Dr. Consultancy

Mumps.

Mumps

Overview

Mumps is a viral infection that mainly affects the salivary glands (parotid glands) near the ears. It causes swelling on one or both sides of the face. The infection is contagious and spreads through droplets or direct contact.

Symptoms

  • Pain and swelling in the salivary glands (one or both sides of the face)

  • Pain while chewing or swallowing

  • Fever

  • Headache

  • Muscle aches

  • Weakness and fatigue

  • Loss of appetite

Effects (Complications)

If untreated, mumps can sometimes lead to:

  • Orchitis (painful swelling of testicles in males)

  • Oophoritis or Mastitis (inflammation in ovaries or breasts in females)

  • Hearing loss (rare)

  • Meningitis or Encephalitis (infection of the brain or spinal cord lining)

  • Pancreatitis (inflammation of the pancreas)

Treatment

Since mumps is viral, there is no specific cure. Treatment focuses on relieving symptoms and preventing complications:

General Treatment

  • Rest and plenty of fluids

  • Apply cold or warm compresses to swollen glands

  • Eat soft foods to reduce chewing pain

  • Take over-the-counter pain relievers (e.g., acetaminophen, ibuprofen)

  • Avoid sour foods (they increase salivary gland pain)

Homeopathic Medicines (used for supportive relief)

  • Pulsatilla – for glandular swelling with pain and mild fever

  • Belladonna – for high fever with red, swollen face and severe pain

  • Mercurius Solubilis – for excessive salivation and glandular inflammation

  • Phytolacca – for hard, painful swelling of glands with difficulty swallowing

Always consult a qualified doctor or homeopath before starting treatment.

Medicine

Pneumonia-

Pneumonia

Overview

Pneumonia is an infection that inflames the air sacs (alveoli) in one or both lungs. The alveoli may fill with fluid or pus, leading to symptoms such as cough with phlegm, fever, chills, and difficulty breathing.

Pneumonia can be caused by bacteria, viruses, or fungi, and its severity can range from mild to life-threatening. It is particularly serious for:

  • Infants and young children

  • Adults over 65 years old

  • People with chronic health conditions or weakened immune systems

Prompt treatment is critical to prevent complications and improve recovery.

Symptoms

  • Chest pain when breathing or coughing

  • Cough, which may produce phlegm or pus

  • Shortness of breath

  • Fatigue and weakness

  • Fever, sweating, and shaking chills

  • Lower than normal body temperature (in older adults or immunocompromised individuals)

  • Confusion or changes in mental awareness (especially in adults 65+)

  • Nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea

Effects

  • Difficulty breathing, which can become severe and require hospitalization

  • Spread of infection to the bloodstream (sepsis)

  • Lung abscesses or areas of permanent lung damage

  • Exacerbation of pre-existing conditions, such as asthma, COPD, or heart disease

  • Long recovery periods and reduced ability to perform daily activities

  • Death in severe cases, especially among high-risk groups

Treatment

1. Medications:

  • Antibiotics for bacterial pneumonia

  • Antiviral medications for viral pneumonia (in certain cases)

  • Antifungal drugs for fungal pneumonia

  • Fever reducers and pain relievers (e.g., acetaminophen or ibuprofen)

2. Supportive Care:

  • Rest to allow the body to fight infection

  • Plenty of fluids to stay hydrated

  • Oxygen therapy if blood oxygen levels are low

  • Hospitalization for severe cases, especially in high-risk patients

3. Preventive Measures:

  • Vaccination against pneumonia-causing bacteria and influenza

  • Good hygiene practices (handwashing, avoiding close contact with sick individuals)

  • Quitting smoking to improve lung health

 

Medicine

Poliomyelitis,

Poliomyelitis (Polio)

Overview

Poliomyelitis, also called infantile paralysis, is a highly contagious viral disease caused by three types of poliovirus. The virus is an enterovirus, primarily known for its ability to attack the nervous system, potentially causing paralysis.

Most people infected with polio do not show symptoms, while some may experience mild flu-like symptoms. Severe cases can lead to muscle weakness, paralysis, and permanent disability. Polio is most common in children under 5 years old, but unvaccinated individuals of any age can be affected.

According to the CDC and WHO, polio spreads through fecal-oral transmission and occasionally via contaminated food and water.

Symptoms

Polio symptoms vary from mild to severe, and may include:

  • High fever

  • Sore throat

  • Headache

  • Vomiting and nausea

  • Fatigue and drowsiness

  • Back pain or stiffness

  • Neck pain or stiffness

  • Pain or stiffness in arms or legs

  • Muscle weakness or tenderness

Severe infections can result in partial or complete paralysis of the affected muscles.

Effects

  • Muscle paralysis, sometimes permanent

  • Limb deformities due to weakness or atrophy

  • Mobility challenges, requiring braces, crutches, or wheelchairs

  • Respiratory complications if chest muscles are affected, which can be life-threatening

  • Long-term disability impacting daily life and quality of living

  • Psychological and social impact due to limited mobility

Prevention & Treatment

1. Prevention (Most Effective):

  • Polio vaccination (Oral Polio Vaccine – OPV, or Inactivated Polio Vaccine – IPV)

  • Good hygiene and sanitation to reduce fecal-oral transmission

  • Avoid contaminated water and food, especially in high-risk areas

2. Supportive Care (No Cure Exists):

  • Physical therapy to strengthen muscles and maintain mobility

  • Assistive devices (braces, crutches, wheelchairs) for daily functioning

  • Pain management for muscle aches and stiffness

  • Respiratory support if breathing muscles are compromised

Medicine

Tuberculosis-

Tuberculosis (TB)

Overview

Tuberculosis (TB) is a potentially serious infectious disease primarily affecting the lungs, although it can affect other parts of the body.

  • TB is caused by the bacterium Mycobacterium tuberculosis.

  • It spreads through airborne droplets when an infected person coughs, sneezes, or talks.

  • People infected with TB bacteria may not show symptoms (latent TB) but can develop active TB later.

  • Untreated TB can be fatal, and some strains are resistant to common antibiotics.

  • Effective treatment involves taking multiple medications for several months to fully eradicate the infection and prevent drug resistance.

Symptoms

Signs of active TB include:

  • Persistent cough, sometimes with blood

  • Chest pain or discomfort when breathing or coughing

  • Unintentional weight loss

  • Fatigue and general weakness

  • Fever

  • Night sweats

  • Chills

  • Loss of appetite

Complications / Effects

  • Spread of infection to other organs (e.g., kidneys, spine, brain)

  • Lung damage and chronic respiratory problems

  • Development of drug-resistant TB if treatment is incomplete

  • Severe illness or death if left untreated

Treatment / Management

  1. Antibiotic Therapy:

    • Typically involves multiple antibiotics taken for 6–12 months

    • Common drugs: isoniazid, rifampin, ethambutol, pyrazinamide

  2. Monitoring and Support:

    • Regular follow-ups to ensure adherence to medication

    • Supportive care for nutrition, hydration, and symptom relief

  3. Preventive Measures:

    • Screening and preventive treatment for latent TB

    • Vaccination with BCG (in some countries)

    • Infection control to prevent spread

Medicine

urinary tract infection,

Urinary Tract Infection (UTI)

Overview

A urinary tract infection (UTI) is an infection in any part of the urinary system, including:

  • Kidneys

  • Ureters

  • Bladder

  • Urethra

  • Most UTIs involve the lower urinary tract (bladder and urethra).

  • Women are at greater risk than men due to anatomical differences.

  • UTIs can be painful and annoying, and if the infection spreads to the kidneys, it can become serious and potentially life-threatening.

  • Treatment usually involves antibiotics, but preventive measures can reduce risk.

Symptoms

UTIs may sometimes cause no symptoms. When present, common signs include:

  • Urinary symptoms:

    • Strong, persistent urge to urinate

    • Burning sensation during urination

    • Passing frequent, small amounts of urine

    • Urine that is cloudy, red, pink, or cola-colored (blood in urine)

    • Strong-smelling urine

  • Pain:

    • Pelvic pain in women, especially in the center of the pelvis or around the pubic bone

Effects / Complications

If left untreated, UTIs can lead to:

  • Kidney infections (pyelonephritis)

  • Sepsis (life-threatening blood infection)

  • Recurring infections

  • Permanent kidney damage in severe cases

Treatment / Management

  1. Medical Treatment:

    • Antibiotics to kill the bacteria causing the infection

    • Pain relief medication for urinary discomfort

  2. Home and Lifestyle Measures:

    • Drink plenty of water to flush bacteria

    • Urinate frequently and fully

    • Wipe from front to back (women) to prevent bacteria spread

    • Avoid irritating feminine products or harsh soaps

    • Cranberry products or probiotics may help prevent recurrence

  3. Preventive Measures:

    • Empty bladder after sexual activity

    • Avoid holding urine for long periods

    • Maintain good personal hygiene

Medicine

Whooping cough,

Whooping Cough (Pertussis)

Overview

Whooping cough is a highly contagious respiratory tract infection caused by the bacterium Bordetella pertussis.

  • It is most severe in children, especially those too young to be fully vaccinated.

  • Teens and adults can also get pertussis if immunity from previous vaccination or infection has waned.

  • Before vaccines, pertussis was considered primarily a childhood disease.

  • Deaths are rare, mostly occurring in infants.

  • Vaccination is essential, particularly for pregnant women and those in close contact with infants, to prevent infection.

Symptoms

Whooping cough progresses through stages:

  1. Catarrhal Stage (1–2 weeks)

    • Runny nose

    • Nasal congestion

    • Red, watery eyes

    • Mild fever

    • Occasional cough

  2. Paroxysmal Stage (1–6 weeks)

    • Severe coughing fits (paroxysms)

    • High-pitched "whoop" sound during intake of breath

    • Vomiting after coughing

    • Red or blue face

    • Extreme fatigue

  3. Convalescent Stage (weeks to months)

    • Gradual recovery

    • Coughing fits become less frequent and less severe

Treatment / Management

  • Antibiotics: Azithromycin or clarithromycin to treat infection and reduce transmission.

  • Supportive Care:

    • Maintain hydration

    • Use a humidifier to ease coughing

    • Rest and nutrition

  • Prevention:

    • Vaccination (DTaP for children, Tdap for adolescents and adults)

    • Timely booster doses

Medicine

UTI

Choking

Overview

Choking occurs when the airway becomes partially or completely blocked, preventing normal breathing.

  • In children, choking often happens due to putting small objects or food into their mouths.

  • In adults, choking usually occurs due to inhaling fumes, swallowing food too quickly, or improper chewing.

Symptoms

Signs that someone is choking may include:

  • Inability to speak or cry

  • Difficulty breathing or noisy breathing

  • Coughing (weak or ineffective)

  • Clutching the throat

  • Bluish color of lips, face, or nails (cyanosis)

  • Loss of consciousness in severe cases

Effects / Complications

If choking is not relieved promptly, it can lead to:

  • Severe oxygen deprivation

  • Brain damage due to lack of oxygen

  • Cardiac arrest or death

Treatment / Management

  1. Immediate Response:

    • Encourage coughing if the person can breathe or speak

    • Perform back blows and abdominal thrusts (Heimlich maneuver) for complete obstruction

    • Call emergency services if the blockage isn’t relieved immediately

  2. For Unconscious Individuals:

    • Begin CPR (cardiopulmonary resuscitation)

    • Clear the airway of visible obstruction

  3. Prevention:

    • Supervise young children during meals and play

    • Cut food into small, manageable pieces

    • Avoid talking or laughing while chewing

    • Keep small objects out of reach of children

Medicine

Diseases

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