Diseases & Conditions Blog
Information about many diseases from A to Z Topics

Diseases & Conditions Blog

What is Laser Teeth Whitening?

November 22nd, 2008 . by steve

Different techniques are applied for teeth whitening. And with advanced technology more new techniques are being introduced to make the teeth whitening process simple and easy. All these different techniques of teeth whitening are practiced by dentists. There are chemical whitening techniques, laser teeth whitening, mild acid whitening and to name a few.

At present people are inclined to know more on laser cleaning technique and its costs. Laser technology applied for teeth whitening is safe and there is no painful experience in your cleaning of teeth. You teeth look younger and cleaner. It just requires an hour and your teeth are ready with white shine. The first thing you notice after laser teeth whitening on a mirror if your confidence built smile. In laser teeth whitening the dentist first isolate your lips and gum.

Then he applies a laser whitening gel which is activated with powerful diode laser. The teeth typically become whiter and you would be amazed to wee the results. Usually one sitting is enough for clean and whiter teeth. But those whose stains are old may require two sittings which the dentist decides according to his knowledge. Go for laser teeth whitening and bring back the smile to your face which lost due to the yellow stains. Thus this is the technique of laser teeth whitening.

Good teeth are a sign of overall fitness and smartness. Mens health magazines say that women prefer men more with good white teeth.


Pelvic Inflammatory Disease and its Treatment

November 20th, 2008 . by steve

What is this condition?

Pelvic inflammatory disease is any acute, subacute, recurrent, or chronic infection of the oviducts and ovaries, with adjacent tissue involvement. It includes inflammation of the cervix, uterus, fallopian tubes, and ovaries, which can extend to the connective tissue lying between the broad ligaments.

Early diagnosis and treatment prevents damage to the reproductive system. Untreated, the disease may cause infertility and lead to potentially fatal blood infection, blood clots in the lungs, and shock.

What causes it?

Pelvic inflammatory disease can result from infection with bacteria, which invade the uterus when the defensive barrier formed by the cervical mucus is compromised. The breach may be caused by various procedures, such as insertion of an intrauterine device, biopsy instrument, or catheter. Other predisposing factors include abortion, pelvic surgery, and infection during or after pregnancy.

Bacteria may also enter the uterine cavity through the blood­stream or from drainage from a chronically infected fallopian tube, a pelvic abscess, a ruptured appendix, diverticulitis of the large intestine, or other infected areas.

The bacterium Neisseria gonorrhoeae most commonly causes pelvic inflammatory disease because it’s most able to cross the cervical mucus barrier. Other common bacteria found in cervical mucus are staphylococci, streptococci, diphtheroids, chlamydiae, and coli­forms, including Escherichia coli and Pseudomonas. Uterine infection can result from one or more of these bacteria, or it may follow over­growth of normally nonpathogenic bacteria in an altered endometrial environment, as occurs in childbirth.

What are the Symptoms of Pelvic Inflammatory Disease ?

Pelvic inflammatory disease symptoms vary with the affected area but generally include excessive pus discharge from the vagina, some­times accompanied by low-grade fever and malaise (particularly if gonorrhea is the cause). The woman experiences lower abdominal pain, and movement of the cervix or palpation of the fallopian tubes or ovaries may be extremely painful.

How is it diagnosed?

Diagnostic tests generally include:

  • Gram staining of secretions from the endocervix or cul-de-sac to identifY the bacterial agent; culture and sensitivity testing aids selection of the appropriate antibiotic. (Urethral and rectal secretions may also be cultured.)
  • ultrasound to identifY a tubal or uterine mass (simple X-rays seldom identifY pelvic masses)
  • culdocentesis (aspiration) to obtain peritoneal fluid or pus for culture and sensitivity testing.
  • In addition, the woman’s history is significant. Pelvic inflammatory disease is typically associated with recent sexual intercourse, intrauterine device insertion, childbirth, or abortion.

How is it treated?

To prevent progression of pelvic inflammatory disease, antibiotic drug therapy begins immediately after culture specimens are obtained. Infection may become chronic if treated inadequately.

The guidelines of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention for at-home treatment include a single dose of Mefoxin given along with Benemid, or a single dose of Rocephin. Each of these regimens is given with Vibramycin for 14 days.

The official guidelines for hospital treatment include Vibramycin alone or a combination of Cleocin and Garamycin.

Development of a pelvic abscess necessitates adequate drainage. A ruptured abscess is life-threatening. If this complication develops, the woman may need a total removal of her uterus, fallopian tubes, and ovaries.


Pinkeye – Are You Aware of the Symptoms And Treatment

November 8th, 2008 . by steve

What do doctors call this condition?

Conjunctivitis

What is this condition?

Pinkeye is an inflammation of the conjunctiva – the delicate membrane that lines the eyelids and covers the exposed surface of the eye­ball. This disorder is usually harmless, but it can become chronic. In the Western hemisphere, it’s probably the most common eye disorder.

What causes it?

Pinkeye usually results from infection, allergy, or chemical reactions.

Allergic and chemical causes include pollen, grass, topical medications, air pollutants, smoke, and occupational irritants (acids and alkalies). Seasonal or warm-weather pinkeye is caused by an allergy to an unidentified substance. This form of pinkeye, which affects both eyes, usually begins before puberty and lasts about 10 years. Some­times, it’s associated with other allergy symptoms commonly related to grass or pollen sensitivity.

What are its symptoms?

Pinkeye commonly causes redness of the conjunctiva, making the eyes look pink. Some people also have eye discharge, tearing, and pain; children may have a sore throat or fever. If the cornea is also inflamed, the eyes may be sensitive to light.

Pinkeye rarely affects vision. It usually starts in one eye and rapidly spreads to the other by contamination of towels, washcloths, or the person’s hands.

Acute bacterial pinkeye usually lasts only 2 weeks. Typical symptoms are itching, burning, and a foreign body sensation in the eye. The eyelids show a crust of sticky discharge that contains mucus and pus.

Pinkeye caused by a virus leads to profuse tearing, a little discharge, and an enlarged lymph gland in front of the ear. Some viruses take a chronic course and cause severe disabling disease, while others last just 2 to 3 weeks.

How is it diagnosed?

A physical exam usually reveals redness and swelling of blood vessels in the conjunctiva. The doctor may take a specimen of conjunctival scrapings to determine if pinkeye is bacterial, viral, or allergic.

How is it Treated?

Treatment of pinkeye varies with the cause. In bacterial pink eye, the doctor prescribes a topical antibiotic or sulfonamide. Although viral pinkeye resists treatment, eyedrops may prevent a secondary infection. Herpes simplex infection generally responds to Herplex or Vira­A Ophthalmic ointment, but it may persist for 2 to 3 weeks. Allergic pinkeye is treated with eye drops that constrict the blood vessels, cold compresses to relieve itching and, occasionally, oral antihistamines.