Can Tuberculosis Be Diagnosed With TB Skin Test?

December 23, 2009

TB skin test, also known as PPD (Purified Protein Derivative) is a latent tuberculosis infection test used to confirm the disease in humans. The skin test is sensitive to both mycobacterium tuberculosis and mycobacterium bovis, believed to cause tuberculosis in humans.

This test was developed based on the fact that Mycobacterium tuberculosis infection delays hypersensitivity skin reaction to certain bacterial components. These skin tests show that if you have a latent tuberculosis infection, meaning though the infection isn’t active, you are a carrier of the bacteria, which would become active anytime.

Though positive skin test needs several criteria, including defined undulated borders and non-redness of skin, not all TB skin tests are positive. In some cases, your health care provider may seek a second skin test at later date to confirm the results. If the results turn positive, the physician may order a chest x-ray and other tests to check if the disease is latent or active. Undertake TB skin test if you are in close contact with someone with active tuberculosis, inspite of having received BCG vaccine. Though the vaccine helps protect young children, it wanes with age.

Relation between iodine consumption and thyroid ailments

December 17, 2009

the thyroid glad is a small butterfly shaped organ located at the front of the nect just below Adams apple. It controls body’s metabolism and energy production. It requires iodine to manufacture thyroxin and triodothyroine, commodity referred to as T4 and T3. Lack of iodine in the diet halts body’s ability to produce growth related hormones, causing thyroid glad inflammation known as goiter. Minimum sixty mircrograms of iodine are required daily.

iodine utilization process is a bit complicated. It initially converts into free elemental from iodides. which then enters thyroid gland through body’s transport mechanism causing oxidation. The harmones released called as Monoiodothryrosine, contain two iodides which then combine forming active hormones used by body, gets stored in thyroid gland and thereafter get released into the body as required.

The problem occurs whenthe patient develops “Hashimotos Thyroiditis”, caused due to hypothyroidism. On the other hand, increased iodine intake cuases hyperthyroidism. Hence, maintaining a relationship between iodine and thyroid glad is important.

Does Walking Help Us Lose Weight? If So, How?

December 8, 2009

Weight loss is a common struggle for many people living in industrialized nations.  Those who want to take off the extra weight are faced with many different options for diet plans including intake of supplements and exercise programs. One of the most commonly recommended exercises for obese people is walking, which is a gentle way of exercise than pumping iron.

Walking meets the goals of any weight loss program while gently putting an individual into a routine that improves their fitness and trims their waistline. Walking for fitness is different from the standard walk. To lose weight, brisk walking for 30 minutes is necessary.

Walking is inexpensive, peaceful and can be quite fun when you do it with friends or a support partner.  According to research, while walking alone, many creative and inventive solutions to problems find their way into the brain. You can even use music while walking alone to keep yourself motivated. These walking routines must be an activity of continuous enjoyment so that losing weight becomes fun.

The Top 7 Ways Treat Asthma

December 3, 2009

Asthma management goes beyond medications, peak flow values, medical visits, and understanding triggers. At the most, the doctor might prescribe daily medication and rescue medication to control your episodes and allow you to live an active life.

Here are the top 7 ways to make a positive impact on the treatment of your disease.

1. Keep following your doctor’s recommendations and prescriptions.
2. If your doctor prescribes peak flow values in your asthma management program, graph or record those values. It will help the doctor to follow-up whenever you have an episode.
3. Smoke is a common trigger for asthma. Quit smoking, if possible. Eliminate any source of smoke in your house, e.g.: - firewood, stove etc. Get rid of molds by applying a mild vinegar solution.
4. Prevent dust formation by cleaning your house weekly with vacuum cleaner.
5. In winter, cover your mouth and nose with a scarf so that the air warms itself before reaching your lungs.
6. Stay away from pets as pet dander is another asthma trigger.
7. Be aware of what you eat and drink if you have food allergies.

Symptoms Of Post Traumatic Brain Injury

December 1, 2009

Post traumatic brain injury (TBI) symptoms are classified as mild, moderate or severe depending on the initial injury, treatment and rehabilitation post injury. Mild brain injury symptoms come at a delayed stage, especially when children suffer from mild sporting injuries. They cause long-term effects for affected families. Though not appearing during injury, they develop subsequently, substantially changing an individual’s functioning ability.

Posttraumatic amnesia is another symptom of traumatic brain injury, lasting anywhere from 24 hours to a lifetime. Patients with severe TBI may suffer from permanent posttraumatic amnesia. Other symptoms include headache, loss of consciousness, vomiting, vision, speech and movement problems, confusion, nasal spinal fluid secretion or decreased pupil dilation, caused by swelling of brain within the skull. The more the swelling, the higher is the extent of the trauma.

Delay in treating TBI symptoms cause epidural hematoma. It occurs due to skull fracture where the bleeding occurs between the skull and the brain covering, causing swelling of the brain and a shift in the brain tissue due to continued bleeding. This is a very treatable condition if the patient is quickly transferred to a hospital and physicians are aware of the problem.