Doctor, recently iv been having Back Pain.

The lower spine is very mobile, and back pain is normally due to a minor upset of its natural movements. Most people experience back pain at some time (it is one of the main causes of work absence). Most likely affected are those with jobs involving lifting, carrying, or spending long periods sitting or bending awkwardly. Normally, it's not serious and corrects itself in a few days. Some back pain, however, can be related to a specific disorder. If it persists for more than 2-3 days, or associated with weakness in a leg or problems with bladder control, seek medical advice.
Common causes of backache include:
 Strain/lifting heavy objects incorrectly.
 Digging the garden.
 Moving furniture.
 Being overweight.
 Pregnancy.
 Falling.
 Poorly designed bed.
 Poorly designed car seat.
 Poorly designed working chair.
 Poor posture.
Back Pain may be reduced by resting on a firm mattress or board. Analgesic drugs (aspirin or ibuprofen) and direct heat (a hot water bottle is best) can help to relieve pain. As with all aspects of health care, prevention is always the best method. Make a note of the following tips and incorporate them in your daily lifecycle:
 Take care when stressing your back (e.g. when lifting)
 
Ways to help with back pain.
 Exercise each week (walking or swimming are best)
 Firm bed - if you have a soft bed, place a board under your mattress
 When bending down, go down on one knee - don't stretch
 When lifting, bend your knees and keep your back straight
 When carrying groceries, balance the load evenly with 2 bags
 Use chairs which support the small of your back
 Do not use soft or bucket-shaped chairs for long periods
 Sit correctly - you should be able to rest your feet flat on the floor with your knees at a right-angle.
More information about chronic pain management can be found on the Pain Association site.

Why do I have Body Odour?

Sweating is a natural way of regulating body temperature in response to hot conditions or strenuous exercise (it's also related to stress or anxiety). Some people naturally sweat more than others. The body continuously secretes moisture through sweat glands (about 3,000,000 of them) all over its surface and normally this evaporates quickly.
Body odour is the smell caused by sweat on skin surface. Sweat itself has no odour, but if it remains on skin for a few hours, bacteria develops and often leads to body odour (however, sweat may smell strongly of garlic, curry or other recently eaten foods).
Do you have body odour?... ask your best friend... (if you don't have a best friend - you DO)
Most body sweat is salt water, which doesn't encourage bacteria to grow and therefore doesn't smell. It comes from the endocrine glands and is initially most profuse from forehead, palms, soles of feet. Feet are the perfect environment for bacteria and fungi to flourish being under warm, airless conditions for many hours. See the BMJ article on Athlete's Foot for more information.
The other form of body sweat is from apocrine glands, around the armpits, groin and nipples. These don't become active until adolescence and the scent is often associated with sexual attraction. The sweat itself is a sticky, milky fluid which contains fat and proteins. If it's allowed to stay on the skin for long, it may encourage bacteria which leads to the nasty B.O. smell.
Four ways to avoid body odour:
 Wash all over once a day, with antibacterial soap
 Use a deodorant containing antiperspirant
 Wash clothes regularly, particularly those close to skin
 Try clothes made from natural fibres (e.g. cotton, wool), they let skin 'breathe' and absorb sweat

Iv been having Bowel Problems recently, why?

Most cases of abdominal pain are caused by minor digestive upsets, but if severe and persistent, seek medical advice. In the interim, rest and take fluids only. Diarrhoea is rarely dangerous. Generally a result of viruses and passes within 48hrs. No treatment is required other than rest and drinking plenty of fluids. However, if it persists or re-occurs, seek medical advice.
Dysentery (bacterial infection common in hot countries), causes violent blood-stained diarrhoea, with fever and abdominal pain. This is a serious condition which should be treated immediately.
'Irritable bowel' is associated with abnormally strong and irregular muscle contractions in the bowel. Symptoms include recurrent cramping pains in lower abdomen, intermittent diarrhoea and constipation. It has no serious underlying disorder. Causes include emotional disorders (stress, anxiety, depression), coffee, raw fruits and vegetables, hormones, drugs and laxative overdose.
A high fibre diet often relieves many symptoms associated with bowel problems. It provides the bulk that helps the large intestine carry away body waste and keeps faeces soft. Eating plenty of fibre may help prevent cancer of the large intestine and other bowel problems. It also aids weight loss by filling the stomach, without extra calories (see 'About Your Diet').
 Don't strain when defecating as this puts extra pressure on the anus and can cause haemorrhoids.
 Eat plenty of fibre and increase your intake of fluids to avoid constipation.
 Using laxatives regularly is harmful and can reduce muscle control of the bowel.
Link to Senokot website which gives advice on lifestyle, diet and remedies.

Is it possible I have Cancer?

Cancer has affected mankind since prehistoric time and is just as common in animals, birds and fish. It affects many people and is the most common cause of death after heart disease. It's not yet understood what causes cancer, but there are a number of risk factors which increase the chances of developing it.
Without doubt, the sooner cancer is diagnosed and treated, the higher the chance of cure. Some can be completely cured, if diagnosed early enough.
Therefore, it makes sense to adjust your lifestyle to reduce the chance of contracting cancer, and to be aware of simple self-examination techniques to detect it at an early stage. The lifestyle risks are:
 Smoking (a conclusive cause)
 Asbestos (a conclusive cause)
 Diet (plenty of fibre reduces risk)
 Frequent sunbathing
 Excessive alcohol consumption
 Promiscuous sexual behaviour
There are a number of yet unspecified chemicals in food, water and our environment which are believed to trigger cancer. And it is believed some cancer causing viruses. But, it is known that cancer is hereditary, so check the occurrence of cancer in your family. The risks increase dramatically with age, so make self-examination part of your life. Self-examination is covered thoroughly in its own section. However, the golden rule is be familiar with your own body and examine yourself every month to look for changes. Cancer develops in organs, so check them carefully, look for bumps, swelling, etc. Notice skin changes and keep an eye on any moles and skin blemishes.
These are the major body warning signs:
 Coughing up blood
 Persistent cough or hoarseness (difficulty swallowing)
 Change in shape or size of testes. Checkemlads website
 Indigestion or difficulty in swallowing
 Passing blood with urine/faeces
 Change in bowel or bladder habits
 Unexplained loss of weight
 Unexplained indigestion
 Unexplained persistent abdominal pain
 Unexplained persistent tiredness
 A sore that does not heal (especially on hands or face, which are more exposed to sun)
 Bleeding or discharge from nipples
 Unusual bleeding or discharge
 Recurrent headaches
 Blemish or mole that enlarges, bleeds or itches
As well as self-examination, it makes sense to discuss with your doctor what local screening services are available.
Screening, or testing, for certain types of cancer dramatically aid early detection, often before the person experiences any symptoms. More information about haematuria (blood in urine) can be found on the Patient UK web site.
Dandruff
Scales of dead skin from the scalp, most common in young adults.
This harmless, but irritating rash often produces unsightly white flakes in hair and on shoulders of clothes.
If you have dandruff, shampoo your hair every 1-2 days with an anti-dandruff shampoo. If this fails, seek medical advice.

I have Excessive Sweating why?

Annoying, but harmless condition which affects adults. It may occur anywhere on the body but commonly affects armpits, palms and soles of feet. Excessive sweating may last a lifetime, or a few years. The condition is often inherited and aggravated by minor exercise, heat, obesity and emotional state (e.g. stress, anxiety).
Women going through menopause often complain of 'hot-flushes.'
Although there is no medical solution, using a good antiperspirant will control sweating. The most important act, however, is to prevent body odour (see 'Body Odour' above).
When buying clothes, it may be a good idea to choose colours which are less obvious to wetness (e.g. a white shirt
camouflages under arm sweat much more effectively than blue). Natural fabrics (e.g. cotton, wool) keep the body cooler by absorbing sweat and letting skin 'breathe'. Therefore, try to avoid wearing synthetic fabrics (e.g. nylon) close to the skin. Ensure your clothes are washed regularly.
Hiccups
Repeated and involuntary spasms of diaphragm, normally after large meals, hot drinks or large quantities of alcohol. Hiccups usually automatically stop within 10-20mins. If they persist more than one day, suggesting underlying abnormalities, seek medical advice.
Hiccups are inhibited by carbon dioxide. Simply holding your breath will allow carbon dioxide to build up in the body. Breathing in and out of a bag is very effective, but do not use a plastic bag as this may obstruct respiration which can be fatal.

Indigestion, why?

A minor discomfort after meals. Symptoms include: Feeling bloated, discomfort in upper abdomen, flatulence, nausea hiccups, heartburn. Sometimes, symptoms are caused by a serious underlying disease (e.g. duodenal ulcer), and so if the discomfort persists or becomes worse, seek medical advice.
Avoidance:
 Determine which foods cause indigestion (often rich, fatty or highly spiced) and avoid them
 Try to eat regularly, 3-4 times a day
 Eat slowly
 After a large meal, allow 1/2hr for relaxation
Treatment:
 Rest in chair
 Take antacids
 Drink fluids in small amounts - not alcohol.
If you require antacids regularly, see your doctor to investigate the underlying cause of the problem.
To avoid nervous indigestion, reduce your level of stress (see 'Psychological Health').

I cant sleep, I think I have Insomnia.

Nobody knows why we sleep, but physical and mental damage results from sleep deprivation, and the fact all mammals
sleep, indicates it has definite purpose. Most people sleep an average of 7-8hrs/night. It doesn't matter how little, or much, as long as you feel rested and well the next day.
You may think you're an insomniac simply because of a misconception about how much sleep you actually need. Some people require less than 4hrs, others more than 10hrs.
Sleep also tends to become more broken over the age of 55. It's perfectly normal to have an occasional night when it is difficult to fall or stay asleep.
Insomnia is when you regularly have difficulty falling asleep, waking at night or too early in the morning. One third of adults suffer insomnia at sometime in their life.
Insomniacs often sleep much more than they think, but tend to wake regularly. It is the quality, rather than quantity of sleep that is the problem with insomnia.
Here are the common causes:
 Worrying - the most common
 Erratic hours/lifestyle
 Depression (associated with early waking)
 Unsuitable environment (e.g. noise, travel)
 Upset body clock (e.g. shift-work, jetlag)
[Treatment consists of finding and removing the problems that prevent sleep.]
 Seek medical relief for pain or depression
 Try relaxation techniques
 Establish regular routines for going to bed and waking up
 Avoid napping during the day
 Establish regular routine for meals
 Don't go to bed within 3hrs of eating a full meal
 Reduce fluid intake during evening
 Fruit juices and herbal tea are thought to encourage sleep
 Exercise in afternoon (e.g. a stroll in fresh air)
 Don't take stimulants before bedtime (e.g. coffee, tea, cigarettes)
 Get a comfortable bed
 Take a hot bath before retiring
 If you share a double bed, go to bed at the same time as your partner
 Ensure a sleep conducive environment (if necessary, wear ear plugs and eye shade)
 Best bedroom temperature for sleep is 16-18C (60-65F)
The body has a regular 24hr clock (the circadian rhythm) which is synchronised to your sleeping hours. You may be out of phase if, for example, the previous night you stayed awake later than usual. This is why routine is so important, your circadian rhythm needs to be synchronised with sleeping hours.
Sleeping pills can't deal with the causes of insomnia and do not encourage natural sleep. If they are used regularly, the body develops a resistance and sleep becomes more difficult. It is better to avoid them altogether if possible and address the underlying problem that prevents natural sleep.

Im constantly Itching why?

1.Try not to scratch. It only irritates the skin further, leading to more itching and more scratching. Keep your nails short. Try pinching the skin near the itch between your thumb and forefinger through your clothing; this is less damaging than actual scratching.
2.Take cool or lukewarm (not hot) showers or baths. Don't use irritating, perfumed soaps, shower gel or deodorants. Use moisturising lotions after your bath to keep your skin from drying out. Un-perfumed lotions, or aqueous cream are available cheaply from your chemist.
3.Add a little baking soda (bicarbonate of soda) to your bath water or soak your scalp or feet in warm water with baking soda if they are itchy.
4.Soaking in a bath with 2 cups of rolled oats secured in a sock helps to relieve itching.
5.Use a cold compress or apply soothing calamine lotion.
6.Avoid wearing any irritating clothes made of wool or some man-made fabrics. Wear cotton if possible. Use cool, light, loose bedclothes.
7.Keep away from hot, humid environments
8.Antihistamine tablets can help to control allergic reactions and itching. These can be bought over the counter from your chemist. These may help with sleeping and to break the itch-scratch cycle. They might cause drowsiness, so be careful about when you take them, and follow the directions on the packet.
9.Over-the-counter hydrocortisone cream can help on localized itchy areas.
10.Your doctor can also prescribe certain medicines including topical corticosteroids.
11.If you have itching in less accessible or hairy areas, you can be prescribed liquids or gels designed specifically for these areas rather than using sticky creams.

I have constant gas and indigestion why?

Excess wind or gas in the digestive system can cause an uncomfortable distended feeling in the abdomen and may produce rumbling noises in the intestines. Passing of wind through mouth or anus to relieve the symptoms, although embarrassing, is rarely a sign of underlying disease.
An 18th century English gentleman was expected to 'fart' after eating; this signalled his enjoyment of the meal!
Generally, it's caused by swallowing air (including smoking), or certain foods not being properly broken down by the digestive juices, leaving residual ferments, which produce gas in the intestines.
If you suffer embarrassment with gas, eat food slowly, avoid fizzy drinks and foods which give rise to residual ferments (e.g. beans, onions, cabbage).

My Testicles hurt.

Any pain, swellings or deformities of the testicles require immediate medical advice. Seek medical advice if the pain is acute or associated with swelling, or if there is swelling without pain. Testicular cancer is rapidly increasing, but is one of the easiest to treat, if diagnosed early. It generally occurs after puberty and is most common in young and middle aged men. The risk of testicular cancer is higher in men who have a history of undescended testicles. It most commonly appears in the form of a firm, painless swelling of one testis.
The cure rate is high. Even a mild injury may result in testicular pain, but there is usually no damage, unless by a direct blow.
Self-examination is covered thoroughly in its own section. However, when looking specifically for signs of cancer, the golden rule is be familiar with your own body and examine yourself every month to look for changes.

Penis

Pain can be felt at the tip of the penis during urination. This could be a number of disorders which may be associated with other parts of the body.
It is important to avoid sexual intercourse and seek medical advice immediately. Any lump, swelling or open sore on the penis may be a symptom of disease, even if it causes no pain. Seek medical advice.
Male Urination
Common disorders of urination are pain, frequency, lack of control and abnormalities of urine.
With mild pain when urinating, take plenty of fluids, especially cranberry juice, but cut down on the coffee and rest. If severe (burning sensation), or possibility of a STD, seek medical advice without delay.
Passing urine that is red or pink indicates bleeding in urinary system. Seek medical advice if the red cannot be attributed to something that you have eaten (some food dyes affect urine), or if the colour or smell of your urine changes.
Dark urine is a symptom of jaundice, blue or green urine is usually caused by medicines. Offensive or fishy smelling urine is often a sign of infection. Ideally, your urine should be the colour of light straw.
 If a child or older person suddenly becomes disorientated there is a strong possibility of Urinary Tract Infection - get medical attention as soon as possible.
Prostatitis:
Disorders of the Prostate
Prostatitis may account for up to 25 percent of all consultations by young and middle-aged men for complaints involving the genital and urinary systems. The term prostatitis actually encompasses four disorders:
Acute bacterial prostatitis is the least common of the four types but also the easiest to diagnose and treat effectively. Men with this disease often have chills, fever, pain in the lower back and genital area, urinary frequency and urgency often at night, burning or painful urination, body aches, and a demonstrable infection of the urinary tract as evidenced by white blood cells and bacteria in the urine. The treatment is an appropriate antibiotic.
Chronic bacterial prostatitis, also relatively uncommon, is acute prostatitis associated with an underlying defect in the prostate, which becomes a focal point for bacterial persistence in the urinary tract. Effective treatment usually requires identifying and removing the defect and then treating the infection with antibiotics. However, antibiotics often do not cure this condition.
Chronic prostatitis/chronic pelvic pain syndrome is the most common but least understood form of prostatitis. It is found in men of any age, its symptoms go away and then return without warning, and it may be inflammatory or noninflammatory. In the inflammatory form, urine, semen, and other fluids from the prostate show no evidence of a known infecting organism but do contain the kinds of cells the body usually produces to fight infection. In the noninflammatory form, no evidence of inflammation, including infection-fighting cells, is present.
Antibiotics will not help nonbacterial prostatitis. You may have to work with your doctor to find a treatment that's good for you. Changing your diet or taking warm baths may help. Your doctor may give you a medicine called an alpha blocker to relax the muscle tissue in the prostate. No single solution works for everyone with this condition. If you have been prescribed drugs please read the notes carefully to learn of the side effects. Proscar (Finasteride) is known to be dangerous for women of child-bearing age and is clearly marked for "Use by Men Only".
Asymptomatic inflammatory prostatitis is the diagnosis when the patient does not complain of pain or discomfort but has infection-fighting cells in his semen. Doctors usually find this form of prostatitis when looking for causes of infertility or testing for prostate cancer.
For More Information see the Wikipedia article on Benign_Prostatic_Hyperplasia and the About.com.quiz.

My Breasts feel different.

A man's breast is an immature version of the female. A woman's breast contains fatty tissues which hold milk-producing glands.
The size and shape is determined by the amount of fatty tissue and conditions of muscles and ligaments supporting it. It's not uncommon for one breast to be slightly larger than the other.
Most breast problems are minor and easy to treat. However, if you notice any of these changes, seek medical advice:
 Painless lump in breast or armpit (possible cancer)
 Change in outline of skin or breast
 Discharge from nipple, or retraction or inverted nipple
 Pain with breast feeding (including cracked nipples).
Breast cancer is the most common form of cancer in women, 1:20 are affected and in the U.K. it causes 10,000
deaths/year. Most occur because the disease has spread beyond the breast at time of detection.
Therefore early detection is vital and regular self-examination essential (see 'Self Examination').
The golden rule is be familiar with your own body and examine yourself every month to look for changes.
Increased risks include: Not having children (or having them late in life), being overweight, family history of breast cancer.
If you are 40+ and at increased risk, as well as regular self-examination, find out from your doctor about local screening services.

Female Genitals

Itching in the vagina or painful sex may be symptoms of infection (vaginal itching is common after menopause and results from low oestrogen levels). However, some result from reactions to chemicals in deodorants, creams and spermicides. Soft swellings often follow overstretching during childbirth, but other swellings or sores may indicate serious underlying problem. Seek medical advice.
Cleaning the genital area should be part of daily washing. The skin is delicate and needs to be treated gently to prevent inflammation or irritation. Use only plain water (bath salt, soap, may cause irritation).
It should only be necessary to wash the external skin of vulva; the internal lining is kept clean and moist by natural secretions (thin white discharge), which also protects against infection. Vaginal douches and deodorants may cause irritation as they upset the chemical balance inside the vagina.
Here are a few tips to prevent infection:
 Keep genital area clean
 Empty bladder completely when urinating, wipe away any residue
 Always wipe anus towards back (keeps germs from bladder opening)
 Reduce urine acidity (dilute fruit juice with water)
 Drink plenty of fluids, avoid very sweet drinks
 Always empty bladder after sexual intercourse
 If using a diaphragm, get your doctor to check it fits correctly
 Avoid wearing nylon tights or pants; cotton is best, since it absorbs sweat and allows air to circulate

Im having irregular Periods, what could be wrong with me?

Many women suffer pain or discomfort during menstruation, often a dragging or cramping sensation in the lower abdomen. Other common problems include irregularity, emotional upset, puffiness, migraine, pain, heavy discharge and bleeding after menopause.
Painful periods are more a fact of life than a sign of ill health. If, however, you feel pain, seek medical advice.
Periods normally start between the ages of 11-14 (but CAN vary between 9-17) and finish permanently during middle age (menopause).
If they haven't started by 14, consult your doctor for reassurance. An absent period may indicate pregnancy, but can also be attributed to illness, stress or strenuous activity. It rarely implies an underlying disorder.

PMS/PMT
Pre-menstrual Syndrome (PMS or PMT), covers a wide range of physical and emotional symptoms during the week before a menstrual period. 90% of women at some time suffer PMS, which although troublesome, is harmless. It's caused by natural changes in the balance of hormones, which leads to a build-up of salt and fluids in the body. Symptoms may include:
 Headaches
 Bloated, puffy feeling
 Slight weight gain
 Tenderness of breasts
 Abdominal pain
 Acne
 
When can the baby burp on its own? My daughter is now 4 months old and I'm having trouble burping her, so what do you suggest?

s you can see from our burping poll, the majority of parents stopped burping their babies when they were between 4 and 9 months old.

Although there is a wide range of ages at which babies stop burping, if your daughter is now 4 months old, and does fine without burping, then you likely can simply stop trying to burp her. It may be that she is just not swallowing much air as she eats anymore.

If you stop burping and she begins to have problems, such as having a lot of gas, spitting up often, or being fussy, then you may have to find a different way to burp her. For example, if you have been holding your baby upright against your chest or shoulder, you might try burping her while she sits upright on your lap, or while lying on your lap. Or you might even try a combination of these different positions during each burping session.

How does the acupuncturist manage infection control?

Non-physician acupuncturists are required by law in most states to use disposable one-time-use sterilized needles. Physicians because of their experience and background in infection control have the perogative of using re-usable sterilized needles. These needles would need to be sterilized in the same way as any surgical instrument.

Because blood loss and bleeding are minimal with acupuncture, I am not aware of any attempt to require acupuncturists to wear gloves.

What is cancer?

Cancer is a group of many related diseases that begin in cells, the body's basic building blocks. To understand cancer, it is helpful to know what happens when normal cells become cancerous.

The body is made up of many types of cells. Normally, cells grow and divide to produce more cells as they are needed to keep the body healthy. Sometimes, this orderly process goes wrong. New cells form when the body does not need them, and old cells do not die when they should. The extra cells form a mass of tissue called a growth or tumor. Not all tumors are cancerous; tumors can be benign or malignant.

Benign tumors are not cancer. They can often be removed and, in most cases, they do not come back. Cells in benign tumors do not spread to other parts of the body. Most important, benign tumors are rarely a threat to life.

Malignant tumors are cancer. Cells in malignant tumors are abnormal and divide without control or order. Cancer cells invade and destroy the tissue around them. Cancer cells can also break away from a malignant tumor and enter the bloodstream or lymphatic system.

Blood vessels include a network of arteries, capillaries, and veins through which the blood circulates in the body. The lymphatic system carries lymph and white blood cells through lymphatic vessels (thin tubes) to all the tissues of the body. By moving through the bloodstream or lymphatic system, cancer can spread from the primary (original) cancer site to form new tumors in other organs. The spread of cancer is called metastasis.

What causes cancer?

Scientists have learned that cancer is caused by changes in genes that normally control the growth and death of cells. Certain lifestyle and environmental factors can change some normal genes into genes that allow the growth of cancer. Many gene changes that lead to cancer are the result of tobacco use, diet, exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun, or exposure to carcinogens (cancer-causing substances) in the workplace or in the environment. Some gene alterations are inherited (from one or both parents). However, having an inherited gene alteration does not always mean that the person will develop cancer; it only means that the chance of getting cancer is increased. Scientists continue to examine the factors that may increase or decrease a person's chance of developing cancer.

Although being infected with certain viruses, such as the human papillomavirus (HPV), hepatitis B and C (HepB and HepC), and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), increases the risk of some types of cancer, cancer itself is not contagious. A person cannot catch cancer from someone who has this disease. Scientists also know that an injury or bruise does not cause cancer.

Can cancer be prevented?

Although there is no guaranteed way to prevent cancer, people can reduce their risk (chance) of developing cancer by:

    * not using tobacco products
    * choosing foods with less fat and eating more vegetables, fruits, and whole grains
    * exercising regularly and maintaining a lean weight
    * avoiding the harmful rays of the sun, using sunscreen, and wearing clothing that protects the skin
    * talking with a doctor about the possible benefits of drugs proven to reduce the risk of certain cancers

Although many risk factors can be avoided, some, such as inherited conditions, are unavoidable. Still, it is helpful to be aware of them. It is also important to keep in mind that not everyone with a particular risk factor for cancer actually gets the disease; in fact, most do not. People who have an increased likelihood of developing cancer can help protect themselves by avoiding risk factors (see Question 2) whenever possible and by getting regular checkups so that, if cancer develops, it is likely to be found and treated early. Treatment is often more effective when cancer is detected early. Screening exams, such as sigmoidoscopy or the fecal occult blood test, mammography, and the Pap test, can detect precancerous conditions (which can be treated before they turn into cancer) and early-stage cancer.

How is cancer treated?

Cancer treatment can include surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, hormone therapy, and biological therapy. The doctor may use one method or a combination of methods, depending on the type and location of the cancer, whether the disease has spread, the patient's age and general health, and other factors. Because treatment for cancer can also damage healthy cells and tissues, it often causes side effects. Some patients may worry that the side effects of treatment are worse than the disease. However, patients and doctors generally discuss the treatment options, weighing the likely benefits of killing cancer cells and the risks of possible side effects. Doctors can suggest ways to reduce or eliminate problems that may occur during and after treatment.

Surgery is an operation to remove cancer. The side effects of surgery depend on many factors, including the size and location of the tumor, the type of operation, and the patient's general health. Patients have some pain after surgery, but this pain can be controlled with medicine. It is also common for patients to feel tired or weak for a while after surgery.

Patients may worry that having a biopsy or other type of surgery for cancer will spread the disease. This is a very rare occurrence because surgeons take special precautions to prevent cancer from spreading during surgery. Also, exposing cancer to air during surgery does not cause the disease to spread.

Radiation therapy (also called radiotherapy) uses high-energy rays to kill cancer cells in a targeted area. Radiation can be given externally by a machine that aims radiation at the tumor area. It can also be given internally; needles, seeds, wires, or catheters containing a radioactive substance are placed directly in or near the tumor. Radiation treatments are painless. The side effects are usually temporary, and most can be treated or controlled. Patients are likely to feel very tired, especially in the later weeks of treatment. Radiation therapy may also cause a decrease in the number of white blood cells, which help protect the body against infection. With external radiation, it is also common to have temporary hair loss in the treated area and for the skin to become red, dry, tender, and itchy.

There is no risk of radiation exposure from coming in contact with a patient undergoing external radiation therapy. External radiation does not cause the body to become radioactive. With internal radiation (also called implant radiation), a patient may need to stay in the hospital, away from other people, while the radiation level is highest. Implants may be permanent or temporary. The amount of radiation in a permanent implant goes down to a safe level before the person leaves the hospital. With a temporary implant, there is no radioactivity left in the body after the implant is removed.

Chemotherapy is the use of drugs that kill cancer cells throughout the body. Healthy cells can also be harmed, especially those that divide quickly. The doctor may use one drug or a combination of drugs. The side effects of chemotherapy depend mainly on the drug(s) and the dose(s) the patient receives. Hair loss is a common side effect of chemotherapy; however, not all anticancer drugs cause loss of hair. Anticancer drugs may also cause temporary fatigue, poor appetite, nausea and vomiting, diarrhea, and mouth and lip sores. Drugs that prevent or reduce nausea and vomiting can help with some of these side effects. Normal cells usually recover when chemotherapy is over, so most side effects gradually go away after treatment ends.

Hormone therapy is used to treat certain cancers that depend on hormones for their growth. It works by keeping cancer cells from getting or using the hormones they need to grow. This treatment may include the use of drugs that stop the production of certain hormones or that change the way hormones work. Another type of hormone therapy is surgery to remove organs that make hormones. For example, the ovaries may be removed to treat breast cancer, or the testicles may be removed to treat prostate cancer.

Hormone therapy can cause a number of side effects. Patients may feel tired, or have fluid retention, weight gain, hot flashes, nausea and vomiting, changes in appetite, and, in some cases, blood clots. Hormone therapy may also cause bone loss in premenopausal women. Depending on the type of hormone therapy used, these side effects may be temporary, long lasting, or permanent.

Biological therapy uses the body's immune system, directly or indirectly, to fight disease and to lessen some of the side effects of cancer treatment. Monoclonal antibodies, interferon, interleukin-2, and colony-stimulating factors are some types of biological therapy.

The side effects caused by biological therapy vary with the specific treatment. In general, these treatments tend to cause flu-like symptoms, such as chills, fever, muscle aches, weakness, loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. Patients also may bleed or bruise easily, get a skin rash, or have swelling. These problems can be severe, but they go away after the treatment stops.

What different kinds of asthma are there?

1.Exercise-Induced Asthma Exercise can make asthma symptoms worse. This is called exercise-induced asthma. Exercise can cause asthma symptoms in up to 80 percent of people with asthma. Treatment and monitoring can allow people with exercise-induced asthma to participate fully in the physical activity or exercise of their choice.

2.Nocturnal Asthma Worsening of asthma at night is very common. Many factors may contribute to the increased symptoms, including:

- Exposure to allergens in the bedroom, particularly dust mites
- Delayed allergic response, which may occur three to eight hours after exposure
- Chronic sinus problems and/or post-nasal drip
- Gastroesophageal reflux
- Airway cooling from a drop in body temperature
- Decreased effect of medications during early morning hours
- Sleep apnea - brief, repetitive cessation of breathing during sleep caused by an upper airway obstruction

3.Occupational Asthma Workplace Irritants Workplace exposure to certain chemicals or dusts can induce asthma. Some chemicals act as sensitizers, inducing allergic reactions in the airways. Once the airways become sensitized to a specific chemical, even very small amounts can make asthma worse. Other substances, such as dusts, are airway irritants, causing symptoms in employees who have underlying asthma or who are exposed to high concentrations.

4.Steroid Resistant Asthma: Definition and MechanismsBy Donald Y.M. Leung, M.D., Ph.D. Airway inflammation and immune activation plays an important role inchronic asthma. Current guidelines of asthma therapy have therefore focused on the use of anti-inflammatory therapy, particularly inhaled glucocorticoids (GCs). While the majority of patients respond toregular inhaled GC therapy, a subset of patients are poorly responsive even when treated with high doses of oral prednisone. This review will examine the mechanisms underlying steroid resistant (SR) asthma.

How do you know if you have asthma?

Symptoms of asthma can cause fatal death. If not treated with a inhaler please see a doctor if you have these signs or consult medical help.

    * coughing
    * wheezing
    * shortness of breath
    * tightening of the chest
    * tiredness after activities that you would normally do easily




There are other symptoms of asthma but you should see you G.P to test for asthma. They will go through different tests. These include: Lung function test and Peak flow test.

Depending on what type of asthma you have you may have a allergy test as well.

What causes acne?

The causes of acne are linked to the changes that take place as young people mature from childhood to adolescence (puberty). The hormones that cause physical maturation also cause the sebaceous (oil) glands of the skin to produce more sebum (oil). The hormones with the greatest effect on sebaceous glands are androgens (male hormones), which are present in females as well as males, but in higher amounts in males.

Sebaceous glands are found together with a hair shaft in a unit called a sebaceous follicle. During puberty, the cells of the skin that line the follicle begin to shed more rapidly. In people who develop acne, cells shed and stick together more so than in people who do not develop acne. When cells mix with the increased amount of sebum being produced, they can plug the opening of the follicle. Meanwhile, the sebaceous glands continue to produce sebum, and the follicle swells up with sebum.

In addition, a normal skin bacteria called P. acnes, begins to multiply rapidly in the clogged hair follicle. In the process, these bacteria produce irritating substances that can cause inflammation. Sometimes, the wall of the follicle bursts, spreading inflammation to the surrounding skin. This is the process by which acne lesions, from blackheads to pimples to nodules, are formed.

Does stress cause acne?

Stress is commonly blamed for the development of acne. Stress can have many physiologic effects on the body, including changes in hormones that may theoretically lead to acne. In some cases the stress may actually be caused by the acne lesions, not the other way around! If the acne is being treated effectively, stress is not likely to have much impact on the majority of people

Mesothelioma is cancer of the mesothelium.

In this cancer, the mesothelial cells begin to divide abnormally without control. Since mesothelium covers most the internal organs, the cancer rapidly spreads to cover these organs. Cancer cells also spread away from the area of origin to other parts of the body via blood stream. Most cases of mesothelioma begin in the pleura or peritoneum.

Mesothelioma is highly aggressive cancer that rapidly spreads and is fatal soon after it is diagnosed. Fortunately, it is relatively rare as compared to many other cancers such as cancer of colon, breast or prostate. Mounting attention has been paid to this tumor in the past few years because of its increased risk among people with heavy exposure to asbestos.

Depending upon the site of origin, mesothelioma can be of three main types

1) Pleural mesothelioma
2) Peritoneal mesothelioma
3) Pericardial mesothelioma

Pleural mesothelioma (cancer of the lung lining) is by far the most common type making up about ninety percent of all cases. The peritoneum is the second most frequent site of origin of mesothelioma, after the pleura. Pericardial mesotheliomas are relatively rare.

All 3 types of mesotheliomas (pleural, peritoneal and pericardial) are very similar in behavior.

Another type is mesothelioma of the Tunica Vaginalis Testis which is very rare. Only up to 100 cases of this type have been documented to date. The tumors arising in the genital tract are far less aggressive.