Spinal Muscualr Atrophy

Many people have never heard about the condition called Spinal Muscular Atrophy or SMA. SMA is not actually one kind of disorder. It is many different disorders that all have common genetic causes. When one has SMA, he or she is weak because of the loss of motor neurons in the spinal cord and in the brain stem.

The Symptoms of Spinal Muscular Atrophy

It is important to know whether or not you may be suffering from SMA and finding out at the soonest possible time is essential. If you have had any of the following symptoms in the past or are experiencing them now, you should have yourself checked by a doctor at the soonest possible time: muscle weakness, limpness or the tendency to hop, difficulty sucking or swallowing, legs are weaker than arms, respiratory tract infections; these are only some of the major symptoms that are telltale signs of SMA.

Diagnosing Spinal Muscular Atrophy

To be really sure that you have SMA, only a doctor can tell you that and a proper diagnosis will likely highlight the aforementioned symptoms plus other minor signs that only the doctor will know about. A gene test will be given to you as well. This is known as an SMN (Survival Motor Neuron) gene test and it helps doctors to determine if there is at least one copy of the SMN1 gene by looking for its sequences which are unique. For situations where the SMN gene test doesn’t work, there is an EMG (electromyography) test that can be taken.

Treating Spinal Muscular Atrophy

SMA can be treated and there are tests where gene replacement is being considered. This option is not something that is widely used yet and still needs many years of study before it can be considered as viable treatment for SMA. Since SMA is directly related to severe weakness, it is that which should be addressed. Children with SMA typically live longer than infants that have it and they will need extensive medical support to live comfortably. Current patients with SMA can be treated in various ways. Since most problems are respiratory and nutritional, those are the things that doctors concentrate on the most. There are no drugs in the market that can cure SMA directly but there are significant studies that have been developed to effectively treatment SMA. Until a solution is found, patients will have to settle for different therapies and temporary medications that can help them live a comfortable and normal a life as possible. Some of the drugs that are proving to be quite effective but are still under close scrutiny are Butyrates, Valproic Acid and Riluzole.

SMA is a condition that is very serious especially in the case of infants and children. It is most rampant in children but there are also some adults who have it or have lived with it since childhood. This shows that there are also different degrees of severity of the disease and how fatal it is depends on how strong it is to begin with. Nevertheless, doctors are constantly searching for a cure.

Parkinson's Disease Genetic Marker

Understanding Parkinson’s Disease

Of the many degenerative nerve diseases known to the medical community, none has probably been made more public than Parkinson’s Disease. This is because there have been many celebrities who have come forward to the public telling them that they have Parkinson’s Disease. This includes famous personalities like Michael J. Fox and Muhammad Ali. They suffer from the degenerative disease and have made it their mission to make sure that the disease is known to others who might stand a chance at preventing it from happening.

What is Parkinson’s Disease

Parkinson’s Disease is a degenerative nerve disease that basically affects the central nervous system. By doing so, it directly affects the sufferer’s motor skills and speech. The disease belongs in a group known as movement disorders because this is exactly how it affects people with PD. It makes muscles rigid, causes tremors throughout the body, slows down physical movement and in some cases can cause physical movement to stop entirely.Parkinson’s Disease  is actually part of a larger group of syndromes known as Parkinsonism. This group of syndromes is characterized by bodily tremors, hypokinesia (or the diminished movement of body muscles), and postural instability. Parkinson’s Disease is a chronic and a progressive disease which means that if it is not treated on a regular basis, it can get worse.

What Happens in Parkinson’s Disease?

When there is decreased stimulation of the nerves and the motor skills are affected, this means that it is caused by a lack of action from dopamine which is a substance that is created in the dopaminergic neurons of the brain. Dopamine is needed because it acts as a hormone and a neurotransmitter. What it does is it activates dopamine receptors in the brain and in Parkinson’s Disease, this activation does not happen too often. This is why people who have Parkinson’s Disease sometimes have to have dopamine injected into their system so that the receptors can be activated. Dopamine plays an important role in the functions of the brain including behavior, cognition, motor activity, sleep, mood, attention, and learning. People with Parkinson’s Disease suffer from the lack of these functions.

Symptoms of Parkinson’s Disease

The most apparent of symptoms comes in the form of motor skills or in the lack of. A person who suffers from Parkinson’s Disease will have tremors. A tremor happens when a limb is rested and relaxed and moves involuntarily at times. This is the most visible and well-known symptom of Parkinson’s Disease. There is also the symptom known as rigidity or stiffness. Basically the muscle tone is increased with this symptom because of the passive tremors of the limbs. Then there are the gait and posture disturbances; this includes shuffling wherein a person takes short steps with the feet not leaving the ground. A shuffling noise is created and thus the name. Shuffling causes patients to trip over the smallest of obstacles. Postural reflexes, on the other hand, start to fail and this leads to a patient losing his or her balance and falling.

Like most other degenerative nerve diseases, Parkinson’s Disease also does not have a cure. But one can slow down the degeneration of cells by leading a healthy lifestyle and one filled with exercise as well.

Laser Surgery for Hemorrhoids

Many individuals over the age of 50 often get hemorrhoids, but others can have them earlier if their diet, daily habits, and lifestyle put them at risk for developing hemorrhoids. If you are suffering from hemorrhoids, no need to worry. There are several treatments and procedures available for the reduction or elimination of hemorrhoids. One of the newest and most effective treatments out there is laser surgery. This article will discuss all aspects of laser surgery including preparation, process, post-surgery treatment, costs, and prevention.

What is Laser Surgery for Hemorrhoids?

Laser surgery for hemorrhoids involve using a tiny laser beam that vaporizes and excises hemorrhoids. This laser is so small that it gives the procedure an unparalleled accuracy and precision. In this case, the surgeon is able to go through the procedure with more control and much less bleeding from the patient. When surgery is complete superficial nerve endings are sealed and the patient often goes home without having to stay in the hospital. Studies have shown that laser treatment for hemorrhoids have given a 98 percent success rate in patients and almost 100 percent of patients who have undergone the surgery were satisfied with the results.

Do You Need Laser Surgery for Hemorrhoids?

Laser surgery really depends on what your doctor will decide for you. Usually your doctor will give you some tests and examine the severity of your hemorrhoids. He or she may check on the symptoms of the hemorrhoids, placement of hemorrhoids, and how long the hemorrhoids have been there. Doctor and patient will often discuss all other types of treatments before jumping into laser surgery. Some hemorrhoids do not actually need surgical treatments and can be cured by ointments or supplements.

What Risks are Involved in Laser Surgery for Hemorrhoids?

As with most surgeries, there are risks attached to laser surgery. Typical risks include bleeding, infection, and a negative reaction to anesthesia. However, laser surgery causes much less bleeding and infection because of its accuracy and precision. As a matter fact, laser surgery is considered to promote faster healing in patients.

What Happens After Laser Surgery for Hermorrhoids?

You may experience some pain when urinating or during bowel movement. This is a normal experience after surgery, as your body is still in the healing process. The discomfort will usually go away in a few days.

How Much Does Laser Surgery for Hemorrhoids Cost?

Laser surgery often costs much less compared to other surgical treatments because it is done in the office, not in the hospital. Most insurance companies cover laser hemorrhoidectomy.

Will I be Free of Hemorrhoids After Laser Surgery?

Yes and no. Laser surgery is extremely effective in removing hemorrhoids and eliminating symptoms. You may not experience symptoms of hemorrhoids for the next couple of years. However, hemorrhoids do recur, and it is not uncommon that they do. To live life without ever having hemorrhoids again, you’ll need to make changes in your lifestyle, like eating healthier with more fiber in your diet and doing various physical activities.

Consult a healthcare professional for medical advice.

Typical Medications For Mild To Severe Hemorrhoids

When you visit your doctor, he or she will normally recommend certain medications including ointments, suppositories, steroid medicines or local anesthetics. These are typical medications for both those who have severe hemorrhoids and those who simply want to alleviate discomfort from mild hemorrhoids.

Ointments guard the skin, prevent further damage, and decrease itching. Commonly suggested ointments are petroleum jelly and zinc oxide. Suppositories aim to get rid of irritation and lubricate the anal canal when passing stool. These can be used up to 10 days, but can damage tissues if used for longer periods of time. Steroid medicines act to relieve swelling and itching. These can be used for up to 2 weeks, or as recommended by your doctor. Side effects can thin the skin. Ointments may contain steroid medicine. Finally, there are products containing local anesthetics that numb the affected area. These are especially useful for those who suffer from painful external hemorrhoids. Allergic reactions have been reported.

Typical medical treatments for individuals with chronic or severe hemorrhoids are sclerotherapy, cryosurgery, and enema. Sclerotherapy involves injecting a hardening agent into the hemorrhoids. What happens after is the vein walls break down and, as a result, the hemorrhoids begin to wither. Cryosurgery involves getting rid of hemorrhoidal tissues by the use of a frozen tip of a cryoprobe. This treatment can be effective, however, side effects have been reported. Enema is a treatment where water is injected into the rectum. The water flushes out toxins and cleanses the affected areas. This may technically not be considered medication, but it is commonly used to treat hemorrhoids.

Herbal Medications

There are herbal combinations such as the combination of St. John’s Wort flower, chickweed herb and comfrey root that aid in the healing of broken skin and blood vessels. Some combinations contain natural antiseptics, anti-inflammatory agents, natural analgesics, and soothing properties all at once because of the many herbs they are made of. Most of these herbal medicines are applied externally on the affected area, usually at night for about a week with rest intervals. When not in use, it is best to keep them in a cool place or refrigerator.

Witch hazel, calendula extract, chamomile essential oil, and Echinacea extract are herbs generally used to treat hemorrhoids. Zinc oxide ointment is used as an astringent, antiseptic, and antibacterial. It is also used to sooth itchiness and keeps affected areas dry. Other popular herbal ointments are pilewort ointment and calendula ointment, which can naturally stop bleeding.

Vitamins And Supplements

Flavonoids are considered to be anti-inflammatory and blood vessel strengtheners. Flavonoids can be found in various medications and dietary supplements. The presence of side effects depends on individual supplements.

Medical advice from a healthcare professional should not be replaced by the information found in this article.

It’s not just food or diet that can cause hemorrhoids. Your posture and daily habits can contribute to the condition as well. Sitting all day at a desk without taking a break to stand up and standing up all day can cause hemorrhoids. Even lying down or being sedentary for long periods of time can cause the condition. As you can see, doing any one thing for too long a time can contribute to hemorrhoids. Thus, it makes perfect sense to make time for activity like exercise and a variety of other things to take preventive measures.

Applying pressure causes hemorrhoids. The reason why sitting for long periods of time can contribute to hemorrhoids is that you are applying too much pressure on the veins. Rushing to pass stool or taking laxatives can also weaken the walls of blood vessels. It is like sitting on a balloon—when you apply more and more pressure, it is bound to burst. What happens is that blood starts to burst into the skin, causing blisters, itchiness, and pain. This is why the habit of reading while sitting on the toilet is also not advisable if you want to prevent hemorrhoids.

Furthermore, underlying causes can actually trigger hemorrhoids. Aside from the condition having a possible link to genetic predisposition in some individuals, it can be caused by other health conditions, obesity, or pregnancy.

Health conditions such as chronic constipation, diarrhea, and liver and heart disease can cause the veins in the rectum to enlarge as blood pools into the pelvic area and abdomen. Tumors in the pelvic area can also cause hemorrhoids, although this is a very rare case.

Obesity or being overweight increases pressure on the pelvic veins, as many of those who carry excessive weight can also suffer from high blood pressure.

During pregnancy, changes in hormonal activities and levels tend to increase blood flow into the pelvis, which contribute to more pressure in blood vessels. Even more pressure will be applied during labor as the baby is being pushed, so hemorrhoids may develop.

For medical advice on the causes of hemorrhoids and prevention, consult a healthcare professional.

Causes Of Hemorrhoids

Hemorrhoids can be caused by extreme or constant pressure on the rectal veins, poor muscle tone in the rectal area, straining during bowel movements, hypertension in the portal vein, and/or weak rectal walls and valves in the veins (which are oftentimes genetically predisposed).

Other factors that trigger the outcome of hemorrhoids include obesity, inactivity, excessive alcohol intake, excessive consumption of caffeine, and/or pregnancy. Some of these factors may cause hypertension, portal hypertension, and alcoholic liver disease that can actually lead to the outcome of hemorrhoids.

Symptoms Of Hemorrhoids

Common hemorrhoid symptoms include rectal pain, itching, and bleeding during bowel movements. External hemorrhoids can give symptoms that include painful lumps caused by blood that has pooled, clotted and deposited in the skin. Blood may be noticed after straining during bowel movements. Internal hemorrhoids can give symptoms including rectal bleeding, itching, skin irritation, discomfort (i.e. urgency to pass stool), and pain. It should be noted though that underlying health conditions such as colon cancer, anal fissures, rectal prolapse, and inflammatory bowel disease may also cause symptoms similar to those of hemorrhoids.

Treatment Of Hemorrhoids

You can treat hemorrhoids yourself by sitting in warm water or bath for a few minutes around 3 to 4 times a day. You can also clean the anorectal area with water and a mild soap right after bowel movement. With worse cases of hemorrhoids, you may need rubber band ligation, sclerotherapy, hemorrhoidectomy, cryotherapy, infrared photocoagulation, laser therapy, or bipolar diathermy.

Prevention Of Hemorrhoids

The best way to get rid of hemorrhoids for good is to combine treatment and preventive measures. First, avoid constipation by consuming more fiber, drinking enough water (8-10 glasses per day), adding stool softeners containing psyllium or bran, exercising regularly, and watching out for foods or drinks you suspect are making symptoms worse. Second, develop healthy bowel habits by going to the bathroom whenever you have the urge, leaving the toilet when you are done passing stool (avoid sitting on the toilet for a prolonged time), breathing normally while passing stools, and relaxing during bowel movement. Finally, change some habits. Don’t sit or stand for too long, instead, allot a time for activity each day. Try not to carry heavy objects and ask for help when you need to. Pregnant women should try sleeping on the side.

Most of the time, hemorrhoids are not serious health hazards but can be extremely unpleasant, uncomfortable and painful. Symptoms can worsen and can come back any time if preventive measures aren’t taken. For medical advice and treatment, consult with a healthcare professional.