Premenstrual Syndrome
Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS) is a condition faced by many a woman for a few days leading to the menstrual period. This syndrome is faced by millions of women worldwide and is characterized by different symptoms. While some women face the symptoms in relatively lesser degree, others find it debilitating. Nearly 3 of every 4 women would have faced some form of PMS at some point in time. Often PMS symptoms are noticed in women who are perimenopausal. The symptoms taper off once menopause sets in. PMS may be heriditary as it runs in families. The female hormone estrogen plays a significant role in water retention and blood sugar levels.
The symptoms of premenstrual syndrome are physical and psychological. These symptoms of PMS range from feelings of depression and uncontrollable crying to irritability and reduced libido. Women suffer from headache, migraine, food craings, fluid retention and abdominal bloating. PMS affects the quality of life of millions of women to an extent that they suffer panic attacks and paranoia. Breast tenderness, muscle pain, fatigue, mood swings and difficulty in concentration are other common symptoms of women suffering from pre menstrual syndrome. Many PMS sufferers also experience hypoglycemia.
In severe cases of premenstrual syndrome, diuretics, antidepressants or birth control pills are prescribed. Lifestyle changes are instrumental in managing symptoms of premenstrual syndrome.
Avoiding excess salt, sugar, caffeine and alcohol, especially prior to the menstrual period
Supplements of multivitamins and minerals including folic acid and calcium
Relaxation techniques such as yoga
Seek social support
Regular exercise such as aerobics, jogging or swimming
Seizures
Seizures are conditions when there is abnormal functioning of the brain leading to uncontrollable muscle spasms, altered levels of consciousness and behavior. This is usually traced to abnormal electrical discharge within the brain. Seizures may be localized or affect the whole body.
Seizures are classified into 3 based on the severity of attack and response:
Grand Mal - In this type of seizure, the whole body is racked with convulsions. There can be lack of consciousness or coma
Petit Mal - Only a part of the body is affected by this seizure
Absense - A type of seizure where the affected person is in a stupor and cannot be roused.
Seizures can occur due to poisoning, drug overdose, head injury or medical conditions such as hypoglycemia or neurological abnormality. Fever, brain tumor or other vascular problems can also trigger a seizure. If the brain experiences a sudden lack of oxygen, it can lead to a seizure. Febrile seizures are usually noticed when an infant or small child has high fever, greater than 102 degrees F. The child loses consciousness and experiences uncontrolled shaking of the body. Typically this seizure lasts for a minute or two. Seizures of this kind are not to be mistaken for epilepsy. Though they can be terrifying, febrile seizure attacks must be tackled with care. Place the child on the ground or safe place. Do not restrain movements and wait for the seizure to subside. Do not attempt to feed the child immediately after a febrile seizure. Most seizures are self-limiting. What is essential is to ensure that the person does not get injured during a seizure. Seek seizure first aid. Call a doctor at once if you notice labored breathing or bluish pallor. Epilepsy is a medical condition that is characterized by marked pattern of chronic seizures. Various tests such as spinal tap, heat CT scan or MRI and EEG (Electroencephalogram) can help in identifying the cause for the seizures.
Diabetes Mellitus Type 1
Diabetes mellitus is characterized by high blood sugar. Referred to as diabetes, this disease affects millions worldwide. Left untreated, diabetes can lead to blindess, diabetic neuropathy and kidney failure. Diabetes is most often a chronic medical condition that needs constant monitoring and control. Diabetes can be of 2 types - Type 1 and diabetes type 2. Type 1 diabetes is called juvenile-onset diabetes or insulin-dependent diabetes. Complications that can arise with Type 1 diabetes are hypoglycemia and hyperglycemia. Left untreated, it can lead to ketoacidosis.
Often this type of diabetes is inherited. Diabetes mellitus type 1 is seen in children and young adults. A person suffering from diabetes type 1 is insulin dependent. Diabetes mellitus type 1 is characterized by insufficient production of insulin by the pancreas. This can occur due to an autoimmune condition or it can also be idiopathic in nature. Insulin is critical to the absorption of sugar by the body. As a result, blood and urine levels of sugar rise. Type 1 diabetes also affects fat metabolism. While most cases of type 1 diabetes have a genetic predisposition, certain environmental factors trigger it off.
Symptoms of diabetes type 1 are excessive thirst and urination. Other symptoms include blurred vision, dramatic weight loss, irritability, weakness and fatigue. Diabetes mellitus type 1 leads to excessive hunger. Girls may notice vaginal yeast infection. A doctor may prescribe changes in eating habits and maintenance of body weight. Regular exercise regimen is suggested to keep diabetes under check. Daily dose of insulin is needed for persons who suffer type 1 diabetes. Persons suffering from this form of diabetes are advised to monitor blood levels of sugar as well as urine levels of ketone.
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