Archive for the ‘anemia’ Category

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Symptoms of Vitamin B Deficiency

Comments: 0December 29th, 2011 by admin



Vitamin B Family

Vitamin B is a large group of water-soluble vitamins that are all part of the Vitamin group complex. Each vitamin in the Vitamin B family has a purpose or role in our bodies. To fully understand the family, it’s important to know what Vitamins all belong in this group in addition to any other names that are used to refer to them.

Vitamin B1 is also called Thiamine. Vitamin B2 is called Riboflavin. Vitamin B3 is called Niacin, which includes nicotinic acid and nicotinamide. Vitamin B5 is called Pantothenic acid. Vitamin B6 is Pyridoxine. Vitamin B7 is called Vitamin H or Biotin. Vitamin B9 is also called Vitamin M, Vitamin B-c or Folic Acid. Vitamin B12 is called cobalamin. Each of these different vitamins is important in their own right. Without the adequate amount of these on a daily basis, you can develop a Vitamin B deficiency.

Vitamin B Deficiencies

Vitamin B1 deficiency will cause beriberi, which is a disease affecting the nervous system. Symptoms of beriberi are weight loss, weakness and pain in the limbs, emotional disturbances, impaired sensory perception, and edema. Hearth failure or death may occur in the later stages of beriberi. Chronic thiamine deficiency can cause Korsakoff’s syndrome, a incurable psychosis with symptoms of amnesia and false memory. Deficiencies of Vitamin B2 can cause ariboflavinosis, which will have symptoms of cracked lips, inflammation of the tongue, sensitivity to sunlight, seborrheic dermatitis, pseudo-syphilis affecting the mouth and scrotum.

Vitamin B3 deficiency, when combined with a tryptophan deficiency, can cause pellagra. Symptoms of pellagra are dermatitis, aggression, insomnia, mental confusion, weakness and diarrhea. In severe cases, dementia and death may occur. Deficiency of Vitamin B5 can result in acne and paresthesia. Vitamin B6 deficiency can cause anemia, dermatitis, depression, high blood pressure and water retention. Vitamin B7 deficiency doesn’t have any specific symptoms but can cause impaired growth in infants as well as neurological disorders. Deficiencies in Vitamin B9 can cause macrocytic anemia. In pregnant women, it may cause birth defects. Vitamin B12 deficiency can cause macrocytic anemia, memory loss, elevated homocysteine and other cognitive deficits.

It’s important to realize that any of these symptoms can be caused by numerous other factors. If you have concerns, see your doctor before you make any assumptions that may be harmful to your health.

Vitamin B Sources

In addition to dietary supplements of Vitamin B, many food sources are rich in this vitamin. Some of the natural sources are potatoes, lentils, bananas, liver oil, chili peppers, turkey, liver, molasses, tuna and brewer’s yeast. You may also find many energy drinks that are fortified with Vitamin B.

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Genital Herpes Virus and the Symptoms of Genital Herpes

Comments: 0December 26th, 2011 by admin



Genital herpes is spread by direct contact with an infected person. Sexual intercourse or oral sex are usually the most common ways of the virus spreading. Genital herpes usually entails the sufferer getting breakouts or episodes, in-between they experience symptom-free periods. The first episode is always the most severe, it usually starts with a tingling, itching, or a burning sensation or pain around the genitals followed by the appearance of painful red spots which, within a day or two, evolve through a phase of clear, fluid-filled blisters which rapidly turn whitish-yellow. The blisters burst, leaving painful ulcers that dry, scab over and heal in approximately 10 days.

Symptoms of recurrent outbreaks are usually limited to genital blisters, sores, and swollen glands. The blisters are most painful during the first 24 hours after they appear, sometimes flu-like symptoms, or aches, pains – especially are felt down the back, and the back of the legs.

Outbreaks can be treated or partly prevented with medicine from your doctor but there’s no prescription for the feeling of being stigmatized by having herpes. When Outbreaks occur they generally last a few days they often occur during times when you are feeling stressed.

Often Genital Herpes can be mistaken for a variety of other diseases, including syphilis. Some women with the genital herpes Virus don’t even know they have it because the outbreaks usually occur on the cervix.

Genital herpes is more commonly found in females, African-Americans, and users of cocaine (90% in one study) most of these people who had the positive blood tests for HSV virus had no history of symptoms or outbreaks it was silent. Genital herpes outbreaks can occur with such mild symptoms that it goes completely unnoticed by the person. You or your partner may have contracted the virus from a sexual partner such a long time ago or your partner may have had genital herpes without even knowing it.

Genital herpes is classed as an STD (sexually transmitted disease) which is caused by the herpes simplex viruses type 1 (HSV-1) or type 2 (HSV-2). Genital herpes is usually caused by HSV-2.

Condoms will offer some protection against the disease, by covering or protecting the mucous membranes which are the likely place of infection. However, be warned condoms do not provide 100 % protection because a lesion may be found which the condom did not cover and such the virus is passed.

Most people think that kissing is a safe activity. Unfortunately, syphilis, herpes, and other infections can be contracted through this relatively simple and apparently harmless act so you need to be careful.

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Bad Oral Habits Can Damage Your Teeth

Comments: 0December 21st, 2011 by admin



Teeth are for biting and chewing food, not for tearing packages open, pulling tags off new clothes, undoing knots or cracking nuts! We have all probably been guilty of using our teeth as a multi-purpose tool, but we should give our teeth much more respect. Although your teeth are strong, they will crack or chip with misuse. Here are some habits we would love you to try to give up once and for all:

Chewing ice Many people habitually chew on ice, which can cause gum injuries or even broken teeth. Sometimes the damage is severe enough to require a crown. If ice chewing is a part of your routine, try sugarless gum instead. If you need to crunch something, try baby carrots or apple chunks. The urge to chew ice can also be symptomatic of iron-deficiency anemia. This is common form of anemia affects approximately 20 percent of women, 50 percent of pregnant women, and three percent of men. Iron-deficiency anemia is usually caused by inadequate iron intake, blood loss (from menstruation or surgery), or an increased need for iron (common with pregnancy or lactation). Iron is essential to the oxygen-carrying function of the blood. Without enough iron in your blood, your red blood cells (hemoglobin) cannot provide adequate oxygen supplies to your body tissues. You end up feeling tired and listless, and your skin may look pale. As anemia worsens, it can produce an irregular heart rate because your heart pumps additional blood to make up for the low level of oxygen. Anemia should not be left untreated. Whatever the cause, the bottom line is, do not chew ice! If you find it difficult to stop the habit, contact your physician. Using your teeth as a scissors Many people use their teeth to cut through string, open packages or remove tags from clothing. Of course, this is very bad for your teeth. In particular, if you use your teeth to remove the plastic “strings” that affix price tags to clothing, you might find yourself with a small divot in one of your teeth. This can lead to cracking and fracturing of the tooth later on. Always use scissors! Using toothpicks improperly Used properly, a toothpick can be a great tool to remove food from between your teeth when you do not have floss handy. But if you are aggressive with the toothpick, it can injure your gums or break off between your teeth. Use toothpicks gently, do not chew on them, and be sure to use the rounded ones, as they are less likely to damage your gums. Chewing pencils, pens and other hard objects Your teeth were meant to chew food, not writing utensils. Pencils, pens and other things that do not belong in your mouth can fracture teeth, leading to otherwise unnecessary dental repairs. Besides, you do not know where these items have been, so why would you put them in your mouth? If you feel the need to chew, stick to sugarless gum.

As you can see, misuse of your teeth could cause chips and fractures, resulting in unnecessary dental work. It is not that we do not want to see you in the dental office. Your dentists just do not want to have to treat you in preventable situations! Please try to avoid using your teeth, unless it is for biting or chewing food, of course!

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3 Crucial Facts About Feline Renal Failure

Comments: 0December 14th, 2011 by admin



Have you heard of feline renal failure? If you have a cat, then it’s something that you should definitely be aware of, as it could have important impact his well being. Here are some valuable facts that you should know about Chronic Renal Insufficiency (CRF):

1. CRF is about nephrons.

No, nephrons aren’t green creatures from a Star Trek episode. They’re actually teeny-tiny objects in the kidneys, numbering roughly 200,000. It’s important to know about nephrons in terms of feline renal failure. The main functions of these structures are to remove waste and control electrolytes (yes, the same ones mentioned in sports drink commercials).

CRF occurs when nephrons start to die, resulting in the body being unable to process electrolytes and waste products efficiently. Since the cat can’t eliminate the waste that builds up in the body, CRF occurs. As the kidneys start to fail, blood pressure difficulties and anemia are other results.

2. Chronic and acute feline renal failure can occur.

Chronic Renal Failure, or CRF, happens when the kidneys’ malfunctioning progresses and is permanent. Since cats tend to withhold their sicknesses and CRF’s early symptoms are minor, often felines reach a 70% ‘deterioration level’ before the illness becomes recognizable. At that time, symptoms become more striking.

On the other hand, Acute Renal Failure (ARF) is a distinctive type of feline renal failure. The kidney quickly stops operating, and often results in less production of urine. Causes of ARF include trauma, the intake of toxins, and infectious sicknesses. It’s important to realize that ARF can become deadly quickly. So you must contact a veterinarian immediately if your pet suffers from ARF.

3. CRF can have various causes.

The most common factors include genetics, age, disease, and environment. Recently, research has focused on a variety of possible factors in developing CRF, including dental disease, low potassium levels, high blood pressure, and, and high acid levels in food. Researchers have also learned that certain breeds of felines are more common to acquire CRF than other breeds.

The two main causes of CRF, which can lead to feline renal failure are congenital and acquired. Congenital causes are diseases of the kidneys, which can become CRF in both kittens and young felines. Since CRF can result from various sources, its prevention is varied.

CRF is a major issue that can greatly impact the health of your furry friend. Thus, it’s important to understand the causes and types. That will help to both recognize and treat the destruction of cat kidneys.

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Iron Deficiency Anemia Symptoms

Comments: 0December 13th, 2011 by admin



How can Iron Deficiency Anemia be treated?

Its not about diagnosing your problem but getting down to what’s causing it. In this case taking a proper diet and also supplementation of iron rich vitamins for a short period to bring your iron blood levels to normal and then stopping the treatment as extra iron could lead to toxicity.

Taking Iron with Vitamins

Supplementation with the right vitamin formulations. We are all different in our cellular body make-up. You will find that the iron levels will vary from person to person and also during the life cycle of the individual. What I mean by this is that iron deficiency is more prominent among women and will be seen more so in their early years. Women menstruating will have less iron than women not in their monthly cycle. Men do not necessary have iron blood levels that are low and do not have a similar problem as women. Men have to be careful that they select a multimineral that has no iron in it.

Take vitamins that have been tested and rated for their potency, purity, safety, bioavailability and balanced formulations. All supplements are not created equal and it is important not to go just by the recommendation of the chemist. Do some research of your own on this subject of vitamins tested and rated. You can access alot of independent information out there for you to read on this subject. One such resource is “The Comparative Guide To Nutritional Supplements” by Lyle MacWilliam Bsc, Msc, FP. You will save not only money but your health will improve with high potency supplement products.

Supplement with Iron

In fact supplementation with iron in the vitamin should not be present unless you have had a blood iron test done and your doctor has recommended you to go on a course of iron vitamins for a few months to increase your iron levels in your blood. Do not take the iron pills unless you really need them. The potency of the tablet will be determined upon the results of blood test.

Check your Blood Iron Levels, Consult your Doctor

It is important that you check your iron levels in your blood after you have been on the iron supplements and see if you should lower your iron intake or even stop it altogether.Iron supplementation should take place under the direction of your family doctor.

Women as you are aware, vitamins with iron should not be taken unless you need them. You may have to be on the iron supplements for a few months to get your low iron levels up and only stop taking them or reduce the dosage after a doctor has checked your latest blood iron levels again. Then you will need to go back on a normal high potency vitamin with no iron in them. It would be advisable to check your iron levels regularly.

Side Effects

If you are experiencing any side effects please consult your doctor and reduce the levels if need be. Supplementation of iron can cause constipation and discoloration of bowel movements. Iron pills need to be taken with orange juice on an empty stomach to avoid constipation. Constipation may occur when you start your iron supplements in some cases. All you need to do is lower the dosage and slowly increase it to the full dosage in a few days. You may be able to reduce constipation by taking your iron pills with lots of water on an empty stomach. You may take iron pills with citrus fruits. Orange juice maybe a very good suggestion. The Vitamin C in citrus fruits helps the iron pills to be easily absorbed and reduces constipation.

List of Iron Rich Foods

Pork roast, cashew nuts, shrimps, raisins, sardines, spinach, lima beans, kidney beans, turkey, dark meat, prune juice, roast beef, peanuts, eggs, green beans, potatoes, eggs, Oysters, prunes, beef liver, clams, walnuts, ground beef, chickpeas and bran flakes are a few examples.

Iron Deficiency Anemia Symptoms

Iron in our blood is not visible to the naked eye and hence we do not worry about the iron levels until its symptoms arise. It is hugely forgotten so much so we forget how important it is to be present for our bodies to function in a proper balanced way. If iron is very low in our blood we will be left feeling very tired, disorientated or even depression may set in.To prevent this proper supplementation under the supervision of your doctor is important. Now you may go to the other extreme and take too much iron and that could leave you constipated, severe heart burns or upset tummies. This condition must be monitored by your doctor with a regular blood test.

Excessive Iron Over Dose

Hemochromatosis is characterised by the excessive absorption of iron. Normally, excess iron is safely stored in various joints and organs in the body, especially in the the liver. When a person suffers from haemochromatosis, excessive iron stores keep rising in time, the liver will enlarges and gets damaged, leading to serious diseases. One such disease is the cirrhosis of the liver. Other problems that can be caused by excessive amounts of blood iron include heart disease, diabetes and arthritis. Both sexes, male and female are at risk, though women tend to develop the disease later in life, since regular menstrual periods deplete the body of much needed iron. As the symptoms are similar to a number of diseases haemochromatosis tends to be under-diagnosed. Excessive amounts of iron can be reduced by taking out blood from the patient and by reducing the intake of iron rich foods.

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Understanding the Risks and Possible Side Effects of Anemia Blood Transfusions

Comments: 0December 11th, 2011 by admin



If you have Anemia, it is important that you understand the risks and possible side effects of anemia blood transfusions. Individuals that are determined to have too few red blood cells in the body are considered to be anemic. There are many severe cases that may result in complications associated with the breathing of an individual, as well as how their heart functions overall.

If a doctor determines that the total hemoglobin level in the body is at eight grams or less, they will typically recommend having an anemia blood transfusion. Here, you will learn about the potential complications that may result from that transfusion.

Allergic Reaction

While complications associated with an anemia blood transfusion are rare, they do occur. One of the most common reactions is an allergic reaction. The type of reaction occurs when the body views the new blood as a potential danger. There are many symptoms that may occur when this type of reaction is experienced. First, a rash may appear on the skin. Hives may occur too.

The individual suffering from this may also develop a fever, chills to the body, and even breathing complications. If this is going to be experienced, it is typically experienced right away. This means that doctors may address it quickly.

Immunity Complications

Many that receive Anemia blood transfusions may develop natural antibodies that will attempt to fight against the cells that are included in the blood being placed in the body. This means that once the transfusion is completed, it will not be effective at all.

Doctors that recognize this complication will work immediately to locate a donor that has more characteristics of the blood of the anemia patient than that of type alone. If you are being considered for a blood transfusion to address the issue of Anemia, it is important that you take the time to learn all about the possible side effects and the risks of such a procedure.

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Chronic Leukemia – A Less Dangerous Cancer, But Harder To Treat

Comments: 0December 5th, 2011 by admin



Leukemia is a dangerous form of cancer, and it affects thousands of people every year. It affects the white blood cells. The body loses control of the quantity and quality of blood cells, and it becomes very vulnerable because the white blood cells are supposed to protect our organism against infections. There are two main types of leukemia – acute leukemia and chronic leukemia. Acute leukemia is more dangerous because it spreads much faster, but chronic leukemia can be tricky because it has almost no symptoms.

The first organ that is affected by chronic leukemia is the bone marrow. The bone marrow is a tissue that can be found on some of the main bones in the body and that has the role of producing blood cells (red blood cells and white blood cells).
White blood cells are the guardians of the body. They can be found anywhere in the blood and they attack and neutralize any type of bacteria that enters the body and that can be harmful.

When a patient has chronic leukemia, the white blood cells from his blood are deffective and they are continuously created. A normal person should have less then 10000 white blood cells white a person with leukemia can have more than 100000, but although there are so many the protection against infections is decreased because most of the cells are malfunctioning.
A particularity of chronic leukemia is that patients who have it also have a lower number of red blood cells.

The causes of all types of leukemia are unknown, doctors cannot determine why some people have this illness and other don’t. Though, scientists discovered some factors that increase the risks of becoming ill of leukemia. Among these factors radiations play an important role, many that were exposed to radiations were soon diagnosed with leukemia. Also, a malfunction in the genes can cause the blood cells to transform, so it can have a genetic cause. The causes and risk factors are still being researched.

The bad thing about chronic leukemia is that it usually shows no symptoms that can give he patient an idea about his condition. It’s often discovered during routine lab tests. Some of those suffering from chronic leukemia reported having a general state of weakness and fatigue. As the disease advances blood can start to come out of the nose or of the gums for no reason, and because the organism is weakened and its defense is lowered, leukemia patients can be vruised very easy, and they are often infected with foreign microorganism.

Chronic leukemia treatment depends on each patient. After the diagnose a series of tests are made to determine which therapy the patient responds to. Chemotherapy is used in most situations. The number of people that are cured of chronic leukemia is increasing as time passes, but a there is a notable number of victims too.

New drugs and cures keep being researched by doctors and scientists and the survival rate is rising, so maybe in the near future chronic leukemia will be musc easier to treat.

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What is Hemoglobin A1C, Anyway?

Comments: 0December 4th, 2011 by admin



If you have diabetes, then I am sure that you have had – or are about to have – a battery of blood tests. One of those tests is the A1C test that every diabetic is required to have. So what is it?

The A1C test measures the percent of glucose-containing red blood cell molecules in the bloodstream. Now, I realize that none of that makes sense until you understand what all of these words mean.

Hemoglobin A is a protein in red blood cells that is used to transport oxygen from the lungs to the rest of the body. When glucose molecules combine with hemoglobin A in the bloodstream, the hemoglobin A1C molecule is created. Following me? Good. Now here is the kicker: the more glucose in the bloodstream, the more hemoglobin A1C molecules are created. Right? Right. Now that we understand that part, we can go on to what the A1C test measures.

The A1C test measures the percentage of hemoglobin A1C molecules that have formed in the bloodstream. If you have your A1C tested and the result is say, 5, then 5% of the hemoglobin A in the bloodstream has glucose stuck to it and has become hemoglobin A1C. Make sense? In other words, if your A1C is 5, then 5% of the hemoglobin in the bloodstream is hemoglobin A1C. For those of us with diabetes, it is suggested that we try and keep the A1C at or below 7 percent. It is also suggested by the American Diabetes Association that the A1C test be repeated every three months to check for consistency.

Understanding diabetes is tough. Hopefully, understanding the A1C is not.

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Crohn’s Disease and Its Symptoms!

Comments: 0November 27th, 2011 by admin



When you witness an inflammation of the digestive tract then it is known as Crohn’s Disease (CD). Such disease is commonly seen in gastrointestinal (GI) tract. It affects the GI tract right from the mouth region to the anus. It can affect any area of the gastro intestine. The lower part of the small intestine, known as ileum is also affected by CD.

If there is a dearth of protein and fiber in your diet, then the chances of CD is high. People who smoke a lot are prone to such disease. And our natural defence mechanism known as the immune system instead of protecting us will start attacking the intestine. It is said that nearly 20 percent of people with this disease will have a blood relative with some form of inflammatory bowel disease. It is confined to one section of the society and it is commonly seen both in men and women. Various studies have revealed that although this disease in the gastrointestinal tract is common in all ages, individuals of the age group 20 and 30 have a greater risk.

People who suffer from Crohn’s disease are said to have weak immune system. This is a natural defence mechanism and may lead to problems when it gets weak. You may have to undergo a test to assess your blood count. Lack of vitamin B12 causes lower blood count and the patient may suffer from anemia. It is ileum that absorbs vitamin b12 from the food products. Due to Crohn’s disease, ileum gets affected and there is lower absorption of vitamin b12. As a result patients suffer from anemia and lower blood count too.

Abdominal pain, often in the lower right area, and diarrhea are the common symptoms of CD. Other symptoms such as weight loss, arthritis, rectal bleeding, skin problems, fever, inflammation in the eyes or mouth, kidney stones, gallstones and diarrhea may also be evident in few. The disease tends to thicken the intestinal wall with swelling and scar tissue, narrowing the passage and thus results in blockage of intestine. Therefore, it is necessary to detect it at the earliest and treat it. Eating more protein rich foods and fiber foods can bring about a greater relief and reduce the symptoms of this disease. Get into the habit of eating smaller meals which are more frequent rather than bigger meals. Carry out a good exercise regime and sleep well. With all these followed diligently, you can get rid of the CD symptoms.

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Herpes Zoster Virus – Discover the Symptoms of the Zoster Virus

Comments: 0November 25th, 2011 by admin



The Herpes Zoster Virus is responsible for causing shingles, which is a painful rash. This same virus is responsible for causing chicken pox in children. When most people have recovered from chicken pox the virus becomes dormant, however in some people the virus reactivates itself, usually several years after the individual first suffered from chicken pox.

Although shingles is a contagious infection it cannot be transmitted by touching an infected person.

No one knows what causes the herpes zoster virus to reactivate itself in certain individuals, all that is known is what happens to it after chicken pox has been contracted, and the process that occurs before an individual contracts shingles. After an individual (usually a child) has suffered from chicken pox the virus travels to the root of the nerves where it becomes dormant. When an individual contracts shingles it’s because the virus has “awoken” and travelled from the root of the nerves back up to the skin.

The people who are most susceptible to shingles are the elderly and people with immune deficiency (which can be caused by chemotherapy and HIV). But the vast majority of people who catch this infection are people with a normal immune system.

Now let’s look at the symptoms of shingles:
The initial indicator that the herpes zoster virus has reactivated is a burning sensation around the nerve paths as the virus travels through them. The individual will then feel pain, usually on one side of the body. The pain can affect different parts of the body but it depends on the positions of the nerve paths that the virus is travelling through.

The next symptom to occur is a rash consisting of miniature red blisters. The skin around the rash also becomes swollen. The sufferer will develop a fever and will find that his lymph nodes become swollen.

After 3-5 days the blisters burst and become painful sores. Over the next week or so these sores scab over and eventually fall off.

Some people may experience postherpetic neuralgia, this is when the skin becomes very painful after the scabs have fallen off. This unpleasant symptom can last for between 3 weeks to several months.

If you suffer from any of the symptoms mentioned above you should go and see your doctor right away, a doctor can quite easily diagnose this condition by the presence of the rash as well as looking of your medical history. If the symptoms that are displayed are not conclusive enough for a doctor to diagnose herpes then a scrape test or a blood test can be used in order to accurately diagnose the condition.

If shingles is diagnosed the doctor will prescribe antiviral medication such as zovirax or acyclovir. These types of medications are most effective when they are used as soon as the burning sensation begins. The treatment becomes less effective if it is used more than 48 hours after the rash has occurred. So time is of the essence in regards to treating shingles. If medication is taken early, then the patient can expect the infection to go away faster, and the infection will not be able to spread.

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