Cytomegalo Viral Load Detection (Quantitative) Tips

The fallopian tubes are a couple of thin tubes that act as a vehicle in transporting a woman’s eggs (ova) from her ovaries (where they are housed) to her uterus (otherwise known as the ‘womb’) where they are either fertilized by the male sperm or disposed off during menstruation. Fallopian tube cancer, otherwise known as tubal cancer, forms in the fallopian tubes that connect the ovaries and the uterus.

It is hard to see a tumour or growth developing within a tube. This makes fallopian tube cancer hard to diagnose and complicated to manage as well.

If you do have fallopian tube cancer, it is vital to get a quick diagnosis as promptly as possible. This will help you to get effective treatment. However, diagnosing fallopian tube cancer can be challenging because of the following:

1. It is an uncommon kind of cancer.

2. The indications are vague and like those of different other conditions.

3. Discovering a tumour inside the Fallopian tube is troublesome.

In case you have symptoms that may point at fallopian tube cancer, your specialist will conduct a thorough physical examination and get some information about your lifestyle and your family history. A pelvic examination will be done to examine your uterus, ovaries, fallopian tubes and vagina. If a tumour is found, your specialist will do some more tests.

At least one of the accompanying tests might be utilised to see whether you have fallopian tube cancer and if it has spread. These tests additionally might be used to see whether the treatment is working. These diagnostic tests may include the following:

1. Ultrasound of the Pelvis: This test is helpful. However, in case that your specialist still suspects fallopian tube cancer, he or she will arrange a transvaginal ultrasound. During this test, a probe will be put into the vagina to deliver a photo of the inner organs. A transvaginal ultrasound is the best method for imaging the fallopian tubes.

2. CT or CAT (computed axial tomography) scan

3. MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) scan

4. Biopsy: A sample of cells is removed from the fallopian tube and examined closely, under a microscope. This is the best way to know for sure whether you have fallopian tube cancer. This will require surgery to extract the sample cells.

5. CA125 test: This blood test checks the levels of CA125, a known tumour marker for gynecologic cancers. An abnormal state of CA125 may mean you need to have more tests. However, it does not necessarily mean you have fallopian tube cancer. Serum levels of a marker called CA-125 can be unusually high in patients with gynecologic infections in cancer and non-cancer sorts, that is, pelvic inflammatory infection, endometriosis and early pregnancy. CA-125 can be non-specific and might be elevated because of numerous issues that are not cancer related.

In case you have a concern or query you can always consult an expert & get answers to your questions!

Is it just that more cases are being reported or is there an actual increase in child abuse cases? This can be debated, but the hard-hitting fact is a definite increase in the number of child abuse incidents. Unbelievable as it may sound, the abuse is not always about strangers. It could come from unsuspected corners – close family and friends who frequently visit the home and have access to the child. It is not just limited to the girl child; male child abuse is equally likely and is happening.

As much as we try to look for possible culprits, it would not be. Given the number of people in our social circles, both close and extended, it is very difficult to always be on the look. Plus, there are a number of people who are totally unfamiliar (schools, workplace, parks, shops, etc.). The best defense for the parents would be to teach the child about what he or she should watch out for. This should be further enhanced by the parent knowing the signs to watch for as a result of child abuse.

Educating the child is extremely important. Also, emphasize on the child coming back and telling you if anything unpleasant has happened. This is the most difficult and effective aspect for parents.

1. Talk to your child about good touch and bad touch.
2. Teach them names of private parts (or alternates if you prefer) and get them to use these.
3. Emphasize that unless someone is involved in their health and hygiene, there is no need to touch their private parts.
4. Even lingering touches inappropriately in certain parts (buttocks, chest, thighs, etc.) should be discussed.
5. Give them the confidence to talk to you, if they even doubt that someone touched them badly.
6. Do not chide or scold the child, as it is not their mistake.
7. Even if they are complaining about someone close, do not disbelieve them.
8. Give them a patient hearing about the full episode, let them talk, and if required, you can always ask for more details.
9. Cutting them off in the first instance will take away their complete confidence, and they will never confide again. This is very important, as the child needs to believe that he/she is being listened to and believed.
10. Do not be mad at them; it was not their fault. Give them this assurance multiple times, and let them know that nothing changes as you will help them.

Children get scared and withdraw into a shell if anything happens, and unless they have the confidence, they may not open up at all. Therefore, educating the child is the most important and effective way to control child sexual abuse. If you wish to discuss about any specific problem, you can ask a free question.

The condition of enlarged prostate occurs due to the enlargement of a man’s prostate gland, with the passage in time. Also known as benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), it is more common in men over the age of 60. Some cases might have symptoms and others may be symptomless. Although the causes are relatively unknown, it is evident that BPH is not a form of cancer, neither does it cause cancer. The prostate is located below the bladder and is responsible for producing the fluid needed by semen. The growth of the prostate tissue that is associated with benign prostatic hyperplasia begins near the inner prostate which is a tissue ring around the urethra. Its growth is generally inward.

Causes
It is of common knowledge that in males, the urine originates from the bladder and flows through the urethra. BPH is a condition where the prostate experiences a benign i.e. non cancerous enlargement which leads to blockage of urine flow through the urethra (the urinary duct). The resultant enlargement, caused due to the gradual multiplication of cells, subjects the urethra to extra pressure. Further narrowing of the urethra causes more contraction of the bladder, resulting in the urine being forcefully pushed out of the body.

With time, the condition leads to the bladder muscles gradually becoming thicker, stronger and oversensitive. Contraction occurs even due to the presence of small amounts of urine, giving rise to frequent needs of urination. At one point, the bladder muscle is unable to overcome the effects of the narrowed urethra. Due to this, urine does not pass properly and the urethra is not emptied.

Some of the common symptoms of enlarged prostate include:
1. Frequent urination
2. Urgency to urinate
3. Difficulty during urination
4. A slow or weak urinary stream
5. Requirement of extra effort to urinate
6. Interrupted sleep due to need of urination

Further risks
Sometimes, when the bladder is not emptied completely, a risk of urinary tract infections develops. Some other serious problems which can be a result of enlarged prostate include blood in urine, bladder stones as well as acute urinary retention (inability to urinate). In some rare cases, kidney and/or bladder damage might also result from such a condition. If you wish to discuss about any specific problem, you can consult a Urologist.

What are the functions of the kidney?

The kidneys filter waste and excess fluid from the blood. As kidneys fail, the waste accumulates in the body. The two most important enzymes, which kidney makes are erythropoietin & renin. Erythropoietin are made by the kidneys if there is less oxygen in the blood. It tells the bone marrow to make more red blood cells. So this means there will be more oxygen carried in the blood.

Renin is made by the kidney if there is low blood pressure, low volume of blood, or too low salts in the blood Renin make the blood vessels smaller and tells the adrenal gland to make aldosterone. It also makes a person feel thirsty and all of this makes the blood pressure go up. Since Kidney plays a very important role in the overall functioning of the body, it’s very important to take care of its health.

Let’s have a look on various kind of kidney disease including the one which are chronic:

1. Kidney stones
2. Kidney Infections
3. Glomerulonephritis
4. Congenital Kidney disease
5. Diabetic Nephropathy
6. Hypertensive Nephropathy
7. Cancer

Now what is Chronic Kidney Disease?

Chronic kidney disease include conditions that damage your kidneys and decrease their ability to keep healthy by doing the jobs listed, if it gets worse, wastes can build to high levels in the blood and make person sick.
Chronic kidney disease is caused by diabetes, high blood pressure and other disorders.

What causes chronic kidney disease?

The two main causes of chronic kidney disease are diabetes & high blood pressure which are responsible for up to two third of the cases. Other conditions that affect the kidney are:
1. A group of diseases that cause inflammation and damage to the kidney’s filtering unit.
2. Inherited disease such as poly cystic kidney disease.
3. Malformation that occur as a baby develop in mother’s womb.
4. Lupus and other disease that affect the body’s immune system.
5. Repeated urinary infections.

What are the symptoms of chronic kidney disease?

1. Feel more tired and have less energy
2. Have trouble concentrating
3. Poor appetite
4. Trouble sleeping
5. Muscle cramping at night
6. Swollen feet and ankles
7. Puffiness around the eyes especially in the morning
8. Dry itchy skin
9. Need to urinate more often, especially at night.

In case of the similar symptoms one needs to get it diagnosed and connect with the physician for good care and treatment. Stay Healthy!

The fallopian tubes are a couple of thin tubes that act as a vehicle in transporting a woman’s eggs (ova) from her ovaries (where they are housed) to her uterus (otherwise known as the ‘womb’) where they are either fertilized by the male sperm or disposed off during menstruation. Fallopian tube cancer, otherwise known as tubal cancer, forms in the fallopian tubes that connect the ovaries and the uterus.

It is hard to see a tumour or growth developing within a tube. This makes fallopian tube cancer hard to diagnose and complicated to manage as well.

If you do have fallopian tube cancer, it is vital to get a quick diagnosis as promptly as possible. This will help you to get effective treatment. However, diagnosing fallopian tube cancer can be challenging because of the following:

1. It is an uncommon kind of cancer.

2. The indications are vague and like those of different other conditions.

3. Discovering a tumour inside the Fallopian tube is troublesome.

In case you have symptoms that may point at fallopian tube cancer, your specialist will conduct a thorough physical examination and get some information about your lifestyle and your family history. A pelvic examination will be done to examine your uterus, ovaries, fallopian tubes and vagina. If a tumour is found, your specialist will do some more tests.

At least one of the accompanying tests might be utilised to see whether you have fallopian tube cancer and if it has spread. These tests additionally might be used to see whether the treatment is working. These diagnostic tests may include the following:

1. Ultrasound of the Pelvis: This test is helpful. However, in case that your specialist still suspects fallopian tube cancer, he or she will arrange a transvaginal ultrasound. During this test, a probe will be put into the vagina to deliver a photo of the inner organs. A transvaginal ultrasound is the best method for imaging the fallopian tubes.

2. CT or CAT (computed axial tomography) scan

3. MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) scan

4. Biopsy: A sample of cells is removed from the fallopian tube and examined closely, under a microscope. This is the best way to know for sure whether you have fallopian tube cancer. This will require surgery to extract the sample cells.

5. CA125 test: This blood test checks the levels of CA125, a known tumour marker for gynecologic cancers. An abnormal state of CA125 may mean you need to have more tests. However, it does not necessarily mean you have fallopian tube cancer. Serum levels of a marker called CA-125 can be unusually high in patients with gynecologic infections in cancer and non-cancer sorts, that is, pelvic inflammatory infection, endometriosis and early pregnancy. CA-125 can be non-specific and might be elevated because of numerous issues that are not cancer related. 

Depression in children and young people affect people from ages 5 to 18. About one in four children in India suffer from childhood depression. Boys and girls up to the age of 10 and 16 respectively, are more prone to depression. As per the report released by WHO, among 10 South-East Asian countries, India has the highest suicide rate. An estimated rate of suicide per 1 lakh population of the age group of 15-29 is 35.5 percent.

Definition and Signs 
According to Thompson (1995), depression is an overall lowering of normal functions which is not specific to any one component of the mind. Clinically, the signs and symptoms of depression have the following components:

1. Mood Changes: sadness, irritability, sense of loss of interest even in cherished activities
2. Cognitive changes: inefficient thinking, poor self-esteem, a feeling of hopelessness, loss of concentration, poor attention span, indecisiveness. Rarely, suicidal tendencies, delusions, hallucinations.
3. Physical changes: low energy, apathy, tiredness, increase or decrease in appetite, disturbed sleep, low emotional responsiveness. Children in primary school stage may report of headaches and stomach aches, limb pain.
4. Impairment in personal and/or social functioning: Self-harm, deterioration in school work without any specific reason, sudden and persistent levels of aggression and irritability.

Causes:

1. Marital or family disharmony
2. Divorce and separation
3. Physical and sexual abuse
4. Domestic violence
5. Problems at school: bullying, social isolation, exam failure
6. Severe personal assault
7. Children with parents suffering from depression

Diagnosis of Childhood Depression
Any child suffering from symptoms of depression for at least 2 weeks, should be scheduled to visit his health care provider. Parents and guardians should eliminate any physical reasons for the symptoms before visiting a mental health professional. There are no specific medical or psychological tests that can clearly diagnose childhood depression. Following measures can help to make an accurate diagnosis:

1. Questionnaires for both the child and parents.
2. Interviews and study of the patient's history by a mental health professional.
3. Information from friends, teachers, and classmates can be useful to detect early symptoms of childhood depression.

Treatment

• To alleviate depressive disorder
• To reduce concurrent related conditions like ADHD (attention deficit hyperactive disorder) and learning disabilities
• To promote normal social and emotional development and school performance
• Relieve family distress
• To prevent or reduce the risk of relapse

Psychological therapy is the first line of treatment and includes:

1. Cognitive behavioural therapy in group and individual format
2. Interpersonal psychotherapy focuses on interpersonal issues like interpersonal conflicts, grief and loss and its effect on current feelings and problems
3. Psychodynamic child psychotherapy where children are given a way to express their issues through playing, drawing, talking
4. Family therapy deals with solving family-related issues and management of crisis
5. Art therapy is an approach to vent out your negative feelings using creative expression as an outlet.
6. Guided self-help helps you in understanding the core of the problems and finding ways to manage the same with the help of a professional.
7. Relaxation and self-modelling can go a long way in dealing with depression. Relaxation techniques like exercising, meditating and yoga help your mind soothe and reduce stress and anxiety which in turn elevates the mood and reduces depression.
8. Counselling has help people overcome loneliness and discuss the things that make them feel low openly. This helps in seeking a solution for that particular cause.

What are the functions of the kidney?

The kidneys filter waste and excess fluid from the blood. As kidneys fail, the waste accumulates in the body. The two most important enzymes, which kidney makes are erythropoietin & renin. Erythropoietin are made by the kidneys if there is less oxygen in the blood. It tells the bone marrow to make more red blood cells. So this means there will be more oxygen carried in the blood.

Renin is made by the kidney if there is low blood pressure, low volume of blood, or too low salts in the blood Renin make the blood vessels smaller and tells the adrenal gland to make aldosterone. It also makes a person feel thirsty and all of this makes the blood pressure go up. Since Kidney plays a very important role in the overall functioning of the body, it’s very important to take care of its health.

Let’s have a look on various kind of kidney disease including the one which are chronic:

1. Kidney stones
2. Kidney Infections
3. Glomerulonephritis
4. Congenital Kidney disease
5. Diabetic Nephropathy
6. Hypertensive Nephropathy
7. Cancer

Now what is Chronic Kidney Disease?

Chronic kidney disease include conditions that damage your kidneys and decrease their ability to keep healthy by doing the jobs listed, if it gets worse, wastes can build to high levels in the blood and make person sick.

What causes chronic kidney disease?
The two main causes of chronic kidney disease are diabetes & high blood pressure which are responsible for up to two third of the cases. Other conditions that affect the kidney are:
1. A group of diseases that cause inflammation and damage to the kidney’s filtering unit.
2. Inherited disease such as poly cystic kidney disease.
3. Malformation that occur as a baby develop in mother’s womb.
4. Lupus and other disease that affect the body’s immune system.
5. Repeated urinary infections.

What are the symptoms of chronic kidney disease?
1. Feel more tired and have less energy
2. Have trouble concentrating
3. Poor appetite
4. Trouble sleeping
5. Muscle cramping at night
6. Swollen feet and ankles
7. Puffiness around the eyes especially in the morning
8. Dry itchy skin
9. Need to urinate more often, especially at night.

In case of the similar symptoms one needs to get it diagnosed and connect with the physician for good care and treatment. Stay Healthy!

Are you experiencing symptoms of flu, such as a cough, sore throat, fever, body aches and headaches? Are you feeling sick around your stomach and throwing up more than usual? This indicates you have H1N1 flu or swine flu. Swine flu is a form of influenza that affects pigs, or a form of human influenza that is caused by a related virus.

Diagnosis
It is difficult to tell whether you have got swine flu or seasonal flu, as the associated symptoms are similar. There are a few different symptoms of swine flu. A laboratory test is hence required for the detection of swine flu. Sometimes, a rapid flu test taken in a doctor’s chamber is not enough for the proper diagnosis of swine flu.

For swine flu testing, a swab is taken by a doctor from the insides of your nose and the back of your throat. This test is usually taken by people who are living in hospitals or are at a high risk of death because of life threatening conditions, because of swine flu. Children below the age of 6, people above the age of 65, and children taking aspirin therapy are more likely to develop swine flu. Adults or children suffering from lung, blood, liver and nervous system disorders are also prone to swine flu. Pregnant women and people with a weak immune system are also susceptible to swine flu.

Treatment
Several antiviral drugs, which are used to treat seasonal flu, are used for the treatment of swine flu as well. However, some drugs prescribed for seasonal flu do not respond to swine flu. Using these medicines enables faster treatment and also makes the patient feel better. You must take the medicines within 48 hours of observing the first swine flu symptom. They are also effective when given at a later stage. Antibiotics do not treat swine flu as the flu itself is caused by a virus and not by a bacterium.

Certain over-the-counter (OTC) painkillers and medicines for cold and flu may also help in relieving aches, fever and pain. Abstain from giving aspirin to patients below the age of eighteen as it could lead to Reye’s syndrome. You can prevent yourself from getting swine flu by taking a vaccine. The same flu vaccine, which prevents seasonal flu, also protects the H1N1 swine flu strain. This can be taken in the form of a shot or a nasal spray. If you wish to discuss about any specific problem, you can consult a doctor and ask a free question.

Dust mites belong to a family of ticks and spiders, and cannot be seen through bare eyes. They thrive in places which are warm and humid.

Dust mite allergies are the most common type of allergy found in many people. Patients suffering from house dust mite allergies may also face sneezing and a runny nose. The symptoms are just the same as Asthma.

The best way to get rid of dust mite allergies is to make the house as much dust free as possible.

In case a person is attacked by any of these dust mites, doctors may also suggest some medicines to suppress the symptoms and ease the condition.

Symptoms of House Dust Mite Allergy:

House dust mite allergy causing inflammation in the nasal passages may show signs like:

1. Watery eyes

2. Runny nose

3. Redness in the eyes

4. Sneezing

5. Congestion

6. Facial itching

7. Redness and skin spores opening

8. Face infection

If the allergy is contributing to Asthma, the following signs are observed:

1. Difficulty in breathing

2. Heaviness in the chest

3. Chest pain

4. Wheezing sound with cough and cold

5. Shortness of breath

The signs of a house dust mite allergy can be severe in some cases. However, allergies are not life-threatening, but prolonged symptoms may affect health. A mild allergy-like runny nose or sneezing are common. However, if a person is suffering from symptoms for a more extended period of time, he/she should consult an ENT specialist for the same.

Diagnose of House Dust Mite Allergy:

To diagnose this type of allergy, doctors check the patient physically and if the patient has problems persistently round the year, then he/she may be advised to take an allergy test. Allergy tests consist of skin prick tests and blood tests.

1. Skin Prick Test: Skin Prick Test, or SPT, is not a conclusive test for every patient. The doctors determine the result by comparing the conditions. In SPT, the doctors put a small drop of possible allergen on the skin and prick the skin with a needle to see the reaction. If a person is allergic to the allergen, he/she may observe a wheal, itching, or redness in the area. However, the doctors determine the results based upon the time and place of the symptoms he/she is complaining of.
2. Blood Test: Blood test is an excellent tool when the patient cannot give successful skin test. Blood tests are referred by the doctors in the cases when the patient is taking some medicines that interfere with the skin test or to the kids who cannot tolerate skin test. The blood sample is obtained by the doctors, and an allergen is added to the sample. The lab doctors observe whether there is any reaction in the sample due to the allergen.

Treatment:

The best way to fight house dust mite allergy is to avoid allergens. The doctors suggest measures to keep the surrounding dust free and use the covers or sprays that kill dust mites. The dust mites thrive in warm and humid areas. Hence, one should keep the surrounding cool and open to stop their growth. Many patients do not get complete relief from allergies with medicine, and in such cases, doctors provide special therapies and sprays to keep the dust mites away.

Conclusion:

There are many treatment options available depending upon the severity and condition of the allergy. However, it is best to consult a doctor before opting for any treatment or medicines.