Posts Tagged ‘Protection’

The Skeletal System – what is it and why is it important for health ? Part 6

The skeletal system acts as a framework for the body and it protects the internal organs. There are some problems associated with the skeletal system, some of which needs immediate action and some needs care and precautions.

- Fractured Vertebra
If a person is experiencing sudden pain following an injury to the back, loss of bladder or bowel control, numbness, tingling or difficulty in moving limbs then these can be the symptoms of a fractured vertebrae which is diagnosed by an x-ray. Seek medical attention immediately.

- Fracture
If a person is experiencing severe pain with heavy swelling, difficulty in movement, black and blue discoloration or mishapen limbs then these can be the symptoms of a fracture and an x-ray should be done immediately. Seek medical attention immediately.

- Infected molar
If a person is experiencing an ear pain then it can be the symptom of an infected molar so you need to check it out with the dentist.

- Gout
If a person is experiencing a big toes which is twice its size and angry red and painful then it can be the symptom of gout where the uric acid is deposited in the joints of the body. A blood test and medication should be taken.

- Slipped disc
If a person is experiencing a bad back problem to an extent that it is killing you then it can be the symptom of a slipped disc which can be confirmed by an x-ray.

- Sciatica
If a person is experiencing a radiating pain along leg or foot, pins and needles and it gets worse if you are sitting for long hours, walking, running, stairs climbing or straightening the leg then these could be the symptoms of sciatica which is diagnosed by a X-ray and MRI. It often improves by physiotherapy and painkillers and by keeping a check on your sitting, sleeping and working patterns. Surgery is the last step.

- Tumor
If a person is experiencing a swelling in bone then it can be the symptom of a tumor and one should get the x-ray done.

- Spondylitis
If a person is experiencing a hurt neck then it can be the symptom for spondylitis that is the inflammation of one or more vertebrae or spondylosis which is the stiffening of a joint in the spine and it can be diagnosed by x-ray or MRI and treated by physiotherapy.

- Osteoporosis
If a person is experiencing that his or her bones break very easily even if it is a small injury then it can be the symptom of osteoporosis and you should have a bone scan done.

- Stress fracture or Muscle strain
If a person is experiencing a nagging pain which worsens over a week and it gets even worse when you exercise then it could be the symptom of a stress fracture or a muscle strain and you should get an x-ray done.

- Infection or fracture
If a person is experiencing too much pain in the joint which is combined by fever or rash then it could be the symptom of an infection or fracture and you should get an x-ray done.

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The Endocrine and Integumentary System – what is it and why is it important for health ? – Part 5

The Endocrine System

This system consists of glands that produce hormones which help in regulating and controlling the bodily activities. Some problems related with this system are:

- Pituitary Gland Tumor
If a person is experiencing problems in periods, headaches or loss of peripheral vision then it can be a pituitary gland tumor and get the tests done and seek medical advice.

- Under active thyroid gland
If a person is experiencing weakness in muscles, weight gain, exhaustion, bulging eyes, memory problems, slow speech, dry skin and hair then it can be an under active thyroid gland and it slows down metabolism. Get it diagnosed with blood test and get it treated with thyroid hormonal replacement.

- Overactive thyroid gland
If a person is experiencing sweating, nervousness, tremors, irregular menstrual periods, irritation then it can be an overactive thyroid gland. Get it diagnosed with a blood test and get treated with drugs.

- Low blood sugar
If a person is experiencing fainting then there is a possibility that the person is diabetic and there is a drop in blood sugar level. If attacks increase, then consult a doctor and check your medications.

- Type 2 diabetes
If a person is experiencing thirst and passes large quantity of urine, itching and repeated infection in genital area then it can be type 2 diabetes. In this the body tries to get rid of excess sugar and it can be controlled with diet and lifestyle and medicines.

- Uncontrolled Type 1 Diabetes
If a person is experiencing lot of thirst, frequent urination and eating accompanied with weight loss then it can be uncontrolled type 1 diabetes which can be controlled by insulin.

The Integumentary System

It is the skin which forms a protective covering for the body and this system regulates the body temperature and it plays an important part in the sensation of touch. It also excretes waste products in sweat.

- Ringworm
If a person is experiencing small patches of ring shaped patches then it can be ringworm which you can treat with anti fungal cream.

- Herpes zoster
If a person experiences severe pain on one side of chest, trunk, back, face along with red blisters then it can be herpes zoster which is treated with medicines or lotions.

What is a sprain? How to treat a sprain?

Sprain is used to describe a wide range of injuries. But a true sprain involves damage to ligaments i.e. bands of elastic like tissue that supports joints such as knee, ankle, shoulder by connecting the bones. A sprain occurs when a twist or stretch causes a joint to move outside its normal range of motion and ligaments stretch or tear.

A symptom can cause the joint to swell rapidly. Discoloration of your skin from the rupture of small blood vessels may occur. There may be pain and tenderness and joint function may be impaired. To treat a minor soft tissue injury, remember PRICE which stands for Protection, Rest, Ice, Compression and Elevation.

Protection: Protect your joint from further injury. An elastic wrap, brace, sling, air cast, cane or crutches may help support the joint and encourage healing.
Rest: Avoid movements of the injured joint that cause pain or swelling.
Ice: Cold reduces swelling and inflammation, decreases muscle spasms and help relieve pain. Apply ice or an ice pack wrapped in a cloth or towel or use a bag of frozen peas which conforms well to the body. Cover the ice pack with a dry towel or a blanket for insulation. Apply ice for no more than 20 minutes at a time, several times a day. Do not apply heat, which can cause more swelling. If you have vascular disease, rheumatism or decreased sensation, take your doctor’s advice.
Compression: This decreases bruising and swelling. Keep the joint wrapped snug but not tight until swelling subsides. Loosen if pain increases or you have numbness.
Elevation: Raising a swollen joint above the level of your heart reduces swelling. This is especially important at night.

Continue this treatment as long as it helps.You should see a doctor if you:
- hear a popping sound.
- have immediate difficulty using the injured joint.
- can not put weight on the joint.
- see significant deformity or swelling.
- if pain and difficulty continue for longer than 2 or 3 days.