Autoimmune disorders are one of the least understood disorders in the whole of medical science. Systemic Sclerosis is also an autoimmune disorder in which the skin undergoes changes in texture and characteristics. 

However, the changes are not confined to the skin alone. It can affect blood vessels, muscles, digestive system, heart, kidneys, as well as the lungs. It typically affects people in the age group of 30 to 50 years, but the good thing is that doctors can diagnose this at any age. 

It has been observed that more women fall prey to this disorder than men. The severity of symptoms may also vary from person to person. Nevertheless, the real cause of worry is the progressive nature of the disease. Due to this, it is, in fact, sometimes referred to as Progressive Systemic Sclerosis. 

Causes of Systemic Sclerosis 

It is an autoimmune disorder in which the immune system attacks the skin and precipitates the problem. The attack by Immune System precipitates increased collagen production in the body, which accumulates in the skin tissue. This leads to changes in characteristics and the appearance of the skin. 

Symptoms of Systemic Sclerosis 

Systemic Sclerosis affects only the skin in the early stages. It may lead to thickening of skin and development of shiny areas around bony areas, such as nose, mouth, fingers etc. However, as the disease progresses, it may limit movement of these affected areas. So one may have a problem in opening the mouth, parting fingers etc. 

Other symptoms are: 

  Loss of hair 

  Deposit of lumps under the skin 

  Blood vessels under the skin getting dilated 

  Pain in the joints 

  Breathing difficulties 

  Dry cough 

  Constipation 

  Diarrhea 

  Swallowing difficulty 

  Reflux of food from esophagus 

  Feeling of bloating after taking meals 

In addition to the above, one may also sometimes experience spasms in the blood vessels of fingers and toes. Legs and hands may turn blue or white if a person is undergoing emotional stress or is in extreme cold. This is also known as Raynaud s phenomenon. 

Risk Factors

Though the causes of the disease are not yet known, there are some risk factors which can make a person susceptible to this disease: 

  If a person is undergoing chemotherapy with certain drugs like Bleomycin or are exposed to stuff like silica dust, organic solvents etc., one may become susceptible to this disease. 

  Women are more prone to acquiring this disease than men. 

  If a person is a Native American or an African-American then too he/she is more susceptible to this problem. 

Treatment of Systemic Sclerosis 

Systemic Sclerosis can t be cured, but its symptoms can certainly be reduced to some extent. So, treatment is specific to symptoms one is experiencing, and may include using the following: 

  corticosteroids 

  immunosuppressants 

  nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs 

  blood pressure medication 

  aid to resolve breathing difficulty 

  physical therapy, light therapy etc. 

The fact that this disease really can t be fully cured makes this a pretty scare disease. Silver lining is that medication and other treatment options are able to suppress most of the symptoms.

Systemic Sclerosis - What Causes It?

Bronchitis occurs when the bronchial tubes become swollen due to an ailment or any kind of infection. These tubes are a part of the respiratory system and usually join the lungs. There are two types of bronchitis - acute bronchitis and chronic bronchitis. A virus or bacterium usually causes acute bronchitis. It shows up after a person has had a respiratory disease. The most common symptoms of this disease usually show up when a child has flu or cold. A blazing throat, a feeling of being sick and mucus draining from the sinuses usually describe the disease.

Homeopathy is a very effective treatment for bronchitis. In fact, it is the most effective treatment. Homeopathy has been successful in treating some exceptionally extreme cases of bronchitis. It functions admirably in both acute and chronic bronchitis. Here are a few treatments for acute bronchitis for kids that have proven to be beneficial over time:

Hepar Sulph is one of the best homeopathic medicines for bronchitis where a person experiences increased sensitivity to cold. Chilly air and exposure to the cold in any form is impossible to be tolerated by the patient. It energizes cough quickly. Hepar Sulph cures situations where even if a single part of the body is exposed to the cold like a hand or a foot, cough begins immediately.

Bryonia, on the other hand, is helpful in situations where a person feels extremely thirsty, yet may only have a few sips at a time. The mucous layers and the mouth become extremely dry. Even the cough is very dry in such cases. There is a pain in the abdomen and headache while coughing.

Pulsatilla is great in situations where the patient coughs up a lot of greenish or yellowish mucous. Cough is more irritable while resting and the person cannot rest or sleep because of the same. The patient is usually not at all thirsty in this situation.

Arsenic Album is one of the best homeopathic medicines for symptoms that include a feeling of weakness along with other signs of bronchitis. Extreme wheezing and cough increase after nighttime and makes it difficult for the person to sleep. Along with extreme weakness, restlessness may also occur. The patient feels parched and frequently drinks little quantities of water.

Antim Tart is useful when there is a lot of mucous in the abdomen and chest. Despite the fact that there is a lot of mucous in the abdomen, little is disposed off. Cough in this situation is aggravated while a person eats. However, Antim Tart tends to find relief from the same. Patients usually find it very hard to bring out the mucous in this situation.

Treat Acute Bronchitis In Kids With Homeopathy!

Asthma is a disease that can be only controlled and not completely cured. This chronic disease can make one feel breathless and experience chest tightening. Modern medicine has an answer to the stressful symptoms of asthma. A wide range of tools and medicines help a great deal in controlling this disease. Find what tools and medicines can help in bringing down the symptoms of asthma and help one breathe with ease.

Pink flow meter: This small tool helps in measuring the movement of air in the lungs. You need to blow into it and read the number. The result helps in finding out the frequency of doctor visits and the dosage of the medicines. Forthcoming asthma attack too is indicated by this device, and you can see it declining with constant use. In fact, you would slowly stop experiencing any other symptoms. Using the pink flow meter forewarns you about a forthcoming asthma attack.

Checkups: You need to visit your doctor regularly. The frequency can vary. You will be seeing your doctor after every two to six weeks, based on the severity of the disease. If you strictly stick to the instructions of your doctor, you can improve the lung function. You can stay active and sleep well if you follow the medicines. This way, there will be no fear of emergency treatment as the peak flow is almost always above 80 percent in case of complete compliance to medicine. Even if you know your condition cannot be cured, you can keep it in check to lead a healthy life.

Medications: Asthma has to be controlled with two types of medicines. You will need to take fast-reacting medicines and the long-term medications. Providing immediate relief is what the quick-relief medicines do, and reducing inflammation of the airways is what the long-term medicines aim at. While there are pills available, the inhalers play a vital role in keeping asthma patients healthy. Through an inhaler, the medication is administered straight into the airways. This makes it easy to give larger and continuous dose of medicines. In fact, this is the most effective way to prevent and treat the asthma symptoms. Corticosteroids are inhaled with an inhaler and it results in long-term relief. Even if taken daily, patients do not get addicted to corticosteroids. Physicians may also prescribe pills that reduce inflammation of the airways. Short-acting b2 agonists are often prescribed as quick-relief medicines. Asthma-affected individuals must carry the inhaler and the quick-relief medicines with themselves, wherever they go.

Treatment for different age groups: In children, only the quick-relief medicines are prescribed. If required, the long-term medications are used after six years of age. If desired results are obtained, the treatment is stopped after six weeks. Children can also be administered corticosteroids. This may result in slowed growth in a few children but the effect does not last long. In elders, long-term inhaling of corticosteroids can increase the risk of osteoporosis. It is essential to take vitamin D supplements along with it. Also, do not take pain suppressants and anti-inflammatory drugs. Speak with your doctor about taking pills for other diseases. When a pregnant mother is asthmatic, the chances of the child getting asthma are higher. They also suffer the risk of premature birth and low birth weight. Check with your doctor about taking medicines for asthma when you are pregnant. You need to consider the risk and stick to safe medication practices.

Asthma - Know About Its Treatment In Modern Medicine! 

Chronic pancreatitis refers to an inflammation of the pancreas   the organ that creates enzymes and hormones to manage blood sugar levels and aids in digestion. The condition either does not heal completely and keeps coming back, or persists for months or years at a stretch.

Chronic pancreatitis is a serious, debilitating condition, which can potentially lead to permanent damage and scarring of the organ. The following are the consequences-

  Formation of cysts and calcium stones in the pancreas
  Blockage of the gastrointestinal tract
  Malnutrition
  Diabetes

The condition is most likely to develop between the ages of 30 and 40 and is commonly observed in men than in women.

Causes of Chronic Pancreatitis:

A number of factors are responsible for long-term pancreatitis. The most common ones include-

  Alcohol abuse   Reportedly, 70% of all cases regarding the condition is related to alcohol consumption
  Autoimmune diseases   When your body attacks the healthy tissues and cells mistakenly
  Genetics
  A constrict pancreatic duct   The tube that carries enzymes to the small intestine from the pancreas
  A blockage of the pancreatic duct by stones
  Cystic fibrosis   A hereditary disorder that causes mucus to build up in the lungs
  Hypercalcemia   When the level of calcium in the bloodstream increases abnormally
  Hypertriglyceridemia   When the level of triglycerides in the blood rises up

Warning Signs of Chronic Pancreatitis:

Symptoms of chronic pancreatitis do not show up at the early stages. They become more evident when inflammation aggravates. However, you should look out for the following signs-

  Severe abdominal pain   Usually in the upper portion
  Loose stool that appears pale and does not flush away easily
  Vomiting and nausea
  Unintentional weight loss
  Fatigue
  Excessive thirst
  Shortness of breath
  Diarrhoea
  Jaundice
  Pancreatic fluids inside the stomach
  Intestinal blockage
  Internal bleeding

The above symptoms vary based on the severity of the condition. Painful episodes may last for days. For some people, drinking and eating seem difficult because that makes the pain worse. With the progression of persistent pancreatitis, the pain becomes constant. Seeking treatment at the earliest is necessary for the condition to heal.

Diagnosis and Treatment:

A blood test alone is not sufficient to detect the changes in your pancreas in the initial stages. An imaging test is the most reliable method to confirm the diagnosis. Your doctor may recommend the following tools-

  CT Scan
  X-ray
  Ultrasound
  MRI Scan

The objective of the treatment is to reduce pain and improve the functioning of your digestive system. The damage to the pancreas cannot be cured, but your doctor will prescribe necessary measures to manage the symptoms of the condition.

The primary treatment methods include endoscopic therapy, medications, and surgery.

  Medication - Pain killers, insulin steroids, and artificial digestive enzymes may be taken as per the doctor s recommendation
  Endoscopy - The procedure involves inserting a flexible, long tube (known as an endoscope) through the mouth. It allows the doctor to look at the pancreatic stones formed inside. He/she then removes the stones, places stents to improve the flow, and seals the leakage.
  Surgery - The last resort is surgery. The doctor will recommend it only if medications and endoscopy therapy have failed to rectify the painful symptoms. Removing a portion of the diseased pancreas can offer relief. Surgery may also be performed to drain cysts and to unblock or widen the pancreatic duct.

The outlook depends on the underlying causes and the seriousness of the disease. However, immediate treatment and diagnosis can improve the outlook. Consult a doctor as soon as you encounter the above symptoms of pancreatitis.

Chronic Pancreatitis - Everything You Should Be Knowing!

Abdominal pain can be triggered by a number of factors. Sometimes, it's mild enough to be overlooked while at others, the pain can be debilitating. Most abdominal problems start with the same symptoms and hence the cause of this pain can be a little difficult to pin point. In many cases, the location of the pain can help understand the factors that are triggering it.

Generalized pain can be simply be triggered by indigestion. On the other hand, it could also be a symptom of a number of illnesses like irritable bowel syndrome, appendicitis, viral gastroenteritis and intestinal obstructions etc. However, the former are more common. This type of pain resolves itself without medical intervention.

In other cases, abdominal pain can be localized to the upper or lower abdomen on the right or left side or in the centre of the abdomen. This sort of pain is usually sporadic and comes and goes with great intensity. In most cases, this sort of pain is a symptom of a serious problem and should not be ignored. One of the most common examples of localized abdominal pain is the pain caused by appendicitis in its later stages. Severe pain that is located just above the centre of the belly button could be a sign of pancreatitis. A burning sensation and severe cramps in the center of the stomach could point towards stomach ulcers that could cause perforations if left untreated. Other causes for this type of pain include endometriosis, ovarian cysts, angina, kidney infections and a spleen infection.

Mild stomach pain whether localized or general can be relieved using home remedies and does not often require medication. However, if the pain is severe or if it comes on suddenly, you must immediately consult a doctor. Another reason to consult a doctor is if the pain persists for more than 24 hours. If the pain is accompanied by black or bloody stools or vomiting and nausea, do not ignore it. Black stools are often an indicator of the presence of blood in the digestive tract. Abdominal pain that worsens with movement or is tender to touch is also something that should be shown to a doctor. Other reasons to consult a doctor are abdominal pain with persistent vomiting following meals and unexplained weight loss and a loss of appetite.

The bottom line is, that when it comes to abdominal pain, it's better to consult a doctor and be told that there's nothing to worry about rather than self medicate and wait for it to worsen.

Abdominal Pain & When To Consult A Doctor

28th July is considered to be World Hepatitis Day. Viral hepatitis can invade the human body in a variety of ways, but it is in your hands to prevent this infection from intruding your body and mess with your health. Hepatitis is a disease that takes a toll on the human liver. There are 5 different types of hepatitis from Hepatitis A to E, but there are ways you can take to prevent yourself against the same, such as:

Know how the Hepatitis spread: On the basis of the different types of Hepatitis, there are two main ways by which hepatitis gets its way from one person to another, contact with infected blood and body fluid as well as contact with the infected stool. It is important to note here that Hepatitis A and E are carried through the faeces of the affected individual. Also, a person may get infected with Hepatitis A and E even if you consume contaminated food and water. Hepatitis B, C along with D can also spread through the infected blood. 
Get the proper immunization: There are vaccines available all across the world to prevent spreading Hepatitis A and B. But it is crucial to point here that it is not possible to prevent Hepatitis C and D and sometimes Hepatitis E as well. But the Hepatitis C can be cured when the patient has received effective anti-viral medications. There are no vaccinations for Hepatitis D but the virus causing this infection requires Hepatitis B for survival. Therefore, getting vaccinated against Hepatitis B will help prevent the disease from affecting you.
Get the right precautions while travelling: When travelling, no one can tell whether you will get access to clean and purified water. Water contaminated with impurities can lead to Hepatitis A as well as E. You should take proper precautions and immunizations in the first place. If you are going to a place that doesn t have access to clean water, you should steer clear from ice cubes, running tap water, cut fruits and raw vegetables which may have been cleaned in the water with impurities.
By being aware and taking necessary precaution, getting affected by hepatitis can be prevented.

World Hepatitis Day - How You Can Prevent Yourself?

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