Sinusitis is an inflammation or infection of the air pockets on either side of and behind the nose. It can be caused by bacteria, viruses, molds and possibly by allergies. Sinusitis causes mucous to build up in the nasal cavity obstructing breathing through the nose.
People with sinusitis who do not respond well to medication should consider undergoing surgery. Nowadays, doctors can perform a sinus operation with the help of a slender nasal telescope. The method is known as Nasal Endoscopy. The procedure is performed entirely. Through the nostrils so that no incisions are made on the face.
Tuesday, March 31, 2009
Friday, March 13, 2009
Health Tips for Travellers
More and more Hong Kong people are traveling to undeveloped
countries for leisure nowadays. But not all of them are
aware of the health dangers they face during those trips.
To save themselves from possible trouble, they should seek
health advice before taking off.
Health hazards vary from country to country. Developing
countries pose higher risks. Travellers often come down
with diarrhea while visiting countries in Asia, Africa
and Central America because of contaminated food and water.
While in those countries, visitors should maintain good
hygiene, and avoid eating vegetables, meat, and seafood
and other raw foods. They should avoid consuming ice and
water straight from taps.
They should also guard against mosquitoes, prevalent in
tropical and subtropical countries, by wearing clothes
with long sleeves and by applying insect repellents to
the exposed parts of their bodies while outdoor, and
have mosquito nets to keep insects away when sleeping.
There are vaccines and drugs for preventing certain
diseases but they should be taken at least four weeks
before the trip. If you feel unwell on your return home,
consult a doctor immediately.
Children, elderly people and pregnant women are more
vulnerable to getting sick while travelling abroad.
countries for leisure nowadays. But not all of them are
aware of the health dangers they face during those trips.
To save themselves from possible trouble, they should seek
health advice before taking off.
Health hazards vary from country to country. Developing
countries pose higher risks. Travellers often come down
with diarrhea while visiting countries in Asia, Africa
and Central America because of contaminated food and water.
While in those countries, visitors should maintain good
hygiene, and avoid eating vegetables, meat, and seafood
and other raw foods. They should avoid consuming ice and
water straight from taps.
They should also guard against mosquitoes, prevalent in
tropical and subtropical countries, by wearing clothes
with long sleeves and by applying insect repellents to
the exposed parts of their bodies while outdoor, and
have mosquito nets to keep insects away when sleeping.
There are vaccines and drugs for preventing certain
diseases but they should be taken at least four weeks
before the trip. If you feel unwell on your return home,
consult a doctor immediately.
Children, elderly people and pregnant women are more
vulnerable to getting sick while travelling abroad.
Thursday, February 26, 2009
Pre Surgery Therapy for Children
Children awaiting surgery are usually very afraid.
Their fear may affect their behaviour before the operation,
or even after. They need help.
Encouraging them to play to distract them from thinking about
the operation is effective therapy.
The University of Hong Kong carried out a study on pre-surgery stress suffered by children. It recruited 203 children, aged between seven and twelve, for the study.
The children were divided into 2 groups. One was told about the surgery in simple language to help them better understand what it is. The children were shown around the hospital - even the operating theater - where they were encouraged to handle different operating tools and perform pre-surgery on a doll.
The other group was cared for in the normal way and spent much of the time playing.
The study revealed that getting the children to play so that they may not think about the upcoming operation was more effective in reducing their anxiety that trying to explain to them what surgery means.
Their fear may affect their behaviour before the operation,
or even after. They need help.
Encouraging them to play to distract them from thinking about
the operation is effective therapy.
The University of Hong Kong carried out a study on pre-surgery stress suffered by children. It recruited 203 children, aged between seven and twelve, for the study.
The children were divided into 2 groups. One was told about the surgery in simple language to help them better understand what it is. The children were shown around the hospital - even the operating theater - where they were encouraged to handle different operating tools and perform pre-surgery on a doll.
The other group was cared for in the normal way and spent much of the time playing.
The study revealed that getting the children to play so that they may not think about the upcoming operation was more effective in reducing their anxiety that trying to explain to them what surgery means.
Tuesday, February 17, 2009
Treating Dementia
Dementia is a disease that affects mostly old people.
It causes the brain celles to degenerate, rsulting in loss
of memory and changes in personality and behavior. Sufferers
also lose their ability to recognise
people and places and to control their emotions.
Practitioners of Chinese medicine believe that dysfunctions
of the heart, liver, spleen, or kidney can also cause dementia.
They believe Chinese medicine is effective in treating the
disease at an early stage. It can stabilise and slow down the
disease's progress.
Chinese medicine can be used together with Western drugs to
treat dementia. Long term use of Chinese medicine is safe. The
aim of the treatment is to balance the "qi" of the body.
Apart from medication, acupuncture and "qi gong" (breath control
exercise) may also be used in treating dementia. Sufferers should
be encouraged to take part in social activities to help improve
their brain function and should eat more vegetables, fruit, fish,
and nuts. These foods protect the brain cells and prevent the
brain from degenerating, improving blood circulation by massaging
the head, face, and neck is also recommended. Sufferers should
also stay optimistic at all times and avoid depression.
It causes the brain celles to degenerate, rsulting in loss
of memory and changes in personality and behavior. Sufferers
also lose their ability to recognise
people and places and to control their emotions.
Practitioners of Chinese medicine believe that dysfunctions
of the heart, liver, spleen, or kidney can also cause dementia.
They believe Chinese medicine is effective in treating the
disease at an early stage. It can stabilise and slow down the
disease's progress.
Chinese medicine can be used together with Western drugs to
treat dementia. Long term use of Chinese medicine is safe. The
aim of the treatment is to balance the "qi" of the body.
Apart from medication, acupuncture and "qi gong" (breath control
exercise) may also be used in treating dementia. Sufferers should
be encouraged to take part in social activities to help improve
their brain function and should eat more vegetables, fruit, fish,
and nuts. These foods protect the brain cells and prevent the
brain from degenerating, improving blood circulation by massaging
the head, face, and neck is also recommended. Sufferers should
also stay optimistic at all times and avoid depression.
Friday, January 25, 2008
Encouraging improvements in Treating Lung Cancer
Lung cancer is the biggest killer
in Hong Kong. More than 80 percent of
cases are caused by what is known as
non-small cell carcinoma (NSCLC). But
encouraging advances have been made in
recent years in the treatment of NSCLC.
The current standard way of dealing
with early-stage NSCLC is to resects completely
the part of the organ affected by it. However,
the 5 year survival rate is still less than
satisfactory.
In the past decade, cisplatin-based
chemotherapy had been used on patients
following resection. Their survival rate
is more favorable, and the side effects
from this king of chemotherapy were more
tolerable.
Adjuvant chemotherapy, or additional
chemotherapy, can be considered as part of
standard treatment for younger patients in
early disease stage who have responded well
to resection.
The standard first-line treatment for recurring
or advanced lung cancer is a treatment that uses
a combination of chemotherapy and radiotherapy
for patients in relatively better conditions,
using a combination of platinum and a newer
chemotherapy agent (e.g paclitaxel, docetaxel
or gemcitabine) can further improve their
survival rate.
The treatment of the future for lung cancer
will probably involve the development of novel
molecularly targeted therapies and their
application together with chemotherapy.
Using Bevacizumab, a drug which targets
the angiogenesis in tumors, in conjunction
with chemotherapy have shown very good results,
but this treatment also increases the risk of
haemoptysis, the coughing of blood, which is
life-threatening.
Encouraging improvements have been made
in treating lung cancer in recent years. providing
more options for patients to deal with the
deadly disease, This augurs well for lung
cancer victims who may see some notable
breakthroughs in the near future.
Extract form the health feature by
University of Hong Kong
in Hong Kong. More than 80 percent of
cases are caused by what is known as
non-small cell carcinoma (NSCLC). But
encouraging advances have been made in
recent years in the treatment of NSCLC.
The current standard way of dealing
with early-stage NSCLC is to resects completely
the part of the organ affected by it. However,
the 5 year survival rate is still less than
satisfactory.
In the past decade, cisplatin-based
chemotherapy had been used on patients
following resection. Their survival rate
is more favorable, and the side effects
from this king of chemotherapy were more
tolerable.
Adjuvant chemotherapy, or additional
chemotherapy, can be considered as part of
standard treatment for younger patients in
early disease stage who have responded well
to resection.
The standard first-line treatment for recurring
or advanced lung cancer is a treatment that uses
a combination of chemotherapy and radiotherapy
for patients in relatively better conditions,
using a combination of platinum and a newer
chemotherapy agent (e.g paclitaxel, docetaxel
or gemcitabine) can further improve their
survival rate.
The treatment of the future for lung cancer
will probably involve the development of novel
molecularly targeted therapies and their
application together with chemotherapy.
Using Bevacizumab, a drug which targets
the angiogenesis in tumors, in conjunction
with chemotherapy have shown very good results,
but this treatment also increases the risk of
haemoptysis, the coughing of blood, which is
life-threatening.
Encouraging improvements have been made
in treating lung cancer in recent years. providing
more options for patients to deal with the
deadly disease, This augurs well for lung
cancer victims who may see some notable
breakthroughs in the near future.
Extract form the health feature by
University of Hong Kong
Wednesday, January 16, 2008
Lung Disease with No Cure
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) is a common and incurable lung disease that can kill. Because there are no specific symptoms at the early stages of the disease, the victim is often under diagnosed.
COPD symptoms include coughing, discharge of sputum, and shortness of breath (especially during exercise). The sufferer’s lung function deteriorates over time and he or she will find breathing increasingly difficult.
Smoking is a major cause of COPD. The best way to prevent it is not to smoke. Exposure to passive smoking is also a contributing factor. Quitting smoking can slow down the disease’s progression. Other causes of COPD include exposure to occupational dusts, chemicals, and dirty air.
Spirometry (a method of gauging lung function) is used to diagnose COPD. Treatment strategy should be used according to the patient’s needs, based on the symptoms he or she is experiencing and on the findings of the test.
Objectives of the treatment are to reduce the effect of the symptoms, slow the spread of the disease, improve exercise tolerance and quality of life to an extent.
The most common medications for COPD are inhalational bronchodilators and glucocorticosteriods. Influenza vaccine and pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccine can also help reduce the risk of complications occurring. In addition to medication, longterm oxygen therapy can further reduce the discomfort suffered by patients with chronic respiratory disorder.
COPD patients should follow rehabilitation programmes, drawn up and supervised by healthcare professionals to help them go about their daily lives more comfortably.
COPD symptoms include coughing, discharge of sputum, and shortness of breath (especially during exercise). The sufferer’s lung function deteriorates over time and he or she will find breathing increasingly difficult.
Smoking is a major cause of COPD. The best way to prevent it is not to smoke. Exposure to passive smoking is also a contributing factor. Quitting smoking can slow down the disease’s progression. Other causes of COPD include exposure to occupational dusts, chemicals, and dirty air.
Spirometry (a method of gauging lung function) is used to diagnose COPD. Treatment strategy should be used according to the patient’s needs, based on the symptoms he or she is experiencing and on the findings of the test.
Objectives of the treatment are to reduce the effect of the symptoms, slow the spread of the disease, improve exercise tolerance and quality of life to an extent.
The most common medications for COPD are inhalational bronchodilators and glucocorticosteriods. Influenza vaccine and pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccine can also help reduce the risk of complications occurring. In addition to medication, longterm oxygen therapy can further reduce the discomfort suffered by patients with chronic respiratory disorder.
COPD patients should follow rehabilitation programmes, drawn up and supervised by healthcare professionals to help them go about their daily lives more comfortably.
Friday, July 21, 2006
New Aid for Coronary Bypass Graft Surgery
The number of people suffering from coronary artery disease in Hong Kongis rising because of the increasing prevalence of diabetes mellitus, obesity and hypertension. Coronary artery bypass surgery (CABG) isone remedy. It involves collecting the Great Saphenous Vein (OVH) ina patients leg for conduit grafting. However, the traditional open technique in obtaining this vein may cause complication in leg wounds and Chinese people prone to diabetes mellitus (around 40%) have a higher wound infection rate.
A study on the effectiveness of the Endoscopic Vein Harvest technique (EVH) for Chinese CABG patients carried out by a research team from Department of Surgery, HKU LKSFaculty of Medicine, shows that EVH is an effective technique to obtaining the Great Saphenous Vein for CABG surgery with significantly fewer wound complications.
EVH requires special instruments to perform only 3 to 4 small skin incisions of about 2cm long each. The dissection of the GreatSaphenous Vein is done inside the subcutaneous tunnel with thehelp of direct videoscopic imaging. Between March 2005 and Jan 2006, 74 patients who underwent CABG surgery performed at the GranthamHospital were chosen at random for EVH and OVH groups. Patients with severe obesity, bilateral leg varicose veins and history of deep vein thrombosis were excluded. Satisfactory analyses were carriedout on leg wound complications, post-operative pain and clinical outcomes.
EVH can be introduced to all suitable CABG patients at the Grantham Hospital in future and may also be applied to harvest theradial artery in the arm for CABG surgery
A study on the effectiveness of the Endoscopic Vein Harvest technique (EVH) for Chinese CABG patients carried out by a research team from Department of Surgery, HKU LKSFaculty of Medicine, shows that EVH is an effective technique to obtaining the Great Saphenous Vein for CABG surgery with significantly fewer wound complications.
EVH requires special instruments to perform only 3 to 4 small skin incisions of about 2cm long each. The dissection of the GreatSaphenous Vein is done inside the subcutaneous tunnel with thehelp of direct videoscopic imaging. Between March 2005 and Jan 2006, 74 patients who underwent CABG surgery performed at the GranthamHospital were chosen at random for EVH and OVH groups. Patients with severe obesity, bilateral leg varicose veins and history of deep vein thrombosis were excluded. Satisfactory analyses were carriedout on leg wound complications, post-operative pain and clinical outcomes.
EVH can be introduced to all suitable CABG patients at the Grantham Hospital in future and may also be applied to harvest theradial artery in the arm for CABG surgery
Thursday, July 06, 2006
Neo-Natal Jaundice and Sudden Infant Death
Neo-natal jaundice is a very common condition that affects more than 50 percent of newborn babies, Physiological jaundice is caused by accumulation of bilirubin in the blood, released as a result of rapid breakdowns of haemogloin.
Most babies have physiologic jaundice, which useally occur between 3 and 7 days after birth.
Mild jaundice is harmless, but in unusual situations, the bilirubincan get very high and might cause brain damage. Jaundice can be treated by phototherapy. If it occurs within the first 24 hours after birth, or if the bilirubin level is high and is rising rapidly, thebaby should be examined for possible underlying causes such as pathological jaundice. Other danger signs are
if the jaundice persists for more than 2 weeks, or has other associated symptoms.
Common causes of pathological jaundice include haemolysis due to G6PD deficiency,infection, liver or biliary problems.
Sudden Infant Death (SIDS) is a rare but a very threatening condition. It can happen to any baby under 1-year-old with the highest risk occurring when the baby is between 2 and 4 months old. The most dangerous causes include babies sleeping with their faces down, cold weather, mothers smoking during pregnancy or parents smoking in a roomshared with their baby, or premature birth.
To prevent SID, parent should take precautionary measures babies sleepon their backs, keeping the baby's room well ventilated; breast feedingthe baby, and making sure the baby undergoes regular body checks and is given the proper immunization shots.
Extract from the heath feature by University of Hong Kong
Most babies have physiologic jaundice, which useally occur between 3 and 7 days after birth.
Mild jaundice is harmless, but in unusual situations, the bilirubincan get very high and might cause brain damage. Jaundice can be treated by phototherapy. If it occurs within the first 24 hours after birth, or if the bilirubin level is high and is rising rapidly, thebaby should be examined for possible underlying causes such as pathological jaundice. Other danger signs are
if the jaundice persists for more than 2 weeks, or has other associated symptoms.
Common causes of pathological jaundice include haemolysis due to G6PD deficiency,infection, liver or biliary problems.
Sudden Infant Death (SIDS) is a rare but a very threatening condition. It can happen to any baby under 1-year-old with the highest risk occurring when the baby is between 2 and 4 months old. The most dangerous causes include babies sleeping with their faces down, cold weather, mothers smoking during pregnancy or parents smoking in a roomshared with their baby, or premature birth.
To prevent SID, parent should take precautionary measures babies sleepon their backs, keeping the baby's room well ventilated; breast feedingthe baby, and making sure the baby undergoes regular body checks and is given the proper immunization shots.
Extract from the heath feature by University of Hong Kong
Friday, June 30, 2006
People with Essential Thrombocythaemia (ET) More Vulnerable to Leukaemia
Patients with Essential Thrombocythaemia (ET), or high platelet
count, have higher risks of suffering from bleeding, thrombosis,
myelofibrosis, and acute myeloid leukaemia. The disease is a result
of excess activity of the bone marrow. Secondary causes of the diseases
include acute bleeding, removal of the spleen and inflammation such as
rheumatoid arthritis.
A study conducted by The University of Hong Kong Li Ka Shing Faculty
of Medicine in 2005 found that 54 percent of ET patients surveyed had
no visible symptoms, while 3 percent showed signs of bleeding, and
13 percent had thrombosis.
On the other hand, the rate of occurrence of thrombosis and bleeding
among the patients was 34 percent and 17 percent respectively. The
probability of myelofibrosis transformation was 9.7 percent after 10
years while about 2 percent of patients developed acute myeloid
leukaemia.
The projected 10-year thrombosis-free, bleeding-free, and overall
survival rates of the patients were 66 percent, 83 percent and 80
percent respectively. There were no deaths among patients aged 60
or below during a maximum follow-up period of 15 years. The high
survival rate shows that on its own ET is not a chronic disease.
Lack of ET awareness is to blame for patients not seeking treatment
earlier and preventing ET from becoming a blood disease.
Extract from the Health feature by University of Hong Kong
count, have higher risks of suffering from bleeding, thrombosis,
myelofibrosis, and acute myeloid leukaemia. The disease is a result
of excess activity of the bone marrow. Secondary causes of the diseases
include acute bleeding, removal of the spleen and inflammation such as
rheumatoid arthritis.
A study conducted by The University of Hong Kong Li Ka Shing Faculty
of Medicine in 2005 found that 54 percent of ET patients surveyed had
no visible symptoms, while 3 percent showed signs of bleeding, and
13 percent had thrombosis.
On the other hand, the rate of occurrence of thrombosis and bleeding
among the patients was 34 percent and 17 percent respectively. The
probability of myelofibrosis transformation was 9.7 percent after 10
years while about 2 percent of patients developed acute myeloid
leukaemia.
The projected 10-year thrombosis-free, bleeding-free, and overall
survival rates of the patients were 66 percent, 83 percent and 80
percent respectively. There were no deaths among patients aged 60
or below during a maximum follow-up period of 15 years. The high
survival rate shows that on its own ET is not a chronic disease.
Lack of ET awareness is to blame for patients not seeking treatment
earlier and preventing ET from becoming a blood disease.
Extract from the Health feature by University of Hong Kong
Friday, June 23, 2006
Heart Disease A Big Killer in Hong Kong
In 2004, more than 5,860 people died of heart diseases in Hong Kong, according to statisticscompiled by the Hong Kong Government's Departmentof Health. The figures show that more than 1,000people die of sudden heart failure each year, due --in some cases -- to asymptomatic acute heart failure.
The heart is the organ that supplies blood to allparts of the body enabling the body to function properly. A healthy adult has 100,000 heartbeats everyday, pumping 8,000 liters of blood to the body.The heart's coronary artery is vital for supporting the heart and if it is blocked or narrowed, heartfailure, heart palpitation and even death will occur.
People should seek medical advice if they have symptoms of heart failure such as shortness of breath,swelling of the lower limb, persistent tiredness,insomnia, coughing, bubbles in their phlegm, abdominaldistension, loss of appetite, deterioration of memory,etc.
As coronary heart disease is the major cause ofacute heart disease, people should pay attention tothe factors that cause it. These include hypertension,high cholesterol level, obesity, smoking, family historyof cardiovascular disease, stress and lack of regular exercises.
Maintaining a healthy lifestyle, a balance diet andregular body checks are important preventive measures for heart diseases.
Extract from the Health feature by University of Hong Kong
The heart is the organ that supplies blood to allparts of the body enabling the body to function properly. A healthy adult has 100,000 heartbeats everyday, pumping 8,000 liters of blood to the body.The heart's coronary artery is vital for supporting the heart and if it is blocked or narrowed, heartfailure, heart palpitation and even death will occur.
People should seek medical advice if they have symptoms of heart failure such as shortness of breath,swelling of the lower limb, persistent tiredness,insomnia, coughing, bubbles in their phlegm, abdominaldistension, loss of appetite, deterioration of memory,etc.
As coronary heart disease is the major cause ofacute heart disease, people should pay attention tothe factors that cause it. These include hypertension,high cholesterol level, obesity, smoking, family historyof cardiovascular disease, stress and lack of regular exercises.
Maintaining a healthy lifestyle, a balance diet andregular body checks are important preventive measures for heart diseases.
Extract from the Health feature by University of Hong Kong
Monday, June 19, 2006
First Study on Novel Treatment for Snoring
Snoring refers to rough noisy breathing during sleep, which is usually cuased by the vibration of the uvula and soft palate. About 24 to 50 percent of men na d 14 to 30 percent of women suffer from disturbing snoring.
Researches from the Division of Otorhinolaryngology-Head & Neck Surgery, Department of Sugery Facultyof Medicine, the University of Hong Kong have conducted the world's first study on a novel treatment in managing disturbing snoring. They tackled soft tissue vibration caused by airflow turbulence in the snorer's airway by inserting three snippets of polyester braid into the mouths of 12 patients. This has the effect of stiffening the soft palate and dampening its movement as a result of resonance and reduce the snoring sound. The whole process last only around 15 minutes and is found to be an effective and safe treatment for snoring.
Significant improvements were found in patients including the spouses' ratings of the the loudness ofsnoring. The scoring of snoring loudness decreased from a mean of 79 out of 100 before the procedure, to 48 at threemonths afterwards.
Extract from the Health feature by University of Hong Kong
Researches from the Division of Otorhinolaryngology-Head & Neck Surgery, Department of Sugery Facultyof Medicine, the University of Hong Kong have conducted the world's first study on a novel treatment in managing disturbing snoring. They tackled soft tissue vibration caused by airflow turbulence in the snorer's airway by inserting three snippets of polyester braid into the mouths of 12 patients. This has the effect of stiffening the soft palate and dampening its movement as a result of resonance and reduce the snoring sound. The whole process last only around 15 minutes and is found to be an effective and safe treatment for snoring.
Significant improvements were found in patients including the spouses' ratings of the the loudness ofsnoring. The scoring of snoring loudness decreased from a mean of 79 out of 100 before the procedure, to 48 at threemonths afterwards.
Extract from the Health feature by University of Hong Kong
Friday, June 02, 2006
Gastric Cancer Fourth Biggest Killer in Hong Kong
Food with high nitrite content, as well as salty, preserved and smoked food, may be closely related to gastric cancer. Helicobacter pylori, a bacterium found in 50% of the population in Hong Kong, is also found to have close relationship with gastric cancer.
Fresh fruits and vegetables help prevent gastric cancer as they are rich in vitamin C, minerals andtrace elelments. On the other hand, deep-fried food should be avoided. Personal hygiene, such as washing hands frequently and avoiding contact with excreta and vomitus, is vital to keeping Helicobacter pylori infection away.
Symptoms of gastric cancer, including stomachache, black stool, and loss of appetite, weight and strength, may not be obvious in early stages. A tumour at the pylorus may cause vomiting while one at the cardia may cause difficulties in swallowing.
Surgery is the most important and potentially effective treatment for gastric cancer. Recently, pre-operative(neoadjuvant) chemotherapy has been used to reduce thesize of gastric tumour, so that the surgery can be performed. Minimal invasive surgery can help which is currently used at an early stage of the cancer and can substantially reduce the size of the wound and shorten recovery time.
Extract from the health feature by University of Hong Kong
Fresh fruits and vegetables help prevent gastric cancer as they are rich in vitamin C, minerals andtrace elelments. On the other hand, deep-fried food should be avoided. Personal hygiene, such as washing hands frequently and avoiding contact with excreta and vomitus, is vital to keeping Helicobacter pylori infection away.
Symptoms of gastric cancer, including stomachache, black stool, and loss of appetite, weight and strength, may not be obvious in early stages. A tumour at the pylorus may cause vomiting while one at the cardia may cause difficulties in swallowing.
Surgery is the most important and potentially effective treatment for gastric cancer. Recently, pre-operative(neoadjuvant) chemotherapy has been used to reduce thesize of gastric tumour, so that the surgery can be performed. Minimal invasive surgery can help which is currently used at an early stage of the cancer and can substantially reduce the size of the wound and shorten recovery time.
Extract from the health feature by University of Hong Kong
Monday, May 29, 2006
Treatment of Chronic fatigue syndrome(CFS) with Acupuncture and Diet Theraphy
Fatigue is a feeling of tiredness, lack of energy and weakness, which is associated with a person's mental or physical state. Symptoms of mental fatigue include deterioration of awareness and memory, lack of concentration,making mistakes easily or depression; whereas physical fatigue shows predominant tiredness after physical activities.
Chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) was named by the Centres for Disease Control and Prevention of the United States in 1988 to describe this condition. Its symptoms can last for 6 months or longer, and are similar to those of flu, insomnia, forgetfulness, lack of concentration and depression.
According to some studies, the number of CFS patients in the US had risen gradually from 1,775 to 6,321 in every 1,000 people. In Japan, more than 10,000 people die suddenly every yearbecause of exhaustion; in England, around 20% of male and 25% of female are constantly tired, and one in every four of them may be a CFS sufferer.
A research conducted in 2004 by the School of Chinese Medicine, HKU revealed that 57.7% of 1,013 people aged between 20 and 50 suffered different levels of fatigue, 6.4% were even classified as CFS sufferers. Engineers top the list of CFS sufferers. People with master degrees are prone to CFS. Hence, CFS is expected to be a major healthconcern in the 21st century.
Acupuncture can cure CFS as can some Chinese medicines such as Chinese herbs which can help prevent tiredness as well as enhance the effectiveness of acupuncture. However, professional medical advice should be sought from Chinese medicine practitioners before taking any such treatments.
Extract from the health feature by University of Hong Kong
Chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) was named by the Centres for Disease Control and Prevention of the United States in 1988 to describe this condition. Its symptoms can last for 6 months or longer, and are similar to those of flu, insomnia, forgetfulness, lack of concentration and depression.
According to some studies, the number of CFS patients in the US had risen gradually from 1,775 to 6,321 in every 1,000 people. In Japan, more than 10,000 people die suddenly every yearbecause of exhaustion; in England, around 20% of male and 25% of female are constantly tired, and one in every four of them may be a CFS sufferer.
A research conducted in 2004 by the School of Chinese Medicine, HKU revealed that 57.7% of 1,013 people aged between 20 and 50 suffered different levels of fatigue, 6.4% were even classified as CFS sufferers. Engineers top the list of CFS sufferers. People with master degrees are prone to CFS. Hence, CFS is expected to be a major healthconcern in the 21st century.
Acupuncture can cure CFS as can some Chinese medicines such as Chinese herbs which can help prevent tiredness as well as enhance the effectiveness of acupuncture. However, professional medical advice should be sought from Chinese medicine practitioners before taking any such treatments.
Extract from the health feature by University of Hong Kong
Thursday, May 25, 2006
Hypertension - An Invisible Killer
More than half of all hypertension patients have no idea of their problems because it is reveals few symptoms. According to a survey conducted by the Health Protection Centre, 27.2 percent of people aged 15 or above suffer from hypertension.
The situation is even more serious among people aged 65 or older, 65 percent of whom are likely to suffer from hypertension.
Hypertension can lead to problems with the heart, aorta, brain, kidney and other organs. it is often relatedto excessive salt, fat, alcohol, and caffeine intake. Lack of exercise, smoking, insufficient sleep and prolonged emotional stress are also causes of hypertension.
In addition, secondary hypertension may be a result of abnormalities in the kidney, vascular system, and endocrine system.
Peoples suffering from hypertension should monitor their blood pressure level by themselves every two to threedays. Such a detailed measurement record can assist doctors in their diagnosis and treatment of a patient.
In order to contain hypertension, patients have to take hypotensive drugs as prescribed by their doctorson a regular basis.
There is a wide range of hypotensive drugs available. It is extremely undesirable for hypertension patients prescribe their own hypotensive drugs from drug stores without advise from a doctor, as different hypotensive drugsshould be used in different situation. also some of these drugs have side effects, and cannot be used together with other medications.
Extract from the health feature by University of Hong Kong
Hong Kong Medical and Health News
The situation is even more serious among people aged 65 or older, 65 percent of whom are likely to suffer from hypertension.
Hypertension can lead to problems with the heart, aorta, brain, kidney and other organs. it is often relatedto excessive salt, fat, alcohol, and caffeine intake. Lack of exercise, smoking, insufficient sleep and prolonged emotional stress are also causes of hypertension.
In addition, secondary hypertension may be a result of abnormalities in the kidney, vascular system, and endocrine system.
Peoples suffering from hypertension should monitor their blood pressure level by themselves every two to threedays. Such a detailed measurement record can assist doctors in their diagnosis and treatment of a patient.
In order to contain hypertension, patients have to take hypotensive drugs as prescribed by their doctorson a regular basis.
There is a wide range of hypotensive drugs available. It is extremely undesirable for hypertension patients prescribe their own hypotensive drugs from drug stores without advise from a doctor, as different hypotensive drugsshould be used in different situation. also some of these drugs have side effects, and cannot be used together with other medications.
Extract from the health feature by University of Hong Kong
Hong Kong Medical and Health News
Wednesday, May 24, 2006
How To Deal With Uterine Fibroids
Uterine fibroids are common in women aged 35-49, and are benign neoplasm in the pelvis. Studies showd thatover 30%-40% of women aged 40-50 might have uterine fibroids. The pathogenesis is still unknown, But it isclosely related to female hormones.
Fibroids are usually asymtomatic. If patients stay healthy, no tratment is needed. Yet, some patiens may suffer from menomhagia, pelvic pain or swelling in the lower part of the abdomen, even infertility in some cases.Large fibroids may cause compression and pressure on other organs, which lead to frequent urinationg, constipationamd omfarct. Most patients fo not require treatment if fibroids are asymptomatic. Medications may help to relievethe pain in the way that medicines help to ease heavy, mensuration and pain - killers reduce pelvic pain.
Surgery is the main treatment for uterine fibroids, including myomectomy (removal of fibroids) and hysterectomy(removal of the uterus and fibroids). Myomectomy can keeo the uterus with the aim of containing pain and safeguarding feature pregnancy.
However, the risk of fibroids reoccurring, requiring further operations is about 30% over a period of 10 years.Hysterectomy is the definitive treatment for removing the uterus and fibroids. It can be carried out in differentways or through different routes: laparotomy (total avdominal hysterectomy), laparoscopic approach (keyhole surgery);and vaginal hysterectomy (via vagina). The vaginal hysterectomy and laparoscopic process is concerned. The choice willdefend on the patient's condition. Fallopian tubes and ovaries may ne removed in the same way, defending on medicalfindings.
Hence, patients should seek a doctor's assessment and advice
Extract from the health feature by University of Hong Kong
Hong Kong Medical and Health News
Fibroids are usually asymtomatic. If patients stay healthy, no tratment is needed. Yet, some patiens may suffer from menomhagia, pelvic pain or swelling in the lower part of the abdomen, even infertility in some cases.Large fibroids may cause compression and pressure on other organs, which lead to frequent urinationg, constipationamd omfarct. Most patients fo not require treatment if fibroids are asymptomatic. Medications may help to relievethe pain in the way that medicines help to ease heavy, mensuration and pain - killers reduce pelvic pain.
Surgery is the main treatment for uterine fibroids, including myomectomy (removal of fibroids) and hysterectomy(removal of the uterus and fibroids). Myomectomy can keeo the uterus with the aim of containing pain and safeguarding feature pregnancy.
However, the risk of fibroids reoccurring, requiring further operations is about 30% over a period of 10 years.Hysterectomy is the definitive treatment for removing the uterus and fibroids. It can be carried out in differentways or through different routes: laparotomy (total avdominal hysterectomy), laparoscopic approach (keyhole surgery);and vaginal hysterectomy (via vagina). The vaginal hysterectomy and laparoscopic process is concerned. The choice willdefend on the patient's condition. Fallopian tubes and ovaries may ne removed in the same way, defending on medicalfindings.
Hence, patients should seek a doctor's assessment and advice
Extract from the health feature by University of Hong Kong
Hong Kong Medical and Health News
Tuesday, May 23, 2006
Around Six to Eight in 1,000 babies have heart defects
Heart disease in children can be congenital or acquired in origin, although mostare congenital and already exist at birth. Antenatal diagnosis of congenital heartdefects is pissible beacause the heart starts forming agrer two monts of gestation.6 to 8 in 1,000 babies have it birth.
In the majority of cases (90%), the cause is unknown, and is probably related to
gene-environment interaction, while 5/8% is ralated to genetics disorders, and 2% are environmental factors because of antenatal rubella infection, certain drugs andgestational diabetes mellitus.
Ventricular and atrial septal defects, patent ductus arteriosus, tetralogy of Fallot,Transposition of great arteries and stenotic heart valves are example of congenital heartdisease.
On the other hand, Kawasaki disease, rheumatic heart disease, myocarditis, and cardiomyopathiesare examples of acquired heart disease. unlike adult heart patients, children with heart diseaseseldom die suddenly from it. The common symptoms include cardiac murmurs, poor growth, loss of appetite,tiredness and breathlessness resulting from even lighy activities, recurrent chest infections,swelling of the face and limbs, and cyanosis.
Medical consultation is required if any of these features occurs. Most heart conditions can becorrected through medical treatment or surgery. Since the 1900s, the Department of Paediaticsand Adolescent Medicine, HKU LKS Faculty of Medicine, had successfully used catheter intervention to treatdifferent types of congenital heart diseases, including septal defects and stenoticheart valves.
The treatment does not leave scars on the patient, is less invasive, and the patient stays a shorter time in hospital.
Extract from the health feature by University of Hong Kong.
Hong Kong Mediacal Health News
Monday, May 22, 2006
New Ultrasound Tests To help Detect Abnormal Foetuses in Expectant Women
New 3D and 4D ultrasound, with novel display modalities, havebeen developed to help conventional2D ultrasound examination detect prenatal foetal abnormalities, according to the HKU LKS Faculty of Medecine Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology.
Scans carried out with 3D ultrasoind examination can show multidimensional images helpful for monitoring the growth and detect prenatal structural abnormalities. 4D scans can show real-time pictures foetuses developing, or of cleft lips, limb deformities as well as heart diseases.
Indeed,expectant women with abnormal foetuses would be safer, physically andpsychologically, if they terminated their preganancy at an early stage of gestation.
Doctors relay on prenatal invasive tests to detect foetuses affected by severe thalassemia. The rate of miscarriage during such test is 0.5-1percent. Signs of severe alpha thalassemia can be detected in pregnantwomen with the help of 2D scans. If the scan findings are normal, invasive tests are not required. Figures show a 100 percent detection ratewhen 2D scanners are used. On the other hand, 3D scanners can detect enlargedplacentas. However, non-invasive ultrasound examinations cannot detect severebeta thalassemia in expectant women because abnormal ultrasound findingsare not detectable before birth.
Extract from the health feature by University of Hong Kong.
Friday, May 19, 2006
Renal Disorder Among Young Children
The most common urinary problem among young children is urinary tract infection. About 80percent of such problems are caused by E.coli. Childen with urinary tract infection may have underlying structural abnormalities, such as vesico-uteric reflux. This may damagethe kidney if not treated properly.
Signs of this infection among young children include high fever, irritable behaviour, lossof appetite, nausea, vomiting abd jaundice and their urine may also be smelly. Olderchildren might complain of pain when urinating. They might also wet in their beds.
Children suffering from urinary tract infections should drink more water and urinate regularly.Doctors will probably prescribe antibiotics to treat this problem.Ultrasound scans and bladder-imaging can help detect structural abnormalities, which mayneed surgery to correct.
Bed-wetting is often the result of immature bladder control. Children over five yearsold who urinate in their sleep more than three times a month probably suffer from nocturnal enuresis which affects their self-confidence. parental support and behaviouraltheraphy can help them overcome this problem.
To prevent bed wetting, children should have their last drink of water two hours before bedtime and visit the toilet before tucking in. Parents should praise them for dry nights.For persistent problems, a bed-wetting alarm device and prescription may help.
Extract from the health feature by University of Hong Kong
Signs of this infection among young children include high fever, irritable behaviour, lossof appetite, nausea, vomiting abd jaundice and their urine may also be smelly. Olderchildren might complain of pain when urinating. They might also wet in their beds.
Children suffering from urinary tract infections should drink more water and urinate regularly.Doctors will probably prescribe antibiotics to treat this problem.Ultrasound scans and bladder-imaging can help detect structural abnormalities, which mayneed surgery to correct.
Bed-wetting is often the result of immature bladder control. Children over five yearsold who urinate in their sleep more than three times a month probably suffer from nocturnal enuresis which affects their self-confidence. parental support and behaviouraltheraphy can help them overcome this problem.
To prevent bed wetting, children should have their last drink of water two hours before bedtime and visit the toilet before tucking in. Parents should praise them for dry nights.For persistent problems, a bed-wetting alarm device and prescription may help.
Extract from the health feature by University of Hong Kong
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