ಆರೋಗ್ಯ

ಬಿಕ್ಕುಗಳಿಗೆ ಕಾರಣ

• ದೇಹದಲ್ಲಿ ದ್ರವಾ೦ಶ ಕಡಿಮೆಯಾಗುವುದು

• ನಿಧಾನವಾಗಿ ಊಟಮಾಡದೇ ವೇಗವಾಗಿ ತಿನ್ನುವುದು

• ಬಿಸಿ ಊಟದ ನ೦ತರ ತಣ್ಣನೆಯ ಪಾನೀಯಗಳನ್ನು ಕುಡಿಯುವುದು

• ಬಹಳ ಖಾರ ಅಥವಾ ಅತಿ ಮಸಾಲೆಯ ಆಹಾರ ಪದಾರ್ಥಗಳನ್ನು ತಿನ್ನುವುದು

• ಜೋರಾಗಿ ನಗುವುದು, ಕಿರುಚುವುದು

• ಮಧ್ಯಪಾನ ಮಾಡುವುದು

ಇವಾವುವೂ ನಿಮ್ಮವಲ್ಲವಾದರೆ ಬಹುಶಃ
ಕೆಳಗಿನ ಕಾರಣವಿರಬಹುದು.
ಅನ್ನನಾಳದಲ್ಲಿನ ತೊ೦ದರೆ ಅದು ಗಡ್ಡೆ (tumor) ಅಥವಾ ಫ್ರೆನಿಕ್ ನರದ ಒತ್ತಡದಿ೦ದ ಇರಬಹುದು. ಹೇಗಾದರೂ ಸರಿ ಒಬ್ಬ ಸಮರ್ಥ ವೈದ್ಯರಲ್ಲಿಗೆ ಹೋಗಿ.

ಪರಿಹಾರ:
ಇದಕ್ಕೆ ವಿಶೇಶವಾದ ಮದ್ದು ಬೇಕಿಲ್ಲ. ಹೆಚ್ಚು ನೀರನ್ನು ಕುಡಿಯಬೇಕು.
ಉಸಿರಾಟದ ಗತಿ ನಿಧಾನವಾಗಿರಬೇಕು. ಹಾಗೆಯೇ ಶ್ವಾಸ ತೆಗೆದುಕೊ೦ಡ ಮೇಲೆ ಸ್ವಲ್ಪ ಕಾಲ ಅದನ್ನು ಹಿಡಿದಿಟ್ಟುಕೊಳ್ಳಬೇಕು. ಪ್ರಾಣಾಯಾಮ ಬಿಕ್ಕಳಿಕೆಗೆ ಖ೦ಡಿತ ಒ೦ದು ಒಳ್ಳೆಯ ಉಪಶಮನ.
ಹ್ಯಾಲೋಪೆರಿಡಾಲ್.(Haloperidol ) ಮೆಟ್ ಕ್ಲೋಪ್ರಮೈಡ್,(metoclopramide) ಕ್ಲೋರ್ಪ್ರೊಮಜ಼ಿನ್(chlorpromazine) ಔಷಧಿಗಳೂ ಇವೆ. ಆದರೆ ಔಷಧಿಯನ್ನು ಸೇವಿಸುವ ಮುನ್ನ ವೈದ್ಯರ ಸಲಹೆ ಮೇರೆಗೆ ತೆಗೆದುಕೊಳ್ಳಿ.
ಸ್ವಲ್ಪ ಸೋಡಾ ಪಾನೀಯವನ್ನು ಸಹ ಸೇವಿಸಬಹುದು.

Psoriasis

A person whose back and arms are affected by psoriasis.

Psoriasis (pronounced /səˈraɪəsɪs/) is a non-contagious disorder which affects the skin and joints. It commonly causes red scaly patches to appear on the skin. The scaly patches caused by psoriasis, called psoriatic plaques, are areas of inflammation and excessive skin production. Skin rapidly accumulates at these sites and takes on a silvery-white appearance. Plaques frequently occur on the skin of the elbows and knees, but can affect any area including the scalp and genitals. In contrast to eczema, psoriasis is more likely to be found on the extensor aspect of the joint.

The disorder is a chronic recurring condition which varies in severity from minor localised patches to complete body coverage. Fingernails and toenails are frequently affected (psoriatic nail dystrophy) - and can be seen as an isolated finding. Psoriasis can also cause inflammation of the joints, which is known as psoriatic arthritis. Ten to fifteen percent of people with psoriasis have psoriatic arthritis.

The cause of psoriasis is not known, but it is believed to have a genetic component. Several factors are thought to aggravate psoriasis. These include stress, excessive alcohol consumption, and smoking.^[1] There are many treatments available, but because of its chronic recurrent nature psoriasis is a challenge to treat.

Types of psoriasis

Plaque psoriasis (psoriasis vulgaris) (L40.0) is the most common form of psoriasis. It affects 80 to 90% of people with psoriasis. Plaque psoriasis typically appears as raised areas of inflamed skin covered with silvery white scaly skin. These areas are called plaques.

Flexural psoriasis (inverse psoriasis) (L40.83-4) appears as smooth inflamed patches of skin. It occurs in skin folds, particularly around the genitals (between the thigh and groin), the armpits, under an overweight stomach (pannus), and under the breasts (inframammary fold). It is aggravated by friction and sweat, and is vulnerable to fungal infections.

Guttate psoriasis (L40.4) is characterized by numerous small round spots (differential diagnosis - pityriasis rosea - oval shape lesion). These numerous spots of psoriasis appear over large areas of the body, such as the trunk, limbs, and scalp. Guttate psoriasis is associated with streptococcal throat infection.

Pustular psoriasis (L40.1-3, L40.82) appears as raised bumps that are filled with non-infectious pus (pustules). The skin under and surrounding pustules is red and tender. Pustular psoriasis can be localised, commonly to the hands and feet (palmoplantar pustulosis), or generalised with widespread patches occurring randomly on any part of the body.

Psoriasis of a fingernail

Nail psoriasis (L40.86) produces a variety of changes in the appearance of finger and toe nails. These changes include discolouring under the nail plate, pitting of the nails, lines going across the nails, thickening of the skin under the nail, and the loosening (onycholysis) and crumbling of the nail.

Psoriatic arthritis (L40.5) involves joint and connective tissue inflammation. Psoriatic arthritis can affect any joint but is most common in the joints of the fingers and toes. This can result in a sausage-shaped swelling of the fingers and toes known as dactylitis. Psoriatic arthritis can also affect the hips, knees and spine (spondylitis). About 10-15% of people who have psoriasis also have psoriatic arthritis.^{[citation needed]}

Erythrodermic psoriasis (L40.85) involves the widespread inflammation and exfoliation of the skin over most of the body surface. It may be accompanied by severe itching, swelling and pain. It is often the result of an exacerbation of unstable plaque psoriasis, particularly following the abrupt withdrawal of systemic treatment. This form of psoriasis can be fatal, as the extreme inflammation and exfoliation disrupt the body's ability to regulate temperature and for the skin to perform barrier functions.

Cause

The cause of psoriasis is not fully understood. There are two main hypotheses about the process that occurs in the development of the disease. The first considers psoriasis as primarily a disorder of excessive growth and reproduction of skin cells. The problem is simply seen as a fault of the epidermis and its keratinocytes.

The second hypothesis sees the disease as being an immune-mediated disorder in which the excessive reproduction of skin cells is secondary to factors produced by the immune system. T cells (which normally help protect the body against infection) become active, migrate to the dermis and trigger the release of cytokines (tumor necrosis factor-alpha TNFα, in particular) which cause inflammation and the rapid production of skin cells. It is not known what initiates the activation of the T cells.

Treatment

There can be substantial variation between individuals in the effectiveness of specific psoriasis treatments. Because of this, dermatologists often use a trial-and-error approach to finding the most appropriate treatment for their patient. The decision to employ a particular treatment is based on the type of psoriasis, its location, extent and severity. The patient’s age, sex, quality of life, comorbidities, and attitude toward risks associated with the treatment are also taken into consideration.

In 2008, the FDA approved three new treatment options^[19] available to psoriasis patients: 1) Taclonex Scalp, a new topical ointment for treating scalp psoriasis; 2) the Xtrac Velocity excimer laser system, which emits a high-intensity beam of ultraviolet light, can treat moderate to severe psoriasis; and 3) the biologic drug adalimumab (brand name Humira) was also approved to treat moderate to severe psoriasis. Adalimumab had already been approved to treat psoriatic arthritis.

Medications with the least potential for adverse reactions are preferentially employed. If the treatment goal is not achieved then therapies with greater potential toxicity may be used. Medications with significant toxicity are reserved for severe unresponsive psoriasis. This is called the psoriasis treatment ladder.^[20] As a first step, medicated ointments or creams, called topical treatments, are applied to the skin. If topical treatment fails to achieve the desired goal then the next step would be to expose the skin to ultraviolet (UV) radiation. This type of treatment is called phototherapy. The third step involves the use of medications which are taken internally by pill or injection. This approach is called systemic treatment.

Over time, psoriasis can become resistant to a specific therapy. Treatments may be periodically changed to prevent resistance developing (tachyphylaxis) and to reduce the chance of adverse reactions occurring. This is called treatment rotation.

Topical treatment

Bath solutions and moisturizers help soothe affected skin and reduce the dryness which accompanies the build-up of skin on psoriatic plaques. Medicated creams and ointments applied directly to psoriatic plaques can help reduce inflammation, remove built-up scale, reduce skin turn over, and clear affected skin of plaques. Ointment and creams containing coal tar, dithranol (anthralin), corticosteroids like desoximetasone (Topicort), vitamin D₃ analogues (for example, calcipotriol), and retinoids are routinely used. Argan oil has also been used with some promising results.^[21] The mechanism of action of each is probably different but they all help to normalise skin cell production and reduce inflammation. Activated vitamin D and its analogues are highly effective inhibitors of skin cell proliferation.

The disadvantages of topical agents are variably that they can often irritate normal skin, can be time consuming and awkward to apply, cannot be used for long periods, can stain clothing or have a strong odour. As a result, it is sometimes difficult for people to maintain the regular application of these medications. Abrupt withdrawal of some topical agents, particularly corticosteroids, can cause an aggressive recurrence of the condition. This is known as a rebound of the condition.

Some topical agents are used in conjunction with other therapies, especially phototherapy.

Phototherapy

It has long been recognized that daily, short, non-burning exposure to sunlight helped to clear or improve psoriasis. Niels Finsen was the first physician to investigate the therapeutic effects of sunlight scientifically and to use sunlight in clinical practice. This became known as phototherapy.

Sunlight contains many different wavelengths of light. It was during the early part of the 20th century that it was recognised that for psoriasis the therapeutic property of sunlight was due to the wavelengths classified as ultraviolet (UV) light.

Ultraviolet wavelengths are subdivided into UVA (380–315 nm) UVB (315–280 nm), and UVC (< href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Epidermis_%28skin%29" title="Epidermis (skin)">epidermis and has a beneficial effect on psoriasis. There are two types of UVB lamps: Narrowband UVB (311 to 312 nm), and Wideband UVB (290-320 nm). UVB Wideband is more effective and it requires shorter exposure time, while UVB Narrowband does not include the spectrum of less than 300 nanometer, and thus considered safer. Exposure to UVB several times per week, over several weeks can help people attain a remission from psoriasis. Sometimes it is needed to continue the treatments once a week as mainteance, or the chronic disease will return.

In Hospitals uraviolet light treatment is frequently combined with topical (coal tar, calcipotriol) or systemic treatment (retinoids) as there is a synergy in their combination. The Ingram regime, involves UVB and the application of anthralin paste. The Goeckerman regime combines coal tar ointment with UVB. Due to the fact that coal tar includes unknown ingredients, that might cause cancer, the use of coal tar was stopped.

Photochemotherapy

Psoralen and ultraviolet A phototherapy (PUVA) combines the oral or topical administration of psoralen with exposure to ultraviolet A (UVA) light. Precisely how PUVA works is not known. The mechanism of action probably involves activation of psoralen by UVA light which inhibits the abnormally rapid production of the cells in psoriatic skin. There are multiple mechanisms of action associated with PUVA, including effects on the skin immune system.

PUVA is associated with nausea, headache, fatigue, burning, and itching. Long-term treatment is associated with squamous-cell (not melanoma skin cancers).

Systemic treatment

Psoriasis which is resistant to topical treatment and phototherapy is treated by medications that are taken internally by pill or injection. This is called systemic treatment. Patients undergoing systemic treatment are required to have regular blood and liver function tests because of the toxicity of the medication. Pregnancy must be avoided for the majority of these treatments. Most people experience a recurrence of psoriasis after systemic treatment is discontinued.

The three main traditional systemic treatments are methotrexate, cyclosporine and retinoids. Methotrexate and cyclosporine are immunosupressant drugs; retinoids are synthetic forms of vitamin A.

Other additional drugs, not specifically licensed for psoriasis, have been found to be effective. These include the antimetabolite tioguanine, the cytotoxic agent hydroxyurea, sulfasalazine, the immunosupressants mycophenolate mofetil, azathioprine and oral tacrolimus. These have all been used effectively to treat psoriasis when other treatments have failed. Although not licensed in many other countries fumaric acid esters have also been used to treat severe psoriasis in Germany for over 20 years.

Biologics are manufactured proteins that interrupt the immune process involved in psoriasis. Unlike generalised immunosuppressant therapies such as methotrexate, biologics focus on specific aspects of the immune function leading to psoriasis. These drugs (interleukin antagonists) are relatively new, and their long-term impact on immune function is unknown. They are very expensive and only suitable for very few patients with psoriasis. Ustekinumab (IL-12 and IL-23 blocker) shows hopeful results for psoriasis therapy.

Alternative therapy

Antibiotics are not indicated in routine treatment of psoriasis. However, antibiotics may be employed when an infection, such as that caused by the bacteria Streptococcus, triggers an outbreak of psoriasis, as in certain cases of guttate psoriasis.^{[citation needed]}

Climatotherapy involves the notion that some diseases can be successfully treated by living in a particular climate. Several psoriasis clinics are located throughout the world based on this idea. The Dead Sea is one of the most popular locations for this type of treatment.

In Turkey, Croatia (Altermedica) & Ireland, doctor fish which live in the outdoor pools of spas, are encouraged to feed on the psoriatic skin of people with psoriasis. The fish only consume the affected areas of the skin. The outdoor location of the spa may also have a beneficial effect. This treatment can provide temporary relief of symptoms. A revisit to the spas every few months is often required. Treatment in this hot spring has been examined until now in two small clinical trials, with positive results.^[22][23]

A number of patients^[who?] have reported significant improvements from sun and sea water: unfortunately, salt alone does not have any effect. Sea water contains so many minerals and different life forms (thousands of species of bacteria alone^[24]) that it will be hard to determine which of these is causing the observed effects. Interestingly, people in the tropics differentiate between "live" and "dead" sea water: "live" sea water is water that has never been covered.^[25]

A psychological symptom management programme has been reported as being a helpful adjunct to traditional therapies in the management of psoriasis.^[26]

Prognosis

Psoriasis is a lifelong condition. There is currently no cure but various treatments can help to control the symptoms. Many of the most effective agents used to treat severe psoriasis carry an increased risk of significant morbidity including skin cancers, lymphoma and liver disease. However, the majority of people's experience of psoriasis is that of minor localized patches, particularly on the elbows and knees, which can be treated with topical medication. Psoriasis can get worse over time but it is not possible to predict who will go on to develop extensive psoriasis or those in whom the disease may appear to vanish. Individuals will often experience flares and remissions throughout their lives. Controlling the signs and symptoms typically requires lifelong therapy.

According to one study, psoriasis is linked to 2.5-fold increased risk for non melanoma skin cancer in men and women, with no preponderance of any specific histologic subtype of cancer. This, however could be linked to antipsoriatic treatment.

It has been suggested that may prevent psoriasis outbreaks by encouraging proper liver function; the claimed mechanism is neutralization of "certain toxins associated with psoriasis attacks" but neither the identity of these toxins, the nature of the association nor the mechanism of neutralization is cited.

*******

Bananas

This is very interesting.
After Reading this, you'll NEVER look at bananas in the same way again -

It contain three natural sugars - sucrose, fructose and glucose combined with fiber, it gives an instant, sustained and substantial boost of energy.

Research has proven that just two of this fruit provide enough energy for a strenuous 90-minute workout. No wonder it is the number one fruit with the world's leading athletes.

But energy isn't the only way it can help us keep fit. It can also help overcome or prevent a substantial number of illnesses and conditions, making it a must to add to our daily diet.

Depression: According to a recent survey undertaken by MIND amongst people suffering from depression, many felt much better after eating this fruit. This is because bananas contain tryptophan, a type of protein that the body converts into serotonin, known to make you relax, improve your mood and generally make you feel happier. PMS: Forget the pills - eat this fruit. The vitamin B6 it contains regulates blood glucose levels, which can affect your mood.

Anemia: High in iron, bananas can stimulate the production of hemoglobin in the blood and so helps in cases of anemia.

Blood Pressure: This unique tropical fruit is extremely high in potassium yet low in salt, making it the perfect to beat blood pressure. So much so, the US Food and Drug Administration has just allowed the banana industry to make official claims for the fruit's ability to reduce the risk of blood pressure and stroke.

Brain Power: 200 students at a Twickenham (Middlesex) school were helped through their exams this year by eating this fruit at breakfast, break, and lunch in a bid to boost their brain power. Research has shown that the potassium-packed fruit can assist learning by making pupils more alert.

Constipation: High in fiber, including bananas in the diet can help restore normal bowel action, helping to overcome the problem without resorting to laxatives.

Hangovers: One of the quickest ways of curing a hangover is to make a banana milkshake, sweetened with honey. This fruitcalms the stomach and, with the help of the honey, builds up depleted blood sugar levels, while the milk soothes and re-hydrates your system.

Heartburn: Bananas have a natural antacid effect in the body, so if you suffer from heartburn, try eating a banana for soothing relief.

Morning Sickness: Snacking on this fruit between meals helps to keep blood sugar levels up and avoid morning sickness.

Mosquito bites: Before reaching for the insect bite cream, try rubbing the affected area with the inside of the fruit skin. Many people find it amazingly successful at reducing swelling and irritation.

Nerves: These fruits are high in B vitamins that help calm the nervous system.

Overweight and at work? Studies at the Institute of Psychology in Austria found pressure at work leads to gorging on comfort food like chocolate and crisps. Looking at 5,000 hospital patients, researchers found the most obese were more likely to be in high-pressure jobs. The report concluded that, to avoid panic-induced food cravings, we need to control our blood sugar levels by snacking on high carbohydrate foods every two hours to keep levels steady.

Ulcers: These fruits are used as the dietary food against intestinal disorders because of its soft texture and smoothness. It is the only raw fruit that can be eaten without distress in over-chronicler cases. It also neutralizes over-acidity and reduces irritation by coating the lining of the stomach.

Temperature control: Many other cultures see these fruits as a "cooling" fruit that can lower both the physical and emotional temperature of expectant mothers. In Thailand, for example, pregnant women eat bananas to ensure their baby is born with a cool temperature.

Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD): These fruits can help SAD sufferers because they contain the natural mood enhancer tryptophan.

Smoking: These fruits can also help people trying to give up smoking. The B6, B12 they contain, as well as the potassium and magnesium found in them, help the body recover from the effects of nicotine withdrawal.

Stress: Potassium is a vital mineral, which helps normalize the heartbeat, sends oxygen to the brain and regulates your body's water balance. When we are stressed, our metabolic rate rises, thereby reducing our potassium levels. These can be rebalanced with the help of a high-potassium banana snack.

Strokes: According to research in "The New England Journal of Medicine, "eating these fruits as part of a regular diet can cut the risk of death by strokes by as much as 40%!

Warts: Those keen on natural alternatives swear that if you want to kill off a wart, take a piece of banana skin and place it on the wart, with the yellow side out. Carefully hold the skin in place with a plaster or surgical tape!

So, this fruit really is a natural remedy for many ills. When you compare it to an apple, it has four times the protein, twice the carbohydrate, three times the phosphorus, five times the vitamin A and iron, and twice the other vitamins and minerals. It is also rich in potassium and is one of the best value foods around.

So maybe its time to change that well-known phrase so that we say, "A banana a day keeps the doctor away!"

PS Bananas must be the reason monkeys are so happy all the time!