Dr. Greg, Author at Healthhype https://healthhype.com/author/dr-greg Current Health Articles on Symptoms, Diseases and Treatment Mon, 25 Aug 2014 20:49:46 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://healthhype.com/wp-content/uploads/logoicon.png Dr. Greg, Author at Healthhype https://healthhype.com/author/dr-greg 32 32 Heart Attack Medication, Drugs to Treat a Myocardial Infarction https://healthhype.com/heart-attack-medication-drugs-to-treat-a-myocardial-infarction.html https://healthhype.com/heart-attack-medication-drugs-to-treat-a-myocardial-infarction.html#respond Tue, 09 Aug 2011 00:17:17 +0000 http://www.healthhype.com/?p=18246 A heart attack (myocardial infarction) is death of a portion of the muscular heart wall as a result of severely reduced blood supply. It is most commonly due to a blockage in the coronary artery which supplies oxygen-rich blood to the heart wall. An occlusion that causes injury but not death to the heart wall over a period of time is known as ischemic heart disease (IHD). With a myocardial infarction, the already occluded coronary artery is suddenly blocked almost completely most often by the formation of a blood clot at the site of the narrowing. Severe pain arises which is not relived by rest or nitrates as is used for the relief of angina. There are prominent ST changes in the ECG and the incident is more accurately described as ST elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI). Other indicators may include significantly elevated cardiac markers (enzymes) of ischemia which can be found in the blood STEMI is a medical emergency. Patients are treated with aspirin, beta blockers, nitrates, low molecular weight heparin and glycoprotein IIb/IIIa inhibitor. Other symptoms and complications are also treated appropriately. Strong opioid analgesics like morphine are used to control the pain of myocardial infarction. Fear and apprehension [...]

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]]> https://healthhype.com/heart-attack-medication-drugs-to-treat-a-myocardial-infarction.html/feed 0 Angina Pain Relief – Medication and Treatments (Angina Pectoris) https://healthhype.com/medication-and-treatments-for-different-types-of-angina-pectoris.html https://healthhype.com/medication-and-treatments-for-different-types-of-angina-pectoris.html#respond Mon, 01 Aug 2011 20:22:34 +0000 http://www.healthhype.com/?p=18093 Angina pectoris is the most common type of ischemic heart disease. Decreased blood flow to the heart muscle, usually at times of increased cardiac demand, elicits pain that is relieved upon rest or with the use of nitrates. The blood supply to the heart is compromised, most often due to coronary artery disease. Increase in the demand for oxygen is usually the cause for ischemia in stable (exertional) angina. The ischemia in some forms of angina (like Prinzmetal’s angina) results from reduction in oxygen supply. In some patients it may be due to a mixed effect of reduced supply and increased demand. The diagnosis of angina is primarily clinical. The supporting evidence with diagnostic tests is significant only at later stages. Nitrates Organic nitrates and nitrites are the most important anti-anginal group of drugs. They are the only group of drugs that are used to treat an acute attack of angina. Nitrates are also useful in long term prophylaxis of angina. Actions of Nitrates The beneficial actions of nitrates arise from the smooth muscle relaxing action of the nitrates. Nitrates release nitrous oxide leading to relaxation of the smooth muscles. The vascular smooth muscles of veins respond maximum to the [...]

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]]> https://healthhype.com/medication-and-treatments-for-different-types-of-angina-pectoris.html/feed 0 Antihypertensive Drugs, Effects, Names and Types of Medication https://healthhype.com/antihypertensive-drugs-effects-names-and-types-of-medication.html https://healthhype.com/antihypertensive-drugs-effects-names-and-types-of-medication.html#respond Mon, 11 Jul 2011 17:20:15 +0000 http://www.healthhype.com/?p=17970 There are several types of drugs to treat hypertension and the use of each is dependent on the severity, duration and type of hypertension. Other underlying diseases also have to be taken into account when prescribing the most appropriate antihypertensive drug, even if the condition is not directly contributing to the raised blood pressure. Antihypertensive drugs work by either reducing the peripheral vascular resistance, cardiac output and/or fluid volume in the body. The four main groups of antihypertensives based on different mechanisms of action. Hypertension medication may have different names depending on the class of drugs but fall into one or more of these categories  : Angiotensin II modulators Angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors Angiotensin II receptor blockers Renin inhibitors Sympathetic (adrenergic) blockers Centrally acting sympathetic blockers Autonomic ganglion blockers Sympathetic nerve terminal blockers Adrenergic receptor blockers Alpha blockers Beta blockers Diuretics Thiazides and thiazide-like diuretics Potassium-sparing diuretics Loop diuretics Vasodilators Calcium channel blockers (CCBs) Vaso-selective blockers Cardio-selective blockers Nitrates Potassium channel openers Other antihypertensives Angiotensin Converting Enzyme (ACE) Inhibitors ACE inhibitors  inhibit formation of angiotensin II from angiotensin I. This includes drugs like captopril, enalapril, lisinopril, benazepril, quinapril, ramipril and perindopril. ACE inhibitors reduce the constricting actions of angiotensin II [...]

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]]> https://healthhype.com/antihypertensive-drugs-effects-names-and-types-of-medication.html/feed 0 Inflamed Nerve (Neuritis) Diagnosis and Treatment https://healthhype.com/inflamed-nerve-neuritis-diagnosis-and-treatment.html https://healthhype.com/inflamed-nerve-neuritis-diagnosis-and-treatment.html#respond Mon, 06 Jun 2011 22:34:58 +0000 http://www.healthhype.com/?p=17462 Neuritis is the term for inflammation of the nerve. It may be due to a number of causes including mechanical trauma, chemical injury, nutritional deficiencies, infections, inherited disorders and systemic diseases. Inflammation of a sensory nerves may present with numbness, tingling, abnormal sensations or pain. When the motor nerves are affected, symptoms may involve muscle weakness or even paralysis in severe cases. Some nerves are mixed nerves meaning that both sensory and motor fibers are affected leading to a complex of symptoms. Since the symptoms of neuritis are non-specific for the cause, various diagnostic investigations may first have to be considered. Treatment would then depend on the causative factor and underlying diseases. Diagnosis of Neuritis The primary objective of measures adopted for diagnosis of neuritis is to identify the cause of the neuritis. This provides important information regarding whether the neuritis can be treated or not. Some types of neuritis can be cured but others can only be managed to provide symptomatic relief. The diagnosis of neuritis requires complete medical history and complete physical examination with detailed neurological examination. Several sets of investigations are also useful in diagnosis of neuritis. Blood Tests Blood tests may be conducted to detect the [...]

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]]> https://healthhype.com/inflamed-nerve-neuritis-diagnosis-and-treatment.html/feed 0 Types of Surgical and Non-Surgical Treatment for Nerve Injury https://healthhype.com/types-of-surgical-and-non-surgical-treatment-for-nerve-injury.html https://healthhype.com/types-of-surgical-and-non-surgical-treatment-for-nerve-injury.html#respond Wed, 25 May 2011 13:15:37 +0000 http://www.healthhype.com/?p=17257 The basic aim of treatment of an injured nerve is to restore its function to the best extent possible. In patients whom it is not practically possible, the treatment is aimed at improving the quality of life to the maximum that can be attained. This also requires proper management of the injuries sustained by other tissues like reduction fracture or dislocation. Non-surgical Treatment and Medication The role of medical therapy in nerve injury is almost limited to control of pain and inflammation. The pain and inflammation that immediately follows the injury is often controlled with analgesics like NSAIDs. These drugs may be used for a couple of weeks to provide pain relief. Sometimes corticosteroids may be used to reduce the inflammation or edema (swelling) around the nerve that is compressing the nerve. Acute injury resulting from reperfusion of the traumatized tissue can minimized with use of oxygen under high pressure (hyperbaric oxygen therapy). A regenerating nerve or abnormally recovered nerve may be associated with neuropathic pain. Neuropathic pain usually responds to some of the antiepileptic drugs and may require prolonged treatment for better results. Surgical Treatment Surgical management of the nerve injury is undertaken in patients who show a possible [...]

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]]> https://healthhype.com/types-of-surgical-and-non-surgical-treatment-for-nerve-injury.html/feed 0 Damaged or Severed Nerve Diagnosis, Complications, Outlook https://healthhype.com/damaged-or-severed-nerve-diagnosis-complications-outlook.html https://healthhype.com/damaged-or-severed-nerve-diagnosis-complications-outlook.html#respond Wed, 25 May 2011 10:30:14 +0000 http://www.healthhype.com/?p=17236 Injury to a nerve may arise due to a number of causes. In most acute peripheral nerve injuries, the nerve may be crushed, stretched or severed (cut). Sometimes nerve injury arises secondary to some other pathology related to trauma like compression with swelling of a neighboring organ or structure. Once injured, the nerve may lead to a host of signs and symptoms like pain, abnormal sensations or even a loss of sensation when a sensory nerve is injured. If a motor nerve (responsible for muscle function) is affected, then it can lead to muscle weakness or even paralysis. Identifying the severity of the nerve injury and rapid action may help to restore normal function but this is also dependent on the type of injury. Diagnosing Nerve Injury The diagnosis of a nerve injury is based on complete history and physical examination including detailed neurological examination. The clinical evaluation of the patient should be aimed at identifying the site, type and severity of nerve injury. The strength of the muscles supplied by the injured nerve is assessed. The sensory functions of the area innervated by the nerve are examined with tests for touch, pain (pin prick), temperature (heat and cold), vibration, [...]

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]]> https://healthhype.com/damaged-or-severed-nerve-diagnosis-complications-outlook.html/feed 0 Nerve Injury (Neuropraxia, Axonotmesis, Neurotmesis) and Healing https://healthhype.com/nerve-injury-neuropraxia-axonotmesis-neurotmesis-and-healing.html https://healthhype.com/nerve-injury-neuropraxia-axonotmesis-neurotmesis-and-healing.html#comments Mon, 23 May 2011 02:00:02 +0000 http://www.healthhype.com/?p=17233 Acute nerve injuries are very common and may be associated with different types of trauma. Injury to the peripheral nerve (nerves outside of the brain and spinal cord) may result from blunt force, fractures, crush injuries, stretch, penetrating or cut injuries. The nerves of the upper limb are the most commonly injured. The healing process from nerve injury can take from a few weeks to a few months. Both recovery and repair depends on the type of injury and the extent of damage. Nerve Structure The peripheral nerve is made up of axons and Schwann cells. It can have an outer insulating layer (myelinated type) or lack this insulation (unmyelinated type). The Schwann cells form a sheath over each axon in myelinated nerves and in the unmyelinated nerves Schwann cell-sheath covers a group of axons. The Schwann cell-sheathed axons are covered in a layer of connective tissue called endoneurium. Several endoneurial tubes form a nerve fascicle. Each fascicle (bundle) of the nerve fiber is covered by a layer of tissue known as the perineurium. Numerous fascicles of nerve are covered by a layer called as epineurium. The nourishment to the nerve is obtained from the blood supply to the nerve. [...]

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]]> https://healthhype.com/nerve-injury-neuropraxia-axonotmesis-neurotmesis-and-healing.html/feed 3 Pericardial Effusion Diagnosis and Treatment Procedures https://healthhype.com/pericardial-effusion-diagnosis-and-treatment-procedures.html https://healthhype.com/pericardial-effusion-diagnosis-and-treatment-procedures.html#respond Sun, 15 May 2011 15:11:16 +0000 http://www.healthhype.com/?p=16885 Pericardial effusion is an accumulation of excessive fluid in the space surrounding the heart (pericardial space). It can result from a wide variety of causes and may be present in association with almost all types of pericardial diseases. It is usually seen in inflammatory or infective conditions of the pericardium (pericarditis). The accumulation of fluid in pericardial space to levels that affect the functioning of the heart is called a cardiac tamponade. Diagnosis of Pericardial Effusion The medical history, signs and symptoms and certain investigations are useful in diagnosing of pericardial effusion. Small pericardial effusions can be present without any symptoms. The clinical features of pericarditis are discussed further under fluid around the heart. In patients with larg effusions, symptoms of suggestive of cardiac tamponade can be found. The symptoms of cardiac tamponade are similar to those seen in heart failure. It includes difficulty in breathing (dyspnea) on exertion, breathing difficulty on lying down (orthopnea) and palpitations. The lips and skin may show a bluish tinge (cyanosis). On examination there can be reduced blood pressure (hypotension), increased heart rate (tachycardia), prominent pulsations on neck veins and liver enlargement. The heart sounds are softer or less audible. Blood tests Some laboratory [...]

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]]> https://healthhype.com/pericardial-effusion-diagnosis-and-treatment-procedures.html/feed 0 Empyema Thoracis (Pleura) Diagnosis, Treatment, Procedures https://healthhype.com/empyema-thoracis-pleura-diagnosis-treatment-procedures.html https://healthhype.com/empyema-thoracis-pleura-diagnosis-treatment-procedures.html#respond Sat, 07 May 2011 14:07:36 +0000 http://www.healthhype.com/?p=16882 Empyema thoracis or pleural empyema is collection of pus in the space between the pleural layers. It is commonly referred to as pus around the lungs. An empyema results from pus-forming (suppurative) infection of the pleural space and is one of the most common causes for exudative type of pleural effusion (fluid around the lungs). An empyema can become chronic due to inadequacy or failure of management of acute empyema. Diagnosis of Pleural Empyema The diagnosis of an empyema thoracis is done based on clinical features and the laboratory findings. The clinical features of empyema usually begin with symptoms of lung infection. It includes cough with sputum production and fever which is usually of high grade. This is followed by features of pleural effusion like difficulty in breathing. The patient will also have generalized symptoms like loss of appetite and weakness. Chronic empyema is particularly associated with anemia, lethargy and weight loss. Chest X-Ray and CT Scan Radiological investigations include chest radiography and CT scan of chest. The pleural effusion can be seen on chest radiography. Chest radiography can also demonstrate features of chronic empyema. It can be seen as opaque shadows where the pleura is thickened. Chest CT may [...]

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]]> https://healthhype.com/empyema-thoracis-pleura-diagnosis-treatment-procedures.html/feed 0 Cancer of the Colon and Rectum – Screening, Diagnosis, Staging https://healthhype.com/cancer-of-the-colon-and-rectum-screening-diagnosis-staging.html https://healthhype.com/cancer-of-the-colon-and-rectum-screening-diagnosis-staging.html#respond Sat, 30 Apr 2011 08:52:15 +0000 http://www.healthhype.com/?p=16712 A detailed medical history with special attention to family history of colon cancer, adenomatous polyps, or inflammatory bowel disease are important factors to identifying candidates for screening.  Clinical features, physical examination, laboratory and radiological tests are essential tools for a diagnosis of colon cancer. Diagnosis of Colon Cancer Physical Examination Abdominal examination may reveal a mass. Per rectal examination may show bright red blood in left-sided colonic cancers or black tarry stool (melena) in right-sided colon cancers. Digital rectal examination helps in identifying rectal cancers and also the extent of cancer growth in rectum. Metastatic colon cancer may be associated with lymph node enlargement, liver enlargement, or jaundice. Lab Tests Blood tests may reveal iron-deficiency anemia, electrolyte imbalance or elevated levels of liver enzymes associated with colon cancer and related complications. A fecal occult blood test (FOBT) may be done to detect any minute blood loss in feces. These findings are of supportive value in diagnosis of colon cancer. Carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) levels may be elevated in colon cancer patients. This is usually used in evaluation of recurrence in post-operative colon cancer patients. CA19-9 and CA 242 are other biomarkers that are also useful. Scans and Scopes Colonoscopy is the [...]

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