Diseases & Conditions Blog

What is this Condition?

Male infertility - inability of a man to reproduce - is suspected whenever a couple fails to achieve pregnancy after about 1 year of regular unprotected intercourse. Male infertility accounts, in whole or in part, for 40% to 50% of infertility problems in North America.

What Causes it?

Numerous factors, including anatomic and hormonal abnormalities, can cause male infertility.

What are its Symptoms?

The obvious sign of male infertility is failure to impregnate a fertile woman. An infertile man may also have shrunken testicles, or an empty or swollen scrotum; inflamed seminal vesicles (pouches that secrete seminal fluid, which keeps sperm cells viable after ejaculation); abnormal masses on the spermatic cord and vas deferens (a tube that forms part of the spermatic cord); abnormal growths on the penis; hypospadias (a congenital defect in which the urinary opening is on the underside, rather than the tip, of the penis); or prostate enlargement.

How is it Diagnosed?

The doctor obtains a detailed history, which may reveal abnormal sexual development, delayed puberty, infertility in previous relationships, and a medical history of prolonged fever, mumps, impaired nutritional status, previous surgery, or injury to the genitalia. After a thorough history and physical exam, the most conclusive test for male infertility is semen analysis.

The doctor also may order other lab tests, such as studies of the organs that control hormone secretion and sperm formation, and measurement of testosterone levels in the blood. He or she may also perform a biopsy (removal and analysis of testicular tissue) and may order X-rays of the reproductive system.

How is it Treated?

If male infertility stems from an anatomic problem or infection, it’s treated by correcting the underlying problem. For instance, enlarged varicose veins in the scrotum must be surgically repaired or removed.

If infertility results from sexual dysfunction, treatment includes education, counseling or therapy (on sexual techniques, frequency of intercourse, and reproductive physiology), and proper nutrition with vitamin supplements. Men with decreased levels of follicle-stimulating hormone (which stimulates sperm formation) may respond to vitamin B therapy; those with decreased levels of luteinizing hormone (also active in sperm formation) may respond to therapy with chorionic gonadotropin (a hormonal substance that stimulates testicular function). Men with normal or elevated levels of luteinizing hormone require low doses of testosterone. Those with decreased testosterone levels, reduced semen motility, and a low sperm count may respond to chorionic gonadotropin.

Men with a low sperm count who have a normal history and physical exam, normal hormone study results, and no signs of disease need emotional support and counseling, adequate nutrition, vitamin. supplements, and hormone therapy with chorionic gonadotropin. and testosterone.

What can an Infertile Man do?

If you have a low sperm count, avoid activities that may impair nor­mal sperm development by raising scrotal temperature, such as wearing tight underwear and athletic supporters, taking hot tub baths, or habitually riding a bicycle. Be aware that a cool scrotal temperature is essential for adequate sperm development.

If possible, consider participating in support groups where you can share your feelings and concerns with other couples with the same problem.

What is this Condition?

A chronic inflammatory disorder of the connective tissues, lupus erythematosus appears in two forms: discoid lupus erythematosus, which affects only the skin, and systemic lupus erythematosus, which affects multiple organ systems (as well as the skin) and can be fatal.

Like rheumatoid arthritis, systemic lupus is characterized by recurring remissions and flare-ups, especially common during the spring and summer. The annual incidence of this disorder averages about 27 cases in 1 million whites and 75 cases in 1 million blacks. Systemic lupus strikes women 8 times as often as men, increasing to 15 times as often during childbearing years. Systemic lupus occurs worldwide but is most prevalent among Asians and blacks.

The prognosis improves with early diagnosis and treatment but remains poor for people who develop heart and blood vessel, kidney; or nervous system complications or severe bacterial infections.

What Causes it?

The exact cause of systemic lupus remains a mystery, but available evidence points to interrelated immunologic, environmental, hormonal, and genetic factors. An immune dysfunction, such as autoimmunity, is considered the prime causative mechanism. In autoimmunity, the body produces antibodies (such as the antinuclear antibody) against its own cells. The formed antigen-antibody complexes can suppress the body’s normal immunity and damage tissues. One significant feature in people with this disorder is their ability to produce antibodies against many different tissue components, such as red blood cells, neutrophils, platelets, lymphocytes, or almost any organ or tissue in the body .

Certain predisposing factors may make a person susceptible to systemic lupus. Physical or mental stress, streptococcal or viral infections, exposure to sunlight or ultraviolet light, immunization, pregnancy, and abnormal estrogen metabolism all may affect the disease’s development.

Systemic lupus also may be triggered or aggravated by treatment with certain drugs - for example, Procan SR, Apresoline, antiseizure drugs and, less frequently; penicillins, sulfa drugs, and oral contraceptives.

What are its Symptoms?

The onset of systemic lupus may be acute or insidious and produces no characteristic clinical pattern. However, its symptoms commonly include fever, weight loss, malaise and fatigue, as well as rashes and pain in multiple joints.

Systemic lupus may involve every organ system. In 90% of cases, joint involvement is similar to that in rheumatoid arthritis. Skin lesions are most commonly a red rash in areas exposed to light. The classic butterfly rash over the nose and cheeks occurs in fewer than 50% of people with systemic lupus. Ultraviolet rays often provoke or aggravate skin eruptions. Vasculitis can develop (especially in the fingers and toes), possibly leading to infarctive lesions, necrotic leg ulcers, or gangrene of the fingers or toes. Raynaud’s phenomenon (decreased blood flow to the fingers and toes, causing numbness and pain) appears in about 20% of cases. Patchy hair loss and painless ulcers of the mucous membranes are common.

Constitutional symptoms of systemic lupus include aching, malaise, fatigue, low-grade or spiking fever, chills, loss of appetite, and weight loss. Lymph node enlargement (diffuse or local, and nontender), abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and constipation may occur. Women may experience absent or irregular menstrual periods during the active phase of systemic lupus erythematosus.

About 50% of people with systemic lupus develop signs of cardiopulmonary abnormalities, such as pleuritis, pericarditis, and shortness of breath. Myocarditis, endocarditis, rapid heartbeat, parenchymal infiltrates, and pneumonitis may occur. Kidney effects may include blood, protein, sediment, and cellular casts in the urine and may progress to total kidney failure. Urinary tract infections may be caused by heightened susceptibility to infection. Seizure disorders and mental dysfunction may indicate neurologic damage. Central nervous system involvement may produce emotional instability, psychosis, and organic brain syndrome. Headaches, irritability, and depression also are common.

How is it Diagnosed?

Diagnostic tests for people with systemic lupus include a complete blood count with differential, platelet count, erythrocyte sedimentation rate, and serum electrophoresis.

Specific tests include antinuclear antibody, anti-DNA, and lupus erythematosus cell tests, urine studies, blood complement studies, chest X-ray, electrocardiography, and kidney biopsy.

Some people show a positive lupus anticoagulant test and a positive anticardiolipin test. These people are prone to antiphospholipid syndrome (blood clot formation, miscarriage, and low platelet count).

How is it Treated?

People with mild systemic lupus require little or no medication. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory compounds, including aspirin, control arthritis symptoms in many cases. Skin lesions need topical treatment. Corticosteroid creams, such as Cordran, are recommended for acute lesions.

Refractory skin lesions are treated with intralesional corticoste­roids or antimalarials, such as Plaquenil and Ara1en. Because these drugs can cause retinal damage, such treatment requires eye exams every 6 months.

Corticosteroids remain the treatment of choice for systemic symptoms of systemic lupus, for acute generalized flare-ups, or for serious disease related to vital organ systems, such as pleuritis, pericarditis. lupus nephritis, vasculitis, and central nervous system involvement. Initial doses equivalent to 60 milligrams or more of Orasone often bring noticeable improvement within 48 hours. As soon as symptoms are under control, corticosteroid dosage is tapered down slowly.

Diffuse proliferative glomerulonephritis, a major complication of this disorder, requires treatment with large doses of corticosteroids. If kidney failure occurs, dialysis or kidney transplant may be necessary. In some people, cytotoxic drugs such as Imuran and Cytoxan may delay or prevent deteriorating kidney status. Antihypertensive drugs and dietary changes may also be warranted in kidney disease.

The light-sensitive person should wear protective clothing (hat, sunglasses, long sleeves, slacks) and use a sunscreen containing para-aminobenzoic acid when outside. Because systemic lupus usually strikes women of childbearing age, questions associated with pregnancy often arise. The best evidence available indicates that a woman with this disorder can have a safe, successful pregnancy if she has no serious kidney or nervous system impairment.

What can a person with lupus do?

• Watch for symptoms, such as joint pain or stiffness, weakness, fever, fatigue, and chills. Stay alert for shortness of breath, chest pain, and arm or leg swelling. Check for blood in your urine, scalp hair loss, and bleeding, ulcers, pallor, and bruised skin and mucous membranes.

• Eat a balanced diet. Foods high in protein, vitamins, and iron help maintain optimum nutrition and prevent anemia. However, if you have kidney problems, the doctor will recommend a low-sodium, low-protein diet.

• Get plenty of rest.

• Apply heat packs to relieve joint pain and stiffness. Get regular exercise to maintain a full range of motion and prevent contractures. Perform range-of-motion exercises, as well as body alignment and postural techniques.

• Take prescribed drugs exactly as directed, and watch for side effects, especially if you’re taking high doses of corticosteroids.

• If you’re receiving Cytoxan, be sure to drink plenty of fluids.

• Use hypoallergenic makeup, if needed, and consult a hairdresser who specializes in scalp disorders.

• Buy drugs in quantity, if possible. Be skeptical about “miracle’ drugs for relief of arthritis symptoms.

• Contact the Lupus Foundation of America and the Arthritis Foundation for more information.

There are many people who face the problem of reducing hairline. Hairs are very important to make a person look smart. Though it is not always possible for us to stop some of the bodily problems, we definitely can make use of the medicines to treat it. People who are experiencing hair fall or are for those who are leaping towards baldness, there is a medicine known as Finasteride. Finasteride is a medicine that is mainly meant to treat people who are bald and those who are fading problem with their hairline. This is the only proven medicine, which is known to provide a sure shot solution to this problem. Finasteride buy isn’t easy earlier as it was not available at all the medical shop, but now with the help of the online medical stores such as Medstore you an easily buy this medicine. You can easily place your order for the generic Finasteride at Medstore. Medstore offers a number of medicines that are not available at most of the medical shop. In addition to making the medicine available, they are also providing a number of discounts that can help you save some money .If you want to get the details of the medicine then you can simply make use of their website. You can also clarify your doubts or seek guidance regarding this problem, at their toll free number provided on their website.

When a person suffers from two or more seizures without any medicinal intervention, he is said to have epilepsy. As opposite to the popular belief, late onset epilepsy, that is epilepsy that starts after the age of twenty, is fairly common. However, the etiology, clinical symptoms, presentation of the case and their further consequences on the person and his socio-psychological behavior are totally different from those in childhood.

It is the associates of the epileptic patient who can give valuable information regarding the onset of epilepsy and type of seizures. However, if the elderly patient is dwelling alone, often the initial diagnosis is missed. Either history of recurrent falls or sudden unconsciousness has to be regarded as the guiding symptoms. Also most of the times, in elderly, incidence of general grand-mal-epilepsy, that is generalized convulsions is rare. They often have focal seizures. This further may make diagnosis difficult. That is why diagnosis of epilepsy in elderly has to be done with great caution and one has to rule out various differential diagnoses in order to avoid miss-diagnosing a case. So, a deep study of epilepsy presentation and diagnosis is the major step towards better treatment and consistent results.

Especially one has to rule out extra-pyramidal diseases while diagnosing focal seizures. Patient may complain of involuntary movement of one arm or one leg. This can occur in partial seizures. Also, one has to rule out low sugar levels in diabetic patient, transient ischemic attacks related to reduced blood supply to a lobe of brain, secondary dementias or psychogenic disorders. Also one has to differentiate syncope from epilepsy. One should also take care of occult cerebral ischemia. The seizures may work as stepping stones for further cerebrovascular damage. Also rule out tumors that may present themselves during late adulthood. Beware of medicines like anti-depressants that may at times lead to seizures.

Whatever is the cause, once the diagnosis is made in elderly, reassurance is the main therapy that they require. The doctor should also put the patient on appropriate anticonvulsant drug therapy like carbamazepine, phenytoin or sodium valproate. But in elderly side effects of the drug may be seen little exaggerated than in children. So, a proper monitoring of the case is must. Management of an elderly epileptic is truly a Herculean task!

Ulcerative colitis

What is this Condition?

Colitis is an inflammatory, often chronic disease that affects the lining of the lower intestine. It starts in the lowest section and often extends upward into the colon, producing swelling and open sores. The small intestine is rarely involved. Most cases are mild and localized; however, prompt medical attention is necessary because the disorder can progress rapidly and may cause a perforated colon and potentially fatal infection of the abdominal lining.

People with colitis run a higher than average risk of developing colon cancer, especially if the disease begins before age 15 or persists for longer than 10 years.

What Causes it?

The exact cause of colitis is not known. One theory links it to abnormal immune response in the stomach and intestine, possibly associated with food or bacteria. Stress, once suspected of causing colitis. has been shown merely to worsen it. It is most common in young adults, especially women, and symptoms seems to peak between ages 15 and 20, with another peak between ages 55 and 60.

What are its Symptoms?

The primary symptoms of colitis are repeated attacks of pain accompanied by bloody diarrhea, often containing pus. The intensity of the attacks varies with the extent of inflammation. Other symptoms include spastic rectum and anus, abdominal pain, weakness, irritability, loss of appetite, weight loss, nausea, and vomiting.

How is it Diagnosed?

The doctor can use a scope to see changes in the mucous lining of the lower intestine and detect thick pus. He or she may also obtain a specimen for study to confirm the condition and use a deeper scope to check how far the disease extends and what harm it’s done. A barium enema X-ray can show the extent of the disease and detect complications, such as narrowed passages and cancer. Lab tests and blood tests reveal the severity of the attack.

How is it Treated?

Severe colitis requires hospitalization. Drugs are used to treat inflammation, nutrition is monitored, and dehydration due to excessive diarrhea is corrected. Intravenous feeding helps the intestinal tract to rest, decreases stool volume, and restores positive nitrogen balance. Blood transfusions or iron supplements may be needed to correct anemia.

Surgery a last resort and is performed only if other measures fail or the symptoms become unbearable. The most common surgical procedure simply removes the diseased section of intestine. Another type of surgery creates a reservoir, known as a Kock pouch, from a loop of small intestine that empties through a tube opening just above the pubic hairline.

Although maybe usually not regarded as a health issue, vision impairment is one of the most common health problems. In fact, it’s a problem most people have to deal with, even though it might not develop until later in life. As vision impairment might decrease your ability to travel, to drive, to read and to watch TV, it’s essentially a problem that restricts your freedom. On the good side however, it is a problem that is often quite easy to correct. After an eye examination, your local optometrist can write a prescription that helps you choose the right treatment.If you think that glasses might be a hindrance to your way of life or you are not ready to change your look, there is always the option of choosing contact lenses. Contact lenses are invisible to others, very easy to handle, and cheap. Modern lenses are in fact so soft and comfortable, that they will simply give you your vision back, without bothering you while wearing them. Depending on what model you choose, a little care and cleaning every night might be necessary, but considering that you will have perfect eyesight again, this can be regarded as a small price to pay.

Are you aware that early orthodontics , Invisalign London might be less treatment afterward?As the bones are growing in spite of everything, it is an idyllic time to assess a kid and define what orthodontic treatment, if needed, then this might be required moreover now or in the time yet to come.

To build up the braces more useable to little children, producers have build cheerful colored elastics, these are small rubber bands which grabs the wires into the braces. Kids can opt for elastics with their school uniform colors or with holiday color graphics, such as black and bright orange for Halloween.

Now days braces tend to be painful and less noticeable not as much of as they used to be, on the other hand they yet take a bit getting used to. Food might get trapped into the wires, flossing and cleaning may take little time, and as soon as the monthly alteration most of the times the teeth are a little painful. Tooth distress can be restricted by taking a painkiller or even aspirin if needed. The handling of frothy and much more bendable wires has lessened the quantity of tenderness or distress while treatment to a major amount.

What is this Condition?

Peptic ulcers are sores that develop in the mucous lining of the lower esophagus, stomach, and sections of the intestine called pylorus, duodenum, and jejunum. They are most common in the following circumstances:

• About 80% of all peptic ulcers are duodenal ulcers, which affect part of the small intestine and most often strike men between ages 20 and 50.

• Gastric ulcers, which affect the stomach lining, are most common in middle-aged and elderly men, especially in chronic users of some anti-inflammatory drugs or alcohol.

• Duodenal ulcers usually follow a chronic course, with remissions and flare-ups, but 5% to 10% of sufferers develop complications that reqUire surgery.

>What Causes it?

Though the precise cause is not known, peptic ulcers are thought to develop when the mucous lining becomes weakened, gets inadequate blood flow, or is defective. Recent research findings include the following:

• Stress may stimulate long-term overproduction of gastric secretions that can erode the stomach, duodenum, or esophagus.

• Backup of stomach acid through a lining damaged by chronic gastritis or irritants, such as aspirin or alcohol, is a likely cause of gastric ulcers.

• In elderly people, the pylorus begins to malfunction, permitting bile to back up into the stomach - a common cause of gastric ulcers in this age-group. For unknown reasons, these ulcers often strike people with type A blood and become malignant more often than duodenal ulcers.

• Too much acid secretion, possibly caused by an overactive vagus nerve, contributes to the formation of duodenal ulcers. These ulcers tend to afflict people with type 0 blood, Duodenal ulcers may persist for life. If they do heal, they usually leave scars that can later break down and ulcerate again.

What are its Symptoms?

Heartburn and indigestion usually signal the start of a gastric ulcer attack. Eating a large meal can stretch the person’s stomach, causing pain and a feeling of fullness and bloating. Other typical effects include weight loss and repeated episodes of digestive tract bleeding.

Duodenal ulcers produce heartburn and pain in the middle of the stomach that is relieved by food. The person gains weight (eating to relieve discomfort) and feels a peculiar sensation of hot water bubbling in the back of the throat. Attacks usually occur about 2 hours after meals, whenever the stomach is empty, after taking aspirin, or after drinking orange juice, coffee, or alcohol. Attacks recur several times a year. Vomiting and other digestive disturbances are rare.

Other Symptoms and Complications

Any of these ulcers may be symptom-free or may penetrate the pancreas and cause severe back pain. Other complications of peptic ulcers include perforation, hemorrhage, and obstruction of the opening between the stomach and the small intestine.

How is it Diagnosed?

Upper digestive tract X-rays show abnormalities in the mucous lining. The doctor can analyze stomach secretions for evidence or use a scope to see the ulcers. Stools may test positive for traces of blood.

How is it Treated?

If you have a peptic ulcer, the doctor will probably treat you with an antibiotic at least once to wipe out a bacterium called Helicobacter pylori because it can infect ulcers even with other causes. He or she may prescribe a familiar drug such as Achromycin or Amoxil. People who take anti-inflammatory drugs may use a drug called Cytotec to reduce ulceration. A coating agent also may be administered to a person with duodenal ulcers. Mostly, the doctor treats your symptoms with drug therapy and rest, starting with antacids.

If you have a bleeding ulcer, the doctor begins emergency treatment with insertion of a nasal tube to bathe the ulcer with iced salt water, possibly containing norepinephrine. A scope can be used to see the bleeding site and a laser or cautery to control bleeding. If the ulcer perforates or persists, or if malignancy is suspected, surgery will be recommended.

In this irritating but harmless condition, a fungus grows on the skin between and under the toes, especially the fourth and fifth toes. The skin becomes red, flaky and itchy and smells unpleasant. Sweat or water makes the top layer of skin white and soggy. Other parts of the foot may also be affected.Athlete’s foot is slightly contagious. It can be caught from others through contact with shed fragments of their affected skin. It is very common, but it is seldom troublesome enough to require professional treatment.

What should be done?

Soggy skin between the toes, without underlying inflammation and itching, does not always harbor athlete’s foot, but may be due to sweaty feet. Either condition will benefit from the following self-help.

Self-help: After taking a bath or shower, or swimming, dry between your toes carefully. Apply an antifungal cream, spray or powder. These are available without a prescription. If the skin is soggy, use an antifungal powder. Wear absorbent socks made of natural fibers, such as cotton, rather than artificial fibers. Wear open sandals or shoes with porous soles and uppers. Change your socks daily, and air your shoes well when you are not wearing them. Once the skin is dry, an antifungal cream will usually stop athlete’s foot from recurring. If these measures fail to clear up the problem, see your physician.

Professional help: The physician may prescribe a different antifungal preparation from the one you have been using. If this produces no improvement, the doctor may prescribe antifungal tablets for four to six weeks.

What do Doctors call this Condition?

Pharyngitis

What is this Condition?

The most common throat disorder, sore throat is an acute or chronic inflammation of the pharynx, the passage between the mouth cavity and the esophagus. It’s widespread among adults who live or work in dusty or very dry environments, use their voices excessively, habitually use tobacco or alcohol, or suffer from chronic sinus infection, persistent coughs, or allergies.

What Causes it?

Sore throat is usually caused by a virus. The most common bacterial cause is group A beta-hemolytic streptococci. Other common causes include Mycoplasma and Chlamydia.

What are its Symptoms?

The person has a sore throat and slight difficulty in swallowing. Swallowing saliva is usually more painful than swallowing food. Sore throat may also cause the sensation of a lump in the throat as well as a constant, aggravating urge to swallow. Other symptoms may include mild fever, headache, muscle and joint pain, and a runny nose. A sore throat usually subsides in 3 to 10 days.

How is it Diagnosed?

Physical exam of the pharynx reveals generalized redness and inflammation. Bacterial sore throat usually produces a large amount of drainage.

A throat culture may be performed to identifY bacterial organisms that may be the cause of the inflammation.

How is it Treated?

Treatment of acute viral sore throat is usually symptomatic, and consists mainly of rest, warm saline gargles, throat lozenges containing a mild anesthetic, plenty of fluids, and analgesics as needed. If the person can’t swallow fluids, he or she may have to go into the hospital for intravenous hydration.

The doctor will treat suspected bacterial sore throat with penicillin or another broad-spectrum antibiotic. The person will begin receiving antibiotic therapy while waiting for results of the throat culture. If the culture is positive (or if bacterial infection is suspected despite negative culture results), penicillin therapy will be continued for 10 days. Continued antibiotic therapy helps to prevent acute rheumatic fever.

Chronic sore throat requires the same supportive measures as acute sore throat but with greater emphasis on eliminating the underlying cause, such as an allergen. Preventive measures include providing room humidity and avoiding excessive air conditioner use. In addition, the person should be urged to stop smoking.