A-Z HEALTH
Deep Vein Thrombosis
Is the development of a blood clot in the deep veins of the body. During pregnancy 80% of the cases occur in left leg. The condition is life threatening if left untreated as the clot can break off and travel to blood vessels of the lungs and possibly cause death. Having DVT is not common in pregnancy, but pregnant women are more likely to develop thrombosis than non-pregnant women of the same age. A clot can appear during any phase of pregnancy and up to six weeks after birth. It is more common if you have previous family history, high blood pressure, smoking, taking birth control pills, dehydration, thrombophilia, severe varicose veins. The patient presents with pain and a heavy feeling in the leg, swelling, redness, tenderness in lower leg, warm skin, rapid heart and breathing rate.
Pulmonary embolism (PE) can be developed when a blood clot travels to the lungs and that can be fatal posing symptoms like sudden difficulty breathing, chest pain/tightness, or collapse. The chance of developing PE is very low if the DVT is diagnosed and treatment is started. Low Molecular Weight Haprin (LMWH) is an anticoagulant, which prevents the blood clot getting bigger, and is usually used to treat pregnant women with DVT. LMWH is very effective as it does not adversely affect the baby, and it gets dissolved in body easily. LMWH also prevents the woman from developing PE and getting other blood clots. Self-help of DVT can be as simple as staying active and wearing a prescribed compression stocking to help circulation in the leg. It can be prevented by simple exercise (moving leg and walking on and off) during pregnancy, drinking plenty of water, and avoid alcohol and smoking.
Diphtheria
Diphtheria is a highly contagious bacterial disease that causes inflammation of the mucous membranes. for the most part it affects the nose and throat. Children under 5 are especially more at risk of getting this disease. Individuals living in swarmed or unclean conditions are at risk if they have not been vaccinated. In its initial stages, diphtheria can be confused for an aggravated sore throat. Fever and swollen neck organs are the other early indications. Diphtheria spreads through the circulatory system and can lead to life threatening effects on the organs.
Diarrhoea
Diarrhoea in children is marked by frequent and fluid like stools. It often becomes hard to differentiate diarrheal stools from breastfeed stools as both are soft and moist in nature. There are several causes of diarrhoea which range from viral infection, bacterial infection, parasites, ear infection, antibiotics and certain hereditary conditions like lactose intolerance. Basic effects involve loss of fluid, salts and minerals from the body which disturbs the fluid balance. Rehydration therapy is the preferred treatment.