Obesity increases the risk of migraine

obesity increases the risk of migraine

Migraine is more likely in women than in men and occurs most commonly in those of younger adult age.  In addition, more women are obese than men. Obesity people ages 20 to 55, either by a measure of belly fat or using the standard BMI (body mass index) are more likely to have migraines and other severe headaches.

Migraines are severe headache that also may include nausea, vomiting and light sensitivity. They are likely to happen in women and often hereditary. According to National Headache Foundation, migraines affect about 30 million people in USA, approximately 10% of the population. Migraines occur most frequent on ages 20 to 45. The study concluded that after age 55, the increased risk of migraines for obese people was no longer present.

Relationship between Migraine and Obesity

The researchers look hard to clarift the link between migraines and obesity after previous studies had produced conflicting conclusions. Obesity can also increases the risk of metabolic diseases such as diabetes, hypertension, heart disease, stroke, sleep apnea, arthritis, cancer, etc.

How episodic and chronic daily headache links to obesity is not known. It is likely that pathways which overlap and regulate feeding and migraine play a role.  One region of the brain involved in this pathway is the hypothalamus. The hypothalamus participates in the regulation of feeding and becomes activated during acute migraine attacks. Serotonin and orexin are hypothalamic brain nerve chemicals known to regulate food intake. They appear to have a role in migraine or chronic daily headache.  Adiponectin and leptin are predominantly fat cell produced hormones which have receptors in the brain. They have a role in inflammation and also appear to play a role in migraine or chronic daily headache. Further research into the role of these and other obesity-related proteins and chemicals may help us to understand migraine and lead to new treatment strategies.

Limited data exists on the role of weight loss and exercise in the reduction of migraine frequency.  However one small pilot study suggests that aerobic exercise may decrease headache frequency, while another small study suggests weight loss with a low fat diet could help decrease headache frequency and intensity. Taken together, this data suggests that those who are obese and have episodic headaches or chronic daily headaches should avoid weight gain. Additionally, the provider and obese patient should consider options for migraine prevention that are not associated with weight gain. Also, the obese patient who suffers with headaches should attempt weight loss. Following these ideas will decrease the risk of obesity related disorders, (such as elevated cholesterol and heart disease,) and could help reduce headache frequency.

Sources:

• Reuters
• Ache News

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Hepatitis vaccine booster

hepatitis vaccine booster

In 2009, 3,374 cases of acute Hepatitis B in the United States were reported to CDC; the overall incidence of reported acute Hepatitis B was 1.5 per 100,000 population, the lowest ever recorded. However, because many HBV infections are either asymptomatic or never reported, the actual number of new infections is estimated to be approximately tenfold higher. In 2009, an estimated 38,000 persons in the United States were newly infected with HBV. Rates are highest among adults, particularly males aged 25–44 years.
An estimated 800,000–1.4 million persons in the United States have chronic HBV infection. Chronic infection is an even greater problem globally, affecting approximately 350 million persons. An estimated 620,000 persons worldwide die from HBV-related liver disease each year.

Transmission of Hepatitis B

HBV is transmitted through activities that involve percutaneous (i.e., puncture through the skin) or mucosal contact with infectious blood or body fluids (e.g., semen, saliva), including

• Sex with an infected partner
• Injection drug use that involves sharing needles, syringes, or drug-preparation equipment
• Birth to an infected mother
• Contact with blood or open sores of an infected person
• Needle sticks or sharp instrument exposures
• Sharing items such as razors or toothbrushes with an infected person

HBV is not spread through food or water, sharing eating utensils, breastfeeding, hugging, kissing, hand holding, coughing, or sneezing

The Need for a Booster Dose

After several decades of vaccination against hepatitis B virus in newborns, infants, adolescents, and adults, the question remains whether a booster dose is ever needed. Long-term protection is most commonly measured through 4 methods: the anamnestic response after administration of a booster dose, infection rate in vaccinated populations, in vitro B and T cell activity testing, and seroepidemiological studies. Long-term protection is present despite a decrease in anti-hepatitis B surface antibodies over time. The exact mechanism of long-term protection, however, is not yet fully understood. There is no need for boosters in immunologically potent persons as long as a full course was adequately administered that respected the recommended timelines, as evidenced by studies conducted up to 20 years after the original immunization course. However, a booster dose should be planned for immunocompromised patients, based on serological monitoring.

The question that remains to be answered is how long immune memory will last. Early evidence suggests that the answer will come from the power of the initial immune response and from the time since primary vaccination. Long-term follow-up studies during the third decade after vaccination administration are needed to confirm the duration and persistence of immune memory. In addition, studies that follow-up birth cohorts vaccinated >20 years ago are needed as those individuals become sexually active and potentially exposed to HBV infection.

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Candida Yeast Infection Treatment

candida yeast infection treatment

What is candida yeast infection?

Candidiasis is a fungal infection that can affect areas such as the:

• Skin
• Genitals
• Throat
• Mouth
• Blood

It is caused by the overgrowth of a type of yeast called Candida, usually Candida albicans. This yeast is normally found in small amounts in the human body. But certain medicines and health problems can cause more yeast to grow, particularly in warm, moist body areas. This can cause uncomfortable and sometimes dangerous symptoms.

Candida yeast infection symptoms
Symptoms and treatment depend on which part of the body is infected. 

• If it is in the mouth or throat, it is called oral candidiasis, oropharyngeal candidiasis, or thrush.
• If it affects the genital area, it is called a yeast infection. In women, it may be called a vulvovaginal yeast infection.
• If yeast infects the skin on a baby's bottom area, it causes a diaper rash.
• If the infection enters your bloodstream, it is called invasive candidiasis or candidemia.

Candida yeast infection treatment

Candidiasis is commonly treated with antimycotics; such as:

• topical clotrimazole
• topical nystatin
• fluconazole, and 
• topical ketoconazole.

Source:

http://www.webmd.com

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Blocked fallopian tubes

blocked fallopian tubes

While there are many causes of infertility, a blocked fallopian tube is often the reason why many women are unable to conceive. Each month, when ovulation happens, an egg is released from ovary, and goes through the tubes and reaches the uterus. The sperm also need to swim from cervix through the uterus and to the fallopian tubes to meet the egg. Fertilization usually takes place here while an egg is traveling through the tube. If one or both fallopian tubes are blocked, the egg can't reach the uterus, and that's why the sperm can't meet the egg. This will prevent any fertilization and pregnancy.

Get to know about fallopian tubes, what are fallopian tubes?

The fallopian tubes are the pathways in which the ova travel from the ovaries down into the uterus. They consist of two thin tubes. Their function is to lead the mature egg from the ovaries to the uterus. Blocked fallopian tubes typically prevent successful passage of the egg to the sperm, and/or the fertilized egg to the uterus. In some cases, blocked fallopian tube is not total, but partial. This can increase the risk of a tubal pregnancy or ectopic pregnancy.

What causes blocked fallopian tubes?

Blocked fallopian tube is the major cause of infertility in women at about 20% of the infertility cases. Here are common causes of blocked fallopian tubes.

• Endometriosis
• Uterine fibroids
• PID (pelvic inflammatory disease)
• Ectopic pregnancy
• Tubal ligation removal
• Genital tuberculosis (rare cases)
• Complications from lower abdominal surgery, such as Caesarian section.

How to diagnose blocked fallopian tubes?

There are no specific symptoms and signs that make us know if we are suffering from blocked fallopian tubes. But if you have PID, it is important to think of blocked fallopian tubes, because based on epidemiologic studies, 75% of women with sexually transmitted disease do suffer from blocked fallopian tubes.

The only sign that there is a blocked fallopian tube is an inability to conceive, or we call it primary infertility. To detect this abnormality, there are some diagnostic modalities. Here are the details.

1. HSG (hysterosalpingogram). It is an X-ray test using a contrast dye to view any blockage or obstruction in the fallopian tubes.
2. Laparoscopy surgery / chromotubation. This procedure is similar to HSG because chromotubation includes dye being passed into the fallopian tubes and uterus. This test is performed on a laparoscopic surgery so the doctors can see the dye spelling from the fallopian tube.
3. Sonography (almost similar to USG). It is a non invasive test using ultrasound imaging to determine any abnormalities in reproductive organs.
4. Blood test to detect Chlamydia antibodies because tubal disease is often related to Chlamydia infection.

How to open blocked fallopian tubes?

1. Selective tubal cannulation. This procedure is performed for proximal tubal blockage with 60% pregnancy success rate.
2. Tubal ligation removal (tubal reanastomosis). In this procedure, the doctor will remove the portion of the fallopian tube that was tied or cauterized in the original surgery and reattaches the two ends to make a complete tube. Tubal reanastomosis has a 75% pregnancy success rate.
3. While IVF therapy has largely replaced tubal surgery in the treatment of infertility, the presence of hydrosalphinx is a detriment to IVF success. It has been recommended that prior to IVF, laparoscopic surgery should be done to either block or remove hydrosalpinges.

What are the risks of blocked fallopian tubes surgery?

• Pelvic infection
• Ectopic pregnancy
• Regrowth of scar tissue
• Tissue adhesion

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Seasonal influenza vaccine

seasonal influenza vaccine

Influenza, or flu, is a disease caused by the influenza virus. It is very contagious disease which can be spread by sneezing, coughing, and nasal secretions. Everyone can get influenza, but mostly it affects children. For most people, influenza symptoms last only a few day. 

Symptoms of seasonal influenza
Symptoms of common flu are not specific, it can mimick another viral infections. The symptoms include:

• Chills/fever
• Sore throat
• Fatigue
• Headache
• Muscle aches
• Runny nose

Why people should get seasonal influenza vaccine

People with decreased immune functions, such as young children, elderly, pregnant women, and people with certain health conditions such as heart, lung, or kidney disease, can get much sicker. Seasonal influenza can cause high fever and continue to pnemonia and will harm the existing medical conditions. In children, seasonal influenza can cause diarrhea and fever associated seizure. Sometimes some people need hospitalization.By getting seasonal influenza vaccine you can protect yourself from seasonal influenza and may also avoid spreading seasonal influenza to others.

When to get seasonal influenza vaccine

• Get the vaccine as soon as possible. It will protect you from influenza. You can get the vaccine as long as illness is occuring in your community.
• Influenza mostly occurs from October through May. In recent seasons, most infections have occured in January and February. So if you get the vaccine in December, it will still be beneficial in most years.
• Older children and adults need one dose of influenza vaccine annualy. Younger children (less than 9 years) may need two doses to be protected.
• The vaccine may be given at the same time with other vaccine. It is safe.

How to fight seasonal influenza?

CDC urges us to take these steps to protect ourself and others from the seasonal influenza:

1. Get vaccinated against flu. It's a best defense.
2. Cover your cough, wash hands often.
3. Take antiviral drugs as doctor recommends you.

For more information about seasonal influenza vaccine by age group in the United States, you can go here.

Source: CDC

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Heavy menstrual bleeding

heavy menstrual bleeding

Heavy menstrual bleeding (menorrhagia) is one od the most common gynecologic abnormality that can take a heavy toll on the women it affects. Many women with heavy menstrual bleeding problem do not discuss their condition with their clinicians because they mistakenly believe that it is something they actually have to live with or some women also complain about their fear of hormonal and surgical therapy.

Definition

The definition of heavy menstrual bleeding refers to blood loss > 80 mL during menstruation. NICE (National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence) of the UK proposed that heavy menstrual bleeding can be defined as excessive menstrual blood loss that interferes with patient's physical, emotional, socialm and material quality of life, and which can occur alone or in combination with other symptoms.

Epidemiology

About 30% of women experience heavy menstrual bleeding at some point of their lives. This condition affects more than 10 million women in USA each year, which is about one in five women; however only about 5% of women of reproductive age seek treatment for it annually.

Risk factors

There is a little facts about demographic risk factor of heavy menstrual bleeding. A study has reported that heavy menstrual bleeding has correlation with age, and others show no correlation of heavy menstrual bleeding with ethnicity, genetics, or parity. Lifestyle factors such as alcoholism and smoking are still unknown.

What causes heavy menstrual bleeding?

Here are the causes of heavy menstrual bleeding, according to FIGO classification system:

• Structural causes
• Endometrial or cervical polyps
• Adenomyosis
• Leiomyoma
• Malignancy and hyperplasia
• Non structural causes
• Coagulation disorders
• Ovulatory dysfunction
• Endometrial
• Iatrogenic

Treatment of heavy menstrual bleeding

Treatment of heavy menstrual bleeding should be based on many factors such as:

• Your medical history
• Causes and severity of heavy menstrual bleeding
• Tolerance for specific drugs or procedures
• Your future childbearing plans

Medication/drug therapies for heavy menstrual bleeding may include:

• Iron supplements, if heavy menstrual bleeding is accompanied by anemia
• Analgetics or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as naproxen, ibuprofen, mefenamic acid, they help reduce menstrual blood loss and also relieve menstrual cramps (dysmenorrhea)
• Oral contraceptives, it can help regulate and normalize the menstrual cycles and also reduce prolonged menstrual bleeding
• Oral hormones (progesterone), it will correct hormonal imbalance and reduce menstrual bleeding
• Hormonal IUD (Mirena). It is an intrauterine device that contains progestin (levonorgestrel) which makes the uterine lining thin and reduce menstrual blood flow, relieve cramps.

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How to improve liver function

Liver is the largest organ in our body. It synthesizes many important substances to regulate body metabolism. As a fat burner and detoxifier, liver works can regenerate itself, unlike other organs. So we can do some efforts to cleanse and strengthen our liver, so it will improve our health. There are many nutrients that are good to support liver function. Actually if we are focused on liver health, here are some tips about how to improve liver function.

how to improve liver function

• Drink plenty of water, especially purified water. Water plays an important role in liver detoxification and help cleansing the liver. 
• Cut down all the fatty foods and deep-fried melas. Avoiding high cholesterol foods is proven to reduce the risk of gallbladder disorders.
• Moderate consumption of alcohol (or less) is also important for liver function, since the liver postpones other import functions when it is working to metabolize excess alcohol.
• Eat regularly dietary supplements to help repair the liver, including but not limited to calcium, turmeric, silymarin, vitamin C, zinc, and omega-3 fatty acids.
• Avoid leftovers that are past their safety date. Please pay attention to how long certain foods will still be safe to consume after being stored in the refrigerator.
• Avoid processed foods such as chicken nugggets, sausages, hotdogs, etc.
• Avoid artificial sweeteners and reduce your sugar intake. Enjoy natural sweeteners such as molasses, honey, and agave nectar.
• Minimal the consumption of salted foods.
• Increase your high fiber diet, such as fresh fruits and vegetables, cereals, brown rice, and whole grain breads.
• Keep your ideal body weight. Obesity and gallbladder stones are highly correlated.
• Limit caffeine intake as much as you can.
• Stay away from pollutants.
• Have enough sleep and avoid sleep lately everyday. Our liver works in detoxicating especially in the midnight.
• Reduce your stress.
• Undertake an internal detox program twice a year. You can buy colon cleansing kits in your local food store and also online shops. Famous brands such as Perfect Cleanse, CleanseSmart, and also Colonix. Follow the instructions precisely.

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Blood Clot Treatments

blood clot treatments

Blood clotting is one of the most important mechanism of the body to help repairing injured blood vessels. When an injury happens, such as damaged blood vessels, platelets are transported to the injured area to form an initial plug. This process will activate a clotting cascade, using a series of clotting factors produced by the body. In the end, fibrin is formed. Fibrin is a protein that crosslinks with itself to make a mesh that completes the final blood clot.

The medical terminology for a blood clot is thrombus. Once it is formed, as a normal recovery process of the body, there will be little consequence. Unfortunately, there are times when thrombi (plural form of thrombus) will form but it is not needed, and it can make significant problems for the body itself.

In the US, approximately there are 2 million people develop blood clot symptoms every year. Most people are over age 40. Blood clots in the lung can cause death at least 650,000 people/year, making it the third most common cause of death. 

Blood clot, risk factors

The risk factor of blood clots are common with the risk factors to all diseases that cause narrowing of blood vessels, rupture of plaque, and also cholesterol plaque formation, such as:

• Hypertension
• High cholesterol levels
• Diabetes mellitus
• Family history of blood clot
• Cigarette smoking

Other conditions are also risk factors for blood clot formation:

• Recent surgery
• Prolonged immobility, bed rest or sitting (during flight, a long car ride)
• Heart attack
• Heart failure
• Fractures in the hip, thigh, or lower leg
• Live in high altitude
• Recent childbirth
• Obesity
• Contraceptive users
• Old age

Blood clot symptoms

There are 2 locations of blood clot formation:

1. Venous clots. The clots prevent blood not to return to the heart. Most often happening in the arms or legs. Symptoms are:
• Warmth
• Swelling
• Redness
• Pain
2. Arterial clots. The clots prevent blood not to get to the affected area. Injured body tissue becomes lack of oxygen and begin to die.

blood clot treatments

Blood clot treatments

The treatments depend on the location of clots, and it can be symptomatic or agressive treatment.

1. Venous blood clots
• Warm compresses 
• Drugs: ibuprofen, acetaminophen
• Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) needs special treatment called anticoagulation, such as: enoxaparin, warfarin. Patients need hospitalization.
• Blood clots below the knee have lower risks for emolization to the lung. It may need serial ultrasonography examinations to monitor the clot's growth.
• If pulmonary emboli occurs, the treatment is similiar to DVT and also need hospitalization to monitor patients' condition.
2. Arterial blood clots
• It should be more seriously treated.
• Surgery is needed to remove the clot
• Medications: tenecteplase, alteplase (TPA), especially for peripheral arterial disease to restore blood supply.
• If blood clots occur in the heart, cardiac catheterization is need to relocate blocked artery and a ballon is used to open the occluded area, restore blood circulation, and then a stent (ring) is placed to keep it open. If there is no contraindication, blood clots in brain (stroke) need TPA to restore brain blood flow and prevent more damage.

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Thalassemia How To Test

Thalassemia is an inherited blood disorder in which the body makes an abnormal form of hemoglobin. Hemoglobin is a protein in red blood cells that carries oxygen. This disorders result in increased destruction of red blood cells, which leads to anemia.

thalassemia how to test

Thalassemia Causes

Hemoglobin consists of two proteins: alpha globin and beta globin. Thalassemia occurs when there is a defect in a gene that control production of those globins.

Genetically, thalassemia is classified into two main types:

1. Alpha thalassemia: when a gene or genes related to the alpha globin protein are missing or mutated.
2. Beta thalassemia: when similar gene defects influence the production of beta globin protein.

Clinically, thalassemia is classified into:

1. Major thalassemia: A person with major thalassemia must inherit the defective gene from both parents.
2. Minor thalassemia: occurs if a person receive the defective gene from only one of his parents, so he becomes a thalassemia carrier. Person with minor thalassemia has minimal symptoms or mostly symptomless.

Risk factor of thalassemia

1. Certain ethnicity: Chinese, Asian, Mediteranian, and Afro-American.
2. Family history of thalassemia.

Thalassemia symptoms

• Alpha thalassemia is the most severe kind of thalassemia. It can cause stillbirth (death of unborn baby, usually during late stages of pregnancy or while delivering)
• Children born with major thalassemia may be normal at birth, but they will develop anemia in their first year of life.
• Symptoms of thalassemia-related anemia:
• Fatigue
• Growth failure, failure to thrieve
• Bone deformities in the face
• Jaundice 
• People with minor form of beta and alpha thalassemia have no symptoms, but microscopically, it can be identified.

thalassemia how to test

Thalassemia how to test

• Peripheral blood test (complete blood count) and peripheral blood film
• Low level of hemoglobin
• Low level of red blood cells
• Pale red blood cells
• Various size and shape of red blood cells.
• Serum iron test
• Hemoglobin electrophoresis: to detect abnormal form of hemoglobin molecule.
• DNA analysis : it is a definitive way to diagnose thalassemia and also thalassemia carrier.
• Prenatal testing. It can be done before the baby is born. The goals are to rule out thalassemia and to determine how severe the thalassemia is. There are 2 kinds of tests in fetuses:
• Amniocentesis: it can be done in week 16 of pregnancy by taking sample of fluid that surrounds the fetus.
• Chorionic villous sampling: it is usually done in week 11. The sample is a tiny piece of placenta.
• Premarital testing. 
• If both of bride and groom have minor thalassemia (carriers), they should consult to a doctor before planning a pregnancy. Remember that thalassemia is a preventable disease!
• Assisted reproductive technology. It helps couples with thalassemia carrier to have a normal baby. This procedure involves retrieving mature eggs from a woman and then fertilizing them with a selected man's sperm in a laboratory. After that, the embryos are tested if there is any gene defect. Only those without defective genes are implanted in the woman.

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Flesh Eating Bacteria Symptoms

flesh eating bacteria symptoms

Flesh eating bacteria, or "necrotizing fasciitis" is a rare infection but can be fatal if not treated properly. It is a kind of bacterial infection that spreads quickly, and cause tissue death at the infection site and beyond.

People can get this disease after being infected by the group A Streptococcus (GAS) bacteria. It is the same bacteria that causes strep throat. The bacteria can enter the body through insect bites, minor surgery, minor cuts, and abrasions. Once the body infected, the infection agressively destroys muscle, skin, and fat tissue.

Here are flesh eating bacteria symptoms.

• Local skin warmth. The infected skin appears red and hot when touched. The warm areas enlarge as the infection spreads. The skin color can change from red to dusky gray, and it is a sign of skin death. 
• Pain. Severe pain may be an early symptom of flesh eating bacteria. The pain can worsen prior to the development of an open sore. This pain is caused by nerve damage around the site of injury or wound.
• Tissue swelling. There is a swelling in the infected area that can progressively advances as the infection continues. The overlying area is shiny and taut. 
• Skin blisters. Skin blisters may develop on the infected skin. The characteristic of skin blister caused by flesh eating bacteria is crackling and popping sensation when the skin is pressed. It is called "crepitus".
• Skin ulcer. The ulcer grows as the infection spreads. It contains white fluid with bad odor.
• Foul odor. It caused by dead skin.
• High fever.
• Malaise. People infected by flesh eating bacteria often show the symptoms of generalized weakness.
• Fainting. It may be caused by low blood pressure as the disease progresses.

Flesh eating bacteria treatment

• Hospitalized is needed.
• Intravenous antibiotic therapy.
• Wound debridement (such as minor surgery to remove dead skin and damaged tissue to help stopping the spread of infection)
• Symptomatic medications: antipiretics, analgetics.

Please consult your physician to get complete examination and information about this disease.

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