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What Are Signs Of Acute Pain

What Are Signs Of Acute Pain?

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There are several signs associated with acute pain since the term itself is quite vague and broad. Conversely, if you’re experiencing acute pain, it’s important to take some time off to rest and receive sufficient treatment. After all, the only way to get back on track as soon as possible is to fully heal. Failing to receive proper care can only lead to complications and even more time off the field to do the things you want to get done.

What Is Acute Pain?

Acute pain is a sensation you feel as soon as you experience an injury. For instance, if you slice open a finger while chopping vegetables, break a bone, or fall down the stairs, you are going to feel acute pain. It’s a signal from your body that it has just undergone physical trauma. Commonly, the pain stops once the injury heals.

back pain

Signs of Acute Pain

Acute pain tends to be of relatively short duration. The most common signs of acute pain may include:

Common Causes of Acute Pain

Besides blunt trauma examples, a person could also suffer from acute pain because of any of the following reasons:

  • Sprains and strains of a body part
  • Going to the dentist
  • Giving birth
  • Infections on a cut
  • Getting burned
  • Slipping and falling
  • Menstrual cramps
  • Passing a kidney stone
  • Bumping a body part against a hard surface

The range of pain can vary significantly depending on what’s causing it or the severity of the injury. 

Effects of Acute Pain 

The effects of acute pain extend far beyond an injured body part. Debilitating pain will affect other areas of a person’s life as well. People suffering from severe pain often find it difficult to sleep or lose their appetite because of it. In a worst-case scenario, it may lead to depression or addiction to pain medication, depending on where the pain is located.

losing weight

Acute Pain Treatment 

Every person’s pain is unique, just as every person’s life is unique. It is also important to provide them with the right pain management treatments and medications. People differ in their pain treatment to ensure that they receive effective treatment based on their unique characteristics.

Initial treatment may include some of the following:

  • Opioid medications
  • Muscle relaxant medications
  • Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)
  • Stress reduction
  • Resting the affected part of the body
  • Application of heat or ice
  • Physical therapy
  • Exercise
  • Bioelectric therapy 

A secondary tier of treatments may include

Recommended medication:

  • Tramadol – this drug is a narcotic-like pain reliever that is effective in managing acute and chronic pain. 
effective weight loss

Weight Loss

Weight Loss, , , ,

Obesity is a chronic disease defined by an excess amount of body fat. A certain amount of body fat is needed for storing energy, shock absorption, heat insulation, and other functions. A person that has excess weight or body fat may affect their health. A doctor will usually suggest that a person has obesity if they have a high body mass index (BMI). BMI is a tool that doctors use to assess whether or not a person is carrying excess weight.

obese tape measure

Most Common Cause Of Obesity

  • Physical inactivity

Inactive individuals burn fewer calories than active people. It’s been shown that a strong correlation between physical inactivity and weight gain in both sexes.

  • Overeating

Overeating leads to weight gain, especially if the diet is high in fat. Foods high in fat or sugar have high energy density. Epidemiologic studies have shown that diets high in fat contribute to weight gain.

  • Genetics

An individual is more likely to develop obesity if one or both parents are obese. Genetics also affect hormones involved in fat regulation. For instance, one genetic cause of obesity is Leptin deficiency wherein Leptin is a hormone made in fat cells and the placenta. It controls weight by signaling the brain to eat less when body fat stores are too high. In addition, if the body cannot produce enough Leptin or cannot signal the brain to eat less, this control is lost and obesity occurs. The role of Leptin replacement as a treatment for obesity is under exploration.

  • A diet high in simple carbohydrates

Carbohydrates increase blood glucose levels which in turn stimulate insulin release by the pancreas. In turn, insulin promotes the growth of fat tissue and causes weight gain. Experts believe that simple carbohydrates contribute to weight gain because they are more rapidly absorbed into the bloodstream than complex carbohydrates. The higher the insulin, the more it contributes to weight gain.

  • Frequency of eating

The relationship between the frequency of eating and weight is somewhat controversial. There are several reports that overweight people eat less often than people with normal weight.

  • Diseases

Diseases such as polycystic ovary syndrome, insulin resistance, hypothyroidism, and Cushing’s syndrome are contributors to obesity.

  • Social issues

Lack of money to purchase healthy foods or lack of safe places to exercise can increase the risk of obesity.

  • Psychological factors

For several people, emotions influence eating habits.  Many people eat excessively in response to emotions including anger, stress, sadness, and boredom. While the most overweight individual has no more psychological disturbances than normal-weight people, there are about 30% of the people who seek treatment for serious weight problems have difficulties with binge eating.

  • Medications

Medications linked with weight gain include:

weight loss tablets

Common Prescriptions For Weight Loss

  • Setmelanotide
  • Semaglutide
  • Liraglutide
  • Naltrexone-Bupropion
  • Phentermine-Topiramate
  • Orlistat
  • Benzphetamine
  • Diethylpropion
  • Phendimetrazine

Prescription medications used for the treatment of overweight and obesity work in different ways. For instance, some medicines may help you feel less hungry or full sooner. Other medicines may make it harder for your body to absorb fat from the foods you eat.

Cerebral Palsy

Cerebral Palsy

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Cerebral Palsy is a neurological illness caused by brain damage. It is the most common movement and motor disability of childhood. Cerebral palsy refers to a group of symptoms and disabilities. They are all related but each child will have a unique and individual experience of cerebral palsy. This neurological illness affects over 500,000 people in the U.S. There is no cure, but treatments and therapies can make a big difference.   

 

What Causes Cerebral Palsy? 

Brain damage is the cause of Cerebral Palsy, but many different things can trigger damage such as: 

  • Genetic conditions 
  • Poor brain development in the womb 
  • Disruption of blood flow to the developing brain 
  • Maternal infections or medical conditions 
  • Ingestion of toxins or drugs during pregnancy 
  • Complications related to premature delivery 
  • Damage to the head or skull during delivery 

 

Signs and Symptoms of Cerebral Palsy 

Some of the signs of Cerebral Palsy are: 

  • Scooting on the bottom instead of crawling 
  • Delays in movements and motor skills, such as walking, holding head up, sitting, rolling over, or crawling 
  • Favoring one side of the body 
  • Body parts that are too stiff or floppy 
  • Inability to stand, even with support 

Always consult the pediatrician if your child if notices unusual symptoms, even if you are not sure they are caused by cerebral palsy.  

 

Risk Factors of Having Cerebral Palsy 

It is very significant to understand that risk factors are not signs or symptoms of cerebral palsy. The more risk factors a baby has the greater their chances of developing the condition. Conversely, not every baby that develops this condition has many or all risk factors. Some risk factors like prematurity seem to be more vital than others. 

  • Birth Complications 

Complications throughout the delivery process that interrupts oxygen supply can increase a baby’s risk of developing cerebral palsy. Previously, birth complications were thought to be the only cause of cerebral palsy, but as science progressed, various other factors were discovered. 

  • Infections 

Certain maternal and fetal infections can increase the risk of an infant developing this type of condition, especially if not treated promptly.  

Rh Incompatibility and Blood type 

Rh incompatibility and Blood type occur when the blood type of a mother is different and not compatible with her infant’s. Rh or blood incompatibility does not always mean that a baby will progress cerebral palsy, but a risk factor. A blood compatibility test must be carried out during early pregnancy or after childbirth if your baby develops jaundice. 

  • Multiple Births 

Carrying twins or multiples have been related to a higher chance of infants developing this condition because of various complications that tend to surface when carrying more than one infant, including: 

  • Breech birth position 
  • Premature delivery 
  • Low birth weight 

 

Safety Precautions  

There are steps you can take to lower the risk of having this condition: 

  • Before pregnancy, eat well and have any pre-existing medical problems under control. 
  • While pregnant, continue with these healthy habits and take recommended prenatal vitamins. 
  • See your obstetrician for regular check-ups throughout pregnancy. 
  • Get screened for potential complications. 

 

Treating Cerebral Palsy  

  • Surgery 

This is a serious part of treatment for several children. Surgical procedures may manage pain or improve mobility. Common procedures include the repair of hip dislocations, tendon or muscle release, and scoliosis surgery.  

  • Therapies 

There are different categories of therapies are used for babies and children with cerebral palsy. They may improve social, mental, physical, and learning deficits. If started early, therapies for this condition can lessen impairment and the risk of developing other associated conditions. 

Common types of therapy used to help children with cerebral palsy are: 

  • Speech/Language 
  • Physical 
  • Behavioral 
  • Feeding 
  • Occupational 
  • Aqua 
  • Music 
  • Horse and animal 
  • Play 
  • Bowel program 

 

Medications for Cerebral Palsy 

Several medications help control seizures, spastic movements, relieve pain, and manage other symptoms and related conditions: 

  • Anticonvulsants 
  • Antacids 
  • Anticholinergics 
  • Baclofen or other muscle relaxants 
  • Diazepam 
  • Sleep aids 
  • Stool softeners/laxatives