03-12T00:16:00.001-08:00

Feminine Hygiene should be observe by women daily to prevent the occurrence of vaginal problems, e.g. vaginal infection, urinary tract infections or other genital disorders. Such practice is carried out on a daily basis especially in women who have active sexual lifestyles and women having their monthly period. Lack of feminine hygiene may lead to various vaginal irritations, e.g. allergic reactions to chemicals that are found in sanitary napkins, creams, spermicidal and douches.

Advice:

• Practice good hygiene. Wash the genital area thoroughly at least once a day.
• Avoid using harsh and perfumed soaps as they may cause irritation.
• Women should always wipe gently from front to back to avoid infecting the vagina with bacteria coming from the fecal route.
• As much as possible, use loose pants and cotton underwear.

Dysmenorrhea

2010-03-12T00:15:00.000-08:00

Dysmenorrhea, also known as menstrual pain, is characterized b cramping of the lower abdomen experienced by woman just before and during their menstrual period Such sensation is caused by high level of prostaglandin production. Dysmenorrhea is not life-threatening but the discomfort associated with the condition can be severe enough to interfere with everyday activities for a few days every month.

Advice:

• Apply a hot water bottle or heating pad on the lower abdomen to help relieve the pain.
• Drink plenty of water, avoiding salt and caffeine, to prevent water retention and bloating.
• Eat a healthy diet, rich in iron, calcium and vitamin B complex. Avoid skipping meals.
• Rest and relaxation may alleviate the pain during menstrual periods.

Dry Eye

2010-03-08T17:13:00.000-08:00

Dry eye occurs when the quantity or quality of the tears that wet a person’s eye diminishes .the condition may be caused b a deterioration in tear production, excessive tear evaporation or a defect in mucus or lipid production found in the tear layer. It may be brought about by the natural aging of the tear glands or certain diseases, e.g. Sjogren’s syndrome, neurotrophic keratitis (decreased sensitivity to the cornea), and thyroid disease.

Patient Advice

• Make sure that you always see your ophthalmologist at least once a year. Annual exams help detect dry eye early and may help prevent the development of a more serious eye disorder.
• Stay away from allergens and other agents that may give you dry eye. These include pollen grains and cigarette smoke.

Diarrhea

2010-03-05T18:31:00.000-08:00

Diarrhea – is a condition characterized b the passing of abnormally loose strools at vary and may include a change in the diet, food intolerance, inflammatory bowel disorders, drug-induced infection or a viral infection.

Patient Advice:

• Avoid sodas or other drinks high in glucose since its sugar content may draw fluid into the gut thereby worsening the condition. Do not give any food for 24 hours.
• After 24 hours, eat only bland, dry foods, avoid grains and uncooked fruit and vegetable. Fatty food and diary products may only be eaten after 48 hours.
• If diarrhea persists for more than 48 hours, seek medical advice.

Diaper Rash

2010-03-05T18:30:00.000-08:00

Diaper Rash the most common infant disorder is diaper Rash, a kind of dermatitis or skin irritation due to prolonged contact or sensitivity to urine. Stools or moisture arising from infrequent changing of diapers these conditions render the skin more susceptible to bacterial or fungal infection.

Patient Advice:

• Change your baby diapers as often as possible.
• Try not to use diapers on certain hours of the day to allow the skin of your baby to “breathe” by exposing it to air.
• For cloth diapers, always make sure that they are washed thoroughly to avoid the build-up of bacteria.
• Use a hypoallergenic soap in bathing your baby. This way, skin irritation is minimized.
• Avoid using tight-fitting, plastic overalls.

Diabetes

2010-03-05T18:29:00.000-08:00

Diabetes or diabetes mellitus, is a condition wherein there is a lack of insulin in the body. Insulin, a hormone released b the pancreas, is necessary for breaking down the blood sugar and converting it to energy. In the event that the body does not produce enough insulin, their will be a rise in the blood sugar level.

Patient advice:

• Exercise regularly and maintain an ideal body weight. Check with your physician before taking on any form of exercise routine.
• Check your body regularly for wounds or infections that never heal.
• Monitor your blood or urine sugar regulary.
• Lessen your intake of foods rich in sugar and carbohydrates.

Diabetes

2009-12-17T21:31:00.000-08:00

Diabetes, or diabetes mellitus, is a condition wherein there is a lack of insulin in the body. Insulin, a hormone released by the pancreas, is necessary for breaking down blood sugar and converting it to energy. In the event that the body does not produce enough insulin, their will be a rise in the blood sugar level.

PATEINT ADVICE:
• Exercise regularly and maintain an ideal body weight. Check with our physician before taking on any form of exercise routine.
• Check your body regularly fro wounds or infection that never heal.
• Monitor your blood or urine sugar regularly.
• Lessen your intake of foods rich in sugar and carbohydrates.
• Avoid fatty foods and foods rich in cholesterol including red meat, high-fat dairy product.

Dengue

2009-12-12T18:21:00.000-08:00

Dengue fever (DF) is a viral infection that affects infants, young children and adults, and may occur mostly during and shortly after the rainy season in tropical and subtropical regions. It is transmitted to human through the infected bites of female Aedes mosquitoes, usually Aedes aegypti.

PATIENT ADVICE:
• Keep patients under mosquito netting until the second bout of fever is over when they are no longer contagious.
• Drink plenty of fluids to prevent dehydration and maintain an adequate diet.
• For personal protection, use mosquito repellant sprays that contain DEET when visiting places where dengue is endemic. Also, wear long pants and long sleeves.

Delayed Menstruation

2009-12-11T21:02:00.000-08:00

Delayed periods are interrupted menstrual period that abruptly stop after previous regular periods. Delayed periods are abnormal and may affect fertility. Pregnancy is the most common cause of such condition. The absence of periods may extend even after giving birth as breastfeeding mothers often experience the absence of periods, or amenorrhea, as well; how ever, ovulation may still occur and pregnancy is possible even without menstruation.

PATIENT ADVICE:
• Try to change your lifestyle by eating the right diet.
• Taking on moderate-not vigorous-workout regimen is also highly recommended.
• Learn how to reduce stress in your everyday life by trying to relax and rest every once and a while.

Dehydration

2009-12-10T18:05:00.000-08:00

Dehydration is defined as the loss of the body water of fluids. The first sign of dehydration is thirst and can easily be relieved b drinking. If the water lost is not replenished within a few days, severe dehydration develops, a condition that requires immediate medical attention.

Patient Advice
• Drink plenty of fluids in warm weather; before, during, or after strenuous exercise; or if you have diarrhea. Do not take alcoholic beverage.
• Take oral rehydration salts (ORS).
• Go to the emergency room of the nearest hospital if someone who is dehydrated show signs of shock.

Dandruff

2009-12-10T18:03:00.000-08:00

Dandruff is natural metabolic condition characterized by excessive shedding of dead cells in scalp. The scales are silver-grey, in patches or diffuse, and may separate fully or become detached only after combing.

PATIENT ADVICE:
• Shampoo everyday to remove excess of oil in the scalp. Use a
mild anti-dandruff shampoo.
• Switch to another shampoo if the regular anti-dandruff shampoo does not work.
• Rotate shampoo brand to avoid resistance.
• Avoid excesses use of hair cosmetics like gel, mouse, and hair spray.
• Allow the hair to dry naturally.
• Avoid scratching to the itchy scalp.

Constipation

2009-08-13T02:39:00.001-07:00

Bowel movements may vary among healthy people. Normal bowel movement ranges from three times daily to three times weekly. Any abnormal decrease in a person’s usual bowel movement frequency and/or pain during stool passage is termed as Constipation. Accumulation or compaction of the intestinal contents leads to stool hardening resulting to a difficult defecation.

PATIENT ADVICE:
• A regular high-fiber diet is strongly recommended. However, avoid adding too much fiber too quickly in order to prevent excessive gas and possible diarrhea. This should be tried before any laxative is used.
• Regular exercise and physical activities are vital in preventing constipation.
• Try to drink atleast 8-12 glasses of water or other liquids each day.

Cold sores

2009-08-13T02:35:00.000-07:00

Cold sores or fever blisters, are caused by herpes simplex virus type I which is a different herpes virus compared to “shingles”. Cold sores usually occur on or around the lips or the nose. They are clinically known as labial herpes or herpes labialis and are characterized by clusters of fluid-filled blisters. Cold sores develop into certain stage. Tingling Stage, Blisters Stage, Weeping Stage and Scab Stage.

PATIENT ADVICE:
• Use sunscreen or wear a wide-brimmed had to avoid reactivation of the virus by exposure to sunlight.
• Keep the cold sore moist, avoiding dry cracked areas.
• Applying ice or warm compresses to the blisters may ease the pain.
• A virus causes cold sores. Applying astringent on the cold sore will not help.
• Keep a hygienic lifestyle.
• Maintain a healthy lifestyle to increase the body’s defence against such infection
• Children should strictly avoid close contact with people with cold sores and avoid other children with herpetic stomatitis. They should not share utensils, glasses, or food with actively infected people.

Colds

2009-07-29T18:07:00.000-07:00

Colds are caused by a virus. it is usually spread via coughing or sneezing and by direct contact. The virus enters the body through the mouth or nose or even through hand-to-hand contact with someone who has cold or by using shared objects. The common cold does not cause any harm, but can cause discomfort. If left untreated or unchecked by a physician, a long-standing bout with the common cold may lead to complications, including otitis medea, sinusitis, strep throat, chronic bronchitis and pneumonia.

PATIENT ADVICE:
• Rest and stop all exercise. Staying at home will give your body a chance to recuperate and prevent you from infecting others with colds. Wear a mask especially if you live or interact with someone who has a chronic disease or a compromised immune system.
• Drink plenty of fluids, particularly hot fluids.
• Inhale steam to loosen nasal congestion and ease expulsion of mucus. Recommended taking medicines, but not for more than a few days.
• Warm moist air helps relieve some cold symptoms.
• Wash your hand frequently and teach children the importance of washing hands thoroughly with soap and water.
• Avoid sharing drinking glasses, cups, and other utensils to avoid transmission of the infection

Bruise

2009-07-28T19:07:00.002-07:00

Bruise is a type of injury that is commonly caused by a blunt impact, like a fall or trauma, result in damage of the soft tissues, including small blood vessels (capillaries). When these small blood vessels break, blood leaks into the tissues underneath the skin, and the skin becomes discoloured, hence producing a bruise. Bruise start as pink to red in color which turns bluish, and finally changes to greenish yellow. Bruises are not that serious and may heal by themselves after about 2 to 3 weeks as the blood is absorbed by the tissues and carried away. However, head blows require immediate attention, as these may result in a broken skull, hence may cause serious internal injury. In old people, a bruise may occur spontaneously. This is normal since blood vessels become weaker through age and should not because for alarm. Similarly, individuals with vitamin C deficiency are more prone to developing bruises because Vitamin C plays a major role in preventing the blood vessels from becoming leaky.

PATIENT ADVICE:
• If the bruise is accompanied by swelling, elevate the bruised area for 48 hours to minimize blood circulation at the affected tissues.
• Apply a cold compress or ice pack for at least 15 to 20 minutes each hour to reduce the swelling. Application of cold compress will cause narrowing of the blood vessels resulting in less leakage of the blood vessels into the nearby tissues. However, do not put ice in direct contact wit skin. To help ease the pain, the ice pack may be alternated with a heat pack for the next 48 hours.
• If you are talking any medicines, checked your medicines as some medicines may cause bruising. Examples include aspirin, steroids, antidepressnts, and anticoagulants.
• Topical analgesics may also be applied in cases where pain accompanies the condition.

Body ache

2009-07-28T19:07:00.001-07:00

Body ache is any felt in any or all parts of the body. It is common complaint and is often associated with muscle overuse and injury from doing unfamiliar exercise or work. It takes about 48 hours for the body to heal from minor overuse. Body ache may also be brought about by tension or stress, muscle strain or trauma including sprains. It may occur as a single symptom, however, its presence usually indicates another condition especially if accompanied by fever and headache.

PATIENT ADVICE:
• When muscles are strained, resting them for a few hours can do a lot to help relieve body pain.
• Regular mild exercise can also prevent the emergence of body pain.
• When undergoing strenuous physical activity, make sure to do it gradually and in small increments so as to avoid strain.
• Cold or warm compresses and gentle massage can help relieve muscle ache from overuse and trauma.
• Stretching exercise prior to any strenuous physical activity can help prevent body aches and pains.
• Consult a physician about body pain resulting from injuries.

ASTHMA

2009-07-27T18:00:00.001-07:00

Asthma is the most common chronic, non-contagious respiratory condition occurring in children. It is defined as chronic inflammatory disorder of the airways as result of an allergic reaction that affects the respiratory tubules of the lungs, causing an overreaction by the lining of the bronchioles to various stimuli, e.g. dust, stress, and excitement. The inflammation causes obstruction of the air passages, which are often reversible, and manifests in the form of recurrent breathing problems. The condition occurs in both children and adults, although the condition is often more complex among children. Asthma occurs more frequently among boys than in girls. However, the trend changes after puberty, infection, allergenic, environmental, socio-economic and psychosocial factor. Examples are dust, pet hair, extreme emotion, food, etc.

PATIENT ADVICE:
• Reduce or remove as many asthma triggers from the environment of the child as possible.
• Use filters or hair ionizers to help make the air in the home cleaner and more comfortable.
• Make sure to clean the house regularly, especially in areas where dust mites tend to thrive and accumulate.
• In case of an attack, the child should immediately be instructed to rest and gevin the prescribed medication immediately.

Anemia

2009-07-27T17:59:00.002-07:00

Anemia is the most common blood disorder and occurs when the concentration of hemoglobin in the blood falls below normal range fro the age and gender of the individual. In addition, the number of red blood cells (erythrocytes) is also decrease. Hemoglobin is the component of red blood cells that carry oxygen from the lungs to the tissues. The most common form of anemia is iron-deficiency anemia. Iron is an essential component of hemoglobin and a deficiency of iron in the diet results in low levels of haemoglobin. Other causes of iron-deficiency anemia include poor iron absorption in the body and blood loss. This deficiency usually occurs in women of childbearing age but may also occur in infants, children and adolescents during rapid growth spurts. Pernicious anemia is a type of anemia that occurs when a person lacks a substance (intrinsic factor) that is necessary to absorb and process vitamin B12. it is often hereditary and usually occurs in the elderly. Folic acid deficiency anemia is characterized by abnormally large but few red blood cells (megaloblastic). Poor diet with alcoholism is the most common cause of folate deficiency. It is present in malabsorption problems, and certain medications (e.g., anticonvulsant) may also cause folic acid deficiency. Symptoms of this type of anemia include weight loss, diarrhea and reduced exercise endurance.

SYMPTOMS:
• Pallor fatigue
• Reduced exercise endurance and rapid, noticeable heartbeat, sore tongue, loss of appetite, weight loss, memory loss, disturbed gait and balance, and numbness in the hands and feet.
• Weight loss, diarrhea and reduced exercise endurance.

PATIENT ADVICE:

• Eat a balanced diet that includes iron-rich foods, e.g., fruits, lean meat, beans, whole-grain bread and green leafy vegetables.
• Too much iron can be dangerous. Excess iron intake has been associated with an increased risk for cirrhosis, cardiomyopathy, diabetes and certain cancers. Iron supplements should be taken only upon the advice of the physician.
• Foods high in folic acid and vitamin B12 include fish, dairy products, meats, legumes, dark leafy vegetables, orange whole grains.
• Consumption of alcohol should be limited and prescribed folic acid supplements should be taken during pregnancy to avoid folic acid-deficiency anemia.
• Make sure to wear shoes or slippers at all times to avoid worm infestations.
• Avoid too much exposure to gasoline products, insecticides, chemicals and other toxic agents as they may also cause anemia.

Andropause

2009-07-27T17:59:00.001-07:00

As man ages, changes in the body occur. Over the years, physiological changes occur resulting in characteristic changes. This condition is known to as ANDROPAUSE, where the male androgen level decreases as the sex binding hormone globulin (SHBG) increase. Such change brings about symptoms experienced by males.

PATIENT ADVICE:
• Maintain an optical diet.
• Exercise regularly to help strengthen the bones and keep your body fit.
• Learn stress-management techniques that will enable you to minimize stress.
• Reduce alcohol intake.
• Stop smoking.
• Once you the age of 45, see to it that you consult your physician at least once a year.

Allergic Rinitis

2009-07-27T17:58:00.000-07:00

The body is equipped with antibodies to protect it from harmful organism, e.g. viruses and bacteria. However, there are instance wherein the immune system reacts to harmless substances causing inflammation and other allergic symptoms. Allergic Rhinitis results from the exaggerated response of the immune system to certain allergens present in the atmosphere. It is a combination of symptoms mostly prevalent in the nose and eyes.

PATIENT ADVICE:
• Avoid allergens that cause hay fever whenever possible.
• When cleaning the house, always cover the nose with a handkerchief or a facemask.
• Pets should be kept outside. If not possible, they should be confined to carpet-free areas outside the bedroom. Bathing cats and dogs frequently will help reduce allergens.
• Replace curtains with blinds or shades and wash beddings regularly with hot water.
• Control the nasal symptoms to help improve the eye symptoms.
• Start the treatment early and take the medication regularly.

Acne

2009-07-27T17:53:00.000-07:00

Acne is common skin condition that causes outbreak of skin lesions commonly called pimples. Acne lesions occur mostly on the face, neck, back, chest and shoulder. People commonly affected with this condition fall within 14- to 19- year old age group, although people in their 20s 30s may also experience acne, sometimes reappearing at menopause.
Acne is characterized by comedones which are formed when the openings of the hair follicles become clogged with oil secretions and dead skin cells. Although acne is not a serious health threat, severe acne can lead to disfiguring and permanent scaring.

PATIENT ADVICE:
• Acne dose not mean you are dirty or unhygienic.
• Twice daily washing with soap or a soap substitute [ not antiseptic] is enough. There is no need to wash your face frequently.
• Keep your hair off your face. Hair; especially if greasy, can worsen the blocked pores.
• Use water-based cosmetics instead of cake make up. Use a gentle make up remover.
• Treatment of existing acne (pimples) will not make it disappear any faster but will help prevent further pimples. This is why it may take 1-2 weeks before the skin improves.
• Avoid squeezing or pricking pimples. Doing so may cause scarring.
• Mild exposure to sunlight may be helpful, but wear a non-oily sunscreen and try to avoid perspiring to much.
• Eating a balanced diet also contributes to a healthy skin.
• Relax every now and then; know that stress is also a factor in the development of acne.