Pinworm Infection

 

-Pinworm infection is caused by small, thin, white parasitic roundworms.

-Anyone can get pinworm infection, but it primarily affects children, people in long-term care facilities, and household members and caretakers of persons with pinworm infections.

-Medication, handwashing, and good hygiene are the best ways to stop the spread of pinworm.

 

Overview

Pinworms are a type of parasitic roundworm that can infect your intestines. Parasites are organisms (a living thing) that lives on or inside another organism. Pinworm infection causes itching around the anus (butthole). Anyone can get a pinworm infection, but it usually affects children, people living with or caring for children, and people living in long-term care facilities or institutional settings. Pinworm infection is preventable and treatable.

On average, a single pinworm is about the size of a staple. The scientific name for a pinworm is Enterobius vermicularis and some healthcare providers may use the terms enterobiasis or oxyuriasis to refer to pinworm infection.

 

Signs and symptoms

Symptoms of pinworm infection are usually mild, and some people have no symptoms. If you do have symptoms, it is typically itching around the anus. Female pinworms lay their eggs at night on the skin around the anus, which can cause the skin to itch. Some infected people have difficulty sleeping or restlessness. Some infected people have reported abdominal pain. Occasionally, pinworms can move to the vaginal area, causing irritation and inflammation. Repeated scratching can make the skin red and puffy and lead to bacterial skin infections—in addition to the pinworm infection.

 

Risk factors

Pinworm infection occurs worldwide. Pinworms can infect anyone, in any setting, and are the most common worm infection in the United States. Pinworm infection occurs most commonly among

- School-aged and preschool-aged children,

- People in institutional settings, and

- Household members and caretakers of people with pinworm infection.

Pinworm infections often occur in more than one person in a household. It is common to see multiple infections in institutional and childcare settings as pinworms spread easily.

 

How it spreads

While an infected person sleeps, female pinworms leave the intestine through the anus and deposit their eggs on the surrounding skin. Two to three hours after pinworms lay their eggs, the eggs become capable of infecting other people who accidentally swallow them. The eggs can easily infect another person, especially caretakers or close contacts of infected children or adults:

-If, after they touch an infected area around the anus, or get eggs under their fingernails, they then touch their mouth.

-After pinworm eggs get onto diapers, clothes, bedding, food, or other items, the worms could then make it from the object to someone's mouth. (If not properly washed or cleaned, pinworm eggs can survive 2 – 3 weeks on objects.)

-When pinworm eggs, which are tiny, float through the air and someone breaths them in then swallows them (rare).

 

Prevention

Washing your hands with soap and warm water is the best way to prevent pinworm infection. This is especially important after

-Using the toilet

-Changing diapers, and

-Touching people who have pinworm or handling items they have used.

Always wash your hands before handling food. Teach children the importance of washing their hands thoroughly and often.

Repeated infections are common. Treat everyone—people infected with pinworms, their caretakers, and members of their household—with the same two-dose treatment.

 

Diagnosis

If you or someone you know is showing signs of a pinworm infection, speak with your healthcare provider. There are three ways, with your help, your provider can diagnose pinworm infection:

- Look for pinworms around the anus 2 – 3 hours after the who may be infected person goes to sleep.

-Conduct a "tape test" to collect possible pinworm eggs around the anus.

-Look at samples from under the fingernails of the person who may have pinworms.

 

Treatment and recovery

There are medications, both over the counter and prescription, that can treat pinworm infection. If you or someone you care for are experiencing symptoms of pinworm infection, talk with your healthcare provider to be properly diagnosed.

Treat everyone in the same household and caregivers of the person diagnosed with pinworms at the same time. Treatment involves two doses of medication with the second dose given two weeks after the first dose. The medications kill worms but cannot kill eggs. The second dose is important to prevent infection by newly hatched adult worms that were not killed by the first treatment because they were still eggs.

 

https://www.cdc.gov/pinworm/about/index.html

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