What Could Pain and Weakness in the Right Arm Mean?

Arm pain, usually on the right side, accompanied by a tightening of the chest, nausea, and difficulty breathing can be a symptom of coronary artery disease or even a heart attack in some severe cases. Right arm pain can be caused by a variety of factors, ranging from joint inflammation and injuries to compressed nerves and trauma. A person with right arm pain experiences soreness, itching, numbness, and discomfort in the structures of the arm


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Causes

Possible causes of arm pain include:

• Brachial plexus injury
• Broken arm
• Broken wrist/broken hand
• Carpal tunnel syndrome
• Dislocated elbow
• Fibromyalgia
• Heart attack
• Sprains and strains
• Tennis elbow

Symptoms

Right arm pain, depending on the location and cause, may be accompanied by numbness, redness, swelling, or stiffness of the joints. Injuries or trauma to any part of the arm or shoulder, including bone fractures and muscle strains and sprains, are common causes of right arm pain. Sometimes diseases that affect other organs in the body, like peripheral vascular disease or arthritis, can be the cause of pain in the right arm as well.

Treatment

People with nerve damage or compressed nerves in the right arm, wrist, elbow, or hand should avoid repetitive movements and take frequent breaks. If you are experiencing right arm pain caused by overuse or exertion, you can try to alleviate the pain at home. If your right arm is swollen, apply ice to the area and use a sling to keep the arm still. The treatment for arm pain depends on the underlying cause. Treatment for arm pain may include rest, elevation, an elastic wrap, a splint or sling, cold compresses and surgery. Additional treatment for right arm pain caused by infection may include warm compresses and antibiotics.

What is a Maculopapular Rash? - Causes and Symptoms

A maculopapular rash is made of both flat and raised skin lesions. The name is a blend of the words “macule,” which are flat discolored skin lesions, and “papule,” which are small raised bumps. These skin lesions are usually red and can merge together. Macules that are bigger than 1 centimeter are patches, while papules that are merged together are plaques.


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Causes

Rubeola (Measles) - Maculopapular rash due to measles is very common among children. It begins appearing on the hairline and behind the ears and afterwards spreads through trunk and extremities. When the rash desquamates and becomes brownish, it is starting to fade away. The order on which it appeared follows the order on when it fades away.
Rubella (German Measles) - Maculopapular rash caused by Rubella starts to appear on the face and then spreads downwards.
Roseola (Exanthema Subitum) - This occurs in children less than 3 years old. The maculopapular rash is scattered although the face is often unaffected. It appears after the fever disappears.
Infectious Mononucleosis - Older children and adolescents are affected by this kind of infection. The rash can be seen on the trunks and arms.

Symptoms

A maculopapular rash looks like red bumps on a flat, red patch of skin. The reddish area may not show up if your skin is dark. The rash is sometimes itchy, and it can last from two days to three weeks depending on the cause. Moreover, how quickly the rash appears and where it appears on your body differs depending on the cause of the rash.

• fever
• headache
• vomiting
• breathing troubles
• muscle pain
• dry skin

Treatment

Once the cause of the rash has been identified, treatment is targeted at the specific cause, and hopefully the rash will disappear after a few days. This is usually the best way of treating a maculopapular rash because it targets the root cause. If the cause is a drug reaction, the doctor can alter your medication, reduce your dosage or offer you an anti-allergy medication to reduce the reaction. Nevertheless, some kinds of pain relievers may still be offered, often in the form of a cream, to reduce pain or itchiness caused by the rash.

What do these Skin Spots mean?

Red spots on the skin are a common medical occurrence. When the spots occur in outbreaks, they are sometimes termed rashes. Rashes can occur due to infections of the skin, disseminated infections, allergic reactions, or irritations of the skin. When a red bump or rash is flat, it is medically known as a macule. When the red spot is raised, it is known as a papule. Red spots on the skin that occur singly can be a small benign tumor of blood vessels, known as a hemangioma. Tiny, pinpoint hemorrhages can be seen in the skin and are referred to as petechiae. Bleeding disorders can also lead to the formation of purplish red spots that are larger, known as purpura.



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Skin disorders vary in symptoms and severity. They can be temporary or permanent, and may be painless or painful. Some skin conditions are minor, and others can be life-threatening.
Common skin conditions include:

• acne
• cold sores
• hives
• actinic keratosis
• rosacea
• latex allergy
• eczema
• psoriasis
• measles
• basal cell carcinoma
• melanoma
• lupus

The following are some of the most common skin disorders and conditions that feature red dots on the skin.

1. Cherry Angiomas

If you notice a tiny mark that looks like a red mole, you may have cherry angiomas. These are very common, and most usually seen in people over the age of 30. These marks appear red because a blood vessel has broken beneath the skin. Researchers aren’t exactly sure about what causes Cherry Angiomas, but they believe that there’s a connection to genetics.

2. Keratosis Pilaris

Keratosis pilaris is a minor condition that causes small, rough bumps on the skin. These bumps usually form on the upper arms, thighs, or cheeks. They’re usually red or white and don’t hurt or itch. Treatment isn’t necessary, but medicated creams can improve skin appearance.

3. Eczema

Also known as atopic dermatitis, eczema is a skin condition characterized by dry, sensitive skin, itching, scales, and crusting. Eczema is usually very itchy and can become inflamed. Over 30 million Americans have eczema, and while there aren’t any known cures, this skin condition is controllable.

4. Folliculitis

These small red bumps that develop on the back, chest, shoulders, and buttocks are caused by inflammation and irritation of the hair follicles and is sometimes related to bacteria and yeast on the skin. It is suggested to change out of sweaty clothing as soon as possible post-workout, and use salicylic acid-based wipes, as well as using antibacterial and anti-yeast washes in the shower.

5. Skin Tags

If you’ve noticed a flesh or brown-colored flap on your skin, you may have skin tags. These usually look like a flap of tissue connected to a stalk. These are most often found in places where the skin rubs together: under the breasts, on the neck, or under fat folds. Women and older people are most likely to get these skin tags. Luckily, these are completely harmless.

What is Bactrim? - Uses and Side-Effects

Bactrim is a medication that contains a combination of sulfamethoxazole and trimethoprim. Sulfamethoxazole and trimethoprim are both antibiotics that treat different types of infection caused by bacteria. Bactrim is used to treat ear infections, urinary tract infections, bronchitis, traveler's diarrhea, and Pneumocystis jiroveci pneumonia. Here is more on the usage, doses and side effects.


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How to use Bactrim

You should take this medication by mouth, as directed by your doctor, with a full glass of water. If stomach upset occurs, it’s best to take it with food or milk. Also, make sure to drink plenty of fluids while taking this medication to lower the risk of kidney stones forming, unless your doctor says otherwise. For the best effect, take this antibiotic at evenly spaced times. To help you remember, take this medication at the same time every day.

Side Effects

Some serious side effects have been connected to Bactrim. Common side effects of Bactrim include diarrhea, vomiting, anorexia, and skin reactions like hives or itching. This is not a complete list of Bactrim side effects.
For all patients taking Bactrim DS (sulfamethoxazole and trimethoprim tablets):

• If you have an allergy to sulfamethoxazole, trimethoprim, or any other part of Bactrim DS.
• If you are allergic to any drugs like this one, any other drugs, foods, or other substances. You should tell your doctor about the allergy and what signs you had, like rash; hives; itching; shortness of breath; cough; swelling of face, lips, tongue, or any other signs.
• If you have anemia caused by a lack of folic acid.
• If you have any of these health problems: Asthma, porphyria, not enough folate in the body, or poor nutrition.
• If you have been drinking alcohol for a long time or are taking a drug for seizures.

Warnings

Do not share this medication with others because it has been prescribed for your current condition only. Also, do not use it later for another infection unless your doctor tells you to. If taking this medication for an extended period, laboratory and/or medical tests should be performed periodically to monitor your progress or check for side effects. Always consult your doctor for more details.
Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your medicines with others, and use Bactrim only for the indication prescribed. Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure that you are using the medication in the right way.

Treatments for Gout in the Knee - Causes and Symptoms

Gout in knee is an inflammatory condition of the joint leading to swelling, pain, and redness of the knee. Gout is a complex form of arthritis that can affect absolutely anyone. Men are documented as having the condition more often, but postmenopausal women become very susceptible as well in their later years. It is estimated that about one million Americans are affected by gout pain each year. The most common joint affected by gout is the big toe, but joint pain may also be experienced in the knees, hands, ankles, and wrists.


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What Causes Gout?

An excess of uric acid in the blood brings on gout. Uric acid comes from two places - produced by the body and from the diet. Any extra uric acid usually filters through the kidneys and gets passed in urine. If the body produces too much uric acid or fails to excrete it in the urine, crystals of monosodium urate form in the joints and tendons. These crystals cause intense inflammation eventually leading to pain swelling and redness.

Symptoms

Gout symptoms usually start at night due to lower body temperatures. The joint becomes hot, swollen and red and becomes very sore. The skin around the joint often looks shiny and there may be small, firm lumps under the skin. Sometimes, gout causes a fever. Left untreated, it settles down after a couple of weeks. Gout knee often makes weight bearing activities such as walking incredibly painful. Repeat episodes are common and most people will suffer a recurrence anywhere from 6 months to 2 years later. 60% of gout sufferers will have a recurrence within 1 year.

Treatment

Medications for the treatment of gout usually fall into one of three categories: uric-acid-lowering medications, prophylactic medications, and rescue medications to provide immediate relief from gout pain. Urate-lowering medications are the primary treatment for gout. These medications decrease the total amount of uric acid in the body and lower the serum uric acid level. For most patients, the goal of uric-acid-lowering medication is to achieve a serum uric acid level of less than 6 mg/dl. These medications are somewhat effective treatments to decrease the size of tophi, with the ultimate goal of eradicating them.

Can Adults Get Croup?

Croup is an inflammation of the larynx and trachea, mostly seen in young children, but can appear in adults as well. Barking coughs, varying degrees of airway obstruction, and hoarseness are the symptoms of croup. A variety of infectious conditions can lead to croup. It is also known as laryngotracheobronchitis. The barking cough that is characteristic of croup results from swelling and inflammation around the vocal chords and windpipe. Symptoms usually improve within a few days, but hospitalization may be needed in severe cases. Croup affects 3 percent of children between 6 months and 3 years of age in the United States.

Symptoms

Symptoms of croup may include:

• a loud, barking cough that gets worse at night
• labored, noisy breathing
• high fever
• agitation
• fatigue

What Causes Croup?

Croup is most commonly caused by a viral respiratory infection. Common viral causes include influenza, adenovirus, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), and rhinovirus. Prior to the vaccine era, diphtheria caused most cases of croup and was referred to as membranous croup, but today, fortunately, vaccination against diphtheria has made it an exceedingly rare disease.

Treatment

Adults with croup may need more aggressive treatment than children. Your doctor might prescribe a steroid, such as dexamethasone or epinephrine to lessen swelling in your airways. You might need to spend time in the hospital if your condition is severe. Research shows that adults with croup typically stay in the hospital longer than children with croup. Sometimes doctors will need to place a breathing tube in your windpipe to help you breathe.

What Causes Petechiae on the Roof of the Mouth?

Petechiae are small purple, red, or brown spots on the skin. They usually appear on the arms, legs, stomach, and buttocks. A person might also find them inside their mouth or on eyelids. These pinpoint spots can be a sign of many different conditions. They can also appear as a reaction to certain medications. Though petechiae look like a rash, they’re actually caused by bleeding under the skin.


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What do petechiae look like?

Petechiae look like a rash, which can be alarming. The spots are tiny pinpricks that can be purple, red, or brown, which is due to the bleeding under the skin. They are usually flat to the touch and, unlike a rash, will not lose color when pressed — this is a useful way to tell whether any skin abnormality is a rash or not.

Causes

Tiny blood vessels link the smallest parts of your arteries to the smallest parts of your veins. Petechiae appear when capillaries bleed, leaking blood into the skin. A number of things can cause this bleeding, including:

• Prolonged straining
• Some medical conditions
• Specific types of injuries
• Medications
• Injuries and sunburn

Tiny petechiae of the face, neck and chest can be caused by prolonged straining during activities such as:

• Crying
• Coughing
• Vomiting
• Weightlifting

How to prevent petechiae

To prevent petechiae, you need to avoid the conditions that can cause them. But you can’t prevent all of the possible underlying causes of petechiae. If you’ve had this reaction to a drug in the past, let your doctor know. Your doctor will probably recommend that you avoid the drug in the future.
To prevent infections that can cause petechiae:

• Wash your hands often with soap and water.
• Try to stay away from anyone who appears to be sick.
• Don’t share glasses, utensils, and other personal items.
• Practice safe sex.

Since petechiae are usually the result of another condition, the only way to prevent them occurring is to try to avoid the conditions that cause them. Trying to stay fit and healthy, avoiding infections, practicing good hygiene, and avoiding medication that causes petechiae are good ways to reduce the chances of developing them.

How Does Nodular Melanoma Begin?

Nodular melanoma is a type of skin cancer. It’s a dangerous form of melanoma that grows very quickly. However, only about 15% of all melanomas are nodular. But, it causes nearly half of melanoma-related deaths. So, it’s very important to know the signs. If it’s found early on, doctors may be able to cure it. In nodular melanoma, malignant melanoma cells proliferate downwards through the skin and this is known as vertical growth.


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Symptoms

You might not notice a nodular melanoma since these cancers don’t really have the usual warning signs of melanomas. You’ve probably heard that you should look out for moles that have:

• Asymmetry
• Uneven borders
• Different colors
• Spread or become large

But nodular melanomas are different. They don’t fit those guidelines at all. They usually appear as a round black bump. They can be blue, gray, red, or white. And it’s rare, but about 5% of the time, they don’t have an unusual color. Also, the melanoma is often solid in color with even borders.

Who Gets It?

Anyone can develop nodular melanoma. But it’s more common in men than women. The disease is most often found in men ages 50 and older. You’re more likely to get the cancer if you have one or more of the following:

• A family member who has or had skin cancer
• Pale skin that burns easily
• More than a few unusual-looking moles
• Spending lots of time in the sun

How is nodular melanoma treated?

Early stages of melanoma are treated by surgery to remove the melanoma and some of the healthy skin surrounding the melanoma. Your doctor may also recommend a lymph node biopsy so they can see if any cancer cells have spread to your lymph nodes.
Melanoma that has spread to lymph nodes or other organs requires other treatment methods, such as:

• radiation
• immunotherapy
• targeted therapy
• chemotherapy

Different 7 Types of Pneumonia

Pneumonia is an inflammation of the airspaces in the lung most commonly caused by infections. Bacteria, viruses, or fungi can cause the infection. There are also a few noninfectious types of pneumonia that are caused by inhaling or aspirating foreign matter or toxic substances into the lungs. Around 50,000 people die each year of pneumonia in the U.S. Although anyone of any age can be affected, pneumonia is more common in elderly people and often occurs when the immune system becomes weakened via a prior infection or another condition.


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Causes

Many germs can cause pneumonia. The most common are bacteria and viruses we breathe in. Your body usually prevents these germs from infecting your lungs. But sometimes these germs can overpower your immune system, even if your health is generally good. Pneumonia is classified according to the types of germs that cause it and where you got the infection.

1. Bacterial Pneumonia

Bacterial pneumonia is caused by bacteria instead of a virus, fungi or some other type of germ or foreign substance. It can be caused by a wide range of bacteria and is treated with antibiotics. This is a common type of pneumonia that can sometimes be very serious, leading to hospitalization or even death in worst cases.

2. Viral Pneumonia

It is triggered by viruses such as influenza, chickenpox, adenoviruses or respiratory syncytial virus. You can catch viral pneumonia via coughing, sneezing or touching an object that was contaminated by an infected person.

3. Mycoplasma Pneumonia

This type of pneumonia is caused by a germ known as a bacterium - which is smaller than bacteria. Mycoplasma pneumonia is often the cause of "walking pneumonia" and gets that name because the symptoms are usually mild.

4. Aspiration Pneumonia

Infections or inhalation of food, liquid, gases or dust lead to this type of pneumonia. This illness goes by other names, such as necrotizing pneumonia, anaerobic pneumonia, aspiration pneumonitis, and aspiration of vomitus. People with aspiration pneumonia have inflammation minus the bacterial infection.

5. Fungal Pneumonia

Fungal pneumonia is caused when spores enter the lungs and widely spread. It is rare and more commonly occurs in people with compromised immune systems. However, it can occur in otherwise healthy adults. One cause of fungal pneumonia in adults is Valley Fever - which occurs in certain parts of the Southwestern United States.

How to Become a Psychiatrist in 5 Steps

Psychiatry is the branch of medicine focused on the diagnosis, treatment as well as prevention of mental, emotional and behavioral disorders. A psychiatrist is a medical doctor who specializes in mental health, including substance use disorders. Psychiatrists are qualified to assess both the mental and physical aspects of psychological problems. People seek psychiatric help for numerous reasons. The problems can be sudden, such as a panic attack, frightening hallucinations, thoughts of suicide, or hearing "voices.


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What does a psychiatrist do?

Psychiatrists assess all of your mental and physical symptoms. They make a diagnosis and work with you very thoroughly to develop a plan for your treatment and recovery. Psychiatrists provide psychological treatment, prescribe medications and even do some procedures.
As part of their work, a psychiatrist can:

• provide urgent care for a sudden mental illness
• help you to manage a long-term mental health condition
• provide advice about lifestyle changes
• work with you individually, or with you and your partner
• refer you to other health professionals

Types of Psychiatrists

There are a number of different specialty areas in psychiatry. Some different types of specialized psychiatrists include:

• Addiction psychiatrist: Works with people who have addiction and some substance abuse issues
• Adult psychiatrist: Works with adults experiencing mental illness or psychological problems
• Adolescent and child psychiatrist: Works with children and teens
• Forensic psychiatrist: Works in the courts and criminal justice system
• Geriatric psychiatrist: Works with elderly populations
• Neuropsychiatrist: Treats mental disorders associated with nervous system problems, brain diseases, and brain injuries
• Organizational psychiatrist: Practices psychiatry in workplace and organizational settings

Where do psychiatrists work?

Psychiatrists work in public and private hospitals, community mental health services and in private consulting rooms. Psychiatrists are very often involved in research, providing advice in legal matters, teaching and advocacy work. This means they also work in government departments, research centers and universities. Many psychiatrists take on a few different roles at the same time. They might spend part of their time at a public hospital and the rest seeing patients at their own private practice.

What Does a Proctologist Do?

Colorectal surgeons, also called proctologists, are physicians who specialize in the medical and surgical treatment of conditions that affect the lower digestive tract. Colorectal surgeons undergo extensive education and advanced training. They have comprehensive knowledge about general surgery and in the diagnosis and treatment of disorders of the colon, rectum, and anus.

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Job Description

Proctologists specialize in the preoperative, operative, and postoperative care of patients with colorectal disorders. Conditions treated by colon and rectal surgeons include the following:

• Anal abscess, anal fistula, and anal fissure
• Bowel incontinence
• Colorectal cancer
• Colorectal polyps
• Hemorrhoids
• Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD; e.g., Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis)
• Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)
• Rectal prolapse

Salary

Proctologists begin their careers with four to five years in a general surgical residency, followed by a year or more in a specialized fellowship. Their salaries fall into the mid-range for doctors' pay.

Median Incomes
According to specialty recruiting firm Profiles, the median salary of proctologists in their first year of practice was $292,000 per year in 2011. The American Medical Group Association, in a survey of physicians employed by its members in 2009, reported a median income of $394,723 for colorectal surgeons across the board.

Average Incomes
Proctologists' average incomes closely parallel the median incomes. Profiles report an average annual income of $389,700 for proctologists in their sixth year of practice, when most have passed the necessary exams to become board-certified. The Medical Group Management Association reported an average salary of $407,273 per year for colorectal surgeons in its 2011 survey.

Education

Proctologists are required to attend a four-year medical school accredited by the Liaison Committee on Medical Education (LCME). Students must undergo an intensive curriculum including classroom, laboratory and clinical instruction. Classes during the first two years include physiology, biochemistry, anatomy, psychology, pharmacology, microbiology, medical ethics and laws and pathology. The final two years are spent gaining supervised clinical experience in specialties, such as obstetrics and gynecology, internal medicine, family practice, pediatrics, psychiatry and surgery. At the close of the program, graduates are conferred with a MD (Medical Doctor) degree.

The Bureau of Labor Statistics' 2011 projects that demand for doctors will grow by 24 percent between 2010 and 2020. This is much higher than the average for all occupations. The bureau points out that the aging baby boom generation will account for a disproportionate percentage of health care. This is likely to create strong demand for proctologists, since hemorrhoids, cancers and many other conditions of the digestive tract are more common in the elderly.

7 Causes of Persistant Low Grade Fever

What does a low-grade fever mean? If you have a cold, or more commonly the flu, you may have a fever as well, but not all are the same. Fevers are defined as any body temperature above 98.6° F (37° C). Some people may talk about a low-grade fever versus a regular fever or a high-grade fever. These terms are not universally defined, but it is important to monitor the degree of your fever in the context of your cold or flu and take appropriate action to treat.


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Symptoms

Depending on what's causing your fever, additional fever signs and symptoms may include:

• Sweating
• Chills and shivering
• Headache
• Loss of appetite
• Irritability
• General weakness

A Regular Fever vs. a Low-Grade Fever (LGF)

You can monitor your fever by simply taking your temperature. A low-grade fever is often classified as an oral temperature that is above 98.6° F (37° C) but lower than 100.4° F (38° C) for a period of 24 hours. Fevers, though uncomfortable, play a key role in helping your body fight off many infections.

What causes low-grade fever?

Fevers often accompany infections. Body temperature can be elevated by physical activity and environmental factors, such as wearing heavy clothing or a high ambient temperature.
Infectious causes of low-grade fever:

• Bacterial infection, such as Strep throat or scarlet fever
• Cellulitis (skin infection)
• Childhood diseases, such as chickenpox, fifth disease, measles, mumps, whooping cough
• Cold, flu, or other viral infections
• Ear infection
• HIV or AIDS
• Lung infections, such as bronchitis, pneumonia, and tuberculosis
• Mononucleosis
• Sinus infection
• Urinary tract infections