Archive for March, 2009
Varicose veins
Friday, March 27th, 2009
Varicose veins are abnormally and permanently enlarged superficial veins typically 3mm or more in diameter. Any vein may become varicose, but veins most commonly affected are those in legs and feet. They may occur alone or with chronic venous insufficiency. The word “varicose” comes from the Latin root “varix,” which means “twisted.
Etiology
Etiology is usually unknown. Most people have no obvious risk factors. Primary varicose veins occur because of congenitally defective valves (primary venous valvular insufficiency) or primary dilatation of the vein wall due to structural weakness, or without a known cause. (more…)
Psoriasis
Wednesday, March 25th, 2009
Psoriasis is an extremely common skin disorder. Rate of occurrence is between 2-4%. A diagnostic summary describes a sharply bordered reddened rash or plaques covered with overlapping silvery scales. It characteristically involves the scalp, the extensor surfaces (backside of the wrists, elbows, knees, and ankles), and sites of repeated trauma. Family history involvement is in 50% of cases and there are links to possible arthritis.
Rheumatoid Arthritis
Friday, March 20th, 2009
Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic inflammatory condition affecting the entire body but especially synovial membranes of joints, joints involved: hands, feet, wrists, ankles, and knees; affects 1-3% of the population; females outnumber males 3:1, age of onset is 20-40 years, but may begin at any age; onset gradual, but occasionally quite abrupt; several joints usually involved at onset in symmetrical pattern (both hands, wrists, or ankles); in one-third of cases, initially confined to one or a few joints; effected joints warm, tender, and swollen; overlying skin has ruddy purplish hue; disease progression-joint deformities in hands and feet (“swank neck”, “boutonniere”, and “cock-up toes”).
Food Allergies
Wednesday, March 18th, 2009
Introduction
Food allergies (FA) cause the immune system to release cytokines, lymphokines, and interferon’s influencing all tissue physiology; toxins initiate similar reactions; food allergy and toxicity are intimately connected; FA is the culprit behind ‘mysterious’ undiagnosable symptoms; allergy testing uncovers causes of illness, reveals unsuspected food sensitivities in asymptomatic patients; bronchial hypersensitivities doubled in the last decade; atopic dermatitis in 10-15% of population, provoked by food antigens; adverse food reactions in 25% of younger children; the leading cause of most undiagnosed symptoms.
Inflammatory Bowel Disease
Monday, March 16th, 2009
Diagnostic summary
Crohn’s disease
Intermittent bouts of diarrhoea, low-grade fever, and right lower quadrant pain.
Anorexia, weight loss, flatulence, and malaise.
Abdominal tenderness, especially right lower quadrant, with signs of peritoneal irritation and an abdominal or pelvic mass.
X-rays how abnormality of terminal ileum.
Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
Friday, March 13th, 2009
Diagnostic summary
Mild fever, recurrent sore throat, painful lymph nodes, muscle weakness, muscle pain, prolonged fatigue after exercise, recurrent headache, migratory joint pain, depression, sleep disturbance.
Aetiology
• Epstein-Barr virus: EBV-herpes viruses produce latent lifelong infections; host’s immune system normally holds latent infection in check; immunocompromise allows recurrence; viral infection itself can disrupt immunity; elevated EBV antibody observed in diseases of immune dysfunction; elevated antibody titers to viruses observered in (more…)
Acne Rosacea
Thursday, March 12th, 2009
Acne rosacea is a chronic skin disorder – nose and cheeks area abnormally red and may be covered with pimples similar to acne; relatively common in adults between ages 30 and 50; more common in women (3:1), but more severe in men.
• Many factors suspected; alcoholism, menopausal flushing, vasomotor neurosis, seborrheic diathesis, local infection, B-vitamin deficiencies, gastrointestinal disorders.
• Most cases – moderate to severe seborrhoea, but sebum production is not increased in many; vasomotor lability is prevalent; migraine three times more common than in controls.
(more…)
Irritable Bowel Syndrome
Wednesday, March 11th, 2009
Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) is the most common gastrointestinal disorder seen in general practice, and represents 30-50% of all referrals to gastroenterologists. It has been estimated that approximately 15% of the population has complaints of IBS, with women predominating two to one (it is likely that an equal number of males have IBS but they do not report symptoms as often).
The etiology of the increased colonic motility seen in IBS has been attributed to physiological, psychological, and dietary factors. A diagnostic summary of IBS is described as a functional disorder of the large intestine with no evidence of accompanying structural defect; characterized by some combination of; abdominal pain, altered bowel function (constipation or diarrhoea), hypersecretion of colonic mucus, dyspeptic symptoms (flatulence, nausea, anorexia), varying degrees of anxiety or depression. (more…)
New Urine Test ID’s Prostate Cancer (PCA3)
Tuesday, March 10th, 2009
ICIM Medics has acquired another diagnostic tool to help in the battle against prostate cancer.
The ICIM Medics Prostate assessment is already the best prostate assessment in Ireland and now the centre went one step further by offering a means to avoid unnecessary and painful biopsies. A national campaign should be implemented where consequently it will save government money, decrease referrals for unnecessary biopsies therefore doctors will have more time per biopsy made so accuracy will increase.
Cellulite
Saturday, March 7th, 2009
Cellulite is known as the ‘Mattress phenomenon’ which displays pitting, bulging and deformation of skin; 90-98% of cases occur in women; feeling of tightness and heaviness in areas affected (particularly the legs); tenderness of skin when pinched, pressed upon, or vigorously massaged.
General considerations
Cellulite is a cosmetic defect which is a cause for great distress among millions of European and American women; no inflammatory or infectious process involved (as in cellulitis); better termed ‘dermo-panniculois deformans’ or ‘adiposis edematosa’.