Sunday, April 07, 2019

Causes of Nighttime Urination

When you body goes into rest mode every night, your bladder switches gears and produces less, but more concentrated urine to let you sleep without interruption. This balance can be cut short by a variety of factors, including disease. And while the majority of people need a nighttime detour to the bathroom because of the glass of wine they had in the evening and have nothing to worry about, frequent and multiple nighttime urination is a red flag.
Even so, nocturia (the scientific term for frequent nighttime urination) may be caused by a disease, there are some benign causes, among which are the following:

    Diuretic medications
    Caffeine
    Alcohol
    Excessive fluids before bedtime.

As a symptom, nocturia can point to a variety of diseases, from urinary infections to neurological diseases and everything in-between. Scroll down to read about each cause.


1. Obstructive Sleep Apnea

Nighttime urination is so prevalent in sleep apnea that it became a tell-tale sign of the disease, as significant as snoring, but many people don’t suspect that sleep apnea may be the cause of frequent nighttime urination. The American Sleep Apnea Association mentions that over 84% of patients suffering from sleep apnea reported nocturia.


Many patients with untreated sleep apnea report 6 or more nighttime bathroom trips. The underlying mechanism of nocturia in sleep apnea is unclear, but it is known that patients who start a treatment targeting sleep apnea find that it resolves the nightly bathroom breaks almost completely.


2. Bladder Prolapse
A bladder prolapse can happen when a woman’s bladder is poorly supported by pelvic muscles and ligaments, as a result, it descends to the vaginal wall. Patients with even a minor prolapse complain about nocturia, and bladder prolapse is one of the leading causes of nocturia in women.


In this condition, nighttime urination likely occurs because the tension of the vagina can aggravate the bladder when in a horizontal position, and one gets the urge to urinate, even when the bladder isn’t full.


3. Enlarged Prostate

 nocturia Enlarged ProstateAn enlarged prostate is called benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) in medical terms. In patients suffering from BPH, the urinary tract changes its shape and functionality together with the enlargement of the prostate.

BPH is one of the major causes of nocturia in males, which is brought about by increased bladder sensation and the narrowing of the urethra, which can make you feel an urgency to urinate, even when your bladder is nearly empty. In these cases, nocturia is not the only symptom and an increased need to urinate and incontinence are also observed.


4. Anxiety and Depression
Mental problems, such as anxiety and depression may manifest themselves in the form of nocturia, too. Although the exact link between these 2 conditions is unknown, nocturia is believed to be a side effect of sleep disturbances that come with anxiety and depression.


In these cases, it’s not the need to empty the bladder that wakes a person up, but they take a trip to the bathroom when they’re already up. To stop both the nocturia and the sleep disturbances, it is recommended to try to relax before sleep, either by doing breathing exercises, aromatherapy, or meditation.


It is also a good idea to avoid evening naps, nighttime meals and caffeinated drinks in the evenings.


5. UTIs
One of the most common causes of nocturia are a urinary tract infections (UTIs), cystitis, as well as bladder or kidney infections. These infections of the urinary system usually cause frequent burning sensations before, during and after urination, as well as the urgency to urinate during the day and night.


Other symptoms of these infections include changes in urine, fever, pain in the lover back and lower pelvis.


6. Swelling of the Legs (Edema)
There are many causes of edema, ranging from liver failure to heart disease, but all of these conditions cause excess water buildup in the tissues of the extremities.


This extra fluid has to go somewhere, so the body transports this fluid to the kidneys to excrete it from the body, which usually happens at night. This way, patients suffering from leg swelling may have to take a few night trips to the bathroom.


7. Multiple Sclerosis
People who suffer from multiple sclerosis, too, can experience nocturia, with an estimated 80 percent having some sort of bladder dysfunction during the progression of the disease, with some patients having to wake up 5-8 time during the night, feeling the urge to urinate.


This symptom occurs because MS patients have suffered damage to the nervous system, which may result in the disruption of nerve signals connected to the functioning of the bladder.


8. Parkinson’s Disease
Parkinson's disease (PD) is the 2nd most common neurodegenerative disease. In the course of the disease, patient most commonly experience motor control difficulties, but as much as 60% of PD patients also have bladder symptoms.


Although the causes of nocturia in PD are poorly understood, it was suggested that it may be due to higher quantities of urine production or a lower capacity of the bladder.


9. Overactive Bladder
An overactive bladder is a diagnosis encompassing a variety of conditions that all have the same symptom: a sudden unstoppable urge to urinate. Nocturia is one of the symptoms of an overactive bladder, and it is more common in people over the age of 60, but it has also been reported that one in three adults over the age of 30 needs 2 or more nighttime bathroom trips as well.


Other symptoms of an overactive bladder include a sudden uncontrollable urge to urinate, frequent incontinence, and more than 8 bathroom breaks in a 24-hour period. The reasons of this conditions are unknown, and therapy includes a variety of exercise, dietary restrictions, botox injections and even electro stimulation.


10. Tumors In the Pelvic Area
Both malignant and benign tumors of the organs of the lower abdomen, such as kidneys, reproductive organs and the digestive system may cause nighttime urination, as the tumor may press against the bladder, making it smaller and capable of holding less urine.


This will usually cause not only nocturia, but also incontinence and frequent urination during the day time.


11. Diabetes
Having high blood glucose levels can make the body get rid of excess glucose through urine. The more sugar the urine contains, the more it stimulates urine production.


This will make you urinate more often throughout the day and night, and it will also bring about the sensation of thirst. There is also a form of diabetes called diabetes insipidus that causes excess urination, with some patients urinating 20 litres (5.28 gallons) more than a normal person every day.


Please keep in mind that the information contained in this article is presented for informative purposes only. If you experience nocturia or any other suspicious symptoms, make sure to get a diagnosis by a specialist.
 

THIS IS ONLY FOR INFORMATION, ALWAYS CONSULT YOU PHYSICIAN BEFORE HAVING ANY PARTICULAR FOOD/ MEDICATION/EXERCISE/OTHER REMEDIES.                                    PS- THOSE INTERESTED IN RECIPES ARE FREE TO  VIEW MY BLOG-                                                                                           https://gseasyrecipes.blogspot.com/                                                                                                                                                         FOR INFO ABOUT KNEE REPLACEMENT, YOU CAN VIEW MY BLOG-                                                  https:// kneereplacement-stickclub.blogspot.com/           


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Sunday, December 23, 2018

14 Things Ob-Gyns Desperately Wish You Knew About Ovarian Cancer

The early symptoms of ovarian cancer are easily missed, so getting educated is the best thing you can do to protect yourself!

Ovarian cancer is often mistaken for stomach problems

“Early symptoms of ovarian cancer tend to be subtle. Bloating, constipation, stomach pain, irregular bleeding, pelvic pressure, and even a sensation of ‘feeling full’ after eating little are all early signs but women often ignore these, writing them off as gastrointestinal problems, or try to self-treat rather than seeking medical attention.


Birth control pills and babies are your friends

“Some of the biggest risk factors for ovarian cancer are associated with how often you ovulate. The more you ovulate, the more at risk you are for ovarian cancer.  So women who have have never had a child, never used the birth control pills, started menstruating early, and/or experienced menopause after the age of 55 are at a higher risk and should have more frequent check-ups.” —Sherry Ross, MD, women’s health expert at Providence Saint John’s Health Center in Santa Monica, CA

There is no good test for detecting ovarian cancer

"When it comes to ovarian cancer, unfortunately there's no reliable universal screening method (like the Pap test is for cervical cancer) and the symptoms can be vague and confused with many other illnesses. The best approach is to have a thorough yearly exam, which may include a pelvic ultrasound to better evaluate the ovaries for any abnormalities. Furthermore, women with a family history of either breast or ovarian cancer should discuss genetic testing to better understand their chances of developing these cancers. If a woman has a genetic predisposition for these cancers, there are prophylactic procedures that can greatly reduce the chances of getting these cancers and increased surveillance can be instituted. As with all cancers, early detection is always best."

Ovarian cancer is rare but deadly

"The American Cancer Society estimates that in the United States in 2016 about 22,280 women will get a new diagnosis of ovarian cancer. More than half of these—about 14,240 of our mothers, sisters, aunts, daughters, neighbors, co-workers and friends—will die of the disease. Ovarian cancer, though a relatively rare cancer, ranks fifth in cancer deaths of women." 

You can help your family

"Because ovarian cancer can be hereditary all women with ovarian cancer should have genetic testing.  If you have a BRCA1 or BRCA2 mutation, encourage all your first-degree relatives (like sisters or daughters) to have their genetic testing done. Through genetic testing we can prevent up to 20 percent of all ovarian cancer cases today by identifying those who are at a high risk."

It's not an automatic death sentence

Many people think that we are not making progress in our fight against ovarian cancer but we are. Over the past 30 years treatments have gotten much more effective and are better tolerated. Nowadays women are living longer and better lives. We have a lot of work still to do, but we are making headway against this very aggressive disease. "

It's linked to colon cancer

"Recent research has shown that a family history of colon cancer could put you at risk for an increased risk of both ovarian and uterine cancer.  It's important to seek genetic counseling and talk to your doctor if you have a family history of these cancers." 

Don't underestimate the power of exercise and a healthy diet

"Overall worrying about ovarian cancer should be low on your list of worries. It is a scary disease but focusing on staying healthy through proper diet and exercise will not only lower your risk of getting ovarian cancer but it can help lower the risk of getting all cancer and protect you from heart disease, which is the leading cause of death in women in the United States." 

Ovarian cancer is often not caught until it's at stage 3

 "Because of where the ovaries are located in the abdomen and the fact there are no effective screening tests to diagnose ovarian cancer at an earlier stage, it is often not caught until a late stage in the disease. In fact, ovarian cancer is usually not symptomatic until the ovarian mass is large or until other organs are affected. It is important for women to be aware of symptoms of ovarian cancer, including abdominal fullness or bloating, early satiety (feeling full quickly when eating), and urinary complaints. While none of these are ovarian-specific, they are worrisome and warrant an evaluation."

This is why your yearly gynecology exam is so important

"Symptoms of early-stage ovarian cancer are commonly overlooked. In fact, a survey found 76 percent of women are not confident they could even identify symptoms of ovarian cancer. It is critical for women to have an annual visit to the doctor and discuss any and all symptoms they may be experiencing, particularly if those symptoms are persistent or a change from the norm." 

Sometimes a burp isn't just a burp

"The high death rate of ovarian cancer is due, at least in part, to the vague, nonspecific symptoms that are experienced in the early stages. Bloating, pelvic, or abdominal pain and urinary symptoms are often the chief complaints. My sister, who passed away from the illness, primarily complained of painful gas. She began to try to burp or pass gas no matter where we were as it gave her such relief that social norms became an afterthought. Yet cancer would be very low on most physicians’ list of possibilities for a woman complaining of belching and flatulence. This is why if you feel something is wrong, it's important to be insistent and persistent in advocating for your health."

You need to see a specialist

"If you are diagnosed with ovarian cancer, ask to be referred to a specialist. Studies show that seeing an ovarian cancer specialist (such as a gynecologic oncologist) leads to significantly better survival and outcomes.  In a recent publication this year with nearly 8,000 women, less than half received optimal surgery and chemotherapy.  There may be many reasons for this, but I think a big one is the lack of awareness that experts exist and seeing one early can make a big, big difference."

Consider this one more reason to maintain a healthy weight

"Heredity is not destiny. Only about 10 percent of ovarian cases are due to genetic mutations, which means 90 percent of ovarian cancer cases are preventable.  And even in that 10 percent of cases that are "hereditary" the risk can be significantly reduced by lifestyle choices which are 100 percent under your control. Because obesity is a major risk factor, losing weight can help protect you." 

You have options besides surgery

"Surgery is the mainstay of initial treatment but all newly diagnosed patients with ovarian cancer should see a gynecologic oncologist to determine what treatment plan is best for them. For some, biological or medical treatments might be used prior or in addition to having surgery."

 

 THIS IS ONLY FOR INFORMATION, ALWAYS CONSULT YOU PHYSICIAN BEFORE HAVING ANY PARTICULAR FOOD/ MEDICATION/EXERCISE/OTHER REMEDIES.                                                                                
 PS- THOSE INTERESTED IN RECIPES ARE FREE TO  VIEW MY BLOG-                                                                                           https://gseasyrecipes.blogspot.com/                                                                                                                                                                             FOR INFO ABOUT KNEE REPLACEMENT, YOU CAN VIEW MY BLOG-                                               
     https:// kneereplacement-stickclub.blogspot.com/                                                                                     
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Tuesday, April 19, 2016

Health Tests You Should Do Over the age of 50

THIS IS ONLY FOR INFORMATION, ALWAYS CONSULT YOUR PHYSICIAN BEFORE HAVING ANY PARTICULAR FOOD/ MEDICATION/EXERCISE/OTHER REMEDIES.



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Routine Yearly Physical Exam
Whether you are seeing a gynecologist or a family doctor for your routine checkup, it's important to know exactly what tests you need and what to expect. Routine physical checkups take time, so book your appointment in advance, making it clear that you are coming for a complete physical. If seeing your family doctor, it's best to stick with a general physical exam, screening for chronic conditions such as heart disease and cancer. On the other hand, see your gynecologist for gynecological exams.
The following tests and exams get the best snapshot of your overall health:

1. General Physical Exam
A general physical includes your doctor taking a detailed history to learn all about you and your family history. A head-to-toe physical exam includes your skin, eyes, ears, nose, throat, lymph nodes, chest, breast area, abdomen, rectum and extremities (hands and feet).
2. Waist Circumference
A larger waist circumference could put you at an increased risk of metabolic syndrome, which in turn can cause a cluster of medical conditions including high blood pressure, high blood sugar, abnormal cholesterol or triglyceride levels, which can increase your chances of heart disease, stroke and diabetes. Among women, an increased waist circumference can also put you at risk of breast and uterus cancer.
 3. BMI (Body Mass Index)
Your BMI is another indicator of possible future health risks. However, your waist circumference and body shape make for a more reliable estimate.
4. Blood Pressure
Once you've reached 50, your blood pressure should be tested at each visit to the doctor. According to treatment guidelines, if you have diabetes, your blood pressure target should be around 120/80.
 5. Pelvic Exam
Your yearly visit to the gynecologist usually entails a pelvic exam. If you rely on your family doctor, you will most likely have to ask for this to be performed. A pelvic exam can determine the condition of your uterus, cervix, ovaries and rectum. You should also ask for a rectal exam, as well as for a stool sample to be taken to test for the presence of blood. A regular pap smear will also examine your cervical cells, determining any changes or the possibility of cervical cancer. Along with your pap smear, you should also ask for the HPV (Human Papilloma Virus) test. Testing positive for HPV could mean that you are a chronic carrier of the virus, which is believed to be the sole cause of cervical cancer. Consequently, additional tests for any abnormal cells caused by the virus can then be carried out.
6. Blood Work
Your blood record contains a great deal of information about your health. By the time you hit your forties, it's important to run a complete series of blood tests. Doing so will allow you to find out about the state of your liver, thyroid, blood cholesterol, blood sugar and more. An overnight fast or fasting sample is critical. The following is an overview of what your doctor will test:
  • Complete Blood Count: CBC measures the number, size and shape of the different types of cells in your blood. It may be ordered as part of a complete physical examination, before surgery or if you have unexplained symptoms.
  • C-reactive Protein: Women with a waist circumference of 35 inches or over should ask for this important test to determine blood inflammation and risk of heart disease.7. Blood Chemistry
    The state of your blood chemistry can be determined by a series of tests that can be conducted quickly and inexpensively. Here's what your doctor will test:
  • Glucose: This test will determine whether you have diabetes. A fasting glucose of less than 100 is normal, while a level of 100 to 125 is abnormal and called impaired glucose tolerance. Meanwhile, a level of 126 or greater indicates diabetes.
  • Blood Urea Nitrogen and Chloride: This tests your kidney function.
  • Sodium, Potassium and Chloride: These are your blood salts or electrolytes. This test is especially important if you are taking diuretics (water pills) for hypertension  or heart disease.
  • Uric Acid: Determines the waste product of all cells. If elevated, it may indicate kidney disease or gout.
  • Albumin: A blood protein produced by the liver. If low, it can indicate liver or kidney disease.
  • Globulin: A blood protein produced by your immune system. A high count can indicate chronic inflammation, infection or blood disorders such as multiple myeloma.
  • Calcium: A component of your blood that helps all the cells in your body function normally. A high count in your blood can point to hyperparathyroidism, which predisposes you to kidney stones and low bone density.
  • Serum Glutamine Pyruvic Transaminase (SGPT) and Serum Glutamate Oxaloacetate Transaminase (SGOT): Determines the enzymes (proteins) produced by the liver and red blood cells.
  • Lactate Dehydrogenase: This enzyme is produced by many cells in the body. If high, your doctor will likely do additional tests to rule out malignancy.
  • Bilirubin: A chemical in bile that gives it its yellow color. If high, the bile passages from the liver to the intestine are blocked, indicating gallstones or liver disease.
  • Gamma Glutamyl Transpeptidase (GGT): An enzyme produced by the liver. Obesity and excessive alcohol use are the most common factors for a GGT increase. It may also be elevated due to liver disease.
  • Alkaline Phosphtase: An enzyme produced by the liver and bones. If elevated, determining the levels of GGT may help understand why - in which case, if both GGT and Alkaline Phosphate are high, the liver is likely to be the reason.
8. Blood fats and lipids
The levels of your blood fats and lipids, determine whether heart disease is present. This is generally what your doctor should test for:
  • Total Cholesterol: This determines the sum of your LDL and HDL (more on this below). High total cholesterol levels are linked to heart disease. Your total cholesterol level should be below 200.
  • High Density Lipoprotein (HDL): HDL indicated your good cholesterol levels. Your HDL should be at least 30 per cent of your total amount. In men, an HDL greater than 40 is normal, while in women, an HDL greater than 50 is normal.
  • Low Density Lipoprotein (LDL): LDL determines your bad cholesterol levels. If your LDL is high, it puts you at risk for heart disease. Your doctor will likely recommend a change in diet and medication to get your LDL cholesterol below 130. If you suffer from diabetes or heart disease, your treatment goal for LDL should be below 100.
  • Triglycerides: This determines the form of fat in your blood. Your triglyceride levels are much more likely to be higher after a meal. Elevated levels indicate an increased risk of heart disease and could also be a sign of early diabetes. Your triglyceride levels should ideally be under 150.
9. Thyroid Function
Women over the age of 50 should be tested for an under-active thyroid. A thyroid function test measures the level of the two hormones produced by the thyroid glands: thyrocine 3 (T3) and thyroxine 4 (T4), both of which regulate your metabolism. If your thyroid hormone levels are low, the TSH (Thyroid Stimulating Hormone) level will be high, whereas if the thyroid hormone levels are too high, then the TSH will be low or immeasurable.

10. Bone Density
An x-ray, known as the DXA scan, measures your bone density. The lower your bone density, the greater your risk for bone fractures. The most important score detected by a DXA scan is your T-score, which indicates how well your bones compare to that of a healthy 35-year old-woman. If it falls between -1 and -2.5, you likely have mild protein and mineral loss in your bones, called osteopenia. If your T-score is -2.5 or lower, then you have osteoporosis and thus are exposed to a significantly-increased risk of fractures.
11. Mammogram
This X-ray can detect breast cancer early, often before a lump can be felt. It is ideally scheduled a week after your period, a time when your breasts are least tender and glandular. Women over 50 should take this test yearly, while women at high risk of breast cancer should ask about a digital mammogram and an MRI.
 12. Colon Cancer Screening
Once you've hit 50, talk to your doctor about a colon cancer screening. If colon cancer, colon polyps, inflammatory bowel disease or other cancers such as breast, ovarian, endometrial or prostate cancer run in your family, it is important to get screened. Have an annual rectal exam and check the stool for hidden blood once a year. Get a colonoscopy done once at age 50, then depending on your family history, once every 5 to 10 years.
13. Dental
Every six months, get your teeth and gums checked for decay or plaque buildup as well as signs of inflammation and infection, particularly if you are at risk for heart disease, metabolic syndrome or diabetes, or if you have a waist circumference over 35 inches.  
14. Vision
Getting your eyes checked on a regular basis can determine your vision, cataracts and even glaucoma. If you suffer from metabolic syndrome or diabetes, you should have an annual opthalmology exam done by an opthalmologist, to check the retina too.
15. Skin Examination
Ask your doctor for a head to toe check of your skin on an annual basis. Melanoma is one of the most serious forms of skin cancer, that arises due to excessive sun exposure.
16. ECG (Electrocardiogram)
A baseline ECG assesses your heart's electrical activity. Be sure to get this test done by age 50, particularly if you are at increased risk for heart disease. For an accurate picture of your heart ask for a CT scan, a stress test which uses a heart ultrasound or special dye to get more accurate pictures of your heart. It may be a good idea to ask your doctor for a printout on a copy machine, which you carry with you along with your emergency health card. In case an emergency crops up in the future, your doctors will be able to compare a new ECG with your old one, enabling them to determine how best to treat you.
17. Prostate Cancer Screening
Once you've hit your 50s, it is important to discuss screening for prostate cancer with your doctor. If you have a family history of prostate cancer among first degree relatives, you should discuss screening at age 45.
In Summary
You know you are healthy at 50-60 if you have:
  • Waist circumference under 35 inches
  • Blood pressure <120 span="">
  • Blood lipids: LDL cholesterol <100 hdl=""> 50, TG (triglycerides) <150 span="">
  • Fasting blood glucose <100 span="">
  • ECG: baseline and CRP blood test if WC over 35 inches
  • Sleep 7-8 hours at night
  • Eat fruits, veggies, grains and healthy fats
  • Don’t smoke
  • Reduce stress in your life
  • <1 daily="" glass="" span="" wine="">
  • Exercise/walk 30 minutes or more daily.

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