Enlarged Adenoids in Children

An enlarged adenoid, also known as ‘adenoid hypertrophy’, is when the adenoid gland in one's mouth grows unusually large in size, due to either an infection or another problem. The adenoids (and tonsils) are made from similar tissue masses of the lymphoid tissue found in the neck and in other parts of one's body, and are located at the back of one's nasal cavity in the throat. Another name for adenoids is 'nasopharyngeal tonsils', but is away from one's main tonsils. This gland fights bacteria and other viral entries that pass through one's nose, where antibodies are produced in order to fight off these infections. The adenoids are located at an elevated position at the back of the palate, where the nasal passages are attached to the throat.

Reasons why children suffer from enlarged adenoids 

The severity can differ with most infections being dealt with by the body, where the adenoid returns to its original state over the course of time. Adenoids can be larger than normal at the time of birth itself. 

• Bacterial infections
• Franke triad
• Viral infections
• Genetics
• Allergies
• Long term inflammation
• Adenoid cystic carcinoma
• Timme syndrome

Signs of enlarged adenoids in children 

We look into the symptoms of this condition and how to identify them at an earlier stage. We'll also look into the serious signs as well, which when noticed needs immediate medical attention. 

• Breathing is noisy
• Child breathes through their mouth
• Skin on one's lips are cracked
• Voices sounds nasal-like
• Child finds it difficult to breathe through his/her mouth
• Nose is constantly runny
• Mouth is dry
• Snoring
• Breath smells foul
• Restless during sleep
• Tonsils start to swell
• Sense of smell decreases
• Nasal obstruction

Serious symptoms of enlarged adenoids in children

• Weight loss/lack of weight gain
• Sleep apnoea takes place (breathing stops for a few seconds or longer during the night)
• Nosebleed
• Pulmonary hypertension (high blood pressure in the lungs)
• Sinus infections occur constantly
• Ear infections are frequent

Enlarged adenoids treatment for children 

In some cases, the adenoids are surgically removed depending on the severity of the condition. It is important to understand what is involved during the treatment process, and what your options are:

Antibiotics: If the cause is bacteria-based, then doctors prescribe antibiotics to help counter the infections from further escalating.

Surgery: There are two surgical procedures involved to help treat an enlarged adenoid, one is called 'adenoidectomy' (adenoid removal), and 'tonsillectomy' (tonsils removal). Doctors suggest these operations be conducted only if certain persistent problems come forth in a child, like sleep apnoea, those who experience infections more than five times a year or even over a period of two-three years, nasal congestion, those who find it difficult to breathe/talk, sinus infections, and ear infections.

Most enlarged glands reduce to their normal sizes after an infection has passed. Just make sure you don't ignore the signs, and to also keep in mind that adults too can face this problem.

Pleural Effusion: Causes, Symptoms and Treatment

There is a thin layer of fluid between the lungs and the chest wall, in the human body. This fluid is essential because it acts as a lubricant between the chest walls and the lungs, when we breathe. The cavity or space between the chest wall and the lungs, where this liquid accumulates, is called the pleura and the fluid is called pleural fluid. An abnormal increase in the quantity of pleural fluid causes the chest walls to separate from the lungs. This condition is known as pleural effusion.

What Causes Pleural Effusion
Pleural effusion can be broadly classified into two types transudative and exudative pleural effusion.

Transudative pleural effusion is caused by fluid leaking into the pleural space. Such leakage may be due to a variety of reasons but the most common one is the failure of the left ventricle in the human heart. People suffering from complications after heart surgery have also often been diagnosed with transudative pleural effusion. Pulmonary embolism and cirrhosis are other common causes for this form of pleural effusion.

Exudative pleural effusion is caused by leaky blood vessels, which are in turn, caused mainly due to lung disease. Some of the most common causes are lung infections, tuberculosis, bacterial pneumonia, pulmonary embolism, breast cancer and lung cancer. Drug induced lupus are sometimes produced by some type of medication and this can also result in pleural effusion. Pleural effusion caused due to medicines is not very acute, as the pleural fluid starts reducing in volume as soon as the medication procedure is over. Arthritis causes inflammation of body parts and in certain cases it may also cause inflammation of the pleura. Systematic lupus erythematosus and accidental infusion of fluids are also among the other major causes. Rarer reasons are pancreatic, liver and kidney diseases, viral and fungal infections and mesothelioma.

Symptoms of Pleural Effusion
 
The possible signs of pleural effusion are: 

• Compression of the lungs
• Chest pain (does not occur in all patients)
• Difficulty in breathing
• Cough and fever with empyema (when pneumonia has caused the effusion)
• Hiccups
• Dyspnoea (breathlessness)

Treatment of Pleural Effusion
The basic steps included in the treatment are diagnosing the problem, removing the fluid and treating the causal disease of the effusion (such as pneumonia, collapsed ventricle etc.). The first step of diagnosis is a simple chest X-Ray. But confirming the presence of excess pleural fluid is done after an ultrasound or a CT scan or both. The next important step in the diagnosis is to find out what caused the liquid to accumulate in the pleura. The cause can be determined by getting a sample of the fluid. The process involved in extracting a sample of this liquid and removing a large amount of it, is called therapeutic thoracentesis.

If the fluid keeps on accumulating continuously, then repeated effusions of the fluid are done through chemical or surgical pleurodesis. In this process, both the pleural surfaces are scarred, hence prohibiting the accumulation of the liquid. Regardless of whatever process is undertaken to remove the fluid, antibiotics are compulsorily administered. The final step in the treatment is addressing the basic cause. In case of patients suffering from bacterial pleural effusion, antibiotics can simply be used. People with cancer are treated with chemotherapy, radiation therapy or surgery. Diuretics are given to people suffering from pleural effusion, caused by heart problems.

Pleural effusion caused by pneumonia, tuberculosis, bacterial infections and arthritis, can be diagnosed and treated with ease. But when the root cause is not known, diagnosing and removing the excess fluid becomes extremely important.

KALA AZAR OR DUMDUM FEVER

The KALA – AZAR  , also known as black fever or Dumdum fever, is a serious disease of man .  The causative agent of KALA – AZAR  is a pathogenic flagellate, called Leishmania donovani, which is transmitted by the bite of small blood sucking sandflies called Phlebotomus argentipes. The incubation period i.e. the period between the infection and appearance of symptoms may vary from 3-6 months to even 2 years.

Symptoms

Early symptoms of KALA – AZAR  includes swelling, high fever, enlargement of spleen and liver. It is followed by general weakness, emaciation, anaemia due to reduction in number of blood cells, and a peculiar darkening of skin. The advance stage of KALA – AZAR  may lead to dry , rough, dark or pigmented skin. Hair becomes brittle and falls out. If KALA – AZAR  is not properly treated, the patient may die in 2 years.

Diagnosis

KALA - AZAR  can be diagnosed by microscopical examination of blood film or biopsy material taken from spleen or bone marrow of patient, for the presence of Leishmania donovani by a pathologist.

Treatment

Two groups of drugs are used for the treatment of KALA – AZAR . Pentavalent antimony compounds extensively used are sodium – antimony tartrate and gluconate, ureastibamine, aminostiburea, neostibosan, etc.  Pentamidine isethionate is also used.

PREVENTION

The prevention from KALA – AZAR  can be done by:

• Eradication of the insect vector, i.e. sandfly which can be done by spray of insecticides and fumigation.
• The animals who act as reservoir hosts, should be killed.
• Mosquito nets or screens should be used for avoiding bite of sand fly hence causing KALA – AZAR .

Sago or Tapioca

Sabudana is a starchy grain extracted from the cassava plant. The health benefits of sabudana (sago) are mainly in the carbohydrates it provides. Also known as tapioca, it is made from the starch extracted from the center of the sago palm stems. Sabudana is full of starch or carbohydrates and is great for a quick boost of energy, and hence often served in India for breaking fasts during religious festivals. Sago gruel is also great for sick people because it gives them quick energy and is easy to digest. According to Indian medicine, sago and rice have a cooling effect hence sago gruel is given if you have excess bile (caused by excess body heat). The commercial production of sago is in the shape of small globules or pearls.

Nutritional benefits:

110 g (one serving) of sabudana contains 143 calories, 24 grams carbohydrates,4.27 grams of fat (out of which 3 grams exist in healthy unsaturated form), 2.15 grams of proteins. It also contains minerals like calcium, iron, magnesium, phosphorus, potassium, zinc, copper, magnesium and selenium and vitamins like B vitamin C, E and K.

Health benefits:

1. Beneficial for patients:

It is a good source of carbohydrates and starch which are considered healthy because they are low in cholesterol and unhealthy fats. Sabudana can be included in dietary plans to promote healthy weight gain for very sick and weak people.

2. Gluten-Free:

People suffering with Celiac disease or other conditions that restrict the use of gluten-based foods can use sabudana as an alternative to recipes that use wheat flour. Sabudana flour, which does not contain any gluten, is a healthy alternative to wheat flour. Both sabudana flour and starch can be used as a thickening agent in cream-based sauces and gravies. Sago can be made into vadas and boiled and sun-dried and made into pappads. Sabudana kheer and khichdi are the 2 dishes commonly prepared in every household.

3. Minerals:

Calcium, phosphorous, potassium and magnesium can be found in sabudana in varying amounts. It also contains iron, B vitamins including folic acid in particular which are extremely vital for pregnant women and anemic patients.

4. Dietary Fiber:

It has a significant amount of dietary fiber in its natural form. Foods high in dietary fiber can help lower cholesterol, decrease the rate of colon cancer, and lower the risk of diabetes and heart disease.

5. Easy to digest:

Pearl sabudana may be used as nutritious, easily digestible and non-irritating baby-food, boiled in either water or milk and then flavored with sugar.

6. Weight Gain

Being high in calories and sodium it should be eaten in moderation by weight watchers as it may lead to weight gain

1 serving size of sabudana khichdi i.e. 1 bowl  provides 486 Calories, 20 g fat ( 6.3 grams is PUFA, 10.9 grams is MUFA and 2.2 grams is saturated fat). It also gives you 4.5 grams of dietary fiber, 1171mg of sodium and a small amount of protein.

Tip - If stored in a cool and dry place, sabudana does not attract any insects and can last for years.

Pregnancy: A wonderful experience

Pregnancy is arguably the most angelic phase in women’s life. A couple’s relationship is not complete unless they become proud parents. All said and done, extra care must be taken by expecting parents, especially women during delicate pregnancy. We have colligated some important, basic pregnancy care tips for good health pre and post pregnancy.

Pregnancy is a crucial period when a woman is raising a fetus inside her womb. Usually, the period ranges to 40 weeks or 9 months. Though there are variable symptoms some colloquial pregnancy symptoms can be considered if they match with yours. It doesn’t matter whether you are planning a family or already pregnant, you need a thorough planning and stay organised and take care of yourself and upcoming new addition to the family.

Pregnancy SymptomsDifferent women have different symptoms. Some of the common signs seen in pregnant women are missed menses, morning illness, food cravings, unable to sleep, restlessness, backache, nausea, puking among many others. Some women have typical symptoms either throughout the pregnancy phase or for the initial few months.

Benefiting Exercises

In the pregnancy period, you are not allowed to exercise heavily as you might be doing earlier. Light exercises such as yoga, meditation, walking is considered fruitful for expecting mother and child. You will have to consult your gynaecologist before getting started because she will be the one looking after your overall progress. She may devise an exercise routine for you to follow daily.

Importance of dietTaking care of diet is essential throughout and post pregnancy. Even though you will most likely suffer from food cravings, pay attention to taking fully nutritious food because the fetus inside is not capable of feeding itself and is totally dependent on your diet. A simple adjustment is by saying strict no to fat and junk food that are filled with blank calories. If you follow a healthy diet, it will keep your child healthy. Remember, the health of your unborn is proportional to your prenatal nutrition. Have wholesome diet and drink enough water to keep body fluid levels balanced. Avoid smoking and alcohol as they can hamper the growth of the fetus.

Initial few monthsIn the first three months, you will experience changes in your body. The baby speedily develops during this period and you have to extra cautious. Immediately report your gynaecologist for any unusual abdomen pain or bleeding. You might feel tired, exhausted and sick in the mornings. If this persists for long, then consult your doctor.

Middle PeriodNormally, it’s a complication free phase and expectant mothers enjoy it to the fullest. You can see your baby bump slowly increasing and feel the baby movements inside the womb. Have fresh fruits and drink plenty of water to avoid constipation.

Final StagesYou may feel heavy, overburdened, unable to eat much, short breathlessness by the time you reach 9th month. You have to be extra vigilant during this time as your baby may arrive soon. Consult your gynaecologist at the earliest.

Postnatal DepressionIt has been seen that few women undergo depression after the delivery. Thankfully, this condition lasts only for few days. A professional help is all you need if the problems persists.

Thallium Stress Test: Need, Procedure, Risks, and Results

Thallium stress test is a test which measures the blood flow into the heart, while your body is at rest and when your body is engaged in any physical activity. Thallium stress test is also known as a cardiac test or nuclear stress test. The thallium stress test shows the size of heart chambers if any heart muscle is damaged or defected due to a heart attack in the past. The thallium stress test also shows if a heart is pumping blood properly and checks whether all the coronary arteries are supplying blood to the heart. The test measures the ability of your body to take the stress.

Thallium stress test is done:

• If a person have chest pain
• If a person have worsening angina
• To check the blood flow into the heart
• To measure the results of the surgery
• To check the effectiveness of medicines
• If a person had a heart attack
• To guide the treatment of heart disease

Thallium stress test Procedure

The thallium test is carried out at a hospital, diagnostic centre, or at an outpatient clinic. During the thallium test procedure a nuclear liquid known as radioisotope is inserted through an intravenous sedation. Sometimes, instead of radioisotope, a doctor may use a radiopharmaceutical medication such as thallium or sestamibi. The nuclear liquid inserted into a patient, flows through a bloodstream and reaches the patient’s heart. After that, a camera like device known as gamma camera is used to measure the outcomes of the test. The gamma camera identifies the radiation and display the problems associated with the patient’s heart. The test is done in two parts-first a patient is asked to lie down and relax for 15-20 minutes and in the second part, the patient is asked to run on a treadmill or pedal an exercise bicycle for half an hour.

Risks of a Thallium stress test 

The Thallium stress test is usually safe and there are rare chances of any complications. The risks associated with a thallium stress test are same as with other medical procedure. Some risks related with thallium stress test are listed below. 

• Myocardial infarction
• Irregular heart beats
• Difficulty in breathing
• Skin irritation
• Dizziness
• Allergic reaction
• Frequent changes in blood pressure
• Pain in the chest

Thallium stress test results 

The results of thallium stress test depend on the patient’s age, medical history, and other health issues. The normal result indicates the healthy flow of blood to the heart through the coronary arteries. The abnormal result shows the poor flow of blood to the heart due to a blockage or narrowing down of an artery that supplies blood to the heart. The abnormal thallium stress test results also reveal the coronary artery disease or other heart complications.

Earth day 2017: Interesting facts about the earth day

Earth Day is celebrated on the 22nd of April each year, dedicated to generate and inspire awareness towards the health of our natural environment.

Earth Day is an initiative that was taken in 1970, in Seattle, Washington, by Senator Gaylord Nelson. Since then, this worldwide celebration targets awareness towards every global citizen's relationship with environmentalism. All over the world, there are grass-root level demonstrations of environmental concerns and the remedial steps that have been generated around each. Issues like overpopulation, environmental pollution, forest-land encroachment, desert encroachment, depleting ozone, and deforestation, are taken up at online and offline rostrums.

Earth day focuses on environmental issues plaguing our survival, and that of the planet. What started as an initiative to address the overpopulation issue, has now snowballed into deliberation over other serious environment-threatening issues. 

Earth Day Facts

• Earth Day celebrations all over the world address a number of problems that hound our survival and that of the planet. These include global warming, oil spills, increased levels of greenhouse gases, aftermath of war, biological warfare, and the human hand behind extinction of animals and toxic dumps.
•  The rising concern about environment degeneration has swept across the continents with an earnest intensity, integrating people and communities globally. There are teaching rostrums, forums for debates and deliberations, competitions, and numerous seminars and workshops organized in different countries by different student and professional groups dedicated to the cause.
• It is a designed and much-needed environmental movement that harbours and promotes the goal of a healthy and life-form sustaining environment. The rallies organized include students, teachers, housewives, professionals, and retired communities across the globe. The common offline forums include school and university campuses and offices of businesses that promote researched remedies within the scope of environmental science.
• Though participation is largely voluntary, every individual gets a chance to be a part of the larger picture and contribute towards the cause. Organized protests address deterioration of the environment, air pollution levels, water pollution, soil and noise pollution, raw sewage, overuse of pesticides, increased number of freeways, and an irreplaceable loss of precious natural resources.
• Remedial programs such as recycling and generation of clean energy via alternative fuel resources are addressed on public platforms. Spearheaded campaigns by activists interlink in effort and vigour to assimilate the support, monetary as well as in kind, of millions of people across the world.
• Earth Day celebrations across the globe are networked to promote environmental citizenship and dedicated progressive action. The idea is to function as a driving force to steer awareness towards the depleting environmental health and trigger subsequent change in local and national policies.
• Today, Earth Day networking integrates more than 18,000 organizations, in over 172 countries, worldwide. The groups of trained and volunteer educators help coordinate with community development initiatives already in place. The planned environmental protection activities move beyond nationalities and physical boundaries, religion and caste, and colour or creed.
• The celebrations are designed to transcend differences in political opinion, to preserve geographical integrity, and generate one resonating accord, in sync with technological development and the possibilities generated by the communication revolution.
• There are a number of metropolitan cities around the globe that schedule an 'Earth Week' instead of just one Earth Day. The week usually begins on April 16 and ends with special Earth Day celebrations on April 22.

Future celebrations plan to address the execution of the following remedial steps, to promote a healthier environment:

• Unconditional environmental sustainability
• Timely execution of pro-environment behaviour
• Increased recycling
• Improved energy-efficiency, globally

Lazoi Team wishes every one Earth Day and request everyone to plant more trees, save water and use encourage usage of bio degradable products like fabric bags instead of poly bags etc.

Marijuana and its effects on the brain

Marijuana, also known as cannabis or ganja, is obtained from the flowers, leaves, and the seeds of the cannabis plant. Hashish is the name of the sticky resin obtained from the flowers of the female cannabis plant. Marijuana contains almost 60 cannabinoids, the psychoactive compounds, of which the main active chemical is the THC or the delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol.

Cannabis has been used by the mankind since ancient times. However, a growing trend of using it for recreational and medicinal purposes was witnessed in the 20th century. Many countries of the world prohibit the use, possession, and sale of this drug. However, the supporters of medical marijuana claim that weed can have several health benefits, if used in proper dosage.

Effects of Cannabis on the Brain

More than 400 different chemicals are found in the cannabis plant, of which 60 chemicals come under the category of cannabinoids. THC is the main cannabinoid that is responsible for producing the typical effects that weed users’ experience.

• When marijuana is inhaled, the compound THC reaches the brain within a few seconds and activates its reward system. This is the reason why the users of marijuana experience euphoria and a sense of relief from stress or anxiety. The users often describe the effects of marijuana as somewhat relaxing and mellow.
• In the brain, the compound THC binds to the cannabinoid receptors of the nerve cells. These receptors are normally activated by the neurotransmitter anandamide. Anandamide is actually a type of cannabinoid, just like THC. So, THC basically mimics the actions of anandamide by binding to the cannabinoid receptors present in the brain.
• The cannabinoid receptors are mostly found in those regions of the brain, which control short-term memory, thought, coordination, sensation of pleasure, learning, and problem solving. A large of number of these receptors are present in the hippocampus, cerebellum, and basal ganglia. Located within the temporal lobe, the hippocampus is concerned with retaining short-term memory. So, a high level of THC can affect short-term memory or the ability to recollect recent events, by binding to the cannabinoid receptors present in the hippocampus.
• THC can also bind to the receptors found in the cerebellum and basal ganglia, which are responsible for maintaining coordination and unconscious muscle movements respectively. So, THC can affect coordination by acting on the cerebellum and basal ganglia.
• Dopamine is the neurotransmitter that is known as the feel-good brain chemical, mainly because it activates the brain's reward system. THC can stimulate the brain cells to release dopamine, and thus produce a pleasurable sensation.
• Apart from these, many people feel an increase in their appetite after smoking marijuana. This effect can also be attributed to the compound THC. THC is thought to increase appetite by interacting with the cannabinoid receptors present in the hypothalamus.

The cannabis plant has been in use for medicinal purposes for a long period of time. So far, medical cannabis has been legalized in several states of the United States, Canada, and five European countries, when it is recommended for pain relief, nausea, and for relieving certain symptoms associated with chronic illnesses. Several studies have also been carried out to find out the positive effects of THC and other cannabis compounds, and many of which have noted that these compounds can actually have some positive health effects.

Though several studies have been conducted to find out the effects of continuous or long-term use of cannabis on the brain, their results are largely inconsistent. So, we have limited understanding about the long-term effects of marijuana on the brain. Only future research in this area can give us a definite answer whether marijuana is addictive or whether it has any adverse effect on the brain. However, its regular use at an early age is largely believed to be associated with an increased risk of mental illnesses.

Jaundice in newborns: A common health condition in infants

Jaundice is a symptom and not a disease in itself, wherein, there is yellowing of the skin and the eyes. This yellowing is brought on by the pigment called bilirubin. It is a normal by-product of red blood cell destruction. The presence of excess bilirubin in the blood is known as hyperbilirubinemia. The liver is responsible for filtering this pigment from the bloodstream and releasing it into the intestinal tract, from where it is excreted from the body in the form of stools.

What are the causes of jaundice in newborns? 

Newborn jaundice is a commonly seen condition, especially in babies born before the completion of the normal term of pregnancy. During this condition, the baby's liver is not mature enough to get rid of bilirubin in the bloodstream. During pregnancy, it is the mother's body that removes the pigment from the baby's body. However, besides the immaturity of the liver, there could be other causes of jaundice as well. They include:

 

• Internal bleeding due to haemorrhages
• A state of neonatal sepsis, i.e., widespread infection in the blood
• Viral and bacterial infections
• Liver malfunctioning and enzyme deficiencies
• Abnormality in the red blood cell structure of the baby

Other accompanying symptoms, besides yellowing of the whites of the eyes and skin, include yellowing of the skin of the stomach. One simple test that will help detect the presence of jaundice in your baby is to press your finger against the skin of the baby where it is yellow. If the yellowing persists, then the baby has jaundice.

Treatment of jaundice in newborns 

Many paediatricians say that it is almost normal for newborns to develop mild jaundice as the baby's liver is immature and so there is relatively slow processing of bilirubin. This kind of 'physiological jaundice in newborns' is said to show up approximately two to four days after birth and generally disappears after a week or two. Sometimes, it may occur in cases where the baby is not breastfed adequately. Newborns can become dehydrated quite easily if the feedings are too spaced out. This occurs because the deficiency of milk in the baby's body makes it harder for the baby to get rid of the waste products. In such cases, home treatment would consist of regular breastfeeding, so that, not only there are less chances of development of jaundice, but also, the milk gives the baby's liver enough energy to perform its functions and bring down the bilirubin levels. However, there are certain conditions when the mother needs to be extra careful. Those conditions include:

• Premature babies that are born before 36 weeks and are very weak, as they weigh less than 2500 grams
• Babies that have a blood group that is incompatible with their mother's blood group
• Babies who show the symptoms on the arms and legs, along with the eyes
• Babies that develop an infection in the first 24 hours after birth
• Babies who are born after a very difficult delivery, like, they may have suffered from trauma and bruises
• Family history of jaundice at the time of birth

For treating such cases of jaundice, phototherapy is a common option that doctors resort to. In this therapy, the baby is placed under special fluorescent lamps that convert the excess bilirubin into a water soluble form, so that it can be excreted from the body.

If the condition persists and accompanies other symptoms, like, the baby refusing to eat must be taken seriously. This is because very high levels of bilirubin could reach the brain and cause irreversible brain damage. Thus, if your newborn is suffering from jaundice, it is best to get it diagnosed and treated at the earliest.

What parents should know about Microtia

Microtia is a congenital ear deformity that is sometimes called microtia of the ear. Even though microtia is not a common birth defect, it is not so unusual as to be considered "rare". Microtia may be found in about 1 in 8,000 children, so many ENT doctors have experience with this birth defect. Let's take a closer look at the basic facts about microtia.

The word microtia is derived from Latin words that literally mean "little ear", and this describes the condition of microtia very directly. It is an ear deformity in which the external ear has not formed properly, or perhaps not at all, so it appears to be a tiny ear. The cause of this birth defect is not known, but it is known that there is nothing that parents did to cause it or could have done to prevent it. So if you have a child with microtia, do not be concerned about your role in this congenital ear deformity.

Microtia of the ear is often accompanied by hearing loss, as the opening to the ear canal is not as open as in a normally developed external ear. The ear canal itself may also be slightly misshapen, adding to the hearing loss. All children are giving a hearing test at birth, which is usually very simple and comes back normal. For children with microtia, this hearing test is important as it documents the amount of hearing loss that the children have right after birth. Parents should pay attention to these numbers and keep track of them as the child grows. Additional hearing tests will be able to be compared to this initial test to see if any additional hearing loss occurs over time. As a child grows, the shape of their ear and ear canal may change over time, and the hearing loss can change as well. Having the numbers from the initial hearing test will be useful to track any changes in their hearing.

Since microtia often occurs in only one ear, a child who has microtia can have perfect hearing in their other ear. Nonetheless, learning language may be a little more difficult for this child, so parents of children with microtia should spend some extra time working on their children's language skills. Language is composed of some very subtle sound distinctions, so a child with some hearing loss may need to focus more than other children do in order to learn language. Since language brings us together far more than physical appearance, there is no reason for a simple ear deformity to reduce a child's ability to play with other children and communicate just as well as any child does.

As a child with microtia matures, it may be possible to have ear reshaping surgery. While not necessary, this can make the ear deformity less noticeable, and it may also reduce the child's hearing loss. Parents of children with microtia will of course be visiting an ear, nose, and throat doctor on a regular basis to track the child's hearing loss, so this doctor can keep them informed on the possibility of ear reshaping surgery. Some cases will be handled more easily than others, so consult with an ENT doctor before making a decision.

How Does Diabetes and Hypertension Affect Your Brain Health

Diabetes occurs when the body is unable to regulate the amount of glucose released into the bloodstream after eating a meal. This can have a long term impact on the diabetic who will find that the condition will affect everything from their waterworks to their brain function.

Studies have repeatedly shown that diabetes slows down mental function and impairs the ability to complete cognitive tasks quickly and easily. Language is also affected as is the ability to recall information. It should be noted however, that the results of the studies found that although mental function was compromised, it did not interfere with daily life.

Although diabetics have general health concerns due to the nature of their condition, having diabetes also increases the risk of heart attacks and stroke. These factors increase the likelihood of memory problems.

Studies have also found that patients with severe diabetes have poor cognitive abilities because the nerves cells in the brain were damaged due to the disease. The chance of developing Alzheimer's or Dementia was found to be highest in those with poorly controlled diabetes. This should set alarm bells ringing for all diabetics, as it is just another problem to add to their list of current problems.

Hypertension is when a patient repeatedly suffers from high blood pressure, or where blood pressure is uncontrolled so as to cause concern for the sufferer. Some of the main problems associated with hypertension include a greater risk of heart attacks and strokes. The other main concern with hypertensive patients is that the high blood pressure can cause a brain haemorrhage.

A brain haemorrhage occurs when the blood vessels inside the brain burst due to increased pressure, causing bleeding in the brain. Hypertension can also cause aneurysms in the brain. These are weakened vessels in the brain where the blood pools together and bulges. Left untreated, an aneurysm can burst causing a haemorrhage and eventually severe brain damage or even death.

It is important to understand that the severity of a haemorrhage due to hypertension is made worse by the presence of diabetes, which can further weaken the blood vessels in the brain. In patients who have both hypertension and diabetes, managing both conditions is critical to preserving their brain health.

One of the worst aspects of aging is the effect it has on the brain and all mental abilities. Naturally as the body ages, so too does the mind. Having a condition such as diabetes and hypertension can easily age your brain quicker than it would a healthy person.

Preventing brain ageing requires looking after one's health coupled with training your brain. This will improve performance and delay the onset of age related memory problems. Taking simple measures such as eating less salt and sugar, decreasing the amount of fat in your diet and eating lots of fresh fruit, vegetables and oily fish all help to improve overall health as well as brain health. Measures should be taken to control diabetes and hypertension correctly, and it is advised to see your doctor who can decide on the best treatment for you.

Do not underestimate the power of exercise either, as this helps to reduce blood pressure and helps to bring high blood sugar levels on an even keel. A healthy diet and exercise is the minimum requirement to look after your body and your brain.

As a diabetic or hypertensive, you should also take brain training very seriously if you want to prevent long-term memory and mental problems. Research has found that those who train their brains with specific exercises and challenge their minds with daily puzzles have sharper minds than those who do not.

A proper brain training program should be an integral part of your lifestyle if you want to stay mentally active for years to come.