Heatstroke

 

Heatstroke is a condition caused by the body overheating. This usually happens because of exposure to high temperatures or physical activity in high temperatures for too long. There are a few stages of heat injury, and heatstroke is the most serious. It can happen if body temperature rises to 104 F (40 C) or higher. Heatstroke is most common in the summer months.

Heatstroke needs emergency care. If it's not treated, heatstroke can quickly damage the brain, heart, kidneys and muscles. This damage gets worse the longer treatment is delayed, which increases the risk of serious complications or death.

 

Symptoms

Heatstroke symptoms include:

-High body temperature. A core body temperature of 104 degrees Fahrenheit (40 degrees Celsius) or higher is the main sign of heatstroke.

- Change in mental state or behavior. Confusion, agitation, slurred speech, irritability, delirium, seizures and coma can all result from heatstroke.

- Change in sweating pattern. In heatstroke brought on by hot weather, skin feels hot and dry to the touch. However, in heatstroke brought on by strenuous exercise, sweating may be profuse.

-Nausea and vomiting. Someone with heatstroke may feel sick to their stomach or vomit.

-Flushed skin. Skin may turn red as body temperature increases.

-Rapid breathing. Breathing may become rapid and shallow.

-Racing heart rate. Pulse may significantly increase because heat stress places an extreme burden on the heart to help cool the body.

-Headache. Heatstroke may cause the head to throb.

 

When to see a doctor

If you think a person may be experiencing heatstroke, seek immediate medical help. Call 911 or your local emergency services number.

Take immediate action to cool the person with heatstroke while waiting for emergency treatment.

-Get the person into shade or indoors.

-Remove excess clothing.

-Cool the person with whatever means available — put in a cool tub of water or a cool shower, spray with a garden hose, sponge with cool water, fan while misting with cool water, or place ice packs or cold, wet towels on the person's head, neck, armpits and groin.

 

Causes

Heatstroke can happen as a result of:

-Being in a hot environment. In a type of heatstroke, called nonexertional (classic) heatstroke, being in a hot environment leads to a rise in core body temperature. This type of heatstroke typically happens after exposure to hot, humid weather, especially for a long period of time. It happens most often in older adults and in people with ongoing health conditions.

-Doing strenuous activity. Exertional heatstroke is caused by an increase in core body temperature brought on by intense physical activity in hot weather. Anyone exercising or working in hot weather can get exertional heatstroke, but it's most likely to happen if you're not used to high temperatures.

In either type of heatstroke, your condition can be brought on by:

-Wearing heavy clothing that prevents sweat from evaporating easily and cooling the body.

-Drinking alcohol, which can affect the body's ability to regulate temperature.

-Becoming dehydrated by not drinking enough water to replenish fluids lost through sweating.

 

Risk factors

Anyone can develop heatstroke, but several factors increase your risk:

Age. The ability to cope with extreme heat depends on the strength of the central nervous system. In the very young, the central nervous system is not fully developed. In adults over 65, the central nervous system becomes less responsive, which makes the body less able to cope with changes in body temperature. Both age groups usually have difficulty remaining hydrated, which also increases risk.

Exertion in hot weather. Military training and participating in sports, such as football or long-distance running events, in hot weather are among the situations that can lead to heatstroke.

Sudden exposure to hot weather. People may be more susceptible to heat-related illness when they're exposed to a sudden increase in temperature, such as during an early-summer heat wave or travel to a hotter climate.

Limit activity for at least several days to allow time to acclimate to the temperature change. However, there may still be an increased risk of heatstroke until a person experiences several weeks of higher temperatures.

A lack of air conditioning. Fans may make you feel better, but during sustained hot weather, air conditioning is the most effective way to cool down and lower humidity.

Certain medicines. Some medicines affect your body's ability to stay hydrated and respond to heat. Be especially careful in hot weather if you take medicines that narrow your blood vessels (vasoconstrictors), regulate your blood pressure by blocking adrenaline (beta blockers), rid your body of sodium and water (diuretics), or reduce psychiatric symptoms (antidepressants or antipsychotics).

Stimulants for attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and illegal stimulants such as amphetamines and cocaine also make you more vulnerable to heatstroke.

Certain health conditions. Certain chronic illnesses, such as heart or lung disease, might increase your risk of heatstroke. So can being overweight, being inactive and having a history of previous heatstroke.

 

Complications

Heatstroke can result in a number of complications, depending on how long the body temperature is high. Serious complications include:

Vital organ damage. Without a quick response to lower the body temperature, heatstroke can cause the brain or other vital organs to swell, possibly resulting in permanent damage.

Death. Without prompt and adequate treatment, heatstroke can be fatal.

 

Prevention

Heatstroke is predictable and preventable. Take these steps to prevent heatstroke during hot weather:

-Wear loose-fitting, lightweight clothing. Excess clothing or clothing that fits tightly doesn't allow your body to cool properly. Clothes made of linen, silk, cotton or hemp are cooling.

-Protect against sunburn. Sunburn affects your body's ability to cool itself, so protect yourself outdoors with a wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses. And use a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of at least 15. Apply sunscreen generously, and reapply every two hours — or more often if you're swimming or sweating.

-Drink plenty of fluids. Stay hydrated to help your body sweat and maintain a normal body temperature.

 -Take extra precautions with certain medicines. Be on the lookout for heat-related problems if you take medicines that can affect your body's ability to stay hydrated and dissipate heat.

-Never leave anyone in a parked car. This is a common cause of heat-related deaths in children. When a car is parked in the sun, the temperature in the car can rise 20 degrees Fahrenheit (more than 11 degrees Celsius) in 10 minutes. It's not safe to leave a person in a parked car in warm or hot weather, even if the windows are cracked or the car is in shade. When your car is parked, keep it locked to prevent a child from getting inside.

-Take it easy during the hottest parts of the day. If you can't avoid strenuous activity in hot weather, drink fluids and rest frequently in a cool spot. Try to schedule exercise or physical labor for cooler parts of the day, such as early morning or evening.

-Get acclimated. Limit time spent working or exercising in heat until you're conditioned to it. People who are not used to hot weather are especially susceptible to heat-related illness. It can take several weeks for your body to adjust to hot weather.

 

Be cautious if you're at increased risk. If you take medicines or have a condition that increases your risk of heat-related problems, avoid the heat and act quickly if you notice symptoms of overheating. If you participate in a strenuous sporting event or activity in hot weather, make sure there are medical services available in case of a heat emergency.

 

https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/heat-stroke/symptoms-causes/syc-20353581

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PHARYNGO-MYCOSIS

 

Mycosis of the pharynx, also known as pharyngomycosis, refers to a fungal infection of the throat (pharynx). It is characterized by inflammation of the pharyngeal mucosa, often caused by yeast-like fungi, most commonly Candida species (oral thrush). Symptoms can include a sore throat, difficulty swallowing, white patches in the mouth and throat, and a general feeling of illness.

Causative agents:

The most common culprit is Candida species, but other fungi can also be involved.

Risk factors:

Weakened immune systems, prolonged antibiotic use, inhaled steroids, and smoking can increase susceptibility.

Symptoms:

Sore throat, difficulty swallowing, white patches in the mouth and throat, and general malaise are common.

Diagnosis:

Visual inspection of the throat, along with fungal cultures or biopsies, can help confirm the diagnosis.

Treatment:

Antifungal medications, such as nystatin, clotrimazole, fluconazole, or itraconazole, are typically prescribed.

Prevention:

Maintaining good oral hygiene, addressing underlying immune conditions, and avoiding prolonged use of antibiotics or inhaled steroids can help prevent fungal infections in the throat.

What Is Gastrointestinal Perforation?

Gastrointestinal perforation is when the gastrointestinal tract loses continuity. This condition can easily develop into serious complications that could result in death. Early detection and treatment are crucial to prevent complications.‌

‌Loss of continuity means that the bowel develops a hole in its wall. The gastrointestinal (GI) tract starts from your mouth and ends at your rectum. With a hole in your tract, many medical complications may arise, especially if digested food or feces gets through the perforation.

Causes of Gastrointestinal Perforation

‌Gastrointestinal perforation may happen due to many different reasons. The most common ones are trauma and bowel-related medical conditions.

Medical conditions associated with gastrointestinal perforation include the following:‌

• Peptic ulcer disease (PUD)
• Gallbladder disease
• Crohn’s disease
• Forceful vomiting
• Ulcerative colitis
• Blockage of the bowel
• ‌ Diverticulitis
• Cancer
• Chemotherapy medication

‌‌Using some commonly prescribed over-the-counter medications like nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (aspirin and corticosteroids) may predispose you to gastrointestinal perforation.

‌The following trauma incidents may cause gastrointestinal perforation:‌

• Perforation during an abdominal surgery
• Gunshot or knife wound
• ‌Appendicitis
• ‌Swallowing corrosive substances
• ‌Swallowing foreign objects

Symptoms

‌Gastrointestinal perforation can be hard to notice in the early stages. You may start noticing the most obvious signs gradually. You may experience these symptoms:‌

• Severe belly pain
• ‌Vomiting
• ‌Fever
• ‌Nausea
• ‌Chills

‌When to call your doctor. As mentioned earlier, early detection and treatment are important to manage gastrointestinal perforation. You must keenly observe yourself if you suspect that you have this condition. There are signs you should look out for after noticing your first symptom. Call your doctor if you notice these signs:‌

• Severe tummy ache
• Bloody stool
• Throwing up
• A change in bowel habits
• Fever or increase in body temperature
• Nausea

Diagnosing Gastrointestinal Perforation

‌After you consult your doctor, they will examine you to diagnose your condition. Diagnosing gastrointestinal perforation mainly involves a physical examination and imaging tests.

These tests include the following:‌

• X-ray. A chest or abdominal x-ray is done to establish the presence of gas in the stomach cavity. A perforation is responsible for letting air into the stomach cavity.
• ‌CT scan. Abdominal CT scans may help your doctor check where the gastrointestinal perforation is.
• ‌Endoscopy or colonoscopy. Procedures like upper endoscopy may also help to locate the gastrointestinal perforation.
• Blood sample. Blood samples are taken to check for indications of infections and blood loss.

• Related:Why Your Doctor Ordered an Endoscopy

Prevention

‌You can prevent gastrointestinal perforation from occurring. In most cases, you will experience pain some days before the perforation of the wall. Ensure that you consult with your doctor after experiencing abdominal pain. 

‌If the condition is detected before perforation, management can be a lot simpler. It is also safer as you can get treatment before the perforation fully occurs.

Complications

‌The most common complication of gastrointestinal perforations is infection. An infection in the gastrointestinal tract is called peritonitis or an abdominal abscess. 

‌The infection could also spread to other parts of the body through the bloodstream causing sepsis. This can cause whole-body infection, which is a serious condition and may lead to death if not managed in time.

Management

‌Gastrointestinal perforation is a serious condition that may require emergency surgery. Early detection and treatment are crucial for reducing its effects on the gastrointestinal system. Late-stage diagnosis could lead to death.‌‌

Management also involves the treatment of any infection caused by the perforation. Your doctor may treat sepsis using fluids and antibiotic medication.

‌

Surgery is effective in repairing the perforation. The success of treatment by surgery depends on the following conditions:‌

1. The severity of the perforation. The less severe your condition is, the higher the chances of success.
2. How long the perforation has been there. A gastrointestinal perforation that has existed for a long time may be harder to manage.
3. ‌Presence of underlying medical conditions. Other underlying conditions like asthma can make the treatment more complicated.

Your doctor may perform a colostomy. This procedure involves connecting the colon to the abdominal wall, so that contents drain out of the abdomen into a bag. With an ileostomy, the last part of the small intestine is instead connected to the abdominal wall.
 

I‌n both cases, the bowel contents are emptied through a hole (stoma) created in your abdomen. This gives more time to the other parts of your gastrointestinal tract to heal. The hole may later be repaired through surgery.

After the surgery, the doctor may give you some antibiotics. These will help in managing and preventing infections.

Conclusion

‌Always tell your doctor everything as it happened to help them make an accurate diagnosis and treat your condition. Take every medication as prescribed by your doctor for effective treatment. Try to avoid self-medication when you experience symptoms of gastrointestinal perforation. 

 

 https://www.webmd.com/digestive-disorders/what-is-gastrointestinal-perforation

Sinus Infection (Sinusitis)

Sinusitis is an inflammation of the tissues in your sinuses (spaces in your forehead, cheeks and nose usually filled with air). It causes facial pain, a stuffy or runny nose, and sometimes a fever and other symptoms. It’s usually caused by the common cold, but other viruses, bacteria, fungi and allergies can also cause sinusitis.

 

Overview

Illustration showing inflamed, fluid-filled sinuses. Common pain or pressure points are in your forehead, cheeks and nose.

Sinusitis is an inflammation of your sinuses. It can cause facial pain and a stuffy or runny nose with thick mucus.

 

What is sinusitis (sinus infection)?

Sinusitis is an inflammation, or swelling, of the tissue lining your sinuses. Sinuses are structures inside your face that are normally filled with air. Bacterial infections, viral infections and allergies can irritate them, causing them to get blocked and filled with fluid. This can cause pressure and pain in your face, nasal congestion (a stuffy nose) and other symptoms.

Sinusitis is also sometimes called rhinosinusitis.

 

What are sinuses?

Your sinuses are four paired cavities (spaces) in your head. Narrow passages connect them. Sinuses make mucus that drains out of the passages in your nose. This drainage helps keep your nose clean and free of bacteria, allergens and other germs (pathogens).

 

Types of sinusitis

We describe types of sinusitis based on how long it’s been going on (acute, subacute, chronic or recurrent) and what’s causing it (bacteria, virus or fungus).

 

Acute, subacute, chronic and recurrent sinusitis

-Acute sinusitis symptoms (nasal congestion, drainage, facial pain/pressure and decreased sense of smell) last less than four weeks. It’s usually caused by viruses like the common cold.

-Subacute sinusitis symptoms last four to 12 weeks.

-Chronic sinusitis symptoms last at least 12 weeks. Bacteria are usually the cause.

-Recurrent acute sinusitis symptoms come back four or more times in one year and last less than two weeks each time.

 

Bacterial and viral sinusitis

Viruses, like the ones that cause the common cold, cause most cases of sinusitis. Bacteria can cause sinusitis, or they can infect you after a case of viral sinusitis. If you have a runny nose, stuffy nose and facial pain that don’t go away after ten days, you might have bacterial sinusitis. Your symptoms may seem to improve but then return and are worse than the initial symptoms. Antibiotics and decongestants usually work well on bacterial sinusitis.

 

Fungal sinusitis

Sinus infections caused by fungus are usually more serious than other forms of sinusitis. They’re more likely to happen if you have a weakened immune system.

 

How do I know if I have sinusitis, COVID, a cold or an allergy?

Colds, COVID-19, allergies and sinus infections all have similar symptoms. It can be difficult to tell them apart. The common cold typically builds, peaks and slowly disappears. It lasts a few days to a week. Nasal allergies cause sneezing, itchy nose and eyes, congestion, runny nose and postnasal drip (mucus in your throat). They usually don’t cause the facial pain that sinus infections do. COVID-19 can cause additional symptoms, like fever and shortness of breath.

A cold, COVID or allergies can all cause sinus infections. You can test yourself or have a provider test you for some viral infections, like COVID-19 and the flu.

 

Symptoms and Causes

What are the signs and symptoms of sinusitis?

Common symptoms of a sinus infection include:

-Postnasal drip (mucus dripping down your throat).

-Runny nose with thick yellow or green mucus.

-Stuffy nose.

-Facial pressure (particularly around your nose, eyes and forehead). This might get worse when you move your head around or bend over.

-Pressure or pain in your teeth.

-Ear pressure or pain.

-Fever.

-Bad breath (halitosis) or a bad taste in your mouth.

-Cough.

-Headache.

-Tiredness.

 

What causes sinus infections?

Viruses, bacteria, fungi and allergens can cause sinusitis. Specific triggers for sinusitis include:

 

-The common cold.

-The flu (influenza).

-Streptococcus pneumoniae bacteria.

-Haemophilus influenza bacteria.

-Moraxella catarrhalis bacteria.

-Nasal and seasonal allergies.

 

What are the risk factors for sinusitis?

Some people are more likely to get sinusitis than others. Risk factors include:

 

-Nasal allergies.

-Asthma.

-Nasal polyps (growths).

-Deviated septum. Your septum is a line of tissue that divides your nose. A deviated septum isn’t straight, narrowing the passage on one side of your nose. This can cause a blockage.

-A weakened immune system. This can be from illnesses like HIV or cancer, or from certain medications.

Smoking.

 

Is sinusitis contagious?

Sinusitis itself isn’t contagious. But the viruses and bacteria that can cause it are. Remember to follow good handwashing practices, avoid other people if you’re sick and sneeze or cough into your elbow.

 

What happens if sinusitis is left untreated?

You don’t necessarily need to treat sinusitis — it often goes away on its own. Very rarely, untreated sinus infections can lead to life-threatening infections. This happens if bacteria or fungi spread to your brain, eyes or nearby bone.

 

Diagnosis and Tests

How is a sinus infection diagnosed?

Healthcare providers diagnose sinusitis based on your symptoms and health history. A provider will check your ears, nose and throat for swelling, draining or blockage. They might use an endoscope (a small, lighted instrument) to look inside your nose.

 

A primary care provider may also refer you to a specialist, like an otolaryngologist (also called an ENT — an ear, nose and throat specialist).

 

Specific tests to diagnose sinusitis

Specific tests your provider might order to diagnose sinus infection include:

 

Nasal endoscopy.

-Nasal swabs. Your provider may use a soft-tipped stick to get a fluid sample from your nose. They’ll test it for viruses or other germs that might be causing your symptoms.

-Imaging. In some cases, your provider might order a computed tomography (CT) scan to better understand what’s happening inside your sinuses.

-Allergy testing. If you have chronic sinusitis, your provider may test you for allergies that could be triggering it.

-Biopsy. Rarely, a provider may take a tissue sample from your nose for testing.

 

Management and Treatment

How is sinusitis treated?

There are many treatment options for sinusitis, depending on your symptoms and how long you’ve had them. You can treat a sinus infection at home with:

 

-Decongestants.

-Over-the-counter (OTC) cold and allergy medications.

-Nasal saline rinses.

-Drinking plenty of fluids.

-If symptoms of sinusitis don’t improve after 10 days, a provider may prescribe:

 

Antibiotics.

-Oral or topical decongestants.

Prescription intranasal steroid sprays. (Don’t use nonprescription sprays or drops for longer than three to five days — they may actually increase congestion.)

Providers treat chronic sinusitis by focusing on the underlying condition. Treatments can include:

 

-Intranasal steroid sprays.

-Topical antihistamine sprays or oral pills.

-Leukotriene antagonists, like montelukast.

-Surgery to treat structural issues, polyps or fungal infections.

 

What are the best medications for a sinus infection?

If you need an antibiotic, which one your provider prescribes depends on your specific situation. Some options include:

 

-Augmentin (amoxicillin/clavulanate).

-Amoxicillin.

-Doxycycline.

-Levofloxacin.

-Cefixime.

-Cefpodoxime.

-Clindamycin.

 

Are complementary and alternative therapies useful for treating sinusitis?

You might find acupressure, acupuncture or facial massage helpful in reducing symptoms of sinusitis, including draining, pressure and pain. Ask a provider if these therapies might help in your specific case.

 

Do I need antibiotics for every sinus infection?

No. Providers often wait to see how long your symptoms last before prescribing antibiotics. Many sinus infections are caused by viruses. You can’t cure viral infections with antibiotics. Overusing antibiotics or using them to treat viral infections can lead to unnecessary side effects or antibiotic resistance. This may make future infections harder to treat.

 

Outlook / Prognosis

What can I expect if I have sinusitis?

Sinusitis usually only lasts a week to 10 days. You can usually treat it with over-the-counter medicines and at-home treatments. If you have chronic sinusitis or if it keeps coming back, there may be underlying causes that you’ll need to treat.

 

Prevention

Can sinusitis be prevented?

Depending on the cause, there are a few ways to reduce your risk of getting sinus infections, including:

 

-Rinsing your nose with saline (salt water) as directed by your provider.

-Taking steps to prevent allergies. This includes medications, allergy shots and avoiding your known allergy triggers (like dust, pollen or smoke).

-Using steroid nasal sprays if your provider recommends them.

-Establishing good handwashing and other habits that reduce your risk of getting sick with infectious diseases.

-Avoiding smoke. There are ways to help you quit smoking, if you do.

-Living With

 

When should you see a doctor for a sinus infection?

You can usually care for sinus conditions on your own. But if you continue to have symptoms that concern you or if you get infections repeatedly, talk to a healthcare provider. They can help you understand your next steps.

 

When should I go to the ER?

Go to the nearest emergency room or seek medical attention right away if you experience symptoms of a serious infection, including:

 

-High fever (over 103 degrees Fahrenheit/40 degrees Celsius).

-Confusion or other mental changes.

-Vision changes, especially if you have pain or swelling around your eyes.

-Seizures.

-Stiff neck.

 

https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/17701-sinusitis