How is HIV transmitted?

Written By: admin
John

There are tons of myths out there on how HIV is transmitted. It is therefore crucial that you differentiate facts from rumors and understand how exactly this virus is transmitted from one person to the other.

Common myths on how HIV is transmitted

Some people believe that one can contract HIV from casual contact with an infected person or sharing some things like utensils, public space and more. We have listed many myths that are untrue and that you should not be worried when caught up in one of the situations.

  • By hugging, sharing toilets, shaking hands, sharing utensils, social kissing/closed-mouth kissing with an infected person
    By mosquito bites, ticks and other insects that suck blood
    Through air
    Through saliva, sweat, and tears that is not mixed with the blood of an infected individual

HIV transmission

In fact, it is only through contact of specific body fluids like blood, semen, pre-seminal fluid, vaginal fluids, rectal fluids and breast milk that HIV can be transmitted from an infected person to another. It is only when these fluids come in contact with the mucous membrane or damaged body tissue or directly injected into the system that transmission will occur. Any activity that may result in such contact should be avoided to be able to avoid contracting the virus. Some of the typical activities that may cause transmission of the virus include;

  • Unprotected sex (both anal and vaginal) with an infected person or indulging in such sexual activities without taking drugs that prevent or treat HIV- anal sex is said to be the riskiest type of sex that can result in transmission of the virus. However, vaginal sex too can result in transmission of the virus to either partner.
  • Sharing of sharp objects like razor blades, syringes and other equipment for drug injections, as well as rinse water with an infected person. It is said that the virus can live for up to 42 days on used needles depending on such factors as temperature.

Other less common ways through which the virus is transmitted include

  • Mother-to-child during pregnancy, birth, and breastfeeding- the risk is even high if the infected mother is not taking HIV drugs. However, the latest requirement for all pregnant women to get HIV tested and start early treatment if found positive, the number of mother-to-child transmissions has considerably gone down.
  • Getting stuck with an HIV-contaminated object like needles- this is mainly a risk factor for healthcare service providers.

Other ways through which the virus can be transmitted, though in sporadic cases

  • Oral sex- there is a minimal risk of contracting HIV from oral sex unless an infected male ejaculates in his partner’s mouth or in case of open wounds or sores in the mouth
  • Blood transfusion, organ transplants, and blood products from an infected person- this was only possible during the early days of HIV outbreak but not anymore since thorough testing has to be done today before any blood transfusion or organ/tissue transplant is done.
  • Eating meals that have been pre-chewed by an infected person- this is possible especially for mothers who like to chew food for their children at the winning stage. It is even riskier when infected blood from the caregiver mixes with the food while chewing.
  • Being bitten by an infected individual- this is rare, but in case of extensive tissue damage and blood contact, the virus is likely to be passed on. At no point, however, will the virus get transmitted if the skin is not broken.

References:

https://www.cdc.gov/hiv/basics/transmission.html

https://www.hiv.gov/hiv-basics/overview/about-hiv-and-aids/how-is-hiv-transmitted

http://sfaf.org/hiv-info/basics/how-is-hiv-transmitted.html

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1245459/

ICD 9 Code Hypothyroidism

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John

ICD-9-CM is an American code used for claim purposes on reimbursement claim for the after- effects caused by radiation therapy. This code is an old version which is known as 2013 version. It is a claim code that can only be used for cases that happened before 30th September 2015.  The ICD 9 Code for Hypothyroidism is 244.9.

The reimbursement claim using this code is applicable for patients who had to undergo a radiation therapy which left some effects or abnormalities. It is a detailed claim procedure specifying all anomalies noticed during the post-radiation therapy.

The following are some of the information required while presenting the claim:

  • Describing all symptoms of the post-radiation therapy in details and more especially assisted by a clinical official.
  • Detailed medical information is stating the condition of thyroid hormone and other medical disorders.
  • A thorough medical check-up to be conducted by medical personnel to give full details on other medical conditions that might have been caused by the radiation therapy.

However, any reimbursement claim beyond 30th September 2015 should use the new code version which is ICD-10-CM. Each medical disorder noted after medical check-up is given an extension code that indicates the particular disorder. All these procedures must be carried out by authorized medical personnel for the claim to pass through.

Lyme Vaccine for Dogs

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John

A lot of vaccines have been developed to prevent the disease which is caused by the causative organism of the Lyme disease, Borrelia burgdorferi. The vaccination procedure takes the form of getting an initial vaccination which is followed by a booster vaccine after about 2 to 4 weeks while annual booster will be given for as long as the disease is still rampant.

Your vet may demand that your dog is tested and studied in order to determine the type of vaccination which would best suit your dog. The dog’s age and other factors are always considered before the vaccine is administered.

The Lyme vaccine is not compulsory for all dogs. It is only recommended for dogs which are found in areas with a high risk of the Lyme disease outbreak. Before getting the vaccination for your dog, a visit to the vet is recommended.

The only important vaccine to prevent dogs from tick-borne disease is that for the Lyme disease. There are no other vaccines to protect dogs from other types of tick-borne diseases such as Ehrlichiosis and Anaplasmosis. As well as the vaccine may work, proper tick control methods with periodic testing may be the best ways to keep yourself safe from tick-borne diseases. The tick control methods can keep your dog safe from Lyme disease exposure.

The control methods include:

  • Frequent bodily checks of yourself and the dogs and eliminate all ticks
  • Make use of a reliable method of tick control.
  • Make sure to avoid tall grasses or wooded areas which may be likely spots for ticks.
  • Speak to your vet for the best advise on tick control.
Fibromyalgia

Topical Lidocaine for Pain and Itchiness

Written By: Alexandra Waller
admin

Lidocaine is an anesthetic and antiarrhythmic. It can help treat irregular heartbeats, and also relieve the skin. Here we will be looking at lidocaine topical, though there are other forms like the injection. The injection option for lidocaine can have different side effects than the topical solution. If you are interested in the injection option, contact your doctor for more information.

What is lidocaine topical?

Lidocaine topical can be used as a cream, gel, spray, lotion, liquid, skin patch, ointment, foam, powder, or other forms that are applied to the skin. Do not ingest the topical medicine, and keep it out of the mouth, eyes, and nose. Rinse with water if you accidentally get any medicine in any place other than your skin.

Lidocaine can be found under the following brand names: Bactine, Glydo, Lidoderm, Xylocaine, and more. For a full list visit Drugs.com.

How does it work?

Lidocaine works as a numbing medication that can block nerve signals in the body. It can also help relieve irritated skin. Certain skin conditions may be painful or cause itchiness, such as from minor cuts or burns, insect bites, poison ivy, poison oak, sunburns, eczema, or hemorrhoids. Lidocaine helps by reducing symptoms associated with the conditions listed previously.

What should you know before taking the medication?

Allergies

Do not use lidocaine if you have experienced any allergic reactions to numbing creams or medicines. Let your doctor know about your experience with numbing medication, and keep them informed about your condition, especially if you have had an allergic reaction in the past. It is also important to tell your doctor if you have had an allergic reaction to other medicines you have taken in the past. If you have had any severe reactions to certain foods, dyes, animals, or preservatives, make sure to let your doctor know.

Other Medications

Additionally, tell your doctor if you have had liver disease. Make sure to also relay information concerning other medicine you are taking, such as if you are taking any heart rhythm medicines.

Breast Feeding

Ask your doctor the risk associated with taking lidocaine topical and breast feeding. Do not apply the medication anywhere on the skin where it makes contact with the baby’s mouth. Keep it out of your child’s reach and do not feed it to your child.

Alcohol

There are no known reactions from drinking alcohol and using lidocaine. However, try to consume small amounts of alcohol while using lidocaine.

Side Effects

If you experience any severe side effects, get emergency medical help as soon as possible. It is possible to experience signs of an allergic reaction while using lidocaine. Signs of an allergic reaction include having trouble breathing, the skin has broken out in hives, or the face, lips, tongue, or throat has become swollen.

The following is a list of possible side effects of lidocaine:

  • stinging where the medication is applied
  • blistering
  • dry skin
  • irritation
  • burning
  • dizziness
  • tiredness
  • swelling
  • redness
  • rash
  • confusion
  • blurred vision
  • numbness
  • joint pain
  • tightness of the chest

Contact your doctor about other possible side effects. If you have had a minor reaction from the medication and it does not go away after a few days, check in with your doctor. If your condition worsens, contact your doctor immediately.

Other Important Information

Dosage

The dosage can vary depending on the form of lidocaine you are using. For example, if you are using ointment, your doctor can recommend you apply the medicine on the area of the skin about three to four times a day. On the other hand, if you are using a skin patch to help treat pain associated with shingles, your doctor can recommend using only one to three patches per twelve hours.

Forget to Take On Time

If you miss a dose or forget to change a patch, simply apply the medicine as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time to take your next dose, wait and skip the forgotten dose. It is important to take the medicine as directed and not overcompensate for the missed dose. Certain medicines that come in creams or gels should last even when they are removed after a certain amount of time.

Storage

Make sure to keep the medicine stored in a place where animals and children can not get to it. Additionally, keep it away from moisture and heat in room temperature. A patch that is kept in the heat can impact how the medicine is absorbed into the body. This can lead to an increase in the risk of serious side effects or overdose.

Hypothyroidism Diet

Written By: John
John

Hypothyroidism is a disease where Thyroid hormone levels are lower than what is considered “normal” or “healthy.” As much as 90% of primary hypothyroidism is due to an autoimmune disease known as Hashimoto’s thyroiditis. This causes one’s immune system to attack the thyroid gland.

The thyroid hormone released from the gland is important for cellular growth and repair, as well as for metabolism. Without these functions, one would start to show symptoms such as, but not limited to, fatigue, excessive weight gain & depression

Hypothyroidism is only found in 1-2% of the world’s population and is more likely to be found in women compared to men.

Important Nutrients & Healthy foods

Certain nutrients such as Iodine, Selenium, and Zinc helps the thyroid gland produce the needed thyroid hormones.

These nutrients can be found in foods such as eggs, all meat and fish types, gluten-free foods, some fruits, and vegetables, as well as in certain non-caffeinated drinks.

Dangerous Nutrients & Foods To Avoid

Foods containing Goitrogens and Gluten prevents the thyroid glands from producing thyroid hormones. Foods containing these nutrients should be avoided or at least consumed in moderation.
Bread, beer, cereals, and pasta are foods that contain high amounts of gluten. Edamame beans, tempeh, and tofu, as well as many other soy food options, are also considered unhealthy choices for people with this disease. Certain vegetables such as Broccoli, spinach & cabbage should also be limited. Beverages that contain caffeine and alcohol should be avoided.

Restoration of the Thyroid gland’s functionality is usually not achieved through diet alone. Patients need to combine a healthy diet with the right medication, often synthetic Thyroid hormones, to help restore a better balance of these hormones in their body.

References

https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/hypothyroidism-diet#section6

Hypothyroidism in Cats

Written By: John
John

Just about everyone has heard of hypothyroidism, or underactive thyroid, in human beings, but few are aware that our feline friends can also suffer from thyroid trouble. Just like us, cats have a thyroid gland which produces the essential thyroid hormones that regulate the metabolism, the body temperature, and the heart rate. The good news is, first of all, that it is a fairly rare condition in cats, and secondly, that it is transitory (short-term) and it does not need intensive treatment of any kind. As contradictory as it sounds, hypothyroidism in cats often follows treatment for exactly the opposite condition – hyperthyroidism or overactive thyroid. The symptoms are fairly distinctive. Let’s take a look at them.

Lazy, fat cat? Get that thyroid checked

In combination, the symptoms of hypothyroidism in cats are quite distinctive, and most of them are easily recognizable if you know your cat’s habits. They include laziness, weight gain, hair loss – especially on the ears, matted hair and an ungroomed appearance. One symptom you might not notice as easily, especially if your cat is free to come and go as it likes, is constipation. The body temperature will also be low, but you’ll probably only find this out when you visit the vet because nobody is likely to take their cat’s temperature at home. Another symptom in very young cats is delayed eruption of the teeth, but most people probably wouldn’t notice that either. If you notice these symptoms, your vet will take the cat’s temperature and have blood tests done to determine the levels of the thyroid hormones. It’s possible, though, that if your cat has another illness, the T4 hormone levels measured will be low due to the illness, so more extensive testing is required to be sure. As already mentioned, hypothyroidism is usually transitory, so oral treatment will only be administered if the symptoms are serious. In this case, it usually clears up after just a few weeks of treatment – a few months at the most. If your cat has been diagnosed with hypothyroidism, do not be too alarmed. The prognosis for your furry friend is very good, and the condition is usually quite short-lived, and puss will soon be her active, quirky self again. Whether you get veterinary help – which is advisable – or not, you can boost your cat’s thyroid activity with certain foods or supplements.

Supplements for cats with an underactive thyroid

  • Kelp – this well-known sea alga is an excellent thyroid function booster in both animals and humans. Because it grows in the ocean, it is full of iodine, which is arguably the most important mineral for thyroid activity. If you buy it in powder form or crush the tablets, you can mix it into her food, and Puss won’t even know she’s taking her medicine!
  • Astragalus root – never heard of it, right? Astragalus is a very pretty plant from the legume family. It is also known as vetch, goat’s thorn or locoweed. It boosts the entire endocrine (hormone production) system and regulates the thyroid hormones. It is also available in powder form, so it’ easy to administer.
  • Lactobacillus probiotics – probiotics help by boosting the immune system, which can be helpful, even if your cat isn’t suffering from hypothyroidism. These are best administered in capsule form because the capsules resist the stomach acid and only dissolve in the gut, where the bacteria are released to do their work.
  • Calcium – this is an essential element for all forms of life, and your feline is no exception. Calcium powders mixed into the food are the easiest to administer.

And a few “don’ts” – never give your cat sugar in any form. I know this sounds strange, and cats, being cats, usually aren’t interested in anything sweet, but old habits die hard and young cats, just like young people, are easy to influence, and unfortunately, some people give their cats chocolates and candy! And those other empty carbs are also a bad idea – think of the big, red pizza-eating cartoon cat!

Conclusion

So, off to the supermarket or the pet store and stock up on those healthy additions to your feline’s diet. You might only be able to get some of them online, but now you know what you need to do! Just like in humans, you need to be consistent and persistent with the treatment. Giving tablets to a cat isn’t all that easy, but it isn’t impossible either. Prepare everything well in advance, then wait for her to forget about it – she’ll hear you opening the container with the tablets and disappear in a flash if she can, so close the doors and windows before you do so. Then wait until she is sleeping peacefully somewhere, pick her up and wrap her tightly in a towel – especially those forelegs – then put her under your arm with those strong hindlegs pointing harmlessly backwards, squeeze her jaw with thumb and forefinger, right at the back, so that she is forced to open her mouth, then push the tablet right virtually into her throat and hold her until she has swallowed it. If you’re afraid she’ll bite you, wear a pair of thick gloves. But it’ll be all over in a jiffy – she’ll hate you for an hour or two, but she’s a cat, after all!

References

https://www.petmd.com/cat/conditions/endocrine/c_ct_hypothyroidism

http://www.pethealthnetwork.com/cat-health/cat-diseases-conditions-a-z/do-cats-get-hypothyroidism

https://www.vetinfo.com/natural-thyroid-treatment-for-cats.html

https://www.holisticpetinfo.com/Hypothyroidism-in-Dogs-and-Cats_ep_126.html

How Long Does It Take To Show The Symptoms Of HIV?

Written By: admin

Lack of early warning symptoms is part of what makes HIV quite devastating. In fact, many people may get infected, but because no actual symptoms are experienced, it is difficult to tell if one has been infected or not. For that reason, many people don’t realize it until it is too late and in many cases after putting their partners at risk. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), there is at least one individual in every seven (14 percent) who is infected but unaware. The lack of early symptoms may be responsible for most of these individuals.

CDC statistics from 2017 indicate that people who used needles to inject drugs accounted for 6 percent of all new HIV cases. The rest were infected through the exposure of the mucosal surface to the virus.

Regardless of the source of the virus, however, the timing of the appearance of viral and host symptoms of infection are uniform and follow a specific pattern.

Immediately after exposure and transmission, the virus starts replicating and multiplying in the mucosa and sub-mucosa among other body tissues and cells. At this time, the RNA of the virus cannot be detected in plasma. During this period (also known as the eclipse phase, sometimes called the window phase) lasts for between 7 and 21 days, although for some it can last up to three months. It is only after the virus RNA reaches a high enough concentration in the plasma that it can be detected using specific sensitive qualitative methods. By the time the concentration gets to 50 copies per millimeter, the virus can be detected using quantitative clinical assays that are used in monitoring the viral load.

First Symptoms

During that period, symptoms of HIV infections occur starting from the first to the fourth week after infection but sometimes may take up to six weeks. This is because the virus takes time to infect more cells before it starts to replicate and spread throughout the body. The initial symptoms are usually described as flu-like and include severe fever, headache, and fatigue, shortness of breath, night sweats, sore throat, and swelling of lymph nodes.

If the first stage of HIV infection ends without detecting any of the symptoms, then it may take longer before real symptoms appear. This is because the second stage (asymptomatic) does not come with any symptoms and may take up to 10 years before the symptoms appear. The virus, however, will continue replicating and spreading as more white blood cells are damaged before the last stage which comes with severe symptoms accompanied by various opportunistic infections. This may take up to 10 years, but if no virus management medication was used, the symptoms will be severe and will be difficult to manage.

As earlier mentioned, you may not entirely rely on the early symptoms to show. Instead, it is advised to wait three months to elapse following exposure to get tested.  At that point, visit a nearby VCT center to get an antibody test which will give the correct HIV status. It has been established that someone infected with HIV is almost 20 times more contagious during the acute stage than at any other time during infection. The best thing is always to play safe, get tested regularly and start medication as soon as possible.

References:

https://www.zavamed.com/uk/early-symptoms-of-hiv.html

http://www.thebody.com/Forums/AIDS/SafeSex/Q11653.html

https://www.livestrong.com/article/100073-visible-signs-hiv/

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/18490657

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/18469831

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/12960819

https://www.cdc.gov/hiv/statistics/overview/ataglance.html

Lyme Disease Map

Written By: admin
John

According to a study conducted in May 2017, researchers were able to study over 12 million Lyme disease tests on dog which were gotten from about 48 states in the US between 2011 and 2015 and they used this information to develop forecast maps which were an indication of how rampant the disease had been in different locations in the USA in the past.

lyme disease map

Image: PLOS ONE

Based on the maps created by NCBI, it was found out that the Northeastern part of the USA was considered a very likely location to the tick which was a vector for Borrelia burgdorferi (causative bacteria of Lyme disease). However, according to the map, the disease-carrying tick is also found in certain Midwestern states. The tick and occurrence of Lyme disease are majorly found in parts of the US such as California, Idaho, Colorado, New Mexico, and North Dakota.

It is vital that you note that the research was focused mainly on the Lyme disease in dogs by testing about 4 million dogs. However, researchers have clearly stated that the finding of this study can be used to effectively predict how prevalent the disease will be in people too.

Dogs are the main carries for the disease and are majorly responsible for infections in humans with about 250,880 dogs testing positive for the disease as of 2015. Research has shown that there is a strong connection between Lyme disease in dogs and the Lyme disease in human.

According to NCBI, studies using spatial scanning were carried out to determine places of incidence of the Lyme disease

In conclusion, the essential thing is to watch for the symptoms of the Lyme disease, regardless of the location you find yourself. If you find yourself suffering from any of the symptoms of the disease (such as fatigue, low fever, and achy muscles or joints), a visit to the hospital will be the best for you. Negligence to the Lyme disease may lead to more chronic conditions related to cardiac, nervous and muscular problems.

Lyme Disease Stages

The Lyme disease is a progressive illness which occurs in three initial stages and leads to a chronic fourth stage. The stages of the disease may last for some months or years. The disease may sometimes be undetected in the body.

Stage 1

The symptoms of the Lyme disease may begin to manifest just a few days or weeks after getting bitten. A lot of times, the tick bite goes unnoticed due to the size of the tick and painless nature of the bite.

The first stage is also known as “early localized Lyme disease” and may last for about 1-4 weeks.

Symptoms: These symptoms include a circular expanding rash, fever, chills, joint and muscle pain, stiff neck, headache, fatigue and other flu-like symptoms.
The rash may disappear after four weeks, but other symptoms will continue. If untreated it proceeds to stage 2

Stage 2

This stage is referred to as the Early Disseminated Lyme Disease. It may occur for weeks to months after infection.

Symptoms: The symptoms include flu-like symptoms similar or worse than stage 1, swollen lymph nodes or glands, fatigue, sore throat, visual problems, facial paralysis, numbness of the bite area, heart palpitations.

The disease is more noticeable at this stage.

Stage 3

This stage is referred to as Late Disseminated Lyme disease. This stage may occur months or years after the initial tick bite. This stage will occur if stage 1 and 2 are untreated.
Symptoms: These symptoms include a severe headache, heart arrhythmia, mental disturbance, partial or temporary amnesia, auditory challenges, forgetfulness, extreme fatigue, temporary facial paralysis, numbness in limbs.

Stage 4

This stage is referred to as the Chronic Lyme Disease and is also known as chronic Lyme arthritis. This stage occurs as a recurrent type of joint inflammation which commonly affects the knee joint.

Symptoms: These symptoms include swelling, redness and fluid buildup.

References

https://www.goodhousekeeping.com/health/wellness/news/a44165/lyme-disease-map/

https://organicdailypost.com/stage-1-lyme-disease/

https://www.reuters.com/article/us-lyme-disease-rare-cause-death-study-idUSTRE70553O20110106

http://www.vetstreet.com/care/examination-and-lyme-disease-vaccine-for-dogs

https://invisiverse.wonderhowto.com/news/news-you-can-use-map-shows-where-dogs-humans-are-high-risk-lyme-disease-summer-0177579/

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4517724/

Fibromyalgia

Clonidine for Pain and High Blood Pressure

Written By: Alexandra Waller
admin

Clonidine is a sedative and antihypertensive drug that can be prescribed by your doctor. Common brands include Catapres, Kapvay, and Catapres-TTS-1. In addition to brand-names, there are also generic options available. The drug can be used to help treat high blood pressure, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), and pain from cancer. There are different options of clonidine, including a patch, an oral tablet, and an oral extended-release tablet. Here we will examine the oral tablet in detail. However, depending on your condition, your doctor may suggest a different form to use.

Do not take clonidine if you have had an allergic reaction to it in the past. It is important to let your doctor if you have experienced an allergic reaction while taking this drug. Please note that I am not a doctor, but this article has undergone extensive research to try to provide accurate information. Do not hesitate to contact or reach out to a doctor you trust for a professional opinion.

How does clonidine work?

Clonidine hydrochloride is odorless, bitter, and white. It can dissolve in water and alcohol, and it is a centrally acting alpha-agonist hypotensive agent. The drug works by focusing on the part of the brain related to behavior, attention, and emotion. It can be given in different dosages, depending on your condition. These dosage strengths include .1 mg, .2 mg, and .3 mg.

Side Effects

There are possible side effects related to clonidine. Common side effects include the following:

  • drowsiness
  • sleepiness
  • dry mouth
  • dry eyes
  • stomach pain
  • dizziness
  • headache
  • constipation
  • upper respiratory tract infection

There are other possible side effects that can be more severe. If you experience any serious side effects or feel as though your life may be in danger, go to the nearest emergency room or call 911 immediately. Call your doctor and make sure to relay all side effects you may be experiencing.

Certain side effects that are more serious to your health may not go away or can last for long periods of time. If you notice that you are passing out or are dizzy when you stand up, you may be experiencing a serious side effect of clonidine. Other severe side effects can include increased and decreased blood pressure, uneven or change in heart rate, trouble breathing, chest pain, or seeing hallucinations.

Warnings

Before using clonidine, make sure to look at the different possible side effects as well as the warnings associated with the drug. Warnings can include:

Alcohol: Do not consume alcohol while taking clonidine. Alcohol can increase the risk of side effects, such as drowsiness or sleepiness. Drinking alcohol can also impair your judgment and slow down your reactions and thinking.

Women who are Pregnant: Do not take clonidine while pregnant. Women who are pregnant or are breastfeeding should not take clonidine. Research has shown that there may be adverse effects to the fetus or child. Contact your doctor and let them know if you are or plan on becoming pregnant.

Children: Children under the age of six years old should not be given clonidine. There has not been enough research conducted to know the exact effect clonidine can have on children younger than 6 years who have ADHD.

Seniors: Adults over 65 years old should be cautious while taking clonidine. The drug can cause higher or lower blood pressure and affect your heart rate. It can also make you dizzy or increase the risk of fainting or falling. Seniors should speak to their doctor about the possible side effects and whether clonidine is right for them.

Other Conditions: People who have certain conditions, such as heart problems, get dizzy often, or who faint should not take clonidine. Depending on your condition, your doctor may recommend a different treatment option for you. The drug can worsen your condition, especially if you already have heart problems like low heart rate, low blood pressure, or heart disease.

Other Important Information

Missed Dosage

If you forget a dose, you can take it as soon as you remember. However, do not take the medication if it is almost time for the next dose. Just skip the missed dose and keep taking it on your regular schedule. It is important to not take two times or more of the recommended dose at once.

Diet

Your doctor may recommend you follow a certain diet that consists in low-salt. Speak to your doctor if you have any questions about what food or drinks you should and should not consume.

Different Brands for Different Conditions

There are different brands of clonidine, as previously mentioned. More specifically, Catapres helps treat high blood pressure, while Kapvay helps treat ADHD.

If you have any questions or concerns, do not hesitate to call or make an appointment with your doctor.

Can You Self-Test For Hypothyroidism?

Written By: John
John

Many people would love to know how to perform certain tests on their own without having to visit the doctors. Today, one can easily order a test kit for HIV, for instance, and carry out the test on their own and get results. But, is this possible when testing for hypothyroidism?

Usually, hypothyroidism is evaluated and diagnosed by an endocrinologist or a qualified healthcare doctor. The presence of this condition in some cases is so slight that it makes it difficult for to recognize that something is amiss. On the other hand, the symptoms can be simply undeniable including intolerance to cold, fatigue, dry skin, hair loss, and anxiety among others. Whichever the case, all you need is getting the right test that will confirm your worries or otherwise.

Visiting your doctor for a comprehensive and accurate blood test is recommendable so that you can access treatment sooner than later. This will significantly impact on the quality of your life despite the condition.

TSH Testing

This is a comprehensive hypothyroidism test where your health care provider will closely look into the visible symptoms as well as undertake a thyroid stimulating hormone test. In this test, the doctor will be trying to find out the extent to which thyroid hormones- T3 and T4- have diminished. THS is produced in the pituitary glands in the brain then used to stimulate the release of the thyroid hormones into the bloodstream. In this case, the levels of THS in the body will play a crucial role in determining if you have hypothyroidism or not. Based on the set ranges, you can quickly tell if your THS levels are okay. According to the American Thyroid Association, the ranges are set as below.

  • 0.4 mU/L- Normal
  • 2.5 mU/L- At the risk
  • 4.0 mU/L- Mild hypothyroidism
  • 10.0 mU/L- Hypothyroidism

T4 testing

Another test for hypothyroidism is measuring the level of free T4 in the bloodstream. In case of higher TSH levels and low T4 levels, it indicates primary hypothyroidism since the pituitary gland is responding to the deficit and producing more TSH in the effort to stimulate the thyroid gland to produce more hormones. However because the thyroid is either malfunctioned or not working correctly, it is not responding to the signals by the pituitary gland hence the higher levels in TSH and low levels in free T4.

Hypothyroidism self-test

Other than checking out for the symptoms of this condition, taking a T4 or TSH tests, one should consider a basal body temperature test as a simple, yet accurate in testing for potential hypothyroidism. This is what was initially used before blood tests were invented.

Basal Body Temperature (BBT) Test

This involves evaluating the basal body temperature using a basal thermometer which you can purchase at a local drug store or online. In this case, do not confuse a basal thermometer with the regular one as you are likely to get different results.

It is recommended to undertake this test at least once a day for three days. The test should be carried out immediately you wake up, even before moving around or visiting the washrooms. Place the basal thermometer below the armpit for 15 minutes while in a still position then get the readings. Repeat the same for three days and calculate the average temperature. In case the average temperature comes below 97.8 degrees F, chances are there that you may have hypothyroidism. For women still on their periods, it would be ideal to start the BBT test on the second day of menstruation because it is believed that natural temperatures rise during mid-cycle and this could result in wrong readings. This method of diagnosing hypothyroidism is, however not used by many as a reliable option due to their inaccuracy. However, it will be a perfect self-test to inform you of when you should seek more accurate T4 and TSH tests.

References:

https://www.endocrineweb.com/conditions/hypothyroidism/how-doctors-diagnose-hypothyroidism-0

https://www.healthfulelements.com/blog/2011/06/thyroid-self-test

https://www.endocrineweb.com/conditions/hypothyroidism/how-doctors-diagnose-hypothyroidism-0

http://drchristianson.com/basal-body-temperature-for-thyroid-function-a-comprehensive-guide/

Gaining Weight With Hypothyroidism

Written By: admin
John

According to studies, hypothyroidism and obesity closely linked. It is believed that changes in thyroid-stimulating hormone could be the primary cause of weight gain since the body stops from producing enough hormones that keep the body working efficiently.

Thyroid hormone is responsible for regulating basal metabolism, thermogenesis, glucose and lipid metabolism, and food oxidation. With thyroid dysfunction which results in hypothyroidism, there is a linear decrease in metabolic rate, thermogenesis, and oxidation meaning that the rate at which we burn food to release energy is affected. This leads to calories building up, and the aftermath of this is weight gain among other unwanted effects like heavier and irregular periods, chilliness, slowed heart rate, and fatigue.

How to get rid of the weight you gained

Fortunately, if you are diagnosed with abnormal thyroid hormone levels, then T4 supplements are available to get your hormones on truck and body functioning efficiently. The T4 supplements are referred to as synthetic T4 and work the same way as the natural hormone produced in the body. The sad reality, however, is that normalizing thyroid hormone levels in the body alone may not help one to lose the gained pounds. You have to work on the weight, let’s say by working out, and you will quickly reverse the weight gain while managing it properly.

In the process of taking the hypothyroidism supplements, it is recommended not to take too much in the hope of enabling faster and easier weight gain. Instead, more of the hormone may also result in other harmful effects. Just enough of the supplements are necessary to create a “calorie deficit” as the body’s metabolism is improved and more calories are burnt. On the other hand, eating foods in their natural state will help increase the chances of getting rid of the gained weight. Simply do away with some of the processed, pre-packaged, GMO foods and replace them with whole food nutrition.

Weight gain caused by hypothyroidism should no longer be a thing to worry you about. Thyroid medication such as Armour and Levothyroxine will come in handy as well. In the process, observing appropriate diet plans such cutting back on the excess sugar are welcome while adequately working out at the gym.



References:

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4911848/

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/10837281

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/16960159

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/16905035/

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19661958

https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/mindful-eating-guide

Hypothyroidism Vs. Hyperthyroidism

Written By: admin
John

The thyroid, a butterfly-shaped gland found at the base of the front of the neck, has a crucial impact on the general health of any person. Your thyroid gland is responsible for proper body functioning by controlling all aspects of body metabolism. The thyroid secretes hormones which help in maintaining brain functioning, heart performance and how muscles perform their tasks as well as ensuring proper energy use by the body.

Similarities and differences

Both Hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism both affect this gland. However, they have opposite effects on the body. In case something goes wrong with the gland leading to hypothyroidism or overactive thyroid (hyperthyroidism) the result will be a slowed down or revved up metabolism. With the two conditions affecting thyroid in different ways, distinct symptoms will be experienced.

The main difference between Hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism relates to hormone levels. In hypothyroidism, the gland doesn’t secrete enough thyroid hormone for proper body functioning while in hyperthyroidism there is an increased hormone production.

Hashimoto’s disease is the primary cause of hypothyroidism. This condition attacks the immune system making antibodies that destroy thyroid cells and thereby affecting the secretion of enough thyroid hormone. The condition is common as it affects roughly 4.6% of Americans! Though this condition is said to have no cure, proper medication can help treat and manage it since the medication helps to improve the body’s thyroid function and restore the hormone levels which then translates to better quality and healthy life.

On the other hand, the primary cause of hyperthyroidism is Grave’s disease, a condition that results in an enlarged thyroid gland (goiter) and inflammation that makes the eyes to appear like they are enlarged.

Symptoms of hypothyroidism compared to those of hyperthyroidism

Since the two conditions exhibit an opposite effect on the thyroid, the signs are likely to be different between the two.

Hypothyroidism

Hyperthyroidism

Metabolism is slowed down

Faster metabolism

The heart rate becomes slower than normal

Revved up body functions

Less heat production

Sweating

The sluggishness of the intestinal tract

Feeling hot

Fatigue

Sleep problems

Dry hair

Racing thoughts

Dry skin

Elevated heart rate

Memory loss and forgetfulness

Weight loss

Weight gain

Menstrual problems

Constipation

Anxiety, irritability, and nervousness

Muscle cramps

Loose bowel

Depression

Forgetfulness

Decreased periods

Difficulties focusing on one task

Goiter (swelling of the front of the neck)

Fatigue

Both of these conditions can be very harmful to the body hence the need to consult with your professional healthcare provider as soon as you experience any of the symptoms outlined above. The healthcare professional will perform tests to determine thyroid hormone levels and recommend the best treatment based on the results of the tests.

References:

https://www.healthline.com/health/hypothyroidism/hypothyroidism-vs-hyperthyroidism#1

https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/endocrine-diseases/hypothyroidism

http://www.thyroid.org/hypothyroidism/

https://www.piedmont.org/living-better/the-difference-between-hypothyroidism-and-hyperthyroidism

https://www.everydayhealth.com/thyroid-conditions/hypothyroidism-vs-hyperthyroidism-whats-the-difference.aspx

Fibromyalgia

What is Trigeminal Neuralgia?

Written By: Alexandra Waller
admin

Trigeminal neuralgia is also known as tic douloureux. It is a chronic pain condition that affects the trigeminal nerve found in the face (hence, the term “trigeminal” neuralgia). The trigeminal nerve is responsible for carrying sensation from your face to your brain. Patients who have trigeminal neuralgia can feel severe pain from mild stimulation, such as from simply eating or drinking. Patients can also experience short and mild pain attacks that can become longer and more frequent over time.

Treatment can help, but in some cases there is not a known cause. This condition is more common among women who are over the age of 50 years. It can last for years or can last a lifetime. Here we will examine the symptoms, causes, and treatment options for trigeminal neuralgia. Please note that I am not a doctor, though this article has undergone research to try to provide accurate and updated information. Reach out to your doctor in order to receive a correct diagnosis and information.

Symptoms

If you believe you are experiencing pain similar to trigeminal neuralgia, contact your doctor. Talk to your doctor if this pain lasts for a certain amount of time and occurs in the face.

Symptoms of trigeminal neuralgia tend to follow a certain pattern. As previously mentioned, trigeminal neuralgia can cause pain in the face from mild stimulation. The pain usually occurs on the side of the face and can feel like electric shocks. Patients can experience bouts of pain that only last a short amount of time. However, the condition can progress in which the attacks can last up to weeks or months and can feel longer and more frequent. Here is a simplified list of what these symptoms can look like:

  • pain that feels like electric shocks
  • pain that usually happens on one side of the face
  • attacks of pain caused by mild stimulation that can last for only a few seconds or minutes
  • attacks that last longer and become more frequent

Causes

As previously mentioned, the exact cause of trigeminal neuralgia may be unknown in some cases. However, there is some information concerning how trigeminal neuralgia works:

  • Pressure on the trigeminal nerve: A swollen blood vessel or tumor that comes into contact with the trigeminal nerve can put pressure on the nerve, causing it break down.
  • Multiple sclerosis: Trigeminal neuralgia can be related to multiple sclerosis or other conditions related to the damaging of the myelin sheath. The myelin sheath is what protects and surrounds the nerves, so when this gets damaged it can lead to a condition similar to trigeminal neuralgia.
  • Aging: Trigeminal neuralgia can be related to aging. Women who are older in age are more likely to be diagnosed with trigeminal neuralgia than men.
  • Other cases: In other cases, people can experience trigeminal neuralgia from a brain lesion or other conditions. Other reasons may include: surgical injuries, facial trauma, or other injuries related to the brain.

Everyday activities can trigger pain. Mild stimulation to the face can cause pain, such as:

  • eating
  • drinking
  • putting on makeup
  • shaving
  • brushing your teeth
  • speaking
  • smiling
  • washing or wiping the face
  • a breeze on the face

Treatment

Depending on your condition, your doctor may recommend a different treatment option than the ones listed below. There are several treatment options, including medication and surgery. Usually, people tend to start with medication, but their condition may worsen over time and require surgery.

Medication

Your doctor can prescribe you medications to help relieve the pain and reduce the amount of attacks. Anti-seizure or anticonvulsants may be an option, such as: carbamazepine, oxcarbazepine, lamotrigine, phenytoin, clonzaepam, or gabapentin. This type of medication can help block nerve firing. Also, medication can act as muscle-relaxing agents and tricyclic antidepressants.

Surgery

There are several surgical options to help treat the symptoms of trigeminal neuralgia:

  • Glycerol Injections: This is a rhyzotomy procedure, which involves the destroying of nerve fibers to reduce pain. Other rhyzotomy procedures include balloon compression and radiofrequency thermal lesioning.
  • Gamma-Knife Radiosurgery: This is a more precise option that involves a focused amount of radiation to destroy the trigeminal nerve. This method is similar to stereotactic radiosurgery.
  • Microvascular Decompression: During this procedure, your doctor will perform brain surgery to relocate or remove blood vessels that are putting pressure on the trigeminal root.

Living with trigeminal neuralgia can be painful and difficult, but there are treatment options to help relieve the symptoms as listed above. This condition can not only impact your physical well-being, but also your mentality. Speak to your doctor for possible solutions that can help.

Lyme Disease in Dogs – Is it Worth Worrying About?

Written By: admin
John

If you live in the Northeast of America and own a dog, there is a 50 to 75% your pet has Lyme disease. The figure is closer to 75% in endemic areas of Massachusetts. If your dog has enlarged lymph nodes, fever and or general lameness you should probably get your best friend checked by a vet. If he doesn’t have those symptoms, there is probably still a good chance he has Lyme disease because of all dogs infected in these parts of the USA, only about 10% of these will ever fall sick due to the disease. That is the dilemma of Lyme disease. In most cases, it will not cause sickness, and therefore treatment is not necessary. Vats are therefore faced with the dilemma of treating or not treating dogs that have this common non-active form of Lyme disease. Lyme disease is transmitted to dogs and human beings through the black-legged tick which transmits the spirochete bacteria Borrelia burgdorferi. If you are a dog owner read on to understand Lyme disease better and how to handle it.

The Facts about Lyme disease in dogs

Lyme disease is a tick-borne disease. It is caused by the spirochete bacteria Borrelia burgdorferi and is transmitted by the nymph and adult stage black-legged tick known scientifically as Ixodes scapularis. It usually takes about 48 hours before a dog can be infected with Lyme disease from a tick once it has latched onto the dog. From this, it can take from between 2 to 4 months for the disease to manifest itself in the dog. This is when you can expect the symptoms to start showing and therefore clinical sickness to have set in. Lyme disease can, however, be successfully treated with antibiotics in many cases.

How to prevent lime disease

Prevention of Lyme disease in dogs can be done by way of vaccines against the disease. This, however, must be done in consultation with your Vet. There are two schools of thought on using vaccines as a way of preventing Lyme disease. One looks at the negative effects of a previously discontinued vaccine that was used in humans had. In this case, when humans who had already contracted Lyme disease were vaccinated, their symptoms were worse. This leads to this school of thought going against the use of the vaccine. This, however, has not been proven in dogs. The other school of thought sees vaccinating against this disease as a viable option to prevent this disease in dogs. To prevent complications, it is advisable to have the dog tested for Lyme disease before vaccinating.

The second way to prevent Lyme disease is to regularly check your dog for ticks and have them removed or remove them yourself. Because it takes a black-legged tick a minimum of 48 hours before it can transmit Lyme disease to a dog, regularly checking your dog for ticks and removing them can prevent the disease being transmitted to your dog. This is particularly true for dogs that have been to wooded areas or stay in more woody areas where the black-legged tick is found in higher concentrations.

There are also topical parasiticides that can be used on dogs to help prevent Lyme disease. You can ask your local pet store to recommend one. Just make sure that you follow instructions closely, and you do not bath your dog or let it swim within 24 hours of applying the parasiticide.

What do I do if my dog tests positive for Lyme disease?

If you find yourself in the unfortunate position that your dog has Lyme disease, what do you do? Let’s take two scenarios. First one, your dog was not sick, but you took him for tests, and these came out positive. There are no clinical symptoms as yet, so what do you do now? Fortunately, you can request your Vet for a further test to see if the disease is active or if it is recent. Depending on your Vet’s school of thinking and your preference, you can decide whether to treat the recent disease so that it does not progress to becoming active. Your other option would be to monitor the dog for any symptoms and only then proceed with treatment. In the case that the disease is already active, but there are still no symptoms, you would then have to decide whether to treat the disease or just leave it as is.

If your dog has been sickly and tests positive for Lyme disease, the Vet can give the dog a course of antibiotics. This is usually very effective in dogs. Common antibiotics, Doxycycline or Amoxicillin, are usually used for this. If your dog is sickly due to Lyme disease, you must get it treated as leaving this may lead to kidney disease and other complications which will lead to death.
In endemic areas like New England, it is recommended that you take your dog for Lyme disease screening once a year. By doing this, you make sure that when Lyme disease is detected in your dog, you can look out for the symptoms or if you are very cautious you can get the disease treated in the early stages.

Conclusion

Sometimes pet owners see large ticks on their dogs and dismiss the possibility that this could be a black-legged tick as black-legged ticks are small. Adult black-legged ticks may be quite big especially when they are engorged. In winter periods black-legged ticks are still active. It is only when snow falls that they won’t be active. They are known to be active at freezing temperatures. Even in times of snow, they can become active if there are a couple of warm days between snow spells so always be alert to their presence.

While Lyme disease also occurs in humans, your dog cannot pass Lyme disease onto you and neither can you pass Lyme disease onto your dog.

Lyme disease can be fatal if not managed properly. So make sure you get your dog tested if you live in a high-risk area and consult your Vet when in any doubt.

References:

https://www.capcvet.org/guidelines/lyme-disease/

http://www.pethealthnetwork.com/dog-health/dog-diseases-conditions-a-z/10-things-you-might-not-know-about-lyme-disease#

Pepsi HIV: The Weird Urban Legend

Written By: Arch
John

Pepsi HIV

Every day you wake up, you will be treated with some funny news running through various sites or even sent directly to your phone in the form of messages. One good example is the claim that went viral warning people that an employee at Pepsi contaminated the beverages with HIV infected blood.

When reached for clarification, Pepsi marketing vice-president refuted the claim explaining that the Frooti Company only produces and supplies fresh juice and that there was no reason to get worried about the unjustified rumor. In fact, the rumor has been around for many years. Back in 2013, Frooti’s mother company, Parie Agro was forced to respond to similar claims when another random individual spread a message warning people not to take the company’s juices.

Any possibility this claim could be valid?

There are several years of scientific research that has been focused on ways through which HIV can be transmitted. From the several clinical studies and research, it has been concluded that HIV cannot be transmitted through foods or drinks even if they are contaminated with infected fluids like blood or semen. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reveals that no incident of food contaminated with infected blood or semen has been reported to the same institution. In short, there is no possibility of HIV transmission as a result of eating contaminated foods or drinking contaminated drinks.

Other news researchers, after contacting United Kingdom of Health Media & Campaigns Executive, it was confirmed that indeed the message going around was a hoax and never featured in any top news channel like Sky News. It was also found out that the Metropolitan Police had not issued a statement as it was claimed in the fake message.

After all, HIV cannot be transmitted through consumption of contaminated foods and drinks for three main reasons;

  • The virus does not live outside the human body for long periods
  • The stomach acids will kill the virus in case you consumed traces of blood or semen from an infected person and contained in the beverages
  • The mouth does not provide access for HIV into the bloodstream

For your peace of mind, now you have the facts to discredit the ever disturbing messages sent to you by friends or read online on fake sites and blogs.

References:

http://www.asiaone.com/health/rumours-hiv-infected-drinks-untrue-says-pepsi

https://www.snopes.com/fact-check/pepsifrooti-contaminated-with-hiv/

https://www.wbir.com/article/news/local/verify/verify-was-hiv-infected-blood-put-into-pepsi-products/51-511171289

http://www.healthybuilderz.com/2989-2/

Fibromyalgia

“Girls” Star Lena Dunham Reveals she has Fibromyalgia

Written By: admin
admin

The creator and star of HBO’s series Girls announced in an Instagram post that she suffers from fibromyalgia. Dunham has previously been open about her struggle with endometriosis, the pain of which led her to elect to undergo a full hysterectomy in February. Yesterday, in a post to her 3 million Instagram followers, Dunham discussed her pain and the stigma that comes from having an invisible disease like Fibromyalgia.

In the post, which shouts out Lady Gaga’s Vogue interview from last week, she talks about the connection between pain and trauma and says that the constant talk of sexual assault in the news last week caused her to have a flare-up. We know that trauma is often a factor in why someone develops fibromyalgia. As many as 48% of people diagnosed with chronic pain conditions like fibromyalgia report having experienced some kind of childhood trauma or abuse.

Another thing that is helpful in her post is that she explicitly mentions the invisible nature of fibromyalgia.

I appear to be totally able bodied but it’s complex, and I am just trying to do everything required to maintain a life of joy and service. My work costs everything I have. This is fibromyalgia. It’s little understood and so even though I have a lot of knowledge and support it’s hard to shake the feeling I am crazy. But I’m not (at least not this way!) and you’re not. Your pain, whatever shape it takes, is yours and so it is real. I believe you when you say you hurt. I have learned time and time again how important it is to believe.

Dunham becomes the latest celebrity to disclose their fibromyalgia diagnosis. As the disease gets more high-visibility diagnoses, perhaps the stigma around the disorder will start to go away.

What do you think? Is it helpful for celebrities to disclose their fibromyalgia diagnoses? Is building awareness a good way to combat stigma?

Further reading:

LENA DUNHAM OPENS UP ABOUT SUFFERING FROM CHRONIC PAIN CONDITION FIBROMYALGIA – The Independent

The Sickest Girl – Lenny Letter

Fibromyalgia and Childhood Trauma – Fibromyalgia Treating

 

Is Hypothyroidism An Autoimmune Disease?

Written By: John
John

Hypothyroidism is a condition with an under-performing thyroid. There are many different causes of hypothyroidism where some are more prevalent than others. However, an autoimmune disease is considered the primary cause of the condition as it accounts for about 90% of adult cases with a majority associated with Hashimoto’s disease.

What is an autoimmune disease?

This is a disease that confuses the immune system such that instead of immune cells attacking the bacteria and viruses attacking the body, they attack the normal healthy tissues instead of protecting them. This is what happens to the thyroid gland by the immune cells. Once the thyroid gland is attacked, production of thyroid hormones is inhibited hence no more cells are left to produce enough hormones as required in the body. It has been established that the condition is more common in women compared to men and tends to become more prevalent with age.

Hashimoto’s Disease

This is the most common autoimmune disease that causes shrinking of the thyroid. The condition may also cause Hashimoto’s thyroiditis which is the inflammation of the thyroid gland. Besides Hashimoto’s disease, thyroiditis may also be caused by viral infections. In such cases of viral infections, the thyroid gland is forced to release all the stored thyroid hormone into the bloodstream making the thyroid to be overactive for a short while then becoming underactive after all the thyroid hormones have been released.

Luckily, viral thyroiditis can be treated effectively with more than two-thirds of the patients likely to regain their thyroid function.  However, the other one third may be left with permanent hypothyroidism.

Other causes of hypothyroidism

We mentioned earlier that besides autoimmune disease, hypothyroidism has many different causes. However, these causes are considered less prevalent compared to the autoimmune disorders. Some of them include;

  • Surgical removal of the thyroid in part or as a whole especially for patients with thyroid cancer, Grave’s disease and thyroid nodules- The aftermath of such surgeries is a failure of the remaining thyroid to work properly.
  • Radioactive therapies- radiative iodine therapy is a common treatment option for thyroid cancer and nodular goiter among other conditions. The radioactive iodine may destroy the thyroid tissue to cause hypothyroidism.
  • Congenital problems- in this case, it means one was never born with the thyroid gland or had a malformed one. This is rare but is still possible. In some other instances, some babies are born with a thyroid gland in the wrong place (ectopic thyroid). This case, for example, may cause thyroid cells as well as enzymes to malfunction. Research indicates that the occurrence of this is in the ratio of 1:3000 births.
  • Other causes may be related to Iodine levels. In case of iodine imbalance, hypothyroidism may get worse.
  • Dysfunction of the pituitary gland- the pituitary gland plays a critical role in the production of the thyroid hormones.  The pituitary gland produces the thyroid-stimulating-hormone which defines how much of the thyroid hormone should be produced. That is why in cases of injuries, tumors, surgeries or radiations that affect the pituitary gland, THS will not be, and that will result in inadequate production of thyroid hormones.

Hypothyroidism is by a large extent an autoimmune disease. However, different other factors may cause the condition. If left untreated, it may result in many health complications including goiter, mental health problems, cardiovascular conditions, congenital disabilities, and Myxedema which is a severe condition of hypothyroidism and is life-threatening.

References:

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/3066320

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/3066320

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/9439909

https://www.endocrineweb.com/conditions/hypothyroidism/hypothyroidism-potential-symptoms-causes-underactive-thyroid-gland

https://yurielkaim.com/is-hypothyroidism-an-autoimmune-disease/

Tick bite and Lyme Disease – How are They related?

Written By: admin
John

There is a rather widespread misconception amongst people who had suffered a tick bite at one point or the other; these guys are quick to conclude that they have Lyme disease. While there is an actual chance of that happening, how many of these assumptions turn out to be eventually correct?

There is a whole lot of misinformation about tick bites and Lyme disease. So do you have any concerns related to the subject? If you do, all you need to do is stay put and get the facts here.

Tick bite & Lyme

How can you differentiate between a mere tick bite and Lyme disease? If you know the difference, you’d be a lot calmer when you have any of such encounters. Certain things can help you determine if what you are having is just an ordinary tick bite or if it has graduated to Lyme disease. Here are a couple of noteworthy things:

  • A red bump characterizes tick bites after a week or two.
  • These red bumps are typically found around the knee or below the belt area.
  • Tick bites skin reactions are usually between one and two inches in size.
  • For tick bites, the redness does not go beyond the original area
  • These red spots only last for days or a week.

In stark contrast,

  • Lyme disease rash is usually oval.
  • Lyme rash is within 6 to 8 inches in diameter. They are more conspicuous than tick bite reactions.
  • They are uniformly red.
  • Lyme rash looks a lot more like spider bites.

Do all tick bites result in Lyme disease?

A careful read of the previous sub heading tells you that tick bite reactions and skins reactions due to Lyme disease are two different things. However, there is a connection between them because a tick bite can lead to Lyme disease. So does this mean whoever suffers a tick bite automatically has Lyme disease? The answer is an emphatic NO.

A particular species of bacteria are responsible for Lyme disease. There are four types of this Lyme-causing bacteria. They are Borrelia Mayonii, Borrelia burdorferi, Borrelia garinii and Borrelia afzelii bacteria. However, plenty of research has shown that Lyme disease is mostly caused when a black-legged tick bites someone; they are also known as the deer tick. So your chances of getting the disease are more if you stay in high wooded or grassy areas where these ticks are found.

What this means is that not all tick bites give rise to Lyme disease. Instead, only infected tick bites can transmit the bacteria. Next up, is how to know if you are about to go down with Lyme disease.

Symptoms of Lyme disease

Just like you may already know, Lyme disease also starts as an ordinary tick bite. But time is one factor that explains better if a tick bite has evolved into Lyme disease. Let us break things down at this point.

Lyme disease has different symptoms at the various stages.

At the early stage:

  • Within 3 – 30 days, the rash spreads to about 6 – 8 inches in diameter. The shape is usually that of a bull’s eye. For some, they have the rash signs in more than one part of their body.
  • There may equally be flu-like symptoms that go with the rash: fatigue, chill, fever, headache, and body aches.

At the later stage:

  • Erythema migrans, being one of the most notable features of Lyme disease, may begin to appear in other parts of your body.
  • You’ll start experiencing severe pains around your knee joints; you can even experience these pains on different knees at various intervals.
  • It can finally escalate to partial paralysis of a part of your face, inflammation of membranes around the brain or meningitis, numbness in your knees and possibly weakened muscle movement.

Other symptoms that can be experienced outside the ones mentioned above are Vomiting and Nausea; a diffused pattern of rash, unlike the bull’s eye pattern.

Some other less severe signs to watch out for could be:

  • Erratic heart beats. These symptoms last typically for a short time like 7days max.
  • Inflammation of the eye
  • Inflammation of the liver also known as hepatitis
  • Plus, severe fatigue

What are your chances of having Lyme disease?

Numerous studies have shown that only a handful of black-legged tick bites result in Lyme disease. This probability is possible because the longer you let the tick stick to your skin, the higher your chance of coming down with the disease. You are unlikely to have the disease if the tick only clung to your skin for less than 48 hrs. So you are likely to come in contact with the black-legged tick and not get any Lyme infection.

Conclusion

If you have a tick bite, and you suspect it could lead to Lyme disease because of the above symptoms, it is good you visit your health adviser. Lyme disease treatments are effective when they are started on time.

References

https://www.hopkinsrheumatology.org/specialty-clinics/lyme-disease-clinical-research-center/what-to-do-after-a-tick-bite/

https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/lyme-disease/symptoms-causes/syc-20374651

Fibromyalgia

Finasteride: Oral Tablet Information

Written By: Alexandra Waller
admin

Finasteride is a prescribed drug that can be used orally. It can be available as both in generic and brand-name versions. Brand names include Propecia and Proscar.

Finasteride helps with both male hair loss and an enlarged prostrate. An enlarged prostate, or benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), can create problems for some men. Some may experience the need to urinate more frequently or have trouble urinating. Older men tend to develop this condition. There are medical options to help treat your symptoms, such as finasteride.

We will first be examining what finasteride is and its side effects. Then, we will take a look at another option, dutasteride.

What is Finasteride?

As mentioned previously, finasteride is used to help treat male hair loss as well as enlarged prostate. Depending on the kind of finasteride you are taking, each has its own treatment associated with it. Proscar helps treat the symptoms associated with enlarged prostate. On the other hand, propecia helps with male pattern hair loss.

Finasteride works by decreasing the levels of the hormone dihydrotestosterone (DHT). This hormone can cause the prostate to grow, which is why the drug is effective in attempting to stop the growth of prostate.

Warnings

Before taking finasteride, it is important to be aware of the warnings associated with the drug. The following is a list of warnings:

  • Children: This drug should not be given to children. It is not prescribed for the use of children, and should be kept away from them.
  • Pregnant: Women who are pregnant or are planning on becoming pregnant should completely avoid this drug. Finasteride can be passed through the skin. Coming into contact with the drug can lead to serious defects in developing male fetuses.
  • Prostate cancer: This drug can increase the risk of a faster growing form of prostate cancer.
  • Allergies: It is important to establish if you have any allergies to your doctor, such as certain kinds of foods, dyes, preservatives, or animals. If you have experienced an allergic reaction to this medicine, do not take again and let your health care professional know. An allergic reaction usually involves trouble breathing, your throat or tongue can swell, or your skin can break out in hives. If you are experiencing this, immediately contact your doctor and get to the nearest emergency room or call 911.
  • Drug Interactions: Interactions occur when something influences the way a drug should work, which can make the drug stop working correctly. Certain medicines should not be used together. There can be an increased risk of side effects if you take more than one medication at a time. The increased risk of side effects means it is important to let your doctor know of all other medicine you are using.

Side Effects

There are some possible side effects that can occur while taking finasteride. If you believe you are experiencing any side effects, contact your doctor and let them know as soon as possible. Below is a list of possible side effects:

  • cold sweats
  • dizziness
  • confusion
  • faintness or lightheadedness
  • decrease in sexual ability or desire
  • swollen lips, face, upper body, hands, legs, or feet
  • weight gain or loss
  • rash
  • itchy skin
  • hives
  • stuffy or runny nose
  • stomach pain

If your side effects are severe and do not disappear after a few days, talk to your doctor. However, if you believe that the side effects feel life-threatening, call 911 immediately.

Dutasteride

Your doctor may recommend an alternative drug depending on the state of your condition. There can be other options for you, such as dutasteride. In addition to finasteride, dutasteride is from the class called 5alpha-reductase inhibitors that help treat benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH).

It works by stopping the male hormones from increasing the size of the prostate. Both dutasteride and finasteride have about the same level of effectiveness to treat BPH. However, dutasteride can interact with other drugs, such as ritonavir (HIV drugs), amlodipine (some blood pressure and angina drugs), and azithromycin (antibotiocs). It is still important to be aware of possible side effects that can occur from drug interactions while taking more than one drug at a time.

In Conclusion

Finasteride can be a great option for you to help treat male hair loss or an enlarged prostate. However, it is important to be aware of possible side effects and warnings associated with this drug. If finasteride does not work for you, there are other options that can help, such as dustasteride. At any time you experience side effects or symptoms, contact your doctor as soon as possible.

The First Symptoms Of HIV

Written By: admin
John

HIV symptoms vary from one individual to another. In case you have an active sex life or think you may have been exposed to the virus, it is necessary that you undertake an HIV test as soon as possible. Before then, you may experience many symptoms a few weeks after infection. A Southern African Journal of Epidemiology and Infection indicates that approximately 80% of people experience flu-like symptoms a few weeks after being infected commonly referred to the acute illness HIV stage. Among the most likely early symptoms to experience during this stage include;

Fever

This is among the very first symptoms of HIV. It may be accompanied by other mild symptoms like fatigue, sore throat, and swollen lymph glands. Within the first fourteen days of infection, the virus gets to the bloodstream and immediately starts to replicate in large numbers weakening the immune system that triggers an inflammatory reaction.

Fatigue and headache

This is caused due to the inflammatory response by your body’s natural immune system. You may start feeling abnormally tired and unusually lethargic. Sometimes you may experience shortness of breath. This symptom may be experienced either during the early stages or later,

Swollen lymph nodes, aching muscles, and pain in the joints

The lymph nodes form part of the immune system and are responsible for protecting the blood by eliminating viruses and bacteria from the body. In case of an infection, they get inflamed. The lymph nodes are usually found under the armpits, neck and groin regions and may be responsible for muscle aches and joint pains.

Skin rash

This can be either an early or a late HIV symptom. Sometimes the rashes can appear as pink patches or itchy boils that break out.

Nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea

These are problems of the digestive system and may come as part of the early signs of HIV infection. However, they can also appear as later stage symptoms especially in case of opportunistic infections coming into the equation.

Proper hydration may help in cases of unremitting diarrhea where a lot of water is lost.

A dry cough and sore throat

A dry and severe cough lasting for weeks to months without resolving even with antibiotics should prompt you to seek HIV diagnosis immediately.

Night Sweats

Sweating profusely while asleep is not normal and may be part of the early symptoms of HIV. The night sweats may become worse with time I the later stages and may not be related to high temperatures in the room or exercise.

If you experience any of these signs a week or two after getting exposed to risks of HIV infection like unprotected sex or drug injection, it is prudent to go for HIV testing. This is what will ensure proper diagnosis. Sometimes these signs may not be evident, but if you think you have been exposed, you need to get tested as quickly as possible. Remember, the sooner you get diagnosed and start HIV medication the better. You can manage your HIV condition and be able to lead a better quality of life for a more extended period almost the same as the rest of the population.

References:

https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/pdf/10.1080/10158782.2012.11441502

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2146153/

https://endinghiv.org.au/blog/7-symptoms-of-hiv-early-stages/

https://www.webmd.com/hiv-aids/understanding-aids-hiv-symptoms#1

https://www.healthline.com/health/hiv-aids/symptoms-men#symptoms

What Is Severe Hypothyroidism?

Written By: John
John

Hypothyroidism is a condition with which the thyroid gland is unable to produce enough thyroid hormones to help keep the body functioning optimally. However, severe hyperthyroidism is a case where there is extremely too little thyroid hormone in the blood. This may be caused by an autoimmune disease, Hashimoto’s thyroiditis or radiation treatment among other causes.
For the optimal and normal functioning of various body organs, there must be sufficient production of thyroid hormone by the thyroid glands. The hormone is secreted into the bloodstream where it is carried to different body tissues where it will be used to boost metabolism and energy use, as well as ensure vital body organs such like the heart, muscles, and brain among others function normally.

Hypothyroidism is said to be severe if proper treatment is not undertaken. Since this condition has no cure, affected people should be committed to lifetime treatment. This is the only way you can have the condition under control throughout the rest of your life. Otherwise, you will be experiencing various symptoms from time to time including, excessive fatigue, drying of the skin, depression, forgetfulness, and constipation.

The surest way to determine if you are suffering from severe hypothyroidism is visiting your doctor to get tested. First, the doctor will undertake a physical examination-checking the thyroid gland and analyzing the symptoms available like the swelling of the skin, slowed heart rate and drying of the skin. Afterward, the doctor may perform blood tests to diagnose the severity of the condition.

The first blood test is the Thyroid Stimulating Hormone test (TSH) which measures the amount of thyroid hormone thyroxine (T4) the thyroid gland is required to make. Extremely or abnormally high TSH is a clear indication of severe hypothyroidism meaning the thyroid gland is needed to make a lot more T4 due to the deficit in the blood.

Though rare, patients with longstanding severe untreated hypothyroidism may are likely to experience an even more severe condition known as myxedema coma, in which the body’s functions almost get to a halt. This condition is common in elderly women patients and is life-threatening thus needs immediate medical attention. Some of the symptoms of this severe form of hypothyroidism include loss of brain function, swelling of the body, difficulty breathing, and low temperatures among other severe signs that call for emergency care.

It is argued that this condition may be as a result of the failure of the pituitary gland or the hypothalamus part of the brain which is responsible for signaling the thyroid gland to perform its function of making thyroid hormone. Once this severe condition sets in, family and friends are advised not to give the person in myxedema coma thyroid medications, instead take them for emergency care.

References:

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmedhealth/PMHT0025658/

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5450818/

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK279007/

https://www.medicinenet.com/image-collection/pituitary_gland_picture/picture.htm


HIV Symptoms In Men

Written By: admin
John

A surprising revelation by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is that over a million people in the U.S alone are living with HIV. This is despite the significant progress that has been achieved by scientists and researchers regarding the prevention and treatment of the virus. In short, HIV remains as a health epidemic in many parts of the world with more men than women reported to be living with the virus! Sadly, new diagnoses also indicate the number of males infected to be higher. This is mostly attributed to male-to-male sexual contact and injection of drugs into the system amongst specific groups of people. In the U.S, African Americans are on the lead followed by Latinos and whites coming last.

Usually, HIV progresses through three different stages; Acute Phase, Clinical latency stage, and AIDs regardless of the gender involved. However, since men are “late presenters,” they may not seek medical intervention for diagnosis and treatment. This is probably because men experience tolerable HIV symptoms or simply because many of them live in denial of the fact that something serious is developing after the early signs. This may result in adverse health effects in men, especially if they do not get timely diagnosis and treatment.

What are the HIV symptoms in men?

In most cases, the early symptoms of HIV in men are subtle or unnoticed. However, one will experience some “flu-like” illness a few days or weeks after contracting the virus. Depending on the stage of the HIV infection, one is likely to experience the following symptoms;
Acute illness stage (between 2-4 weeks after infection)

  • Severe headaches
  • Fever
  • Skin rash
  • Sore throat
  • Swollen lymph nodes
  • Fatigue
  • Joint pain
  • Genital and mouth ulcers
  • Night Sweats
  • Nausea
  • Muscle aches

Symptomatic stage/ clinical latency stage

This is the replication stage where the virus multiplies in the system. Symptoms may not be experienced during this stage, but the virus remains active. It is also highly possible to transmit the virus during this stage.

Advanced Infection (AIDS)

Here, the immune system is entirely damaged and unable to fight diseases. Opportunistic diseases take advantage and invade the immune system breaking it even further. Typical symptoms during this stage include:

  • Nausea
  • Vomiting
  • Diarrhea
  • Constant coughing and shortness of breath
  • Prolonged swelling of lymph nodes
  • Excessive weight loss
  • Neurological disorders as well as dementia and confusion
  • Recurrent chills and fever

In case of any of the mentioned symptoms, you need to get tested immediately by visiting your healthcare provider or purchasing the kit and a taking personal HIV test. The earlier the diagnosis, the earlier you are likely to begin treatment and promoting longer, healthy life. Always remember, early testing ensures timely and better treatment and care which then translates to longer quality life.

How often to get tested as a man

It is recommendable that any man takes an HIV test at least once in their lifetime. According to CDC, anyone between 13 and 64 years should get tested. Besides, they recommend anyone with particular risk factors like drug injections and bisexual behaviors as well as gay behaviors to take the test at least once a year. In fact, it should be upon anyone to get tested anytime they have sex without protection with another person before getting tested.

References:

https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/321920.php

https://www.cdc.gov/hiv/basics/statistics.html

https://www.cdc.gov/hiv/testing/index.html

Lyme Disease Treatment Options

Written By: John
John

Lyme disease is transmitted to humans through a bite by a deer or black-legged tick with an infection. Ticks get infected when they feed on infected mice or deer. They can carry different bacteria types depending on specific locations such as Borrelia burgdorferi, Borrelia mayoni, Borrelia afzelii, or Borrelia garinii.

Most affected regions are Europe, Pacific Northwest, Upper Midwest, and Northeast parts of the United States. Early diagnosis and treatment are necessary as the disease can cause serious health issues such as joint pains, severe headaches, neck stiffness, and severe heart palpitations.

Treatment Options

1. Use of Oral Antibiotics

Oral antibiotics are recommended for treatment if the disease is at the early stages. Adults can use doxycycline, amoxicillin, and cefuroxime. Children over eight years should use doxycycline. Amoxicillin and cefuroxime get recommended for breastfeeding or pregnant women and younger children.

2. Use of Intravenous Antibiotics

Doctors recommended intravenous antibiotics if the disease is at an advanced level. It might have affected the central nervous system leading to inability to move parts of your body like the neck. Treatment should be for 14-28 days.

3. ‘Pulse’ Approach Applied to Antibiotic dosing

The method is new, and approach researchers have come up with to treat Lyme disease. They have found out that some bacteria cells lie dormant after antibiotic treatment leading to extended spread. In the ‘pulse’ approach, antibiotics are used to eradicate active cells and repeated at different intervals to kill dormant cells.

4. New drugs using soil bacteria

Researchers have also proved that new medicines extracted from bacteria that live in soils offer an effective Lyme disease treatment.

How to Treat Hypothyroidism Naturally

Written By: John
John


Diet is the key!

With a metabolism-related condition such as Hypothyroidism, you really have to start watching what you eat. A balanced diet is essential rather than locking in on either your favorite greasy food or the junk side of carbohydrates.

Be sure to supplement your carbohydrates with the right amount of protein per body weight. Research on what ways can you tweak certain food preparations in order for it to still be appetizing to your palate.

Although there are no specific foods that have been proven to cure Hypothyroidism, the American Association for Clinical Endocrinologists recommends a healthy eating guide to follow.

Also, try to refrain from red meat and opt for seafood instead. Seafood contains Omega-3 which are healthy fatty acids.

Motivate yourself to be active

Think of your personal well-being and start living a healthy and active lifestyle. Although diet is still the number one remedy, exercising maximizes the body’s synthesis of your food intake.
Do not expect a drastic loss in weight on your first day. Keep in mind that your main purpose is to keep your Hypothyroidism at bay.

Relaxing therapies

Sometimes your weight gain is also associated with your stress levels. Try to incorporate relaxation to whatever you are doing as a treatment for your Hypothyroidism.
Meditation is a common way of relaxing as it clears your mind. Start your day with some peaceful meditation upon waking to get things started with a positive vibe.

Yoga is another form of meditation that includes various forms of stretching which are said to improve blood flow. Visit a Yoga studio or your local gym for your first lesson.

Acupuncture is said to correct disruptions and imbalances in the flow of the body’s energy patterns. This makes Acupuncture a viable option to improve symptoms and help the body respond to your treatment plan.

Where Did HIV Come From?

Written By: admin
John

The origin of HIV has been a topic for debate and scientific research for many years since the first diagnosis of the virus in the 80s. There is extensive evidence out there illustrating the circumstances that led to the HIV/AIDS pandemic it is today.

We have two types of lentiviruses causing AIDS; human immunodeficiency viruses type 1 and 2 (HIV-1 and HIV-2). According to scientific revelations, both viruses resulted from multiple cross-species transmission of simian immunodeficiency viruses (SIVs) found in African primates. However, such viruses spread to human only to a limited extent where one transmission event involving a type of SIV affecting chimpanzees in southern parts of Cameroon and Congo- SIVcpz gave rise to HIV-1 which is the primary cause of AIDS. Scientists believe, it is this SIVcpz virus that was transmitted to humans before mutating to HIV-1 upon eating chimpanzee meat and came into contact with the primates’ blood.

Slowly but steadily, the virus spread through Africa before finally getting to other parts of the world.

How is HIV linked to SIV?

Both viruses are lentiviruses that attack the immune system of host bodies. For HIV, it attacks the immune system of the human beings while SIV affects the immune system of apes and monkeys. Further research reveals that the two are closely related and have many similarities. While HIV-1 is closely related to a strain of SIV n chimpanzees, HIV-2 is related to another strain of SIV in sooty mangabeys.

Did HIV originate from monkeys?

In the late 90s, a strain of SIV was found in chimpanzees by researchers and proved to be almost identical to the HIV in human beings. The researchers, upon conducting several tests, came to the conclusion that chimpanzees must have been the source of HIV-1 and that the virus must have crossed to humans at some point in time from the chimpanzees. Digging deeper, the researchers discovered that the chimpanzees had hunted down other smaller species of monkeys and eaten them. The smaller monkeys infected the chimpanzees with two other strains of SIV which joined together to form a third strain of virus-SIVcpz that was later transmitted to other chimps. The virus was then proved to infect humans.

The crossing of HIV from chimpanzees to humans

The hunter-theory is the most commonly accepted today pointing out that the virus crossed to humans as a result of consuming chimpanzee meat and the primates’ blood getting into contact with the hunters through open wounds or cuts.

The researchers indicate that there are four main strains of HIV-M, N, O, and P each having a slightly different genetic makeup. This explains the reason why there are many strains of HIV-1 in humans considering a different strain of SIV could cross to a human each time they consumed the meat.

The most studied and researched strain is HIV-1 group M, due to its vast spread across the world and responsible for the majority of HIV infections.

How HIV-2 crossed to humans

HIV-2 is believed to have come from SIVsmm in sooty mangabey monkeys instead of chimpanzees. It is also believed to have passed to humans in the same way of consuming the primates’ meat. This strain of HIV is less infectious compared to HIV-1 hence explaining why it is rare and only found in a few West African countries such as Nigeria, Mali, Mauritania and Sierra Leone.

Where and when was the first time HIV was detected in Humans?

Some of the earliest samples of HIV have been studies to give a clue on where and when the virus appeared first. The first verified case points at the Democratic Republic of Congo where a blood sample of a man taken in 1959 was diagnosed to have the virus. Earlier cases with specific death patterns from common opportunistic disease also suggest that the HIV was responsible. However, the very first blood sample that verifies HIV infection is the one that was taken in 1959.

Is Africa the origin of HIV?

A “family tree” ancestry of HIV transmission created by scientists traces back the origin of HIV to be Africa. According to their studies, the first transmission of SIV in primates to HIV in humans took place in the early 1920s in Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of Congo. The area is also known to have the most genetic diversity in strains of HIV more than any other in the world. This may be a clear reflection of the number of times SIV was passed on to humans. Besides, many cases of AIDs were first recorded here.

Due to a well-developed transport network around the area including roads, river, and railway, it became easy for the virus to spread to several other areas and regions. Besides, there was also a growing sex trade around the time HIV started spreading. With more immigrants and sex trade, the virus quickly spread fast to other areas with only ten years later the virus reaching Brazzaville which is more than 120 km away from Kinshasa.

Surprisingly, by early 80s when HIV became common across the world, half of all infections in DR Congo were outside Kinshasa which points out how fast the epidemic grew.

HIV in the USA

In the 1980s, people entirely became aware of the HIV pandemic and officially labeled as a deadly condition all over the world. By this time the spread was slow, and few cases of rare diseases were being reported among gay men in the US cities like Kaposi’s sarcoma and lung infections, but no one knew the reason why the opportunistic diseases were spreading until later when it was concluded that it was an infectious disease that was causing them.

At first, the condition was viewed as a gay disease, and people gave it various names including gay compromise syndrome until 1982 when scientists discovered that condition was spreading among other populations like injection drug users especially heroin users and hemophiliacs. Later in 1983, HIV was isolated and identified by researchers in France- the Pasteur Institute who named the virus Lymphadenopathy-Associated Virus (LAV). The virus was confirmed to be the cause for AIDS. Other researchers working at the USA National Cancer Institute also isolated the virus and named it HTLV-III. It is only later that the two studies were acknowledged to be the same thing.

In the same year, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention listed all groups of people at risk including people injecting drugs, partners of people with the virus, hemophiliacs and people that had been to Haiti the most recent time. Due to immeasurable panic and lack of knowledge, people began group people and related them to HIV. Then came up the Four-H-Club: Homosexuals, Hemophiliacs, Haitians and Heroin addicts. This even worsened as stigmatization went high before more research was conducted and more information put out there regarding the “deadly” virus.

References:

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3234451/

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/20847261

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3234451/

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/9989410

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC191547/

http://www.sciencemag.org/news/1998/02/oldest-surviving-hiv-virus-tells-all

http://www.sciencemag.org/content/346/6205/56.abstract

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/health-29442642

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/6116083

https://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/preview/mmwrhtml/00001126.htm

Can you get HIV From Bananas?

Written By: admin
John

An alarming story went viral sometime back claiming that a 10-year-old boy contracted HIV after eating a banana acquired at Walmart in Tusla, Oklahoma by his mother. The story that was posted by CNNews.com claims that the boy’s mother rushed him to the emergency clinic after observing specific symptoms like fever, tiredness, and chills before diagnosis was done and the boy found to be HIV-positive. Upon the story’s posting, it stirred up a lot of panic and reactions from people across the world.

The story goes further saying the boy was not alone as there were eight other children with similar symptoms after consuming bananas from the same superstore. What is more shocking is the indication that the bananas were evaluated by LHC laboratories and proven to consist of the virus.

This prompted many organizations and people to go about fact-finding on the claims made by this website. We also had to dig deep to ascertain the truth behind the allegations. Here are the facts we gathered for you so that you can also be informed.

The Centers for Diseases Control and Prevention (CDC), having undertaken in-depth research over several decades, confirms that HIV cannot be transmitted through food. This means consuming food handled by an HIV infected can’t lead to contracting the virus even if the food contains some traces of HIV-infected fluids like blood or semen. The argument is that exposure to the air, high temperatures while cooking, as well as stomach acid destroys the virus.

This story is not the first one to go viral with claims that foods such as bananas and fruits are injected with infected blood so that the virus can be transmitted to the consumers. In 2015, a similar hoax was made by a Facebook user who claimed someone was injecting bananas with infected blood in India and warned people to be aware.

We later confirmed that the site that shared the story, CNNews.com was not authentic and not affiliated with CNN in any way even though the site has a red CNN logo and comes with a title bar at the top of the page reading, “CNN Breaking News.” The site URL is missing and looking keenly; you realize the third “N” if for News. Another question one would ask is whether the rest of the children with similar symptoms tested HIV positive or not. Going by what the site covers as “News” no doubt this is a fake site and one to be dismissed. In fact, CNN wouldn’t be running such as stories as employees of McDonald’s ejaculating into some sauce! The truth is that the stories are fabricated and non-factual.

Lastly, recall details have been sought from several agencies including FDA to determine if indeed the Walmart bananas had a problem. In fact, no recalls for bananas were found at Walmart bananas meaning the story was just fake and only intended to perpetuate fear and panic amongst individuals who never read beyond the headlines.

Relax; bananas and food, in general, cannot be used to transmit HIV. Ignore the stories and get your fruit basket full of bananas without any fear.

References:

https://www.hivplusmag.com/stigma/2017/2/09/once-and-all-walmart-bananas-do-not-have-hiv

https://www.krem.com/article/news/local/verify/verify-can-you-get-hiv-from-a-banana/433809156

http://news4ktla.com/bananas-india-injected-hiv-virus-prior-u-s-shipment/

http://https/www.cdc.gov/hiv/basics/transmission.html

https://www.zambianobserver.com/hiv-virus-found-in-walmart-bananas-after-10-year-old-boy-agreements-the-infection/

Fibromyalgia

Duloxetine for Fibromyalgia

Written By: Alexandra Waller
admin

Duloxetine is a nerve pain medication and antidepressant. It can help treat depression, anxiety, fibromyalgia, diabetic peripheral neuropathy, and other conditions related to chronic muscle or bone pain. Common brand names include Cymbalta and Irenka. However, the oral capsule can be available for both a generic and brand-name drug.

This drug does have a Black Box Warning, which is a FDA warming that alerts both doctors and patients of dangerous effects. It is possible that this drug can make your depression worse. Please reach out to your doctor if you have any questions or concerns.

What is Duloxetine?

Duloxetine is a prescription drug, and it can be used as an oral capsule. It can help treat anxiety, depressive disorder, nerve pain, fibromyalgia pain, and chronic muscle and joint pain. Duloxetine belongs to a class of drugs called serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs). The drug acts by balancing the chemicals within the brain that can cause anxiety and depression. Because pain signals are interpreted in the brain, the drug also works to inhibit these pain signals through the balancing of these chemicals.

Taking Duloxetine

It is important to follow your doctor’s directions while taking the drug. Only take as directed, especially because it can be a long-term medication. Depending on what your condition is, how you first react to the drug, and the severity of your condition, your doctor can recommend a different dosage.

Fibromyalgia: Adults with fibromyalgia who are 18 years and older tend to have a starting dosage of 30 mg per day for one week. Then, it goes onto 30 to 60 mg per day.

Major Depressive Disorder: Adults can receive 30 to 60 mg per day at first. Then, the maintained dosage can be between 40 to 60 mg per day.

Generalized Anxiety Disorder: Similar to major depressive disorder, generalized anxiety disorder can start with a dosage of 30 to 60 mg per day. Then, it is usually given as 60 mg per day. Children between the ages of 7 and 17 years old and adults 65 years and older can take this drug. However, they are given a lower dosage (about 30 to 60 mg).

Nerve Pain (Diabetes): Adults are given a 60 mg dosage per day.

Chronic Muscle and Joint Pain: Adults begin with 30 mg per day for one week, and then they tend to take 60 mg per day afterwards.

Important Information: Warnings and Side Effects

There are some concerns and warnings that can arise from duloxetine. Let’s first examine the warnings of duloxetine and precautions you need to be aware of.

Warnings

  • Alcohol: Do not consume alcohol while taking duloxetine. It can increase the risk of severe liver injury.
  • Allergy: Be aware that the drug can cause a severe allergic reaction. Call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room immediately if you believe you may be having a severe allergic reaction.
  • Liver Disease: Do not take this drug if you have any medical or health conditions associated with the liver, such as chronic liver disease or cirrhosis of the liver.
  • Kidney Disease: Avoid taking duloxetine if you have severe kidney disease. Your kidneys can have a difficult time responding to the drug and can lead to an increased risk of side effects.
  • Pregnant: Women who are pregnant should not take this drug. If you are pregnant or plan on becoming pregnant, contact your doctor for more information.
  • Seniors: Adults 65 years and older can be at a greater risk for side effects, such as blood pressure changes. You can also experience low sodium in the blood.
  • Children: This drug should not be given to children younger than 7 years old. Proceed with caution if you are under the age of 18 and seek the advice of your doctor.

Side Effects

  • Sleepiness
  • Fatigue
  • Dizziness
  • Difficulty making decisions
  • Difficulty thinking clearly
  • Nausea
  • Dry mouth
  • Constipation
  • Loss of appetite
  • Decreased weight
  • Increased sweating
  • Stomach pain
  • Liver damage: Symptoms can include itching, dark-colored urine, yellow skin, dizziness, fainting, or pain in the right side of the upper abdomen.
  • Serotonin syndrome: Symptoms can include agitation, hallucinations, coma, racing heart, high or low blood pressure, dizziness, muscle twitching, abnormal bleeding, vomiting, or seizures.
  • Skin reactions: Severe skin reactions can have symptoms like skin blisters, sores in the mouth, hives, or rash.

If you are experiencing severe side effects contact your doctor as soon as possible.

In conclusion…

Be aware of the possible side effects and warnings associated with duloxetine. The drug can interact with other medications, vitamins, or herbs. However, it is still important to inform your doctor of other medications you are taking in order to avoid any harmful interactions.

Please note: this article did its best to provide updated and correct information, but I am not a doctor. Contact your health care professional for suitable medical advice if you have any more questions or concerns.

HIV Cure News

Written By: admin
John

Research on an HIV cure has come a long way since the first diagnosis of the virus back in the 80s. The major milestone so far is the invention of antiretroviral therapy which has changed the lives of millions of victims across the world by ensuring morbidity and mortality are prevented. However, ART is not a cure. Clinical and scientific research is now focused on finding the ultimate cure to flash out all the viruses including those that remain alive inside what is commonly referred to as HIV reservoirs in infected individuals such as the memory CD4 T cells that harbor the virus genomes that later produce the infectious virus upon T cell activation. In fact, such reservoirs are considered the primary obstacle to the development of a permanent cure for HIV despite the early development of effective combination ART in the mid-90s that raised a lot of hope for a cure. According to a controlled trial of ART, a remarkable reduction of CD4 cell count was recorded to as low as 200 per cubic millimeter.

Many scientific tests are being conducted on people living with HIV to see if a promising cure can be found. Once the cure is found, it will be great news for living with the virus and bearing high costs in purchasing ARV drugs and help get rid of stockout issues witnessed from time to time. Meanwhile, researchers are also looking forward to developing a therapeutic HIV vaccine that will slow down the replication and progression of the virus and hopefully result in low or undetectable levels of HIV without using daily ARVs. This research is already underway in South Africa, and soon we hope to get the results.

Remarkable progress

It is true that scientific researchers are inching closer to finding the real cure for HIV. With the latest breakthrough said to be the most promising where some patients have been cured using the new vaccine-based treatment. The vaccine-based treatment has successfully helped to suppress the virus to very low levels that the virus cannot be detected or transmitted to another person. It is indicated that upon trials on 24 patients, the virus was undetectable in 5 patients and researchers say the immune system stopped the spread. This, of course, is encouraging news for those that are looking forward to the development of a permanent cure for HIV that will cut down the cost, which runs into billions of money a year concerning purchasing ARVs. According to WebMD, an HIV experimental vaccine managed to protect animals from different strains of HIV and human trials expected to commence probably in 2019. According to the researchers, the vaccine is targeted to trigger antibody production that will flash out the virus.

The Berlin Patient

About ten years ago, an HIV patient was cured after undergoing a bone marrow transplant from a naturally HIV resistant donor. Since then the patient has not used ARV drugs. By then, the world went nuts believing a cure had finally been found. However, this has not been the case to date.

This and many other research studies give hope that probably by the year 2020 a cure will be found. The primary focus now, however, is finding a solution to the replication of the virus to produce more copies once the ARV drugs have managed to reduce the CD4 cell count. Many researchers believe this could be the breakthrough in the medical industry that will finally see the world getting its functional cure for HIV.

The therapies available currently help in inhibiting the formation of new viruses but don’t work on the reservoirs. This means that once a patient stops the medication, the virus comes back within a couple of days. However, a new drug known as ABX464 has proved to be the first to reduce the HIV reservoir that is not only safe but also tolerable. We may not be there yet, but there seems to be a light at the end of the tunnel. Let’s keep our hopes high!

References:

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/7489410

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/9287227

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4992607/

https://www.webmd.com/hiv-aids/news/20180606/human-trials-set-for-experimental-hiv-vaccine

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/m/pubmed/28507108/?i=3&from=ABX464

https://labiotech.eu/hiv-cure-2020-research-review/

https://observer.ug/news/headlines/57864-researchers-begin-search-for-hiv-cure.html

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4731192/

Does HIV Cause Swollen Lymph Nodes?

Written By: admin
John

Among the earliest symptoms of HIV infection are flu-like signs which include fever, headaches, and fatigue. Also, swollen lymph nodes are common. Timely diagnosis and treatment is the best way to help manage and ease the severity of the symptoms.

Why HIV leads to swollen lymph nodes

The lymph nodes are part of the lymphatic system which plays an integral role in the body’s immune system. Lymph is a clear fluid circulating throughout the body and contains some white blood cells that fight against bacteria and viruses entering the body.

Lymph nodes, on the other hand, are located in specific parts of the body such as the neck, armpits, and groin. They are bean-shaped and responsible for filtering lymph as well as producing mature immune cells.

The lymph nodes are essential in protecting both blood and the immune system by filtering excess proteins, getting rid of excess fluids, producing antibodies that fight germs, generating specialized white blood cells and eliminating bacteria and viruses.

When lymph nodes get swollen, it is a clear indication of infection, which may include entry of bacteria or viruses like HIV. In case of inflammation of lymph nodes, it is recommended that you seek medical intervention from your healthcare provider as quickly as possible especially if the inflamed lymph nodes persist for more than two weeks.

How HIV affects the lymph nodes

When the virus enters the bloodstream, the infection is carried through the lymph fluid until it reaches the lymph nodes. While trying to fight the virus as a typical reaction, the lymph nodes get swollen. HIV usually affects the lymph nodes around the neck, groin, and armpits and may occur a few days after infection. However, it is also possible that no outward symptoms are experienced for up to several years after infection.

Healthy lymph nodes are usually not visible until a bacterial or viral infection is detected. They then become swollen in the shape of a bean. More of the lymph nodes will get swollen as the infection progresses in the body.

In the case of swollen lymph nodes accompanied by other symptoms like fever, diarrhea, fatigue, and abnormal weight loss among others, it may be an indication of HIV infection. You should thus seek a diagnosis as soon as possible.

Treatment of swollen lymph nodes

It would take the treatment of the underlying cause to get rid of swollen lymph nodes. In the case of bacterial infections, antibiotics will help, but in the case of severe viral infections like HIV, it only requires treatment with ARV drugs. ART helps to reduce various HIV symptoms including swollen lymph nodes and managing the virus to prevent transmission.

HIV being a chronic condition, it means the infection is ongoing. Although swollen lymph nodes will not be experienced all the time, anytime you experience the inflammation, seek medical diagnosis and treatment. ARV drugs usually help to slow breakdown of the immune system hence the need to always stick to all prescribed medication regardless of reduced symptoms.

References:

https://www.healthline.com/health/hiv-aids/swollen-lymph-nodes#treatments

https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/316336.php

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/28685417

Where To Find An HIV Phone Test

Written By: admin
John

According to The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), at least one in seven Americans living with HIV don’t even know it! This is quite alarming since such individuals are likely to transmit the virus to other partners without knowing. Besides, it is necessary to find out one’s HIV status to allow for earlier treatment to extend life expectancy as well as protect their loved ones from contracting the infection.

A recommendation by the same institution is that everybody between the age of 13 and 64 must get tested at least once in their lifetime. Regular testing is, however, recommendable especially when indulges in unprotected sex with multiple partners or uses drug injections.

It is not surprising that many people fear to present themselves to the voluntary counseling and testing centers for privacy reasons. However, this should never be an excuse to not getting tested and knowing your status. Currently, home HIV tests are available. The two common home HIV tests are the Home Access HIV-1 Test System and OraQuick In-Home HIV test. These are available online and locally available in chemists and hospitals.

If you choose to order your home test online through phone, always ensure that the HIV test is FDA approved beforehand to ensure safety and accuracy are guaranteed.

Home Access HIV-1 Test System

This is a home collection kit which allows you to do a personal test on your blood sample and getting it delivered to a licensed lab where you will call to get your results after a day or so. The amazing fact about this test is that it is anonymous and follow up test can be performed immediately if the result turns out to be positive. After the process, the manufacturer offers confidential counseling and referral treatment. This type of test on a sample of blood collected at home finds infection later than tests undertaken at the lab using blood from the veins but much earlier compared to test conducted on oral fluids.

An excellent place to order this type of HIV test kit is Amazon among other reputable sites. However, Home Access Health Corporation has strongly come out as among the best places to seek the HIV-1 test system and be guaranteed over 99.9 percent accuracy within a day. They have been FDA approved and offer phone counseling. This type of test has been evaluated in various multi-center clinical studies in the US and proven to be as accurate as tests done by doctors and hospitals.


OraQuick In-Home HIV Test

This is a home collection kit that provides rapid results. Testing involves swapping of the mouth to collect a sample of oral fluid and using the kit for testing. It takes barely 30 minutes to get results. In case you test positive, it is recommended to have a follow-up test as soon as possible. The manufacturer also provides confidential counseling and follow-up tests. Since the level of antibody in oral fluids is lower than in blood, this test finds infection later after exposure than in blood tests. This means, there is a high chance of false negative results with the test.


HIV testing dongle and App

Well, technology has advanced, and today, sexually active men and women can screen various STIs like syphilis and HIV using their Smartphones. This new app is coming out as a low-cost accessory to perform HIV test and get results in as little as 15 minutes. You only need a small sample of blood by pricking and using the dongle and app, which uses a scientific method to interpret data and recreate the functions of a real lab-based test. This type of test is referred to as enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) powered by a Smartphone. According to a report by Science Translational Medicine, the app has a sensitivity of between 92% and 100% and specificity of between 79-100%. This diagnostic package is available mostly in clinics around resource-poor communities. According to a 2016 report, there is also another testing option that uses a USB stick and a drop of blood. However, this option is yet to be approved by the FDA and released to the general public. The results in many of the initial experiments are quite promising as it already indicates an accuracy of about 95%. We look forward to this testing option.

No more worries about getting tested when all these phone tests are at your disposal.

References:

https://www.healthline.com/health/hiv-aids/home-rapid-test

https://www.cdc.gov/hiv/basics/testing.html

https://www.homeaccess.com/product/home-access-express-hiv-1-test-system-next-day-results/

http://stm.sciencemag.org/content/7/273/273re1

https://www.nature.com/articles/srep36000

Fibromyalgia

Rosacea: Types, Symptoms, and Treatment

Written By: Alexandra Waller
admin

What is rosacea? Rosacea is also known as acne rosacea and is a chronic skin disease that impacts millions of Americans each year. Unfortunately, researchers do not know what causes rosacea, and there is no cure. However, there are treatment options to help with the symptoms. This condition most likely affects middle-aged or older women who have pale skin. At times it can be mistaken for acne or other skin conditions. Speak to your doctor if you believe you have rosacea in order to receive a medical diagnosis and professional expertise.

Within this article we will look at the four different subtypes of rosacea and the symptoms associated with the condition. We will then examine what treatment options are available to help relieve your symptoms. Please note that although this article has undergone extensive research, do not replace it for your doctor’s knowledge. I am not a doctor, but have worked diligently to provide correct and up-to-date information.

Four Types of Rosacea

There are four different subtypes of rosacea. Visit Medicine Net for more details and pictures concerning each type, but be aware that images can be graphic for some viewers or audience members.

You can have more than one subtype at the same time, and each has its own set of symptoms.

  1. Erythematotelangiectatic rosacea (ETR): This subtype can be connected with facial redness, flushing, and visible blood vessels.
  2. Papulopustular rosacea (also known as acne rosacea): Often associated with acne-like breakouts (hence, the term “acne”), this subtype is more likely to affect middle-aged or older women.
  3. Rhinophyma: This condition is more rare and occurs when the skin thickens on the nose. Unlike the second subtype mentioned, this subtype more likely affects men and is usually occurs at the same time as another subtype of rosacea.
  4. Ocular rosacea: This subtype tends to show signs around the eye area.

Symptoms

As previously mentioned, you may experience different symptoms depending on the subtype. However, the condition can be distinguished by its overall red, small, and pus-filled bumps on the skin, which tend to occur on the nose, cheeks, and forehead. It is possible to experience symptoms for a while (between weeks to months at a time) and then they can go away and return again. This is what is known as flare-ups.

Let’s look at each subtype and its associated symptoms:

Rosacea ETR

  • Redness/flushing (center of the face)
  • Visible broken blood vessels
  • Sensitive, dry, or burning skin
  • Swollen skin
  • Red bumps

Acne Rosacea

  • Oily, red, or sensitive skin
  • Raised patches of skin
  • Acne-like breakouts
  • Visible broken blood vessels

Rhinophyma (or Thickening Skin Rosacea)

  • Thick skin on nose, chin, forehead, cheeks, and/or ears
  • Large pores
  • Bumpy skin
  • Visible broken blood vessels

Ocular Rosacea

  • Dry or itchy eyes
  • Burning or stinging feeling in the eyes
  • Bloodshot eyes
  • Watery eyes
  • Sensitivity to light or diminished vision
  • Cysts on eyes
  • Visible broken blood vessels (on the eyelids)

Although the symptoms are a bit similar among each subtype, there are distinctions to note. Your doctor can more accurately identify which type of rosacea you may be experiencing in order to receive a more accurate diagnosis.

Treatment

Because there is no cure, it can be difficult to find a right treatment option for you. However, there are steps you can take to help control your symptoms.

Skin care: Taking care of your skin is important. Use gentle cleansers as well as oil-free and water-based skin care products. There are several stores or online options for facial creams and moisturizers. Avoid using anything that has the following ingredients: alcohol, menthol, exfoliating agents, and witch hazel. Products that contain these ingredients can cause more irritation to the skin and can worsen your symptoms.

Antibiotics: Antibiotic creams and oral antibiotics can be suggested by your doctor. Especially for ocular rosacea, you can use eye medicines or antibiotics.

Keep a journal: Make a note of what you eat and what products you use. If you enjoy journaling or have a notebook, write down and keep a record of what makes your symptoms worse, such as a certain food you have eaten or skin care products you have used. You can also use your computer or mobile device to note what you have been using and ingesting.

Avoid certain foods: Avoid consuming alcohol and eating spicy foods.

Sunlight: Do not stay out in direct sunlight. If you are out in the sun, make sure to wear sunscreen.

Microdermabrasion: Microdermabrasion can help with reducing the thickening of the skin.

Light treatment: In some severe cases of rosacea, lasers and light treatment can help.

Know that you are not alone in this. In fact, there are famous people who have the condition, including Bill Clinton, Diana, Princess of Wales, and W.C. Fields. Talk to your doctor if you are concerned or want to learn more about possible treatment options.

Post-Exposure Prophylaxis for HIV

Written By: admin
John

Post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) involves taking of Anti-Retroviral Therapy (ART) drugs after potential exposure to HIV infection. This is an emergency HIV treatment usually received within 72 hours after the possible exposure. This should be confused as a cure for HIV but rather a form of preventing infection. It is, in fact, a short course of ARV drugs to stop the exposure to HIV from progressing into a life-threatening condition.

Some facts about PEP

  • Taking PEP can result in an array of side effects including fatigue and nausea, but it is advisable not to stop taking the medication, instead consult your healthcare provider.
  • The emergency treatment should be started as soon as possible to guarantee its effectiveness. That means, it should be less 72 hours after exposure to the virus.
  • PEP is prescribed by your doctor to be taken daily at the same time for up to 4 weeks. This is according to the World Health Organization’s guideline on PEP use.

Who can get PEP?

The truth is that PEP is not available everywhere and not everybody is eligible for the treatment. After presenting yourself to a healthcare professional and explaining the circumstances under which you think you were exposed to HIV, then you will be advised accordingly, and the healthcare professional will determine if you indeed need to take PEP. It is not always that you will be offered this emergency treatment.

You can only take PEP if

  • It is within 72 hours since you were exposed to HIV
  • Your mucous membrane including mouth, vagina, rectum, or eyes came into direct contact with another person’s body fluids, and you suspect to be infectious
  • An open wound came into contact with another person’s body fluids and presumed to be infected
    The other person is HIV positive, or their HIV status is not known
  • You were sexually assaulted within the last 72 hours
  • Your shared needles with another person whose HIV status is not known or is known to be positive

PEP should always be sought in emergency cases and not used as a substitute for regular prevention methods like Pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) which is taken on a daily basis to reduce your chances of contracting the virus.

PEP has not been certified as 100% effective. For this reason, it is advisable to continue using protection during sex while taking the emergency medication. This way, you will prevent exposing yourself to HIV again as well as reduce the chances of transmitting the virus to another person in case you end up being infected while you are taking PEP.

Payment for PEP

Upon explaining to your health care provider and recommended to take PEP, you have three options;

In case you are sexually assaulted, you are automatically eligible for full or partial reimbursement for medicines and medical care costs by the Office of Victims of Crime if you are in the US.

In case you get prescribed PEP for any other reason, you can either use insurance coverage or pay in cash

Lastly, you may request the health care provider to apply for Free PEP medicines via the medication assistance programs usually run by the manufacturers. This is done online and faxed to the company or call the company directly and the medicine may be delivered urgently to avoid delays.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, you should not always rely on PEP as a solution or use it as an excuse to have unprotected sex with a person whose HIV status is not known. It is recommended that you consult with your healthcare provider about Pre-exposure prophylaxis instead of relying on PEP medicines.

References:

https://www.cdc.gov/hiv/basics/pep.html

http://www.who.int/hiv/pub/guidelines/arv2013/arvs2013upplement_dec2014/en/

http://www.aidsmap.com/Post-exposure-prophylaxis-PEP/page/1044883/

https://aidsinfo.nih.gov/understanding-hiv-aids/fact-sheets/20/87/post-exposure-prophylaxis–pep-

https://www.avert.org/learn-share/hiv-fact-sheets/emergency-treatment

HIV Dating Sites

Written By: admin
John

Finding a partner to date is usually never easy, but it can be especially tricky when HIV or any other STI is added into the equation. For people with HIV, it is even more complicated than you can think. The easiest and probably practical way is to join one of the dating sites with people of the same status. When you select people with specific profiles like positive singles, it makes it much easier to navigate and find your partner to warm your bed.

We have reviewed a variety of HIV dating sites and listed some of those that we think are the best for anyone struggling to find a partner due to their positive status. The good thing is the all the sites we chose, offer free membership, though you may be required to pay to access advanced features. We also considered other relevant factors like intuitiveness of search functionalities as well as matchmaking systems.

Positive singles

This is so far the top rated dating site for people with sexually transmitted infections including HIV. If you are positive and can’t find your life partner, this is the site where you can easily find love with other people in the same circumstance as you. With the number of people living with STDs adding up to millions, the need to find a person that will understand you has pushed many people to look for love on this site. More than 100M Americans are living with STDs with more than 80% of them know about this site, and over 60% have subscribed to the online dating site.

For standard membership, you only need to place a 100% anonymous profile which is free. However, if you need to upgrade to gold membership, you will be required to pay a little fee of about $1 per day depending on the kind of subscription you want to make. You can use your credit card/charge card/ debit card/ bank check or Paypal to make the payments among other available options.

This site offers many features which you will love. Get a chance to interact with over 570,000 active members by creating your profile for free, and most likely you will have your dream partner sooner than you imagine. This is the most popular dating site for people living with STDs courtesy of its amazing features, number of active users, member verification, privacy options as well as site design.

HIV People Meet

This is our second best dating site we can recommend for people living with HIV. The site also offers dating opportunities for people living with other STDs. With over 800,000 anonymous members, your partner may be waiting for you there!

With the live counseling option offered on the site as well as dating advice, you can never demand anything more than they offer. Lastly, you can read several blogs written to inspire individuals in the same circumstances as you along with various support forums and events.

The site is specifically meant for you and people like you helping you to get friendship, love, and companionship from a pool of members looking for the same. Do not feel lonely simply because you tested positive, visit this site and you will never have to worry about rejection for something beyond your control.

It is a free-world site where you can share your thoughts and experiences without feeling embarrassed as you let the rest of the members impact your life and inspire you into positive thinking and living. This site will give you hope that many people have lost upon testing positive. Become a member, and you will never regret.

Positives dating

This dating site connects you automatically to probably one of the largest HIV/AIDS dating networks in the world. You will find amazing dates, make new friends or get romantic relationships to get your lonely self-excited. There are endless possibilities with Positives dating.

You know how complicated it gets trying to find love when you’ve been diagnosed positive. However, with this site, you will automatically feel safe and comfortable since everybody here is just like you. For the best quality service and dedication, sign up your membership for free and start your journey to meeting your partner to share your mind with.

There are quite many HIV dating sites on the web, but these three are definitely the best you can find. Get on board and share your life with somebody in the same situation as you. It feels good!

References:

http://www.hivdatingsites.biz/

http://www.hivpeoplemeet.com/

http://www.positivesdating.com/

https://www.positivesingles.com/

Fibromyalgia

Hydroxyzine for Fibromyalgia

Written By: Alexandra Waller
admin

Hydroxyzine is an antihistamine and can be used to treat anxiety, nausea, vomiting, allergies, skin rash, hives, and itching. It helps to reduce activity in the central nervous system. Hydroxyzine requires a prescription from your doctor. Within this article we are going to focus on hydroxyzine specifically for fibromyalgia. Before we discuss hydroxyzine in relation to fibromyalgia, let’s take a look at how hydroxyzine works.

What is hydroxyzine?

As previously mentioned, hydroxyzine is an antihistamine that helps reduce the effects of natural chemical histamine in the body. Histamine can create sneezing, runny nose, or hives on the skin. Hydroxyzine can help with these symptoms. It can also be used as a sedative that is meant to treat anxiety and tension. Hydroxyzine can be taken as capsules, tablets, syrup, and suspension to take orally. Only take the medicine as directed.

Brand names include Atarax, Hypam, Orgatrax, and Vistaril. However, Vistaril is the only branded product out of the four listed that is still available. The others are no longer on the market. Ask your doctor if there are generic alternatives available.

Things to Know Before Taking

There are several things you should know before using hydroxyzine, including:

  • Do not use while pregnant. You should not use hydroxyzine while pregnant, especially during the first or second trimester.
  • Do not use if you have heart problems. Because hydroxyzine can cause a serious heart problem, it is important that you do not have any heart issues. If you use certain medications while taking hydroxyzine, the risk for heart problems can increase. Talk to your doctor about your medications.
  • Do not drink alcohol while using this medicine. Consuming alcohol can increase the risk for side effects.
  • Be careful if you need to stay alert. Side effects can include impaired thinking or reactions. So, take caution if you have to drive or need to be alert.

Side Effects

If you experience any severe side effects, such as tremors, confusion, seizures, or restless muscle movements in the eyes, tongue, or neck, stop using hydroxyzine and call your doctor immediately. It is important to get immediate medical assistance if you are experiencing any signs of an allergic reaction to hydroxyzine. Allergic reactions include: hives, difficulty breathing, and swelling in the face, lips, or tongue.

Other possible side effects you may experience:

  • skin reaction: It can be rare to have a severe skin reaction, but if you do, stop taking the medicine and call your doctor. Skin redness, rash, blistering, yellow pustules, or peeling are a few possible side effects.
  • fast heartbeat
  • headache
  • chest pain
  • dizziness
  • fainting
  • drowsiness
  • dry mouth

Other side effects can occur. Talk to your doctor about any side effects you may be experiencing. You can report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088. If you are concerned about other side effects, visit Medline Plus for more information.

Hydroxyzine and Fibromyalgia

Hydroxyzine can help with itchiness, skin problems, stress and anxiety, allergies, and balance level of histamines. Histamine intolerance can be the lead reason contributing to your symptoms or the severity of them associated with fibromyalgia. Although there is not a clear connection between histamine intolerance and fibromyalgia, there are researchers trying to determine its importance. Patients who have fibromyalgia have noticed that there is some relief from decreasing or completely removing foods that contain histamine from their diet. Fermented beverages and foods like alcohol, vinegar, yogurt, and cured meats are high in histamine. Also, there may be an increase in fibromyalgia symptoms during seasonal allergies when they are active (fibromyalgia flares, which are believed to have no cause).

Fibromyalgia patients tend to have elevated histamine levels. According to Wellness Resources, histamine is associated with the immune system, skin, digestive tract, wakefulness, blood pressure, satiety, and other brain functions. Histamine can influence the sleeping patterns of fibromyalgia patients because high levels of histamine in the brain can lead to poor sleep quality and wakefulness. Additionally, it can be responsible for chronic widespread pain. People with fibromyalgia tend to have more histamine in their skin than others, which is why you may be experiencing itchiness. This is where hydroxyzine comes in because it can help with your histamine levels as it acts as an antihistamine agent.

If you have anxiety or dermal problems like itching from fibromyalgia, hydroxyzine may be prescribed to you by your doctor. The medicine is meant to help provide pain relief, anxiety, and skin problem relief but can make it difficult to sleep.

Disclaimer

Please note that this article has made every attempt at including correct information by conducting extensive research. However, this does not mean that it should be used in place of professional knowledge and expertise. Speak to a licensed healthcare provider you trust if you have any questions or concerns.

Being Pregnant With Type 1 Diabetes

Written By: admin
John

Pregnancy, in general, is prone to complications. For mothers with Type-1 diabetes, pregnancy is definitely more difficult, as she needs to continually monitor her blood glucose levels to prevent any potential damage to herself or her baby. In fact, diabetes is found to complicate around 10% of all pregnancies in the United States, of which only 0.2% to 0.5% is Type-1 diabetes patients. For pregnant mothers, specific guidelines need to be followed to keep their pregnancy as healthy as possible. Nevertheless, a number of complications may take place when a woman becomes pregnant while she has Type-1 diabetes.

Anticipated Complications

If a woman is diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes before she gets pregnant, her following pregnancy may suffer from a number of complications. These may include developing insulin resistance which occurs due to the hormonal variations that take place during pregnancy. Further worsening of existing diabetic complications is also anticipated as a result of the general weakening of the mother’s body during pregnancy. Moreover, high blood glucose levels during pregnancy may lead to early development of the baby’s organs and hence the early growth of the baby, which may then lead to premature delivery. Certain birth defects have also been reported. 

Guidelines and Precautions

Because the complications can be quite severe, pregnant women with Type 1 diabetes need to follow a set of instructions to keep their condition under control. Before becoming pregnant, the woman needs to make sure her blood sugar levels are maintained at the target level by accurately following her insulin therapy. In addition, she needs to regularly check her eyes, kidneys, and nerves for any potential malfunctions. Folic acid tablets are also highly recommended to ensure the health of the baby and reduce the risk of complications. Once pregnant, the mother needs to regularly check her blood glucose levels and keep a continued discussion with her doctor while maintaining a healthy diet. 

References

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3046748/

https://beyondtype1.org/type-1-pregnancy-risks-minimize/

https://www.diabetes.org.uk/guide-to-diabetes/life-with-diabetes/pregnancy

Fibromyalgia

Vitiligo: Cause and Treatment

Written By: Alexandra Waller
admin

What is vitiligo? Vitiligo is a disease that causes the loss of skin color in certain areas on the body. It involves the process in which cells responsible for skin color, called melanocytes, are destroyed. These cells can no longer create melanin, or skin pigment, and therefore areas of the skin begin to lose color and turn pale. Almost 1% of the world’s population has vitiligo.

Lost pigment can occur anywhere on the body. It is more likely to occur on sun-exposed areas (hands, feet, arms, and face), inside the mouth, the nostrils, genitals, back of the eye, or within the ear. Hair in these affected areas can also turn grey or white.

Within this article we are going to look at vitiligo, and more specifically, its causes and treatment. It is important to note that this article includes research on the topic of vitiligo, but you should speak to your doctor if you have any questions or concerns.

Symptoms

The most obvious symptom of vitiligo includes those white and pale patches on the skin. These patches can vary in size, and can appear on any part of the body. There are two types of patches: segmental (focal) and non-segmental (generalized).

Segmental or focal patterns are usually smaller and only occur in one or a few areas on the body. In this event, vitiligo usually stays in one area and can continue for about a year, but then it stops. It also progresses slower than non-segmental or generalized vitiligo.

Non-segmental or generalized patterns involve widespread white patches that are almost symmetrical on the body. Generalized patterns are the most common and can appear anywhere on the body. It usually starts and stops over a person’s lifetime. Professionals do not know when or how fast these vitiligo patches can occur.

What causes vitiligo?

Firstly, the disease is not contagious. Someone who has vitiligo cannot give it to someone else. Unfortunately, there is no exact known cause of vitiligo. Most people who have vitiligo do not have a family history of the disease. However, if there is a family history of vitiligo, it can increase the risk of getting it.

Other risk factors include having autoimmune disorders. Vitiligo is believed to be an autoimmune disorder because it involves the body attacking its own cells. However, there is no clear evidence concerning how exactly the body attacks the pigment cells. People with vitiligo tend to have one other autoimmune disorder. Autoimmune disorders include: scleroderma, lupus, thyroiditis, psoriasis, alopecia areata, type 1 diabetes, pernicious anemia, Addison’s disease, and rheumatoid arthritis.

Additionally, genes associated with vitiligo, such as NLRP1 and PTPN22, can increase the risk of getting vitiligo. People can also experience the disorder after severe sunburns or cuts. High levels of stress and exposure to toxins and chemicals can also increase the risk of the disease.

Treatment

There is no known cure for vitiligo. However, you can undergo treatment. There are several different treatment options, including medical, surgical, or both. Speak to your doctor about what treatment is best for you, especially because every individual may react differently.

Medical

  • Oral Medications: These medications can include steroids and certain antibiotics.
  • Topical Creams: There are some creams that can help slow down the growth of patches or help with the white color, including corticosteroids. In order to receive a strong enough cream, you will have to have it prescribed. However, be aware that there are possible side effects, such as skin shrinkage, hair growth, and irritation.
  • PUVA Therapy: Psoralen and ultraviolet A (PUVA) therapy is a treatment option that requires you to take psoralen as a pill or a cream. Then, your doctor will expose you to UVA light, which in turn activates the drug and helps with the restoration of color to the skin.
  • Narrow Band UVB Light: This works as an alternative to PUVA therapy and provides a focused kind of light therapy.
  • Excimer Laser Treatment: This process is for small areas of patches.
  • Depigmentation: This process involves the fading of the skin to match the white patches.

Surgical

  • Skin Grafting: Your doctor will remove the healthy, pigmented skin and transfer it to the patches.
  • Melanocyte Transplants: Melanocytes are removed and then grown in a lab. After have reached the expected level of growth, they are transmitted to the patches on the skin.
  • Micropigmentation: This process is best for the lip area and involves a doctor tattooing pigment into the skin.

Other Treatment Options

  • Sunscreen: Reduce skin exposure to the sun and protect the affected areas.
  • Makeup: Makeup or self-tanning lotions can help as a temporary solution.
  • Psychotherapy: If you are experiencing difficulty managing your mental health, one option is to undergo psychotherapy. Vitiligo cannot only have physical effects, but it can also impact your mental state. If you feel as though you are experiencing negative mental health effects, reach out to your doctor.

What Is The Life Expectancy For Someone With HIV?

Written By: admin
John

HIV was first declared a health epidemic in the 1980s, and at the time life expectancy was low. Life expectancy for people living with HIV and receiving proper treatment was about 19 years then but has gradually been increased to about 53 years after infection, thanks to scientific research that has been undertaken to unveil the HIV treatment medication referred to as Antiretroviral Therapy (ART). With the help of ART drugs, one can lead a healthy life just like the rest of the population.

It is, therefore, necessary to get regular HIV tests to diagnose the virus in time and immediately start medication to guarantee an extended life expectancy. According to studies, it is now clear that people living with HIV but start their ART treatment early can have reduced morbidity and mortality hence able to live as long as they would have lived without the virus.

Life expectancy for people with HIV, however, depends on other factors including;

  • Age
  • Gender
  • Genetics
  • Health status
  • Presence of other conditions
  • How soon medication is started
  • How early the virus was diagnosed
  • The lifestyle of the victim

According to a research carried out in Brazil, it was estimated that about 95.5 of HIV deaths within the first year of diagnosis was as a result of late diagnosis. The same research indicated that taking ART drugs would reduce the mortality by 39.5 percent. This is a clear reflection of how important early diagnosis and proper healthcare are in improve LE among people living with HIV.

Regular testing is today recommended across the world to ensure all people know their status to avoid transmitting the virus to other people and more importantly lead to a better quality of life that will improve their LE. It will also include doing away with unhealthy lifestyle activities like unprotected sex, smoking and alcohol consumption.

With ART, individuals in their 20s can live up to 70 years according to research by North American AIDS Cohort Collaboration on Research and Design. This is almost equivalent to the normal life expectancy of a person without HIV. Another Swiss Cohort agrees to this research in entirety stating that people with HIV that started their ART treatment when their CD4 cells count had not fallen below 350 cells per cubic millimeter are likely to have an LE similar to that of the general population.

References:

https://www.epainassist.com/infections/hiv-life-expectancy

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/9516219

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3026775/

http://pag.ias2013.org/Abstracts.aspx?AID=2451

https://www.epainassist.com/infections/hiv-life-expectancy

Stages of Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma

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John

In order to decide on the optimum treatment course to follow, the doctor needs to determine the extent to which the Lymphoma has spread into the body. This process is known as Staging and can only take place once the doctor has evaluated the number of affected lymph nodes as well as the places of the body in which these affected lymph nodes exist. The doctors also need to assess whether the cancerous lymph nodes exist on one or two sides of the diaphragm and whether cancer has reached other organs beyond the lymphatic system. As a result of this assessment, the doctor classifies the case into Stage 1(I), 2(II), 3(III), or 4(IV) Lymphoma, with 1 being the earliest stage and 4 being the most advanced. In general, stage 1 and stage 2 are identified as limited stages of the disease whereas stages 3 and 4 are the advanced stages.

Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma Stage 1 – What Does It Mean

Stage 1 is the earliest stage of diagnosis of Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma, and hence is the easiest to treat. A patient is diagnosed to be in Stage 1 when he/she has the cancerous lymphoma cells spread in a single lymph node, a group of lymph nodes in a tissue, or an organ of the lymphatic system, or is found in a single area of one organ outside the system.

Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma Stage 2 – What Does It Mean

Stage 2, on the other hand, occurs when the cancerous cells have spread further to attack more than one group of lymph nodes on either side of the diaphragm. That is, the Lymphoma has spread either in 2 or more groups of lymph nodes above the diaphragm or 2 or more groups below it, but not in both sides at the same time. Alternatively, a patient can be diagnosed with Stage 2 Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma if both conditions of Stage 1 occur simultaneously, such that the Lymphoma attacks one group of lymph nodes as well as one area of an organ outside the lymph system.

Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma Stage 3 – What Does It Mean

A patient is found to be in Stage 3 of Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma if the cancerous cells have spread in lymph nodes above and below the diaphragm concurrently, or if they have spread in lymph nodes above the diaphragm together with the spleen.

Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma Stage 4 – What Does It Mean

Stage 4 of Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma is an advanced stage of cancer spread, which is identified when the cancerous lymphoma cells have spread into at least one organ outside the lymph system and are not limited to a single area within the organ while the lymph nodes are also affected. A patient can also be labeled to be in Stage 4 if more than one organ has been affected by Lymphoma. 

Lymphoma, with its two types and multiple sub-categories, is a cancerous condition that, despite its multiple types, can be well-diagnosed and hence effectively treated. Nevertheless, accurate diagnosis is the key to ensure the doctors and the patients follow the correct path toward overcoming the disease. Ultimately, this would help to ensure a more positive prognosis for the patient and also increase their chance of survival greatly. A number of treatment options have been developed, which will essentially depend on the stage and severity of the disease upon diagnosis.

References:

https://www.cancerresearchuk.org/about-cancer/non-hodgkin-lymphoma/stages

Can You Get Rid of Type 1 Diabetes?

Written By: admin
John

Type 1 diabetes is a chronic condition for which there is no cure. Nevertheless, certain measures need to be taken by patients to keep the condition controlled and avoid serious complications. Since it is caused by the destruction of the insulin generating cells in the human body, scientific research centers are currently working to develop a cure that allows renewing and/or replacing the cells that produce insulin. These techniques will also focus on preventing the body’s immune system from destroying the cells.

Controlling Type 1 Diabetes

In order to control Type 1 diabetes, patients need to precisely follow insulin therapies and ensure they administer the insulin injections at the prescribed times. They also need to ensure that their diet is well-balanced and their intake of carbohydrates is carefully counted to be compatible with the injected amount of insulin.

Prevention Trials of Type 1 Diabetes

The significant financial and emotional burdens experienced by diabetes patients and their families have driven scientific research to study ways to prevent the development of diabetes. These studies also focus on reducing the prevalence of the disease. The research efforts are currently focused on preventing the destruction of the insulin-generating cells and/or allowing their recreation.

Research is also being conducted to assist with predicting the presence of Type 1 diabetes before it develops. This research is based on studying the antibodies that destroy the insulin-generating cells. Clinical trials are implementing tests that detect the presence of such antibodies. If these tests reveal the presence of the antibodies, doctors can introduce insulin therapies earlier to prevent further development and can provide certain medications to limit the production of these antibodies.

References:

https://www.jdrf.org.au/research/curing-type-1-diabetes

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4398895/

HIV Rash: What to Watch for

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HIV rash, although it can occur anytime during the course of the disease, is among the earliest outward signs of HIV infection often appearing within the first two months of contracting the virus. HIV rashes may be caused by the virus itself, by other infections or the HIV drugs. In most cases, the rashes are itchy, red, and painful to the touch.

In a report from the UC San Diego Health, it was noted that approximately 90% of individuals living with HIV experience skin changes and that rashes are the most common outward symptom of persons infected with the virus. For this reason, you need to understand how to identify such rashes and how to treat them.

HIV rash is usually flat and red on the surface of the skin and often covered with small bumps. It is common to experience such symptoms within a week or two of starting a new medication, especially the HIV medications known as antiretroviral drugs (ARV). Regardless of the cause of the rash, the red and flattened area on the skin with small bumps will almost always be itchy. There is no specific part of the body where such symptoms will appear but often occurs on the face, chest, hands, and feet. In rare cases, mouth ulcers are possible.

According to the U.S Department of Health and Human Services, there seven classes of HIV medications that may cause skin rashes:

  • Nucleoside reverse transcription inhibitors (NRTIs)
  • Non-nucleoside reverse transcription inhibitors (NNRTIs)
  • Protease inhibitors (PIs)
  • fusion inhibitors
  • CCR5 antagonists
  • post-attachment inhibitors
  • integrase strand transfer inhibitors (INSTIs)

NNRTIs, such as nevirapine (Viramune), were reported as the most common cause of skin rashes. Among NRTIs and PIs, Abacavir (Ziagen) and amprenavir (Agenerase) simultaneously are also likely to cause skin rashes.

The severity of HIV Rashes

An HIV rash can be categorized as being mild or severe depending on the damages caused to the skin. Mild HIV rashes usually come and disappear within a week or two, often on their own. But severe rash cases can be life-threatening. For instance, severe HIV rashes caused by the use of specific medications may cause a skin condition known as Stevens-Johnson syndrome (SJS), which needs to be treated immediately. The major signs of this condition include fever, swelling of the tongue, blisters on the skin as well as the mucous membrane, and quick development of rashes. While rare, SJS can be fatal if left untreated.

Treatment of HIV rash

A lot of research has been put into controlling viral infections and preservation of the immune system. This has made it possible to manage severe skin infections including HIV rashes. Essentially, it takes the right medication to manage and treat HIV rashes. Many drugs can be purchased over-the-counter like hydrocortisone cream and Benadryl which are effective in reducing itchiness and size of rashes. In case of severe rashes, prescription medication by a professional health provider will be necessary. Adherence to the prescribed antiretroviral therapy (ART) is critical in keeping the viral load under control and preventing possible symptoms of the virus like the rashes. However, if specific drugs prescribed to you cause the rashes, it is ideal to contact your physician to switch between the available treatment-regimens to prevent such side effects.

With HIV (and other) rashes, some lifestyle changes may also be necessary. Often it is advisable to avoid direct exposure to sunlight and a lot of heat, especially with hot showers. On the other hand, rashes may be as a result of allergies caused by taking specific meals, trying out new medications or even soaps. Anybody living with HIV and experiences rashes which they are not sure about the cause should consult their medical doctor as soon as possible.

When should you contact your healthcare provider?

In case you are experiencing skin rashes and are not sure about the cause but think you may have been infected with HIV, contact your healthcare provider as soon as you can. The professional healthcare providers will check out the developed skin changes and undertake an extensive diagnosis to determine the real cause. This way, you will have the right prescription medication to help you through.

References:

https://health.ucsd.edu/specialties/hiv/hiv-health/Pages/skin.aspx

https://aidsinfo.nih.gov/understanding-hiv-aids/fact-sheets/22/60/hiv-and-rash/

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4818110/

https://www.healthline.com/health/hiv-rash-symptoms-treatments#causes

Fibromyalgia

What is Trazodone, Oral Tablet?

Written By: Alexandra Waller
admin

Trazadone can help treat depression in adults. Before we discuss trazodone, it is important to clarify that if you or someone you know is experiencing depression please speak to a doctor you trust. Within this article we are going to focus on trazodone oral tablet. Please take into consideration that I am not a doctor, but I have conducted extensive research in order to provide the information below.

What is Trazodone?

Trazodone is a drug that can help treat depression. It requires a prescription and belongs to the class of antidepressants. The drug can increase serotonin activity in the brain. Serotonin is the chemical that helps maintains mental balance. The immediate-release oral tablet is only available as a generic drug, which means it can cost less. Trazodone extended-release oral tablet, on the other hand, is available as a brand-name drug, Oleptro. Other U.S. brand names include Desyrel and Desyrel Dividose.

Warnings Before Taking

Allergy Warning

It is possible to experience an allergic reaction from the drug. If you experience symptoms like trouble breathing, swelling of the face or mouth, and rash, call your doctor immediately. You can also call your local poison control center as well. However, if your symptoms are severe, call 911 or go to the closest emergency room.

And evidently, if you have experienced an allergic reaction, do not take this drug again.

Alcohol Warning

Drinking alcohol can have a negative influence on your condition. Alcohol along with trazodone can increase the risk of sleepiness or dizziness. If you consume alcohol, speak to your doctor.

Women who are Pregnant or Breastfeeding

If you are pregnant or have become pregnant while taking the drug, talk to your doctor. Trazodone is a category C pregnancy drug, meaning it has shown adverse effects to the fetus. Also, there have not been enough studies conducted on humans to determine its specific effects.

If you are breastfeeding, it is also important to speak to your doctor. The drug can pass into the breast milk and can cause side effects in your child who receives the breast milk.

Patients with Heart Disease

There is some risk for people who have heart disease because trazodone can cause irregular heartbeat and prolonged QT interval. Your doctor may suggest to closely observe your condition or suggest a different medication.

Patients with Angle-Closure Glaucoma

Acute angle-closure glaucoma is caused by a sudden increase in intraocular pressure (IOP) in which the fluid is continually produced inside of the eye, causing pressure. It is possible that trazodone can make your pupils bigger. The drug can also cause an angle closure attack.

Patients with Mania or Bipolar Disorder

People who have a history of mania or bipolar disorder can actually have a higher risk of manic episodes on trazodone. Your doctor will most likely suggest a different drug to prescribe you with.

Who Can Take Trazodone?

Although trazodone is intended to help treat depression, adults are the only ones who can take it. As previously mentioned, there are certain risks and warnings associated with certain groups of people, such as pregnant women.

Trazodone is not safe for children. More specifically, people under the age of 18 years should not use the drug. On the other hand, if you are older than 65 years, you can be at a higher risk of developing side effects because your kidneys do not work as well as young adults.

Ultimately, your dosage, drug form, and the amount you take the drug depends on your age, the severity of your condition, what other medications you are taking, and how you first react to trazodone.

Highlights for Trazodone

  • The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) first approved trazodone in 1981 under Desyrel.
  • It can also help treat insomnia and sleeplessness.
  • The drug can also be used for several off-label purposes, such as helping with sedation, anxiety, fibromyalgia, severe headaches, and reflex sympathetic dystrophy syndrome (RSD).
  • Veterinarians can use trazodone for dogs as a treatment for anxiety and animal behavioral issues.

In conclusion…

Trazodone can be a great option for you depending on your condition. However, have an open conversation with your doctor to determine what is best for you. There are other antidepressants and medications that may be more beneficial to you.

Disclaimer: Please note that this article has made every attempt at providing correct information through research. However, do not use the article in place of professional knowledge and expertise that a licensed health care provider can give you. Speak to a doctor you trust if you have any more ongoing questions or concerns.

Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma Survival Rate

Written By: admin
John

As mentioned before, Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma is a treatable condition, provided that it is accurately diagnosed by the doctor at an early stage. However, the risk of developing Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma increases with age, which definitely affects the survival rate particularly considering the overall health condition of the diagnosed individual. In addition, since it has several subtypes, accurate diagnosis is essential to ensure effective treatment.

The 5-year survival rate is a measure of the percentage of patients that are expected to live for five years following their cancer diagnosis. The 5-year survival rate is also relative, by representing the percentage of patients who are as likely as people who are not diagnosed with cancer to live for five years. This rate also varies slightly according to the gender. In England and Wales, statistics show that 80% of men survive Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma for at least one year whereas the percentage is 79% for women. The 5-year relative survival rate is around 68% for men and 70% for women, whereas the 10-year survival rate is 62% for men and 64% for women.

References:



https://www.cancerresearchuk.org/health-professional/cancer-statistics/statistics-by-cancer-type/non-hodgkin-lymphoma/survival#heading-Zero

ICD 10 Code for Diabetes Type 1

Written By: admin
John

The Tenth Revision of the International Classification of Diseases (ICD 10) describes a set of codes that should be accurately used by doctors when diagnosing patients with different diseases. The ICD 10 includes diagnostic data for diabetes. The accuracy of these codes is extremely important as they inherently explain the exact situation of the patient and helps doctors keep track of their condition. For diabetes, in particular, the codes represent the following:

  • The type of diabetes (Type 1 or Type 2)
  • The affected body systems
  • The associated complications of the condition

Code Assignment Based on the Associated Complications

For type 1 diabetes, the code category E10 is used to identify the use of insulin. This is because insulin injections are inevitable for Type 1 diabetes patients and hence do not need to be explicitly mentioned in the diagnosis code. If the patient has no complications, the case is labeled with the code E10.9. If they suffer from complications that are not explicitly listed, the case is given the code E10.8. However, if specific complications are associated and well-defined for the patient’s condition, the codes E10.10 up to E10.65 are used. The numbers vary based on the specific complications identified. In pregnancy, 024.0 codes are attached to E10 codes in order to describe pre-existing diabetes Type 1 in the pregnant mother and during childbirth.

Several complications are suffered by Type 1 diabetic patients worldwide, which explains the allocation of 55 code lines to describe them (from E10.10 to E10.65).

Three main complications are found to be most prevalent, and their codes are generally noted in the majority of Type 1 diabetes patients. One of these three complications is diabetic polyneuropathy, which is given the code E10.42. This is a condition of nerve damage, which is caused when the small blood vessels supplying the nerves are affected by diabetes.

Another condition is diabetic nephropathy which is given the code E10.21. The code E10.3xx is used to describe patients with mild non-proliferative diabetic retinopathy, which is the third most commonly experienced complication. Diabetic nephropathy is a severe kidney malfunction that may occur due to diabetes Type 1.

Studies reveal that up to 40% of type 1 diabetic patients do eventually develop kidney problems due to the disturbed blood flow feeding the nephrons. On the other hand, diabetic retinopathy is a complication that affects the retina of the eye due to damage of the vessels supplying blood to it. It has several associated complications that are given multiple codes including E10.319, E10.321, E10.329, E10.331, and others.

Other ICD codes also include E10.11, which refers to Type 1 diabetes with ketoacidosis. This is an increase in the acid content of the blood. It is usually a complication that occurs when blood sugar levels remain high for an extended period of time. The code E10.621 is also used, and it refers to type 1 diabetes with foot ulcers.

References:

https://providers.bcbsal.org/portal/documents/10226/306297/Correctly+Coding+Diabetes+Mellitus/cf5e3336-d1b7-4abb-aa17-b03b33e35d90?version=1.1

https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/diabetic-nephropathy/…/syc-20354556

https://www.webmd.com/diabetes/ketoacidosis

https://www.cdc.gov/nhsn/xls/icd-10-cm-ddc.xlsx

Can you get HIV From Kissing?

Written By: admin
John

Have you ever kissed a strange guy at a club after two to three drinks? Are you worried that you may have contracted HIV? You must have read somewhere the various ways through which HIV is transmitted from one person to the other, and the thought of having kissed a stranger deeply scares the hell out you?

Scientific facts about kissing and HIV transmission

First, you need to understand that for HIV to be transmitted, the body fluids involved must have direct access to the bloodstream. Saliva is, however, not one of the body fluids that can transmit HIV. In other words, it is extremely unlikely that you may contract HIV from kissing somebody. Saliva contains enzymes that hinder the growth of HIV.

However, in case of bleeding gums, or sores in your mouth coming into contact with an infected person’s actively bleeding wound or sores in the mouth, chances are there that you may contract the virus. This excludes the minor wounds you may get while brushing your teeth. Examples of an actively bleeding wound that may increase the risk include recent dental work such as extraction. According to scientific research, HIV transmission through social or closed-mouth kissing is not possible unless both partners have blood in their mouths as a result of bleeding gums or sores such as cancerous sores.

In addition, the mucous membranes in the mouth, throat, and stomach have been termed as effective barriers against HIV unless there is an open cut on them. The same is true for saliva which contains proteins and low salt content that reduces its infectiousness. This means that even spit cannot transmit the virus.

Unless there is direct contact of body fluids such as blood, semen, pre-cum, vaginal fluid, breast milk, or rectal secretions, you need not to worry about HIV transmission. Many times people go about seeking PEP treatment after deep kissing, but if you are sure you have no open wounds in the mouth, there is no need for panicking.

References:

https://wwwn.cdc.gov/hivrisk/transmit/activities/kissing.html

http://i-base.info/guides/testing/ways-that-hiv-is-not-transmitted

http://helpline.aidsvancouver.org/question/can-i-get-hiv-deep-kissing-while-having-sore-throat-and-sore-tongue

http://i-base.info/qa/3565

https://www.nhs.uk/common-health-questions/sexual-health/can-you-catch-hiv-from-kissing/

Fibromyalgia

Beta Blockers: What are They and how can They Help?

Written By: Alexandra Waller
admin

Beta blockers are also called beta-adrenergic blocking agents. They help treat several conditions like high blood pressure, migraines, anxiety and other conditions related to the heart such as heart failure. If you are interested in learning more about beta blockers, continue reading below. Here we will discuss what beta blockers are exactly and how they can help treat your condition. Please note that I am not a doctor, and if you have any questions reach out to a healthcare professional you trust.

What are Beta Blockers?

As previously mentioned beta blockers are beta-adrenergic blocking agents. More specifically, they are drugs that block norepinephrine and epinephrine from binding to beta receptors on nerves. Norepinephrine and epinephrine (adrenaline) are made from nerves within the body, including the adrenal gland and they act as neurotransmitters. Neurotransmitters are basically chemicals that allow nerves to communicate.

There are actually three different types of beta-receptors, including β1 (beta-1), β2, and β3 receptors. Each type of beta-receptors control certain functions determined by their location within the body. For example, the list below demonstrates each specific location:

  • β1 receptors: heart, eye, and kidneys
  • β2 receptors: skeletal muscle, lungs, liver, uterus, blood vessels, and the gastrointestinal tract
  • β3 receptors: fat cells

Beta blockers help reduce your blood pressure by blocking β1 and β2 (or blocking the norepinephrine and epinephrine). These medications make your heart beat slower and with less force, which leads to reduced blood pressure. Also, beta blockers help blood vessels open up and therefore improves blood flow.

Beta Blocker Examples

Here is a list of the different examples of brand and generic names for beta blockers available:

  • betaxolol (Kerlone)
  • betaxolol (Betoptic S)
  • carvedilol (Coreg)
  • esmolol (Brevibloc)
  • penbutolol (Levatol)
  • sotalol (Betapace, Sorine)
  • timolol ophthalmic solution (Timoptic, Betimol, Istalol)

In addition to the list above, there are also oral beta blockers, including the following:

  • acebutolol (Sectral)
  • atenolol (Tenormin)
  • bisoprolol (Zebeta)
  • metoprolol (Lopressor, Toprol-XL)
  • nadolol (Corgard)
  • nebivolol (Bystolic)
  • propranolol (Hemangeol, Inderal LA, Inderal XL, InnoPran XL)

If you want more information concerning a certain kind of beta blocker, speak to your doctor. Your healthcare professional will be able to provide you with assistance and help you decide what is right for you.

Pros

There are some pros for beta blockers. They can help prevent, treat, and/or improve symptoms found in several conditions. These conditions include: high blood pressure, arrhythmia (or abnormal heart rhythm), heart failure, heart pain (angina), heart attacks, migraines, glaucoma, Pheochromocytoma (PCC), and certain kinds of tremors.

In addition to helping treat certain conditions as listed previously, beta blockers can also prevent future heart attacks. Beta blockers can even help treat conditions like De Quervain’s thyroiditis and Silent Thyroiditis through the treatment of hyperthyroidism. They can be used in other treatment options like akathisia or restlessness, panic disorder, anxiety, and aggressive behavior.

Cons

In addition to pros, there are some cons associated with beta blockers. Side effects can occur, which means you need to be cautious of what you are taking. Common side effects are fatigue, weight gain, cold hands and/or feet. Other common side effects include shortness of breath, trouble sleeping, and depression.

There are specific groups of people who are more likely to have health risk while undergoing beta blocker treatment. People with asthma do not tend to use beta blockers because the medications can trigger severe asthma attacks. People who have diabetes should also not use beta blockers for treatment because the medications can block signs of low blood sugar.

Additionally, beta blockers can also negatively impact your cholesterol and triglyceride levels. They can increase your triglyceride levels while decreasing high-density lipoprotein levels (the “good” kind of cholesterol).

Because there are several possible side effects and health risks, should you be concerned with exercising? The answer depends on what your condition is like. It depends on how severe your condition is to determine whether or not exercise is a good idea for you. This is why it is important to speak to a doctor you trust to see if you should be concerned about exercise. However, you should still take it slow and not overdo it.

In sum…

Beta blockers can be very advantageous during your treatment process. However, it is important to be aware of the possible side effects and health risks associated with beta blockers. Although the information listed above was researched, it is important to reiterate that I am not a doctor.

Finally, it is important that you do not suddenly stop taking your beta blocker. An abrupt stop can increase the risk of a heart attack or other heart problems.

How Do You Get Type 1 Diabetes?

Written By: admin
John

Type 1 diabetes is caused by the abnormal behavior of the human body’s immune system. In type 1 diabetes, the immune system perceives insulin-generating cells as intruders. In response, antibodies are created to destroy these cells. The targeted cells are called Beta cells and are generated by the pancreas. Diabetes Type 1 is considered a chronic metabolic condition that is generally linked to genetic complications. The disease is often diagnosed in children as their immune system is not well-developed yet.

Type 1 Diabetes: A Complex Trait

Researchers have claimed that the auto-immune response that occurs in patients with type 1 diabetes is primarily caused by gene mutations in the patient’s genetic makeup. In particular, genes in chromosome number six is susceptible. Chromosome number six also has the genes for antigens that are responsible for preventing the human immune system from attacking itself. Although the exact process of mutation is not yet fully understood, it is generally thought to be the cause of this disease.

Being a genetic condition means that it can be inherited from one generation to another. It is very common to find diabetes patients who have a history of the disease in their family.

Research in the United States has also found that type 1 diabetes is more commonly diagnosed in non-Hispanic white children as compared to other races.

Environmental Factors

Apart from genetic complications, some environmental factors may also contribute to Type 1 diabetes. Frequent viral infections may trigger the auto-destruction of beta cells by the patient’s immune system, which may increase the risk of developing type 1 diabetes.

Diet

Researchers have not confirmed a correlation between specific dietary habits and Type-1 diabetes. However, the early introduction of formula milk to infants is sometimes known to increase the risk of Type-1 diabetes.

References

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK22256/

https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/type-1-diabetes-in-children/symptoms-causes/syc-20355306

Celebrities and Other Famous People with HIV

Written By: admin
John

HIV/AIDS has been around for many years now. Initially, there were many myths concerning this condition and how it is transmitted, but not anymore as scientific research has gone into depths and revealed the various ways how the virus is passed from one person to another. HIV is a deadly virus that if left untreated causes the deadly condition AIDS which many people don’t want to be associated with.

The condition compromises the body’s immune system that fights against various illnesses and infections thus leaving the victim vulnerable. During its early days, the deadly virus took shorter periods to be fatal, but that has changed with the invention of ART treatment that prevents the progression of the virus.

Unlike the early 80s and 90s when people didn’t have the courage to come out and reveal they were infected with the virus, there are many people today who have risen above the stigma associated with the condition and revealed their status, including renowned celebrities and famous people. Most of them are still alive and healthy thanks to the ART treatment. Below is a list of a few of them;

Magic Johnson

He is a renowned basketball star and among the first celebrities to come out into the public to reveal his HIV status. He did it back in 1991 when HIV stigma was at its highest in a press conference when he also announced his retirement from the famous Lakers.  He stated then that his plan was to live on for a long time and true to his words, over 25 years later, he seems to have made good of his plan as he serves a sports commentator besides starting the Magic Johnson Foundation which is aimed at preventing the spread of the virus.

Greg Louganis

He is remembered as an Olympic diving champion of his time back in the 80s. Today, he is known as one of the famous HIV awareness campaigners. Despite being diagnosed positive in 1988, he held his head up high and decided to use his passion for diving as the driving force to keep him going.

In an interview with ESPN in 2016, Louganis stated that his doctor encouraged him to continue training for the Olympics which to him was a positive thing to focus on. He reflects how depression kicked in but over time he managed to get over it and today lives a testimony to inspire athletes and people living with HIV.

Danny Pintauro

Perhaps you remember him for the role he played as Jonathan on “Who’s the Boss?” currently is a renowned and credited as an HIV activist. After keeping his status a secret for 12 years, he finally managed to gather the courage to share it with Oprah Winfrey in 2015. He stated that his fear to come out into the public to announce his stated was because of the possible stigma associated with the condition.

Charlie Sheen

He is a world known and celebrated actor. He publicly announced his HIV status in 2015, four years after he was infected. He stated that his decision was informed by his desire to raise awareness about HIV. However, Sheen seems not to have got rid of his known controversial life as he admits to having relationships with women while knowing he is positive. He is working his way to redemption as he looks forward to helping others as he works to better himself.

Monda Guerra

He is known as the first Mexican-American fashion designer to come from Denver, Colorado. Armando Thomas Guerra famously known as “Mondo” was the Project Runway winner during the first All-Stars Season, after coming second in season 8 of the show. He has been living with HIV since 2000 and looks on to live longer as he is disciplined to his medication.

There are over 1.2 million living with HIV, and a good number of them may be in the celebrity world. Our hearts go out to the many that have come out publicly to announce their status as a way of raising awareness and pointing out to the many young guys that HIV is real and anyone can be a victim. Their revelations are important as they also lower the stigma associated with HIV as well as the importance of taking HIV medication to manage the virus. It is definitely not the end of the world if you are diagnosed with HIV!

References:

https://listabuzz.com/13-popular-celebrities-with-hiv-who-are-still-alive/

https://www.healthline.com/health/celebrities-with-hiv#2

https://www.glamour.com/story/celebrities-living-with-hiv

Metformin for Type 1 Diabetes

Written By: admin
John

Patients with Type-1 diabetes need to monitor their blood glucose levels constantly. Type 1 diabetes occurs due to the destruction of cells that produce insulin in the patient’s body. Insulin, in turn, is is the hormone responsible for glucose regulation. Patients need to receive regular insulin injections to compensate for the reduced amount of insulin that is produced in their body.

Insulin injections have been reported to cause a number of complications in Type 1 diabetes patients. Two worrisome complications include weight gain and hypoglycemia (lower than normal glucose levels). Insulin resistance may also develop, which prevents the body from accepting and utilizing the injected insulin. Hence, further improvements to the patient’s treatment protocol are required.

Metformin is an oral agent that works to reduce hyperglycemia (the increase in blood glucose levels). It is typically prescribed for the treatment of Type 2 diabetes as it increases the insulin sensitivity in the body and improves insulin activity. Although metformin has been proven to reduce the complications of Type-2 diabetes, its effect on Type 1 diabetes patients is still under scientific investigation.

Advantages of Metformin in Insulin Therapy for Type 1 Diabetes

Researchers are currently investigating the effect of adding metformin to the insulin dose given to Type 1 diabetes patients. The studies have revealed that, over the course of 1 year, including metformin in the treatment of type 1 diabetes may help reduce the average blood glucose levels. This reduces the insulin dosage required. It has also contributed to weight reduction, which is a desirable outcome for Type 1 diabetes patients, along with limiting the progression of atherosclerosis and controlling LDL-cholesterol levels. This means that introducing metformin contributes to reducing long-term risks of cardiovascular diseases. Studies also concluded that this approach might help to improve the life expectancy of Type-1 diabetes patients.

References

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5771191/

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5552844/

Fibromyalgia

Woman Claims Drinking Her Own Pee Cured her Fibromyalgia

Written By: admin
admin

Yoga instructor Kayleigh Oakley claims that drinking her own urine has cured her of fibromyalgia, chronic fatigue, and Hashimoto’s disease.

Oakley, 33, drinks half a pint of her own pee every morning before dabbing some on her skin, which she claims has cured her of a lifetime of acne and has given her a flawless complexion. She says she showers after rubbing the pee on her face.

Bottoms Up!

Bottoms Up!

Before we get carried away let’s take a look at some of the quotes in the article because we have our doubts that this is a good therapy.

“If someone became unwell around me, my immune system would be so weak that I would get sick, too.” While we are not licensed physicians, we are reasonably confident this is because many sicknesses are contagious.

“I had been on a long journey, trying to improve my health. I changed my diet and lifestyle, trying to introduce more holistic things and not taking any pharmaceutical medicines.” Lots of people would like to avoid taking medications, many of which have side effects. We understand that. So the solution would taking some herbal supplements or something, right?

“I heard that urine can reset the immune system, promote general good health, and is good for the skin.”

Uh. From where? Where did she hear this?

“It is also an ancient yogic technique, so thought I would give it a go.”

A quick google search of “ancient yoga techniques urine” turns up a lot of articles about yoga exercises to prevent incontinence (good) and one (1) titled “The simple use of one’s own urine” from Rob’s Web, and it looks like it’s from the 1990s. It’s full of great info like how full of vitamins and minerals pee is.

“I have never been horrified by the thought of drinking it and my friends and family accept what I do.”

Clearly, she’s never been horrified by it, and we suppose that it’s great to be accepted by her family and friends.

Anyway, Fibromyalgia Treating does not recommend drinking your own pee to treat your fibromyalgia. But we thought it was good for a laugh, and we can all use a good laugh.

Some more of our favorite quotes:

  • “The morning drink contains the most hormones and nutrients.”
  • “It’s a bit salty and you can taste some minerals, but because I have a vegan diet, it isn’t strong.”
  • “We are conditioned to think drinking urine is unclean, but it’s just a sterile filtration of the blood.” (Ed. Note: Urine is not sterile)
  • “We don’t think twice about taking drugs bought over the counter, with side-effects, yet urine has no side-effects and it works really well.”
  • “There’s a lot of misinformation out there, but you won’t know if drinking urine will help until you try it.”

Okay about that last quote: the first part of it is definitely true. The 2nd part, well, that is technically true too, but again, Fibromyalgia Treating does not recommend drinking your own pee.

Go deeper:

Fibromyalgia

Botox Injections for Fibromyalgia

Written By: Alexandra Waller
admin

Botox injections for fibromyalgia? Yup, you heard right. Are you looking for a non-medical treatment option? Botox may be a possible option for you.

Fibromyalgia is a painful condition that involves widespread muscle pain and tenderness. Fibromyalgia patients not only experience physical bodily pain, but they can also undergo mental distress because of it. The condition does not just cause pain, but it can also cause chronic fatigue and tiredness as well as other kinds of discomfort. The National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases (NIAMS) found that 80-90% of fibromyalgia patients are women. The cause of fibromyalgia is still unknown, and therefore there is not a cure.

Although there is no cure for fibromyalgia, there are treatment options. Here we will examine a specific kind of treatment option: Botox.

How do Botox injections work?

Botox has undergone scientific and medical research. It targets the specific muscles and stops them from sending the pain signals throughout the body. Therefore, your body does not register that you are feeling pain. In other words, Botox works because it ultimately weakens and stops the muscles from feeling pain.

In my experience, I have a family member who has fibromyalgia. She has used Botox as a treatment option, which has greatly helped her and helped relieve her pain. However, this may not be for everyone.

Pros

Depending on your condition, your doctor can recommend Botox as a treatment option for you. There are several pros for using Botox to treat fibromyalgia. Listed below are some positive aspects:

The Procedure is Safe

It is completely safe for fibromyalgia patients. There are very limited levels of the injections used, making it a safe treatment option. Although the risks are low, you can experience flu-like symptoms after receiving the injection. However, this is quite rare.

Non-medication Option

If you are looking for a specific non-medical treatment option, Botox may be right for you. It is a non-medication option, and it can broaden your choices for how you want to go about your treatment process.

Time Efficient

Although Botox does not last forever, it does have some benefits for the amount of time a patient can experience pain relief. However, it does vary depending on the patient’s condition. Pain reduction can last for up to four months, making it an effective way of reducing pain though it is not a permanent solution.

Repeated Form of Treatment

Your doctor may recommend that the procedure be repeated if you received a good experience with the initial Botox injection. However, do not receive the injections too frequently because it can lead to your body becoming immune to the Botox.

Painless

Botox is not completely painless. However, you should only feel a slight amount of pain when you receive the injection. This is only because the it is administered at the site of the muscles that are already in pain and can be tender. The pain is definitely bearable and the pain levels are moderate.

Cons

On the other hand, there are some cons that you should consider while looking at Botox as a possible treatment option. Below are some cons of Botox as a treatment option for fibromyalgia:

Trigger Points

Botox requires to be administered directly at the trigger points. In order to help treat the pain, the injection needs to be placed at the site where the pain is coming from. More specifically, it is placed where the muscles are going into spasm. Additionally, it disables muscles, making it impossible to apply it to the whole body.

Limited

The injection is limited due to its inability to cure all symptoms associated with fibromyalgia. However, it does provide pain relief, which can help positively improve other symptoms, such as mental distress.

Slow Start

It can take some time to be in effect. In fact, the pain will not usually be relieved until after seven to nine days after the injection is administered.

Side Effects

It is highly unlikely to experience side effects. However, there are accounts where patients experience more pain or feel pain at a different site. This is known as the law of unintended consequences. It can occur because it depends on the individual (sometimes there are good results, sometimes there are bad results).

Final Thoughts

Botox can be a great treatment option for fibromyalgia patients, depending on the individual’s condition. For more information, visit My Fibro Team, which is a social network for those living with fibromyalgia where you can have an open discussion with other patients. Another great resource is Pain Doctor online if you have any more questions. If you have any concerns about Botox as a treatment method, speak to your doctor.