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lunes, 9 de mayo de 2011

cataract








Cataracts is what is knownas theclouding of te clear lense of the eye. The lens is made of mostly water and protein. The protein is arranged in a specific way that keeps the lens clear and allows light to pass through it to focus a clear image onto the retinal surface. As we age, some of the protein may clump together and start to cloud a small area of the lens. This is our understanding of the cause of an age-related cataract. Over time, the cataract may become more dense or cloud more of the lens, making it more difficult to see through. A cataract is not a growth or tumor.
There are many causes of non age-related cataracts or secondary cataracts. Secondary cataracts are a result of similar changes to the protein of the lens, also resulting in visual blurring or visual loss.
Blunt or penetrating injury to the eye may cause secondary cataracts, either immediately after the injury or some weeks to years afterward. A cataract following an injury may appear and then not increase in density (be stationary) or be progressive. Eye surgery for other conditions can also cause cataracts. Excessive exposure to ionizing radiation (X-ray), infrared radiation (as in glass blowers), or ultraviolet radiation cause secondary cataracts.
Diabetes is associated with the development of secondary cataracts. Inflammatory disease of the eye, such as iritis or uveitis, may cause or accelerate the development of cataract in the involved eye.
There are many genetic illnesses that are associated with the development of secondary cataracts. These include myotonic dystrophy, galactosemia, homocystinuria,
Wilson's disease and Down syndrome, plus many others. Congenital infections with herpes simplex, rubella, toxoplasmosis, syphilis, and cytomegalic inclusion disease may also result in cataracts.
There are many medications which, when taken over a long period of time, can cause secondary cataracts. The most common of these are oral corticosteroids, such as
prednisone, which are used for a wide variety of medical conditions.
The term "congenital cataract" is used when a baby is born with any clouding of the lens. This may be present in one or both eyes, be stationary or be progressive. Causes include genetic disorders or intrauterine developmental disorders, both often associated with other physical abnormalities of the baby.
Atopic dermatitis, other diseases of the skin and mucous membranes, hypothyroidism, and hyperparathyroidism are associated with the early development of cataracts.
Patients who develop cataracts in both eyes at an early age often have family members who have also developed cataracts prematurely, implying a genetic cause, even in the absence of a recognized underlying disease.




there is no cure for cataracts the only option is undergoing cataract surgery. In which the lens is removed and an artifical lense is inserted in place of the old lense.


If the cataract is not taken care of the brain will shut off the use of that eye. This is because the blurred vision will cause constant headaches thus causing the brain to shut it off. To reduce the pain.

lunes, 2 de mayo de 2011

Renal lithiasis


Kidney stones are a solid mass of tiny crystals composed of certain substances. these stones are formed when urine has a high concentrate of a certain substance.

Symptoms:

  • Severe pain (Waves)
  • Pain is felt in back. Will travel to, lumbar area, iliac fossas, and groin.
  • Abnormal urine color
  • blood in the urine
  • chills
  • fever
  • nausea
  • vomiting
  • pain will increase when standing still.

Diagnosis:
  • Tenderness in back
  • Tenderness in abdomen
  • uric acid level
  • urinalyusis
  • Abdominal CT scan
  • kidney mri
  • X-rays
  • kidney ultrasound
labratory exams will show high levels of calcium, uric acid, and erythrocytes.

Treatment:
The physician may just let the stone continue its course and get urinated out.
  • increase water intake
  • pain relievers
  • antibiotics
  • diuretics
  • phospahte solutions
If the stone cannot be removed naturally surgery might be necessary.

Prognosis:
Kidney stones can usually be removed with no complications.

Circumcision


Circumcision is the removal of some or all of the penal foreskin also known as perpuce. It is said that it is removed for higenic reasons while for some for religious reasons.

My opinion on the matter is that circumcision is a good idea. For the following reasons.
  • Less prone to STD'S
  • Hygenic
  • Penile cancer prevention.
But the biggest downfall of circumcision is that the glans penis (head of penis) loses sensitivity. Because of the constant stimulation, referring to the rubbing whilst it is inside your underwear.

Alcoholism.


How many is too many??

Alcoholism is a very well known disease. Its when a person depends on alcohol, usually consumes more than 10 alcoholic beverages a week.

There are several signs of physical dependence including:
  • a need for a higher consumptino of alcoholic beverages to get "drunk"
  • black outs after heavy drinking
  • withdraw symptoms when not drinking
  • drinking alone
  • violent episodes when drunk
  • not being able to control drinking
  • missing work or school
  • necessary to drink daily
  • neglecting to eat
  • not caring for physical appearance
  • shaking in the morning
Diagnosis:
  • toxicity screening
  • CBC
  • folate level
  • liver function test
  • serum magnesium
  • total protein
  • uric acid
Treatment:
an alcoholic will have to attend support groups.

Prognosis:
if treated the results vary per patient.

alcoholism may cause other complications including, but not limited to:
  • brain complications
  • cancers/disorders Digestive tract
  • HBP
  • insomnia
  • E.D.

Gastritis.


Gastritis is classified as the inflammation or swelling of the stomach lining (mucosa). It can usually last a short time (acute gastritis) or months/years (chronic gastritis).

There a few causes of gastritis which are (Common-Least common):

  • Consumption of certain medications (aspirin, AINS)
  • Alchohol abuse
  • Helicobacter pylori infection
  • Drug abuse
  • Stress
A patient which may experience the following symptoms:
  • loss of appetite
  • nausea (W/WO vomiting)
  • Pain in epigastrium area
Depending on the severity of the gastritis the mucosa lining may be in all degenerated. Permitting the hydrochloric acid found in digestive juices to burn the stomach layers (Mucosa, Sub mucosa, Muscle). Thus causing a small erosion known as a gastric ulcer.

If stomach ulcers are present:
  • Vomiting blood
  • Black stools
Diagnosis:
  • CBC
  • Exam of the stomach with an endoscope
  • H. pylori test
  • Stool test (Erythrocytes)
Treatment of Gastritis all depends on the cause. The ingestion of AINS will be terminated since the aid in the destruction of the mucosa. Your physician may prescribe certain pharmacol.
  • Antacids
  • H2 antagonists
  • Proton pump inhibitors
Prognosis:
All depending on the cause of the gastritis. but usually patients re-cooperate fairly well.

Hypertension


Blood pressure is classified as the force of blood pushing against the walls of the arteries. Every time which there is a cardiac contraction blood is pumped into the arteries. WHen the heart contracts is when the pressure is highest (systolic). As opposed to when at rest between contractions, ths pressure falls (diastolic). Pressures are read as systolic/diastolic.
140/90 Hypertension.
120/80 is the norm.
90/60 hipotension.

Hypertension is classified as the clinical term of having a higher blood pressure than the norm. which is considered 120/80.

The pacient may not have many symptoms hypertension is considered to be called "The silent killer" because a pacient feels no pain nor feels any discomforts.
The only likely symptoms a pacient may feel are the following:
  • Confusions
  • ear noise or buzzing
  • fatigue
  • headache
  • irregular heartbeat
  • nosebleed
  • vision changes
Hypertension is brought upon many factors including:
  • Hormonal inbalance
  • High sodium intake
  • Renal failure
  • Smoking
  • Bad Diet*
  • Alcohol abuse
  • Cholesterol
  • Diabetes
If you have any of the Above symtpoms or if you get reall;y bad headaches you must see a physician right away. Upon testing BP if it is high your doctor may do further testing to see if you have any other complications.

Treatment:

A lifestyle change will be in order.

Pharmaceutically:

  • Alpha blockers
  • ACE inhibitors
  • Beta blockers
  • Diuretics
Other blood pressure regulators will be prescribed.

Prognosis:
Hypertension may be controlled with medication and a lifestyle change.

Not compying with the changes or the medication may lead to heart failure.



*INTERESTING FACT: Grapes are good for blood pressure regulation because they are rich in antioxidants. "Italians are the least likely to have HBP because all the wine they drink"