Health News and Information

This is often called MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) or nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR). The technique has nothing to do with radiation or X-rays, but records energy given out by atoms as they change their orientation after a brief magnetic pulse. The pictures or images produced have the same general appearance as CT scans, because the information processed by the computer is much the same as. Again it is necessary for the patient to lie still while the images are being taken.

The procedure is noisier than CT scanning and may, in some patients produce a claustrophobic feeling, as the patient is almost entirely enclosed in a tunnel. MRI usually takes about 25-35 minutes, but may take longer. Occasionally some contrast dye is injected into a vein, as in CT scanning, and then the scan repeated to demonstrate some additional details. Children may find the procedure more uncomfortable than having a CT scan and because of this more often need to have a brief general anaesthetic so that they lie still.

MRI gives a much clearer picture of those areas of the brain (the temporal lobes) which are most often responsible for intractable epilepsy, and so patients who are considered possibly to be suitable for surgery will certainly need an MRI. MRI is also useful for children in whom the epilepsy is thought to be due to a congenital malformation of the brain. Because of its greater costs (at present) MRI is unlikely to replace completely CT scanning, but there is no doubt that the level of detail obtained is far superior with MRI.

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This lung disorder also goes by the name of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD). It reduces the lung’s capacity to assimilate oxygen. The ailment is usually associated with smoking, but it can also be caused by prolonged exposure to smog, vapours, dust, or other contaminants in the air of environmental or work conditions.

The expansion and compression of gasses by persons who are professional scuba or commercial divers can also lead to this disorder. If you’re in it just for the sport, don’t worry. You’re probably not diving frequently enough to develop the problem

It’s not an ailment that receives a lot of attention publicly, but it’s a killer. It ranks fifth in the cause of death in the US, and even higher in countries where smoking is even more common.

She got off oxygen in just five days after needing it 24 hours a day for two years. Then just a week later she was out driving around shopping again. Very dramatic yes, but it’s not unique. Most emphysema victims we encounter are not so severely affected, but we’ve heard of many, many cases and virtually all of them have responded exceptionally well.

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Home care

Keep your baby as dry as possible, changing nappies frequently. For simple nappy rash, apply protective ointments (petroleum jelly; zinc oxide; vitamin A & D ointment; or an ointment combining zinc oxide, cod liver oil, petrolatum, and lanolin). Try changing the brand of soap or the method of washing the nappies.

For rash from ammonia, avoid airtight outer covering over the nappies. Wash the nappy area frequently with clear water.

For allergic rash from foods and drugs, stop giving the child any new foods, beverages, or medicines started in the past month. Then try giving the child only one of these items each week. This may help determine which food is causing the rash.

For rash from infections or contagious diseases, wash the area with soap and water and frequently apply antibiotic ointment (bacitracin, neomycin).

If the rash is spreading or severe, or if the child has a fever, irritability, or loss of appetite, see your doctor.

Precautions

• If the rash gets worse, even after only two days of home treatment, see your doctor.

• Do not use more than one type of ointment at the same time (such as an antibiotic and a fungicide) unless both were prescribed by your doctor.

• If your child has any other symptoms of illness, see your doctor.

Medical treatment

Your doctor may identify the rash by its appearance or may culture or scrape the rash to identify bacteria or funguses. The doctor may ask about methods of laundering nappies and about new foods or drugs being given to the child. The doctor may prescribe a medicated ointment.

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