Monday, August 16, 2010
Bee Sting Signs And Symptoms
Bee stings are a common outdoor nuisance. In most cases, bee stings are just annoying and pain and swelling go away quickly. Usually home treatment is all that's necessary to ease the pain of bee stings. But if you're allergic to bee stings or you get stung numerous times, you may have a more serious reaction that requires emergency treatment. You can take several steps to avoid bee stings — and find out how to treat them if you do get stung.
Bee sting symptoms include:
Instant, sharp burning pain at the sting site
A red welt at the sting area
A small, white spot where the stinger punctured the skin
Slight swelling around the sting area
In most people, swelling and pain go away within a few hours and only cause minor discomfort.
Allergic reactions
If you're allergic to bee stings, you'll have a more serious reaction. Symptoms can range from mild to severe. Most severe allergic reactions to bee stings develop within minutes of the sting, but in some cases, serious reactions around the bee sting area can take hours or even a few days to develop. Even if you've only had a minor reaction to bee stings in the past, it's possible to have a more serious allergic reaction the next time you get stung.
Signs and symptoms of an allergic reaction to bee stings can include:
A large area of swelling (edema) at the sting site
Itching or hives all over your body
Cough, chest tightness, wheezing or shortness of breath
A severe allergic reaction to bee stings can cause:
Lightheadedness
Loss of consciousness
Upset stomach, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting or other digestive issues
Anaphylaxis
A medical emergency, anaphylaxis is a full-blown allergy attack that can be life-threatening. If you have symptoms of anaphylaxis following a bee sting, seek emergency treatment immediately. Signs and symptoms include:
Skin reactions in parts of the body other than the sting area, including hives and itching and flushed or pale skin (almost always present with anaphylaxis)
Difficulty breathing
Swelling of the throat and tongue or other areas of the body
A weak and rapid pulse
Nausea, vomiting or diarrhea
Dizziness or fainting
Loss of consciousness
Multiple bee stings
Most honeybees or bumblebees aren't aggressive and only sting in self-defense. In most cases, this results in one or perhaps a few bee stings. However, in some cases a person will disrupt a hive or swarm of bees and get stung multiple times. Some types of bees — such as Africanized honeybees — are more likely than are other bees to swarm, stinging in a group.
Bee stings are rarely fatal, in spite of dramatic movie scenes that might make you believe otherwise. But if you get stung more than a dozen stings, you may feel quite sick. Multiple stings can be a medical emergency in children, older adults, and people who have heart or breathing problems.
When to see a doctor
In most cases, bee stings are a minor problem that gets better quickly with home treatment. However, if you have a serious reaction, you'll need medical attention.
Call 911 or other emergency services if you're having a serious reaction to a bee sting that includes dizziness, lightheadedness, loss of consciousness, trouble breathing, swelling of the throat or hives. If you were prescribed an emergency epinephrine autoinjector (EpiPen, Twinject), use it right away as your doctor directed.
Make an appointment to see your doctor if bee sting symptoms don't go away within a few days, or if you've had other symptoms of an allergic response following a bee sting.
Sunday, August 15, 2010
Common Signs And Symptoms Of Heart Failure
Sign or Symptom People with Heart Failure May Experience...
Why It Happens
Shortness of breath (also called dyspnea) ...breathlessness during activity (most commonly), at rest, or while sleeping, which may come on suddenly and wake you up. You often have difficulty breathing while lying flat and may need to prop up the upper body and head on two pillows. You often complain of waking up tired or feeling anxious and restless. Blood "backs up" in the pulmonary veins (the vessels that return blood from the lungs to the heart) because the heart can't keep up with the supply. This causes fluid to leak into the lungs.
Persistent coughing or wheezing ...coughing that produces white or pink blood-tinged mucus. Fluid builds up in the lungs (see above).
Buildup of excess fluid in body tissues (edema) ...swelling in the feet, ankles, legs or abdomen or weight gain. You may find that your shoes feel tight. As blood flow out of the heart slows, blood returning to the heart through the veins backs up, causing fluid to build up in the tissues. The kidneys are less able to dispose of sodium and water, also causing fluid retention in the tissues.
Tiredness, fatigue ...a tired feeling all the time and difficulty with everyday activities, such as shopping, climbing stairs, carrying groceries or walking. The heart can't pump enough blood to meet the needs of body tissues. The body diverts blood away from less vital organs, particularly muscles in the limbs, and sends it to the heart and brain.
Lack of appetite, nausea ...a feeling of being full or sick to your stomach. The digestive system receives less blood, causing problems with digestion.
Confusion, impaired thinking ...memory loss and feelings of disorientation. A caregiver or relative may notice this first. Changing levels of certain substances in the blood, such as sodium, can cause confusion.
Increased heart rate ...heart palpitations, which feel like your heart is racing or throbbing. To "make up for" the loss in pumping capacity, the heart beats faster.
Why It Happens
Shortness of breath (also called dyspnea) ...breathlessness during activity (most commonly), at rest, or while sleeping, which may come on suddenly and wake you up. You often have difficulty breathing while lying flat and may need to prop up the upper body and head on two pillows. You often complain of waking up tired or feeling anxious and restless. Blood "backs up" in the pulmonary veins (the vessels that return blood from the lungs to the heart) because the heart can't keep up with the supply. This causes fluid to leak into the lungs.
Persistent coughing or wheezing ...coughing that produces white or pink blood-tinged mucus. Fluid builds up in the lungs (see above).
Buildup of excess fluid in body tissues (edema) ...swelling in the feet, ankles, legs or abdomen or weight gain. You may find that your shoes feel tight. As blood flow out of the heart slows, blood returning to the heart through the veins backs up, causing fluid to build up in the tissues. The kidneys are less able to dispose of sodium and water, also causing fluid retention in the tissues.
Tiredness, fatigue ...a tired feeling all the time and difficulty with everyday activities, such as shopping, climbing stairs, carrying groceries or walking. The heart can't pump enough blood to meet the needs of body tissues. The body diverts blood away from less vital organs, particularly muscles in the limbs, and sends it to the heart and brain.
Lack of appetite, nausea ...a feeling of being full or sick to your stomach. The digestive system receives less blood, causing problems with digestion.
Confusion, impaired thinking ...memory loss and feelings of disorientation. A caregiver or relative may notice this first. Changing levels of certain substances in the blood, such as sodium, can cause confusion.
Increased heart rate ...heart palpitations, which feel like your heart is racing or throbbing. To "make up for" the loss in pumping capacity, the heart beats faster.
Congestive Heart Failure or CHF
Congestive heart failure (CHF), or heart failure, is a condition in which the heart can't pump enough blood to the body's other organs. This can result from
narrowed arteries that supply blood to the heart muscle — coronary artery disease
past heart attack, or myocardial infarction, with scar tissue that interferes with the heart muscle's normal work
high blood pressure
heart valve disease due to past rheumatic fever or other causes
primary disease of the heart muscle itself, called cardiomyopathy.
heart defects present at birth — congenital heart defects.
infection of the heart valves and/or heart muscle itself — endocarditis and/or myocarditis
The "failing" heart keeps working but not as efficiently as it should. People with heart failure can't exert themselves because they become short of breath and tired.
As blood flow out of the heart slows, blood returning to the heart through the veins backs up, causing congestion in the tissues. Often swelling (edema) results. Most often there's swelling in the legs and ankles, but it can happen in other parts of the body, too. Sometimes fluid collects in the lungs and interferes with breathing, causing shortness of breath, especially when a person is lying down.
Heart failure also affects the kidneys' ability to dispose of sodium and water. The retained water increases the edema.
How do you diagnose and treat congestive heart failure?
Your doctor is the best person to make the diagnosis. The most common signs of congestive heart failure are swollen legs or ankles or difficulty breathing. Another symptom is weight gain when fluid builds up.
CHF usually requires a treatment program of:
rest
proper diet
modified daily activities
drugs such as
ACE (angiotensin-converting enzyme) inhibitors
beta blockers
digitalis
diuretics
vasodilators
Various drugs are used to treat congestive heart failure. They perform different functions. ACE inhibitors and vasodilators expand blood vessels and decrease resistance. This allows blood to flow more easily and makes the heart's work easier or more efficient. Beta blockers can improve how well the heart's left lower chamber (left ventricle) pumps. Digitalis increases the pumping action of the heart, while diuretics help the body eliminate excess salt and water.
When a specific cause of congestive heart failure is discovered, it should be treated or, if possible, corrected. For example, some cases of congestive heart failure can be treated by treating high blood pressure. If the heart failure is caused by an abnormal heart valve, the valve can be surgically replaced.
If the heart becomes so damaged that it can't be repaired, a more drastic approach should be considered. A heart transplant could be an option.
Most people with mild and moderate congestive heart failure can be treated.
Sunday, August 1, 2010
Truth About Genital Herpes
Genital Herpes
Herpes is a sexually transmitted disease (STD) caused by the herpes simplex virus (HSV).
Genital herpes infection is very common and on the increase in the United States. Nationwide 45 million people aged 12 and older (1 out of 5 of the total adolescent and adult population) are infected with HSV-2.
It is more common in women (1 out of 4) than in men (1 out of 5) possibly because male to female transmission is more efficient than female to male transmission.
HSV-2 infection is also more common in areas of high socio-economic disadvantage, facing fundamental issues of health such as:
access to quality health care
poverty
living in communities with a high prevalence of STDs
illicit drug use
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The Herpes Virus
HSV-type 1
causes fever blisters on the mouth or face (oral herpes)
HSV-type 2
typically affects the genital area (genital herpes)
Both viral types can:
be inactive or 'silent' causing no symptoms
cause either genital or oral infections
cause 'outbreaks' of blisters and ulcers
People can remain infected for life after the first initial episode
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Transmission
Herpes is spread by direct contact including:
Sexual contact
Anal sex
Oral sex
Vaginal sex
as well as
Kissing
Skin-to-skin contact which transmits HSV-1 and HSV-2
Genital herpes
Can be transmitted with or without the presence of sores or other symptoms
Is often transmitted by people who do not realize infection can be passed on even when there are no symptoms
Is often transmitted by people unaware they are infected
Statistics
An estimated 40 million people have genital herpes which is a chronic viral infection
About 500,000 new people get symptomatic herpes each year
There are even more people without symptoms
Genital herpes infection
has increased 30% in the U.S.
has increased most dramatically among young white teens (12-19 years old)
among whites is 5 times higher than 20 years ago
is twice as likely to infect 20-29 year old adults
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Questions
How serious is Herpes?
Mild symptoms can be experienced with HSV-2, but often no apparent symptoms are present.
HSV-2 may cause recurrent painful genital ulcers and can be severe in people with suppressed immune systems. Severe genital herpes frequently causes psychological and emotional stress.
If a woman with HSV-2 is pregnant, potentially fatal infections in infants can occur. A cesarean -section delivery is usually carried out if a woman has active genital herpes at time of giving birth.
People infected with herpes may be more susceptible to HIV infection, and HIV-infected individuals may be more infectious.
How do you know if you are infected with genital herpes?
Many people with HSV-2 are sometimes not aware that they are infected.
Some people infected with HSV-2 do not have lesions or may suffer only very mild, almost unnoticeable, symptoms which are sometimes mistaken for insect bites or a rash.
Symptoms of the primary episode can be quite pronounced. The primary episode usually occurs within two weeks after the virus is transmitted and lesions usually heal within 2-4 weeks of outbreak.
Other symptoms may include a second crop of lesions, or flu-like symptoms including:
fever
swollen glands
A primary episode of genital herpes can cause several symptomatic recurrences a year (average 4 or 5). Most recurrences occur more often within the first year following the primary episode.
Herpes simplex, a recurrent viral infection, caused by Herpes Virus hominis (HVH), is a widespread infectious agent, which is very hard to control. As well there are latent herpes associated infections.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Symptoms
Symptoms vary, but often most people have no noticeable symptoms.
Early symptoms may include:
burning sensation in the genitals
flu-like symptoms
lower back pain
pain when urinating
Small red bumps may appear in the genital area after initial symptoms, which later develop into painful blisters.
The blisters usually:
crust over
form a scab
heal
GENITAL HERPES
The First Outbreak
Symptoms usually develop within 2-20 days after contact, but could continue up to 2 weeks.
The first infection may be so mild it goes unnoticed. In other cases, the first attack causes visible sores. Subsequent recurrences of the virus may cause an outbreak of blisters.
The virus retreats into the nerves and lies dormant. Even when there are no symptoms of herpes, transmitting the virus is still possible (asymptomatic viral shedding).
Healing of the skin does not normally leave scarring.
Typical Symptoms
When it gets into skin cells the virus reproduces itself and starts to multiply, making the skin red and sensitive.
Blisters or bumps may appear on the genital area, the blisters first opening and then healing with the regeneration of new skin tissue.
During the outbreak the infected area may:
be painful
burn
itch
tingle
Other symptoms include:
fever
headache
infection of the urethra causing a burning sensation when urinating
muscle ache
painful inflamed blisters which develop around the infected area
swollen lymph glands
vaginal or penis discharge
The first episode is the most severe, with most episodes lasting 10-21 days. A warning sign (prodrome) such as tingling is experienced by many people in recurring outbreaks.
Should any of these symptoms occur, consult your doctor or other health care provider immediately.
Genital herpes should be diagnosed and treated professionally.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Diagnosis/Testing
Diagnosis can be made by:
Blood Test
A blood test for herpes is available only in a few research centers.
Microscopic Examination of Tissue Scrapings
In this process, scrapings from lesions are stained and then examined under a microscope.
This test is less accurate than viral cultures, as it is difficult to ascertain which type of HSV infection is present.
One common test is called a Tzanck smear.
Results of the tests take up to 2 weeks.
Viral Cell Culture Test
The test is a specific virus culture or assay for herpes virus.
The doctor or health consultant will obtain fluid from the sores and send it to a laboratory to see if the herpes virus is present.
A viral culture is a fluid sample taken from a lesion when it first appears. Highly accurate results can be given from a culture taken while the lesion is still in the clear blister stage, but the process takes a few days.
The test will not work if the sores have healed.
Immune Response Tests
These tests detect the body's immune response to the herpes virus and are slightly less reliable than viral cultures, but more reliable than tissue scrapings.
Results can sometimes be provided in two hours.
Other available tests:
Antigen test
Pap Smear
Identifying Your Type
Not everyone knows whether they have HSV-1 or 2 and in certain situations that information could be relevant.
In a situation where both partners have HSV-2 both are already infected so precautions to prevent the spread of the disease are optional.
If one partner has genital HSV-1 and the other has HSV-2, each might get infected with a second type unless precautions are used.
HSV- 1
Diagnosing genital HSV- 1 is difficult because the infection seldom recurs. Since many people have HSV-1 orally, a finding of HSV-1 by Western blot serology (blood test) would not positively identify genital infection.
A Western blot confirms if you have HSV-2. If you are seronegative (negative by blood test) for type 2, but positive for type 1, that gives you a strong clue as to the cause of your outbreaks, i.e. seropositive for type 1 but not type 2, with infrequent recurring genital herpes is probably genital HSV1.
Seek immediate professional help if genital herpes is suspected. Some of the available diagnostic procedures become less reliable the longer you wait.
Herpes is a sexually transmitted disease (STD) caused by the herpes simplex virus (HSV).
Genital herpes infection is very common and on the increase in the United States. Nationwide 45 million people aged 12 and older (1 out of 5 of the total adolescent and adult population) are infected with HSV-2.
It is more common in women (1 out of 4) than in men (1 out of 5) possibly because male to female transmission is more efficient than female to male transmission.
HSV-2 infection is also more common in areas of high socio-economic disadvantage, facing fundamental issues of health such as:
access to quality health care
poverty
living in communities with a high prevalence of STDs
illicit drug use
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The Herpes Virus
HSV-type 1
causes fever blisters on the mouth or face (oral herpes)
HSV-type 2
typically affects the genital area (genital herpes)
Both viral types can:
be inactive or 'silent' causing no symptoms
cause either genital or oral infections
cause 'outbreaks' of blisters and ulcers
People can remain infected for life after the first initial episode
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Transmission
Herpes is spread by direct contact including:
Sexual contact
Anal sex
Oral sex
Vaginal sex
as well as
Kissing
Skin-to-skin contact which transmits HSV-1 and HSV-2
Genital herpes
Can be transmitted with or without the presence of sores or other symptoms
Is often transmitted by people who do not realize infection can be passed on even when there are no symptoms
Is often transmitted by people unaware they are infected
Statistics
An estimated 40 million people have genital herpes which is a chronic viral infection
About 500,000 new people get symptomatic herpes each year
There are even more people without symptoms
Genital herpes infection
has increased 30% in the U.S.
has increased most dramatically among young white teens (12-19 years old)
among whites is 5 times higher than 20 years ago
is twice as likely to infect 20-29 year old adults
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Questions
How serious is Herpes?
Mild symptoms can be experienced with HSV-2, but often no apparent symptoms are present.
HSV-2 may cause recurrent painful genital ulcers and can be severe in people with suppressed immune systems. Severe genital herpes frequently causes psychological and emotional stress.
If a woman with HSV-2 is pregnant, potentially fatal infections in infants can occur. A cesarean -section delivery is usually carried out if a woman has active genital herpes at time of giving birth.
People infected with herpes may be more susceptible to HIV infection, and HIV-infected individuals may be more infectious.
How do you know if you are infected with genital herpes?
Many people with HSV-2 are sometimes not aware that they are infected.
Some people infected with HSV-2 do not have lesions or may suffer only very mild, almost unnoticeable, symptoms which are sometimes mistaken for insect bites or a rash.
Symptoms of the primary episode can be quite pronounced. The primary episode usually occurs within two weeks after the virus is transmitted and lesions usually heal within 2-4 weeks of outbreak.
Other symptoms may include a second crop of lesions, or flu-like symptoms including:
fever
swollen glands
A primary episode of genital herpes can cause several symptomatic recurrences a year (average 4 or 5). Most recurrences occur more often within the first year following the primary episode.
Herpes simplex, a recurrent viral infection, caused by Herpes Virus hominis (HVH), is a widespread infectious agent, which is very hard to control. As well there are latent herpes associated infections.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Symptoms
Symptoms vary, but often most people have no noticeable symptoms.
Early symptoms may include:
burning sensation in the genitals
flu-like symptoms
lower back pain
pain when urinating
Small red bumps may appear in the genital area after initial symptoms, which later develop into painful blisters.
The blisters usually:
crust over
form a scab
heal
GENITAL HERPES
The First Outbreak
Symptoms usually develop within 2-20 days after contact, but could continue up to 2 weeks.
The first infection may be so mild it goes unnoticed. In other cases, the first attack causes visible sores. Subsequent recurrences of the virus may cause an outbreak of blisters.
The virus retreats into the nerves and lies dormant. Even when there are no symptoms of herpes, transmitting the virus is still possible (asymptomatic viral shedding).
Healing of the skin does not normally leave scarring.
Typical Symptoms
When it gets into skin cells the virus reproduces itself and starts to multiply, making the skin red and sensitive.
Blisters or bumps may appear on the genital area, the blisters first opening and then healing with the regeneration of new skin tissue.
During the outbreak the infected area may:
be painful
burn
itch
tingle
Other symptoms include:
fever
headache
infection of the urethra causing a burning sensation when urinating
muscle ache
painful inflamed blisters which develop around the infected area
swollen lymph glands
vaginal or penis discharge
The first episode is the most severe, with most episodes lasting 10-21 days. A warning sign (prodrome) such as tingling is experienced by many people in recurring outbreaks.
Should any of these symptoms occur, consult your doctor or other health care provider immediately.
Genital herpes should be diagnosed and treated professionally.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Diagnosis/Testing
Diagnosis can be made by:
Blood Test
A blood test for herpes is available only in a few research centers.
Microscopic Examination of Tissue Scrapings
In this process, scrapings from lesions are stained and then examined under a microscope.
This test is less accurate than viral cultures, as it is difficult to ascertain which type of HSV infection is present.
One common test is called a Tzanck smear.
Results of the tests take up to 2 weeks.
Viral Cell Culture Test
The test is a specific virus culture or assay for herpes virus.
The doctor or health consultant will obtain fluid from the sores and send it to a laboratory to see if the herpes virus is present.
A viral culture is a fluid sample taken from a lesion when it first appears. Highly accurate results can be given from a culture taken while the lesion is still in the clear blister stage, but the process takes a few days.
The test will not work if the sores have healed.
Immune Response Tests
These tests detect the body's immune response to the herpes virus and are slightly less reliable than viral cultures, but more reliable than tissue scrapings.
Results can sometimes be provided in two hours.
Other available tests:
Antigen test
Pap Smear
Identifying Your Type
Not everyone knows whether they have HSV-1 or 2 and in certain situations that information could be relevant.
In a situation where both partners have HSV-2 both are already infected so precautions to prevent the spread of the disease are optional.
If one partner has genital HSV-1 and the other has HSV-2, each might get infected with a second type unless precautions are used.
HSV- 1
Diagnosing genital HSV- 1 is difficult because the infection seldom recurs. Since many people have HSV-1 orally, a finding of HSV-1 by Western blot serology (blood test) would not positively identify genital infection.
A Western blot confirms if you have HSV-2. If you are seronegative (negative by blood test) for type 2, but positive for type 1, that gives you a strong clue as to the cause of your outbreaks, i.e. seropositive for type 1 but not type 2, with infrequent recurring genital herpes is probably genital HSV1.
Seek immediate professional help if genital herpes is suspected. Some of the available diagnostic procedures become less reliable the longer you wait.
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