Five Common Medical Issues Which Could Have Serious Complications

 

By Emma Sturgis

 

Modern medicine has reduced the risk of death or serious consequences from a vast number of medical conditions. It is important to remember, however, that there are still several conditions which can pose a serious threat to an individual’s health, with risks as serious as death if left untreated. The following five maladies are so common that treatment is considered routine, but patients should remember to seek medical assistance if they experience any of the following, as all can lead to some dangerous complications.

 

 

Appendicitis

Almost everyone knows someone who has had an appendectomy. Appendicitis is a common childhood malady, but can occur at any point in a person’s lifetime. Appendectomies are performed when the appendix becomes inflamed and riddled with bad bacteria. While surgery to remove an inflamed appendix is routine and can alleviate any worries associate with the condition, serious consequences can result if the problem is ignored. An inflamed appendix can burst, releasing dangerous bacteria into the abdominal cavity during a condition called peritonitis. If a person does not receive rapid treatment for peritonitis, he or she will become extremely ill, and the risk of fatal complications is high.

 

 

Gum Disease

Gum disease is another common medical condition involving serious complications beyond oral health. In recent years, doctors and researchers have begun to find links between gum disease and life-threatening conditions like heart disease. While the connection is still being debated, more and more medical researchers are speaking up, suggesting that gum health is as good an indicator of heart disease as cholesterol levels, though exactly how gum health factors into heart disease is still unknown.

 

 

Type-2 Diabetes

Adult Onset Diabetes is another medical condition which, though common, is deadlier than most people realize. The number of complications arising from Type-2 are too time-consuming to innumerate, but among the worst are heart disease and the risk of stroke. People with Type-2 are also prone to serious complications like peripheral artery disease, occasionally resulting in consequences as serious as amputation. According to a Calgary optometrist from Crowfoot Vision Centre, diabetes can also affect eye health, leading to problems like glaucoma, cataracts and diabetic retinopathy. These complications are serious, and each can result in blindness.

 

Thrombosis

Deep vein thrombosis is a serious but common condition as well. This condition is essentially a blood clot in a deep vein, and the consequences can be life-threatening if not addressed quickly and thoroughly. The clot can move and become lodged in critical areas, including the lung artery, heart, and even the brain. All are serious, life-threatening conditions that can leave you debilitated, if they leave you alive.

 

 

Hyperthyroidism

A fifth common ailment that can lead to serious complications is hyperthyroidism. Caused by an overproduction of the thyroid hormone TSH, hyperthyroidism results in an overactive metabolism. While this may initially have seemingly positive results like weight loss or extra energy, the condition will begin to fatigue and break down the body. Hyperthyroidism can cause, among other things, brittle bones, congestive heart failure, and atrial fibrillation. Like the other conditions on this list, hyperthyroidism complications are potentially life threatening.

 

With the abundance of medical programs and information available to patients this day and age, most people are well-informed about the conditions listed above. Patients should not allow themselves to feel a sense of security and safety in the familiarity, however, since every one of these medical conditions can indicate or lead to serious, life-threatening conditions.

 

Categories: common, complications, medical issues, serious

Getting Ready for Surgery: How to Take Care of Your Body

Although the aim of surgery is to improve your wellness, it can be a health concern all of it’s own. Patient safety is always the top priority for surgeons or physician anesthesiologists involved in medical care, but to ensure your procedure goes as well as it can, you also need to take steps to care for your wellbeing. Important actions such as exercising and eating right in the weeks and months before surgery can help make the procedure as safe as possible, decrease your chances of complications and help you get back on your feet faster.

 

Dr. Jane C.K. Fitch, president of the American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA), notes, ‘Surgery is usually the solution to a problem, whether to replace a painful knee or repair a hernia, but there are always risks. Physician anesthesiologists, surgeons and other medical specialists work with patients before, during and after surgery to help ensure a successful outcome. Patients can take control of their own health by having critical conversations with their physicians and getting healthy before surgery.’ So how can you get yourself in shape for surgery? Here are some top tips from the ASA:

 

1. Eat healthy: According to the ASA, ‘Adjusting your diet to include healthier choices in the weeks leading up to your surgery can help you become stronger and recover quicker. If you have a loss of appetite or recently lost weight without trying, be sure to tell your doctor, who might suggest you see a registered dietician. The dietician may prescribe a nutritional supplement to boost your immune system, help prevent infections and shorten your stay in the hospital.’

 

2. Stop smoking: The ASA explains, ‘Among the many reasons to kick the habit is that smoking and anaesthesia – which you’ll need during surgery – don’t mix. If you smoke, your heart and lungs are compromised and don’t function at full capacity. You are also far more likely to suffer breathing and lung-related complications during surgery and are more likely to need a ventilator after surgery. By quitting smoking before surgery, you’ll not only decrease the likelihood of these risks, but you’re also less likely to have a wound infection, heart attack or other complication.’

 

3. Better Your Breathing: ‘Taking deep breaths on a spirometer – a simple device that helps you exercise your lungs and improve their function – is a routine activity after most surgeries,’ the ASA asserts. ‘Doing these exercises before surgery can help strengthen your lungs so you’re less likely to develop pneumonia.’

 

4. Control your blood sugar: The ASA warns, ‘People with diabetes whose blood sugar (glucose) is not controlled, are more likely to suffer potentially fatal complications following surgery. If you have diabetes, make sure your blood sugar is controlled. If you don’t, your immune system may be weaker, making you more vulnerable to pneumonia and other infections. Controlling your blood sugar will help you heal faster and you’ll likely spend less time recovering in the hospital.’

 

5. Get Active: ‘If you exercise, keep it up, and if you don’t, try to responsibly increase your activity level in the weeks before surgery,’ suggests the ASA. ‘The sooner you begin to move around after surgery, the less likely you are to develop blood clots and pneumonia. Consider getting into an exercise programme – it can reduce complications and shorten hospital stays.’

 

6. Drink Less Alcohol: The ASA cautions, ‘People who have more than two alcoholic drinks a day are more likely to suffer complications after surgery than light drinkers and those who drink heavily are more than twice as likely to suffer complications that can result in death. Heavy drinkers are also much more likely to get an infection after surgery, have difficulty breathing, and be admitted to the intensive care unit than non-drinkers.’

Categories: Blood, Blood Sugar, complications, Healthy Eating, hospital nbsp, nbsp, physician anesthesiologists, Stop Smoking, suffer, suffer complications, surgery

What Everyone Ought to Know About Genes and Spina Bifida

Spina bifida used to be a frequent complication in the health of newborn babies, but thanks to recent medical advances it no longer affects the wellbeing and wellness of so many. For some children, however, it may be that this problem comes from their genetics, rather than from any kind of congenital complication.

 

Spina Bifida is commonly linked to a condition called Arnold-Chiari malformation, which is a genetic disorder. It can cause all kinds of life-altering complications. It is generally thought to be caused by complications during the first trimester of pregnancy, although the origin of these complications are not really understood.

 

If you have a child with spina bifida, it is important to know that your child will undergo a variety of diagnostic tests during early life, all done with the intention of ensuring that they are set up with the best possible healthcare for life. As part of this, an MRI scan is normally done to check your child’s brain function and find out if there are any complications that you need to be aware of.

 

When an MRI scan is done on children whose spina bifida is secondary to Arnold-Chiari malformation, the picture will show a complication at the bottom of the skull, where brain matter appears to have fallen into the spinal column. This can cause extreme headaches, radiating from the neck into the head. There is also likely to be increased incidence of arm and neck pain.

 

Often these symptoms are misdiagnosed as spina bifida related, rather than Arnold-Chiari malformation being investigated. If the pain is persistent in the neck and arm, and if a complication of swallowing starts to become involved too, then it is at this point that you should ask for your child to be assessed for the malformation, as it may enlighten you on the cause of their spina bifida.

Categories: arnold-chiari, bifida, chiari malformation, complications, malformation, mri scan, nbsp, spina, spina bifida

Coping With Diabetes:5 Tips That Will Make Life More Comfortable

Diabetes is a condition that affects 18.2 million people in America. It can lead to life-threatening complications, but fortunately, you can prevent complications by managing this condition. Below are some tips that will help you manage your diabetes:

 

Eat Healthy Foods

Eating healthy will make it a lot easier for you to keep your blood sugar within the target range. You should talk to your health care provider about the right meal plan for you. However, health care providers typically recommend that diabetics follow a diet that is filled with vegetables, fruits, whole grains and low in salt, sugar and saturated fat.

 

Exercise

Exercise helps lower your blood sugar. It also helps increase your body’s sensitivity to insulin. You should try to exercise for 30 minutes per day most days out of the week. Keep in mind that daily activities, such as gardening or housework, can also help lower your blood sugar.

 

Monitor Your Blood Sugar Frequently

One of the keys to preventing complications is to keep your blood sugar as close to the normal range as possible. That is why it is important for you to monitor your blood sugar throughout the day. You will need to check your blood sugar when you get up in the morning, before and after meals and before and after you exercise. You should also check your blood sugar before and after you take your medication and/or insulin.

 

Wear the Right Socks

Taking care of your feet will prevent them from becoming injured or infected. Did you know that you an buy special socks for diabetics? Diabetic socks like those at HJ Sock Group help improve blood circulation and keep the feet dry. You’ll also want to pair your socks with a comfortable shoe that doesn’t squeeze or rub your foot.

 

Keep Your Stress Level Down

Stress is an inevitable part of life, but you should try to keep your stress level as low as possible. Stress can cause your blood sugar level to rise. It can also weaken your immune system. Reading, going for a walk and meditating are some of the ways that you can manage your stress.

 

Brush And Floss Every Day

You are more prone to gum disease if you have diabetes. You are also more likely to develop diabetic complications if you have gum disease. That is why you want to make sure that you brush and floss regularly so that you can avoid problems with your gums, teeth and mouth. Dentists recommend that patients come for checkups every six months which is especially important if you have diabetes so you can monitor your oral health and resolve any problems that may arise.

 

Living with diabetes can be hard, but there are things that can be done to make it easier. Of course if your doctor has prescribed you any medications or insulin, you will want to follow the recommended doses on those. In addition to your medical routines, keep in mind the healthy habits listed so that you can avoid complications and live a comfortable life.

Categories: Blood, Blood Sugar, complications, Coping, Diabetes, Gum Disease, health care, life, nbsp, stress level, Sugar