Wednesday, February 22, 2012

Choosing Top Quality Catheter Supplies


Several different medical conditions can cause problems with the bladder and the ability to urinate properly. In these case, it is often necessary to use Catheter Supplies to empty the bladder. Medical science has made improvements to the design and function of these devices to make them easier to use and much more comfortable. By making different types for specific situations, it is easier to use the right tool for the right job. Making a connection with a medical professional to get the best information is important as there are multiple types to choose from. There are internal and external ones, some are for men and others are for women, and some are disposable single use items while others are meant to stay in.
Some common items to help empty the bladder are Intermittent Catheters, which are disposable catheters and are used only once. They are designed to help with incontinence and can be used by a patient themselves to empty their bladder. The tip is inserted into the urethra and can be done by the patient so they can do it privately when they are ready. After the bladder is completely drained, the catheter is discarded. These are sometimes called Straight Catheters since they are made to be easily put in and removed. Another version has a slight curve at the tip for men with prostate problems and it is called a Coude Catheter.
One of the most common types that are used in hospitals or other medical care situations, are Foley Catheters. These are internal catheters that are left in place and are not taken back out like intermittent ones. These indwelling types usually are inserted by a doctor and have a balloon at the end that is inflated after it is inserted, to hold it in place. Some of these catheters have an extra channel so that medications or fluid for irrigation can be introduced into the bladder.
Understanding the differences in the different types of catheters and why they might need to be used is crucial. When comparing products and prices, there are a variety of websites that have them available. Use a site that has the clearest information, best resources, and easiest access to a knowledgeable service specialist that can answer any questions. There are medical professionals available for anyone that needs extra information. This can be a tricky procedure and it will only be worse for those who are not sure they have the right devices. Connect with a specialist and get the right help.

Wednesday, February 15, 2012

Otolaryngology: Head and Neck Surgery


Introduction:
Otolaryngology (pronounced oh/toe/lair/in/goll/oh/jee) is the oldest medical specialty in the United States. Otolaryngologists are physicians trained in the medical and surgical management and treatment of patients with diseases and disorders of the ear, nose, throat (ENT), and related structures of the head and neck. They are commonly referred to as ENT physicians. Their special skills include diagnosing and managing diseases of the sinuses, larynx (voice box), oral cavity, and upper pharynx (mouth and throat), as well as structures of the neck and face. Otolaryngologists diagnose, treat, and manage specialty-specific disorders as well as many primary care problems in both children and adults.
Main Idea:
Otolaryngology or ENT (ear, nose, and throat) is the branch of medicine and surgery that specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of disorders of the head and neck.
Otolaryngologist - head and neck surgeons, spend up to 15 years training to treat conditions of the ears, nose, throat, and related structures of the head and neck. Their special skills include diagnosing and managing diseases of the sinuses, larynx (voice box), oral cavity, and upper pharynx (mouth and throat), as well as structures of the neck and face. Otolaryngologists diagnose, treat, and manage specialty-specific disorders as well as many primary care problems in both children and adults.
Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery is a specialty devoted to the care of adult and pediatric patients with problems of the ear, nose, throat, and neck. These doctors are commonly known as ENT physicians.
There are several subspecialties wherein otolaryngologists devote their practices to one or two specific areas of Otolaryngology. These subspecialties include pediatric otolaryngology (children), allergy, sinus surgery, facial plastic and reconstructive surgery, head and neck cancer surgery, laryngology (voice and swallowing), otology/neurotology, and skull base surgery.
Many doctors in these subspecialties have spent 1-3 extra years of special training in addition to the general otolaryngology training.
•Otology & neuro-otology:
An otologist/neurotologist is a board-certified otolaryngologist who provides medical and surgical care of patients, both adult and pediatric, with diseases that affect the ears, balance system, temporal bone, skull base, and related structures of the head and neck.
The neurotologist is knowledgeable of the basic sciences of hearing, balance, nerve function, infectious disease, and anatomy of head and neck. Their diagnostic, medical, and surgical skills include treatment of hearing loss and tinnitus, dizziness, infectious and inflammatory diseases of the ear, facial nerve disorders, congenital malformations of the ear, and tumors of the ear, hearing nerve, and skull base.
•Rhinology:
It is a subspecialty of ENT that deals with diseases of the nose and the sinuses including Rhinosinusitis (nose and sinus allergy), nasal obstruction, nasal polyps and nose bleeds. It also involves treating diseases close to the nose such as prominent eyes in thyroid disease, and watery eyes caused by blocked tear ducts in addition to excision of tumours in this area.
•Laryngology:
Laryngology is that branch of medicine which deals with disorders, diseases and injuries of the vocal apparatus, especially the larynx. Common conditions addressed by laryngologists include vocal fold nodules and cysts, laryngeal cancer, spasmodic dysphonia, laryngopharyngeal reflux, papillomas, and voice misuse/abuse/overuse syndromes.
Otolaryngologists treat the following:
• The Ears - The unique domain of otolaryngologists is the treatment of ear disorders. They are trained in both the medical and surgical treatment of hearing, ear infections, balance disorders, ear noise, nerve pain, and facial and cranial nerve disorders. Otolaryngologists also manage congenital (birth) disorders of the outer and inner ear.
• The Nose - Care of the nasal cavity and sinuses is one of the primary skills of otolaryngologists. Management of the nasal area includes allergies and sense of smell. Breathing through, and the appearance of, the nose are also part of otolaryngologists' expertise.
• The Throat - Communicating (speech and singing) and eating a meal all involve this vital area. Also specific to otolaryngologists is expertise in managing diseases of the larynx (voice box) and the upper aero-digestive tract or esophagus, including voice and swallowing disorders.
• The Head and Neck - In the head and neck area, otolaryngologists are trained to treat infectious diseases, both benign and malignant (cancerous) tumors, facial trauma, and deformities of the face. They perform both cosmetic plastic and reconstructive surgery.
ENT treatment will vary according to what type of problems or symptoms you are having. In the early stages of a disorder, surgical procedures may not be warranted, as in tonsillitis, for example. Early treatments will also depend on whether or not the disorder is related to an infection. If an infection is suspected, tests may be performed to determine whether the cause is bacterial or viral. Viral infections will not respond to antibiotics.
If surgical procedures are indicated, the doctor or nurse will give you instructions to follow before the surgery, including when you need to stop eating solid foods, when to stop drinking clear liquids and whether or not you will need to start or stop any medications before the surgery.
Some common surgical treatments:
• Facial Cosmetic Surgery
• Facial Reconstructive Surgery
• Neck Dissection (removal of lymph nodes in the neck)
• Parotidectomy
• Thyroidectomy
Some common services of Otolaryngology:
• Division of Audiology: provides comprehensive diagnostic and rehabilitative services for both children and adults.
• Newborn Screening: testing of newborn infants.

Thursday, February 2, 2012

Coconut Water: The Next Best Sports Drink?


Coconut water has become famous in the USA and UK in recent times. If you are unfamiliar with this item, it is actually the liquid being extracted from coconuts. It was seen to contain electrolytes which are loaded with nourishing elements like vitamins and minerals.
This drink was more popular in tropical countries but it is making its way up in the Western places as well. However, its form usually is in cans or bottles. This is the recent celebrity thing, with a lot of celebs seen drinking it and some are even investing in this refreshing beverage.
Companies have observed this too and that is why they also made this water as an element in sports drinks. But would it be enough to be at par with the established sports drinks in the past? How true is its effectiveness in dealing with the concerns that other sports drink take care of? These are the critical questions that this natural drink faces. Although there can still be skeptics with the natural approach to sports drinks, you might be surprised with the benefits it can offer for the active body.
It is a good candidate for hydration because it contains essential nutrients such as vitamins and minerals, magnesium, potassium and complex B vitamins. The electrolyte amounts it has is comparable to the levels present in the blood. Because of this, it becomes more compatible for consumption. When a test was done with athletes, it showed amazing results in hydrating the body a lot better than sports drinks. It even gave better results than consuming water alone.
Sports drinks are able to benefit the body more than just hydrating your body. Whenever we exercise, we lose the electrolytes that enables us to perform tedious exercises in the first place. This water will restore the lost electrolytes and enables individuals to even perform more strenuous exercises. This is due to the potassium and sodium contents. When we exercise continuously for long hours, it uses up energy and also needs to replenish the stored energy.
Seeing that it contains just about the same amounts of needed nutrients, this water can be great alternative to sports drinks. When you look for your sports drink in the market, it might be high time to rethink about going for this water instead. Usually this is a cheaper option but it still depends on the brands that manufacture it. If you happen to live at tropical areas, then it is easier to gain access to this wonderful revitalizing drink.
Coconut water hydrates the body and offers the electrolytes needed in the body - better and more than regular sports drinks can provide. This is best paired with clean regular water because even though it is abundant in nutrients, the lower sodium of levels will still be insufficient for high intensity workouts for longer periods of time. Coconut juice can be drank alone or with the aid of water depending on the intensity of the exercise that you will be performing. It is always good to remember that water is still a vital drink for exercises.