Archive for the ‘Disease Information’ Category

What is high blood pressure?

Blood pressure is the force of blood as it moves through the blood vessels. If blood cannot flow easily through the vessels, the force increases. If the force is too great, you have high blood pressure.

High blood pressure is a serious disease. It increases the workload on the heart and blood vessels and can lead to heart disease, stroke, kidney problems and even blindness. Read the rest of this entry »

WHAT IS GOUT?

Gout is a type of arthritis that causes sudden, severe attacks of pain, swelling, redness, warmth and tenderness in the joints. It usually affects the joint of the big toe but can occur in feet, ankles, knees, hands and wrists. Gout occurs when a substance called uric acid builds up in the body and forms needle-like crystals in the joints. The first symptoms of gout often occur in the middle of the night or upon rising in the morning. Wearing shoes and moving the joint or standing may be difficult and painful. Gout accounts for about 5 percent of all cases of arthritis.

WHAT CAUSES GOUT?

Gout is caused by a buildup of uric acid that occurs when the body has difficulty breaking down protein substances called purines which are found naturally in foods. Sometimes this happens because the kidneys are not getting rid of uric acid properly, and sometimes it occurs because the body produces too much uric acid. Eating too much of certain foods such as salmon, liver, herring or sardines and drinking too much alcohol may trigger an episode of gout.

WHO IS AT RISK?

Gout occurs most often in men over age 40, but it can affect persons of any age. Women are more susceptible after menopause. Gout is more common in people who are overweight. A family history of gout may increase a person’s risk of developing the disease. Certain medical conditions, such as untreated high blood pressure, diabetes and high cholesterol, also may increase a person’s risk of developing gout. Exposure to lead in the environment also may be a risk factor.

In some families, inherited factors play a role in a person’s risk for developing arthritis. If a parent or other close relative has been diagnosed with arthritis, it is important to share this history with a health care provider. Early diagnosis and treatment is the key to successful management of arthritis.

CAN IT BE PREVENTED?

There is no sure way to prevent gout. However, if diagnosed early, the disabling effects of gout can be prevented with medications, proper diet, weight loss, limiting or avoiding alcohol and drinking plenty of fluids.

HOW IS IT DIAGNOSED?

The diagnosis of gout is based on personal and family history and examination by a physician or other health care professional. Blood tests are used to determine uric acid levels. X-rays may be done to look for abnormal changes in bones and joints. The doctor also may test joint fluid to check for uric acid crystals.

HOW IS IT TREATED?

With proper treatment, most people with gout are able to control their symptoms. High doses of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and injections of corticosteroid drugs into the affected joint(s) are the most common treatments. Patients usually improve within a few hours of treatment, and the attack goes away completely within a few days. Colchicine may be used if NSAIDs do not control the symptoms but tends to cause more side effects.

Successfully dealing with arthritis pain and disability requires self-management skills. It is important for patients to learn about their disease and to take part in their own care. Working with health care professionals allows a person to share in decision making and gain a sense of control.

Self-management techniques include arthritis education, exercise programs, relaxation and stress management, eating well-balanced meals and maintaining proper weight, taking care of joints and using assistive devices to rest joints and relieve pressure.

• Exercise can help increase independence, improve mood, decrease pain, increase flexibility, improve blood flow, maintain proper weight and promote general physical fitness. Exercise in a warm water pool is an excellent choice. Physical/occupational therapy can help restore joint movement and increase strength. A therapist can help design an exercise program to meet a person’s specific needs.
• Rest also is important. Arthritis may cause tiredness and muscle weakness. A rest or short nap that does not interfere with nighttime sleep may help. Relaxation techniques can be useful in controlling pain. Some people find stress reduction and biofeedback helpful.
• Assistive devices can be used to reduce stress on certain joints. For example, braces or canes may help reduce stress on the knees. Jar grippers or other gadgets may help reduce stress on the small joints of the hands.

Research shows that patients who take part in their own care report less pain and make fewer doctor visits as well as enjoy a better quality of life.

WHEN SHOULD A PERSON GET HELP?

If gout is not treated, other conditions may arise. Tophi (soft tissue swellings caused by uric acid crystals) may form on the toes, fingers, hands or elbows. Permanent changes in the joint may occur, and kidney disease or kidney stones may develop. Seek medical care immediately if a fever is present and a joint is hot and inflamed. This may be a sign of an infection. A doctor should be seen if a person experiences intense, sudden pain in a joint, even if the pain goes away in one or two days.

What is diabetes?

The term diabetes refers either to a deficiency of insulin or to the body’s decreased ability to use insulin. Insulin, a hormone secreted by the pancreas, allows glucose (sugar) to enter body cells and be converted to energy. It also is needed to synthesize protein and to store fats. In uncontrolled diabetes, glucose and lipids (fats) remain in the bloodstream and, in time, damage the body’s vital organs and contribute to heart disease.

There are two main types of diabetes: non-insulin dependent (type-2) and insulin dependent (type-1). Non-insulin dependent diabetes, which usually appears after the age of 40, is the most common type, affecting 90 percent – 95 percent of those who have the disease. Insulin-dependent diabetes affects the remaining proportion of those with the disease. Although this type of diabetes can occur at any age, it most often appears in childhood or during the teen years.

What are the signs of diabetes?

The signs of diabetes are frequent thirst, constant urination, unusual hunger, rapid loss of weight, and obvious weakness and fatigue.

Who is most at risk for developing diabetes?

The following have a greater risk of developing non-insulin dependent diabetes:

• Those with a family history of diabetes (parents or siblings with diabetes).
• Individuals who are obese (20 percent or more over ideal body weight).
• Members of certain racial or ethnic groups. Those who are more likely to develop diabetes are Mexican and Puerto Rican Americans (twice as likely), African Americans (1.6 times) and Cuban Americans (1.5 times).
• Those who are 45 years of age and older.
• Individuals previously identified as having impaired glucose tolerance.
• Individuals with hypertension or who have excessive levels of fat in their blood (hyperlipidemia).
• Women who have a history of gestational diabetes during pregnancy or who have delivered babies weighing more than 9 pounds.

Can diabetes be prevented?

Non-insulin dependent diabetes often can be prevented through a healthy diet and physical activity. A number of studies have confirmed that regular exercise, especially for those who are at high risk, can prevent this type of diabetes.

Can the complications of diabetes be prevented?

A clinical study conducted by the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Disease showed that keeping blood sugar levels as close to normal as possible slows the onset and progression of eye, kidney and nerve diseases caused by diabetes. The study concluded that lowering blood sugar levels reduces the risk of eye disease by 76 percent, of kidney disease by 50 percent, of nerve disease by 60 percent and of cardiovascular disease by 35 percent.

What is a good blood sugar level?

Everyone has some sugar in his or her blood. A good blood sugar range for most people with diabetes is from about 70 to 150. This is before a meal, such as breakfast, or four to five hours after a meal. Blood sugar should be less than 200 about two hours after your last meal. Remember, everyone is different. A good blood sugar range for one person may not be the best for someone else. Ask your physician what the best blood sugar range is for you.

What is the best way to maintain a good blood sugar level?

There are some things you can do every day to maintain a good blood sugar level and to stay healthy:

• Eat healthy food. People with diabetes do not need special foods. Foods on your diabetes meal plan are good for everyone in the family. Try to eat foods that are low in fat, salt and sugar and high in fiber, such as beans, fruits and vegetables, and grains. If you use insulin, be sure to take it before you eat, eat at about the same time, and do not skip meals.
• Exercise regularly. Exercise is good for your diabetes. Walking, swimming, dancing, riding a bicycle, playing baseball and bowling are all examples of good ways to exercise. Try to exercise regularly, at least three times a week for about 30 to 40 minutes each time. If you have not exercised in a while, begin slowly and gradually increase intensity and duration. Before beginning any exercise program, be sure to check with your physician.
• Take your diabetes medicine. Insulin and diabetes pills are the two kinds of medicines used to lower blood sugar. If you take insulin, your physician will tell you what kind of insulin to use, how much and when to give yourself a shot. Your physician or diabetes educator will show you how and where to give yourself a shot. Always use your own needles and never share them with anyone else. If you take diabetes pills, ask your physician when to take the pills. Remember, these pills do not lower blood sugar all by themselves. You will still have to follow your diet and exercise to lower your blood sugar. If you do not use insulin or take diabetes pills, follow your physician’s advice about eating and getting enough exercise.
• Test your blood sugar. Ask your physician how often and when you should test your blood sugar. To test your blood, you need a small needle called a lancet, special blood testing strips and a glucose monitor (a special electronic device used to test for blood sugar). Your physician or a nurse can show you how to test your blood and give you information on glucose monitors.
• Two other tests can help you keep track of your blood sugar. You may need a urine test when you are ill or if your blood sugar is above 240 before eating. This test will tell you if you have ketones in your urine. Ketones are present when there is not enough insulin in your blood; they can make you very sick. Call your physician immediately if you find ketones in your urine. The hemogloboin A1c test shows what your average blood sugar was for the past three months. Ask your physician for this test every six months.