Reactivation TB

The second type of TB is the reactivated tuberculosis. From the name itself it means that after having infected and treated the disease can be reactivated again. The infection can become reactivated if the Mycobacteria are able to rupture the tubercle and spread through the lungs. This reactivation typically happens to those with a weakened or suppressed immune system.

Postprimary TB results from either reactivation of a latent primary infection or, less commonly, from the repeat infection of a previously sensitized host. The term "postprimary" is preferred to "reactivation" when referring to the clinical diagnosis because firmly distinguishing recurrence from an antecedent infection is impossible in most cases. Approximately 10% of all infected patients are likely to develop reactivation, and the risk is highest within the first 2 years or during periods of immunosuppression.

Postprimary TB is typically a disease of adolescence and adulthood that results from reactivation of an initially contained infection by a TB complex mycobacterium. Pulmonary reactivation usually occurs in the apical and posterior segments of the upper lobes or in the superior segments of the lower lobes. This distribution may be related to the higher oxygen tension or the reduced perfusion and lymphatic clearance in these lung segments

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Being Healthy Not Sickly

What does it take to be healthy? But before we can achieve that state we might as well define what is health. According to "World Health Assembly" health is a state of complete physical, mental and social well-being and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity. It is a positive concept emphasizing social and personal resources, as well as physical capacities.

I think it is also essential to know the definition of disease, since the presence of any disease would mean one is unhealthy. Disease is an abnormal condition that impairs bodily functions associated with specific symptoms and signs. It is caused maybe by external organisms or it may also be an internal dysfunction. It is often associated with pain, discomfort, dysfunction, disease and the worst death. And sometimes in broader sense it may also include injury, disability, disorders, syndromes and infections.

As a Allied Health worker I deal with people who are mostly physically unhealthy. I am prone and very much susceptible to acquiring diseases from people I encounter everyday. So I am required to not only make sure that patients get the proper treatment but also to take preventive measures and protection for my own health safety.

Ever since I was a little child my mom would always have a hard time making me take my medicines. Something that I have not grown out of. I don't even take vitamins or any supplements which is why when I started I became very sickly. That's only when I decided that maybe its time for me to change my childish ways. I have learned to take vitamins and food supplements and thank God I have not been sick since then.

The food supplements I am taking were actually referred to me by my co-worker. She told me it is what she has been taking and she can vouch for it. And since she knew that I am constipated most of the time she made me try Puritan's Pride Colon Cleanser. The product helped me move my bowel regularly. It has herbs extract from Psyllium Seed Husk, Casgara Sagrada, Buckhorn Bark and Aloe Vera Leaf. It also contains lactobacillus and acidophilus. Aside from taking care of my bowel I am also now taking care of my heart by taking Omega 3 from fish oils. It does not only keep my heart healthy but also helps in proper cellular and metabolic functions healthy.

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Tuberculosis Up Close: Primary TB Pneumonia

Infection with Tuburcle bacillus (most often M. tuberculosis) is characterized by the formation of tubercles, hard nodules in the lungs that are the result of interaction between the bacteria and the host’s immune system. When M. tuberculosis enters the lungs, phagocytic cells of the host’s immune system, called macrophages, engulf the pathogen, but are unable to digest the bacteria due to its waxy mycolic acid cell wall.

The Mycobacteria then begin to multiply within the macrophages, eventually killing these cells that are supposed to protecting the host. The cycle continues as the bacteria released from the dead macrophages are then engulfed by other macrophages. While this immune system drama is being played out internally, the host normally shows few external signs of infection, other than a possible fever.

The infected macrophages result in an inflammatory response (heat, swelling, dilated capillaries) which attracts more macrophages until the site of infection is completely surrounded by many of these compressed phagocytic cells. Inflammation triggers other cells within the host to essentially quarantine the area by depositing collagen fibers around the packed macrophages, forming an enclosed infection within the lung called a tubercle. The cells at the center of the tubercle may eventually die, producing either an area of necrosis or an actual cavity.

There several types of tuberculosis, they are divided into three clinically (3) three important categories; Primary TB, Secondary Reactivated TB, and Disseminated TB.

Primary TB

Primary tuberculosis is an infection of persons have not had prior contact with the tubercle bacillus. This uncommon type of TB presents as pneumonia and is very infectious. Patients have a high fever and productive cough. It occurs most often in extremely young children and the elderly. It is also seen in patients with immunosuppression, such as HIV-infected and AIDS patients, and in patients on long term corticosteroid therapy.

Primary tuberculosis also refers to the infection process which eventually eliminates the pathogen or results in a salemate between the Mycobacteria and the immune system. With most TB infections, the immune system is able to contain, although not eliminate, the Mycobacteria within the tubercle, preventing the spread of bacteria and progression of the disease. M. tuberculosis can remain in this impasse of dormant infection for many years.

*Photo: M Tuberculosis in sputum sample (Pink Rods).

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Have A Healthy Valentines

For all those who are on strict diet but still wants to enjoy chocolates on Valentines day there are healthy alternatives available that won't necessarily add to calories.

Here is one chocolate preparation that is healthy and would add to the sweetness of valentines day.

Hot Chocolate Fondue

The chocolate will stiffen if it gets cold, so enjoy it while it’s still warm. Skewer and dip anything you like—pear slices, dried apricots, even marshmallows. Equipment: Fondue forks or bamboo skewers

3 ounces bittersweet chocolate, chopped
2 tablespoons heavy cream
1 tablespoon brewed espresso (see Kitchen Tip)
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Pinch of salt
1 banana, peeled and cut into 8 pieces
8 1-inch chunks fresh pineapple
4 strawberries

1. Place chocolate, cream, espresso, vanilla and salt in a medium microwave-safe bowl; microwave on Medium, stirring every 20 seconds, until melted, 1 to 2 minutes. (Alternatively, see “No Microwave?” below.)
2. Pour the chocolate mixture into a serving bowl. Serve with fruit.

Makes 2 servings.

NUTRITION INFORMATION: Per serving: 345 calories; 19 g fat (10 g sat, 2 g mono); 20 mg cholesterol; 54 g carbohydrate; 4 g protein; 7 g fiber; 81 mg sodium; 382 mg potassium. Nutrition bonus: Vitamin C (90% daily value).

Kitchen Tip: If you don’t have an espresso maker, look for instant espresso powder at your supermarket.

No Microwave? Place chopped chocolate in the top of a double boiler over hot, but not boiling water. Gently stir until almost melted. Remove from the heat and stir until the chocolate melts completely.

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Chest Radiogtraph of TB Positive

Chest radiograph of a patient with Tuberculosis

An anteroposterior X-ray of a patient diagnosed with advanced bilateral pulmonary tuberculosis. This AP X-ray of the chest reveals the presence of bilateral pulmonary infiltrate (white triangles), and „caving formation“ (black arrows) present in the right apical region.The diagnosis is far-advanced tuberculosis.

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Good Eye Care For Less

The eye is perhaps one of the most taken for granted organ of the human body. Most people I know specially the younger ones. They will only start caring for it when signs and symptoms of certain eye disease begins to show up. There are also those people who spend too much on eye accessories, buying expensive eye glasses and eye treatment which is not really necessary.

Have you read about Zenni Optical in the New York Times?! If you are an avid reader of the paper I am pretty sure you have stumbled upon one of their article about how to find great eye products and treatments without emptying your bank account. The article was entitled Seeing Straight Without Breaking Bank. The article mentioned about employer medical coverage, how often a person needs to have their eye examined depending to age and finding great deals on eyeglasses that are cheap but of high quality.

And speaking of cheap eyeglasses with high quality Zenni Optical is the shop the offers one. They even have Prescription eyeglasses for only $8! Talking about ways to save huh. And oh by the way I checked their website and I found cool eyeglasses that I think would fit me and I can afford. Here's a photo of one of my favorite style and color.

Check them out yourself I am pretty sure you can find the eyeglass that fits your taste as well..

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Mixing Medicines

People taking traditional Chinese herbal remedies should keep their doctor informed about what they are taking. Because it helps doctors and patients know more about possible adverse effects. Mixing herbal medicines and pharmaceuticals usually doesn't cause side effect, but some potentially dangerous interactions have been found.

One general caution is to avoid taking herbs and medicines that offer the same effects. Traditional Chinese medicine for diabetes can cause hypogylcemia when used with insulin injections.

The Hong Kong study noted that the mixture of ginko biloba and aspirin can cause a dangerous eye condition called spontaneous hyphema, in which the outer chamber of the eye fills with blood. It also cited a study linking the mixture of liquorice and contraceptives to high blood pressure.

Natural products seldom cause disastrous reactions, but nothing is safe if taken too much.

Source: Reader's Digest.

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