AIDS - HIV

AIDS is the abbreviation of the term Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome, i.e. acquired immune deficiency syndrome. It is at the final stage of chronic infection with the human (human) immunodeficiency virus (HIV) that leads to Immunes with frequent infections and tumors. Until the outbreak of AIDS can take years or decades, 50% of those infected are 10 years after infection in the AIDS stage. It comes to life-threatening diseases leading to death within a few years.

The HIV - virus seeks out certain immune cells of the human body as host cells that it infects. The virus "programmed" the nucleus of these cells a way, that they only produce new viruses until the infected immune cells eventually die. The newly formed viruses then they look for new immune cells as "victims". This will gradually weakened the immune system and invading pathogens or emerging cancer cells have an easy game. There is a breakdown of the immune system. A number of pathogens (called opportunistic pathogens) that are relatively harmless to healthy people and certain types of cancer can spread the virus weakened organism without interruption and at death.

The virus is found in various body fluids in different concentrations. When sperm is highly infectious, followed by blood. Vaginal fluid and urine contained lower levels of virus, saliva is only slightly infectious. A HIV - infection trigger must virus-containing liquids to enter the bloodstream. Are sufficient under certain circumstances, small wounds. A mere contact of virus-containing material with a healthy, intact skin or mucous membrane is sufficient for HIV - infection. Outside the body, the HI - virus do not survive long.

After infection with the virus and incubation period of one to three weeks can occur in some patients with acute flu-like illness. These nonspecific symptoms (fever, skin rash, swollen lymph nodes, sore throat, muscle and joint pain, vomiting, diarrhea, headache, etc.) do not allow any direct conclusion of an HIV infection. There follows a months to years long stage in which, although viruses and antibodies to HIV detected in the blood, the infected person while not healthy. In this phase, he can pass the disease but already unknowingly to others. The first signs that show that the disease progresses may increase in fungal infections, diarrhea, his swollen lymph nodes, fever or weight loss. The last stage of infection corresponds to the disease AIDS. This can occur among other diseases, some of which are caused by opportunistic pathogens:
* Diseases of the nervous system, for example Meningitis (meningitis), weakness, physical and mental breakdowns.
* Infections with toxoplasma organisms.
* Severe forms of pneumonia very difficult to treat pathogens (eg Pneumocystis)
* Extensive fungal infection of the mucous membranes, for example the trachea or windpipe.
* - Virus infections (eg herpes - virus or cytomegalovirus).
* Tuberculosis.
* Diarrhea.
* Certain types of cancer (for example, Kaposi's sarcoma).
* Severe weight loss.

Common causes:
The transmission of HIV via:
* Unprotected sexual intercourse, during which there is direct contact with infected body fluids (semen, vaginal fluid or blood). It also facilitates other sexually transmitted diseases or infections of the skin and mucous membranes of the genital viral entry.
* The sharing of injection equipment among drug addicts.
* From an infected mother to her baby during pregnancy, at birth or through breast milk rare.
* By infected blood and blood products (this is in the industrialized countries but today is not dangerous any more). Infection through infected donor tissue or semen from sperm banks are unlikely.

HIV is not transmitted:
* By insect bites.
* Through everyday contact with infected people in work and family life, such as Coughing, touching, hugging or using the same glasses or cutlery, door handles, telephones, towels, toilets, hairdressing scissors.
* In the sauna or swimming pool.

What can you do about HIV - infection prevention?
* Most important protective measure is the use of condoms during sexual intercourse. This is especially true in risky sexual practices (e.g. anal intercourse), at-risk groups and frequently changing sexual partners. One hundred percent protection is also not established, for example, in the case of a leaky condom.
* Drug addicts should be aware of the risk of infection with the common use of syringes and needles.
* Health care professionals and people do, first aid, are all activities that they can bring with infectious body fluids on them, wear gloves.

What can you do if you have HIV - infected?
* A positive test result should be confirmed by at least one more test.
* Seek advice from physician and regularly examined in detail.
* Try to live a healthy life and everything that weakens the body in addition to avoiding (excessive alcohol consumption, smoking, poor diet, etc.).
* Avoid places and behaviors with high risk of infection. Even traveling in tropical countries with an increased risk of illness should be avoided.
* HIV-positive women should be discouraged from getting pregnant because the risk of transmission to the child 15 - 30%.
* Avoid anything that might lead to infection of other people (see prevention).

What your doctor can do?
* The doctor may first perform an HIV test. A special test can detect viral components in the blood within days after infection. Antibodies in the blood may be collected depending on the test 2-3 weeks or 1-2 months after infection. It is therefore important to know, was conducted at which time the type of test. A negative test result after 3-6 months of suspected infection is considered safe. In a positive test result, it is important that the doctor will advise you in detail or to another physician or a counseling center has that can handle the job. In a detailed examination, the doctor can determine how far the disease has progressed and when the time is right for the onset of therapy. An important note here the determination of a type of immune cells in the blood, the so-called T4-helper cells or CD4 cells, the number with progressive disease falls further and further.

* With the modern drugs can also delay the onset of the AIDS stage clear and significant prolongation of life can be achieved. In addition, a therapy hinzielen on maintaining the quality of life of patients. Whether AIDS is curable with the currently available treatments is uncertain. For therapy drugs have been developed that inhibit the multiplication of HIV and protect the infected cells from dying. Standard therapy is now mostly a triple combination of drugs was used, and the patient must adhere to a strict regimen. Some patients have significant side effects. In addition to the therapy against the virus itself are preventive measures against opportunistic pathogens (so) extremely important.

* In exceptional cases, after exposure to HIV viruses (e.g. needle stick injury with infected blood) virus transmission are prevented by the immediate initiation of therapy. Because of the severe side effects of such therapy is, however, a contingency measure.

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HEMATOMA – Bruise.

When has withdrawn from a vessel under the skin blood is called a bruise (hematoma). It is immediately or only after days of a bruise, which later through the different decomposition stages of the blood until yellowish and then brownish. Deeper vessels are injured; the bleeding is visible as a swelling. Due to the pressure exerted the leaked blood on the tissue, can lead to pain. Extensive bleeding can affect the functioning of muscles and joints. Depending on the size and location (eg in the skull or the eye socket), a bruise is also dangerous.

Common causes:
* External agents (contusion, bruise, bump, camber)
* Bleeding disorders caused by diseases or taking certain medications
* Vascular damage (for example, atherosclerosis).

What can you do?
* Most bruises will disappear after a few days by itself
* Immediately after the injury, ice packs or Eis sprays apply or hold the affected area under cold water. A 24 - hour treatment with cold cold wet compresses or ice packs and elevation to keep the bruising to a minimum. Subsequently, heat treatments, for example Thermal baths and mud packs.
* Ointments with heparin or hirudin promote the resolution of the hematoma.
* Ointments containing arnica arnica or envelopes are anti-inflammatory, reduces swelling and pain.
* Preparations with pineapple enzymes to promote healing. Note: Such enzymes may in bleeding disorders not take.

When you need a doctor?
* For very large bruises.
* If you experience severe pain or swelling.
* In particular, strong impact injuries to the head, eyes or bruising of the genitalia.
* Where there is no external influences often bruising.

What your doctor can do?
* For bruises and without intervention to determine the cause.
* Determine how much the injury is and whether there are other injuries.
* Must sometimes bruising open surgery.

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Urinary calculus

Kidney stones result from salts in the renal pelvis or - crystallize in the bladder - rare. Often the stones made of calcium oxalate, uric acid or calcium phosphate; form all substances, the water-insoluble compounds. The stones can be very small (kidney Gries), but also fill the entire renal pelvis. Men are more prone to kidney stones than women. If the stones migrate from the kidney into the ureter can lead to strangulation. Then suddenly violent cramping or stabbing pains occur in the lumbar region of (renal colic). In most cases the pain radiates on the unaffected side. Sometimes they are accompanied by chills, vomiting, urination or blood in the urine. Often the stones are washed out here.

If the stones are too great for walking caused chronic renal pelvic stones. Often such stones cause no symptoms. By continuous stimulation of the renal pelvic mucosa it may cause chronic kidney infections, which can eventually lead to shrinkage of the kidney.

Common causes:
* Disturbances of calcium metabolism.
* Disturbance of uric acid metabolism (see Gout).
* Too little fluid intake.
* Poor diet with too much protein, fat, calcium.
* Chronic urinary tract infections.
* Other diseases that impede urine flow and thus lead to a concentration of the urine.

What can you do?
* You should go at the first sign of urinary stones to the doctor.
* Drink plenty to deposit gravel or kidney stones do not, but may be washed out.
* Herbal drops or pills to take, which promote the flushing of the urinary tract, e.g. with horsetail, birch leaves, rest-harrow.

When you need a doctor?
* At the slightest suspicion of kidney stones or kidney infections, so in kidney pain, renal colic, possibly in conjunction with fever.
* Generally in blood in the urine, although there are of no pain.

What your doctor can do?
* The various studies can determine the location and size of the stones and then initiate appropriate treatment.
* Combination therapy consisting of analgesic, anticonvulsant drugs and flushing, heat, exercise and plenty of fluids put together.
* Uric acid stones can be dissolved with medication (see Gout).
* The stones can be removed with a medical sling, if they are favorable.
* Larger stones can be broken with shock wave treatment (ultrasound).
* In some cases, surgical intervention is necessary.
* The removed stones will be tested for their composition.
* Dietary advice, when analyzed, which consists of salts of the stone.

Prevention:
* Always drink plenty, especially in hot weather, heavy sweating, fever, etc.
* A diet can be useful. Especially, if ever there were stones and their composition was known, the relevant substances in food are largely avoided. For uric acid stones should be high in fat and meat consumption and the consumption of offal should be avoided. For calcium oxalate, it is useful to limit the consumption of milk and milk products (calcium), as well as spinach, rhubarb and tomatoes (oxalate).
* Urinary tract infections are treated accordingly.

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DIABETES - DIABETES MELLITUS

Diabetes mellitus (popularly called diabetes) is the most common metabolic disorder it is estimated that suffer in the West about 6 to 8% of the population in diabetes. Sugar or sugar (glucose) is a carbohydrate and is the main energy supplier of the body. The glucose concentration in blood is normally sober 60-110 mg / dl. With increased energy requirements (such as sports, physical labor), an endogenous control system ensures that these levels do not drop too much. With a greater supply of carbohydrates increases the glucose level temporarily. The reduction in blood glucose levels is caused primarily by insulin. Insulin is a hormone produced in the pancreas (pancreas). It causes the cells to open their gates for sugar. If the pancreas is not able to produce enough insulin or the insulin by changing the cells no longer perform his job, not get glucose into the cells. Thus, the cells suffer from lack of glucose, while the sugar levels in the blood and excess sugar is excreted in the urine.

The following symptoms may occur in diabetes:
* Excessive thirst and large amounts of urine. The excretions of sugar causes always large amounts of water are excreted. The fluid loss leads to dehydration and a strong thirst.
* Depending on the type of diabetes may be weight loss and weakness. The lack of sugar in the cells is offset by the increased degradation of protein and fats, which can lead to weight loss and weakness due to protein deficiency.
* Blurred vision, muscle cramps.
* Tendency to skin, mucous membrane and gum disease and itching.
* Infections, slow healing wounds.
* Decrease in sexual interest and potency. In the worst case it's a diabetic coma with rapid breathing, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, excessive thirst, and finally unconsciousness. The exhaled air smells as a result of increased fat loss by acetone.

The following late complications are to be feared:
* Vascular disease. By increased accumulation of sugars and fatty substances (atherosclerosis) in the small and large vessels leads to arterial disease. There is for example the risk of heart attack, stroke or peripheral arterial disease. A so-called diabetic foot can develop because of circulatory problems or neuropathy (see below).
* Diabetic retinopathy (retinopathy). Because of diabetic vascular disease results in a circulatory disorder of the retina. It can cause bleeding and the formation of new vessels, and finally to the restriction of vision to blindness. In addition, diabetics often suffer from cataracts and glaucoma at.
* Disorders of the nervous system (neuropathy). The nerves are less sensitive to stimuli, which may first be felt in a tingling or burning sensation in hands or feet. Injuries (eg cutting the toes) are not felt and heal poorly. It can develop unnoticed ulcers that destroy tissues and bones.
* Kidney damage caused by changes of the small vessels in the kidney to renal failure and dialysis.
* Impotence in men.

There are two main types of diabetes:
1. Type I diabetes (also known as insulin dependent diabetes or juvenile diabetes called). It depends, usually in childhood or adolescence, the destruction of the insulin-producing cells of the pancreas, until finally no insulin can be more distributed. Reason is a defensive reaction of the organism against the body. Also exists, as a rule, a genetic predisposition. If more than 80 percent of the insulin-producing cells have been destroyed, the diabetes becomes apparent. The patient must make insulin. In this case, insulin requirements must be adapted exactly to the requirements. Importantly, the amount and type of food eaten and physical activity reduces the need for insulin. Through periodic blood or Harnzuckermessungen, the exact need for insulin can be determined. More insulin is supplied as needed, so there may be Unterzuckerungszuständen (hypoglycemia) can occur. These are manifested in hunger, sweating, pallor, mild headache, tremors, heart palpitations or anxiety. With strong hypoglycaemia can lead to real mental disorders (the patient could be considered drunk). In insulin deficiency (hyperglycemia) occur, the symptoms described above.

2. Type II diabetes (formerly called adult onset diabetes). This type of diabetes is much more common than Type I diabetes. Cause is a growing body of insensitivity to insulin. Trigger is usually a permanent increase calories - and glucose intake. The organism reacts to the increased formation of insulin. For a while, the excess glucose can still cost recovered. But at some point, the insulin-producing cells are depleted; their production is no longer enough. In addition, there is a growing change in the cells where the insulin, she seems to be insensitive to the hormone and no longer respond. The vast majority of patients are overweight. Due to our increasingly unhealthy eating and living habits of the patients with type 2 diabetes are younger, are now already many children and young people affected.

A special form of diabetes is gestational diabetes (gestational diabetes). He first appears in pregnancy and usually ends with her. Up to 12 percent of all pregnant women are affected. Causes probably are hormones that are produced mainly in the second half of pregnancy. They cause an increased glucose release from the cells. This in turn stimulates the pancreas to increase insulin production. In response some of the affected pregnant women but the cells no longer sufficient to insulin, in another part of creating the pancreas does not increase production enough. In both cases, results in an excess glucose.

Risk factors for gestational diabetes are:
* Obesity
* Diabetes in the family
* Number of previous miscarriages
* A separate g birth weight of more than 4000
* A child born with already more than 4000 g birth weight

The typical symptoms of diabetes in pregnant women are rarely available, therefore, are -. Especially in high-risk patients - regular checks of blood glucose and, where appropriate, further tests required by the physician to recognize this complication early. If left untreated, threatens a sharp increase in the amniotic fluid and significantly increased growth of the baby, although its development is also delayed. Gestational diabetes is treated the first with a focused, low-fat, high fiber diet. If this conversion is not sufficient, the pregnant women are set to insulin. Blood sugar-lowering drugs in tablet form (see below) are not because of possible hazards to the child appropriate. After birth, the diabetes is usually returns almost always complete. However, the women have become ill after a significantly increased risk in the next 10 years on permanent diabetes. And the risk of gestational diabetes in another pregnancy is 50 percent. Concerned should therefore be checked regularly and after childbirth and medical advice.

What can you do?
* As a diabetic, you should strictly follow your doctor's instructions.
* Check regularly using test strips from a pharmacy in your urine or blood sugar.
* Obese people with diabetes should reduce their excess weight with a low carbohydrate diet. Often go the blood glucose levels and related symptoms after a successful diet significantly or even completely back.
* Under-or normal-weight diabetics (mostly type 1 diabetics) should eat in calories, but sugar-free as possible.
* The food should be spread over at least six small meals a day, since so the insulin can be better utilized.
* Food or drinks that are sweetened with sugar should be avoided. For sweetening, sugar substitutes (fructose, sorbitol, xylitol) or sweeteners (e.g. saccharin) are used. These are also used for the production of diabetic sweets.
* The Alcohol may occasionally dry wines or beers to drink diet. Sweet drinks and normal or non-alcoholic beer should be avoided because of the sugar content.
* Physical activity contributes to the fact that more energy is consumed. It also increases the sensitivity of cells to insulin. Thanks so much movement, the need for drugs or insulin are reduced.
* In special diabetes training you can learn how to deal with the disease.
* To avoid Unterzuckerungszustände (see above), should always be a piece of bread or glucose will be available.

When you need a doctor?
* If you feel a sudden strong feeling thirsty or have other of the above complaints.
* If you are overweight and have diabetes in your family.
* If you get a sugar test, which you e.g. received in a pharmacy, is positive.
* With strong Unterzuckerungszuständen (see above).
* Diabetics should go regularly, at least once a year to the eye doctor.
* Diabetics need for poorly healing wounds (especially in the foot), seek medical attention.

What your doctor can do?
* If the control of blood sugar can find the doctor whether diabetes mellitus is present. Here the limits are in the fasted state at about 120 mg / dl plasma and about an hour after eating at 160-180 mg / dl. For values that are close to that, the doctor can perform a so-called glucose tolerance test. It measures how high blood sugar levels two hours after ingestion of 75g of sugar.
* In obese diabetic patients, the doctor recommends, first, to reduce weight by reducing the blood sugar level.
* In case of unsuccessful dieting can hypoglycemic drugs are prescribed. The so-called sulfonylureas (eg glibenclamide) increase including the release of insulin from the pancreas. Biguanides (eg metformin) improve insulin sensitivity and increase the utilization of the glucose, while inhibiting the uptake and formation of additional glucose. Acarbose delays the degradation of dietary sugar in the intestine, reducing the amount of glucose taken. Glitazone reduces insulin resistance and increases insulin sensitivity.
* Drugs do not have enough control of blood sugar available, so the patient must be treated with insulin. Type I diabetics are directly dependent on a dose of insulin.
* The doctor determined in the recruitment phase with the patient the appropriate and required insulin dosage. This is adapted to the daily conditions (food, exercise, illness, etc.) and checks usually by at least four times daily glucose monitoring. For insulin therapy is now used almost exclusively human insulin. In addition, biosynthetically produced insulin is used. A distinction is insulin, which act very quickly (such as regular insulin), and the custodian or delay insulin at medium or long duration or combinations. The latest development there is even insulin that is injected only once a day, but does all day. Insulin should be stored in the refrigerator. Small quantities for immediate use may be stored outside the refrigerator. The insulin is usually injected into the abdomen or the thigh. The dosage and application, through modern injection systems (pen), which look much like a filler to be easier. There is also the possibility of an insulin pump to your belt or carry in your pocket, set to deliver a needle into the abdominal wall at intervals insulin.
* The doctor performs a series of periodic studies of metabolism (blood, urine, etc.) and the nerves to detect any complications or a poor sugar-setting time.
* The eye doctor regularly examines the back of the eye to detect diabetic retinopathy early and treated, for example with laser. The regular measurement of intraocular pressure to detect a developing glaucoma in time belongs to the diabetic study.

Prevention:
* Do not leave without complaints from and lead to a blood sugar test with a doctor or a pharmacist or even run through a urine sugar test from the pharmacy. Often, just the type II diabetes is detected too late and treated.
* People with hereditary stress can prevent the onset of type II diabetes or at least delay, by:
* Maintain normal weight or overweight reduced.
* Physical exercise.
* Enjoy alcohol in moderation.
* The outbreak of a type I diabetes cannot now be prevented by appropriate prevention.

Prevention of diabetic damages (see above):
* Always ensure optimal control of blood glucose levels. Under-or hypoglycaemia avoided.
* Do not smoke as possible. Smoking aggravates all ischemic diseases.
* Healthy lifestyle with regular exercise and a healthy, balanced diet.
* Diabetics with nerve damage should regularly go to the care of diabetic feet or tend to their own care and protection from any type of injury by appropriate footwear.

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ALCOHOL ABUSE

The alcohol concentration in blood is measured and reported in parts per thousand. It is the blood alcohol concentration depends both on the recorded amount of alcohol and by the same food consumed and on the sex and body weight. Furthermore, the speed with which the body breaks down the recorded alcohol, an important role. Although the alcohol level is subject to supply a specific amount consumed large individual fluctuations and thus are not exactly predictable is, can be formulated but the following rule of thumb: A 70-kg man has for a pint of beer or half a liter of wine a blood alcohol level of about 0.5 per thousand. In general, at this concentration, the critical capacity is already reduced, inhibitions and generally applicable standards are easily overcome. When blood concentrations of 0.5 parts per thousand, the legal limit is reached, the ability to drive, at levels above 2 parts per thousand to develop strong intoxication, which may then with increasing concentration in unconsciousness with respiratory paralysis and death.

occur when alcohol intoxication decreased continue thinking and response, coordination problems in speaking and walking, double vision, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, diarrhea, weakness, muscle cramps, headache, dizziness, weak and rapid pulse and lower temperature. The psychological effects are individual and vary depending on the degree of intoxication, from euphoria, good humor, aggression and self-esteem to inertia, fatigue or depressed mood. Of alcoholism is when someone consumes more than a year, large amounts of alcohol, lost control on alcohol use is adversely affected thereby and has physically, mentally and socially. Long-term physical damage for example severe chronic gastric and pancreatic inflammation, fatty liver and cirrhosis of the liver, brain and nerve damage, blood disorders, eye disorders, tremors, insomnia and impotence. Typical psychological symptoms include personality changes, psychosis and hallucinations.

Common causes of alcohol intoxication:
* Drinking too fast. Alcohol is metabolised in the liver only gradually to acetic acid. For very fast drinking quickly follows a high blood alcohol concentration.
* Over-estimation of alcohol breakdown in the body. Per hour per kilogram of body weight in men only 0.1 grams of alcohol removed, less in women about 15%.
* Drink, without having eaten. With an empty stomach, the alcohol is absorbed faster from the stomach into the bloodstream. Coffee also accelerates the absorption of alcohol into the bloodstream.
* Drinking sweetened alcoholic beverages, eg Cocktails and mulled wine. Sugar accelerates the absorption of alcohol into the bloodstream. Fatty foods slow the other hand, the increase in blood alcohol level.
* Drinking different types of alcohol leads to a faster rush. Of low-quality alcohol is easier to get headaches, not necessarily because of the alcohol, but because of the additives.
* Some people can, heredity, alcohol not degrade as fast as the average, so they are faster intoxicated.
* Women are more vulnerable to alcohol than men ("tolerate less").
* And of course, drink too much! Beer has about 2-6% alcohol, wine and sparkling wine 7-10%, 15-17% dessert wine, liqueurs 30-35%, 45% liquor, rum 40-80%.

What can you do if so.
* Fresh air and cold showers make the blood pumping.
* High heat and heavy physical exertion avoided.
* Some painkillers for headaches, stomach hyperacidity remedy for stomach complaints.
* At the first signs of hunger take light meals.
* No alcoholic beverages, but drink plenty of fluids.

When you need a doctor.
* If you find that you no longer cope without alcohol. If you realize that your alcohol consumption compared with earlier risen significantly. If you drink to forget problems. The occurrence of physical withdrawal symptoms when trying to abstinence. If you recently several times a "blackout" had been so intoxicated so that a memory gap remains.
* If you even have someone help who has an acute alcohol poisoning, protect it from cooling down and bring him to the hospital. They will also carry out Urgent gastric lavage and stabilize circulation and respiration.
* Also a member of an alcoholic or a person who is suspected of alcohol abuse, you can contact a doctor you trust for advice and help! The physician in any event subject to professional secrecy.

Attention.
* Alcohol during pregnancy are at high risk for decreased birth weight and birth defects of the baby.
* Taking psychotropic drugs, sleeping pills or strong painkillers may occur in relation to alcohol effects to changes in the drug and even for small amounts of alcohol poisoning.

Prevention.
* One thing is certain: Alcohol is a stimulant in small amounts. In higher doses it is an intoxicant, and in any case, a cell toxin. The following tips can help keep the alcohol consumption in limits:
* Do not drink to forget problems.
* Drink in the company rather than alone.
* In celebration set in advance a quantity of alcohol that gets you. This will also tell others to help you stick to it. Let us then not "talk" to continue drinking.
* Glasses before the drink refills are only for better control.
* Each party briefly think through the negative experiences with alcohol as long as you are still completely sober.

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RHEUMATIC COMPLAINTS - ARTHRITIS

Rheumatism is a collective term for a variety of diseases of different causes, which often must be treated differently. All rheumatic diseases is one thing in common: They relate to the connective and supporting tissues of the musculoskeletal system and often internal organs (heart, blood vessels, lung, liver, intestine). We distinguish inflammatory or through constant wear and tear (degenerative) related forms of rheumatism. In some forms of rheumatism a so-called autoimmune reaction of the body behind it. One understands that the body itself forms repellents against the body's own protein. Certain antibodies that can be detected in the blood are called rheumatoid factors.

The following are the types of disease:

1. Rheumatism: muscles, ligaments, tendons and bursae are altered painful.
2. Degenerative rheumatic diseases: for example Osteoarthritis. By erosion, there is wear and tear on the joints, these swollen and sore and are restricted in their mobility in the course.
3. Inflammatory forms of rheumatism: rheumatic fever and chronic arthritis. Both diseases are autoimmune diseases, causes inflammation of the joints with pain, swelling and stiffness. Both diseases can also internal organs are affected. Only the soft tissue rheumatism - and only in mild forms of course - is suitable for self-treatment. So here are intended solely for diseases of this area are addressed. When the soft parts is mostly constant pain of varying intensity, the most pronounced in the morning, then weaker, by physical fatigue but occurs immediately. Rheumatism is most common in the shoulder-neck-arm region and, starting from the hip, on the outer side of the thigh. Other conditions include, for rheumatism, are the shoulder-arm syndrome and tennis elbow and bursitis, and tendonitis. These conditions are described under the heading of tendonitis.

Common causes of soft tissue rheumatism:
* Wear.
* Cold.
* Wrong attitude.
* Overuse.
* One-sided stress.
* Tension created by emotional problems or stress.

What can you do.
1. Heat Application:
* Take hot baths rheumatism (temperature at least 35 ° C).
* Mud or mud packs (temperature at least 42 ° C).
* Red light, the hotter the better.

2. Massage:
* Muscle or connective tissue at the physiotherapist.
* Massage with electrical pulses, these devices are available in the pharmacy.

3. Topical medications:
* Effective heat rheumatism albums, e.g. with rosemary, bee venom, capsicum or essential oils. The effect is due to better blood circulation by warming.
* Analgesic, anti-inflammatory rheumatism albums, such as with Arnica, Belladonna, salicylic acid, ibuprofen.
* To improve the circulation albums for heparin-sensitive patients, who feel the thermally active rheumatoid albums as unpleasant.

4. Inside medicine:
* Some painkillers that act the same anti-inflammatory (such as aspirin or ibuprofen). Painkillers may be taken only in the short term, not as a permanent application. Decay of the pain can already contribute significantly to that release tension and cramping.
* Additional internal therapies anti-inflammatory, analgesic and proactively support the other measures: eg Enzyme preparations (enzyme therapy), vitamin B or vitamin E supplements, herbal combinations and homeopathic medicines.

When you need a doctor.
If the symptoms do not subside, or always occur.

What your doctor can do.
* Save the diagnosis, differentiation from other rheumatic diseases. Exclusion of lumbago, sciatica, herniated disc, etc.
* The doctor can develop an appropriate treatment program for you with various forms of therapy (eg physiotherapy stimulation current anti-inflammatory drugs).
* For the pain he can give you an anti-inflammatory pain medication prescribed (eg diclofenac or coxibs), which will help you to move the painful joint that does not occur, additional tension.

Prevention.
* Avoid cold and train in rheumatoid sensitive places.
* For stress brace not possible. Any preventive or rheumatic ailments take a relaxation or relaxation exercises.
* One-sided stress and overuse of sensitive sites prevent rheumatism.
* To reduce weight, to strain the muscles and joints, not in addition.

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CHOLESTEROL - HIGH BLOOD FAT LEVELS

Cholesterol and triglycerides among the lipids (blood fats). Cholesterol is a vital part for building the cells and the formation of hormones and bile acids, on the other hand, may be in a particular way - the so-called LDL-cholesterol deposited in the inner arterial walls and narrowing of the vessels cause. In the prevention of such diseases and their consequences, eg High blood pressure, plays the cholesterol from the diet so important. From the diet, the body of daily 200-800mg cholesterol. Furthermore, the body itself produces about 1000 - 1500mg of cholesterol per day.

With an increased intake of cholesterol from the outside cholesterol deposited in blood vessels and then forms a risk factor for atherosclerosis and thus also for high blood pressure and heart diseases such as heart attack, heart failure.

The cholesterol level is measured in the blood. We speak of a high cholesterol level at a value of 220mg/100ml. High cholesterol levels are not necessarily nutritionally. Hereditary disorders of cholesterol metabolism can lead to increased values. Moreover, the cholesterol level is elevated in pregnancy. Cholesterol is found only in animal products such as in:

* Egg yolks,
* Butter and other animal fats.

Common causes:
* Overweight.
* Among high-fat diet.
* High alcohol consumption.
* Diabetes and other metabolic disorders.
* Hereditary diseases.
* Hypothyroidism.
* Diseases of the liver, biliary tract or kidney.
* Drugs such as birth control pills, cortisone, diuretics.

What can you do.

* Reduction in body weight.
* Diet: consumption of animal fats and egg yolks, reduce take of plant origin, fiber-rich foods. Fish can still be enjoyed.
* If possible, replace animal fats to vegetable fats often (for example, use margarine instead of butter).
* Reinforced unsaturated fatty acids in the diet to absorb cholesterol levels to reduce and improve the flow properties of blood. (For example, safflower oil, olive oil or cold-water fish).
* There in the cold-water fish contain omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid is also available in the form of fish oil capsules for oral use.
* To support dietetic measures at elevated blood lipid levels are also high-dose garlic supplements as a vegetable lipid-lowering effect.
* The herbal substance sitosterol (such as capsules, granules) to reduce the absorption of cholesterol from food.

When you need a doctor.

If you want to have your cholesterol tested by a doctor or if found during a test, was that your value is too high.

What your doctor can do.

If diet, diet and taking herbal supplements are not sufficient, the doctor will continue the treatment with other chemical lipid-lowering agents.

Prevention.
* From about 20 years, you should regularly test their cholesterol levels.
* Exercise regularly and avoid other risk factors for cardiovascular disease such as smoking and obesity.

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More unusual herbal remedies.

Pau D'arco (Tabevulia) is a South American bitter herb which is antibacterial, antifungal and a booster of the immune system. It has traditionally been used to control candida (thrush) and help in the treatment of cancer. It is also used to cleanse the blood, treat liver disease, infections, diabetes, ulcers, allergies and tumours.
Pau D'arco is available as tea bags in many health food shops.

Alternative Health Directory
PoopDoc's Colon Cleanse - Now, an all natural discovery allows you to Cleanse your Colon Effectively

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The amazing Artichoke

The artichoke is elegant and delicious and has been eaten as a vegetable since Roman times, so has long been known for its nutritional value.
Extracts of the leaves and roots were once used to treat arteriosclerosis, jaundice and post-operative anaemia. Artichokes provide a number of vitamins and minerals; they can also stimulate bile evacuation and act as a diuretic. In some cultures the artichoke is considered to be an aphrodisiac.
A study in Germany in 1980 revealed that Artichoke substantially lowered volunteer's blood fats and cholesterol.
Artichokes are traditionally used as a remedy to help the liver, the gallbladder, and digestion.
Other benefits of the Artichoke are it can reduce fluid retention, and may help steady blood sugar levels.

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Boost your immune system against Swine flu

The Swine flu virus will only multiply and lead to disease if the immune system is weak. Most viruses become less aggressive over time because they want to spread and not kill their hosts. Hence the general advice, cover your face when sneezing, and WASH YOUR HANDS. If Swine flu kills its hosts they will die as well.

The following advice will help to strengthen your immune system in preparation for viruses such as Swine flu. You will increase your resistance if you have a good digestive system. Take probiotics daily, available in health food stores in the form of yogurt culture, and also chocolate.

Get plenty of sleep, the body knows how to heal, and it does this best when sleeping. You can increase your resistance to disease 300% if you get enough rest.

Make sure you stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water, this allows the body to flush toxins.

Exercise increases your resistance to disease. It stimulates the cleansing blood flow. Exercise does not have to be strenuous to be beneficial. Science has shown that walking daily is good for your health and well being. Sunshine can also help, as this increases the level of vitamin d within the body.

In a small town called Chirchik, Russia, a flu epidemic swept the town. When many adults and children did not get sick scientists wanted to know why they were immune to the disease. It turns out that all of them used the berries from an herb called Shizandra.

Goldenseal strengthens the immune system, cleanses and detoxifies the body. It has anti bacteria properties.

Astragalus boosts the immune system and generates anticancer cells in the body. It is also a powerful antioxidant and protects the liver from toxins. This makes this plant ideal for people suffering from dark circles due to liver problems and depressed immune system. IMPORTANT: Do not take this herb if fever is present.

Include in the diet chlorella, garlic and pearl barley. These foods contain germanium, a trace element beneficial for the immune system. Also giant red kelp contains iodine, calcium, iron, carotene, protein, riboflavin and vitamin C, which are necessary for the immune system’s functional integrity.

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