Posts Categorized: Medical Minute

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Medical Minute: Covid-19 Immunity and Antibodies

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Yesterday, my post about President Trump achieving immunity against Covid-19 touched a nerve in some of my readers who decided to challenge my knowledge of immunity and antibodies.

In this post I will try to address some of the misconceptions and misinformation expressed in my comments section.
 

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This comment is incorrect. You can't have immunity without antibodies. The two fit together like a hand in glove. Immunity simply means the antibodies will recognize Covid-19 and kill it if it tries to re-infect the body. This protection can last for months or a lifetime.
 

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Someone can be immune and still test positive if the virus is in his body at the time of the test. If you've ever had a cold caused by a coronavirus in your lifetime, you are likely immune to Covid-19. You won't show symptoms (asymptomatic), but you will still test positive for Covid-19.
 

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Asymptomatic means you are infected with the virus but you don't get sick (no symptoms). Immunity means you have the antibodies against the virus, so you won't get sick if you are infected.
 

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This is incorrect. Millions of people have developed antibodies and immunity against the coronavirus. Their serum contains antibodies and doctors use their serum to transfer immunity to others. The CDC and Dr. Fauci have released a lot of misinformation about Covid-19.
 

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It is not necessary to receive treatment in order to become immune. If your immune system is healthy it will develop antibodies to attack an invading virus and prevent that same virus from infecting you again.
 

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What you quoted doesn't specify immunity. But your definition for immunity explains why antibodies are necessary for immunity. Trump's doctor said he has antibodies to the coronavirus. That means Trump has developed antibodies to give him immunity (long-term protection) against Covid-19.
 

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People diagnosed with HIV or AIDS are in the high-risk category for Covid-19. They are not immune to Covid-19. Coronavirus can be suppressed and destroyed by a healthy immune system. But the HIV virus attacks and destroys the immune system before it can put up a fight.

Antiviral or antiretroviral drugs slow the progression of HIV to AIDS by preventing HIV from attaching to and entering white blood cells (WBCs) of the immune system. If the HIV virus can't enter cells, then it can't destroy the immune system and it can't replicate (make copies of itself).

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Medical Minute: Dyspnea On Exertion (Air Hunger)

AFP via Getty Images

US President Donald Trump experienced mild shortness of breath after walking up the South Portico steps as he arrived at the White House from Walter Reed Army Medical Center, where he underwent treatment for Covid-19 on Monday, Oct. 5 [see video below].

Patients who are recovering from a respiratory illness will experience air hunger after exertion, such as walking up steps. It is usually not a cause for concern.

AFP via Getty Images

Dyspnea or air hunger is mild to moderate difficulty breathing after exertion, such as climbing steps. It is an uncomfortable feeling that usually lasts less than 2 minutes, but it can last longer.

Dyspnea on exertion, also known as shortness of breath, occurs when the body is craving oxygen after quickly using up oxygen stores doing exercise or another strenuous activity.

People who exhibit air hunger after exertion typically feel anxiety from the sensation of not being able to get enough air in their lungs.

Gradyreese via Getty Images

Anyone can experience mild air hunger or dyspnea after exercising -- even world class athletes and joggers.

Sometimes, air hunger is just a case of being out of shape, and exercise can improve symptoms. But it can be a sign of a serious health issue.

Signs & Symptoms of Air Hunger (Dyspnea)

  • shortness of breath after exertion or due to a medical condition
  • feeling smothered or suffocated as a result of breathing difficulties
  • anxiety or panic attack
  • labored breathing
  • tightness in the chest
  • rapid, shallow breathing
  • heart palpitations
  • wheezing
  • coughing

    • Air hunger or dyspnea without exertion is a medical emergency. You should be seen by a doctor immediately.

    Care should be taken to avoid over-exerting yourself during the recovery stage of an illness when you are regaining your strength following an illness.

    This has been your Medical Minute.
     

     

    DISCLAIMER

    Any medical information published on this blog is for your general information only and is not intended as a substitute for informed medical advice. You should not take any action before consulting with your personal physician or a health care provider. Sandrarose.com and its affiliates cannot be held liable for any damages incurred by following information found on this blog.

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    Medical Minute: Is Coprophilia a mental disorder?

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    Coprophilia, also known as Scatophilia or Scat, was in the headlines this week after NFL star Odell Beckham Jr. was accused of being sexually arousal by bowel movements.

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    Screengrab: YouTube.com

    The 27-year-old Cleveland Browns wide receiver trended on Twitter after adult film star Slim Danger, who shares a child with rapper Chief Keef, went on a podcast and accused the football star of having an obsession with watching people defecate or being defecated on.

    A morbid attraction or fetish for the smell, taste or sight of feces is a paraphilia often associated with obsessive-compulsive disorder.

    The paraphilia begins in childhood when toddlers take pleasure in holding or retaining and then expelling their stool or urine.

    Coprophilia can be reinforced by masturbation and may become a fetish by age 17.

    Each time masturbation reinforces the coprophilia, it becomes more difficult to modify or erase the behavior.

    This can cause significant stress and anxiety or impairment of social or occupational functioning in men, according to Psychology Today.

    The disorder is rare and impacts 20 times more males than females. Women tend to be repulsed by the odor of excrement.

    Bauer-Griffin/GC Images

    Most men with the disorder hide their fetish in more traditional sexual activity with women. They may prefer that women use straps on them during sex. The man will usually forego the use of enemas to evacuate his bowels before sex.

    Coprophilia, or Scatophilia, is largely ignored in psychology. Any literature on the subject groups it in with other paraphilias such as necrophilia or pedophilia.

    "People with paraphilia seem to have grown up in dysfunctional environments and to have had early sexual experiences that limited their ability to be sexually stimulated by consensual sexual activity," according to the text Human Sexuality.

    Paraphilias are treated with counseling and therapy to help men cope with their anxiety and modify their behavior. But most men with the disorder never self-report and tend to hide their shame.

    This has been your Medical Minute.
     

     

    DISCLAIMER

    Any medical information published on this blog is for your general information only and is not intended as a substitute for informed medical advice. You should not take any action before consulting with your personal physician or a health care provider. Sandrarose.com and its affiliates cannot be held liable for any damages incurred by following information found on this blog.

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    Medical Minute: Does anal sex increase your chances of getting anal cancer?

    Man in Gym Massaging Shoulders

    Stock photo: Getty Images

    Anal cancer is cancer that arises in the anus or the opening of the rectum where feces exits the body.

    Anal cancer has been on the rise over the decades due to papillomavirus (HPV), which is the major risk for anal cancer. Anal cancer is not to be confused with colon cancer or rectal cancer.

    Risk factors for anal sex

    Receptive anal sex increases the risk of anal cancer in both men and women. Men who have sex with men have a higher risk of anal cancer than women. Even men who practice safe sex using condoms have a higher risk of anal cancer due to the increased friction in a very sensitive area that tears easily.

    Anal sex transmits HPV which causes anal cancer. Skin to skin contact also transmits HPV.

    "Unfortunately, HPV can also be transmitted to the anus through anal intercourse and cause cancer there," San Diego-based gynecologist Christine Sterling told POPSUGAR.

    The anus is not a sex organ and does not self-lubricate like the vagina. You should use plenty of lubricant to cut down on the risk of friction and transmitting the HPV virus.

    Should I use enemas before anal sex?

    Some people use enemas before anal sex to evacuate the colon to reduce accidents.

    The anus is attached to the rectum, the last portion of the colon (large intestine) where remaining water is absorbed into the bloodstream drying out the feces before it leaves the body. If stool too quickly moves through the colon (without the remaining water being removed), it will cause diarrhea or watery stools. If not enough water is removed, it will cause constipation.

    This is why you should avoid enemas or colonics which disturb the intestinal process of removing just the right amount of water and absorbing it back into your bloodstream.

    What are symptoms of anal cancer?

    The first sign of anal cancer is bleeding after a bowel movement. You will notice pink or red stains on toilet paper after wiping. Also, you may notice frank red blood on the bowel movement in the bowl.

    Other signs or symptoms include a lump near the anus, pain, itchiness, a change in bowel movements or discharge from the anus.

    Pencil thin stools can be a sign of anal cancer, colon cancer, or hemorrhoids. Hemorrhoids itself is not cancer but it can be a risk for cancer.

    Most symptoms usually don't appear until the cancer has advanced to stage 2 or 3. Your doctor should check for anal cancer annually as part of your physical exam. Early detection of anal cancer can be done in your doctor's office. Your doctor might give you a diagnostic test to take home with you. The consists of sticks to take a stool sample and cards to smear the sample which will be sent to a lab.

    This has been your Medical Minute.

    DISCLAIMER

    Any medical information published on this blog is for your general information only and is not intended as a substitute for informed medical advice. You should not take any action before consulting with your personal physician or a health care provider. Sandrarose.com and its affiliates cannot be held liable for any damages incurred by following information found on this blog.

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    Medical Minute: Is Tuberculosis the Next Pandemic?

    Peter Dazeley via Getty Images

    Infectious diseases such as tuberculosis, malaria, HIV, and polio that were in decline in recent decades are now mounting a comeback in parts of the world due to the coronavirus.

    Tuberculosis cases that were down worldwide over the past two decades (to 1.3 million cases per year) have risen to 1.4 million cases. Researchers are expecting 4,000 cases per day over the next 5 years.

    So far this year, Tuberculosis (TB) is outpacing Covid-19 cases in Africa.

    Even in the United States, where TB cases are relatively rare, doctors are seeing a rebound.

    Justin Paget via Getty Images

    TB is a serious lower respiratory illness caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis bacteria. TB attacks the lungs but can also spread to other organs such as your brain.

    TB is highly contagious and is spread by droplets when infected people cough or sneeze.

    Because of the extensive damage to lungs and the brain, TB is a much more fearsome disease than Covid-19. America has taken extreme measures to eradicate TB over the past decades.

    On the rare occasion that TB is diagnosed in an American hospital, that patient is immediately placed in isolation and the health department is notified. Contact tracing is done to ensure that TB hasn't spread.

    Like Covid-19, not everyone infected with tuberculosis becomes sick. People with latent TB do not have symptoms, and cannot spread TB to others.

    Signs and Symptoms of Tuberculosis (TB)

    The signs and symptoms of tuberculosis are similar to Covid-19.

  • Cough

  • Fever and chills

  • Sweating at night

  • Weakness or fatigue

  • Weight loss

  • No appetite

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    Treatment of TB

    Without treatment, latent (dormant) TB can advance to tuberculosis and make people sick. Patients are treated with a drug cocktail for 6 to 9 months. Cases of drug-resistant TB are very difficult to treat. Patients may be hospitalized for months.

    Drugs used to treat TB include:

  • isoniazid (INH)

  • rifampin (RIF)

  • ethambutol (EMB)

  • pyrazinamide (PZA)

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    This has been your Medical Minute.
     

    DISCLAIMER

    Any medical information published on this blog is for your general information only and is not intended as a substitute for informed medical advice. You should not take any action before consulting with your personal physician or a health care provider. Sandrarose.com and its affiliates cannot be held liable for any damages incurred by following information found on this blog.

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    Teaching Your Son to Spot a Narcissist (Part 2)

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    Most narcissists (75%) are males. Male narcissists tend to emphasize their money, power status, good looks, or social status.

    Female narcissists tend to emphasize their beauty, body, feminine wiles, charm, sexuality, social or celebrity status, and money.

    Gregg DeGuire/WireImage

    Female narcissists use their own children as significant sources of narcissistic supply. They present their children to the world as an extension of themselves. Children of a narcissist are expected to be perfect - like their mom.

    They Seek Out Vulnerable Men

    Photo by BACKGRID

    Narcissists use their beauty and feminine wiles to obtain more narcissistic supply by getting their hooks into vulnerable men. Some men can't believe they lucked up with such a beautiful woman.

    When a narcissist meets a vulnerable (weak-minded) man, she tends to bring up the subject of marriage and children early and repeatedly.

    Be wary if your son suddenly announces he's engaged within 90 days of meeting his new love.

    Masters of Control

    Kevin Winter/Getty Images

    Narcissists use control tactics to reel in vulnerable men. "Love bombing" is a tactic the narcissist uses to reel in and control her victim.

    Flattery gets a female narcissist everywhere. She begins by lavishing him with almost non-stop attention, such as constant and persistent text messages, phone calls, or social media messaging. The texts and calls will be relentless -- sometimes 100 text messages per day.

    The calls and texts begin early in the morning and end late at night. Part of her motivation is to keep tabs on her victim. She learns his daily routine, habits, and work schedule so she can use them against him later on.

    She will even use YOU to keep tabs on your own son for her.

    Kevin Winter/Getty Images

    Singer August Alsina discussed an emotional phone call he received from Jada Pinkett Smith while he was on tour.

    "That was the thing. To feel your emotion and to hear you bawling. That was a reality check for me. I was like, 'Wow, if someone else can love you that much that it hurts them, why doesn't it bother you that you are actually hurting yourself?' That moment really changed the trajectory of my life."

    If she has money she will lavish him with gifts or exotic trips in the beginning -- only to pull back and drain him of his financial resources later on.

    Be wary if your son brags about how much money his new woman spends on him. The attention can be overwhelming and intoxicating in the beginning. But it won't last. They use control tactics to win his trust and to manipulate him. This behavior is toxic.

    Another tactic she uses is non-stop compliments and expressing her love for him in a short period of time. If a woman says she loves him after one week - that's usually a bad sign.

    Common phrases used by narcissists include:

  • "You are perfect in every way."

  • "I've never met anyone like you!"

  • "I will never take you for granted"

  • "You're the only man I've ever loved."

    • These phrases seem harmless, but they are calculated to gain maximum control.

    "True love does not want all your time and energy focused on them alone. They respect other commitments, ideas, and boundaries." ~ Tabitha Westbrook, licensed professional counselor

    He is convinced he met his soulmate

    If your son is convinced he's met his soulmate after a short period of dating, he probably hasn't.

    Some phrases she might use on him include:

  • "We were born to be together."

  • "It was fate that we finally met."

  • "You understand me more than anyone."

  • "We're soulmates."

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    She's very needy or clingy

    Teach your son that true love is never clingy or needy. She is never satisfied with the time he gives her. She always wants more. She knows his schedule and his daily routine like the back of her hand. He is expected to give her all of his free time.

    Projection and Gaslighting

    This is a defense mechanism used by narcissists to protect their fragile egos.

    A narcissist will always accuse their victims of behaviors that they themselves are guilty of. Explain to your son that she will accuse him of the same things she does. She will deny saying or doing the things she accuses him of.

    She will say that his friends or strangers noticed the same behaviors in him ("Your friends even say that you [fill in the blank]"). She will distort reality to confuse him and make him doubt his own sanity.

    The more he resists, the more she argues. She will then abruptly change the subject. If he refuses to change the subject, she will fly into a rage unlike anything he's ever seen before.

    Narcissistic rage

    Narcissistic rage is an intense, over-the-top anger or aggressive outburst. It is a reaction to "narcissistic injury" - which is caused by refusing to let a narcissist have her way.

    Narcissistic rage is usually followed by the silent treatment until he either apologizes (for causing her narcissistic injury) or he submits to her demands.

    Stay tuned for the final installment of Teaching Your Son to Spot a Narcissist.
     

    Disclaimer:

    Photos used in Blind Item posts are for illustration purposes only and are not intended to identify any particular individual as the subject of this post. We take no responsibility or liability for the assumptions made by our readers.

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    Teaching Your Son to Spot a Narcissist (Part 1)

    Paras Griffin/Getty Images

    Earlier this week, Jada Pinkett Smith denied allegations that she manipulated August Alsina into a relationship with her husband Will Smith's blessings.

    Bennett Raglin/BET/Getty Images

    The 27-year-old "No Love" singer made headlines when he sat down for an interview with New York radio personality Angela Yee about his alleged affair with the 48-year-old star.

    "I actually sat down with Will and had a conversation," August said. "Due to the transformation from their marriage to life partnership that they spoke on several times, and not involving romanticism, he gave me his blessing."

    August explained the deep emotional bond he'd developed with the older woman who convinced him it was love.

    "I totally gave myself to that relationship for years of my life. I truly and really, really deeply loved, and have a ton of love for her. I devoted myself to it, I gave my full self to it. So much so to the point that I can die right now and be OK with knowing that I truly gave myself to somebody. I really loved the person that I experienced that (with) and know what (that feels) like - if some people never get that in this lifetime."

    How did August end up in a situation that most men would not find themselves in? August appears to be an emotionally weak man who struggles with self-esteem and a desire to be loved by a narcissistic mother figure.

    Jon Kopaloff/Getty Images

    Jada, a mother-of-two children who practically raised themselves, has admitted to being a narcissist.

    Narcissism is a mental disorder characterized by a preoccupation with self. A narcissist puts her own aspirations, needs, success, and personal preferences above others.

    It is important for parents to teach their children how to spot a narcissist to avoid falling into their trap. A vulnerable teen or man who is dumped by a narcissist can be left feeling depressed, confused, disoriented, lethargic, or suicidal.

    Vulnerable people like August are like fish bait to a narcissist once she gets her hook into them.

    Which brings us to the first sign that a woman may be a narcissist.

    Raymond Hall/GC Images

    1. Narcissists are very attractive

    Most narcissists are very attractive people. They are physically stunning, beautiful and irresistible. Their beauty makes it easier for people to gravitate towards them.

    They are experts at spotting prey in a crowded room. Once they meet, they will know within minutes if your son is emotionally weak and vulnerable. They will prey on his weakness and his strong desire to be loved.

    That's why it's important to teach your son the basics - how to spot a narcissist at an early age.

    If your son has a healthy, loving, secure upbringing - half of the battle is won. You must constantly tell your minor son how much he is loved - until he gets tired of hearing it. Tell him you love him by your words and actions. Begin early, before he is 7 and has developed a  personality.

    Nicky Nelson/WENN.com

    2. Narcissists love being the center of attention

    Warn your son that a narcissist is usually the most popular woman in the room. She can be a celebrity, an executive, professional athlete, or CEO of her own company. Or she can be the girl next door.

    What sets them apart from others is their ability to draw a crowd. Once she gets her hooks into your son she will use him, drain him, and then dispose of him like a piece of trash.

    3. Love bombing

    Love bombing is the narcissist's most potent weapon. That's how she gets her hooks into your son. It begins within hours after the exchange of phone numbers.

    Narcissists are extremely manipulative and dangerous. Once they have a victim on the hook they will do everything to make sure he stays there. Communication technology makes it easier for a predator to hook her prey. She begins by showering him with text messages and/or phone calls.

    The texts will be excessive - multiple texts per hour. Sometimes 100 texts per day. The weak-minded, vulnerable man will be flattered by all the attention from a celebrity. But the healthy, secure man will not be impressed with her excess text messages. He will be aware that something is wrong.

    Love bombs can also take the form of notes left on the bathroom mirror or a car windshield. Flowers delivered to his job is a favorite tactic of a narcissist. Her goal is to get him to spend more time with her, and less time with others.

    While exhilarating at first, love bombing can feel like being stalked. A weak, vulnerable man won't think he is being stalked. The lavish attention will be so intoxicating, he will invite the predator to move in with him because he craves the nonstop attention. Unfortunately, it doesn't last.

    "If you're feeling that something just isn't right about the person or your relationship, these constant reminders of "how good you are together" — when you suspect that you really aren't — can be an effort to keep you tethered. It's often the first line used by a potential abuser."

    Kevin Winter/Getty Images)

    Sometimes there are "love at first sight" stories that end well. The relationship builds quickly, but stays at a healthy pace that is comfortable for both parties involved.

    A relationship with a narcissist rarely ends well - unless she's involved with another narcissist or a man who has more wealth and power than she does. Then she will form a "life partnership" with him and use him to lure in her victims.

    Stay tuned for part 2 of Teaching your son how to spot a narcissist.

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    Medical Minute: Clubbed Fingers

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    Getty Images

    Clubbing of the fingers means the ends of the fingers are bulging, soft and sometimes reddened with wide, distorted fingernails that slope downward and are shaped like small spoons.

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    very well health

    If you notice clubbing of the fingers, you should contact your doctor or a health provider because it could be a sign of a serious health problem.

    There are two types of clubbed fingers: primary (hereditary), which means a lifelong clubbed appearance of the fingers that is not associated with any health problems.

    The other type is called secondary clubbing, which causes a gradual change in the appearance of your fingers and toes over a short period of time.

    What causes secondary clubbing?

    Secondary clubbing is always a sign of a serious health problem and you should contact a doctor or healthcare provider.

    Secondary clubbing of the fingers is usually a sign of a chronic respiratory/lung disease or heart disease.

    This sign is also associated with a number of medical conditions that can be harmful that involve the thyroid or digestive system.

    The condition occurs because of decreased oxygen levels which causes changes in the tiny blood vessels in the body in response to low oxygen and shows up significantly in the fingers.

    The bulging in fingertips is associated with inflammation and the growth of tiny blood vessels and soft tissue in the fingers.

    Risk factors associated with clubbing include:

  • Lung cancer

  • Pulmonary fibrosis

  • Lung abscess

  • Tuberculosis

  • Pulmonary lymphoma

  • Congestive heart failure (CHF)

  • Congenital heart disease

  • Infective endocarditis

  • Cystic fibrosis

  • Inflammatory bowel disease

  • Cirrhosis of the liver

  • Graves' disease

  • Overactive thyroid gland

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    Diagnosis to Assess Underlying Conditions

    Primary clubbing of the fingers is harmless. Secondary clubbing of the fingers will require diagnostic tests.

    The tests include:

    1. Physical examination

    2. A pulse oximeter (pulse ox) to measure the oxygen levels in your blood

    3. Pulmonary function tests to measure your lung capacity

    4. Arterial blood gas, a blood test to measure your 02 level

    5. Chest X-ray or chest computerized tomography (CT)

    6. Electrocardiogram (EKG) or echocardiogram to assess your heart function

    7. Blood tests, including complete blood count (CBC), electrolytes, liver function test, and thyroid test

    This has been your Medical Minute.
     

    More Info On the Web

    Clubbing of Fingers | very well health

    Clubbing of the Fingers or Toes - Healthline

    Clubbing of fingers - Mayo Clinic

    DISCLAIMER

    Any medical information published on this blog is for your general information only and is not intended as a substitute for informed medical advice. You should not take any action before consulting with your personal physician or a health care provider. Sandrarose.com and its affiliates cannot be held liable for any damages incurred by following information found on this blog.

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    Medical Minute: 10 Reasons Why Yeast Infections Keep Coming Back

    PeopleImages via Getty Images

    Yeast infections affect over 75% of women in the course of their lifetimes. Yeast infections are caused by Candida albicans - a common fungus that lives in and on the body and is usually harmless.

    Candida albicans causes problems when it multiplies out of control, resulting in itching, irritation, foul-smelling discharge and pain during sex or urination.

    Yeast infections (aka thrush) can affect your vagina, mouth, throat (oral thrush), under breasts, armpits and rectum. Yeast flourishes in areas that are moist, dark and warm.

    Women are more affected by yeast infections than males. People with HIV/AIDS are more prone to oral thrush and genital yeast infections.

    Thrush (oral or genital) is not a sexually transmitted disease. Children and adult virgins are diagnosed with yeast infections.

    Some women experience one episode of thrush in their lifetimes, while others grapple with symptoms three or four times a year.

    For most women, vaginal yeast infections can be successfully treated with over-the-counter (OTC) medications.

    Why does vaginal thrush keep coming back after successful treatment?

    Women who experience recurring yeast infections may need to change their lifestyles permanently.

    The following are 10 reasons why yeast infections keep recurring.

    1. Pregnancy

    2. Breastfeeding

    3. Birth control pills

    4. Diabetes

    5. Weak immune system (HIV/AIDS, lupus, etc.)

    6. Taking antibiotics

    7. Using irritating feminine products

    8. Wearing tight clothes (males and females)

    9. Stress and anxiety

    10. Consuming too much sugar in diet
     

    What is the Treatment for Vaginal Thrush?

    Over the counter (OTC) anti-fungal creams are effective in treating vaginal yeast infections. Miconazole (Monistat 7) is a vaginal cream that is used for 7 days. There is also a more concentrated cream, Monistat 3, that is used over the course of 3 days to treat vaginal yeast infection.

    You should stop using OTC creams and consult your doctor if you experience side effects such as skin irritation, redness, soreness or swelling.

    If over the counter medications don't resolve your infection, your doctor may prescribe a steroid cream for a few days or anti-fungal pills if the creams don't work

    What is the Treatment for Oral Thrush?

    There are no OTC medications to treat oral thrush (yeast infection in your mouth or throat).

    Oral thrush is a serious infection that usually occurs when you are immune deficient and your immune deficiency is caused by a severe infection somewhere in your body (HIV/AIDS, Lupus, etc.)

    Your doctor will prescribe a one-time dose of fluconazole (Diflucan) to treat oral thrush. This medication kills fungus and yeast throughout your body.

    Some full-blown AIDS patients may need to be hospitalized to treat persistent oral thrush.

    One final note about yeast infections and lesbians

    When discussing your vaginal thrush symptoms with a male doctor, it is best to inform him that you are a lesbian who is not sexually active with males.

    This conversation is sometimes necessary because some male doctors are biased and automatically assume you are sexually promiscuous and your symptoms are caused by a sexually transmitted disease.

    It is easy for a simple yeast infection to be misdiagnosed by biased male doctors who may order unnecessary STD tests and prescribe the wrong medications.

    This has been your Medical Minute.
     

    More Info On the Web

    What Causes Thrush? | Women's Health

    How To Treat Yeast Infection During Pregnancy | Smart Parenting

    What to know about probiotics for vaginal health | Medical News Today
     

    DISCLAIMER

    Any medical information published on this blog is for your general information only and is not intended as a substitute for informed medical advice. You should not take any action before consulting with your personal physician or a health care provider. Sandrarose.com and its affiliates cannot be held liable for any damages incurred by following information found on this blog.

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    Medical Minute: Frequent Urination at Night (Nocturia)

    Peter Dazeley/Getty Images

    Do you get up more than once during the night to urinate? Do you feel an urgent need to urinate during the day? This condition is called nocturia.

    These symptoms could mean you have too much sugar in your blood (diabetes 1 and 2).

    One of the most common signs of diabetes 1 and 2 is the urge to get up and pee multiple times at night.

    When there's too much sugar in your blood your kidneys work harder to flush that sugar from your blood, making you urinate more often than you normally do.

    Diabetes can damage your kidneys or bladder and also cause kidney and bladder infections.

    Both conditions can cause you to pee more often than you normally would. There is no average number of times a person pees during the day. But waking up at night more than once to pee is not normal. It could be a sign of diabetes.

    Age is another reason why people get up at night more often to pee.

    Other factors include:

  • Drinking too much water or liquor before bed

  • Diabetes insipidus

  • Urinary tract infection

  • Congestive heart failure (CHF)

  • Enlarged prostate

  • Pregnancy (fetus pressing down on your bladder)

  • Chronic kidney failure

  • Tumor in your bladder or prostate

  • Liver failure

  • Sleep apnea

  • Signs and Symptoms of Diabetes

  • Excess thirst

  • Unexplained weight loss

  • Blurry vision

  • Big appetite

  • Blurred vision

  • Fatigue (tired easily)

  • Tingly sensation in legs, feet and hands

  • More infections and wounds heal slowly

    • Contact your doctor if you have any of these signs and symptoms.
     

    Diagnostic tests

    If your doctor suspects you have diabetes, he or she will perform the following diagnostic tests:

    A1c: A blood test, also known as glycated hemoglobin, which measures your average blood sugar level for the past 2 or 3 months. An A1c level higher than 6.5 means you are diabetic. Normal is below 5.7.

    Fasting blood sugar: After fasting (no food or drink) for 8 hours, your blood glucose level will be tested in the morning. A blood glucose reading higher than 126 mg/dl indicates diabetes. Below 100 mg/dl is normal after fasting all night.

    Oral glucose tolerance test: This test usually takes place in a doctor's office or clinic. After fasting all night, you will be given a sweet drink and your blood glucose will be tested in 2 hours. Blood glucose levels of more than 200 mg/dl after 2 hours means you are diabetic. Less than 140 mg/dl is normal.

    A final note about tingling sensations in your legs and feet. This is usually the first sign of diabetic neuropathy (nerve damage caused by high blood sugar). This condition usually leads to amputation of your feet or legs It is important that you notify your doctor or healthcare provider if you have any tingling sensations or numbness in your legs or feet.

    This has been your Medical Minute.
     

    More Info On the Web

    Diabetes and Frequent Urination | WebMD

    Diabetes and Nighttime Urination | Diabetes.co.uk

    Overactive Bladder at Night | Healthline.com
     

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