Even low air pollution may cause you serious heart problems

 A New study that appears in the journal Circulation looks at the effects of low levels of pollution on the anatomy of the heart.

Living next to a busy road may cause you serious heart problems, a new study suggests.

The perils of air pollution are real and plentiful. Two years ago, a study published in The Lancet Neurology claimed that air pollution was one of the leading risk factors for stroke worldwide.

Also, even low levels of pollution seem to be very harmful. Medical News Today recently reported on a study that linked levels of air pollution deemed "safe" by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) with a high risk of diabetes.

Now, Steffen Petersen — a professor of cardiovascular medicine at Queen Mary University of London in the United Kingdom — has led a new study that suggests that low levels of air pollution may cause changes in the heart that are similar to those seen in heart failure.

Dr. Nay Aung, who is also affiliated with Queen Mary University, is the first and corresponding author of the paper.

Air pollution may cause heart enlargement

Dr. Aung and colleagues examined data on over 3,900 healthy people enrolled in the UK Biobank study.

The participants volunteered information about their health, residential area, and lifestyle, and they allowed the researchers to take measurements of their hearts' size, weight, and function using MRI.

The study revealed a strong correlation between living next to a busy road and therefore being exposed to nitrogen dioxide (NO2) and developing enlarged right and left heart ventricles.

Can the Mediterranean diet protect against air pollution?

The healthful diet may offset some of the harmful effects of air pollution.

The researchers note that ventricle enlargement of this type is often seen in the early stages of heart failure.

Furthermore, Dr. Aung and team found a dose-response relationship between pollution exposure and changes in heart anatomy.

Using fine particulate matter (PM2.5) to measure air pollution particles, the scientists found that the heart ventricles enlarged by 1 percent for every microgram of PM2.5 per cubic meter and for every 10 micrograms per cubic meter of NO2.

Air pollution just as important as cholesterol

Dr. Aung comments on the findings, saying, "Although our study was observational and hasn't yet shown a causal link, we saw significant changes in the heart, even at relatively low levels of air pollution exposure."

"Air pollution should be seen as a modifiable risk factor," the first author adds.

"Doctors and the general public all need to be aware of their exposure when they think about their heart health, just like they think about their blood pressure, their cholesterol, and their weight."

Dr. Nay Aung

"Our future studies," says Dr. Aung, "will include data from those living in inner cities like Central Manchester and London, using more in-depth measurements of heart function, and we would expect the findings to be even more pronounced and clinically important."

Prof. Jeremy Pearson, the associate medical director at the British Heart Foundation — a nonprofit organization that partially funded the study — also weighs in on the findings.

"We can't expect people to move home to avoid air pollution," he says. "Governments and public bodies must be acting right now to make all areas safe and protect the population from these harms."

Source : MedicalNewsToday

Agitation in dementia: Are drugs the best treatment?

A common symptom among people with dementia is agitation, which can affect their and their carers' well-being. Dementia experts conducted a new study and found the most effective means of addressing agitation.

A newly published paper outlines the best approaches for dealing with dementia-driven agitation and psychosis.

In a paper that is now published in the journal International Psychogeriatrics, experts from several research institutions — including the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor, and Johns Hopkins University in Baltimore, MD — express their consensus on the best approaches to manage dementia-related behavioral and psychological symptoms.

More specifically, they speak of how to address states of agitation and psychosis in people with Alzheimer's disease.

This paper — which is based on evidence presented by dementia experts across the globe — ranks the best methods of addressing agitation in Alzheimer's, and nondrug-based approaches come first.

"This research advocates a significant shift from current practice, recommending that nonpharmacological treatments are a first-line approach for agitation in dementia."

Source : MedicalNewsToday

What to know about glossitis

Glossitis is typically characterized by an inflammation of the tongue. It can also cause changes in the tongue's texture and color.

Along with swelling, glossitis can change the color and surface texture of the tongue because the condition causes the small bumps on the surface to shrink, creating a shiny, red surface.

Severe cases of glossitis can be painful and affect the way a person talks or eats.

There are different types of glossitis, including:

•   Acute glossitis. This often develops suddenly and can have severe symptoms.
•   Chronic glossitis. Chronic inflammation of the tongue is often the result of an underlying condition.
•  Atrophic glossitis also called Hunter's glossitis. Here, the many of the tongue's small bumps (papillae) shrink, which changes the surface of the tongue, making it appear glossy.
• Median rhomboid glossitis. A Candida yeast infection often causes this type of glossitis.

Symptoms

The symptoms of glossitis vary from person to person. They may also differ according to the underlying cause of the condition.

Common symptoms of glossitis include:

•  a swollen tongue
•  pain in the tongue
•  burning or itching in the tongue
•  change in the texture of the surface of the tongue due to the change in the size and shape of papillae
•  different color of the tongue's surface
•  loss of ability to speak or eat properly
•  difficulty swallowing

Causes

There is a variety of possible causes of glossitis, including:

Allergic reaction

When glossitis occurs due to an allergic reaction, a person is most likely to develop acute glossitis and have sudden tongue swelling and pain. An allergy to a particular food, drug, or specific irritant can cause this type of reaction.

Injury to the mouth

Injuries to the mouth, such as small cuts from braces or burns from hot food, might cause the tongue to inflame and swell.

When dental braces cause glossitis, a person is more at risk for chronic glossitis due to the risk of repeated injury to the mouth and tongue.

Diseases

Certain diseases can cause glossitis, especially those where nutritional deficiencies occur, such as celiac disease, protein-calorie malnutrition, and pernicious anemia.

Diseases that attack the immune system, such as Sjögren's Syndrome, can cause changes in the mouth that lead to glossitis.

Infections

Bacterial, viral, and fungal infections can all cause glossitis. However, oral herpes, which is a viral infection, and fungal yeast infections are among the most likely infections to cause glossitis.

Nutritional deficiencies

Iron deficiencies occur when a person does not have enough iron in their blood. This can trigger glossitis since low levels of iron lead to low levels of myoglobin, a substance in the blood that plays a significant role in the health of all the muscles in the body, including the tongue.

A vitamin B12 deficiency may also lead to glossitis.

Diagnosis

If a person has symptoms of glossitis, they can visit a dentist or a doctor. At the exam, the medical professional will take a medical history and assess any symptoms the person reports.

The doctor or dentist will then examine the person's mouth and tongue thoroughly. They will note any abnormalities in the tongue's surface and look for blisters or bumps on the tongue or gums.

They may also take a swab of saliva for testing and order blood work to check for underlying nutritional deficiencies or diseases.

Treatment

Treatment for glossitis depends on its cause. Generally, glossitis responds well to treatment once a doctor has determined the underlying cause.

Doctors may prescribe medications for people with glossitis that is caused by disease or infection. Antibiotic, antifungal, or antiviral drugs may help clear up a bacterial, fungal, or viral infection, respectively.

A doctor may prescribe dietary supplements for someone with glossitis due to a nutritional deficiency. The doctor may also recommend ways to add more of the missing nutrient into a person's diet.

If a nutrient deficiency is due to an underlying disease, such as celiac disease, a doctor may recommend treatment that includes dietary changes to manage the underlying condition.

PreventionIt may not always be possible to prevent glossitis. However, a person can lower their risk of developing the condition by:

•      maintaining a healthful diet
•      practicing good oral hygiene with regular brushing, flossing, and mouthwashes
•      avoiding irritants, such as spicy foods, cigarettes, and acidic foods

Outlook

A person with glossitis can generally expect to make a full recovery, although this will take time and require proper treatment. During treatment, avoid eating foods that may irritate the tongue, and maintain good oral hygiene through brushing and flossing.

If the symptoms do not go away after some time, seek medical attention. In cases where the tongue is severely swollen and starts to block the airways, a person should seek emergency medical attention or call emergency services as severe swelling may indicate a serious underlying condition.

Source: Medical News Today

Everything you need to know about ice burns

Both heat and cold can burn a person's skin. If exposure to severe cold causes skin damage, it is called an ice burn or frostbite.

Spending time in freezing temperatures or coming into contact with something extremely cold, such as ice cubes or an ice pack, can damage the skin tissue and cause an ice burn.

In this article, learn about the symptoms and causes of ice burns, as well as how to treat them and when to see a doctor.

Symptoms

The symptoms of an ice burn can include:

• red, white, dark, or gray skin
• pain
• blisters
• numbness
• tingling
• itchiness
• hard or waxy skin

When a person experiences an ice burn, several things happen to the tissue:

• the water in the skin cells begins to freeze
• the frozen water forms ice crystals, which damage the skin cells
• the blood vessels constrict, reducing blood flow and delivery of oxygen to the area
• blood clots may form, further restricting blood flow and oxygen
• bleeding can occur if the cold temperature affects blood-clotting proteins

Causes and risk factors

Exposure to extreme cold causes the blood vessels to narrow, diverting blood to the vital organs to protect them.

A reduced volume of blood will reach the parts of the body furthest from the central organs, which is why the hands, feet, fingers, and toes are particularly prone to injuries from the cold.

Causes of ice burns include:

• exposure to freezing temperatures for extended periods
• exposure to wind and high altitudes
• direct contact with a freezing object, such as an ice pack, for a prolonged period

Other factors that can increase a person's likelihood of getting an ice burn include:

• homelessness
• participating in winter sports
• smoking
• taking medications that restrict blood flow, such as beta-blockers
• conditions that impair circulation, such as diabetes or peripheral vascular disease
• peripheral neuropathy or other conditions that reduce a person's ability to detect injuries
• Raynaud's phenomenon

Younger children and older people have a higher risk of cold injury, as they are unable to regulate their body temperature as efficiently and tend to lose heat more quickly.

People under the influence of alcohol or drugs may not be as alert to the cold and may not immediately notice the discomfort of cold exposure that can lead to ice burns.

Prevention

To prevent ice burns, people should wear appropriate clothing for cold temperatures or high-velocity winds.

Also, when using an ice pack, people should ensure that it does not directly touch the skin. Placing a cloth or towel in between the ice pack and the skin can help to prevent ice burns.

Scarring

Ice burns can cause scarring. The likelihood of scarring depends on many factors, including the area of the ice burn and how many layers of tissue are affected.

The skin consists of several layers. These include an outer layer, known as the epidermis, and a lower layer, called the dermis. Beneath these layers are tissues that include muscles, tendons, and other connective tissue.

If a burn only penetrates the epidermis, it may not cause significant scarring. However, injuries that affect the dermis or the tissues beneath it are more complex wounds that can leave scars.

Ice burn vs. frostbite

There is little difference between ice burn and frostbite. The term ice burn refers to burns that result from contact with ice or ice packs.

Frostbite occurs when the exposure of parts of the body to extremely cold temperatures freezes the skin and the tissue beneath it.

Frostbite that penetrates the deeper layers of the skin and damages tissue and bone can cause permanent damage.

First aid and treatment

Upon getting an ice burn, a person should immediately be taking the following actions:

• getting out of the cold or removing the item causing the injury
• removing wet clothing
• avoiding touching or rubbing the area to prevent further damage
• removing debris from any injured skin
• warming the skin by soaking it in 99–102°F (37–39°C) water
• applying blankets or warm compresses
• repeating the soaking process every 20 minutes if necessary

Once the area is warm again, a person should try:

• using gauze to protect the skin from dirt and germs
• increasing fluid intake for hydration
• taking an over-the-counter (OTC) pain reliever if necessary
• applying a soothing ointment, such as aloe vera, to unbroken skin
• seeking medical advice regarding the necessity of a tetanus shot

It is vital to warm up the skin gradually rather than using very hot water or air, as extreme heat could make the injury worse.

When to see a doctor

People can usually treat superficial ice burns at home using first aid. These burns often heal without the need for further medical attention.

If a person experiences a more severe ice burn, they should see a doctor and may require hospital treatment.

The signs and symptoms of a severe ice burn include:

• skin turning and remaining white, dark, or gray
• skin feeling numb
• skin that feels cold or hard after warming
• the affected body part being less able to function
• blood-filled blisters
• injury-related ice burn

These signs may indicate damage to the tissue underneath the skin. Tissue damage may require more intensive medical or surgical treatment.

Any signs of infection will also require medical treatment. A person should see a doctor if they experience the following symptoms:

• changes to the color of the burn
• pus or green discharge leaking from the burn site
• fever
• increased pain
• the affected body part being less able to perform its function

If the affected area remains white, dark, or gray rather than pink or red and does not start tingling or burning as it warms up, this could signify more extensive damage that requires medical attention.

Anyone concerned about an ice burn should speak to a doctor for a proper evaluation.

Source: Medical News Today

Diet-driven hair loss and skin damage may be reversible

In a study conducted in mice, researchers from Johns Hopkins were able to confirm that a Western-style diet — high in fats and cholesterol — has a negative impact on hair and skin health. They went even further, however, developing a drug that is able to reverse the damage.

In an open access paper recently published in the Nature journal Scientific Reports, Subroto Chatterjee and colleagues from Johns Hopkins Medicine in Baltimore, MD, show that a diet high in fats and cholesterol can lead to skin inflammation, as well as hair loss and hair whitening.

Based on their initial findings, the researchers also developed an experimental drug, D-threo-1-phenyl-2-decanoylamino-3-morpholino-1-propanol (D-PDMP), hoping it would help them reverse the effects of an unhealthful diet on skin and hair.

D-PDMP regulates the production of a type of fats (lipids) known as "glycosphingolipids" (GSLs), which are part of the membranes of skin cells and other cell types.

In particular, GSLs are a major component of skin cells that make up the external skin layer and of keratinocytes, a type of cell that participates in the pigmentation, or coloring, of skin, hair, and eyes.

"Further research is needed, but our findings show promise for someday using the drug we developed for skin diseases such as psoriasis and wounds resulting from diabetes or plastic surgery," says Chatterjee.

Western diet tied to hair, skin damage

The research team tested the effects that a fatty diet would have on the skin and hair of mice, as well as the effectiveness of the specially designed compound in offsetting the damage.

Chatterjee and team worked with a group of mice that they had first genetically modified to express symptoms of atherosclerosis, a condition in which fat deposits form inside arteries, obstructing the free flow of blood.

The researchers split the mice into two distinct groups: one of these was assigned a regular mouse diet, while the other was allocated a high-fat, high-cholesterol diet — similar to a Western-style regimen.

All the mice were 12 weeks old when they started on their respective diets, and the researchers conducted their first assessments when the mice were 20 weeks old.

The team found that the mice on a Western-style diet had begun to lose hair and displayed hair whitening and skin lesions.

At 36 weeks of age, 75 percent of the mice that had stayed on the high-fat and high-cholesterol diet had multiple skin lesions, as well as more severe hair loss.

When the mice were between the ages of 20-36 weeks, the researchers gave them all D-PDMP in varying amounts, either in liquid form or in capsule form, as they each stayed on their assigned diet.

After receiving either 1 milligram and 10 milligrams per kilogram of body weight of D-PDMP in capsule form, the mice on a fatty diet started to regain their lost hair, as well as their initial hair color. Skin damage also started to heal.

Chatterjee and team also noted that treating the rodents with 1 milligram of D-PDMP in capsule form per kilogram of body weight was as effective in reversing skin and hair damage as 10 milligrams in liquid form per kilogram of body weight.

This, the researchers explain, suggests that capsules are more effective in delivering the compound.

Experimental drug may restore health

So, what did D-PDMP do specifically? The research team observed that the skin of mice following a Western-style diet showed numerous signs of neutrophil infiltration. Neutrophils are a type of white blood cell that plays a role in inflammation.

Encapsulated D-PDMP reduced the number of neutrophils observed, suggesting that the substance was effective in reducing skin damage and inflammation.

The researchers also noted that rodents on a fatty diet had modified levels of three important kinds of lipids — ceramides, glucosylceramides, and lactosylceramides — which normally help to maintain skin health.

While ceramides normally help to keep the skin moisturized, glucosylceramides protect skin function; lactosylceramides are involved in the inflammation response at skin level.

Chatterjee and colleagues saw that mice on a Western diet had lower-than-normal total ceramide levels. The same was true for glucosylceramide levels, while lactosylceramide levels were thrice as high as they could have been.

The researchers found that treating these animals with either 1 milligram of encapsulated D-PDMP per kilogram of body weight or with 10 milligrams of liquid D-PDMP per kilogram brought ceramide levels back to normal.

Source: Medical News Today

Nine herbal teas for constipation

For centuries, people have used herbal teas to ease digestive issues. Certain teas can stimulate the digestive system and help to relieve constipation.

Constipation is when someone has fewer than three bowel movements in a week. However, some people may feel constipated if they do not have a bowel movement every day. The stool may be hard, dry, and difficult to pass.

In this article, we look at how different teas can help to get the bowels moving, and we discuss the causes and risk factors of using herbal teas.

Can tea help with constipation?

Certain teas may help with constipation, either directly or indirectly.

Drinking warm liquids is a great way to get more water into the body, and staying hydrated is a powerful natural method for easing constipation.

Extra water in the stool makes it softer and helps it to pass more smoothly. In fact, being low on fluids is a common cause of constipation.

The warmth of tea may also stimulate the digestive system and help to relieve symptoms.

Stress may play an additional role. Authors of a 2014 review concluded that stress can cause problems with the digestive system.

This may explain why so many people use herbal teas to relax and relieve anxiety. To relieve stress, try adding herbal teas into a self-care routine.

Nine herbal teas for constipation

The following teas may have laxative or muscle-relaxing effects that help to relieve constipation and encourage bowel movements.

1. Senna

Senna is among the most well-known and frequently used laxative ingredients in teas. Senna tea is made from the dried leaves and pods of the Senna alexandrina shrub.

The senna plant contains compounds called glycosides that stimulate the digestive system. This can have laxative effects.

Many over-the-counter (OTC) laxative pills contain higher concentrations of senna than the teas. These pills can be highly effective in relieving constipation.

2. Peppermint tea

Peppermint tea is a popular natural remedy for digestive issues, and many OTC medicines for digestive issues contain peppermint extract.

The soothing effect of the menthol in peppermint may help to relax an upset stomach while moving stool through the intestines.

Drinking a cup of peppermint tea after each meal may benefit people who experience constipation and an upset stomach.

3. Ginger

When constipation stems from poor digestion, ginger root may help. Many people use ginger tea to calm irritation in the digestive system and improve digestion.

Ginger tea can help with digestion after a heavy meal. Drinking 1 or 2 cups each day, after meals, may help the body to process food and produce bowel movements.

4. Dandelion

Dandelion tea may help with mild digestive symptoms, such as bloating or occasional constipation.

Dandelion can stimulate the liver to produce bile, which can indirectly help with constipation.

Dandelion tea can also act as a diuretic in the body, adding more water to the digestive system and the stools. This can help to relieve mild constipation.

To ease the digestive process, try drinking a cup of dandelion tea after meals.

5. Black tea, green tea, or coffee

Stimulating teas and coffee also have a laxative effect.

Black tea, green tea, and coffee naturally contain caffeine, a stimulant that speeds up bowel movements in many people.

People often drink these beverages in the morning to wake themselves up and encourage a bowel movement.

Caffeine can have negative side effects in people who are sensitive to it, however.

Source: Medical News Today

What are the benefits of activated charcoal?

Activated charcoal is a fine, odorless, black powder often used in emergency rooms to treat overdoses. Its toxin-absorbing properties have a wide range of medicinal and cosmetic uses, though none are scientifically proven.

Superheating natural sources of carbon, such as wood, produces activated charcoal. The black powder stops toxins from being absorbed in the stomach by binding to them. The body is unable to absorb charcoal, and so the toxins that bind to the charcoal leave the body in the feces.

This article will discuss some of the ways people use activated charcoal, its potential benefits, and if there are any risks.

What is activated charcoal?

Activated charcoal is not the same substance as that found in charcoal bricks or burnt pieces of food.

The manufacture of activated charcoal makes it extremely adsorbent, allowing it to bind to molecules, ions, or atoms. In this way, it removes these from dissolved substances.

Making activated charcoal involves heating carbon-rich materials, such as wood, peat, coconut shells, or sawdust, to very high temperatures.

This 'activation' process strips the charcoal of previously absorbed molecules and frees up bonding sites again. This process also reduces the size of the pores in the charcoal and makes more holes in each molecule, therefore, increasing its overall surface area.

As a result, one teaspoon full of activated charcoal has more surface area than a football field.

Possible uses of activated charcoal

Authorities have only approved activated charcoal for the emergency treatment of overdoses or poisonings.

But due to its powerful toxin-clearing properties, some advocates have proposed activated charcoal as a treatment for an ever-growing list of conditions.

There is not sufficiently conclusive, large-scale research to establish what the benefits are of activated charcoal. Many over-the-counter (OTC) products also rely on the basic chemical principles of activated charcoal to defend their benefit claims.

A few of the uses of activated charcoal with some evidence include the following:

1. Kidney health

Activated charcoal may be able to assist kidney function by filtering out undigested toxins and drugs.

Activated charcoal seems to be especially effective at removing toxins derived from urea, the main byproduct of protein digestion.

More research is needed, but some animal studies show that activated charcoal may help improve kidney function and reduce gastrointestinal damage and inflammation in those with chronic kidney disease.

A 2014 study saw rats with induced, chronic kidney disease given 4 grams (g) per kilogram per day of an oral activated charcoal preparation. The researchers found that the animals had significant reductions in intestinal inflammation and damage.

In another 2014 study, rats with induced chronic renal failure were fed mixtures containing 20 percent activated charcoal, and they also experienced improved kidney function, and a reduced rate of kidney inflammation and damage.

2. Intestinal gas

Activated charcoal powder is thought to be able to disrupt intestinal gas, although researchers still do not understand how.

Liquids and gases trapped in the intestine can easily pass through the millions of tiny holes in activated charcoal, and this process may neutralize them.

In a 2012 study, a small sample of people with a history of excessive gas in their intestines took 448 milligrams (mg) of activated charcoal three times a day for 2 days before having intestinal ultrasound examinations. They also took another 672 mg on the morning of the exam.

The study showed that medical examiners were better able to see certain parts of some of the organs they intended to identify with the ultrasound whereas intestinal gas would have obscured these before the treatment.

Also, some 34 percent of the participants who were given the activated charcoal to reduce their gas had improved symptoms.

In a 2017 study, people who took 45 mg of simethicone and 140 mg of activated charcoal three times daily for 10 days, all reported a significant reduction in abdominal pain with no side effects.

The research is still limited, but a panel of the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) reports that there is enough evidence to support the use of activated charcoal to reduce excessive gas accumulation.

There is no set way to use activated charcoal for intestinal gas, but the EFSA recommend taking at least 1 g at 30 minutes before and after each meal.

3. Water filtration

People have long used activated charcoal as a natural water filter. Just as it does in the intestines and stomach, activated charcoal can interact with and absorb a range of toxins, drugs, viruses, bacteria, fungus, and chemicals found in water.

In commercial settings, such as waste-management centers, operators often use activated carbon granules for one part of the filtration process. Dozens of water filtration products are also designed for at-home use, using carbon cartridges to purify water of toxins and impurities.

A 2015 study found that water filtration systems that used carbon removed as much as 100 percent of the fluoride in 32 unfiltered water samples after 6 months of installation.

4. Diarrhea

Given its use as a gastrointestinal absorbent in overdoses and poisonings, it follows that some people might propose activated charcoal as a treatment for diarrhea.

In a 2017 review of recent studies on the use of activated charcoal for diarrhea, researchers concluded that it might be able to prevent bacteria and drugs that can cause diarrhea from being absorbed into the body by trapping them on its porous, textured surface.

While noting it as a suitable treatment for diarrhea, the researchers also pointed out that activated charcoal had few side effects, especially in comparison with common antidiarrheal medications.

Source: Medical News Today