Hyperemesis Gravidarum
Hyperemesis Gravidarum is a severe form of morning sickness that is characterized by rapid weight loss and dehydration. Women suffering from Hyperemesis Gravidarum usually have unrelenting vomiting that can lead to electrolyte imbalance and malnutrition. Severe cases of Hyperemesis Gravidarum have to be hospitalized to monitor the nutrition and hydration levels of the expectant mother. While hormonal changes are the likely cause Hyperemesis Gravidarum, pancreatitis, hepatitis, hyperthyroidism or peptic ulcer disease may also be the cause. Women suffering from Hyperemesis Gravidarum are tested for thyroid function, liver function and blood urea and creatinine. Intravenous fluids are administered to prevent dehydration.
Colonoscopy
Colonoscopy allows the doctor to look into the interior lining of the large intestine. Through this procedure, the doctor is able to detect inflamed tissue, abnormal growths, polyps, tumors and ulcers. Early signs of cancer in the colon and the rectum can also be detected through colonoscopy. This procedure is also used to study unexplained changes in bowel habits, to evaluate symptoms of abdominal pain, rectal bleeding and sudden weight loss. The colonoscope is a thin flexible instrument whose length ranges from 48 inches to 72 inches. A small video camera is attached to the colonoscope so that photographic, electronic or videotaped images of the large intestine can be taken. Colonoscope is used to view the entire colon as well as a small portion of the lower small intestine.
The colon should be completely empty for colonoscopy to be thorough and safe. The liquid diet should be clear of any food colorings. It should be fat free. The colonoscope is gradually inserted into the rectum and slowly guided into the colon. The scope transmits an image of the inside of the colon onto a video screen so that the doctor can carefully examine the lining of the colon. The scope blows air into the colon and inflates it so that the doctor has a better view of the colon. During the procedure, the doctor is able to remove abnormal growths like polyp in the colon.
Colonoscopy aids the doctor to remove most polyps without abdominal surgery.
Colonoscopy is more accurate than a routine x ray to detect polyps, tumors, ulcers and cancers at early stage.
Colonoscopy is done most often to investigate and find the cause of blood in the stool, abdominal pain and diarrhea.
Certain patients with previous history of polyps or colon cancer, patients with family history of particular malignancies, colon problems are advised to have periodic colonoscopies because they are at greater risk of polyps or colon cancer.
Virtual colonoscopy: Here the technique that is adopted uses a CAT scan to construct virtual images of the colon. These images are similar to the views of the colon obtained by direct observation through colonoscopy. However, virtual colonoscopy cannot find small polyps which are less than 5 mm in size. These can be seen by the traditional colonoscopy. Virtual colonoscopy is not as accurate as colonoscopy in finding cancers or pre-malignant lesions that are not protruding. Virtual colonoscopy also cannot remove polyps.
Immunologist
An Immunologist can be described as a medical specialist trained to prevent, diagnose, manage and treat diseases that result from abnormalities of the immune system. Immunologists are highly qualified and trained to treat immune system disorders such as allergies, asthma, inherited immunodeficiency diseases and autoimmune diseases. Clinical immunologists and allergy specialists undergo similar training as with any other medical specialists. After completion of four years of premedical education at a college or university, they receive atleast four years of medical school education. After receiving general training in internal medicine, they receive additional training in immunology and allergy areas. Immunologists are involved in a gamut of work areas, in hospitals, private practice, diagnostic immunology laboratories, research centers and industrial houses. The medical immunologist or allergy specialist primarily identifies and treats the diseases that result from abnormalities of the immune system.
Patients are referred by a general physician for further diagnosis, confirmation and management of clinical disorders of the immune system.
Patients seeking the advice of an immunologist for education regarding disorders of the immune system.
Patients suffering from life threatening allergies such as anaphylaxis.
When food or occupational allergy is suspected, the patient is referred to an immunologist.
When a physician contemplates immunotherapy for treatment of allergic diseases, the patient is sent to the immunologist.
Patients suffering from asthma exhibiting continuing poor control despite regular use of asthma medication.
Patients with unexplained inflammation such as fevers of unknown origin, unexplained fevers, weight loss.
For investigation of recurrent or unusual opportunistic infections.
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