September 16th, 2008
Carpal tunnel syndrome occurs when the median nerve, which runs from the forearm into the hand, becomes pressed or squeezed at the wrist. The median nerve controls sensations to the palm side of the thumb and fingers (although not the little finger), as well as impulses to some small muscles in the hand that allow the fingers and thumb to move. The carpal tunnel is a narrow, rigid passageway of ligament and bones at the base of the hand that houses the median nerve and tendons. Sometimes, thickening from irritated tendons or other swelling narrows the tunnel and causes the median nerve to be compressed.
The initial treatment of carpal tunnel syndrome generally involves resting the affected hand and wrist for at least 2 weeks, avoiding activities that may worsen symptoms, and immobilizing the wrist in a splint to avoid further damage from twisting or bending. If there is inflammation, applying cool packs can help reduce swelling.
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September 13th, 2008
Celiac disease is an autoimmune disorder passed down through families. When a person with celiac disease eats or drinks anything containing wheat, barley, rye, or sometimes oats (including medications), the immune system responds by damaging the lining of the intestinal tract. This damage affects the body’s ability to absorb nutrients.
Upon diagnosis, it is very important that you receive counseling from a registered dietitian with a specialty in celiac disease and the gluten-free diet. A dietitian with this specialty will provide contact information for local and national organizations, local and national food companies and stores where gluten-free products can be purchased, and will share important resources that explain your disease and treatment.
A dietitian is also uniquely qualified to provide counseling on associated conditions that commonly accompany celiac disease (such as diabetes, lactose intolerance, weight loss or gain, or vitamin/mineral deficiency).
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September 10th, 2008
Lupus is a type of immune system disorder known as an autoimmune disease. In autoimmune diseases, the body harms its own healthy cells and tissues leading to inflammation and damage of various body tissues. The symptoms of lupus can be controlled with appropriate treatment, and most people with the disease can lead active, healthy lives.
As lupus erythematosus is a chronic disease with no known cure, treatment is restricted to dealing with the symptoms. Essentially, this involves preventing flares and reducing their severity and duration when they occur. There are several means of preventing and dealing with flares, including drugs, alternative medicine, and lifestyle changes. Due to the variety of symptoms and organ system involvement with lupus patients, the severity of the SLE in a particular patient must be assessed in order to successfully treat SLE. Mild or remittent disease can sometimes be safely left untreated. If required, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and antimalarials may be used.
Tags: lupus, options, treatment
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August 27th, 2008
Lyme disease is a condition with diverse symptoms that can mimic other disorders. Information on the cause, diagnosis, symptoms, prevention, and treatment of Lyme disease. Infectious arthritis can be a secondary consequence of Lyme disease, a disorder caused by a bacterial infection transmitted by a tick.
Antibiotics are the primary treatment for Lyme disease; the most appropriate antibiotic treatment depends upon the patient and the stage of the disease. The antibiotics of choice are doxycycline (in adults), amoxicillin (in children), and ceftriaxone. Alternative choices are cefuroxime and cefotaxime. Macrolide antibiotics have limited efficacy when used alone. Physicians who treat chronic Lyme disease have noted that combining a macrolide antibiotic such as clarithromycin (biaxin) with hydroxychloroquine (plaquenil) is especially effective in treatment of chronic Lyme disease.
Tags: disease, lyme, treatment
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