Migraine is a type of headache caused by the changes in the levels of serotonin and nor- adrenaline like hormones. Types of Migraine: 1. Classical migraine: It comes with aura that is with some symptoms before hand.2. Common migraine: It comes without any before hand symptoms. Signs and symptoms: 1. Pain is often on one side of the head. Sometimes two sides of the head also occur. 2. Pain is severe and decreases are increases in severity. 3. Patient cannot tolerate even small sounds like taking etc. 4. Patient does not like to see the lights. 5. The pain is throbbing type. 6. Other factors provoking it are: Travelling, hungry stomach, disturbances in sleep and more during summer season. 7. Taking alcohol causes the migraine. 8. There are changes in the mood, weakness pain in muscles, distension in stomach etc. 9. There is numbness, not able to speak, anxiety and in confused state of mind. Migraine is genetic type and hereditary (running in families). Sex: Migraine is more common in females than males. Often it occurs before the regular monthly menstruation. Investigation: Blood vessels in the frontal region of the head are in dilated condition. Treatment: There is no specific treatment, but very effective drugs are available to give relief from the symptoms. There is a history of recurrences. Please share your experience with Migraine. … [Read more...]
Allergic reactions: Symptoms and treatment
A new study published in the Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology suggests that an estimated 12 million Americans suffer food allergies and about 150 die every year. A food allergy is an immune system response to food that the body mistakenly believes that this food is harmful to it. Mechanism of allergic reaction: Once the immune system decides that a particular food is harmful, it creates specific antibodies. The next time the individual eats the same food, the immune system releases massive amounts of chemicals, including histamine, in order to protect the body. These chemicals trigger a cascade of allergic symptoms that can affect the respiratory system, gastrointestinal tract, skin or cardiovascular system. Foods that generally cause allergy: products like egg, fish, soy, wheat and meat etc; Signs and symptoms of allergic reaction: 1. Tingling sensation in the mouth2. Swelling of the tongue and throat 3. Difficulty in breathing4. Hives5. Abdominal cramps6. Vomiting and diarrhea7. Drop in blood pressure8. Loss of consciousness (often leading to death). These symptoms typically appear within minutes to two hours, after the person has taken the food. Food intolerance is an adverse food induced reaction that does not involve the immune system (as in the food allergy). Ex: Lactose intolerance in some persons who cannot digest milk sugar due to lack of an enzyme. Treatment for food allergy: Experts say some people do get over with the passage of time. But if that does not happen, it I better to avoid allergens completely. Allergy has no cure, but there is only symptomatic treatment available to manage the cases with … [Read more...]
