Page 33 - Mangwanani Magazine - May Edition
P. 33

ASTHMA                                                       There are also fourth-degree burns. This type of burn
Asthma is a lung disease caused by inflammation that          includes all of the symptoms of a third-degree burn and
leads to wheezing, shortness of breath, chest tightness,     also extends beyond the skin into tendons and bones
and coughing.
                                                             CHRONIC FATIGUE SYNDROME
An asthma attack is when the muscles around the              Chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS), which was once
airways and the lining of the air passages tighten.          commonly known as ‘yuppie flu', does not just cause
                                                             mild fatigue, as its name might suggest. Individuals with
Asthma is treated and controlled primarily with two          CFS suffer extreme exhaustion and develop a variety of
types of medications: inhaled corticosteroids (examples:     symptoms that can make their day-to-day lives
Flovent, Pulmicort) are used to control lung swelling over   exceedingly challenging. The most notable aspect of the
the long-term, and quick-relief beta2-agonists (like         condition is extreme fatigue, which patients will suffer
albuterol) are used as "rescue" inhalers when symptoms       from for six months or more.
occur.
                                                             While CFS cannot be cured, and must run its course,
BURNS                                                        many of the symptoms can be treated and doctors can
There are three primary types of burns:                      help to improve the patient's quality of life.

   First-degree burns                                        AIDS
   Red, non-blistered skin.                                  AIDS (acquired immunodeficiency syndrome) is a
   First-degree burns are usually treated with home care.    syndrome caused by a virus called HIV (human
   Treatments for a first-degree burn include:                immunodeficiency virus). The disease alters the immune
   Ÿ soaking the wound in cool water for about 5             system, making people much more vulnerable to
                                                             infections and diseases. This susceptibility worsens as
       minutes                                               the syndrome progresses.
   Ÿ taking pain medication
   Ÿ applying an anesthetic gel or cream to soothe the       HIV is found throughout all the tissues of the body but is
                                                             transmitted via the body fluids of an infected person
       skin                                                  (semen, vaginal fluids, blood, and breast milk).
   Ÿ using an antibiotic ointment and loose gauze to
                                                             Currently, there is no vaccine or cure for HIV or AIDS, but
       protect the affected area                             treatments have evolved which are much more effective
                                                             and better tolerated - they can improve patients' general
   Make sure you don’t use ice, as this may make the         health and quality of life considerably, in as little as one
   damage worse. Never apply cotton balls to a burn          pill per day.
   because the small fibres can stick to the injury and
   increase the risk of infection. Also, avoid home          MULTIPLE SCLEROSIS
   remedies like butter and eggs as these are not proven     Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a potentially disabling disease
   to be effective.                                          of the brain and spinal cord (central nervous system).

   Second-degree burns                                       In MS, the immune system attacks the protective sheath
   Blisters and some thickening of the skin                  (myelin) that covers nerve fibres and causes
                                                             communication problems between your brain and the
   As with first-degree burns, avoid cotton balls and         rest of your body. Eventually, the disease can cause the
   questionable home remedies. Treatments for a mild         nerves themselves to deteriorate or become
   second-degree burn generally include:                     permanently damaged.
   Ÿ running the skin under cool water for 15 minutes
   Ÿ taking pain medication                                  Signs and symptoms of MS vary widely and depend on
   Ÿ applying antibiotic cream to blisters                   the amount of nerve damage and which nerves are
   Ÿ However, seek emergency medical treatment if the        affected. Some people with severe MS may lose the
                                                             ability to walk independently or at all, while others may
       burn affects a widespread area.                       experience long periods of remission without any new
                                                             symptoms.
   Third-degree burns
   Widespread thickness with a white, leathery               There's no cure for multiple sclerosis. However,
   appearance                                                treatments can help speed recovery from attacks, modify
                                                             the course of the disease and manage symptoms.
   Never attempt to self-treat a third-degree burn. Call an
   ambulance immediately. While you’re waiting for
   medical treatment, raise the injury above your heart.
   Don’t get undressed, but make sure no clothing is
   stuck to the burn.

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