Hydrocele

Collection of fluid in the tunica vaginalis of the testis is called hydrocele. The fluid may also get collected within the spermatic cord. The word hydrocele means "a sac of water". It is a most common condition seen in 1% of the male adult population. It is a benign swelling that is usually painless. Hydrocele may be acute or chronic.

Acute hydrocele may occur in association with acute infection of the epididymis or as a result of local injury or due to any systemic infectious disease like mumps. The cause of chronic hydrocele is still unknown. Hydrocele can be present both in children as well as in older men. In children, it is usually due to patent processus vaginalis and in adults it may be because of any tumor, inflammation or trauma. Tumor, inflammation or trauma may increase the production of serous fluid which results in hydrocele. Hydrocele can occur due to decreased reabsorption of serous fluid by the lymphatics or the venous system which may be associated with conditions like inguinal hernia.

The affected person is initially asymptomatic, but later may present with complaints like scrotal swelling or mass that is large, increasing in size, uncomfortable and embarrassing. The symptoms vary and are directly related to the causes mentioned above. That is, if the person comes with hydrocele giving a history of recent trauma, he may have symptoms like pain and swelling. If the hydrocele is caused due to an infection, he may present with the symptoms like urge to urinate, pain or discomfort during urination and increased frequency in urination.

Diagnosis is made by considering the history and giving a physical examination of the patient. Hydrocele may sometimes be misunderstood for hernia which can be differentiated by a procedure called transillumination. Hydrocele transmits light when transilluminated while hernia does not. Treatment is not necessary unless the hydrocele becomes very painful or affects circulation. There are various treatments available for hydrocele. They are fine needle aspiration, needle aspiration with injection of sclerosing agent and surgical removal.

Fine needle aspiration is a simple surgical procedure that is relatively painless. A fine needle is inserted and the fluid is withdrawn. The problem with this procedure is that there are high chances for the fluid to reaccumulate. Aspiration with injection of sclerosing agent and surgical removal has good results. In the surgical removal of the hydrocele, an incision is made in the wall of the scrotum down to the enlarged tunica vaginalis. The sac is opened and the content is removed followed by suturing the them together to collapse the wall.

After the surgery the person is instructed to wear tight underwear or an athletic supporter for support and comfort. Pain killers are administered for a week after the surgery. Daily change of dressings as an out patient may be necessary to avoid infections. The major complication after this surgery is formation of hematoma in the loose scrotal tissues.

Thus hydrocele is just collection of fluids and it is not something to be embarrassed about. If you have any of the symptoms mentioned above, get in touch with your doctor and get treated at the early stage.

Swine flu party

Swine flu was the talk of the world affecting millions in 2009. It first emerged in 1918 and people had very little idea of what exactly it was. Between 1918 and 2010, the investigations on this infectious disease had become very serious and various truths have been identified. Swine flu is also called as swine influenza or pig flu or hog flu. It has different strains namely H1N1, H1N2, H2N3, H3N1, H3N2 and H4N6. The most common among them that infected North America was theH1N1 strain.

It is still a query whether this disease spread from pigs to humans or from humans to pigs because both were affected with the same kind of virus and fell sick at the same time. However, this disease can spread between pigs, from pigs to human, between humans, from pigs to birds and from birds to pigs. Though spread of infection from pigs to humans are rare, being close with pigs (working in a pig farm, or even visiting a pig farm) can cause the disease because they are airborne. It also spreads by eating pork (pig meat) that is not properly treated for the disease and not properly cooked.

The elderly and the young children easily fall prey to this disease. The pandemic outbreak of this infectious disease in 2009 also suggests that those who had supressed immunity like pregnant women, diabetics, leukemia were highly affected . The symptoms of swine flu are fever, chills, sore throat, cough, tiredness, body pain, head ache and in some cases diarrhea and vomiting is also noted.

Swine flu party is a party organized between the normal people and the people affected with swine flu for the unaffected people to get infected with the swine flu virus to produce immunity. The doctors and the government think having a swine flu party is not a good idea due to various reasons like

1. There is no complete idea about the disease and the doctors and scientists worry that getting infection this way might produce more virulent viruses that may be hard to treat than getting an immunity.

2. Not everyone who gets infected with this virus will get immunity but they might even suffer the consequences of the disease. The 'consequences' means not just getting mild symptoms, it might even result in death.

3. As the vaccines are just being prepared there won't be enough vaccines to treat everyone who is affected with the disease.

4. There will not be enough medical professionals to take care of the people if everyone is affected. This kind of parties will not only spread the infection to the ones who desire to have it but also spread to those who don't desire it.

5. At the end, there will not be a stop to this infection. Not only the human race but every living species will die of this infectious disease.

It is always good to get an immunity naturally. Getting immunity by disease is okay if it comes to you on its own where you have family members and medical professionals are there to take care of you. Never invite a disease because you won't know where it will take you. Swine flu can be easily prevented so why take risks unnecessarily.

Diagnosing skin diseases and treating them

There are many skin diseases diagnosed in this recent world. These skin disease are heart breaking because they are obvious to other's eyes and make you feel embarrassed. They may be annoying, serious and deadly causing disfigurement. Some of the top skin diseases are acne, dermatitis, psoriasis, herpes, skin cancer, warts impetigo, scabies, burns, boils and lyme disease.

DIAGNOSING THE TOP SKIN DISEASES:

The diagnosis is completely based on assessment and tests, and it differs for each disease. History of the client plays an important role in diagnosing a particular disease.
1. Exposure to chemical and environmental pollutants.
2. Exposure to radiation.
3. Exposure to sun.
4. Lack of personal hygiene habits.
5. Use of heavy cosmetics and harsh soaps.
6. Long term medications like corticosteroids or anti-coagulants.
7. Nutritional deficiencies.
8. Emotional stress.

DIAGNOSTIC TESTS INCLUDE:

1. Skin biopsy: A small piece of skin tissue is collected for histopathologic study.
2. Skin culture: A small skin sample is sent to identify the existance and growth of any organism.
3. Wood's light examination: Skin is viewed under ultra violet rays through woods glass for any superficial infections.
4. Skin testing: An allergen is administered to the surface or into the dermis.
5. Anti-nuclear antiboby blood tests.

Looking for the change in color, size or shape of lesion; itching, soreness, pain, swelling, redness and warmth, burning, paresthesia and the specific body area affected will give an idea about the disease.

WHAT TO DO IF YOU HAVE ONE:

1. When you notice any abnormal lesion report immediately to your doctor.
2. Do not panic about the diagnosis instead take the treatment as early as you can.
3. Take medication and undergo treatment continuously. Do not discontinue treatment on your own which is very fatal.
4. If the disease is caused due to exposure to chemical or radiation (occupational hazard) then try to change your job.
5. Meet a psychologist and identify ways to reduce your stress.
6. Take adequate measures to prevent spread of infection to others.
7. Take protective isolation measures to avoid getting infection.
8. Wear appropriate clothing.

Never feel isolated from friends and family, they are there to help you. Involve in work that improves your self esteem. Keep in mind the change in body image is usually temporary.

Lemon and its uses

Lemons are common citrus fruits grown in many of our gardens in hot climates though available to those countries who do not grow them as well. Little is known by many about the health benefits of this wonderful fruit though in this article, I shall attempt to tell you of its qualities, and perhaps help you to find more uses for a fruit whose treasure hides behind a solid yellow skin.

Health benefits of lemons:

Lemon being a citrus fruit, fights against infection. It helps in production of WBC's and antibodies in blood which attacks the invading micro organism and prevent infection. Lemon is an antioxidant which deactivates the free radicals preventing many dangerous diseases like stroke, cardiovascular diseases and cancers. Lemon lowers blood pressure and increases the levels of HDL (good cholesterol). Lemon is found to be anti-carcinogenic which lower the rates of colon, prostate, and breast cancer. They prevent faulty metabolism in the cell, which can predispose a cell to becoming carcinogenic. Also blocks the formation of nitrosamines in the gut. These are pretty impressive qualities when you think of how available this fruit is.

The health benefits of Lemon Juice:

Lemon juice is said to give a glow to the skin. A few drops of lemon juice in hot water is believed to clear the digestive syatem and purify liver as well. Applying lemon juice to acne dries the existing ones and prevents from getting more. Lemon juice acts as a natural hair lightner and skin bleach which reduces the pigment melanin and prevents the risk of chemical allergic reactions which is common with hair dyes and bleaches. Lemon juice is also given to relieve gingivitis, stomatitis, and inflammation of the tongue. Lemon juice is given to prevent common cold. Lemon juice is given to prevent or treat urinary tract infection and gonorrhoea. Lemon juice is applied to the sites of bites and stings of certain insects to relieve its poison and pain.
Lemon juice relieves colic pain and gastric problems.

Not only these but the following also apply and show what a wonder lemons are in culinary use:

Lemon juice soothes the dry skin when applied with little glygerine. Lemon juice used for marinating seafood or meat kills bacteria and other organisms present in them, thereby prevents many gastro-intestinal tract infections. Lemon juice with a pinch of salt (warm) every morning lowers cholesterol levels and bring down your weight. Lemon juice is the best drink to prevent dehydration and shock in case of diarrhoea. Lemon juice can also be used as a mouthwash. It removes plaque, whitens the teeth and strengthens the enamel. A table spoon on thick lemon syrup everyday relieves asthma.

And what about common illnesses and aging ?

Lemon juice relieves chilblains and itchy skin. Gargling lemon juice relieves throat infection and also used as a treatment for diptheria. Lemon juice is an excellent treatment for dandruff and greasy hair. Lemon applies over the face removes wrinkles and keeps you young. Lemon juice helps to prevent and cure osteoarthritis.

And don't forget the skin.

The skin of lemon dried under the sun and then ground to make powder can be applied to the hair for a few minutes before bath which relieves head ache and cools the body.

Lemon is not usually allergic or toxic to many, so why don't you try its natural benefits first and then go on to medical treatment. It may surprise you that God provided a yellow fruit, and that all this goodness hides behind an innocent looking part of nature that we all take for granted.