ANEMIA

ANEMIA

(Aplastic, hemolytic, iron deficiency and pernicious anemias)

There are many forms of anemia, the most common blood disorder. All are marked by abnormalities in the number or function of red blood cells or erythrocytes. These blood cells get their red colour from hemoglobin, an iron rich substance that carries oxygen.

The prevalent cause of anemia are malnutrition, metabolic defects, certain drugs, environmental toxins, excessive blood loss and cancer and various other diseases.

Diagnostic Studies and Procedures

All types of anemia produce weakness and fatigue, skin pallor, shortness of breath and palpitations but accurate diagnosis requires blood analyses, starting with a complete blood count or CCBC, in which the various cells in a specific  amount of blood are counted with the aid of a microscope. While counting the cells, a lab technician will also look for abnornalities in their shape, size, colour and distribution.

For some anemias, diagnosis also requires analysis of bone marrow, which is obtained by aspiration with a hollow needle. In the United States, the common types of anemia are:

Iron deficiency anemia, the most prevalent,  results when the body lacks enough iron to make hemoglobin. This can be caused by inadequate diet, an intestinal disorder or excessive blood loss, usually through heavy menstrual periods or other chronic bleeding.

Aplastic anemia occurs when the bone marrow cannot make enough of certain blood cell-red, white or platelets even though the ones produced are generally normal. Possible causes of aplastic anemia are a hereditary defect or a thymus gland tumor. Exposure to radiation and certain chemicals, including arsenic, benzene and some pesticides, may be implicated as well as anticancer drugs and some antibiotic. The condition may also develop following infections with a number of viruses. In about half of all cases however, a cause cannot be found.

Folic acid deficiency anemia almost always results from a deficiency of this B vitamin, which is needed to make hemoglobin. This anemia is especially common in alcoholics; less often, it is due to an intestinal disorder.

Hemolytic  anemia occurs when red blood cells are destroyed faster than the body can produce new ones. Sometimes this is due to an autoimmune disease in which the immune system attacks the red blood cells.

Pernicious anemia is caused by a deficiency of vitamin B12, usually when the stomach fails to produce intrinsic factor, a substance needed to absorb the vitamin into the bloodstream.

Medical Treatments

Iron deficiency anemia responds generally to iron pills and an increased intake of iron-rich foods, especially liver and lean red meats. Other good sources of iron are whole grains, dark green vegetables and legumes because  chemicals in certain foods inhibit iron absorption, they should not be taken at the same meal with iron-rich foods. Included are dairy products, nuts, tea and coffee. Citrus fruits on the other hand, enhance iron absorption. In severe cases of iron deficiency anemia, involving major blood loss, a transfusion may be necessary.

Aplastic  anemia caused by radiation, drugs or industrial chemicals is treated with transfussion  until the bone marrow can resume its normal function.  In recent years, bone marrow transplantation in which the patient’s marrow is destroyed and replaced  with healthy marrow from a donor, has cured some cases, especially in patients under age thirty (30). Another relatively new treatment consists of injections of equine antithymocyte globulin (ATG), a substance obtained from horse serum. This approach has helped about 60 percent of patients. Alternatively, cyclosporine – a drug that suppresses the immune system may be used.

Folic asid deficiency anemia is treated with vitamin supplements and an increased intake of organ meats, raw fruits and vegetables. If intestinal absorption is the problem, folic asid must be given by injection.

Hemolytic  anemia caused by medication can be treated by withdrawing it. If an autoimmune disorder is at fault, corticosteroids or other drugs to suppress the immune system are prescribed. In some cases, removal of the spleen, which destroyed red blood cells, cures the problem. Transfusions  are sometimes necessary.

Pernicious anemia is treated with vitamin B12 injections. Initially the shots are given at least  weekly. As the body’s  vitamin B12 stored are replenished, monthly injections suffice.

Alternative Therapies

Anemia is a serious condition that does not lend itself to alternative therapies. In some cases, however, they maybe useful adjuncts to medical treatment.

Herbal medicine.

 Dandelion tea and wine are ancient herbal remedies for anemia, especially if it’s due to iron deficiency. Brewing the tea or wine in a cast-iron pot increases the iron content. Using cast iron cookware to prepare acidic foods such as tomato sauce also adds significant iron to the diet.

Self-Treatment

Self diagnosis and treatment of anemia are potentially dangerous. By all means, consume a healthful, balanced diet but don’t resort to taking iron pills and other supplements without consulting a doctor first. Too much iron damages the liver, heart and other organs.

Other Causes of Anemia

Genetic disorders such as sickle cell disease and cooley’s anemia can cause abnormal red cells. A severe infestation of hookworms or other intestinal parasite can lead to anemia.

For more info, please click on the link below.

• 1 Signs and symptoms
• 2 Diagnosis
• 3 Classification
  • 3.1 Production vs. destruction or loss
  • 3.2 Red blood cell size
    • 3.2.1 Microcytic
    • 3.2.2 Macrocytic
    • 3.2.3 Normocytic
    • 3.2.4 Dimorphic
    • 3.2.5 Heinz body anemia
  • 3.3 Refractory anemia
• 4 Causes
  • 4.1 Impaired production
  • 4.2 Increased destruction
  • 4.3 Blood loss
  • 4.4 Fluid overload
• 5 Treatments
  • 5.1 Blood transfusions
  • 5.2 Hyperbaric oxygen
• 6 References
• 7 External links

Swimming is the best way to burn calories.

Swimming can be used as a warm up session before going to your regular works. After work, swimming few laps will able to assist you cool-down, it moves blood all the way through your muscles helping them to recover the strength, and relax you. If your weight is 150 lbs. then you will burn nine hundred calories in 1 hour by swimming only 30 minute, a mile. On the other hand, many swimmers don't swim quick and for that much distance.
You can even do group workouts and water aerobics which are very helpful for health and weight loss. As you talk, make challenges with each other, and share techniques sometimes is always rewarding experience.


There are some other psychological advantages of swimming as well. Relax while swimming with a low effort. Allow your mind to wander, just focus on nothing other than rhythm of stroke. If you focus strongly on one thing then you enter meditated state which will lead you to comfort, later you may leave water and are set for entire day. Many people enjoy several indirect advantages of swimming. You will see developing skills like time-management, self-discipline, sportsmanship, goal-setting, and intelligence. In general swimmers appear to do well in school, than non-swimmers.

Swimming pool image by apeschi from Fotolia.com Swimming is the best way to burn calories and helps to make your body shape as swimming brings to work each body muscle. Swimming doesn't puts pressure on joints too than running as if you have joint or bone problem you can enjoy to swim effortlessly. Although every activity in pool assists you to lose weight, but there are some tips to lose maximum weight.

Stretch out previously before entering the pool. As you work so every muscle will stretch out. A simple exercise like stand straight and touch your toes, then hold one arm's elbow at the back of your head at the same time get down your spine stretch both upper and the lower body. Start swimming slowly to and fro in pool. Backstrokes as well as sidestrokes are two techniques that will allow floating as you swim. Slowly start increasing the movements as well as speed of swim to burn calories.

You move maximum muscles in butterfly & freestyle swimming, hence these two movements burn more calories. Shift from fast strokes to slow strokes, without a break. On one hand you will burn calories and next you will bring variations in heart rate, by raising & quickly lowering the pace of your stokes. This is rather helpful in burning calories instead of staying you at steady pace. Swim 2 laps of high then 2 laps of low intensity in diet, with either back-stroke or side- stroke. Fluctuate your capacity of swimming from high to low intensity for twenty to thirty minutes to get maximum benefits. You can also swim up till you have stamina.

APPENDICITIS

APPENDICITIS

Vermiform appendix

In human anatomy, the appendix (or vermiform appendix; also cecal (or caecal) appendix; also vermix) is a blind-ended tube connected to the cecum (or caecum), from which it develops embryologically. The cecum is a pouchlike structure of the colon. The appendix is located near the junction of the small intestine and the large intestine.

Although appendicitis can occur at any age, it is most common between the years of 10 and 30 and is rare before the age of 2. Appendicitis begins usually with a feeling of general malaise and pain near the navel. The pain guickly intensifies and becomes concentrated in the lower right abdomen but sometimes radiates upward so that it appears to come from under the rib cage. Pressure on the abdomen worsens the pain as does movement or coughing. Other symptoms include low fever, rigid abdomen, loss of appetite,  nausea, vomitting, constipation or more rarely, diarrhea. Lying on the left side with the legs drawn up in a fetal position often brings some temporary relief.

Diagnostic Studies and Procedures

A doctor will press, or palpate the abdomen, feeling for the rigidity that is typical. Blood tests showing an elevated white cell count, a common indication of any infection, coupled with the other characterisitc symptoms will raise a suspicion of appendicitis.

There are no specific diagnostic tests for the problem but an ultrasound examination often shows that the appendix is enlarged. If the diagnosis is still uncertain after a physical examination and ultrasound, laparotomy maybe ordered, particularly in woman, because the symptoms may indicate an ovarian cyst or other gynecologic disorder. In this procedure, a viewing tube is inserted into a small incision near the naver, allowing a doctor to examine the abdominal organs.

Medical Treatments

An operation to remove the appendix called an appendectomy will be done immediately; it is the only treatment for acute appendicitis. Prompt surgery is important to prevent rupture and spreading of the infection.

A ruptured appendix invariably leads to peritonitis, a serious infection of the lining around the abdominal cavity. If rupture has occured, the appendix and the surrounding infected tissue must be removed, followed  by intensive antibiotic theraphy. In the rare cases in which surgery is not possible, antibiotics will be given inravenously.

In uncomplicated appendectomy takes about an hour to perform. Most patients are released from the hospital in 5 or 6 days and recover fully within a week to 10 days.

Alternative Therapies

While there is no substitute for surgical treatment, such relaxation techniques as meditation, visualization and self-hypnosis caan reduce postoperative pain. Other approaches incluse:

1. Acupuncture. In China, acupuncture substitutes for painkillers following an appendectomy and some other types of surgery. When James Reston, a New York Times columnist, developed appendicitis during a trip to China, local anesthesia was used for the operation and acupuncture to alleviate postoperative pain.

2. Music therapy. Listening to music dulls the perception of pain, perhaps by increasing the brains production of endorphins - the body's natural painkillers. Studies show that surgery patients who listen to music often can reduce their need for painkillers.

3. Nutrition Therapy. Some nutritionists and doctors believe that eating high-fiber foods, such as whole-grain cereals and breads, fresh fruit and vegetables may help prevent appendicitis.

Self-Treatment

There is no self-treatment for acute appendicitis; your best course is to seek medical treatment as quickly as you can. Go to the nearest emergency room if you are unable to reach your own doctor. If you cannot get to a hospital immediately, apply ice packs and stay as quiet as possible.

Constipation is common with this condition but you should never take a laxative if the symptoms suggest the possibility of appendicitis because it can cause the appendix torupture. While recovering from an appendectomy, an ice pack applied to the area of the incision numbs the pain. After the stitches or surgical staples have been removed, application of vitamin E oil or cream to the incision may promote healing and help to reduce scarring. Generally, physicians advise against lifting any heavy objects for at least six weeks, as such activity can put undue stress on the incision and will slow the healing process.

Other Causes of Abdominal Pain

Other disorders that produce pain like that of appendicitis include pelvic inflammatory disease, tubal pregnancy, a ruptured ovarian cyst, Crohn's disease and other intestinal disorders. 

Vermiform Appendix
Arteries of cecum and vermiform appendix. (Appendix visible at lower right, labeled as "vermiform process").
Normal location of the appendix relative to other organs of the digestive system (frontal view).

HEALTH INFO

SHOULD YOU SEEK A SECOND OPINION?

Studies show that a large percentage of surgery done in the whole world each year could be avoided, because all operations carry a risk and most are more costly than other treatments. Make sure that surgery is the best treatment option. In particular, always seek a second opinion before having any of the following operations:

Cataract removal
Coronery artery bypass and other heart operations
Gallbladder removal
Hernia repair
Hysterectomy
Knee surgery
Prostate surgery
Spinal disk removal and other back operations
Tonsillectomy