What is vaginal yeast infection?

Yeast Infection is merely the overgrowth of the Candida albicans fungus, which is harmlessly present in different parts of our body. The vagina yeast infection is a common situation faced by women at least twice during a sexually active life.

Causes of the infection: 

• Antibiotics taken for other infections can lead to the imbalance between the protective germs and the candida fungus. 
• Pregnancy 
• Obesity 
• Diabetes 

Manifestation of vaginal yeast infection: 

The common symptoms of a uncomplicated infection are itching, discomfort , pain during urination or sexual intercourse and excessive vaginal discharge. The level of pain may vary from moderate to mild. however in a complicated case the infection repeatedly occurs with symptoms like vulvar redness, swelling, ulceration may occur.  

Possible Complications: 

• Chronic/ Recurrent Infections: 

A recurrent infection may occur because of an incomplete treatment or an underlying dieases such as diabetes. 

• Secondary Infections: 

The rigourous itching may cause the infection.

Diagnosis: 

Diagnosis is made based on a pelvic examination which will show the redness of the skin/vagina/cervix. Following that a microscopic examination is made on the vaginal discharge,called the wet mount and KOH test. 

Treatment: 

To treat an uncomplicated case, the simple application of the antifungal cream or suppository for 3 to 7 days will help reduce the symptoms. In the case of a complicated vaginal candidiasis, a 7-14 days course of a suppository is recommended. In case this also fails then a longer course of 6 months is recommended. The failure of any kind of treatment may indicate a serious complication such as HIV. 

Precautionary Measures: 

The easiest measure is to keep yourself clean by washing and rinsing with warm water. Avoid the use of soaps, perfumes, deodorants, powders and gels due to its sensitivity towards chemicals. Avoid douching. Wear cotton-made garments to allow the ventilation of air and reduce the level of irritation.Avoid wearing wet or sweaty garments for long. Keep your blood sugar level low. 

It should be a relief to learn that vaginal yeast infection is a common infection and an easily eradicable one. However a medical consult should be consulted to take precautionary measures to prevent its progression to a complicate case. 

What are the effects of obesity in children?

                           

     

Obesity in children is an epidemic which is widely spreading around the globe. It has negatively impacted lives in both developed and developing economies alike. It is undoubtedly a challenging socio-economic problem which is multiplying readily.  Scientifically obesity has been defined as the Body mass index (BMI) to be greater than the 95th percentile. Let’s figure out what are the effects of obesity in children: 

• The economic boom : 

In developed countries such as US the economic boom forces both parents to be engaged in some form of employment to either make both ends meet or to professionally utilize themselves. This professional fast-track life automatically makes the children dependent on fast foods and ready to eat meals, which are dangerously unhealthy and low in nutrients. Furthermore, the high intake of fast foods and sweet beverages is attributed to the high purchasing power of the both parents income.  

• Less physical exercises: 
  
  

The academic curriculum is designed as such that discourages physical activities and encourages book memorization. Due to its low importance of exercise  children now prefer to play games online instead of on the grounds.     

Effects of obesity in children

Where obesity is mistakenly taken as a sign of good health it must be understood that it can lead to fatal morbid conditions. Some of them are diabetes mellitus, fatty liver disease, obstructive sleep apnoea and ischemic heart disease.Below is a brief description of each:

• Type 2 diabetes mellitus: 

Diabetes is probably the highest growing case that reduces the life expectancy and quality of life. It disables the intake of any substance as metabolism is readily disturbed and makes it difficult to treat. The intake of insulin has an anabolic effect which further causes weight gain. Similarly other solutions such retinopathy are concluded as complications as it ultimately reduces vision and damages other organs such as the kidney and liver. 

• Fatty liver disease: 

The accumulation of fats indicates the development of Hepatitis which later transforms into Cirrhosis and paralyses the liver from performing its function. This may require a transplant at the later stage. 

• Obstructive Sleep apnea: 

An obstruction occurs in the airway for 20-40 seconds which make breathing very difficult and can cause ischemic heart disease in certain cases.  

• Behavioral changes: 

There are critical psychological changes and challenges beneath the obvious physical changes that take place. Researches have proven that over-weight children are always bullied and considered to be lazy and dull. Due to this taboo, most victims are unable to complete their education or even attempt to commit suicide if made felt worse. 

It is also important to understand that obesity may be genetic. However, it is a public health problem which will eventually cripple the health, education, social or even economic stability of any county. It is important to force children to maintain a controlled diet and weight during their childhood and well as during adolescence.

Gynaecomastia – why breasts enlarge in males?

The term Gynaecomastia originates from a Greek word which means female breasts. The primary cause of Gynaecomastia, the over grown breasts in males is either due to an increase in the estrogen or a deficiency in the androgen level.

Gynaecomastia occurs in various stages of life varying from neonatal to adolescence to old age. The cause of each kind is different; in neonatal it is due to the placental estrogen on the breast tissue. In adolescence it is due to imbalanced testosterone and in old age it is due to the fall in the level of testes which causes a rise in estrogen. 

Pathological changes: 

The diagnosis is usually categorized according to the deposition found which is either glandular or fatty tissues. 

Clinical features:  

Gynaecomastia may appear in either one or both sides; which may feel like a nodule with/out pain. The following chart explains the types and symptoms: 

Causes : 

With the evolution of modern researches the cause of gynaecomastia has been concluded as either the excess of estrogens or the failure/disease in another organ. A disorder in the testes will also cause a lack of testosterone; this can either inherited as well as developed. 

Treatment: 

The treatment for this disorder can be done with the intake of drugs or by surgery, if persisted over the period. The reason for the treatment can be cosmetic as well as a medical requirement. 

A timely check up with medical expert consultation should help solve any doubt and proactive measures can be taken to avoid any serious disorder.