Pulmonary embolism is a condition which happens suddenly and is often life threatening if not attended to. It occurs when blood clots, most commonly, air bubbles lumps of fat from the marrow of long fractured bones or amniotic fluid. This blocks blood supply to areas that are provided by the artery and leads to the death of lung tissue. This is called a pulmonary infarct and is irreversible. Depending on the area that is involved the lung capacity may be drastically reduced.
Blood clots are, generally migrated from legs where these are usually formed. Blood generally does not clot in the body. However, when the circulation becomes very slow and stagnant, they may get formed. There are other factors too that are involved. Pulmonary embolism generally presents the symptoms like shortness of breath and chest pain aggravated by exertion but not relieved by rest, bluishness of lips and skin, cyanosis, cough with blood or blood streaked sputum and dizziness. Other symptoms are rapid or irregular heart rate and copious sweating. In severe cases, the patient may lose consciousness or have a swollen and painful leg.
The general approach to treatment is to dissolve the clot and establish blood circulation. Towards this, anti coagulants like heparin are given. With some overlapping oral anti coagulants are also given. While these medicines would prevent further clot formation the body would dissolve the clot. Modern anti coagulants are fast acting and possibly avoid usage of heparin.
Standard body mechanisms will not allow blood to coagulate when in circulation. However, stagnating circulation especially in the legs and the condition of the lining of the veins and certain deficiencies in the blood would allow coagulation to happen. Long flights like, transatlantic in crowded seating arrangements should slow down the circulation the lower extremities to stagnation encouraging clot formation. Similarly, long bread rest as in certain fractures, heart attacks and major surgeries like knee replacements are other situations that promote coagulation of blood within the body.
It is important that general public is aware of symptoms and consequences of pulmonary embolism so that symptoms are recognized for what they are and getting medical attention in time to avoid a catastrophe.
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4 common causes that lead to eczema
Read moreEczema can occur at any age or in any weather condition. It is mostly seen in children. This skin disorder is diagnosed by the appearance of red and itchy skin.
About eczema
Atopic dermatitis is a common form of eczema. It is a long-lasting skin disorder that can be controlled by regularly moisturizing the affected areas and by avoiding any harsh soap. A doctor might prescribe eczema medications, which can reduce the irritability and redness to a great extent.Eczema treatment options
Eczema medications, however, might reduce the symptoms but the condition may persist. Even after all these years of research, doctors have not been able to come up with any permanent solution for eczema.A few common causes of eczema
There has again been no solid explanation for this particular disease. There can be many possible causes for eczema, such as the following:- A healthy skin always retains moisture and stays moisturized and soft, but in the case of eczema, the skin is unable to retain moisture and thus reacts to certain triggers.
- The causes of eczema can be hereditary too. It is seen that children with parents who have a history of atopic dermatitis are most likely to be susceptible to eczema.
- Eczema medications will not be effective if a sibling or a person who already has eczema is in close contact with the child who has eczema. Thus another cause of eczema is not close contact but genes.
- In some children, the occurrence of repeated food allergies can also be a serious cause for eczema.
It is necessary to detect eczema symptoms in the early stages and consult a doctor about eczema medications as soon as possible. The rapid itchy sensation can result in scratching of the area that may turn scaly. This can worsen the condition of the skin.
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Things you should know about stage four melanoma
Read moreStage four melanoma refers to the advanced stage of skin cancer. In this condition, the disease spreads from the skin and affects other organs like the lungs.
Diagnosis for skin melanomaThe diagnosis for this kind of skin cancer includes the following tests:
1. Blood tests to determine the blood count and functioning of the liver
2. Ultrasound and imaging scans to determine the spread of cancer
3. A biopsy would be needed for examination
4. Various cancer specialists would conduct meetings to further understand the severity of the diseaseSymptoms of stage four skin cancer
The first sign of skin cancer is a change in color of the skin or a mole. However, this sign is not universal for all the patients. Many cancer specialists first look at the primary tumor and observe whether it has spread to other organs as well. When skin cancer spreads to the lymph nodes, these may become matted or clumped. These lymph nodes appear hard when they are pressed by your doctor.
Size of the tumor
Typically, the size of the stage four melanoma is thicker; its size is approximately 4 millimeters. The size of the tumor may, however, vary from person to person. Research has revealed that the size of the tumor may shrink upon treatment but it may still metastasize.
Tumor ulcerationStage four skin cancers may accompany skin ulceration as well. This means that portions of the skin may be broken. This rupture in the skin may begin from Stage 1 onwards. If you have a stage four melanoma, then the skin may or may not display ulcerations. Patients that have stage 4 melanoma along with having tumor ulcerations do not have high chances of survival, according to the American Cancer Society.
Self-examination
You can check yourself if you have skin cancer or not. The most obvious symptoms are;
• Change in the colour of the mole (s)
• When the shape of the mole is asymmetric
• When the colour of the mole changes its shape over a period
• Melanomas are usually the size of an eraser
• They also have uneven bordersSpreading of melanoma
In stage 3, the cancer spreads to lymph nodes or the skin around the primary tumor lymph nodes. In stage 4 melanoma, the tumor spreads to areas beyond the lymph nodes like the internal organs. In this stage, the melanoma may spread to the following organs;
• Liver
• brain
• bones
• Stomach or abdomenThe symptoms may vary depending upon the area where the cancer has spread. If the area where it has spread is the brain, then the patient may experience long-term headache. In case the area is the lungs then the symptoms may include cough and breathlessness. If you have been treated for stage 3 melanoma and are experiencing new pains, aches etc then you must consult a cancer specialist.
Treatment of this stage of cancer includes radiotherapy, chemotherapy, surgery, immunotherapy or targeted therapy.