Dr. Nada @ Nile Herbs

Quitting Smoking .. How !?

2010-09-02T23:00:00.000-07:00

هل تفكر في الإقلاع عن التدخين ، إليك بعض الطرق المساعدة لذلك

What do I need to know about quitting?

The US Surgeon General has said, "Smoking cessation (stopping smoking) represents the single most important step that smokers can take to enhance the length and quality of their lives."
Quitting smoking is not easy, but you can do it. To have the best chance of quitting and staying quit, you need to know what you’re up against, what your options are, and where to go for help. You'll find this information here.

Why is it so hard to quit smoking?
Mark Twain said, "Quitting smoking is easy. I've done it a thousand times." Maybe you've tried to quit, too. Why is quitting and staying quit hard for so many people? The answer is nicotine.

Nicotine

Nicotine is a drug found naturally in tobacco. It is as addictive as heroin or cocaine. Over time, a person becomes physically and emotionally addicted to (dependent on) nicotine. Studies have shown that smokers must deal with both the physical and psychological (mental) dependence to quit and stay quit.

How nicotine gets in, where it goes, and how long it stays
When you inhale smoke, nicotine is carried deep into your lungs. There it is quickly absorbed into the bloodstream and carried throughout your body. Nicotine affects many parts of the body, including your heart and blood vessels, your hormones, the way your body uses food (your metabolism), and your brain. Nicotine can be found in breast milk and even in mucus from the cervix of a female smoker. During pregnancy, nicotine freely crosses the placenta and has been found in amniotic fluid and the umbilical cord blood of newborn infants.

Different factors affect how long it takes the body to remove nicotine and its by-products. In most cases, regular smokers will still have nicotine or its by-products, such as cotinine, in their bodies for about 3 to 4 days after stopping.

How nicotine hooks smokers
Nicotine causes pleasant feelings that make the smoker want to smoke more. It also acts as a kind of depressant by interfering with the flow of information between nerve cells. Smokers tend to increase the number of cigarettes they smoke as the nervous system adapts to nicotine. This, in turn, increases the amount of nicotine in the smoker's blood. In fact, nicotine inhaled in cigarette smoke reaches the brain faster than drugs that enter the body through a vein (intravenously or IV).

After a while, the smoker develops a tolerance to the drug. Tolerance means that it takes more nicotine to get the same effect that the smoker used to get from smaller amounts. This leads to an increase in smoking over time. The smoker reaches a certain nicotine level and then keeps smoking to maintain this level of nicotine.

Toxic and harmful component of the cigarette

Nicotine withdrawal symptoms can lead quitters back to smoking
When smokers try to cut back or quit, the lack of nicotine leads to withdrawal symptoms. Withdrawal is both physical and mental. Physically, the body reacts to the absence of nicotine. Mentally, the smoker is faced with giving up a habit, which calls for a major change in behavior. Both the physical and mental factors must be addressed for the quitting process to work.

Those who have smoked regularly for a few weeks or longer, and suddenly stop using tobacco or greatly reduce the amount smoked, will have withdrawal symptoms. Symptoms usually start within a few hours of the last cigarette and peak about 2 to 3 days later when most of the nicotine and its by-products are out of the body. Withdrawal symptoms can last for a few days to up to several weeks. They will get better every day that you stay smoke-free.

Withdrawal symptoms can include any of the following:

• Dizziness (which may only last 1 to 2 days after quitting)
• Depression
• Feelings of frustration, impatience, and anger

• Anxiety

• Irritability

• Sleep disturbances, including having trouble falling asleep and staying asleep, and having bad dreams or even nightmares

• Trouble concentrating

• Restlessness or boredom

• Headaches

• Tiredness

• Increased appetite

• Weight gain

• Constipation and gas

• Cough, dry mouth, sore throat, and nasal drip

• Chest tightness

These symptoms can lead the smoker to start smoking cigarettes again to boost blood levels of nicotine back to a level where there are no symptoms.
Smoking also makes your body get rid of some drugs faster than usual. When you quit smoking, it may change the way your body handles medicines. Ask your doctor if any medicines you take regularly need to be checked or changed after you quit.

Why should I quit?

Your health

Health concerns usually top the list of reasons people give for quitting smoking. This is a very real concern: Half of all smokers who keep smoking will end up dying from a smoking-related illness. In the US alone, smoking is responsible for nearly 1 in 5 deaths, and about 8.6 million people suffer from smoking-related lung and heart diseases.

Cancer
Nearly everyone knows that smoking can cause lung cancer, but few people realize it is also a risk factor for many other kinds of cancer too, including cancer of the mouth, voice box (larynx), throat (pharynx), esophagus, bladder, kidney, pancreas, cervix, stomach, and some leukemias.

Cancer and all COPD diseases can be caused by smoking in general

Lung diseases
Pneumonia is included in the list of diseases known to be caused by smoking. Smoking also increases your risk of getting lung diseases like emphysema and chronic bronchitis. These diseases are grouped together under the term COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease). COPD causes on-going (chronic) illness and disability, and worsens over time -- sometimes becoming fatal. Emphysema and chronic bronchitis can be found in people as young as 40, but are usually found later in life, when the symptoms get much worse. Long-term smokers have the highest risk of developing severe COPD.

Heart attacks, strokes, and blood vessel diseases
Smokers are twice as likely to die from heart attacks as are non-smokers. And smoking is a major risk factor for peripheral vascular disease, a narrowing of the blood vessels that carry blood to the leg and arm muscles. Smoking also affects the walls of the vessels that carry blood to the brain (carotid arteries), which can cause strokes. Men who smoke are more likely to develop erectile dysfunction (impotence) because of blood vessel disease.

Blindness and other problems

Smoking causes an increased risk of macular degeneration, one of the most common causes of blindness in older people. It also causes premature wrinkling of the skin, bad breath, gum and tooth problems, bad-smelling clothes and hair, yellow fingernails.

Special risks to women and babies
Women have some unique risks linked to smoking. Women over 35 who smoke and use birth control pills have a higher risk of heart attack, stroke, and blood clots of the legs. Women who smoke are more likely to miscarry (lose the baby) or have a lower birth-weight baby. And low birth-weight babies are more likely to die, or have learning and physical problems.

Years of life lost due to smoking
Based on data collected in the late 1990s, the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimated that adult male smokers lost an average of 13.2 years of life and female smokers lost 14.5 years of life because of smoking. And given the diseases that smoking can cause, it can steal your quality of life long before you die. Smoking-related illness can limit your activities by making it harder to breathe, get around, work, or play.

Why quit now?

No matter how old you are or how long you've smoked, quitting can help you live longer and be healthier. People who stop smoking before age 50 cut their risk of dying in the next 15 years in half compared with those who keep smoking. Ex-smokers enjoy a higher quality of life with fewer illnesses from cold and flu viruses, better self-reported health, and reduced rates of bronchitis and pneumonia.

For decades the Surgeon General has reported the health risks linked to smoking. In 1990, the Surgeon General concluded:

• Quitting smoking has major and immediate health benefits for men and women of all ages. These benefits apply to people who already have smoking-related disease and those who don't.
• Ex-smokers live longer than people who keep smoking.
• Quitting smoking lowers the risk of lung cancer, other cancers, heart attack, stroke, and chronic lung disease.
• Women who stop smoking before pregnancy or during the first 3 to 4 months of pregnancy reduce their risk of having a low birth-weight baby to that of women who never smoked.
• The health benefits of quitting smoking are far greater than any risks from the small weight gain (usually less than 10 pounds) or any emotional or psychological problems that may follow quitting.

When smokers quit -- What are the benefits over time?

20 minutes after quitting: Your heart rate and blood pressure drops.

12 hours after quitting: The carbon monoxide level in your blood drops to normal.

2 weeks to 3 months after quitting: Your circulation improves and your lung function increases.

1 to 9 months after quitting: Coughing and shortness of breath decrease; cilia (tiny hair-like structures that move mucus out of the lungs) regain normal function in the lungs, increasing the ability to handle mucus, clean the lungs, and reduce the risk of infection.

1 year after quitting: The excess risk of coronary heart disease is half that of a smoker's.
5 years after quitting: Your stroke risk is reduced to that of a non-smoker 5 to 15 years after quitting.
10 years after quitting: The lung cancer death rate is about half that of a person who continues smoking. The risk of cancer of the mouth, throat, esophagus, bladder, cervix, and pancreas decrease, too.
15 years after quitting: The risk of coronary heart disease is the same as a non-smoker's.

Immediate rewards of quitting
Kicking the tobacco habit offers some benefits that you'll notice right away and some that will develop over time. These rewards can improve your day-to-day life a great deal:
• Your breath smells better
• Stained teeth get whiter
• Bad smelling clothes and hair go away
• Your yellow fingers and fingernails disappear
• Food tastes better
• Your sense of smell returns to normal
• Everyday activities no longer leave you out of breath (such as climbing stairs or light housework)

Cost

The prospect of better health is a major reason for quitting, but there are other reasons, too.
Smoking is expensive. It isn't hard to figure out how much you spend on smoking: multiply how much money you spend on tobacco every day by 365 (days per year). The amount may surprise you. Now multiply that by the number of years you have been using tobacco and that amount will probably shock you.

Multiply the cost per year by 10 (for the next 10 years) and ask yourself what you would rather do with that much money.
And this doesn't include other possible costs, such as higher costs for health and life insurance, and likely health care costs due to tobacco-related problems.

Social acceptance

Smoking is less socially acceptable now than ever.
Today, almost all workplaces have some type of smoking rules. Some employers even prefer to hire non-smokers. Studies show smoking employees cost businesses more because they are out sick more. Employees who are ill more often than others can raise an employer's need for costly short-term replacement workers. They can increase insurance costs both for other employees and for the employer, who often pays part of the workers' insurance premiums. Smokers in a building also can increase the maintenance costs of keeping odors down, since residue from cigarette smoke clings to carpets, drapes, and other fabrics.

Landlords may choose not to rent to smokers since maintenance costs and insurance rates may rise when smokers live in buildings.

Friends may ask you not to smoke in their homes or cars. Public buildings, concerts, and even sporting events are largely smoke-free. And more and more communities are restricting smoking in all public places, including restaurants and bars. Like it or not, finding a place to smoke can be a hassle.

Smokers may also find their prospects for dating or romantic involvement, including marriage, are largely limited to other smokers, who make up less than 21% of the adult population.

Health of others
Smoking not only harms your health but it hurts the health of those around you. Exposure to secondhand smoke (also called environmental tobacco smoke or passive smoking) includes exhaled smoke as well as smoke from burning cigarettes.
Studies have shown that secondhand smoke causes thousands of deaths each year from lung cancer and heart disease in healthy non-smokers.

If a mother smokes, there is a higher risk of her baby developing asthma in childhood, especially if she smoked while she was pregnant. Smoking is also linked to sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) and low-birth weight infants. Babies and children raised in a household where there is smoking have more ear infections, colds, bronchitis, and other lung and breathing problems than children in non-smoking families. Secondhand smoke can also cause eye irritation, headaches, nausea, and dizziness.

Health of others

Smoking not only harms your health but it hurts the health of those around you. Exposure to secondhand smoke (also called environmental tobacco smoke or passive smoking) includes exhaled smoke as well as smoke from burning cigarettes.
Studies have shown that secondhand smoke causes thousands of deaths each year from lung cancer and heart disease in healthy non-smokers.

If a mother smokes, there is a higher risk of her baby developing asthma in childhood, especially if she smoked while she was pregnant. Smoking is also linked to sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) and low-birth weight infants. Babies and children raised in a household where there is smoking have more ear infections, colds, bronchitis, and other lung and breathing problems than children in non-smoking families. Secondhand smoke can also cause eye irritation, headaches, nausea, and dizziness.

A word about quitting success rates

Before you start using nicotine replacement or sign up for a stop smoking class or program, you may wonder about its success rate. Success rates are hard to figure out for many reasons. First, not all programs define success in the same way. Does success mean that a person is not smoking at the end of the program? After 3 months? 6 months? 1 year? Does smoking fewer cigarettes (rather than stopping completely) count as success? If a program you're considering claims a certain success rate, ask for more details on how success is defined and what kind of follow-up is done to confirm the rate.
The truth is that quit smoking programs, like other programs that treat addictions, often have fairly low success rates. But that does not mean they are not worthwhile or that you should be discouraged. Your own success in quitting is what really counts, and that is under your control.

Success rates in general
Only about 4% to 7% of people are able to quit smoking on any given attempt without medicines or other help.

Studies in medical journals have reported that between about 25% and 33% of smokers who use medicines can stay smoke-free for over 6 months. There is also early evidence that combining some medicines may work better than using them alone.
Behavioral and supportive therapies may increase success rates even further. Check the package insert of any product you are using to see if the manufacturer provides free telephone-based counseling.

How to quit

Smokers often say, "Don't tell me why to quit, tell me how." There is no one right way to quit, but there are some key elements in quitting with success. These 4 factors are key:
• Making the decision to quit
• Setting a quit date and choosing a quit plan• Dealing with withdrawal
• Staying quit (maintenance)

Making the decision to quit

The decision to quit smoking is one that only you can make. Others may want you to quit, but the real commitment must come from you.

Think about why you want to quit.
• Are you worried that you could get a smoking-related disease?
• Do you really believe that the benefits of quitting outweigh the benefits of continuing to smoke?
• Do you know someone who has had health problems because of their smoking?
• Are you ready to make a serious try at quitting?

If you are thinking about quitting, setting a date and deciding on a plan will move you to the next step.

Setting a quit date and making a plan

Pick a Quit Day

Once you've decided to quit, you're ready to pick a quit date. This is a very important step. Pick a specific day within the next month as your Quit Day. Picking a date too far away can allow you time to rationalize and change your mind. But do give yourself enough time to prepare and come up with a plan. You might choose a date with a special meaning like a birthday or anniversary, or the date of the Great American Smokeout (the third Thursday in November each year). Or you may want to just pick a random date. Circle the date on your calendar. Make a strong, personal commitment to quit on that day.

Plan for your prescriptions: Remember that if you are planning to use a prescription drug, you will need to talk with your doctor about getting it in time for your Quit Day. If you plan to use bupropion (Zyban) or varenicline (Chantix), you must start taking the drug a full week before your Quit Day. If you are using one of these medicines, add a note on your calendar for the week before your Quit Day to remind you to start taking the drug.

Prepare for your Quit Day

There is no one right way to quit. Most smokers prefer to quit cold turkey -- they stop completely, all at once. They smoke until their Quit Day and then quit. Or they may smoke fewer cigarettes for 1 or 2 weeks before their Quit Day. Another way involves cutting down on the number of cigarettes you smoke each day. With this method, you slowly reduce the amount of nicotine in your body. You might cut out cigarettes smoked with a cup of coffee, or you might decide to smoke only at certain times of the day. While it makes sense to cut down in order to reduce withdrawal symptoms, in practice this can be hard to do.

Quitting smoking is a lot like losing weight: it takes a strong commitment over a long time. Smokers may wish there was a magic bullet -- a pill or method that would make quitting painless and easy. But there is nothing like that. Nicotine substitutes can help reduce withdrawal symptoms, but they work best when they are used as part of a stop-smoking plan that addresses both the physical and psychological components of quitting smoking.

Here are some steps to help you prepare for your Quit Day:
• Pick the date and mark it on your calendar.
• Tell friends and family about your Quit Day.
• Get rid of all the cigarettes and ashtrays in your home, car, and place of work.
• Stock up on oral substitutes -- sugarless gum, carrot sticks, hard candy, cinnamon sticks, coffee stirrers, straws, and/or toothpicks.
• Decide on a plan. Will you use NRT or other medicines? Will you attend a stop-smoking class? If so, sign up now.
• Practice saying, "No thank you, I don't smoke."
• Set up a support system. This could be a group class, Nicotine Anonymous, or a friend or family member who has successfully quit and is willing to help you. Ask family and friends who still smoke not to smoke around you or leave cigarettes out where you can see them.
• Think back to your past attempts to quit. Try to figure out what worked and what did not work for you.

Successful quitting is a matter of planning and commitment, not luck. Decide now on your own plan. Some options include using nicotine replacement or other medicines, joining a stop-smoking class, going to Nicotine Anonymous meetings, using self-help materials such as books and pamphlets, or some combination of these methods. For the best chance at success, your plan should include 2 or more of these options.

Your Quit Day

On your Quit Day, follow these suggestions:
• Do not smoke. This means none at all -- not even one puff!
• Keep active -- try walking, exercising, or doing other activities or hobbies.
• Drink lots of water and juices.
• Begin using nicotine replacement if that is your choice.
• Attend stop-smoking class or follow your self-help plan.
• Avoid situations where the urge to smoke is strong.
• Reduce or avoid alcohol.
• Think about changing your routine. Use a different route to go to work, drink tea instead of coffee. Eat breakfast in a different place or eat different foods.

Read on to find out more about the kinds of thoughts and temptations that come up when you try to quit, and ideas for ways to deal with or avoid them.

Dealing with withdrawal

Withdrawal from nicotine has 2 parts -- the physical and the mental. The physical symptoms, while annoying, are not life-threatening. Nicotine replacement and other medicines can help reduce many of these physical symptoms. Most smokers find that the bigger challenge is the mental part of quitting.

If you have been smoking for any length of time, smoking has become linked with nearly everything you do -- waking up in the morning, eating, reading, watching TV, and drinking coffee, for example. It will take time to "un-link" smoking from these activities. This is why, even if you are using a nicotine replacement, you may still have strong urges to smoke

Rationalizations are sneaky

One way to overcome these urges or cravings is to notice and identify rationalizations as they come up. A rationalization is a mistaken thought that seems to make sense to you at the time, but the thought is not based on reality. If you choose to believe in such a thought, it can serve as a way to justify smoking. If you have tried to quit before, you will probably recognize many of these common rationalizations:
• I'll just have one to get through this rough spot.
• Today is not a good day. I'll quit tomorrow.
• It's my only vice.
• How bad is smoking, really? Uncle Harry smoked all his life and he lived to be over 90.
• Air pollution is probably just as bad.
• You've got to die of something.
• Life is no fun without smoking.

You probably can add more to the list. As you go through the first few days without smoking, write down any rationalizations as they come up and recognize them for what they are: messages that can trick you into going back to smoking. Look out for them, because they always show up when you're trying to quit. After you write down the idea, let it go from your mind. Be ready with a distraction, a plan of action, and other ways to re-direct your thoughts to something else.
Use the ideas below to help you stay committed to quitting.

Avoid temptation
Stay away from people and places where you are tempted to smoke. Later on you will be able to handle these with more confidence.

Change your habits
Switch to juices or water instead of alcohol or coffee. Take a different route to work. Take a brisk walk instead of a coffee break.

Alternatives: Use substitutes you can put in your mouth such as sugarless gum or hard candy, raw vegetables such as carrot sticks, or sunflower seeds. Some people chew on a coffee stirrer or a straw.

Activities: Do something to reduce your stress. Exercise or do hobbies that keep your hands busy, such as needlework or woodworking, which can help distract you from the urge to smoke. Take a hot bath, exercise, or read a book.

Deep breathing: When you were smoking, you breathed deeply as you inhaled the smoke. When the urge strikes now, breathe deeply and picture your lungs filling with fresh, clean air. Remind yourself of your reasons for quitting and the benefits you'll gain as an ex-smoker.

Delay: If you feel that you are about to light up, delay. Tell yourself you must wait at least 10 minutes. Often this simple trick will allow you to move beyond the strong urge to smoke.

Reward yourself

What you're doing is not easy, so you deserve a reward. Put the money you would have spent on tobacco in a jar every day and then buy yourself a weekly treat. Buy a magazine or book, go out to eat, develop a new hobby, or take a yoga class. Or save the money for a major purchase. You can also reward yourself in ways that don't cost money: visit a park, go to the library, and check local news listings for museums, community centers, and colleges that have free classes, exhibits, films, and other things to do.

Staying quit (maintenance)

Remember the Mark Twain quote? Maybe you, too, have quit many times before. If so, you know that staying quit is the final, longest, and most important stage of the process. You can use the same methods to stay quit as you did to help you through withdrawal. Think ahead to those times when you may be tempted to smoke, and plan on how you will use other ways to cope with these situations.

More dangerous, perhaps, are the unexpected strong desires to smoke that can sometimes happen months, or even years after you've quit. To get through these without relapse, try these:
• Review your reasons for quitting and think of all the benefits to your health, your finances, and your family.
• Remind yourself that there is no such thing as just one cigarette -- or even one puff.
• Ride out the desire to smoke. It will go away, but do not fool yourself into thinking you can have just one.
• Avoid alcohol. Drinking lowers your chance of success.
• If you are worried about gaining weight, put some energy into eating a healthy diet and staying active with exercise.

Recovering from slips

What if you do smoke? The difference between a slip and a relapse is within your control. A slip is a one-time mistake that is quickly corrected -- a relapse is going back to smoking. You can use the slip as an excuse to go back to smoking, or you can look at what went wrong and renew your commitment to staying away from smoking for good.

Even if you do relapse, try not to get too discouraged. Very few people are able to quit for good on the first try. In fact, it takes most people many attempts before quitting for good. What's important is figuring out what helped you when you tried to quit and what worked against you. You can then use this information to make a stronger attempt at quitting the next time.

Some special concerns

Weight gain

Many smokers do gain some weight when they quit. But even when steps aren't taken to try to prevent this, the gain is usually less than 10 pounds. Women tend to gain slightly more weight than men. There is some evidence that smokers will gain weight after they quit even if they do not eat more. There are some studies that suggest that nicotine replacement therapy or bupropion may help delay weight gain, but they don't prevent it.

For some people, a concern about weight gain can lead to a decision not to quit. But the weight gain that follows quitting smoking is usually very small. It is much more dangerous to keep smoking than it is to gain a small amount of weight.

You are more likely to be quit smoking successfully if you deal with the smoking first, and then later take steps to reduce your weight. While you are quitting, try to focus on ways to help you stay healthy, rather than on your weight. Stressing about your weight may make it harder to quit. Eat plenty of fruits and vegetables and limit the fat. Be sure to drink plenty of water, and get enough sleep and regular physical activity.

Try walking

Walking is a great way to be physically active and increase your chances of staying quit. Walking can help you by:
• Reducing stress
• Burning calories and toning muscles
• Giving you something to do instead of thinking about smoking

No special equipment or clothing is needed for walking, other than a pair of comfortable shoes. And most people can do it pretty much anytime. You can use these ideas as starting points and come up with more of your own:
• Walk around a shopping mall
• Get off the bus one stop before you usually do
• Find a buddy to walk with during lunch time at work
• Take the stairs instead of the elevator
• Walk with a friend, family member, or neighbor after dinner
• Push your baby in a stroller
• Take a dog (yours or a maybe neighbor's) out for a walk

Set a goal of 30 minutes of physical activity 5 or more times a week. But if you don't already exercise regularly, please check with your doctor before starting any exercise program.

Stress

Smokers often mention stress as one of the reasons for going back to smoking. Stress is a part of everyone's lives, smokers and non-smokers alike. The difference is that smokers have come to use nicotine to help cope with stress and unpleasant emotions. When quitting, you have to learn new ways of handling stress. Nicotine replacement can help to some extent, but for long-term success you will need other strategies, too.

As mentioned above, physical activity is a good stress-reducer. It can also help with the short-term sense of depression that some smokers have when they quit. There are also stress-management classes and self-help books. Check your community newspaper, library, or bookstore.

Spiritual practices such as admitting that you cannot control your addiction and believing that a higher power can give you strength have been used with much success to deal with other addictions. These practices, along with the fellowship of others on a similar path, are a key part of 12-step recovery programs. These same principles can be applied to quitting smoking.

Taking care of yourself

It is important for your health care provider to know of any present or past tobacco use so he or she can be sure that you will get the preventive health care you need. It is well known that using tobacco use puts you at risk for certain health-related illnesses, so part of your health care should focus on related screening and preventive measures to help you stay as healthy as possible. For example, you will want to be certain that you regularly check inside your mouth for any changes. Have your doctor or dentist look at your mouth, tongue, or throat if you have any changes or problems. The American Cancer Society recommends that medical check-ups should include oral cavity (mouth) exams. This way, tobacco users may be able to find changes such as leukoplakia (white patches on the mouth tissues) early, and prevent oral cancer or find it at a stage that is easier to treat.

You should also be aware of any of the following changes:
• Change in cough
• A new cough
• Coughing up blood
• Hoarseness
• Trouble breathing
• Wheezing
• Headaches
• Chest pain
• Loss of appetite
• Weight loss
• General tiredness
• Frequent lung or bronchial infections

Any of these could be signs of lung cancer or a number of other lung conditions and should be reported to a doctor. While these can be signs of a problem, people with lung cancer often do not notice any symptoms until the cancer has spread to other parts of the body.

Remember that tobacco users have a higher risk for other cancers as well, depending on the way they use tobacco. You can learn about the types of cancer you may be at risk for by reading our document that discusses the way you use tobacco. Other risk factors for these cancers may be more important than your use of tobacco, but you should know about the extra risks that might apply to you.

If you have any health concerns that may be related to your tobacco use, please see a health care provider as soon as possible. Taking care of yourself and getting treatment for small problems will give you the best chance for successful treatment. The best way, though, to take care of yourself and decrease your risk for life-threatening health problems is to quit using tobacco

Why should I quit smoking?

Everyone knows that smoking can cause cancer when you get older, but did you know that it also has bad effects on your body right now? A cigarette contains about 4000 chemicals, and at least 43 of those chemicals are known to cause cancer in humans. Some of the other chemicals are found in products that are known to be poisonous. Some of the worst ones are:

• Nicotine: a deadly poison
• Arsenic: used in rat poison
• Methane: a component of rocket fuel
• Ammonia: found in floor cleaner
• Cadmium: used in batteries
• Carbon Monoxide: part of car exhaust
• Formaldehyde: used to preserve body tissue
• Butane: lighter fluid
• Hydrogen Cyanide: the poison used in gas chambers

Every time you inhale smoke from a cigarette, small amounts of these chemicals get into your blood through your lungs. They travel to all the parts of your body and cause harm.

Electronic Cigarettes

Electronic cigarettes offer no promises. The truth is that e-cigarettes are not scientific analysed, for now. An electronic cigarette is a great solution for smokers, becouse it does not contain carcinogens and tar and can be legally smoked in places where smoking is prohibited. It enables smokers to enjoy the same pleasure as they get from a traditional cigarette when inhaling the nicotine, imitating the whole process of smoking. There is no second hand smoke!

Electronic Cigarettes

What is the electronic cigarette?

All of them work on the same manner. The difference is in products' quality.

There is a brand new invention that everyone who smokes should know about. It's called the electronic cigarette, also known as a smokeless cigarette or e-cigarette, and it is changing the legal landscape for cigarette smokers around the world.

The patented Electronic Cigarette offers to effectively simulate the experience of smoking an actual cigarette, without any of the health or legal issues surrounding traditional cigarettes.

While Electronic cigarettes look, feel and taste much like traditional cigarettes, they function very differently. You see, electronic cigarettes do not actually burn any tobacco, but rather, when you inhale from an e-cigarette, you activate a "flow censor" which releases a water vapor containing nicotine, propylene glycol, and a scent that simulates the flavor of tobacco. All of which simply means that electronic cigarettes allow you to get your nicotine fix while avoiding all of the cancer causing agents found in traditional cigarettes such as tar, glue, hundreds of additives, and hydrocarbons.

In addition to being healthier than traditional cigarettes, and perhaps most importantly of all, is the fact that electronic cigarettes are completely legal. Because Electronic cigarettes do not involve tobacco, you can legally smoke them anywhere that traditional cigarettes are prohibited such as bars, restaurants, the work place, even on airplanes. Furthermore, electronic cigarettes allow you to smoke with no fears of inflicting harm on others due to nasty second hand smoke.

The refillable cartridges come in a multitude of flavors as well as nicotine strengths. You can get regular, menthol, even apple and strawberry flavored cartridges and nicotine strengths come in full, medium, light, and none. While electronic cigarettes are technically a "smoking alternative" rather than a smoking cessation device, the range of nicotine strengths offers some obvious potential as an aid in the ones attempts to quit smoking and seems to be proving popular within that market.

The nice thing about electronic cigarettes as apposed to say, nicotine patches, is that e-cigarettes produce the same tactile sensation and oral fixation that smokers desire, while satisfying ones tobacco cravings as well. When you take a drag from n electronic cigarette you actually feel the your lungs fill with a warm tobacco flavored smoke and when you exhale the smoke billows out of your lungs just like regular smoking, however, as mentioned, that smoke is actually a much healthier water vapor that quickly evaporates and therefore does not offend anyone in the immediate vicinity.

While electronic cigarettes have been around for a while in various incarnations, it has been recent advances in the technology as well as ever increasing restrictions against smoking that have propelled the e-cigarette into a new found popularity. If you are interested in a healthier alternative to smoking, or if you simply want to have the freedom to smoke wherever and whenever you want, an electronic cigarette might be the solution you've been looking for.

نماذج عدة من السجائر الإلكترونية الموجودة في الأسواق

Sarcoidosis (sar-koy-DO-sis)

2010-07-18T17:08:00.000-07:00

Sarcoidosis

Sarcoidosis (sar-koy-DO-sis) is a disease of unknown cause that leads to inflammation. It can affect various organs in the body.

Normally, your immune system defends your body against foreign or harmful substances. For example, it sends special cells to protect organs that are in danger.
These cells release chemicals that recruit other cells to isolate and destroy the harmful substance. Inflammation occurs during this process. Once the harmful substance is destroyed, the cells and the inflammation go away.
In people who have sarcoidosis, the inflammation doesn't go away. Instead, some of the immune system cells cluster to form lumps called granulomas (gran-yu-LO-mas) in various organs in your body.

Skin granulomas

Overview
Sarcoidosis can affect any organ in your body. However, it's more likely to occur in some organs than in others. The disease usually starts in the lungs, skin, and/or lymph nodes (especially the lymph nodes in your chest).
The disease also often affects the eyes and the liver. Although less common, sarcoidosis can affect the heart and brain, leading to serious complications.
If many granulomas form in an organ, they can affect how the organ works. This can cause signs and symptoms. Signs and symptoms vary depending on which organs are affected. Many people who have sarcoidosis have no symptoms or mild symptoms.

Lofgren's syndrome is a classic set of signs and symptoms that is typical in some people who have sarcoidosis. Lofgren's syndrome may cause fever, enlarged lymph nodes, arthritis (usually in the ankles), and/or erythema nodosum (er-i-THE-ma no-DO-sum).
Erythema nodosum is a rash of red or reddish-purple bumps on your ankles and shins. The rash may be warm and tender to the touch.

Treatment for sarcoidosis also varies depending on which organs are affected. Your doctor may prescribe topical treatments and/or medicines to treat the disease. Not everyone who has sarcoidosis needs treatment.

Outlook

The outcome of sarcoidosis varies. Many people recover from the disease with few or no long-term problems.
More than half of the people who have sarcoidosis have remission within 3 years of diagnosis. "Remission" means the disease isn't active, but it can return.
Two-thirds of people who have the disease have remission within 10 years of diagnosis. People who have Lofgren's syndrome usually have remission. Relapse (return of the disease) 1 or more years after remission occurs in less than 5 percent of patients.
Sarcoidosis leads to organ damage in about one-third of the people diagnosed with the disease. Damage may occur over many years and involve more than one organ. Rarely, sarcoidosis can be fatal. Death usually is the result of complications with the lungs, heart, or brain.

Poor outcomes are more likely in people who have advanced disease and show little improvement from treatment.

Certain people are at higher risk for poor outcomes from chronic (long-term) sarcoidosis. This includes people who have lung scarring, heart or brain complications, or lupus pernio (LU-pus PAR-ne-o). Lupus pernio is a serious skin condition that sarcoidosis may cause.
Research is ongoing for new and better treatments for sarcoidosis.

Bernie Mac dies of Sarcoidosis

What Causes Sarcoidosis?
The cause of sarcoidosis isn't known. More than one factor may play a role in causing the disease.
Some researchers think that sarcoidosis develops when your immune system responds to a trigger, such as bacteria, viruses, dust, or chemicals.
Normally, your immune system defends your body against foreign or harmful substances. For example, it sends special cells to protect organs that are in danger.
These cells release chemicals that recruit other cells to isolate and destroy the harmful substance. Inflammation occurs during this process. Once the harmful substance is destroyed, the cells and the inflammation go away.
In people who have sarcoidosis, the inflammation doesn't go away. Instead, some of the immune system cells cluster to form lumps called granulomas in various organs in your body.

Genetics also may play a role in sarcoidosis. Researchers believe that sarcoidosis occurs if:
You have a certain gene (or certain genes) that raise your risk for the disease
—And—
You're exposed to something that triggers your immune system
Triggers may vary depending on your genetic makeup. Certain genes may influence which organs are affected and how severe your symptoms are.
Researchers continue to try to pinpoint the genes that are linked to sarcoidosis
Who Is At Risk for Sarcoidosis?
Sarcoidosis affects people of all ages and races. However, it's more common among African Americans and Northern Europeans. In the United States, the disease affects African Americans somewhat more often and more severely than Whites.
Studies have shown that sarcoidosis tends to vary in different ethnic groups. For example, eye problems due to the disease are more common in Japanese people.

Lofgren's syndrome, a type of sarcoidosis, is more common in people of European descent. Lofgren's syndrome may involve fever, enlarged lymph nodes, arthritis (usually in the ankles), and/or erythema nodosum. Erythema nodosum is a rash of red or reddish-purple bumps on your ankles and shins. The rash may be warm and tender to the touch.
Sarcoidosis is somewhat more common in women than in men. The disease usually develops between the ages of 20 and 50.

People who have certain jobs also may be at higher risk for sarcoidosis. Examples include:
Health care workers
Elementary and secondary school teachers
People whose jobs expose them to agricultural dust, insecticides, pesticides, or mold
Suppliers of building materials, hardware, or gardening materials
Firefighters
People who have a family history of sarcoidosis also are at higher risk for the disease.
What Are the Signs and Symptoms of Sarcoidosis?
Many people who have sarcoidosis have no symptoms or mild symptoms. Often, the disease is found during achest x ray done for another reason (for example, to diagnose pneumonia).

The signs and symptoms of sarcoidosis vary depending on which organs are affected. Signs and symptoms also may vary depending on your gender, age, and ethnic background.

Common Signs and Symptoms

In both adults and children, the disease most often affects the lungs. If granulomas (inflamed lumps) form in your lungs, you may wheeze, cough, feel short of breath, or have chest pain. Or, you may have no symptoms at all.

Some people who have sarcoidosis feel very fatigued (tired), uneasy, or depressed. Night sweats and weight loss are common symptoms of the disease.

Common signs and symptoms in children are fatigue, loss of appetite, weight loss, bone and joint pain, and anemia. Children who are younger than 4 years old may have a distinct form of sarcoidosis. It may cause enlarged lymph nodes in the chest (which can be seen on a chest x ray), skin lesions, and eye swelling or redness.

Other Signs and Symptoms
Sarcoidosis may affect your lymph nodes. The disease can cause enlarged lymph nodes that feel tender. Sarcoidosis usually affects the lymph nodes in your neck and chest. However, the disease also may affect the lymph nodes under your chin, in your armpits, or in your groin.

Sarcoidosis can cause lumps, ulcers, or areas of discolored skin. They may itch, but they don't hurt. These signs tend to appear on your back, arms, legs, and scalp. Sometimes they appear near your nose or eyes. These signs usually last a long time.

Sarcoidosis may cause a more serious skin condition called lupus pernio. Disfiguring skin sores may affect your nose, nasal passages, cheeks, ears, eyelids, and fingers. These sores tend to be ongoing. They can return after treatment is over.
Sarcoidosis also can cause eye problems. If you have sarcoidosis, it's important to have an annual eye exam. If you have changes in your vision and can't see as clearly or can't see color, call 9–1–1 or have someone drive you to the emergency room.
You should call your doctor if you have any new eye symptoms, such as burning, itching, tearing, pain, or sensitivity to light.

Signs and symptoms of sarcoidosis also may include an enlarged liver, spleen, or salivary glands.
Although less common, sarcoidosis can affect the heart and brain. This can cause a number of symptoms, such as abnormal heartbeats, shortness of breath, headaches, and vision problems. If sarcoidosis affects the heart or brain, serious complications can occur.

Lofgren's Syndrome

Lofgren's syndrome is a classic set of signs and symptoms that appear in some people when they first develop sarcoidosis. Signs and symptoms may include:
Fever. This symptom only occurs in some people.
Enlarged lymph nodes (which can be seen on a chest x ray).
Arthritis, usually in the ankles. This symptom is more common in men.
Erythema nodosum. This is a rash of red or reddish-purple bumps on your ankles and shins. The rash may be warm and tender to the touch. This symptom is more common in women.

Sarcoidosis Signs and Symptoms

The illustration shows the major signs and symptoms of sarcoidosis and the organs involved.

How Is Sarcoidosis Diagnosed?
Your doctor will diagnose sarcoidosis based on your medical history, a physical exam, and the results from tests. He or she will look for granulomas (inflamed lumps) in your organs. Your doctor also will try to rule out other causes of your symptoms.

Medical History
Your doctor may ask you detailed questions about your medical history. For example, he or she may ask whether you have a family history of sarcoidosis. Your doctor also may ask whether you've had any jobs that may have raised your risk for the disease.
Your doctor also may ask whether you've ever been exposed to inhaled beryllium metal. This type of metal is used to make aircrafts and weapons. Your doctor also may want to know whether you've had contact with organic dust from birds or hay.
Exposure to these substances can cause inflamed lumps in your lungs that look like the granulomas from sarcoidosis. However, these lumps are signs of other conditions.

Physical Exam
Your doctor will examine you for signs and symptoms of sarcoidosis. Signs and symptoms may include red bumps on your skin; swollen lymph nodes; an enlarged liver, spleen, or salivary glands; or redness in your eyes. He or she will check for other causes of your symptoms.

Your doctor also may listen to your lungs and heart. Abnormal breathing and heartbeat sounds may be a sign that sarcoidosis is affecting your lungs or heart.
Diagnostic Tests
You may have tests to confirm a diagnosis and to find out how the disease is affecting you. Tests include chest x ray, lung function tests, biopsy, and other tests to assess organ damage.

Chest X Ray
A chest x ray is a painless test that creates pictures of the structures inside your chest, such as your heart and lungs. The test may show granulomas or enlarged lymph nodes in your chest. About 95 percent of people who have sarcoidosis have an abnormal chest x ray.

Lung Function Tests
Lung function tests measure the size of your lungs, how much air you can breathe in and out, how fast you can breathe air out, and how well your lungs deliver oxygen to your blood. These tests may be used to find out whether sarcoidosis is affecting your lungs.

Biopsy
Your doctor may do a biopsy to confirm a diagnosis or rule out other causes of your symptoms. A biopsy involves taking a small sample of tissue from one of your affected organs.
Usually, doctors try to biopsy the organs that are easiest to access. Examples include the skin, tear glands, or the lymph nodes that are just under the skin.
If this isn't possible, your doctor may use a positron emission tomography (PET) scan to pinpoint areas for biopsy. For this test, a small amount of a radioactive substance is injected into a vein, usually in your arm.

The substance, which releases energy, travels through the blood and collects in organs or tissues. Special cameras detect the energy and convert it into three-dimensional pictures.
If lung function tests or a chest x ray shows signs of sarcoidosis in your lungs, your doctor may do a bronchoscopy (bron-KOS-ko-pee) to get a small sample of lung tissue.
During this procedure, a thin, flexible tube is passed through your nose (or sometimes your mouth), down your throat, and into the airways to reach your lung tissue.

Other Tests To Assess Organ Damage
You also may have other tests to assess organ damage and find out whether you need treatment. For example, your doctor may recommend blood tests and/or an EKG (electrocardiogram).
Everyone who is diagnosed with sarcoidosis should see an ophthalmologist (eye specialist) for eye tests, even if they don't have eye symptoms. This is important because eye damage can occur without symptoms.
How Is Sarcoidosis Treated?
Not everyone who has sarcoidosis needs treatment. In some cases, the disease goes away on its own. Whether you need treatment and what type of treatment you need depend on your signs and symptoms, which organs are affected, and whether those organs are working well.
If the disease affects certain organs, such as your eyes, heart, or brain, you'll need treatment even if you don't have any symptoms.
In either case-whether you have symptoms or not-you should see your doctor for ongoing care. He or she will want to check to make sure that the disease isn't damaging your organs. For example, you may need lung function tests to make sure that your lungs continue to work well.
If the disease isn't worsening, your doctor may watch you closely to see whether the disease goes away on its own. If the disease does start to get worse, your doctor can prescribe treatment.

The goals of treatment are to:
Relieve symptoms
Improve organ function
Control inflammation and reduce the size of granulomas (inflamed lumps)
Prevent pulmonary fibrosis (lung scarring) if your lungs are affected
Your doctor may prescribe topical treatments and/or medicines to treat the disease.
Medicines
Prednisone
Prednisone, a type of steroid, is the main treatment for sarcoidosis. This medicine reduces inflammation. In most people, prednisone relieves symptoms within a couple of months.

Although most people need to take prednisone for 12 months or longer, your doctor may lower the dose within a few months after you start the medicine.
Long-term use of prednisone, especially at high doses, can cause serious side effects. Work with your doctor to decide whether the benefits of this medicine outweigh the risks. If your doctor prescribes this treatment, he or she will find the lowest dose that controls your disease.
When you stop taking prednisone, you should cut back slowly (as your doctor advises). This will help prevent flareups of sarcoidosis. Cutting back slowly also allows your body to adjust to not having the medicine.

If a relapse or flareup occurs after you stop taking prednisone, you may need a second round of treatment. If you remain stable for more than 1 year after stopping this treatment, the risk of relapse is low.

Other Medicines
Other medicines, besides prednisone, also are used to treat sarcoidosis. Examples include:
Hydroxychloroquine. This medicine works best for treating sarcoidosis that affects the skin or brain. Your doctor also may prescribe this medicine if you have a high level of calcium in your blood due to sarcoidosis.
Methotrexate. This medicine works best for treating sarcoidosis that affects your lungs, eyes, skin, or joints.

Your doctor may prescribe these medicines if your sarcoidosis worsens while you're taking prednisone or if you can't handle prednisone's side effects.
If you have Lofgren's syndrome with pain or fever, your doctor may prescribe nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as ibuprofen.

If you're wheezing and coughing, you may need inhaled medicine to help open your airways. You take inhaled medicine using an inhaler. This device allows the medicine to go right to your lungs.

Ongoing Research
Researchers continue to look for new and better treatments for sarcoidosis. They're currently studying treatments aimed at the immune system. Researchers also are studying antibiotics as a possible treatment for sarcoidosis that affects the skin.
Living With Sarcoidosis
Sarcoidosis has no cure. However, you can take steps to manage the disease. Get ongoing care and follow a healthy lifestyle. Talk to your doctor if you’re pregnant or planning a pregnancy.

Ongoing Care
Getting ongoing care is important, even if you don't take medicine for your sarcoidosis. New symptoms can occur at any time. Also, the disease can slowly worsen without your noticing.
How often you need to see your doctor will depend on how severe your symptoms are, which organs are affected, what treatments you're using, and whether you have any side effects from treatments. Even if you don’t have symptoms, you should see your doctor for ongoing care.
Your doctor may recommend routine tests, such as lung function tests and eye exams. He or she will want to check to make sure that the disease isn’t damaging your organs.
Discuss with your doctor how often you need to have followup visits. You may have some followup visits with your primary care doctor and others with one or more specialists.

Lifestyle Changes
Making lifestyle changes can help you manage your health. For example, follow a healthy diet and be as physically active as you can. A healthy diet includes a variety of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains.

It also includes lean meats, poultry, fish, beans, and fat-free or low-fat milk or milk products. A healthy diet is low in saturated fat, trans fat, cholesterol, sodium (salt), and added sugar.
If you smoke, quit. Talk to your doctor about program and products that can help you quit. Also, try to avoid other lung irritants, such as dust, chemicals, and secondhand smoke.

Emotional Issues
Living with a chronic disease may cause fear, anxiety, depression, and stress. It’s important to talk about how you feel with your health care team. Talking to a professional counselor also can help. If you’re feeling very depressed, your health care team or counselor may prescribe medicines to make you feel better.

Joining a patient support group may help you adjust to living with sarcoidosis. You can see how other people who have the disease have coped with it. Talk to your doctor about local support groups or check with an area medical center.
Support from family and friends also can help relieve stress and anxiety. Let your loved ones know how you feel and what they can do to help you.

Pregnancy
Many women who have sarcoidosis give birth to healthy babies. Women who have severe sarcoidosis, especially if they’re older, may have trouble becoming pregnant. In some cases, sarcoidosis may get worse after the baby is delivered.

If you have sarcoidosis and are pregnant or planning a pregnancy, talk to your doctor about the risks. Also, if you become pregnant, it’s important to get good prenatal care and regular sarcoidosis checkups during and after pregnancy.
Some sarcoidosis medicines are considered safe to use during pregnancy; others are not recommended.

Life style change can stop Sarcoidosis !

Sarcoidosis takes its name from the Greek words, sarx, meaning "flesh" and osis, meaning "condition." Hence, sarcoidosis is nothing but a flesh (skin) condition and as I have always said, any disease or condition of the flesh is a blood disorder, for as the Bible states in Leviticus 17:11 "for the life of the flesh is in the blood." Said another way, the condition of the flesh is manifested in the blood and the condition of the blood is manifested in the skin.
Clearly, sarcoidosis affects the glands, the inner and outer skin, and the lymphatic system.
Sarcoidosis is a degenerative disease and is therefore due to improper diet. A degenerative disease is a preventable and reversible disease.

People with sarcoidosis, such as actor Bernie Mac and actress Tisha Campbell, suffer from TOXIC BLOOD and MUCOIDAL OBSTUCTION of the lymphatic system and mucous membranes (internal skin). While most of us suffer from toxic blood and mucus or mucoidal obstruction also, everybody's body is different and our diseases manifest differently and in areas where we have weak or deficient energy.

Tisha Campbell-Martin American actress and singer

So Western medical doctors may call the disease sarcoidosis, but in reality it's nothing but a skin condition predicated upon obstruction of the mucous membranes and lymphatic system.
Sarcoidosis can be reversed by first modifying the diet. Meat, dairy and simple starches should be greatly reduced if not outright eliminated from the diet (which is greatly recommended).

Junk foods (refined grains/pastries, soda pop, candy and chocolate, processed food stuffs, coffee, alcohol and beer, etc.) should be entirely eliminated.
Next, the blood should be purified. The first initial step in purifying the blood is by detoxifying your whole body. When you cleanse your blood you automatically cleanse your lymphatic fluid.

However, since the blood and lymph fluid run or travel in opposite directions but are adjacent to one another, I prefer to deal with them together or congruently with certain herbs that have an affinity for these vital fluids.

The human body actually has three times the amount of blood in lymphatic fluid. Yes, we have more lymph fluid than blood in our bodies. The ration is 3 to 1. However, whereas the blood circulates ten times per minute, the lymph only circulates once a day. Based upon this, I think we will all concur that our lymphatic circulation is greatly stagnant and obstructed.
Lymphatic (and blood) stagnation and impurity can be reversed with herbs.

Herbs that cleanse, strengthen, revitalize and nourish the lymphatic system and lymph fluid include
OCTILLO, LOBELIA, MULLEIN LEAVES, GOLDENSEAL ROOT, ECHINACEA ROOT, CLEAVERS, RED ROOT, BURDOCK ROOT, and WILD INDIGO.
Blood purifying, building, nourishing, revitalizing, and strengthening herbs include
STRAWBERRY LEAF, BURDOCK ROOT, DANDELION ROOT, YELLOW DOCK ROOT, CAPSICUM (CAYENNE) FRUIT, NETTLE LEAF, OREGON GRAPE, MANJISTHA, ALMA (AMALAKI FRUIT), CRANSEBILL, ECHINACEA ROOT, CERASEE, ELDER BERRIES, BAY BERRIE, and GOLDENSEAL ROOT.

The glandular system also needs working on and the following herbs greatly help the glandular or endocrine system –
SARSAPARILLA, LICORICE ROOT, KELP, MACA and GINSENG (all varieties).
The mucous membranes also need attention in cases of sarcoidosis. Herbs that are beneficial and healing for the mucous membranes include
MULLEIN LEAVES, MARSHMALLOW (ALTHEA), LOBELIA, RED RASPBERRY, SLIPPERY ELM BARK, and IRISH MOSS

People suffering from sarcoidosis would be amazed at what happens with the constant cleansing and purifying of the body, especially the blood. By converting to a mostly vegan-vegetarian diet and consuming vast amounts of green foods (green, leafy vegetables) and fruit, the body would alkalize and greatly speed up the healing of its internal organs.
Alkalizing baths consisting of sea salt (one whole box or package added to the water) proves very therapeutic in cases of sarcoidosis.
Putting more oxygen into the body via ozone or oxygen baths and/or liquid oxygen drops would also help to cleanse and alkalize the body, greatly enhancing the natural healing effect of the body.

Elimination of meat (dead, slaughtered animal flesh) and dairy products (liquefied cow snot and pus) would prove most beneficial in healing of sarcoidosis.
Remember, since sarcoidosis is a flesh disease or condition, a flesh condition is nothing but a blood condition. A blood condition usually represents or denotes toxicity so with the cleansing of blood automatically comes the cleansing of the organs. Plain and simple!

Contrary to what you have been told and/or irregardless of what you may think, sarcoidosis is 100% healable. You do not have to live out your entire life with this insidious disease, unless you choose to do so, which would be unwise, very unwise.

Key Points

Sarcoidosis is a disease of unknown cause that leads to inflammation. It can affect various organs in the body.
Sarcoidosis is more likely to occur in some organs than in others. The disease usually starts in the lungs, skin, and/or lymph nodes (especially the lymph nodes in your chest). The disease also often affects the eyes and the liver.
In people who have sarcoidosis, immune system cells cause inflammation and cluster to form lumps called granulomas.
If many granulomas form in an organ, they can affect how the organ works. This can cause signs and symptoms. Signs and symptoms vary depending on which organs are affected. Many people who have sarcoidosis have no symptoms or mild symptoms.
Some researchers think that sarcoidosis develops when your immune system responds to a trigger, such as bacteria, viruses, dust, or chemicals. Genetics also may play a role in sarcoidosis.
Sarcoidosis affects people of all ages and races. In the United States, the disease affects African Americans somewhat more often and more severely than Whites. The disease also is slightly more common in women than in men. It usually develops between the ages of 20 and 50.
In both adults and children, the disease most often affects the lungs. If granulomas form in your lungs, you may wheeze, cough, feel short of breath, or have chest pain. Some people who have sarcoidosis feel very fatigued (tired), uneasy, or depressed. Night sweats and weight loss are common symptoms of the disease.

Lofgren's syndrome is a classic set of signs and symptoms that appear in some people when they first develop sarcoidosis. Signs and symptoms may include fever, enlarged lymph nodes, arthritis, and erythema nodosum (a rash of red or reddish-purple bumps on your ankles).
Your doctor will diagnose sarcoidosis based on your medical history, a physical exam, and the results from tests. He or she will look for granulomas (inflamed lumps) in your organs. Your doctor also will try to rule out other causes of your symptoms.

Whether you need treatment and what type of treatment you need depend on your signs and symptoms, which organs are affected, and whether those organs are working well.
Your doctor may prescribe topical treatments and/or medicines to treat the disease. Not everyone who has sarcoidosis needs treatment. In some cases, the disease goes away on its own.
If the disease affects certain organs, such as your eyes, heart, or brain, you may need treatment even if you don't have any symptoms.
Sarcoidosis has no cure. However, you can take steps to manage the disease. Get ongoing care and follow a healthy lifestyle. Talk to your doctor if you're pregnant or planning a pregnancy.
Getting ongoing care is important, even if you don't take medicine for your sarcoidosis. New symptoms can occur at any time. Also, your condition can slowly worsen without your noticing.

The outcome of sarcoidosis varies. Many people recover from the disease with few or no long-term problems.
Rarely, sarcoidosis can be fatal. Death usually is the result of complications with the lungs, heart, or brain. Poor outcomes are more likely in people who have advanced disease and show little improvement from treatment.
Chinese herbs can play a big role for healing Sarcoidosis

Anemia .. different types & how to treat

2010-01-27T17:07:00.000-08:00

What is Anemia?

Anemia is a condition where there is an abnormally low number of red blood cells circulating in the body. It is the most common disorder of the red blood cells, affecting about 3.5 million Americans.

Anemia is not a disease. It is a condition that results from below-normal levels of hemoglobin in the red blood cells. Hemoglobin is the iron-containing pigment of the red blood cells that carries oxygen from the lungs to the tissues.

There are many different kinds of anemia, each with its own cause. For example, a poor diet can cause anemia. The more severe types of this condition are often inherited.

Why Does Anemia Occur?
To understand why anemia occurs, it's important to understand the function of blood itself. Blood is a mixture of plasma (the fluid part of the blood) and cells. Its red color comes from the predominant cells found in the blood, called erythrocytes.

A healthy person has about 5 million red cells in every cubic millimeter of blood. Each cell contains a protein (hemoglobin) that carries oxygen through the body.
The process of creating and recycling red blood cells is exceptionally complex. Trouble can occur at any point in this process. If the red blood cells fail to effectively transport oxygen throughout the body, anemia can result.

Facts About Anemia

The word anemia is Greek for "without blood."
Anemia is a common problem for menstruating women because their iron supplies are depleted monthly.

In young children, marrow in all the bones produces red blood cells. As a person ages, red blood cells are eventually produced only in the marrow of the spine, ribs, and pelvis.
The life span of a red blood cell is between 90 and 120 days.
Old red blood cells are removed from the blood by the liver and spleen, and the iron is returned to the bone marrow to make new cells.

A person with anemia will feel tired and weak because the body's tissues are being starved of oxygen. In fact, fatigue is the main symptom of most types of anemia. The severity of symptoms is in part related to the severity of anemia. Mild anemia can occur without symptoms and may be detected only during a medical exam that includes a blood test.

What Are The Symptoms Of Anemia?

Symptoms of anemia include:
. Fatigue
. Weakness
. Fainting
. Breathlessness
. Heart palpitations (rapid or irregular beating)
. Dizziness
. Headache
. Ringing in the ears (tinnitus)
. Difficulty sleeping
. Difficulty concentrating

Common signs include:

. Pale complexion
. The normally red lining of the mouth and eyelids fades in color
Rapid heartbeat (tachycardia)
. Abnormal menstruation (either absence of periods or increased bleeding)

. Other signs depend on the cause of the anemia. These can include spoon-shaped finger nails and toenails in iron-deficiency anemia, mild jaundice in hemolytic anemias, and leg ulcers in sickle cell anemia .

What Causes Anemia?

There are three general causes of anemia:

. Decreased red cell production by the bone marrow
. Increased red cell destruction, or hemolysis
. Blood loss from heavy menstrual periods or internal bleeding

When you're anemic, your body either produces too few healthy red blood cells, or destroys them faster than they can be replaced or loses too many of them. If your diet lacks certain vitamins and minerals, the production of hemoglobin can slow down.

Types of anemia caused by decreases in red cell production include iron deficiency anemia and vitamin deficient anemia.

If something in the body destroys or attacks red blood cells, the bone marrow tries to produce more blood. If the destruction of red blood cells is rapid, the marrow can't catch up. This problem is often inherited. The resulting anemia is called hemolytic anemia.

Hemolytic Anemia

A severe bleeding episode can result in temporary anemia until the body has had time to make up the blood that was lost. But even small, persistent losses of blood may cause anemia if you have a poor diet. A healthy person whose diet contains plenty of iron and vitamins can produce large amounts of new blood, reducing the risk of anemia

The Different Kinds Of Anemia
There are different kinds of anemia. Some forms of this condition are inherited, while others are brought on by poor nutrition.

Iron Deficiency Anemia
The body needs iron to produce the hemoglobin necessary for red blood cell production. In general, most people need just 1 milligram of iron daily. Menstruating women need double that dose.

Vitamin Deficiency Anemias
Vitamin B-12 is also essential in hemoglobin production. Normally, a chemical secreted by the stomach helps the body absorbs this vitamin. However, some people can't readily absorb B-12. The result is B-12 deficiency (pernicious anemia). Because the symptoms develop gradually this condition may not be immediately recognized. Those with thyroid disease or diabetes mellitus are at increased risk for this type of anemia. The condition occurs most often in 40- to 80-year-old northern Europeans with fair skin.

A lack of folic acid, another one of the B vitamins, can also lead to anemia. Folic acid deficiency is a particular problem for alcoholics.

Food rich in iron and vitamins

Hemolytic Anemias
Anemia caused by the premature destruction of red blood cells is known as hemolytic anemia. In this type of anemia, antibodies produced by the immune system damage red blood cells. This condition is sometimes associated with disorders such as systemic lupus, or lymphoma.

Toxic materials such as lead, copper, and benzene can also cause the destruction of red blood cells.

Blood transfusions may be necessary for some people with this kind of anemia. Hemolytic anemia can be acquired or inherited. Sickle cell disease and thalassemia are both inherited types of hemolytic anemia.

Sickle Cell Anemia

Sickle cell anemia is also known as Hemoglobin S disease. This is a serious, life-threatening inherited form of anemia. Persons with this disease have sickle-shaped red blood cells that are stiff and unable to squeeze through blood vessels.
Persons with this disease often suffer from pain in the joints and bones. Infections and heart failure can also occur.
The disease occurs in just 0.6 percent of the population, usually in African Americans.

Thalassemia
This is a group of anemias due to the defects in the genes producing hemoglobin. It is most common in people of Mediterranean descent. There are two major forms: thalassemia minor and thalassemia major.

As its name implies, thalassemia minor is mild and those suffering from this condition go on to live a full life. Treatment is often unnecessary. Thalassemia major can be serious, but it is very rare. Transfusions or bone marrow transplants are usually required. Thalassemia major is also called Cooley's anemia, named after the doctor who first described it in 1925.

Aplastic Anemia
This is one of the deadliest and most rare forms of anemia. Only two to six people per million have this type of anemia. The condition results from an unexplained failure of the bone marrow to produce all types of blood cells. Instead, fat cells replace bone marrow.
Aplastic anemia is usually found in adolescents and young adults. Symptoms can include bleeding in the mucous membranes. Chemicals such as benzene and certain pesticides can also cause this type of anemia.

Favism, G6PD Deficiency, Fava Beans and Legumes

What is Favism?

Favism describes the susceptibility to, and clinical presentation of, acute haemolytic crises as a consequence of eating broad beans in a subgroup of patients with glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) deficiency. It can be potentially life-threatening. Broad beans are derived from the plant Vicia fava, hence the condition's name. Susceptible patients may also experience the syndrome when exposed to the plant's pollen.

Favism is associated with some severe variants of G6PD Deficiency. It is called favism because the consumption of broad beans, sometimes called fava beans, causes. oxidative stress and hemolytic anemia In some cases eating any legume causes some degree of hemolysis.
The exact relationship between Favism and G6PD Deficiency is not known. Broad Beans (Fava Beans) contain vicine, divicine, convicine and isouramil, all of which are oxidants.

The condition had been thought to occur only in the Mediterranean variety of G6PD deficiency. However, there have been reports of the condition affecting children in Hong Kong, Thailand and Iran. This reflects common ancestry among populations in different parts of the world due to migration as well as the large number of genetic polymorphisms that constitute the variable alleles causing G6PD deficiency.

G6PD is crucial in maintaining red cell homeostasis and its deficiency leads to increased susceptibility to haemolysis induced by drugs, infections and substances in food. There are a huge number of polymorphisms of the gene with variable effects on the activity of the enzyme and a wide range of phenotypic susceptibility to haemolysis.

The gene for G6PD is located on the X-chromosome hence it is an X-linked inherited disease that primarily affects men. It can have clinical effects in homozygous women and a proportion of female heterozygous carriers.It is thought that the susceptibility to favism is determined by a combination of the particular G6PD polymorphism (predominantly the Mediterranean form), and by variability in other enzymatic mechanisms, particularly in the metabolism of L-DOPA (found in abundance in broad beans), and vicine, convicine and isouramil (the so-called 'anti-nutritional factors' that are present in broad beans)

Epidemiology

· G6PD deficiency is the commonest enzymopathy of man of clinical significance. It is thought to affect more than 400 million people worldwide.
· The highest prevalence of G6PD deficiency is found in tropical Africa, the Middle East, tropical and subtropical Asia, Papua New Guinea and various Mediterranean locations.
· Only a proportion of G6PD sufferers are prone to favism, and this proportion is variable between populations. A study in Sardinia, where there is a high prevalence of G6PD deficiency (7.5% of all males) found 508 cases of favism over a 9-year period. In a Thai study, favism was found in 3.6% of G6PD-deficient children. It therefore appears to be a relatively rare manifestation of a common genetic polymorphism.

Presentation

· There may be a past history of episodes of neonatal or childhood jaundice.
· A dietary history may reveal recent ingestion of broad beans.
· Check for recent medication changes or history consistent with infection.

Favism leads to acute, massive intravascular haemolysis. Its main clinical features are:

· Acute back and/or abdominal pain
· Acute pallor due to anaemia
· Haemoglobinuria causing the passage of dark or orangey-yellow urine
· Jaundice
· Patients with G6PD deficiency are prone to gallstones and splenomegaly due to recurrent, often subclinical, episodes of haemolysis.

Differential diagnosis

· Acute haemolysis caused by an alternative precipitant in G6PD sufferer (e.g. drugs – particularly antimalarials' infection)
· Sickle cell anaemia and crisis
· Exacerbation of other haemolytic anaemias, e.g. hereditary spherocytosis, autoimmune haemolytic anaemia
· Disseminated intravascular coagulation
· Systemic lupus erythematosus

Investigations

· Dipstick urine to reveal evidence of haemoglobinuria.
· FBC will show acute haemolytic anaemia picture with low haemoglobin.
· Reticulocyte count may be elevated (although often normal in early acute phase).
· Raised indirect bilirubin (unconjugated) indicating haemolysis.
· LFTs usually normal.
· Serum lactate dehydrogenase may be elevated, indicating haemolysis.
· Serum haptoglobins may be low, indicating haemolysis.
· Abdominal ultrasound may be used to detect gallstones and/or splenomegaly.
· Coombs' test is negative.
· G6PD activity assay in undiagnosed cases – may be normal if there is significant reticulocytosis as reticulocytes are rich in the enzyme; assay may need to be repeated in convalescent phase.

Associated diseases

· Glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase deficiency
· Gallstones due to chronic haemolysis
· Splenomegaly due to chronic haemolysis.

Management

· Avoid further ingestion of broad beans
· Folic acid supplementation
· Iron supplementation if ongoing acute severe intravascular haemolysis
· Oxygen therapy
· Bed rest and transfer to a high care/intensive care setting
· Intravenous fluids to reduce chance of acute oliguric renal impairment
· Blood transfusion or exchange transfusion sometimes needed to treat severe anaemia

Complications
· Death due to acute severe haemolytic anaemia (relatively rare)
· Ophthalmological damage due to intra-ocular intravascular haemolysis
· Acute renal failure
· Susceptibility to infection

Prognosis

This is variable depending on the degree of susceptibility to favism, quantity of beans ingested and access to acute medical care. Most cases do well with supportive care but there is significant morbidity and some mortality associated with the disease.

Prevention

· Avoidance of ingestion of broad beans in patients known to be G6PD deficient, or who have suffered previous episodes of favism.
· Genetic counselling and screening may be useful where there is a family history of G6PD deficiency, to allow diagnosis before exposure to haemolytic precipitants.
· Population screening and health education programs in areas of high prevalence of G6PD deficiency have been shown to reduce the incidence of favism in the at-risk population.

Herbs to treat G6PD Deficiency anemia
Chinese herbal doctors have reported some successful applications of using herbal combinations. During observation on patients receiving treatment with herbal remedy, all patients were judged as healing (full recovery and symptom free).

The most powerful feature of Traditional Chinese Medicine is that it allows you to easily combine multiple ingredients to form a recipe to suit the specific need of individual. The list below are to give you an idea of why you can get the herbal remedy best for you.

When you choose a herbal remedy there are two important things among your concerns: a good recipe and a correct way to cook it. A good recipe is half the good results.

Some Herbs are good for G6PD Deficiency anemia

Rhizoma Ligustici Chuanxiong
Radix Salviae Miltiorrhizae
Radix Angelicae Sinensis
Radix Codonopsis Pilosulae

How Is Anemia Diagnosed?

Anemia can be detected by a simple blood test. Most causes can be diagnosed by analysis of blood samples and by examination of the blood cells under a microscope.
A complete blood count test is always performed. The red blood cells and their iron-bearing protein, hemoglobin, are measured. The percentage of red blood cells in the blood is called a hematocrit.

A blood smear will determine the size, shape, and color of the blood cells. The shape of the red blood cells can be distorted in many blood disorders, such as sickle cell anemia.

Normal red blood cells (1) and abnormal sickle shape red blood cells (2)

Iron deficiency anemia is suspected when the red cells are low in number and unusually small. Measuring the amount of iron and its associated proteins in the blood can confirm this diagnosis.
Those with vitamin deficiency anemias have larger-than-normal red blood cells.

In some cases, a bone marrow biopsy may be necessary to confirm a diagnosis. A sample of bone marrow is removed from the back of the pelvic bone or from the breastbone. This sample allows physicians to determine the overall activity of the marrow and whether abnormal cells, such as cancer cells, are interfering with its function.

Other tests that may be needed include chemical examination of the stool for traces of blood, x-rays of the bowel to detect the presence of internal bleeding and examination of the small bowel lining to access its ability to absorb food normally.

How Is Anemia Treated?
The treatment for anemia depends on the type and cause.Iron deficiency anemia is treated with iron (ferrous sulphate) supplements, initially taken three times a day. If nausea, stomach cramps, diarrhea or constipation occur, the medication may be taken with a little bit of food.

Treatment should be continued for three to six months in order for the body to fully replenish its iron supply. As long as excessive bleeding is not present and there are no other complicating factors, the anemia will be corrected within a few weeks. However, if the iron deficiency is caused by blood loss that is not due to menstruation, the source of bleeding must be found and stopped. This may require surgery

ferrous sulphate

Pernicious anemia, or vitamin B-12 deficiency, is treated by a life-long course of intramuscular injections of B-12. Persons with this type of anemia receive a shot of B-12 several times a week when first diagnosed. The treatment may continue for life, with one shot about four times a year.
Folic acid deficiency anemia can be corrected by taking folic acid supplements once a day.

Hereditary hemolytic anemias, such as thalassemia is treated by first eliminating any existing infections and avoiding medications that suppress the body's immune system. These medications may attack red blood cells. In addition, persons with these types of anemia may require regular blood transfusions.

Sickle cell anemia patients may be given oxygen, oral and intravenous fluids and pain-killing drugs to reduce pain and prevent complications. Antibiotics are commonly prescribed as well. Sufferers will need blood transfusions when the anemia becomes severe or if misshapen hemoglobin needs to be replaced. In some cases, a bone marrow transplant may be effective. Adult patients may be treated with the cancer drug hydroxyurea (brand names Droxia, Hydrea).

Sometimes rare aplastic anemias and autoimmune hemolytic anemias will respond to steroids. Failure to respond to steroids may require removal of the spleen which can become enlarged with defective red blood cells. Aplastic anemias may require blood transfusions and medications to fight infections.

Most common symptoms of anemia

Other treatment options may be appropriate based on the cause of the anemia.
For instance, if the bone marrow has failed because of leukemia, intensive chemotherapy may be required. Bone marrow transplantation may be contemplated if a suitable donor exists.
With proper treatment, many types of anemia can be eliminated, especially those caused by iron deficiency and vitamin deficiency.

Good food for anemia

Need To Know:
Most cases of anemia are mild. Without treatment, however, serious problems can occur, since the reduction in red blood cells decreases the ability to absorb oxygen from the lungs.
Certain inherited forms of anemia, including thalassemia major, pernicious anemia, and sickle cell anemia can be life threatening.
You should never self-diagnose yourself with anemia. The symptoms of fatigue and weakness can be the result of many other diseases. If you suspect you have anemia, contact your doctor.

Typical tongue in case of vitamin B12 deficiency anemia

Putting It All Together
Here is a summary of the important facts and information related to anemia.

. Anemia affects about 400 millions around the world and making it the most common blood disorder in the U.S. where 3.5 million American already affected
. Anemia is the result of below-normal levels of hemoglobin in the red blood cells.
. There are many different kinds of anemia ranging from mild and easily treatable iron and, vitamin deficiency anemias to serious, and sometimes life-threatening aplastic and sickle cell anemias.
. Fatigue is the main symptom of most anemias.
. Anemia can be usually be detected with a simple blood test.
. Treatment of anemia is based on the cause of the disorder. Treatments range from folic acid or vitamin supplements in mild cases to bone marrow transplants in severe cases.
. You should never self-diagnose anemia. Symptoms of fatigue and weakness can be the result of many other diseases. If you suspect you have anemia, consult your doctor.

Medical laboratory is the place you can diagnose the anemia

Night Enuresis in children … Wetting the bed at night

2010-01-12T19:04:00.000-08:00

It's common for toddlers to wet the bed, as they have not yet learned to control the flow of urine effectively. However, bedwetting can be a problem for older children too.

A child may wet the bed one or more times per night, and may sometimes have problems staying dry during the day, too. Bed wetting occurs on most nights in 15% of five year olds and is still a problem for up to 3% of 15 year olds. It's not an illness, but a condition that can be treated effectively and permanently.

Types of nocturnal enuresis

There are two types of nocturnal enuresis.

Primary nocturnal enuresis is when a child has never developed complete night-time bladder control.

Secondary nocturnal enuresis is when a child has accidental wetting after having had bladder control for six or more months. It's often associated with a period of emotional stress such as the birth of a younger sibling, a bereavement or school worries.

The urinary system

Why does bedwetting happen?

Urine is stored in the bladder, which stretches like a balloon as it fills up. When it stretches to a certain point, the nerves in the bladder wall send a message to the brain saying that it needs to be emptied. Urine passes out through the urethra. If a child is asleep and the brain does not "hear" this message, the bladder empties anyway.

The cause of bedwetting is unknown, but some factors are linked to it.

. Bladder size - bedwetting may be related to a small bladder size.
. Inherited aspect - children whose parents used to wet the bed are more likely to do so themselves.
. Infection - an infection in the bladder or kidneys may trigger bedwetting.
. Constipation - this can lead to leakage of urine.
. Antidiuretic hormone - children who wet the bed may have a lower level of a hormone called antidiuretic hormone, which suppresses the rate of urine production. This means they may make more urine than most people do at night.
. Delayed growth and development - some children’s nervous system is not mature enough to be able to sense when the bladder is full.
. Heavy sleeping - most doctors don't believe this alone can cause bedwetting, but in some cases it may play a role.
. Diet - dairy products, citrus fruits, chocolate and foods containing high levels of artificial colour and sweetener have been connected with bedwetting.
. Psychological and social factors - most often the cause of bed-wetting is not related to emotional problems. However, some children who wet the bed tend to be less mature and self-reliant than those who do.

Diagnosis

Parents worried about bedwetting can consult their GP, health visitor or school nurse. Most children will only need a general physical examination, and will have their urine tested with dip sticks.
It is rare that a child who wets the bed has any underlying illness. However, other possible problems such as diabetes, infections, or abnormalities will need to be ruled out.

Treatments
Treatment is not usually needed for children under six, because in most children, it will resolve spontaneously.

Treatment options include:

Alarms

Moisture alarm: Moisture alarms are considered a useful and successful way to treat bed-wetting. Medical research has shown that moisture alarms have helped many children stay dry.

This treatment requires a supportive and helpful family and may take many weeks or even several months to work. Moisture alarms have good long-term success and fewer relapses than medications.An alarm consists of a clip-on sensor probe that attaches to the outside of bed-clothing. An alarm is set off when the child begins to wet the bed. The alarm wakes the child, who will then go to the bathroom to finish and then go back to sleep. This slowly conditions the brain to respond appropriately during sleep to messages from the bladder.

A child who wets the bed needs to develop a better response to a full bladder, and an enuresis alarm can be an effective way to do this. When the child starts to wet the bed, a moisture sensor sends a signal to a control panel, which sounds an alarm. Some alarms also vibrate, which is useful for children with hearing impairments or those who sleep in a room with others.

As well as waking the child, who gets up to go to the toilet, the alarm stimulates the child's pelvic floor muscles to contract and so control the flow of urine. Gradually the child is conditioned to wake before the alarm sounds - or to sleep through the night without needing to urinate - and should start to achieve dry nights.

It is not usually recommended that children start using alarms till they are six or seven. They need to be old enough to understand the problem and how they have a part to play in treating themselves.

Alarms are effective in about 70% of children, but in 10-15% bedwetting returns. Continuing to use the alarm for at least three weeks after the child's last wet night can reduce the chance of this happening. A child will usually need an alarm for between three and five months.

Behavioral treatment is often more effective and certainly is safer than medical treatment. While behavioral treatment may take somewhat longer to show results, the improvement usually continues indefinitely.

There are several methods that may be helpful:

Retention Control Training: The child is asked to control urinating during the day by postponing it, first by a few minutes and then by gradually increased amounts of time. This exercise can extend the capacity of the bladder and strengthen the muscle that holds back urination. Parents should always check with a doctor before asking their child to practice retention control.

Night-lifting: This procedure involves waking your child periodically throughout the night, walking your child to the bathroom to urinate, and then returning your child to bed. By teaching your child to awaken and to empty his or her bladder many times during the night, it is hoped that he or she will eventually stay dry.

Drugs
Medications can work more quickly than alarms to treat bedwetting, so may be useful to help a child to build up confidence, especially if he or she is going on a school trip or sleepover.

However, medication only manages the problem in the short term rather than curing it.
A desmopressin nasal spray is usually effective in the short term. It works by making the child produce less urine. It works quickly and produces few side-effects. One puff is given to each nostril before bed. Desmopressin tablets are also available.

A drug called imipramine, which is used as an antidepressant in adults, may help by improving the child's sleep patterns or affecting the way the bladder muscles of the bladder work. However, it should not be used for more than three months. There may be side-effects such as changes in behaviour. It can be fatal in overdose and must be stored out of children's reach.

Some children who have daytime wetting as well may be diagnosed as having an "overactive bladder". This results in the bladder contracting even though it’s not full. A drug called oxybutynin may be helpful for this particular type of enuresis.

OXYBUTYNIN 5 MG

Combination treatment
It is possible to use drugs and an alarm at the same time. Scientific evidence suggests that more children become dry after using the alarm with drugs, compared to the alarm alone.

Complementary therapy
There is some scientific evidence to suggest that ultrasound treatment and electro-acupuncture may help, but these need more investigation.

Advice for parents

It's best to talk openly to your child about the problem. Give reassurance that he or she is not ill and that this problem can be solved. Praise all signs of improvement and all your child's efforts to conquer the problem. Do not blame, criticize, or punish your child or call them dirty or babyish.

Tips for a dry night
Make sure your child visits the toilet just before going to bed. Parents sometimes lift a sleeping child to the toilet before they themselves go to bed. However, this may encourage a child to wet the bed because their bladder does not feel full before they pass urine.

Make sure your child doesn't have a drink within two to three hours of bedtime. However, limiting a child's fluid intake during the day will not help to develop bladder control. Children should be encouraged to drink seven to eight cups of fluid, spaced out throughout the day. It’s best to avoid drinks that contain caffeine because they have a diuretic (urine-producing) effect.

Make it easy for your child to reach the toilet - perhaps leave a light on.
Encourage your child to return to her own bed after it has been changed.
Record wet and dry nights. Reward dry nights

Mattress protection

There are a number of specialist products available to keep beds dry, such as plastic mattress covers and dry-pants (mini-nappies.

Using herbs to treat night bed-wetting
1 - Drink eight ounces of cranberry juice thirty minutes before going to bed. Cranberry juice is known for assisting the urinary tract, which is the main cause for bedwetting. Healthy urinary tracts are able to hold urine for longer periods of time.
2 - Eat a combination of walnuts and raisins an hour or so before going to bed every night. These ingredients are known for their support of the digestive tract. Consume these ingredients every night until bedwetting has subsided, and even for several months afterwards, to ensure that you stop wetting the bed.
3 - Boil a cup of water, add oak bark into the hot water, and then drink the mixture. Natural herbs will boost the immune system and will also treat many different types of hormonal issues. Oak bark, wormwood and horsetail will prevent bedwetting by its vitamins and minerals.
4 - Practice urine retention throughout the day. During the daytime hours, when you start to feel the need to urinate, hold the urine until you absolutely need to go to the bathroom.

Premenstrual Syndrome ...PMS

2010-01-11T15:12:00.000-08:00

PMS has been seen since the times of ancient Greece. It has been reported in Eastern (Asian) cultures as well as throughout the Western World. Modern scientific study of PMS has been going on since the early 1930s.

A woman is considered to have PMS when her premenstrual symptoms:

. cause significant discomfort
. interfere with her daily life
. occur primarily during the last two weeks of her menstrual cycle
. cannot be attributed to other conditions

. At least 80% of menstruating women have some premenstrual symptoms:
. About 40% of menstruating women have PMS
. About 10% have severe symptoms, a condition called premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD). Nine million women, or approximately five to seven percent of women of childbearing age, have PMDD.

For most women PMS symptoms are mild. In others, the symptoms may be severe and even incapacitating. The severity of a woman's symptoms has much more to do with her body chemistry than her personality.

PMS can occur at any time after puberty, but more women experience symptoms in their 30s and 40s than in their teenage years. Women who have had more children tend to have more severe symptoms, and women whose mother had PMS are at increased risk. PMS tends to get worse as women age and experience hormonal changes. Women with a history of depression have a greater risk of PMS.

Nice To Know:
Hormones are chemicals produced in the body that control the activity of specific cells or organs. Hormone levels in women with PMS are normal throughout the menstrual cycle. Women with

PMS do not have too little or too much of the female hormones estrogen and progesterone, or the male hormone testosterone. However, the effects of the hormones are different from one woman to another

What Are The Symptoms Of PMS?
The number, type, and severity of symptoms vary among women. They may also be different in the same woman from month to month.

PMS symptoms include:
Fatigue: This is the most common symptom of PMS. Women with PMS may feel so tired they can barely get through the day. Some women also may have trouble sleeping at night.
Tension and irritability: A woman with PMS may feel very on edge. Small annoyances seem huge. Often her response is out of proportion to the problem.

Difficulty concentrating: Many women with PMS find it hard to do things that require concentration, such as balancing a checkbook, following recipes, or making business decisions.
They may also be forgetful.

Anger: During PMS, normal feelings of anger are often exaggerated. A woman may be more argumentative and lash out at those around her.

Depression: Sadness and crying easily are common feelings related to PMS. At times the sadness may feel profound and inconsolable.

Food cravings: Some women crave particular foods, such as sweets or salt. Others find their appetite for almost any food increases.

Breast tenderness: Many woman experience swelling and soreness around their nipples or breasts.

Bloating in the abdomen, hands, and legs: Some women with PMS gain weight. Others have fluid shifts to the abdomen, hands, and legs that make them feel uncomfortably swollen or puffy.
Headaches: Duration and severity of headaches vary from woman to woman, but are common during PMS.

What Causes PMS?
Experts say that the definitive cause of PMS is not yet known. However, the most likely explanation for PMS is that many women are sensitive to the hormonal shifts that occur in the second half of the menstrual cycle.

What Hormones Cause PMS?
PMS most often occurs in women with normal menstrual cycles. During the normal menstrual cycle, the ovaries make two main hormones, called estrogen and progesterone. Estrogen is made by the ovaries throughout the entire menstrual cycle. It reaches its highest levels during the second and third weeks and declines during the last week. During the last two weeks of the cycle the ovaries also make progesterone. The last two weeks of the menstrual cycle is called the luteal (secretory) phase.

Both estrogen and progesterone prepare the uterus (womb) to accept a fertilized egg. Both estrogen and progesterone also affect women's moods.

How Do Hormonal Changes Cause PMS?
The exact cause of PMS is still not known, but researchers believe that PMS symptoms occur because progesterone and estrogen cause changes in brain chemicals called neurotransmitters.

The most likely neurotransmitters affected are:

Serotonin: Women with PMS have fluctuations in serotonin levels. These changes may cause depression and carbohydrate cravings. Serotonin is made by the body from the amino acid tryptophan.

GABA: GABA stands for gamma-aminobutyric acid. This neurotransmitter is important in feeling calm.

Endorphins: Endorphins are important in the experience of pain and pleasure. Estrogen and progesterone change endorphin levels.

Norepinephrine: Norepinephrine and epinephrine are also neurotransmitters that influence mood. In addition, these substances play a role in blood pressure and heart rate.

Could Calcium And Magnesium Imbalances Be Involved?
Some researchers think that certain imbalances in calcium and magnesium levels may trigger PMS symptoms. These two minerals affect nerve cell communication and blood vessel opening and closing. These functions may be involved in PMS symptoms.

Does Stress Cause PMS?
No. PMS is not caused by stress. Women may experience more stress prior to menstruation, and they may handle stress differently during this time, but it is not the cause of PMS. Excessive stress can, however, make PMS symptoms worse.

How Can I Tell If I Have PMS?
Hormone levels in women with PMS are normal. So, there are no laboratory tests that determine if you have PMS. However, your doctor may do blood tests to determine if you have another problem besides PMS, such as a thyroid condition or early menopause (when menstruation stops, usually associated with aging).

Keeping A Symptoms Calendar
PMS is often incorrectly diagnosed as another physical or emotional problem. The main characteristic that distinguishes PMS is the timing of the symptoms.

So, to diagnose PMS a record of symptoms needs to be kept on a calendar for two to three months. This calendar can help you see patterns in your symptoms. Your doctor will use the calendar along with a health history and physical exam to determine if you have PMS.

How-To Information:
You can use a calendar to record your symptoms. Rate each symptom on a scale of 0 to 3:
0: means the symptom is not present
1: means the symptom is mild
2: means the symptom is moderate
3: means the symptom is severe and interferes with normal daily activities

Start the calendar on the first day of your period (Day 1) and use it every evening for one cycle.

. At the start of your next period, count up the score as follows:
. Add up all the points for the seven days before your period starts.
. Add up all the points on days 3 through 9 of the cycle.

PMS is probably present if:

. The total score on days 3-9 is less than 40; and
. The total score on the last 7 days is more than 42; and
. The score on the last 7 days is twice the score on days 3-9.

If the score on days 3-9 is more than 40, or if you notice that symptoms are not cyclical, you may have another condition like depression, a thyroid condition, or anxiety.

Should I Get Treatment For PMS?

PMS is not your fault, and it does not indicate psychological weakness. It is not something to be embarrassed about. Studies have shown that women with PMS are psychologically healthy.You should consider treatment for PMS if you notice any of the following, especially during the one to two weeks before your period.

Poor work or school performance: Poor performance at school or at work is often the result of difficulty concentrating, irritability, or fatigue.

Disturbing physical symptoms: Breast tenderness, bloating, and headaches.

Problems in your social life: PMS may disturb social relationships. This can include relationships with spouses, friends, lovers, and colleagues.

Difficulty parenting: Many women with PMS notice their children react to their mood swings and find themselves inappropriately angry at their children's behavior.
Suicidal thoughts: Suicidal thoughts are common in women with severe PMS.

What Treatments Work?
Many types of treatment are used to relieve symptoms of PMS. Most of them have not been scientifically proven to be effective, although they seem to help many women.

Most researchers and clinicians suggest starting with lifestyle changes, such as diet, exercise, and stress management. Over-the-counter and prescription medicines as well as non-drug treatments like vitamins, minerals, and herbal remedies are also used.

Different treatments are effective for different women. Although you may need to try several before having success, more than 90 percent of women can get at least some relief from their PMS symptoms.

Primary treatment for PMS currently includes:

. Non-drug and lifestyle approaches
. Medications
. Non-drug And Lifestyle Approaches

Many women begin with non-drug treatments, as they tend to have fewer side effects. Non-drug treatments include:
• Changes in diet
• Physical activity
• Stress management
• Nutritional supplements

What changes in diet can help?
Eating a healthy diet is important for general health and may also help relieve PMS symptoms such as bloating, breast tenderness, weight gain, irritability, and headaches.
This includes eating foods high in complex carbohydrates like whole grains and fresh fruits and vegetables, and avoiding saturated fats. It may also help to avoid salt, sugar, caffeine, alcohol, and red meat, and sometimes dairy products. Eating more small meals each day instead of three large meals may reduce food cravings and mood swings.

How can physical activity help?
Most women report that exercise improves their PMS symptoms. It is especially helpful in relieving stress, improving mood, and preventing weight gain.

Try to be physically active for at least 30 minutes on most days of the week throughout your menstrual cycle. Walking or other moderate physical activity may be enough, but some women find they need more vigorous aerobic exercise, such as jogging, biking, swimming, or climbing stairs. If you have not been exercising regularly, talk with your doctor before starting any vigorous exercise program.

What about stress management?
Everyone has events, people, and circumstances in their lives that cause stress. But the way that we handle stressors makes a huge difference in our physical and emotional well-being.
Identifying sources of stress and your reactions to them is the first step in managing stress. Try not to plan stressful activities during the days when your symptoms are worst.

Relaxation techniques, such as meditation, deep breathing, and yoga, help decrease PMS symptoms in some women. Talking with friends or with a counselor may give you ideas on changing negative responses to stress to healthier ones.

Causes of stress

Our society is often not tolerant of the changes that occur during premenstruation. In some cultures, premenstruation and menstruation are considered special times for women to reconnect with each other, slow down, and honor their own lives and bodies. Menstruation is also considered a time of cleansing.

By taking time to rest, and comforting yourself while still following healthy habits, you may minimize your discomfort.

What other non-drug treatments can help?
The most common non-drug treatments that help some women with PMS include vitamins, minerals, and herbal remedies. Acupuncture or massage may also help.

Calcium and magnesium. Calcium and magnesium levels fluctuate during PMS. Some researchers have found that calcium can reduce PMS symptoms by almost half. They now recommend trying calcium before trying prescription medicines. Magnesium supplements seem to help some women with PMS, although this has not been confirmed in any studies.

Vitamins. Some women report relief of PMS symptoms from taking vitamins, especially vitamins B6 and E, although there is currently no scientific proof. If you try vitamins beyond a daily multivitamin, be careful about the amounts you take. Some vitamins can cause harm in large doses.

Other dietary supplements. There are a variety of products available that combine different vitamins and minerals for relief of PMS symptoms. PMS Escape is one product that has been shown in a scientific study to help reduce food craving, irritability, depression, and problems concentrating. It contains complex carbohydrates, vitamins, and minerals in a combination that raises levels of the neurotransmitter serotonin.

One of the easiest ways to control the symptoms of PMS is through diet, as no medication can completely overcome the effects of a poor diet. Foods that are known to worsen the symptoms of PMS (and which therefore should be avoided) are those that are high in refined sugars and fats, and those that are highly processed and full of chemicals.

Foods made from whole grains, legumes, seeds and nuts, vegetables, seasonal fruits, and unsaturated vegetable oils have all been found to reduce PMS symptoms.

It has also been observed that Japanese women who eat a traditional diet of grains, fermented bean products, and sea vegetables have much less tendency to experience diseases associated with hormonal imbalance, such as PMS; examples of these traditional foods that can be found in health food stores and oriental markets include miso (a high-nutrient fermented soy product), tamari soy sauce; kelp; go masio (sea salt combined with ground and toasted sesame seeds); and umeboshi plums (traditionally used to maintain the body's acid-alkaline balance).

Fermented soy product

Some women find relief with the use of vitamin and mineral supplements. Magnesium can reduce the fluid retention that causes bloating, while calcium may decrease both irritability and bloating. Magnesium and calcium also help relax smooth muscles and this may reduce cramping. Zinc displaces copper in the body, which is important because an overabundance of copper can increase moodiness and produce higher levels of estrogen.

Foods containing Zinc

Vitamin E may reduce breast tenderness, nervous tension, fatigue, and insomnia. Vitamin B6 can help to regulate mood swings, irritability, fluid retention, breast tenderness, bloating, sugar craving, and fatigue associated with PMS. Vitamin B5 supports the adrenal glands and may help reduce fatigue. Vitamin D aids in the absorption of calcium, and can, like Vitamin A, decrease skin oiliness that exacerbates premenstrual acne.

Among the Vitamin-B Complex factors are choline and inositol, which enhance the liver's ability to break down fatty foods and fat-soluble hormones such as estrogen. Inositol is also a central nervous system tranquilizer, and may help to calm premenstrual anxiety and irritability.
Some Herbs can work good to stop PMS symptoms.

One important way to alter hormone levels may be by eating more phytoestrogens. These plant-derived compounds have an effect similar to estrogen in the body. One of the richest sources of phytoestrogens is soy products, such as tofu.

Additionally, many supplements can be found that contain black cohosh (Cimicifugaracemosa) or dong quai (Angelica sinensis), which are herbs high in phytoestrogens. Red clover (Trifolium pratense), alfalfa (Medicago sativa), licorice (Glycyrrhiza glabra), hops (Humulus lupulus), and legumes are also high in phytoestrogens.

Increasing the consumption of phytoestrogens is also associated with decreased risks of osteoporosis, cancer, and heart disease.

Angelica sinensis herb

What Medicines Can Help?

There are a number of prescription medicines used to treat PMS, including:

Birth control pills. These may help relieve the physical symptoms of PMS in some women, but the results are variable. Because birth control pills contain high levels of an estrogen-like hormone and progesterone -like hormone, they actually may cause premenstrual symptoms in some women. Women who experience PMS while on the pill should consider using another method of birth control.

Progesterone. Many studies have been done using progesterone treatment for PMS. The majority of these studies have concluded that progesterone does not improve PMS symptoms.

Selective serotonin-reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). This class of antidepressants affects the availability of the neurotransmitter serotonin. The SSRIs fluoxetine (Prozac) and sertraline (Zoloft) have been shown in scientific studies to help reduce depression, irritability, and anxiety in PMS. Physical symptoms are usually helped too.

Other SSRIs are also being studied for their effects on PMS. SSRIs can cause the side effects of drowsiness, nausea, and jitteriness in a small percentage of women. Women who begin SSRI therapy must decrease dosages very slowly to avoid possible side effects should they decide to stop the therapy. About 60 percent of women with severe PMS experience significant relief from SSRIs. Many take them throughout their menstrual cycle, but some have success using them just during the premenstrual phase.

Anti-anxiety medicines. If SSRIs are not helpful, anti-anxiety medicines can be used to relieve anxiety associated with PMS. The one most commonly used is alprazolam (Xanax). It is in the class of medicines called benzodiazepines and works on the neurotransmitter GABA. Because alprazolam can be addictive it must be used cautiously. It should only be used during the few days a month when symptoms are worst. Alprazolam may cause drowsiness and difficulty operating motor vehicles.

Another anti-anxiety medicine, buspirone (BuSpar), may also help reduce anxiety and depression in PMS. It is not addictive and has less severe side effects than the benzodiazepines.
GnRH Agonists. Gonadotropin-releasing hormones (GnRH) agonists suppress the hormones that cause ovulation, causing a temporary menopause -like state. They are highly effective in treating PMS, including breast tenderness, irritability, and fatigue.

However, GnRH agonists can also cause menopausal symptoms, such as hot flashes and vaginal dryness. In addition, long-term use (more than six months) is associated with bone loss (osteoporosis). Small doses of estrogen and progesterone can be given in addition to GnRH agonists to lessen these side effects and allow long-term use.

How Can I Treat Specific Symptoms?

Many women address their PMS by treating the symptoms that arise. Specific symptoms that are often addressed this way include:

. Headaches
. Cramps
. Mood Changes
. Appetite
. Bloating,
. Breast Tenderness and Weight Gain

Headaches
Headaches are a common symptom of PMS. Increased tension premenstrually may cause tension headaches. There is also a higher incidence of migraine headaches premenstrually. Specific treatments are available for each of these types of headaches. They include acetaminophen (such as Tylenol) and aspirin for milder headaches. More serious headaches may require stronger pain medicine or medicines used to decrease the frequency of headache attacks. These require a prescription.

Cramps
Menstrual cramps are disabling to some women. Dysmenorrhea (painful menstrual cramps) is a different condition than PMS but may occur at the same time. The most effective treatment is to begin nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as ibuprofen, before getting your period. Birth control pills are also likely to help with cramps.

Mood Changes
Mood changes, including irritability, depression, and fatigue, may best be relieved by the simple treatment of increasing your physical activity. Scientific studies have shown moderate physical activity to be as effective as medications in improving mental outlook. If physical activity alone does not help enough, talk to your doctor about other treatments.

Appetite
Appetite tends to decrease with vigorous exercise. Finding small ways to indulge without going overboard, and developing non-food ways of comforting yourself, for example taking a warm bath or nap may help. Treatment with SSRIs may also help.

Bloating, Breast Tenderness, And Weight Gain
Being physically active may help to minimize discomfort related to fluid gain.
If your symptoms are very uncomfortable, talk to your doctor about taking a diuretic (medicine that gets rid of extra water in the body). Spironolactone is the prescription diuretic most commonly used for PMS-related bloating.

Where should I start?
. Record your symptoms on a PMS symptoms calendar for two to three months in a row.
. Learn all you can about PMS.
. Make an appointment with your doctor to discuss your calendar results and see what treatments may be helpful for you. If your doctor does not take PMS seriously, get a second opinion.
. If your case is severe, you may need to see a doctor with specialized training in PMS. This may be a reproductive endocrinologist or a psychiatrist.

Living With PMS

PMS is not a psychological problem. However, normal life difficulties, such as work or relationship problems may seem more intense premenstrually. Ask your family and friends for support. Consider joining a PMS support group so that you can share experiences with other women who have similar problems. If your symptoms are creating major problems for you, a counselor or psychotherapist may be able to help you to cope better.

PMS is no longer a mystery. Nor do you have to continue living with difficult symptoms. Treatments are available that can improve the quality of your life. So don't keep your PMS to yourself. Seek help.

Will PMS get worse?

Most studies show that PMS tends to get worse as women get older until she reaches menopause. The symptoms usually become more intense and last longer. Because of this, women who have PMS should take steps early on to improve their symptoms

Putting It All Together
Here is a summary of the important facts and information related to premenstrual syndrome.
. Premenstrual syndrome is a term that refers to the physical and emotional symptoms that occur during the one or two weeks before the beginning of menstruation.
. Most women who have menstrual periods experience some premenstrual symptoms. About 40 percent of menstruating women have premenstrual syndrome, and 10 percent have severe symptoms.
. PMS is diagnosed when a woman has symptoms, the symptoms coincide with her menstrual cycle, and symptoms impair her functioning in life, and cannot be attributed to other conditions.
. Charting a calendar of symptoms is one way for a woman to determine if her symptoms relate to her menstrual cycle.
. The older a woman is, the more likely she is to experience PMS. Family histories of PMS, more children, being physically inactive and smoking are all associated with increased severity of symptoms.
. The most likely explanation for PMS is that many women are sensitive to the hormonal shifts that occur in the second half of the menstrual cycle.
. The more a woman understands PMS, the more can be done.
. There are many treatments for PMS that work. A woman will most likely need to try several treatment options before she finds the combination that works for her.
. Lifestyle changes alone, such as diet, physical activity and stress management may help many women with PMS. Other women may also need to take medicine.

Acne ? .. How to Fight

2009-12-28T22:18:00.000-08:00

Acne is a skin condition that occurs due to the overproduction of oil by the oil glands of the skin. The oil that normally lubricates the skin gets trapped in blocked oil ducts and results in what we know as pimples, blackheads, and whiteheads on the surface of skin. Sometimes it also includes deeper skin lesions that are called cysts.

Pimples are small skin swellings that sometimes contain pus.

Blackheads are dark formations on the skin due to an accumulated mixture of oil and cells in a blocked skin pore.

Whiteheads are small flesh-or white-colored bumps due to skin pore blockage.

Cysts are closed sacs beneath the skin or deeper that contain fluid or semisolid substances.

The areas of the skin that are most susceptible to acne are those areas that contain the largest number of oil glands. For example, it is estimated that there are 2,000 oil glands per square inch on the forehead alone. The face, chest, shoulders, and back are the areas with the highest population of oil glands.

Acne commonly occurs in people between their teenage years and their 20s. However, it is not restricted to this age. Older adults and children can also have acne.

Facts About Acne

· In most people, acne will last for about three to four years and in 15% of the cases, acne can continue for eight -12 years.
· In a smaller percentage (5%), acne will last beyond age 25 and can continue up to age 40.
· In women particularly, acne may not occur until age 25.
· In 70% of the cases, women will notice a flare-up in the acne condition prior their menstrual period, perhaps due to an increase of androgens. Androgens are steroid hormones responsible for the development and maintenance of male physical characteristics.
· The more severe cases of acne tend to occur most often in men, because they produce more of the male hormones that stimulate acne formation.
· Women with a lot of body or facial hair, and those who have irregular periods, may be at increased risk of acne. These women may want to have their hormone levels evaluated by a physician.

What Causes Acne?
There are four major factors responsible for causing acne. They act together to cause the characteristic pimples, whiteheads and blackheads associated with acne. They are:

• Overactive oil glands
• Blockage of the skin pores
• Activity of normal skin bacteria
• Inflammation

Overactive Oil Glands
Oil glands are located deep in the skin. They are also known as sebaceous glands.
· Each oil gland is connected to a tiny canal that contains a hair. The canal with its contained hair is called a follicle.
· The glands produce oil (also known as sebum) that flows to the surface of the skin through these canals to lubricate the hair follicles and the surrounding skin.
· The opening of the canal with the attached hair (follicle) onto the skin is the skin pore.

The oil glands vary in size, and the larger ones are associated with visible skin pores.

The oil glands are stimulated to produce oil by hormones, specifically the male hormones called androgens (women also have these hormones, but much less of them). These hormones are produced by the testes in men and by the ovaries in women. In both sexes, androgens are also produced by the adrenal glands.

During times of stress, the adrenal glands produce increased levels of these hormones, causing even greater enlargement of the oil glands.
During puberty, the oil glands become overactive in response to hormonal changes.

Blockage Of The Skin Pores
Oily skin occurs when an overactive oil gland enlarges and overproduces oil. Acne develops when some of the pores (through which oil normally flows from the oil gland to reach the skin surface) become blocked, resulting in trapping of oil within the skin pores.

The pores are blocked by skin cells that have been shed from the lining of the skin pore and have bunched together. The cause for this clogging is not known, but it is not due to poor hygiene. A blackhead or whitehead will develop from this skin pore blockage

Activity Of Normal Skin Bacteria
Although acne is not caused by a bacterial infection, bacteria do play a role in making the situation worse. The bacterium Propionibacterium acnes (P. acnes), is a normal part of the skin surface. It keeps the skin from being invaded by harmful bacteria.

When oil is trapped in the hair follicles, the normal skin bacteria P. acnes will grow in the blocked pore. The bacteria produce chemicals that alter the composition of the oil, which makes it more irritating to the skin and causes inflammation.

The bacterium Propionibacterium acnes (P. acnes)

Inflammation
Inflamed skin is characterized by redness, swelling, warmth and discomfort. Inflammation of the skin occurs because the body's immune system is acting to rid itself of a foreign substance. In the case of acne, this substance is either bacteria or the irritating compounds they have produced.

These four factors contribute to blocked skin pores, which bulge outward to form:

Blackheads. These form when the pores are clogged close to the surface of the skin. Because they are exposed to the skin surface, blackheads don't usually become inflamed. Blackheads are dark due to the presence of a dark pigment. This color is not the result of dirt in the pores.

Whiteheads. These develop from a blockage deeper in a pore. Lacking a drainage path, the oil accumulates in the skin, causing small flesh-colored or white-colored bumps. Unlike blackheads, whiteheads are more likely to lead to the red inflammations known as pimples or zits.

Pustules (also known as pimples or zits) occur when the walls of the blocked follicle ruptures.

Oil, dead skin cells, and bacteria normally found on the skin surface get into the skin and irritate it, forming small areas of inflammation. Cysts are larger, red, inflamed areas deep in the skin that indicate a more extensive infection

Who Gets Acne?
Adolescents are the most commonly affected. Because of the high hormonal activity during puberty, acne affects many teenagers. Those individuals whose oil glands produce more oil tend to be affected by acne more often than those whose glands don't produce excess oil.

Heredity Can Play A Role
Statistics suggest that heredity is a strong contributing factor for acne. A family history of acne means that there probably is a genetic basis for the condition.

Does stress cause acne?
Stress can be partially responsible for acne. Hormonal changes are associated with stress, and hormones stimulate the oil glands. People who are anxious may also change their behavior towards their appearance, leading to inappropriate treatment of the acne that can worsen the condition.

Consult your family physician on methods to reduce stress. These may include:
· Exercise
· Recreational breaks
· Good sleeping habits
· Meditation
· Laughter
· Social support network
· Reduced consumption of stimulants (such as caffeine)

Does a greasy diet make acne worse?
It was long thought that fatty foods, chocolate and sugar aggravated acne. But dietary causes for acne have never been proven scientifically. So although a well-balanced healthy diet that includes plenty of water is recommended for overall good health, no special restrictions on food are imposed for preventing acne.

Detoxify your acne by eating the right food

How Is Acne Treated?
Acne responds well to treatment, especially if treated early, at the onset of the condition.

Treatment is offered to:
· Prevent possible scarring
· Deal with inflamed and painful areas
· Limit the formation of new blackheads and whiteheads
· Lessen any stress or embarrassment associated with the acne

Mild acne can be treated with over-the-counter medications. More serious acne requires treatment by a dermatologist

Mild to moderately severe acne
Very severe acne

Side effects of acne treatment

Mild To Moderately Severe Acne

Mild acne is managed well by over-the-counter preparations such as:

· Benzoyl peroxide
· Resorcinol
· Salicylic acid
· Sulfur

Most people with mild acne will see results from treatment within several months.

Topical preparation. Topical creams, gels, and lotions are medications applied directly to the skin. They may contain benzoyl peroxide, antibiotics, or retinoids, which are vitamin A acids (Retin A).

Benzoyl peroxide dries up the oil; it works by killing the bacteria P acnes.
Salicylic acid helps stop the shedding of the skin cells lining the oil glands.
Rercinol and sulfur work by breaking up the pimples.

In some people, these medications may initially irritate the face, causing some redness or burning, but this soon settles. However, if it occurs with continued use, the doctor should be seen and other medications considered.

Oral antibiotics. Antibiotics taken by mouth may be prescribed by a physician for moderate to severe acne. The most commonly prescribed oral antibiotics are tetracycline and erythromycin. Antibiotics reduces the population of P. acnes, the skin bacterium responsible for making chemicals that cause inflammation. For this reason, antibiotics will reduce the number of red and yellow pimples.

Need To Know:
Tetracycline can cause permanent discoloration of teeth that are still forming in children. It should not be taken by children who do not yet have all their permanent teeth.
Low-dose contraceptive. In 1992, a low-dose contraceptive, Ortho Tri-Cyclen, became available for the treatment of moderate acne in women 15 years or older.
This contraceptive acts by lowering hormonal activity. This results in reducing the overactivity of the oil glands.

Ortho Tri-Cyclen is used in low doses to treat acne, with a combination of synthetic female hormones.
In clinical studies, Ortho Tri-Cyclen showed improvement of acne in more than 80% of the participants in the study who were treated with it.

Very Severe Acne
In cases where severe acne does not respond to long-term antibiotic and topical therapy, another oral medication is available. This is called isotretinoin (Accutane®) and is a synthetic derivative (made from chemicals) of vitamin A, which is essential for growth of healthy skin. It is the most effective treatment for severe acne.

After four to six months on the treatment, the acne had disappeared in up to 90% of those treated. But the acne may recur in some people, and another course of the treatment may be required.

Accutane is the most effective acne treatment because it reduces the four major factors that predispose a person to acne:

. Oil production
. Blockage of the skin pores
. The role of the skin bacteria P. acnes
. Skin inflammation

The course of treatment is four to six months of daily treatment.

Side Effects Of Acne Treatment
Topical creams can cause a mild irritation or drying of the skin.
In 95% of individuals who take oral antibiotics, there have been no reported side effects. A small percentage of people, however, will experience:

. Mild abdominal pain
. Nausea
. Diarrhea, in rare cases
. Some women may develop a yeast infection
. Tetracycline antibiotics, especially doxycycline, sometimes causes sun sensitivity, which means the individual may sunburn more easily

Should I use Accutaine?
Accutane can be extremely effective in treating acne. But it is only recommended for severe cases, because it is expensive and does have possible side effects, some of which can be serious. Therefore, one must balance carefully the advantages of its use against the disadvantages of the possible side effects. Fortunately, the side effects do go away once the medication is stopped.
Side effects include:

. Headaches
. Chapped lips
. Drying of the mucous membranes such as the eyes and nose
. Nose bleeds
. Joint pains
. Muscle aches
. Damage to an unborn baby (if the woman is pregnant)
. Elevation in the blood lipids cholesterol and triglycerides

What Will Happen If Acne Is Not Treated?
Mild acne usually resolves over time and may or may not leave some scarring.
When moderate to severe acne is not treated early enough, acne may scar the skin.

There are two types of scars that result from acne:

Hypertrophic scars are hard upraised areas of the skin surface.

Pits, or "pock marks," are depressed at various depths into the surface of the skin.

Once the scars have formed, there are options for their removal at a later time.
Pits are sometimes treated with collagen injections or removed by excision.
Dermabrasion, a "scrub brush" type of operation, is used to smooth out pit scars.
These methods are imperfect, however. Prevention with early and appropriate treatment is far more preferable.

Living With Acne

While undergoing treatment for acne, it is important to take precautions in caring for the affected skin.

. If you are a man who shaves, you should try to avoid nicking your pimples by softening your beard before shaving with soap and warm water. You may also want to try a safety razor and electric razor to decide which is most comfortable. A sharp blade and as little shaving as possible is also recommended.

. If you are a woman who wears makeup, clean the face carefully every night - with mild soap and water-to remove all traces of makeup. Be especially aware of the appearance or flare-up of acne after using a particular cosmetic, as some cosmetics have been known to aggravate acne. . Wash the skin gently with a mild cleanser (ask your doctor to recommend one) in the morning and evening and after exercise. Rinse the skin thoroughly after washing.

. Shampoo the hair daily, especially if you have oily hair.
. Using moist warm compresses on the skin may help open blocked pores.
. Some astringents work well on the pimples for reducing inflammation. They may be recommended for very oily skin, to be placed directly on the oily areas only.

In some women taking birth control pills, acne may sometimes gets worse. Tell the physician prescribing the contraceptive about this so that another type of birth control pill can be suggested. Sometimes, however, oral contraceptives can improve the acne condition.

Need To Know:
Popping pimples makes things worse. Avoid picking or squeezing a pimple. Although it might be tempting to do this, it can make things worse by leaving a scar or causing more inflammation.

Sunlight is known to help, but has limits. You may notice that sunlight seems to help reduce acne. This might be true because the UV light in the sun's rays may reduce the P. acnes bacteria and their by-products that cause the inflammation. But sunlight can also increase the number of whiteheads in some people. Also, overexposure to the sun may increase your risk of skin cancer.

Excessive washing isn't the answer. Acne cannot be removed by repeatedly washing the skin. Although it is good hygiene to keep the face clean, excessive washing can dry your skin.

What Is The Long-Term Outlook For Acne?
Most people with mild, moderate, or severe acne show improvement within six months with the appropriate treatment. However, if no improvement is observed after three months, then the treatment should be changed.
For example, a common recommendation made by doctors for oral antibiotic treatments are two doses of tablets for six months. But if no improvement is observed after three months of an oral antibiotic regimen, then the doctor may suggest switching to a different antibiotic for the remaining three months.

New procedure for Acne treatment using Blue light

What is Blue Light Acne Therapy?

The FDA has approved the use of high-intensity, narrow-band blue light to treat mild to moderate acne. This pain-free light is safe and uses no ultraviolet (UV) light or lasers. When blue light is used as a treatment for acne, it kills p. acnes, the acne-causing bacteria that can form within the sebaceous glands and cause break outs. Blue light therapy can be administered alone through several systems that are available or in combination with a topical photosensitizing solution in blue light photodynamic therapy for acne treatment.

Risks and Benefits of Blue Light Acne Treatment
In general, blue light acne treatment is a safe and non-invasive method of treating acne. Blue light therapy targets the sebaceous glands, and not the surrounding tissues, killing the bacteria that cause acne. Many patients see significant improvement in their acne after two to four weekly treatment sessions of blue light therapy.

Patients who undergo blue light photodynamic therapy typically experience better results than with blue light therapy alone. Some patients may experience swelling, redness, stinging, and burning following treatment, and rarely, some patients may be allergic to the Levulan® photosensitizing solution. It is important to keep in mind that since photodynamic therapy is a relatively new acne treatment method, long-term results and side effects have not been determined.

OUR line of Medication is Acne-Dandruff Formula

ACNE-Dandruff Formula for Acne-prone skin, is recommended by highly distinguish dermatological centers around the world. It provides effective yet gentle cleansing for skin with acne.

It is very effective, save, rapid in action, with no any side effect.
The good result start to appear immediately after using the medication, best result would take only one month of continuing medication.

MAIN INGREDIENTS. 100% PURE ORGANIC HERBS, fortified with a unique blend of:

· Neem Extract. To cure skin diseases such as boils, ulcers, eczema, and ring worm including acne and black heads affecting the face area.·
· Andrographis paniculata extract. An effective blood purifier, antibacterial, antiviral and works as antibiotic·
· Curcuma longa extract. Possesses antioxidant, tonic, blood purifying, digestive and anti-inflammatory property

SUGGESTED USE:

FOR Acne: Wash or cleanse face before use and than apply ACNE-Dandruff Formula On the affected area by using a small piece of cotton socked with the formula, Apply twice daily or once at night time, then wash it in the morning.

FOR Dandruff: apply the lotion on the scalp and let it wet, keep there to dry over night. Next morning, rinse the hair with water and dry. Repeat every night until you feel improvement, then apply 2 times every week later.

Shack will before use. Be careful when applied around eye area.

Package: 250 ML bottle

Price: only 7 USA dollars + shipping accordingly

Only 2 weeks after our local herbal medication Acne-Dandruff application, most of the acne already resolved

Putting It All Together
Here is a summary of the important facts and information related to acne.
· Using herbal product to cure your acne is more saver and efficient way to eradicate the whiteheads, blackheads and stop any growing bacteria from doing harm to your skin. In addition, it is cheap, convenient, efficient, and end result is very promising
· Acne is a skin condition caused by overactive oil glands.
· Acne usually occurs in people during their teen and young adult years.
· High production of male hormones stimulate overproduction of oil.
· Skin bacteria can contribute to the problem by reacting with the oil.
· Whiteheads, blackheads and cysts will occur from pore blockage.
· Early treatment of acne has a high success rate.
· Topical creams of benzoyl peroxide, antibiotics, or retinoids are effective treatments for acne. But always having some side effect
· More severe acne cases require oral antibiotics or a synthetic (made from chemicals) vitamin A (essential for growth of healthy skin).

Before and after 2 month of herbal medication

Depression .. feelings of sadness !!

2009-12-13T22:59:00.000-08:00

What Is Depression?

Depression is a disorder that involves feelings of sadness lasting for two weeks or longer, often accompanied by a loss of interest in life, hopelessness, and decreased energy. Such distressing feelings can affect one's ability to perform the usual tasks and activities of daily living.

This is considered to be clinical depression. It is very different from a temporary case of "the blues " triggered by an unhappy event or stressful situation.
Depression affects the mind, but this doesn't mean "it's all in your head." Depression is a medical illness linked to changes in the biochemistry of the brain.

Depression is not a weakness of character. Being depressed does not mean that a person is inadequate. It means the person has a medical illness that is just as real as diabetes or ulcers. Like other medical disorders, clinical depression should not be ignored or dismissed. A clinically depressed person cannot simply "snap out of it" any more than a person with an ulcer could simply will it away.

But depression is highly treatable in the vast majority of cases. Up to 90% of depressed people respond positively to one treatment or another. Sometimes psychotherapy or counseling is all that is needed, but there is also a wide array of effective antidepressant medications and other alternatives. Sometimes, the first treatment will work well. At other times, a second or even a third treatment trial is required to find the best (most effective, most easily tolerated) treatment for the individual patient.

Clinical depression is an umbrella term used to describe the most common forms of depression, which include:

Major depression, also known as melancholia or unipolar depression, can last up to a year if not treated. A person experiencing an episode of major depression will experience some physical problems, such as headaches, other aches and pains, or digestive upset, for example, in addition to emotional difficulties.

Bipolar disorder, once called manic depressive illness, causes mood swings that soar to unusual elation, and then plummet to depression. A person with severe bipolar disorder may also see or hear things that are not there or experience paranoia (an incorrect feeling that they are in danger from others).

Dysthymia is a chronic (ongoing), low-grade depression. It often begins in childhood or adolescence and may last for many years in adulthood if not treated. It is a less severe form of clinical depression, but at times it can be almost as disabling as major depression.

Seasonal affective disorder (SAD) is a form of depression thought to be triggered by a decrease in exposure to sunlight. In the Northern Hemisphere, the condition usually occurs in late fall and winter, when daylight hours are short, and it is more common in geographical areas that have four clearly defined seasons.

Nice To Know:
Perhaps nowhere is the connection between mind, body, wellness, and illness more striking than in depression. It is clear that human emotions, including sadness, elation, and anxiousness, are governed by chemical reactions in the brain. That is only the beginning. Scientists have recently begun to unravel the complex interplay between factors that contribute to depression. Illness, heredity, psychological traits, and social environment all play a role.

Facts about depression
. Depression affects nearly 19 million Americans.
. It is the most common mental illness, yet fewer than half of depressed people seek help.
. Depression affects one in five people at some point in their life.
. It is the leading cause of suicide.
. It afflicts twice as many women as men.
. Depression affects people in all age groups.
. Depression has affected countless accomplished people throughout history, including Abraham Lincoln, Ernest Hemingway, Peter Tchaikovsky, Charles Dickens, Virginia Woolf, Mary Shelley, and Mike Wallace.
. The number of people who experience depression has increased with every generation since World War II.

Nice To Know

Facts about the form of depression known as bipolar disorder:

Bipolar disorder occurs in about one in 10 people with clinical depression.

. It usually begins before the age of 30.
. It strikes men and women equally.
. It is twice as likely as major depression to run in families.

Bipolar disorder triggers more frequent and severe episodes of illness than does major depression.
The most disabling part of bipolar disorder are the often prolonged depressive episodes.

What Are The Symptoms Of Depression?

Symptoms of depression can vary widely - and they don't always involve the sadness or weepiness that people commonly associate with it. Many people will experience intellectual or psychological changes that affect their thinking, sleep, or energy level.

In addition, different types of depression may produce additional symptoms:

1 - Major depression
2 - Bipolar disorder
3 - Dysthymia
4 - Seasonal affective disorder (SAD)

Major Depression
Experts generally agree that a person has clinical depression when he or she experiences some or all of these symptoms nearly every day for at least two weeks:

. Depressed mood
. Persistent feelings of hopelessness, guilt or worthlessness
. Fatigue or lack of energy
. Slowed behavior (the feeling of "dragging oneself around ")
. Reduction or loss of pleasure in life
. Decreased motivation
. Negative or pessimistic thinking
. Loss of interest in friends, activities, hobbies or work
. Change in eating habits; weight gain or loss
. Sleep problems, including waking up early
. Frequent crying
. Difficulty concentrating, remembering, or making decisions
. Irritability
. Being anxious or worried a lot
. Thoughts of death or suicide
. Suicidal Thinking or suicide attempts

Understandably, depression can affect all aspects of a person's life (and the lives of family and close friends, too) because it puts a damper on one's overall ability to function. Clinically depressed people often becomes unable to enjoy anything, even things they once enjoyed (a condition called "anhedonic").

Most people are substantially disabled during a bout of major depression.
Others may continue to function in the sense of holding down a job and meeting other obligations - but just being alive becomes a chore.

Depression is believed to contribute to more than 70% of all suicides.
In addition to having the general symptoms of depression, a person experiencing an episode of major depression, also known as melancholia, typically has:
. Severe sleep disturbances (insomnia)
. Marked loss of appetite/weight
. Incapacity to be motivated or to experience pleasure
. Severe guilt/self-criticism

In children and adolescents, other signs of depression are often present in addition to the above symptoms. They include:
. Falling grades
. Irritability
. Conduct problems
. Social withdrawal
. Complaints of physical problems such as headaches and stomachaches
. Low energy
. Poor concentration
. Changes in eating or sleeping patterns

Need To Know:

Experts estimate that 2% of children and between 4% and 8% of teenagers suffer from depression. Most likely to be depressed are girls after the onset of puberty.

In the elderly, depression may be accompanied by a focus on physical ailments, such as stomach upset or aches and pains.

Nice To Know:

Q: My 70-year-old grandfather lives alone, has been active in his retirement community, and generally gets along fine. But lately he seems sad and has been behaving strangely, forgetting things, and not getting dressed. What could be wrong?

A: In the elderly, depression is often accompanied by other symptoms, such as confusion, forgetfulness, and inattention to personal hygiene and appearance. These problems are sometimes mistaken for dementia, but they may be masking depression. Be sure that your grandfather receives medical attention immediately and that he is properly diagnosed and treated accordingly. In addition, general medical problems can cause depression, such as thyroid disease, endocrine disease, diseases of the central nervous system, and some cancers.

Bipolar Disorder

A person with bipolar disorder, or manic depressive illness, has severe mood swings that soar to mania, or with extreme elation, and then plummet to depression. During the depressive phase, the symptoms are the same as those of clinical depression, though the risk of suicide is higher. During the manic phase, the person may exhibit some or all of these symptoms:
. Increased energy
. Racing, disconnected thoughts
. Increased talking and physical activity
. Decreased need for sleep
. Extreme feelings of excitement, joy, agitation or irritation that may be inappropriate to a given situation
. Impulsive behavior and poor judgment; classic manic behavior includes excessive spending or rash business decisions
. Increase in impulsive sexual activity
. Odd or improper social behavior
. Grandiosity, an elevated belief in one's own importance

A person with bipolar disorder may also:
Hallucinate, seeing or hearing things that are not there
Experience paranoia, feeling they are in danger
Harbor false, unshakeable beliefs about such things as wealth, power, or "super" abilities

A person with severe mania may need to be hospitalized until his or her mood and behavior are stabilized. Mania can last up to three months if not treated. Some people exhibit hypomania, which involves milder episodes of mania.
Bipolar disorder may follow different patterns.

The person may experience normal moods in between the two extremes.
The person may plummet rapidly into depression within a few days of mania (this is called rapid cycling).

Dysthymia

A Chronic form of depression, dysthymia often begins in childhood or adolescence and typically lasts for many years into adulthood if not treated. People with dysthymia:

Feel emotionally numb; they exist in a state of perpetual, low-level melancholy, going through the motions of everyday life with very little enthusiasm or interest
Tend to be negative thinkers, usually seeing the proverbial glass as half-empty instead of half-full

Are unable to savor or enjoy anything (anhedonic), even things they once enjoyed
Often subsequently develop episodes of major depression
Because dysthymia is so chronic (ongoing), existing in this way becomes so familiar that the sufferer, family, and friends may believe it is simply the person's nature or personality. Many sufferers do not seek treatment because they do not realize they are clinically depressed. Recovery from dysthymia is often incomplete, and there is a high risk that the person may sink into major depressive episodes throughout life. When this happens, he or she is suffering from double depression.

Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)
Seasonal affective disorder is a form of depression thought to be triggered by a decrease in exposure to sunlight. Besides depressed mood and general symptoms of depression , symptoms may include:

. Cravings for sweet and starchy foods
. Weight gain
. A need for more sleep
. This type of depression may be less severe than major depression. The condition usually disappears in the spring.

What Causes Depression?
The precise cause of depression is not known, but evidence points to several factors, including:

. Heredity
. Biochemical makeup
. Psychological makeup
. Stressful life events
. Fluctuating hormone levels

Other factors such as general medical conditions and certain medications

1 - Heredity

Depression does "run in families. " People with a close relative who has had major depression or bipolar disorder are twice as likely to develop depression themselves. About one-third to one-half of depressions are thought to be largely due to genetic factors. Those most likely to have a genetic form of depression have recurrent episodes, as do one or more close relatives.

2 - Biochemical Makeup

Every human being has a unique biochemical makeup. Whether or not a person will experience depression (or other neurological disorders) depends largely on the function and chemical makeup of select neural systems in the brain.

A person's biochemistry is an intricate balancing act. Think of a choreographed ballet with a troupe of dancers performing at once. If one or more of the dancers are out of step, the whole production is thrown off balance. So it is with an individual's biochemistry.

The brain is the "master " control center that governs our lives in every conceivable way. Just as messages from the brain (in the form of electrical impulses) control our movements, other messages control our emotions.

Neurons, or nerve cells, are the most basic units in the brain. Neurons are separated by gaps called synapses.

Chemical substances called neurotransmitters carry messages or signals across these gaps to various nerve cells.
If there is a deficiency or an imbalance in certain neurotransmitters, a variety of disorders can result.
The neurotransmitters serotonin, dopamine, and norepinephrine are just a few of the chemical messengers believed to be responsible for moods and emotions. A disturbance in these chemical systems has a profound negative effect on mood and emotions.

3 - Psychological Makeup

It is said that a person's basic personality traits are often defined in early childhood. One defining factor is the social environment to which we are exposed. What happens to us in childhood can have a deep-rooted effect on our attitudes and behaviors in adulthood.

For instance:

Long-standing neglect or physical or mental abuse in childhood will affect one's view of the world later on, and appear to be risk factors for developing depression and other disorders.

Conditions of social deprivation, such as overcrowding and the lack of a confiding relationship with a trustworthy person, can affect the quality of one's relationships throughout life.

Stressful Life Events

A person's reactions to external factors can affect the normal level and activity of the chemical messengers in the brain, thus affecting mood and emotions. A stressful life event can plunge a person into clinical depression, especially if a person is at risk for depression due to other factors. Stressful life events include:
Prolonged medical illness

Illness or death of a loved one
Divorce
Ending a close relationship
Loss of a job
Moving to a new home
Financial or legal problems
Fluctuating Hormone Levels

In women, fluctuating hormone levels can contribute to depression. Conditions linked to hormones in women are:

. Premenstrual syndrome. Approximately 3% to 8% of women in their reproductive years are affected with premenstrual syndrome (PMS) during the week or so before their menstrual period. PMS is characterized by depressed mood, mood swings, irritability, and tension or anxiety. It lessens with the onset of the menstrual period each month.

.Depression after pregnancy. This temporary form of depression is strongly linked to hormonal fluctuations following pregnancy, but social factors may play a role in some cases. For instance, a professional woman who is suddenly faced with being home every day, essentially alone with a baby, may feel isolated and depressed.

.Depression in menopause. Menopausal depression was once attributed to middle-aged women feeling sad over the loss of their childbearing capabilities (the loss of their "youth" or "femininity"), and the loss of their grown children (the "empty nest"). There is no evidence that this is true. In fact, evidence suggests that for some women, menopause and the "empty nest" may signify a new freedom in their lives to pursue long-delayed interests and devote more time to their own needs.

However, hormonal fluctuations in menopause are real, and some women suffer mood swings, fatigue, and depression. Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) can lift mood and fatigue among women who are medically able and who choose to take HRT. However, the risks of HRT must also be considered.

Other Factors

Other factors that can lead to depression include:

. Alcohol or drug abuse
. Use of certain medications, such as steroids and some blood pressure medications
. Underlying general medical conditions that can cause depressive symptoms, such as hypothyroidism (underactive thyroid gland), chronic fatigue syndrome, and others.
. "Burnout," a depletion of mental and physical energy usually stemming from prolonged overwork and/or an overload of demands and obligations placed upon an individual

Nice To Know:

Psychological theories about the root causes of depression include:

Guilt. One theory suggests that depression, like bereavement, is a response to loss. This may include loss of a person, job, or role. In bereavement, intense feelings towards a loved one are often mixed. The adult in us will tell us not to speak ill of the deceased, but the child inside us feels sadness but also anger at having been abandoned. Freudian theory maintains that because this second reaction is socially unacceptable, we unknowingly hide it from ourselves and direct the anger inwards as guilt. This suppressed guilt is thought by some to lead to depression.

Pessimism. Another theory suggests that some people have a habitually pessimistic view of themselves, the world, and the future. Such people tend to form false conclusions about their experiences. For example, a man greets a woman friend across a busy street. When she does not respond, he concludes that she no longer wishes to know him because he is not likeable. He fails to consider other reasons behind the incident - maybe she didn't even notice him with the crowded sidewalk and the noisy traffic. Repeated experiences of this sort, when interpreted in this negative way, can foster or maintain depression.

Who Gets Depressed?

Depression afflicts approximately 19 million Americans, from children to the elderly, in all walks of life. It reportedly afflicts twice as many women as men (although some observers speculate that this could be because fewer men admit they need treatment).

Among those prone to depression are people:
With close relatives who have had depression, especially recurrent depressive episodes or who have bipolar disorder
Who have had depression before
With low self-esteem or self-loathing
With chronic medical disorders, including thyroid disease, diabetes, and high blood pressure
Who take certain medications, including oral contraceptives, steroids, and some medications for high blood pressure
With a loved one who is seriously ill
Who are alcoholic or drug-abusing
Who are withdrawing from alcohol or drug addiction
Who are going through stressful or traumatic life events
When depression first occurs in those over age 60, it:
May be a predictor of Alzheimer's disease
May be caused by an undiagnosed general medical disorder before the symptoms of the disorder become evident
May be a side effect of many drugs that are commonly prescribed for the elderly

How Can I Tell If I Need Treatment For Depression?

We all feel blue sometimes, and it is normal to be sad in reaction to an event that is unhappy, stressful, or traumatic. Grief will follow the illness or death of a loved one, the loss of a close relationship, or termination from a job. Financial or legal problems can cause anxiety and depressed mood.
These normal reactions to such situations are termed reactive mood disturbance or adjustment disorder . The difference between someone experiencing a reactive mood disturbance and someone who is clinically depressed is:
Someone with a reactive mood disturbance will soon be able to place things in perspective and move on with other areas of life.
A person who is clinically depressed is unable to get past the grief or disappointment - and sometimes the grief is for non-specific or vaguely defined reasons.

Clinical depression can be compared to a veil that clouds and dulls one's entire view of the world. A depressed person may not recognize when a clinical problem is present. It is easy to explain away the symptoms by blaming them on stress or adverse events.
And even when stress or events are the trigger, understanding the cause is not always enough to lift the depression. Simply taking a vacation will not "cure" clinical depression, because the root of the problem will still be present upon one's return.

It is sensible to ask a close friend or relative to give an honest opinion about how they think the individual is doing. Professional help may be needed if:
There is agreement that the person is not functioning well
Many of the symptoms of major depression have been present for at least two weeks

Suicidal thinking is prominent

Need To Know:

What to do if a person is feeling suicidal
Dial 911 or a friend or family member immediately.
Ask the directory-assistance operator (or consult the phonebook) for local 24-hour mental health hotlines and other sources of support.

How Is Depression Diagnosed?
Since many general medical illnesses can cause the same symptoms, a thorough medical evaluation is essential, especially if the first depression occurs after the age of 40. The first step is to seek treatment from a qualified professional whom you trust. You may choose to consult:

Your family physician or internist
A psychiatrist, a medical doctor who specializes in diagnosing and treating mental illness; psychiatrists are able to prescribe prescription medications and to diagnose general medical conditions
A psychologist, who is a therapist with a PhD in psychology and/or a related discipline, or a therapist with a master's degree
A licensed clinical social worker (LCSW), who is a counselor with a master's degree in counseling
A marital, family, and child counselor (MFCC)
A psychiatric social worker or psychiatric nurse or nurse practitioner
A certified alcohol- and substance-abuse counselor, when depression is linked to alcoholism or drug addiction

Psychologists, counselors and social workers cannot write prescriptions, but they often work in association with a psychiatrist or general medical practitioner when medications are recommended.

It is important to seek treatment from a professional whom you trust. If the professional has a manner that seems indifferent, or intimidating to you in any way, seek a different professional.

The clinician will take a careful history, asking about:
How the symptoms developed, how long they have been present, how severe they are, and if they have ever been treated before
Past and current medical conditions
Alcohol and drug use
Family medical history
Family psychiatric history, especially as pertains to blood relatives who have or who have had depression
Whether suicide has ever been considered or attempted

How Is Depression Treated?

Depending on the type and severity of depression, treatment may involve:
Psychotherapy (counseling), which is the treatment of mental and emotional disorders by psychologic techniques and counseling
Antidepressant medications which can restore proper chemical balance in the brain
Other treatments such as light therapy and electroconvulsive therapy

Treatment is successful in 80% to 90% of clinically depressed people.
In mild to moderate depression, psychotherapy may be all that is needed.
Regular exercise is also beneficial for helping to uplift mood in milder forms of depression.

If symptoms don't improve in a couple of months, and certainly in more severe cases of depression, medication may be needed.
If there is a risk of suicide, medication or hospitalization may be necessary right away.

For some people, the best and most lasting results are obtained with a combination of psychotherapy and antidepressant medication.
To be considered recovered, one must be in remission - that is, depressive symptoms must not be present - for four to six months. The person should have returned to his or her usual ways of thinking, feeling, and behaving.

How Can Psychotherapy Help?
Psychotherapy is the treatment of mental and emotional disorders by psychologic techniques and counseling. Psychotherapists can include:
Psychiatrists
Licensed psychologists
Psychiatric nurses or nurse practitioners
Psychiatric social workers
Individuals trained in counseling

Various methods of psychotherapy can help depression, including:
· Cognitive therapy
· Interpersonal therapy
· Situational counseling
· Group therapy

Cognitive Therapy
The word "cognitive " pertains to the mental processes of comprehension, judgment, memory, and reasoning. Cognitive therapy (also known as cognitive behavioral therapy) is based on the premise that people become or remain depressed because they are drawing distorted, negative conclusions about situations and people with whom they interact.

Cognitive therapy helps a person become aware of how distorted thinking is self-defeating and can lead to depression. The person learns to recognize thought patterns and change attitudes and behavior accordingly.

Common types of distorted thinking among depressed people include:

Over generalizing ("all men are ignorant")
All-or-nothing thinking (perceiving something as happening "always" or "never")
Seeing only the negatives (the glass half-empty instead of half-full)
Jumping to conclusions (without knowing all the facts or giving the other person a chance to explain)

Overanalyzing (brooding, thinking too much about something)
Blaming oneself for things beyond one's control ("If I'd been a better child, my parents wouldn't have gotten divorced.")

The first step in cognitive therapy is to identify how and when one leaps to the wrong conclusions and to catch oneself in the act. The person is often encouraged to keep a diary of how he or she is thinking and feeling throughout the day, and of what is going on in his/her life. A chart divided into columns can be helpful. Under each column, the person typically lists:

The situation

Negative thoughts (about the situation)
Feelings (resulting from the negative thoughts)
Rational thoughts (upon considering all sides of the situation)
Feelings now (that one has realized it isn't that bad, that there are alternatives)
The second step is to discuss with the therapist alternative ways of drawing conclusions.

An example is the situation of the man who feels shunned when his greeting is not returned:

The person must take a very proactive role in cognitive therapy and be willing to work at it. A person who does so may feel empowered with the knowledge that in many everyday situations, we can choose how we react and how we feel. This empowerment can help dispel feelings of depression.

Interpersonal Therapy
Interpersonal therapy examines one's relationships and interactions with others. This form of therapy helps a person recognize how the quality of his or her relationships can play a part in depression.

Among the goals are to:
Honestly identify one's needs in a relationship
Examine healthy and unhealthy behaviors that one practices to get those needs met
Improve communication and behavior in relationships
Learn new ways to cope with stress and other problems
Situational Counseling
Situational counseling involves seeing a professional who specializes in the area that is linked to the depression. For example:
If the depression is associated with a death, it can be helpful to seek a counselor who specializes in bereavement.
If the depression is associated with alcohol or drug abuse, it can be helpful to seek a counselor who specializes in addiction.
If the person is suffering from a chronic illness or has a loved one with a chronic illness, there are counselors and support groups for many such situations (cancer and AIDS support groups, for instance). A local hospital or clinic may be able to provide a referral.

Group Therapy
A psychologist or trained counselor guides a small group of people in discussions of problems and how they are handled. Group counseling can be effective because:

It shows the person that he or she is not alone
It helps the person realize that many people share similar problems
Learning from one's peers can be a powerful step on the road to recovery

Need To Know:
How long to continue psychotherapy is a highly personal decision. At the beginning, a person may see the therapist once a week or more often if necessary. Most people taper off to once a week or biweekly thereafter. If therapy does not relieve the depression after 10 or 12 weeks, another option (such as medication) should be added.

Nice To Know:
Q: Is entering psychoanalysis a good way to quickly get over depression?

A: Not necessarily. When we think of Sigmund Freud (the "grandfather" of psychoanalysis), we think of traditional psychoanalysis, or analytic psychotherapy. We picture the patient lying on a couch while talking, sometimes not even facing the therapist. The therapist often says little. This style of therapy rests on the principle that what develops reflects the pattern of earlier relationships, and that because the therapist is relatively passive, various emotions may freely emerge and may then be identified as the source of current problems. This type of therapy is not aimed primarily at relieving symptoms of depression, but rather at helping people learn more about themselves and how their past has contributed to the present. Any benefits from this type of analysis can take years. If one is depressed and in need of help now, it is advisable to seek treatment with a therapist who specializes in one of the newer approaches.

How Can Medication Help?
Not everyone with depression needs medication. Your doctor will conduct a thorough assessment to determine, based on your level of depression, whether medication is needed and which type would work best.

Different types of antidepressants are available, and they are designed to restore proper chemical balance in the brain. Most individuals benefit most from a combination of medication and psychotherapy.

Today's antidepressants are not addictive and are highly successful. In one study, up to 90% of people with major depression improved after taking the right antidepressant drug in the right amount.

One of the most important things to realize when taking antidepressant medications is that it is not like taking a painkiller for a headache. If you take a painkiller, the pain goes away shortly. Antidepressants, however, must build up gradually in the bloodstream to reach an optimal, stabilized level. It can take three to six weeks for any antidepressant to offer relief. In the early stages, sometimes antidepressants can make one feel worse before feeling better, because most of these medications have side effects.

If a person is already depressed, it can be difficult to cope with side effects such as drowsiness, dizziness, nausea, dry mouth, constipation, and sexual side effects. While none are dangerous, they can be bothersome and may be intolerable to some people.

Need To Know:
While the list of possible side effects from antidepressants can be lengthy, the important thing to remember is that they are possible side effects, and an individual will rarely (if ever) experience more than a few. Each person must weigh the inconvenience of side effects with the inconvenience of depression, which, without treatment, can hinder one's entire life.

No two individuals will respond the same way to an antidepressant, and so the person and doctor must embark on a course of trial-and-error to find the right dosage.
A dose that is too low may not offer relief.
A dose that is too high may make side effects too pronounced.

When the right dose and/or combination is found, side effects can fade and a person's mood and depressive symptoms can lift like a curtain rising on the world. This is the time when the person may benefit most from working with a good psychotherapist (while staying on the medication).

Taking an antidepressant alone, without psychotherapy, may suppress depressive symptoms biologically - but may not address the psychological part of it. Learning (through psychotherapy or counseling) how one's behavior or thought patterns contribute to depression can be very important in preventing a relapse.

Need To Know:
A lack of compliance - when an individual fails to take the medication as prescribed - is the biggest reason for failure. So it is crucial, if you are treated with medication, to take the medication every day as prescribed, and to be patient.

After a short time, most side effects usually disappear or lessen to an acceptable level.
If they do not, the doctor can prescribe a different medication or a combination of medications.

It is common for a person to remain on an antidepressant for six to nine months or even longer, to prevent a relapse of depression.

Long-term medication, sometimes referred to as maintenance medication, may be needed for chronic depressions such as dysthymia and to prevent relapses in recurrent major depression.

While antidepressants are not addictive or habit-forming, unpleasant withdrawal symptoms can occur if they are halted abruptly. Discontinuing a medication should be done in gradually decreasing dosages and in consultation with the prescribing physician.

There are several different types of antidepressant medications:

. Selective serotonin re-uptake inhibitors (SSRIs)
. Tricyclics
. Monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs)
. Heterocyclics

Newer drugs

Mood-stabilizing drugs
Selective Serotonin Re-Uptake Inhibitors (SSRIs)
Selective serotonin re-uptake inhibitors (SSRIs) are usually the first types of medications prescribed for depression. They work by increasing the serotoninlevels in the brain. Serotonin is one of the chemical messengers in the brain responsible for moods and emotions.

These medications include:
Citalopram (Cylexa)
Fluoxetine (Prozac)
Paroxetine (Paxil)
Sertraline (Zoloft)

Some people believe SSRIs have been to depression what antibiotics once were to bacterial infections - "miracle drugs. " Most individuals respond very well to SSRIs. Because they target serotonin activity selectively, they have fewer side effects than the other more broad-acting medications, tricyclics and MAOIs.
One of the biggest problems with SSRIs is that they may cause sexual dysfunction - loss of interest in sex and/or difficulty achieving orgasm - in up to 20% of people.

Milder side effects that some people experience may include insomnia (common), nausea, diarrhea or loose stools, headache, nervousness, anxiety, mild shaking, and drowsiness (uncommon).

Tricyclics
Tricyclics, which have been used since the 1950s, had been the standard treatment for depression before SSRIs were introduced. Tricyclics include:

Imipramine (Tofranil, Janimine)
Amitriptyline (Elavil, Endep)
Desipramine (Norpramin)
Nortriptyline (Pamelor, Aventyl)
Protriptyline (Vivactil)
Trimipramine (Surmontil)
Doxepin (Sinequan)
Amoxapine (Asendin)
Clomipramine (Anafranil)

Tricyclics are available in generic form, which is less expensive than brand-name drugs.

Tricyclics are effective for depression, but their biggest drawbacks are their side effects. Most users experience some side effects, which may include drowsiness, constipation, dry mouth, blurred vision, weight gain, difficulty in urinating, sexual dysfunction, insomnia, disturbances in heart rhythm, anxiety, shaking, and orthostatic hypotension (a sudden drop in blood pressure when standing, which causes dizziness). People with certain heart conditions should not use tricyclics.

Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors (MAOIs)
Monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) are usually tried when other antidepressants have been ineffective. Some MAOIs are available in a patch form as an alternative to pills.

They include:

Tranylcypromine (Parnate)
Phenelzine (Nardil)

MAOIs have been around for decades and also are available in generic form. They elevate mood by blocking the actions of a chemical in the brain (monoamine oxidase), which normally breaks down the neurotransmitters that stimulate the brain.

Possible side effects include constipation, dry mouth, drowsiness or insomnia, nervousness, anxiety, jerking of the muscles, dizziness on standing, weight gain, sexual dysfunction, and problems urinating. Because they can cause birth defects, pregnant women should not take MAOIs. MAOIs also can interact badly with other drugs and with certain foods.

Need To Know:
If you are taking MAOIs
People taking MAOIs must avoid foods that are high in a substance called tyramine, because the interaction can cause severe high blood pressure (hypertension) and headaches.

Foods and liquids to avoid include aged cheeses (ricotta, yogurt, cottage cheese, cream and processed cheeses are safe); fermented or aged foods (corned beef, salami, fermented sausage, pepperoni, summer sausage, pickled herring); spoiled fruit, banana peel (fresh bananas are safe); aged liver (chicken, beef or pork); liverwurst, broad bean pods, meat or yeast extracts, sauerkraut, red wine, sherry, vermouth, cognac, beer and ale.

In rare instances, other foods also may cause high blood pressure when taken with MAOIs. These include chocolate, anchovies, caviar, coffee, colas, figs, mushrooms, beets, rhubarb, curry powder, junket, Worcestershire, soy sauce, licorice, and snails. These latter foods may be eaten in small amounts.

People on MAOIs must also avoid:
Decongestants
Cold, allergy and sinus medications (including pseudoephedrine and phenylpropanolamine)
Asthma inhalants (pure steroid inhalants are safe)
Amphetamines
Preparations containing methylphenidate, ephedrine, cyclopentamine, metaraminol, and phenylephrine.
Other medications that pose moderate risks include antihistamines, narcotics (codeine is safe), local anesthetics with epinephrine, levodopa, and dopamine.
Clearly, anyone taking MAOIs needs to read food and medication labels very carefully. Always consult with your physician before starting new medicaion or taking over-the-counter medication as well as herbal medications such as St. John's Wort.

Heterocyclics
Like SSRIs, heterocyclic drugs target specific chemical messengers in the brain that regulate mood. T

hey include:
Amoxipine (Asendin)
Maprotiline (Ludiomil)
Trazodone (Desyrel)

Common side effects of Asendin include dry mouth, blurred vision, constipation, and drowsiness. Ludiomil may cause these effects, plus drowsiness, dizziness, and nervousness. Desyrel has been associated with all of the above, as well as fatigue, nausea, vomiting, insomnia, and headache.

Newer Drugs
Some of the newer drugs developed to treat depression include:

Bupropion-SR or XL (Wellbutrin and Zyban, used for smoking cessation)
Venlafaxine-XR (Effexor)
Nefazodone (Serzone)
Mirtazapine (Remeron)

These types of medications work selectively on certain neurotransmitters. Their side effects vary; for example:

Side effects of Wellbutrin may include insomnia, nervousness, or dizziness,
People with a history of seizures should not take bupropion.
Effexor may cause sedation or insomnia, sexual dysfunction, or loss of appetite.
Nefazodone may cause sedation.
Mirtazapine may cause sedation or weight gain.

Mood-Stabilizing Drugs

The most commonly used mood-stabilizing drug is lithium carbonate, available under the brand names Lithonate, Eskalith, Lithobid , and Lithotabs . Lithium carbonate is the most commonly prescribed medication for bipolar disorder, and it may be used in conjunction with another antidepressant.

Too high a dose can cause lithium poisoning. Therefore blood levels must be monitored regularly by the physician.

Side effects that may occur on low doses include stomach upset, frequent urination, hand tremor, mild thirst, and nausea.
Too-high doses may cause diarrhea, drowsiness, lack of coordination, muscular weakness, and vomiting.

Lithium levels can be affected by dehydration, fluctuating salt levels in the body, or diuretic medications used to treat high blood pressure.
Other Treatments For Depression

In addition to psychotherapy and medication, other treatments for depression include:

- Over-the-counter alternatives
- Phototherapy for seasonal affective disorder
- Electroconvulsive therapy
- Vagus nerve stimulation (VNS) therapy

Over-The-Counter Alternatives
Two ov er-the-counter preparations may be helpful for mild to moderate depression.

St. John's Wort is an herbal remedy whose mild antidepressant action has been reported by numerous physicians. It is widely prescribed in Europe for mild to moderate depression. A recent definitive U.S. clinical trial did not find it to be efficacious, however.

Most people tolerate it well, but reported side effects include sensitivity to sun, gastrointestinal problems, and allergic reactions. The formula should contain at least 0.3% hypericin, the active ingredient in St. John's Wort.

SAM-e (S-adenosylmethionine) is a natural component of living cells involved in many of the body's mechanisms. Over-the-counter formulas are derived from yeast. SAM-e is said to have very few side effects. Its efficacy remains controversial.

Need To Know:
Both of these remedies have been used successfully for many years in Europe. Neither is considered a drug, so they are not regulated by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Take care to choose a standardized formula.

Most importantly, always consult with your physician before trying either of these over-the-counter remedies. They should not be combined with prescription antidepressants. In cases of major depression, they should not be used to replace prescription medication.

Nice To Know:

Q: Can aerobic exercise help relieve depression?

A: Aerobic exercise, done on a regular basis, can help ease symptoms of mild to moderate depression. It is believed that regular aerobic exercise stimulates the body's production of endorphins, which are natural painkillers that produce a calming effect on the central nervous system. To reap these benefits, one must engage in continuous aerobic activity for a minimum of 20 minutes, three times a week.

Examples of aerobic exercise include brisk walking, jogging or running, bicycling, swimming, dancing, rowing, and playing racquet sports. Sometimes the mere act of getting out - whether for a brisk walk or a focused session at the gym - can have a revitalizing effect. However, before embarking on any exercise program, always consult with your physician. There may be medical reasons why certain exercises are advisable, while others are not.

Light Therapy For Seasonal Affective Disorder
It is said that exposure to natural sunlight is the cure for seasonal affective disorder (SAD). Some people with mild to moderate SAD do very well with phototherapy, also known as light therapy. Here is how it works:

Therapeutic light boxes wired with full-spectrum bulbs are used. Unlike regular household incandescent or fluorescent bulbs, full-spectrum bulbs recreate the full spectrum of colors in sunlight.

While the light simply appears as white to the naked eye, the brain recognizes the full spectrum. A therapeutic light box must provide at least 2,000 to 10,000 lux (a measure of light).
A person with SAD sits within three feet of the box for 30 to 60 minutes every morning. The person can read or watch TV as long as the retina of the eye is exposed to the light.

Electroconvulsive Therapy
Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) is commonly called shock therapy because a low-voltage electric current is used to cause a seizure. It is the seizure, not the shock, that is therapeutic. ECT is most often reserved for:

People whose depression is so severe that they are at risk for suicide
People who do not respond to antidepressant medications
Those who are unable to take medication, such as pregnant women or people with other medical problems

The methods of conducting ECT have been refined over the years. Today, the success rate of ECT in people suffering from mood disorders is more than 90%.

Need To Know:
ECT was introduced in the 1930s, and in those days it was performed in a somewhat primitive manner. Images from Hollywood have perhaps fostered an unnecessary fear of ECT. In the film "One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest," for example, a patient is administered ECT by cold, institutional personnel. In reality, however, modern ECT is administered in a safe, humane, and painless manner.

ECT is performed on an outpatient basis, and hospitalization is not necessary.
First, the patient is given a muscle relaxant.
Electrodes are fastened with conducting cream to the skin.
The patient is then placed under general anesthesia and is asleep while a current is applied.

The body undergoes mild convulsions for a short period of time. The procedure is carefully monitored by the doctor, anesthesiologist, and nurse.
Usually a series of treatments is required to lift severe depression. Some people receive six treatments every two to five days, while others may need more treatments over several months.

ECT causes little stress to the body, and most people tolerate it well. The risks of the procedure are associated with the use of general anesthesia. People may feel groggy from the muscle relaxant, and it may take a few hours to recover from the anesthesia. Some may experience temporary memory loss or confusion. Sometimes partial, mild memory loss may persist.
Vagus nerve stimulation (VNS) therapy

This intervention is approved for use in Canada and Europe for those treatment-resistant depressions that will require long term therapy. It is under FDA review in the U.S. Treatment entails day surgery in which a stimulator (about the size of a small stopwatch) is implanted in the left side of the chest and wired to the left vagus nerve. VNS has already been used for treatment-refractory epilepsy in Europe and the U.S. The device delivers intermittent (30 seconds on, 5 minutes off) stimulation to the left vagus nerve. This treatment is typically added to ongoing antidepressant medications.

VNS seems to gradually reduce depressive symptoms over time in treatment-resistant chronic or recurrent depressions. It may change the neurochemistry involved in depression or regulate brain circuits that control mood, motivation, sleep, appetite, etc.

How To Prevent A Relapse

While recovering from depression:

- Take it one day at a time.
- Don't expect too much too soon.
- Set realistic, doable daily goals.
- Take part in activities that make you feel better.
- Do not underestimate the power of laughter. It's hard to feel depressed when you're laughing.
- Seek out people who are supportive and helpful.
- Stick to your treatment plan; for example, take your medication as prescribed and keep your psychotherapy appointments.
- Sometimes the early phase of counseling can be difficult as the person recalls sad or frustrating experiences. The person must give the therapeutic process a chance to help one deal with such situations. This is one key to taking charge of one's emotional health.

How To Information:

People at risk for depression, and those who are depressed, should avoid :
Alcohol and drugs. These may temporarily numb one's emotional pain, but they will depress the nervous system well into the next day. Alcohol and drugs can also interact badly with some antidepressant medications.

Negative situations and judgmental or demanding people who bring one down. Avoid "friends" who are mainly interested in negative gossip and in hearing about one's problems. Such people usually become disinterested in hearing about one's successes.

Isolation. Don't withdraw from others, no matter how tempting. Get out among people, even if it means going for a walk in the park or attending a museum exhibit.

Brooding. If one gets on a negative train of thought, practice distraction techniques to derail the train. One simple technique is to inwardly (or, if possible, vocally) shout "STOP!" to oneself, or to physically bang one's fist on a solid object, such as a table, while shouting "STOP!" Replace the thoughts with positive or more productive ones. Learn the art of meditation, which can clear the mind of useless thoughts and foster inner calm. There are many self-help tapes and books on meditation and other relaxation and distraction techniques, such as creative visualization or guided imagery.

Who Is At Risk For Recurring Depression?

Any individuals who have experienced clinical depression are at risk of relapses throughout life. At higher risk for recurring depression are:

- Individuals who have suffered at least two episodes of depression (they are at higher risk for another bout within five years)
- People with dysthymia
- People with bipolar disorder

How Can Friends And Family Help?

. If a loved one is depressed, don't tell the person to just "snap out of it." It's not that simple.
. Be supportive and listen to complaints without being judgmental.
. Depression is a biological illness. Learn about the facts and the myths.
. If someone is so depressed that he or she is not functioning normally, assist that person in getting to a doctor and in keeping appointments. Remind them to take their medication on schedule.
. Encourage the depressed person to participate in enjoyable activities, but don't "push" or pressure the person.
. Consider family therapy or a family support group if the person's depression is associated with factors affecting the whole family.
. Pay attention to remarks about suicide. Encourage the person to report these feelings to his or her therapist or doctor.

Are There New Treatments On The Horizon?

New treatments for depression that are on the horizon include:

Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS). This is a painless, experimental treatment for stimulating the brain without the use of electrodes, anesthesia, or surgical techniques. Basically, in a series of treatments, a clinician passes a powerful electromagnet over the skull, mainly targeting the left side of the forehead. Certain magnetic fields are thought to stimulate neurons, although exactly why is not yet known. TMS does not cause the memory loss associated with ECT, and other than brief headache, there are no reported side effects. This treatment is under investigation and is considered very promising.

Cingulotomy . This is a form of brain surgery performed to alleviate chronic pain. It has shown promising results for easing depression in some people when all other treatments have failed. Neurosurgeons apply heat or cold to interrupt the cingulate gyrus, which is a bundle of nerve fibers in the brain's frontal lobe. Memory and intelligence are not affected.

Vagus nerve stimulation . Surgery is used to implant a small generator, about the size of a pocket watch, into the chest. Wires snake up into the neck to periodically stimulate the vagus nerve, which runs into the base of the brain. Vagus nerve stimulators have been used to reduce epileptic seizures, and they also show potential for severe depression.

Newer drugs. Pharmaceutical companies also are on a continual quest to develop antidepressant medications that work in different ways. For instance, it is believed that agents that inhibit substance P, a brain chemical associated with mood disturbance, may show potential.

Is there any other herbs can help depressive illness patients

Western medicine believes that Depression is a chemical imbalance in the brain. Medications are often used for treatment and in some cases more than one medication is prescribed to change neuro-chemicals.

Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) believes the root cause of depression and anxiety stems from heart problems that is caused by the restriction in the chest area. Brain chemistry issues are symptoms of the heart according to many of the Chinese healers.

Traditional Chinese Medicine - TCM uses herbs as Western Medicine, though their view of the root cause of depressive disorders differs. Chinese herbs are used to treat a variety of health conditions including Depression.
Alone, Chinese herbs have a mild effect on the condition being treated. When they are blended with other herbs the effect is very strong. Below are some of the Chinese herbs.

Chai hau is also called Bupleurum and is a surface relieving herb. It is used to treat colds. Its effects are strengthened when mint is added.

He Huan pi also known as He Huan Hua. It is extracted from the bark and flowers of the Mimosa tree (albezzia). It nourishes the heart. Combined with Dan Shan (Salvia Miltorrhiza) it is really potent.
Other Chinese herbs for Depression are Poria (fu shen), red dates (hung zao) and wheat berries (fu xaio).

Both Western and Eastern cultures use herbs for healing as has been done over centuries. Herbs are effective healing treatments no matter the culture. Chinese herbs for Depression are included in the long list of effective healing herbs.
We have found a pure natural depression supplement that can also help with anxiety and overall general well being.

Putting It All Together
Here is a summary of the important facts and information related to depression.
Depression is a medical illness linked to changes in the biochemistry of the brain.
. Depression affects the mind, but this doesn't mean "it's all in your head."
. Depression is not a weakness of character.
. A clinically depressed person cannot simply "snap out of it" any more than a person with an ulcer could simply will it away.
. Depression is highly treatable in the vast majority of cases.
. Sometimes psychotherapy or counseling is all that is needed.
. There is also a wide array of effective antidepressant medications and alternatives.
. There is some herbs can help depressive illness patients to over come their problems

Yin, Yang, the five elements and the processes of Cleansing, Replenishing, Strengthening and Balancing.

AIDS .. Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome

2009-12-06T01:59:00.000-08:00

STORY OF AIDS

AIDS stands for Acquired immunodeficiency (or immune deficiency) Syndrome. It results from infection with a virus called HIV, which stands for human immunodeficiency virus. This virus infects key cells in the human body called CD4-positive (CD4+) T cells. These cells are part of the body's immune system, which fights infections and various cancers.

When HIV invades the body's CD4+ T cells, the damaged immune system loses its ability to defend against diseases caused by bacteria, viruses, and other microscopic organisms. A substantial decline in CD4+ T cells also leaves the body vulnerable to certain cancers.

HIV invades the body's CD4+ T cells

There is no cure for AIDS, but medical treatments can slow down the rate at which HIV weakens the immune system. As with other diseases, early detection offers more options for treatment and preventing complications.

What Is The Difference Between HIV And AIDS?
The term AIDS refers to an advanced stage of HIV (Human immunodeficiency virus) infection, when the immune system has sustained substantial damage. Not everyone who has HIV infection develops AIDS.

When HIV progresses to AIDS, however, it has proved to be a universally fatal illness. Few people survive five years from the time they are diagnosed with AIDS, although this is increasing with improvements in treatment techniques.
Experts estimate that about half the people with HIV will develop AIDS within 10 years after becoming infected. This time varies greatly from person to person, however, and can depend on many factors, including a person's health status and health-related behaviors.

Earvin "Magic" Johnson Jr. discovered that he had tested positive for HIV1991; and he still alive.

People are said to have AIDS when they have certain signs or symptoms specified in guidelines formulated by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

The CDC's definition of AIDS includes:
All HIV-infected people with fewer than 200 CD4+ T cells per cubic millimeter of blood (compared with CD4+ T cell counts of about 1,000 for healthy people)
People with HIV infection who have at least one of more than two dozen AIDS-associated conditions that are the result of HIV's attack on the immune system

AIDS-associated conditions include:
Opportunistic infections by bacteria, fungi, and viruses. Opportunistic infections are infections that are rarely seen in healthy people but occur when a person's immune system is weakened.
The development of certain cancers (including cervical cancer and lymphomas).
Certain autoimmune disorders.

Most AIDS-associated conditions are rarely serious in healthy individuals. In people with AIDS, however, these infections are often severe and sometimes fatal because the immune system is so damaged by HIV that the body cannot fight them off.

The History Of AIDS
The symptoms of AIDS were first recognized in the early 1980s:
In 1981, a rare lung infection called Pneumosystis carinii pneumonia began to appear in homosexual men living in Los Angeles and New York.
At the same time, cases of a rare tumor called Kaposi's sarcoma were also reported in young homosexual men. These tumors had been previously known to affect elderly men, particularly in parts of Africa. New appearances of the tumors were more aggressive in the young men and appeared on parts of the body other than the skin.
Other infections associated with weakened immune defenses were also reported in the early 1980s.

Groups most frequently reporting these infections in the early 1980s were homosexuals, intravenous drug users, and people with hemophilia, a blood disorder that requires frequent transfusions. Blood and sexual transmission were therefore suspected as the sources for the spread of the infections.

In 1984, the responsible virus was identified and given a name. In 1986, it was renamed the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV).

Need To Know:
Because many of the first cases of AIDS in the United States occurred in homosexual men and intravenous drug users, some people mistakenly believe that other groups of people are not at risk for HIV infection. However, anyone is capable of becoming HIV-infected, regardless of gender, age, or sexual orientation.

Facts About AIDS
. As of the year 2000, nearly one million people in the U.S. were confirmed to be HIV-positive.
. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports that 2.2 million Americans now carry the HIV virus but do not yet have symptoms.
. Each year, about 40,000 new HIV infections occur in the U.S.
AIDS is a leading cause of death for American men and women between the ages of 25 and 44.
. Through June 2000, 438,795 people in the U.S. had died from AIDS (374,422 men and 64,373 women).
. By the end of 2000, 36.1 million people worldwide were living with HIV/AIDS, with the vast majority living in developing countries.
. Through 2000, 21.8 million people worldwide have died from AIDS.
. Between 1991 and 1996, there were more new cases of AIDS among people older than 50 than those between ages 13 and 49. Today, 11% of all new cases of AIDS in the U.S. are now in people over the age of 50.
. The HIV carrier rate in the U.S. is now 1 carrier for every 100 to 200 people.

AIDS tragedy going to strike if some one doesn't behave.

What Causes AIDS?
HIV is a type of virus called a retrovirus. Like all viruses, it must invade the cells of other organisms to survive and reproduce. HIV multiplies in the human immune system's CD4+ T cells and kills vast numbers of the cells it infects. The result is disease symptoms.

Nice To Know:
There are two forms of HIV:

HIV-1 is the more common and more potent form. This form of HIV has spread throughout the world.

HIV-2, which is less potent that HIV-1, is found predominantly in West Africa. It is also more closely related to two HIV-like viruses found in monkeys.

There also are different strains of the virus, which makes it difficult to find one single treatment.

About The Immune System
Our bodies use a natural defense system to protect us from bacteria, fungi, viruses, and other microscopic invaders. This system includes general, nonspecific defenses as well as weapons custom-designed against specific health threats:

Innate, or nonspecific, immunity is the first line of defense. Our skin, tears, mucus, and saliva, as well as the swelling that occurs after an infection or injury, contain types of immune cells and chemicals that attack disease-causing agents attempting to invade the body.

Adaptive, or specific, immunity uses specialized cells and proteins called antibodies to attack invaders that get past the first line of defense. These weapons target specific proteins called antigens, found on the surface of the invading organism. The immune system can quickly rally these custom-tailored defenses if this particular invader attacks again.

There are two types of adaptive immune responses:
The humoral immune response involves the action of specialized antibody-producing white blood cells. The antibodies (proteins produced by the immune system to fight infectious agents such as viruses), which circulate in the blood and other body fluids, can recognize specific antigens (substances that stimulate the production of antibodies). They latch onto the viruses, bacteria, toxins, and other substances that bear these antigens, targeting them for destruction.

The cell-mediated immune response involves the action of another group of specialized white blood cells that direct and regulate the body's immune responses or directly attack cells that are infected or cancerous.

How Do White Blood Cells Help Fight Disease?
White blood cells, particularly macrophages and B and T lymphocytes, play central roles in the immune system's defenses against viruses and other foreign invaders.

Macrophages contribute to both nonspecific and specific immune responses. These versatile cells act as scavengers, engulfing and digesting microbes and other foreign material in a cell-eating process called phagocytosis. They also, upon encountering an invading organism, release chemical messengers that alert other cells of the immune system and summon T lymphocytes to the scene.

B lymphocytes, or B cells, serve as the body's antibody factories. Each antibody is targeted to recognize and bind to an antigen from a specific invader. When antibodies circulating through blood and body fluids encounter this invader, they mark it for destruction.

T lymphocytes, or T cells, are part of the cellular immune response. Some T cells, like CD4+ T cells (also called "helper" T cells), direct and regulate the body's immune responses. Others are killer cells that attack cells that are infected or cancerous.

Different white blood cells among red blood cells in the blood stream

How Does HIV Infection Become Established In The Body?
Researchers have found evidence that immune-system cells called dendritic cells may begin the process of infection. After exposure, these special cells may bind to and carry the virus from the site of infection to the lymph nodes, where other immune system cells become infected.

HIV targets cells in the immune system that display a protein called CD4 on their surface. Such cells are called CD4-positive (CD4+) cells.

Dendritic cell carry the HIV virus to infect (CD4+) cells

When HIV encounters a CD4+ cell, a protein called gp120 that protrudes from HIV's surface recognizes the CD4 protein and binds tightly to it. Another viral protein, p24, forms a casing that surrounds HIV's genetic material.
HIV's genetic material contains the information needed by the virus to infect cells, produce new copies of virus, or cause disease. For example, these genes encode enzymes that HIV requires to reproduce itself. Those enzymes are reverse transcriptase, integrase, and protease.

How Is HIV Infection Spread?
HIV infection is spread in three ways:
· Sexual intercourse
· Direct contact with infected blood
· From an infected mother to her unborn child

However, there is much misunderstanding about the ways in which HIV infection is not spread.

Sexual Intercourse
HIV is spread most commonly by sexual contact with an infected partner. The virus can enter the body through the lining of the vagina, penis, rectum, or mouth during sexual relations.

Sexual activities that can result in HIV infection include:
Sexual intercourse
Anal sex (heterosexual or homosexual)
Oral sex (heterosexual or homosexual)

Need To Know:
Q: Can HIV be spread through kissing?

A: Although studies have found tiny amounts of HIV in the saliva of some people with HIV, researchers have found no evidence that HIV is spread to other people through kissing. However, the CDC recommends against "French" or open-mouthed kissing because of the possibility of contact with blood if the people kissing have any cuts or sores in the mouth.

Direct Contact With Infected Blood

HIV can be spread through direct contact with infected blood:

Through injected drugs. HIV frequently is spread among users of illegal drugs that are injected. This happens when needles or syringes contaminated with minute quantities of blood of someone infected with the virus are shared.
In a health-care setting. Transmission from patient to health-care worker or vice-versa - via accidental sticks with contaminated needles or other medical instruments - can occur, but this is rare.

Through a blood transfusion. Prior to the screening of blood for evidence of HIV infection and before the introduction in 1985 of heat-treating techniques to destroy HIV in blood products, HIV was transmitted through transfusions of contaminated blood or blood components. Today, because of blood screening and heat treatment, the risk of acquiring HIV from such transfusions is extremely small.

From An Infected Mother To Her Unborn Child
Women can transmit HIV to their fetuses during pregnancy or birth. Approximately one-quarter to one-third of all untreated pregnant women infected with HIV will pass the infection to their babies.

A pregnant woman can greatly reduce the risk of infecting her baby if she takes the anti-HIV drug AZT (also called zidovudine) during her pregnancy. Because the risk of transmission increases with longer delivery times, the risk can be further reduced by delivering the baby by cesarean section, a surgical procedure in which the baby is delivered through an incision in the mother's abdominal wall and uterus. Combining AZT treatment with cesarean delivery can reduce the infection rate to between 1% and 2%.

HIV also can be spread to babies through the breast milk of mothers infected with the virus.

Women who live in countries where safe alternatives to breast-feeding are readily available and affordable can eliminate the risk of transmitting the virus through breast milk by bottle-feeding their babies.

In developing countries, however, where such safe alternatives are not readily available or economically feasible, breast-feeding may offer benefits that outweigh the risk of HIV transmission.

How Is HIV Infection Not Spread?

Research indicates that HIV is NOT transmitted by casual contact such as:
. Touching or hugging
. Sharing household items such as utensils, towels, and bedding
. Contact with sweat or tears
. Sharing facilities such as swimming pools, saunas, hot tubs, or toilets with HIV-infected people
. Coughs or sneezes

In short, studies indicate that HIV transmission requires intimate contact with infected blood or body fluids (vaginal secretions, semen, pre-ejaculation fluid, and breast milk). Activities that don't involve the possibility of such contact are regarded as posing no risk of infection.

Need To Know:

Q: Is it safe to share a household with an HIV-infected person?

A: Studies of families of HIV-infected people have found that HIV is not spread through sharing utensils, towels, bedding, or toilet facilities. Behaviors that increase the likelihood of contact with blood from an HIV-infected person, such as sharing a razor or toothbrush, should be avoided.

What Are The Symptoms Of HIV Infection And AIDS?
Most people newly infected with the HIV virus show few, if any, symptoms for a few years. But during this asymptomatic period, HIV is actively multiplying, infecting, and killing cells in the immune system, particularly CD4+ T cells. People are very infectious during this early phase.
As the immune system weakens, symptoms begin to emerge.

Early Symptoms Of HIV Infection
Some people, but not all, develop symptoms within a month or two of exposure to HIV. These people may have a flu-like illness with such symptoms as:
. Fever
. Rash
. Headache
. Loss of appetite
. Swollen glands (enlarged lymph nodes)
. Achy muscles and joints

These early symptoms usually disappear within a week to a month. Most HIV-infected people who experience these early symptoms won't see any more signs of the infection for at least a few years.

Later Symptoms Of HIV Infection
Usually, it takes about eight to nine years between the time of infection and the appearance of later symptoms, although this varies from person to person. These symptoms signal that immune system function is deteriorating, due to declining numbers of CD4+ T cells.

Not all people with HIV infection develop further symptoms. For those who do, however, symptoms may include:

. Persistent, enlarged lymph nodes
. Excessive fatigue
. Weight loss
. Frequent fevers
. Night sweats
. Chronic or frequent diarrhea
. Genital sores (sores around the penis or vagina)
. Thrush (an infection of the mouth caused by Candida, a yeast-like fungus) and mouth lesions
. Skin rash or flaky skin
. Joint stiffness and pain
. Bone pain
. Blurred vision
. Short-term memory loss
. Repeated bacterial, viral, or fungal infections

As the CD4+ T cell count continues to drop and the immune system deteriorates further, individuals may continue to experience the above symptoms as well as develop new ones.

What Symptoms Signal The Onset Of AIDS?
An HIV-infected person receives an AIDS diagnosis when he or she has:

1 - A CD4+ T cell count of less than 200, and/or
2 - At least one of more than two dozen opportunistic infections and conditions

In the United States, the most common AIDS-defining condition in both women and men is a lung infection called Pneumocystis carinii pneumonia, abbreviated PCP.
Other AIDS-defining conditions include severe body wasting and Candida infection of the esophagus, windpipe, or lungs.

A case of Pneumocystis carinii pneumonia patient

How Is HIV Infection Diagnosed?
A blood test is used to confirm whether a person has been infected with HIV. Anyone who has engaged in risky behavior - such as sharing drug - injecting equipment or having unprotected sexual contact with an infected person or with someone whose HIV status is unknown - should consider being tested.

A positive HIV test result does not mean that a person has AIDS. Not everyone who has HIV infection develops AIDS. Experts estimate that about half the people with HIV will develop AIDS within 10 years after becoming infected.

HIV virus inside the blood stream; can be detected by blood test

Early diagnosis of HIV infection is important because:

. It allows people to seek treatment that will help suppress HIV's attack on the immune system and prevent opportunistic infections.
. It helps women at risk for HIV infection who are planning a pregnancy or who are already pregnant take steps to reduce the risk of transmitting the infection to the baby.
. It alerts those who are infected that they could infect others.

The OraQuick test

Where is HIV testing available?

HIV testing is available at most hospitals, family planning clinics, sexually transmitted disease (STD) clinics, community health centers, drug treatment facilities, and doctor's offices. Individuals can contact their local health department for testing centers in their area. In many states, it is possible to be tested anonymously.

Information about testing centers is also available by calling the CDC's National AIDS Hotline. Testing centers will also provide counseling about HIV and AIDS and help people understand their test results.

Nice To Know:

Q: Is a home test kit for HIV available?

A: No approved HIV test kit will give you a result at home. There is a kit available that is designed for you to collect a sample of your blood at home. Then you send the sample to a laboratory where it is tested for HIV.

What Kinds Of Blood Tests Are Used?
The blood tests most commonly used to diagnose HIV infection work by measuring the levels of antibodies produced by the body against HIV. Antibody-detecting assays, or tests, include the:

1- Enzyme immunoassay (EIA)
2 -Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA)
3 -Western blot test

Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) testing

Usually, the first test that laboratories use to detect the presence of HIV antibodies is an EIA or the ELISA. If the first test produces a positive result (HIV antibodies appear to be present), then the more sensitive Western Blot test is used to confirm it.

EIA or ELISA tests take from one to two weeks to complete, depending on where the test is performed.

Why Is It Often Necessary To Repeat An HIV Test?
Although a negative result on an HIV blood test usually means that the person is not infected with the virus, that is not always the case. The body may take three to six months after exposure to the virus to produce enough antibodies to be detectable in the bloodstream.

Because of this delay between infection and the appearance of HIV antibodies, a person should be retested six months after the last possible exposure to HIV. It is also important to remember that a person who has been exposed to HIV can pass the virus to others even before HIV antibodies appear in the bloodstream.

What Treatments Are Available For HIV And AIDS?
When AIDS first surfaced in the United States, no drugs were available to combat the underlying immune deficiency, and few treatments existed for the opportunistic infections that resulted. Over the past 10 years, however, therapies have been developed to fight both HIV infection and its associated infections and cancers.

Although there is no treatment currently available that can cure people of HIV or AIDS, a number of therapies have been developed to help them stay healthier and live longer.

Some medications target HIV itself, to reduce the virus's assault on the immune system, or to even prevent the virus from entering human immune cells.
Other treatments are used to treat or prevent specific opportunistic infections that threaten the health of people with HIV-damaged immune systems.

Treatments That Suppress HIV

Drugs that interfere with the activity of a retrovirus such as HIV are generally known as antiretrovirals. Nearly all antiretroviral medications currently approved to treat HIV infection target two viral enzymes used by the virus to replicate itself. These enzymes, reverse transcriptase and protease, are involved in different stages of viral replication. A new treatment approved in the past year works in a completely new way by preventing the virus from entering the human immune cells.

Four classes of antiretroviral drugs have been developed to interfere with the activity of these viral enzymes and slow down the multiplication of the virus.

These are:
1 - Nucleoside analog reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NRTIs). NRTIs interrupt an early stage of HIV replication by interfering with the activity of reverse transcriptase. AZT (zidovudine), the first drug approved for treating HIV infection, is an NRTI, as are zalcitabine (ddC), didanosine (ddI), stavudine (d4T), lamivudine (3TC), and abacavir.

2 - Non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NNRTIs). NNRTIs also work by hindering the action of reverse transcriptase. This class of drugs includes delavirdine, nevirapine, and efavirenz.

3 - Protease inhibitors. Protease inhibitors interrupt a later stage of viral replication. This class of drugs includes saquinavir, indinavir, ritonavir, nelfinavir, and amprenavir.

4 - Fusion inhibitors. Fusion inhibitors prevent HIV from entering human immune cells. The only fusion inhibitor approved to date is enfuvirtide.

Studies have found that various combinations of antiretroviral drugs are more effective in suppressing HIV than antiretroviral drugs used alone. Experts refer to one common treatment approach, usually involving a protease inhibitor combined with two other antiretroviral drugs, as "highly active antiretroviral therapy" or HAART.

Drug combinations, or drug "cocktails," also can help reduce the risk that drug-resistant HIV will develop. When drug resistance occurs, medications that initially succeeded in suppressing the replication of HIV in the patient's body loose their effectiveness. Enfuvirtide works in a unique way that reduces the likelihood of cross-resistance with other HIV drugs.

Antiretroviral drugs have side effects that can limit their use in some people.
AZT, for example, may result in a loss of blood cells.
Protease inhibitors can cause nausea, diarrhea, and other symptoms.

Treating AIDS-Related Conditions
Other drugs and therapies are used to prevent or treat opportunistic infections and other AIDS-related conditions:

1 - Pneumocystis carinii pneumonia. People who develop this lung infection are generally treated with TMP/SMX (a combination of antibiotic drugs) or pentamidine. Doctors also prescribe these medications as preventive therapy for adult patients whose CD4+ T cell counts fall below 200.

2 -Yeast infections in women. Physicians often prescribe a drug called fluconazole to treat yeast and other fungal infections. Fluconazole also can safely prevent vaginal and esophageal candidiasis without development of drug resistance.

3 - Severe skin ulcers caused by herpes simplex virus infection. Skin ulcers sometimes respond to an antiviral medication, acyclovir.

4 - Pelvic inflammatory disease. PID is treated with antibiotics. Women with mild cases may be treated on an outpatient basis. HIV-positive pregnant women suspected of having PID are usually hospitalized, treated with intravenous antibiotics approved for use during pregnancy, and monitored closely.

5 - HIV-related wasting. Megestrol acetate (Megace) is often prescribed for HIV-associated wasting, but it can cause significant irregular vaginal bleeding in women. Another drug, nandrolone, may not have these side effects and is currently undergoing drug trials.

6 - Kaposi's sarcoma and other cancers. Cancers are treated with radiation, chemotherapy, or injections of alpha interferon, a genetically engineered, naturally occurring protein.

7 - CMV Retinitis. Improvements in anti-HIV treatments as well as preventive and therapeutic approaches to managing CMV have resulted in a decreased incidence of CMV retinitis. Today, the incidence of CMV retinitis is about one quarter what it was previous to the introduction of HAART. While early CMV retinitis therapies were delivered intravenously, current treatments include medications in pill form for all stages of CMV retinitis.

What Are Some Of The Problems With AIDS Drug Therapy?

AIDS drugs do not cure the condition, but they help to manage it and postpone life-threatening complications. However, there are problems with AIDS drug therapy:

. Side effects of drugs are a major concern in treatment.
. Another major problem is the cost of the drugs used in treating AIDS. AIDS patients in the United States depend on insurance and government grants to obtain them. The high price of these drugs makes it difficult for third-world countries, which have major AIDS epidemics, to afford to distribute them.

Since antiviral drugs have so far not been curative, the hope is to find a vaccine. The technology for vaccine development is present, and serious efforts are being made to find one.

How Can The Psychological Impact Of AIDS Be Managed?

When people learn they have tested positive for the HIV virus, they may experience a number of stressful psychological reactions. Depression and anxiety leading to panic attacks may require the help of an adviser or psychological therapist. Counseling services are available in most HIV clinics. Group therapy sessions with other HIV-positive people may also be helpful in managing feelings of stress and guilt.

People with AIDS who show signs and symptoms of organic central nervous system involvement, such as confusion and memory loss, need particular support. In their cases there is a need for additional medical and psychiatric intervention.

Antidepressant drugs should be used under the advice of a specialist in case of a severe depressive episode. HIV-infected people may take antidepressant drugs, but they are usually more sensitive to their side effects.

What About Newer AIDS Treatments?
Medical researchers are working to develop new drugs to keep HIV replication in check, as well as medications and methods to treat or prevent opportunistic infections and other HIV-related conditions.

Some people with HIV and AIDS choose to participate in clinical trials of new medications. Clinical trials are research studies that help doctors find better ways to prevent, diagnose, and treat illnesses.

Clinical trials are conducted in humans only after they are tested in laboratories and in animal studies. They are designed to develop better treatments for people while giving current patients a chance to benefit from new treatments that may be more effective.

How Can The Spread Of AIDS Be Prevented?

Since no vaccine for HIV is available, the only way to prevent infection by the virus is to avoid behaviors that place a person at risk for infection, such as sharing needles and having unprotected sex.

Prevention is the key to personal protection against HIV and AIDS. Being aware of behaviors that increase the risk of infection and taking preventive measures can substantially reduce a person's likelihood of becoming infected with HIV.

Prevention involves:
1 - Safer sex practices
2 - Drug use and limiting HIV exposure
3 - Minimizing HIV exposure from medical procedures

Safer Sex Practices

The CDC recommends complete sexual abstinence as a foolproof way to prevent sexually transmitted HIV. A monogamous sexual relationship between two uninfected individuals also limits the risk of HIV exposure through sex - as long as both partners are completely faithful and avoid nonsexual exposure to HIV, such as through injection drugs.

Safer sex practices should be followed during sexual contact with any partner, male or female, who is HIV-positive or whose sexual history is unknown. An individual who is infected with HIV is able to transmit the virus:

. Even if he or she has no symptoms of the infection
. Immediately after he or she has become infected

Safe sex practices involve creating a barrier between a person's mucous membranes (or any cuts or breaks in the skin) and his or her partner's blood, semen, or vaginal secretions. Such barriers include:

. Condoms, with or without spermicide
. Dental dams (squares of latex, originally used for dental work, now commonly recommended for safe oral sex)
Latex gloves

Most condoms are made from latex rubber. Using latex condoms, correctly and consistently, can greatly reduce a person's chance of acquiring or transmitting HIV and most STDs. There is no scientific evidence demonstrating that spermicides (which are used for their contraceptive properties) offer protection against HIV infection.

Not all condoms are alike.
Lambskin condoms, which are porous and may allow HIV and other viruses to pass through them, are not recommended for protection against HIV and other STDs.

Polyurethane condoms, on the other hand, may provide an alternative for people who are allergic to latex.

The female condom, a thin sheath of polyurethane that is placed in the vagina, has recently been approved as a birth control method and is thought to offer protection against STDs as well. But it has not yet been proven to reduce the risk of HIV infection.

The female condom

Experts caution that oil-based lubricants should never be used with latex condoms or the other latex barriers, as these may erode the material and destroy the barrier. Recommended "condom-compatible" lubricants are water-based, such as K-Y Jelly lubricant.

Sexual activities that do not involve contact with blood or other bodily fluids, such as hugging, "dry" or closed-mouth kissing, and use of non-shared sex toys, are considered safe.

Drug Use And Limiting HIV Exposure

People who use injection drugs risk exposure to HIV if they share needles and syringes with others. HIV in the blood residue from an infected person can be transmitted directly into the bloodstream of the next person using the injecting equipment.

Drug addict before and after 1.5-year HIV infection

Health authorities recommend that people who use illegal drugs seek treatment to help them stop. Those who cannot end their drug use are advised to avoid sharing drug injection equipment with others.
Programs that distribute clean needles to injecting drug users have helped to lower the incidence of HIV infection among these people.

Minimizing HIV Exposure From Medical Procedures

HIV has been transmitted through transfusions of contaminated blood and blood components. In the United States, several thousand surgical patients and others became HIV-infected through receiving contaminated blood, most of them early in the AIDS epidemic.

Since 1985, however, blood banks have added new safeguards to their procedures to ensure that donated blood does not present an HIV risk. These measures include various heat-treating techniques and screening donated blood for evidence of HIV. Blood from potential donors who are determined to have risk factors for HIV transmission is also discarded.

Today, the risk of acquiring HIV infection from blood transfusions is extremely small. People who are scheduling elective surgery can reduce the risk even further by banking some of their own blood before the surgery. This is known as autologous blood donation.

HIV transmission as a result of other medical procedures is rare, although accidental sticks with contaminated needles have occurred, mostly among healthcare workers.

Dentists, hygienists, and other healthcare professionals are required to wear protective latex gloves to avoid the transmission of viral infections such as HIV.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some frequently asked questions related to AIDS.

Q: What if I'm attracted to someone I don't really know? What should I do?

A: Know the sexual history and health status of partners. Avoid anonymous sexual contact and learn about safe sex practices, such as the use of condoms.

Q: Are my children going to get AIDS if other children in the school have it?

A: No. Casual contact, even over a long period of time, is not regarded as dangerous. This includes all typical sports and activities.

Q: What if I eat at a restaurant where a cook or a waiter has AIDS? Am I at risk?
A: No. Eating in restaurants does not increase the AIDS risk. There are no cases of AIDS transmitted from food preparations or handling.

Q: Is an AIDS test required of new job applicants and/or employees?

A: Probably not. In fact, under most state laws, employers cannot ask whether applicants or employees have AIDS - only if they can do the job.

Q: Should I avoid sharing personal hygiene items, like razors or toothbrushes?

A: Yes. These devices might be contaminated with blood. However, this is an unlikely mode of transmission for the AIDS virus.

Q: Does everyone who has AIDS die from it?

A: When scientists first recognized AIDS in 1981, most people died within a year or two. Now, with numerous drugs available to help suppress HIV's attack on the immune system and prevent or treat AIDS-related opportunistic illnesses, many people with AIDS are living longer and healthier lives. However, AIDS still is considered a fatal illness. Few people survive five years from the time they are diagnosed with AIDS, although this is increasing with improvements in treatment techniques.

Q: How can a person tell if she is infected with HIV?

A: A blood test can determine whether or not a person is infected with HIV. The most commonly used test detects antibodies (disease-fighting proteins) against HIV. It may take as long as three to six months for HIV antibodies to reach levels that are measurable in standard blood tests.

Q: Can I keep my test results private?

A: People can have the procedure done at HIV testing centers that offer anonymous HIV testing.

Q: How safe is a blood transfusion ?

A: The risk of acquiring HIV through a blood transfusion in the United States is very small. All donated blood in the U.S. is routinely screened for HIV.

Q: Can HIV be spread by casual contact, such as touching or hugging?

A: HIV is not transmitted by casual contact such as touching, caressing, hugging or massaging a person with the infection. Studies indicate that HIV transmission requires intimate contact with infected blood or body fluids (vaginal secretions, semen, pre-ejaculation fluid, and breast milk).

Q: Can HIV be spread through kissing?

Q: Is it safe to share a household with an HIV-infected person?

Q: Is it safe to share a sauna, swimming pool, hot tub, or toilet with an HIV-infected person?

A: Using such facilities does not put a person at risk for HIV infection. Only activities that cause intimate contact with blood, vaginal secretions, semen, pre-ejaculation fluid, or breast milk of an HIV-infected person can transmit HIV.

Q: Can HIV be transmitted through a cough or a sneeze?

A: Although some viruses (such as the common cold or influenza) are spread through aerosol droplets when an infected person sneezes or coughs, HIV is not transmitted in this manner.

Q: Can HIV be transmitted during oral sex?

A: Although the risk of infection during oral sex is considered lower than during vaginal or anal intercourse, HIV may be transmitted during oral sex through contact with vaginal secretions, semen, pre-ejaculation fluid, and blood.

Q: Can HIV be spread by mosquitoes?

A: Studies have found that HIV is not spread by biting insects, such as mosquitoes or bedbugs.

Q: Is a home test kit for HIV available?

Q: I've read on the Internet stories about people getting HIV after being stuck by needles in phone booth coin returns and movie theater seats. Is this true?

A: it's true that discarded needles are sometimes found in public, probably from people who use insulin (to treat diabetes) or illegal drugs. Occasionally someone is stuck from discarded needles - but the risk of transmission of HIV in this case is extremely low. The Centers for Disease Control is not aware of any cases where HIV has been transmitted by a needle-stick injury outside of a health-care setting. However, anyone who is injured in this manner should contact their physician or go to an emergency room as soon as possible.

Can Herbs play any role in keeping HIV patient alive and able to cross the bridge to healing?

YES it can.

Shitake; maitake; and reishi mushrooms may be effective in inhibiting HIV-1 replication

Scutellaria baicalensis was effective at reducing gastrointestinal dysfunction caused by the HIV drug Ritonavir

Trichosanthes kirilowii root have Trichosanthin, an active protein component shown to inhibit HIV infection and has been used in the clinical treatment of AIDS.

Andrographis paniculata is a powerful stimulant for the immunologial system, through both the antigen specific and non specific way. It optimizes the expression of the genes that codify the cytokines’ receptors, and the synthesis of the histocompatibility molecules, type I and II; in this way, it improves the interaction between the cells competent.

Antiviral
Andrographis paniculata is a powerful antiretroviral.
All the viruses, including HIV, cannot reproduce without using the replication machinery of the cells. The HIV virus sticks to the cell, using CD4, CCR5 and CXCR4 molecules on its surface. The viruses tend to concentrate in the brain tissues and in the immunocompetent cells, which have those molecules, mainly CD4. When entering the cell, the viruses use a key enzyme to multiply themselves and this is called Reverse Transcriptase. The inhibitors of this enzyme are considered the most important agents used against AIDS; however, these drugs are very toxic. The alkaloids of Andrographis paniculata increase the action of the inhibitors over the Reverse Transcriptase, so that the dosage of the inhibitor drug can be reduced.

Andrographis paniculata inhibits the cyclon-dependant kinases’ phosphorilation which is induced by the viruses so that the cellular cycle of the infected CD4 cells stops, as well as the viruse’s dissemination.
The alkaloids of Andrographis paniculata also reduce the multiplication of the Hepatitis B, Herpes and Influenza viruses.

We have all herbs needed for HIV patients to recover from their illness. Organic herbs; good quality, very reasonable price for whom cannot afford to pay for expensive regular medication for HIV

Putting It All Together
Here is a summary of the important facts and information related to AIDS.

. AIDS (acquired immunodeficiency, or immune deficiency, syndrome) is an advanced stage of a viral infection that attacks the body's disease-fighting immune system.
. HIV (the human immunodeficiency virus) is the infectious agent that is the cause of AIDS.
. HIV/AIDS testing is available anonymously through clinics and requires a blood sample.
. Not everyone who has HIV infection develops AIDS.
. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's definition of AIDS includes all HIV-infected people who have a very low level of key immune cells and/or one of a number of medical conditions that are the result of HIV's attack on the immune system.
. A number of drugs are available to help HIV-infected individuals live longer and healthier lives
. Plenty of HERBS having potential to alleviate the symptoms of HIV patient and increase their longevity and enhance their life span