Healthcare at the Comfort of your Home

22/02/2016

http://ghcampus.com/lifestyle/foodandhealthwithbez-the-kind-of-fats-and-oils-you-should-eat

Fats and oils containing unsaturated fatty acids are healthier compared to those containing saturated fatty acids. However, from the previous article,...

06/02/2016

29/11/2015

DIABETES MELLITUS PART II

WHAT TO DO AND NOT DO

1. Avoid eating foods with high carbohydrate content. if it becomes necessary eat little at a time as and when you are hungry and take your last meal at 4pm latest 4:30pm.

2. In the event that you took your meal at 4pm and begins to notice symptoms of low sugar level ( eg. profuse sweating, confusion, general weakness, blurred vision, tremor, etc) at midnight or later in the night, you may take a cube of raw sugar, a soft drink or a Milo drink to restore your blood sugar level.

3. Avoid cutting your finger nails with blade but use a nail-cutter and be careful not to hurt yourself as wounds sustained may not heal and may lead to amputations.

4. For those on drugs like insulin, daonil/glibenclamide, pioglitazone, and gliclazide, make sure your meal is ready before taking the drugs to avoid hypoglycemia (abnormally low blood sugar level)

5. Avoid taking foods that taste sweet as they can increase your sugar level beyond normal and you may go into coma or pass out

6. Take in as much fruits and vegetables as possible, as this will boost your immune system and facilitate digestion and prevents constipation.

7. Take your medications strictly as directed by you physician and avoid taking drugs not prescribed by your doctor.

8. Do not change your medications regularly unless your body fails to respond properly to your current medications.

9. Avoid alcoholism, smoking and other forms of drug addictions as these may interrupt your treatment and complicate your condition.

10. Ensure a regular check up as directed by your doctor and make sure he checked your blood cholesterol level, kidney function test and liver function test every 6 months

NB:

You have 25% chances of having diabetes mellitus when one of your parents have it and 50% chances when both parents have it

ALL questions are welcome

for further information on your health call: 0553782788

17/07/2015

DIABETES MELLITUS (part I)

Diabetes mellitus (DM), commonly referred to as diabetes, is a group of metabolic diseases in which there are high blood sugar levels over a prolonged period.

Symptoms of high blood sugar include

a) frequent urination,

b) increased thirst, and

c) increased hunger.

If left untreated, diabetes can cause many complications.

Acute complications include

a) diabetic ketoacidosis and

b) nonketotic hyperosmolar coma.

in both cases patient may present in a comatose state and may pass out if not treated urgently

Serious long-term complications include:

a) cardiovascular disease,

b) stroke,

c) chronic kidney failure,

d) foot ulcers, and

e) damage to the eyes (diabetic retinopathies)

f) peripheral neuropathies

Diabetes is due to either the pancreas not producing enough insulin or the cells of the body not responding properly to the insulin produced.

There are three main types of diabetes mellitus:

a) Type 1 diabetes mellitus .........

results from the pancreas' failure to produce enough insulin.
This form was previously referred to as "insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus" (IDDM) or "juvenile diabetes". The cause is unknown.

b) Type 2 diabetes mellitus.....

This begins with insulin resistance, a condition in which body cells fail to respond to insulin properly.

As the disease progresses a lack of insulin may also develop.

This form was previously referred to as "non insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus" (NIDDM) or "adult-onset diabetes".

The primary cause is excessive body weight and lack of exercise.

c) Gestational diabetes,

This is the third main form of diabetes mellitus and occurs when pregnant women without a previous history of diabetes develop a high blood sugar level.

PREVENTION

Prevention and treatment involve a

a) healthy diet,

b) physical exercise,

d) not using to***co and

e) maintaining normal body weight.

f) Blood pressure control and

g) proper foot care are also important for people with the disease.

Type 1 diabetes must be managed with insulin injections.

Type 2 diabetes may be treated with medications with or without insulin.

Insulin and some oral medications can cause low blood sugar.

Weight loss surgery in those with obesity is sometimes an effective measure in those with type 2 diabetes mellitus.

Gestational diabetes usually resolves after the birth of the baby.

TO BE CONTINUED

15/07/2015

http://www.stethnews.com/2631/health-benefits-of-guava-and-its-leaves/

Guava is a popular fruit, particularly in Asia where this is considered a mouthwatering treat. However, it is not only eaten as a snack, but it is also used for

12/07/2015

FREQUENT URINATION AND CAUSES

Most people urinate about 4 to 6 times a day, mostly in the daytime. Normally, adults pass between 3 cups (700 milliliters) and 3 quarts (3 liters) of urine a day. Excessive urination can refer to

a) An increased volume of urine (polyuria)

b) A normal volume of urine with the need to go more often (urinary frequency)

c) Both

Urinary frequency may be accompanied by a sensation of an urgent need to urinate (urinary urgency).

Many people particularly notice polyuria because they have to get up to urinate during the night (nocturia).

Nocturia also can occur if people drink too much fluid too close to bedtime, even if they drink no more than normal overall.

CAUSES

Some of the causes of increased urine volume differ from those of too-frequent urination. However, because many people who produce excessive amounts of urine also need to urinate frequently, these two symptoms are often considered together.

The most common causes of urinary frequency are

a) Bladder infections or urinary tract infection (especially in women and children)

b) Urinary incontinence

c) Noncancerous enlargement of the prostate gland (benign prostatic hyperplasia—the most common cause in men over 50)

d) Stones in the urinary tract

The most common causes of polyuria in both adults and children are

a) Uncontrolled diabetes mellitus (most common)

b) Drinking too much fluid (polydipsia)

c) Diabetes insipidus

d)Taking diuretic drugs or substances (which increase the excretion of urine), such as alcohol or caffeine

Diabetes insipidus causes polyuria because of problems with a hormone called antidiuretic hormone (or vasopressin ).

Antidiuretic hormone helps the kidneys reabsorb fluid. If too little antidiuretic hormone is produced (a condition called central diabetes insipidus) or if the kidneys are unable to properly respond to it (nephrogenic diabetes insipidus), the person urinates excessively.

People with certain kidney disorders (such as interstitial nephritis or kidney damage resulting from sickle cell anemia) may also urinate excessively because these disorders also decrease the amount of fluid reabsorbed by the kidneys.

e) Pregnancy typically during the last 4 months of pregnancy

Warning signs

In people with excessive urination, certain symptoms and characteristics are cause for concern. They include

a) Weakness of the legs

c) Fever and back pain

d) Abrupt onset or onset during the first few years of life

e) Night sweats, cough, and weight loss, especially in a person who has an extensive smoking history

f) A mental health disorder

When to see a doctor

People who have leg weakness should go to the hospital immediately because they may have a spinal cord disorder.

People who have fever and back pain should see a doctor within a day because they may have a kidney infection.

People who have other warning signs should see a doctor within a day or two.

People without warning signs should schedule an appointment as soon as is convenient, usually within a few days to a week, although waiting longer is usually safe if symptoms have been developing over weeks or longer and are mild.

Some obvious findings may give clues to the cause of frequent urination.

Pain or burning during urination, fever, and back or side pain may indicate an infection.

In a person who drinks large amounts of beverages that contain caffeine or who has just started treatment with a diuretic, the diuretic substance is a likely cause.

A man who has other problems with urination, such as difficulty starting urination, a weak urine stream, and dribbling at the end of urination, may have a prostate disorder.

Some obvious findings may also give clues to the cause of polyuria.

For example,

1. polyuria that starts during the first few years of life is likely caused by an inherited disorder such as

a) central or nephrogenic diabetes insipidus or

b) type 1 diabetes mellitus.

2. Prostate enlargement (benign or cancerous)

Mainly in men over 50 presents with slowly worsening urinary symptoms, such as difficulty starting urination, a weak urine stream, dribbling at the end of urination, and a sensation of incomplete urination

Often detected during a digital re**al examination

Blood tests to measure the PSA level may show that PSA level is elevated. biopsy of the prostate is required to estimate prostatic carcinoma in such cases

3. Prostatitis (prostate infection) presents with a tender prostate during a digital re**al examination

Often fever, difficulty starting urination, and burning or pain during urination are also prent

4. Sometimes blood in the urine

In some cases, symptoms of a long-standing blockage in the urinary tract (including a weak urine stream, difficulty passing urine, or dribbling at the end of urination)

Essentials for Older People

Older men often urinate frequently because the prostate usually enlarges with age.

In older women, frequent urination is also more common because of many factors, such as

a) weakening of the pelvic supporting tissues after childbirth

b) and the loss of estrogen after menopause.

Both older men and older women may be more likely to take diuretics, so these drugs may contribute to excessive urination.

Older people with excessive urination often need to urinate at night (nocturia).

Nocturia can contribute to sleep problems and to falls, especially if a person is rushing to the bathroom or if the area is not well lit.

09/07/2015

TYPHOID FEVER

Typhoid fever, also known as enteric fever, is a potentially fatal multisystemic illness caused primarily by Salmonella enterica, subspecies enterica serovar typhi and, to a lesser extent, related serovars paratyphi A, B, and C.

The disease presents with

a) fever,

b) malaise (general ill-feeling,

c) diffuse abdominal pain, and constipation.

Untreated, typhoid fever is a grueling illness that may progress to

a) delirium,

b) obtundation,

c) intestinal hemorrhage (bleeding),

d) bowel perforation, and death within 1 month of onset.

e) relative bradycardia,

f) headache, and cough.

g) A bloody nose (epistaxis)

h) Rose spots may appear on the lower chest and abdomen when the disease becomes severe

Survivors may be left with long-term or permanent neuropsychiatric complications.

MODE OF TRANSMISSION

The following are modes of transmission of typhoidal salmonella:

a) Oral transmission by food or beverages handled by an often asymptomatic individual a carrier who chronically sheds the bacteria through stool or, less commonly, urine

b) Hand-to-mouth transmission after using a contaminated toilet and neglecting hand hygiene (hand washing)

c) Oral transmission via sewage-contaminated water or shellfish (especially in the developing world).

Treatment for typhoid fever

If appropriate treatment is initiated within the first few days of full-blown illness, the disease begins to remit after about 2 days, and the patient's condition markedly improves within 4-5 days. Any delay in treatment increases the likelihood of complications and recovery time.

if not properly treated you may become a carrier of resistant typhoid organism making subsequent antibiotic treatment expensive and difficult.
for this reasons all readers are advised to contact any experience physician for testing and treatment.

PREVENTION

Sanitation and hygiene are the critical measures that can be taken to prevent typhoid.

Proper hand washing, observing good sanitation and hygiene is hereby advised.

Avoid eating or buying food and water from unhygienic sources
Typhoid does not affect animals, so transmission is only from human to human.

Typhoid can only spread in environments where human f***s or urine are able to come into contact with food or drinking water.

Careful food preparation and washing of hands are crucial to prevent typhoid.

You may contact us privately if you want treatment or advice on any medical condition we have touched on or any other which you may have been struggling with.

Also are you in ACCRA, TEMA, ASHAIMAN, KOFORIDUA, ABURI,
AKROPONG, and MAMPONG-AKUAPEM?

Do you need a family physician to take care of you, your OLD LADY or GRANDPA, STROKE and BED-RIDDEN relative at home without you running to the hospital every now and then, worry not just contact us and we will be at your service,

JUST CALL +233-0553782788 / 0272659217 / 0208201338

Email: seliseli1978@yahoo.com

08/07/2015

CHLAMYDIA INFECTION

Chlamydia infection is a common s*xually transmitted infection in humans caused by the bacterium Chlamydia trachomatis.

though mostly s*xually transmitted, it can also be transmitted from mother to newly born babies.

Although patients with any STD are at increased risk of coinfection with another STD, coinfection of chlamydia and gonorrhea is most common.

Forty percent of women and 20% of men with chlamydial infection are co-infected with gonorrhea.

RISK FACTORS

Specific risk factors for chlamydial infection include the following:

a) Multiple s*xual partners or a new s*xual partner

b) Age 15-24 years (especially < 19 years)

c) Poor socioeconomic conditions (eg, homelessness)

d) Exchange of s*x for drugs or money

e) Single marital status

f) In*******se without a barrier contraceptive

g) History of a previous STD or current coinfection with another STD

Chlamydia trachomatis can be differentiated into 18 serovars (serologically variant strains).

These serovars are associated with different medical conditions, as follows:

Serovars A, B, Ba, and C causes Trachoma, a serious eye disease characterized by chronic conjunctivitis and can lead to blindness

Serovars D-K causes Ge***al tract infections

Serovars L1-L3 causes Lymphogranuloma venereum (LGV), which is associated with ge***al ulcer disease

Chlamydia trachomatis is responsible for a wide spectrum of diseases, including cervicitis, salpingitis, endometritis, urethritis, epididymitis, conjunctivitis, and neonatal pneumonia.

Chlamydia pneumoniae infection is spread through respiratory droplets and causes

a) pharyngitis,

c) bronchitis, and pneumonia.

CONSEQUENCES OF UNTREATED CHLAMYDIA INFECTION

a) pelvic inflammatory disease (PID),

b) infertility,

c) ectopic pregnancy, and

d) chronic pelvic pain).

PREVENTION

a) Screening of s*xually active young women is recommended to prevent the consequences of untreated chlamydia infection.

b) avoid multiple s*xual partners

c) avoid unprotected s*x

d) encourage screening and treatment of your new s*xual partners

e) avoid s*xual contact until your treatment is completed and all partners also have been evaluated and treated.

f) avoid self-medication in the treatment of this condition

You may contact us privately if you want treatment or advice on any medical condition we have touched on or any other which you may have been struggling with.

Also are you in ACCRA, TEMA, ASHAIMAN, KOFORIDUA, ABURI,
AKROPONG, and MAMPONG-AKUAPEM?

Do you need a family physician to take care of you, your OLD LADY or GRANDPA, STROKE and BED-RIDDEN relative at home without you running to the hospital every now and then, worry not just contact us and we will be at your service,

JUST CALL +233-0553782788 / 0272659217 / 0208201338

Email: seliseli1978@yahoo.com

29/06/2015

We have received several messages requesting that s*xually transmitted infections be treated at home but we declined.

the reasons being that in order to treat such conditions properly to avoid recurrence we need to

a) confirm the kind of infection you have by physical examination and lab investigations

b) trace all your s*xual contacts

c) screen you for other s*xually transmitted infections which you may harbour unknowingly

d) do a follow-up for you to ensure full recovery.

in light of these, we advise all who have any condition suspected to be a s*xually transmitted infection to come to our clinic or see a doctor in the nearest health facility.

However we shall assist in all other matters as regards your health at the comfort of your home.

thanks

28/06/2015

HERPES SIMPLEX INFECTION

Herpes simplex is a viral disease caused by the herpes simplex virus

Two types exist:

a) herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) and

b) type 2 (HSV-2).

Both are closely related but differ in epidemiology. HSV-1 is traditionally associated with orofacial disease, while HSV-2 is traditionally associated with ge***al organs however, lesion location is not necessarily indicative of viral type.

The virus is a double-stranded DNA virus characterized by the following unique biological properties:

a) Neurovirulence (the capacity to invade and replicate in the nervous system)

b) Latency (the establishment and maintenance of latent infection in nerve cell ganglia proximal to the site of infection): In orofacial HSV infections, the trigeminal ganglia are most commonly involved, while, in ge***al HSV infection, the sacral nerve root ganglia (S2-S5) are involved.

c) Reactivation: The reactivation and replication of latent HSV, always in the area supplied by the ganglia in which latency was established, can be induced by various stimuli (eg, fever, trauma, emotional stress, sunlight, menstruation), resulting in overt or covert recurrent infection and shedding of HSV.

In immunocompetent persons who are at an equal risk of acquiring HSV-1 and HSV-2 both orally and ge***ally, HSV-1 reactivates more frequently in the oral rather than the ge***al region.

Similarly, HSV-2 reactivates 8-10 times more commonly in the ge***al region than in the orol***al regions.

Reactivation is more common and severe in immunocompromised individuals.

Dissemination of herpes simplex infection can occur in people with impaired T-cell immunity, such as in organ transplant recipients and in individuals with AIDS.

Herpes simplex virus is transmitted by close personal contact, and infection occurs by inoculation of virus into susceptible mucosal surfaces (eg, oropharynx, cervix, conjunctiva) or through small cracks in the skin.

The virus is readily inactivated at room temperature and by drying; hence, aerosol and fomitic spread are rare.

Herpes simplex virus type-1 infections transmitted via saliva are common in children, although primary herpes gingivostomatitis can be observed at any age.

Herpes simplex virus type-2 infections are clustered perinatally (from a maternal episode at delivery) and primarily once s*xual activity begins.

Herpes simplex virus type-2 ge***al infections in children can be an indication of s*xual abuse.

Increased age (after onset of s*xual activity) and total number of s*xual partners are independent factors associated with increased seroprevalence of HSV-2 antibodies.

SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS

The clinical course of herpes simplex infection depends on

a) the age and immune status of the individual,

b) the anatomic site of involvement, and

c) the antigenic virus type.

Primary herpes simplex virus (HSV)–1 and HSV-2 infections are accompanied by systemic signs, longer duration of symptoms, and higher rate of complications.

Recurrent episodes are milder and shorter. Both HSV-1 and HSV-2 can cause similar ge***al and orofacial primary infections after contact with infectious secretions containing either HSV-1 (usually oral secretions) or HSV-2 (usually ge***al secretions).

It includes:

1) Acute herpetic gingivostomatitis

This is a manifestation of primary HSV-1 infection that occurs in children aged 6 months to 5 years. Adults may also develop acute gingivostomatitis, but it is less severe and is associated more often with a posterior pharyngitis.
Infected saliva from an adult or another child is the mode of infection. The incubation period is 3-6 days.

Clinical features include the following:

a) Abrupt onset

b) High temperature (102-104°F)

c) Anorexia and listlessness

d) Gingivitis (This is the most striking feature, with markedly swollen, erythematous, friable gums.)

e) Vesicular lesions (These develop on the oral mucosa, tongue, and lips and later rupture and coalesce, leaving ulcerated plaques.)

f) Tender regional lymphadenopathy

Perioral skin involvement due to contamination with infected saliva
Course:

Acute herpetic gingivostomatitis lasts 5-7 days, and the symptoms subside in 2 weeks. Viral shedding from the saliva may continue for 3 weeks or more.

2) Acute herpetic pharyngotonsillitis

In adults, oropharyngeal HSV-1 infection causes pharyngitis and tonsillitis more often than gingivostomatitis.

it comes with

a) Fever,

b) malaise,

c) headache, and sore throat

Vesicles formed rupture to form ulcerative lesions with grayish exudates on the tonsils and the posterior pharynx.

Associated oral and l***al lesions occur in fewer than 10% of patients.

HSV-2 infection can cause similar symptoms and can be associated with oroge***al contact or can occur concurrently with ge***al herpes.

Herpes l***alis

This is the most common manifestation of recurrent HSV-1 infection.

A prodrome of pain, burning, and tingling often occurs at the site, followed by the development of erythematous papules that rapidly develop into tiny, thin-walled, intraepidermal vesicles that become pustular and ulcerate.

In most patients, fewer than two recurrences manifest each year, but some individuals experience monthly recurrences.

Maximum viral shedding is in the first 24 hours of the acute illness but may last 5 days.

GE***AL HERPES

The severity and frequency of the disease and the recurrence rate depend on numerous factors,

a) including viral type,

b) prior immunity to autologous or heterologous virus,

c) gender, and

d) immune status of the individual.

Primary ge***al herpes

Primary ge***al herpes can be caused by both type-1&2 Herpes simplex viruses

The clinical features and course of primary ge***al herpes caused by both HSV-1 and HSV-2 are indistinguishable, but recurrences are more common with HSV-2.

Primary ge***al herpes is characterized by severe and prolonged systemic and local symptoms. The symptoms of persons with a first episode of secondary HSV-2 infection are less severe and of shorter duration.

Preexisting antibodies to HSV-1 have an ameliorating effect on disease severity caused by HSV-2.

Prior orol***al HSV-1 infection protects against ge***al HSV-1 but not HSV-2.

Symptoms of primary ge***al herpes are more severe in women, as are complications.

Clinical features:

The incubation of primary ge***al herpes period is 3-7 days (range, 1 d to 3 wk).

Constitutional symptoms include:

a) fever,

b) headache,

c) malaise (general ill-feeling)

d)myalgia or muscle pain (prominent in the first 3-4 d).

Local symptoms include:

a) pain,

b) itching,

c) dysuria (painful micturition),

d) va**nal and urethral discharge, and

e) lymphadenopathy (swollen and painful lymph nodes).

Clinical features in women:

a) Herpetic vesicles appear on the external ge***alia, l***a majora, l***a minora, va**nal vestibule, and introitus.

b) In moist areas, the vesicles rupture, leaving exquisitely tender ulcers.

c) The va**nal mucosa appear inflamed and edematous.

d) The cervix is involved in 70%-90% of cases and is characterized by ulcerative or necrotic cervical mucosa.

e) Cervicitis is the sole manifestation in some patients.

f) Dysuria ( painful micturition) may be very severe and may cause urinary retention. Dysuria is associated with urethritis, and HSV can be isolated in the urine.

HSV-1 infection causes urethritis more often than does HSV-2 infection.

Clinical features in men:

a) Herpetic vesicles appear in the g***s p***s, the prepuce, the shaft of the p***s, and sometimes on the sc***um, thighs, and buttocks.

b) In dry areas, the lesions progress to pustules and then encrust.

c) Herpetic urethritis occurs in 30%-40% of affected men and is characterized by severe dysuria and mucoid discharge.

The peria**l area and re**um may be involved in persons who engage in a**l in*******se, resulting in herpetic proctitis.

In men and women, the ulcerative lesions persist from 4-15 days until encrusting and reepithelialization occur.

New lesions occur during the course of the illness in 75% of patients, usually forming in 4-10 days. The median duration of viral shedding is about 12 days.

Recurrent ge***al herpes

The major morbidity of ge***al herpes is due to its frequent reactivation rate. In one study, 90% of patients reactivated within the first 12 months. In patients with HSV-2 infection, 38% had 6 recurrences in 1 year, and 20% had more than 10 recurrences in the first year.

Both subclinical and symptomatic reactivation is more common in HSV-2 infection than in HSV-1 infection. Sixty percent of patients with primary ge***al HSV-2 infection experience recurrences in the first year.

Patients who had severe primary ge***al herpes tend to have more frequent recurrences of longer duration.

Recurrent ge***al herpes is preceded by a prodrome of tenderness, pain, and burning at the site of eruption that may last from 2 hours to 2 days. In some patients, severe ipsilateral sacral neuralgia occurs.

In women, the vesicles are found on the l***a majora, l***a minora, or perineum. The lesions are often very painful. Fever and constitutional symptoms are uncommon. The lesions heal in 8-10 days, and viral shedding lasts an average 5 days. The symptoms are more severe in women than men.
In men, recurrent ge***al herpes presents as 1 or more patches of grouped vesicles on the shaft of the p***s, prepuce, or g***s. Urethritis is uncommon. Pain is mild, and lesions heal in 7-10 days. The frequency and severity of recurrences decrease with time.

Subclinical ge***al herpes

Most primary ge***al HSV infections are asymptomatic, with 70%-80% of seropositive individuals having no history of known ge***al herpes. However, upon education regarding the varied clinical manifestations, many patients recognize the symptoms of ge***al herpes.

Truly asymptomatic viral shedding may occur in 1%-2% of infected immunocompetent persons and may be as high as 6% in the first few months after acquisition of the infection.

This property is important when attempting to prevent transmission s*xually or perinatally.

PREVENTION

As with almost all s*xually transmitted infections, women are more susceptible to acquiring ge***al HSV-2 than men.

On an annual basis, without the use of antivirals or condoms, the transmission risk of HSV-2 from infected male to female is about 8–11%.

This is believed to be due to the increased exposure of mucosal tissue to potential infection sites.

Transmission risk from infected female to male is around 4–5% annually.

To avoid unprotected s*x to prevent ge***al herpes infection

pregnant women must seek treatment as early as possible to prevent infecting their babies in the process of delivery.

Please you can contact us privately if you want treatment or advice on any medical condition we have touched on on this page or any other which you may have been struggling with.

Also are you in ACCRA, TEMA, ASHAIMAN, KOFORIDUA, ABURI, AKROPONG, and MAMPONG-AKUAPEM?

Do you need a family physician to take care of you, your OLD LADY or GRANDPA, STROKE and BED-RIDDEN relative at home without you running to the hospital every now and then, worry not just contact us and we will be at your service,

JUST CALL +233- 0272659217/ 0208201338
Email: seliseli1978@yahoo.com

26/06/2015

BACTERIAL VAGINOSIS

Bacterial vaginosis (BV), also known as va**nal bacteriosis or Gardnerella vaginitis, is a disease of the va**na caused by bacteria overgrowth due to imbalances in the va**nal normal flora (a group of non-pathogenic bacteria in the va**na which are beneficial)

The va**na contains so many bacteria which are beneficial (normal flora) and are in competition with other pathogenic ones thereby preventing the pathogenic ones from causing infection by reducing their quantity in the va**na.

Any activity that seems to destroy this normal flora disrupts the competition allowing the pathogenic organisms in the va**na to overgrow thereby causing va**nal infection.

Bacterial vaginosis is a risk factor for pelvic inflammatory disease, HIV, s*xually transmitted infections (STIs) (but it is not considered as a s*xually transmitted infection), reproductive and obstetric disorders or negative outcomes.

It is possible for s*xually inactive persons to get infected with bacterial vaginosis.

Bacterial vaginosis may sometimes affect women after menopause

It also increases the risk of early delivery among pregnant women

SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS

Typical symptoms of BV include the following:

a) Vaginal odor (the most common, and often initial, symptom often recognized only after s*xual in*******se)

b) Mildly to moderately increased thin, white, yellow, homogeneous va**nal discharge which smells like a fish

c) Vulvar irritation (less common)

c) Dysuria (painful micturition)

d) dyspareunia (having pain during s*x)

RISK FACTORS

Risk factors that may predispose patients to bacterial vaginosis include the following:

a) Recent antibiotic use especially broad spectrum antibiotics which turn to kill most of the beneficial bacteria in the va**na leaving the pathogenic ones

b) Decreased estrogen production of the host

c) Wearing an intrauterine device (IUD) as a contraceptive

d) Douching is main risks for developing bacterial vaginosis

e) having a new s*xual partner or a recent increase in the number of s*xual partners

Physical examination by your Doctor will reveal the following:

a) Gray, thin, and homogeneous va**nal discharge, which adheres to the va**nal mucosa

b) Increased light reflex of the va**nal walls, but typically with little or no evidence of inflammation

c) Normal-appearing l***a, introitus, cervix, and cervical discharge

d) In some cases, evidence of cervicitis are seen

PREVENTION

a) avoid douching or using bubble bath or any other over-the-counter va**nal hygiene products

b) Patients should wash only with hypoallergenic bar soaps or no soap at all and should avoid liquid soaps and body washes

c) do not take an antibiotic (especially broad spectrum antibiotics) unless it is prescribed for you by your doctor.

d) regular testing for other infections va**nal infections (eg, gonorrhoeae, Chlamydia, or herpes simplex virus [HSV]-1) may be appropriate.

e) Treatment with metronidazole or clindamycin may alter the va**nal flora and predispose you to va**nal candidiasis

f) avoid multiple s*xual partners

Please you can contact us privately if you want treatment or advice on any medical condition we have touched on on this page or any other which you may have been struggling with.

Also are you in ACCRA, TEMA, ASHAIMAN, KOFORIDUA, ABURI, AKROPONG, and MAMPONG-AKUAPEM?

Do you need a family physician to take care of your OLD LADY or GRANDPA, STROKE and BED-RIDDEN relative at home without you running to the hospital every now and then, worry not just contact us and we will be at your service,

JUST CALL +233- 0272659217/ 0208201338
Email: seliseli1978@yahoo.com