Posts Tagged ‘Infection’

Diseases Simulating Appendicitis

Diseases Simulating Appendicitis Appendix is a tubular organ of narrow caliber; found attached to the first part of colon. Its structure is similar to that of intestine. Inflammation of it is termed as appendicitis. Its lumen may get obstructed to initiate infection. Infection can occur as such without an obstruction. The classical symptoms include

* Pain, starting from around the umbilicus and settling in the right lower abdomen.
* Vomiting, two to three times or till the stomach contents are expelled out.
* Fever, typically around 100 degree Fahrenheit.

The symptoms vary considerably to confuse with other diseases giving rise to similar symptoms.

* A Mackel’s diverticulitis causes similar symptoms, but here pain is more toward the flanks and positions a little upwards. It is sometimes difficult to distinguish between the two; necessitating a surgical exploration.
* Diverticulosis or diverticulitis of right side of colon is often associated with that of left side, as diverticulum occur at multiple places throughout colon. Pain on pressure can be felt as well in the left side. It may be associated with blood and/or mucus in the stool. Usually, middle aged male suffer from it.
* Amoebic colitis of right side may give rise to similar symptoms, but usually associated with that of left side. Here, an identical pain on pressure spot on left side can be found. Besides this, a history of mucus motion in the recent past will help in diagnosis. A stool examination may be a corroborative finding. Read more…

Sinus Headaches – Causes and Treatments

Real sinus pain is rare and for most of us, when we believe we have a sinus headache, it’s usually a migraine or a headache brought on by stress. Normally you get a sinus headache only when your sinuses themselves are inflamed and the inflammation generally is accompanied by a fever. Inflammation can be caused by an allergy, a tumor, or an infection, all of which can be diagnosed and treated by your family doctor.

Many people mistakenly believe that sinuses are limited to nasal passages. However, sinuses are located in the forehead, on each cheekbone, and behind the bridge of your nose. Healthy sinuses are filled with air and their secretions drain freely into the nose. In addition to a sinus headache, when sinuses are blocked you have other symptoms like fever mentioned above and feelings of pressure around your eyes, cheeks and forehead.

Colds and other respiratory viruses leave sinuses vulnerable to infection. Bacteria causes your mucous membranes to swell which effectively blocks your sinuses, which in turn blocks normal drainage. Bending over or standing back up too quickly is excruciating. In addition, sinus infections can actually cause a feeling of toothache in some patients! In any event, because the causes of sinus headaches differ radically from the causes of other headaches, it’s best to consult a doctor for proper diagnosis and treatment – never try to diagnose your own medical problems. Read more…