Archive for October, 2009
Friday, October 30th, 2009
Sarcoidosis is an inflammatory disease characterized by the presence of noncaseating granulomas (collections of inflammatory cells that do not issue pus) that form small lumps in multiple organs. Once thought rare, this condition is now known to be common. In fact, it is among the most common chronic scarring lung disorders.
Sarcoidosis can be either chronic (long-term) or acute (short-term). It nearly always affects more than one organ and can affect any organ in the body. The lungs and lymph nodes, especially those in the chest, are affected most often, with a lingering cough or shortness of breath as the most common symptoms. However, in some cases symptoms are not present.
The disease also frequently affects the skin, eyes and liver. Less commonly it affects the joints, bones, tear glands, salivary glands, spleen, heart, or the nerves or brain. When the disease affects the central nervous system, it is known as neurosarcoidosis, a serious complication. More rarely, sarcoidosis can affect the thyroid gland, kidneys, breasts or reproductive organs.
According to the National Institutes of Health, about 75 percent of sarcoidosis patients have the acute form of the disease and the remaining 25 percent have the chronic form. In about half of those with the acute form, the disease leaves no significant problems. Scar tissue is the most common long-lasting problem, particularly in chronic cases.
Although physicians and researchers do not know what causes sarcoidosis or even precisely what is going on in the bodies of these patients, it is believed that it may be caused by overreaction of the immune system in genetically susceptible individuals to an unidentified toxin, drug or pathogen. Some believe that this unknown factor may be a mycobacterium, a bacterium from the family that is linked to tuberculosis. This theory has not been substantiated with clinical research.
In normal circumstances, the immune system forms granulomas around particles, germs or other foreign substances to isolate and eliminate them. In patients with sarcoidosis, granulomas apparently form without a cause. There is no visible particle or germ enclosed by them. Many granulomas may clump together, forming small to large lumps. These lumps show up on x-rays as shadows and may affect organ function and cause symptoms.
Sarcoidosis affects men and women of all ages, races and ethnic groups worldwide. It typically develops between the ages of 20 and 40 years. It is rare in children and uncommon in adults over 50 years. People of African, Asian, German, Irish, Puerto Rican or Scandinavian descent are most commonly affected.
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Wednesday, October 28th, 2009
Sarcoidosis is a disease characterized by inflammatory lumps (granulomas) that form in multiple organs. It can be either short- or long-term and can affect any organ, most often the lungs and lymph nodes. The granulomas seem to form as an overreaction to an unknown threat to the body.
The cause of sarcoidosis is not known, but it appears that some patients have genetic factors that make them susceptible. It may also affect different races, ethnic groups and populations in varying ways. For example, Japanese people are more likely to be affected in the heart and eyes, whereas in Northern Europeans the skin is affected along with another organ, such as the lungs. The disease may be related to infections similar to tuberculosis. Environmental factors, such as exposure to potentially toxic substances, may increase the risk of developing it.
Sarcoidosis usually has minor symptoms or none at all. Symptoms depend greatly on which organs are affected and to what extent. General symptoms include fever, fatigue and an overall unwell feeling. Symptoms of sarcoidosis in the lungs include shortness of breath, cough and chest pain.
Sarcoidosis is often first detected by x-ray. A series of other tests, including a biopsy of affected tissue, confirm diagnosis. The criteria for diagnosis are detection of the characteristic symptoms and abnormalities, particularly on a chest x-ray, ruling out infections and finding sarcoidosis granulomas in biopsy.
Many cases of sarcoidosis do not need treatment, but the disease can be serious and sometimes even fatal when it affects vital organs. When treatment is required, corticosteroids are normally used. Relapse is much more common when the condition is serious enough that medical treatment is required. Tests (e.g., breathing tests) are performed for a few years to monitor the disease whether or not treatment is required.
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Monday, October 26th, 2009
* Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a condition in which the body’s immune system mistakenly attacks joints.
* People usually begin to develop RA between the ages of 30 and 50.
* About 2.1 million Americans have RA (about 0.5 to 1 percent of the U.S. adult population), according to the National Institutes of Health. More than 70 percent of them are women.
* The cause of this autoimmune disease is unknown.
* RA begins when immune system cells attack normal body cells in the joints. This causes inflammation, pain and damage in the joints, frequently in the same joint on both sides of the body.
* The first symptoms of RA are often pain, swelling or stiffness in a few joints.
* Depending on the individual, these symptoms may stay the same for many years or progress to include other joints and areas of your body, such as the heart. Severe cases of RA can cause tendons and bones in the joints to become deformed and difficult, if not impossible, to use.
* Many people with RA experience periods of severe inflammation called flare-ups, followed by remission for long periods of time. It is also possible, though less likely, that you may experience one flare-up followed by remission.
* There is no definitive test for RA. However, a physician may use blood tests, a physical examination and a synovial fluid analysis to permit a diagnosis.
* Rheumatologists use four separate classes to classify your RA status, with each based on your ability to function. Class I indicates that you are completely able to perform usual activities of daily living. Class II means you are able to perform usual self-care and work activities but are limited in other activities, such as sports. Class III: able to perform self-care activities but limited in work and other activities. Class IV: limited in your ability to perform usual self-care, work and other activities.
* There is no known cure for RA. Treatment primarily focuses on relieving pain and other symptoms, maximizing function and slowing the progression of the disease.
* Your RA will most likely be treated with basic pain relievers such as acetaminophen or anti-inflammatory drugs. Other drugs modify the disease’s progress or work on parts of the immune system that malfunction to trigger RA.
* The course of RA is different for each patient, and different drug combinations may provide relief for individuals.
* No drugs can reverse damage inflicted on the joints, but there are drugs that can stop the progression of the disease. Some surgical procedures can remove parts of damaged joints or even replace an entire joint.
* There is a great deal of research being conducted about the causes of RA and possible ways to cure it.
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Friday, October 23rd, 2009
Arthritis is nothing new: even dinosaurs had it. So did primitive man. The Latin word arthritis means “inflammation of the joint” but actually refers to many different forms of the disease. Osteoarthritis (also called degenerative arthritis), the most common type, usually results either from injury or from normal wear and tear on the cartilage of frequently used joints. The condition called rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disease and is more severe.
Early Americans called any disorder involving pain and stiffness in the joints rheumatism. Aching joints were often rubbed with warm chicken fat, goose grease, or skunk oil, sometimes mixed with wintergreen oil. The oil, at least, is still prescribed today for its pain-relieving properties.
Non-weight-bearing exercise is an important component of combating arthritis. When one is in pain, there is a natural tendency to minimize movement, but inactivity only weakens the muscles that stabilize the joints. Specialized stretching and strengthening exercises can help maintain flexibility. Swimming (preferably in a heated pool) and walking, as opposed to high-impact sports like tennis and running, are good ways to maintain overall fitness.
Arthritis is most easily treated when it is discovered early. See a doctor if you experience any of the following symptoms: persistent early-morning pain and stiffness in the joints; swelling; recurrent pain in any joint, especially joints on both sides of the body; loss of strength in association with joint pain; unexplained weight loss, fatigue, and fever accompanied by joint pain.
Herbal Remedies
Red pepper Also called capsicum or cayenne pepper, red pepper has recently gained popularity as an arthritis remedy. It contains a substance called capsaicin, which reduces the levels of a chemical compound that transmits pain signals to the brain. Mix a few dashes of the ground pepper with 2 to 3 teaspoons olive oil. Apply with gauze several times a day. Allow a week or more of continued use for the desensitization to take place. The first few doses will cause a mild burning sensation. Alternatively, capsaicin ointment is available commercially. It is also an ingredient in several over-the-counter products. Cayenne is highly irritating. Keep it away from the mouth, eyes, and other mucous membranes, and avoid direct contact with the pepper’s seeds.
Wintergreen The oil from wintergreen leaves contains methyl salicylate, a close relative of aspirin. Modern-day herbal healers prescribe wintergreen oil in external preparations to reduce joint and muscle inflammation and pain. The number of applications should not exceed five per day. Wintergreen oil is toxic if taken internally.
Dandelion Studies in the 1980s found that dandelion root has moderate anti-inflammatory properties. The powdered root extract is available in capsule form. Liquid root extracts are also sold. To make tea from a plant, add 3 tablespoons finely chopped dandelion root and leaves to 2 cups cold water. Boil for 3 minutes. Let it sit for about 10 minutes before straining. Drink it three times a day. Some people may have allergic reactions after handling dandelion.
Chamomile This herb has long been used as a tea for digestive upset. More recently, it has been used as an external compress for arthritis because of its anti-inflammatory properties. Brew a strong infusion using 2 tablespoons dried flowers in 1/2 cup hot water. Steep, then strain. Soak a clean cloth in the liquid and apply. People allergic to pollen may experience an allergic reaction.
Evening primrose The gamma-linolenic acid (GLA) found in the oil of the seeds of evening primrose, a common wildflower, was shown in scientific tests to have an effect on pain and morning stiffness associated with rheumatoid arthritis. The oil is available in both capsule and extract form.
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