Friday, May 31, 2013

Skin Diseases That Cause Burning Feet Syndrome

Pain and burning sensation on the feet is a very distressing condition caused by a variety of skin and systemic diseases.

Nerve damage caused by certain disease conditions or direct injury due to trauma is the most common cause of burning feet syndrome. Common skin conditions that cause pain and burning of the feet include contact allergies, fungal or candidal infections, plantar pustulosis, pompholyx and pitted keratolysis.
Common Skin Conditions Causing Burning Feet Syndrome
Burning sensation is caused by irritation or damage to nerve endings within the skin. This may be one of the presenting symptoms of a number of skin conditions affecting the feet.
  1. Allergic and Irritant Contact Dermatitis. Detergents and chemicals used in toilets usually cause irritation and inflammation of the feet. The red, itchy eruptions appear following contact with chemicals and may be preceded or accompanied by severe burning sensations on the soles and back of the feet. These types of contact dermatitis are quite common amongst factory and agricultural workers.
  2. Tinea Pedis or Candidal Infection. Fungal and yeast infections of the feet is usually accompanied by maceration, scales, itching and burning sensations of the feet. Treatment involves avoidance of frequent wetting, excessive sweating and treatment with topical and systemic anti-fungal agents.
  3. Pitted Keratolysis. Sweaty and clammy feet in persons using tight fitting and occlusive footwear for a long period of time can result in punched out pits on the soles. These are caused by coryneform bacteria which produce certain proteolytic enzymes that digest the tough keratin layer of the skin of the soles. Burning and itching are prominent symptoms in these patients. Management includes topical and systemic antibiotics and avoidance of occlusive footwear.
  4. Pompholyx. This is a type of dyshidrotic eczema that causes deep seated, clear, fluid filled blisters beneath the skin of the hands and feet, usually along the sides of the fingers and toes. Pompholyx can appear following a hypersensitivity reaction to a variety of infectious agents and contactants and even following stressful conditions. Pain, itching and a burning sensation are the main symptoms of this condition. Treatment of the primary cause usually results in clearance of the pompholyx vesicles.
  5. Plantar Pustulosis. Psoriasis of the palms and soles can present as deep seated, white, pustular (sterile) eruptions on the palms and soles. These can be intensely itchy and cause painful fissures on the feet. A burning sensation of the feet is a distressing symptom in many patients. Treatment of palmoplantar pusutlosis involves topical and systemic psoriasis medications.
Treatment of Burning Feet Syndrome Caused by Skin Diseases
Treatment of burning feet syndrome involves the treatment of the underlying cause. Topical treatment aims at keeping the feet cool with moisturizing creams containing aloe vera, menthol or phenol. Wearing soft rubber sandals and avoiding abrasive detergents are helpful. Diabetes should always be kept under control. Vitamin B12 and folic acid supplements help in reducing the progression of neurological damage, if present.
If there are no signs of any underlying skin condition, a neurological referral should be sought for to diagnose systemic diseases causing the burning feet syndrome.
References:
Disclaimer
The information given in this article is for educational purposes only so that patients are aware of the options available. No diagnosis should be made or treatment undertaken without first consulting your doctor. If you do so, the author or Suite101 will not be responsible for any consequences. The images provided are for illustration purpose only.
Posted by at No comments:

Causes of Itchy Palms and Soles

Palmoplantar pruritus or itchy palms and soles have multiple causes like atopy, dry skin, exposure to allergens and certain systemic and skin diseases.

Severely itchy palms and soles can present with or without any evident skin rashes. Most of the causes of itchy palms and soles are similar to that of hand eczema and can be broadly divided into exogenous and endogenous.
Exogenous Causes for Itchy Palms and Soles
Many of the causes for itchy palms and soles are from outside sources:
  • Contact Dermatitis. Hand eczema and foot dermatitis caused by irritants like cosmetics, soap and detergents and allergens like nickel and rubber can cause severe itchy palms and soles. Housewives’ getting severe itching of hands following handling of items like garlic and some vegetables is a common occurrence. Sudden itching of the palms and soles can occur following ingested food (seafood) or medications like penicillins, sulfa drugs etc. Solvents, paints and fiber glass exposure are also important causes for itchy palms and soles triggered by contact dermatitis.
  • Infections. A secondary infection of a wound on the hands and feet can cause dermatitis if not treated promptly. The bacterial proteins act as antigens to produce inflammatory skin changes resulting in itchy hands and feet.
  • Secondary dissemination. A secondary ide eruption or pompholyx caused by a fungal or bacterial infection in a remote site can cause tense, itchy or painful eruptions on the palms and soles.
Though the primary source for the itchy hands and feet is external in these cases, an internal tendency for the skin to be irritated has to be there for the itching and other changes to manifest in such cases.
Endogenous Causes for Itchy Palms and Soles
The internal causes for the itchy palms and soles are more difficult to discern. These include systemic and psychological disturbances at times:
  • Systemic causes for itchy palms and soles. Chronic kidney failure, liver diseases, endocrine disturbances like hyper or hypothyroidism, blood disorders including polycythemia vera, Hodgkin’s lymphoma, leukemias, multiple myeloma and cutaneous mastocystosis cause generalized itching; which can, at times, start as itching of the palms and soles. Itching of the palms and soles and elsewhere on the body may be a presenting symptom of HIV infection and Crohn’s disease. Atopic dermatitis, senile pruritus and aquagenic pruritus can present with itchy palms and soles, in addition to generalized itching all over the body.
  • Idiopathic causes for itchy palms and soles. Many a time, itching of the palms and soles appear without any apparent causes. These are called idiopathic itchy palms and soles.
  • Psychogenic causes for itchy palms and soles. Stress and anxiety can induce, aggravate and maintain persistent itchy palms and soles, in the absence of any skin rashes.
  • Vitamin Deficiency. Vitamin deficiency, especially that of Vitamin B12, B1 and B6 can cause burning and itching sensations of the hands and feet.
  • Dyshidrotic. Palmoplantar hyperhidrosis, the increased sweating of the palms and soles, can cause eczematous itchy dermatitis on the palms and soles.
The above discussion brings out a salient point: look beyond the skin if the cause of the itchy palms and soles are not readily apparent.
Other Skin Conditions Causing Itchy Palms and Soles
Other major skin conditions that cause itchy palms and soles are:
  • Palmoplantar psoriasis: Thick hyperkeratotic scaly plaques with painful fissuring and varying grades of itching can occur in psoriasis affecting the palms and soles.
  • Ring worm of the hands and feet: Itchy rounded scaly skin patches involving both the palms and soles and also the back of the hands and feet occur in ring worm infestation of the hands and feet. Sometimes the scales are delicate and at other times thick and hyperkeratotic.
  • Scabies. Itching of the hands, especially on the finger webs, may be the presenting symptom of scabies. The typical nocturnal itching may be present even before any tell tale bumps and burrows of the mites appear on the skin.
  • Lichen planus, can cause severe itchy palms and soles, along with violaceous or pigmented skin rashes.
  • Candidal intertrigo: Commonly seen in housewives and hair dressers, candidal infection of the finger web spaces and toe web spaces in house cleaners and agricultural workers can cause itchy or burning palms and soles.
Itchy Palms and Soles without Skin Changes
Sometimes both the doctor and patient are perplexed when itchy palms and soles present without any noticeable skin changes. The skin of palms and soles being thick, most of the time itching precedes appearance of skin changes by hours to days in contact dermatitis, pompholyx , scabies etc. In psychogenic itchy palms and soles, the skin changes may never appear. In systemic causes, including drug allergies, there may only be a mild redness of the skin, while the itching may be unbearable on the palms and soles.Generalized itching without skin rash may also be present in such cases.
Finding the exact cause of itchy palms and soles will help in planning effective management strategies for this intriguing skin problem.
Related Reading
Reference
Posted by at 1 comment:

Thursday, May 30, 2013

How to Shorten Your Menstrual Period

Having sex during your menstrual period can help you shed menstrual blood faster.
Organism causes the uterus to contract, pumping out menstrual blood at an increased rate, which could shorten the menstrual period by a few days. Having sex during the menstrual period is safe and may provide some health benefits, but normal safe sex practices should still be observed.
Other practices that trigger uterine contractions, such as those recommended for inducing labor naturally, may also help to shed the uterine lining faster.
Benefits of Having Sex While Menstruating
Endorphins released during orgasm can provide pain relief from menstrual cramps. According to Kellie Flood-Shaffer, MD, associate professor and division director of obstetrics and gynecology at the University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, "Menstrual blood actually makes a very nice lubricant and may enhance sexual satisfaction for some couples."
Couples in long-term committed relationships may feel comfortable omitting condoms during menstruation sex if they would otherwise use them as protection against pregnancy. Although you can still contract a sexually transmitted disease (STD) during your period, according to Dr. Flood Shaffer, "generally speaking, this is a very safe time to have intercourse if you’re trying to avoid pregnancy." However, she adds that, although rare, there are reported cases of pregnancy in couples who only had sex during the menstrual period.
According to Susan Perry and Jim Dawson, authors of The Secrets Our Body Clocks Reveal, female athletes have reported improved physical performance during their menstrual periods. The authors cited exercise, in general, as a factor in reducing the monthly menstrual flow.
On the other hand, according to Perry and Dawson, some studies suggest that women are more susceptible to viral infections during the second half of their menstrual cycles from ovulation through end-of-the cycle bleeding.
Concerns with Safety and Cleanliness
If letting the menstrual flow flow during sex is unappealing to the couple, they can use several methods to make less of a mess:
  • Place a towel underneath,
  • Keep a moist cloth nearby for clean up afterward,
  • Take a shower afterward,
  • Have sex in the shower, or
  • Wear a cervical cap or diaphragm during sex.
Herbs to Reduce the Menstrual Flow
For reducing overall blood flow, herbalists have traditionally recommended Cramp Bark to treat heavy menstruation and menstrual cramps. The bark relaxes the uterus and reduces the flow of blood. Shepherd's Purse constricts blood flow to the uterus and is used to control excessive bleeding during menstruation and the postpartum period after childbirth. Chasteberry affects female hormonal levels and is used to treat menstrual disorders.
Using herbs could have undesirable side effects and should only be used under the supervision of a health care practitioner. Having sex during your period is generally safe and can provide relief from menstrual cramps and a shorter period of bleeding.
References:Rodriquez, Diana. "Having Sex During Your Period." EverydayHealth.com, Jan 2009.
Perry, Susan and Jim Dawson. The Secrets Our Body Clocks Reveal. Scribner, 1998.
Russo, Juniper. "Herbs to Shorten the Menstrual Cycle." LiveStrong.com, May 2010.
Posted by at No comments:

Side Effects of A Yeast-Free Diet

Eating a yeast-free diet to treat treat infections, candidiasis or related conditions may have side effects.
Yeast is a generally harmless, naturally occurring bacteria in the digestive tract. It becomes a problem, however, when there is an overgrowth of the bacteria creating an imbalance with the healthy bacteria also present. An overgrowth of candida albicans, a type of yeast, is referred to as Candidiasis. Eliminating yeast foods from the diet by following a yeast-free diet may be beneficial to people suffering with yeast infections. However, due to lack of scientific validity, the benefits of such a diet are questionable. Consult a physician if you are experiencing yeast-related symptoms affecting your health.
Effects of Eating Yeast
Eating a diet that contains yeast may lead to potential negative health effects. Typical symptoms of yeast overgrowth include fatigue, bloating, flatulence, urinary frequency, migraines and skin rashes. If left untreated, further health complications could develop such as rheumatoid arthritis, irritable bowel syndrome, digestive disorders and chronic infections. A yeast-free diet is believed to reduce and eliminate harmful bacterial overgrowth by eliminating foods that feed the yeast. Common yeast-containing foods include breads, cookies, muffins as well as many packaged and processed foods. The Mayo Clinic exclaims that the elimination of these processed foods may actually decrease yeast-symptoms vs. following a so-called yeast cleanse as these foods have poor nutritional quality.
Withdrawal Effect
As with many medications, making changes to diet and lifestyle habits can induce side effects. The body may need time to adjust, especially at the beginning of the diet, to the introduction of new foods and the elimination of old foods that were staples in the diet. Foods high in yeast particularly are typically carbohydrate foods such as bread, cookies or processed packaged foods that also contain sugar. Eliminating sugar from the diet can cause negative side effects as the body may be addicted to the temporary boost in energy it provides.
Side Effects
According to Fasterloss.com, typical side-effects involved with a yeast-free diet may include fatigue, difficulty concentrating and focusing, and headaches. These effects are typically due to the decrease in sugary-foods which the body becomes dependent on for quick energy. Much like caffeine withdrawl, the body needs to adjust to the elimination of substances it once relied on. Muscle weakness may be experienced during the initial stages of the new diet. This may be explained due to lack of energy and poor nutritional intake in the beginning stages of the diet. Dieters may not know which foods are safe to eat and need time to establish a healthy new way of eating.
A Healthy Diet
In general, the potential positive side-effects of a yeast-free diet outnumber the negative. According to MayoClinic, following a healthy diet rich in nutrients and fresh foods may lead to individuals feeling better within a few weeks. For instance, the introduction of new, fresh foods, such as raw vegetables are harder to digest initially if a person isn't used to eating foods high in fiber. However, as time passes, the body adjusts to an increase in fiber and benefits from the nutrients it is receiving from healthy foods.
Sources
This was helpful 
Posted by at No comments:

Origins of the Universe

The Big Bang remains the most trusted theory to explain how the universe originated. But, there are others which some scientists still believe to be plausible.
Theorizing on how all the existing matter came to be is a job that keeps on giving. It will be many years, until it is known exactly how the universe sprang into life. But, answers do seem to be getting more on target and scientists are quite convinced they are getting closer to knowing. But, there are still many other possibilities that can fit the physics model and prove to be a close match as well.
Following is a breakdown of the most possible theories discussed today and the likelihood of each as discussed and studied by cosmologists and astrophysicists.
The Big Bang Theory
Widely accepted and the current model for how the universe started, The Big Bang Theory is the best explanation scientists have today. This theory states that the universe started out of what is known as a singularity 13.7 billion years ago. A singularity is a zone of infinite density, but not much else is known about it, as it is still a mystery, explains Jenna Levin, Center for Particle Astrophysics, UC at Berkley, California.
Moments after that explosion the universe started inflating faster than the speed of light as particles interacted with one another. In a process that took billions of years to evolve the universe that exists today formed. Astronomers have discovered in recent years that the universe is still expanding and this expansion is accelerating.
The Big Bounce Theory
This is a theory that states there was actually something before the Big Bang. It suggests that another universe went through a Big Crunch and then 'bounced' back and gave birth to this universe, says Scientific American Science Editor Roger Highfield in his article "Before the Big Bang-the Big Bounce".
The Big Bounce seems to solve the problem of the unknown singularity factor of the Big Bang. It takes away the notion that the universe came to be from an infinite dense area with no mass, which goes against all mathematical notions.
Based on Loop Quantum Gravity, it combines Einstein's theory of gravity with that of quantum theory, which could provide light on the question of what was there before the Big Bang happened, says Dr. Martin Bojowald, Assistant Professor of Physics at Penn State University.
Cyclic Universe Theory
As the name implies, a cyclic universe explodes into existence in a Big Bang, and crunches out of existence over and over again in an endless cycle. This theory is an alternative to the Big Bang that has gotten much attention from scientists after Princeton physicist Paul Steinhardt and Neil Turok of Cambridge University published an article on it in the Science online edition.
The Cyclic Universe Theory could explain the mystery of why the 'cosmological constant' is accelerating, which the Big Bang theory could not account for, says Ker Than in his article "Recycled Universe: Theory Could Solve Cosmic Mystery" on Space.com. It also answers the long-standing question of what was before the Big Bang.
Steady State Theory
Another alternative to the Big Bang theory is the Steady State theory. This theory was developed by Fred Hoyle and Thomas Gold in 1949. Ironically, Fred Hoyle was the person who coined the term 'Big Bang', sort of as a way to make fun of a theory he did not advocate.
Steady State theory claims that the universe had no beginning, but it created new matter as older galaxies moved apart. However, discovery of the CMB (Cosmic Microwave Background radiation) became a big blow against Steady State, although Hoyle maintained that the background radiation could have originated without a Big Bang, states Chandra Wickramasinghe, of the Cardiff University Center for Astrobiology.
As cosmologists and astronomers keep researching, there will undoubtedly be many more theories to come. These new findings are what make the mysteries of the universe so exciting and what keep the search for knowledge an important issue for people who love learning about what lies beyond.
Posted by at No comments:

Layers of the Sun

The sun is comprised of many layers that work together to produce energy and provide life on earth.
From the Earth, the sun looks rather small. In reality, the diameter of the sun is around 860,000 miles. It is the closest star to the earth with a distance of 93 million miles. The sun is made of several complex layers, each with their own unique job that ultimately produces energy. This energy controls the Earth's climate and weather and provides life for all living things on earth.
The Foundation Layers of the Sun
The core is the inner layer. Heat from this layer is 15 million degrees Kelvin which translates to roughly 27 million degrees Fahrenheit. Kelvin is a temperature scale that picks up where the Celsius degree ends. The core is comprised of the radiative layer which emits radiation and the convective layer that transfers heat. The heat inside the core causes the protons and electrons to rub together creating an energy source in the Sun.
The radiation zone is just outside of the core. Its job is to transfer energy from the core to the other layers. The temperature at this layer is 7 million degrees Fahrenheit causing thermal radiation. The temperature in this layer is cooler than in the core. This layer has 60 percent mass and 90 percent volume.
The Middle Layer of the Sun
The convection layer is where photons and solar energy are created. This layer moves heat to the surface of the sun. Once on the surface, the air cools and drops back into convection zone where it reheats. This process allows energy to be transferred to the next layer.
The Outer Layers of the Sun
The photosphere is the layer that can be seen from the Earth. The temperature of the photosphere is about 10 million degrees Fahrenheit. Areas above the photosphere are known as the solar atmosphere. This area can be seen with telescopes.
The chromosphere layer is located just above the photosphere. It is the same diameter as the Earth and is about 35 million degrees Fahrenheit. Sometimes the chromosphere can be seen during an eclipse.
The outermost layer of the sun is the corona and can be seen during a solar eclipse when the sun is blocked by the moon. This layer is hotter than the surface of the sun.
The sun has many chemical elements but since it is so hot they are in a gaseous state. The color of the sun is actually white, but from Earth it appears yellow. The sun is so dense that there is no surface.
References
Fusion Energy Education. "From Core to Corona: Layers of the Sun." Fusedweb.llnl.gov Accessed June 14, 2010.
National Aeronautics and Space Administration. “The Sun's Layers and Temperatures.” Nmp.jpl.nasa.gov Accessed June 14, 2010.
Space Station Info. "Layers of the Sun." Spacestationinfo.com Accessed June 14, 2010.
Universe Today. "Layers of the Sun." Universetoday.com Accessed June 14, 2010.
Posted by at No comments:

Treating Urinary Tract Infections

UTIs are a common and painful problem for many women. Learn how to manage an episode using baking soda, and how to prevent future infections.
 
Half of all women experience a Urinary Tract Infection (UTI) at least once in their life time. Cystitis, or Urinary Tract Infection (UTI) is an infection or inflammation of the bladder. Cystitis symptoms are usually a feeling of needing to urinate urgently, but there is very little water to pass, abdominal discomfort and pain or burning sensation when urinating, and sometimes afterwards.
Although it feels like the best thing is to avoid urinating, in fact relief will be felt when the urine is diluted and the bladder is flushed out. It is essential to drink plenty of water during an episode and to empty your bladder frequently.
When You Feel a UTI Starting:
  • Immediately drink half a litre of plain water.
  • Remove any tight clothing. Make a hot water bottle for your abdomen and lie down.
  • Half an hour later, stir one teaspoon of bicarbonate of soda (baking soda) into your next half litre of water. Drinking this will neutralise the urine and make it less painful to urinate.
  • One hour later, mix another teaspoon of bicarbonate of soda into ¼ of a litre of water. After this have a hot cup of herb tea, preferably chamomile.
  • Two hours later do the same again. If you feel like having a warm bath, you can add two or three drops of lavender oil which will soothe as well as helping you relax.
Three hours from the first sign of cystitis, you should be feeling some relief. If you are still in a lot of pain, or if there is bleeding, call your doctor.
To Prevent Cystitis Happening Again:
  • Always wear cotton underwear. Nylon and other synthetics retain body heat and the bacteria that causes cystitis flourishes in dark damp conditions.
  • Never use bubble bath or perfumed soaps that could irritate the delicate skin around the urethra (the tube leading to the bladder).
  • Don’t use other people’s towels which could introduce bacteria.
  • Always use white or unbleached toilet paper and wipe from the front to the back.
  • Never have sex when you have a full bladder. After urinating, drink a glass of water.
  • Urinate within 15 minutes after having sex to flush away any possible infection, and then wash yourself , with cool water.
  • Make sure you drink enough plain water each day and more in hot weather. Many women have found that also drinking half a cup of unsweetened cranberry juice each day prevents further attacks.
Sometimes cystitis can be a symptom of something else, such as Chlamydia, Herpes, Urethritis, or Pelvic Inflammatory Disease. If you have a fever or feel very unwell, contact your doctor.
Posted by at No comments:

Common Causes of Urine Colors – What Does Urine Color Mean?

Is a change in urine color serious? Discover common reasons for urine colors, including various shades of yellow, red, pink, orange, blue, purple, & green.
Normal urine tends to be yellow or straw-colored and clear. Many people may experience a change in urine color, which can be quite dramatic or subtle. Some color changes in the urine may be normal or expected while others may be signs of a serious health problem. Urine color changes may give information about a person’s health, eating habits, treatments or medications, and more.
What Causes Light Yellow, Bright Yellow, or Dark Yellow Urine?
Light urine is usually produced by drinking a lot of fluids. This might be a very normal occurrence, but it could also be cause for concern. People who are excessively thirsty and tend to have consistently very light yellow or almost clear urine may have diabetes insipidus. Sometimes diabetes may also cause urine to have a sweet smell if large amounts of sugar are being excreted in the urine.
Bright yellow urine may be due to dehydration or liver problems (see next paragraphs) or from medications or nutritional supplements. For example, B vitamins and carotene tend to cause the urine to appear bright yellow, even when a person is adequately hydrated. Eating large amounts of foods containing B vitamins, such as whole grains, may produce a brighter yellow hue to the urine.
Dark yellow urine, or urine that is amber or deep yellow, is often due to dehydration, which tends to occur when people do not take in as much water as the body is excreting. Warm weather, high fevers, excessive sweating, vomiting, laxative use, or diarrhea may contribute to dehydration with the result of darker yellow urine.
Dark urine not related to dehydration may be due to a liver disorder, including infections such as hepatitis or cirrhosis. Certain medications may cause liver damage as well. People who have liver damage may also have a jaundiced appearance in which the whites of the eyes and skin may have a yellow hue.
What Causes Brown or Tea-colored Urine?
Brown urine may be due to eating foods such as rhubarb and fava beans. Aloe might also produce urine with a brown hue. Liver conditions, such as cirrhosis and hepatitis, may produce urine that is brown or looks like tea. A kidney disease called acute glomerulonephritis may also product urine that is brown or looks like cola.
Medications may cause brown or darker urine, such as:
  • certain antimalarial drugs
  • laxatives with cascara or senna
  • metronidazole
  • nitrofurantoin
  • methocarbamol
What Causes Orange, Red, or Pink Urine?
Orange urine may have several possible causes. This may be the result of dehydration as described above. Laxatives may produce orange colored urine. Certain medications, such as Pyridium, Rifampin, or Coumadin, tend to produce orange urine and may also turn other body fluids, such as tears, an orange color.
Foods and drinks may also cause the urine to turn orange, including drinks with dyes that produce an orange color. Nutritional supplements, vitamins, or foods such as carrots and winter squash, that contain carotene, B complex vitamins, or vitamin C may also contribute to orange-colored urine.
Red or pink urine has many other possible causes. One of the more serious causes of red urine includes blood in the urine, which commonly occurs with a UTI, or urinary tract infection. Strenuous exercise, bladder cancer, cystitis, kidney infection, an injury to the kidneys or urethra, an enlarged prostate, or tuberculosis may also cause blood in the urine, or hematuria. Porphyria or hemolytic anemia may also cause the urine to turn red.
Several foods may cause the urine to turn red or pink, including:
  • beets
  • blackberries
  • boysenberries
  • rhubarb
  • cereals and other foods with red dyes
  • drinks with a red dye
Medications might also turn urine a red color. Certain laxatives, particularly those that resemble chocolate candy, thorazine, or propofol may produce red urine. Lead poisoning and mercury poisoning may also produce urine that is red or pink.
What Causes Blue, Purple, or Dark Green Urine?
Perhaps the most common cause of “blue” or “green” urine might not be a change in urine color at all but might appear that color as a result of certain cleaning fluids in the toilet water.
Blue urine may appear due to artificial colors added to foods, drinks, or multivitamins. Some foods, such as asparagus, may give urine a dark green or blue appearance and may also produce a distinctive smell. Having excessive amounts of calcium in the body, also known as familial hypercalcemia, may produce blue or dark green urine.
Some of the more common medications that may cause dark green or blue urine include:
  • amitriptyline
  • cimetidine
  • indomethacin
  • phenergan
  • certain medications that treat urinary pain
Changes in Urine Color May Have Many Causes
Urine may be a variety of colors, including yellow, orange, brown, red, pink, green, purple, or blue. Although a change in urine color may be simply due to how hydrated a person is, eating certain foods, or taking particular medications, some changes in urine color may indicate a serious health problem. People who are experiencing an unexplained change in urine color should consult with a healthcare provider for further evaluation.
The above information includes some of the more common causes for urine color changes. Other causes are possible. This article is for informational purposes and should not be considered medical advice.
Readers may also wish to read:
Sources:
University of Maryland Medical Center’s 2009 online article “Urine – Abnormal Color – Overview”
Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research 1998 – 2009 online article “Urine Color”
Health Grades, Inc. May 5, 2010 online article “Causes of Blue Urine”
Collective Wisdom.com January 28, 2008 online article “The Color of Your Urine – What it Means”

Posted by at No comments:

How to Check Blood Pressure – Troubleshooting

Review trouble-shooting tips, including proper technique and equipment, for taking a manual blood pressure (BP) to ensure that the measurement is accurate.
Manual blood pressure readings are considered more accurate than most non-invasive electronic blood pressure monitoring systems, but many people, especially those who are inexperienced measuring blood pressure, may discover that the accuracy of the reading often depends upon the technique utilized. Review common problems and solutions below.
Nothing is Heard When Trying to Take a BP
If the patient has a palpable pulse, he should also have a blood pressure, but sometimes the pressure may be difficult to hear. Improve sound quality with the following checks:
Does the environment have excessive background noise? If possible, decrease environmental noise to aid in ability to hear the beats. As providers get more practice and become more comfortable taking blood pressures, they can often check a blood pressure with quite a bit of background noise, particularly if emergency care is being provided. Using a palpated technique might be one option if hearing the beats is impossible.
Are the earpieces of the stethoscope in the provider’s ears? It may help to angle the earpieces slightly forward to point toward the provider’s nose if having trouble hearing. Many stethoscopes have various sizes of earpieces that may also help if the provider is having trouble hearing through them. Special stethoscopes with adaptive devices with a volume control are available for those with hearing deficits.
Is the diaphragm/bell of the stethoscope turned in the correct direction? An easy and quick way to check this is to lightly tap on the side the provider wishes to place against the patient’s skin. This tapping will be quite loud if it is turned to the correct side.
Is the stethoscope placed directly over the brachial artery? The patient’s palm should be turned up and the provider should palpate the brachial artery before placing the stethoscope on the skin. The cuff should be positioned approximately one inch above the bend in the elbow. Other areas of the body might also be used if an arm pressure cannot be taken, and the location of the artery could be achieved in a similar manner.
Has the provider pumped enough air into the cuff initially? For example, if the cuff is only inflated to 130 at the start of taking a blood pressure, someone with an unusually high blood pressure, like 210/150, would have an inaudible reading because the cuff was not sufficiently inflated.
Is the provider “giving up” and letting the air out of the BP cuff too quickly? Some people may assume that they will not hear anything if the gauge reaches 100 or so and then quickly lets all the air out. Sometimes a person’s systolic pressure may be 90 or less, so a wise practitioner will continue to slowly and smoothly let the air out of the cuff until the gauge has reached well below the expected systolic number.
Avoiding Inaccurate Manual Blood Pressure Readings
Proper technique and equipment are critical for obtaining the most accurate blood pressure readings.
Use proper equipment in order to get an accurate BP reading, and be sure to do the following:
  • Inspect all equipment, including the stethoscope and sphygmomanometer, to ensure proper working order and properly calibrated.
  • Use equipment per manufacturer’s directions.
  • Use a properly sized cuff.
Incorporate correct technique to ensure that a manual blood pressure is as accurate as possible by:
  • wrapping the cuff properly on bare skin
  • positioning the arm or other extremity so that the gauge is clearly visible
  • using the same arm or other extremity for all readings
  • ensuring that the gauge level is at zero and at eye level before beginning
  • knowing how to read the gauge at a glance
Providers should also avoid deflating the cuff too quickly or slowly – the air should be let out steadily and smoothly until the last beat is heard. If there is a long pause and then the beats begin again, this is known as an auscultatory gap and should be reported and recorded.
Providers should also avoid checking blood pressure on an extremity that is contraindicated for BP, such one that has:
  • an IV
  • a dialysis fistula or shunt
  • a mastectomy on that side
  • paralysis
  • impaired circulation
  • an injury, burn, or fracture
  • a pressure ulcer or other wound or cast
  • excess fluid or edema
Alternate extremities include areas such as the forearm and thigh. Some patients may need to have blood pressure checked by invasive means if non-invasive measurements are impossible to obtain.
If the patient is sitting, ensure that her legs are not crossed before taking the blood pressure. Some patients have “white coat hypertension,” which results in inaccurately high blood pressure readings due to anxiety.
The Importance of Accurate Blood Pressure Readings
Assessment and treatment is often based on blood pressure readings, so accurate measurements are critical in order to provide safe and appropriate care to the patient. Utilizing proper equipment and technique can significantly improve the accuracy of manual blood pressure readings.
Providers who wish to practice their skills may find it helpful to listen to the beats and record blood pressure measurements in this practice BP test. Readers may also wish to read the following articles:
Information in this article is not medical advice. People with questions regarding diagnosis and treatment of blood pressure are encouraged to seek the advice of their personal healthcare provider. Anyone experiencing life-threatening symptoms should seek emergency care immediately. Readers are welcome to post comments in the box below.
Posted by at No comments:

Understanding Physics Collision Problems

Collisions problems are an important class of problems in physics. Momentum is conserved in all collisions. Kinetic energy is only conserved in elastic collisions.
Many physics students have difficulty solving collisionhomework problems. One key for helping with these problems is understanding the different types of collisions and which quantities are conserved in each type.
Conservation of Momentum
The law of conservation of momentum states that the total momentum of an isolated system with no external forces will be conserved. The momentum can be transferred from one object to another, but the total momentum can neither increase nor decrease.
Deciding whether momentum is conserved in a collision is easy. Momentum is conserved in all collisions. When doing a physics homework problem involving a collision, the total momentum is always the same before and after the collision. Always use the conservation of momentum equation.
Remember that momentum is a vector. In a two or three dimensional collision problem it is absolutely essential to add the momenta of the different objects according to the rules of vector addition. Divide all momenta in the problem into x and y components (and z for a three dimensional problem). Leaving out this step will virtually guarantee a wrong answer.
Conservation of Kinetic Energy
Energy is one of the fundamental quantities that is always conserved. The total amount of energy in an isolated system can neither increase nor decrease. Energy can however change form. That means that the total amount of kinetic energy in a system can change.Kinetic energy can decrease if it is converted to some other form of energy. If another form of energy is converted to kinetic energy, the total kinetic energy of a system can increase.
Working with kinetic energy equations can in some ways be easier than with momentum equations, but it can also in some ways be more difficult. Energy is a scalar rather than a vector quantity, so there is no need to divide energy into components. However velocity is squared in the kinetic energy formula, so solving kinetic energy equations often requires solving a quadratic equation.
In some collisions the initial kinetic energy can change form. For example if the collision produces a noise, kinetic energy transformed into sound energy. If the collision deforms the objects, some of the kinetic energy goes into deformation. Hence Kinetic energy may not be conserved in a collision.
Types of Collisions
Kinetic energy is conserved in some but not all collisions. Whether the kinetic energy is conserved depends on the type of collision. Physicists classify four types of collisions.
Elastic collisions: Kinetic energy is conserved in elastic, which are also called completely elastic, collisions. To solve these problems, use both momentum and kinetic energy conservation.
Inelastic collisions: Kinetic energy is not conserved in inelastic collisions. To solve these problems use momentum conservation but not kinetic energy conservation.
Completely inelastic collisions: In completely inelastic collisions, the objects stick together after the collision. That means they have the same velocity after the collision. To solve these problems, use momentum conservation and use the same velocity after the collision for the objects. Do not use kinetic energy conservation.
Explosive collisions: In explosive collisions kinetic energy increases. The extra kinetic energy usually comes from stored chemical potential energy. To solve these problems. use momentum conservation only.
Conservation of momentum applies to all collision homework problems. Understanding the different types of collisions helps students know when to use conservation of kinetic energy to solve physics collision problems.
Further Reading
Wilson, J.D., Buffa, A.J., and Lou, B., College Physics 6th ed., Pearson, 2007.
Posted by at No comments:

Physics of Blood Pressure

Blood pressure readings are a fundamental diagnostic tool for health care professionals. What is the physics behind blood pressure?
When visiting a clinic, a patient usually gets a blood pressure reading. High blood pressure, hypertension, can warn of impending cardiovascular disease. Excessively low blood pressure can prevent blood from flowing to higher portions of the body, including the brain. Pressure is a basic physical quantity. How does physics apply to blood pressure?
Pressure
The pressure on a surface is the total force acting on the surface divided by the surface's area.
Pressure = Force/Area.
Pressure is usually measured in newtons per square meter (often called pascals) or in pounds per square inch. Pressure is also often measured in millimeters of mercury (mm HG), a unit that originated from old-fashioned mercury barometers. The conversion factor is:
1 mm Hg = 133 pascals = 0.02 pounds per square inch.
Blood pressure is the force the blood applies to the artery wall divided by the area of the wall. Higher blood pressure means the blood applies more force to each square meter of artery wall.
Medical personnel measure blood pressure in millimeters of mercury. A typical blood pressure reading of 120 mm Hg equals 16,000 newtons per square meter or 2.4 pounds per square inch. The blood applies a force of 16,000 newtons to every square meter of artery wall or 2.4 pounds to every square inch.
Diastolic and Systolic Pressure
A blood pressure reading is two numbers, for example 120/80. The higher number is the systolic pressure and is the maximum pressure on the artery walls during the pumping cycle. The lower number is the diastolic pressure is the lowest pressure during the cycle.
The heart pumps blood through the body. With every heartbeat the ventricles (lower heart chambers) contract, squeeze the blood out to the arteries, maximizing the blood pressure, producing the systolic reading. When the ventricles relax, the blood pressure is minimized, producing the diastolic reading. The heart refills with blood and the cycle repeats.
Healthcare workers read blood pressure with a sphygmomanometer. It uses a blood pressure cuff that squeezes the arm to constrict the blood flow in the artery. The pressure in the cuff is slowly decreased.
Eventually the pressure in the cuff is low enough that blood starts flowing again in the constricted artery. The healthcare worker listening to the artery with a stethoscope hears turbulence as the blood flow resumes, and reads the systolic blood pressure from the sphygmomanometer dial. When the turbulence stops, the pressure reading is the diastolic reading. The blood again flows smoothly because the pressure in the cuff is too low to constrict the blood flow during any part of the pumping cycle.
Blood pressure is taken on the arm at the same level as the heart because the pressure in a fluid varies with the height of the fluid.
Effects of High and Low Blood Pressure
If blood pressure is too high, the extra force on the artery walls eventually leads to increased risk of cardiovascular problems. If arteries are clogged by fatty deposits from high cholesterol, the narrow arteries force the heart to pump harder, leading to high blood pressure. Those with high blood pressure wanting details of the health consequences should consult their physicians.
Pressure in a fluid decreases with height, so there must be enough blood pressure to pump the blood upward to the brain. If the blood pressure is too low the heart cannot push the blood up to the brain and the person may faint.
Further Reading
Wilson, J.D., Buffa, A.J., and Lou, B., College Physics 6th ed., Pearson, 2007.
Posted by at No comments:
Subscribe to: Posts (Atom)