How to treat the muscle weakness caused by Myasthenia gravis

How to treat the muscle weakness caused by Myasthenia gravis

Convert a painful walk to a joyful ride with use of Simvastatin!

Peripheral vascular disease or PVD refers to the diseases of the circulatory system outside of the heart and the brain. This disorder is characterized by narrowing of the arteries in the legs causing limitation of blood supply to the muscles.

This condition usually begins with a build up of plaques in the blood vessels that supply blood to the limbs. These plaques are made up of cholesterol, calcium and fibrous tissue. This results in lack of proper blood supply to the muscles of the legs, causing severe signs and symptoms.

What are the risk factors for this problem?

• The symptoms of this illness are more severe in people with diabetes. Even the recovery of these individuals is slower as compared to that of normal people.

• Patients having an increased level of cholesterol face a very high risk of suffering from this problem.

• This disease is more prevalent in patients above 50 years of age.

• The inflammation and scarring of the blood vessels due to infections can lead to this ailment.

• Structural defects in the blood vessels can also increase the risk of developing this disease.

What are the indications of this disease?

This condition most commonly affects the muscles in the buttocks, the hips, the thighs, the foot and the calf. Intermittent limping, or claudication, is the commonest symptom of this condition. Patients complain of pain, numbness and cramps in the legs while walking or climbing stairs. These symptoms often ease after taking rest. There can also be burning or numbness in the legs. If the blockage is severe, patients may not feel any pain because the body tries to compensate for this by growing tiny blood vessels that "bypass" the blocked arteries. This is called collateral circulation.

Some other signs and symptoms of this disorder include:

• Delayed healing of wounds
• Repeated infections in the legs
• Gangrene or death of the tissues requiring an amputation
• Weak or absent pulse in the feet
• Erection problems, especially in males having diabetes

How to manage?

Patients suffering from this disease are advised to use Simvastatin to manage it with effective results. Use of this medicine also helps in prevent heart attack and stroke. It helps in managing this disease by preventing the action of an enzyme, HMG-CoA Reductase, in the liver. This leads to a reduction in the level of cholesterol in the body, thereby preventing blockages of the arteries.

How to use?

Patients should use Simvastatin in a dosage of 10 to 40 mg, once everyday. The dose can be modified depending on the blood cholesterol levels. Patients can consult their physician for more information about this drug.

A person may try to ignore peripheral vascular disease by walking less to avoid leg pain. However, this may not help for long! In fact, ignoring this problem may make it worse, leading to gangrene or other severe complications. Hence, the best way to deal with this disease is to use of Simvastatin and ensure that your leg vessels function efficiently. 

How to Prevent Fears From Overpowering your Life!

Panic attacks are common psychological conditions that occur as a part of anxiety disorders. But, they are different than the other types of anxiety disorders. Panic attacks come suddenly and often seem to be unprovoked. They are quite often disabling too.

What are the Risk Factors for this Illness?

• Some other psychological illnesses, including posttraumatic stress disorder and schizophrenia, can increase the risk of this condition.

• Some medicines can also cause intense anxiety, leading to this ailment. These medications include stimulants such as methylphenidate, anti-diabetic medications like insulin and anti-malarial drugs like quinine. People may suffer from this condition when they suddenly withdraw corticosteroids without tapering the dose slowly.

• Some studies have highlighted that the use of food additives like aspartame can also cause this problem.

• Heredity plays a strong role in the development of this illness.

• Some studies have pointed that deficiencies of zinc and magnesium may also play a role in developing this disorder.

• History of physical or sexual abuse during childhood can increase the risk of suffering from this illness.

Some Common Signs and Symptoms of this Illness are Mentioned Here:

• Palpitations
• Sudden pain in the chest
• Upset stomach
• Difficulty in breathing
• A fear of being smothered
• Trembling of the hands
• Feelings of detachment
• Distorted perceptions
• A feeling of helplessness

What are the consequences of this condition?

In children, this condition results in a sharp decline in their performance at school. They start avoiding school and fear being separated from their parents. Substance abuse and depression are common in these children. They may develop a brooding tendency and have suicidal thoughts. 

Similarly, in adults, this condition has a negative effect on their performance at the workplace. They are unable to concentrate on their work. They also isolate themselves from others.

Possible complications:

• Depression
• Alcoholism
• Financial problems
• Heart diseases
• Substance abuse

How to treat?

• Use of medications
• Stress-management techniques
• Counseling for decreasing the sense of helplessness
• Patient education
• Recognizing and replacing panic-causing thoughts
• Eating at regular times
• Exercising regularly
• Getting enough sleep
• Cognitive behavioral therapy

Medications for panic disorder:

Patients are advised to use Escitalopram for the treatment of this ailment. It can also be used for managing depression and generalized anxiety disorder. It helps by preventing the reuptake of a neurotransmitter, serotonin, by the nerves, which results in an increased amount of serotonin in the brain. This helps to control the symptoms of the condition.

Dosage Recommendations:

Patients can take Generic Escitalopram in a dosage of 10 milligrams, once daily. The dose can be increased to 20 mg per day after a week. It can be taken with or without food. Patients can contact a physician to know more regarding the dose of this medication that is suitable for them.

We expect people to overcome their childhood fears once they grow up. But, some fears may strike in adulthood. These fears can be overcome by using Escitalopram along with proper counseling.

Hypothyroidism Explained - Here are the Answers you always Wanted

Hypothyroidism is a disorder wherein the thyroid gland is not able to secrete sufficient quantities of the hormones that are required for the body to function properly. Insufficient hormonal secretions tend to disrupt almost all the chemical reactions inside the body.

If hypothyroidism is not treated, it could cause problems like obesity, infertility, heart disorders and joint problems, besides worsening any already existing health conditions.

Hypothyroidism Causes:

•    Pituitary Disease: The pituitary gland is responsible for the thyroid functioning properly. When this gland does not function appropriately, a person could either suffer from an underactive or overactive thyroid gland.

•    Hashimoto's Thyroiditis: This condition is amongst the most common causes of hypothyroidism. This disorder causes the immune system to see the thyroid gland as a foreign, harmful object. This causes the immune system to attack thyroid gland tissues, thereby leading to inflammation of the thyroid as well as a considerable decrease in the production of thyroid hormones.

•    Iodine Deficiency: A deficiency of iodine within the body can lead to hypothyroidism. A sufficient amount of iodine is extremely important for normal thyroid activity. A lack of iodine can make it difficult for the thyroid glands to produce the required hormones.

•    Damaged Thyroid Gland: A damaged thyroid gland is one more cause of hypothyroidism. A patient taking treatment for hyperthyroidism over a period of time is at risk of developing a damaged thyroid gland. Long-term usage of anti-thyroid medicine could suppress the thyroid glands to a point where it may cause hypothyroidism.

•    Cancer Treatment: Cancer treatment requires radiation therapy to eradicate cancer cells. Nevertheless, in case the target site of treatment is in the neck region, then it may interfere with the thyroid gland, thereby leading to hypothyroidism.

Hypothyroidism Symptoms:

The initial signs of hypothyroidism are:

•    Fatigue
•    Constipation
•    Loss of appetite
•    Muscle and joint pain
•    Inability to withstand cold
•    Irregular menstrual cycle
•    Reasonable increase in weight

Advanced Hypothyroidism symptoms are:

•    Hair loss
•    Weakness
•    Sleepiness
•    Weak memory
•    Change in the voice
•    Thinning eyebrows
•    Puffiness of the face
•    Lack of concentration
•    Lack of sensation in arms and legs

If hypothyroidism is not provided timely treatment, it could worsen and might cause an enlargement of the thyroid gland, also known as goiter. It may even lead to more serious complications, such as myxedema.

Once it is diagnosed, the doctor will prescribe suitable medicine to treat this condition. Medications like Levothroid are amongst the drugs most commonly prescribed to help in overcoming a thyroid hormone deficiency. Levothroid is a synthetic form of the thyroid hormone that is manufactured and released by the thyroid gland.

Levothroid has been approved to treat hypothyroidism and goiter growths. However, it is important that you utilize Generic Levothroid only when it has been prescribed by the healthcare professional.

These were a few causes, symptoms and treatments for hypothyroidism. Though this problem is extremely common amongst individuals, there are appropriate treatments, including treatment with Levothroid, available to help one overcome this condition.

7 Foods that can Trigger Acid Reflux

Gastro Esophageal Reflux Disease (GERD), also known as acid reflux, is a very common disorder worldwide. It is a digestive disorder which affects the normal functions of the LES (lower esophageal sphincter).

In this condition, the muscles of the lower esophageal sphincter weaken. As a result, stomach acids flow back up into the esophagus, damaging the lining in the esophagus. This causes symptoms such as nausea and heartburn. One of the primary reasons that cause GERD is eating the wrong types of food. Mentioned below are certain foods which must be avoided.

Foods to Avoid:

•    Dairy Products: Dairy products are known to increase acid secretions in the stomach. Therefore, to prevent excessive secretion of stomach acids, it is preferable to restrict the consumption of milk, cheese, etc. especially on a full stomach.

•    Acidic Foods: Some foods are acidic by nature and act like triggers for acid reflux. Grapefruits, pineapples and tomatoes are a few examples of acidic foods. Eating foods with a high acidic content will often cause acid reflux and hence they must be restricted or avoided.

•    Fried and Spicy Food: Fried foods have high amounts of trans-fats and hence cause acid reflux. Similarly, extremely hot or spicy foods irritate the stomach lining and trigger acid reflux. These foods also slow down the digestion process and cause the stomach acids to flow up into the esophagus. Therefore, it is important to curb or avoid spicy and fried foods.

•    Citrus Fruits: Some fruits are very acidic in nature and this could lead to heartburn in GERD patients. Therefore, limit or avoid the intake of fruits like grapefruits, lemons, oranges, etc.

•    Caffeine: Caffeine is known to increase stomach acid secretions and serves as an active muscle relaxing agent. As a result, it has been suggested that the intake of beverages containing caffeine must be limited to avoid acid reflux.

•    Garlic and Onions: Onions and garlic provide important health benefits. But, GERD patients must restrict or refrain from eating extra garlic and onions as they contain some compounds which can lead to acid reflux.

•    Carbonated Drinks: Avoiding carbonated or aerated beverages is recommended as they build up pressure inside the stomach. This triggers an increased production of stomach acids.

GERD Treatment:

There are many treatments available for acid reflux. Some common medications are H2 Blockers, proton pump inhibitors and antacids. Antacids are used for relieving minor symptoms like heartburn. Serious acid reflux cases are treated with proton pump inhibitor drugs and H2 blockers. Both these medications help lessen the quantities of acid produced within the stomach.

Medications like Generic Nexium are amongst the commonly prescribed drugs to treat acid reflux. Nexium is a proton pump inhibitor drug and decreases stomach acid production. This enables the esophagus and stomach to heal. But, you must use Nexium only when prescribed by the doctor.

These are some of the foods which cause acid reflux. If GERD symptoms persist, they could cause other health problems. Though avoiding such foods will help to deal with acid reflux, it is essential to consult a healthcare professional for diagnosis and proper treatment.

Give your skin the Gift of Beauty with Renova Retin A!

Acne is the commonest skin disease, seen in adolescents as well as in adults. Blockage in the ducts of the sebaceous glands situated in the skin is the main cause of acne.

Risk factors for acne:

No single factor can be blamed for causing acne. Acne occurs due to the simultaneous influence of several factors on the skin. Some of the factors that can cause or increase acne are given below.

• Hormonal changes occurring in the body during puberty can lead to the formation of acne in adolescents.

• The role of heredity in the development of acne is still not proved. But, it has been observed that people who suffer from severe acne eruptions have a family history of the same.

• Excessive accumulation of sweat on the skin, e.g. as happens after exercising, may clog the pores of the skin, causing acne. Hence, physicians recommend that people wash their faces regularly, especially after exercise, to prevent acne. At the same time, it is important to remember that excessive washing and hard scrubbing of the face can also cause acne.

• Pressure on the skin due to wearing of helmets, suspenders, collars or chin straps can also cause acne.

• Use of some drugs such as antidepressants, lithium and anticonvulsants are known to increase the risk of acne eruptions. It should be noted that some medicines like oral contraceptive pills can actually help in reducing acne.

• Bacterial infections of the skin can aggravate acne. Propionibacterium Acnes is the most common bacterium responsible for acne eruptions.

Tips for managing acne:

• Reducing one’s intake of carbohydrates, fried food and chocolates
• Lifestyle modifications for reducing mental stress
• Increasing intake of water
• Avoiding picking or squeezing pimples
• Regular cleansing of the skin to open the pores
• Avoiding excessive use of cosmetic products

Management of acne:

Renova Retin A cream is a highly recommended topical agent for the management of acne. Use of this cream is also beneficial for reducing wrinkles and fine lines on the skin. Renova Retin A can also be used for treating stretch marks. Renova Retin A is a Retinoid drug. It helps in reducing acne by causing extrusion of the clogged material from the sebaceous glands.

How to use?

People should apply Renova Retin A on the skin in a thin layer. In the initial period, it should be used once in 2 to 3 days. Once the skin develops tolerance to this medication, patients can start applying it once every day, preferably at night. They should contact a dermatologist to learn the exact way of using this topical agent.  

Side effects of Renova Retin A:

Renova Retin A is known to cause irritation of the skin, increased photosensitivity of the skin and redness of the skin.

Nobody likes to have ugly acne eruptions on the face. These eruptions can affect the look of a person. People suffering from this condition can use Renova Retin A so that they can get a youthful and glowing skin free from acne eruptions.

How Can You Detect Bronchospasm?

Symptoms of bronchospasm imitate those of asthma, a chronic condition of the lungs. Some people may experience signs of bronchospasm, even though they do not suffer from asthma. Signs of mild bronchospasm may not need extensive medical care to heal; while that of severe bronchospasm do.

Following are the main signs of bronchospasm. In case you experience any of these, you ought to consult a doctor immediately to prevent serious health consequences.

Discomfort in the Chest

Narrowing of the airways brought on due to bronchospasm produces pain, pressure or tightness in the chest while breathing the air in and worsens difficulty in breathing. If you observe a sudden attack of chest pain, you must visit a doctor right away, since it may also be a sign of an imminent heart attack.

Wheezing

During inhalation, air flows without any difficulty into the lungs of a healthy person. Bronchospasm impedes this flow of the air due to constricted airways. The flow of air creates a sound that resembles a whistle or a squeak like sound while passing through the contracted airways, a condition called as wheezing. Wheezing usually takes place whilst inhaling and people around a person suffering from bronchospasm can hear its sound.

Difficulty in Breathing

An episode of bronchospasm triggers mild to excessive trouble in breathing, which depends upon the intensity of constriction of the airways. Excess narrowing of the airways can spark off shortness of breath, a symptom of bronchospasm that needs immediate medical attention to heal. Irritation in airways occurred on account of bronchospasm may lead to persistent and repetitive cough. Frequent coughing aggravates the pain in chest in bronchospasm patients.

• Causes of Bronchospasm

Bronchospasm obstructs breathing, since it constricts airways. In some people, cold, exercise and allergens can cause bronchospasm; while sometimes it is the result of a viral infection. Fortunately, all bronchospasm causes can be efficiently cured.

Bronchiolitis

Bronchiolitis is an infection caused due to a virus that targets babies in the age group of 3 – 6 months. Bronchiolitis symptoms include stuffy, runny nose and fever.

Asthma

Asthma leads to inflammation of the lungs. Asthma signs include wheezing, chest tightness and dry cough. Contributing factors for the development of asthma are obesity, gastroesophageal reflux disease, exposure to smoke and allergies.

Anaphylaxis

Anaphylaxis signs include trouble breathing, wheezing, fainting, itchiness, bronchospasm and confusion. Anaphylaxis is a result of an allergic reaction to bee venom, medications and foods.

The treatment for bronchospasm must be started as early as possible, to ward off from further health complications. It incorporates using prescription drugs accurately as per the doctor’s advice.

Treatment for Bronchospasm

Medications like Volmax are very effective for the treatment of bronchospasm. Volmax is composed of a key agent termed as albuterol, which is a member of a category of drugs known as bronchodilators. The medicine relaxes the muscles in airways and improves airflow into the lungs.

Generic Volmax efficiently cures bronchospasm developed due to reversible obstructive airway disease in people above 6 years old. The medicine may be prescribed to be used in combination with other prescription drugs.