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Showing posts from November, 2023

Sugar and Metabolic disease

1. Sugary drinks provide empty calories and no nutritional value.  Avoiding them for a week can help reduce calorie intake and support a healthier diet.  2. Frequent consumption of sugary drinks is associated with an increased risk of developing type 2 diabetes.  The large amounts of rapidly absorbed sugars lead to prolonged elevated blood glucose and insulin levels, which can worsen insulin resistance over time. 3. The sugars in sugary drinks interact with oral bacteria to produce acids that erode tooth enamel.  This erosion makes teeth more susceptible to cavities and dental decay. 4. Sugary drinks have been linked to higher blood pressure.  The sugars may increase blood glucose and insulin levels, which can alter blood vessel function and lead to hypertension.  The excess calories may also contribute to weight gain, another risk factor for high blood pressure. 5. The association between sugary drinks and increased heart disease risk is likely mediated by their effects on diabetes, o

Wilson's disease

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 Wilson's disease Etiology:  Wilson's disease is an autosomal recessive disorder caused by mutations in the ATP7B gene, leading to impaired hepatic copper transport and subsequent copper accumulation in various tissues. Pathogenesis:  In Wilson's disease, the impaired copper transport results in copper deposition in the liver, brain, cornea, and other organs.  The exact mechanism of cardiomyopathy in Wilson's disease is not fully understood, but it is believed to be related to the toxic effects of copper accumulation in cardiac tissues. Clinical Features:  In addition to the Kayser-Fleischer ring (a brownish-green ring around the cornea), Wilson's disease can present with  - hepatic symptoms (such as hepatomegaly, jaundice, and liver dysfunction) - neurological symptoms (such as tremors, dystonia, and dysarthria) - psychiatric symptoms (such as personality changes and depression).  - Cardiac manifestations, including cardiomyopathy, arrhythmi

Impetigo

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Impetigo is a common and contagious skin infection caused by bacteria, typically Streptococcus pyogenes - Group A or Staphylococcus aureus. It is most commonly seen in children,  2 through 5 years old.  but it can affect individuals of all ages.  Impetigo is more common in areas with hot, humid summers and mild winters (subtropics), or wet and dry seasons (tropics), but it can occur anywhere. Proper management of impetigo involves both hygiene and medical treatment. Here are the steps to manage impetigo: Maintain Good Hygiene: Cleanliness is essential. Encourage the infected individual to wash their hands frequently, avoid touching the impetigo sores, and use separate towels and personal items to prevent the spread of the infection. Trim fingernails to reduce the risk of scratching and spreading the infection. Topical Antibiotics: Most cases of impetigo can be managed with topical antibiotics. These are typically available in the form of creams or ointments, and they should be applied