Showing posts with label Diseases. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Diseases. Show all posts

Thursday, March 29, 2012

Jaundice: Causes, Symptoms, Treatment & Precaution

Find everything you need to know about Jaundice, including causes, symptoms, treatment and precaution.


Overview
The term jaundice means yellowing. It describes yellow discoloration of the skin. It is also visible especially in the white part of the eye called “sclera” and to some degree on mucus membranes. This is a symptom more than a disease. Jaundice occurs when there is increase in the pigment called “bilirubin” in the blood. Bilirubin is generally a by-product of red blood corpuscles.  So there is yellow discoloration of the skin. It is first noticeable in the sclera of the eye. Another feature that comes with this condition that is very common is “itching”.

Causes
Normally about 1 % of our RBC is replaced by fresh red blood corpuscles. The old ones are processed in the liver and get rid of. The breakdown of the old RBC is released through the stool and faeces but if there are too many RBC to be handled then  yellow pigment builds up in the body, then it becomes visible and this results in yellowing of the eyes, skin ,urine and mucus .There are many other causes in children and adult and may include things like blood incompatibility, certain blood diseases and genetic disorders, infections such as Hepatitis, Cirrhosis of the liver, blockage of the bile duct and other liver disorders. This disease occurs due to infected water. It can happen also due to birth defects and a number of other medical conditions.

Symptoms
As we have seen earlier the first symptom of jaundice is yellowing of the white of the eyes. Patient can have yellow colour inside the mouth, dark or brown- coloured urine, pale or clay coloured stools. When jaundice is more severe, these areas may look brown. Apart from other symptoms it includes nausea, abdominal pain especially in the right side of the stomach, vomiting, loose motion, weight loss, loss of appetite and weakness.

Severe condition of jaundice  can change the white clothes into yellowish  especially the colour of thigh turns more yellow  than any other part of the body.

NOTE: - If the whites of your eyes are not yellow, you may not have jaundice. Your skin can turn a yellow to orange colour if you eat too much beta carotene, the orange pigment in carrot.

Treatment
Different laboratory tests are done to find the causes of jaundice and study the level of Bilirubin. The Jaundice usually disappears as the condition of the liver improves. As we know that Jaundice takes place due to breakdown of RBC, Vitamin E helps to lower the level of bilirubin. Juice made from radish can also be taken. The patient should take sugarcane juice. Unripe papaya is also very helpful to reduce jaundice. Glucose water is also helpful.  The patient should take enough rest during this condition.

Precaution 
  1. People should avoid fast food. The food should be rich in Iron and Vitamin C. People should avoid oily and spicy food. 
  2. Water should be boiled before drinking. 
  3. The person should properly maintain hygiene. 
  4. People should not do any type of hard work in scorching sun. 
  5. Don’t discharge urine at very dirty and unhygienic  places.


Sunday, February 19, 2012

Swine Flu: Causes, Symptoms, Treatment, Prevention

Introduction
One of the worst natural disasters in recorded history swine flu, also known as pig influenza occurs when a virus that lives normally in pigs somehow mutates and changes and becomes available to humans.it is endemic in nature and is common throughout the pig population worldwide. People with regular exposure to pig in any form are at increased risk of infection.

This disease is allegedly triggered by swine flu virus, which is endemic in pigs and through pigs, it jumps to human once the virus gets into the human cells, if they replicate themselves, strict our bodies and explode causing a critical syndrome that we see.

Cause
Caused by influenza family of virus influenza C and subtype of influenza A known as H1N1, H2N2 are responsible for it.

History
There has been outbreak of swine flu. In 1918 (during first world war) and in 1976 resulting in 0.5 million deaths in USA .This disease is earlier identified in April 2009 in Mexico. And causes of this disease about 20 million deaths worldwide. During those time it had struck every major city all over the world .it was probably the worst pandemic the world ever witnessed. Recently in 2008-2009 it broke out in Asian country like Philippines and it prove to be menace.in India some of the cases were reported to be caused by H1N1 virus, which is an unusual mix of genetic sequences.

Symptoms
The symptoms are similar as that of influenza like chills, fever, lethargic, loss of appetite, coughing, running nose, sore throat, vomiting. It can also cause numbness in some part of body.

Treatment
From the time of onset of symptoms to the time when a patient receives, treatment is very critical and could be determined the condition. Ideally a patient should get proper treatment within 48 hours of diagnosis.in some cause people without symptoms could be too feeble to walk. The real danger comes when it start to spread by human to human transmission.

Prevention
Don’t get chilled, keep warm, keep in good healthy and hygienic condition .don’t get tired out, avoid gathering and crowds because such places the chances of transmission of virus is maximum.
There are vaccination programs all over the world for fighting against the disease and government of U.S.A and India and all over countries have made it easily available and accessible to it whole population. The vaccines are easy to take and give a surety that you will remain protected. These should be vaccination program at a large scale to prevent a national and international outbreak of the disease. Always wear face mask, don’t leave your nose exposed.

Public Issue
Swine flu is pretty serious issue. It panics whole nation and creates widespread confusion. Such is the fear of endemic that people fear to live their natural day to day lives .government should have good rescue plans for coping the adverse situation. panick creates a social disorder and life comes to a standstill.

Current Status
On 10 August 2010, the World Health Organization (WHO) declared that the H1N1 influenza pandemic was officially over.

Monday, January 23, 2012

Asthma Symptoms, Cause, Types

Asthma
Asthma is the common chronic inflammatory disorder. It is carry by air variable. It is a disease that causes by the airof the lungs to swell and narrow, leading to wheezing, shortness of breath, chest tightness, and coughing.

Introduction
The airways are tubes that carry air into and out of your lungs. People who have asthma have inflamed airways. Thismakes the airways swollen and very sensitive. They tend to react strongly to
certain inhaled substances.

When the airways react, the muscles around them tighten. This narrows the airways, causing less air to flow into the lungs. The swelling also can worsen, making
the airways even narrower. Cells in  the airways may make more mucus than normal. Mucus is a sticky, thick liquid that can further narrow your airways.

This chain reaction can result in asthma symptoms. Symptoms can happen each time the airways are inflamed.

Signs and symptoms
1. Animals (pet hair)
2. Dust
3.Changes in weather (most often cold weather)
4.Chemicals in the air or in food
5.Exercise
6.Mold
7.Pollen
8.Respiratory infections, such as the common cold
9.Strong emotions (stress)
10.Tobacco smoke

Common symptoms of asthma include wheezing, shortness of breath, chest tightness and coughing, and use of accessory muscle. Symptoms are often worse at night or in the early morning, or in response to exercise or cold air.

Causes of Asthma
In short,  asthma affects people of all ages, but it most often starts during childhood. In the United States, more than 22 million people are known to have asthma. Nearly 6 million of these people are children.

Asthma | Paralysis | kidney stone | Bone cancer | Arthritis Human Hearts | Heart Disease | Bone cancer | Swine flu (H1N1) | Gonorhea | Hepatitis | AIDS

Friday, December 16, 2011

Paralysis - Symptoms, Cause, Treatment

Paralysis 
Paralysis is a disease, it occurs due to loss of muscle function for one or more muscles group. When muscles have lost function or in other words we can say that when a muscle does not work properly, this condition is called Paralysis. Paralysis comes from Greak word. It made from two words Para and lyses. It can occur on one or both sides of your body. It can also occur in just one area, or it can be widespread. Paralysis is mainly often caused by damage in the nervous system, especially the spinal cord. It’s caused by something being wrong with the nerves that activate muscles. Other major causes are stroke, trauma withnerve injury, poliomyelitis, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), botulism, spina bifida, multiple sclerosis, and Guillain-BarrĂ© syndrome. Temporary paralysis occurs during REM sleep, and dysregulation of this system can lead to episodes of waking paralysis. Drugs that interfere with nerve function, such as curare, can also cause paralysis. There are many known causes for paralysis and perhaps more yet to be discovered.

Symptoms of Paralysis
The symptoms of paralysis will depends on different factors such as cause of paralysis, which parts of the body are affected, which parts of the body are not working properly. Paralysis can affect the legs, arms and legs,upper part of the body,lower part of body,right and left side of the body etc. It can present on the right side or the left side of the body, or it may present unilaterally. When paralysis is caused by damage to the brain, speech, behavior, and cognitive ability can also be affected.

Types of Paralysis
Hemiplegia:- When only one side of the body is affected, the condition is known as Hemiplegia. It is total paralysis of the arm, leg, and trunk on the same side of the body.
Diplegia:- Both sides of the body may suffer the effects, leading to diplegia or bilateral hemiplegia.
Paraplegia:- When only the lower limbs are affected by paralysis, is called paraplegia.
Quadriplegia:- When all four limbs are affected, it is called Quadriplegia.

Effects of Paralysis
• Interruption of the normal working of the tissues, glands, and organs
• Constipation
• Hammering of control of urination
• Sexual difficulties
• Abnormal sweating
• Abnormal breathing or heart rate
• Balance problems
• Difficulty thinking
• Behavioral issues
• Difficulty speaking or swallowing
• Vision problems
• Changes to circulation and respiration
• Changes to the kidneys and gastrointestinal system
• Changes to muscles, joints, and bones
• Spasticity of the limbs
• Muscle spasms
• Pressure sores
• Blood clots in the lower limbs
• Feelings of numbness or pain
• Skin injury
• Bacterial infection

Asthma | Paralysis | kidney stone | Bone cancer | Arthritis Human Hearts | Heart Disease | Bone cancer | Swine flu (H1N1) | Gonorhea | Hepatitis | AIDS

Wednesday, December 7, 2011

Kidney Stone - Causes, Symptoms, Types


A kidney stone is known as a renal calculus. Kidney stones are common disease, often occur in premature infants. Kidney stone is a solid mass made up of small crystals.  At the same time there is one or more stones can be found in the kidney or ureter.

Signs and Symptoms 
The hallmark of stones that obstruct the ureter or renal pelvis is excruciating intermittent pain that radiates from the flank to the groin or to the genital area and inner thighThis particular type of pain, known as renal colic, is often described as one of the strongest pain sensations known. Renal colic caused by kidney stones is commonly accompanied by urinary urgency, restlessness, blood in the urine, sweating, nausea and vomiting. It typically comes in waves lasting 20 – 60 minutes caused by peristaltic contractions of the ureter as it attempts to expel the stoneThe embryological link between the urinary tract, the genital system and the gastrointestinal tract is the basis of the radiation of pain to the gonads, as well as the nausea and vomiting that are also common in urolithiasis Postrenal azotemia and hydronephrosis can be observed following the obstruction of urine flow through one or both ureters

There are dissimilar types of kidney stones. Cause of Kidney stones depends on the type of stone.

Cystine stones:  It  can form in people who have cystinuria. This disorder runs in families and affects both men and women. Cystinuria is a condition passed down through families in which stones form in the kidney, ureter, and bladder. Symptoms: Blood in the urine; Flank pain or pain in the side or back usually on one side.

Struvite stones: They are mostly found in women who have a urinary tract infection. These stones can grow very large and can block the kidney, ureter, or bladder. Struvite urinary stones and crystals form readily in the urine of animals and humans that are infected with ammonia-producing organisms. They are potentiated by alkaline urine and high magnesium excretion. They also are potentiated by a specific urinary protein, in domestic cats.

Calcium stones: Calcium is single component of the most common type of human kidney stones, calcium oxalate. Some studies suggest that people who take supplemental calcium have a higher risk of developing kidney stones, and these findings have been used as the basis for setting the recommended daily intake (RDI) for calcium in adults. They are more common in men between ages 20-30. Calcium can combine with other substances, such as oxalate phosphate, or carbonate to form the stone. Oxalate is present in certain foods such as spinach. It is also found in vitamin C supplements. Diseases of the small intestine increase your risk of these stones.
.
Symptoms of Kidney Stone:
You may not have symptoms until the stones move down the tubes through which urine empties into your bladder. When this happens, the stones can block the flow of urine out of the kidneys.
·  Blood in the urine, Fever,  vomiting , Abnormal urine color
·  The main symptom is severe pain that starts suddenly and may go away suddenly:
·  Pain may be felt in the belly area or side of the back
·  Pain may move to groin area or testicles

Tuesday, December 6, 2011

Bone cancer

Cancers are founded in bones are called Bone cancers. It can be discovered in bones in a number of different circumstances. When cancer is located in the bones, it is important to identify whether this cancer has spread from another site to the bones or whether the cancer originated in the bone tissue itself. This distinction is important not only for the sake of correct terminology, but also to accurately determine which treatment options are appropriate.

We know that there are more than 100 types of cancer, and each cancer type is named for the tissue in which it begins. When cancer cells spread, they may travel via the lymphatic channels to lymph nodes, or they may enter the bloodstream and travel to other organs or locations in the body that are distant from the site of the original, or primary, tumor. It is not unusual for cancers that originate in other parts of the body to spread to the bones and begin growing there.

Certain types of cancers are particularly likely to spread to the bones. Cancers that commonly metastasize, or spread, to the bones include breast cancer, lung cancer, thyroid cancer, prostate cancer, and cancers of the kidney. It is important to note that when these other types of cancer spread to the bone, but they are named by the tissue or organ where they arose. Breast cancer spread due to bone but it is called Breast cancer not bone cancer.

In contrast to cancers which have spread to the bone, true bone cancers are tumors that arise from the tissues of the bones. These cancers, called primary bone cancers, are quite rare in comparison to cancers that have spread to the bones.  The bone cancer affects over two thousand people in the United States every year. It is found most in the bones of the arms and legs, but it can occur in any bone. Children and young people are more likely than adults to develop bone cancer.

Symptoms of Bone Cancer
1. It tend to develop slowly

2. It is depend on the type, location, and size of the tumor.

3. Pain is the most frequent symptom of bone cancer, but sometimes a lump on the bone can be felt through the skin.

Treatment of Bone Cancer:
The  treatment of bone cancer depend upon the size, location, stage of the cancer, age and health conditions of the patient. The treatment for bone cancer includes various methods such as surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy and cryosurgery.
 
Radiation Therapy: It involves the usage of high energy X-rays to destroy the cancerous cells. This treatment option may be used along with surgery.

Cryosurgery: This is a type of treatment which involves usage of liquid nitrogen to freeze and destroy cancerous cells.

Surgery: it is the one of the most common method of treatment for bone cancer. This surgery is performed in order to remove the entire tumour inside the bone with negative margins. The surgeon aims at removing the tumour with minimizing the removal of the healthy tissues.

Cause of Bone Cancer: While bone cancer does not have a clearly defined cause, researchers have identified several factors that increase the possibility of developing these tumors. A small number of bone cancers are due to heredity.

Arthritis - Symptoms,Cause, Treatment


What is Arthritis?

The word arthritis comes from the Greek word called Greekarthron.  It maens  "joint"  Arthritis affects the musculoskeletal system, specifically the joints. It is the main cause of disability among people over fifty-five years of age in industrialized countries. 

Arthritis is a type of joint disorder that involves inflammation of one or more joints.
Osteoarthritis is the most common form, Osteoarthritis is a result of trauma to the joint, infection of the joint, or age. Other arthritis forms are rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis, and related autoimmune diseases. Septic arthritis is caused by joint infection.

The major complaint by individuals who have arthritis is joint pain. Pain is often a constant and may be localized to the joint affected. The pain from arthritis occurs due to inflammation that occurs around the joint, damage to the joint from disease, daily wear and tear of joint, muscle strains caused by forceful movements against stiff, painful joints and fatigue.

Symptoms

The common symptoms of arthritis disorders include varied levels of pain, swelling, joint stiffness and sometimes a constant ache around the joint. Arthritic disorders like lupus and rheumatoid can also affect other organs in the body with a variety of symptoms.

  • Muscle weakness
  • Loss of flexibility
  • Decreased aerobic fitness
  • Inability to use the hand or walk
  • Malaise and a feeling of tiredness
  • Fever
  • Weight loss
  • Poor sleep
  • Muscle aches and pains
  • Tenderness
  •  Difficulty moving the joint

Causes

Cartilage is breakdown due to Arthritis. Cartilage usually protects a joint, allowing it to move smoothly. Cartilage also absorbs shock when pressure is placed on the joint, such as when you walk. Without the normal amount of cartilage, the bones rub together, causing pain, swelling (inflammation), and stiffness.
Joint inflammation may result from:
·                                 An autoimmune disease (the body's immune system mistakenly attacks healthy tissue)
·                                 Broken bone
·                                 General "wear and tear" on joints
·                                 Infection, usually by bacteria or virus



Types of arthritis
There are more than 100 different forms of arthritis

  1. Rheumatoid arthritis - this is an inflammatory form of arthritis. The synovial membrane is attacked, resulting in swelling and pain. If left untreated the arthritis can lead to deformity. Rheumatoid arthritis is significantly more common in women than men and generally strikes when the patient is aged between 40 and 60. However, children and much older people may also be affected.
  2. Juvenile rheumatoid arthritis - It means arthritis that affects a person aged above15 or less. JRA can be various forms of arthritis; it basically means that a child has it.

  1. Infectious Arthritis - It is an infection in the synovial fluid and tissues of a joint. It is typically caused by bacteria, but could also be caused by fungi or viruses. Bacteria, fungi or viruses may spread through the bloodstream from infected tissue nearby, and infect a joint. Most susceptible people are those who already have some form of arthritis and develop an infection that travels in the bloodstream.

  1. Osteoarthritis - Osteoarthritis cartilage loses its elasticity. If the cartilage is stiff it becomes damaged more easily. It acts as a shock absorber, will gradually wear away in some areas. When cartilage becomes damaged tendons and ligaments become stretched, causing pain. Finally the bones may rub against each other causing very severe pain.

  1. Ankylosing spondylitis
  2. Gonococcal arthritis
  3. Gout
  4. Juvenile rheumatoid arthritis (in children)
  5. Other bacterial infections (nongonococcal bacterial arthritis)
  6. Psoriatic arthritis
  7. Reactive arthritis (Reiter syndrome)
  8. Rheumatoid arthritis (in adults)
  9. Scleroderma
  10. Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE)

Disability

Arthritis is the most common cause of disability in the USA. More than 20 million individuals with arthritis have severe limitations in function on a daily basis. Absenteeism and frequent visits to the physician are common in individuals who have arthritis. Arthritis makes it very difficult for individuals to be physically active and many become home bound. Each year, arthritis results in approx one million hospitalizations and close to 45 million outpatient visits to health care centers

Arthritis can make it very difficult for the individual to remain physically active, contributing to an increased risk of obesity, high cholesterol or have heart disease. Individuals with arthritis are also at increased risk of depression which may be related to fear of worsening symptoms.
Diagnosis

Treatment

There is no cure for either rheumatoid or osteoarthritis. Treatment options vary depending on the type of arthritis and include physical therapy, lifestyle changes (including exercise and weight control), orthopedic bracing and medications. Joint replacement surgery may be required in eroding forms of arthritis. Medications can help reduce inflammation in the joint which decreases pain. Moreover, by decreasing inflammation, the joint damage may be slowed.

Physical Therapy

In common, studies have shown that physical exercise of the affected joint can have noticeable improvement in terms of long-term pain relief. Furthermore, exercise of the arthritic joint is encouraged to maintain the health of the particular joint and the overall body of the person.

Individuals with arthritis can benefit from both physical and occupational therapy. In arthritis the joints become stiff and the range of movement can be limited. Physical therapy has been shown to significantly improve function, decrease pain, and delay need for surgical intervention in advanced cases. Exercise prescribed by a physical therapist has been shown to be more effective than medications in treating osteoarthritis of the knee. Exercise often focuses on improving muscle strength, endurance and flexibility. In some cases, exercises may be designed to train balance. Occupational therapy can teach you how to reduce stress on your joint from daily living activities. Occupation therapy can also teach you how to modify your home and work environment so that you do reduce movements that may worsen your arthritis. There are also assist devices available that can help you drive, getting a bath, dressing and also in housekeeping labors.

Medications

Treatment typically begins with medications that have the fewest side effects with further medications being added if insufficiently effective. Treatment depends on the type of the arthritis. The first-line treatment for osteoarthritis is acetaminophen while for inflammatory arthritis it involves non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs like ibuprofen.

Know more Link

Thursday, May 26, 2011

Heart Disease - Cause And Symptoms

What is heart disease?

The heart and blood vessels aren't working properly due to affecting a variety of diseases is called
Heart disease. It is also called cardiovascular disease, mainly affects older people and that people they having problems with the heart and blood vessels.

Symptoms of Heart Disease

Stroke: Due to a clot or a burst blood vessel part of the brain doesn't get enough blood.
Arteriosclerosis: It is also called hardening of the arteries, When arteries become thickened and are no longer as flexible is called arteriosclerosis.
Heart attack: Blood flow to a part of the heart due to blood clot or other blockage cuts.
Atherosclerosis: Arteries narrower because of a buildup of cholesterol and fat so less blood can flow through. Those buildups are called plaque.
Angina: people have angina feel a pain in the chest. When heart isn't getting enough blood.

Friday, January 14, 2011

Bone cancer - Definition, Types, Causes & Treatment

What is bone cancer?
Bone cancer is a malignant (cancerous) tumor that begin in bone tissue are called primary bone cancer. Tumor destroys normal bone tissue. Not all bone tumors are malignant. Benign (noncancerous) bone tumors are more common than malignant. Both malignant and benign bone tumors may grow and compress healthy bone tissue, but benign tumors do not spread, do not destroy bone tissue, and are rarely a threat to life.

Malignant tumors Cancer that metastasizes(spreads)to the bones from other parts of the body, such as the breast, lung, or prostate, is called metastatic cancer, and is named for the organ or tissue in which it began. Primary bone cancer is far less common than cancer that spreads to the bones.

Types of bone cancer
1)Primary and secondary bone cancer: A primary bone cancer is starts in the bones. A secondary cancer in the bones has spread from one part to another in the body.

2)Osteosarcoma: Osteosarcoma is a primary bone cancer are arises from osteoid tissue in the bone. This tumor take place most often in the knee and upper arm .

3)Chondrosarcoma: This is most often diagnosed in middle age and is usually slow growing. It begins in cartilaginous tissue.. Chondrosarcoma starts most often in the pelvis. Sometimes a chondrosarcoma contains cancerous bone cells.

4)Ewing’s Sarcoma Family of Tumors (ESFTs): This bone cancer is most often diagnosed in teenagers which usually occur in bone but may also arise in soft tissue (muscle, fat, fibrous tissue, blood vessels).

Causes of bone cancer
While bone cancer does not have a clearly defined cause, researchers have identified several factors that increase the possibility of developing these tumors. A small number of bone cancers are due to heredity. For example, children who have had hereditary retinoblastoma (an uncommon cancer of the eye) are at a higher risk of developing osteosarcoma, particularly if they are treated with radiation.

1.Osteosarcomais the most common primary malignant bone cancer. Osteosarcoma occurs more frequently in people who have had high-dose external radiation therapy or treatment with certain anticancer drugs; children seem to be particularly susceptible.

2.Ewing's sarcoma is the most aggressive bone tumor and affects younger people between 4-15 years of age.

3.Malignant fibrous histiocytoma(MFH) affects the soft tissues, including muscle, ligaments, tendons, and fat. It is the most common soft-tissue malignancy in later adult life, usually occurring in people 50-60 years of age.

4.Chordoma is a very rare tumor with an average survival of about six years after diagnosis. It occurs in adults over 30 years of age
Symptoms of bone cancer
The most common symptom of bone cancer is Pain, but not each and every one bone cancers cause pain determined or unusual pain or swelling in or near a bone can be caused by cancer or by other conditions

How often does bone cancer occur?
Primary bone cancer is rare. It accounts for much less than 1 percent of all cancers. About 2,300 new cases of primary bone cancer are diagnosed in the United States each year (5). Different types of bone cancer are more likely to occur in certain populations
Osteosarcoma occurs most commonly between ages 10 and 19. However, people over age 40 who have other conditions, such as Paget disease (a benign condition characterized by abnormal development of new bone cells), are at increased risk of developing this cancer.

Chondrosarcoma occurs mainly in older adults (over age 40). The risk increases with advancing age. This disease rarely occurs in children and adolescents

ESFTsoccur most often in children and adolescents under 19 years of age. Boys are affected more often than girls. These tumors are extremely rare in African American children.

How is bone cancer diagnosed?
To help diagnose bone cancer, the doctor asks about the patient’s personal and family medical history.

•X-rays- which can show the location, size, and shape of a bone tumor. If x-rays suggest that an abnormal area may be cancer, the doctor is likely to recommend special imaging tests.

A bone scan, which is a test in which a small amount of radioactive material is injected into a blood vessel and travels through the bloodstream; it then collects in the bones and is detected by a scanner.

A computed tomography CT or CAT) scan, which is a series of detailed pictures of areas inside the body, taken from different angles, that are created by a computer linked to an x-ray machine.

A magnetic resonance imaging(MRI) procedure, which uses a powerful magnet linked to a computer to create detailed pictures of areas inside the body without using x-rays.

A positron emission tomography (PET) scan:in which a small amount of radioactive glucose (sugar) is injected into a vein, and a scanner is used to make detailed, computerized pictures of areas inside the body where the glucose is used. Because cancer cells often use more glucose than normal cells, the pictures can be used to find cancer cells in the body.

An angiogram which is an x-ray of blood vessels.

Biopsy(removal of a tissue sample from the bone tumor) to determine whether cancer is present. The surgeon may perform a needle biopsy or an incisional biopsy..

Blood tests to determine the level of an enzyme called alkaline phosphatase. A large amount of this enzyme is present in the blood when the cells that form bone tissue are very active—when children are growing, when a broken bone is mending, or when a disease or tumor causes production of abnormal bone tissue.

Treatment of bone cancer
Treatment of bone cancer is depend on type, size, location, and stage of the cancer, as well as the person’s age and general health. Treatment options for bone cancer such as surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and cryosurgery.

Surgery is the usual treatment for bone cancer. The surgeon removes the entire tumor with negative margins (no cancer cells are found at the edge or border of the tissue removed during surgery). The surgeon may also use special surgical techniques to minimize the amount of healthy tissue removed with the tumor.


Chemotherapy is the use of anticancer drugs to kill cancer cells. Patients who have bone cancer usually receive a combination of anticancer drugs. However, chemotherapy is not currently used to treat chondrosarcoma (1).

Radiation therapy also called radiotherapy, involves the use of high-energy x-rays to kill cancer cells. This treatment may be used in combination with surgery. It is often used to treat chondrosarcoma, which cannot be treated with chemotherapy, as well as ESFTs (1). It may also be used for patients who refuse surgery.

Cryosurgery is the use of liquid nitrogen to freeze and kill cancer cells. This technique can sometimes be used instead of conventional surgery to destroy the tumor.

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Monday, January 3, 2011

Gonorhea - Symptoms, Causes, Treatment and Prevention

Gonorhea
Gonorrhea is a bacterial infection, that not only infects the genital but also non-genital orifices. Gonorrhea spreads in the reproductive system, and also via the bloodstream and infects other body parts.

Symptoms of Gonorhea
Over 50% of infected women have no symptoms, especially in the early stages of the infection. Symptoms are similar in men and women, a few are distinct to their gender. Men experience painful urination and heavy secretions, while women have abnormal bleeding and little discharge. Untreated gonorrhea increases the risk of pelvic inflammatory diseases and infertility-related conditions.

Symptoms in men:-
• Yellow, green, or white discharge from the penis
• Testicular swelling and/or pain
• Burning during urination

Symptoms in women:-
• Yellow, green, or white vaginal discharge
• Pain or burning during urination
• Pain in the pelvic region
• Conjunctivitis (pink-eye)
• Irregular bleeding (between periods)
• Vulvitis (swelling of the vulva)
• Spotting after intercourse

Cause of Gonorrhea:-
Gonorrhea is caused by the growth and propagation of the bacteria Neisseria gonorrhoeae. The disease can survive in the eye, rectum, mouth, penis, throat, or vagina. This means that it can be transmitted through any variety of sexual contact.

Who is the most effected from  Gonorrhea ?
Any sexually active person can become infected with gonorrhea. Rates of infection are maximum among youth and young adults between the ages of 15 and 29. Those who have been diagnosed with and treated for gonorrhea in the past have no resistance to the bacteria.

Diagnosis of Gonorrhea
Testing for gonorrhea is done by swabbing the infected site (rectum, throat, cervix) and identifying the bacteria in the laboratory either through culturing of the material from the swab (growing the bacteria) or identification of the genetic material from the bacteria. Newer tests to diagnose gonorrhea involve the use of DNA probes or amplification techniques (for example, polymerase chain reaction, or PCR) to identify the genetic material of the bacteria. These tests are more expensive than cultures but typically yield more rapid results.

Treatment of Gonorrhea
In the past, the treatment of uncomplicated gonorrhea was fairly simple. A single injection of penicillin cured almost every infected person.Uncomplicated gonococcal infections of the cervix, urethra, and rectum, are usually treated by a single injection of ceftriaxone intramuscularly or by 400mg of cefixime (Suprax) in a single oral dose. For uncomplicated gonococcal infections of the pharynx, the recommended treatment is 125 mg of ceftriaxone in a single IM dose.

Alternative regimens for uncomplicated gonococcal infections of the cervix, urethra, and rectum are 2 g of spectinomycin in nonpregnant women (not available in the United States) in a single IM dose or single doses of cephalosporins (ceftizoxime, 500 mg IM; or cefoxitin, 2 g IM, administered with probenecid (Benemid), 1 g orally; or cefotaxime, 500 mg IM).

It is important to note that doxycycline, one of the recommended drugs for treatment of PID, is not recommended for use in pregnant women.

Prevention of Gonorrhea Disese:-
Gonorrhea is one of the easier STDs to prevent because the bacterium that causes the infection can survive only under certain conditions. The use of condoms protects against gonorrhea infection. Since the organism can live in the throat, condoms should be used during oral-genital contact as well.

Wednesday, December 29, 2010

Hepatitis - Def., Types, Causes, Symptoms, Treatment & Prevention

Hepatitis is derived from latin word meaning inflamed liver. Hepatitis means inflammation (itis) of the liver (hepar), an irritation or swelling of the liver cells.

What is hepatitis?
Def:- An inflammation of the liver caused by certain viruses and other factors such as alcohol abuse, some medications and trauma. Although many cases of hepatitis are not a serious threat to health, the disease can become chronic and can sometimes lead to liver failure and death
What Are the Different Types of Hepatitis?

Types of Hepatitis
There are 5 types of hepatitis -
1. Hepatitis A
2. Hepatitis B
3. Hepatitis C
4. Hepatitis D
5. Hepatitis E

1) Hepatitis A
It is caused by eating food and drinking water infected with a virus called HAV. It can also be caused by anal-oral contact during sex. While it can cause swelling and inflammation in the liver, it doesn't lead to chronic, or life long, disease. Almost everyone who gets hepatitis A has a full recovery.

Symptoms of hepatitis A
• A short, mild, flu-like illness;
• nausea, vomiting and diarrhoea;
• loss of appetite;
• weight loss;
• jaundice (yellow skin and whites of eyes, darker yellow urine and pale faeces);
• itchy skin;
• abdominal pain.

Treatment for hepatitis A
There is no specific treatment for HAV and most people fight off the virus naturally, returning to full health within a couple of months. The doctor will advise avoiding alcohol and fatty foods as these can be hard for the liver to process and may exacerbate the inflammation.


2) Hepatitis B
Hepatitis B is a potentially life-threatening liver infection caused by the hepatitis B virus.It is spread by contact with an infected person's blood, semen, or other body fluid. And, it is a sexually transmitted disease (STD).

Key factors of Hepatitis B
• Hepatitis B is a viral infection that attacks the liver and can cause both acute and chronic disease.
• The virus is transmitted through contact with the blood or other body fluids of an infected person - not through casual contact.
• About 2 billion people worldwide have been infected with the virus and about 350 million live with chronic infection. An estimated 600 000 persons die each year due to the acute or chronic consequences of hepatitis B.
• About 25% of adults who become chronically infected during childhood later die from liver cancer or cirrhosis (scarring of the liver) caused by the chronic infection.
• The hepatitis B virus is 50 to 100 times more infectious than HIV.
• Hepatitis B virus is an important occupational hazard for health workers.
• Hepatitis B is preventable with a safe and effective vaccine.

Hepatitis B Transmission and Causes
• Having unprotected sex (not using a condom) with an infected person.
• Sharing drug needles (for illegal drugs like heroin and cocaine or legal drugs like vitamins and steroids).
• Getting a tattoo or body piercing with dirty (unsterile) needles and tools that were used on someone else.
• Getting pricked with a needle that has infected blood on it (health care workers can get hepatitis B this way).
• Sharing a toothbrush, razor, or other personal items with an infected person.
• An infected woman can give hepatitis B to her baby at birth or through her breast milk.
• Through a bite from another person.

You cannot get hepatitis B from the following activities:
• Having someone sneeze or cough on you
• Hugging someone
• Handshaking a persons hand
• Breastfeeding your child
• Eating food or drinking water
• Casual contact

Symptoms of hepatitis B
• A short, mild, flu-like illness;
• nausea, vomiting and diarrhoea;
• loss of appetite;
• weight loss;
• jaundice (yellow skin and whites of eyes, darker yellow urine and pale faeces);
• itchy skin.

If a person lives with hepatitis B infection for a number of years then they may develop the following complications:

• chronic hepatitis
• liver cirrhosis
• liver cancer

Treatment
There is no specific treatment for acute hepatitis B. Care is aimed at maintaining comfort and adequate nutritional balance, including replacement of fluids that are lost from vomiting and diarrhoea.

Acute hepatitis B usually resolves on its own and does not require medical treatment. If very severe, symptoms such as vomiting or diarrhea are present, the affected person may require treatment to restore fluids and electrolytes.

Self-Care at Home
The goals of self-care are to relieve symptoms and prevent worsening of the disease.
• Drink plenty of fluids and water to prevent dehydration. Although, broth, sports drinks, gelatin, frozen ice treats (such as Popsicles), and fruit juices may be better because they also provide calories.
• Ask your physician before taking any medications, even those that are over-the-counter. Some medications depend on the liver, and liver damage may impair the body's ability to metabolize these drugs
• Avoid drinking alcohol until your health care practitioner allows it. Individuals with chronic HBV should avoid alcohol for the rest of their lives.
• Try to eat a diet that provides adequate nutrition
• Avoid prolonged, vigorous exercise until symptoms start to improve.
• Call your health care practitioner for advice if your condition worsens or new symptoms appear.
• Avoid any activity that may spread the infection to other people (sexual intercourse, sharing needles, etc).

Hepatitis B Vaccine
There is a vaccine against the hepatitis B virus (Engerix-B, Recombivax HB). It is safe and works well to prevent the disease. A total of 3 doses of the vaccine are given over several months.

The following groups should be vaccinated for hepatitis B:

• All children younger than 19 years, including all newborns - especially those born to mothers who are infected with HBV
• All health care and public safety workers who may be exposed to blood
• People who have hemophilia or other blood clotting disorders and receive transfusions of human clotting factors
• People who have end-stage renal disease including those who require hem dialysis for kidney disease
• Travelers to countries where HBV infection is common. This includes most areas of Africa, Southeast Asia, China and Central Asia, Eastern Europe, the Middle East, the Pacific Islands, and the Amazon River basin of South America.
• People who are in prison
• People who live or work in residential facilities for developmentally disabled persons
• People who inject illegal drugs
• People with chronic liver disease such as hepatitis C
• People who have multiple sex partners or have ever had a sexually transmitted disease
• Men who have sex with men
• Persons with HIV
• People who have a sexual partner who is an HBV carrier.
• Household contacts of persons who are carriers of HBV.
• Anyone who wants to be vaccinated, regardless of risk factors.

Prevention of hepatitis B
There are components to preventing hepatitis B:
1. Prevention of transmission of the virus
2. Immunisation
3. Know the HBV status of any sexual partner
4. Use a new latex or polyurethane condom every time you have sex.
5. Stop using illicit drugs.
6. Be cautious about body piercing and tattooing.
7. Ask about the hepatitis B vaccine before you travel.

3) Hepatitis C
It is an infectious disease affecting the liver, caused by the hepatitis C virus (HCV).[1] The infection is often asymptomatic, but once established, chronic infection can progress to scarring of the liver (fibrosis), and advanced scarring (cirrhosis) which is generally apparent after many years. In some cases, those with cirrhosis will go on to develop liver failure or other complications of cirrhosis, including liver cancer[1] or life threatening esophageal varices and gastric varices.

Cause:- hepatitis C virus (HCV)
• The hepatitis C virus is transmitted mainly by contact with blood or blood products
• Sex with an HCV- infected person (an inefficient means of transmission)
• Sharing personal items contaminated with infectious blood, such as razors or toothbrushes (also inefficient vectors of transmission)
• Other healthcare procedures that involve invasive procedures, such as injections
• Sharing drug products via insufflations

Less common causes of HCV transmission:-
• From mother to infant at the time of childbirth
• Through sexual intercourse with an infected person: Having multiple sex partners is a risk factor.
• Needle sticks with HCV-contaminated blood: This is mostly seen in health care workers. The risk of developing HCV infection after a needle stick is about 5-10%

Symptoms of hepatitis C
Although hepatitis C damages the liver, 80% of people with the disease do not have symptoms. In those who do,symptoms may not appear for10-20 years, or even longer. Unfortunately, by the time symptoms appear, the damage may be very serious.

1. Acute
Acute hepatitis C refers to the first 6 months after infection with HCV. Between 60% and 70% of people infected develop no symptoms during the acute phase. A minority of people have symptoms during the early acute phase of the infection. These symptoms typically develop 5-12 weeks after exposure to HCV.

The symptoms may last a few weeks or months.
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Loss of appetite
• Fatigue
• Pain over the liver (on the right side of the abdomen, just under the rib cage)
• Jaundice - A condition in which the skin and the whites of the eyes turn yellow
• Dark-colored urine (may look like cola or tea)
• Stoolsbecome pale in color (grayish or clay colored)

2. Prolonged nausea and vomiting can cause dehydration. If you have been vomiting repeatedly, you may notice the following symptoms:
• Fatigue or weakness
• Confusion or difficulty concentrating
• Headache
• Not urinating
• Irritability

3. Chronic
Chronic hepatitis C is defined as infection with the hepatitis C virus persisting for more than six months. Once chronic hepatitis C has progressed to cirrhosis, signs and symptoms may appear that are generally caused by either decreased liver function or increased pressure in the liver circulation, a condition known as portal hypertension. Possible signs and symptoms of liver cirrhosis include ascites (accumulation of fluid in the abdomen), bruising and bleeding tendency, varices (enlarged veins, especially in the stomach and esophagus), jaundice, and a syndrome of cognitive impairment known as hepatic encephalopathy. Hepatic encephalopathy is due to the accumulation of ammonia and other substances normally cleared by a healthy liver.
Factors that have been reported to influence the rate of HCV disease progression include age (increasing age associated with more rapid progression), gender (males have more rapid disease progression than females), alcohol consumption (associated with an increased rate of disease progression), HIV coinfection (associated with a markedly increased rate of disease progression), and fatty liver (the presence of fat in liver cells has been associated with an increased rate of disease progression)

Symptoms of cirrhosisinclude the following:
* Fluid retention causing swelling of the belly (ascites), legs, or whole body
* Persistent jaundice
* Fatigue
* Disturbances in sleeping
* Itchy skin
* Loss of appetite, weight loss, wasting
* Vomiting with blood in the vomit
* Mental disturbances such as confusion, lethargy, extreme sleepiness, or hallucinations (hepatic encephalopathy)

Hepatitis C - Treatment

1. Self-Care at Home

If you have symptoms, these measures will help you feel better faster.
• Take it easy; get plenty of rest.
• Drink plenty of fluids to prevent dehydration.
• Do not drink alcohol of any kind, including beer, wine, and hard liquor.
• Avoid medicines and substances that can cause harm to the liver such as acetaminophen (Tylenol) and other preparations that contain acetaminophen.
• Avoid prolonged, vigorous exercise until symptoms start to improve.

2. Medical Treatment

• Decisions to start medications for treatment of hepatitis C are usually made in consultation with a gastroenterologist or liver specialist (hepatologist).
• The decision is based on the results of lab tests of liver function, on results of tests for HCV and liver biopsy, and on the person's age and general medical condition.

3. Surgery

4. Medications (interferon and ribavirin)

Current treatment is a combination of pegylated interferon-alpha-2a or pegylated interferon-alpha-2b (brand names Pegasys or PEG-Intron) and the antiviral drug ribavirin for a period of 24 or 48 weeks, depending on hepatitis C virus genotype

Special factors affecting patients
1.Host factors
2 Viral factors
3 Depression during therapy
4 Additional recommendations and alternative therapies

Prevention
• Injection drug use (currently the most common means of HCV transmission in the United States)
• Receipt of donated blood, blood products, and organs (once a common means of transmission, but now rare in the United States since blood screening became available in 1992)
• Needle stick injuries in healthcare settings
• Birth to an HCV-infected mother

4. Hepatitis D
It is caused by the virus HDV. You can only get hepatitis D if you are already infected with hepatitis B. It is spread through contact with infected blood, dirty needles that have HDV on them, and unprotected sex (not using a condom) with a person infected with HDV. Hepatitis D causes swelling of the liver.

5. Hepatitis E
It is caused by the virus HEV. You get hepatitis E by drinking water infected with the virus. This type of hepatitis doesn't often occur in the U.S. It causes swelling of the liver, but no long-term damage. It can also be spread through oral-anal contact.

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Tuesday, December 28, 2010

Aids - Symptoms, Causes,Treatment, Prevention & More

Aids:- Aids is acronym of Acquired immune deficiency syndrome

Aids was identified in the early 1980s, an unprecedented number of people have been affected by the global AIDS epidemic. Today, there are an estimated 33.3 million people living with HIV and AIDS worldwide.

What is AIDS?
• Aids is a disease of the human immune system caused by the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV).

• AIDS is a medical condition. A person is diagnosed with AIDS when their immune system is too weak to fight off infections.

What are causes of AIDS?
AIDS is caused by HIV. AIDS is the ultimate clinical consequence of infection with HIV. HIV is a retrovirus that primarily infects vital organs of the human immune system such as CD4+ T cells, macrophages and dendritic cells. HIV is a virus that slowly attacks immune system cells. As HIV progressively damages these cells, the body becomes more vulnerable to infections, which it will have difficulty in fighting off. It is at the point of very advanced HIV infection that a person is said to have AIDS. It can be years before HIV has damaged the immune system enough for AIDS to develop.

Symptoms of AIDS
The symptoms of AIDS are primarily the result of conditions that do not normally develop in individuals with healthy immune systems. Most of these conditions are infections caused by bacteria, viruses, fungi and parasites that are normally controlled by the elements of the immune system that HIV damages.

A person is diagnosed with AIDS when they have developed an AIDS related condition or symptom, called an opportunistic infection, or an AIDS related cancer. The infections are called ‘opportunistic’ because they take advantage of the opportunity offered by a weakened immune system. Opportunistic infections are common in people with AIDS.These infections affect nearly every organ system.

It is possible for someone to be diagnosed with AIDS even if they have not developed an opportunistic infection. AIDS can be diagnosed when the number of immune system cells (CD4 cells) in the blood of an HIV positive person drops below a certain level.

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
United States federal agency is a Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (or CDC) under the Department of Health and Human Services based in Atlanta. It works to protect public health and safety by providing information to enhance health decisions, and it promotes health through partnerships with state health departments and other organizations. The CDC focuses national attention on developing and applying disease prevention and control (especially infectious diseases), environmental health, occupational safety and health, health promotion, injury prevention and education activities designed to improve the health of the people of the United States.

HIV test
The different types of HIV test:-

1. HIV antibody test
HIV antibody tests are the most appropriate test for routine diagnosis of HIV among adults. Antibody tests are inexpensive and very accurate. The ELISA antibody test (enzyme-linked immunoabsorbent) also known as EIA (enzyme immunoassay) was the first HIV test to be widely used.
How do antibody tests work?

When a person is infected with HIV, their body responds by producing special proteins that fight infection, called antibodies. An HIV antibody test looks for these antibodies in blood, saliva or urine. If antibodies to HIV are detected, it means a person has been infected with HIV. There are only two exceptions to this rule:

• Babies born to HIV infected mothers retain their mother's antibodies for up to 18 months, which means they may test positive on an HIV antibody test, even if they are actually HIV negative. Normally babies who are born to HIV positive mothers receive a PCR test (see below) after birth.

• Some people who have taken part in HIV vaccine trials may have HIV antibodies even if they are not infected with the virus.

2. Window period
The window period (the time between initial infection and the development of detectable antibodies against the infection) can vary since it can take 3–6 months to seroconvert and to test positive. Detection of the virus using polymerase chain reaction (PCR) during the window period is possible, and evidence suggests that an infection may often be detected earlier than when using a fourth generation EIA screening test.

3. Rapid HIV tests
Rapid HIV tests are tested by the same technology as ELISA tests, but instead of sending the sample to a laboratory to be analysed, the rapid test can produce results within 20 minutes. Rapid tests can use either a blood sample or oral fluids. It is easy to use and do not require laboratory facilities.

All positive results from a rapid test must be followed up with a confirmatory test, the results of which can take from a few days to a few weeks.

4. PCR test
Polymerase Chain Reaction test can detect the genetic material of HIV rather than the antibodies to the virus, and so can identify HIV in the blood within two or three weeks of infection. The test is also known as a viral load test and HIV NAAT (nucleic acid amplification testing).

Babies born to HIV positive mothers are usually tested using a PCR test because they retain their mother's antibodies for several months, making an antibody test inaccurate. Blood supplies in most developed countries are screened for HIV using PCR tests. However, they are not often used to test for HIV in individuals, as they are very expensive and more complicated to administer and interpret than a standard antibody test.

5. Antigen test (P24 test)
Antigens are the substances found on a foreign body or germ that trigger the production of antibodies in the body. The antigen on HIV that most commonly provokes an antibody response is the protein P24. Early in HIV infection, P24 is produced in excess and can be detected in the blood serum (although as HIV becomes fully established in the body it will fade to undetectable levels).

6. Fourth generation tests
During June 2010, the FDA approved the first fourth generation test in the United StatesIn the UK, fourth generation tests are the primary recommendation for HIV testing among individuals, but are not offered by all testing sites
Some of the most modern HIV tests combine P24 antigen tests with standard antibody tests to reduce the ‘diagnostic window’. Testing for antibodies and P24 antigen simultaneously has the advantage of enabling earlier and more accurate HIV detection.

6.HIV home sampling and HIV home testing

Home sampling
With a home sampling kit, a person can take a sample (usually a blood sample) and send it to a laboratory for testing. They can phone up for the results a few days later. If the result is positive then a professional counsellor will provide emotional support and referrals. The main advantages of home sampling are convenience, speed, privacy and anonymity.

There is one company in the USA that offers an FDA-approved home sampling kit for HIV.3 Many home sampling kits that have not been approved by the FDA are being marketed online.

There is also a company in the UK that offers home sampling services using oral fluid instead of blood.5 If a person’s test result is positive they will need a follow up blood-test at a clinic.

Home testing
A home self-test involves a person conducting a rapid antibody HIV test in their home. The person takes either a blood or saliva sample and can interpret the result within minutes. A positive result will require a further confirmatory blood-test in a clinic.

In many countries it is illegal to sell HIV test kits to the public. If a test is purchased over the internet, there is no guarantee that the test kit is genuine or will provide accurate results.

WHO - staging system of HIV
In 1990, the World Health Organization (WHO) grouped these infections and conditions together by introducing a staging system for patients infected with

HIV-1Stage I: HIV infection is asymptomatic and not categorized as AIDS.

• Stage II: includes minor mucocutaneous manifestations and recurrent upper respiratory tract infections

• Stage III: includes unexplained chronic diarrhea for longer than a month, severe bacterial infections and pulmonary tuberculosis.

• Stage IV: includes toxoplasmosis of the brain, candidiasis of the esophagus, trachea, bronchi or lungs and Kaposi's sarcoma; these diseases are indicators of AIDS.

Prevention
The three main transmission routes of HIV are sexual contact, exposure to infected body fluids or tissues, and from mother to fetus or child during perinatal period.

1.Sexual contact
The majority of HIV infections are acquired through unprotected sexual relations between partners, one of whom has HIV. During a sexual act, only male or female condoms can reduce the risk of infection with HIV and other STDs.

2.Body fluid exposure
Frequent and thorough washing of the skin immediately after being contaminated with blood or other bodily fluids can reduce the chance of infection. Finally, sharp objects like needles, scalpels and glass, are carefully disposed of to prevent needlestick injuries with contaminated items.

3 Mother-to-child
HIV-infected mothers should avoid breast-feeding their infant. However, if this is not the case, exclusive breast-feeding is recommended during the first months of life and discontinued as soon as possible.

4 Education
One way to change risky behavior is health education. Several studies have shown the positive impact of education and health literacy on cautious sex behavior. Education works only if it leads to higher health literacy and general cognitive ability. This ability is relevant to understand the relationship between own risky behavior and possible outcomes like HIV-transmission .More research on the actual implementation of sex-education programmes (such as teacher training, access to related services through schools and the community, or parental attitudes to HIV and AIDS education) and more longitudinal studies on the deeper complexities of the relationship between education and HIV.

Infection rates are rising, indicating that HIV prevention is just as important now as it ever has been. Prevention efforts that have proved to be effective need to be scaled-up and treatment targets reached.

How is AIDS treated?
Antiretroviral treatment can prolong the time between HIV infection and the onset of AIDS. Modern combination therapy is highly effective and someone with HIV who is taking treatment could live for the rest of their life without developing AIDS.

An AIDS diagnosis does not necessarily equate to a death sentence. Many people can still benefit from starting antiretroviral therapy even once they have developed an AIDS defining illness. Better treatment and prevention for opportunistic infections have also helped to improve the quality and length of life for those diagnosed with AIDS.

Cure for AIDS
Prevention is better than cure.Many people think there is a 'cure' for AIDS - which makes them feel safer, and perhaps take risks that they otherwise wouldn't. However, there is still no cure for AIDS. The only way to stay safe is to be aware of how HIV is transmitted and how to prevent HIV infection.

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