Bleeding and Blood Transfusions

Comments (0)

Many years ago, it was customary to "bleed" people who were thought to be too "full-blooded." Some of the smaller veins were opened and blood was allowed to flow out. Doctors thought this would cure many diseases common to such "fullblooded" persons (often another way of saying fat people). Actually, without knowing it, many of these doctors dangerously weakened their patients. Today, bloodletting is practiced very rarely. In fact, we try to prevent the loss of blood wherever possible.

When a major blood vessel has been cut during an accident, we apply a tourniquet to stop the flow of blood. (To learn how this is done, read the article on FIRST AID.) When a person bleeds large amount, the doctor gives him someone Else's blood. This is called a blood, transfusion. In emergencies, blood transfusions may be given directly from person to person by joining their veins with a rubber tube. But usually, a pint of blood from the donor, or person giving blood, is drained into a sterilized container; from this the blood is let through a rubber tube, ending in a hollow needle, into the patient's veins. There are four different types of human blood. Persons having the same type of blood may receive transfusions from one another. Certain blood types mingle freely with other types. These are said to be compatible. Only compatible blood types can be used in transfusions. The blood in our bodies is called whole blood-that is, blood containing all the specks of matter ordinarily floating in it. For a short time, whole blood can be stored for future transfusions; the place in which it is stored is called a blood bank.

To store blood for longer periods, the specks of matter are removed, leaving the liquid portion of the blood. This is called plasma. Plasma can be kept in storage almost indefinitely. It can also be dried and shipped in powdered form, just like powdered milk. Then sterilized water is added and the plasma is ready for a transfusion. Plasma can be given in transfusion to persons of all blood types. This is especially important in times of disaster, such as war or epidemics, when many people must have emergency transfusions. Thousands of lives have been saved by transfusions of blood plasma.

6 Best Natural Remedies For Hemorrhoids

Comments (0)

It is very difficult to be afflicted by a medical problem these days. Considering the time, effort and money involve, it can definitely bring a lot of hassles to a person. Hemorrhoid is one common medical dilemma as it affects more or less 75 million Americans worldwide. Since all people do not have enough budget for medication and treatment, some of them opt for natural remedies for hemorrhoids.

An advantage of natural remedies for hemorrhoids is that it is effective but very affordable. They rarely have side effects. Yet, one must remember that everything taken in excess amount is bad for the health. Even though natural remedies are mostly from plant derivatives, you should be careful in using them. You might not know, but you can develop hypersensitivity reaction.

Fiber is one home remedy for hemroids that is often disregarded. Most of the basic foods we eat like bread and wheat have fiber contents in it. However, it may not be that adequate that's why we should be aware of adding extra fiber in the diet. It will help soften waste products and increase bulk formation. It will help minimize straining during bowel movement.

Next up is Bioflavonoid. Basically, bioflavonoid is a type of plant compound. It helps in stabilizing and strengthening of the walls of blood vessels. Reports shows that side effects are rare that is why it can be used by pregnant women. Bioflavonoid is commonly found in citrus fruits like lemon and oranges.

Ice packs are one of the natural remedies that could offer quick settlement. It is placed directly into the affected region. Prepare your own ice pack by placing crushed ice in a plastic container. Wrap it with a cloth so as to prevent burns from direct contact of ice to your skin. Wait for 5 to 10 minutes.

Another is witch hazel. It comes in different forms like creams, ointments, medicated pads and distilled liquid. Witch hazel is perfect in managing swelling and bleeding. It is not taken by mouth. It can also be used as a rectal suppository.

Garlic and onions found in the kitchen could also be a good remedy for hemorrhoids. It is used as a suppository. They help kill bacteria, strengthen the veins and reduce inflammation. Cut these vegetables in small pieces and wrap them around a cheese cloth. Place it inside the rectum. It will come out naturally by morning after a bowel movement.

Last but not the least is tub therapy. It is just similar as having bubble bath only that there is neither soap nor bubbles involved. You will only make use of Luke warm water. You can choose if you want to submerge your whole body or buttocks only. Wait for 15 to 20 minutes until relief is felt.

Venapro is a natural product that offers relief and alleviation, if you want to know more about it, you can read about Venapro review.

For more helpful facts on how to manage hemorrhoids, just visit this link.

View the Original article

Common Symptoms of Candida Overgrowth

Comments (0)

Yeast overgrowth is an increasingly common problem for many people in our modern world. Understanding Candida overgrowth symptoms will help you figure out if you have a problem with yeast and help you determine whether or not to start a yeast free diet.

Yeasts naturally grow in your digestive tract. They live there with many other micro-organisms. The good bacteria that grow in your digestive tract normally keep the yeast under control. If that bacteria dies off from infection, illness, antibiotics, birth control pills, or other medications it will allow the Candida to grow out of control.

Candida is normally not a problem, but when it begins to multiply and spread throughout your body it becomes a problem. Early symptoms of Candida overgrowth are usually digestive. When your healthy bacteria started to die off you may have noticed a small bout of diarrhea. As the Candida begins to grow you'll notice more symptoms. You will experience bloating, gas, diarrhea, or constipation.

As the yeasts continue to multiply the symptoms will begin to spread to other areas your your body. Candida looks for warm moist places to live. As it finds those places it will multiply more and more causing infections, itching and irritation. If you are someone who gets many yeast infections you probably have a problem with yeast. Yeast infections aren't just limited to vaginal yeast infections. You can also get yeast infections in the mouth referred to as oral thrush. Men can get yeast infections under the foreskin, known as male thrush. You may also notice itching in your ears and your anus.

Much of your immune system is centered in your gut. That's why some autoimmune diseases have been linked to Candida overgrowth. Fibromyalgia, irritable bowel syndrome and Crohn's disease have all been linked to the overgrowth of yeast in your digestive tract. When yeast overgrowth occurs you sometimes experience the achy muscles and joints and fatigue associated with fibromyalgia. You can also experience the digestive problems associated with Crohn's disease or irritable bowel syndrome.

The yeast in your digestive tract will eventually start to affect your body's ability to absorb nutrients. You could start to feel fatigue, constant hunger and get headaches. Candida can embed itself in the lining of your intestines making them more permeable. When that happens you develop a condition known as leaky gut syndrome. When your gut is more permeable the toxins released by Candida and small food particles can get into your bloodstream.

If left untreated the yeasts will continue to grow and spread causing a serious condition known as Candidemia or invasive Candida. The yeast will spread through your bloodstream affecting your other organs.

Yeast can be managed with a combination of diet to weaken and starve the yeast, antifungals to kill them, and probiotics to repopulate your gut with healthy bacteria.

Find out more about Candida overgrowth symptoms and what you can do to get rid of Candida at YeastFreeDietCentral.com.

Article Source:http://EzineArticles.com/?expert

View the Original article

Urology - Find Out More About It

Comments (0)

Erectile dysfunction is an extremely common area of urology and may be due to a variety of physical or psychological conditions. It is a far-reaching disorder that can affect all areas of sexual intimacy and satisfaction, even affecting overall quality of life. As such, it is very common for men and women to seek adequate treatment early. At the root of most erectile dysfunction problems is a vascular disease altering or restricting blood flow to the genitals. This may be related to or caused by a variety of disorders such as diabetes, hypertension, or coronary artery disease. It may also be related to the side effects of various medications. Determining the cause is an important factor to consider when discussing treatment.

Hydronephrosis is a common clinical condition in which the renal pelvis and calyces become enlarged due to the inability to void adequate amounts of urine. This condition is often seen in urology and may be due to obstruction of the urinary tract. The condition may be acute or chronic and symptoms develop accordingly. Some patients may describe a history of blood in the urine, fever, kidney stones, or symptoms of benign prostatic hyperplasia. If hydronephrosis is severe, the kidney may be palpable and lower extremity swelling or fluid retention may occur. Treatment of this condition often involves pain control and prevention of infection. Unless the obstruction is due to a kidney stone, surgical repair is often required.

Urinary incontinence is an extremely common condition in urology due to the fact that many patients are living longer. Defined as involuntary loss of urine, incontinence may be due to a wide variety of physical and psychological disorders. Common risk factors include being female, giving birth to a large infant, giving birth to many infants, prolonged labor, advanced age, menopause, smoking, obesity, chronic constipation, spinal cord injury, diabetes, or certain medications. There are a variety of types of urinary incontinence including stress or urge incontinence, detrusor muscle instability, or urethral instability. Patients may present with a history of recurrent urinary tract infections. Treatment to resolve this disorder may include medication or certain surgical procedures. Drugs such as alpha-agonists and pseudoephedrine may relieve mild symptoms of stress incontinence. Exercises designed to improve muscle tone of the pelvic floor are commonly recommended during and after pregnancy to improve continence. Implantation of slings or pessaries is usually a last resort when other interventions have failed.

Kidney and bladder stones are commonly encountered in urology due to the fact that they can be caused by a variety of different disorders. The most common stones are made of calcium, oxalate, citrate, and struvite. Treatment is aimed at the causative factor and usually includes increased hydration. Large stones may require shockwave lithotripsy to break them down into a small enough size that is able to pass through the urinary tract without pain.

When your quick little pee won't make you smile with glee, you may need to visit a department of urology, Dallas is home to some of the best specialists in the area. Find out more at http://www.angieslist.com/.

Article Source:http://EzineArticles.com/?expert

View the Original article

Definition About Gout

Comments (0)

Many individuals suffer from a condition that is identified as gout in the medical community. This illness is a challenging and relatively complex based form of arthritis. Individuals that experience this condition are challenged in many different ways. This is basically due to the fact that when an attack is experienced, it is usually quite sudden as well as severe as far as the pain that is experienced is concerned.

When the joints of the body are affected by gout, they often become red and quite tender. This comes as a result of the inflammation that is experienced. The most commonly affected area is the joint that is located on the base region of the largest toe. In this guide, you will learn an assortment of facts pertaining to gout.

Risks

There are many risk factors that could potentially lead to the onset of gout. It has been established that individuals that have an excessive degree of uric acid in the body are more susceptible for developing this arthritic condition. The common risk factors that may indicate that an individual is susceptible to acquiring this condition are all usually associated with the excess level of this acid in the body.

The first factor that could put a person at risk is the consumption of alcohol. Generally, if more than one to two alcoholic drinks on a daily basis will increase the uric acid in the body. In addition to this, there are certain types of prescription drugs that may increase the possibility that gout will be experienced. The medications that treat glucose complications, issues with the arteries, and high blood pressure are the main culprits.

There are many who simply have a genetic predisposition to developing this illness. This is more likely to be experienced if the parents or grandparents of a sufferer had the condition. In addition to basic genetic risks, many that have certain medical conditions may be more prone to gout.

If an individual has complications with the circulatory system such as blood pressure that is relatively high, diabetes, or there are issues regarding the narrowing of the vital arteries within the body, the chance for developing this condition is dramatically increased.

While more women than men suffer from this condition, it is one that affects both sexes to some degree. Older individuals - such as women who have reached menopause and men over the age of forty - are more susceptible to experiencing this illness.

Potential Complications

While pain and inflammation may not seem too serious to many, there are several potential complications that may develop as a result of gout. Those that reached the stage of gout that is identified by medical professionals as "Advanced" may suffer from a condition where crystals that are urate based form underneath the surface of the skin. This occurs in nodules.

These are called tophi. While this is typically not a serious complication, it could result in an intense form of pain when flare ups are experienced. In addition to this, kidney stones may occur within the urinary tract over time as a result of the same types of crystals. If you are diagnosed with gout, it is important to ensure that you follow the doctor's orders on treating the condition so that these complications may be reduced.

About the Author: Anne Ahira is an established entrepreneur and successful coach in her country of Indonesia. Her success story has been published in many nationwide publications in Indonesia.

Making a lucrative income online is a challenging endeavor, but by getting the

View the Original article

Brain Abnormalities and Fibromyalgia

Comments (0)

While there is still no definitive cause for the chronic condition known as FMS or fibromyalgia syndrome, a recent scientific study has found certain brain abnormalities that were common among those suffering from this illness who participated in this study. These findings were contrary to previous beliefs by some medical experts that the symptoms of fibromyalgia developed in some individuals due to depression and anxiety.

The studies showed that there were "blood perfusions" or abnormalities in the blood flow of the brain as well as blood flow that seemed to be increased in the area of the brain that is responsible for discerning pain intensity. In another study conducted the findings showed that the "gray matter" of the brain was reduced significantly in patients with fibromyalgia compared to that of healthy individuals.

Low Levels of Dopamine may cause the Loss of Gray Matter

Scientists believe that insufficient levels of dopamine may be the potential cause for the loss of gray matter in the brain. Dopamine is one of the neurotransmitters or brain chemicals found in certain areas of the brain and has an affect on several functions of the brain and body including movement and cognitive skills.

Scientific studies have discovered that patients with fibromyalgia as well as patients who have chronic fatigue syndrome had low levels of dopamine in an area of the brain that is responsible for regulating neurological activity that includes that of the spinal cord, brain, and nerves. Therefore, although it has not been scientifically proven, some experts believe that taking supplements that contain dopamine may help to stop or slow the loss of gray matter in the brain.

Effects of Low Serotonin Levels on the Brain

Studies have also shown that individuals with fibromyalgia tend to have low levels of the brain neurotransmitter serotonin. Serotonin is also responsible for multiple bodily functions including the sleep cycle. These low levels of serotonin cause many symptoms that are associated with fibromyalgia that include fatigue, headaches, hot flushes, changes in body temperature, and difficulty sleeping including insomnia, falling asleep, or staying asleep.

Low levels of serotonin also have psychological effects that include depression, mood swings, irritability, and changes in sex drive. When the level of serotonin falls extremely low, more severe symptoms can develop that include loss of control of the bladder and bowels, muscle cramps, rapid thoughts, emotional behavioral problems, and thought of harming others or suicide.

Norepinephrine-Evoked Pain

Individuals that have fibromyalgia have a high level of pain on a consistent basis. It has been established that a lot of this pain is a result of imbalances with the neurotransmitter known as norepinephrine. Individuals that were subjected to various types of stress were shown to suffer from hypersensitivity more so than those that were not exposed to the same stress.

Stress could include limits to sleep, improper nutrition, and day to day situations. In conclusion, there are many brain abnormalities with the fibromyalgia patient. If you have this condition, it is important to ensure that you talk to your doctor about these abnormalities.

About the Author: Anne Ahira is an established entrepreneur and successful coach in her country of Indonesia. Her success story has been published in many nationwide publications in Indonesia.

Making a lucrative income online is a challenging endeavor, but by getting the

View the Original article

Urologist - What Type of Doctor Is One?

Comments (0)

A urologist is a type of medical doctor who has specialized training and knowledge in diagnosing and treating problems related to the urinary tract in both males and females of all ages. He or she is also skilled at treating sexual dysfunction in both men and women. Due to the fact that this area of medicine encompasses a variety of clinical conditions, a urologist must have extensive knowledge of internal medicine, gynecology, pediatrics and a selection of other specialties. The word urology comes from a Greek word that means "the study of urine." Urology is considered to be a surgical subspecialty. Another name for such a doctor is a urological surgeon.

Within the field of urology there are a number of specialties that these doctors can choose to work in. According to the American Urological Association (AUA) there are eight areas of subspecialty. These include:

-Pediatric urology
-Urologic oncology (tumors)
-Female urology
-Urinary tract stones
-Male infertility
-Neurourology
-Erectile dysfunction (impotence)
-Renal transplantation

In order to become certified by the American Board of Urology the physician must fulfill both educational requirements as well as specific examination ones. Those who wish to work in this specialty area of medicine must first graduate from an approved medical school.

The next step is to complete a urology program that has been given the stamp of approval by the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME). This program must be for a minimum of five years. Of those five years one must be devoted to general surgery while three must be devoted to clinical urology. As well, a minimum of six months must be spent receiving additional training in urology, general surgery or another clinical discipline that relates to this area. The final year that the physician spends in the residency program will see the individual working as a chief resident or senior urology resident while under the supervision of an attending physician.

Once the person has finished their graduate education they are then able to apply for their certification by way of the American Board of Urology (ABU). Once the application has been approved by the Board the person then enters the process of certification. During this process it is necessary to complete and pass a qualifying exam which is Part I before moving onto Part II which is the subsequent certifying exam.

A urologist may diagnose and treat any number of conditions. He or she is likely to treat patients of both sexes and of varying ages on a routine basis. Some of the problems may be unique to young patients and not so common in adults, and vice versa. A child may be seen for a neonatal urological condition such as ambiguous genitalia, bladder exstrophy or cloacal exstrophy (which is common in those born with spina bifida), as well as testicular torsion. Many parents take their child to such a urologist for bedwetting problems. This condition is known medically as enuresis.

Adults can seek help from a urinary specialist for health conditions ranging from interstitial cystitis to erectile dysfunction to Cushing's syndrome or Conn's syndrome. They can also see a specialist for such things as penile, prostate or testicular cancer, ureteral stones, kidney problems such as cystic diseases of the kidneys and renal failure, vasectomy and premature ejaculation.

This is the physician you need to be referred to if you experience any bladder problems such as blood in your urine (known medically as hematuria), bladder fistula, neurogenic bladder or paruresis (which is a phobia of urinating in public washrooms).

When your flow just won't go, you may need a urologist; Atlanta has some of the most renowned specialists in the area. Find one today at http://www.angieslist.com/.

Article Source:http://EzineArticles.com/?expert

View the Original article

7 Easy Ways to Keep Your Exercise Equipment Well Maintained

Comments (0)

If you ever run a health and fitness center or a gym, keeping your exercise equipment and facilities well-maintained is among the golden rules you should do for your club members. Nothing is more disappointing and irritating for any fitness center member to discover a sign saying "Out of Order" on the exercise equipment they would like to use for their workout. Just imagine the impression your fitness center will give if this sign will be around for weeks or months.

Your gym goers would surely think twice before signing up for next month's membership and find your fitness center irresponsible to keep their equipment and facilities well-maintained along with poor management. Without these recurring membership income and less new sign ups, consider what would happen to your fitness business long term.

Exercise equipment is expensive. You'll find fitness centers which may have the most recent equipments available yet might also come with a steep gym membership fee. Other fitness centers lease machines or possibly get used ones to reduce the cost. However not all fitness centers know the value of maintaining their gym equipment to make certain these exercise machines would last longer.

What are the tips on how to take care of your exercise equipment?

- Ensure that your gym equipment are clean - People come to the gym to do their workouts and eventually sweat. Have a staff perform simple cleaning tasks at certain time intervals. This way, they are able to also observe If a certain machine needs small repairs while cleaning it. Provide small towels near the gym equipment so that guests can wipe off any droplets of sweat before they use the exercise machine, and after they use it

- Take note which exercise equipment is frequently used. Cardiovascular and Resistance building fitness equipment are very popular among fitness goers. Set a schedule to the staff to have them regularly test the equipment, discover whether there's a slight repair needed or in case the whole machine has to be replaced. The last thing you want is to have your gym goers sue you if they have an accident due to a poorly maintained fitness machine.

- Check the manual of your exercise equipment manufacturer - Proper maintenance will be indicated in these manuals so that you can decide how much time and how many people you would need to get your maintenance job done.

- Lubricate the pedals of exercise bicycles, elliptical machines, cross trainers

- Disinfect and wipe gym equipment thoroughly - You don't want diseases spreading around your customers

- Your fitness staff ought to be well trained with all the maintenance and cleaning guidelines of gym equipment

- Keep a repair kit accessible in your gym

These easy steps to prevention could keep your gym equipment working in good shape and save you from unexpected breakdowns or costly repairs if proper maintenance was observed. Your health and fitness center would also get a good reputation among gym goers and fuel your business.

Get the very best Gym and Health and fitness center tips only at http://www.GymFit.com

Your exercise equipment is a big investment if you are starting your own home gym or a fitness center. If these machines break down, what are some of the ways to save money from totally replacing the entire machine? Get the best tips to save you money and maintain your gym equipment.

Article Source:http://EzineArticles.com/?expert

View the Original article

Summer Injuries and How to Prevent Them

Comments (0)

It is August now, and that means school is just around the corner. It is easy to feel like summer is winding down and that autumn is fast-approaching. While this is true on some level, we are still very much in the middle of the Dog Days of Summer - the longest, hottest days of the year. So as many people start preparing themselves for raking leaves and sweater weather, it's important to keep in mind that the precautions for protecting oneself in the sun and heat still need to be taken.

The Hottest Days of the Year

In many parts of the United States, August is the hottest month of the year; in the Southwest, temperatures frequently rise past the 100-degree mark. Even cities in the northern parts of the country can regularly hit 90 degrees or more. With these kinds of conditions, it's important to realize the lurking dangers.

Some of the most common heat-related injuries include:

View the Original article

How to Gain Weight and Influence People

Lisa Mills
Level: Platinum

Creative Gifts Ltd is a gifts company supplying baby gifts to newborns and children's gifts for kids aged 1 and over.Article Word Count: 567

View the Original article

Issues With Having An Apple Shape Body

Muhammad Suhail
Level: Basic PLUS

I have about 3 years experience in content writing and I am an expert Ezine Author. During this period I have completed various writing tasks ... Article Word Count: 487

View the Original article

The Types Of Body Shapes

Muhammad Suhail
Level: Basic PLUS

I have about 3 years experience in content writing and I am an expert Ezine Author. During this period I have completed various writing tasks ... Article Word Count: 506

View the Original article

The Truth Behind Anti-Cellulite Shorts - Do They Really Work and Why

Comments (0)

There are various different ways to tackle your cellulite, each of them offering a different approach to the problem. One that you might not have considered, or that could seem a little strange at first, is the use of anti cellulite shorts. But these specially designed shorts could be the easy and effective way to reduce the cellulite on your thighs and buttocks that you've been looking for.

If you've never seen a pair of anti cellulite shorts, they look very similar to cycling or bike shorts. They are designed to be comfortable, but quite tight fitting, so that all you have to do to get them to work on your cellulite, is wear them. They can be worn on their own, or even underneath your normal clothes. As you go about your normal daily activities, the movement of your body, combined with the snug-fitting shorts, creates a kind of massage effect on your upper thighs and buttocks. This helps to stimulate the flow of oxygenated blood to the areas with cellulite, which helps to nourish your skin and reduce the appearance of cellulite. The improved circulation from the "micro-massaging" also helps to get rid of excess fluids and toxins from beneath the skin layer, which are also responsible for your unsightly dimples.

There are even varieties of anti cellulite shorts that claim to have additional benefits. Using various materials to make the shorts, including one called bio-ceramic, manufacturers claim that they can also focus some of the body's heat back onto the area underneath the shorts, which has even greater benefits if you use them with an effective anti cellulite cream. Applying the cream before you put the shorts on means that when the body temperature rises, the cream is more easily absorbed into the deep layers of the skin, where it can go to work on the excess fat cells that are at the heart of your cellulite problem. Plus, you still get the benefit of the massaging effect as well.

While anti cellulite shorts made of more technologically advanced materials might be expensive, it does mean that they are usually a bit thinner than the traditional neoprene shorts, which makes them easier to wear underneath your normal clothes without anyone noticing. Whichever shorts you choose, if you do decide to wear them under your everyday clothes, they also have the added benefit of giving you a sleeker look, similar to that achieved with other body-shaping shorts and clothing. So you even get to look good while you work on getting rid of your cellulite.

As well as using bio-ceramic shorts with a good anti cellulite cream, you could get an even greater cellulite-reducing effect by wearing the shorts during your exercise routine. The increased range of movement and your raised body temperature as you get your heart going, means that your shorts and cream combination have even more opportunity to do their work.

You might not have considered anti cellulite shorts as a credible way to reduce your cellulite problem, but they have already helped a lot of women to significantly reduce the "orange peel" appearance of their skin. With new materials making these shorts even more effective, and the possibility of greater benefits from combining them with anti cellulite creams and exercise, this simple and natural solution could be just what you need to help your thighs look and feel great.

Who Else Wants to Get RID of Cellulite For Good?

Cellulite Cream can reduce cellulite by over 78%

Click Here ---

View the Original article

How to Grow Taller While Sleeping

Anne Whitefield
Level: Basic

Learn how to increase your height and grow taller. I am an online writer to give you information on how to grow taller.Article Word Count: 335

View the Original article

Cure Hyperhidrosis

Would you like to be notified when a new article is added to the Health-and-Fitness category?

Email Address:


Your Name:




View the Original article

What You Should Know to Grow Taller

Tulika Sinha
Level: Platinum

I have been in the field of writing and providing consultancy in multiple niche for about 4 years.Article Word Count: 529

View the Original article

Scarring of the Liver - Cirrhosis

Comments (0)

Cirrhosis of the liver is the deterioration of the liver due to scar tissue that has developed replacing the normal healthy tissues of the liver. This disease can develop for numerous reasons and for the majority of individuals who have this condition more than one cause has contributed to its development.

The most common causes of cirrhosis are alcohol abuse and hepatitis C. When this scar tissue develops on the liver it is irreparable and in its beginning stages cirrhosis may be asymptomatic - meaning that an individual will have any symptoms -, however, as the liver continues to deteriorate further complications will arise and may be the first indication that an individual has this disease.

Causes of Cirrhosis

Cirrhosis of the liver has many potential causes with one of the most common be alcohol. The abuse of alcohol over time damages the liver creating scar tissue and is the leading cause of death in patients with cirrhosis. Chronic hepatitis C is the second leading cause of cirrhosis and spread by the contact of human blood that is infected with hepatitis C.

Hepatitis causes the liver to become inflamed and when it is left untreated over time this inflammation damages the liver creating scar tissue. Other causes of cirrhosis include hepatitis B and D, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, autoimmune hepatitis, inherited diseases, infections, drugs, toxins, and other diseases that cause damage to occur to the bile ducts of the liver.

Symptoms and Complications of Cirrhosis

When scar tissue begins to replace the healthy tissue within the liver, this can cause an impairment or loss in liver functioning. An individual may be asymptomatic in the earliest stages and then begin to experience symptoms that include, unexplained weight loss, nausea, vomiting, fatigue, weakness, loss of appetite, itching, veins will develop that appear to be spider-like, and the build up of fluid within the abdomen that will cause bloating and abdominal pain. As this disease begins to progress, many complications will arise and often times these complications are the first indication of cirrhosis and leads to its diagnosis.

As the liver begins to lose its functioning edema will occur which is the swelling caused by a build up of fluids within the body that typically begins to appear in the lower extremities. Swelling of the abdomen may also occur - ascites - and this can lead to a serious infection that is called "bacterial peritonitis".

An individual may bruise or bleed easily due to the fact that the liver produces the proteins that are body needs to aid in the clotting of our blood. Portal hypertension can also occur which is pressure that is increased within the portal vein and this can cause the expansion of blood vessels in the esophagus or stomach that have the potential to burst and cause an individual to bleed seriously requiring emergency medical attention. Gallstones can also develop from the build up of bile within the gallbladder, and jaundice which is the condition that causes the skin and whites of the eyes to turn yellow.

Treatment of Cirrhosis

The treatment of cirrhosis depends greatly upon how far the disease has progressed as well as the complications it may have caused. The goal when treating cirrhosis is to stop any further damage from scar tissue occurring such as the immediate cessation of the consumption of alcohol if that is the cause of the cirrhosis.

When cirrhosis is ignored or left untreated, it can become a life threatening condition that will require a liver transplant in order for survival. If you suffer from cirrhosis of the liver, it is essential that you follow all of the recommended forms of treatment prescribed by your doctor to prevent any further damage from occurring that can lead to total liver failure.

About the Author: Anne Ahira is an established entrepreneur and successful coach in her country of Indonesia. Her success story has been published in many nationwide publications in Indonesia.

Making a lucrative income online is a challenging endeavor, but by getting the

View the Original article

Gallstones Overview

Would you like to be notified when a new article is added to the Health-and-Fitness category?

Email Address:


Your Name:




View the Original article