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Enhancing the Quality of Life at Home TM
Urinary Tract Infection
A Urinary Tract Infection (UTI) can occur in the Urinary System (bladder, urethra, ureters, kidneys). Most UTIs occur in the Lower Urinary Tract (bladder, urethra). Severe infections occur when the kidneys are affected.
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Causes, Incidence, and Risk Factors
• A Urinary Tract Infection is usually caused when bacteria enters the bladder via the urethra.
• Women are more likely to suffer from a UTI.
• Risk factors include: Being female, sexually active, menopause, urinary tract abnormality/blockage, immunosuppression, and having a urinary catheter.
• Symptoms include: Urge to urinate, burning sensation with urination, frequent small volume urination, cloudy or dark urine, strong-smelling urine, pelvic pain in women, rectal pain in men.
Tests
• Urine sample for urinalysis or culture/sensitivity
• Ultrasound, CT, radiographic contrast studies
• Cyctoscopy
Treatment
• Antibiotic treatment with Bactrim, Septra, Amoxicillin, Nitrofurantoin, Ampicillin, Cipro, Levaquin, etc.
• Analgesics
• Severe infections could require IV anatibiotics and/or hospitalization
Prevention
• Drink plenty of fluids
• Wipe from front to back (females)
• Empty bladder soon after intercourse
• Avoid irritating feminine products
Reference: Mayo Clinic (August 2012)
Wound Healing
The skin is a barrier to the outside world protecting the body from infection, radiation, and extremes of temperature. There are many types of wounds that can damage the skin including abrasions, lacerations, rupture injuries, punctures, and penetrating wounds. Many wounds are superficial requiring local first aid including cleansing and dressing. Some wounds are deeper and need medical attention to prevent infection and loss of function, due to damage to underlying structures like bone, muscle, tendon, arteries and nerves. The purpose of medical care for wounds is to prevent complications and preserve function. While important, cosmetic results are not the primary consideration for wound repair. History is important to understand the circumstances of the injury, because mechanism of injury will significantly affect the care provided. An animal bite will require more medical care than one caused by a fall on the playground. It is important to know the circumstances of the injury to decide how dirty the wound might be, and whether there are any potential underlying injuries. Individuals with diabetes, poor circulation, on dialysis, or taking medications that can compromise the immune system are at higher risk of infection. The decision to repair a wound may also be affected by the patient's medical history. The time frame from when the initial injury occurred and when medical care is sought is also a consideration. The longer a wound is left open, the higher the risk of infection if the wound is sutured.
Reference: http://www.emedicinehealth.com/wound_care/article_em.htm
The gold standard for wound treatment
At Lorian Health we encourage the use of moist wound healing which follows the gold standard for wound treatment. It has been demonstrated that a moist wound will heal faster than a dry wound. A moist wound allows the cells to do the work they need to do in order to heal the injury. Another gold standard which assists wound healing is the use of compression garments to manage edema. Again, the compression encourages healing by allowing vital nutrients and oxygen to cross over to the wound from the vessels.
Diet and wound healing
Diet is a key component for wound healing. Your body uses nutrients from a healthy diet to help fight infection and heal wounds. You can eat a healthy diet by eating a variety of foods from each food group every day. Eat regular meals and snacks to help you eat enough servings from each food group. If you have trouble eating 3 meals a day try eating 5-6 small meals throughout the day instead. Include good sources of protein, zinc and vitamin C in your diet each day. Drink plenty of liquids during and between meals unless your doctor has placed you on a fluid restriction, then you need to discuss this with your doctor. Limit foods that are high in fat, sugar, and salt. These foods are unhealthy choices because they are low in healthy nutrients that are important for healing.
The following are good sources of:
C & B
What is Hepatitis C & B?
Hepatitis C & B is inflammation of the liver caused by the Hepatitis C & B virus.
Who gets Hepatitis C or Hepatitis B?
Anyone can get hepatitis C or B but the following are ways people get infected:
• Being born to a mother with hepatitis C or B
• Having sex with an infected person
• Being tattooed or pierced with unsterilized tools that were used on an infected person
• Sharing needles with an infected person
• Sharing personal items like razors or toothbrushes with an infected person
You cannot get Hepatitis C or B from:
• Shaking hands with an infected person
• Hugging an infected person
• Sitting next to an infected person
Symptoms
Hepatitis C Hepatitis B
• Yellowish eyes and skin
• Longer time to stop any bleeding
• Swollen stomach or ankles
• Easy bruising
• Upset stomach
• Loss of appetite
• Diarrhea
• Dark yellow urine
• Tiredness
• Fever
• Light-colored stools
How are Hepatitis C & B diagnosed?
• Feeling very tired
• Mild fever
• Headache
• Not wanting to eat
• Feeling sick to your stomach/vomiting
• Belly pain
• Diarrhea/Constipation
• Muscle aches and joint pain
• Skin rash
• Yellowish eyes and skin
A simple blood test but your doctor might also recommend a liver biopsy if he thinks there is liver damage or possible chronic hepatitis.
How is Hepatitis treated?
Hepatitis C: usually not treated unless it becomes chronic then it is treated with drugs that slow or stop the virus from damaging the liver.
Hepatitis B: Usually it will go away on its own. You can relieve your symptoms at home by resting, eating healthy foods, drinking plenty of water, and avoiding alcohol and drugs.
How Can Hepatitis C & B be prevented?
• Use a condom when you have sex
• Do not share needles
• Wear latex or plastic gloves if you have to touch blood
• Do not share toothbrushes or razors
• Make sure any tattoos or body piercings you get are done with sterile tools
• Do not donate blood or blood products if you have hepatitis
• Hepatitis B vaccine: it is a series of 3-4 shots
Reference: http://digestive.niddk.nih.gov
