Everything you need to know about facial tics

A facial tic is an involuntary, uncontrolled spasm in the facial muscles. The tic is unwanted and generally occurs regularly enough to be a nuisance to the person who experiences it.

A person can hold in a tic temporarily, in a similar way to holding in a sneeze, but doing so often makes the person increasingly uncomfortable.

A few different disorders can cause facial tics, but most of the time facial tics do not indicate a severe medical condition.

According to a report in Pediatric Neurology, facial tics occur more commonly in children than adults, and boys seem to be much more likely to experience facial tics than girls. Most children's facial tics fade after a few months.

What are facial tics?

Facial tics are involuntary muscle movements that can happen anywhere in the face. However, they usually occur in the same place each time and happen frequently enough to bother the person. Severe tics can affect a person's quality of life.

Common types of facial tics include:

• rapid eye blinking or winking
• squinting
• flaring the nostrils
• clicking the tongue
• sucking the teeth
• raising the eyebrows
• opening and closing the mouth
• scrunching the nose
• mouth twitching

As well as these muscular tics, some people may also experience vocal tics, such as clearing the throat or grunting.

A person may suppress a tic temporarily, but it will come out eventually.

Types of tic disorders

Different types of disorders can cause facial tics. The severity of the tic, as well as the presence of other symptoms, can often help a doctor identify the underlying condition.

Transient tic disorder

Transient tics are temporary. Transient tic disorder may cause a regular facial or vocal tic, but the tic typically lasts for under a year.

Transient tic disorder usually only causes tics while a person is awake. People rarely have tics while they are sleeping.

Transient tic disorder is responsible for the majority of causes of tics in children. They usually resolve without any treatment.

Chronic motor tic disorder

Chronic motor tic disorder is a more persistent tic disorder. For a doctor to diagnose a person with chronic motor tic disorder, they must have experienced tics for over a year, for periods of at least 3 months at a time.

Unlike transient tic disorder, chronic motor tic disorder causes tics that can also occur during sleep.

Chronic motor tic disorder can occur in both children and adults. Young children who have chronic motor tic disorder may not need treatment, as symptoms may be more manageable or subside on their own over time.

Adults who have the disorder may need medication or other treatment to control the tics.

Tourette's syndrome

Tourette's syndrome, often shortened to Tourette's, is a chronic condition that causes one or more motor or vocal tics.

Most people who have Tourette's syndrome develop it during childhood, but the disorder can continue into adulthood. Tics usually become less severe as the person ages.

People with Tourette's syndrome have both motor and verbal tics. They may make sounds or say words involuntarily.

Some people with Tourette's syndrome have only small motor tics, such as rapid blinking or throat clearing. However, they may also have more involved motor tics, such as:

shrugging one or both shoulders

• shaking the head uncontrollably
• flapping the arms
• saying inappropriate words
• making inappropriate gestures
• yelling out

People can often manage symptoms of Tourette's syndrome by having behavioral therapy. However, people who have any additional underlying conditions may need medication.

Treatment

Treatment for facial tics can vary depending on the type and severity of the tic. Many tics, such as those caused by transient tic disorder, may go away without treatment over time.

Tics that interfere with performance in school or at work may require treatment. Long-lasting, chronic tics, such as those caused by Tourette's syndrome, may need more extensive treatment.

Treatment for tics may include:

Medication

Medication for tics include classes of drugs called alpha-adrenergic agonists, neuroleptic drugs, and dopamine blockers.

In cases of persistent facial twitches or tics, doctors may recommend Botox injections. Botoxinjections can paralyze the facial muscles for a few months, which may be enough to stop a tic from coming back.

Medications can also help treat any underlying conditions causing the tic, such as Tourette's syndrome or ADHD.

Source: Medical News Today

"What to expect from a bronchoscopy"

 A bronchoscopy is a procedure that allows a doctor to examine the inside of the lungs, including the bronchi, which are the main pathways into the lungs.

During a bronchoscopy, a doctor inserts a thin tube containing a light and camera into the lungs through the nose or mouth. The doctor can use the findings to diagnose infections, tumors, or diseases in the lungs.

It is a relatively quick and painless procedure, it requires little preparation, and people tend to recover quickly.

In this article, we describe what to expect before, during, and after a bronchoscopy. We also discuss the uses of this procedure and associated complications.

 Why is it used?

 A bronchoscopy can diagnose lung problems.

Doctors use bronchoscopy to detect the cause of breathing difficulties and lung problems, such as tumors, infection, and bleeding.

During the procedure, a doctor may also insert stents in the airways or take a biopsy, which involves removing a small sample of tissue for testing.

A doctor may recommend a bronchoscopy to:

·         follow up on a scan that has indicated a lung infection or tumor, or a collapsed lung

·         determine why someone is coughing up blood

·         find the cause of a chronic cough

·         discover the reason for shortness of breath

·         look for blockages in the airways

·         check for lung rejection, following a transplant

·         assess damage after someone has inhaled chemicals or toxic gases

·         take a biopsy

Doctors also use bronchoscopies to treat certain conditions, for example, by:

·         removing fluid, mucus plugs, or foreign objects in the airways

·         widening a blocked or narrowed airway

·         treating cancer

·         draining an abscess

 Procedure

Most people are awake during a bronchoscopy. Before the procedure, a doctor sprays a local anesthetic into the nose and throat to numb the area. Many people also take a sedative to help them relax.

Doctors only recommend a general anesthetic in rare cases, when they will be using a rigid bronchoscope.

Once the anesthetic takes effect, the doctor will usually insert a flexible bronchoscope tube through the nose and throat and into the bronchi. As the tube moves into the lungs, a person may feel a pressing or tugging sensation.

Some people initially cough or gag, but this usually subsides quickly. A doctor may administer oxygen throughout the procedure may to aid breathing.

The bronchoscope's light and camera help the doctor to see the airways clearly, even around bends.

If a doctor needs to insert a stent or take a biopsy, they can pass brushes, needles, and other instruments through a channel in the bronchoscope. A stent is a small tube that helps to keep blocked or narrow airways open.

A doctor sometimes sprays a saline solution through the airways, in a process called bronchial washing, or lavage, to collect cells and fluids. The doctor will later examine them under a microscope.

During the bronchoscopy, a doctor may take an ultrasound, to get a clearer picture of the lymph nodes and tissues in and around the bronchi.

Once they are finished checking the airways, the doctor will remove the bronchoscope. The procedure usually takes 20–30 minutes, although times can vary, depending on the number of examinations and the underlying issue.

Most people can return home on the day of the procedure.

 How to prepare for a bronchoscopy

A doctor will provide advice on preparing for a bronchoscopy.

Follow the doctor's advice. They will often recommend that a person avoids eating or drinking for a specified period.

Discuss any current medications with the doctor, especially blood thinners such as aspirin or warfarin. The doctor may advise against taking some medications shortly before the procedure.

It is important to follow specific instructions, especially concerning medication use.

Arrange a ride to and from the hospital, because it is not safe to drive after taking sedatives. To allow time for recovery, it may be a good idea to organize help with work and childcare.

 Recovery time

A bronchoscopy is a relatively quick and painless procedure. Afterward, a person will need to remain at the hospital for a few hours until the medications wear off. Blood pressure and breathing are monitored during this time to check for complications.

The ability to cough, called the cough reflex, should return within 2 hours. After this, it is safe to eat and drink again. After taking a sedative, a person should avoid driving, operating machinery, and drinking alcohol for 24 hours.

Most people can return to regular activities after 24 hours, but it is normal to have a sore throat and hoarseness for a few days.

 Results and diagnosis

Immediately after the medications wear off, the doctor may share what they saw during the procedure. Other results, including those of a biopsy, can take several days or weeks to arrive.

Normal results of a bronchoscopy mean that the doctor did not see any foreign materials, blockages, or unusual cells or fluids in the bronchi.

If results are abnormal, the doctor will recommend further tests or treatments, depending on the outcome.

Abnormal results can indicate one or more of the following issues:

·         bacterial infection

·         viral infection

·         fungi or parasites

·         inflammation of lung tissue

·         lung damage

·         cancer

·         narrowing of the trachea or bronchi

·         rejection of a transplanted lung

Risks and complications

Bronchoscopy is usually safe, but there are certain risks.

There is a small chance that a person may develop:

·                  an abnormal heartbeat, which is called an arrhythmia

·                  breathing difficulties

·                  fever

·                  infection

·                  low blood oxygen levels during the procedure

·                  minor bleeding, especially after a biopsy

·                  pneumonia

Also, a person with a history of heart conditions may have an increased risk of heart attack.

Rarely, a bronchoscopy can cause a lung to collapse, which is called pneumothorax. This happens if the lung is punctured during the procedure. It is more likely if a doctor is using a rigid rather than a flexible scope.

Pneumothorax is serious and requires treatment. A doctor may perform a chest X-ray after a bronchoscopy to check the lungs for signs of collapse.

When a person has general anesthesia, additional risks include:

·         blood pressure changes

·         muscle pain

·         nausea

·         a slow heart rate

·         vomiting

Outlook

A bronchoscopy is a safe procedure with a low risk of serious complications. Mortality rates for both flexible and rigid bronchoscopy procedures are less than 0.1 percent.

Doctors commonly use local anesthesia and sedatives to keep individuals comfortable and relaxed during the examination.

Contact a doctor if any of the following symptoms arise after a bronchoscopy:

·         breathing difficulties

·         chest pain

·         coughing up blood

·         fever

·         a rapid heart rate

These symptoms can suggest complications that require medical treatment.

 Source -Medical News Today

What you should know about sleep apnea

Obstructive sleep apnea is a common disorder that causes people to stop breathing during sleep, and, according to the National Sleep Foundation, it affects more than 18 million American adults. The disorder is characterized by a person experiencing one or more pauses in breathing or shallow breaths while sleeping, according to the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute. The length of breathing pauses vary from a few seconds to minutes, and may occur 30 times or more an hour. Individuals typically begin to breathe normally after pauses, which usually is identified with a loud snort or choking sound, according to the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute. Sleep apnea tends to be a chronic condition and causes individuals to routinely move out of a deep sleep and into a light sleep.

Causes of sleep apnea

According to the Mayo Clinic, obstructive sleep apnea occurs when the muscles in the back of the throat relax. These muscles support the soft palate, the uvula, the tonsils, as well as the side walls of throat and the tongue.

As the muscles relax, an individual’s airway narrows or closes while breathing in, and is unable to inhale enough oxygen. This occurrence may lower the level of oxygen in the blood, the Mayo Clinic reports.

The brain senses the inability to breathe and briefly wakes the individual from sleep to reopen the airway. People usually do not remember the awakening as it is typically brief, according to the Mayo Clinic.

According to the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, there are several ways a person’s airway can become partially or fully blocked during sleep,

• The throat muscles and tongue relax more than normal.

• The tongue and tonsils are large compared with the opening into the windpipe.

• An individual is overweight, and the extra soft fat tissue can thicken the wall of the windpipe thereby narrowing the inside of the windpipe, which makes it harder to keep open.

• The shape of a person’s head and neck may create a smaller airway size in the mouth and throat area.

• The aging process tends to limit the brain’s ability to keep the throat muscles still during sleep.

Sleep apnea symptoms

Individuals with obstructive sleep apnea are generally unaware that they have the disorder and that their sleep is interrupted. Most people are alerted to the possibility of having sleep apnea from a family member or a loved one.

Source: Medical News Today

How do you get rid of acne around your nose?

Acne is one of the most common skin conditions people have. While acne can appear almost anywhere on the body, the nose is particularly prone. A person can prevent future breakouts on their nose by finding the cause and type of acne they have.

Acne vulgaris is characterized by blackheads or whiteheads. It is a chronic skin condition that happens when the hair follicles and their associated glands become swollen or blocked with oil.

Acne rosacea is a type of rosacea, a common skin condition that affects the face. People with rosacea experience redness of the skin that can be lasting or pass quickly.

Rosacea is often accompanied by pustules or small pimples with yellow or white centers, or papules, which are small, solid pimples or swellings without any pus.

Fast facts on nose acne:

• Nose acne can be caused by either acne vulgaris or acne rosacea.
• A good skincare routine can be key to helping prevent both types.
• The exact cause depends on which type of acne is on the nose.

Difference between acne and rosacea

Due to similar symptoms, it is often difficult to tell the difference between the two types of nose acne.

Acne vulgaris is closer to stereotypical acne. It is related to the following:

• blackheads
• whiteheads
• pimples
• cysts

It is also likely that a person with acne vulgaris on the nose will notice it on other parts of the face and body.

Acne rosacea, on the other hand, is a subtype of rosacea and not related to acne types. It is also possible to have both acne vulgaris and acne rosacea.

• One of the best ways to tell the two conditions apart is the presence of clogged pores. A person can check their nose for:
• whiteheads
• blackheads
• pus-filled bumps
• cysts
• pustules

Acne rosacea is characterized by red, swollen, or inflamed skin. It will often start on the nose. And it can spread to nearby areas, such as the cheeks. It will not spread over the entire face or body. Often, the nose may appear enlarged.

What are the causes of acne vulgaris?

Acne vulgaris is when the pores in the skin become clogged and trap bacteria.

The sebaceous glands support healthy skin by producing an oil-like substance called sebum. At times, these glands may produce too much sebum. Too much sebum can trap debris, such as dead skin or bacteria, in the pores.

The nose is particularly vulnerable because the pores in this location tend to be larger than elsewhere. The larger size makes it easier for debris to become trapped, leading to acne breakouts.

Some underlying conditions may also cause acne to form on different parts of the nose. Some examples include:

• Digestive troubles: Often associated with the formation of acne on the tip of the nose.
• Hormone fluctuations: These can lead to acne forming on the side of the nose.
• Hair removal or blowing the nose: Under these circumstances, acne often occurs inside the nose.

Certain conditions make acne vulgaris outbreaks more likely. These include:

• hormone fluctuations
• Increased stress
• a family history

Treatment and prevention of acne vulgaris

Acne vulgaris may cause an inflammatory or noninflammatory response. These two responses require different treatments.

For inflammatory responses, nodes or cysts tend to form. This causes swelling around the nose and any other area that is affected. Often, over-the-counter and at-home solutions are sufficient to treat this type of acne vulgaris.

These treatments may include:

• using a warm, wet washcloth to draw out oils
• applying ice to reduce swelling
• over-the-counter creams that contain benzoyl peroxide
• pimple patches and swabs
• medicated facial cleansers

For more severe cases of inflammatory acne vulgaris, a person may need to see a dermatologist. A dermatologist can prescribe stronger medications to help clear up severe cases.

For non-inflammatory responses of acne vulgaris, it is often easy to treat with over-the-counter products and at-home remedies. Typically, the medication involved is salicylic acid. Salicylic acid can help remove dead skin and remove excess oil.

Some products include:

• creams
• ointments
• toners
• scrubs
• cleansers

These products help clear oils from the skin. In the process, they help clear the clogged pores and kill any trapped bacteria.

• In general, a person should:
• wash their face with gentle cleansers twice a day
• use salicylic acid toners and creams to help clear pores
• protect the skin from sun exposure
• keep the skin moisturized
• use a clay mask or other mask specific to acne prevention.

Source: Medical News Today

How do you know if you have a cracked tooth?

Any part of a tooth can be cracked. The crack may be visible, though this is not always the case.

If a person experiences pain when chewing food, or if teeth suddenly become sensitive to hot and cold, one tooth may be a cracked.

Any pain associated with a cracked tooth tends to come and go. This can make it more challenging for a dentist to locate the crack, especially if it is very small.

Anyone who suspects that they have a cracked tooth should make an appointment with the dentist as soon as possible. Leaving a cracked tooth untreated may lead to more problems, pain, and discomfort over time.

What are the symptoms?

A cracked tooth will not necessarily cause any symptoms. People often have cracked teeth without even realizing it.

Some types of cracks are harmless and do not require treatment.

However, if a person notices the following symptoms, they may have a more extensive type of crack that requires dental treatment:

·     pain when eating, particularly when chewing or biting

·     swollen gums around the cracked tooth

·     teeth that have suddenly become sensitive to sweetness

·     teeth that have suddenly become sensitive to hot or cold foods

·     pain that tends to come and go

·     discomfort around the teeth and gums that is hard to pinpoint

What might cause teeth to crack?

There are many different reasons why teeth can crack.

Causes of a cracked tooth include:

·     biting down too hard on a piece of food

·     excessive grinding of the teeth

·     physical injury

·     a large existing filling, which can weaken the remaining tooth structure 

A sudden temperature change can also crack a tooth. For example, this could happen if a person burns their mouth while drinking tea, then drinks a glass of cold water to soothe the pain.

How are cracked teeth diagnosed?

A cracked tooth is not always simple to diagnose.

If the crack is not visible, a dentist will try to make a diagnosis by asking the person about their dental history and symptoms they are having.

The dentist will then examine the teeth, possibly using a magnifying glass to help to identify cracks.

They may also use a pointed instrument called a dental explorer, which catches on any rough, cracked edges on the teeth's surface.

A dental dye can also make cracks more visible.

During the examination, the dentist will check the gums for signs of inflammation because cracks in teeth tend to irritate the gums. They may also ask the person to bite down on something, to try and pinpoint the source of the pain.

A dentist may take an X-ray of the teeth. X-rays do not always show where cracks have formed, but they can reveal problems in the pulp of the teeth. If the pulp of a tooth appears to be unhealthy, this can suggest a crack. 

Source: Medical News Today

What to know about atrophic gastritis

Atrophic gastritis occurs when a person's stomach lining is inflamed for an extended period, often for several years.

Over time, the inflammation associated with atrophic gastritis damages the stomach lining, causing digestive problems and nutrient deficiencies.

A bacterial infection usually causes atrophic gastritis, but it can also be an autoimmune condition. Treatments differ, depending on the cause, but diet and lifestyle can improve the outlook in both cases.

In this article, we look at the symptoms, causes, and treatments for atrophic gastritis.

What is atrophic gastritis?

Gastritis is the medical term for stomach inflammation. Atrophic gastritis is a chronic form of gastritis.

Doctors mostly find inflammation in the mucous membrane of a person's stomach lining. This leads to various digestive problems.

In the early stages, atrophic gastritis may not cause any symptoms, so the condition can persist for years without a person being aware that they have it.

When a person has autoimmune atrophic gastritis, their body mistakenly attacks healthy stomach cells, including a substance called intrinsic factor.

Intrinsic factor is responsible for helping the body absorb vitamin B-12. When a person cannot absorb enough B-12, they may develop pernicious anemia.

Pernicious anemia is a complication that makes it difficult for a person to create red blood cells.

Causes

A bacterial infection by Helicobacter pylori or H. pylori, usually causes atrophic gastritis. Around half of people with H. pylori-related gastritis will develop atrophic gastritis.

Otherwise, atrophic gastritis can be an inherited or genetic condition, which is called autoimmune atrophic gastritis. Here, the immune system attacks the healthy cells in the stomach lining.

A H. pylori infection causes the majority of atrophic gastritis cases. This infection is very common and often has no symptoms or is asymptomatic, especially at its onset.

Atrophic gastritis often starts when a person is a child. Left untreated, it will get worse over time and can lead to stomach ulcers.

There are many ways a person can come into contact with the H. pylori bacterium. These include:

drinking contaminated water

eating foods prepared or grown in contaminated water

having direct contact with saliva, vomit, or feces of a person who has H. pylori

Symptoms

Very often, a person may not know they have atrophic gastritis, as they may not have any noticeable symptoms. For this reason, a diagnosis of the condition may never happen in a person who has had it for years.

The symptoms differ, depending on whether a bacteria or autoimmune condition are causing atrophic gastritis.

When a bacterial infection is the cause of atrophic gastritis, a person may notice symptoms that include:

unusual or unintended weight loss

vomiting

lack of appetite

nausea

iron deficiency anemia

pain in the stomach

ulcers

When autoimmune atrophic gastritis is the cause, a person may notice symptoms of a vitamin B-12 deficiency and pernicious anemia. Symptoms include:

pain in the chest

general fatigue

tinnitus or ringing in the ears

dizziness

lightheadedness

heart palpitations

A vitamin B-12 deficiency can, in some cases, result in nerve damage. If this occurs, a person may notice:

confusion

unsteadiness when walking

tingling or numbness in the arms or legs

Diagnosis

Firstly, a doctor is likely to perform a physical examination and run tests to diagnose atrophic gastritis.

The physical exam usually involves the doctor feeling around the stomach region to check for tenderness.

Often, the doctor will also order blood tests to look for:

lowered levels of B-12

low levels of pepsinogen, a protein that stomach cells produce

antibodies that are attacking intrinsic factor or stomach cells

higher levels of the hormone that produces stomach acid called gastrin

If a doctor suspects that a person has H. pylori, they may order a breath test. This test involves swallowing a substance that contains particular carbon molecules and then breathing into a test tube.

If a person has H. pylori, the person's stomach releases carbon. The carbon will be present in the person's breath when they exhale.

A doctor may also take a biopsy of the stomach cells. To do a biopsy, a doctor will insert an endoscope, which is a long tube with a light on it, through the mouth and into the stomach. They then use a small tool inside the endoscope to take a sample of the stomach cells.

A biopsy will help the doctor to diagnose the cause of a person's symptoms and confirm whether or not they have atrophic gastritis.

Risk factors

A person is most at risk of atrophic gastritis if they come into contact with H. pylori. This global disease is most common in areas of the world that have extreme poverty or are over-crowded.

Autoimmune atrophic gastritis is much less common. It is more likely to occur in people of African-American, Asian, Hispanic, or northern European descent.

People with other medical conditions are more at risk of autoimmune atrophic gastritis. These conditions include:

thyroid disease

type I diabetes

vitiligo, a pigmentation disorder

Addison's disease

Also, people with atrophic gastritis are at a higher risk of developing stomach cancer.

Source: Medical News Today

Positive Mood Allows Human Brain to Think More Creatively

People who watch funny videos on the internet at work aren't necessarily wasting time. They may be taking advantage of the latest psychological science -- putting themselves in a good mood so they can think more creatively.

"Generally, positive mood has been found to enhance creative problem solving and flexible yet careful thinking," says Ruby Nadler, a graduate student at the University of Western Ontario. She and colleagues Rahel Rabi and John Paul Minda carried out a new study published in Psychological Science, a journal of the Association for Psychological Science. For this study, Nadler and her colleagues looked at a particular kind of learning that is improved by creative thinking.

Students who took part in the study were put into different moods and then given a category learning task to do (they learned to classify sets of pictures with visually complex patterns). The researchers manipulated mood with help from music clips and video clips; first, they tried several out to find out what made people happiest and saddest. The happiest music was a peppy Mozart piece, and the happiest video was of a laughing baby. The researchers then used these in the experiment, along with sad music and video (a piece of music from Schindler's List and a news report about an earthquake) and a piece of music and a video that didn't affect mood. After listening to the music and watching the video, people had to try to learn to recognize a pattern.

Happy volunteers were better at learning a rule to classify the patterns than sad or neutral volunteers. "If you have a project where you want to think innovatively, or you have a problem to carefully consider, being in a positive mood can help you to do that," Nadler says. And music is an easy way to get into a good mood. Everyone has a different type of music that works for them -- don't feel like you have to switch to Mozart, she says.

Nadler also thinks this may be a reason why people like to watch funny videos at work. "I think people are unconsciously trying to put themselves in a positive mood" -- so that apparent time-wasting may actually be good news for employers.

Source:Science Daily