CANDIDIASIS

CANDIDIASIS 

This is an infection caused by a fungus known as Candida Albicans.
The condition affects parts of the body such as the mouth, gut, skin and the urinary tract.
But we will discuss VAGINAL CANDIDIASIS now.

It is what women popularly call 'White'.
Vaginal Candidiasis affects about 75% of women.

Women in their 30-40 years are more prone, as well as pregnant women. This is alarming!

It is characterised by:
1. Thick whitish discharge from the vagina
2. Colour of the discharge is usually like cheese.
3. There is itching on the vulva. (The vulva is the external part of the genital that forms 'lips')
4. Soreness on the vulva and it appears reddish.
5. Pain and discomfort when having sex or when passing urine.

This is enough for you to know if you have the disease.

Take note that Candidiasis also affects men, but will be discussed later.

PREVENTION:
1. Completely avoid panties made of nylon, silk and any other non-cotton material.

2. Some foods such as cheese, peanuts and alcohol contains high amounts of yeasts and Reduce your intake of them.

3. Avoid excessive use of antibiotics. They kill the bacteria that keep yeast in check.

4. Include garlic in your diet. Garlics have antifungal effects.

5. Avoid using vaginal deodorants and douches.

6. Practise personal hygiene. Take proper care of your genital.

7. Wash, dry and change panties very often.

8. Read our previous post on vaginal care.

Drugs for the treatment of Candidiasis include antifungals such as Clotrimazole, miconazole and corticosteriods to reduce inflammation.

If your condition is not severe you should be well in less than 7 days.

Do not just read. Do lots of women some good. Make this known to them by sharing this.

PAINFUL MENSTRUATION.

PAINFUL MENSTRUATION. 

Painful menstruation (dysmenorrhoea) is due to the action of substance called prostaglandins usually released locally into the womb or uterus at the time the unfertilized egg is to be shed. 

The prostanglandins also cause the muscles of the uterine walls to contract to expel the menses from the womb during which pains are felt by the females. 

Such pains include:
- Headache
- Waist pain
- Stomach ache
- Fever, etc.
The pains vary from female to female, it is mild in some females while it is very severe in others.

Causes:
- Retained product of
conception usually after abortion.
- Pelvic inflammation disease.
- Fibroids.
- Expired drugs.
- Cancer of the Cervix.
- Long standing STD such as gonorrhoea.
- Contraceptive pills
taken outside
doctor's
prescription.

Prevention and remedies:
- Vigorous exercise
such running,
swimming, etc.
- Rest.
- Drugs ( analgesics
and prostanglandin
inhibitors).
- Warm baths or
showers.
- Hot drinks.
- Diet. 

DIABETES INSIPIDUS

DIABETES INSIPIDUS
It is a condition in which the kidneys are unable to conserve water in the body.

TYPES
1. Nuerogenic: It is due to lack of vasopressin production.
2. Dispogenic: It is due to defect or damage to the thirst centre in the hypothalamus.
3. Gestational: It occurs during pregnancy. During pregnancy, the placenta produces vasopressinase which breaks down the ADH which would have helped in water conservation.

CAUSES
1. Head injury, infection and loss of blood supply to the hypathalamus or pituitary gland.
2. Some medications like lithium and amphoterien B
3. High calcium level in the body.
4. Kidney diseases eg. Polycyslic kidney disease.
5. Lack or deficiency in vasopressin.
6. Insensitivity of the kidneys to Vasopressin.

EXAMINATION AND TEST
1. MRI of the head
2. Urinalysis
3. Urine output

SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS
1. Excessive urination(25-30litres of water a day).
2. Extreme thirst
3. Dehydration
4. Fever
5. Sunken fontanelles(soft spot) in infants.
6. Dry skin.
7. Rapid heart rate
8. Dry mucus membrane.

MANAGEMENT AND TREATMENT.
1. Adults with untreated DI may remain healthy as long as they consume enough water to compensate the water loss through urination.
2. Desmopressin in a form of injection, nasal spray or tablet.
3. Carbamazepin.

Awesome body

FEW THINGS TO KNOW ABOUT HOW AWESOME THE HUMAN BODY IS;
1.)Eyes:
You Blink about 20,000 times a day.
2.) Hair:
Hair grows about 0.5 mm in a day.
3.) Mouth: 
You will produce 37,800 litres of saliva in your life.
4.) Cells:
There are 50 trillion cells in your body and 3 billion of them die every minute.
5.) Nerves:
Your body has about 13,000,000,000,000 nerve calls, transmitting message at speed of 290 km/h.
6.)Fingernails
Fingernails grow nearly 4 times faster than toenails. If you notice that you’re
trimming your fingernails much more frequently than your toenails, you’re not just
imagining it. The nails that get the most exposure, and are used most frequently grow the
fastest. On average, nails on both the toes and fingers grow about one tenth
of an inch each month.
7.) Women
Women speak about 20,000 words a day while men only speak 7,000
8.) During sleep
When you sleep, you grow by about 8mm! However, this grow is just temporary, the next day you shrink back to your former height.
(the reason is simple: we shrink throughout the day because everyone’s spine has intervertebral discs. As we stand and move during the day, fluid is squeezed out of these discs that lubricate our spines, so that there is no friction. So you tend to get shorter as the day goes on. However, at night when you lay down to sleep there is no pressure being placed on the intervertebral discs of the spine. Therefore you grow slightly because the discs located in the spine return to their normal size and shape until you wake up and stand and walk again…..then the process begins )

HOW TO LIVE LONG

HOW TO LIVE LONG

Just a few changes in your life, and you will break the record of the oldest man or woman on earth. This is how:

* Quit smoking
* Quit alcohol abuse
* Eat more fruits and vegetables
* Don't miss your 30 minute exercise everyday. Just don't miss it!
* Drink more water. Not too much!
* Avoid simple carbohydrates. You know them?
* Don't stress yourself. A good rest does the magic!
* Smile
* Keep clean. I mean practice cleanliness.
* Take the magic foods such as garlic, almonds, moringa etc
* Have a loving spirit by sharing this.

WORLD SICKLE CELL DAY

WORLD SICKLE CELL DAY

(SICKLE CELL DISEASES)

It is a heredity blood disorder that is characterized by abnormal shape of red blood cells which are sickle in shape. Because of its shape, it results in many complications.
In the past, sickle cell patients could only live up to 42 and 48years in males and females respectively. But now, they can live more than 70years because of improvement in the health sector.

SICKLE CELL CRISES

It may result in anemia like aplastic(failure to produce enough RBCs), hemolytic(rupturing of too many RBCs), vaso- occlusive(obstruction of capillaries).

Other infections, dehydration and acidosis trigger sickle cell diseases.

Sickle cell anemia can lead to
* overwhelming post(auto) splenectomy infection(OPSI)
* stroke
* cholelithiasis(gallstones)
* avascular necrosis
* priapism
* osteomyelitis(bacterial bone infection)
* acute papillary necrosis
* leg ulcers
* spontaneous abortion
* chronic pain
* pulmonary hypertention
* chronic renal failure

SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS IN CHILDREN

1. Yellow eyes, mouth and other body parts.
2. Frequent swelling of hands and feets.
3. Frequent shortage of blood.
4. Enlargement of the abdomen(tummy).
5. Children easily get malaria, pneumonia and other infections.

HOW TO MANAGE YOUR SICKLE CELL CHILD.

1. Give breastmilk only to the child for the first six months and give additional foods with breastmilk for at least two years.
2. Protect from cold and do not give cold foods.
3. Let him sleep under treated mosquito net.
4. Give child daily follic acid and other medications prescribed.
5. Do not give iron tablet or syrup unless prescibed.
6. Give child a lot of fluid to drink.
7. Always use warm water to bath the child.

NOTE: Any adult sickle cell patient should observe same as mentioned above apart from breastfeeding. Try to also visit hospital regularly for check up and if possible treatment of any of what it can lead to or before any crisis.

EPISTAXIS ( NOSEBLEED )

EPISTAXIS ( NOSEBLEED )

Epistaxis is bleeding from the nose. Bleeding could be from the anterior or posterior aspect of the nasal cavity. Anterior bleeding is usually from the little’s area which is network of blood vessels located about one-third from the nasal septum.

CAUSES
*Idiopathic- no known cause

*Congenital causes 
1. Osler - Rendu - Weber Syndrome (Congenital Teleangectasis-localised collection of distended blood vessels)
2. Haemophilia- a disorder in blood clotting

Acquired causes
*Trauma – nose picking, foreign body in nose, sports, assault, road traffic accidents, instrumentation from surgeries etc

*Inflammatory conditions
1. Acute Inflammatory conditions-Infective Rhinosinusitis
2. Chronic Inflammatory conditions-Atrophic rhinitis, Tuberculosis (Nasal TB), Syphilis etc

*Chemical lesions - Inhalation of irritant chemicals, gases etc

*Neoplasm of the Nose / Sinuses
1. Benign tumours - eg, Nasal polyps
2. Malignant tumours of nasal cavity or sinuses

*Enviromental / climatic changes - Dry hazy and low relative humid weather conditions.

*Generalized conditions- Diseases with vascular changes (Ateriosclerosis, Hypertention)

*Diseases of the Blood- Leukemia, thrombocytopenia (low platelets)

*Prodromal stage of certain Infectious diseases - Diphtheria, Measles, Varicella,Chicken pox

*Conditions of Organ failure –hepatic, renal failures

*Physiological conditions- Vicarious menstruation (menstrual bleeding from a part of the body other than the vagina-nose, nipple, mouth etc)

MANAGEMENT
1. Pinching of the nose for about 2-3 minutes whiles using the mouth for breathing is the single most important first step to take.
2. Nasal packing - this is a process of packing the nasal cavity tightly with a sterile gauze applying the pressure technique to stop bleeding.
3. If bleeding doesn’t stop after this rush immediately to a nearby hospital.
4. Do not try to drain the blood into your mouth- the bleeding will not stop and you may aspirate the blood into your lungs.
5. Cauterization (using heat or chemicals to destroy tissues by direct application of heat or chemicals) –in this case to prevent bleeding.
6. Arterial Ligation- suturing of the bleeding vessels.

PREVENTION
1. Avoid nose picking- it is the most common cause of nose bleeding (from injury to the complex network of blood vessels in the little’s area or Kiesselbach’s plxus).
2. Take your drugs regularly if you are hypertensive.
3. Protect your face in contact sports.
4. Do not ignore recurrent bleeds. Have a doctor work-up on you for possible causes and management.

HUMAN BRAIN ANALYSIS - MAN VS. WOMAN

HUMAN BRAIN ANALYSIS - MAN VS. WOMAN

1. MULTI-TASKING
Women - Multiple process
Womens brains designed to concentrate multiple task at a time.
Women can Watch a TV and Talk over phone and cook.Men - Single Process
Mens brains designed to concentrate only one work at a time. Men can not watch TV and talk over the phone at the same time. they stop the TV while Talking. They can either watch TV or talk over the phone or cook.

2. LANGUAGE
Women can easily learn many languages. But can not find solutions to problems. Men can not easily learn languages, they can easily solve problems. That's why in average a 3 years old girl has three times higher vocabulary than a 3 yeard old boy.

3. ANALYTICAL SKILLS
Mens brains has a lot of space for handling the analytical process. They can analyze and find the solution for a process and design a map of a building easily. But If a complex map is viewed by women, they can not understand it. Women can not understand the details of a map easily, For them it is just a dump of lines on a paper.

4. CAR DRIVING.
While driving a car, mans analytical spaces are used in his brain. He can drive a car fastly. If he sees an object at long distance, immediately his brain classifies the object (bus or van or car) direction and speed of the object and he drives accordingly. Where woman take a long time to recognize the object direction/ speed. Mans single process mind stops the audio in the car (if any), then concentrates only on driving.

5. LYING
When men lie to women face to face, they get caught easily. Womans super natural brain observes facial expression 70%, body language 20% and words coming from the mouth 10%. Mens brain does not have this. Women easily lie to men face to face.
So guys, do not lie face to face.

6. PROBLEMS SOLVING
If a man have a lot of problems, his brain clearly classifies the problems and puts them in individual rooms in the brain and then finds the solution one by one. You can see many guys looking at the sky for a long time. If a woman has a lot of problems, her brain can not classify the problems. she wants some one to hear that. After telling everything to a person she goes happily to bed. She does not worry about the problems being solved or not.

7. WHAT THEY WANT
Men want status, success, solutions, big process, etc... But Women want relationship, friends, family, etc...

8. UNHAPPINESS
If women are unhappy with their relations, they can not concentrate on their work. If men are unhappy with their work, they can not concentrate on the relations.

9. SPEECH
Women use indirect language in speech. But Men use direct language.


10. HANDLING EMOTION
Women talk a lot without thinking. Men act a lot without thinking.

think abaout fashion

1. “Fashion is not something that exists in dresses only. Fashion is in the sky, in the street, fashion has to do with ideas, the way we live, what is happening.” ~ Coco Chanel

2. “Fashion fades, only style remains the same.” ~ Coco Chanel 

3. "The woman is the most perfect doll that i have dressed with delight and admiration." ~ Karl Lagerfeld

4. "I think there is beauty in everything. What ‘normal’ people would perceive as ugly, I can usually see something of beauty in it." ~ Alexander McQueen

5. "The only real elegance is in the mind; if you’ve got that, the rest really comes from it.” ~ Diana Vreeland

6. "The beauty of a woman is not in the clothes she wears, the figure that she carries, or the way she combs her hair. The beauty of a woman is seen in her eyes, because that is the doorway to her heart, the place where love resides. True beauty in a woman is reflected in her soul. It’s the caring that she lovingly gives, the passion that she shows & the beauty of a woman only grows with passing years." ~ Audrey Hepburn

7. "Fashions fade, style is eternal.” ~ Yves Saint-Laurent

8. "It’s a new era in fashion - there are no rules. It’s all about the individual and personal style, wearing high-end, low-end, classic labels, and up-and-coming designers all together." ~ Alexander McQueen

9. "One is never over-dressed or underdressed with a Little Black Dress." ~ Karl Lagerfeld

10. "I like being a woman, even in a man’s world. After all, men can’t wear dresses, but we can wear the pants." ~ Whitney Houston

11. "The most important thing to remember is that you can wear all the greatest clothes and all the greatest shoes, but you’ve got to have a good spirit on the inside. That’s what’s really going to make you look like you’re ready to rock the world." ~ Alicia Keys

12. “So soon as a fashion is Universal, it is out of date.” ~ Marie Von Ebner-Eschenbach

13. "Don’t be into trends. Don’t make fashion own you, but you decide what you are, what you want to express by the way you dress and the way you live." ~ Gianni Versace

14. "Elegance is the only beauty that never fades.” ~ Audrey Hepburn

15. "I have always believed that fashion was not only to make women more beautiful, but also to reassure them, give them confidence." ~ Yves Saint Laurent

16. "While clothes may not make the woman, they certainly have a strong effect on her self-confidence — which, I believe, does make the woman.” ~ Mary Kay Ashe

17. "Be sure what you want and be sure about yourself. Fashion is not just beauty, it’s about good attitude. You have to believe in yourself and be strong." ~ Adriana Lima

18. "Whoever said that money can’t buy happiness, simply didn’t know where to go shopping.” ~ Bo Derek

19. “You can never be overdressed or overeducated.” ~ Oscar Wilde

20. “A girl should be two things: classy and fabulous.” ~ Coco Chanel

21. “Dress shabbily and they remember the dress; dress impeccably and they remember the woman.” ~ Coco Chanel

22. “The most beautiful makeup of a woman is passion. But cosmetics are easier to buy.” ~ Yves Saint-Laurent

23. “I don't do fashion, I AM fashion.” ~ Coco Chanel

24. “I wanted to give a woman comfortable clothes that would flow with her body. A woman is closest to being naked when she is well-dressed.” ~ Coco Chanel

25. “A fashion is merely a form of ugliness so unbearable that we are compelled to alter it every six months.” ~ Oscar Wilde

26. “When in doubt, wear red.” ~ Bill Blass

27. “Clothes make the man. Naked people have little or no influence on society.” ~ Mark Twain

28. “Fashion is what you adopt when you don't know who you are.” ~ Quentin Crisp

29. “It is the unseen, unforgettable, ultimate accessory of fashion that heralds your arrival and prolongs your departure.” ~ Coco Chanel

30. "Just around the corner in every woman's mind - is a lovely dress, a wonderful suit, or entire costume which will make an enchanting new creature of her." ~ Wilhela Cushman

31. "Zest is the secret of all beauty. There is no beauty that is attractive without zest.” ~ Christian Dior

32. "Style is an expression of individualism mixed with charisma. Fashion is something that comes after style.” ~ John Fairchild

33. "The difference between style and fashion is quality.” ~ Giorgio Armani

34. "The dress must follow the body of a woman, not the body following the shape of the dress." ~ Hubert de Givenchy

35. "Fashion is a language that creates itself in clothes to interpret reality.” ~ Karl Lagerfeld

36. "Never use the word "cheap". Today everybody can look chic in inexpensive clothes (the rich buy them too). There is good clothing design on every level today. You can be the chicest thing in the world in a T-shirt and jeans - it's up to you." ~ Karl Lagerfeld

37. "Elegance is a question of personality, more than one's clothing.” ~ Jean-Paul Gaultier

38. "The dress must not hang on the body but follow its lines. It must accompany its wearer and when a woman smiles the dress must smile with her.” ~ Madeleine Vionnet

39. “Style is knowing who you are, what you want to say, and not giving a damn.” ~ Gore Vidal

40. “Style is a simple way of saying complicated things.” ~ Jean Cocteau

41. “Nothing makes a woman more beautiful than the belief that she is beautiful.” ~ Sophia Loren

42. “You have a much better life if you wear impressive clothes.” ~ Vivienne Westwood

43. “Only great minds can afford a simple style.” ~ Stendal


44. “Know, first, who you are, and then adorn yourself accordingly.” ~ Epictetus

45. “Don’t be into trends. Don’t make fashion own you, but you decide what you are, what you want to express by the way you dress and the way you live.” ~ Gianni Versace

46. “Give a girl the right shoes and she can conquer the world.” ~ Marilyn Monroe

47. “Design is a constant challenge to balance comfort with luxe, the practical with the desirable.” ~ Donna Karan

48. “In difficult times, fashion is always outrageous.” ~ Elsa Schiaparelli

49. “Some people think luxury is the opposite of poverty. It is not. It is the opposite of vulgarity.” ~ Coco Chanel

50. “Isn’t elegance forgetting what one is wearing?” ~ Yves Saint Laurent

IDIOPATHIC THROMBOCYTOPENIC PURPURA (ITP)

IDIOPATHIC THROMBOCYTOPENIC PURPURA (ITP)

Idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura is a bleeding disorder in which the immune system destroys platelets, which are necessary for normal blood clotting. Persons with the disease have too few platelets in the blood.

ITP is sometimes called immune thrombocytopenic purpura.

CAUSES
ITP occurs when certain immune system cells produce antibodies against platelets. Platelets help your blood clot by clumping together to plug small holes in damaged blood vessels.

The antibodies attach to the platelets. The spleen destroys the platelets that carry the antibodies.

In children, the disease sometimes follows a viral infection. In adults, it is more often a chronic (long-term) disease and can occur after a viral infection, with use of certain drugs, during pregnancy, or as part of an immune disorder.

ITP affects women more frequently than men, and is more common in children than adults. The disease affects boys and girls equally.

SYMPTOMS
-Abnormally heavy menstruation
-Bleeding into the skin causes a characteristic skin rash that looks like pinpoint red spots (petechial rash)
-Easy bruising
-Nosebleed or bleeding in the mouth

EXAMS AND TESTS
Laboratory tests will be done to see how well your blood clots and to check your platelet count.
-A complete blood count (CBC) shows a low number of platelets.
-Blood clotting tests (PTT and PT) are normal.
-Bleeding time is prolonged.
-Platelet associated antibodies may be detected.

A bone marrow aspiration or biopsy appears normal or may show a greater than normal number of cells called megakaryocytes. These cells are an early form of platelets.

TREATMENT
In children, the disease usually goes away without treatment. Some children, however, may need treatment.

Adults are usually started on an anti-inflammatory steroid medicine called prednisone. In some cases, surgery to remove the spleen (splenectomy) is recommended. This will increase the platelet count in about half of all patients. However, other drug treatments are usually recommended instead.

If the disease does not get better with prednisone, other treatments may include:

A medicine called danazol (Danocrine) taken by mouth
Injections of high-dose gamma globulin (an immune factor)
Drugs that suppress the immune system
Filtering antibodies out of the blood stream
Anti-RhD therapy for people with certain blood types

People with ITP should not take aspirin, ibuprofen, or warfarin because these drugs interfere with platelet function or blood clotting, and bleeding may occur.
Outlook (Prognosis)

With treatment, the chance of remission (a symptom-free period) is good. Rarely, ITP may become a long-term condition in adults and reappear, even after a symptom-free period.
Possible Complications

Sudden and severe loss of blood from the digestive tract may occur. Bleeding into the brain may also occur.
PREVENTION
The causes and risk factors are unknown, except in children when it may be related to a viral infection. Prevention methods are unknown.

HOW TO CLEAN THE VAGINA

HOW TO CLEAN THE VAGINA

-Wet a soft cloth or towel with water. Soap may be used. But unscented ones are recommended.
- Use your fingers to pull the vulva (lips) away from the clitoris.
-Clean the folds in your vulva and the hood of the clitoris.
- Gently clean the skin on both side of the clitoris.
-The perineum is the area between the vagina and the anus. Clean that area. 
Take note to clean from front to back.

-The anal area should be the last place to clean.

- Do not scrub. If you do, you will irritate the area.

-Make sure to rinse off all the soap to prevent irritation.

-Pat the vagina and vulva dry with a soft, clean towel.
This is very important. If left undried, it can breed bacteria and cause infections.

-Shave the hair on your genitals. Hairs accumulate sweat which can cause smelling and also harbour bacteria.

NB: Naturally, vagina should not smell like vanilla or baby powder or strawberry. But if the odor is foul, you certainly have an infection. Never use chemicals to give it a good smell.

ALCOHOLIC LIVER DISEASE

ALCOHOLIC LIVER DISEASE

Alcoholic liver disease is damage to the liver and its function due to alcohol abuse.

CAUSES
Alcoholic liver disease occurs after years of heavy drinking. Alcohol can cause inflammation in the liver. Over time, scarring and cirrhosis can occur. Cirrhosis is the final phase of alcoholic liver disease.

Alcoholic liver disease does not occur in all heavy drinkers. The chances of getting liver disease go up the longer you have been drinking and more alcohol you consume. You do not have to get drunk for the disease to happen.

The disease seems to be more common in some families. Women may be more likely to have this problem than men.

SYMPTOMS
Symptoms vary based on how bad the disease is. You may not have symptoms in the early stages. Symptoms tend to be worse after a period of heavy drinking.

Digestive symptoms include:
Pain and swelling in the abdomen
Decreased appetite and weight loss
Nausea and vomiting
Fatigue
Dry mouth and increased thirst
Bleeding from enlarged veins in the walls of the lower part of the esophagus (tube that connects your throat to your stomach)

Skin problems such as:
Yellow color in the skin, mucus membranes, or eyes (jaundice)
Small, red spider-like veins on the skin
Very dark or pale skin
Redness on the feet or hands
Itching

Brain and nervous system symptoms include:
Problems with thinking, memory, and mood
Fainting and lightheadedness
Numbness in legs and feet

EXAMS AND TESTS
Complete blood count (CBC)
Liver biopsy
Liver function tests

Tests to rule out other diseases include:
Abdominal CT scan
Blood tests for other causes of liver disease
Ultrasound of the abdomen

TREATMENT
The most important part of treatment is to stop using alcohol completely. If liver cirrhosis has not yet occurred, the liver can heal if you stop drinking alcohol.

An alcohol rehabilitation program or counseling may be necessary to break the alcohol addiction. Vitamins, especially B-complex and folic acid, can help reverse malnutrition.

If cirrhosis develops, you may need to manage the complications of cirrhosis. You may need a liver transplant if there has been a lot of liver damage.

OUTLOOK (PROGNOSIS)
Continued excessive drinking can shorten your lifespan. Your risk for complications such as bleeding, brain changes, and severe liver damage go up. The outcome will likely be poor if you keep drinking.

PREVENTION
Talk to your doctor about your alcohol intake. The doctor can counsel you about how much alcohol is safe for you.

FEVER

FEVER

Fever is the temporary increase in the body's temperature in response to some disease or illness.

A child has a fever when the temperature is at or above one of these levels:

100.4 °F (38 °C) measured in the bottom (rectally)
99.5 °F(37.5 °C) measured in the mouth (orally)
99 °F (37.2 °C) measured under the arm (axillary)

An adult probably has a fever when the temperature is above 99 - 99.5 °F (37.2 - 37.5 °C), depending on the time of day.

CONSIDERATIONS
Normal body temperature may change during any given day. It is usually highest in the evening. Other factors that may affect body temperature are:

In the second part of a woman's menstrual cycle, her temperature may go up by 1 degree or more.
Physical activity, strong emotion, eating, heavy clothing, medications, high room temperature, and high humidity can all increase your body temperature.

Fever is an important part of the body's defense against infection. Most bacteria and viruses that cause infections in people thrive best at 98.6 °F. Many infants and children develop high fevers with minor viral illnesses. Although a fever signals that a battle might be going on in the body, the fever is fighting for the person, not against.

Brain damage from a fever generally will not occur unless the fever is over 107.6 °F (42 °C). Untreated fevers caused by infection will seldom go over 105 °F unless the child is overdressed or trapped in a hot place.

Febrile seizures do occur in some children. However, most febrile seizures are over quickly, do not mean your child has epilepsy, and do not cause any permanent harm..

Unexplained fevers that continue for days or weeks are called fevers of undetermined origin (FUO).

CAUSES
Almost any infection can cause a fever. Some common infections are:
-Infections such as MALARIA, pneumonia, bone infections (osteomyelitis), appendicitis, tuberculosis, skin infections or cellulitis, and meningitis
-Respiratory infections such as colds or flu -like illnesses, sore throats, ear infections, sinus infections, infectious mononucleosis, and bronchitis
-Urinary tract infections
-Viral gastroenteritis and bacterial gastroenteritis

Children may have a low-grade fever for 1 or 2 days after some immunizations.

Teething may cause a slight increase in a child's temperature, but not higher than 100 °F.

Autoimmune or inflammatory disorders may also cause fevers. Some examples are:
-Arthritis or connective tissue illnesses such as rheumatoid arthritis and systemic lupus erythematosus
-Ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease
-Vasculitis or periarteritis nodosa

The first symptom of a cancer may be a fever. This is especially true of Hodgkin's disease, non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, and leukemia.

Other possible causes of fever include:
-Blood clots or thrombophlebitis
-Medications, such as some antibiotics, antihistamines, and seizure medicines

HOME CARE
A simple cold or other viral infection can sometimes cause a high fever (102 - 104 °F, or 38.9 - 40 °C). This does not usually mean you or your child have a serious problem. Some serious infections may cause no fever or even a very low body temperature, especially in infants.

If the fever is mild and you have no other problems, you do not need treatment. Drink fluids and rest.

The illness is probably not serious if your child:
-Is still interested in playing
-Is eating and drinking well
-Is alert and smiling at you
-Has a normal skin color
-Looks well when their temperature comes down

Take steps to lower a fever if you or your child is uncomfortable, vomiting, dried out (dehydrated), or not sleeping well. Remember, the goal is to lower, not eliminate, the fever.

When trying to lower a fever:
-Do NOT bundle up someone who has the chills.
-Remove excess clothing or blankets. The room should be comfortable, not too hot or cool. Try one layer of lightweight clothing, and one lightweight blanket for sleep. If the room is hot or stuffy, a fan may help.
-A lukewarm bath or sponge bath may help cool someone with a fever. This is especially effective after medication is given -- otherwise the temperature might bounce right back up.
-Do NOT use cold baths, ice, or alcohol rubs. These cool the skin, but often make the situation worse by causing shivering, which raises the core body temperature.

Here are some guidelines for taking medicine to lower a fever:
ANALGESICS help reduce fever in children and adults.

Eating and drinking with a fever:
-Everyone, especially children, should drink plenty of fluids. Water, popsicles, soup, and gelatin are all good choices.
-Do not give too much fruit or apple juice and avoid sports drinks in younger children.
-Although eating foods with a fever is fine, do not force foods.

TEST AND EXAMINATION
Your doctor will perform a physical examination, which may include a detailed examination of the skin, eyes, ears, nose, throat, neck, chest, and abdomen to look for the cause of the fever.

Treatment depends on the duration and cause of the fever, as well as your other symptoms.

The following tests may be performed:
-Blood studies, such as a CBC or blood differential
-Urinalysis
-X-ray of the chest
-RDT for malaria parasites

ALTERNATIVE NAMES
Elevated temperature; Hyperthermia; Pyrexia

ALCOHOLISM AND ALCOHOL ABUSE

ALCOHOLISM AND ALCOHOL ABUSE

Alcoholism (alcohol dependence) and alcohol abuse are two different forms of problem drinking.

Alcoholism is when you have signs of physical addiction to alcohol and continues to drink, despite problems with physical health, mental health, and social, family, or job responsibilities. Alcohol may control your life and relationships.

Alcohol abuse is when your drinking leads to problems, but not physical addiction.

CAUSES

There is no known cause of alcohol abuse or alcoholism. Research suggests that certain genes may increase the risk of alcoholism, but which genes and how they work are not known.

You have an increased risk for alcohol abuse and dependence if you have a parent with alcoholism.

You may also be more likely to abuse alcohol or become dependent if you:

-Are a young adult under peer pressure

-Have depression, bipolar disorder, anxiety disorders, or schizophrenia

-Have easy access to alcohol

-Have low self-esteem

-Have problems with relationships

-Live a stressful lifestyle

-Live in a culture alcohol use is more common and accepted

Alcohol abuse is rising. Around 1 out of 6 people in the Africa have a drinking problem.

SYMPTOMS

People who have alcoholism or alcohol abuse often:

-Continue to drink, even when health, work, or family are being harmed

-Drink alone

-Become violent when drinking

-Become hostile when asked about drinking

-Are not able to control drinking -- being unable to stop or reduce alcohol intake

-Make excuses to drink

-Miss work or school, or have a decrease in performance because of drinking

-Stop taking part in activities because of alcohol

-Need to use alcohol on most days to get through the day

Neglect to eat or eat poorly

-Do not care about or ignore how they dress or whether they are clean

-Try to hide alcohol use

-Shake in the morning or after periods when they have not a drink

SYMPTOMS OF ALCOHOL DEPENDENCE INCLUDE:

-Memory lapses after heavy drinking

-Needing more and more alcohol to feel "drunk"

-Alcohol withdrawal symptoms when you haven't had a drink for a while

-Alcohol-related illnesses such as alcoholic liver disease

EXAMS AND TESTS

The health care provider will perform a physical exam and ask questions about your medical and family history, including use of alcohol.

The following questions are used by the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism to screen for alcohol abuse or dependence:

-Do you ever drive when you have been drinking?

-Do you have to drink more than before to get drunk or feel the desired effect?

-Have you felt that you should cut down on your drinking?

-Have you ever had any blackouts after drinking?

-Have you ever missed work or lost a job because of drinking?

-Is someone in your family worried about your drinking?

TESTS THAT MAY BE DONE INCLUDE:

-Blood alcohol level (this can tell whether someone has recently been drinking alcohol, but it does not necessarily confirm alcoholism)

-Complete blood count (CBC)

-Liver function tests

-Magnesium blood test

TREATMENT

Completely stopping the use of alcohol is the ideal goal of treatment. This is called abstinence. A strong social network and family support are important in achieving this.

Completely stopping and avoiding alcohol is difficult for many people with alcoholism. There will be times when it is difficult. You should aim to avoid drinking for as long as possible.

Some people who abuse alcohol may be able to simply reduce the amount they drink. This is called drinking in moderation. If this method does not work, you should try to quit drinking completely.

DECIDING TO QUIT

Many people with alcohol problems do not recognize when their drinking gets out of hand.

The ideal approach to treatment is to help the person realize how much their alcohol use is harming their life and those around them.

Studies find that more people with alcohol problems opt for treatment when their family members or employers are honest with them about their concerns, and try to help them see that drinking is preventing them from reaching their goals.

Withdrawal from alcohol is best done in a controlled, supervised setting. Complications from withdrawal can be life threatening. 

Your health care provider should order blood and urine tests to check for health problems that are common in people who abuse alcohol.

LONG-TERM SUPPORT

Alcohol recovery or support programs can help you stop drinking completely. These programs usually offer:

Counseling and therapy to discuss alcoholism and its effects and how to control your thoughts and behaviors

Mental health support

Medical care

You may be treated in a special recovery center (inpatient), or you may attend a program while you live at home (outpatient).

Depression or other mood or anxiety disorders may be noticed after you stop drinking. These should be promptly treated.

It is important that the patient has a living situation that supports their need to avoid alcohol. Some programs offer housing options for people with alcoholism or alcohol abuse.

POSSIBLE COMPLICATIONS

Alcoholism and alcohol abuse can increase your risk of many health problems, including:

-Bleeding in the digestive tract

-Brain cell damage

-Brain disorder called Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome

-Cancer of the esophagus, liver, colon, and other areas

-Changes in the menstrual cycle (period)

-Delirium tremens (DT's)

-Dementia and memory loss

-Depression and suicide

-Erectile dysfunction

-Heart damage

-High blood pressure

-Inflammation of the pancreas (pancreatitis)

-Liver disease, including cirrhosis

-Nerve damage

-Poor nutrition

-Sleeping problems (insomnia)

Alcohol use also increases your risk for sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and violence.

Drinking alcohol while you are pregnant can lead to severe birth defects in the baby.