Rotavirus

 

 

Overview

Rotavirus is a very contagious virus that causes diarrhea. Before the development of a vaccine, most children had been infected with the virus at least once by age 5.

 

Although rotavirus infections are unpleasant, you can usually treat this infection at home with extra fluids to prevent dehydration. Occasionally, severe dehydration requires receiving fluids through a vein (intravenously) in the hospital.

 

Good hygiene, such as washing your hands regularly, is important. But vaccination is the best way to prevent rotavirus infection.

 

Symptoms

A rotavirus infection usually starts within two days of exposure to the virus. Early symptoms are a fever and vomiting, followed by three to seven days of watery diarrhea. The infection can cause abdominal pain as well.

 

In healthy adults, a rotavirus infection may cause only mild signs and symptoms or none at all.

 

When to see a doctor

Call your child's doctor if your child:

 

Has diarrhea for more than 24 hours

Vomits frequently

Has black or tarry stool or stool containing blood or pus

Has a temperature of 102 F (38.9 C) or higher

Seems tired, irritable or in pain

Has signs or symptoms of dehydration, including dry mouth, crying without tears, little or no urination, unusual sleepiness, or unresponsiveness

If you're an adult, call your doctor if you:

 

Can't keep liquids down for 24 hours

Have diarrhea for more than two days

Have blood in your vomit or bowel movements

Have a temperature higher than 103 F (39.4 C)

Have signs or symptoms of dehydration, including excessive thirst, dry mouth, little or no urination, severe weakness, dizziness on standing, or lightheadedness

Causes

Rotavirus is present in an infected person's stool two days before symptoms appear and for up to 10 days after symptoms lessen. The virus spreads easily through hand-to-mouth contact throughout this time — even if the infected person doesn't have symptoms.

 

If you have rotavirus and you don't wash your hands after using the toilet — or your child has rotavirus and you don't wash your hands after changing your child's diaper or helping your child use the toilet — the virus can spread to anything you touch, including food, toys and utensils. If another person touches your unwashed hands or a contaminated object and then touches his or her mouth, an infection may follow. The virus can remain infectious on surfaces that haven't been disinfected for weeks or months.

 

It's possible to be infected with rotavirus more than once, even if you've been vaccinated. However, repeat infections are typically less severe.

 

Risk factors

Rotavirus infections are common in children ages 3 to 35 months — particularly those who spend time in child care settings. Older adults and adults caring for young children have an increased risk of infection as well.

 

In the United States, the risk of rotavirus is highest in winter and spring.

 

Complications

Severe diarrhea can lead to dehydration, particularly in young children. Left untreated, dehydration can become a life-threatening condition regardless of its cause.

 

Prevention

To reduce the spread of rotavirus, wash your hands thoroughly and often — especially after you use the toilet, change your child's diaper or help your child use the toilet. But even strict hand-washing doesn't offer any guarantees. And commonly used alcohol-based hand sanitizers have little effect on rotavirus.

 

The World Health Organization recommends that all countries give infants a rotavirus vaccine. There are two vaccines available:

 

RotaTeq. This vaccine is given by mouth in three doses, often at 2, 4 and 6 months. The vaccine isn't approved for use in older children or adults.

Rotarix. This vaccine is a liquid given in two doses to infants at ages 2 months and 4 months.

The vaccines are considered safe and effective, and studies show that they prevent thousands of children from developing rotavirus every year. However, rarely, they can cause a part of the intestine to fold back on itself (intussusception), resulting in possibly life-threatening intestinal blockage.

 

Children who have had intussusception are more likely to have it again after receiving the rotavirus vaccine. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration recommends that the vaccine not be given to children who have a history of intussusception.

 

For children who don't have a history of intussusception, there is a very small risk that it can develop after the rotavirus vaccine is given. Even so, the benefits of the vaccine far outweigh the risks.

 

If your child has stomach pain, vomiting, diarrhea, blood in his or her stool, or a change in bowel movements after getting the rotavirus vaccine, contact your doctor immediately.

 

 

 

 

 

Jan Ricks Jennings, MHA, LFACHE

Senior Consultant

Senior Management Resources, LLC

 

Jan.Jennings@EagleTalons.net

JanJenningsBlog.Blogspot.com

 

412.913.0636 Cell

724.733.0509 Office

412.913.0636 Cell

 

April 30, 2022

                                                                 Cholecystitis

 

 

Overview

 

Gallbladder and bile duct

 

Cholecystitis (ko-luh-sis-TIE-tis) is inflammation of the gallbladder. Your gallbladder is a small, pear-shaped organ on the right side of your abdomen, beneath your liver. The gallbladder holds a digestive fluid that's released into your small intestine (bile).

 

In most cases, gallstones blocking the tube leading out of your gallbladder cause cholecystitis. This results in a bile buildup that can cause inflammation. Other causes of cholecystitis include bile duct problems, tumors, serious illness and certain infections.  These causes will be discussed in more detail below.

 

If left untreated, cholecystitis can lead to serious, sometimes life-threatening complications, such as a gallbladder rupture. Treatment for cholecystitis often involves gallbladder removal.

 

Symptoms

Signs and symptoms of cholecystitis may include:

 

Severe pain in your upper right or center abdomen

Pain that spreads to your right shoulder or back

Tenderness over your abdomen when it's touched

Nausea

Vomiting

Fever

Cholecystitis signs and symptoms often occur after a meal, particularly a large or fatty one.

 

When to see a doctor

Make an appointment with your doctor if you have worrisome signs or symptoms. If your abdominal pain is so severe that you can't sit still or get comfortable, have someone drive you to the emergency roo

 

Causes

Cholecystitis occurs when your gallbladder becomes inflamed. Gallbladder inflammation can be caused by:

 

Gallstones. Most often, cholecystitis is the result of hard particles that develop in your gallbladder (gallstones). Gallstones can block the tube (cystic duct) through which bile flows when it leaves the gallbladder. Bile builds up, causing inflammation.

Tumor. A tumor may prevent bile from draining out of your gallbladder properly, causing bile buildup that can lead to cholecystitis.

Bile duct blockage. Kinking or scarring of the bile ducts can cause blockages that lead to cholecystitis.

Infection. AIDS and certain viral infections can trigger gallbladder inflammation.

Blood vessel problems. A very severe illness can damage blood vessels and decrease blood flow to the gallbladder, leading to cholecystitis.

Risk factors

Having gallstones is the main risk factor for developing cholecystitis.                                                        

  

Complications

Cholecystitis can lead to a number of serious complications, including:

 

Infection within the gallbladder. If bile builds up within your gallbladder, causing cholecystitis, the bile may become infected.

Death of gallbladder tissue. Untreated cholecystitis can cause tissue in the gallbladder to die (gangrene). It's the most common complication, especially among older people, those who wait to get treatment, and those with diabetes. This can lead to a tear in the gallbladder, or it may cause your gallbladder to burst.

Torn gallbladder. A tear (perforation) in your gallbladder may result from gallbladder swelling, infection or death of tissue.

Prevention

You can reduce your risk of cholecystitis by taking the following steps to prevent gallstones:

 

Lose weight slowly. Rapid weight loss can increase the risk of gallstones. If you need to lose weight, aim to lose 1 or 2 pounds (0.5 to about 1 kilogram) a week.

Maintain a healthy weight. Being overweight makes you more likely to develop gallstones. To achieve a healthy weight, reduce calories and increase your physical activity. Maintain a healthy weight by continuing to eat well and exercise.

Choose a healthy diet. Diets high in fat and low in fiber may increase the risk of gallstones. To lower your risk, choose a diet high in fruits, vegetables and whole grains.

 

 

Jan Ricks Jennings, MHA, LFACH$

Jan.Jennings@EagleTalons.com

 

Jan.JenningsBlogBlogspot.com

412.913.0636 Cell

724733.0509 Office

April 26, 2022

 

  

                                                                              Hemorrhoids

 

Overview

 

 

Hemorrhoids (HEM-uh-roids), also called piles, are swollen veins in your anus and lower rectum, similar to varicose veins. Hemorrhoids can develop inside the rectum (internal hemorrhoids) or under the skin around the anus (external hemorrhoids).

 

Nearly three out of four adults will have hemorrhoids from time to time. Hemorrhoids have a number of causes, but often the cause is unknown.

 

Fortunately, effective options are available to treat hemorrhoids. Many people get relief with home treatments and lifestyle changes.

 

 

Symptoms

Signs and symptoms of hemorrhoids usually depend on the type of hemorrhoid.

 

External hemorrhoids

These are under the skin around your anus. Signs and symptoms are experience in the anal region, and  might include:

 

Itching or irritation

Pain or discomfort

Swelling around your anus

Bleeding

 

Internal hemorrhoids

Internal hemorrhoids lie inside the rectum. You usually can't see or feel them, and they rarely cause discomfort. But straining or irritation when passing stool can cause:

 

Painless bleeding during bowel movements. You might notice small amounts of bright red blood on your toilet tissue or in the toilet.

A hemorrhoid to push through the anal opening (prolapsed or protruding hemorrhoid), resulting in pain and irritation.

 

Thrombosed hemorrhoids

If blood pools in an external hemorrhoid and forms a clot (thrombus), it can result in:

 

Severe pain

Swelling

Inflammation

A hard lump near your anus

 

When to see a doctor

If you have bleeding during bowel movements or you have hemorrhoids that don't improve after a week of home care, talk to your doctor.

 

Don't assume rectal bleeding is due to hemorrhoids, especially if you have changes in bowel habits or if your stools change in color or consistency. Rectal bleeding can occur with other diseases, including colorectal cancer and anal cancer.

 

Seek emergency care if you have large amounts of rectal bleeding, lightheadedness, dizziness or faintness.

 

 

Causes

The veins around your anus tend to stretch under pressure and may bulge or swell. Hemorrhoids can develop from increased pressure in the lower rectum due to:

 

Straining during bowel movements

Sitting for long periods of time on the toilet

Having chronic diarrhea or constipation

Being obese

Being pregnant

Having anal intercourse

Eating a low-fiber diet

heavy lifting

 

Risk factors

As you age, your risk of hemorrhoids increases. That's because the tissues that support the veins in your rectum and anus can weaken and stretch. This can also happen when you're pregnant, because the baby's weight puts pressure on the anal region.

 

Complications

Complications of hemorrhoids are rare but include:

 

Anemia. Rarely, chronic blood loss from hemorrhoids may cause anemia, in which you don't have enough healthy red blood cells to carry oxygen to your cells.

Strangulated hemorrhoid. If the blood supply to an internal hemorrhoid is cut off, the hemorrhoid may be "strangulated," which can cause extreme pain.

Blood clot. Occasionally, a clot can form in a hemorrhoid (thrombosed hemorrhoid). Although not dangerous, it can be extremely painful and sometimes needs to be lanced and drained.

Prevention

The best way to prevent hemorrhoids is to keep your stools soft, so they pass easily. To prevent hemorrhoids and reduce symptoms of hemorrhoids, follow these tips:

 

Eat high-fiber foods. Eat more fruits, vegetables and whole grains. Doing so softens the stool and increases its bulk, which will help you avoid the straining that can cause hemorrhoids. Add fiber to your diet slowly to avoid problems with gas.

Drink plenty of fluids. Drink six to eight glasses of water and other liquids (not alcohol) each day to help keep stools soft.

Consider fiber supplements. Most people don't get enough of the recommended amount of fiber — 20 to 30 grams a day — in their diet. Studies have shown that over-the-counter fiber supplements, such as psyllium (Metamucil) or methylcellulose (Citrucel), improve overall symptoms and bleeding from hemorrhoids.

 

If you use fiber supplements, be sure to drink at least eight glasses of water or other fluids every day. Otherwise, the supplements can cause or worsen constipation.

 

Don't strain. Straining and holding your breath when trying to pass a stool creates greater pressure in the veins in the lower rectum.

Go as soon as you feel the urge. If you wait to pass a bowel movement and the urge goes away, your stool could dry out and be harder to pass.

Exercise. Stay active to help prevent constipation and to reduce pressure on veins, which can occur with long periods of standing or sitting. Exercise can also help you lose excess weight that might be contributing to your hemorrhoids.

Avoid long periods of sitting. Sitting too long, particularly on the toilet, can increase the pressure on the veins in the anus.

Jan Ricks Jennings, MHA, LFACHE

Senior Consultant

Senior Management Resources, LLC

 

Jan.Jennings@EagleTalons.net

JanJenningsBlog.Blogspot.com

412.913.0636 Cell

724.733.0509 Office

April 17, 2022

 

 

  

                                                            Acute flaccid myelitis

 

 

Overview

Acute flaccid myelitis (AFM) is a rare but serious condition that affects the spinal cord. It can cause sudden weakness in the arms or legs, loss of muscle tone, and loss of reflexes. The condition affects young children.

 

Most children who develop acute flaccid myelitis have a mild respiratory illness or fever caused by a viral infection about one to four weeks before experiencing symptoms of AFM.

 

If you or your child develops symptoms of acute flaccid myelitis, seek immediate medical care. Symptoms can progress rapidly. Hospitalization is needed and sometimes a ventilator is required for breathing support.

 

Since experts began tracking acute flaccid myelitis following initial clusters in 2014, outbreaks in the United States have occurred in 2016 and 2018. Outbreaks tend to occur between August and November.

 

Symptoms

 

The most common signs and symptoms of acute flaccid myelitis include:

 

Sudden arm or leg weakness

Sudden loss of muscle tone

Sudden loss of reflexes

Other signs and symptoms include:

 

Difficulty moving the eyes or drooping eyelids

Facial droop or weakness

Difficulty with swallowing or slurred speech

Pain in the arms, legs, neck or back

Uncommon symptoms might include Numbness or tingling

Inability to pass urine

Severe symptoms involve respiratory failure, due to the muscles involved in breathing becoming weak. It is also possible to experience life-threatening body temperature changes and blood pressure instability.

 

When to see a doctor

If you or your child has any of the signs or symptoms listed above, seek medical care as soon as possible.

Causes

Acute flaccid myelitis might be caused by an infection with a type of virus known as an enterovirus. Respiratory illnesses and fever from enteroviruses are common — especially in children. Most people recover. It is not clear why some people with an enterovirus infection develop acute flaccid myelitis.

 

In the United States many viruses, including enteroviruses, circulate between August and November. This is when acute flaccid myelitis outbreaks tend to occur.

 

The symptoms of acute flaccid myelitis can look like those of the viral disease polio. But none of the acute flaccid myelitis cases in the United States have been caused by poliovirus.

 

Risk factors

Acute flaccid myelitis affects young children.

 

Complications

Muscle weakness caused by acute flaccid myelitis can continue for months to years.

 

Prevention

There is no specific way to prevent acute flaccid myelitis. However, preventing a viral infection can help reduce the risk of developing acute flaccid myelitis.

 

Take these steps to help protect yourself or your child from getting or spreading a viral infection:

 

Wash your hands often with soap and water.

Avoid touching your face with unwashed hands.

Avoid close contact with people who are sick.

Clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces.

Cover coughs and sneezes with a tissue or upper shirt sleeve.

Keep sick children at home.

Jan Ricks Jennings, MHA, LFACHE

Senior Consultant

Senior Management Resources, LLC

 

 

Jan.Jennings@EagleTalons.com

JanJenningsBlog.Blogspot.com

 

724.733.0509 Office

412.913.0636 Cell

April 16, 2022 

                                                                             

Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm

10 Typical Aortic Aneurysm Symptoms

 

While the symptoms associated with unruptured aortic aneurysms are not common or many, they do need to be known in order to get a proper diagnosis. This is because an aortic aneurysm poses a serious risk if it ruptures. Even if emergency surgery is conducted on the spot when this happens, the procedure itself could be highly risky.  Hence, it is important to understand what might be signaling an aortic aneurysm for us. This way, we can get a proper screening done and the doctors can decide if we need surgery to remove the enlarged area or need to wait and see what happens.

An aortic aneurysm is a swollen area located in the aorta. The aorta itself is a very thick, large blood vessel that is responsible for supplying blood to the rest of the body. It is approximately as thick as a gardening hose. It connects the heart to the very middle of the abdomen and the chest.

 

The aorta is a major blood vessel. Having an aneurysm on it could result in some serious problems, especially if it ruptures. When an aortic aneurysm ruptures, the internal bleeding could be a threat to our very lives. If an aneurysm stays unruptured, it may not even be detected since there are very few symptoms attached to it.

 

There are two kinds of aortic aneurysms, abdominal and thoracic. The former is more common than the latter, but it is important to have knowledge about the symptoms that could indicate both kinds:

 

 

1. A Pulsating Close to the Navel

Your aorta is the principal artery that runs oxygenated blood all through your body. It travels from the center down the middle of the chest and stomach, the place it splits off into two smaller arteries. As mentioned above the aorta is as thick as a backyard hose. It solely is smart that you simply would possibly really feel a pulsating in the midst of your stomach relying on the placement and dimension of the stomach aortic aneurysm.

 

Since the more common type of aortic aneurysm is the abdominal one. some abdominal pain is one logical symptom.   However, such a symptom may not always occur with abdominal aortic aneurysms. Abdominal pain could be a symptom of several other issues too.

 

2. Back Pain

If an aortic aneurysm is intact and not ruptured, it would not produce many symptoms, not any at all. However, enlarged aneurysms are definitely at risk of rupture and do give rise to certain warning symptoms. It could be difficult to pinpoint regular back pain as a symptom of an aortic aneurysm (or several), but this sort of pain would be excruciating. 

 

3. Again Ache – The most common cause of again ache is triggered by muscle or ligament pressure from overuse, akin to an excessive amount of time spent sitting at a desk or enjoying video video games in entrance of the TV.

Some abdominal aortic aneurysms stay small in size; however, others can increase either gradually or quickly. Again ache, like stomachache, might be the results of a number of illnesses from pulling a muscle to an aneurysm. Nonetheless, in the event you ever have extreme sudden again ache (or stomachache), then you must search medical consideration instantly. Bear in mind, the aorta runs down the middle of your physique out of your coronary heart to your stomach, so you are feeling an enlargement on this important artery out of your again, too.

4. A ‘Chilly Foot’

This unofficial medical term refers to a black or blue toe. This painful situation occurs if the abdominal aortic aneurysm creates a blood clot, which may prohibit circulation to the foot.   Without correct blood movement via to the legs to the toes, chances are you will experience this discoloration of the foot.

5. Fever and Weight Loss

Though each of those signs are obscure and apply to quite a few sicknesses, they are indicators of an inflammatory aortic aneurysm.  Whereas some stomach aortic aneurysms are introduced on by age, genetics, or the hardening of arteries, others are brought on by infections or irritation. In that case, each fever and weight reduction are signs. Relying on the placement of the enlargement, different organs or components of the physique may also change into obstructed by irritation.

 

6. Therapy: Medical Monitoring

If a small abdominal aortic aneurysm was detected throughout a routine screening, despite no signs or symptoms, then your physician would possibly advocate medical monitoring. This entails visiting your physician repeatedly to bear imaging checks to taken every the dimensions of an aneurysm. Stomach ultrasounds will likely be taken every six months depending on how fast the aneurysm is growing.

7. Therapies: Medicine apart from monitoring the abdominal aortic aneurysm via routine visits, you may need to take medication.   For instance, you probably have hypertension, you possibly can take a beta-blocker. In flip, a beta-blocker can even decelerate the speed at which the enlargement grows. A prescription to deal with excessive ldl cholesterol is common, too. Not only will these medications decreases your probability of a ruptured aneurysm;  they will decrease your danger of different sicknesses equivalent to heart problems.

8. Therapy: Open Stomach Surgical procedure

A stomach aortic aneurysm that grows to about 5 centimeters or bigger requires surgical procedure. Throughout open stomach surgical procedure, the broken a part of the aorta is eliminated and changed with an artificial tube. Often known as a graft, the tube is sewn into place. It takes not less than a month to recover from this operation.

9. Therapy: Endovascular Surgical procedure

This surgical procedure is much less invasive in than an open process. Endovascular surgical procedure is when a woven tube lined in metallic mesh help is hooked up to a skinny catheter. Docs insert this graft right into a leg artery and thread it up into the aorta to be mounted on the site of an aneurysm. The intention is to bolster the broken part sufficient to prevent it from rupturing. Restoration time for endovascular surgical procedure is shorter in comparison with open stomach surgical procedure, however not everyone is a candidate for this procedure.

10. Therapy: Life-style Adjustments

If you are a smoker, attempt to stop instantly. It is okay to ask your physician for assist or use a nicotine replacement as you slowly say try to quit.   Do whatever it takes to  quit, because smoking  raises the prospect of an abdominal aortic aneurysm rising and rupturing. Limiting alcohol consumption and consuming a more healthy, well-balanced diet can even assist, too. Try to exercise for a half-hour a day, 5 days per week. It does not should be operating or lifting weights; any exercise that will get your coronary heart fee pumping is useful.

Jan Ricks Jennings, MHA, LFACHE

Senior Consultant

Senior Management Resources, LLC

Jan.Jennings@EagleTalons.net

JanJenningsBlog.Blogspot.com

 

412.913.0636 Cell

724.733.0509 Office

 

April 10 2022