Thursday 27 July 2017

What changes come in boys and girls when they hit puberty?



Puberty is the period during which adolescents reach sexual maturity and the body is prepared to be capable of reproduction.

People say that puberty is all about raging hormones. It’s true as hormones that were hibernating suddenly awaken and signal the body to enter puberty. A person might think this doesn't mean a lot, but hormones cause the changes that are associated with puberty. There are various signs of puberty which are as follows:

Timing of Puberty: Puberty starts at different times and lasts for different periods of time for everyone. In girls puberty may start between the age of 10 to 14 years of age, however, in boys it happens little late i.e. between 12 to 16 years of age.

The sequence of puberty is from breast development to complete physical maturation that may take a year and a half or last as long as 6 years and this is very difficult for girls as some of their peers may have entered and completed puberty before they have even started. However, there is no way to slow or speed up the process. People have heard that girls mature more quickly than guys, and that is somewhat true, since girls usually enter puberty about 2 years earlier than boys.

Breasts: Development of breast begins between 8 years of age and 13 years of age and continues through puberty and that development starts with the flat area around the nipple (areola) becoming enlarged and some breast tissue forming under the nipple however, each breast is distinct and the areola no longer appears swollen, when breast development is complete. There is no way to try to make your breasts larger or smaller other than going through plastic surgery, which is not always a very safe or healthy alternative as breast size varies from woman to woman. 

Pubic Hair: Along the vaginal lips, the outer opening of your private parts, pubic hair starts growing. The hair grows like an inverted triangle and becomes darker and coarser and sometimes, the hair spreads to the insides of thighs, as well.

Growing: Puberty results in an average growth of about 3.5 inches a year, when a person go through a growth spurt during puberty then person’s head, hands, and feet are the first things to grow and then growth in arms and legs, and finally torso and shoulders catch up with the rest of a person’s body. Everyone goes through that awkward phase and you are not alone if it's any consolation however height growth is accompanied by an increase in weight and this weight gain is perfectly normal and a part of puberty. Without gaining this weight, you cannot grow taller, develop breasts, or getyour first period.


Acne: Finally when underarm hair begins to grow, and your sweat and oil producing glands also start developing and this eventually results in acne when these glands are clogged during puberty. In order to avoid breakouts, you should wash your face twice daily. If you still regularly break out, you may want to speak to a dermatologist.

Tuesday 25 July 2017

How Do You Know If You Have Peptic Ulcer?



Peptic ulcer is a disease condition which has no definite pattern with climate, diet, geographic location or culture. The incidence of peptic ulcer is on the increase in many developing countries.

Peptic ulcer is a break in the wall of the gastrointestinal tract as a result of exposure to the actions of gastric secretions which include hydrochloric acid and pepsin.

Recent research findings now show that peptic ulcers are not only caused by gastric secretions but also by bacteria (Helicobacter pylori). The part of the gastrointestinal tract commonly affected by ulcer includes the oesophagus, stomach and duodenum. The jejunum could be affected sometimes after surgical anastomosis (connection) to the stomach.

Types of peptic ulcer

  • Gastric ulcer: This affects the stomach. It is mostly located on or near the lesser curvature of the stomach.
  • Duodenal ulcer: This is located in the first 2cm of the duodenum away from the pylorus.

Peptic ulcer also can be classified as acute if it is sudden and of short duration, and chronic if it is of long duration.

Gastric and duodenal ulcers present with many similarities. Nevertheless, there are also identifiable differences between the two forms of ulcer.

Some types of peptic ulcer heal fast and completely while others refuse to heal completely they become chronic. There is also the tendency for some forms of ulcer to recur.

Signs and symptoms of peptic ulcer

  • Burning abdominal pain: Abdominal pain that has a burning or gnawing (chewing) sensation is characteristic of peptic ulcer. This pain comes as a result of the hydrochloric acid of the stomach touching the nerve endings of the stomach or the duodenum.
  • Heartburn: This is a burning sensation felt in the oesophagus which is mostly due to regurgitation or reflux of acid from the stomach. This often manifests as burning sensation around the chest region.
  • Abdominal pains 2-3hrs after food: This is usually coming up as the stomach begins to get empty. The gastrin or gastric acid produced gets in direct touch with the sore surface of the stomach thereby producing pains.
  • Pain at night: Pain can also occur in the night. Duodenal ulcer pain is often felt around the back while gastric ulcer pain is felt on the boundary between the abdomen and the chest (epigastric region).
  • Indigestion: Indigestion is often a common occurrence in peptic ulcer.
  • Vomiting: Vomiting and the feeling to vomit (nausea) are also very common.
  • Pains relieved by antacids: Peptic ulcer pains are often relieved on taking antacid tablets or suspension. The antacid helps to dilute the effect of the gastric acid thereby bringing a relief to the person.
  • Weight loss: Patient is likely to lose weight as a result of recurrent gnawing pain and vomiting or nausea.

Symptoms of peptic ulcer that require immediate action

Should you experience any of the listed symptoms, there would be need for you to inform your gastroenterologist immediately as these symptoms are considered an emergency:
  • Sudden increase in abdominal pain: If there is a sudden increase in the abdominal pain or the quality of the pain is sharp then notify your gastroenterologist.
  • Vomiting of blood: If you vomit a bright red blood or vomitus that is coffee ground in colour it means there may have been some form of intestinal perforation.
  • Blood in your stool: If there is black or tarry stool, there has been intestinal bleeding. Call your gastroenterologist.
  • Fainting: If you experience a fainting attack, it could be a sign of severe intestinal bleeding. Call your gastroenterologist immediately.

Monday 24 July 2017

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Peptic ulcers are painful sores or ulcers that develop in the lining of the stomach, lower esophagus, or small intestine (the duodenum), usually as a result of inflammation caused by the bacteria H. pylori.
  • It can also occur due to continuous erosion of the secreting acids.
  • It can also occur due to long term use anti-inflammatory medicine such as aspirin or ibuprofen.
  • Peptic ulcer can get worse if not treated.

Types of Peptic ulcer:

There are three types of peptic ulcers:
  • Gastric ulcers: ulcers that develop inside the stomach
  • Esophageal ulcers: ulcers that develop inside the esophagus
  • Duodenal ulcers: ulcers that develop in the upper section of the small intestines, called the duodenum

Causes of peptic ulcer:

Different causes of peptic ulcer may include:

Risk factors of peptic ulcer:

There are certain things which can increase the risk of peptic ulcer, they are:
  • Having spicy food
  • Being at age of 50 or older
  • Smoking or chewing tobacco
  • Stress
  • Drinking alcohol
  • Some medical problems such as lung, kidney and liver disease
  • Having long term anticoagulant, anti-inflammatory and steroid drugs

Symptoms of peptic ulcer:

Certain symptoms may include:

Diagnosis of peptic ulcer:

Certain diagnosis technique may include:
  • Test for H.pylori- Certain blood  and stool test must be done to look for H.pylori bacteria in the body
  • Upper GI- X-rays of stomach, esophagus and small intestine is done by using a barium contrast X-ray method so that the areas of ulcer can e seen and treated.
  • Endoscopy- An endoscopy can e done to detect ulcer for the person who are at higher age that 45 and may have high risk of stomach cancer, or have difficulty swallowing or anemia.

Treatments of peptic ulcer:

Certain treatments would include:
  • Medications- use of antibiotics, proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) may help to relive the symptoms and release stomach acid.
  • Change of lifestyle- Change of lifestyle and preventing the risk factors of ulcer can help to reduce the symptoms of ulcer.
  • An upper endoscopy can treat a bleeding a ulcer.


Saturday 22 July 2017

Renal artery stenosis : Causes, Symptoms, Diagnosis, Risk factor and Treatment

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Renal artery stenosis is the narrowing of the one or more arteries that carry blood to the kidneys. It prevents the normal amounts of oxygen-rich blood to reach the kidneys.


Causes of renal artery stenosis:

There may be two main causes of stenosis:

  • Atherosclerosis of the renal arteries: Atherosclerosis is the bulid up of fats and other deposits in the artery walls, as the deposits gets larger, they  can harden, reduce blood flow and cause scarring of the kidney. Which can further cause narrowing of the artery and stenosis
  • Fibromuscular dysplasia: In this case, the muscles of the artery walls grows abnormally. It can cause the renal artery to narrow so much that kidneys doesn’t get adequate supply of blood and can become damaged.

Other rare causes can be:

  • Inflammation of blood vessels
  • Neurofibromatosis (a nervous system disorder that cause tumours to develop in nerve tissues)

Risk factors of renal artery stenosis:

Certain risk factors may include:


Symptoms of renal artery stenosis:

Renal artery stenosis usually have no symptoms or signs. It can be developed suddenly during any other tests.

A problem can be suspected by a doctor if there is:

  • High blood pressure that begins suddenly and worsens
  • High blood pressure before age 30 or after age 50
  • Elevated protein levels in the urine
  • Fluid overload and swelling in the body’s tissue

Diagnosis of renal artery stenosis:

Certain diagnose techniques may include:


Treatments of renal artery stenosis:

There may certain treatment procedures, which include:

  • Lifestyle changes- Changing certain lifestyle to decrease blood pressure, such as to be physically active, reduce stress levels, eating aa healthy diet etc.

  • Medication- Certain medications can be used to treat high blood pressure associated with renal artery stenosis, such as:
  • Angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors and angiotensin II receptor blockers (ARBs)- It helps to relax the blood vessels and block the formation of angiotensin II which narrows the blood vessels.
  • Diuretics- It help body eliminate excess sodium and water
  • Beta blockers- It widens the blood vessels and help the heart beat slower


Surgery- In some severe cases surgery may be the option to remove stenosis, which are:


  • Renal angioplasty and stenting-The narrowed vessels if opened up and a device si placed that helps the vessel to remain open and allows better blood flow.
  • Renal artery bypass surgery- Making a new route for the blood to reach the kidney by grafting a substitute blood vessel to the renal artery.


Friday 21 July 2017

Stroke

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Stroke, sometimes called a "brain attack," happens when blood flow is cut off to a part of the brain, stopping the cells from getting the oxygen they need to live. Brain cells may recover, but after a few minutes, they could die, resulting in permanent damage.

·        Approximately 800,000 people have a stroke each year; about one every 40 seconds
·        Strokes occur due to problems with the blood supply to the brain, either the blood supply is blocked or a blood vessel within the brain ruptures, causing brain tissue to die.
·        A stroke is a medical emergency, and treatment must be sought as quickly as possible
·        Types and causes of stroke:
·        Ischemic stroke- It happens when a blood vessel that takes blood to your brain gets blocked. Often, it's by a blood clot that travels from one part to another part of the body. For example, fatty deposits in arteries can break off, flow to the brain, and cause blood clots. It is the most common type of stroke
·        Hemorrhagic stroke-happens when a blood vessel in the brain bursts and bleeds, which can damage the tissue. They're less common but more serious. Uncontrolled High Blood Pressure and over-using blood thinners can lead to this kind of stroke.
·        Transient ischemic attack (TIA)- It is a "mini stroke" from a temporary blockage. Although it doesn't cause permanent brain damage, it may cause stroke symptoms that could last minutes or hours

Risk factors of stoke:

There are many conditions which can increase the risk of having a stroke, it may include:
Symptoms of stroke:
  • Confusion, including trouble with speaking and understanding
  • Headache, possibly with altered consciousness or vomiting
  • Numbness of the face, arm or leg, particularly on one side of the body
  • Trouble with seeing, in one or both eyes
  • Trouble with walking, including dizziness and lack of co-ordination.
Diagnosis of stroke:

Stroke is a medical emergency, with the appearance of symptoms, a patients must be shifted to hospital as fast as possible. Certain diagnosis includes:
  • Physical examination: A doctor will ask about the patient's symptoms and medical history. They may check blood pressure, listen to the carotid arteries in the neck and examine the blood vessels at the back of the eyes, all to check for indications of clotting
  • Blood tests: A doctor may perform blood tests in order to find out how quickly the patient's blood clots, the levels of particular substances (including clotting factors) in the blood, and whether or not the patient has an infection
  • CT scan: A series of X-rays that can show haemorrhages, strokes, tumours and other conditions within the brain
  • MRI scan: Imaging of the brain to detect damaged brain tissue
  • Carotid ultrasound: An ultrasound scan to check the blood flow of the carotid arteries and to see if there is any plaque present
  • Cerebral angiogram: Dyes are injected into the brain's blood vessels to make them visible under X-ray, in order to give a detailed view of the brain and neck arteries
  • Echocardiogram: A detailed image of the heart is created to check for any sources of clots that could have traveled to the brain to cause a stroke.
Treatment of stroke:

·         In case of ischemic stroke:

·     Treatment can begin with drugs to break down clots and prevent further ones from forming.
·     Aspirin can be given, as a Tissue plasminogen activator (TPA). TPA is very effective at dissolving clots but needs to be injected within 4.5 hours of stroke symptoms manifesting themselves.
·  In case of emergency, TPA is directly pushed in the artery of the brain usinga  catheter, or using a catheter to physically remove the clot

In case of hemorrhagic stroke:

·    Treatment can begin with drugs being given to reduce the pressure in the brain, overall blood pressure, prevent seizures and prevent sudden constrictions of blood vessels.
·     Surgery can be used to remove small arteriovenous malformations (AVMs) if they are not too big and not too deep within the brain. AVMs are tangled connections between arteries and veins that are weaker and burst more easily than other normal blood vessels
·   Surgery can be used to repair any problems with blood vessels that have led or could lead to hemorrhagic strokes.

Rehabilitation programmes:

·     Speech therapy - To help with problems producing or understanding speech. Practice, relaxation and changing communication style, using gestures or different tones
·       Physical therapy - To help a person relearn movement and co-ordination
·    Occupational therapy - To help a person to improve their ability to carry out routine daily activities, such as bathing, cooking, dressing, eating, reading and writing
·     Joining a support group - to help with common mental health problems such as depression that can occur after a stroke.
·    Support from friends and family – To provide practical support and comfort. Letting friends and family know what can be done to help is very important.

Thursday 20 July 2017

Brain Abcess : Causes, Risk Factor, Diagnosis, Symptoms and Treatment

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A brain abscess is a collection of pus, immune cells, and other material in the brain, usually from a bacterial or fungal infection. It is mostly formed by bacterial infection; a fungal infection can be caused in weak immune system.

  • Brain abscess forms when fungi, viruses, or bacteria reach your brain through a wound in your head or an infection somewhere else in the body.
  • Heart and lung infections are among the most common causes of brain abscesses.
  • But brain abscesses can also begin from an ear or sinus infection, or even an abscessed tooth.
  • It can occur in any age, but most frequent in ages above 60.


Causes of brain abscess:

  • Brain abscesses commonly occur when bacteria or fungi infect part of the brain. As a result, swelling and irritation (inflammation) develop.
  • Infected brain cells, white blood cells, live and dead bacteria or fungi collect in an area of the brain. Tissue forms around this area and creates a mass, or abscess.
  • The germs that cause a brain abscess can reach the brain through the blood. Or, they enter the brain directly, such as during brain surgery. In rare cases, a brain abscess develops from an infection in the sinuses.
  • The source of the infection is often not found. However, the most common source is a lung infection. Less often, a heart infection is the cause


Risk factors of brain abscess:

Certain risk factors which increases the chances of infection may include:

  • A compromised immune system due to HIV or AIDS
  • Cancer and other chronic illnesses
  • Congenital heart disease
  • Major head injury or skull fracture
  • Meningitis
  • Immunosuppressant drugs, such as those used in chemotherapy
  • Chronic sinus or middle ear infections
  • Certain birth defects allow the infection to reach brain more easily, such as tetralogy of fallot, which is a heart defect.   


Diagnosis of brain abscess:

Diagnosis of brain abscess may be done by certain methods, which include:

  • Blood cultures- to know for infection in the blood
  • Chest x-ray- To see any suspected infection in lungs
  • Complete blood count (CBC)
  • Head CT scan
  • Electroencephalogram (EEG)-to test the electric impulses in the brain
  • MRI of head
  • Testing for the presence of antibodies to certain germs
  • Lumbar puncture or spine tap- Taking a small amount of cerebral spinal fluid to see any further problems in brain other than infection


Symptoms of brain abscess:

Certain symptoms may include:

  • Differences in mental processes, such as increased confusion, decreased responsiveness, and irritability
  • Decreased speech
  • Decreased sensation
  • Decreased movement due to loss of muscle function
  • Changes in vision
  • Changes in personality or behaviour
  • Vomiting
  • Fever
  • Chills
  • Neck stiffness, especially when it occurs with fevers and chills
  • Sensitivity to light


Treatments of brain abscess:

Brain abscess is a medical emergency; it should be treated immediately to prevent any further worsening condition, which may include:

Medication is the treatment procedure if certain abscess are:

  • A small abscess (less than 2 cm)
  • An abscess deep in the brain
  • An abscess and meningitis
  • Several abscesses (rare)
  • Shunts in the brain for hydrocephalus (in some cases, the shunt may need to be removed temporarily or replaced)
  • An infection called toxoplasmosis in a person with HIV/AIDS


Surgery is  done in certain cases:

  • Increased pressure in the brain continues or gets worse
  • The brain abscess does not get smaller after medicine
  • The brain abscess contains gas (produced by some types of bacteria)
  • The brain abscess might break open (rupture)
  • The brain abscess is large (more than 2 cm)


Surgical technique is always avoided as it can bring certain complications

Wednesday 19 July 2017

Bladder Cancer: Symptoms, Causes, Treatment and more


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Bladder cancer is a type of cancer that develops in your bladder- a hollow balloon-shaped mostly muscular organ that stores urine until ready for release. Bladder cancer starts most often in the cells that are located inside the bladder. Bladder cancer is not limited to any age but often seen in older adults. 

Bladder cancer is highly treatable, only when it is diagnosed at an early stage. However, bladder cancer is likely to recur. Only for this reason, bladder cancer survivors have to undergo follow-ups to check for bladder cancer recurrence. 


Symptoms associated with bladder cancer

Signs and symptoms of bladder cancer may include: 


Causes of bladder cancer

The manner in which bladder cancer grows and progresses is not fully understood. However, a number of factors have been identified. Cancer-causing agents in cigarette smoke and various industrial chemicals top the charts. In fact, cigarette smoking is responsible for 50 percent of all bladder cancer cases across the world. Moreover, 20 to 25 percent of bladder cancer cases are due to long-term workplace exposure to chemical compounds such as paints and solvents. Presence of carcinogens in the blood stream makes the bladder a high risk organ for cancer, particularly in smokers. Most of the bladder cancer cases start in the inner lining of the bladder. 


Tests and diagnosis for bladder cancer

Tests and procedures used to diagnose bladder cancer may include:

    • Cystoscopy: In cystoscopy, the doctor inserts a narrow tube through your urethra. The tube contains a lens and fiber-optic lighting system which enables the doctor to see the inside of your urethra and bladder.
    • Biopsy: During cystoscopy, your doctor may use a special tool to collect a cell sample for testing. This process is called transurethral resection (TUR).
    • Urine cytology: A sample of urine is taken and then analyzed under a microscope to check for cancer cells.
    • Imaging tests: Imaging tests enables your physician to look at the structures of your urinary tract. Tests to highlight the urinary tract sometimes use a dye, which is injected into a vein before the procedure.

Treatments for bladder cancer

The treatment for bladder cancer is based on a number of factors including the kind and stage of the cancer, your overall health, and your treatment preferences. Some of the treatment methods include:


    1. Surgery to remove the tumor: Transurethral resection is commonly applied to eliminate bladder cancers that occur in the inner layers of the bladder. The process involves the doctor passing a mall wire loop through a cystoscope and into your bladder. The loop burns away cancer cells with an electric current.
    2. Surgery to remove the tumor and a small portion of the bladder: It is often known by the name segmental cystectomy or partial cystectomy, where the surgeon removes only the portion of the bladder that contains cancer cells.
    3. Immunotherapy: Immunotherapy, commonly known as biological therapy operates on the signals given by your body's immune system to help fight cancer cells. Biological therapy for bladder cancer is usually administered through your urethra and directly into the bladder.
    4. Chemotherapy: Chemotherapy may be used to kill cancer cells that might remain post surgery. Different drugs are used in combination to interfere with the production of cancer cells. Drugs can be given through a vein in your arm or administered directly to your bladder.

It’s easier to cope with the after effects of treatment when you connect with other bladder cancer survivors who are experiencing the same fears you're feeling.

Tuesday 18 July 2017

Renal artery stenosis : Causes, Symptoms, Daignosis and Treatment

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Renal artery stenosis is the narrowing of the one or more arteries that carry blood to the kidneys. It prevents the normal amounts of oxygen-rich blood to reach the kidneys.

  • It is mostly seen id order people with atherosclerosis (hardening of the artery)
  • Over time it can get worse, which can lead to high blood pressure (hypertension) and then to kidney damage or failure.


Causes of renal artery stenosis:

There may be two main causes of stenosis:

  • Atherosclerosis of the renal arteries: Atherosclerosis is the bulid up of fats and other deposits in the artery walls, as the deposits gets larger, they  can harden, reduce blood flow and cause scarring of the kidney. Which can further cause narrowing of the artery and stenosis
  • Fibromuscular dysplasia: In this case, the muscles of the artery walls grows abnormally. It can cause the renal artery to narrow so much that kidneys doesn’t get adequate supply of blood and can become damaged.


Other rare causes can be:

  • Inflammation of blood vessels
  • Neurofibromatosis (a nervous system disorder that cause tumours to develop in nerve tissues)


Risk factors of renal artery stenosis:

Certain risk factors may include:

  • Aging
  • High blood pressure
  • High cholesterol
  • Diabetes
  • Obesity
  • Smoking or other tobacco use
  • Family history of kidney diseases


Symptoms of renal artery stenosis:

Renal artery stenosis usually have no symptoms or signs. It can be developed suddenly during any other tests.

A problem can be suspected by a doctor if there is:

  • High blood pressure that begins suddenly and worsens
  • High blood pressure before age 30 or after age 50
  • Elevated protein levels in the urine
  • Fluid overload and swelling in the body’s tissue


Diagnosis of renal artery stenosis:

Certain diagnose techniques may include:

  • Blood test and urine test to measure the elevate kidney function
  • Kidney ultrasound, which shows the size and structure of the kidney
  • Doppler ultrasound, which measures blood flow speeds in the arteries of the kidney
  • Magentic resonance anteriogram and computed tomographic angiography, imaging study that uses a special dye to produce 3-D images of kidney and blood vessels.


Treatments of renal artery stenosis:

There may certain treatment procedures, which include:

  • Lifestyle changes- Changing certain lifestyle to decrease blood pressure, such as to be physically active, reduce stress levels, eating aa healthy diet etc.
  • Medication- Certain medications can be used to treat high blood pressure associated with renal artery stenosis, such as:
    • Angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors and angiotensin II receptor blockers (ARBs)- It helps to relax the blood vessels and block the formation of angiotensin II which narrows the blood vessels.
    • Diuretics- It help body eliminate excess sodium and water
    • Beta blockers- It widens the blood vessels and help the heart beat slower
  • Surgery- In some severe cases surgery may be the option to remove stenosis, which are:
    • Renal angioplasty and stenting-The narrowed vessels if opened up and a device is placed that helps the vessel to remain open and allows better blood flow.
    • Renal artery bypass surgery- Making a new route for the blood to reach the kidney by grafting a substitute blood vessel to the renal artery.