Archive for the ‘Fitness & Exercise Articles’ Category

Detailed Information on Necrotizing Enterocolitis

Monday, October 20th, 2008

Necrotizing enterocolitis is the death of intestinal tissue. The illness is most common among premature newborns. Necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) occurs in approximately 25,000 babies per year. Many newborns who develop necrotizing enterocolitis survive and go on to live healthy lives. But if the infection becomes severe, it can cause serious damage to or holes in the intestinal tissue. NEC typically occurs within the first 2 weeks of life, usually after milk feeding has begun (at first, feedings are usually given through a tube that goes directly to the baby’s stomach).

The consequence of necrotizing enterocolitis is not clear. It is believed to occur when the immune and digestive systems do not grow properly. This can happen when a baby is born prematurely or when there are complications during pregnancy or delivery. Bacteria in the intestine may also be a result. In the most severe cases, necrotizing enterocolitis can be fatal. Necrotizing Enterocolitis is equally affected both male and female. Babies with too many red blood cells in the circulation are at an increased risk of developing NEC. This thickens the blood and makes oxygen transport more difficult.

Babies with gastrointestinal infections are at an increased risk of developing NEC. Babies who have had a difficult delivery or lowered oxygen levels are at an enlarged risk for developing NEC. A baby’s symptoms depend on how severe the condition is. The primary symptoms vary and may involve feeding intolerance, abdominal distension, bloody stools, apnea, lethargy, temperature instability or hypoperfusion. In newborns who have mild to moderate necrotizing enterocolitis, treatment consists of intravenous (IV) feeding, antibiotics, and removing extra fluids. Intravenous fluids are given to maintain hydration.

About 70% of newborns with necrotizing enterocolitis do not require surgery. If the intestine perforates, then surgery is needed. Surgery may also be required if the condition progressively worsens despite treatment. Pharmacologic therapy includes agents to treat the developing disease and those to provide supportive and symptomatic relief. Different antibiotic regimens can be used; one frequently used regimen includes vancomycin, cefotaxime, and clindamycin or metronidazole. This combination provides broad gram-positive coverage, excellent gram-negative coverage (with the exception of pseudomonads), and anaerobic coverage.

Juliet Cohen writes articles for beauty blog. She also writes articles for new hairstyles.

Detailed Information on Measles

Monday, October 20th, 2008

Measles, also called rubeola, is a highly contagious. Measles is a fatal disease that impacts vulnerable children around the world. Measles is a contagious illness caused by a virus (paramyxovirus). Measles virus normally grows in the cells that line the back of the throat and in the cells that line the lungs. It is a human disease not known to occur in animals. Measles is an acute, highly communicable rash illness due to a virus transmitted by direct contact with infectious droplets or, less commonly, by airborne spread. The incubation period of measles from exposure to rash onset is generally 14 days.

Measles is spread through breathing (contact with flowing from an infected person’s nose and mouth, either openly or through aerosol transmission), and is extremely contagious 90% of people without immunity sharing a home with an contaminated person will catch it. There are two types of measles, each caused by a different virus. Although both produce a rash and fever. The rubeola virus causes red measles. Although most people recover without problems, rubeola can lead to pneumonia or inflammation of the brain (encephalitis). The rubella virus causes German measles. This is usually a milder disease than red measles.

However, this virus can reason significant birth defects if an infected pregnant woman passes the virus to her unborn child. Symptoms of the measles appear 9 to 11 days after the infection begins, and last up to 14 days. The condition is most infectious after the first symptoms have appeared, and before the rash has developed. Other symptoms of measles include a fever for at least three days, the three Cs cough, coryza (runny nose) and conjunctivitis (red eyes). There is no treatment for measles, but the measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine can prevent it. Symptoms may be alleviating with bed rest, acetaminophen and humidified air.

Several children may require supplementation with vitamin A. Vitamin A decrease the risk of death and complications in children in less developed countries. People who are lacking in vitamin A are more possible to get infections, including measles. Ribavirin, an anti-viral medicine, may be helpful in severe cases or when a child’s immune system is weakened. However, this medicine has not been fully evaluated and is not FDA-approved for this use. Prevention is better than cure. Use a cool-mist vaporizer to relieve cough and to soothe breathing passages. Avoid hot-water or steam vaporizers that can cause accidental burns and scalds in children.

Juliet Cohen writes articles for beauty blog. She also writes articles for new hairstyles.