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Wednesday, August 27, 2008
Modern approaches to skin wrinkle treatment
From old wives tales to home crafted traditional concoctions, many have come up with a variety of skin care treatments that have been effective and not, but nowadays, one can be sure about the efficacy of modern approaches to skin wrinkle treatment. If one can say that modern-day skin wrinkle treatments are very expensive, think again. Today’s modern technology not only gives focus to how it can make breakthroughs effective, but also to make it more affordable so that it would be marketable and appeal to the public. Lasers, one of humankind’s breakthroughs in light amplification that has found a lot of uses and sometimes unthinkably and as we may not know it, have important uses in our day to day life. For quite some time now, lasers have also carved a niche in skin wrinkle treatment and there are several laser-related processes that helps in combating wrinkles. One of the most common uses of the laser treatment for wrinkles is laser resurfacing, where physicians use instruments such as carbon dioxide and erbium lasers. This is a somewhat similar process as dermabrasion, where a treating physician uses a rotary instrument to ‘sand’ the skin to achieve a certain smoothness, the only difference is that laser technology is employed to facilitate the treatment process. The edge of laser resurfacing over dermabrasion, however, is that it has a greater reliability, precision and less risk. In this process, the laser is passed several times over the skin area to be treated until the peeling reaches the middle of the dermis – the second layer of the skin, which helps stimulate the body’s natural collagen synthesis, causing the sagging skin and wrinkles to plump up and make it appear firmer and smoother. Some medical practitioners perform laser resurfacing under conscious sedation, where a patient remains awake and receives intravenous medicines to ease and calm the pain. This is also combined with the application of topical anesthetic creams or injectable anesthetics like lidocaine. The procedure may be repeated several times to achieve desired results, however, there is still the risk of causing permanent color change or scarring. Another newer laser treatment procedure is fractional resurfacing, where newer and enhanced laser apparatus work through a modification of traditional laser resurfacing. This form of treatment does not affect the whole skin but instead only evenly on evenly spaced spots surrounded by undamaged skin. With fractional resurfacing, healing is much faster than the traditional laser resurfacing treatment but with less downtime as a result. As with other laser treatments, several treatment sessions are needed to achieve desired results. There is also another laser treatment called non-ablative laser resurfacing where modified and intensified lasers stimulate collagen synthesis under the skin without peeling or damaging the epidermis. Studies have concluded that non-ablative laser resurfacing can actually improve fine wrinkles, though not as much a laser resurfacing. All the same, several treatment sessions are also required to achieve significant results and the procedures are almost painless with little or no redness, downtime or peeling after the laser treatments. Another process that involved heat and light is heat and radio frequency treatment is another variation of non invasive facial rejuvenation is by heating the skin tissue using radio frequency-inducing devices and infrared light sources. As of today, techniques are still being developed to better improve the treatment process, but most, if not all results, have actually yielded positive effects and have been described to be safe, as well as produce a significant and lasting improvements, though not as much as surgical techniques like facelifts and plastic surgery. All the same, as long as there is the desire to look for better alternatives and processes to counter the effects of wrinkles, all these modern approaches to skin wrinkles and fine lines treatment will continue to produce more happy people in the days to come.
Basics of Asthma Inhalers
Asthma inhalers are common in terms of use among people with asthma. Most doctors will prescribe asthma inhalers to their patients. An inhaler works to deliver medicine that is needed to treat asthma directly to the lungs. The most common types of asthma inhalers are the metered-dose and dry powder inhalers. Here’s a look at these two types of asthma inhalers, along with information on how to use them properly and what types of medicines are commonly used in them.
The metered-dose asthma inhaler uses a chemical type of propellant to move the medicine out from the inhaler into the lungs. This medicine is received by squeezing onto the canister in the inhaler or by inhaling. A dry powder inhaler does not involve pushing out the medication. It requires inhaling at a faster rate than with another kind of inhaler.
Asthma inhalers are used to administer various different kinds of medicines that are prescribed by doctors to treat asthma symptoms. The most often used medicines for it include short and long-acting bronchodilators, corticosteroids and nedocromil. In some cases corticosteroids are paired with long-acting bronchodilators.
The two basic kinds of asthma inhalers will work in different ways. A metered-dose inhaler works by squeezing the top of the canister of medicine in the inhaler. The medicine is converted into a mist that goes directly to the lungs. The doses are also measured.
On the other hand, a dry powder inhaler works by having the patient press the lips onto the mouthpiece of the inhaler and quickly inhaling. This is one of the more popular types of asthma inhalers among patients because it does not require the hand-lung coordination that the metered-dose inhaler uses.
Using an asthma inhaler the right way is the most important of the basics of asthma inhalers. In fact, it is best that an inhaler be used as often as a doctor requests that it be done. This is because if an asthma patient does not take care of the symptoms as often as recommended with an inhaler that person will suffer more serious symptoms and experience damage in the future.
A physician can help to educate on how asthma inhalers work properly and how they should be used. It is important to know how to use it right so that it will be more effective and will prevent any more serious problems from happening in the future.
These are the basics of asthma inhalers. If you have asthma then it is important to see what type of inhaler is the best one for you to use and that you know how to use it properly and at the right times. This is needed so that the asthma inhaler you use will be more effective. Source: Ravishing Global Community.
The metered-dose asthma inhaler uses a chemical type of propellant to move the medicine out from the inhaler into the lungs. This medicine is received by squeezing onto the canister in the inhaler or by inhaling. A dry powder inhaler does not involve pushing out the medication. It requires inhaling at a faster rate than with another kind of inhaler.
Asthma inhalers are used to administer various different kinds of medicines that are prescribed by doctors to treat asthma symptoms. The most often used medicines for it include short and long-acting bronchodilators, corticosteroids and nedocromil. In some cases corticosteroids are paired with long-acting bronchodilators.
The two basic kinds of asthma inhalers will work in different ways. A metered-dose inhaler works by squeezing the top of the canister of medicine in the inhaler. The medicine is converted into a mist that goes directly to the lungs. The doses are also measured.
On the other hand, a dry powder inhaler works by having the patient press the lips onto the mouthpiece of the inhaler and quickly inhaling. This is one of the more popular types of asthma inhalers among patients because it does not require the hand-lung coordination that the metered-dose inhaler uses.
Using an asthma inhaler the right way is the most important of the basics of asthma inhalers. In fact, it is best that an inhaler be used as often as a doctor requests that it be done. This is because if an asthma patient does not take care of the symptoms as often as recommended with an inhaler that person will suffer more serious symptoms and experience damage in the future.
A physician can help to educate on how asthma inhalers work properly and how they should be used. It is important to know how to use it right so that it will be more effective and will prevent any more serious problems from happening in the future.
These are the basics of asthma inhalers. If you have asthma then it is important to see what type of inhaler is the best one for you to use and that you know how to use it properly and at the right times. This is needed so that the asthma inhaler you use will be more effective. Source: Ravishing Global Community.
Wednesday, August 20, 2008
What New Therapies for Treatment of Congestive Heart Failure?
Heart disease is one of the deadliest killers in the world to date. Congestive heart failure, a condition found secondary to many major cardiac diseases, possesses its own high mortality rate. Fifty percent of those diagnosed with congestive heart failure will die within the five following years. Scientists and researchers are struggling to understand the exact mechanisms of the disease, and to find a cure.
Congestive heart failure results as the cells in the heart die or become non-functioning due to an event such as a myocardial infarction (a heart attack) or ischemic heart disease. Whatever the cause, the heart is subsequently unable to pump blood adequately throughout the body, resulting in the blood pooling in the organs and fluid building up in and around the lungs as sodium is unable to be properly excreted, causing the dyspnea that is the classic symptom of congestive heart failure.
Clinical research is targeted at both the treatment of the disease and the possibility of repairing the damaged cells in the heart. Current research is underway to test new medications that would assist in vasodilation, as well as a calcium inhibitor that would not result in the higher incidence of cardiac arrhythmia seen with the medications currently on the market.
In the age of natural medicine, the power of the mind has been invoked in clinical trials to use meditation and relaxation techniques to combat the stress on the heart that can be the breaking point for patients with heart failure. Stress has been shown to negatively affect the body's blood pressure, forcing the heart to work harder and placing an undue amount of pressure on an already weakened muscle. The theory lies in the belief that by learning to maintain a low level of mental stress the heart will be less stressed and therefore less likely to fail completely, and the patient can be given a better prognosis.
Alongside the return to natural, holistic methods of treatment is an incredible advancement in clinical technology that was not available twenty or thirty years ago. Scientists claim to have identified a set of altered genes that can make an individual more disposed to suffer from congestive heart failure and are using their current knowledge of genes and the benefits of gene therapy to attempt to reverse the effect. In addition, medications to tamp down on the genes' activities, such as beta blockers and alpha-2 agonists are already available and being used in treatment programs.
Also being explored is the possibility of using stem cells, the body's pluripotent progenitors, to assist in reparation of the damaged heart tissue. Clinical trials showed that patients suffering from congestive heart failure responded very favorably to an injection of their own stem cells into the heart, although the exact means by which this causes improvement is as yet unknown. It is suspected that these cells either facilitate the growth of new vessels in the heart or act as beacon, attracting the body's own healing cells to the site of the damage and stimulating repair.
The possibility of actually growing healthy tissue from embryonic stem cells to be transplanted is also being explored, although the controversial nature of the use of embryonic stem cells due to the necessary destruction of the embryo makes this questionable in the foreseeable future. Scientists have determined that adult stem cells simply cannot provide an adequate number of new cells to meet the needs of patients who have suffered heart failure.
Heart failure is incredibly dangerous because the body cannot reproduce the dead tissue cells in the heart; however, with modern advancements it is the great hope of researchers everywhere to one day find a cure.
Congestive heart failure results as the cells in the heart die or become non-functioning due to an event such as a myocardial infarction (a heart attack) or ischemic heart disease. Whatever the cause, the heart is subsequently unable to pump blood adequately throughout the body, resulting in the blood pooling in the organs and fluid building up in and around the lungs as sodium is unable to be properly excreted, causing the dyspnea that is the classic symptom of congestive heart failure.
Clinical research is targeted at both the treatment of the disease and the possibility of repairing the damaged cells in the heart. Current research is underway to test new medications that would assist in vasodilation, as well as a calcium inhibitor that would not result in the higher incidence of cardiac arrhythmia seen with the medications currently on the market.
In the age of natural medicine, the power of the mind has been invoked in clinical trials to use meditation and relaxation techniques to combat the stress on the heart that can be the breaking point for patients with heart failure. Stress has been shown to negatively affect the body's blood pressure, forcing the heart to work harder and placing an undue amount of pressure on an already weakened muscle. The theory lies in the belief that by learning to maintain a low level of mental stress the heart will be less stressed and therefore less likely to fail completely, and the patient can be given a better prognosis.
Alongside the return to natural, holistic methods of treatment is an incredible advancement in clinical technology that was not available twenty or thirty years ago. Scientists claim to have identified a set of altered genes that can make an individual more disposed to suffer from congestive heart failure and are using their current knowledge of genes and the benefits of gene therapy to attempt to reverse the effect. In addition, medications to tamp down on the genes' activities, such as beta blockers and alpha-2 agonists are already available and being used in treatment programs.
Also being explored is the possibility of using stem cells, the body's pluripotent progenitors, to assist in reparation of the damaged heart tissue. Clinical trials showed that patients suffering from congestive heart failure responded very favorably to an injection of their own stem cells into the heart, although the exact means by which this causes improvement is as yet unknown. It is suspected that these cells either facilitate the growth of new vessels in the heart or act as beacon, attracting the body's own healing cells to the site of the damage and stimulating repair.
The possibility of actually growing healthy tissue from embryonic stem cells to be transplanted is also being explored, although the controversial nature of the use of embryonic stem cells due to the necessary destruction of the embryo makes this questionable in the foreseeable future. Scientists have determined that adult stem cells simply cannot provide an adequate number of new cells to meet the needs of patients who have suffered heart failure.
Heart failure is incredibly dangerous because the body cannot reproduce the dead tissue cells in the heart; however, with modern advancements it is the great hope of researchers everywhere to one day find a cure.
Tuesday, August 5, 2008
Eczema Or Psoriasis
Eczema Or Psoriasis Know The Differences Between Eczema Or Psoriasis To Avoid Confusion There is a lot of discomfort felt whenever a person suffers from skin problems which make it very important to be able to identify each different type that in turn means getting your doctor to diagnose your condition and provide advice on how to treat it. In addition, you will also need to know about your particular skin condition to be sure whether it is eczema or psoriasis because the two can often are easily confused. Both Terms Are Derived From Greek Language Perhaps, the only thing that one can say is common in either eczema or psoriasis is that they are both terms that are derived from Greek language while eczema means boiling over, psoriasis on the other hand means to itch . There are plenty of other differences between eczema or psoriasis not least of which is the age bracket in which either diseases affects patients, and in the case of psoriasis, the disease affects adults the most while eczema is known to affect children the most. There is also differences in causes as far as eczema or psoriasis is concerned, and eczema is often caused by skin irritants especially products that have high concentration of strong chemicals which are present in perfumes, detergents and also some harsh cosmetics. Psoriasis, on the other hand is linked to genetics more than it is to irritants in the environment. Nevertheless, in either eczema or psoriasis there is similarity in the appearance of the affected parts though there are also some differences as well. Another common attribute found in either eczema or psoriasis is that both conditions haven t any exact curable methods known to us as yet, though there are plenty of treatments available to help provide relief from symptoms. And, in the case of eczema, the symptoms are not so severe whereas for psoriasis the symptoms may adversely affect body joints and some of the symptoms are pretty much like those of an arthritis disease. Whatever differences and similarities that one knows about with regard to eczema or psoriasis, there is no better method of being sure about these two diseases than to consult with a doctor in order to have the proper diagnosis and treatment method recommended. This is necessary because when the skin is affected by either medical causes of eczema, there are many similarities that can cause confusion and which can only be sorted out by getting the disease diagnosed by qualified medical professionals. In any case, when considering whether a condition is eczema or psoriasis, you can be sure that with eczema there is scaly flaking which may even result in the skin starting to bleed, which will not usually be the case with psoriasis.
Soothe Your Skin Use Lotion For Eczema
Soothe Your Skin Use Lotion For EczemaEczema is an incredibly irritating skin condition that affects many people around the world. The intense itch, red rash, and leathery skin are all nasty characterisitcs of eczema. These acompanying physical traits cause many people with the skin condition to feel self-concious. Luckily, there are steps you can treat to both soothe your eczema and lessen the visibility of your symptoms. Lotion for eczema can work wonders. However, it is important to select lotions that will help your eczema, not make it worse. Learn about how to select the right lotion for your eczema! What To Look For In A Lotion If you are looking for a lotion for your eczema, there are a few qualities to keep an eye out for. It is important to select the eczema lotion with the shortest list of ingredients this will lessen the chance that you are allergic or sensitive to one or more of these ingredients. Also choose a lotion that is unscented. One tip to keep in mind when selecting lotion for eczema is to loook at lotions that are intended for children. Many of these lotions are fairly mild and will not irritate your eczema. A Last Resort Another option to consider, once you have tried other solutions, is to invest in a steroid lotion. As with most steroid products, steroid lotion for eczema can be very effective. However, there can also be a large amount of side effects associated with this kind of lotion. Young children should never use steroid lotion for their eczema. What To Avoid In An Eczema Lotion Many lotions in fact, most lotions are too harsh to be used by people who suffer from eczema. These lotions will only worsen the condition of your skin and irritate the rash that is already there. Lotions with long lists of ingredients, or with fragrences are frequent culprits when it comes to irritating eczema. Avoifing harsh chemicals, perfumes, and certain herbal ingredients can help you to avoid a case of eczema. Determinging The Culprit Of Your Eczema People who wear lots of different lotions frequently have a difficult time determining which part of their lotion regime is responsible for their eczema. In this situation, there is only one solution. Try removing one lotion from your routine each week until you no longer suffer from eczema symptoms. This will help you to determube what might be causing your eczema. Loving Your Lotion If you can select a lotion that will help your eczema, not contribute to it, then you will be thrilled with the results. Selecting the wrong lotion will only worsen the problem at hand and irritate you further. A typical eczema lotion eczema lotion acts in a number of ways. It has an instant effect of soothing inflamed skin, while helping to keep the area hydrated as well. The cooling effect offers considerable relief to mental distress, and the formulation, unlike a cream, is easy to spread evenly over a relatively large surface of skin. Some lotions may also contain active ingredients which aid in the healing of damaged skin, and which act decisively against pathogens that cause eruptions and irritation. Each lotion has specific ingredients and modes of action, information on which should be included on labels and packing inserts of products with regulatory approval.
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