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Pulmonary Embolism

Pulmonary Embolism

When an artery in the lungs gets blocked, it is referred to as a medical condition of Pulmonary embolism. This condition can be life threatening. Often deep vein thrombosis(DVT) can lead to pulmonary embolism. The blood clots may originate in any other part of the body such as the arm, pelvis or legs. These clots travel through the bloodstream and enter the pulmonary arteries. Recent surgery or injury can lead to a blood clots. Persons with heart disease or those on estrogen therapy are at increased risk of pulmonary embolism. Typical symptoms experienced by those suffering from pulmonary embolism are chest pain, sudden shortness of breath and rapid heartbeat. A patient might have wheezing and weak pulse. The symptoms of pulmonary embolism depend on the extent and size of clots. Embolus can also be the result of fat from the bone marrow that has escaped into the bloodstream. It can also occur due to air bubbles formed during intravenous infusion or surgery. While large emboli cause considerable distress such as chest pain, smaller ones cause shortness of breath. Patients suffering from pulmonary embolism tend to have cough that produces sputum. There may be bluish discolaration on the skin and pain in the legs. Fainting spells or seizures might occur due to sudden decrease in oxygen-rich blood to the brain and other organs. Bluish tint on the skin (cyanosis) is observed when one or more large pulmonary arteries are obstructed.

Diagnostic procedures to detect pulmonary embolism:

Chest X-ray helps in identifying any lung infections

CAT scan

ECG

Perfusion Scan of the lung - This test helps in outlining the blood flow to the lungs and helps in detecting any obstructions.

V/Q scan involves a a nuclear ventilation-perfusion study of the lungs.

Pulmonary angiogram involves injection of a special dye into the pulmonary arteries to detect obstructive clots.

D-dimer test is a test that spots d-dimer molecules released by the clots.

One of the initial steps to help a person suffering from pulmonary embolism is administration of oxygen and analgesics. Oxygen is administered through a nasal cannulae or face mask. Blood clots are treated with anticoagulant drugs like heparin or warfarin. But the duration and dosage of anticoagulants needs to be monitored so that it does not result in bleeding in other body organs. Thrombolysis is a procedure whereby thromoblytic agents (clot-dissolving agents) are injected into the bloodstream to dissolve existing blood clots. Surgery (Pulmonary embolectomy) is often resorted to for removal of clots.

Temporomandibular Joint Disease

Temporomandibular Joint Disease or TMJ is a group of conditions that involve the temporaomandibuluar joints. These joints are located in front of each ear and connect the lower jaw bone to the skull. The temporomandibular joints allow sideward and up-and-down movements such as speaking, chewing food, biting and speaking. A person suffering from Temporomandibular joint disease has pain in the jaw and surrounding tissues that make movement painful. TMJ is also referred to as myofacial pain dysfunction and Costen's syndrome. Mandicubular muscle tension caused due to stress can be a cause for TPD. Certain triggering factors for TMJ may be teeth grinding, teeth clenching, dental problems and high stress.

It is noticed that more women, especially in their childbearing years tend to be affected by TMJ than men. Some form of arthritis , hormones, autoimmune conditions and low-grade infections are thought to be the causes for Temporomandibular Joint Disease. There is a dull ache in the jaw joint and ears. Persons suffering from temporomandibular joint disease suffer headaches and pain in the neck, shoulder and back. They may find it difficult to open the mouth comfortably or notice locking of the jaw. Swelling is sometimes noticed on the sides of the face. There might be ear pain or ringing in the ears. These symptoms may last a few weeks.

A diagnosis of TMJ can be made after an examination of the cheek muscles for any neurological symptoms. The physician will check for any joint clicking sounds and assess the range of motion of the mandibular joints. Analgesics or NSAIDs are prescribed to reduce pain and discomfort. Muscle relaxants such as diazepam are used to reduce muscle spasms. Therapy such as massage, exercise and electrical stimulation can aid in improving the strength and moton of the mandibular joints. Dental therapy such as orthdontics can help in rectifying an abnormal bite and teeth misalignment. Cortisone injections are given to those who do not respond to any other treatment. Patients suffering temporomandibular joint disease can alleviate the pain and other symptoms by eating soft food, applying ice or moist heat and avoiding extreme jaw movements that can be painful. The jaw must be rested.

Migraine

Nearly everyone gets headaches. But while some are tension headaches or headaches caused by a cold or flue, migraine headaches tend to rather severe and recurrent, often accompanied by nausea. What begins as a pain on one side of the head may spread to both sides. Migraine headaches are thought to be caused by a change in the blood flow pattern to the brain. Trigerred by stress or other factors, arteries supplying blood to the brain may constrict. Consequently, certain arteries within the brain may dilate so to facilitate better oxygen supply. This dilation may cause migraine headaches. Women tend to suffer migraine headaches more than men. Typical symptoms of migraine include:

Throbbing pain on one or both sides of the head
Stiff neck
Nausea and vomitting
Mood swings
Sensitivity to light and sound
Sensitivity to cold
Visual hallucinations such as zigzag lines and flashing lights
Tiredness, irritability and confusion

A shower and rest in a cool dark room gives relief to many. A cold compress on your forehead may help. Massage and relax the muscles of your neck and base of the skull. Regular exercise, walking or swimming can help reduce instances of migraine headache. If some foods act as triggers to a migraine headache, eliminate them from your diet - especially those high in tyramine (cheeses) or those containing sulphites (wine) or nitrates (nuts, processed meats).

Often diagnostic procedures such as CT scan or spinal tap are undertaken to rule out any underlying condition such as meningitis or subarachnoid hemorrhage. Most often persons suffering migraine headaches take OTC analgesics for short-term relief. NSAIDs help in alleviating the symptoms. But these must be taken with caution by those suffering stomach or deudonal ulcers, liver diseases or those on blood thinners. Sumatriptan, part of the family of drugs called triptans is prescribed for the treatment of migraine and cluster headaches.