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Tag: diagnosis

  • Corns and calluses diagnosis

    Your doctor will examine your feet and rule out other causes of thickened skin, such as warts and cysts. He or she may recommend an X-ray if a physical abnormality is causing the corn or callus.

     

    Treatment

    Treatment for corns and calluses usually involves avoiding the repetitive actions that caused them to develop. You can help resolve them by wearing properly fitting shoes, using protective pads and taking other self-care measures.

    If a corn or callus persists or becomes painful despite your self-care efforts, medical treatments can provide relief:

    • Trimming away excess skin. Your doctor can pare down thickened skin or trim a large corn with a scalpel, usually during an office visit. Don’t try this yourself because it could lead to an infection.
    • Callus-removing medication. Your doctor may also apply a patch containing 40 percent salicylic acid (Clear Away, MediPlast,others). Such patches are available without a prescription. Your doctor will let you know how often you need to replace this patch. He or she may recommend that you use a pumice stone, nail file or emery board to smooth away dead skin before applying a new patch. You can also get a prescription for salicylic acid in gel form to apply on larger areas.
    • Shoe inserts. If you have an underlying foot deformity, your doctor may prescribe custom-made padded shoe inserts (orthotics) to prevent recurring corns or calluses.
    • Surgery. In rare instances, your doctor may recommend surgery to correct the alignment of a bone causing friction.

    Lifestyle and home remedies

    If you have diabetes or another condition that causes poor blood flow, consult your doctor before treating a corn and callus on your own.

    If you have no underlying health problems, try these suggestions to help clear up a corn or callus:

    • Use over-the-counter pads. Apply a pad to protect the area where a corn or callus developed. Be careful using over-the-counter (nonprescription) liquid corn removers or medicated corn pads. These contain salicylic acid, which can irritate healthy skin and lead to infection, especially in people with diabetes or other conditions that cause poor blood flow.
    • Soak your hands or feet. Soaking your hands or feet in warm, soapy water softens corns and calluses. This can make it easier to remove the thickened skin.
    • Thin thickened skin. During or after bathing, rub a corn or callus with a pumice stone, nail file, emery board or washcloth to help remove a layer of toughened skin. Don’t use a sharp object to trim the skin. Don’t use a pumice stone if you have diabetes.
    • Moisturise your skin. Apply moisturiser to your hands and feet to help keep the skin soft.
    • Wear comfortable shoes and socks. Stick to well-fitting, cushioned shoes and socks until your corn or callus disappears.

     

    • Source: www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/corns-and-calluses/diagnosis-treatment
  • MUST READ: Nine (9) possible signs of lung cancer you should never overlook

    MUST READ: Nine (9) possible signs of lung cancer you should never overlook

    We all want to live long enough in sound health (body and mind) to see our dreams come true, and have the agility enough to enjoy it. However, in recent times, there have been significant occurrences and humongous cases of individuals (especially those in their early 30s to late 50s) coming down with the unforgiving disease called cancer – in this case, Lung Cancer.

    Many a time, we work our bodies so hard that we pay little or no attention to the slight indicators and signals that it communicates to us on a daily basis. We sometimes dig our graves with our teeth by consuming all-sort of solid (food), liquids (drinks), and gas (smokes) in the name of enjoyment and having too much money.

    I do not care how intelligent, talented, or hardworking you are, you definitely need your body to carry “you” into the future you so much dream and work towards.

    In setting the tone for this article, the writer bears in mind our sundry cultural beliefs and nuances; most of which are mere conjectures and attempts to mystify what we do not understand. However, I do not intend to underplay “spiritual” causalities of some illnesses: Our major concern is how we can quickly track the early signs of lung cancer and do something about is before it reaches malignant and debilitating stages of biological manifestations.

    Lung cancer is a disease which surreptitiously creeps in and kills silently because most of its symptoms are overlooked or misdiagnosed when compared to more common diseases. The truth is that you can get lung cancer even if you don’t smoke (although the possibility of having a lung cancer increases by 70% when you smoke) and it becomes very important for you to be familiar with some possible symptoms of lung cancer.

    If the cancer is diagnosed early, treatment can stop it dead in its tracks and give the patient a chance of recovery and also to live a long life.

    Honesty plays a key role if you are sincere and serious about your health; you need to be honest with your doctor if you experience any of the nine (9) symptoms itemized below. The first step to winning a war is to be aware that you are in a war. A person who is in a war zone, and is totally oblivious of what is happening will most likely go down quickly and recklessly. Pay close attention to your body, stay observant, and go for a check-up to clear and assuage your doubts.

     

    Bloody Cough:

    Coughing up phlegm is a common symptom generally associated with a cold, however, the narrative takes a more malignant pose when you see blood in your phlegm; even if it is in traces or few drops, you should giddy up and immediately dash to see your doctor for a check up. Feigning ignorance or forming James Bond will only compound your story to a classic tragedy.

    Worsening Cough:

    Are you having bouts and sessions of cough that refuses to go away, then, seeking the help of a medical professional would be a wise and timely decision. Constant coughing for days, weeks, and months is by all means the most indicative sign that an individual is probably going down with lung cancer, although still in its primal stage.

    Chest Pain:

    Anatomically, the way to a man’s heart (regardless of the typical binary of male or female) is through the chest. Therefore, Guard your chest diligently, for in it is your heart and lungs. If you are experiencing pain in your chest region, it should be a matter of colossal concern.  Please try out this very simple exercise, a few deep breaths and if you feel a sharp pinch or needle like sensation, get a checkup done as soon as possible.

    This could be because of the cancer in the lungs, which is pressing hard on the chest, hence, causing the pain.

    Chronic Respiratory Issues:

    Normally if you are suffer from diseases like pneumonia or respiratory infection, it disappears with the use of medication in a matter of weeks and you become like new. However, if it is lung cancer, the respiratory problem tends to linger for a long time and becomes more severe with each passing day. The need to see a doctor cannot be overemphasized.

    Unexplained Weight Loss:

    It might interest you to know that there have been upward swings in the health consciousness of men and women around the global. Particularly in Nigeria, there is a fierce urgency amongst individuals to watch and control not only what they consume, but also their weight. Therefore losing weight is wonderful; however, unexplained and excessive weight loss without changes in dietary habits or living styles is a cause for alarm. This means that body is unable to properly absorb and use the nutrients from the food you are eating. Hence the body is simply discarding whatever you are eating without taking out nutrients from it and resulting in a drastic weight loss.

    Pain in Bones:

    Generally, cancers are most times known to spread to the bones. This is because bones are present near every major organ in our body. Particularly, if you experience pain in your hips or back, you should immediately consult a doctor. It might be a sign of arthritis, but there is no harm in getting it checked out.

    Wheezing:

    Wheezing is mostly associated with lung diseases like Asthma. It occurs when something is hindering the movement of air inside the body. However, just like in cases of Asthma, it is also a common complaint of patients diagnosed with lung cancer. Please consult your doctor to run a check on you.

    Constant Fatigue:

    Cancer, which is known for its proliferation attacks the healthy cells of the body and perpetually wars against the immune system. As a result of the battle within the body, patients with cancer constantly have the feeling of being fatigued. Their body gets tired from fighting the cancer cells all the times. Hence if you feel constant fatigue, consult a doctor immediately.

    Hoarseness and Croakiness:

    Healthy lungs let you speak clearly without any hindrance, voice distortion, or encumbrances to vocalization. But lung cancer makes breathing difficult and thus making speaking a herculean and arduous task. If your voice suddenly gets hoarse, and it persists for a long period of time, it is a sign to consult a doctor to get a diagnosis of the ailment.

    The above symptoms (though not exhaustive) of lung cancer should make you run with immediate alacrity to see your doctor; an early diagnosis can make you initialize the treatment sooner than later, and give you a better chance to lead a healthy life.

    Gone are the days when our people will say “what you don’t know cannot kill you”, we now know better because – “what you don’t know kills you much faster.”

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    Email: brandphase@yahoo.com

  • 83-year-old gets eyeglass four years after diagnosis

    ‘We are moving away from curative medicine to preventive medicine. It is so gratifying that the state is moving into Health Insurance Scheme’

    For over five years, 83-year-old Mr Samuel Oluwole Odunlami could not afford a pair of reading glasses. He is a retiree who lives in Epe but a native of Yewa South Local Government Area of Ogun State. His pension is N8, 000 per month.

    The elated Mr Odunlami could not hide his joy, relief and appreciation when the team of Eko Health Mission handed him a pair of glasses penultimate Wednesday.

    Recounting his experience, Mr Odunlami said he was 79 years old when he was told he needed a pair of reading glasses for presbyopia which is an age-related eye disease. Presbyopia is caused by a decreased elasticity in the eye’s lens, making it more difficult to focus on objects in a close range. Presbyopia generally is believed to stem from a gradual thickening and loss of flexibility of the natural lens of the eye.

    After the diagnosis and prescription, he could not afford the pair of glasses due to lack of fund. Days roll into weeks, and weeks into years. When it was exactly four years after the reading glass was recommended, fortune smiled on him.

    He heard, through his daughter, about the Eko free Health Mission put in place by the Lagos State Ministry of Health.

    The crowd was massive at the Epe Local Government Area, venue of the event. But that did not deter Mr Odunlami.

    Mr Odunlami said: “Right from the eve of getting the information, I became restless. I could not sleep very well. I kept vigil. And by 6:00 a.m., I had taken my bath and arrived early to pick number. When the medical team came, they sorted us out to our needs. I was then taken to doctors who examined my eyes. They said I needed glasses. In less than an hour, my glass was presented to me. I pray for Governor Ambode. His children will not experience hard life. This is the first time I am benefiting from government programme. Epe has transformed with all the infrastructure development taking place here.”

    The Director of Eko Free Health Mission, Dr Dolapo Fasawe said the mission which is in its 14th outing, is meant to bring health care closer to the grassroots.

    “We are moving away from curative medicine to preventive medicine. It is so gratifying that the state is moving into Health Insurance Scheme. Nobody will be left behind. So far as you are a resident in Lagos and you have the registration done for your residency by Lagos State Residents Registration Agency (LASRRA) and issued the card, you are qualified.

    “Another thing is that for the people of Epe, malnutrition is not their problem; they feed well. There are cases of Prostate enlargement. I want to use this opportunity to inform that any man over 40 years should go and do screening for prostate enlargement. That way, there will be no need for emergencies,” Dr Fasawe said.

    She said so far over 127, 000 people have been attended to.

    Her assistant on the Eko Free Health Mission, Dr. Tolu Ajomale revealed that nobody should wait to be sick before taking proactive steps in ensuring health healthy.

    “It starts with knowing your numbers- Bp (Blood Pressure), cholesterol level, BMI (body mass Index), doing exercise, watch closely one’s diet in tandem with the health indicators. If you are hypertensive or diabetic, the role of nutrition, especially salt, carbohydrate and sugary foods should be regulated. The best way out is fruits, vegetables, water and active life in the form of exercise.

    “Shun sedentary life. Just find an exercise you are comfortable with,” Dr Ajomale said.

    The Sole Administrator of Eredo Local Council Development Area, Muyiwa Okusanya said his people are grateful to the state government for bringing the programme to their door step.

    “That is an indication of a responsive and responsible government that will always prioritise the health of the people,” Okusanya said.

  • Quality diagnosis vital, say experts

    PathCare Laboratories Executive Director, Operations, Dr Tolulope Adewole, has stressed the need for quality diagnosis in laboratory analysis.

    At a seminar by the firm in Lagos, he said any life lost to misdiagnosis is avoidable, describing it as injustice to the patient, his family and friends.

    “Evidence-based medicine is hinged on obtaining an empirical evidence of a diagnosis before administering the appropriate treatment. All over the world, the bedrock of laboratory medicine is quality and its processes. For this, it is important that the entire value chain is covered,” he added.

    In her paper titled: “Quality as the differentiator,”the lead facilitator, Janette Wassung, an assessor and former head, Quality Management of PathCare South Africa, said quality is a big global medical issue as it affects the overall health status of the world.

    She said quality diagnosis runs thus: pre-analytical, analytical and post-analytical stages.

    Her words: “These stages cover the collection, transportation and reception of samples; reagents and instruments used and personnel who conduct the test; as well as the result format, international unit of measurement used and the pathologists that interpret the results.”

    She noted that the cost of deploying a good quality management system (QMS) may look huge initially but this cost would amount to almost nothing compared to the cost that labs would have to bear in case of a misdiagnosis.

    She called on labs practitioners to institute a good QMS to avoid the costs that could come from a lack of good quality management system.

    For Wassung,”misdiagnosis, the major fallout of a lack of QMS, leads to a number of unpalatable circumstances including death, unnecessary and elongated treatment and the attendant high cost. It could also result in lengthy and costly litigation for the laboratory.”

    On the need for a good QMS, she told a story. In another lab, a mother of two who was diagnosed with neuroendocrine cancer at 34 and was told she only had months to live underwent five surgeries to excise a cyst from her gum, remove lower jaw and teeth and face reconstruction with bone taken from her lower leg.

    Later, this woman, Wassung lamented, was shocked to hear that she never had cancer in the first place. The slides from the biopsy of the cyst that was taken from her was contaminated by cells from another patient which led to a misdiagnosis.

  • PathCare Laboratories advocates early diagnosis to prevent kidney disease

    PathCare Laboratories, Nigeria’s only International Standard Organisation (ISO) accredited pathology laboratory, has called on doctors to urgently send patients with symptoms of kidney disease to good laboratories for quality medical investigations. This, according to it, will help to improve their chances of good recovery.

    Executive Director of PathCare Laboratories, Dr Tolulope Adewole, made the call at the Guild of Medical Directors’ conference at the Eye Foundation Hospital, Ikeja.

    In his presentation entitled: “Laboratory support for diagnosis and management of chronic kidney disease”, Dr Adewole said unlike most disease conditions, kidney diseases do not show symptoms in the early stages.

    According to him, “the importance of early and accurate diagnosis cannot be over emphasised in any branch of medicine, but renal diseases have a major need for this because symptoms do not show early in kidney diseases, thus making a case for urgent and accurate diagnosis to detect the presence of a kidney disease condition and commence adequate treatment immediately.”

    “Most of the ailments progressions to kidney failure are preventable if caught early. They include diabetes, hypertension, kidney cysts, tuberculosis, and urinary tract infections, especially in children. Other cases are Turner Syndrome, sickle cell anaemia, Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE), multiple myeloma, metabolic disorders etc.,” Adewole, a consultant chemical pathologist and metabolic physician, said.

    Dr Adewole described chronic kidney disease as progressive kidney damage based on findings of abnormal structure or Glomerular Filtration Rate (GFR) of less than 60ml/minute/1.73m2 for three months with or without evidence of kidney damage. “It is a global health problem, which affects between 10 and 20 per cent of adult population in most countries,” he said.

    Adewole informed participants at the conference that laboratory plays an important role in the diagnosis, treatment and management of chronic kidney diseases, as pathology has developed various tests that could detect abnormalities that point to renal diseases, using blood, urine and imaging studies. He said some of these diagnoses are very intricate and require quality laboratories and specialist’ attention to achieve accurate and reliable results.

    He said:“GFR decline, for example, precedes kidney failure in all forms of progressive disease and is difficult to be measured directly, but it is measured based on the ability of the kidneys to clear an endogenous or exogenous markers, which are examined (assayed) in the laboratory. This is why doctors are advised to refer their patients to quality laboratories only.”

    He further informed participants of the need for early detection of renal disease prompted by PathCare Laboratories to partner various non governmental organisaions (NGOs), pharmaceutical companies, research organisations, foundations and corporate organisations to provide quality medical investigations into kidney diseases. “We developed the Know Your Number card that contains a checklist of the indicators used in monitoring and managing kidney diseases. These cards could be accessed free of charge from any of the PathCare Laboratories office or www.pathcarenigeria.com. PathCare Laboratories offers the widest range of tests with over five thousand tests, ranging from the routine to the specialised. We are the first in West Africa and currently the only laboratory in Nigeria to achieve ISO15189 accreditation,” Dr Adewole said.

    The conference had in attendance chief executive officers of hospitals and medical facilities in Lagos and neighbouring states.