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Menstruation; Whats happening to my body?

Contents [ hide ] Introduction Actually, what you are experiencing is a normal physiological process that begins once a girl reaches puberty. The first menstruation in a woman’s life is referred to as menarche , this could happen between the ages of 10 to 15 with most (the average) girls having theirs around age 12. It involves bleeding from the uterus at regular intervals. The end of menstruation is termed menopause , this usually happens between the ages of 45 to 55. Menstruation is therefore defined as the cyclical or monthly flow of blood and shedding of endometrium including mucus, some enzymes and unfertilized ovum. So, what really happens? Well in simple terms, it all begins with changes in hormones in the body. You can think of hormones as messengers that are sent by some organs of your body to tell other cells to do something. In this particular case, an organ called hypothalamus which is found in your brain begins the process. [Fast forward] The ovaries release f...
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Sinusitis; cause, signs and symptoms, diagnosis and management

Sinusitis is an inflammation of the sinuses. Sinusitis may develop in any of the groups of sinuses. Maxillary, ethmoid, frontal and or sphenoid.

Photo by EUFOREA

Cause

Sinusitis may be acute (short-lived) or chronic (long-standing). Viral infections like common cold and a variety of bacteria can cause sinusitis.

Signs and symptoms

Acute and chronic sinusitis produce similar symptoms such as tenderness over the affected sinus,

    • headache,
    • toothache,
    • malaise,
    • nasal mucous membrane is swollen and reddish,
    • pus or discharge from the nose

Diagnosis

  • X-ray - sinuses appear opaque
  • Computed tomography can determine the extent and severity of the sinusitis
  • Clinical manifestations

Management

The aim of treatment is to improve sinus drainage, control pain and curing the infection

  1. Steam inhalation helps blood vessels in the mucous membrane constrict and improve sinus drainage
  2. Ephedrine nasal spray
  3. Antibiotics such as Amoxiclav/Amoxicillin are given for longer period if it is chronic.
  4. When antibiotics are not effective antrum washout or surgery may be performed to improve sinus drainage
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