Saturday, May 30, 2009

answer mohamad question what is hives

Hello jessica my name is mohamad and
i m 23 can you tell me what is hives?



What are hives (urticaria)?

Hives (medically known as urticaria) are red, itchy, raised areas of skin that appear in varying shapes and sizes. They range in size from a few millimeters to several inches in diameter. Hives can be round, or they can form rings or large patches. Wheals (welts), red lesions with a red "flare" at the borders, are another manifestation of hives. Hives can occur anywhere on the body, such as the trunk, arms, and legs.

It is estimated that 15% of all people will develop urticaria at some point in their lives. Of those with chronic hives, some 80% are idiopathic, the medical term which means that no cause, allergic or otherwise, can be found.

One hallmark of hives is their tendency to change size rapidly and to move around, disappearing in one place and reappearing in other places, often in a matter of hours. Individual hives usually last two to 24 hours. An outbreak that looks impressive, even alarming, first thing in the morning can be completely gone by noon, only to be back in full force later in the day. Very few, if any other skin diseases occur and then resolve so rapidly. Therefore, even if you have no evidence of hives to show the doctor when you get to the office for examination, he or she can often establish the diagnosis based upon the history of your symptoms. Sometimes it is helpful to bring along a photograph of what your rash looked like at its worst.

Swelling deeper in the skin that may accompany hives is called angioedema. This may be seen on the hands and feet as well as on mucous membranes (with swelling of the lips or eyes that can be as dramatic as it is brief.)



What causes hives?

Hives are produced by histamine and other compounds released from cells called mast cells, which are a normal part of skin. Histamine causes fluid to leak from the local blood vessels, leading to swelling in the skin.

Hives are very common. Although they can be annoying, they usually resolve on their own over a period of weeks, and are rarely medically serious. Some hives are caused by allergies to such things as foods, medications, and insect stings, but the large majority of cases are not allergic, and no specific cause for them is ever found. Although patients may find it frustrating not to know what has caused their hives, maneuvers like changing diet, soap, detergent, and makeup are usually not helpful in preventing hives and for the most part are not necessary.

In rare cases (some hereditary, others caused by bee stings or drug allergy), urticaria and angioedema are accompanied by shock and difficulty breathing. This is called anaphylaxis. Ordinary hives may be widespread and disturbing to look at, but the vast majority of cases do not lead to life-threatening complications.





What are the different kinds of hives?

Almost all hives fall into two categories: ordinary urticaria (ordinary hives) and physical urticaria (physical hives).

Ordinary urticaria (ordinary hives)

Symptoms of ordinary hives

Ordinary hives flare up suddenly and usually for no specific reason. Welts appear, often in several places. They flare, itch, swell, and go away in a matter of minutes to hours, only to appear elsewhere. This sequence may go on from days to weeks. Most episodes of hives last less than six weeks. Although that cutoff point is arbitrary, hives that last more than six weeks are often called "chronic."

Causes of ordinary hives

As noted above, many cases of ordinary hives are "idiopathic," meaning no cause is known. Others may be triggered by viral infections. A few may be caused by medications, usually when they have been taken for the first time a few weeks before. (It is uncommon for drugs taken continuously for long periods to cause hives or other reactions.)

Some medications, like morphine, codeine, aspirin, and other nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs, such as ibuprofen), cause the body to release histamine and produce urticaria through nonallergic mechanisms.

Despite the reputation hives have for being "allergic," when there is no obvious connection between something new that a person has been exposed to and the onset of hives, allergy testing is not usually helpful.


Pictures of hives What does urticaria (hives) look like?

Chronic hives

Chronic hives can last from months to years. Allergy testing and laboratory tests are hardly ever useful in such cases.

Physical urticaria (physical hives)


The term physical urticaria refers to hives produced by direct physical stimulation of the skin. By far the most common form is "dermographia," which literally means "skin writing." This is an exaggerated form of what happens to anyone when their skin is scratched or rubbed: a red welt appears at the line of the scratch. In dermographia, raised, itchy red welts with adjacent flares appear wherever the skin is scratched or where belts and other articles of clothing rub against the skin, causing mast cells to leak histamine.

Another common form of physically induced hives is called cholinergic urticaria. This produces hundreds of small itchy bumps. These occur within 15 minutes of physical exertion, or a hot bath or shower, and are usually gone before a doctor can examine them. This form of hives happens more often in young people.

Other forms of physical hives are much less common. Triggers for these include cold, water, and sunlight.


What is the treatment for hives?

The goal of treating most cases of ordinary urticaria is to relieve symptoms while the condition goes away by itself. The most commonly used oral treatments are antihistamines, which help oppose the effects of the histamine leaked by mast cells. The main side effect of antihistamines is drowsiness.

Many antihistamines are available without prescription, such as diphenhydramine (Benadryl), taken in doses of 25 milligrams and chlorpheniramine (Chlor-Trimeton), taken in a dose of 4 milligrams. These can be taken up to three times a day, but because these medications can cause drowsiness, they are often taken at bedtime. Those who take them should be especially careful and be sure they are fully alert before driving or participating in other activities requiring mental concentration.

Loratadine (Claritin, 10 milligrams) is available over-the-counter and is less likely to cause drowsiness. Also approved for over-the-counter use is cetirizine (Zyrtec, 10 milligrams), which is mildly sedating. Some antihistamines come bundled with decongestant medication (Claritin-D, Zyrtec-D). The decongestant component is not needed to treat hives.

Antihistamines that require a prescription include hydroxyzine (Atarax, Vistaril) and cyproheptadine, both of which tend to cause drowsiness. Prescription antihistamines that cause little sedation are fexofenadine (Allegra) and levocetirizine (Xyzal). Sometimes physicians combine these with other types of antihistamines called H2 blockers, such as ranitidine (Zantac) and cimetidine (Tagamet). This antihistamine list is not exhaustive. Physicians individualize treatment plans to suit specific patients and modify them depending on the clinical response.

Oral steroids (prednisone, [Medrol]) can help severe cases of hives in the short-term, but their usefulness is limited by the fact that many cases of hives last too long for steroid use to be continued safely. Other treatments have been used for urticaria as well, including montelukast (Singulair), ultraviolet radiation, antifungal antibiotics, agents that suppress the immune system, and tricyclic antidepressants (amitriptyline [Elavil, Endep], nortriptyline [Pamelor, Aventyl], doxepin [Sinequan, Adapin]). Evidence to support the benefit of such treatments is sparse. In ordinary cases they are rarely needed.

Topical therapies for hives include creams and lotions which help numb nerve endings and reduce itching. Some ingredients which can accomplish this are camphor, menthol, diphenhydramine, and pramoxine. Many of these topical preparations require no prescription. Cortisone-containing creams (steroids), even strong ones needing a prescription, are not very helpful in controlling the itch of hives.

Conclusion

To know exactly what kind of hives you have, or to learn more about research into the immune basis of hives or about rarer forms of this condition, you should consult your physician. It is important, however, to keep in mind that most cases of this common disorder represent either ordinary urticaria or physical urticaria, which are annoying but not serious or allergic, and almost always temporary.

well sweety big kiss and have a nice day

Friday, May 29, 2009

ANSWER SUSAN QUESTION CELLULITE

DEAR JESSICA MY NAME IS SUSAN AND I M 45
I LIKE TO KNOW WHAT COUSES CELLULITE
AND HOW TO PREVENT CELLULITE.





In this article we have discussed some important factors that can influence the extent to which cellulite is present or visible. Cellulite is the dimpled or orange-peel appearance of skin that many people have on their buttocks, thighs and hips. It develops irrespective of age, weight or gender. The factors that can influence the extent to which cellulite is present or visible are - heredity, skin thickness, the amount and distribution of body fat, gender and age.

Hereditary factor for cellulite - If you see that your elder sister, mother or any relative is suffering from this skin problem, there is a higher probability that you will be suffering from the appearance of orange-peel skin too. However, it is also important to note that heredity is not the only cause of cellulite.

Eating habits and diet – Your eating habits, diet, lifestyle and even hormones can have a big impact on whether you will have cellulite or not. If you see that your mother, siblings or relatives have cellulite, you should change your eating habits and start doing something about your body as early as possible to prevent formation of cellulite in later years.

Weight factor for cellulite – Even if you have a thin body, there is no guarantee that you won't have cellulite problems. Although it is true that lumps and bumps caused by fatty deposits under the skin are more evident or noticeable in people who are overweight and obese.

So we can conclude that eating a healthy diet and keeping muscles toned through regular exercise seem like reasonable approaches to keeping the body as tight and smooth. However, these approaches will not help much in minimizing or eradicating cellulite. One way that you can reduce the appearance of cellulite is by using anti-cellulite cream or lotion. Just make sure that the product you choose is not only effective, but also safe.

Cellulite Diet Program

How to Get Rid of Cellulite With a Diet Program That Works

People who have dimpling and lumpy areas on the body can find ways to get rid of cellulite with a diet.

If you eliminate some substances from your meals, and add healthy foods that decrease and prevent cellulite, you will gain the upper hand and begin to banish the cellulite that is causing your skin to look lumpy and rough.

People get rid of cellulite with a diet will find that their skin looks healthier and smoother in just a short period of time.

If you are serious about getting rid of the cellulite that is present on your hips, thighs and buttocks, it can be as easy as changing some of the things that you eat.

Foods And Drinks That Add To Your Cellulite Woes

If you are a cocktail drinker, or a beer guzzler you are negatively affecting your liver and your body with alcohol. This means that you are adding unnecessary calories to your intake and creating additional fat that is going to be stored on your body.

Some popular alcoholic drinks contain as many as 400 calories per serving. Cellulite is the accumulation of plumped up, fat cells and alcohol is often a prime culprit of excess calories that are stored as fat.

When you damage your liver, it cannot rid your body of the waste products as it should. Cellulite deposits also contain waste products that have not been removed from your body. Only when you eliminate or severely restrict your alcohol intake will you see the changes in the appearance of the cellulite on your body.

Junk food and heavily processed foods are two of the biggest contributors to cellulite deposits. The more processed your food is, the less nutrition is available for your body.

This means that you are taking in empty calories that will eventually head straight to those fat deposits and worsen your cellulite situation. You cannot diminish your cellulite if you are constantly feeding these fat cells with more food. You need to dump the junk food and processed foods in order to get rid of cellulite with a diet.

While caffeine can be a beneficial ingredient in anti-cellulite creams, it cannot do you any good when you ingest it. Caffeine is found in most coffees, teas, and sodas. When you have this substance included in your daily diet plan, it makes your body store extra fluid and it increases the cellulite. Caffeine can damage some body cells and it interferes with blood circulation. If you must have coffee or tea, always use the decaffeinated variety.

You need to eliminate as many sources of bad fat as you can from your meal plans in order to battle cellulite. Too many fats will worsen the appearance of the cellulite on your body.

Helpful Foods And Drinks To Banish Cellulite

Eat lean meats, like chicken, turkey and some steaks. The protein is good for healthy muscles and tissue, and the low fat count is good for helping you control and diminish cellulite. Fish and fish oils are good for your body and for your skin. Salmon and tuna are two fish that can be eaten with beneficial results.

Fruits and fresh vegetables are necessary to eat every day. These are all low calorie foods that are delicious to eat and they control helpful antioxidants that can help your body begin the process of repair and rejuvenation.

The choice drink to help you banish cellulite is water. This will help you keep your skin cells hydrated and will help your skin look better. Water also cleanses your body and will help you flush body wastes and toxins from the cells.

Plain, fat free Yogurts and cottage cheese are healthy and they can be figure friendly. When you decrease the number of calories that you eat during the day, you will also be decreasing the fat cells and cellulite. You can get rid of cellulite with a diet that uses foods from any or all of these groups.

A BIG KISS FROM JESSICA AND BE HAPPY






Answer DANIEL QUESTION WHAT IS INFERTILITY?

Dear jessica I M 34 AND i like to
know what is infertility? and what to do?



Infertility is a condition of the reproductive system that impairs the conception of children. It affects approximately 6.1 million individuals throughout the United States. The diagnosis of infertility is usually given to couples who have been attempting to conceive for at least 1 year without success.

Conception and pregnancy are complicated processes that depend upon many factors: 1) the production of healthy sperm by the man, 2) healthy eggs produced by the woman; 3) unblocked fallopian tubes that allow the sperm to reach the egg; 4) the sperm's ability to fertilize the egg when they meet; 5) the ability of the fertilized egg (embryo) to become implanted in the woman's uterus; and 6) sufficient embryo quality.

Finally, for the pregnancy to continue to full term, the embryo must be healthy and the woman's hormonal environment adequate for its development. When just one of these factors is impaired, infertility can result.

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Is infertility a woman’s problem?

It is a common assumption that infertility is related to the woman, when in reality only one-third of infertility cases are related to the woman alone. One-third of infertility problems are related to men and the remaining one-third is made up of a combination of fertility factors between the couple or unknown causes. Unknown causes account for approximately twenty percent of infertility cases.

What causes infertility in men?

The most common male infertility factors include azoospermia (no sperm cells are produced) and oligospermia (few sperm cells are produced). Sometimes, sperm cells are malformed or they die before they can reach the egg. In rare cases, infertility in men is caused by a genetic disease such as cystic fibrosis or a chromosomal abnormality.

What causes infertility in women?

The most common female infertility factor is an ovulation disorder. Other causes of female infertility include blocked fallopian tubes, which can occur when a woman has had pelvic inflammatory disease or endometriosis. Congenital anomalies (birth defects) involving the structure of the uterus and uterine fibroids are associated with repeated miscarriages. Aging is also an important factor in female infertility. The ability for ovaries to produce eggs declines with age, especially after age 35.

When should someone get tested for infertility?

The American Society of Reproductive Medicine recommends that women under 35 begin testing after trying to conceive unsuccessfully for 12 months. The recommendation for women over 35 is to begin testing after trying to conceive for 6 months without success. Some couples or individuals find trying to conceive is more relaxed if they know that everyting is OK to begin with.

Find an Infertility Specialist in Your Area

How early can you get tested?

Couples may request that their health care provide conduct an exam to determine if everything is healthy and working correctly. It is also possible to use over-the-counter at home screening tests for evaluating key elements of fertility of both men and women through testing kits like Fertell.

How is infertility diagnosed?

As noted, couples are generally advised to seek medical help if they are unable to achieve pregnancy after a year of unprotected intercourse. The doctor will conduct a physical examination of both partners to determine their general state of health and to evaluate physical disorders that may be causing infertility. Usually both partners are interviewed about their sexual habits in order to determine whether intercourse is taking place properly for conception.

If no cause can be determined at this point, more specific tests may be recommended. For women, these include an analysis of body temperature and ovulation, x-ray of the fallopian tubes and uterus, and laparoscopy. For men, initial tests focus on semen analysis.

How is infertility treated?

Approximately 85 to 90 percent of infertility cases are treated with conventional therapies, such as drug treatment or surgical repair of reproductive organs. Assisted reproductive technologies, such as in vitro fertilization, account for the remaining infertility treatments. Some people find it helpful to hear stories and talk with others. You can visit the pregnancy forums of APA or Shared Journey - another site where you can find, read and share stories.

What is in vitro fertilization?

For infertile couples in which the woman has blocked or absent fallopian tubes, or the man has a low sperm count, in vitro fertilization (IVF) offers the chance of biological parenthood to couples.

In IVF, eggs are surgically removed from the ovary and mixed with sperm outside the body in a Petri dish ("in vitro" is Latin for "in glass"). After about 40 hours, the eggs are examined to see if they have become fertilized by the sperm and are dividing into cells. These fertilized eggs (embryos) are then placed in the women's uterus, by-passing the fallopian tubes.

IVF has received a great deal of media attention since it was first introduced in 1978, but it actually accounts for less than five percent of all infertility treatment in the United States.

Is in vitro fertilization expensive?

The average cost of an IVF cycle in the United States is $12,400. Like other extremely delicate medical procedures, IVF involves highly trained professionals with sophisticated laboratories and equipment, and the cycle may need to be repeated to be successful. While IVF and other assisted reproductive technologies are costly, they account for only three hundredths of one percent (0.03%) of U.S. health care costs.

Does in vitro fertilization work?

Yes. IVF was introduced in the United States in 1981; from 1985 through 1998 ASRM and its affiliate, the Society for Assisted Reproductive Technology (SART), have counted more than 91,000 births conceived through IVF. IVF currently accounts for about 98% of ART procedures, with GIFT, ZIFT and combination procedures making up the remainder. The average live birth rate for IVF in 1998 was 29.1% per retrieval; a little better than the 20% chance in any one month that a reproductively healthy couple has of achieving a pregnancy and carrying it to term.

Do insurance plans cover infertility treatment?

The degree of services covered depends on where you live and the type of insurance plan you have. Fourteen states currently have laws that require insurers to either cover or offer to cover some form of infertility diagnosis and treatment. Those states are Arkansas, California, Connecticut, Hawaii, Illinois, Maryland, Massachusetts, Montana, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Rhode Island, Texas and West Virginia. HOWEVER, the laws vary greatly in their scope of what is and is not required to be covered. For more information about the specific laws for each of those states, please call your state's Insurance Commissioner's office. To learn about pending insurance legislation in your state, please contact your State Representatives.

Whether or not you live in a state with an infertility insurance law, you may want to consult with your employer's director of human resources to determine the exact coverage your plan provides. If that isn't an option, an excellent resource for determining coverage is, "Infertility Insurance Advisor: An Insurance Counseling Program for Infertile Couples." This booklet is available for a small fee from RESOLVE, an infertility patient advocacy and information organization.

The desire to have children and be a parent is one of the most fundamental aspects of being human. People should not be denied insurance coverage for medically appropriate treatment to fulfill this goal.

For More Information on Infertility:

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