Sunday, December 22, 2013

Urinary Tract Infection


A urinary tract infection is usually a bacterial infection that affects the urinary system. The urinary system produces, stores and eliminates urine and consists of two kidneys, two ureters, the bladder, the urethra and two sphincter muscles.A urinary tract infection can affect any part of the urinary tract.Urine contains a range of salts, fluids and waste products, but is usually bacterium-free. When bacteria enter the urinary tract, e.g. the bladder or kidney, they can reproduce rapidly in the urine, causing urinary tract infection.


Symptoms
  • A strong, persistent urge to urinate
  • A burning sensation when urinating
  • Passing frequent, small amounts of urine
  • Urine that appears cloudy
  • Urine that appears red, bright pink or cola-colored  (a sign of blood in the urine)
  • Strong-smelling urine
  • Pelvic pain, in women
  • Rectal pain, in men

Causes
  • Being sexually active
  • Using certain types of birth control
  • Having urinary tract abnormalities
  • Having blockages in the urinary tract
  • Having a suppressed immune system
  • Using a catheter to urinate

Action plans
  • Drink plenty of water to dilute urine and help flush out bacteria.
  • Avoid drinks that may irritate bladder. Avoid coffee, alcohol, and soft drinks containing citrus juices and caffeine until infection has cleared. They can irritate bladder and tend to aggravate frequent or urgent need to urinate.
  • Use a heating pad. Apply a warm, but not hot, heating pad to abdomen to minimize bladder pressure or discomfort.
  • Wipe from front to back. Doing so after urinating and after a bowel movement helps prevent bacteria in the anal region from spreading to the vagina and urethra.
  • Empty your bladder soon after intercourse. Also, drink a full glass of water to help flush bacteria.
  • Avoid potentially irritating feminine products. Using deodorant sprays or other feminine products, such as douches and powders, in the genital area can irritate the urethra.

Wednesday, December 18, 2013

Tooth Decay

Tooth Decay is an infection that originated from bacteria that causes demineralisation and destruction of the hard tissues of the teeth. It is the result of the production of acid by bacterial during fermentation of food residue accumulated on the tooth surface. Tooth decay is among the world's most common health problems. They're especially common in children, teenagers and older adults. But anyone who has teeth can get tooth decay, including infants.If they aren't treated, they will get larger and affect deeper layers of teeth. They can lead to severe toothache, infection and tooth loss.


Symptoms
  • Toothache
  • Tooth sensitivity
  • Mild to sharp pain when eating or drinking something sweet, hot or cold
  • Visible holes or pits in teeth
  • Pain when bite down
  • Pus around a tooth, especially when  press on gums

Causes
  • Does not brush teeth twice a day, in the morning and before bedtime.
  • Does not floss teeth each day.
  • Eat foods with a lot of sugar. The longer a sugary food stays on teeth, the more the bacteria feed and make acids. 
  • Lack of fluoride in the public water supply also makes tooth decay more likely.
  • Pass the bacteria that cause tooth decay to baby. This can happen when share spoons, forks, and other utensils with babies. 

Action plans
  • Brush after eating or drinking  at least twice a day and ideally after every meal, using fluoride-containing toothpaste. If can't brush after eating, at least try to rinse mouth with water.
  • Rinse mouth. If dentist feels you have a high risk of developing cavities, he or she may recommend that you use a mouth rinse with fluoride.
  • Visit dentist regularly. Get professional tooth cleanings and regular oral exams, which can help prevent problems or spot them early. 
  • Avoid frequent snacking and sipping. Whenever eat or drink something other than water, mouth bacteria create acids that can destroy tooth enamel.
  • Avoid foods that get stuck in grooves and pits of  teeth for long periods, such as chips, candy or cookies.
  • Eat food that protects teeth, such as cheese, which some research shows may help prevent cavities, as well as fresh fruits and vegetables, which increase saliva flow, and unsweetened coffee, tea and sugar-free gum, which help wash away food particles.
  • Consider fluoride treatments.Dentist may recommend a fluoride treatment, especially if you aren't getting enough fluoride through fluoridated drinking water and other sources such as  fluoridated toothpaste or mouthwash.

Monday, December 9, 2013

Sore Throat


A sore throat is the inflamed feeling, pain, scratchiness or irritation in the tonsil area or back of the throat that oftein accompanied by a slight fever. Sore throats are common, especially in children and teenagers. This is because young people have not built up immunity (resistance) against many of the viruses and bacteria that can cause sore throats.


Symptoms
  • Pain or a scratchy sensation in the throat
  • Pain that worsens with swallowing or talking
  • Difficulty swallowing
  • Dry throat
  • Sore, swollen glands in neck or jaw
  • Swollen, red tonsils
  • White patches or pus on tonsils
  • Hoarse or muffled voice

Causes
  • Toxicity
  • Colds
  • Low immunity
  • Shouting and over-using the voice
  • Chronic stress
  • Glandular fever
  • Streptococcal infection
  • Viral infection
  • Allergies

Action plans
  • Get plenty of rest to ease voice
  • Avoid food and drinks that might irritate the throat
  • Avoid irritant such as chemicals, smoking and smoky environment
  • Drink plenty of water to keep the throat moist
  • Gargle salt water can help soothe sore throat and spit it out
  • Eat cold, soft food and drink cool or warm water
  • Take probiotic supplement to increase the body immunity

Tuesday, December 3, 2013

Rosacea


Rosacea is a common skin condition that causes redness in face and often produces small, red, pus-filled bumps. Rosacea can occur in anyone but it is most commonly affects middle-aged women who have fair skin. If left untreated, rosacea will tends to worsen over time. Rosacea signs and symptoms may flare up for a period of weeks to months and then diminish before flaring up again. Rosacea can be mistaken for acne, an allergic reaction or other skin problems.


Symptoms
  • Flushed, red face with sensitive, dry skin that may burn or sting
  • Small bumps and pimples or acne-like breakouts
  • Skin that gets coarser and thicker, with a bumpy texture
  • Dry, red, irritated eyes
  • Enlarged nose

Causes
  • Parasites
  • Alcohol
  • Caffeine
  • Spicy foods
  • Poor digestion
  • Hormonal imbalance
  • Stress
  • Poor liver and lymphatic function
  • Hereditary predisposition
  • Food intolerances
  • Sunlight
  • Hot bath
  • Strenuous exercise

Action plans
  • Eat cabbages, cauliflower, celery, kale, seaweeds to help removing the toxicity of liver.
  • Increase the consumption of fruits and vegetables to prevent constipation.
  • Wear broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher
  • Avoid irritating your facial skin by rubbing or touching it too much
  • Wash problem areas with a gentle cleanser (Dove, Cetaphil)
  • Avoid facial products that contain alcohol or other skin irritants
  • Avoid dairy products, pastries, cakes, sugary biscuits, margaine, fried foods and foods containing the dangerous form of fat, trans-fatty acids.