Tag Archives: Diarrhea

Straight, No Chaser: Malnutrition

Diet and Nutrition, Health Prevention, , , , , , , ,

Do you know someone so poor that eating is a constant concern? Do you have a child who is a finicky eater? Have you ever been concerned that your child might become malnourished? Whether or not your thoughts have reached the level of concern, you should be aware of the notion. After all, malnutrition is directly responsible for 300,000 deaths per year in children younger than 5 years old, especially in developing countries. It is the number one cause of child deaths across the world, contributing directly or indirectly to over half of all deaths in children. According to the UN World Food Programme, 925 million people in the world do not have enough to eat.
What is malnutrition?

malnutrition Kwashiorkor

Malnutrition is a state of being in which the body fails to receive adequate nutrition, and this state prevents proper health and development.
Causes of Malnutrition
All over the world, the poor are at the greatest risk malnutrition. Wars and natural disasters such as droughts, tsunamis, hurricanes and earthquakes can have disruptive effects on food production and distribution, contributing to hunger and subsequent malnutrition.
Also those who can’t respond to the body’s hunger signals (e.g. due to injury or loss of extremity use while living without adequate support; aging or other illness may reduce appetite) are at risk for malnutrition. However, someone can become malnourished for reasons that have nothing to do with hunger. You can still be malnourished even relatively having plenty to eat if the foods consumed don’t provide the right nutrients, vitamins, and minerals.

malnutrition diarrhea

Another consideration in malnutrition is the presence of a disease or conditions that prevents you from digesting or absorbing your food properly. For example:

  • Someone with celiac disease has intestinal problems that are triggered by a gluten, which is a protein found in wheat, rye, and barley.
  • Those with cystic fibrosis have trouble absorbing nutrients because the disease affects the pancreas and its ability to produce enzymes necessary for digestion.

malnutrition worldwide

Malnutrition can be limited to a specific nutritional deficiency. The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that as many 2 billion people worldwide have insufficient dietary intake of nutrients like iron, vitamin A, and zinc.

  • Iron deficiency is the most common nutritional deficiency in the world. You may be aware that this deficiency causes anemia and can retard development in kids.
  • Vitamin A deficiency from malnutrition is the chief cause of preventable blindness in the developing world; it also increases the risk of dying from infections, from measles, or diarrhea.

What are the symptoms of malnutrition?

Malnutrition symptoms

Malnutrition negatively impacts both the body and the mind; as such, a variety of symptoms are produced.

  • Hunger is a sign that your body needs food. You need food to assist your various organs in performing adequately.
  • If you’re malnourished, your immunity is reduced. This means you more likely to become sick from a variety of causes.
  • Malnourished individuals are likely to be significantly underweight.
  • Malnourished children’s growth may be stunted, making them much shorter than average.

Other symptoms include the following:

  • Abnormal bodily organ function
  • Decaying teeth
  • Dizziness
  • Dry, scaly skin
  • Fatigue and low energy
  • Learning difficulty
  • Muscle weakness
  • Osteoporosis (fragile bones that break easily)
  • Poor attention span
  • Stomach bloating
  • Swollen and bleeding gums
  • Slowed reaction times

Those pregnant and malnourished, may have offspring that weigh less at birth and have a lower chance of survival.
Addressing hunger and malnutrition

malnutrition impact

There are two considerations here: limiting your risk and treating hunger and malnutrition.

  • In the U.S., foods are typically fortified with vitamins and minerals to prevent certain nutritional deficiencies. For example, adding iodine to salt helps prevent some thyroid gland problems (such as goiter), folic acid added to foods helps prevent certain birth defects, and supplemental iron can help prevent iron-deficiency anemia.
  • Alcohol can interfere with nutrient absorption such that even if vitamins and minerals are consumed, alcoholics can still develop deficiencies. It’s more likely that alcoholics aren’t engaging in healthy eating habits.
  • Vegetarians, vegans and others on special diets should be mindful to eat balanced meals and a variety of foods to get the right nutrients.

Treating Malnourished Children

malNUTRITION-image

Fortunately, many of the harmful effects of malnutrition can be reversed, especially if a child is only mildly or briefly malnourished. You don’t need a pill. Learn to engage in healthy eating habits, which can be done at any budget. The best way to ensure that kids are properly nourished is to serve a variety of healthy foods. Try to limit unhealthy snacks and those empty calories that make them feel full prior to getting adequate nutrition with their meal. If you’re concerned that your child’s energy level is lagging or that he or she isn’t growing normally, ask your physician for an evaluation.
If you think your child isn’t getting enough of the right nutrients, talk to your doctor. Fortunately, many effects of malnutrition can be reversed if it’s early in the process. Unfortunately, too often malnourished children aren’t discovered until the effects of malnutrition have permitted other illnesses to take hold.

malnutrition help

As a final thought, please consider supporting one of the entities dedicated to combating hunger. To support Feeding America, visit their site at http://feedingamerica.org. Around the world, you can support organizations such as Hunger Relief International; visit their site at www.hungerreliefinternational.org.

Feeding_America_logo

Take the #72HoursChallenge, and join the community. As a thank you for being a valued subscriber to Straight, No Chaser, we’d like to offer you a complimentary 30-day membership at www.72hourslife.com. Just use the code #NoChaser, and yes, it’s ok if you share!
Order your copy of Dr. Sterling’s new books There are 72 Hours in a Day: Using Efficiency to Better Enjoy Every Part of Your Life and The 72 Hours in a Day Workbook: The Journey to The 72 Hours Life in 72 Days at Amazon or at www.72hourslife.com. Receive introductory pricing with orders!
Thanks for liking and following Straight, No Chaser! This public service provides a sample of what http://www.SterlingMedicalAdvice.com (SMA) and 844-SMA-TALK offers. Please share our page with your friends on WordPress, like us on Facebook @ SterlingMedicalAdvice.com and follow us on Twitter at @asksterlingmd.
Copyright © 2018 · Sterling Initiatives, LLC · Powered by WordPress

Straight, No Chaser: About That Vomiting and Diarrhea…

General Health and Wellness, Infectious Disease, Health Prevention, , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

gastroenteritis.jpg.mid
You’ve all been there and done that. It’s always a bad day when you get the so-called stomach flu… First of all ‘the flu’ is a respiratory disease (affects the lungs, not the stomach and intestines), and the influenza viruses don’t cause that syndrome of vomiting and watery diarrhea. So, what you’re actually getting is gastroenteritis (gastro = stomach, entero = intestines, and itis = inflammation), an inflammation of the stomach and intestines.
Gastroenteritis means inflammation of the stomach and small and large intestines. Most cases of gastroenteritis are infections caused by a variety of viruses that results in vomiting or diarrhea (other symptoms may include belly cramping, fever and headache from all that retching). There are other (bacterial) causes of vomiting and diarrhea, but the overwhelming number of cases is due to viruses. Your physician will know when the other considerations come into play. Here’s a few points you really want to know.
1. Is it serious?

  • In most cases of viral gastroenteritis, the symptoms and condition are rate limited and will come and go without much further ado. Your symptoms will last up to 10 days in most cases.
  • The concern isn’t nearly as much with the vomiting and diarrhea as it is with the dehydration that can result from all those fluid losses. Dehydration can cause all manner of electrolyte abnormalities, leading to serious acute illness and even death. In fact, diarrhea and dehydration have long been the number one cause of death worldwide outside of the United States.

2. Is it contagious?

  • Absolutely. This is one of the main reasons you’re always being told to wash your hands, especially after using the bathroom. Fecal-oral (yes, anus to mouth) transmission of viruses makes gastroenteritis and many other illnesses contagious. Hand shaking and other forms of contact (including eating food poorly handled or undercooked) extend the risk of transmission.

diarrheaemergency

3. How can I avoid gastroenteritis?
There are good options available to you.

  • Avoid food and water that you believe to be contaminated, perhaps because others have had problems with it.
  • Frequent hand washing is very important.
  • Similarly, take steps to wash and disinfect possibly contaminated clothing and surfaces, preventing this before it gets started.
  • A vaccine is available for two of the more common causes of gastroenteritis. Discuss whether it’s appropriate for your child with his/her pediatrician (it needs to be given during your child’s first year of life).

4. How will it be treated?

  • Fluids, fluids and more fluids will be given, and unless you can’t keep anything down at all, the fluids should be given by mouth. It’s interesting to note that the U.S. overuse intravenous (IV) fluids much more in these instances than the rest of the world. Learn about oral rehydration therapy (ORT). It’s how the rest of the world (very successfully) treats most cases of vomiting and diarrhea, and it’s roughly approximated by all those popular rehydration brands. The key is to take in enough fluids to stay ahead of the fluid losses. ORT is available over the counter, and remember that you don’t have to guzzle it. As little as a teaspoon at a time still can keep you hydrated.

It’s important to discuss some other treatment considerations.

  • Antibiotics don’t work against these viruses, so in this example, they won’t be helpful.
  • In select instances, your physician may provide symptomatic treatment for vomiting and diarrhea, but in the absence of this, they should be avoided. There are significant consequences to taking these medications, and a physician should be involved in taking that risk.

In summary, you don’t always have to run to the ER when you get the runs. Stay hydrated, my friends.
Feel free to ask your SMA expert consultant any questions you may have on this topic.
Take the #72HoursChallenge, and join the community. As a thank you for being a valued subscriber to Straight, No Chaser, we’d like to offer you a complimentary 30-day membership at www.72hourslife.com. Just use the code #NoChaser, and yes, it’s ok if you share!
Order your copy of Dr. Sterling’s new books There are 72 Hours in a Day: Using Efficiency to Better Enjoy Every Part of Your Life and The 72 Hours in a Day Workbook: The Journey to The 72 Hours Life in 72 Days at Amazon or at www.72hourslife.com. Receive introductory pricing with orders!
Thanks for liking and following Straight, No Chaser! This public service provides a sample of what http://www.SterlingMedicalAdvice.com (SMA) and 844-SMA-TALK offers. Please share our page with your friends on WordPress, like us on Facebook @ SterlingMedicalAdvice.com and follow us on Twitter at @asksterlingmd.
Copyright © 2017 · Sterling Initiatives, LLC · Powered by WordPress
 

Straight, No Chaser: Malnutrition

Diet and Nutrition, General Health and Wellness, Health Prevention, , , , , , , ,

Do you know someone so poor that eating is a constant concern? Do you have a child who is a finicky eater? Have you ever been concerned that your child might become malnourished? Whether or not your thoughts have reached the level of concern, you should be aware of the notion. After all, malnutrition is directly responsible for 300,000 deaths per year in children younger than 5 years old, especially in developing countries. It is the number one cause of child deaths across the world, contributing directly or indirectly to over half of all deaths in children. According to the UN World Food Programme, 925 million people in the world do not have enough to eat.
What is malnutrition?

malnutrition Kwashiorkor

Malnutrition is a state of being in which the body fails to receive adequate nutrition, and this state prevents proper health and development.
Causes of Malnutrition
All over the world, the poor are at the greatest risk malnutrition. Wars and natural disasters such as droughts, tsunamis, hurricanes and earthquakes can have disruptive effects on food production and distribution, contributing to hunger and subsequent malnutrition.
Also those who can’t respond to the body’s hunger signals (e.g. due to injury or loss of extremity use while living without adequate support; aging or other illness may reduce appetite) are at risk for malnutrition. However, someone can become malnourished for reasons that have nothing to do with hunger. You can still be malnourished even relatively having plenty to eat if the foods consumed don’t provide the right nutrients, vitamins, and minerals.

malnutrition diarrhea

Another consideration in malnutrition is the presence of a disease or conditions that prevents you from digesting or absorbing your food properly. For example:

  • Someone with celiac disease has intestinal problems that are triggered by a gluten, which is a protein found in wheat, rye, and barley.
  • Those with cystic fibrosis have trouble absorbing nutrients because the disease affects the pancreas and its ability to produce enzymes necessary for digestion.

malnutrition worldwide

Malnutrition can be limited to a specific nutritional deficiency. The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that as many 2 billion people worldwide have insufficient dietary intake of nutrients like iron, vitamin A, and zinc.

  • Iron deficiency is the most common nutritional deficiency in the world. You may be aware that this deficiency causes anemia and can retard development in kids.
  • Vitamin A deficiency from malnutrition is the chief cause of preventable blindness in the developing world; it also increases the risk of dying from infections, from measles, or diarrhea.

What are the symptoms of malnutrition?

Malnutrition symptoms

Malnutrition negatively impacts both the body and the mind; as such, a variety of symptoms are produced.

  • Hunger is a sign that your body needs food. You need food to assist your various organs in performing adequately.
  • If you’re malnourished, your immunity is reduced. This means you more likely to become sick from a variety of causes.
  • Malnourished individuals are likely to be significantly underweight.
  • Malnourished children’s growth may be stunted, making them much shorter than average.

Other symptoms include the following:

  • Abnormal bodily organ function
  • Decaying teeth
  • Dizziness
  • Dry, scaly skin
  • Fatigue and low energy
  • Learning difficulty
  • Muscle weakness
  • Osteoporosis (fragile bones that break easily)
  • Poor attention span
  • Stomach bloating
  • Swollen and bleeding gums
  • Slowed reaction times

Those pregnant and malnourished, may have offspring that weigh less at birth and have a lower chance of survival.
Addressing hunger and malnutrition

malnutrition impact

There are two considerations here: limiting your risk and treating hunger and malnutrition.

  • In the U.S., foods are typically fortified with vitamins and minerals to prevent certain nutritional deficiencies. For example, adding iodine to salt helps prevent some thyroid gland problems (such as goiter), folic acid added to foods helps prevent certain birth defects, and supplemental iron can help prevent iron-deficiency anemia.
  • Alcohol can interfere with nutrient absorption such that even if vitamins and minerals are consumed, alcoholics can still develop deficiencies. It’s more likely that alcoholics aren’t engaging in healthy eating habits.
  • Vegetarians, vegans and others on special diets should be mindful to eat balanced meals and a variety of foods to get the right nutrients.

Treating Malnourished Children

malNUTRITION-image

Fortunately, many of the harmful effects of malnutrition can be reversed, especially if a child is only mildly or briefly malnourished. You don’t need a pill. Learn to engage in healthy eating habits, which can be done at any budget. The best way to ensure that kids are properly nourished is to serve a variety of healthy foods. Try to limit unhealthy snacks and those empty calories that make them feel full prior to getting adequate nutrition with their meal. If you’re concerned that your child’s energy level is lagging or that he or she isn’t growing normally, ask your physician for an evaluation.
If you think your child isn’t getting enough of the right nutrients, talk to your doctor. Fortunately, many effects of malnutrition can be reversed if it’s early in the process. Unfortunately, too often malnourished children aren’t discovered until the effects of malnutrition have permitted other illnesses to take hold.

malnutrition help

As a final thought, please consider supporting one of the entities dedicated to combating hunger. To support Feeding America, visit their site at http://feedingamerica.org. Around the world, you can support organizations such as Hunger Relief International; visit their site at www.hungerreliefinternational.org.

Feeding_America_logo

Feel free to ask your SMA expert consultant any questions you may have on this topic.
Take the #72HoursChallenge, and join the community. As a thank you for being a valued subscriber to Straight, No Chaser, we’d like to offer you a complimentary 30-day membership at www.72hourslife.com. Just use the code #NoChaser, and yes, it’s ok if you share!
Order your copy of Dr. Sterling’s new books There are 72 Hours in a Day: Using Efficiency to Better Enjoy Every Part of Your Life and The 72 Hours in a Day Workbook: The Journey to The 72 Hours Life in 72 Days at Amazon or at www.72hourslife.com. Receive introductory pricing with orders!
Thanks for liking and following Straight, No Chaser! This public service provides a sample of what http://www.SterlingMedicalAdvice.com (SMA) and 844-SMA-TALK offers. Please share our page with your friends on WordPress, like us on Facebook @ SterlingMedicalAdvice.com and follow us on Twitter at @asksterlingmd.
Copyright © 2017 · Sterling Initiatives, LLC · Powered by WordPress

Straight, No Chaser: Travelers’ Diarrhea

Gastrointestinal, General Health and Wellness, Infectious Disease, Public Health, Health Prevention, , , , , , , , ,

diarrheaemergency

This is the time of year in the U.S. when you wished you were somewhere else. (Hawaii, Africa, Australia or Mexico for a Valentine’s Day cruise, anyone?) Unfortunately, sometimes when you travel, you get more than you hoped.
“Montezuma’s Revenge” is often the punchline of a joke in the U.S., but travelers’ diarrhea (TD) is a serious concern. It is the most common illness contracted by travelers, affecting approximately 10 million people per year. Individuals visiting the U.S. can suffer from it as well. That’s a clue as to what’s actually occurring with TD.
TD is typically a response to an infection by a strain of bacteria known as E. coli, specifically, a strain that produces a toxin that affects the intestines. This is the case approximately 80% of the time. Parasites sometimes figure prominently in the illness. The risk and primary source of this infection is food or water that is contaminated with feces. Note that most any disturbance in the bacterial balance of the intestines can cause disruptions in the digestive system, leading to diarrhea.

travelers-diarrhea-risk-map

Although anyone can contract TD, destinations and personal characteristics can markedly increase that risk.

  • Higher risk destinations include developing countries in Africa, Asia, Latin America and the Middle East.
  • Those individuals at higher risk include the immunocompromised, diabetics, young adults, those with inflammatory bowel disease and those taking antacids or medicines known as H-2 blockers.

TD is straightforward. Symptoms include watery diarrhea and cramps. A mild fever may or may not be present.
So, what are you supposed to do to prevent TD? This stuff is miserable! Here are a few tips and pointers for you:

  • Avoid street vendors.
  • Avoid raw or undercooked foods (especially meats and seafood).
  • Avoid raw fruits and vegetables (unless you peel them).
  • Wash your hands!
  • Taking antibiotics in advance (prophylactically) is not recommended, because they can increase your susceptibility to resistant organisms and side effects.
  • Bismuth subsalicylate (two ounces or two tablespoons four times daily) reduces the incidence of TD. Speak to your physician or SMA expert consultant about the risks and indication of taking bismuth subsalicylate. By the way, you know bismuth subsalicylate as pepto-bismol or kaopectate.

And now, a few words about treatment. Here are a few considerations about which you should be aware.

  • TD is usually mild and will run its course without medication. In other words, you’re likely to be just fine.
  • The most important consideration is to ensure adequate hydration. Clear fluids are key.
  • You may need antibiotics if symptoms progress to include fever, bloody stools, nausea, vomiting and severe cramps. Drugs typically include ciprofloxacin and norfloxacin. Previously used drugs such as trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole and doxycycline aren’t recommended anymore because of the high resistance rate.
  • Bismuth subsalicylate may also be used as treatment (in addition to its role in prevention).
  • A  special word about anti-motility (anti-diarrhea) medications: There are some benefits to using these agents, but there are also significant risks. You should not take these medications without understanding the risks and how they may affect you based on your existing health profile. This topic is discussed in greater detail at www.sterlingmedicaladvice.com, and you certainly can discuss this further with your SMA personal healthcare consultant.

Feel free to ask your SMA expert consultant any questions you may have on this topic.

Take the #72HoursChallenge, and join the community. As a thank you for being a valued subscriber to Straight, No Chaser, we’d like to offer you a complimentary 30-day membership at www.72hourslife.com. Just use the code #NoChaser, and yes, it’s ok if you share!

Order your copy of Dr. Sterling’s new books There are 72 Hours in a Day: Using Efficiency to Better Enjoy Every Part of Your Life and The 72 Hours in a Day Workbook: The Journey to The 72 Hours Life in 72 Days at Amazon or at www.72hourslife.com. Receive introductory pricing with orders!

Thanks for liking and following Straight, No Chaser! This public service provides a sample of what http://www.SterlingMedicalAdvice.com (SMA) and 844-SMA-TALK offers. Please share our page with your friends on WordPress, like us on Facebook @ SterlingMedicalAdvice.com and follow us on Twitter at @asksterlingmd.

Copyright © 2017 · Sterling Initiatives, LLC · Powered by WordPress

Straight, No Chaser in the News: Having Vomiting and Diarrhea? There's a Norovirus Outbreak!

General Health and Wellness, , , , , , , ,

norovirus-2-1
Sometimes the simple things cause the biggest problems. If you have school-aged children, you may be aware that episodes of vomiting and diarrhea are occurring with such frequency that may schools are having to close. The culprit is Norovirus, aptly nicknamed “the winter vomiting bug.” Norovirus is the most common viral cause of gastroenteritis (vomiting and diarrhea) in humans. We’ve discussed gastroenteritis before in Straight, No Chaser, so we’ll take this space to simply remind you of a few important facts in the event you or a loved one is being affected.

norovirus

  • It affects people of all ages.
  • The most common symptoms include nausea, vomiting, watery diarrhea, and abdominal pain. Symptoms tend to appears rapidly, between 12-48 hours after exposure.
  • It is transmitted by food or water contaminated by feces, by person-to-person contact, by aerosolization of vomited virus and by contamination of surfaces.
  • Severe illness is rare, and the disease is usually self-limiting. Most people make a full recovery within two to three days.
  • After infection, you are not fully immune and can contract the virus again.
  • Outbreaks of norovirus infection tend to occur in communities, such as schools, healthcare facilities, long-term care facilities, camps, prisons, dormitories and cruise ships. Outbreaks often are traced to food that was handled by an infected individual.

norovirus-stomach-flu3

This isn’t that complicated. Wash your hands before you eat and wash your hands after you care for someone with symptoms. The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends washing fruits and vegetable thoroughly, washing laundry thoroughly and cleaning and disinfecting surfaces often. Here’s another example of how being smart can translate to being healthy!
Feel free to ask your SMA expert consultant any questions you may have on this topic.
Order your copy of Dr. Sterling’s new book Behind The Curtain: A Peek at Life from within the ER at jeffreysterlingbooks.com, iTunes, Amazon, Barnes and Nobles and wherever books are sold.
Thanks for liking and following Straight, No Chaser! This public service provides a sample of what http://www.SterlingMedicalAdvice.com (SMA) and 844-SMA-TALK offers. Please share our page with your friends on WordPress, like us on Facebook @ SterlingMedicalAdvice.com and follow us on Twitter at @asksterlingmd.
Copyright © 2017 · Sterling Initiatives, LLC · Powered by WordPress
 

Straight, No Chaser: About That Vomiting and Diarrhea…

Gastrointestinal, Infectious Disease, Health Prevention, , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

gastroenteritis.jpg.mid
You’ve all been there and done that. It’s always a bad day when you get the so-called stomach flu… First of all ‘the flu’ is a respiratory disease (affects the lungs, not the stomach and intestines), and the influenza viruses don’t cause that syndrome of vomiting and watery diarrhea. So, what you’re actually getting is gastroenteritis (gastro = stomach, entero = intestines, and itis = inflammation), an inflammation of the stomach and intestines.
Gastroenteritis means inflammation of the stomach and small and large intestines. Most cases of gastroenteritis are infections caused by a variety of viruses that results in vomiting or diarrhea (other symptoms may include belly cramping, fever and headache from all that retching). There are other (bacterial) causes of vomiting and diarrhea, but the overwhelming number of cases is due to viruses. Your physician will know when the other considerations come into play. Here’s a few points you really want to know.
1. Is it serious?

  • In most cases of viral gastroenteritis, the symptoms and condition are rate limited and will come and go without much further ado. Your symptoms will last up to 10 days in most cases.
  • The concern isn’t nearly as much with the vomiting and diarrhea as it is with the dehydration that can result from all those fluid losses. Dehydration can cause all manner of electrolyte abnormalities, leading to serious acute illness and even death. In fact, diarrhea and dehydration have long been the number one cause of death worldwide outside of the United States.

2. Is it contagious?

  • Absolutely. This is one of the main reasons you’re always being told to wash your hands, especially after using the bathroom. Fecal-oral (yes, anus to mouth) transmission of viruses makes gastroenteritis and many other illnesses contagious. Hand shaking and other forms of contact (including eating food poorly handled or undercooked) extend the risk of transmission.

diarrheaemergency

3. How can I avoid gastroenteritis?
There are good options available to you.

  • Avoid food and water that you believe to be contaminated, perhaps because others have had problems with it.
  • Frequent hand washing is very important.
  • Similarly, take steps to wash and disinfect possibly contaminated clothing and surfaces, preventing this before it gets started.
  • A vaccine is available for two of the more common causes of gastroenteritis. Discuss whether it’s appropriate for your child with his/her pediatrician (it needs to be given during your child’s first year of life).

4. How will it be treated?

  • Fluids, fluids and more fluids will be given, and unless you can’t keep anything down at all, the fluids should be given by mouth. It’s interesting to note that the U.S. overuses intravenous (IV) fluids much more in these instances than the rest of the world. Learn about oral rehydration therapy (ORT). It’s how the rest of the world (very successfully) treats most cases of vomiting and diarrhea, and it’s roughly approximated by all those popular rehydration brands. The key is to take in enough fluids to stay ahead of the fluid losses. ORT is available over the counter, and remember that you don’t have to guzzle it. As little as a teaspoon at a time still can keep you hydrated.

It’s important to discuss some other treatment considerations.

  • Antibiotics don’t work against these viruses, so in this example, they won’t be helpful.
  • In select instances, your physician may provide symptomatic treatment for vomiting and diarrhea, but in the absence of this, they should be avoided. There are significant consequences to taking these medications, and a physician should be involved in taking that risk.

In summary, you don’t always have to run to the ER when you get the runs. Stay hydrated, my friends.
Feel free to ask your SMA expert consultant any questions you may have on this topic.
Order your copy of Dr. Sterling’s new book Behind The Curtain: A Peek at Life from within the ER at jeffreysterlingbooks.com, iTunes, Amazon, Barnes and Nobles and wherever books are sold.
Thanks for liking and following Straight, No Chaser! This public service provides a sample of what http://www.SterlingMedicalAdvice.com (SMA) and 844-SMA-TALK offers. Please share our page with your friends on WordPress, like us on Facebook @ SterlingMedicalAdvice.com and follow us on Twitter at @asksterlingmd.
Copyright © 2016 · Sterling Initiatives, LLC · Powered by WordPress

Straight, No Chaser: Malnutrition

Diet and Nutrition, General Health and Wellness, Public Health, , , , , , ,

 Hunger-Awareness-Month-510-x-339

Do you know someone so poor that eating is a constant concern? Do you have a child who is a finicky eater? Have you ever been concerned that your child might become malnourished? Whether or not your thoughts have reached the level of concern, you should be aware of the notion. After all, malnutrition is directly responsible for 300,000 deaths per year in children younger than 5 years old, especially in developing countries. It is the number one cause of child deaths across the world, contributing directly or indirectly to over half of all deaths in children. According to the UN World Food Programme, 925 million people in the world do not have enough to eat.
What is malnutrition?

malnutrition Kwashiorkor

Malnutrition is a state of being in which the body fails to receive adequate nutrition, and this state prevents proper health and development.
Causes of Malnutrition
All over the world, the poor are at the greatest risk malnutrition. Wars and natural disasters such as droughts, tsunamis, hurricanes and earthquakes can have disruptive effects on food production and distribution, contributing to hunger and subsequent malnutrition.
Also those who can’t respond to the body’s hunger signals (e.g. due to injury or loss of extremity use while living without adequate support; aging or other illness may reduce appetite) are at risk for malnutrition. However, someone can become malnourished for reasons that have nothing to do with hunger. You can still be malnourished even relatively having plenty to eat if the foods consumed don’t provide the right nutrients, vitamins, and minerals.

malnutrition diarrhea

Another consideration in malnutrition is the presence of a disease or conditions that prevents you from digesting or absorbing your food properly. For example:

  • Someone with celiac disease has intestinal problems that are triggered by a gluten, which is a protein found in wheat, rye, and barley.
  • Those with cystic fibrosis have trouble absorbing nutrients because the disease affects the pancreas and its ability to produce enzymes necessary for digestion.

malnutrition worldwide

Malnutrition can be limited to a specific nutritional deficiency. The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that as many 2 billion people worldwide have insufficient dietary intake of nutrients like iron, vitamin A, and zinc.

  • Iron deficiency is the most common nutritional deficiency in the world. You may be aware that this deficiency causes anemia and can retard development in kids.
  • Vitamin A deficiency from malnutrition is the chief cause of preventable blindness in the developing world; it also increases the risk of dying from infections, from measles, or diarrhea.

What are the symptoms of malnutrition?

Malnutrition symptoms

Malnutrition negatively impacts both the body and the mind; as such, a variety of symptoms are produced.

  • Hunger is a sign that your body needs food. You need food to assist your various organs in performing adequately.
  • If you’re malnourished, your immunity is reduced. This means you more likely to become sick from a variety of causes.
  • Malnourished individuals are likely to be significantly underweight.
  • Malnourished children’s growth may be stunted, making them much shorter than average.

Other symptoms include the following:

  • Abnormal bodily organ function
  • Decaying teeth
  • Dizziness
  • Dry, scaly skin
  • Fatigue and low energy
  • Learning difficulty
  • Muscle weakness
  • Osteoporosis (fragile bones that break easily)
  • Poor attention span
  • Stomach bloating
  • Swollen and bleeding gums
  • Slowed reaction times

Those pregnant and malnourished, may have offspring that weigh less at birth and have a lower chance of survival.
Addressing hunger and malnutrition

malnutrition impact

There are two considerations here: limiting your risk and treating hunger and malnutrition.

  • In the U.S., foods are typically fortified with vitamins and minerals to prevent certain nutritional deficiencies. For example, adding iodine to salt helps prevent some thyroid gland problems (such as goiter), folic acid added to foods helps prevent certain birth defects, and supplemental iron can help prevent iron-deficiency anemia.
  • Alcohol can interfere with nutrient absorption such that even if vitamins and minerals are consumed, alcoholics can still develop deficiencies. It’s more likely that alcoholics aren’t engaging in healthy eating habits.
  • Vegetarians, vegans and others on special diets should be mindful to eat balanced meals and a variety of foods to get the right nutrients.

Treating Malnourished Children

malNUTRITION-image

Fortunately, many of the harmful effects of malnutrition can be reversed, especially if a child is only mildly or briefly malnourished. You don’t need a pill. Learn to engage in healthy eating habits, which can be done at any budget. The best way to ensure that kids are properly nourished is to serve a variety of healthy foods. Try to limit unhealthy snacks and those empty calories that make them feel full prior to getting adequate nutrition with their meal. If you’re concerned that your child’s energy level is lagging or that he or she isn’t growing normally, ask your physician for an evaluation.
If you think your child isn’t getting enough of the right nutrients, talk to your doctor. Fortunately, many effects of malnutrition can be reversed if it’s early in the process. Unfortunately, too often malnourished children aren’t discovered until the effects of malnutrition have permitted other illnesses to take hold.

malnutrition help

As a final thought, please consider supporting one of the entities dedicated to combating hunger. To support Feeding America, visit their site at http://feedingamerica.org. Around the world, you can support organizations such as Hunger Relief International; visit their site at www.hungerreliefinternational.org.

Feeding_America_logo

Feel free to ask any questions you may have on this topic.
Order your copy of Dr. Sterling’s new book Behind The Curtain: A Peek at Life from within the ER at jeffreysterlingbooks.com, iTunes, Amazon, Barnes and Nobles and wherever books are sold.
Thanks for liking and following Straight, No Chaser! This public service provides a sample of what http://www.SterlingMedicalAdvice.com (SMA) and 844-SMA-TALK offers. Please share our page with your friends on WordPress, like us on Facebook @ SterlingMedicalAdvice.com and follow us on Twitter at @asksterlingmd.
Copyright © 2016 · Sterling Initiatives, LLC · Powered by WordPress

Straight, No Chaser: Travelers’ Diarrhea

Gastrointestinal, General Health and Wellness, Infectious Disease, Public Health, Health Prevention, , , , , , , ,

diarrheaemergency

This is the time of year in the U.S. when you wished you were somewhere else. (Hawaii, Africa, Australia or Mexico for a Valentine’s Day cruise, anyone?) Unfortunately, sometimes when you travel, you get more than you hoped.
“Montezuma’s Revenge” is often the punchline of a joke in the U.S., but travelers’ diarrhea (TD) is a serious concern. It is the most common illness contracted by travelers, affecting approximately 10 million people per year. Individuals visiting the U.S. can suffer from it as well. That’s a clue as to what’s actually occurring with TD.
TD is typically a response to an infection by a strain of bacteria known as E. coli, specifically, a strain that produces a toxin that affects the intestines. This is the case approximately 80% of the time. Parasites sometimes figure prominently in the illness. The risk and primary source of this infection is food or water that is contaminated with feces. Note that most any disturbance in the bacterial balance of the intestines can cause disruptions in the digestive system, leading to diarrhea.

travelers-diarrhea-risk-map

Although anyone can contract TD, destinations and personal characteristics can markedly increase that risk.

  • Higher risk destinations include developing countries in Africa, Asia, Latin America and the Middle East.
  • Those individuals at higher risk include the immunocompromised, diabetics, young adults, those with inflammatory bowel disease and those taking antacids or medicines known as H-2 blockers.

TD is straightforward. Symptoms include watery diarrhea and cramps. A mild fever may or may not be present.
So, what are you supposed to do to prevent TD? This stuff is miserable! Here are a few tips and pointers for you:

  • Avoid street vendors.
  • Avoid raw or undercooked foods (especially meats and seafood).
  • Avoid raw fruits and vegetables (unless you peel them).
  • Wash your hands!
  • Taking antibiotics in advance (prophylactically) is not recommended, because they can increase your susceptibility to resistant organisms and side effects.
  • Bismuth subsalicylate (two ounces or two tablespoons four times daily) reduces the incidence of TD. Speak to your physician or SMA expert consultant about the risks and indication of taking bismuth subsalicylate. By the way, you know bismuth subsalicylate as pepto-bismol or kaopectate.

And now, a few words about treatment. Here are a few considerations about which you should be aware.

  • TD is usually mild and will run its course without medication. In other words, you’re likely to be just fine.
  • The most important consideration is to ensure adequate hydration. Clear fluids are key.
  • You may need antibiotics if symptoms progress to include fever, bloody stools, nausea, vomiting and severe cramps. Drugs typically include ciprofloxacin and norfloxacin. Previously used drugs such as trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole and doxycycline aren’t recommended anymore because of the high resistance rate.
  • Bismuth subsalicylate may also be used as treatment (in addition to its role in prevention).
  • A  special word about anti-motility (anti-diarrhea) medications: There are some benefits to using these agents, but there are also significant risks. You should not take these medications without understanding the risks and how they may affect you based on your existing health profile. This topic is discussed in greater detail at www.sterlingmedicaladvice.com, and you certainly can discuss this further with your SMA personal healthcare consultant.

Feel free to ask your SMA expert consultant any questions you have on this topic.
Feel free to ask your SMA expert consultant any questions you may have on this topic.
Order your copy of Dr. Sterling’s new book Behind The Curtain: A Peek at Life from within the ER at jeffreysterlingbooks.com, iTunes, Amazon, Barnes and Nobles and wherever books are sold.
Thanks for liking and following Straight, No Chaser! This public service provides a sample of what http://www.SterlingMedicalAdvice.com (SMA) and 844-SMA-TALK offers. Please share our page with your friends on WordPress, like us on Facebook @ SterlingMedicalAdvice.com and follow us on Twitter at @asksterlingmd.
Copyright © 2016 · Sterling Initiatives, LLC · Powered by WordPress

Straight, No Chaser: Malnutrition

Diet and Nutrition, General Health and Wellness, Public Health, , , , , ,

 Hunger-Awareness-Month-510-x-339

Do you know someone so poor that eating is a constant concern? Do you have a child who is a finicky eater? Have you ever been concerned that your child might become malnourished? Whether or not your thoughts have reached the level of concern, you should be aware of the notion. After all, malnutrition is directly responsible for 300,000 deaths per year in children younger than 5 years old, especially in developing countries. It is the number one cause of child deaths across the world, contributing directly or indirectly to over half of all deaths in children. According to the UN World Food Programme, 925 million people in the world do not have enough to eat.
What is malnutrition?

malnutrition Kwashiorkor

Malnutrition is a state of being in which the body fails to receive adequate nutrition, and this state prevents proper health and development.
Causes of Malnutrition
All over the world, the poor are at the greatest risk malnutrition. Wars and natural disasters such as droughts, tsunamis, hurricanes and earthquakes can have disruptive effects on food production and distribution, contributing to hunger and subsequent malnutrition.
Also those who can’t respond to the body’s hunger signals (e.g. due to injury or loss of extremity use while living without adequate support; aging or other illness may reduce appetite) are at risk for malnutrition. However, someone can become malnourished for reasons that have nothing to do with hunger. You can still be malnourished even relatively having plenty to eat if the foods consumed don’t provide the right nutrients, vitamins, and minerals.

malnutrition diarrhea

Another consideration in malnutrition is the presence of a disease or conditions that prevents you from digesting or absorbing your food properly. For example:

  • Someone with celiac disease has intestinal problems that are triggered by a gluten, which is a protein found in wheat, rye, and barley.
  • Those with cystic fibrosis have trouble absorbing nutrients because the disease affects the pancreas and its ability to produce enzymes necessary for digestion.

malnutrition worldwide

Malnutrition can be limited to a specific nutritional deficiency. The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that as many 2 billion people worldwide have insufficient dietary intake of nutrients like iron, vitamin A, and zinc.

  • Iron deficiency is the most common nutritional deficiency in the world. You may be aware that this deficiency causes anemia and can retard development in kids.
  • Vitamin A deficiency from malnutrition is the chief cause of preventable blindness in the developing world; it also increases the risk of dying from infections, from measles, or diarrhea.

What are the symptoms of malnutrition?

Malnutrition symptoms

Malnutrition negatively impacts both the body and the mind; as such, a variety of symptoms are produced.

  • Hunger is a sign that your body needs food. You need food to assist your various organs in performing adequately.
  • If you’re malnourished, your immunity is reduced. This means you more likely to become sick from a variety of causes.
  • Malnourished individuals are likely to be significantly underweight.
  • Malnourished children’s growth may be stunted, making them much shorter than average.

Other symptoms include the following:

  • Abnormal bodily organ function
  • Decaying teeth
  • Dizziness
  • Dry, scaly skin
  • Fatigue and low energy
  • Learning difficulty
  • Muscle weakness
  • Osteoporosis (fragile bones that break easily)
  • Poor attention span
  • Stomach bloating
  • Swollen and bleeding gums
  • Slowed reaction times

Those pregnant and malnourished, may have offspring that weigh less at birth and have a lower chance of survival.
Addressing hunger and malnutrition

malnutrition impact

There are two considerations here: limiting your risk and treating hunger and malnutrition.

  • In the U.S., foods are typically fortified with vitamins and minerals to prevent certain nutritional deficiencies. For example, adding iodine to salt helps prevent some thyroid gland problems (such as goiter), folic acid added to foods helps prevent certain birth defects, and supplemental iron can help prevent iron-deficiency anemia.
  • Alcohol can interfere with nutrient absorption such that even if vitamins and minerals are consumed, alcoholics can still develop deficiencies. It’s more likely that alcoholics aren’t engaging in healthy eating habits.
  • Vegetarians, vegans and others on special diets should be mindful to eat balanced meals and a variety of foods to get the right nutrients.

Treating Malnourished Children

malNUTRITION-image

Fortunately, many of the harmful effects of malnutrition can be reversed, especially if a child is only mildly or briefly malnourished. You don’t need a pill. Learn to engage in healthy eating habits, which can be done at any budget. The best way to ensure that kids are properly nourished is to serve a variety of healthy foods. Try to limit unhealthy snacks and those empty calories that make them feel full prior to getting adequate nutrition with their meal. If you’re concerned that your child’s energy level is lagging or that he or she isn’t growing normally, ask your physician for an evaluation.
If you think your child isn’t getting enough of the right nutrients, talk to your doctor. Fortunately, many effects of malnutrition can be reversed if it’s early in the process. Unfortunately, too often malnourished children aren’t discovered until the effects of malnutrition have permitted other illnesses to take hold.
 

malnutrition help

As a final thought, please consider supporting one of the entities dedicated to combating hunger. To support Feeding America, visit their site at http://feedingamerica.org. Around the world, you can support organizations such as Hunger Relief International; visit their site at www.hungerreliefinternational.org.

Feeding_America_logo

Thanks for liking and following Straight, No Chaser! This public service provides a sample of what 844-SMA-TALK and http://www.SterlingMedicalAdvice.com (SMA) offer. Please share our page with your friends on WordPress, Facebook @ SterlingMedicalAdvice.com and Twitter at @asksterlingmd.
Copyright © 2014 · Sterling Initiatives, LLC · Powered by WordPress.

Straight, No Chaser: Travelers' Diarrhea

Gastrointestinal, General Health and Wellness, Infectious Disease, Public Health, Health Prevention, , , , , , ,

diarrheaemergency

This is the time of year in the U.S. when you wished you were somewhere else. (Hawaii, Africa, Australia or Mexico for a Valentine’s Day cruise, anyone?) Unfortunately, sometimes when you travel, you get more than you hoped.
“Montezuma’s Revenge” is often the punchline of a joke in the U.S., but travelers’ diarrhea (TD) is a serious concern. It is the most common illness contracted by travelers, affecting approximately 10 million people per year. Individuals visiting the U.S. can suffer from it as well. That’s a clue as to what’s actually occurring with TD.
TD is typically a response to an infection by a strain of bacteria known as E. coli, specifically, a strain that produces a toxin that affects the intestines. This is the case approximately 80% of the time. Parasites sometimes figure prominently in the illness. The risk and primary source of this infection is food or water that is contaminated with feces. Note that most any disturbance in the bacterial balance of the intestines can cause disruptions in the digestive system, leading to diarrhea.

travelers-diarrhea-risk-map

Although anyone can contract TD, destinations and personal characteristics can markedly increase that risk.

  • Higher risk destinations include developing countries in Africa, Asia, Latin America and the Middle East.
  • Those individuals at higher risk include the immunocompromised, diabetics, young adults, those with inflammatory bowel disease and those taking antacids or medicines known as H-2 blockers.

TD is straightforward. Symptoms include watery diarrhea and cramps. A mild fever may or may not be present.
So, what are you supposed to do to prevent TD? This stuff is miserable! Here are a few tips and pointers for you:

  • Avoid street vendors.
  • Avoid raw or undercooked foods (especially meats and seafood).
  • Avoid raw fruits and vegetables (unless you peel them).
  • Wash your hands!
  • Taking antibiotics in advance (prophylactically) is not recommended, because they can increase your susceptibility to resistant organisms and side effects.
  • Bismuth subsalicylate (two ounces or two tablespoons four times daily) reduces the incidence of TD. Speak to your physician or SMA expert consultant about the risks and indication of taking bismuth subsalicylate. By the way, you know bismuth subsalicylate as pepto-bismol or kaopectate.

And now, a few words about treatment. Here are a few considerations about which you should be aware.

  • TD is usually mild and will run its course without medication. In other words, you’re likely to be just fine.
  • The most important consideration is to ensure adequate hydration. Clear fluids are key.
  • You may need antibiotics if symptoms progress to include fever, bloody stools, nausea, vomiting and severe cramps. Drugs typically include ciprofloxacin and norfloxacin. Previously used drugs such as trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole and doxycycline aren’t recommended anymore because of the high resistance rate.
  • Bismuth subsalicylate may also be used as treatment (in addition to its role in prevention).
  • A  special word about anti-motility (anti-diarrhea) medications: There are some benefits to using these agents, but there are also significant risks. You should not take these medications without understanding the risks and how they may affect you based on your existing health profile. This topic is discussed in greater detail at www.sterlingmedicaladvice.com, and you certainly can discuss this further with your SMA personal healthcare consultant.

Feel free to ask your SMA expert consultant any questions you have on this topic.
Thanks for liking and following Straight, No Chaser! This public service provides a sample of what  http://www.SterlingMedicalAdvice.com (SMA) offers. Please share our page with your friends on WordPress, Facebook @ SterlingMedicalAdvice.com and Twitter at @asksterlingmd.
Copyright © 2014 · Sterling Initiatives, LLC · Powered by WordPress

Straight, No Chaser: About That Vomiting and Diarrhea…

Medical Treatment, Health Prevention, , , , , , , , , , ,

gastroenteritis.jpg.mid
You’ve all been there and done that. It’s always a bad day when you get the so-called stomach flu… First of all ‘the flu’ is a respiratory disease (affects the lungs, not the stomach and intestines), and the influenza viruses don’t cause that syndrome of vomiting and watery diarrhea. So, what you’re actually getting is gastroenteritis (gastro = stomach, entero = intestines, and itis = inflammation), an inflammation of the stomach and intestines.
Gastroenteritis means inflammation of the stomach and small and large intestines. Most cases of gastroenteritis are infections caused by a variety of viruses that results in vomiting or diarrhea (other symptoms may include belly cramping, fever and headache from all that retching). There are other (bacterial) causes of vomiting and diarrhea, but the overwhelming number of cases is due to viruses. Your physician will know when the other considerations come into play. Here’s a few points you really want to know.
1. Is it serious?

  • In most cases of viral gastroenteritis, the symptoms and condition are rate limited and will come and go without much further ado. Your symptoms will last up to 10 days in most cases.
  • The concern isn’t nearly as much with the vomiting and diarrhea as it is with the dehydration that can result from all those fluid losses. Dehydration can cause all manner of electrolyte abnormalities, leading to serious acute illness and even death. In fact, diarrhea and dehydration have long been the number one cause of death worldwide outside of the United States.

2. Is it contagious?

  • Absolutely. This is one of the main reasons you’re always being told to wash your hands, especially after using the bathroom. Fecal-oral (yes, anus to mouth) transmission of viruses makes gastroenteritis and many other illnesses contagious. Hand shaking and other forms of contact (including eating food poorly handled or undercooked) extend the risk of transmission.

3. How can I avoid gastroenteritis?
There are good options available to you.

  • Avoid food and water that you believe to be contaminated, perhaps because others have had problems with it.
  • Frequent hand washing is very important.
  • Similarly, take steps to wash and disinfect possibly contaminated clothing and surfaces, preventing this before it gets started.
  • A vaccine is available for two of the more common causes of gastroenteritis. Discuss whether it’s appropriate for your child with his/her pediatrician (it needs to be given during your child’s first year of life).

4. How will it be treated?

  • Fluids, fluids and more fluids will be given, and unless you can’t keep anything down at all, the fluids should be given by mouth. It’s interesting to note that the U.S. overuses intravenous (IV) fluids much more in these instances than the rest of the world. Learn about oral rehydration therapy (ORT). It’s how the rest of the world (very successfully) treats most cases of vomiting and diarrhea, and it’s roughly approximated by all those popular rehydration brands. The key is to take in enough fluids to stay ahead of the fluid losses. ORT is available over the counter, and remember that you don’t have to guzzle it. As little as a teaspoon at a time still can keep you hydrated.

It’s important to discuss some other treatment considerations.

  • Antibiotics don’t work against these viruses, so in this example, they won’t be helpful.
  • In select instances, your physician may provide symptomatic treatment for vomiting and diarrhea, but in the absence of this, they should be avoided. There are significant consequences to taking these medications, and a physician should be involved in taking that risk.

In summary, you don’t always have to run to the ER when you get the runs. Stay hydrated, my friends.
Feel free to ask your SMA expert consultant any questions you may have on this topic.
Order your copy of Dr. Sterling’s new book Behind The Curtain: A Peek at Life from within the ER at jeffreysterlingbooks.com, iTunes, Amazon, Barnes and Nobles and wherever books are sold.
Thanks for liking and following Straight, No Chaser! This public service provides a sample of what http://www.SterlingMedicalAdvice.com (SMA) and 844-SMA-TALK offers. Please share our page with your friends on WordPress, like us on Facebook @ SterlingMedicalAdvice.com and follow us on Twitter at @asksterlingmd.
Copyright © 2016 · Sterling Initiatives, LLC · Powered by WordPress