8 Types of Fractures

1. Closed fracture – It is called a closed fracture because the bone breaks without causing an open wound in the skin.
2. Open fracture – It is the total opposite of the closed fracture. Aside from the fracture itself, there is a visible open wound, which increases the possibility of a deep bone infection.
3. Transverse fracture – A bone fracture that comes at a right angle to the axis of the bone.
4. Oblique fractures – It is characterized by the breakage of the bones in a curved or sloped pattern.
5. Greenstick fracture – It is also called an incomplete fracture. The bone bends but not completely broken. This type of fracture commonly happens in children.
6. Comminuted fracture – This is one of the worst types of bone fractures characterized by bones broken down into several pieces.
7. Stress fracture – There is really no actual break in the bones. What the person has is only a hairline fracture.
8. Buckled fractures – A fracture is called a buckled type if the end of the bone drives into each other. (1, 2, 3, 4, and 5)

Aside from the eight types of bone features mentioned above, there are other kinds of fracture and these are displaced and non-displaced fracture. How can you tell if a person has a displaced or non-displaced fracture?

A non-displaced fracture takes place if the bone breaks only in one spot and stays aligned. On the other hand, a displaced fracture is when the bone snaps into several pieces and cannot be aligned.

What causes a non-displaced fracture?

A greater force or pressure causes a non-displaced fracture. The force is strong enough for the bone to bear. The force is not only intense but occurs suddenly. Some of the incidents or situations that cause a non-displaced fracture includes the following:

• Fall
• Sports-related injury
• Direct strike on the body
• Overuse of the body
• Traumatic incidents such as vehicular accident and/or gunshot wound (3, 4, and 5)

What are the clinical manifestations of non-displaced fracture?

• The patient complains of severe pain
• There is obvious bruising and swelling on the site.
• The injured site has some sort of skin discoloration.
• The patient finds it difficult to move the affected area. In fact, applying even the lightest weight seems difficult.
• The injury site looks clammy, pale, and a bit angulated. (4, 5, and 6)

How to diagnose a non-displaced fracture?

To confirm the diagnosis of a non-displaced fracture, the doctor will perform several tests which include the following:

• Physical examination – The examining physician will ask a few questions to the patient so as to establish how the injury took place. After which, the doctor feels the affected area to find out the probability of non-displaced fracture or other types of fracture. The doctor uses both visual and mechanical approach to thoroughly assess the fracture.
• Diagnostic imaging studies – The doctor will also order imaging studies such as x-ray, CT scan, and/or MRI. (5, 6, and 7)

Who are at risk for non-displaced fracture?

• Those who have less bone density.
• Elderly and people with osteoporosis.
• Those with endocrine and intestinal disorders.
• Those who have a physical inactivity.
• Those who have vice such as excessive alcohol intake and smoking tobacco. (6, 7, and 8)

What are the possible complications of non-displaced fracture?

• vascular injury
• nerve injury
• fracture blister
• compartment syndrome
• visceral injury
• wound infection
• osteomyelitis
• avascular necrosis
• joint stiffness (8, 9)

Treatment for a non-displaced fracture?

Treating a non-displaced fracture can be done in many different ways. However, the treatment approach primarily depends on the severity and extent of fracture. How long does a non-displaced fracture take to heal? It all depends on the extent and severity of fracture as well as the treatment approach used.

• Pain management approach – One of the primary goals is to alleviate pain and inflammation the soonest time possible. The doctor will give pain medication so as to reduce the swelling and alleviate pain.
• Immobilization – depending on the extent and severity of the injury, the patient needs to be put on a cast or a splint until such time the bone is completely healed.
• Continuous monitoring – In some instances, the fracture could begin as a non-displaced fracture but later on progressed into a displaced fracture. Which is why it is important to continuously monitor the condition of the fracture to detect if it is progressing or getting worst.
• Physical therapy – If the fracture is severe, the patient should undergo a physical therapy to regain normal muscle strength.
• Casting – A medical cast made of plaster or fiberglass is put onto the injured site to immobilize the bones. The patient may need traction support too so as to stretch the muscles and tendons around the detached bone.

The goal of non-displaced fracture treatment is to put the detached bone back into the normal position and allow it to heal so as to facilitate the formation of new bone around the edge to connect to the detached parts. (1, 4, 6, 9, and 10)

Home remedies for non-displaced fracture

A broken bone needs to be treated the soonest time possible. The patient should be immediately brought to the nearest hospital, especially if the patient is unresponsive, not moving, bleeding heavily, or not breathing.

If there is no hospital nearby, a first-aid remedy should be given. However, if there is no one nearby who knows how to administer first-aid, then it is best to keep the patient still to prevent further injury. If there is someone nearby who knows how to administer first aid, then the following measures should be given to the patient.

• Apply pressure near the wound to prevent further bleeding. When putting pressure, it is best to use a sterile bandage. If there is no sterile bandage, a perfect alterative is a clean cloth.
• Make sure that the injured site should be immobilized. Do not attempt to realign the bone, especially if you don’t have knowledge and experience doing so. If you have a medical or emergency health background, you might want to try putting a splint above and below the injury site. Make sure you put a padding into the splint to reduce the degree of discomfort.
• Swelling can be reduced by applying cold compress on the injured site. Ice cubes should be wrapped in a clean towel or a piece of cloth and apply on the skin. Do not place the ice cubes directly onto the skin.
• If the person is unresponsive and is breathing hard, then the patient should be treated for trauma. Elevate the legs of the patient and place the patient in a position where the head is a bit lower than other body parts. (1, 5, 8, and 9)

How long does it take a non-displaced fracture to heal?

The time needed for a non-displaced fracture to heal completely is dependent on various factors such as the severity and extent of injury and the type of treatment approach used by the doctor. The body’s response to a particular treatment is also another thing to be considered. Therefore, the recovery period varies from one person to another. (6, 9, and 10)

Can you prevent a non-displaced fracture?

Fractures can be prevented by not engaging in activities that could compromise your bone structure. However, accidents happen the moment you least expect it to happen. The best thing you can do is to protect your bones through the following ways:

• Exercise daily
• Eat healthy, especially foods rich in vitamin D and calcium.

When to see your doctor?

An orthopedic trauma specialist is the doctor responsible for the treatment of bone fracture. However, not all broken bones require an orthopedic trauma specialist. Research shows that a fracture of all types heal better and have a superior functional outcome when attended to by an orthopedic trauma specialist.

A non-displaced fracture bone may take several weeks or even longer to heal completely. The length of recovery period has something to do with the type of fracture, location, and severity. The recovery rate is also affected by other existing injuries or medical conditions. For the patient to recover completely from a non-displaced fracture, he/she should strictly follow the doctor’s advice. Once the healing is complete, the patient will be pain-free and will be able to move the fractured site with ease and comfort. (2, 4, 7, 9, and 10)

References

1. https://www.webmd.com
2. https://en.wikipedia.org
3. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
4. https://www.md-health.com
5. https://www.hxbenefit.com
6. https://www.epainassist.com
7. https://www.inverse.com
8. https://my.clevelandclinic.org
9. https://childrens.bswhealth.com
10. https://www.medhealthdaily.com

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Ulcerative Colitis is a bowel disease that affects the colon or large intestine. It is also known as IBD (Inflammatory Bowel Disease) and incorporates a set of diseases affecting the gastrointestinal tract. It develops when the large intestine and rectum get inflamed resulting in tiny sores or ulcers on the colon lining. It starts in the rectum and spreads upwards involving the entire colon.

Inflammation induces bowel to move rapidly and discharge its contents quickly. Bowel lining has surface cells which die to form ulcers that release pus, mucus and also bleeding. It affects all ages, but mostly people between 15-35 age groups are diagnosed. UC have similar symptoms like irritable bowel syndrome and Crohn’s disease.

Difference between Ulcerative Colitis and Crohn’s disease

• Ulcerative Colitis: UC is limited to rectum and colon. It is a continuous pattern with intestine lining and inflammation. Patients can experience a relapse next year.
• Crohn’s disease: It can develop everywhere in GI tract between mouth and anus. It appears in patches that might extend through the thickness of the bowel wall. Patients will have minimum one relapse in next five years.

Causes

UC is a result of immune system failing to defend a bacteria or virus from inflaming intestinal walls. Other reasons are:

• Genetic: Risk increases if UC is prevalent in family history.
• Environmental Toxins: Single factor is not responsible for IBD and experts have detected viruses from tissue samples of patients.
• Psychological Factors: Stress might modify or worsen the disease.
• Immune System: Several changes contribute to the cause of IBD.

Symptoms

• Proctosigmoiditis: Inflammation in the sigmoid colon (lower end) and rectum along with abdominal cramps and pain, bloody diarrhea, urgency, rectal bleeding, etc.
• Ulcerative proctitis: Irritation only in the rectum with rectal bleeding. In severe conditions, rectal pains with a sudden urge to defecate, the panic of soiling, and painful bowel movement.
• Acute severe ulcerative colitis: Affects entire colon with profuse diarrhea, severe pain, fever, bleeding, etc.
• Left-sided colitis: Irritation expands from sigmoid to the rectum with signs like abdominal pain, weight loss, and bloody diarrhea.
• Pancolitis: Affecting the entire colon (left, right, transverse colon and rectum), it has rounds of severe bloody diarrhea, abdominal pain, weight loss, night sweats and fatigue.
• Fulminant Colitis: Rare and chronic type of pancolitis with severe dehydration, bloody diarrhea, abdominal cramps, and Patients can develop toxic megacolon and perforation (colon rupture).

Other Symptoms

• Soreness or Joint pain
• Anemia
• Appetite loss
• Sudden urge to go (especially at night)
• Feeling full (full colon) after using the bathroom
• Unable to hold stool

Symptoms get worse in the morning. However, it depends upon the bowel part affected.

Risk Factors

• Age: Usually seen before the age of 30, it affects men and women both.
• Race: It can occur in any race (specifically to the Ashkenazi Jewish descent, from Russia and Europe)
• Family History
• Accutane (Isotretinoin): Although it treats acne, it has been found to be the underlying cause.

Complications

• Bone loss
• Inflammation in eyes, joints and skin
• Colon cancer (Starts after 9-10 years of UC)
• Severe Bleeding (intestinal)
• Dehydration
• Perforated Colon
• Colon Swelling
• Liver disease
• Intestinal wall thickening
• Blood infection
• Kidney stones
• Blood clots in arteries and veins
• Erythema Nodosum (Painful red skin)
• Uveitis (Painful red eyes, also risk permanent vision loss)

Diagnosis

UC is confused with other diseases due to similar symptoms and multiple tests will help experts to diagnose. The tests include:

• Endoscopy: Flexible tube is used to examine small intestine, esophagus and
• Stool test: Stool is examined for parasites, blood, and
• Biopsy: Tissue sample is removed for examination from the colon and it allows knowing the intensity.
• CT scan: Particular X-ray for pelvis and abdomen
• Colonoscopy: Flexible tube is inserted to examine the rectum and visualize intestine. Colonoscopy allows direct visualization of the extension of colitis. Small tissues are also received during the process to check the severity.
• Blood tests: Complete blood count helps in detecting anemia, high sedimentation rate, C-reactive protein, kidney function, liver function, etc.
• Calprotectin: Responsive marker of the disease, it elevates before severe symptoms arise suggesting IBD. However, a single test cannot determine the condition.
• X-Ray: During the process, the liquid chalky substance is inserted into the rectum to inject the colon. Barium is dense and does not allow X-ray to pass through. Hence the outline is visible on X-ray images. However, it is inferiorly accurate than colonoscopy and direct visualization. If barium enema (X-ray) is done and UC is assumed, colonoscopy is essential for further diagnosis.

Treatments

• Diet Changes: Food is not a cause but can worsen the situation. It is advisable to eat snacks and meals that are high in protein and calorie, but low in fiber.
• Medicine: Antibiotics will help to fight infections and heal. Aminosalicylates lowers inflammation and reduces the symptoms. In most chronic cases corticosteroid is prescribed. For chronic ulcerative colitis, biologics drugs (made from living cells) are used.
• Surgery: Only used if other treatments don’t work. It involves the removal of the rectum and entire colon, operation eliminates the chances of developing cancer. However, surgery is not for all, and it is reserved for some specific patients who are not responding to medications and have toxic megacolon. Patients with high risk of developing colon cancers or are suffering from colitis for a more extended period have reacted poorly to medicines.

In a standard surgery entire colon is removed and a small opening is left open at the end of the small intestine that forms ileostomy. Stool gets collected in the bag attached to the ileostomy. With recent improvements continent ileostomy is created from intestine that acts like a rectum and it is emptied regularly with a tube.

Pictures

image of a colon affected by ulcerative colitis

Chronic Ulcerative Colitis

Ulcerative Colitis image

Preventions

There is no evidence of what causes ulcerative colitis, but certain foods can worsen the situation. The following can help in preventing the disease to worsen:

• Minimize milk intake
• Avoid fatty foods
• Limit fiber-rich foods
• Eat small meals throughout the day
• Drink small amount of water throughout the day
• Avoid sodas (it will increase gas)

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Narcolepsy

How common is Narcolepsy?

The limits between wakefulness and sleep are blurry which causes the patients to feel fatigued and sleepy in the daytime. They experience hallucinations, dreams even paralysis while waking up or falling asleep during the day with interrupted night sleep. In a healthy sleep cycle, there are several stages, and it takes a minimum of 90 minutes to get REM (rapid eye movement) sleep. However, in this disorder, people sleep immediately and get REM. Child or adults both can suffer from this disease. There is no known treatment, but specific changes in lifestyle can improve the condition.

Causes

The definite cause of Narcolepsy is yet not clear, but scientists have made progression in recognizing the elements allied.

• Neurotransmitters: People suffering from narcolepsy have low levels of hypocretin (also known as orexin) which is an essential chemical to regulate wakefulness. It has been observed that patients produce 90-95% less hypocretin than the healthy However, the reason behind the less production is yet unknown, but sometimes it is assumed as an autoimmune reaction.
• Family History: This is not a hereditary problem, only 8 to 10% state that their relatives suffer from this disorder.
• Injury: In rare cases it has been found that the disease has been a result of brain injury or tumor growth in REM areas.

Symptoms

• Sleep paralysis: Ineptness to speak or move while waking up or falling asleep despite conscious of the surroundings. It lasts for a limited duration with no permanent effects.
• Excessive Daytime Sleepiness (EDS): Described by episodes of sleeping without indication, chronic sleepiness and sleep attacks for few seconds. It generates a feeling of mental cloudiness, insufficient concentration and energy, extreme exhaustion and mood swings. It occurs after a sound sleep, the night
• Improper Nocturnal Sleep: Patients with Narcolepsy have broken sleep, especially during the night. Waking up five to six times due to sleep talking, vivid dreaming, and leg movements are ordinary. Sufferers face difficulty in staying awake during the day and sleeping at night.
• Cataplexy: Similar to sleep paralysis, it occurs anytime through the waking period and gets stimulated by emotions like anger, fear, stress, humor, and It has different levels of seriousness like drooping eyelids, muscle weakness, complete physical fall or inability to speak or move. During this attack, patients are conscious, but not able to regulate.
• Hallucination: Patients experience illusions while they are awake (hypnopompic) or while sleeping (hypnogogic) which is frightening and explicit.

Diagnosis

Diagnosis can be done based on the symptoms of Narcolepsy, but for a detailed check up one will need to get the specific test done in a sleep clinic.

• Polysomnogram (PSG): Nocturnal sleep study in which sufferers are wired up to equipment which records brain activity, blood pressure, eye movements, heart rate, body movements, oxygen levels, etc. It helps to know about the abnormalities and other sleep disorders causing symptoms.
• Multiple Sleep Latency Test (MSLT): It is a sleep study conducted during the day to evaluate tendency of sleepiness, swiftness with which one falls asleep and the stages he/she enter. Experts monitor the brain activity along with the eye, and body movements.

Treatments

There is no proper treatment for this disorder, but with appropriate diagnosis symptoms can be treated. However, cataplexy cannot be transposed, it remains throughout the life, but with certain habits, it can be controlled.

• Stimulants: Drugs that energize the nervous system and some amphetamine medicines are common. These are not addictive but have some side effects like nausea, headache, irritability, shakiness, nervousness, nocturnal sleep disruption and heart palpitations.
• Sodium Oxybate: Strong sedative to reduce symptoms of EDS and cataplexy. However, it has severe safety concerns, and its dispensation is also restricted. It includes side effects like enuresis (bedwetting), and nausea worsening conditions of sleepwalking. Consumption of alcohol and other medicines can lead to breathing problems, coma, or even death.
• Antidepressants: Selective serotonin inhibitors and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors are used to repress REM sleep, hallucination, sleep paralysis, etc. Antidepressants have fewer side effects compared to stimulants but have some adverse effects like high blood pressure, digestive problems, etc.

Home remedies & Lifestyle

• Keep an un-fluctuating sleeping schedule
• Take Short naps every day
• Avoid alcoholic beverages and caffeine (2-4 hours before bedtime)
• Proper Exercise (Morning exercise followed by activity 4-5 hours before sleep improves sleep quality)
• Relaxing time that includes a relaxing bath or reading book enhances nocturnal sleep
• Support group (a condition known by the co-workers, teachers, and employers can help the situation by cooperating)
• Stop any activity if condition worsens, as it can be life-threatening

Preventing Tips

• Minimize consumption of influenza vaccines
• Avoid excessive activities
• Get proper sleep
• Sleep in an appropriate position
• Minimize disclosure to emotional environments

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Macular degeneration is an age-related problem in the central part of the retina known as macula which gets destroyed causing chronic vision impairment. Disease is irreparable but can be managed with laser therapy, vitamin intake, vision aids and medication.

The disease is also known as age-related macular degeneration (AMD). It loses or minimizes the sharp central vision, and one cannot see the details correctly. AMD does not hurt but allows the macula cells to die. It is the leading source of vision impairment in aged Americans. Random eye tests can help in detecting the disease before it results in vision loss.

Types

Dry AMD

It is the early stage of the illness when light-sensitive macula cells gradually break down. Dry AMD results from reduction of macular tissues or pigment deposition in macula due to age, sometimes a combination of both processes. Dry AMD is diagnosed once yellowish spots also called as drusen accumulate inside or around the macula. These spots are presumed to be the trash from the decaying tissue. Depending upon the accumulation of debris, dry AMD is differentiated in three stages, early, intermediate and advance. It is a gradual vision loss, but not chronic as wet AMD.

However, slow degeneration of the retinal cells can cause severe vision loss, but eating a healthy diet rich in vitamins and protecting eyes from direct UV rays and dust can help to prevent it.

Wet AMD

Not similar to Dry AMD, it is more chronic. New blood vessels are known as Choroidal Neovascularization (CNV) that develops below the retina and leaks fluid and blood. This discharge results in persistent damage to fragile retinal cells which end up making spots in focal vision. People suffering from dry AMD are at high risk of developing wet AMD. Wet AMD has two categories:

1. Occult: Causes severe vision loss due to new blood vessels
2. Classic: Has clear outlines below the retina, also known as classic CNV, making vision loss more severe.

Stages

• Early AMD: This stage does not experience vision loss, and eye checkups are essential. Medium sized drusen help in recognition.
• Intermediate AMD: Vision loss with noticeable symptoms. Eye exams and tests will check for pigment changes and larger drusen.
• Late AMD: Complete vision loss.

Causes

Macular degeneration is connected to aging, but genetic component also contributes to the disease. However, other factors are found to be responsible according to the research.

Genetic Component

Deficiency of gene complement factor H (CFH) and Complement factor B is related with most of the AMD cases. Individual variants play a crucial role in the body’s immune system, and maximum examples have been found to be responsible for vision impairment.

Vascular endothelial growth factor

Oxygen divested cells produce (VEGF) vascular endothelial growth factor. The normal function of (VEGF) is to develop new blood vessels at the time of embryonic development. But excessive production of VEGF increases development of new blood vessels in the retina which opens and breaks quickly damaging the macula.

Symptoms

• Blurriness
• Distortion
• Painless vision loss
• Shadowy central vision

Risk Factors

• Aging: AMD is an age-related disease and its commonness increases with age.
• Inactivity &Obesity: Inactive people double the risk of AMD. Researches have proved that vigorous activity reduces the risk.
• Hereditary: Variants of genes present and ancestral disease plays a crucial role in the severity of AMD.
• Hypertension (High Blood Pressure): Might be involved indirectly.
• Smoking: Major factor in almost 50% of the cases resulting in vision loss. It was reported patients living with smokers increased the risks of AMD.
• Lighter Eye Color: People with darker eyes have extra pigment which acts as a protective shield and people with the lighter eye are more prone to the disease.
• Side Effects of Drug: Sometimes AMD is induced from toxic drug effects like phenothiazine, Aralen, Mellaril, profilin, trillion, etc.

Treatments

There is no specific cure for macular degeneration, but some changes in lifestyle can lower the risk and slow the development. Patients should pursue some changes like proper exercising, avoiding smoking, adequate dieting, protecting eyes from UV rays, etc.

Also, there is no particular medication for macular degeneration, but some medication can improve the vision and reduce the development. However, it entirely depends on the disease stage, advanced, dry form or wet form.

There are FDA approved medicines for wet AMD treatments that reduce the abnormal growth of blood vessels. Medications like Eylea, Lucentis, Visudyne, Macugen with PDT or Photodynamic therapy. Lucentis has shown improvement of vision in a considerable number of people suffering from AMD.

Nutrition

Diet

Dietary modifications reduce risks of vision loss. Diet with abundant cold water fish and salmon fish which are high in omega-3 fatty acids reduces AMD symptoms or prevents the disease. Additionally, green leafy vegetables are rich in vitamins and proteins helpful in keeping eye diseases at bay.

Supplements

Supplements like zeaxanthin and lutein are known to increase pigment density in the macula which are directly associated with AMD.

Complications

Progression of wet AMD development from dry macular degeneration is the main complexity. It increases the severity of the disease or complete vision impairment. However, there is no accurate way to anticipate that patient with dry AMD will progress or not. Eye diseases like glaucoma, cataracts, dry eyes or retinal detachment are not the direct complexities of AMD but can develop from abnormal eye health. People can develop AMD and other eye problems simultaneously.

Prognosis

With improper care, it can worsen with time, but proper care helps to reduce the symptoms. Hence, the time duration of the disease is not apparent yet. The disease affects the central vision, and the peripheral vision is retained. Therefore, people can see enough to visit familiar surroundings. Additionally, utilization of magnifying glasses can help to improve vision while reading or watching.

Prevention

Lifestyle plays a crucial role in inducing or reducing the risk of macular degeneration. Eating a diet rich in vegetables, fish and adopting healthy lifestyles without smoking, retaining weight and blood pressure to an average level and involving in regular moderate exercise will be helpful to prevent AMD.

Macular Degeneration Pictures

Intermediate age related macular degeneration

Human eye cross sectional view grayscale

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Hyperhidrosis is unusual and extreme sweating which is not associated with exercise or heat. A person sweats so much that it drenches through clothes and seeps through hands. Besides disturbing regular activities, excessive sweating can result in embarrassment and social anxiety. It is a common disorder and over 5% -10% of Americans suffers from it.

Hyperhidrosis visual scale

What body parts are usually affected?

Hyperhidrosis in sole and palm sweating begins around the age of 13 while underarm sweating starts after maturity. If the problem is left untreated, it can continue throughout the life. In severe cases, serious issues are seen like problem in holding a pen, shaking hands or gripping a steering wheel. It can also make it hard to lead a healthy life. It can affect a specific body part or the entire body. However, feet, palm, underarm and groin are the most common parts affected due to the maximum number of sweat glands.

Types

• General Hyperhidrosis: Not limited to any specific body part, it occurs throughout. It is often called secondary
• Palmer Hyperhidrosis: The medical term used for impacting palms, it is the most common form that affects social interactions and healthy
• Plantar Hyperhidrosis: Impacts feet or soles, easy to hide with socks and shoes. It also makes it difficult condition by making feet slippery.
• Axillary Hyperhidrosis: Affects underarm area, it has the highest density of sweat glands, and people usually sweat heavily in this section after an extreme But patients with this disorder sweat naturally without any exercise and the sweat leaves a stain on the garment which results in self-consciousness and nervousness.
• Facial Hyperhidrosis: Excessive sweat on face and head, it is the most embarrassing as it harms a person’s social life.
• Truncal Hyperhidrosis: Impacts the groin area, thigh region, and These regions are prone to fungal infections as they take a longer time to dry.

Types Based On Repressed Health Condition

• Primary Idiopathic Hyperhidrosis: Condition when the reason of abnormal sweating is unknown. In most of the cases, hyperhidrosis is limited.
• Secondary Hyperhidrosis: Person sweats due to hidden health condition like gout, obesity, tumor, menopause, diabetes mellitus, mercury poisoning, hyperthyroidism, etc.

Causes

Primary Causes

• Anxiety
• Emotional Stress
• Panic attacks
• Nervousness
• Certain genes

Secondary Causes

• Alcohol abuse
• Spinal cord injury
• Anxiety
• Gout
• Diabetes
• Heart Disease
• Obesity
• Hyperthyroidism
• Pregnancy
• Parkinson ’s disease
• Shingles
• Respiratory Failure
• Infections (Tuberculosis, Malaria & HIV)
• Substance abuse
• Cancer
• Medications including, antidepressants, pilocarpine (for glaucoma), anticholinesterases (for Alzheimer’s disease), propranolol (for hypertension)

Symptoms

Physical Symptom

• Wet hands or moist hands
• Wet soles or damp feet
• Frequent sweating
• Excessive sweating that drenches outfit
• Irritating & Painful skin problems (bacterial or fungal infections)

Physiological Symptom

• Self-conscious
• Hesitation to make physical contact
• Withdrawn socially, sometimes leads to depression
• Disturbed about stained clothing
• Worrying about body odor
• Spending a substantial time managing sweat, like wiping, using napkins and pads below arms, wearing dark or heavy clothes, changing clothes, etc.

Risk Factors

• Genetics: Genetic tendency can lead to primary hyperhidrosis.
• Menopause: Women experience a different type of physical and emotional change which can lead to extreme sweating.
• Puberty: Adolescents steadily are exposed to stress and anxiety leading to severe sweating.
• Nerves and Brain Functions: Impaired neural brain response can provoke the sweat glands to react to body temperature wrongly.
• Obesity: Hyperhidrosis affects any body type, but overweight people are more prone to the disease as the sweat glands work twice to clean the toxins and also maintain the body temperature.
• Temperature: Sweat controls the body temperature when exposed to intense humidity and heat. The body requires cooling by excessive sweating to manage temperatures. Hence, people living in colder climate sweat more when they are exposed to high temperatures.

Other disorders include different type of cancers, Hodgkin’s disease, frequent infections like HIV, tuberculosis and Parkinson’s disease.

Diagnosis

The doctor will examine for some underlying conditions first, like low blood sugar levels, or overactive thyroid through blood tests. Patients will be asked about the sweat pattern like body part affected, sweating episodes, whether they sweat during sleep, etc. Additionally, an expert might also ask a series of questions or ask to fill out a questionnaire to know the details.

• Thermoregulatory sweat test: Powder that is moisture sensitive is applied to the skin which changes its color due to excessive sweating. Patients are exposed to high temperature, and people with hyperhidrosis will excessively sweat on palms. It allows the doctors to know about the seriousness of the condition.

Treatment

It usually starts with the antiperspirants. Other therapies and medications are available if antiperspirants don’t work. In some severe cases, experts might suggest a surgery to separate the nerves liable for sweat overproduction or to remove sweat glands.

• Iontophoresis: Hands and feet are submersed in water to pass a comfortable electric current. Most patients require three to five 25-35 minute treatments.
• Anticholinergic drugs: Medicines stops the delivery of parasympathetic nerve impulsions. It takes about two weeks to show valid
• Botulinum toxin (Botox): These injections prevent the nerves that provoke sweat glands. Several injections are needed for positive results.
• ETS (Endoscopic thoracic sympathectomy): Recommended only in chronic cases, in which other treatments do not respond. It cuts the nerves that carry messages to the sweat glands. Used to treat face, armpits, and hands hyperhidrosis, but not for feet due to the risk of permanent sensual dysfunction.
• Microwave Destruction: Tool used to destroy sweat glands causing least damage to other tissues.

Natural Remedies

• Armpit Shields: Pads used to protect clothing from perspiration.
• Antiperspirants: These sprays include aluminum chloride which hinders the sweat glands.
• Clothing: Cotton or loose clothing can help, but synthetic fibers like nylon can deteriorate the situation.
• Shoes: Synthetic or plastic can make the condition worse, but natural materials like leather and rubber are recommended.
• Socks: Made up of cotton are best to absorb the moisture.

Complications

• Warts: Abnormal skin growth due to HPV (Human papillomavirus)
• Nail Infections: Especially toenails
• Heat Rash: Itchy and a red skin rash that results in a prickling and stinging sensation. Heat rash appears when the sweat ducts get blocked, and sweat gets trapped under the skin.
• Bacterial Infections: Specifically around the hair follicles and within toes.
• Psychological Impact: Excessive sweating affects a person’s relationships, jobs, confidence level. Some people get depressed, socially withdrawn and stressed.

Foods That Checks Excessive Sweating

• Bananas
• Whey
• Sweet Potatoes
• Almonds
• Green Tea
• Oats
• Olive Oil
• Cheese and Dairy Products (Calcium-rich foods)
• Good ole-fashioned H20
• Water dense vegetables and fruits (Eggplant, cauliflower, red cabbage, Peppers, spinach, broccoli)

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Ankylosing Spondylitis affects the spine and is a type of arthritis that inflates sacroiliac joints and facet joints resulting in spine stiffness, inflexibility and hunched forward position. Sometimes ribs get affected by inflammation and make breathing difficult.

The disease causes calcium accumulation in spine’s discs and ligaments allowing the soft frames to stiffen which fuse together with vertebral bodies and joints. This illness makes the backbone, brittle, laborious and prone to fracture. In advanced cases, swelling develops new bone on the spine leading to abnormality or disfigurement. Ankylosing Spondylitis also stiffens other parts of the body like knees, shoulders, and hips. It affects men more than women, wherein signs and symptoms begin in early adulthood.

Causes

Ankylosing Spondylitis is assumed to be inherited genetically, but maximum patients with this disease have HLA-B27 gene. However, the relationship between this gene and the disease is yet unknown. Several tests have been developed to have a better understanding. However, some additional factors like poor posture and environmental factors intensify the disease.

Symptoms

• Stiffness and Pain: Affects sacroiliac joints, but can gradually influence hips, low back and buttocks.
• Pain in tendons and ligaments: Tendonitis (swelling of tendon) stiffens and causes pain.
• Bony Fusion: Bones overgrow leading to unusual bone joining that affects the back, neck and hips troubling a person to perform regular activities.
• Cardiac Lesions: People experience severe swelling at the base of the heart, near aorta and aortic valve. The stable inflammation results in lesions. Less than 2% of patients suffer from this.
• Cauda Equina Syndrome: Patients sometimes undergo neurological deficits like balance loss, trouble speaking or bladder and bowel incontinence. It results from compression on the nerve in the rear of the spine.

Other Symptoms

• Chest Pain
• Back Pain( Specifically in morning and night)
• Appetite loss
• Morning stiffness
• Stooped shoulders or poor posture
• Low iron levels or anemia
• Weight loss
• Minimum fever level
• Decreased lung function

Symptoms of Other Body Parts

• Bowel Inflammation
• Heart Valve Swelling
• Iris Inflammation
• Headache
• Pain around the eye or eye pain
• Light sensitivity
• Blurred vision

Risk Factors

• Hereditary: People with a family history of this disease are prone to this problem.
• Age: It is unlike rheumatic or arthritic disorders and symptoms might appear in people aged between 20-40 years.
• Ethnicity: Common in Caucasian descent people than African descent or other cultures.
• Related Disease: Present or history of Crohn’s disease, psoriasis or ulcerative colitis increases the chances of developing Ankylosing Spondylitis.
• Bacteria: Microbiota are bacteria present in intestines which regulate and develop the immune system, these are believed to develop this disease.

Diagnosis

• Physical Exam: A rheumatologist will perform a thorough exam, and might ask details about the symptoms, pain, etc.
• X-Ray: It helps to know whether there is an erosion of the spine or any joints. However, corrosion is detected when the disease is in the last stage. Experts might also ask for an MRI, but sometimes the results are hard to interpret.
• Blood Test: Erythrocyte sedimentation rate is a blood test which measures the inflammation. Test for HLA-B27 is also done to evaluate if the protein is present.

Treatment

Therapy can help to minimize the pain and inhibit disability. Timely treatment can diminish symptoms and hinder complications.

Medications

NSAIDs (Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) like naproxen and ibuprofen helps to manage pain and inflammation. These are ideal long-acting drugs for meager complications. Stronger medicines are recommended when NSAIDs do not provide sufficient relief.

Corticosteroids are usually prescriptive for a shorter duration. It is a strong inflammation fighter, and helps to alleviate symptoms and reduces damage around the area.

TNF (Tumor necrosis factor) are medicines that block causes of inflammation and decreases stiffness and joint pain. TNF inhibitors help to aid the progressed condition when NSAIDs are not effective.

In severe cases, the expert provides DMARDs, (disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs). These medicines slow down the disease and help to hinder worsening symptoms.

Surgery

In severe cases, deformity or damage of hip or knee joints takes place and replacement surgery is essential. Likely, the osteotomy is performed with lousy posture evoked by fused bones. In this procedure, surgeons realign or cut the bones in the spine to maintain the perfect shape. However, treatment depends entirely upon the severity of the condition and the intensity of its symptoms.

Natural Treatment

• Stretching: Makes bone stronger with flexible joints. It reduces pain through better body movements.
• Exercise: Motion exercises with proper strength training helps to alleviate the signs of Ankylosing Spondylitis. Activities make joint bones flexible and reduce pain. A physical therapist will help to perform the exercises safely and correctly. Deep breathing, yoga practices, swimming, are ideal.
• Posture Training: Spine stiffness results in bad posture which allows the spine bones to fuse jointly in slumping or slouching positions. But patients can reduce this risk easily by practicing good posture.
• Acupuncture: It helps to activate the natural pain relieving hormones.
• Heat & Cold Therapy: Warm shower or heating pads helps to relieve stiffness and pain in the spine or other affected areas. Ice packs can lessen swelling and pain from joints or bones.
• Massage Therapy: Helps to increase flexibility and motion range. To make the therapist aware of the tender points, inform them about the disease.

Complications

• Breathing Difficulty
• Bowel, lung or heart damage
• Eye Irritation
• Contraction of the spine
• Vertebrae might fuse together due to severe inflammation
• Inflammation in tendons and ligaments can worsen flexibility
• Inflammation can extend to shoulders, hips and nearby joints

Prevention

• Retaining a standard body weight
• Healthy diet
• Staying active
• Correct posture

Ankylosing Spondylitis Pictures

Ankylosing Process

Ankylosing Spondylitis image

Two Spinal Fractures Ank Spondylitis

Diet

• Include foods full of omega -3 fatty acids, like nuts, fish and oils
• Include different types of green vegetables and fruits
• Yogurt
• Whole grains, like faro and quinoa

Eliminate diet that is rich in sugar, fat and sodium. Processed foods like bagged, boxed, canned foods etc. contain unhealthy ingredients like Trans fats and preservatives which can worsen the inflammation. Limit alcohol intake as it interacts with medicines and makes the situation worse. It doesn’t allow the medication to work and symptoms tend to intensify.

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Carbuncle is a skin infection that is characterized by red colored swollen and dome-shaped cluster of boils involving a group of hair follicles. The infection caused under the skin leads to formation of a lump which may damage deep through the skin and contain pus. It is also known as staph skin infection and usually grows to a size varying from 3 to 10 centimeters.

Occurrence of Carbuncles

Carbuncles are likely to occur on hairy areas of the body particularly at the back of the neck. But they may also be found on shoulders, thighs, groin, buttocks, and armpits. This can result in permanent scarring on the skin affected. They may be very painful if grown in closely attached surfaces like nose, fingers or ears. Carbuncles are very infectious too and may spread to other parts of the body and even to other people.

Comparison between Furuncles (boils) and Carbuncles

The staphylococcal infection causes Furuncles or skin abscesses and involves the hair follicles and adjacent tissues. They contain a limited amount of pus and when these furuncles or boils are connected subcutaneously and are clustered together, they cause deeper scars and more pus formation.

These are smaller and more superficial in nature. In comparison to boils, Carbuncles cause deeper and much severe infection accompanied by fever and chills. Carbunculosis is when there is more than one Carbuncle develops.

Symptoms of Carbuncles

• Painful red mass
• Appears as a nodule or a pustule
• Accompanied by fever or prostration
• Swift growth
• Center is white or yellow containing pus
• Weeping, oozing out or crusting of skin
• May spread to other areas
• Looks as small as a pea sized or as large as a golf ball
• Red and irritable on touching
• Fatigue
• Fever with high temperature of 38C (100.4F) or above
• Discomfort or feeling sick
• Itching skin on the affected area
• Swelling in surrounding tissues and lymph nodes
• Body ache

Causes for Carbuncles

• Infection by a notorious bacteria or virus (Primarily staphylococcus aureus bacteria)
• Bacterial infection entering through hair follicles
• Underlying condition of eczema or acne
• Previous amalgamation of boils
• Infection by microorganisms
• Folliculitis
• Rashes caused due to harsh shaves
• Hair pulling
• Poor nutrition
• Immune deficiency
• Poor hygienic conditions

Risk factors for Carbuncles

Although everyone bears the risk of developing Carbuncles, some factors may increase the risks of its occurrence:

• Old age
• Obesity
• Poor hygienic conditions
• Overall poor health
• Chronic skin conditions
• Diabetes mellitus
• Kidney disorders
• Liver problems
• Weak immune system
• Sharing bed linens, towels or clothing of others
• Wearing tight clothes
• Shaving and other activities breaking the skin
• Insect bites on the skin with heavy perspiration
• Acne and eczema patients
• Neutrophil disorders
• Living in crowded quarters
• Contact with virulent strain infected people
• Close contact with Carbuncle affected people
• Dermatitis
• Side effects of Immune modulating agents

Complications of Carbuncles

There might be severe complications related to these boils or Carbuncles. Sometimes, methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) bacteria cause Carbuncles and the lesions must be drained out properly through high dosage of antibiotics to prevent further damage. Some of the common complications have been discussed below:

• Sepsis
• Infections in different body parts
• Lung infection
• Bone infection such as osteomyelitis and joint damage
• Infections in blood
• Heart disorders like endocarditis
• Effect on central nervous system
• Cellulitis infecting deeper sections of skin
• Permanent scarring

Diagnosis for Carbuncles

• Doctor can easily detect Carbuncles by merely looking at the affected area
• Pus sample is needed for lab analysis
• Span of the Carbuncle if lasts for two weeks
• Lesion culture
• Urine test
• Blood tests
• Clinical evaluation

Treatment for Carbuncles

Usually, Carbuncles or simple boils can be treated with home methods. But if chronic, the doctor’s recommendations are crucial. One must never take the risk to drain a Carbuncle by him as it can lead to infections in the bloodstream. Some common treatments and medicines that doctors might prescribe are:

• Oral Antistaphylococcal antibiotics for healing severe cases
• Trimethoprim, sulfamethoxazole, clindamycin, and doxycycline or minocycline
• Incision at the tip of the Carbuncle and drain out the pus
• Deep Carbuncles require sterile gauze to soak and get rid of the additional discharge of the pus
• At times, antibiotic ointments rubbed onto the skin also helps to heal
• Painkillers may be used for reducing pain
• In extreme cases for deep and large Carbuncles, they need to be operated after draining it out.
• Antibacterial soaps also prescribed by the doctors to be used daily

Home remedies for treating Carbuncles

• Warm compressing over the Carbuncle
• Soak the Carbuncle in warm water
• Application of clean, warm moist cloth for 20 minutes at frequent intervals in a day
• Apply heating pad or a hot water bottle for 20 minutes many times a day
• After every use clothes and wraps must be washed in hot water to be freed of germs
• Covering the area with sterile bandage
• Medications such as Acetaminophen or Ibuprofen relieve the pain
• Use of over-the-counter painkillers such as paracetamol or ibuprofen to reduce pain
• Cleanse skin with antibacterial soap
• Apply soap and wash your hands with warm water after touching a Carbuncle or the area
• Prevent contamination
• Never squeeze a boil or leave it open
• Bandages worn should be changed at regular intervals and thrown in closed bags

Prevention of Carbuncles

Carbuncles or infected boils cannot always be avoided but some measures must be adopted and proper hygiene must be maintained to reduce the risk of its occurrence:

• Clean the skin using a mild antibacterial soap
• Clean the cuts, wounds and injuries very carefully
• Cover the wounds and cut with sterile bandages until they get entirely healed
• Healthy diet and regular exercise helps to boost the immunity system
• Clean hands before eating and after using the bathroom
• Have frequent showers to free the skin from bacteria
• Avoid squeezing of boils and rubbing of broken skin
• Use of cleansers with chlorhexidine, triclosan, and triclocarban in them

When to call a doctor?

Typically, boils and Carbuncles do not require medical treatment as they tend to burst and heal by themselves. If the Carbuncle is lying somewhere adjacent to the nose, spinal cord or eyes, one must call the doctor immediately or else it can lead to severe problems. But there are certain conditions if noticed and then you must consult a doctor:

• Carbuncles on nose, face or spinal cord
• Carbuncles extremely painful
• Carbuncle which grows bigger when touched feels soft and spongy
• Those which do not heal within two weeks
• High temperature & chills associated with the boils
• Feeling unwell
• Recurrence of the Carbuncles
• Prolonged lasting of the lesions
• Weakness & exhaustion

Carbuncles Images

Detailed view of elbow with big carbuncle

Carbuncle on buttock

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Cause of concern

The lower right part of the abdomen comprises of different organs like a colon (in case of men) and right ovary (in case of women). Many reasons can cause mild to serve pain in this area. In most cases, the pain which arises in the right lower abdomen is not a major concern as it may fade away on its own in a day or two. However, if the pain remains constant for few days, then it is recommended to go through a detailed check-up

Causes of Right Side Abdominal Pain

Appendicitis

The appendix is a thin and small tube located at the intersection of the small and large intestine. An inflamed appendix is defined as appendicitis and is supposed to be the most common cause.

Symptoms of appendicitis

• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Constipation
• Fever
• Swelling in abdominal
• Low appetite

Appendicitis is a serious condition wherein the doctors often recommend removal of the appendix through surgery. If left untreated, the appendix may rupture over time and cause other complications.

Other Common Causes

There are several other causes of pain on either side of the lower abdomen. It may also happen that the discomfort is experienced on the right side, but the cause of pain is on the left side. Some of the other causes have been listed below:

• Gas: The entire digestive tract is filled with intestinal gas formed by the food particles which are broken down completely until the time it reaches the colon. More the particles of undigested food left inside more are the gas produced. The stomach thus gives bloated or knotted feel in the stomach as more gas gets formed. The temporary relief of gas is burping and farting. But excessive gas is a sign of digestive disorder such as lactose intolerance and diabetes.
• Indigestion: Indigestion occurs after eating or drinking and may be a reason for the pain in the upper abdomen, but it may be felt in the lower abdomen. Although, slight indigestion fades away pretty quickly if the symptoms remain it can be concerning.
• Hernia: When an internal organ pushes out through a tissue or muscle which holds it in place, it is known as a hernia. Different types of a hernia may happen in the abdominal region.
• Kidney infection: Bacteria inside the bladder, uterus or urethra cause kidney infection that may affect both the kidneys causing the infection. The pain may be felt in the lower abdomen due to discomfort from the kidney infection. If this infection is not treated on time, it may cause permanent damage to the kidneys.
• Kidney stones: Salts and minerals build up to form a hard substance known as a kidney It eventually causes pain when it starts to move around or pass into the tube connecting the kidney and the bladder. The pain severely hits in the back and sides below the ribs and all over the lower abdomen and groin. The intensity of the pain depends on the movement of the kidney stone as it shifts and moves through the urinary tract.
• Irritable bowel syndrome: Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) mostly affects the large intestines and is a chronic disorder. Although no conclusive evidence is found, doctors believe that the factors causing the syndrome are contractions that are stronger than the normal ones and abnormalities in the digestive, nervous system.
• Inflammatory bowel disease: A group of digestive disorders which causes certain changes in the bowel tissue is regarded as inflammatory bowel disease. It may also increase the risk of colorectal cancer and two of its main causes are ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease. Both lead to inflammation in the digestive tract which in turn causes pain in the abdomen.

Causes Specific to Women

There are a few reasons that are specific to women and cause pain on the right side of the abdomen. These factors are usually more serious and require medical attention. Even though the pain may be felt on the lower right side of the abdomen, the pain may be arising from the left side. Some of the common causes include:

• Menstrual cramps
• Endometriosis
• Ovarian cyst
• Ectopic pregnancy
• Pelvic inflammatory disease
• Ovarian torsion

Causes Specific to Men

Similar to women, few causes are specific to men only. These conditions require immediate medical attention and two major reasons include:

• Inguinal hernia
• Testicular torsion

When to visit the doctor?

The following symptoms are a cause for concern and require urgent medical attention:

• Chest pain or pressure in the chest
• Fever
• Blood in the stool
• Constant vomiting & nausea
• Jaundice
• Swelling in the abdomen
• Severe tenderness when you touch the abdomen

It is important to consult a doctor when the pain in the lower right abdomen lasts for more than a few days.

Abdominal Pain Illustration Image

right side abdominal pain

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What is meant by upper lip twitching?

The surrounding areas of the mouth and lips experience small muscle contractions. Lip twitching is a sudden involuntary contraction of the muscles present in the upper or the lower lips. The muscle tightening can happen to any of the lips at a time or both the lips together due to some irritation in the muscle supply by the nerves present around the lips. Twitching of lips can occur for seconds, minutes or more.

It feels like trembles, spasms or local movements of the lips. If this continues repeatedly, then it may turn out to be a long-term ailment or may be the cause of a severe underlying medical condition. Lip twitching is also termed as lip fasciculation and may occur to anyone of any age, race or gender.

Left Upper Lip Twitching & Right upper Lip Twitching

If left upper lip twitching is felt, then the affected person may suffer from a nervous problem on the left-hand side of his or her lips. Various neurological diseases might be the cause for this.

Again, right side lip twitching may occur due to some nerve disorders on the right side of the face. This occurrence might be due to an injury to the facial nerve on the right side.

Symptoms of upper lip twitching

Twitching of lips may have significant symptoms and are often felt as soft tremors that may travel to the rest of the face too. Some of the signs are:

• Sudden involuntary muscle contractions in lips
• Mild palpitations or movements on the upper lip
• Freezing or numbness in lips
• Edges of lips may feel a curling sensation
• Repeated spasms occurring at frequent intervals within a few minutes
• Quivering on the lips
• Abnormal feeling on the lips

Causes for upper lip twitching

Several underlying causes reflect in twitching of the lips:

• Any trauma or injury may irritate the facial nerve and twitching
• Stress is directly related to the worse conditions for lip twitching
• Nerve ends present in the lip muscles begin to stimulate
• Quitting alcohol, drugs and cigarettes may cause twitching
• Adverse effects due to various stimulants and medications
• Release of deep emotions like anger, excitement or fear
• Feeling anxious or nervous
• Extreme fatigue
• Potassium deficiency
• Muscle fatigue
• Lack of electrolytes mainly hypokalemia
• Excessive consumption of caffeine
• Viral infections
• Malfunction of cranial nerves present in facial muscles
• Withdrawal of cocaine, heroin or amphetamines
• Herpes simplex infection in lips
• Hemifacial Spasm
• Side effects of medicines for neurological treatment

Severe Health Conditions

• Viral infection caused by Bell’s palsy
• Hyperparathyroidism causing low levels of parathyroid hormone and low levels of blood and bone calcium
• Parkinson’s disease
• Tourette’s syndrome causing tics due to genetic neurological disorders
• DiGeorge Syndrome causing underdevelopment of body
• Multiple sclerosis
• Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis due to death of neurons in brain and spinal cord
• Essential tremors in lips affecting head and extremities due to neurological dysfunction

Treatment for upper lip twitching

Although it is difficult to ascertain a specific treatment, some treatments have been beneficial for specific cases of lip twitching. Usually, neurological disorders and diseases of the brain are responsible for this condition, so they must be treated. But in most cases, people who suffer from lip twitching often ignore the condition, but this should be noted and taken care.

Doctors mostly prescribe medications for mild conditions of lip twitching. However, this cannot be treated but can be prevented by some natural ways and measures. They include approaches for reducing or sometimes stopping the movement of the lips thereby preventing twitching.

Natural remedies for treating upper lip twitching

Mostly, lip twitching can easily be cured through changes made in the daily course of life. Dietary changes and changes in habit may help to reduce further worsening of the condition:

• During each episode of twitching, press fingers to the lips
• When twitching begins to cover the surface of the lips with a warm cloth to stop it
• Adopt a healthy lifestyle and take proper care of the body
• Take appropriate care of mental and physical health of the body
• Maintain a well-balanced diet and nourishment for the body
• Have an adequate intake of vitamins and minerals
• Get adequate sleep
• Reduce stress and avoid excessive work that tires the body
• Exercise and remain energetic
• Have a glass of warm milk with honey mixed in it
• Have plenty of vitamin B12, vitamin D, and magnesium-rich foods
• Eat lots of green leafy vegetables, beans and lentils for potassium intake
• Have more amounts of watermelons and bananas
• Cut down on coffee or other caffeinated drinks
• Limit alcohol intake
• Reduce levels of stress
• Ad more amount of ginger in your diet
• Apply herbs like chamomile, lavender and essential oils to relieve stress
• Meditate and practice yoga to reduce anxiety
• Reduce intake of stimulants
• Behavioral therapy to reduce lip twitching
• Psychotherapy is not a bad option if caused by mental illness
• Restrict neuro-stimulating substances

When to call the doctor?

In most cases, lip twitching is considered harmless and disappears causing no residual problems. They tend to occur and then resolve on their own to people more prone to stress, and as a result, this twitching of lips arise in them at frequent intervals.

But in some cases when lip twitching becomes persistent and chronic, it is best to refer to a doctor to detect if any serious underlying medical condition is present. If other symptoms appear with lip twitching like muscle weakness, drooping of the face or visionary problems or any neurological disorders, then a doctor must be immediately consulted.

Upper Lip Twitching Image

Upper Lip Twitching Causes Image

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Tracheal Deviation: The trachea, more commonly known as windpipe is one of the most important parts of the body as it is used for breathing. Its structure is like a tube which is about 1 inch in diameter and 4 to 6 inches in length. It is vertically located in front of the esophagus having 16-20 cartilage rings that prevent it from collapsing.

The trachea is a membrane suppurated by cartilage rings having an opening at the back. It is connected by a band of muscles which in return helps the trachea to expand and contract whenever we breathe in and out.  It also acts as a defense mechanism whenever it is exposed to various environment irritants. While coughing, the mucous membrane that is lined on the inside becomes very sensitive, stimulates reflex action and coughs up the foreign body which enters the body.

Causes of Tracheal Deviation

• In a relatively high negative pressure, the tracheal shifts on either of the sides resulting in tracheal deviation.
• Situated in a vertical position in a straight manner starting from the neck area to the chest area, a deviation in its position will highly affect the area
• Pneumothorax as it is said to be the most dangerous condition that causes it

Tracheal Deviation in Infants

Tracheal deviation in infants is not a major issue and has no medical concern. Infants up to the age of five years are prone to have a tracheal deviation that has no link to medical conditions. It happens because the infants have short neck relatively to trachea which resolves itself and outgrows afterward.

• Atelectasis: Collapsed lung in medical terms is considered as atelectasis that happens due to an obstruction or blockage that restricts its capacity to inflate adequately.
• Pleural Fibrosis: The pleura (the lining of the chest cavity) gets so thickened that it results in chronic inflammation to calcification.
• Pleural Effusion: It is a condition when fluid gets trapped in the chest wall and lungs. Although tracheal deviation is a prominent researched case, its symptoms can only be seen once there is a huge amount of fluid collected.
• Tumors: Either of the benign or malignant can cause tracheal deviation. A large mass found in the lung, bronchi or pleural cavity can displace the trachea to the side.
• Pneumothorax: It may arise when there is an injury to the lungs. Due to the large quantity of air entering the pleural space, the lung may collapse. During respiration, this air gets compressed and restricts the expansion of the lungs which in turn leads to other life threatening problems.

Signs and Symptoms

Respiratory symptoms

• Respiratory distress or respiratory arrest also related to cardinal finding
• Increase in the rate of respiration
• Lung expansion Asymmetry
• Decrease in breathing sound or complete absence of it
• Breathing sounds Wheezes or crackles (also called adventitious breath sounds)
• Difficulty in breathing (dyspnea)

Cardiac Findings

• Tachycardia increase in cardiac rate
• Hypotension decrease in blood pressure
• Dented Jugular vein

Other Findings

• Anxiety
• Epigastric Pain (rare)
• Fatigue

Detection of Tracheal Deviation & other Signs

Grossly examining or a mere palpation will easily detect the deviation of tracheal. Even a mere x-ray report will reveal the following:

• Dyspnea (difficulty in breathing)
• Cough
• Abnormal breath sounds

Treatments for Tracheal Deviation

Tracheal deviation by itself does not cause any major health issue. But its causes and symptoms are the underlying problems that need to be addressed. Moreover, it is always treated with many precautions to avoid risks that may even lead to death.

• Needle Thoracostomy: 14-16 cannulas that are inserted on the second intercostals space which is advanced until the air can be released through the syringe connected to the cannula. As soon as it is set in place, a guiding needle will be removed to let the air trapped inside to escape.

• Chest Drain Placement: It is one of the most popular and common treatments used for pneumothorax and are surgically done. A tube is placed on the pleura that allow the air to escape. This process is considered to be safer since this is done visually compared to the needle thoracostomy

Tracheal Deviation Pictures

Tracheal Deviation image

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