ASTHMA ATTACK - LEARN ABOUT SYMPTOMS, CAUSES AND HOW ARE ASTHMA ATTACK TREATED

What is Asthma

Asthma is a disease affecting the airways that carry air to and from your lungs. People who suffer from this chronic condition (long-lasting or recurrent) are said to be asthmatic. The inside walls of an asthmatic's airways are swollen or inflamed. This swelling or inflammation makes the airways extremely sensitive to irritations and increases your susceptibility to an allergic reaction.



As inflammation causes the airways to become narrower, less air can pass through them, both to and from the lungs.

Asthma Symptoms

The symptoms of Asthma can vary in their affect on the person, from mild loss of breath to daily wheezing and loss of breath even when medicine is used. These symptoms will usually develop over the course of few hours to the entire day the Major Symptoms of Asthma include:

Wheezing: Usually present during the course of an Asthma attack, it is distinguished while a person is breathing in and out displaying the shortness of breath. Shortness of Breath or Dyspnea: This symptom can be difficult to distinguish, because severity does not necessarily indicate the stress to the lungs. This can be a life threatening issue for some such as the elderly or females.

Coughing: This can also be an early symptom of an Asthma attack, a nonproductive cough.
Chest Tightness: An indicator of a possibly serious attack is pain in the chest due to tightness; this can be more easily distinguished. Rapid Heart Rate: Can indicate stress on the body due to the asthma attack.
Sweating: Also indicates stress on the body from an attack.

Along with these symptoms, there are indicators of life-threatening Asthma attacks when there is so much labor to the chest to bring take in air, that breathes become shallow. Also the lacking of oxygen can turn skin a shade of blue or the ribs will appear to be sucked in. As with the loss of oxygen to the body and brain, the Asthmatic could also lose their conciseness as a result.

These symptoms can be difficult to gauge for some people, not being able to realize just how bad their Asthma is. Peak Flow meters can be used to detect the stress and activity to the lungs even if symptoms are not displayed well enough yet. A problem with Asthma, that can also be life-threatening, is that symptoms aren't detected till severe inflammation has already occurred.

Asthma Causes

An overly sensitive immune system makes your airways (bronchial tubes) become inflamed and swollen when you're exposed to certain triggers. Asthma triggers vary from person to person.
» Learn more: Asthma

Reviewed by Dr Alan Ogilvie, gastroenterologist and Dr Roger Henderson, GP

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CHILDHOOD OBESITY - LEARN ABOUT CAUSES, PREVENTION AND HOW ARE CHILDHOOD OBESITY TREATED

What is Childhood obesity

Childhood obesity - is one of the most serious public health challenges of the 21st century. The problem is global and is steadily affecting many low- and middle-income countries, particularly in urban settings. The prevalence has increased at an alarming rate. Globally, in 2010 the number of overweight children under the age of five, is estimated to be over 42 million. Close to 35 million of these are living in developing countries.

What is overweight and obesity

Overweight and obesity are defined as "abnormal or excessive fat accumulation that presents a risk to health".

Children who are overweight or obese are at risk for serious health problems as they get older, including the following:

• Heart disease
• Diabetes
• Hypertension (High blood pressure)
• High cholesterol
• Asthma
• Sleep apnea
• Some types of cancer

Severe obesity can cause liver problems and arthritis. A child who has weight problems also may have low self-esteem, become depressed, be teased or bullied about his or her weight, feel bad about his or her body, or feel isolated or alone. These feelings can interfere with a child's ability to learn, make friends and interact with others.

» Learn more: Childhood obesity

Reviewed by Dr Alan Ogilvie, gastroenterologist and Dr Roger Henderson, GP

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CHRONIC PAIN - LEARN ABOUT CAUSES, TYPES AND HOW ARE CHRONIC PAIN TREATED

What is Chronic Pain

Chronic Pain - is an unpleasant sensory and emotional experience associated with actual or potential tissue damage, signal from our body that something is not right. It can be due to a physical injury, some kind of disease, or emotional upset.



Pain is the most common reason for physician consultation in the United States. It is a major symptom in many medical conditions, and can significantly interfere with a person's quality of life and general functioning.

How is Chronic Pain treated

Treatment of chronic pain usually involves medicines and therapy. Medicines used for chronic pain include pain relievers, antidepressants and anticonvulsants. Different types of medicines help people who have different types of pain.

Types of Chronic Pain

• acute pain - doesn't last long and usually goes away as your body heals.
• chronic pain - lasts at least 6 months after your body has healed.

Sometimes, people who have chronic pain don't know what is causing it. Along with discomfort, chronic pain can cause low self-esteem, depression and anger. It can also interfere with your daily activities.

» Learn more: Chronic Pain

Reviewed by Dr Alan Ogilvie, gastroenterologist and Dr Roger Henderson, GP

tags: chronic pain, pain, acute pain, chronic pain treatment, chronic pain drugs, chronic back pain,chronic pain types, chronic pain remedies, chronic pain pills, chronic pain help, chronic pain causes, chronic pain syndrome, treatment for chronic pain, stomach pain, musculoskeletal pain, cancer pain

EYES CARE - LEARN ABOUT BASIC EYE CARE TIPS AND HOW ARE EYE PROBLEMS TREATED

Eyes Care

Eyes Care - is one of the most important features of any body's face. People love to look at lovely, lively eyes. The eyes should have the quality to capture others attention and must be capable in mesmerizing the others.


Eye care is essential to maintaining the health of our eyes. People with eye diseases that greatly affect their vision face many problems. They are physically hampered by impaired vision. They are not able to perform daily activities like driving or working. Some are barely able to see or have lost their vision entirely. They are also faced with emotional stress. People with dramatic eye problems face many issues that can lead to solitude and depression. This strain also affects friends and families.

They are not able to enjoy everyday moments or special events. Eye problems can also be very costly to individuals. The need for eye wear, eye surgeries, and other needs can greatly affect a person or a family is income. Some people are not even able to work because of their eye problems. There are several steps everyone can take to help prevent eye diseases and the problems related to them. It starts with knowledge of keeping the eye healthy and following good guidelines for maintaining good eye health.

Eye care is essential throughout our lives not because we don't want to wear spectacles but it helps us maintain a clear vision at old age as well. People suffer from various eye problems due to neglect, unhealthy diet and genes.

» Learn more: Eyes Care

Reviewed by Dr Alan Ogilvie, gastroenterologist and Dr Roger Henderson, GP

tags: eye care, eye care tips, eye care treatment, eye care drugs, eye care remedies, eye care pills, eye care help, eye problems causes, treatment for eye care, eye care medications, care of eyes, for eyes, care for eyes, skin care eyes, eye skin care, eye care center

FUNGAL SKIN INFECTIONS - LEARN ABOUT TYPES, SYMPTOMS AND TREATMENTS OF FUNGAL SKIN INFECTIONS

What is Fungal skin infections

Fungal skin infections are infections of the skin caused by fungus. Some types of mushrooms, or excessive growth of normally harmless types that cause the symptoms of fungal skin infections. Most fungal skin infections can be treated effectively.

Types of fungal infections

There are different types of fungal infections and some of them are discussed below; including how you get them:

• Athlete's foot, also known as tinea pedis, is a very common fungal infection. It is found mostly in athletes and swimmers and is highly infectious. The infection is generally contracted from contaminated water. It most commonly affects the feet, especially areas between the toes, resulting in extreme itchiness, cracking of the skin and a vile-smelling discharge.
• Candida is arguably the most common organism that gives rise to fungal infection. It affects the digestive tract, the genital area and the mouth. In the normal course of events the prevalence of natural bacteria is able to control infections arising from Candida. However, when the natural balance is upset, the patient is likely to contract infection.
• At some point in a woman's life she experiences an attack of vulvovaginal infection caused by Candida. The symptoms are itchiness, and irritation and burning during urination and intercourse. A woman is particularly susceptible before and after menstruation when her body experiences a phase of hormonal imbalance.
• Jock Itch (tinea cruris). The same conditions of heat, moisture (sweat) and poor air circulation leading to athlete's foot also cause fungus infections of the groin, or jock itch. As its name implies, intense itching and burning are the usual symptoms. You will also find redness, flaking and peeling on the inner thighs, pubic area, and scrotum.
• Ringworm (tinea corpora). This is caused by a microscopic fungus, not a worm. The infected area spreads out slowly from its central starting point and creates a slightly raised, intensely red ring surrounding a less red, flaky, itchy area. Over weeks, the ring slowly enlarges. It can occur anywhere on the body and in multiple sites at once, so it's often confused with other kinds of dermatitis.

Symptoms of fungal skin infections

The symptoms and appearance of a fungal skin infection depend on the type of fungus causing it and the part of your body affected.

» Learn more: Fungal skin infections

Reviewed by Dr Alan Ogilvie, gastroenterologist and Dr Roger Henderson, GP

tags: eye care, eye care tips, eye care treatment, eye care drugs, eye care remedies, eye care pills, eye care help, eye problems causes, treatment for eye care, eye care medications, care of eyes, for eyes, care for eyes, skin care eyes, eye skin care, eye care center

HYPERTENSION LEARN ABOUT CAUSES, CLASSIFICATION AND HOW ARE HYPERTENSION TREATED

What is Hypertension (High Blood Pressure)

Arteries are blood vessels that carry blood from your heart to the rest of your body. Normal arteries are smooth and flexible, and blood flows easily through them.



As the blood moves through your arteries, it puts pressure on the artery walls. This is your blood pressure. High blood pressure (also called hypertension) occurs when your blood moves through your arteries at a higher pressure than normal.

Blood Pressure Classification

The following US classification of blood pressure applies to adults aged 18 and older. This blood pressure chart can help you figure out if your blood pressure is at a healthy level, or if you'll need to take some steps to improve your numbers. People whose blood pressure is above the normal range should consult their doctor about methods for lowering it.

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Reviewed by Dr Alan Ogilvie, gastroenterologist and Dr Roger Henderson, GP

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INFLAMMATION - LEARN ABOUT SIGNS, TYPES, DISEASES AND HOW ARE INFLAMMATION TREATED

What is the Inflammation

The inflammatory response is the body's natural response that occurs immediately following tissue damage. It's main functions are to defend the body against harmful substances, dispose of dead or dying tissue and to promote the renewal of normal tissue.

What are the signs of Inflammation

The inflammatory reaction is normally characterized by 5 distinct signs, each of which is due to a physiological response to tissue injury.

• Pain (due to chemicals released by damaged cells).
• Swelling or Edema (due to an influx of fluid into the damaged region).
• Redness (due to vasodilatation- the widening of blood vessels and bleeding in the joint or structure).
• Heat (due to an increase in blood flow to the area).
• Loss of function (due to increased swelling and pain).

Often, only a few of these symptoms are present. Inflammation may also be associated with general "flu-like" symptoms including:

• Fever
• Chills
• Fatigue/loss of energy
• Headaches
• Loss of appetite
• Muscle stiffnes

» Learn more: Inflammation

Reviewed by Dr Alan Ogilvie, gastroenterologist and Dr Roger Henderson, GP

tags: inflammation, body's inflammatory, inflammation types, inflammation treatment, anti inflammatories drugs, inflammation symptoms, inflammation remedies, anti inflammatories pills, inflammation help, inflammation causes, treatment for inflammation, what is inflammation, inflammation diseases, inflammation signs, anti inflammatories medications