Health & Diseases

Kidney stones are small, hard deposits that form inside your kidneys. These stones first start out as a tiny crystal in the kidney where it can get flushed out with your urine or it could remain in the kidney where it will become larger overtime. Ask anyone who has ever had one and they will tell you that the larger the stone, the worse pain they bring. If you are experiencing pain and suspect a kidney stone, get to a Chicagoland hospital as soon as possible.

While most leave your kidneys while they are still relatively small and therefore rather painless, there are the others that can get stuck due their larger size and can cause severe pain. The pain first starts out in your side or back and moves towards your lower abdomen over time. The pain will be migrating as the kidney stones makes their way through your body. Nausea and vomiting, fever and chills and painful urination can all be symptoms. You should seek medical attention at one of the hospitals in the Chicago area if you experience pain so intense you can’t sit still or get comfortable, are vomiting or have a fever or chills.

Since most of us have heard horror stories about the pain incurred at the hands of a kidney stone, we all want to know how to prevent this from happening to us. While this might seem like a great plan, there is no known single cause. However, there are some factors that can cause some people to be more susceptible. Not drinking enough water throughout the day can increase your risk of developing one. While they can occur in people of any age, they are more prevalent in those who are 40 and older. If you eat a diet that is high-protein, high-sodium and high-sugar can also increase your risk. One factor that you cannot change is your genetics. If you are related to someone who has had kidney stones, you are more likely to develop them as well.

If your Momence, Illinois healthcare provider determines that you have a larger stone that needs treatment, there are several different options. One of the most interesting procedures involves using sound waves to break up the stones. These strong vibrations come from an extremely loud noise that could make you uncomfortable. A more radical approach is through a surgery that requires an incision in your back. There are some other treatments available, so make sure to consult your doctor for their medical advice.

Stopping a cold sore outbreak may seem difficult, however with the proper knowledge it can be quite simple. In order to heal the affected area fast you have to react quickly and in an efficient manner. The first defense you have against an outbreak is your immune system. To keep this working right, you have to eat properly and get enough rest. The healthier your body is, the stronger is it.

In order to cure a cold sore fast, you have to recognize the symptoms, this way you can take the precautions before the virus gets time to duplicate. Some symptoms that an outbreak can bring on are:

- tingling
- redness
- swelling
- itching
- irritation
- flu like symptoms

If any of these symptoms persist then it is most definitely a cold sore. This is the time to react proficiently and apply treatment. If proper treatment techniques are applied then your sore will never surface.

If a cold sore has appeared or feels like it is starting to appear then it is crucial to apply treatment. Immediately put ice in a plastic Ziploc bag, and press the ice on the affected area, this will reduce swelling and stop the virus from duplicating. Take 2000 mg of vitamin C and drink two cups of water along with 1 cup of green tea. Apply your favorite lip medication and relax. Do something that relieves stress, this will put your mind at ease and let your body deal with the outbreak.

Bumkins Diapers – Looking for a cloth diaper system that is easy to use? Check out our Bumkins packages. Made of all cotton inside and superb waterproof material outside, these diapers are trim, comfortable and come in variety of cute prints. Get the best cloth diapers from ThanksMama.com by calling +1 (617) 817-6262.

Osteoporosis is a silent disease. No symptoms often are present until the bones become so weak that fractures become common. These fractures usually are of the hip, ribs, wrist or spine. Osteoporosis is not limited to elderly women. In the US one out of every two women and one in four men sustain fractures related to osteoporosis. This bone disease occurs a high rate of disability and even mortality with patients aged 50 or older who suffer hip fractures.

Are you at risk for this “swiss cheese” disease? Heredity is a significant risk factor. The older you get, the more the likelihood of acquiring osteoporosis. Estrogen deficiency also contributes to later in life osteoporosis for many women.

How can women, and even men, prevent this horrible diagnosis? Changing eating habits and lifestyle is a good start. A diet low in calcium and vitamin D3 contributes to bone deterioration. In order for calcium to be absorbed by the body, Vitamin D3 is very important. Eating too much salt is another factor as is drinking too much alcohol accompanied by poor nutrition.

Another reason to stop smoking cigarettes and adopting an exercise routine. During the growing up years, childhood exercising increases bone mass and then will prevent bone loss in old age. Exercises which force muscles to work against gravity are recommended for most individuals. Walking is good for any age group.

Osteoporosis does not have to be a part of your life if good nutrition and a good exercise routine is followed faithfully. This silent disease does not have to alert you of its existence when unannounced fractures occur.

Modern technological advancements paved way to a lot of variety of treatments for hemorrhoids sufferers. Years before, the only option for cure is to remove the hemorrhoids by surgery. However nowadays, due to these technological advancements we know have other options such as infrared coagulation, laser therapy, sclerotherapy, cyosurgery, and others. These procedures do not necessarily require surgery and are considered to be less invasive. They are more convenient and less painful at the same time as effective as surgery. Patients now have other options to choose from aside from surgery.

In addition to these modern methods, there are also other treatments to choose from. These treatments are more natural and organic in nature. They are commonly called herbal and home remedies. The herbal remedies use natural ingredients to treat the hemorrhoids at you can do these at your own home. Ingredients such as aloe vera, witch hazel, horse chestnut, butcher’s broom, calendula, psyllium seed, among others. While on the other hand, home remedies use ingredients found in your own home as well as methods that can be done at the comforts of your own home. Some examples are warm sitz baths, ice therapy, using petroleum jelly, changing your diet and lifestyle.

Warm sitz baths are done several times a day. This can help relieve symptoms such as swelling, pain and itchiness. Ice therapy reduces swelling and also relieves the pain. Using petroleum jelly before bowel movement makes it easier to pass stool. This reduces straining during bowel movement. Changing your diet helps eliminate hemorrhoids, changes such as increasing your fiber intake and water intake. Exercising daily also helps your digestive system. Herbal and home remedies focus more on preventive measures than cure which is important if you have hemorrhoids. Even though you successfully removed it does not mean that it will not come back anymore. That is why prevention is important too.

The treatment for chronic fatigue syndrome is not specific, but it involves sleep initiators, antidepressants, analgesics, stimulants, muscle relaxants, anticonvulsants, vasopressors and beta blockers. These drugs are used to manage the signs and symptoms experienced by the patient. Patients who find it difficult to sleep are given sleeping pills and muscle relaxants. Patients who develop depression are given antidepressants. Those who experience pain anywhere in their body are given analgesics. Whenever changes in blood pressure happen, beta blockers and vasopressors are given. Stimulants are also given to improve the energy and mental acuity of patients.

While the above medications are prescribed to patients as chronic fatigue syndrome treatment, supplements and herbs are not discouraged. Melatonin and valerian root are often given to induce sleep instead of the usual sleeping pills. To boost the energy, vitamin B complex, DHEA, magnesium malate and CoQ10 are given. For pain, Vitamin D, B complex and white willow bark are used. To increase their mental capacity, ginkgo biloba is advised, while olive leaf extract is for immune system support. Sometimes, physicians give supplements in a cocktail known as Myers’ cocktail. It consists of B vitamins, vitamin C, magnesium, and calcium, and is administered intravenously.

Apart from these, complementary therapies are also provided to patients with chronic fatigue syndrome. Part of chronic fatigue syndrome treatment is bodywork, which includes myofascial release therapy, therapeutic massage, and energy medicine. Myofascial release involves manipulation of the fascia or the connective tissue between the skin and muscles. The goal of the therapy is to release the restricted and tight fascia so that pain is eased and the patient’s range of motion is increased. In therapeutic massage, soft body tissues are manipulated to aid in relaxation, improvement of blood circulation, stress and pain reduction, and induction of sleep. Lastly, energy medicine is done by putting the practitioner’s hand over the patient’s body and then identifying energy imbalance. Though this is practiced, little scientific evidence supports its effectiveness.

Proper exercise is also part of chronic fatigue syndrome treatment. Doctors encourage patients to move as much as they can, making sure that they take frequent rests. They should stretch their muscles from time to time throughout the day, and breathing should start from the lower part of the diaphragm. Known as deep breathing, this practice can improve blood circulation, as well as release tension from the body. Exercise sessions should also be broken down in 3-minutes per session instead of a 15-minute one-time workout. CFS patients won’t be able to tolerate exercises for a long time, so short sessions of exercises are preferred.

Though these treatment modalities are available, the most important thing for CFS patients is to have a well-grounded social support system. Families are often part of chronic fatigue syndrome treatment, and if this is not possible, patients are referred to different support groups so that they will know other people who have the same condition. They can share their experiences with each other, and coping with this chronic illness won’t be as tough.

Hemorrhoid Centers are usually clinics that cater to any problem that is related to hemorrhoids. These centers are usually made up of independent physicians who offer medical care and treatment to hemorrhoid sufferers. Nowadays, these clinics are abundant compared to the older generation. In almost every state, you will be able to find one to help you with your condition. Generally, they offer state of the art and advanced modern therapies with are technologically updated over time. Most of these therapies are done in a confidential manner and in a clinical environment that is caring.

However, there is variety of treatments that one can do at home. Most of the time, these are the treatments hemorrhoid sufferers choose. It is because these remedies are considered cheap and easy and can be done at the comforts of one’s own home. But not all can be cured by these remedies. Some people have been successfully cured while others did not find any cure at all. When this happens, you can always depend on the doctors at the centers. Oftentimes, this is the last resort for the patients because they are afraid of surgeries. But these centers do not only offer surgeries. They also offer other methods such as Infrared Coagulation, Rubber Band Litigation, Sclerotherapy, Cyosurgery, Laser Therapy, Hemorrhoidolysis, among others. Patients can choose either one of the methods mentioned or can also choose a combination of the above methods.

Upon consultation, the doctor will check the patient and make a treatment plan that is most suitable for your condition. The doctor will guide you which procedure is necessary and which one is the best. But it is still the patient’s choice. These procedures are mostly fixative and are minimally invasive. They are mostly outpatient procedures which means the patient can go home after.

What is a lifestyle disease? When you think of a disease you usually think of the H1N1 swine flu or tuberculosis something you can catch from someone. A lifestyle disease is associated with your environment, by the way you live your life and the choices you make everyday.

When you go out and eat a lot of junk food everyday, drink too much alcohol, smoke, lie on your couch and watch TV all day these things all contribute to you getting what they call non communicable diseases. These are diseases like diabetes, cancer, stroke, heart disease and others.

Our lifestyle choice c many times in the beginning start out as minor issues like a little weight problem, then a sore knee. If we continue with that lifestyle then obesity slowly sets in and the sore knee turns into a major knee joint problem that doctors many times recommends operation instead of losing the weight which caused it in the first place. I see it happening everyday to my friends.

Hang on it gets worse. Over time this person gets diabetes and not to mention high blood pressure and other joint problems like their back and shoulders. From here they start to develop heart related diseases. When I talk to them about their problems they show me a handful of pills they take so they do not have to lose the weight. In other words they do not want to change their lifestyle.

People now days want to treat the symptom and not the cause of the problem, yet they complain all day that their knee is so sore. They tell the doctor to give them a stronger pain killer. Next thing you know they are scheduled for knee surgery. Why? The signs are all there that it is the weight that is causing the problem. Now these are smart people. They are just ignorant of the fact that they got to change their lifestyle. Imagine the problems uneducated people and their families with little medical care have. Their health problems are far worse.

A lot of this is due to lack of proper health care, low income, poor eating choices, lack of education and not enough exercise. Also poor common sense plays a big part in the choices people make because even educated people get these lifestyle diseases.

We are bombarded all day by advertisements for the newest double chocolate chip cookie or some new burger place opening up does not help in fact it just adds to the problem. What about the beer ads which try to be funny to make people watch and remember them.

It is all about choices. What we eat and what we feed our children is our choice. You see children now days getting things like childhood diabetes which was unheard of 20 years ago. These lifestyle diseases are spreading at an alarming rate and are turning into an epidemic. They are just as deadly as the swine flu or TB. This affects all of us some how. It may be our spouse, parent or child. Even our finances, if you are sick you cannot go to work.

It also adds to the burden of our health care system like increases in our medical insurance premiums, lack of hospital beds, doctors and nurses. It also adds to the burden of the state when people sign up for free health care program.

We need to teach the people to get them making wiser choices like eating more fruits and vegetables versus cookies and burgers. Getting them to get off the couch and outside and start taking walks which by the way costs no money. In fact with better choices they will actually stat to save money which they spend on junk food, bad snacks, tobacco and alcohol.

It all starts with education. Some how we got to teach people what is good and healthy to eat versus what is bad and the consequences are. Not only people with lack of education are teaching their children the wrong lifestyle. We got to protect our children from these diseases. They learn by watching us and what we eat. We got to stop feeding them the junk and sweets or at least have a limit.

Children today spend far too much time indoors. You got to get them off the computer and to turn off the TV. Get them outside and playing in the yard. They need to exercise and they can do it just by running around.

Sometimes education in the schools will actually rub off on the parents at home. Schools are now spending time and money to teach children about proper diet and health issues. This in turn can influence the choices their parents make at the grocery store and where they decide to dine out and how often. But we cannot only depend on our schools and our children. We must educate the adults; make them aware of the problem the causes of them and the consequences. It should in the start in the home from the parents.

Kidney stones are not always fatal, as they tend to pass out from the body through urine. But surgery has to be done if:

-Infection is present.
-The patient has intolerable frequent bouts of severe pain.
-The patient is anuric (A condition in which there is total absence of urine production)
-If there is Hydronephrosis (Aseptic dilatation of the whole or part of the pelvicalyceal system of the kidney due to partial or intermittent obstruction to the outflow of urine)
-If there is Pyonephrosis (In this condition, kidney is converted into a bag of pus)

The treatment of renal stones or calculi can be divided into Non-Operative treatment and Operative treatment.

Non-Operative Treatment.

1-Small stones less than 5mm in size pass off with intake of copious amount of fluids and at times forced diuresis. Intravenous hydration followed by intravenous Frusemide may help pass the stones spontaneously.

2-Extracorporeal Shock Wave Lithotripsy (ESWL)

In this procedure, after cystoscopy, a ureteric stent (Double J Stent) is placed into the ureter on the side of a lager renal stone. Shock waves are generated (around 500-1500 shock waves) which blast the stone, getting it crushed, so it comes out by the side of stent.

ESWL has 3 advantages as this procedure does not cause incision, nor pain and above all, it is quite safe but its disadvantages are its cost factor and availability.

Operative Treatment

1-Endoscopic Procedures

Percutaneous Nephrolithotomy (PCNL)
PCNL is often done when stone is quite large.

In this procedure, Retrograde Pyelography (RPG) is done, stone is located in the pelvis of kidney. With a small 1cm incision in the loin, the PCN needle is passed into the pelvis of kidney and is confirmed by fluoroscopy. A guide wire is passed through the needle into the pelvis of kidney, now the needle is withdrawn with the guide wire within the pelvis. Over the guide wire, dilators are passed and a working sheath is introduced into the pelvis. A nephroscope is passed into the pelvis and if the stone is small, it is taken out and if big, it may have to be crushed using ultrasound probes and the fragments are removed. Ultrasound or pneumatic energy is used for fragmenting.

PCNL has its own complications as it may cause injury to colon and blood vessels, may cause urinary leak that may persist for few days and may cause sepsis.

2-Open Procedures

Depending upon the location of the stone, various types of procedures are done which are mentioned below:

A. Pyelolithotomy
B. Nephrolithotomy
C. Extended Pyelolithotomy
D. Pyelonephrolithotomy
E. Partial Nephrectomy
F. Nephrectomy (This is done when kidney is destroyed by pyonephrosis, following obstruction by stone)

3-Special Procedures

A. Bilateral Renal Stones: Kidney with better function has to be operated first. 1-2 weeks later, the opposite side is operated.
B. If there is pyonephrosis with a severe degree of fever, pain and tenderness, Nephrostomy is done. If kidney is nonfunctioning, Nephrectomy is done but if kidney is functioning ESWL/PCNL/Open Procedure is done. This is known as Percutaneous Nephrostomy.

However, it must be kept in mind that open procedures for management of stone disease have now become obsolete.