Click on the links below to find your appropriate health topics and its details:
Quick search/navigation:
- Backache.
- Bad Breath.
- Baby Bottle Tooth Decay.
- Bedwetting.
- Bipolar Disorder/Manic-Depressive Disorder.
- Blindness.
- Bovine Spongiform Encephaliti.
- Breast Cancer.
- Bronchitis.
- Bruises and Cuts.
- Burns and Scalds.
Backache
What is backache?
Backache is one of the most common ailments among people. It is characterised by the
following signs and symptoms:
- Persistent aching, pain or stiffness that occurs anywhere along your spine, from the
base of the neck to the hips
- Sharp, localised pain in the neck, upper back, or lower back, especially after lifting
heavy objects or other strenuous activity
- Chronic ache in the middle or lower back, especially after sitting or standing for extended
period of time
- Occasional visible curvature of the spine, but usually there are no apparent external symptoms
Who can suffer from it?
On average, about 80 per cent of people will experience back pain at some point in their lives but
slightly more men suffer from it than women. Backache also occurs among young people aged between 16
and 24 although it is most common among people in their middle age.
What causes backache?
The causes vary according to the type of backache that occurs, following are some cases:
- Acute Backache: Acute backache may occur due to back strain from the lifting of a heavy
object, from a fall, or from a violent jerk as a car suddenly stops. Acute backache can also
be caused by a fracture of the spine or the dislocation of a vertebral disc (The spine is made
up of a series of bones stacked on top of each other).
- Chronic Backache: Chronic backache may be caused by spondylosis (degeneration of the
spinal column when one vertebra slips forward on the one immediately below it, usually just
above the hipbone) or a slipped disc. The discs act as cushions between two vertebral bones
but due to degeneration in old age, or in cases when the spine has been injured before, a
slipped disc may occur.
- Bad posture: Bad posture can also lead to chronic backache. An example of bad posture
is to sit for long hours in an incorrect position. A correct position is to sit up straight
instead of slouching in a couch when watching TV, for instance. If the bad posture is maintained
and prolonged, backache may occur. There are other undetermined causes of chronic backache, including
sprains in the muscles of the back and gynaecological problems.
How can backache be prevented?
To prevent backache, the most important thing is to maintain the correct posture at all times.
When sitting, ensure that your back is kept straight instead of a slouched position. Give your back
enough support and use a cushion when necessary. The right furniture can also help to prevent the
occurrence of backache. Use a firm mattress when you sleep and use chairs of a proper height in
relation to the table or desk.
Exercise is another good way to prevent backache. However, if you have had back injuries before
such as a slipped disc, do be cautious when you exercise. Consult a doctor before you start on any
strenuous exercise programme.
What to do when backache occurs?
To reduce backache when it occurs, sit down and remember to maintain good posture. Ice packs or
heat packs can provide relief for backaches, depending on the condition of the backache. Ice packs
will help to reduce the swelling and inflammation. Heat will help circulation and reduce stiffness.
Place a towel wrapped with ice on the position of pain as frequently as you can for at least 30 minutes each
time in the immediate days after injury. After a few days, change your procedure to a mix of ice and heat - 30
minutes of ice followed by 30 minutes of heat. If pain persists, do consult a doctor.
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Bad Breath
Bad breath or Halitosis can be described as an unpleasant, disagreeable, distinctive, or offensive breath
odour. A person who has bad breath may not be aware of the odour.
Causes:
Halitosis is usually caused by poor dental hygiene. Other causal factors of bad breath include:
- Food (such as raw onions, garlic, or cabbage).
- Vitamin supplements (especially in large doses).
- Caries.
- Smoking.
- Alcoholism.
- Throat infection.
- Sinusitis.
- Abscessed tooth.
- Impacted tooth.
Some systemic causes of bad breath include the following:
- Drugs and medications.
- Kidney disease.
- Lung abscess, or pus pocket within the lungs.
- Bronchitis.
- Conditions that cause dry mouth, such as Jorgen syndrome.
- Stomach or bowel problems.
- Constipation.
- Poorly controlled diabetes.
- Liver disease.
- Certain kinds of cancer.
- Infection with the HIV/AIDS virus.
Treatment/Prevention:
Prevention of bad breath starts with good oral hygiene. People should brush twice a day with fluoride
toothpaste and floss all the teeth daily. Change toothbrushes every month to prevent bacteria build-up.
Removable dentures should be taken out at night, cleaned, and soaked overnight. Mouthwash is not an
effective treatment for bad breath, since it hides the real cause. Mouthwash and breath mints are only
temporary solutions and may mask more serious problems. Also, some breath mints may contain sugars, which
can cause caries.
Avoid smoking: Someone in good health may have bad breath at times, such as in the morning after a long sleep.
However, a person with persistent bad breath should see a dentist to check if the bad breath is related to the teeth and mouth.
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Baby Bottle Tooth Decay
If you think that baby teeth are not important because they will soon be replaced by more permanent ones, you are wrong.
Baby teeth help to keep a space in the jaw for adult teeth. If a baby tooth is lost too early, the tooth beside it may shift into
the empty space so that when the time comes for the adult tooth to emerge, there may not be enough room. This can result in crooked
or crowded teeth.
Baby teeth are also important in helping the baby learn how to speak and talk properly. And of course, healthy-looking teeth are
a tremendous boost to a child's self-confidence and self-esteem.
Prolonged milk bottle use may cause some children to develop cavities and lose their baby teeth. The medical term for the condition
is Baby Bottle Tooth Decay(BBTD) Despite the introduction of water fluoridation, BBTD still occurs today. The good news is that if
the problem is recognised early, the tooth can still be saved.
Signs and Symptoms:
Some of the signs and symptoms of Baby Bottle Tooth Decay include:
- White spots on the teeth as a result of demineralisation in the teeth.
- Cavities on the teeth.
- Painful toothaches which hinder eating.
- Swollen or bleeding gums.
- Fever caused by gum or tooth infection.
Causes:
Children's teeth are more susceptible to bacterial attacks and tooth decay than the teeth of adults.
There are usually some bacteria in our mouth. These are often harmless unless we create conditions for
them to cause harm to our teeth.
Hence, when babies are allowed to keep their bottles of milk and other sugared drinks in their mouths
for many hours during the night, the sugars nourish the bacteria in the mouth, and a steady stream of acid
is produced in the process.
Milk contains a sugar called lactose which bacteria can use to generate acids. They can do the same with
the natural sugars found in natural juices. Over time, the acid can cause the demineralisation in the teeth.
It can also break down the tooth enamel, the outermost hard layer of the tooth. In severe cases, it may infect
the underlying tissues of the teeth and the bone structures supporting the teeth, resulting in permanent damage.
Hence, teeth that are severely decayed will have to be extracted.
Treatment:
The treatment options for Baby Bottle Tooth Decay vary depending on how serious the condition is. Very young and
uncooperative children may need sedation or general anaesthesia for treatment to be carried out. Discuss with the
dentist what the best management option for your child is.
If demineralisation on the teeth such as chalky white spots or lines, are detected early, the teeth may be re-mineralised
by applying fluoride and modifying the child's diet. If decay is obvious, your child may need to cover his teeth with a
filling material or stainless steel crowns. If the decay has reached the pulp chamber, pulp therapy or extractions may be
considered.
Prevention:
A common misconception among parents is that baby teeth are unlikely to decay soon after they first emerge. Hence,
by the time they notice any decay, it may be too late to save the teeth. You can help prevent this from happening to
your child by following the tips below:
- After every bottle feeding, take a wet cloth or gauze pad and gently wipe your child's gums and teeth.
This will remove any bacteria-containing plaque and excess sugar that may have built up.
- The first tooth of your child is likely to erupt about six months old. As soon as the first tooth erupts,
you can begin to brush the baby's tooth. There is no need to use toothpaste at this age of your child.
- All his baby teeth should have erupted by age 2 or 2+. At this age, use a small pea-sized amount of children
fluoridated toothpaste if you child is able to spit out.
- Do not allow your child to fall asleep with a bottle containing a sweetened liquid other than water.
- Do not give your baby a pacifier dipped in any type of substance containing large amounts of honey or other sugars.
- Start to encourage your child to drink from a cup at six months.
- Whenever juices are offered, let your child drink it from a cup.
- By the time your child is around one year old, you can start to wean him from the bottle. Encourage your
child to drink from a cup.
- Before your child's first birthday, he should have seen a dentist. This visit is important to educate parents
and to help prevent cavities. Make these visits regularly.
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Bedwetting
Bedwetting is common in children. They have problems controlling their bladders during sleep. It can cause a
great deal of distress to both the parents and the child. However, it is important to note that it is a benign
disorder and not a willful act on the part of the child.
Punishment can increase the level of stress to the child. By the age of seven, the problem
should have been resolved. Young children who experience night time wetting are physically
and emotionally normal.
Most cases probably result from a mix of factors including slower physical development, an
overproduction of urine at night, a lack of ability to recognise bladder filling when asleep
and in some cases, anxiety. For many, there is a strong family history of bedwetting, suggesting
an inherited factor.
Symptoms:
If the following patterns occur, the child may require professional help:
- The child is older than six and has this problem of bedwetting continuously or more than twice a month.
Treatment:
Following are some treatments for Bedwetting:
- The doctor will check for the rare instances whereby the problem was caused by an underlying condition.
- Conditions such as diabetes, urinary tract infection, developmental bladder abnormalities or nervous
system disorders will be ruled out by tests conducted.
- The "wait and see" approach is usually the preferred course of action. After age 5, incontinence
disappears naturally at a rate of 15 percent of cases per year. Coupled with some form of reward
method of a star chart (your child places a star on a chart or calendar to mark dry nights) is one
common form of motivation.
- A device with a sensor that detects wetness can be used to help the child condition the response of
waking up to the alarm before he loses control of his bladder. This is known as behavioural conditioning.
- Drug therapy can be used as a short-term measure to help the child stay dry. It is less effective on a long-term
basis as relapse is common.
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Bipolar disorder/Manic-Depressive Disorder
Bipolar disorder is a mental disorder characterized by wide mood swings from high (manic) to low (depressed) states.
When the patient becomes hyperactive, and irritable, he is in the manic extreme of this condition.
Classically, he can have delusions of grandeur and go on expensive spending sprees. He can also be uninhibited
in his expressions and sexual advances.
Symptoms:
The manic phase is characterized by:
- Delusions (false beliefs) or hallucinations (false perceptions).
- Hyperactivity.
li>Irritable mood.
- Decreased need for sleep.
- Exaggerated, puffed-up self-esteem.
- Rapid or "pressured" speech.
- Rapid thoughts.
- Poor attention span.
- Recklessness.
During a depressive period, symptoms may include:
- Appearing slow or agitated.
- Fatigue and loss of energy.
- Feelings of worthlessness or guilt.
- Poor concentration.
- Indecisiveness.
- Low or irritable mood.
- Loss of interest.
- Increased or decreased weight and appetite.
- Increased or decreased sleep.
- Plans of death, suicide attempts.
Treatment
A combination of medication and psychotherapy is most helpful. The class of medications known as mood
stabilizers is the primary treatment. Lithium is widely used and is very effective for the treatment
of manic episodes and for the prevention of their recurrence. Blood levels of lithium must be checked
regularly to prevent harmful levels of accumulation.
- Anticonvulsant medications have been used for bipolar disorder. The most common is Valproic acid (or valproate),
and many psychiatrists have also used Carbamazepine.
- Lithium, valproate and carbamazepine should not be used during the first three months (first trimester) of pregnancy,
because they are known to cause birth defects.
- Antipsychotic agents like risperidone and olanzapine may be used to control psychotic symptoms.
- Antidepressants can be used during the depressive phase of the disorder, but the risk of triggering a manic
episode is ever present.
- Psychotherapy to provide education and support is important, and helps the patient come to terms with the illness.
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Blindness
Blindness is a very disabling condition. It is defined by the loss of normal or correctable vision.
Partial blindness is the loss of only part of the vision. Complete blindness is when there is no
perception of light. People with a vision worse than 20/200 are considered legally blind.
Causes:
Blindness occurs most often with advancing age and will be notable as the population ages.
Vision need not be lost needlessly as many causes of blindness can be prevented.
Accidents/accidental trauma to the eyes (such as racket ball, fireworks, chemical burns, or injuries
from bungie cords, fishing hooks, and similar objects), accidents at the workplace and the home can be
prevented with good eye protection and safety practices. The more common causes of non-accidental blindness:
- Diabetic retinopathy is one of the complications associated with diabetes. Early treatment often
improves the potential for saving sight. Every diabetic should receive regular care from a doctor and be
screened for retinopathy even before any visual symptoms appear.
- Age-related Macular degeneration(AMD) is a degenerative disorder affecting the macula. It tends to
occur in those aged 65 and older. The person may notice straight lines appearing wavy, letters in
newspapers, books and magazine appearing blurry or dark, empty spaces block the centre of vision.
The best defence against AMD is early diagnosis by an eye specialist.
- Glaucoma is due to a build-up of pressure within the eye. This pressure can cause damage to the cells
that form the optic nerve, the structure responsible for transmitting visual information from eye to the
brain. The damage is progressive with loss of peripheral vision first, followed by reductions in central
vision and, potentially, blindness. At least half of those who have glaucoma are unaware of it. Those who
have a family history of glaucoma, are diabetic or very near-sighted are more likely to develop
glaucoma.
Unfortunately, there is no simple test to screen glaucoma. A complete eye examination through dilated
pupils together with other specialised test by an eye specialist is needed.
In the early stages of glaucoma, there are few signs and symptoms. Later, the person may notice loss of
side vision, inability to adjust the eye to darkened room, difficulty focusing on close work or rainbow
coloured rings or halos around lights.
Blindness can be prevented through early detection and appropriate treatment. Any sight that is destroyed
cannot be restored, but medical and surgical treatment can help the disease from progressing.
Retinal detachment tends to occur with ageing. The vitreous fluid (the gel-like material
that fills the eyeball) shrinks as we age. This is a normal process that usually does not cause retinal damage.
However, inflammation or myopia (nearsightedness) may cause the retina to be pulled and can lead to its detachment.
Others at risk includes those who have had previous eye surgery, suffered an eye injury, a family history of retinal
problems and/ or diabetes.
Symptoms of a possible retinal detachment include a blind spot, blurred vision, shadowy lines, flashes of light
and/or floaters (spots). Floaters are a normal part of the eye's ageing process and do not necessarily signal a
retinal detachment. However, a sudden onset of floaters appearing in large numbers indicate a need to check for
retinal detachment.
If you suspect there is a problem, see an eye specialist immediately. The doctor needs to act quickly to try
to repair the damage and prevent permanent vision loss.
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Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy
Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy or Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease (CJD) is a degenerative disease of the nervous system,
particularly the brain. It creates small pockets in the brain matter so that the brain resembles a sponge, and nerve
cells in the brain are lost. The causative agent of this disease is not known.
An abnormal protein called a prion accumulates in the brain of people with CJD. The exact action of this protein
in the disease process remains unknown.
Researchers have found no cure for CJD to date. The disease is fatal with most people dying within four to six months.
The recent health scare of eating beef is due to the discovery of a new variant form of CJD (nvCJD) found in Europe.
It is unclear as to whether or not this is linked to beef from cattle infected with mad-cow disease (bovine spongiform
encephalopathy).
Symptoms:
Symptoms includes:
- Dizziness.
- Muscle weakness.
- Headaches.
- Loss of bladder control.
- Rapid mental deterioration, including memory loss, confusion and altered behaviour (dementia).
- Involuntary muscle movements or jerks (called myoclonus).
- Difficulties with balance, coordination, and walking.
- Involuntary muscle movements or jerks (called myoclonus).
- Progressive vision problems that may lead to blindness.
- Fatigue and changes in sleep pattern.
- Decreased appetite and weight loss.
- Difficulty in speaking.
- Pain or burning sensations in the face, hands or legs.
- Progressive unresponsiveness and immobility.
- Seizures.
- Coma.
Treatment:
The goal of treatment is to minimise symptoms and to keep the person as comfortable as possible.
There is no cure for CJD, and drugs have been generally ineffective at slowing disease progression.
Drugs prescribed are to relieve pain and control muscle movements and seizures.
Sporadic CJD is almost impossible to prevent. However, certain precautions can be taken to prevent any
accidental, acquired infection (acquired CJD).
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Breast Cancer
Breast cancer is a disease in which malignant (cancer) cells are detected in the tissues of the breast.
It is the most common type of cancer among women. Many people are afraid of facing up to this cancer because
they think it is incurable. Breast cancer, however, if detected and treated early, can be cured completely.
Who's at Risk?
All women are at risk of breast cancer, particularly women over the age of 40. Other risk factors include;
having a family history of breast cancer, a past medical history of breast cancer and ovarian cancer, early onset
of menses, late menopause or having your first child after age 30.
You should consult your doctor immediately if you do experience any of these signs:
- a painless lump in the breast or armpit.
- rash around the nipple.
- abnormal discharge from the nipple.
- changes in the skin over the breast or nipple.
- new retraction (pulling in) of the nipple.
Breast Self Examination (BSE)
It is very important for every woman above 30 years old to learn, and practise BSE regularly once a month,
about a week after each menstrual period. Women who no longer have periods should practice BSE on a fixed
date each month.
About 90% of breast lumps are detected by BSE. These lumps are usually not cancerous but early detection of
cancerous lumps in the breast gives the best chance of a completely successful treatment.
Mammography
Women aged 40 - 49 years are encouraged to go for regular mammography every year while those 50 years and above
should go every two years. Women who are at higher risk of developing breast cancer should see a doctor for advice.
You may need to go for screening earlier and more frequently.
Mammography is a low-dose X-ray of the breast using specially designed X-ray machine. It is easy ,safe and the most
reliable method to detect very small lumps in the breast even before they can be felt by the hand. It also helps to
monitor any recurrence of previously treated breast cancer.
How is Mammography done?
The radiographer will position the breast between the plastic plates of the X-ray machine. The breast is then gently
and slightly compressed. This will spread out the tissue to enable the X-Ray machine to view the breast better. The
procedure may cause some discomfort to the breast for a few seconds. The standard X-ray examination requires a minimum
of 2 pictures of each breast.
There are few things to remember when preparing for mammography:
- schedule your test at least one week after your menstrual period.
- do not use any deodorant, perfume, powder or ointment on the underarm or breasts.
- wear a comfortable two-piece outfit.
Although mammography involves radiation to the breasts, the risk of any harm arising from this is small and the chances
of early detection of breast cancer certainly outweigh the small risk. Most lumps detected by mammography are usually not
cancerous. The possibility of mammography not detecting cancer lumps is unlikely.
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Bronchitis
Bronchitis is a lung condition that affects the upper bronchial passages. The mucous membrane in the lungs becomes inflamed.
The inflamed membrane increases the production of mucous and starts to swell, resulting in the narrowing of the airways.
Acute bronchitis is usually caused by an infection or, more rarely, by an exposure to chemicals. Symptoms generally
include cough with mucus, chest discomfort, fever and extreme tiredness. Acute infectious bronchitis can be caused by
many bacteria and viruses. In children, viruses are the most common infectious cause of bronchitis. Severe cases of bronchitis
may progress to pneumonia.
How is acute bronchitis treated? An antibiotic is prescribed if you have a bacterial bronchitis. If you have a viral bronchitis,
antibiotic may not be prescribedbecause an antibiotic is not effective against a viral infection. Unnecessary use of antibiotics
can lead to "drug-resistant" viruses.
Additional medications may be prescribed to ease your breathing. Bronchodilator medications are given if you experience wheezing
or shortness of breath. Corticosteroid medications may be used to decrease inflammation and irritation in your airways.
Chronic Bronchitis is a common condition that includes coughing and/or sputum production for three years or more and shortness
of breath. The airways in the lungs become swollen and produce more mucus. Cigarette smoking is the most common cause of chronic
bronchitis. Air pollution and allergies also may cause chronic bronchitis. If left untreated it can lead to emphysema which
destroys the tissue (walls) between the air sacs of the lungs.
Treatment includes education, stopping smoking, using antibiotics for infections, proper chest physiotherapy, exercise,
and avoiding dust, allergens and other respiratory irritants.
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Bruises & Cuts
What is a bruise?
A bruise is a bluish discolouration of the skin, usually caused by a heavy blow or fall.
What to do if you have a bruise?
Following are some measures to be taken:
- Place the bruised part under cold running water or apply a cold compress such as a cold water
pack or an ice bag.
- To apply a cold water pack, first soak a towel in cold water. Squeeze out excess water and place
the "pack" on the bruise. Repeat the process to keep the "pack" cool. Continue for 30 minutes.
- To prepare an ice bag, fill half a plastic bag with ice and some salt. Expel air from the bag
before tying it up. Wrap the bag in a thin towel and place it over bruise for 30 minutes.
What is a Cut?
A cut is usually caused by a sharp object breaking the skin and damaging blood vessels causing
visible bleeding.
What to do if you have a cut?
Following are some steps:
- Rinse the cut under a slow running tap and dab dry with clean tissue paper.
- Remove any particles in the cut with a clean pair of forceps.
- Press a clean cotton pad over the cut for a few minutes to stop the bleeding.
- Apply any antiseptic lotion.
- Leave a small cut uncovered as it will heal faster. If it is large, cover it with a plaster.
When to see a doctor?
Go to your family doctor or a government clinic:
- If you bruise easily for no known reason.
- If a cut becomes infected. Signs of infection include fever, pus formation and increasing
pain, redness and swelling.
- If a cut is deep and needs to be stitched.
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Burns & Scalds
What are burns and scalds?
A burn is caused most commonly by fire or heat. It can also be caused by friction, chemicals, electricity
or radiation. A scald is a burn by "wet heat" such as hot liquids or steam.
Types of burns and scalds
Following are some types of burns:
Superficial: The skin is red, hot and painful but without blisters. Damage is superficial and temporary.
Partial-thickness: The outer layer of skin is damaged. The skin has blisters besides being red, hot and painful.
Full-thickness: All layers of the skin are damaged, sometimes the underlying tissues as well. The skin may be pale
and leathery, or charred. It is relatively painless because the nerves are damaged.
What you can do?
Superficial burns and scalds, and partial-thickness ones affecting an area smaller than that of the victim's
palm can be managed by yourself at home.
- Remove all tight clothing and accessories like rings from the injured part before swelling occurs.
- Place the injured part under cold running water for at least 10 minutes to ease the pain.
Then pat dry with a clean cloth.
- Medicines and dressing are not needed. But you can apply a soothing cream or lotion indicated for
scalds and burns if you like.
- Never break a blister. If a blister breaks on its own, leave the flaps of skin alone. Apply an
antiseptic lotion.
When to see a doctor?
- If you need help with the dressing.
- If the burn or scald gets infected. Signs of infection include fever, pus formation
and increasing pain, redness and swelling.
- If the burn or scald is full-thickness.
- If it is of partial-thickness and affects an area larger than the victim's palm.
- If it involves the mouth or throat, eyes, ears, entire face or genital area.
- If it is caused by a chemical or any corrosive substance.
- If it is caused by electricity or lightning.
- If thick smoke or hot air has been breathed in.
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