BULIMIA by Tochukwu Ikenna Uduh

 BULIMIA

Tochukwu Ikenna Uduh

What Is Bulimia?

Bulimia is a psychological eating disorder in which you have episodes of binge eating (consuming a large quantity of food in one sitting). During these binges, you have no sense of control over your eating. Afterward, you try inappropriate ways to lose weight such as;Vomiting, Fasting, Enemas,Excessive use of laxatives and diuretics, Compulsive exercising

Bulimia, also called bulimia nervosa, tends to start in late childhood or early adulthood. You usually binge and purge in secret. You feel disgusted and ashamed when you binge, and relieved once you purge.

People with bulimia usually weigh within the normal range for their age and height. But they may fear gaining weight, want to lose weight, and feel very dissatisfied with their bodies.

What Are the Causes and Risk Factors for Bulimia?

We don’t know the exact cause of bulimia. But research suggests that a mixture of certain personality traits, emotions, and thinking patterns, as well as biological and environmental factors, might be responsible. Researchers believe this eating disorder may begin with dissatisfaction with your body and extreme concern with your size and shape. Usually, you have low self-esteem and fear becoming overweight. The fact that bulimia tends to run in families also suggests that you might inherit a risk for the disorder.

Other risk factors include: Being female, Depression and anxiety disorders, Substance use disorders, Traumatic events, Stress, Frequent dieting.

What Are Symptoms of Bulimia?

Different people may have different symptoms of bulimia. You may notice changes in both your body and your behavior. Unlike the eating disorder anorexia, someone with bulimia may not lose a lot of weight, so it can be harder to tell what’s going on. Physical symptoms of bulimia can include: Dental problems, Sore throat, Swollen glands in your neck and face, Heartburn, indigestion, bloating, Irregular periods, Weakness, exhaustion, bloodshot eyes, Calluses on your knuckles or backs of your hands from making yourself vomit, Gaining and losing weight often. Your weight is usually in the normal range, but you may be overweight, Dizziness or fainting, Feeling cold all the time, Sleep problems, Dry skin, and dry and brittle nails.

Behavioral symptoms of bulimia may include:

Eating uncontrollably, followed by purging. The National Institutes of Health says you have bulimia if you do this at least twice a week for 3 months.

Hoarding or stealing food

Food rituals, like eating only a certain food, chewing more than necessary, or not allowing foods to touch

Skipping meals or eating only small portions during meals

Feeling out of control

Vomiting or abusing laxatives, diuretics, enemas, or other medications to try to lose weight

Using the bathroom frequently after meals

Excessive exercising

Preoccupation with body weigh. Your thoughts about body weight and shape even determine how you feel overall.

Depression or mood swings

Drinking large amounts of water or calorie-free beverages

Often using mints, gum, or mouthwash

Avoiding friends and activities you used to enjoy

COMPLICATIONS OF BULIMIA

Possible complications include: Negative self-esteem and problems with relationships and social functioning. Dehydration, which can lead to major medical problems, such as kidney failure. Heart problems, such as an irregular heartbeat or heart failure, Chronic sore throat, Indigestion, heartburn, or acid reflux,Constipation, diarrhea, or other problems with bowel movements, Osteoporosis,Infertility in men and women

PREVENTION

Try to avoid talking about your weight. 

Be mindful of your triggers and steer clear of them; examples may include social media or fashion magazines, certain interactions with highly critical people in your life, etc. It is different for everyone, but it is important to be mindful if certain experiences lead you to be more likely to binge or purge.

Focus less on your weight and more on maintaining a healthy lifestyle.

Avoid unhealthy weight-control measures, such as fasting, laxatives, or supplements.

Talk to your doctor if you have any early signs or symptoms of bulimia.

Seek treatment for underlying conditions, such as depression.

Ask a loved one for support.

Educate yourself about unrealistic body expectations portrayed by the media.

Talk to friends or family members if you think they have food issues

DEPRESSION By Mary Nzume

Mary Nzume

 DEFINITION OF DEPRESSION

Depression is a mood disorder that causes a persistent feeling of sadness and loss of interest. Also called major depression, major depressive disorder or clinical depression, it affects how you feel, think and behave and can lead to a variety of emotional and physical problems. 

SYMPTOMS

 symptoms may include;

Feelings of sadness, emptiness or unhappiness

Angry outbursts, irritability or frustration, even over small matters

Loss of interest or pleasure in normal activities, such as sex

Sleep disturbances, including insomnia or sleeping too much

Tiredness and lack of energy, so that even small tasks take extra effort

Changes in appetite — often reduced appetite and weight loss, but increased cravings for food and weight gain in some people

Anxiety, agitation or restlessness — for example, excessive worrying, pacing, hand-wringing or an inability to sit still

Slowed thinking, speaking or body movements

Feelings of worthlessness or guilt, fixating on past failures or blaming yourself for things that are not your responsibility

Trouble thinking, concentrating, making decisions and remembering things

Frequent thoughts of death, suicidal thoughts, suicide attempts or suicide

Unexplained physical problems, such as back pain or headaches.

Types of Depression

Depression affects each person in different ways, so symptoms caused by depression vary from person to person. To clarify the type of depression you have, your doctor may add information to your depression diagnosis called a specifier. Specifiers include having depression with specific features, such as:

Anxious distress — unusual restlessness or worry about possible events or loss of control

Melancholic features — severe depression with a profound lack of response to something that used to bring pleasure, associated with early morning awakening, worsened mood in the morning, significant changes in appetite, and feelings of guilt, agitation or sluggishness

Atypical features — ability to be cheered by happy events, increased appetite, little need for sleep, sensitivity to rejection, and a heavy feeling in arms or legs

Psychotic features — depression accompanied by delusions or hallucinations, which may involve themes of personal inadequacy or negative themes

Peripartum onset — occurs during pregnancy or in the weeks or months after delivery (postpartum)

Seasonal pattern — related to changes in seasons and diminished exposure to sunlight.

Depression symptoms in children and teens

Common symptoms of depression in children and teens are similar to those of adults, but there can be some differences.

In younger children, symptoms of depression may include sadness, irritability, clinginess, worry, aches and pains, refusing to go to school, or being underweight.

In teens, symptoms may include sadness, irritability, feeling negative and worthless, anger, poor performance or poor attendance at school, feeling misunderstood and extremely sensitive, using drugs or alcohol, eating or sleeping too much, self-harm, loss of interest in normal activities, and avoidance of social interaction.

Depression may occur with other mental health conditions, such as anxiety, eating disorders, substance abuse or attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).

COMPLICATIONS

Depression is a serious disorder that can take a terrible toll on individuals and families. Untreated depression can result in emotional, behavioral and health problems that affect every area of your life. Complications associated with depression may include:

Excess weight or obesity, which can lead to heart disease and diabetes

Alcohol or substance abuse

Anxiety, panic disorder or social phobia

Family conflicts, relationship difficulties, and work or school problems

Social isolation

Suicidal feelings, suicide attempts or suicide

Self-mutilation, such as cutting

Premature death from other medical conditions.

TREATMENTS AND MANAGEMENT

Numerous depression treatments are available. Medications and psychological counseling (psychotherapy) are very effective for most people.

Your primary care doctor or psychiatrist can prescribe medications to relieve depression symptoms. However, many people with depression also benefit from seeing a psychologist or other mental health counselor.

If you have severe depression, you may need a hospital stay, or you may need to participate in an outpatient treatment program until your symptoms improve.

Medications

Many types of antidepressant medications are available to treat depression. Discuss with your doctor for a better prescription.

Psychotherapy

Psychotherapy is a general term for treating depression by talking about your condition and related issues with a mental health provider. Psychotherapy is also known as talk therapy, counseling or psychosocial therapy.

Psychotherapies can help you;

Adjust to a crisis or other current difficulty

Identify negative beliefs and behaviors and replace them with healthy, positive ones

Explore relationships and experiences, and develop positive interactions with others

Find better ways to cope and solve problems

Identify issues that contribute to your depression and change behaviors that make it worse

Regain a sense of satisfaction and control in your life and help ease depression symptoms, such as hopelessness and anger

Learn to set realistic goals for your life

Develop the ability to tolerate and accept distress using healthier behaviors.

Hospitalization and residential treatment programs

In some people, depression is so severe that a hospital stay is needed. Inpatient hospitalization may be necessary if you can't care for yourself properly or when you're in immediate danger of harming yourself or someone else. Psychiatric treatment at a hospital can help keep you calm and safe until your mood improves.

Partial hospitalization or day treatment programs also may help some people. These programs provide the outpatient support and counseling you need while you get symptoms under control.

Other treatment options

For some people, other procedures may be suggested:

Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT). In ECT, electrical currents are passed through the brain. This procedure is thought to affect levels of neurotransmitters in your brain and typically offers immediate relief of even severe depression when other treatments don't work. Physical side effects, such as headache, are tolerable. Some people also have memory loss, which is usually temporary. ECT is usually used for people who don't get better with medications, can't take antidepressants for health reasons or are at high risk of suicide.

LIFESTYLE AND HOME REMEDIES

There's no sure way to prevent depression. However, these strategies may help.

Take steps to control stress, to increase your resilience and to boost your self-esteem.

Reach out to family and friends, especially in times of crisis, to help you weather rough spells.

Get treatment at the earliest sign of a problem to help prevent depression from worsening.

Consider getting long-term maintenance treatment to help prevent a relapse of symptoms.

COPING AND SUPPORT

Talk to your doctor or therapist about improving your coping skills, and try these tips:

Simplify your life. Cut back on obligations when possible, and set reasonable goals for yourself. Give yourself permission to do less when you feel down.

Write in a journal. Journaling, as part of your treatment, may improve mood by allowing you to express pain, anger, fear or other emotions.

Read reputable self-help books and websites. Your doctor or therapist may be able to recommend books or websites to read.

Locate helpful organizations. Many organizations, such as the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) and the Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance (DBSA), offer education, support groups, counseling and other resources to help with depression. Employee assistance programs and religious organizations also may offer help for mental health concerns.

Don't become isolated. Try to participate in social activities, and get together with family or friends regularly.

Take care of yourself. Eat a healthy diet, be physically active and get plenty of sleep.

Learn ways to relax and manage your stress. Examples include meditation, progressive muscle relaxation, yoga and tai chi.

Structure your time. Plan your day. You may find it helps to make a list of daily tasks, use sticky notes as reminders or use a planner to stay organized.

Don't make important decisions when you're 

down. Avoid decision-making when you're feeling depressed, since you may not be thinking clearly.

CHLAMYDIA by Favourite Nurse Favour

 LETS TALK CHLAMYDIA

Favourite Nurse Favour

The Silent Epidemic: Understanding and Preventing Chlamydia Infection

CONTENT

Introduction

What is Chlamydia?

Symptoms of Chlamydia

Testing and Diagnosis

Treatment and Prevention

Conclusion

Introduction

Welcome to this presentation on chlamydia infection, one of the most common sexually transmitted infections in the world. With over 1 million cases reported annually in the United States alone, it’s important to understand what chlamydia is, how it is transmitted, and how it can be prevented and treated.

Throughout this presentation, we will explore the symptoms of chlamydia infection, testing and diagnosis methods, treatment options, and ways to prevent its spread. By the end, you’ll have a better understanding of chlamydia and the importance of getting tested and treated if you suspect you may be infected

What is Chlamydia?

Chlamydia is a common sexually transmitted infection caused by the bacteria Chlamydia trachomatis. It can infect both men and women and can be spread through vaginal, anal, or oral sex. In some cases, it can also be passed from a mother to her baby during childbirth.

Chlamydia often has no symptoms, which is why it is sometimes called the ‘silent’ infection. When symptoms do occur, they can include pain or burning during urination, discharge from the penis or vagina, and pain or bleeding during sex. If left untreated, chlamydia can lead to serious complications such as infertility or pelvic inflammatory disease.

Symptoms of Chlamydia

Chlamydia is known as a ‘silent’ infection, meaning that many people who have it may not experience any symptoms at all. However, for those who do experience symptoms, they can be quite uncomfortable and even painful. Symptoms typically appear within 1-3 weeks after exposure to the bacteria.

For women, symptoms may include abnormal vaginal discharge, pain or bleeding during sex, and lower abdominal pain. Men may experience discharge from the penis, pain or burning during urination, and swollen or tender testicles. Both men and women may also experience rectal pain, discharge, or bleeding if the infection is present in the rectum.

Testing and Diagnosis

Chlamydia infection can be diagnosed through various laboratory tests, including nucleic acid amplification tests (NAATs), urine tests, and swab tests. NAATs are the most commonly used test for diagnosing chlamydia, as they are highly sensitive and specific. Urine tests and swab tests can also be used, depending on the patient’s symptoms and individual circumstances.

It is important to note that not all individuals with chlamydia infection experience symptoms, and therefore may not know they are infected. This is why routine screening for chlamydia is recommended, particularly for sexually active individuals under the age of 25, as well as pregnant women. If you suspect you may have been exposed to chlamydia or are experiencing symptoms, it is important to speak with your healthcare provider about getting tested.

Treatment and Prevention

There are several effective treatments available for chlamydia infection, including antibiotics such as azithromycin and doxycycline. It is important to complete the full course of antibiotics as prescribed by your healthcare provider to ensure that the infection is fully treated.

To prevent the spread of chlamydia, it is important to practice safe sex by using condoms and getting regular STI testing. If you test positive for chlamydia, it is important to inform your sexual partners so that they can also get tested and treated if necessary.

Conclusion

Chlamydia is a common sexually transmitted infection that often has no symptoms, making it important to get tested regularly.

If left untreated, chlamydia can lead to serious health problems such as infertility and pelvic inflammatory disease. However, with early detection and treatment, it can be easily cured.

Turning problems to opportunity By Sr Gloria Ene Godwin, OP

        Turning problems to opportunity

   By Sr Gloria Ene Godwin, OP

key terms: 

Problems: A problem is generally considered to be a task, a situation, or person which is difficult to deal with or control due to complexity. In everyday language, a problem is a question proposed for solution, a matter stated for examination or proof.

Opportunity: it is an occasion or situation that makes it possible to do something that you want to do or have to do, or the possibility of doing something.

So many things happen in our lives that turn us off the course we were on and they may be our PROBLEMS. So many of us go through problems everyday and night. It could be health issue, school problems, family problems, vocation crises and so many others especially in the current situation of our country. Sometimes when going through all of these, we may not see the good effect of it, or we may come to realize it later because of the pain involved. Let’s take for instance the speed breaker on the road maybe seen as problem of disturbing the driving some people but it is a way of controlling high speed.

Our problem may cause us to slow down, experience stress, or give up completely in so many things but sometimes what we fail to understand is that may consider to be a problem to us may turn out to be positive changes for us or another opportunity to learn great things. Most often our problems allows us to reflect on how we could do things differently and examine what did and did not work right the first time. Our problems can also open up opportunities we did not once have before.

Let us know that some circumstance may seem to be difficult and devastating but we should never give -up rather let us try to keep a positive attitude and see those problems as opportunities. If we see from a larger perspective, it is all a learning path, and in this path, we make many mistakes and face many problems. But we should never give up, and we should be optimistic. We all find it discouraging when our conditions do not do not go with our plans and expectations. Problems occur repeatedly, and even most motivated people get discouraged.  

Some steps involved in turning problems into opportunities

• Understanding the situation and naming the problem: This entails accepting the fact that you have a problem since we don’t have control over all the things that happen to us and also not shifting blames or looking for who to blame. 

• Focusing on the solution, not on the problem: This means that we should focus on the solution to our problem rather than on the problem itself because it will only continue to hurt us and when we. The problem will not give us anything but the path of making the right decision and finding solution to it can open many new opportunities for us.

• knowing the cause of the problem: This means knowing root cause of the problem so that you don’t end up wasting your time or causing more problems. 

Some opportunities gotten from our problems

• Opportunity to pray: 1 Samuel 1:15-16 tell us the story of Hannah who is a married woman in the Bible that wanted a child but she was barren.  Her husband tried to comfort her, but it didn’t help. So, she cried out to God. In God, we find the safety and security to share all our problems, just as Hannah did. The first person we should share our problems and pains with should be God because He is our only true friend and He is always ready to answer us.

• Opportunity to think and act right: sometimes when faced with difficult problem we tend to act right and that brings about positive changes in our lives.

• Opportunity of getting more insight, more knowledge: we all know that no man is an island and the more we experience life the more we learn new things, we become wise and our approaches changes.

• Opportunity to be open to anything: our problems can actually help us to be more open to face more challenges and even make us stronger.

• Our problems can make us to be more sensitive to the needs of others.

Conclusion 

Let us look for opportunities everywhere. Life itself provide opportunity for us to see good in all that happens to us and to rediscover our capabilities and new routes towards our vision. Let us use all our challenges as stepping stones to build the life we want because when we focus on our problems, when we only think of what is wrong , we will only see problems and fail to see opportunities. 

We are all WIPs (Works in Progress), not VIPs, and in this situation of ours, we will make many mistakes, face many problems, and things will become harsh before they become easy. So, we should never feel dejected, we should never feel discouraged, we should constantly learn from mistakes and keep improving them.

COLD SORES by UDUH IKENNA TOCHUKWU

COLD SORES

Master UDUH IKENNA TOCHUKWU

Cold sores are also called: herpes labialis

OVERVIEW

Cold sores, or fever blisters, are a common viral infection. They are tiny, fluid-filled blisters on and around the lips. These blisters are often grouped together in patches. After the blisters break, a scab forms that can last several days. Cold sores usually heal in 2 to 3 weeks without leaving a scar.

Cold sores spread from person to person by close contact, such as kissing. They’re usually caused by herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1), and less commonly herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV-2). Both of these viruses can affect the mouth or genitals and can be spread by oral sex. The virus can spread even if you don’t see the sores.

There’s no cure for cold sores, but treatment can help manage outbreaks. Prescription antiviral medicine or creams can help sores heal more quickly. And they may make future outbreaks happen less often and be shorter and less serious

SYMPTOMS

A cold sore usually passes through several stages:

Tingling and itching. Many people feel itching, burning or tingling around the lips for a day or so before a small, hard, painful spot appears and blisters form.

Blisters. Small fluid-filled blisters often form along the border of the lips. Sometimes they appear around the nose or cheeks or inside the mouth.

Oozing and crusting. The small blisters may merge and then burst. This can leave shallow open sores that ooze and crust over.

Symptoms vary, depending on whether this is your first outbreak or a recurrence. The first time you have a cold sore, symptoms may not start for up to 20 days after you were first exposed to the virus. The sores can last several days. And the blisters can take 2 to 3 weeks to heal completely. If blisters return, they'll often appear at the same spot each time and tend to be less severe than the first outbreak.

In a first-time outbreak, you also might experience:

Fever.

Painful gums.

Sore throat.

Headache.

Muscle aches.

Swollen lymph nodes.

Children under 5 years old may have cold sores inside their mouths. These sores are often mistaken for canker sores. Canker sores involve only the mucous membrane and aren't caused by the herpes simplex virus

CAUSES

Cold sores are caused by certain strains of the herpes simplex virus (HSV). HSV-1 usually causes cold sores. HSV-2 is often the cause of genital herpes. But either type can spread to the face or genitals through close contact, such as kissing or oral sex. Shared eating utensils, razors and towels can also spread HSV-1.

Cold sores are most likely to spread when you have oozing blisters. But you can spread the virus even if you don’t have blisters. Many people who are infected with the virus that causes cold sores never develop symptoms.

Once you’ve had a herpes infection, the virus can hide in nerve cells in the skin and may cause another cold sore at the same place as before. A return of cold sores may be triggered by:

Viral infection or fever.

Hormonal changes, such as those related to a menstrual period.

Stress.

Fatigue.

Being in the sun or wind.

Changes in the immune system.

Injury to the skin, etc.

RISK FACTORS

Almost everyone is at risk of cold sores. Most adults carry the virus that causes cold sores, even if they’ve never had symptoms.

You’re most at risk of complications from the virus if you have a weak immune system from conditions and treatments such as:

HIV/AIDS.

Atopic dermatitis (eczema).

Cancer chemotherapy.

Anti-rejection medicine for organ transplants.

COMPLICATIONS

In some people, the virus that causes cold sores can cause problems in other areas of the body, including:

Fingertips. Both HSV-1 and HSV-2 can be spread to the fingers. This type of infection is often referred to as herpes whitlow. Children who suck their thumbs may transfer the infection from their mouths to their thumbs.

Eyes. The virus can sometimes cause eye infection. Repeated infections can cause scarring and injury, which may lead to vision problems or loss of vision.

Widespread areas of skin. People who have a skin condition called atopic dermatitis (eczema) are at higher risk of cold sores spreading all across their bodies. This can become a medical emergency.

PREVENTION

Your health care provider may prescribe an antiviral medicine for you to take on a regular basis if you develop cold sores more than nine times a year or if you’re at high risk of serious complications. If sunlight seems to trigger your condition, apply sunblock to the spot where the cold sore tends to form. Or talk with your health care provider about using an oral antiviral medicine before you do an activity that tends to cause a cold sore to return.

Take these steps to help avoid spreading cold sores to other people:

Avoid kissing and skin contact with people while blisters are present. The virus spreads most easily when the blisters leak fluid.

Avoid sharing items. Utensils, towels, lip balm and other personal items can spread the virus when blisters are present.

Keep your hands clean. When you have a cold sore, wash your hands carefully before touching yourself and other people, especially babies.

Take your bath regularly.

Master UDUH IKENNA TOCHUKWU

THANK YOU!

Dehydration by Dyrionyema Munachiso Victoria

 DEHYDRATION

Dyrionyema Munachiso Victoria 

Dehydration does not just mean the body is losing water — it also means it's losing electrolytes, such as sodium, magnesium, and potassium, all of which one needs to breathe, move, talk, and generally stay up and running. Dehydration occurs when one loses more fluid than he/she takes in, and the body doesn't have enough water and other fluids to carry out its normal functions. 

Anyone may become dehydrated, but the condition is especially dangerous for young children and older adults. The most common cause of dehydration in young children is severe diarrhea and vomiting. Older adults naturally have a lower volume of water in their bodies, and may have conditions or take medications that increase the risk of dehydration

Mild to moderate dehydration can be reversed by drinking more fluids, but severe dehydration needs immediate medical treatment.

SYMPTOMS

Thirst isn't always a reliable early indicator of the body's need for water. Many people, particularly older adults, don't feel thirsty until they're already dehydrated. That's why it's important to increase water intake during hot weather or when you're ill.

The signs and symptoms of dehydration also may differ by age.

Infant/young child

Dry tongue and dry lips.

No tears when crying.

Fewer than six wet diapers per day (for infants), and no wet diapers or urination for eight hours (in toddlers).

Sunken soft spot on your infant’s head.

Sunken eyes.

Dry, wrinkled skin.

Deep, rapid breathing.

Cool, blotchy hands and feet.

Irritability.

Adults

Extreme thirst

Less frequent urination

Headache and confusion.

Tiredness (fatigue).

Dizziness, weakness and lightheadedness.

Dry mouth and/or a dry cough.

High heart rate but low blood pressure.

Flushed (red) skin.

Muscle cramps.

Heat intolerance or chills.

Constipation

CAUSES

Diarrhea 

Vomiting

Fever

Excessive sweating

Increased urination

Certain medications

Certain disease conditions

TREATMENT

Dehydration must be treated by replenishing the fluid level in the body. This can be done by consuming clear fluids such as water, or sports drinks. Some dehydration patients, however, will require intravenous fluids in order to rehydrate. People who are dehydrated should avoid drinks containing caffeine such as coffee, tea, and sodas.

Underlying conditions that are causing dehydration should also be treated with the appropriate medication. The best approach to dehydration treatment depends on age, the severity of dehydration and its cause.

For infants and children who have become dehydrated from diarrhea, vomiting or fever, use an oral rehydration solution. These solutions contain water and salts in specific proportions to replenish both fluids and electrolytes.

Most adults with mild to moderate dehydration from diarrhea, vomiting or fever can improve their condition by drinking more water or other liquids. 

If you work or exercise outdoors during hot or humid weather, cool water is your best bet. Sports drinks containing electrolytes and a carbohydrate solution also may be helpful.

Children and adults who are severely dehydrated should be treated by emergency.

PREPARATION OF ORS

Ingredients

Six (6) level teaspoons of Sugar

Half (1/2) level teaspoon of Salt

One Litre of clean drinking or boiled water and then cooled - 5 cupfuls (each cup about 200 ml.)

Preparation Method:

Stir the mixture till the salt and sugar dissolve.

COMPLICATIONS

If dehydration is not checked, it can lead to serious complications; these can include:

Low blood volume – less blood produces a drop in blood pressure and a reduction in the amount of oxygen reaching tissues; this can be life threatening.

Seizures – due to an imbalance of electrolytes.

Kidney problems – including kidney stones, urinary tract infections, and eventually kidney failure.

Heat injury – ranging from mild cramps to heat exhaustion or even heat stroke.

PREVENTION

To prevent dehydration, drink plenty of fluids and eat foods high in water such as fruits and vegetables. Letting thirst be your guide is an adequate daily guideline for most healthy people.

People may need to take in more fluids if they are experiencing conditions such as:

Vomiting or diarrhea. If your child is vomiting or has diarrhea, start giving extra water or an oral rehydration solution at the first signs of illness. Don't wait until dehydration occurs.

Strenuous exercise. In general, it's best to start hydrating the day before strenuous exercise. Producing lots of clear, dilute urine is a good indication that you're well-hydrated. During the activity, replenish fluids at regular intervals and continue drinking water or other fluids after you're finished.

Hot or cold weather. You need to drink additional water in hot or humid weather to help lower your body temperature and to replace what you lose through sweating. You may also need extra water in cold weather to combat moisture loss from dry air, particularly at higher altitudes

Illness. Older adults most commonly become dehydrated during minor illnesses — such as influenza, bronchitis or bladder infections. Make sure to drink extra fluids when you're not feeling well.

Acne | Favorite Nurse Favour (FNF)

 LET’S TALK ABOUT ACNE

Favourite Nurse Favour 

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ACNE is a condition on the skin such that the pores(i.e the tiny opening for hair follicles) become blocked with oil and dead skin cells. Acne is found both on the face, neck, chest, back, shoulders and genitals. Surprised about the genital aspect right? It isn’t just found on the face but on other Parts of the body as well. 

Little facts about ACNE: 

It is one of the most common of skin conditions and about 9.4% of the world’s population suffer from it. Acne commonly starts during puberty between the ages of 10 or 13, but you see, teens are not the only people that experience this skin condition. 

Teenage acne usually stay for five to ten years.

The victims of acne aren’t just teenagers even adults and some babies may have an episode of it. 

Acne occurs in both sexes. And most times it is very severe among teen boys. For adults, women are more likely than men to have mild to moderate forms of acne down into their 30s and beyond.

TOP MISCONCEPTION ABOUT ACNE

Using Toothpaste, Lemon Juice And Garlic Will Remove Acne.

Scrubbing Your Face So Hard Will Remove Acne.

Only teenagers suffer from Acne.

Bursting pimples makes it heal.

WHY DO WE NEED TO TALK ABOUT ACNE

In the lives of most teenagers and youth acne breeds Psychosocial Impact such as Emotional Distress. Nevertheless, with the right management and treatment tips, you can get over the uncomfortable psychosocial effect.

Its important we talk about acne because to many people it can lead to other health challenges like Bulimia.

Acne can lead to scarring of the skin in a long run in most cases. Nobody really intend having a scar on their face or an part of their body. Literally people just seek to find various ways to get rid of acne.

It will amaze you to know that many adults frown when they get to see any symptoms of acne on their skin. I personally had lots of them while growing up. If you are a teen and you’ve never had one episode of acne it’s possible that when you grow older, you will have them if the triggers are present.

TYPES OF ACNE

There are majorly six (6) types of acne

BLACKHEAD : From the name you probably might have gotten a view of what this acne looks like right? Yes. This is the black open plug/pore on the skin. This type of acne develops when the natural oil on your skin and dead skin cells build up inside a pore. As the buildup accumulates, it widens the opening of the pore and as the open pore is exposed to air, it then causes a blackhead due to oxidation. That is Oxygen from the air triggers a chemical reaction — with the material in your pore, causing it to turn black.

WHITEHEAD: This acne develops when excess oil and dead skin cells build up and block the opening of a pore of your skin and this causes a blemish that is raised and a white/flesh colored skin.

PAPULES: These are small red, tender solid bumps that are without pus and this is due to the fact that excess oil, dead skin cells, and bacteria got trapped inside a pore. While they start out as solid, within days it may be filled up with pus and become a pustule. 

PUSTULES: This acne is soft, red and tender and these occurs when the natural oil, dead skin cells, and bacteria get trapped inside a pore. As the pore fills with bacteria, inflammation (swelling) develops and a pimple appears

NODULES: This acne develops when a large pore is filled with excess oil, dead skin cells, and bacteria to cause INFLAMMATION (swelling). This goes deep into the skin, this results in a large, deep lesion (injury) that may be visible on the surface of the skin if it’s inflamed

CYST: This acne contain fluid or pus, it’s the higher form of nodules and they may appear large, red, and are typically painful. Cystic acne is considered the most serious type of acne.

CAUSES OF ACNE

There are three main causes of acne and it is associated with lots of triggers. However, acne is caused when the pores of your skin become blocked with:

The Natural Oil In Your Skin: This is when the skin follicles produces very much oil.

Dead Skin Cells: The skin has the tendency to accumulate dead cells in its pores.

Bacteria: Bacteria can easily build up in the skin pore. 

RISK FACTORS OF ACNE

In correlation with the three major causes of acne that I outlined earlier, these other factors as you read on will set a trigger for an individual to get more acne.

Hormones.

Medication 

Certain facial skin care products.

PREVENTIVE TIPS FOR ACNE

Do well to use only mild soaps or cleansers and warm water, avoid using hot water to wash your face as much as you do.

Wash your face in a gentle manner daily and wipe with clean towel. Washing should not be more than twice a day.

Do well to avoid picking or popping and scraping pimples, doing so can make them worse and can cause inflammation and scarring.

Avoid makeup that aren’t perfect for your skin type or use water-based cosmetics that are marked as non-comedogenic.

If you can, avoid environments with high humidity that cause excessive sweating. Most times the type of body cream you use might be sensitive to sun rays and it might also trigger some bumps or inflammation.

Avoid using harsh or exfoliating scrubs.

IN CONCLUSION

I want you to take to heart that acne won’t live with you forever, so you don’t have to freak out when you get any. Understand that you still have hormones running through your body, so, at some point ACNE will appear, but it will reduce as time progress. Do you know even with medication acne takes up to 4-6 weeks before it will totally clear off, some might even take more time than that time before it clears off. Stay calm and understand that it will certainly clear off honestly, it will. Just stick to the ti

ps and you going to notice some difference. 

ANGIOEDEMA by MASTER UDUH IKENNA TOCHUKWU

 ANGIOEDEMA

MASTER UDUH IKENNA TOCHUKWU

ANGIO in medical terms means vessel; relating to blood vessels, lymph vessels, or both

EDEMA is swelling caused by too much fluid trapped in the body’s tissues.

ANGIOEDEMA is a reaction to a trigger that causes swelling in the tissue below the inner layer of your skin called the dermis or the layer below a mucous membrane. 

Angioedema often happens at the same time as hives (urticaria) and for similar reasons. Both angioedema and hives happen when liquid from small blood vessels escapes and fills up tissues, causing swelling.

Usually, angioedema comes on quickly and lasts about a day or two. It most often affects your lips and eyes. However, angioedema can be serious, even fatal, when it affects your airways.

What are the types of angioedema?

There are several types of angioedema. Some organizations may classify angioedema into different types, and the types may vary. In general, though, angioedema types include:

• Acute allergic angioedema.

• Non-allergic drug reaction.

• Idiopathic angioedema.

• Hereditary angioedema.

• Acquired C1 inhibitor deficiency.

• Vibratory angioedema.

Acute allergic angioedema

You might be most familiar with this type of angioedema. It occurs as an allergic reaction to something you’ve come into contact with. This could be something you’ve eaten (a food or beverage), or taken (as in medications) or touched (as in items made with natural rubber latex). In addition, this type of angioedema can occur if an insect or spider bites you.

Acute allergic angioedema happens quickly, usually within minutes to about one to two hours after you’ve made contact with the allergen. You almost always have hives along with the swelling.

Non-allergic drug reaction

This type of angioedema doesn’t necessarily happen as soon as you take the medication. The most common group of medications that cause this non-allergic reaction is angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors, often called ACE inhibitors or ACEIs. These medications relax your blood vessels, treat heart failure and may lower blood pressure. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications, like ibuprofen and naproxen, can also cause angioedema.

Idiopathic angioedema

Idiopathic angioedema is angioedema that has no known cause. The swelling is located in your face, hands, trunk, arms and legs. Some people also have immune system conditions and emotional issues.

Hereditary angioedema

Hereditary angioedema (also called HAE) is something you get genetically from your parents. You can inherit HAE if only one parent carries the gene or has the condition. Some people have spontaneous genetic mutations that cause them to have this type of angioedema. An estimated 1 out of 50,000 people have hereditary angioedema. There are three types of this kind of angioedema, all of them related in some way to the C1 protein and/or C1 esterase inhibitor levels in your blood.

Acquired C1 inhibitor deficiency

Acquired C1 inhibitor deficiency results in angioedema, but it’s not inherited. Acquired means that you weren’t born with this deficiency but you developed it during your lifetime. This type of angioedema, like others, may affect your voice box (larynx) and result in asphyxiation (suffocation). Having B-cell lymphoma may cause acquired C1 inhibitor deficiency.

Vibratory angioedema

In this condition, the swelling is due to repeated vibrations. These can happen while you’re riding a motorcycle, running, jogging, vigorous massage or during other activities. Vibratory angioedema is a form of a similar and rare condition called chronic inducible urticaria, in which hives happen because of outside forces like cold, heat, water, pressure or vibrations. These itchy hives happen repeatedly and last for about six weeks.

Who does angioedema affect?

Angioedema can affect anyone. An estimated 20% to 25% of the U.S. population will have at least one episode of angioedema and/or hives throughout their lives.

SYMPTOMS AND CAUSES

What are the signs and symptoms of swelling (angioedema)?

Signs and symptoms of angioedema include:

• Puffy or swollen face, especially your eyes and mouth, including lips and tongue.

• Digestive problems when your intestines are swollen. These problems include abdominal pain, diarrhea or nausea and vomiting.

• Swollen hands, feet or genitals.

• Dizziness or fainting due to blood pressure changes.

• Swelling in your mouth, throat or airway that may make it harder to breathe and talk. When this happens, it’s a medical emergency. Get help right away.

What causes angioedema?

The causes of angioedema depend on what type of angioedema you have. Allergies are probably the main cause of the swelling of angioedema. There are many types of allergies that can cause it, including:

• Food allergies: The main culprits are milk, egg, nuts and shellfish.

• Medication allergies: Some of the drugs that cause these allergies include antibiotics like penicillin and sulfa drugs, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS) and contrast media used in imaging tests. You might also get hives with this type of allergy.

• Venom: This is released by stinging insects and, rarely, brown recluse spider bites.

• Natural rubber latex: Latex is used to make gloves, balloons, condoms and catheters (tubes used in medicine). Your healthcare provider has probably asked you if you’re allergic to latex.

Other causes of angioedema include inherited and acquired problems with the C1 inhibitor protein, drug reactions that aren’t standard allergy reactions (there’s no itchiness and no hives) and vibrational movements.

Is angioedema contagious?

No. You can’t catch angioedema or give it to someone else.

DIAGNOSIS AND TESTS

What tests will be done to diagnose angioedema?

It may be difficult to tell what kind of angioedema you have. Your provider will begin with a physical examination, though in many cases the swelling will be easy to see. They’ll ask you questions about:

• When the swelling started.

• What you may have eaten, taken or touched that could have caused the reaction.

• What medications and supplements you're taking.

• Whether or not you’ve had this type of reaction before.

• Other family members who may have had swelling.

In addition to the questions, your provider may order blood or skin tests for allergies or blood tests to find out if you have angioedema related to the C1 inhibitor protein.

MANAGEMENT AND TREATMENT

How is angioedema treated?

Treating angioedema depends on what kind of angioedema you have. For severe allergic reactions, you’ll often have injectable epinephrine to carry. You should administer this while calling 911.

For allergic angioedema, your provider may suggest antihistamines or steroids. You may get them either in oral (pill or liquid) or intravenous (in the vein) form.

If you have a non-allergic drug reaction, your provider will help you find a medication to replace the one that’s causing you to swell.

Home remedies include things like using ice to reduce swelling or taking cool showers. These may work best on things like swelling in one place or all over your lip or a cool wet cloth over your swollen eyes.

If you have hereditary, idiopathic or acquired C1 inhibitor deficiency angioedema, you’ll probably be referred to a specialist. Some medications that treat or prevent heredity angioedema include:

• C1 esterase inhibitor (recombinant) (Ruconest®).

• C1 inhibitor (human) (Berinert®, Cinryze®, Haegarda®).

• Ecallantide (Kalbitor®).

• Icatibant (Firazyr®).

• Lanadelumab (Takhzyro®).

• Berotralstat (Orladeyo®).

PREVENTION

How can I prevent angioedema?

If you have allergy-related angioedema, you can prevent occurrences by avoiding the food, medication or other triggers that cause allergic reactions. If you have non-allergic angioedema as a drug reaction to taking ACEIs, you’ll need to work with your healthcare provider to find another medication.

OUTLOOK / PROGNOSIS

What can I expect if I have angioedema?

Most episodes of angioedema won’t last very long. They will probably resolve themselves. For severe episodes, you must have treatment to open the airways.

Is angioedema fatal?

For some people, allergic angioedema can cause anaphylaxis — severe swelling of the airways and lungs. People with this life-threatening condition should carry injectable epinephrine (EpiPen®, Auvi-Q®, Adrenaclick® and other brand names) to treat severe allergic reactions. Angioedema that affects the airways, no matter what the cause, is always a medical emergency and you should seek treatment immediately. Sometimes a tracheostomy, an opening in the windpipe/trachea, is performed to help people breathe.

LIVING WITH ANGIOEDEMA

How do I take care of myself?

If you have episodes of angioedema, you should avoid allergy triggers. If your healthcare provider suggests medications to prevent further episodes, you should take them as directed. If you need to carry injectable epinephrine, make sure you have the injectors with you at all times. Let your family and friends know how to use them.

ADVICE

If you find your eyes, lips, or hands swelling, you may be having a skin reaction known as angioedema. This may be more likely if you’re someone who deals with allergies. Keep track of when it happens and learn to avoid your triggers. If you know there are other people in your family who have had these types of reactions, you might want to bring this up to your healthcare provider who may suggest you have tests for what could be a genetic condition. It’s very important to carry your injectable epinephrine if you have angioedema related to allergies because swelling in your airways can cut off your breath.

THANK YOU !

MASTER UDUH IKENNA TOCHUKWU