What are Lice?

Health Basics

What are Lice?

Head lice are tiny, wingless insects that live on the human scalp. They are about as big as sesame seeds. Head lice sustain themselves by sucking blood—just as mosquitoes do. However, unlike mosquitoes, lice cannot fly or jump from one person to another; they can only crawl. Children often get head lice from head-to-head contact with other children, but may also get them by sharing personal items such as hats, combs, or headbands

What are lice, eggs (nits)?

Lice eggs are laid by the female louse. They are about the size of a poppy seed and are difficult to see because their color blends in easily with hair. Lice eggs are laid near the root of the hair and are attached to the hair shaft with a glue-like substance that can’t be washed or blown away.

Nits are the empty eggshells left behind when lice hatch from eggs. Dandruff, sand and flakes of hairspray are commonly mistaken for lice eggs or nits. Eggs and nits are not easily removed and must be carefully combed out with a fine-tooth comb.

Eggs and nits vary in color, from yellowish-brown to white. Since the hair grows, nits are usually found further away from the root of the hair. Many schools have a “No Nit Policy,” which means children who have had head lice are not readmitted to school until all the nits are gone. If you have seen live lice on your child’s head, it is very important to comb out eggs and nits as part of the lice treatment process. Lice treatment products should not be used if lice or nits have not been seen

How long do head lice live?

Head lice live for approximately 40–50 days and go through 3 stages in their life cycle:

Egg Stage: The female louse lays the egg with a special glue that cements it to the hair shaft near the root. The lice egg develops and hatches approximately 10 days later.

Nymph Stage: Once the louse hatches, it is called a nymph and is barely visible to the naked eye. The nymph cannot reproduce because it is not fully developed. After about 12 days, it becomes an adult.

Adult Stage: The female adult louse can lay up to 10 eggs per a day—starting another generation of lice. The adult stage lasts about 30 days. Lice do not live longer than 2 days if they are separated from the head.

How to Get RID® of Lice

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Learning that someone in your family has lice is never welcome news. But there’s no need to feel overwhelmed by the prospect of getting rid of lice or preventing them from coming back. With the right information about what kills them, and the right tools, you will be better prepared to get RID® of them.

Anaphylaxis

Health Basics

Anaphylaxis is a severe allergic reaction that needs to be treated right away. If you have an anaphylactic reaction, you need an epinephrine (adrenaline) shot as soon as possible, and someone should call 911 for emergency medical help. Left untreated, it can be deadly.

Epinephrine can reverse the symptoms within minutes. If this doesn’t happen, you may need a second shot within half an hour. These shots, which you need a prescription to get, come pre-filled and in ready-to-use pens.

You shouldn’t take an antihistamine for an anaphylactic reaction.

Anaphylaxis is rare, and most people recover from it. But it’s important to tell your doctor about any drug allergies you have before any kind of medical treatment, including dental care. It’s also a good idea to wear a medical alert bracelet or pendant or carry a card with information about your allergy.

If you’ve had an anaphylactic reaction before, you have a higher risk of having another one. You also have a higher risk if you have a family history of anaphylaxis or have asthma.

 

 

Symptoms

The first signs of an anaphylactic reaction may look like typical allergy symptoms: a runny nose or a skin rash. But within about 30 minutes, more serious signs appear.

There is usually more than one of these:

Some people also remember feeling a “sense of doom” right before the attack.

As many as 1 out of every 5 people may have a second anaphylactic reaction within 12 hours of the first. This is called a biphasic anaphylaxis.

Treatment

Epinephrine is the most effective treatment for anaphylaxis, and the shot should be given right away (usually in the thigh). If you’ve had an anaphylaxis reaction before, you should carry at least two doses of epinephrine with you at all times.

Epinephrine expires after about a year, so make sure your prescription is up to date. If you have an anaphylactic reaction and the pen has expired, take the shot anyway.

When medical personnel arrive, they may give you more epinephrine. If you’re not able to breathe, they may put a tube down your mouth or nose to help. If this doesn’t work, they might do a kind of surgery called a tracheostomy that puts the tube directly into your windpipe.

Either in the ambulance or at the hospital, you may need fluids and medications to help you breathe. If the symptoms don’t go away, doctors may also give you antihistamines and steroids.

You probably will need to stay in the emergency room for several hours to make sure you don’t have a second reaction.

After the initial emergency is over, see an allergy specialist, especially if you don’t know what caused the reaction.

Causes

Anaphylaxis happens when you have an antibody, something that usually fights infection, that overreacts to something harmless like food. It might not happen the first time you come in contact with the trigger, but it can develop over time.

In children, the most common cause is food. For adults, the main cause is medication.

Typical food triggers for children are:

  • Peanuts
  • Shellfish
  • Fish
  • Milk
  • Eggs
  • Soy
  • Wheat

Common food triggers for adults are:

  • Shellfish
  • Tree nuts (walnuts, hazel nuts, cashews, pistachios, pine nuts, and almonds)
  • Peanuts

Some people are so sensitive that even the smell of the food can trigger a reaction. Some are also allergic to certain preservatives in food.

Common medication triggers are:

  • Penicillin (more often following a shot rather than a pill)
  • Muscle relaxants like the ones used for anesthesia
  • Aspirin, ibuprofen, and other NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs)
  • Anti-seizure medications

Anaphylaxis also can be triggered by a few other things. But these aren’t as common:

  • Pollen, such as ragweed, grass, and tree pollen
  • Stings or bites from bees, wasps, yellow jackets, hornets, and fire ants
  • Latex, found in hospital gloves, balloons, and rubber bands

https://www.webmd.com/allergies/anaphylaxis#1

 

 

What is strep throat?

Strep throat is a bacterial infection that causes inflammation and pain in the throat. This common condition is caused by group A Streptococcus bacteria. Strep throat can affect children and adults of all ages. However, it’s especially common in children between the ages of 5 and 15. Sneezing and coughing can spread the infection from one person to another.

Symptoms of strep throat

The severity of strep throat can vary from person-to-person. Some people experience mild symptoms like a sore throat, whereas other people have more severe symptoms including fever and difficulty swallowing. The common symptoms of strep throat include:

The symptoms of strep throat typically develop within five days of exposure to the bacteria.

Subchorionic hemorrhage

Health Basics

In pregnancy, some types of bleeding are a big issue, while others are not. Subchorionic bleeding is just one type of bleeding. Some cases can become serious, while others don’t adversely affect the pregnancy. But it’s important to call your doctor right away when you experience any form of vaginal bleeding.

Subchorionic bleeding occurs when the placenta detaches from the original site of implantation. This is called a subchorionic hemorrhage or hematoma. It affects the chorionic membranes. These membranes lift apart and form another sac between the placenta and the uterus. The movement and resulting clots are what cause this type of bleeding.

These hematomas can range in size, with the smallest being most common. Larger versions can cause heavier bleeding.

Bleeding that goes beyond a few spots and requires a panty liner is often a sign of something else. Subchorionic bleeding is one such possibility. Bleeding tends to be the only sign or symptom of subchorionic hematoma. You may not even realize you have one until your doctor performs an ultrasound.

If a diagnosis of vaginal bleeding is deemed subchorionic, then your doctor will likely start treatments to prevent miscarriage. Options may include progesterone or dydrogesterone. If the hematomas are large, you may also be ordered to:

  • stay in bed (bed rest)
  • avoid standing for long periods of time
  • avoid sex
  • avoid exercise
  • https://www.healthline.com/health/pregnancy/subchorionic-bleeding#1

Dehydration

Uncategorized

What is Dehydration? What Causes It?

Dehydration happens when your body doesn’t have as much water as it needs. Without enough, your body can’t function properly. You can have mild, moderate, or severe dehydration depending on how much fluid is missing from your body.

Causes

It’s normal to lose water from your body every day by sweating, breathing, peeing, and pooping, and through tears and saliva (spit). Usually, you replace the lost liquid by drinking fluids and eating foods that contain water. If you lose too much water or don’t drink and eat enough, you can get dehydrated.

You can lose more water than usual with:

  • A fever
  • Diarrhea
  • Vomiting
  • Excessive sweating
  • Peeing a lot (Diabetes and some medications like water pills — also called diuretics — can make you pee more often.)

You may not replace the water you lose because:

  • You’re busy and forget to drink enough.
  • You don’t realize you’re thirsty.
  • You don’t feel like drinking because you have a sore throat or mouthsores, or you’re sick to your stomach.

Symptoms

Signs of mild or moderate dehydration include:

  • Thirst
  • Dry or sticky mouth
  • Not peeing very much
  • Dark yellow pee
  • Dry, cool skin
  • Headache
  • Muscle cramps

Signs of severe dehydration include:

  • Not peeing or having very dark yellow pee
  • Very  dry skin
  • Feeling dizzy
  • Rapid heartbeat
  • Rapid breathing
  • Sunken eyes
  • Sleepiness, lack of energy, confusion or irritability
  • Fainting

Symptoms for babies and young children can be different than for adults:

  • Dry mouth and tongue
  • No tears when crying
  • Dry diapers for 3 hours
  • Sunken eyes, cheeks, soft spot on the top of the skull
  • Sleepiness, lack of energy, or irritability

Severe dehydration is a medical emergency and needs to be treated immediately.

Source: https://www.webmd.com

Eye infection

Your eyes can get infections from bacteria, fungi, or viruses. Eye infections can occur in different parts of the eye and can affect just one eye or both. Two common eye infections are

  • Conjunctivitis – also known as pink eye. Conjunctivitis is often due to an infection. Children frequently get it, and it is very contagious.
  • Stye – a bump on the eyelid that happens when bacteria from your skin get into the hair follicle of an eyelash.

Symptoms of eye infections may include redness, itching, swelling, discharge, pain, or problems with vision. Treatment depends on the cause of the infection and may include compresses, eye drops, creams, or antibiotics.

https://medlineplus.gov/eyeinfections.html#cat_78

3 Levels Of Heat-Related Illness

While spending time outside is a great way to get fresh air and exercise, spending too much time in sweltering heat without relief can be dangerous. Prolonged exposure to heat can lead to heat-related illnesses like mild heat cramps, heat exhaustion, or severe heat stroke. Each level of illness causes different symptoms. Knowing the warning signs will help you identify the degree of seriousness and how you should respond.

1. Heat Cramps

Heat cramps are painful muscle cramps or spasms in the abdomen, arms, or legs. They’re the first sign of heat illness, and your condition can worsen if you don’t cool down. Heat cramps typically occur after intense exercise or sweating in high heat. You may also experience flushed, moist skin.
First Aid

  • Move to a cool place to rest.
  • Loosen your clothing and fan skin.
  • Sip cool sports drinks containing salt and sugar.
  • Stretch your muscles slowly.

2. Heat Exhaustion

More severe than heat cramps, heat exhaustion can include excessive sweating, clammy skin, a fever over 100.4° F, dizziness, headaches, nausea, and a fast, weak pulse. Heat exhaustion can escalate to heat stroke if left untreated.
First Aid

  • Move to a cool place to rest.
  • Loosen your clothing and fan skin to cool down.
  • Sip cool sports drinks containing salt and sugar.
  • If you experience no improvement, get medical help right away.

3. Heat Stroke

Heat stroke is the most serious heat-related illness and requires immediate medical attention. Symptoms include a high body temperature of 103°F or higher, warm and dry skin, confusion or slurred speech, agitation, nausea, vomiting, and a rapid heart rate. Seizures and loss of consciousness are possible.
First Aid

  • Call 911 right away.
  • Move to a cool, shaded area until medical help arrives.
  • Remove excess clothing and fan the skin.
  • Place cold, wet cloths on skin and ice bags on groin and armpit areas.

Anxiety

Fear and anxiety are part of life. You may feel anxious before you take a test or walk down a dark street. This kind of anxiety is useful – it can make you more alert or careful. It usually ends soon after you are out of the situation that caused it. But for millions of people in the United States, the anxiety does not go away, and gets worse over time. They may have chest pains or nightmares. They may even be afraid to leave home. These people have anxiety disorders. Types include

Treatment can involve medicines, therapy or both.

Anxiety is a normal response to stress. But when it becomes hard to control and affects your day-to-day life, it can be disabling. Anxiety disorders affect nearly one in five adults in the United States. Women are more than twice as likely as men to get an anxiety disorder in their lifetime. Anxiety disorders are often treated with counseling, medicine, or a combination of both. Some women also find that yoga or meditation helps with anxiety disorders.

 

 

source: https://medlineplus.gov/anxiety.html

Nausea and Vomiting

Health Basics

Nausea is an uneasiness of the stomach that often comes before vomiting. Vomiting is the forcible voluntary or involuntary emptying (“throwing up”) of stomach contents through the mouth.

What Causes Nausea or Vomiting?

Nausea and vomiting are not diseases, but they are symptoms of many conditions such as:

The causes of vomiting differ according to age. For children, it is common for vomiting to occur from a viral infection, food poisoning, milk allergy, motion sickness, overeating or feeding, coughing, or blocked intestines and illnesses in which the child has a high fever.

The timing of the nausea or vomiting can indicate the cause. When appearing shortly after a meal, nausea or vomiting may be caused by food poisoning, gastritis (inflammation of the stomach lining), an ulcer, or bulimia. Nausea or vomiting one to eight hours after a meal may also indicate food poisoning. However, certain food- borne bacteria, such as salmonella, can take longer to produce symptoms.

You should seek immediate medical care if any of the following situations occur with vomiting:

  • There is blood in the vomit (bright red or “coffee grounds” in appearance)
  • Severe headache or stiff neck
  • Lethargy, confusion, or a decreased alertness
  • Severe abdominal pain
  • Diarrhea
  • Rapid breathing or pulse

Source: https://www.webmd.com

Allergic Reaction

Health Basics

What Is an Allergic Reaction?

Some people sneeze like crazy. Others get itchy hives or watery eyes. But whatever the reaction, it boils down to one thing: allergies.

If you have allergies, you have lots of company. As many as 30% of U.S. adults and 40% of children are in the same boat as you.

While your problem may seem to start in the nose or the eyes, allergies actually come from an immune system run wild.

Learning why these reactions happen can help you keep things under control and feeling better.

Why Allergic Reactions Happen

Your immune system has an important job: to defend your body from invaders such as bacteria and viruses that mean you harm.

But when it makes war on substances it shouldn’t, that’s an allergy.

Peanuts, eggs, or pollen, for example, can trigger reactions. They are called allergens.

You can come into contact with allergens in many ways: through the skin, eyes, nose, mouth, or stomach. This can cause your sinuses to clog up, inflame your skin, make it harder to breathe, or cause stomach problems.

Types of Allergies

Here are some common types of allergies:

Hay fever: Also known as allergic rhinitis, it can cause:

Food allergies : You may feel tingling in your mouth. Your tongue, lips, throat, or face might swell up. Or you could get hives. In the worst cases, you might have anaphylaxis and will need medical help right away.

Eczema: Also known as atopic dermatitis, it is a skin condition. You might have it if you have itching, redness, and peeling or flaking.

Medications: If you’re allergic to a certain drug, you may get a rash, facial swelling, or hives. You could find yourself wheezing. In severe cases, you may develop anaphylaxis.

Stings: If you’re allergic to bees or other insects you may get:

  • A large area of swelling, known as edema, at the site of the sting
  • Itching or hives all over your body
  • Shortness of breath, wheezing, chest tightness, or a cough 

How Can I Get Relief?

You can find treatment options for mild to moderate allergic reactions. Antihistamines and decongestants can help treat certain symptoms, as can nasal sprays.

If you have an allergic-type asthma, your doctor might also prescribe an inhaler to ease attacks. Or she may inject a special antibody to manage symptoms.

If you don’t get enough relief by avoiding your allergens and using medications, your doctor may want to give you allergy shots. This type of treatment is called immunotherapy, and it can be effective for hay fever and allergic asthma.

 

Source: https://www.webmd.com

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