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Syphilis

Syphilis

Syphilis is a sexually transmitted disease that is caused by bacterium Treponema pallidum. Syphilis is transmitted from one person to another via direct contact with an infected sore. Men are at larger risk to contracting syphilis than women. Syphilis is most contagious during the primary and secondary stage. It can pass to an unborn child from a mother. It can cause deformity and death.

Sores are seen in the genital and anal areas. Syphilis appears as sores on the lips and mouth. In the primary stage of infection, syphilis appears as small round sores. These sores usually heal without treatment. In the second stage of syphilis, there are rashes and lesions. They appear as red spots. At this time, there might be other symptoms such as headache, weight loss, fatigue and hair loss. Other symptoms during this stage of syphilis are swollen lymph glands, fever and muscle aches. When syphilis advances to the late stage, it starts damaging internal organs. It can lead to paralysis and gradual blindness. Blood tests aid in diagnosing syphilis. An analysis of the sore also aids in diagnosing this sexually transmitted disease. Penicillin is used to treat syphilis.

ESR blood test

ESR (erythrocyte sedimentation rate) blood test is used to measure the distance that RBCs settle in unclotted blood. Blood sample is monitored for an hour in a specially-marked test tube. The levels of ESR indicate any inflammatory or malignant disease. This test is often used to diagnose rheumatologic ailments, tuberculois or tissue necrosis. Elevated levels of blood ESR may be indicative of rheumatoid arthritis, thyroid disease, kidney disease, syphilis or tuberculosis. Pregnancy, infection and old age can bring about elevated levels of blood ESR. Extremely low levels of ESR may suggest sickle cell anemia, hypofibrinogenemia, CHF or hyperviscocity. ESR is a non-specific inflammation marker and may need to be supported with other diagnostic tests for medical decisions. ESR blood test is often suggested along with CRP blood test to check for arthritis since they both check for proteins associated with inflammation.

Kidney Failure

Kidney Failure indicates a loss of function of the kidneys. Consequently the kidneys are unable to flush out toxins from the body, thereby leading to accumulation of waste in the body. High blood pressure and diabetes are the common reasons for kidney failure. Other causes for kidney failure are multiorgan failure, infection, heart attack or stroke. Extremely low levels of blood pressure lead to inadequate blood supply to the kidneys. This may occur after traumatic injury or major surgery. Congestive heart failure can also reduce blood flow to the kidneys. Inflammation in the kidneys can occur due to allergic reaction. Acute glomerulonephritis can result from infections such as strep throat, typhoid, syphilis, hepatitis or mononucleosis. Another cause for kidney failure is hemolytic uremic syndrome where the infection causes inflammation of the intestines leading to toxins. Chronic kidney failure is due to kidney disease that occurs due to diabetes or chronic blockage of drainage of the kidneys.

Symptoms of kidney failure include reduced urine output and fluid retention. The patient suffering from kidney failure may experience shortness of breath and chest pain. There is fatigue, loss of appetite and nausea. The levels of blood urea and creatinine rise rapidly. There is a rise in blood potassium levels. The electrolyte balance in the blood is disturbed. Abdominal scan can help identify the cause for kidney failure. CT scan or MRI scan are sometimes recommended. Biopsy of kidney tissue aids in identification of the cause for kidney failure.

Dialysis is the recommended treatment for acute kidney failure. This process can mechanically filter waste from the patient's blood. Hemodialysis involves filtering of blood through an artificial kidney. Dialysis is done till the kidneys are able to function again. Peritoneal dialysis involves use of the periotoneal membrane in the flushing of body toxins.