Wednesday, June 30, 2010

Sexual Problem for Men Women

Female Sexual Problems Overview



Long considered a taboo subject, women's sexuality is now openly discussed and portrayed on television, in magazines, and on the internet. Most importantly, women themselves are becoming increasingly aware of their sexuality and their sexual health. Women of all ages are learning more about their sexuality.

What is "sexuality"? For a woman, as for a man, sexuality encompasses a very broad range of physical activities and psychological experiences. These activities fulfill an important physical and emotional need for closeness and intimacy. Sexuality doesn't include just your sexual practices. Your feelings about yourself, how you relate to others, and about sex and previous sexual experiences are part of your sexual makeup. Your feelings about your partner and your relationship definitely affect your sexual satisfaction.

Women's interest in sex and responses to sexual stimulation vary widely. Although most women's sexual responsiveness peaks in the late 30s and early 40s, a woman can have satisfying sexual experiences throughout her life. The quality of her experiences is affected by individual differences, by life situation, by age and hormonal levels, and by overall health and well-being.

A sexual problem is anything that interferes with a woman's satisfaction with a sexual activity. When this happens, it is often referred to by health professionals as female sexual dysfunction (FSD).

According to a groundbreaking article in the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA) in 1999, sexual problems are common in women and men, but especially in women. In a survey of men and women aged 18-59 years, about 43% of women and 31% of men reported some sexual problem.

Sexual response cycle

To understand why sexual problems occur, it is important to understand the sexual response cycle. This cycle is the same in both men and women, although at different rates and, obviously, with different physical changes. The cycle has 4 steps.

* Desire (excitement phase) - Desire is a sexual "charge" that increases interest in and responsiveness to sexual activity. You feel "in the mood." Your heartbeat and breathing quicken, and your skin becomes reddened (flushes).

* Arousal (plateau phase) - Sexual stimulation--touch, vision, hearing, taste, smell, or imagination--brings about further physical changes. Fluids are secreted within the vagina, moistening the vagina, labia, and vulva. These fluids provide lubrication for intercourse. The vagina expands, and the clitoris enlarges. The nipples become hardened or erect.

* Orgasm (climax) - At the peak of arousal, the muscles surrounding the vagina contract rhythmically, causing a pleasurable sensation. This is often referred to as the sexual climax.

* Resolution - The vagina, clitoris, and surrounding areas return to their unaroused states. You feel content, relaxed, possibly sleepy.

Every woman progresses through the cycle at her own rate, which is normal for her. A sexual problem may occur if any of these stages does not occur.

Sexual problems



The types of sexual problems in women correspond to the stages of the sexual response cycle. Inability to achieve any of the stages can interfere with sexual satisfaction and thus create a problem. Any of these can be very distressing for a woman, because everyone deserves a satisfying sex life. They can be distressing for her partner, too, and can lead to problems in the relationship.

* The sexual problems reported by women in the JAMA study comprised 3 types:

o Lack of sexual desire (22%) - Lack of interest in sex, or desire for sex, is a common problem in both men and women, but especially in women. Lack of desire stops the sexual response cycle before it starts. Lack of desire is temporary in some people and an ongoing problem in others.

o Difficulties becoming sexually aroused or achieving orgasm (14%) - Inability to become sexually aroused is sometimes related to lack of desire. In other cases, the woman feels sexual desire but cannot become aroused. Orgasm may be delayed or not occur at all (anorgasmia). This can be very distressing for a woman who feels desire and becomes aroused. It can create a vicious cycle in which the woman loses interest in sex because she does not have an orgasm.

o Pain during intercourse (7%) - Pain during intercourse (dyspareunia) is not uncommon. Like other sexual problems, it can cause a woman to lose interest in sex.




Female Sexual Problems Causes

The causes of sexual problems are as varied and complex as the human race. Some problems stem from a simple, reversible physical problem. Others can stem from more serious medical conditions, difficult life situations, or emotional problems. Still others have a combination of causes. Any of the following can contribute to sexual problems:

* Relationship problems - Discord in other aspects of the relationship, such as distribution of labor, childrearing, or money, can cause sexual problems. Issues of control or even abuse in the relationship are especially harmful to sexual harmony. Such problems can prevent a woman from communicating her sexual wants and needs to her partner.

* Emotional problems - Depression, anxiety (about sex or other things), stress, resentment, and guilt can all affect a woman's sexual function.

* Insufficient stimulation - A woman's (or her partner's) lack of knowledge about sexual stimulation and response may prevent a woman from achieving a satisfactory experience. Poor communication between partners can also be a culprit here.

* Gynecologic problems - A number of pelvic disorders can cause pain in intercourse and thus decrease satisfaction.

o Vaginal dryness - The most common reason for this in younger women is insufficient stimulation. In older women, the decrease in estrogen that occurs in menopause is the cause of vaginal dryness. Poor lubrication can also be linked to hormone imbalances and other illnesses and to certain medications. It can inhibit arousal or make intercourse uncomfortable.

o Vaginismus - This is a painful spasm of the muscles surrounding the vaginal opening that causes the vaginal opening to "tighten." It can prevent penetration or make penetration extremely painful. Vaginismus can be caused by injuries or scars from surgery, abuse, or childbirth, by infection, or by irritation from douches, spermicides, or condoms. It can also be caused by fear.

o Sexually transmitted diseases - Gonorrhea, herpes, genital warts, chlamydia, and syphilis are infectious diseases spread by sexual contact. They can cause changes in the genitals that make sex uncomfortable or even painful.

o Vaginitis - Inflammation and irritation of vaginal tissues due to infection or other causes can make intercourse uncomfortable or painful.

o Endometriosis, pelvic mass, ovarian cyst, surgical scars - Any of these can cause an obstruction that prevents intercourse or makes it difficult or painful.

o Pelvic inflammatory disease - This is an infection of the vagina that moves up into the cervix, uterus, and ovaries. It can be very painful on its own and make intercourse extremely painful.

o Nerve damage after surgery - Unavoidable cutting of small nerves during pelvic surgery (such as hysterectomy) may decrease sensation and response.

* Physical conditions - Many physical or medical conditions can decrease a woman's satisfaction with her sex life.

o Tiredness (fatigue)

o Chronic diseases such as diabetes, heart disease, liver disease, kidney disease

o Cancer

o Neurologic disorders

o Vascular (blood flow) disorders

o Hormonal imbalances

o Menopause

o Pregnancy

o Alcohol or drug abuse

* Medications - Certain medications can reduce desire or arousal. One well-known group of drugs that have this effect are the selective serotonin-reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) group of antidepressants, which includes drugs such as Prozac and Zoloft. Others include certain chemotherapy drugs, drugs for high blood pressure, and antipsychotic medications.

* Other medical treatments - Treatments such as radiation therapy for certain types of cancer can reduce vaginal lubrication. They can also make skin and the membranes lining the genitals tender and sensitive.

* History of abuse - A woman who has suffered sexual or other abuse may have trouble trusting her partner enough to relax and become aroused. She may have feelings of fear, guilt, or resentment that get in the way of a satisfactory experience, even if she cares deeply about her current partner.

* Attitudes toward sex - Many people, either because of the way they were brought up or because of earlier bad experiences, don't view sex as a normal and enjoyable part of a couple's relationship. They may associate sex or sexual feelings with shame, guilt, fear, or anger. On the other hand are people who have unrealistic expectations about sex. Portrayals of sex in television and movies as always easy and fantastic mislead some people into believing that is how it is in real life. These people are disappointed or even distressed when sex is sometimes not earth-shattering or when a problem occurs.

* Sexual problems of the partner - If a woman's partner has sexual problems, such as impotence or lack of desire, this can inhibit her own satisfaction.


When to Seek Medical Care

Not all sexual problems require medical attention. Many people have temporary sexual problems, usually due to medical problems, to anxiety, or to stress in another area of life. If you are distressed by the problem or you are afraid your relationship is threatened, don't be afraid or embarrassed to seek outside help. If your health care provider is unable to help you beyond ruling out physical problems, a mental health counselor should be able to help or point you in the right direction.

Any sexual problem that persists for more than a few weeks is worth a visit to your health care provider. He or she can rule out medical or medication causes of the problem and can offer advice on solving other types of problems. He or she can help you sort out exactly what the problem is if you aren't sure. He or she can refer you to other specialists if necessary: a psychotherapist, a marriage counselor, or a sex therapist.

Certain problems require attention right away.


* If intercourse suddenly becomes painful when it wasn't before, for example, you may have an infection or other medical condition that requires prompt attention.

* If you have reason to believe you have a sexually transmitted disease, you and your partner both need to be treated right away, as do any other sexual partners either of you may have.

* Any unusual reaction to sexual activity, such as headache, brief chest pain, or pain elsewhere in the body, also warrants a visit to your health care provider.
Exams and Tests

Evaluation for a sexual problem will start with an extensive medical interview. Be sure to tell your health care provider about any medical or mental illnesses and surgeries you have or have had in the past and any medications you take, including over-the-counter medications, herbs, and supplements.

A complete physical examination also will be done. Depending on the type of problem you are having, your health care provider may choose to include a pelvic examination or may refer you to a gynecologic specialist for that part of the examination. For certain other types of problems, consultation with other specialists may be needed.

In most cases lab tests are not needed, although your health care provider may request tests to rule out certain conditions. You may have blood drawn to check hormone levels.

X-rays and other radiology tests are needed only in unusual circumstances.




Female Sexual Problems Treatment

Treatment for sexual problems varies depending on the type of problem. Sometimes no treatment is required




Self-Care at Home

Treatment is not needed for all sexual problems. Some problems can be solved by you and your partner alone with a little openness and creativity.

* Some problems go away by themselves over time--patience and understanding are all that is required.
* Sometimes talking the problem out with your partner is enough. Women who learn to tell their partners about their sexual needs have a better chance of having a satisfying sex life.
* Try to make the solution is fun--think up ways to inject a little romance and excitement into your sexual routine.

Some strategies women use to overcome sexual problems:

* Set aside time to be alone or alone with your partner, without children and other distractions
* Use erotic videos or books to increase stimulation
* Masturbate to learn about what increases your arousal
* Fantasize about what arouses you sexually; if appropriate, tell your partner about these fantasies
* Use sensual massage and other forms of touch
* Try new sexual positions or scenarios
* Use relaxation techniques such as a warm bath before having sex
* Use a vaginal lubricant to relieve arousal problems due to vaginal dryness

Several excellent books are available in mainstream bookstores or from mail-order sources to help couples deal with sexual and communication problems. Many people prefer this "do-it-yourself" method to talking about these problems with an outsider. Medical Treatment

If the sexual problem is caused by a medical or physical problem, your health care provider or consulting specialist will suggest an appropriate treatment plan. This will vary, of course, depending on the nature of the problem. The plan may include medication, lifestyle changes, or surgery. Your health care provider may recommend counseling even if the problem is physical.

Effective therapies are readily available for some physical problems.

* Vaginal lubricants - These products are highly recommended for women with vaginal dryness. They can be bought in a drugstore without a prescription. They are available as creams, gels, or suppositories. Water-based products are the best choices. Oil-based products such as petroleum jelly, mineral oil, or baby oil can interact with latex condoms and cause them to break.
* Topical estrogen - These products can help make sex more comfortable for menopausal women with vaginal dryness or sensitivity. Estrogen is applied as a cream or vaginal insert. These products are available by prescription and are very effective for some women.
* Clitoral therapy device - The Eros clitoral therapy device has been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to treat women with disorders of sexual arousal. The device consists of a small suction cup, which is placed over the clitoris before sex, and a small, battery-operated vacuum pump. The gentle suction provided by the vacuum pump draws blood into the clitoris, increasing pressure on the clitoral nerve. This device increases lubrication, sensation, and even the number of orgasms in many women who have used it. The device is available by prescription.
* Drugs - Sildenafil (Viagra) is the well-known "erection drug" for men. It is used to treat erectile dysfunction, a common sexual problem among men. No similar drug is yet available for women. The effects of Viagra in women have been studied, but results are not conclusive. In some studies, the drugs helped with arousal problems, but in another important study, they did not. The drug has the same side effects in women as in men, including headache, flushing, nasal congestion and irritation, abnormal vision, and stomach upset. It can worsen retinitis pigmentosa, a hereditary degenerative disease affecting the eye. Most importantly, it can cause dangerously low blood pressure and has been linked to unexplained heart attacks in men. Viagra cannot be taken by people who take a nitrate drug for a heart condition, because the combination can be deadly.

Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) - HRT has been used to relieve symptoms of menopause for years.

* It comes in 2 forms, estrogen only (ERT) and combination estrogen-progestin, a synthetic form of the hormone progesterone (HRT). ERT generally is used for women who have had a hysterectomy, while HRT is used for women who still have their uterus, because the progestin protects the uterus from the effects of too much estrogen, especially uterine cancer.
* For many years, HRT was believed to have many beneficial effects for menopausal women, continuing the protective effect that estrogen provides naturally before menopause. These benefits were thought to include protecting against heart disease, high cholesterol, colon cancer, Alzheimer disease, and osteoporosis. New research findings published in 2002 called these beliefs into question. Long-term use of HRT or ERT was linked to significantly higher risks of breast cancer, heart attack, stroke, blood clots (from one kind of HRT), and ovarian cancer (from ERT). The research did show that HRT protects against osteoporosis and colon cancer, but the risks are considered to outweigh the benefits.
* HRT can be very effective in some women in relieving vaginal dryness and discomfort during intercourse, as well as "vasoactive" symptoms such as "hot flashes" and sleep problems.
* Most experts believe that short-term use of HRT for treatment of menopausal symptoms is safe.
* The safety of long-term use of HRT is very questionable. Most experts recommend that women who have taken HRT for 5 years or longer stop taking it.
* Each woman's need for HRT and risks in taking HRT are unique to her. These should be discussed in detail with your health care provider.
* Use of HRT in menopausal women is now considered on a case-by-case basis.



Surgery

Surgery is indicated only for very specific physical problems that impede enjoyable sexual activity. These include certaincysts, tumors, and growths.






Psychotherapy

If the problem is one of lack of knowledge, your health care provider or a sex therapist can teach you (and your partner) about the sexual response cycle and the elements of sexual stimulation. Armed with this new knowledge, many couples can go forward on their own.

Psychotherapy can help a woman identify problems in her life that may be expressed as sexual problems.

* For some women these problems are fairly clear, including past sexual or other abuse, rape, or traumatic sexual encounters.
* For others, the problems may be less clear-cut, involving unresolved emotional issues or dissatisfaction with other areas of life.
* In either case, the therapist usually focuses on resetting the woman's attitudes toward sex.
* The goal is to get rid of old attitudes that got in the way of enjoyable sex, establishing new attitudes that increase sexual responsiveness.

If the problem relates to your relationship, couples counseling is recommended. (You don't have to be married to go to a "marriage counselor.")

* The couples therapist is trained and experienced at helping couples recognize, understand, and solve their problems.
* First, the counselor explores the relationship to find the trouble spots.
* The counselor will recommend exercises and activities that will improve the couple's communication and trust.
* If that can be accomplished, often the sexual problem can be solved more easily.
Sex therapy

A sex therapist may take couples therapy one step further by focusing on the couple's physical relationship. After identifying the couple's attitudes about sex and the sexual problem, the sex therapist recommends specific exercises to re-focus the couple's attention and expectations. Specific objectives may include any of the following:

* Learning to relax and eliminate distractions
* Learning to communicate in a positive way what you would like
* Learning nonsexual touching techniques
* Increasing or enhancing sexual stimulation
* Minimizing pain during intercourse

Sex therapists often use what are called "sensate focus" exercises to treat sexual problems. The exercises start with nonsexual touching and encourage both partners to express how they like to be touched. The goal is to help both partners understand how to recognize and communicate their preferences.

Sex therapists can recommend exercises to help with vaginismus.

* One successful technique is the use of Kegel exercises. Many women are familiar with these from their childbirth education classes. Kegel exercises involve voluntary contraction and relaxation of the muscles around the opening of the vagina. Women do this instinctively when they need to urinate at an inconvenient time.
* Some women have been helped by using dilators to relax the vaginal spasms. A small dilator is placed in the vagina for 10 minutes, then removed. Larger dilators are used over time to train the vaginal muscles. Kegel exercises may improve the chance of success with this technique.

Group therapy or a support group may be very helpful for a woman. There she can discuss her problems with others who share them. Women often gain insight and practical solutions from these groups, as well as a greater confidence from knowing she is not alone. Couples groups also can be very helpful if both partners are willing. A sex therapist usually recommend such a group if he or she thinks it would be helpful.



Prevention

The most important thing you can do to prevent or recover from sexual problems is communicate openly and honestly with your partner.

Adopt a healthy lifestyle to promote overall well-being. This will increase your confidence and self-esteem, which will in turn increase your interest in sex and your responsiveness.

* Eat a healthy diet
* Don't use tobacco
* Get active physically for at least 30 minutes every day
* Get plenty of rest
* Keep stress under control
* Drink alcohol in moderation, if at all
* Have regular health screening, such as Pap test and mammogram


Outlook

Some sexual problems resolve naturally with time or with changes in life situation. Most, however, do not. Ignoring persistent sexual problems does not make them go away. Ongoing sexual problems lead to resentment and problems in the relationship.

The outlook for sexual problems depends on the cause of the problem. Problems due to reversible or treatable medical conditions often resolve with appropriate treatment. Some mild problems caused by anxiety, stress, or relationship problems can improve with counseling, education, and improved communication.




sexual problem for men

Researchers have identified four stages of sexual response: arousal, plateau, orgasm and resolution.


Stage 1: excitement or arousal
A man gets an erection with physical or psychological stimulation, or both. This causes more blood to flow into three spongy areas (called corpora) that run along the length of his penis. The skin is loose and mobile, allowing his penis to grow. His scrotum (the bag of skin holding the testicles) becomes tighter, so his testicles are drawn up towards the body.

Stage 2: plateau
The glans (head) of his penis gets wider and the blood vessels in and around the penis fill with blood. This causes the colour to deepen and his testicles to grow up to 50% larger.

His testicles continue to rise, and a warm feeling around the perineum (area between the testicles and anus) develops. His heart rate increases, blood pressure rises, breathing becomes quicker, and his thighs and buttocks tighten. He's getting close to orgasm.

Stage 3: orgasm and ejaculation
A series of contractions force semen into the urethra (the tube along which urine and semen come out of the penis). These contractions occur in the pelvic floor muscles, in the vas deferens (tube that carries sperm from the testicles to the penis), and also in the seminal vesicles and the prostate gland, which both add fluid to the sperm. This mix of sperm (5%) and fluid (95%) is called semen.

These contractions are part of orgasm, and the man reaches a point where he can’t stop ejaculation from happening. Contractions of the prostate gland and the pelvic floor muscles then lead to ejaculation, when semen is forced out of the penis.

Stage 4: resolution
The man now has a recovery phase, when the penis and testicles shrink back to their normal size. He is breathing heavily and fast, his heart is beating rapidly, and he might be sweating.

There's a period of time after ejaculation when another orgasm isn’t possible. This varies between men, from a few minutes to a few hours or even days. The time generally gets longer as men get older.

If a man gets aroused but doesn’t ejaculate, this resolution stage can take longer, and his testicles and pelvis might ache.

Hepatitis A virus (HAV)
Hepatitis A is an inflammation of the liver due to the A type virus and is commonly known as infectious hepatitis. It is thought of as the least serious form of hepatitis as the person infected never goes on to experience the chronic form of the disease. People with this type of hepatitis generally make a full recovery.

Sign and Symptoms of Hepatitis A
Symptoms of hepatitis vary considerably but in general people describe them as unpleasant. Hepatitis A is rather like combining a severe flu with jaundice. Jaundice is a yellowing of the skin and whites of the eyes caused by the accumulation of the yellow/brown colour bile pigment, bilirubin, in the blood. Signs and symptoms do vary in their severity, some people may experience no symptoms at all, especially the young. Symptoms can include:
# Jaundice

# Fever

# Abdominal discomfort/pain

# Poor appetite

# Nausea. Some people experience vomiting

# Fatigue

# Dark, cola coloured urine

# Light coloured stools

# Muscle and joint pains

# The liver may be enlarged and tender

Some people, notably the elderly or those with pre-existing liver disease, are at risk from experiencing severe symptoms of acute hepatitis and may become so ill that they require a liver transplant. Hepatitis A will not lead on to liver cancer or cirrhosis.

How do you get Hepatitis A?
Transmitted by enteric (digestive) or by fecal routes. The infected person passes the virus to another person who ingests a small amount of infected material. Poor hygiene and poor sanitary conditions in some countries lead to high rates of infection. Some areas of the world are particularly prone to the hepatitis A virus. India, South America, Bangladesh, and Central America are amongst these. One third of people in the USA have been exposed to the hepatitis A virus.

Diagnosis of Hepatitis A
Your doctor will be able to diagnose hepatitis A from the signs and symptoms you present. There are also a number of tests that can then confirm the diagnosis. Blood tests are the most common and includea blood test to diagnose or confirm the type of hepatitis virus present, known as hepatitis A serology. Additional tests include:

Liver Function Tests
These tests show how well the liver is functioning but it does not accurately access all of the many and varied functions that the liver is responsible for in our bodies. They do check the level of liver enzymes, transaminases and cholestatic enzymes, bilirubin and liver protein levels. High levels of transaminases in the blood do not always reveal how badly the liver is inflamed or damaged. Elevations of them can also occur in genetic liver disease, liver tumours, heart failure. The normal ranges of AST and ALT transaminases are around 0 to 40 IU/L and 0 to 45 IU/L respectively.

Liver Proteins and Hepatitis A
Albumin, prothrombin, and immunoglobulins, proteins made by the liver are checked and abnormal levels are indicative of severe liver disorder. Prothrombin times, because the liver produces many of the clotting factors required to stop bleeding needs to be determined.

Liver Biopsy
Liver biopsy is one of the main and most accurate diagnostic procedures that can determine what is wrong with the liver and how badly it has been damaged. As most liver diseases affect the entire organ uniformly, the small sample obtained by biopsy, generally performed under a local anaesthetic, will show any abnormalities.For most people the guided liver biopsy is a safe and efficient diagnostic tool.

Treatment of Hepatitis A
There is no specific treatment for Hepatitis A. Bed rest and general rest may be required depending on the severity of their symptoms. You can go to work if you feel well enough. In 0.2 percent of people infected with hepatitis A a rare form called fulminant type is diagnosed. These patients will require intensive care in hospital. Thirty per cent of people with this type of hepatitis risk die if a liver transplant is not carried out. Of those that recieve a transplant 80 per cent will do well.

Prognosis and Hepatitis A
There are no long term problems following Hepatitis A and within 6 months all symptoms and blood chemistry should be back to normal. Chronic liver diseases such as cirrhosis or liver cancer does not occur and you are not infectious to others.

Vaccines to Prevent Hepatitis A
A vaccine is available and is advisable to certain groups of health and laboratory workers, chronic sufferers of liver disease, haemophiliacs, people who are at risk because of their sexual behaviour,(Gay men and women and people who have multiple sexual partners) and for those travelling to high risk areas in various countries around the world.

Article Sources: Melissa Palmer MD.,Hepatitis Liver Disease. What you need to know. Avery Publishing Group, CDC Center for Disease Control, WHO World Health Organization
Also on Men's Health

* Hypospadias
* Traumatic Brain Injury and Men
* Understanding Impotence

Start a discussion on the Men's Health forums
More About Hepatitis

* Signs and Symptoms of Hepatitis
* Men and Hepatitis C
* Fulminant Hepatitis C

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Have you ever passed a Kidney stone ?


If you've ever passed a kidney stone, you're not likely to forget the experience - it can be excruciatingly painful


Kidney stones often occur when urine becomes too concentrated. This causes calcium oxalate or other chemicals in your urine to form crystals on the inner surfaces of your kidneys. Over time these crystals may combine to form a small, hard mass. Sometimes this mass (stone) breaks off and passes into the ureter, one of the two thin tubes that carry urine from your kidneys to your bladder.
About 80 percent of stones are a combination of calcium and oxalate (oxalic acid), a substance found in many fruits, vegetables and grains. Most other stones are composed of uric acid, ammonia crystals.

Not all kidney stones cause symptoms, infact it is not unusual for stones to be discovered in the kidneys during X-rays for an unrelated problem. They may also be discovered when you seek medical care for blood in your urine, recurring urinary tract infections, or a vague pain or ache in your side - all common symptoms of kidney stones. It's only when a stone breaks loose and begins to work its way down the ureter that the pain becomes agonizing.

Most small kidney stones pass into your bladder without causing any permanent damage. Still, it's important to determine and treat the underlying cause so that it don't form more stones in the future.The other investigations useful in determining the stone is ultra sound of abdomen and an IVP.

What are the symptoms of kidney stones?
Some people may not have any symptoms, but most have at least some, such as:
*Severe pain in the kidneys or lower abdomen, which may move to the groin; pain may last for minutes or hours, followed by periods of relief .
*Nausea and vomiting
*Burning and frequent urge to urinate
*Fever, chills and weakness
*Cloudy or foul-smelling urine
*Blood in the urine
*Blocked flow of urine.

The most common symptom is an intense, colicky pain that may fluctuate in intensity over a period of 5 to 15 minutes. The pain usually starts in your back or your side just below the edge of your ribs. As the stone moves down the ureter toward your bladder, the pain may radiate to your groin. If the stone stops moving, the pain may stop too .If a stone stays inside one of your kidneys, it usually doesn't cause a problem unless it becomes so large it blocks the flow of urine. This can cause pressure and pain. Over the years the stone could enlarge considerably affecting the kidney function & causing a portion of the kidney to be swollen or enlarged besides leading to an increase in blood pressure. They could even cause repeated episodes of severe pain & blood in the urine. Hence it is best to treat them when they are small & can be excreted through the urine.

Why do kidney stones form in some people and not others?
Normally, urine contains chemicals that prevent crystals from forming. However, these do not work for everyone. Factors that can contribute to stone formation in susceptible people include:
*Too little fluid intake
*Chronic urinary tract infections
*Misuse of certain medications
*Urinary tract blockage
*Limited activity for several weeks
*Certain genetic and metabolic diseases.

How can Homeopathy help?
Most people think that getting rid of an existing stone is the end of the problem but they are not aware that the stone formation can happen again, and again Homeopathy is useful in all stages of renal lithiasis. It can be used to speedily expel an existent stone, and is extremely helpful in preventing recurrence of the stones in those prone to getting repeated renal lithiasis. Homeopathy is also useful in treating secondary infections of the urinary tract arising after injury from the moving stone.
Most commonly used medicines to help in renal calculi are. Lycopodium,tabacccum,sarsaparilla,cantharis,berr.berr.vulg etc.

Tuesday, June 29, 2010

Quit smoke & Alchohol

Cigarette Smoking Overview

Cigarette smoking remains a leading contributor to death and illness among Americans. Every year, roughly 440,000 Americans die from illnesses caused by tobacco use, accounting for nearly one-fifth of all deaths. Tobacco use costs the nation about $100 billion each year in direct medical expenses and in lost productivity for a total cost of about 200 billion per year as estimated by the CDC.

About 23% of all American adults (46.2 million people) smoke. This number has remained constant for several years despite government efforts through Healthy People 2000 and Healthy People 2010 to lower those percentages. Slightly more men (28.1%) smoke than women (23.5%). Hispanics (16.7%) and Asian Americans (12.4%) smoke less than whites (24.0%) or African Americans (22.3%). In younger age groups, almost 27% of those 18 to 24 years old are current smokers.

Nevertheless, significant progress has been made since 1964, when the Surgeon General issued the first report outlining the health dangers of smoking. Since that time, the prevalence of smoking has dropped from 42.4% among adults to 22.8%. Lung cancer, chronic bronchitis and emphysema would become infrequently diagnosed diseases if people would stop smoking.

Compared to a nonsmoker, a smoker faces these risks:

fourteen times greater risk of dying from cancer of the lung, throat, or mouth;


four times greater risk of dying from cancer of the esophagus;


two times greater risk of dying from a heart attack;
and

two times greater risk of dying from cancer of the bladder.
Use of other tobacco products such as pipes, cigars, and snuff is less common, comprising less than 10% of use of all tobacco products; however, the health effects of these products are similar to those of tobacco - particularly their association with cancers of the mouth, throat, and esophagus.
Increasing attention has been devoted to publicizing the dangers of second-hand (environmental) smoke, the association between tobacco marketing and initiation of smoking among youth, and the development of strategies and medications to help smokers quit. According to the CDC, about 126 million people are exposed to secondhand smoke and are put at risk for tobacco-related problems such as lung cancer, heart disease and respiratory infections. In addition, a new problem termed "third-hand smoke" has been recently investigated; cigarette smoke generated carcinogens lodge in clothing, carpets, drapes and other materials and can be absorbed through human skin, especially that of children and infants. These carcinogens can also be ingested and inhaled in dust.

Cigarette smoking has been linked strongly to the following illnesses:

heart disease
stroke
hypertension (high blood pressure)
other diseases of blood vessels (such as poor circulation in the legs) and aortic aneurysms (potentially life-threatening disruptions in the wall of the aorta)
respiratory illness, including the following:

lung cancer


emphysema


bronchitis


pneumonia
cancers,






Cigarette Smoking Symptoms

Signs and symptoms of cigarette smoking are frequently obvious even to a casual observer. Besides the confirmatory evidence (a person actually smoking a cigarette in public view), nicotine-stained fingers and teeth, the characteristic smell of smoke impregnated clothing and home items, the chronic "smokers cough," the gravelly voice, and often the visible pack of cigarettes and lighter in a person's pocket or purse are signs and symptoms that a person smokes. However, new (teenage) smokers or "infrequent" smokers may exhibit few or none of these signs and symptoms.

Signs and symptoms of tobacco related diseases often depend on the specific illnesses they cause.

Shortness of breath may be a sign of emphysema or heart disease.


Chest pain may signal angina pectoris caused by insufficient blood flow to the heart or a heart attack.


Difficulty swallowing, or persistent hoarseness, may signal a cancer in the mouth or larynx.


Painless bloody urination may mean bladder cancer.


The presence of any of the following common symptoms associated with tobacco use should prompt a visit to the doctor or hospital's emergency department:
chest pain
,

shortness of breath
,

persistent cough
,

coughing up blood
,

frequent colds and upper respiratory infections,

persistent hoarseness
,

difficulty or pain on swallowing
,

change in exercise capacity
,

sudden weakness on one side of the face or body; or difficulty speaking
,

leg pain while walking that goes away when you rest
,

unexplained weight loss
,

persistent abdominal pain
, and

blood in the urine.






When to Seek Medical Care

If you are interested in quitting smoking, call your doctor.

It is never too early to think about quitting.
Every encounter with a doctor, whether in the office, the hospital, the emergency department, or clinic, is a good time to talk about smoking and the possibility of quitting.
Anyone, but especially smokers, with unexplained or sudden onset chest pain or difficulty breathing should go to the nearest hospital's emergency department, probably by ambulance. These conditions may be symptoms of a heart attack or other serious health problems, which can be life-threatening if not recognized and treated promptly. Tobacco use may cause problems (for example, hypertension, vascular alterations) that lead to shortness of breath or chest pain that may be life-threatening.

Tobacco use may lead or contribute to one of the following causes of dyspnea or chest pain:

pneumonia,
acute attack of emphysema,
pulmonary embolism (blood clot in the lung),
aortic aneurysm (a widening of the main artery leaving the heart, caused by a weakening in the wall of the artery), and
aortic dissection (a tearing of the wall of the aorta, which, if it ruptures, bleeds profusely).











Exams and Tests

Diagnosing tobacco use or tobacco-related illness is not difficult.

Doctors should ask people about tobacco use at every visit and provide counseling about quitting.

Most people who smoke admit doing so, in part because smoking carries less social stigma than use of other substances, such as alcohol or illicit drugs. Smokers should be honest and not underestimate how much they smoke and for what length of time (for example, a pack a day since age 16), as this information helps the doctor understand the risk for tobacco-related disease.

Upon a physical exam, a doctor may find various conditions associated with chronic tobacco use.

Nicotine causes a characteristic brown staining of the hard palate, teeth, fingers, and fingernails.
A smoker's skin may wrinkle prematurely.
Smokers have a typical odor to their hair and clothing.
People with emphysema may have a large, barrel-shaped chest and a chronic cough that produces thick green sputum.
Occasionally, a smoker may have pulmonary function tests performed to help determine the amount of damage done to the lungs by smoking.



Cigarette Smoking Treatment


Medical Treatment

Treating tobacco involves helping the individual successfully stop smoking. This often requires integrated steps.

Smokers must partner with their doctors, families, spouses, friends, even employers, to make quitting successful.
Quitting is not easy. Every year, 34% of all smokers try to quit, but only about 2.5% succeed. Nonetheless, 1 million Americans quit smoking each year.
Treatment consists of two broad areas.
The medical conditions caused by smoking - respiratory illness, heart disease, circulatory disease, cancer, ulcers - need to be treated. In addition to stopping smoking, the individual's medical condition, if one is present, needs to be addressed by the patient's doctor; unfortunately there are too many conditions and treatments to be covered in this article. Smokers need to discuss individual treatments for their individual diagnosis with their primary caregiver.
The nicotine addiction also must be addressed and generally consists of a combination of the following:

Nicotine replacement therapy (gum, patch, lozenges, inhaler, or nasal spray): Some nicotine replacement products (gum, patches, and lozenges) are available over the counter, under several brand names, but are best used in conjunction with a doctor. Others (nasal sprays and inhalers) require a prescription. The non-prescription products are less expensive and work as well as the prescription products.


Varenicline (Chantix) is a prescription drug approved by the U.S. FDA to help adults quit smoking. Chantix acts on the nicotine receptors in the brain, stimulating these receptors and blocking the ability of nicotine to attach to these receptors. Chantix is taken seven days prior to the date an individual desires to quit smoking, and most people will keep taking Chantix for up to 12 weeks.


Group or behavioral counseling. The most successful quitting programs use combinations of drug treatment and counseling and have success rates of 5% after 1 year.

The prescription antidepressant bupropion (Zyban, Wellbutrin) has also been shown to help some people quit smoking.
Smokers trying to quit need lots of support and encouragement to help handle the inevitable urges to light up.
Doctors, although trained in the diagnosis and treatment of smoking-related illnesses, may be less comfortable in providing the counseling and drug treatment smokers need to quit.
Call your local chapter of the American Lung Association for further advice about smoking cessation programs.
Other Treatments

Treatment of the many diseases and conditions associated with smoking is dependent upon the extent and severity of the condition. Treatments are numerous, varied and are best done in consultation with the individual's primary care physician and associated caregivers (for example, cardiologist, oncologist). Smoking cessation products are available (see medical treatment above) for home use for people interested in quitting smoking.




Prevention

Prevention can be easy; simply do not start to smoke cigarettes…ever. Unfortunately, quitting is often very difficult. Most smokers begin to smoke as teenagers. Every day, about 3,000 American youths start smoking and nicotine in smoke is addicting for many people. Efforts at the federal, state, and local levels to enact and enforce laws barring sales (of cigarettes) to minors need to be encouraged and enforced to minimize this addictive and potentially destructive habit.

Parents still have the biggest impact on their children's decision whether to smoke. The best way to prevent a youngster from taking up smoking likely is to have parents who don't smoke. Children from smoking households are more likely to begin smoking than children from nonsmoking households.

Much attention has been focused in recent years on the influence of tobacco company advertising on encouraging young people to smoke.
Although cigarette commercials have been banned from television for over 30 years, tobacco products remain among the most heavily marketed products. According to the American Lung Association, the tobacco industry spent an estimated $12.49 billion on advertising in 2006. Some states place restrictions on the type and locations of tobacco advertising, and legislation enacted in 2009 gave the U.S. FDA strong authority to regulate tobacco products, which is likely to have a significant impact on tobacco advertising and marketing.
Studies have shown that youth are particularly susceptible to tobacco marketing campaigns.
In the past, cigarette use by actors in popular films was a means to portray smoking as sophisticated and glamorous.
Although denied by tobacco companies, the use of cartoon animals and the like in advertising campaigns appeals to youngsters.
Counter-advertising by various antismoking advocacy groups may provide some balance, but their advertising budgets pale beside those of tobacco companies.
Schools generally provide education on the use of tobacco, alcohol, and other substances, but their impact is unclear.
Increasing the taxes on cigarettes, and hence their price, has been shown to reduce tobacco consumption, especially among adolescents.






Outlook

For smokers, quality and length of life depends on the number and severity of smoking-associated illnesses they may develop and if they have other medical conditions such as diabetes or high blood pressure. Other lifestyle factors—use of alcohol or other drugs, for example—also make a difference in long-term outcomes for smokers. For smokers who quit, projected health and life expectancy improve markedly - at any age of life.

Smokers who quit before age 50 years have half the risk of dying in the next 15 years compared with those who continue to smoke.
Quitting smoking substantially decreases the risk of lung, larynx, esophageal, oral, pancreatic, bladder, and cervical cancers. For example, 10 years after quitting, an ex-smoker has 30% to 50% of the risk of lung cancer compared to a continuing smoker. Continued smoking abstinence continues to lower the risk.
Quitting lowers the risk for other major diseases including coronary heart disease and cardiovascular disease. The increased risk of coronary heart disease halves after 1 year of abstinence. After 15 years, the risk of coronary heart disease approximates that of someone who never smoked.
Women who stop smoking before pregnancy, or during the first 3 or 4 months of pregnancy, reduce their risk of having a low birthweight baby to that of women who never smoked.
The health benefits of quitting far exceed any risks from the average 5-pound weight gain that may follow quitting.


Avoid Alchohol



Physical Effects of Alcohol

The effects of alcohol on the human body depend on the amount of alcohol in the blood (blood-alcohol concentration). This varies with the rate of consumption and with the rate at which the drinker's physical system absorbs and metabolizes alcohol. The higher the alcohol content of the beverage, the more alcohol will enter the bloodstream. The amount and type of food in the stomach also affect the absorption rate; drinking when the stomach is filled is less intoxicating, because foods delay alcohol absorption. Another factor is body weight; the heavier the person, the slower the absorption rate. Studies indicate that sex is a further factor. That is, the stomachs of women contain relatively lesser amounts of an enzyme that breaks down alcohol than do the stomachs of men, so relatively larger amounts of alcohol enter the bloodstreams of women when drinking.

After alcohol passes through the stomach, it is rapidly absorbed through the walls of the intestines into the bloodstream and carried to the various organ systems of the body, where it is metabolized. Although small amounts of alcohol are processed by the kidneys and lungs and are secreted in the urine and exhaled in the breath, respectively, most of the alcohol is metabolized by the liver. As the alcohol is metabolized, it gives off heat. The body metabolizes alcohol at about the rate of three-fourths of an ounce to one ounce of whiskey an hour. In a technical sense, it is possible to drink at the same rate as the alcohol is being oxidized out of the body. Most people, however, drink at a rate faster than this.

Alcohol's depressant effect on the central nervous system is dependent on the blood-alcohol concentration (BAC); when it reaches 0.04%Ñ0.04 gram of alcohol per 100 cubic centimeters of bloodÑbrain functioning begins to be negatively affected. With a concentration of 0.20% (a level obtained from consuming 8-10 drinks), a person has difficulty walking and controlling emotions. When the blood-alcohol content reaches about 0.30%, as when a person rapidly drinks about a pint of whiskey, the drinker will have trouble comprehending and may become unconscious. At levels from 0.35% to 0.50%, the brain centers that control breathing and heart action are affected; concentrations above 0.50% may cause death.

Moderate or temperate use of alcohol is not harmful, but excessive or heavy drinking is associated with alcoholism and numerous other health problems. The effects of excessive drinking on major organ systems of the human body are cumulative and become evident after heavy, continuous drinking or after intermittent drinking over a period of time that may range from 5 to 30 years. The parts of the body most affected by heavy drinking are the digestive and nervous systems. Digestive-system disorders that may be related to heavy drinking include cancer of the mouth, throat, and esophagus; gastritis; ulcers; cirrhosis of the liver; and inflammation of the pancreas. Disorders of the nervous system can include neuritis, lapse of memory (blackouts), hallucinations, and extreme tremor, or delirium tremens ("the DTs"), which may occur when a person stops drinking after a period of heavy imbibing. Permanent damage to the brain and central nervous system may also result. Pregnant women who drink may give birth to infants with fetal alcohol syndrome.

The combination of alcohol and drugs, such as commonly used sedatives and tranquilizers, can be fatal even when the doses, taken separately, would not have a lethal effect. Drugs to counter the effects or aftereffects of alcohol on the body have also been investigated. One such drug, named Ro15-4513, was found to block the behavioral effects of alcohol without altering the metabolism or lowering blood alcohol levels. Because of the ethical problems of such a drug, it has not been developed for commercial use

Back Pain




The spinal column is one of the most vital parts of the human body, supporting our trunks and making all of our movements possible. When the spine is injured and its function is impaired the consequences can be painful and even disabling. According to estimates, 80 percent of Americans will experience low back pain at least once in their lifetime. A small number of patients will develop chronic or degenerative spinal disorders that can be disabling.

Men and women are equally affected by lower back pain, and most back pain occurs between the ages of 25 and 60. However, no age is completely immune. Approximately 12% to 26% of children and adolescents suffer from low back pain. Fortunately most low back pain is acute, and will resolve itself in three days to six weeks with or without treatment. If pain and symptoms persist for longer than 3 months to a year, the condition is considered chronic.

Humans are born with 33 separate vertebrae. By adulthood, most have only 24, due to the fusion of the vertebrae in certain parts of the spine during normal development. The lumbar spine consists of 5 vertebrae called L1 through -L5. Below the lumbar spine, nine vertebrae at the base of the spine grow together. Five form the triangular bone called the sacrum. The two dimples in most everyone's back (historically known as the "dimples of Venus") are where the sacrum joins the hipbones, called the sacroiliac joint. The lowest four vertebrae form the tailbone or coccyx.


The anatomy of the spinal column is extremely well designed to serve many functions. All of the elements of the spinal column and vertebrae serve the purpose of protecting the spinal cord, which provides communication to the brain, mobility and sensation in the body through the complex interaction of bones, ligaments and muscle structures of the back and the nerves that surround it. The back is also the powerhouse for the entire body, supporting our trunks and making all of the movements of our head, arms, and legs possible.

The materials on this Web site are for your general educational information only. Information you read on this Web site cannot replace the relationship that you have with your health care professional. We do not practice medicine or provide medical services or advice as a part of this Web site. You should always talk to your health care professional for diagnosis and treatment.

What Is Bronchitis?

What Is Bronchitis?
Bronchitis (pronounced: brahn-kite-uss) is an inflammation of the lining of the bronchial tubes, the airways that connect the trachea (windpipe) to the lungs. This delicate, mucus-producing lining covers and protects the respiratory system, the organs and tissues involved in breathing. When a person has bronchitis, it may be harder for air to pass in and out of the lungs than it normally would, the tissues become irritated and more mucus is produced. The most common symptom of bronchitis is a cough.

When you breathe in (inhale), small, bristly hairs near the openings of your nostrils filter out dust, pollen, and other airborne particles. Bits that slip through become attached to the mucus membrane, which has tiny, hair-like structures called cilia on its surface. But sometimes germs get through the cilia and other defense systems in the respiratory tract and can cause illness.

Bronchitis can be acute or chronic. An acute medical condition comes on quickly and can cause severe symptoms, but it lasts only a short time (no longer than a few weeks). Acute bronchitis is most often caused by one of a number of viruses that can infect the respiratory tract and attack the bronchial tubes. Infection by certain bacteria can also cause acute bronchitis. Most people have acute bronchitis at some point in their lives.

Chronic bronchitis, on the other hand, can be mild to severe and is longer lasting — from several months to years. With chronic bronchitis, the bronchial tubes continue to be inflamed (red and swollen), irritated, and produce excessive mucus over time. The most common cause of chronic bronchitis is smoking.

People who have chronic bronchitis are more susceptible to bacterial infections of the airway and lungs, like pneumonia. (In some people with chronic bronchitis, the airway becomes permanently infected with bacteria.) Pneumonia is more common among smokers and people who are exposed to secondhand smoke.

What Are the Signs and Symptoms?
Acute bronchitis often starts with a dry, annoying cough that is triggered by the inflammation of the lining of the bronchial tubes. Other symptoms may include:

cough that may bring up thick white, yellow, or greenish mucus
headache
generally feeling ill
chills
fever (usually mild)
shortness of breath
soreness or a feeling of tightness in the chest
wheezing (a whistling or hissing sound with breathing)
Chronic bronchitis is most common in smokers, although people who have repeated episodes of acute bronchitis sometimes develop the chronic condition. Except for chills and fever, a person with chronic bronchitis has a chronic productive cough and most of the symptoms of acute bronchitis, such as shortness of breath and chest tightness, on most days of the month, for months or years.

A person with chronic bronchitis often takes longer than usual to recover from colds and other common respiratory illnesses. Wheezing, shortness of breath, and cough may become a part of daily life. Breathing can become increasingly difficult.

In people with asthma, bouts of bronchitis may come on suddenly and trigger episodes in which they have chest tightness, shortness of breath, wheezing, and difficulty exhaling (breathing out). In a severe episode of asthmatic bronchitis, the airways can become so narrowed and clogged that breathing is very difficult.


What Causes Bronchitis?
Acute bronchitis is usually caused by viruses, and it may occur together with or following a cold or other respiratory infection. Germs such as viruses can be spread from person to person by coughing. They can also be spread if you touch your mouth, nose, or eyes after coming into contact with respiratory fluids from an infected person.

Smoking (even for a brief time) and being around tobacco smoke, chemical fumes, and other air pollutants for long periods of time puts a person at risk for developing chronic bronchitis.

Some people who seem to have repeated bouts of bronchitis — with coughing, wheezing, and shortness of breath — may actually have asthma.

What Do Doctors Do?
If a doctor thinks you may have bronchitis, he or she will examine you and listen to your chest with a stethoscope for signs of wheezing and congestion.

In addition to this physical examination, the doctor will ask you about any concerns and symptoms you have, your past health, your family's health, any medications you're taking, any allergies you may have, and other issues (including whether you smoke). This is called the medical history. Your doctor may order a chest X-ray to rule out a condition like pneumonia, and may sometimes order a breathing test (called spirometry) to rule out asthma.

Because acute bronchitis is most often caused by a virus, the doctor may not prescribe an antibiotic (antibiotics only work against bacteria, not viruses).

The doctor will recommend that you drink lots of fluids, get plenty of rest, and may suggest using an over-the-counter or prescription cough medicine to relieve your symptoms as you recover.

In some cases, the doctor may prescribe a bronchodilator (pronounced: bron-ko-dy-lay-ter) or other medication typically used to treat asthma. These medications are often given through inhalers or nebulizer machines and help to relax and open the bronchial tubes and clear mucus so it's easier to breathe.

If you have chronic bronchitis, the goal is to reduce your exposure to whatever is irritating your bronchial tubes. For people who smoke, that means quitting!

If you have bronchitis and don't smoke, try to avoid exposure to secondhand smoke.

Smoking and Bronchitis
Tobacco smoke is the cause of more than 80% of all cases of chronic bronchitis. People who smoke also have a much harder time recovering from acute bronchitis and other respiratory infections.

Smoking causes lung damage in many ways. For example, it can cause temporary paralysis of the cilia and over time kills the ciliate airway lining ciliated cells completely. Eventually, the airway lining stops clearing smoking-related debris, irritants, and excess mucus from the lungs altogether. When this happens, a smoker's lungs become even more vulnerable to infection. Over time, harmful substances in tobacco smoke permanently damage the airways, increasing the risk for emphysema, cancer, and other serious lung diseases. Smoking also causes the mucus-producing glands to enlarge and make more mucus. Along with the toxic particles and chemicals in smoke, this causes a smoker to have a chronic cough.

Prevention
What's the best way to avoid getting bronchitis? Washing your hands often helps to prevent the spread of many of the germs that cause the condition — especially during cold and flu season.

If you don't smoke, don't ever start smoking — and if you do smoke, try to quit or cut down. Try to avoid being around smokers because even secondhand smoke can make you more susceptible to viral infections and increase congestion in your airway. Also, be sure to get plenty of rest and eat right so that your body can fight off any illnesses that you come in contact with.

First Aid For Asthama Attack

Get Rid of Sinusitis


Sinusitis, when defined in simple terms is an inflammation of the sinus cavities (the hollow spaces in the bone of the cheek and forehead) due to viral or bacterial infections. This usually occurs when one or more of the sinus cavities become inflamed due to blockage of the small tubes (ostium) attached to the nasal passages.



General Sinusitis Remedy
Assists in the treatment of Pressure, Pain, Congestion and Headaches.

Our sinus cavities are the moist air spaces within the bones of the face around the nose. You usually get Sinusitis after a cold, allergy attack, or irritation from environmental pollutants. Usually mucus that collects in the sinuses drains into the nasal passage, but when you have a cold or an allergy; your sinus cavities become inflamed and are unable to drain. This leads to congestion and an infection of the nasal passages.

Anything that causes swelling in your sinus cavities or keeps the cilia from moving mucus can cause mucus buildup which leads to Sinusitis. This buildup of mucus leads to an increase in sinus pressure and facial pain. When the cilia do not move, all the excess mucus drips down the back of your throat causing Post Nasal Drip. There are two types of Sinusitis, Chronic Sinusitis and Acute Sinusitis.

Bacterial Sinusitis tends to make someone feel sicker than Viral Sinusitis. A person with Bacterial Sinusitis usually will have more facial pain, swelling and a fever compared to someone who has Viral Sinusitis.



Sinuses that are Not Infected


Sinuses that Have Been Infected










Common symptoms of Sinusitis:


Pain around and between the eyes and the sides of the nose
Pressure
Earache
Neck pain
Congestion
Other typical symptoms of Sinusitis include:

A stuffy nose that does not clear up after your cold has cleared up
Thick yellow/green discharge
Cold symptoms that do not respond to treatment
A foul smell in the nose
Headaches
Tenderness or pain in or around the cheekbones
A feeling of pressure in your head
Pain in the upper teeth
Sinusitis can also cause any of the following symptoms:

High temperature
Weakness
Tiredness
Loss of taste
Loss of smell
Post Nasal Drip
Bad Breath
Eyes that are sensitive to light
A cough that produces mucus, which worsens at night
What causes Sinusitis?

Sinusitis is caused by anything that irritates the lining of the nose over a long period of time and causes the mucous membranes to swell; this can happen if there is a change in air pressure or the temperature. Here are some of the factors that can cause Sinusitis:


Pollens (Grass and Tree)
Cold air
Alcohol
Perfumes
Pollutants
Damp weather
Viruses
Bacteria
Scuba diving
Side effects of medications
Asthma
Narrow sinuses
Common cold
Allergy to dust mite
Allergy to mould
Allergy to fungi
Chronic drug use ("snorting")





Effective Treatment
This remedy will treat the following:

Mucus discharge
Congestion
Pain around the eyes, sides of the nose and cheekbones
Pressure
A stuffy nose after a cold has cleared up
Headaches
Bad Breath
Post Nasal Drip
Loss of smell and taste
It will also help with the following:

Prevent the development of full blown Sinusitis
Prevent secondary infections of the nasal passages and the sinuses
Prevent the back of the nose and throat from becoming infected



How to prevent Sinusitis?

To avoid developing Sinusitis during a cold or allergy attack you should try to do the following:

Try to avoid air travel


Remove pets from your home

Gently blow your nose- by blocking one nostril while blowing through the other

During the summer months, if you swim, keep your head above water and avoid deep dives and somersaults.

Drinking plenty of fluids as this will keep nasal discharge thin.


If you smoke, try to quit


Keeping the air humid at home

Drinking less or no alcohol

Avoid temperature extremes

MEDITATION

WHAT IS MEDITATION?

A mind that is in the present moment is meditation.

A mind that is calm, without hesitation and anticipation is meditation.

A mind that has become no mind, and has come back to its source is meditation.

AN INWARD JOURNEY

Ready to begin the journey?

To experience meditation, you need not go to a remote cave in the Himalayas.

Meditation is diving deep within.... at this moment.

Bring the mind, which is all over the place, back to its source.

In meditation - your mind is alert, and all other organs are in deep rest.

Repose in the cool, calm, serene depth of your Being.

LETTING GO

Do you think that meditation is deep concentration? Then you’re in for a surprise:

Meditation is de-concentration, letting go.

To meditate:

  • Let go - of anger and events from the past
  • Let go - of desires and planning for the future

Meditation is accepting this moment, and living every moment totally with depth.

TOTAL RELAXATION

Are you curious to know the steps/actions - that lead to meditation?

Good news is that, you need not do anything – meditation is not an act.

Step 1: Relax

Step 2: Relax more

Step 3: Relax more and more…

Meditation happens with effortlessness.

Relax in the meditative state – you’ll agree it’s valuable and precious.

Why sould we build a body ?

Body building did not become quite famous during the reign of the legend Arnold.There were a few people who loved body building.But now the scene has changed as many people have started to do body building.This sport has got many things that draw the people into it.People have become interested in having a well developed physique.The abdominal exercises can avoid the excess fat not only in the belly but also in other parts of the body.The treadmill practice can increase your stamina and also keep you in shape.Some do aggressive body building to have an awesome physique.Once they see their body muscles growing they become crazy and they become hungry for more.Wearing tight T shirts after developing big protruding muscles has become a fashion.Also body building keeps you away from diseases.




BUILD CHEST MUSCLE LIGHTENING FAST IN 3 EASY STEPS




If you’ve been trying to build chest muscle but aren’t seeing the gains you were looking for then there are a few key steps you can take to build chest muscle in lightning speed.

How to Build Chest Muscle Step I – Dissect your chest work out

If you want to build chest muscle you have to dissect your chest workout. Your chest which consists of your pectorals “pecs” are pretty big muscles, which means you’re going to have work out different parts of your chest “one at a time” if you want maximum results and the fastest gains possible.

It’s real simple. All you have to do is break down your chest workout or chest exercises to work out the 4 main parts of your chest. These 4 parts are your upper chest, your lower chest, your inner chest and your outer chest. Here are a few exercises you can use to build chest muscle very quickly.

Upper Chest Muscle Exercises

* Incline Barbell Bench press - Military Dumbbell Presses - Incline Dumbbell Flyes


Lower Chest Muscle Exercises

* Decline Barbell Bench press - Parallel Bar Dips - Decline Dumbbell Flyes


Inner Chest Muscle Exercises

* Standing Cable Crossovers - Flat Bench Dumbbell Flyes


Outer Chest Muscle Exercises

* Flat Bench Barbell Presses - Flat Bench Dumbbell Flyes


By dissecting your chest workout in this way you will not only build chest muscle fast but you build ALL the different areasof your chest muscle which leads to a bigger, stronger and wider chest.

How to Build Chest Muscle Step II – Work Your Chest to Failure
If you want to build chest muscle, you have to train your chest to failure. If you don’t know what I mean, it’s very simple. You have to push your chest muscles to the point where it is unable to do any more reps on its own during that set.

This is why you also NEED a spotter – someone to help you when your muscles fail during an exercise. For example, if you’re bench pressing and your muscles fail halfway on your last rep, you want someone there to assist you, so you can keep pushing even though your muscles have failed – that’s the key to unlocking HUGE muscle gains.

When you train your chest muscle to failure like this, your body says “Woe, I better start sending more nutrients (protein, water, calories, etc.) to build my chest muscles so next time we deal with this stress (weight training to failure), it won’t be as strenuous as last time”. Training like this can and will lead to HUGE chest muscle gains quickly.

How to Build Chest Muscle Step III
– Don’t Cheat on Your “Negatives”
What are “negatives”? – Negatives are the eccentric or lowering phase of your particular exercise. For example, if you were bench pressing, your negative would be when you are lowering the barbell once you’ve reached the top. In other words, negative is the motion you take after you have contracted your targeted muscle (in this case lowering the barbell after we have contracted our chest muscle to push the barbell to the top).

Most people use gravity during negatives instead of having a controlled movement downward. This is what I call “cheating your negatives” and it’s also hazardous to your muscles. Think about it, if you just finished pushing a 150lb barbell upward, it’ll be pretty dangerous and “useless” when you’re trying to build muscle if you just relaxed your chest muscles as soon as you were about to lower that barbell it.

Instead, take your time and bring the weight down in a controlled motion and try to really feel the burning in your chest muscle as you lower the weight thus stretching and really targeting your chest muscles as a result.

Remember, it’s not quantity but quality. Think about it, you could lift 30 pounds ten times with poor form or 30 pounds six times with proper form, and you would notice much better results with the latter example

So don’t cheat yourself out of building the massive chest you desire by cheating on your negatives – this is when much of the pressure is being put on your muscles, so don’t “wimp out”.

To anyone who wants to learn how to build chest muscle and quickly at that simply follow these 3 simple steps and you’ll be on the road to a massive chest in no time.




HEALTHY BODY IN 10 MINUTES



Switch one drink to de-caff – 0 minutes

I’m not suggesting you quit caffeine full stop – just switch one of your daily coffees to a de-caffeinated version. It’s a little change which takes no time at all, and which you’ll hardly notice after a couple of days.

If you’re trying to cut down considerably on caffeine, do it gradually. For instance, if you currently drink six coffees per day, switch to five regular and one de-caffeinated this week, then cut down a bit more next week, and so on.

Bonus: Do the same thing with one regular soda – switch to a diet version, or flavored water. It might take your taste buds a week or two to adapt, but stick with it!
Grab a piece of fruit – 1 minute

Next time you’re feeling peckish, grab a piece of fruit. This takes a minute at most – probably just a few seconds. If you keep a bowl of fruit close at hand, it’s a very easy snack!

Eating more fruit will:

* Ensure you get enough vitamins, vital for health
* Boost your fiber intake, improving your digestion
* Help fill you up between meals for minimum calories

Bonus: Keep a bottle of water on your desk so that it’s within easy reach. You’ll find yourself sipping more and staying hydrated during the day – reducing the urge to snack. (Many of us mistake mild thirst for hunger.)
Brush your teeth (properly) – 4 minutes

Hopefully, you already brush your teeth twice a day. If you’re being totally honest, though, there are probably times when you don’t manage that – or when “brushing” is just a quick swipe round your mouth with the tooth brush.

Dentists recommend that you brush your teeth for two minutes. Try timing yourself next time you brush yours: chances are, you’re not brushing for long enough.

Bonus: Don’t forget to floss daily too.
Meditate – 5 minutes

In recent years, meditation has become much more mainstream. Proven health benefits – like decreased stress – are pretty attractive to most of us! But because we’re busy, we often don’t take the time to sit and quieten our minds.

If you’re uncertain about what meditation involves, and want an easy introduction, try 6 Tips for People Who Don’t Have Time to Meditate.

Meditation really isn’t a “woo-woo” new agey activity. It’s just a way to get some space and perspective in your life through a few minutes of precious calm.

Bonus: Many people – not just those who follow a particular religion – find it helpful to read a little from a spiritual or inspirational text each day.
Take a brisk walk – 10 minutes

Let’s face it, most of us should do more exercise. The trouble is, just thethought of the gym can be stressful. Perhaps you don’t have time after work, or you don’t want to follow a vigorous routine.

One of the best things you can do for your health is to walk. Walking won’t put as much stress on your joints as other cardio activities, you can do it in your normal clothes, and you can easily go faster or slower depending on your fitness level. Just ten minutes is enough to see physical and mental benefits.

Bonus: Find ways to incorporate walking into your daily routine, so that it doesn’t take up extra time. (Get off the bus a stop earlier, or walk to the local store instead of driving, for instance.)

Do you have any quick wins for extra health and energy? Share them with us in the comments … and let us know how many minutes they’ll take on a daily or weekly basis!