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January, 2012:

High White Blood Cell Count

Jan 17th, 2012
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White blood cells are essential to the body. They help to fight infections and help to produce and transport antibodies. White blood cells are also known as leukocytes. They are produced by the bone marrow stem cells. With the occurrence of an infection, white blood cells produced by the bone marrow will approximately double in quantity to enable the body to fight the infection. Once the infection has been controlled by the white blood cells, they will die off. However, a few will remain alive as memory cells in order to fight the same bacteria if it ever re-enters the body. When this occurs they will multiply once more and fight the infection before any harm is done to the body. This is the manner in which immune systems function. Therefore, many will surmise that the more white blood cells in the body, the better placed it will be to fight off infection. However, this is not so. High white blood cell count can be the symptom of another underlying problem.

Types of Leukocytes

There are various types of white blood cells. They are all responsible for protecting the body from disease and infections. These white blood cells are responsible for killing bacteria, fighting allergies and internal and external parasites. Problems can occur if of the number of these white blood cells is higher than the desired level.

  • Neutrophils are the most common white blood cell types. They are the most predominant, comprising 50% – 70% of the white blood cells in the body. Neutrophils are phagocytic as they specialize in ingesting other cells. When an infection occurs, the first variety of white blood cells to arrive at the scene is Neutrophils. Once the harmful infection has been ingested by the Neutrophils, these cells will die. Neutrophils in a normal person will range from 3,150 to 6,200.
  • Eosinophils make up 1% – 3% of the total white blood cell count. These cells are responsible for causing allergies and other problems that inflame the body if they do not work in the manner that they should. However, Eosinophils are responsible for fighting and destroying foreign invaders. A normal person will have 50 to 250 Eosinophils in the body.
  • Basophils come in third as they are the least abundant in the white blood cell count. They make up approximately 0.5% of the total white blood cell count. These white blood cells play a key role in fighting allergies and parasitic infections. Containing vasodilators and histamine, they play a key role in allowing the blood flow to tissues.

Problems Associated with High Leukocytes Count

A count of more than 10,500 white blood cells in a micro litre of blood can be an indication of an underlying problem. This medical condition is known as leukocytosis. High white blood cell count usually indicates:

  • an infection and the body’s reaction to it
  • a reaction to medication used to enhance the production of cells
  • bone marrow disease
  • an immune system disorder

In addition to the above reasons for white blood cell count high, there are more specific reasons for a high count of white blood cells. Acute Lymphocytic Leukaemia (ALL) is a cancer that affects white blood cells. A person affected with ALL will produce more than the desired number of white blood cells in the body. However, these white blood cells arising out of ALL are considered abnormal as they are unable to develop and fight infection. As the production of these white blood cells increases rapidly in a person who is infected with ALL, they will soon take over the normally functioning blood cells. By crowding out the good red and white blood cells and platelets, the body will lose its ability to fight infection. This is the most dangerous problem with high WBC in the bone marrow. In addition to the above, tissue damage in a fire, allergies, diverticular disease, stress, latter stages of pregnancy, tuberculosis etc. can all increase the white blood cell count.

Symptoms of Leukocytosis

It is possible for someone to not experience any symptoms even though they are suffering from Leukocytosis. However, there will be associated symptoms that are caused by the conditions that may be leading to Leukocytosis; for instance, Leukocytosis caused by bone marrow cancer or leukemia. Some of the common symptoms associated with patients with Leukocytosis include fever, fainting, bleeding, bruising, losing weight and appetite, pain in arms, abdomen etc. Any of these symptoms can be the cause of Leukocytosis. Obtaining medical advice at this stage is essential to the control of high WBC.

Treating Leukocytosis

Before treating Leukocytosis, a full blood count report should be obtained to gauge the gravity of the problem. If the white blood cell count high is abnormal, further tests may be required. A bone marrow biopsy will further help to clarify the cause of high WBC. Treating the underlying cause of a high count of white blood cells will help bring it down to normal. Treatment can be in the forms of intravenous fluids, medication, leukocytoreduction, bone marrow transplant or blood transfusions.

High white blood cell count is something that should not be ignored. Since it is related to the body’s immune system, having abnormal counts of white blood cells can compromise the body’s ability to defend itself. Therefore, obtaining treatment as soon as possible may help avoid complications caused by being infected by highly virulent germs or parasitic attacks.

Causes of excessive burping a lot

Jan 16th, 2012
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Burping is a natural ejection of gases through the mouth from the gut. Most of the time it is considered as a normal process and not a cause for concern, but sometimes it becomes excessive, showing something is wrong in the body. Burping may be quite embarrassing if it happens day in and day out. The person experiencing excessive burping might feel in a difficult situation because you can’t control burping a lot, it’s a natural function. However, there are many ways to control this problem. (more…)

High Neutrophils Low Lymphocytes

Jan 16th, 2012
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Overview of Human Immune System and White Blood Cells

Our immune system is responsible for detecting and eliminating pathogens and tumor cells. It makes up our natural disease prevention system, of which white blood cells are a critical component.

White blood cell can be broken down into:

  • Lymphocytes (makes up 30% of total white blood cells count, popularly expressed as WBC),
  • neutrophils (constitute 60% of WBC, also known as polymorph nuclear leukocytes in the medical field, or simply PMNs, or “polys”), and,
  • other blood cell types, which collectively contribute to the balance 10% of WBC. These are bands (2%), basophils (1%), eosinophils (2%) and monocytes (5%).

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Feeling Tired all the Time

Jan 16th, 2012
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It is exhausting to be feeling tired all the time, especially if you do not know why you are tired in the first place. Tiredness is not a unique thing; we all feel exhausted after working hard, but being tired even after just waking up in the morning after a good night’s sleep is not normal at all. It could mean that there are underlying problems, either physical or psychological.

Why am I so tired? If you are always asking this question, then you may have other problems because it is not normal to be tired all the time. (more…)

What is a cyst?

Jan 15th, 2012
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What is a cyst?

what is a cystBefore you can understand what is a cyst created for, it is important to keep in mind that while most structures and body parts in humans are commonly associated with certain functions or purposes, this is not necessarily the case. A cyst, defined as a growth that is covered by a membrane, tends to manifest itself on top of an organ, or fill the gap that exists between skin tissues and muscle. In a general sense, they are considered benign (or harmless) and they stay pretty isolated. Cysts are characterized by infected fluids, semi-solid substances (e.g. sebum) or simply air that fills the structure.

To better appreciate what is a cyst produced for, it has been noted that its existence could be linked to a defect during fetal development or a disorder, but it is also acknowledged that there are some unknown circumstances that could lead to the growth of a cyst. It is not uncommon to find a sebaceous cyst (small and hard form of cyst) deposited under the wrist or forearm. If it is in the wrist, it could be some kind of ganglion cyst. Other common areas where cysts could be located are on top of the vocal cords, under the scalp or face.

Are cysts harmful?

While a cyst is generally considered to be harmless or non-cancerous, it could inflict extreme pain. During World War II, soldiers who were assigned as jeep drivers often complained about painful “blisters” around the tailbone area. Further examinations from doctors revealed that such reported pain was more likely related to a cyst generated by ingrown hairs near the coccyx. The technical term to describe it is a pilonital cyst, originated from Greek, which means ‘hairy nest’. The high risk group for this particular kind of condition includes people who pursue less active lifestyles, people with obesity, or simply people who possess less lower back hair.

Suggestions for cysts examination and treatments

When the cyst does not drain itself off, you may need a surgical intervention to remove it.

As mentioned earlier, cysts can deposit themselves onto a wide variety of body organs. While it is thought of being innocent and not harmful in nature, its removal may be necessary to avoid further problems. Take for example a cyst that grows on the ovary. It is not malignant in nature, but if its growth continues uninhibited, it can turn into a large mass over time and cause pain sensation in the abdomen.

In suspected cases of malignant cysts, a needle aspiration procedure is often called in for further examination. A sample of fluids or other materials will be extracted to verify infection and any unintended cell growth. Unless it is absolutely necessary, prescription antibiotics and pain killers are dispensed, rather than the surgery option.

Granted, the existence of a sebaceous cyst under the skin would not look good on you. However, from a medical perspective, it is not required that you remove it. In the case of most severe cysts, treatments may cover lancing, and it is to be followed up with sterile bandages and antibiotics. Severe cysts would have to be drained off completely, if you don’t want to worry about secondary infections.

What Does Cloudy Urine Mean

Jan 15th, 2012
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Overview of cloudy urine

For a normal and healthy person, urine excreted usually looks clear and yellowish. But if you notice that your urine turns cloudy, it could be a warning sign that something might be wrong with your health.

We of course excrete liquid from our body as part of our natural cleansing process. In that sense, milky or cloudy urine could mean that we are flushing out toxins and waste from our system and it could be assumed that it is ‘business as usual’. On the other hand, it could be read as a vital indicator to you that a serious illness is looming. Bear in mind that milky urine itself is not an illness, but a mere symptom. We will examine some conditions that cause cloudy urine. It is not our intention to cover exhaustively all the possible factors, but by focusing on some of the more common ones, it is our hope that the reader can get a better understanding of this particular symptom. (more…)

How to Remove Skin Tags

Jan 15th, 2012
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Skin Tags Definition

Skin tags (or acrochordons) are considered as harmless and benign tumors. They often take the form of skin flaps that protrude out from our body and many people are tempted to remove these unnecessary body parts. A number of surgical procedures exist to remove skin tags, and the more popular ones include cauterizing or freezing. However, due to the high cost associated to such procedures, more and more people are choosing to remove skin tags via cheaper means. (more…)

What caused my eye pain?

Jan 15th, 2012
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clip_image002Eye pain can come in different forms, such as aching, burning, throbbing or stabbing. This can occur in the eye or around it. Tiredness and discomfort around the eyes is not cause for alarm. Most often, eye pain such as this can be rectified as it could be due to a muscle imbalance or needing a new pair of spectacles. However, persistent pain in the eyes should not be ignored and should be taken extremely seriously. This is because eye pain is often a cause of an underlying medical condition. Therefore, any pain in eyes should be attended to by a specialist ophthalmologist.

Types and Causes of Eye Pain

clip_image004There are two categories of pain in the eyes. These are ‘ocular pain’ and ‘orbital pain’. Ocular pain occurs on the surface of the eye. This can be in the form of a burning sensation, grittiness, scratchiness, etc. Conjunctivitis is one of the most common ocular eye problems. It causes the membrane lining of the eyelids to become inflamed. Conjunctivitis can be caused by viruses, allergies, diseases, Chlamydia and fungi. A viral infection of the conjunctiva is referred to as “pink eye” and needs to be treated with proper medication.

In some cases, pain in eyes can be caused by abrasions. Scratching and overuse of contact lenses can cause abrasions that cause pain in the eyes. In addition, exposure to certain chemical substances and flash burns can also cause pain in the eyes. Another reason for ocular eye pain is a sty. A sty causes a lump on the eyelid that occurs due to a blocked oil gland. This can cause extreme pain in the eyes.

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Orbital pain can be described as pain deep in the eyes. Orbital pain is most often associated with an eye disease. Glaucoma is one of the main causes of such eye pain. Glaucoma is caused by an increase in eye pressure that, if left untreated, can impair the vision. In addition to glaucoma, migraine, iritis, optic neuritis, and sinusitis are also some of the conditions that can cause orbital pain.

Symptoms of Eye Pain

clip_image008Pain in eye will differ from person to person and also vary according to the factors causing it. For example, individuals who have glaucoma will feel stabbing pain in eye, nausea, vomiting, headaches and decreased vision. Conjunctivitis will cause pain in the eyes and discharge. Blepharitis, an inflammation of the eyelid, will cause a sensation of grit in the eyes. Painful, red eyes sometimes accompanied with decreased vision are a symptom of iritis. In addition, certain conditions can cause sensitivity to light, double vision, pain with eye movement and severe headaches accompanying the pain in the eyes.

Medical Treatment

Any of the abovementioned symptoms will require medical attention. Therefore, if pain in eye is experienced, it is advisable to obtain an appointment with an ophthalmologist for an eye examination. Certain conditions such as eye pain caused by burns, pain in the eyes related to traumatic events such as accidents or eye pain with loss of vision need emergency medical care.

When pain in the eyes is experienced, an ophthalmologist will evaluate a patient with a physical examination and history of the condition. Questions will include characteristics, location and duration of the pain among others. In addition, patients will be questioned on any medications taken, allergies, family history, etc. The physical examination will consist of checking the vision, surrounding tissues, peripheral vision, as well as the pupil’s reaction to light. Medication and treatment will depend on the results of these examinations.

Medication for Pain in the Eyes

clip_image010The ophthalmologist will prescribe medication once the examination is conducted and the results are obtained. Medication will vary according to the condition of the patient and the severity of the problem; therefore, medication should not be taken without a prescription. For example, antibiotic eye drops and eye ointments will be prescribed for patients suffering with conjunctivitis, corneal abrasions and ulcerations. Those with chemical burns will be prescribed medication depending on the severity of the burns. Glaucoma medication will begin with eye drops and will proceed to intravenous and tablet medication. Patients suffering from migraine headaches will be prescribed pain relief medication, as well as migraine medication.

Preventing Pain in the Eyes

It is difficult to prevent accidents. However, certain problems concerning pain in the eyes can be prevented if proper measures are taken. For example, wearing eye protection when working with power tools, playing sports and mowing lawns will help protect the eyes form any damage that can be caused. Parents should supervise children’s movements and play equipment to avoid any eye injuries that could be caused by their toys. Reading safety instructions and abiding by them is vital when handling potent chemicals. People who wear contact lenses should ensure that their eyes are constantly moist and should follow their doctor’s instructions on how to wear them. These methods will help to ensure that the possibility of eye pain related to infections and accidents is decreased.

Loss of vision is devastating. Therefore, it is necessary to pay strict attention to any pain in the eyes that causes discomfort. Individuals are advised not to wait until there is stabbing pain in their eye before visiting an ophthalmologist. Timely treatment and medication is necessary to protect the eyes from loss of vision.

Low White Blood Cell Count

Jan 14th, 2012
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Low white blood cell indicates the presence of one or more serious medical conditions, such as: hyperthyroidism, leukemia, aplastic anemia or any infectious disease. Having this condition is not good for the overall health because it makes the body susceptible to infections and other illnesses.

White blood cells are important to the body’s immune system because they fight off infections and blood disorders in the bone marrow and the lymphatic system. Each type of white blood cell has its own essential role in defending the body from certain maladies, like viruses, bacteria, parasites, fungi and some allergic reactions.

White blood cells are the armed guards of the body, whose main purpose is to drive back invading infections and other disorders. Too few white blood cells will result in the body’s immnune system being compromised. This will then result in the body being at risk of getting all types of infections, like viruses, fungi and bacteria.

Causes of Low White Blood Cell Count

Leukemia is one of the most common causes of low white blood cell count. This type of cancer has a devastating effect on blood cells and the entire immune system. It directly affects the tissue that forms the bone marrow; this will then turn into a decreasing count of white blood cells as damaged and mutated ones will increase.

Human Immunodeficiency Virus or HIV may also cause low white blood cell count; this condition also attacks the immune system.

Congenital disorders such as myelofibrosis (a bone marrow disorder) and lupus (an immune system disorder), cause the body to attack its own defense mechanisms, resulting in the depletion of bone marrow and white blood cells.

People suffering from aplastic anemia do not have the capacity to produce new blood cells; therefore, it is one of the most common causes of low white blood cell count.

Low white blood cell count can also be caused by deficiencies in minerals and vitamins, typhoid fever, influenza and malaria.

Cancer treatment like chemotherapy and radiation treatment can also cause a drop in white blood cell count and may put the patient at very great risk.

Low White Blood Cell Count Symptoms

Low white blood cell count symptoms include:

  • Fever – this is the body’s most common first sign of any infection.
  • Colds and Flu – a person with low white blood cell count has no defense against these conditions.
  • Gastrointestinal infections (like diarrhea)
  • Urinary tract Infection (UTI)
  • Sinus Infections (stuffy nose, headache)
  • Rectal Bleeding
  • Lung infection (coughing up fluid)

Treatments for Low White Blood Cell Count

There are medications available to boost white blood cell count. Usually they are given prior to chemotherapy in order to increase the production of white blood cells as they are expected to hit their lowest level after chemotherapy sessions. Such medicines contain cytokines, which are a type of protein that helps in the stimulation of the bone marrow to produce white blood cells.

Two of the most common medications being prescribed are Neupogen (filgrastim) and Neulasta (pegfilrastim). Filgrastim is most commonly given as a daily injection for a series of consultations while pegfilgratim is given on one dose only.

Leukine (sargramostim) is a drug less commonly given to boost white blood cell count.

Precautions to be taken to prevent the Risk of Further Infection:

There are certain precautionary measures a patient can take to reduce the risk of more infection. Since the body is very susceptible to outside infections, observing the following will lessen the chance of being inflicted by more infections:

  • Keep your hands clean and remind people around you to do the same.
  • Keep your fingernails neatly trimmed.
  • Avoid people with colds or infection; wear a surgical mask if you need to, especially if going out into crowded places.
  • Avoid being in close contact with fresh plants, flowers and fruits; they do contain bacteria and fungi.
  • Always be on the look out for any cuts and scratches; once you have them, clean them thoroughly and apply new dressings at least once a day.
  • Use antiseptic mouthwash after brushing your teeth.

Irritable Bowel Syndrome Symptoms

Jan 14th, 2012
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Irritable bowel syndrome (also popularly known by its abbreviation IBS) describes a persistent condition where uncomfortable sensations (primarily pain) are felt inside the tummy or abdomen. It often results a change in bowel habit. This condition can happen to anybody regardless of age but it is commonly in people between the ages of 15 to 40. Study has also showed that the prevalence and severity of IBS symptoms are more profound among women patients rather than the men. (more…)

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