Sunday, July 14, 2013
Immunology of normal and abnormal menstruation
Immunology of normal and abnormal menstruation.
Source
Department of Obstetrics, Gynaecology & Neonatology, Queen Elizabeth II Research Institute for Mothers & Infants, University of Sydney, New South Wales 2006, Australia.Abstract
Normal menstruation is an inflammatory process, where the endometrial concentrations and functions of several leukocyte types can change greatly through the menstrual cycle, especially during the premenstrual and menstrual phases. These leukocytes probably have a range of functions related to mucosal protection, decidualization, embryo implantation, and the process of menstrual tissue breakdown, repair and remodeling. Some of these leukocyte changes are apparently linked to changes in the pattern of circulating leukocytes. Many immune cells have been identified in the endometrium, and those with most relevance to the processes of menstruation include uterine natural killer cells, macrophages, mast cells, neutrophils, dendritic cells and Tregs. A range of disturbances in endometrial immune cell numbers, distributions and functions, and in a range of different inflammatory and other mediators, have been identified in women with heavy menstrual bleeding or endometriosis. Sufficient evidence exists to implicate these immune changes in some of the functional disturbances and symptoms identified in these women. This field is greatly under-researched, and ripe for the wider application of modern molecular and cellular techniques in human and animal model studies.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23826779
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23826779
Thursday, July 11, 2013
Tuesday, July 9, 2013
Post Surgery Ailments
from: http://endometriosis.org/resources/articles/post-surgery-ailments/
Post surgery ailments
by Ellen T Johnson
A variety of ailments might be encountered after endometriosis surgery. Most are expected, short-lived, and easily managed. The following tips are for general information only and not meant as medical advice.
If you experience any bothersome symptom that persists, gets worse, or seems unusual, contact your doctor right away. Also contact your doctor if you experience any unusual bleeding, fever, swelling, or drainage from the incision(s).Constipation
Constipation often occurs when surgery is performed on or around the bowel. Your doctor may prescribe a prescription remedy, such as a stool softener. Home measures include eating more fibre, drinking eight glasses of water a day, and taking short walks each day. For more information about bowel problems after surgery, click here.Diarrhoea
Diarrhoea may also result from surgery around or on the bowel. Consult your doctor if diarrhoea persists, is severe, or is accompanied by fever. Your doctor may prescribe anti-diarrhoea or anti-nausea prescription medications. Home measures include ginger or chamomile tea and avoidance of dairy products, carbonated beverages, and caffeine. Try a bland liquid diet and keep yourself well hydrated.Shoulder pain
The gas used during surgery often gets trapped under the diaphragm, causing pains that radiate up to the shoulder. This will go away in time, but it causes varying degrees of discomfort until it does. Try using two heating pads – one on the front and one on the back of the affected shoulder. If you are not taking medication for pain, ask your doctor which analgesic would work best to alleviate shoulder pain. To help dissipate the gas, consider peppermint tea, ginger ale, or carrot juice.Bladder irritation
Insertion of a catheter can cause urethritis (irritation of the duct which urine passes through). Home measures for relief include drinking plenty of fluids, avoidance of soaps around the genital area, and the use of unscented “baby wipes” instead of toilet paper. If the urethral irritation persists beyond a few days, or you develop painful urination or see blood in your urine, contact your doctor right away. These symptoms may signal a bladder infection (cystitis), which should never be ignored. For information about recurrent bladder infections, click here.Phlebitis or irritated veins
Phlebitis is inflammation of a vein. Sometimes an IV can cause phlebitis, as can certain drugs (such as Phenergan) given through the IV line. The vein inflammation can result in redness, tenderness, and swelling of the affected arm. If you develop any of these symptoms, report them immediately to the doctor or nurse. If left untreated, phlebitis can turn into an infection. Treatment usually consists of moist heat compresses, analgesics for pain, and elevation of the affected arm.Nausea and vomiting
Nausea and vomiting are commonplace after surgery. These symptoms are often the result of the anaesthesia and/or painkillers. It’s important to note that gynaecologic surgery produces more nausea and vomiting than many other types of surgery. In many cases, nausea can be avoided if the anaesthesiologist pre-treats with an anti-nausea medication. Post-surgical medications are also available. Home measures for nausea include ginger tea, ginger ale, and soda crackers (biscuits). Laying flat may also lessen these symptoms.Pain
Almost everyone will experience some degree of pain following surgery. Do not be a martyr and attempt to “deal with the pain.” This will cause your body to become more stressed, you will not get adequate rest, and healing will be delayed. If your doctor has prescribed pain medication, take it as directed. It’s important not to wait until the pain becomes unbearable to take your medication. After a time, your body will heal and the surgical pain will diminish.Fatigue
Many women are exceptionally tired for several weeks following surgery. Rest as much as possible and do not do anything strenuous, even if your mind is willing. When you go back to your routine, plan rest breaks into your day. Also, be sure you’re taking a daily multi-vitamin and getting adequate B vitamins through diet or supplementation. (Be sure to check with your doctor before taking any supplements before or after surgery.)Scarring
Laparoscopy scars usually heal nicely on their own. However, if you want to encourage less scarring, you might try one of the new scar treatments that are available from your local pharmacy. Vitamin E has been used for a number of years to help heal wounds faster and cause less scarring. Getting adequate rest and eating a good, balanced diet will also encourage proper wound healing. If scars persist and are bothersome to you, you may want to consult a dermatologist (skin doctor) about possible treatments to fade the scars more quickly.Infection
You will probably not experience wound infection from laparoscopy. However, it’s important to know that all surgery carries some risk of infection. With laparoscopy, infection may occur at the site of the incision or it may develop internally. Contact your doctor immediately if your oral temperature goes above 100° Fahrenheit (37.8° Celsius) or if you develop any redness, discharge, or swelling. Do not wait or attempt to self-treat infections. Infections are usually taken care of with antibiotics.Headaches
Ironically, strong painkillers often cause headaches. If you have a bothersome headache, contact your doctor to see if you can take non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs or acetaminophen for pain relief. To self-treat, try massaging lavender oil onto the site of the pain.Hematomas or seromas
Rarely, blood or fluid may “pool” under the skin near an incision site. Since it is difficult for those undergoing surgery to distinguish between benign conditions and more serious complications, be sure to report any swelling to your doctor. Often, hematomas and seromas go away on their own, but they may be tender in the meantime.Insomnia or nightmares
Women often report insomnia or nightmares following surgery, which may be accompanied by anxiety and fear. Be assured that this is a temporary condition that will eventually go away. In the meantime, you might want to try chamomile tea, relaxation tapes, or aromatherapy
Monday, July 8, 2013
Facts ABout Pelvic Floor Dysfunction
Facts about Symptoms of
Pelvic Floor Dysfunction (PFD)
Definition of Pelvic Floor Dysfunction
Pelvic Floor Dysfunction is used to describe the difficulty of the muscles of the pelvic floor to tighten and relax normally. Pelvic Floor Dysfunction leads to a variety of somtimes strange and debilitating symptoms.
Pelvic Floor Dysfunction is used to describe the difficulty of the muscles of the pelvic floor to tighten and relax normally. Pelvic Floor Dysfunction leads to a variety of somtimes strange and debilitating symptoms.
Common Symptoms
| Pain | Urinary | Psychological |
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http://www.pelvicpainhelp.com/symptoms/pelvic-floor-dysfunction/ |
Thursday, July 4, 2013
Study showing yoga's effect on 111 gene expressions
"Examining the participants' blood before and after four-hour yoga sessions showed that the yoga practice changed the expression of 111 genes in circulating immune cells. In contrast, music and walking-based relaxation changed the expression of 38 genes.....The results suggest that yoga may as effective, or even more so, than traditional exercise in inducing health benefits through changes on the genetic level, the study's authors note.... Practicing a type of chanting yogic meditation daily for eight weeks was found to lower stress levels by reducing biological mechanisms responsible for increasing the immune system's inflammation response -- and stress is known to spur inflammation." --http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/04/24/yoga-immune-system-genetic-_n_3141008.html#slide=2291802
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