Tuesday, December 23, 2008

Beauty Tips

To remove the dark marks caused by a bad sun tan, add 5 table spoons of rose water to one table spoon of lime juice and apply to face or affected area at night. Wash off with water the next morning to find clear beautiful skin.

To keep your skin and body smelling nice the whole day, add dried rose petals to your bath water. You are sure to smell lovely the whole day.. No need for an expensive perfume!
Chewing a cardamom is an excellent remedy for
bad breath and also cuts down on excessive thirst.

To get rid of oily hair, just add three teaspoons of lime juice in the final rinse while washing your hair. Your hair will become much more manageable. Try this for two times in a week for two weeks to see astonishing results.

in order to get a cheap and effective face mask, grind a mixture of fruit (orange, lemon) and Vegetable (Cucumber) peels in a mixer. Apply the mixture as a face pack and wash after 20 minutes. Try this once daily, for 7 days to see a marked improvement in facial skin. Find glowing skin in a few days.

Remove scars on your hands and feet the natural way …. Rub them with lemon peels 5- 7 minutes a day, twice a day for 7 days to see a marked improvement.
Try this alternative face mask: Prepare a mixture of sandal wood paste and raw milk in the ratio 1: 3 and rub on your face and hands. Leave for 15 minutes and wash off. Find glowing, beautiful lovely smelling skin. Try this once every two days for ten days and enjoy the difference.
For sparkling teeth , try sprinkling a pinch of soda bicarbonate on your tooth brush and brushing your teeth once a day for 10 days … You will be amazed by the difference you can see after just 5 days .

Use the scrapings of bitter gourd ( Karela) to remove pimples and get rid of acne and black heads. Just rub the scrapings (peels) on your face, once a day for 3- 5 days to see, blackheads vanish and a marked reduction in pimples and acne.

To treat darkened elbows and lower arms, an effective solution is to prepare a paste of fresh milk cream, pinch of turmeric powder and two to three drops of basil ( tulsi) leaf extract . Apply this paste to the darkened are and leave overnight. Wash off in the morning. Repeat for 7 nights to find marked improvement.

To give your hair bounce, mix gram flour ( besan) with Starch from cooked rice and apply to hair . Wash after few minutes to find hair with flair.

To cure bad breath, boil a few fenugreek (methi) leaves in water and then use this water for gargling. You will find a marked improvement within 3 days of this usage.

To prevent pimples and reduce acne, wash your face with raw milk before you go to sleep. This is an effective and easy solution.

To prevent body odor, add a little ‘alum’ to your bath water.

To smoothen wrinkles and moisturize the skin the natural way, peel and core a small apple, mash it well and blend with one teaspoon of honey. Apply this mixture on the face and neck slowly in an upwards direction. Wash off with warm water after 15 minutes to see a marked improvement. Try this thrice a week for 3 weeks and then only once a week to find a distinct lack of wrinkles and moisturized skin.

For healthy and voluminous hair, heat coconut oil, add two flakes of garlic and three peppercorns to it. Cool and apply to your scalp for health hair.
One very effective way to cure bad breath is to eat a green unripe apple. It will naturally cleanse your mouth and give it a fresh feel. If apples are unavailable try a semi hard citrus fruit. It should be equally effective.

Rub your teeth with burnt almond shell powder to reduce the yellow tint. See a marked improvement in 7 days.

To moisturize and make smooth dry cracked skin, apply a mixture of glycerin, fresh cream and honey in the ratio 1: 1: 1. This is an effective cure for cracked heels also.

Monday, December 22, 2008

A Vegiterian Diet Best?


a Vegetarian Diet Best?
Learn how to create a well-balanced diet without meat.
Research shows that people who follow a vegetarian eating plan, on average, eat fewer calories and less fat than non-vegetarians. They also tend to have lower body weights relative to their heights than non-vegetarians. Choosing a vegetarian eating plan with a low fat content may be helpful for weight loss. But vegetarians—like non-vegetarians—can make food choices that contribute to weight gain, like eating large amounts of high-fat, high-calorie foods or foods with little or no nutritional value.
Vegetarian diets should be as carefully planned as non-vegetarian diets to make sure they are balanced. In our diets, animal products provide good sources of iron, calcium, vitamin D, vitamin B12, zinc, and protein. Be sure to include the following vegetarian foods to get all the nutrients you need:
Iron: cashews, spinach, lentils, garbanzo beans, fortified bread or cereal
Calcium: dairy products, fortified soy-based beverages, tofu made with calcium sulfate, collard greens, kale, broccoli
Vitamin D: fortified foods and beverages including milk, soy-based beverages, or cereal
Vitamin B12: eggs, dairy products, fortified cereal or soy-based beverages, tempeh, miso (tempeh and miso are foods made from soybeans)
Zinc: whole grains (especially the germ and bran of the grain), nuts, tofu, leafy vegetables (spinach, cabbage, lettuce)
Protein: eggs, dairy products, beans, peas, nuts, seeds, tofu, tempeh, soy-based burgers
5 Simple Changes for a Healthier Diet
Improving your eating habits is a great way to keep your heart healthier.
Choosing a healthy eating plan is a great way to lose weight, feel more energetic, and reduce your risk of disease. But it can sometimes be difficult to quit bad eating habits cold turkey, or to know where to start changing your diet. Consider some of the following tips for adapting to your new way of life — trying one or two a week until you've completed your diet overhaul.
If you now eat one or two vegetables a day, add a serving at lunch and another at dinner.
If you don't eat fruit now or have only juice at breakfast, add a serving to your meals or have it as a snack.
Gradually increase your use of fat-free and low-fat dairy products to three servings a day. For example, drink milk with lunch or dinner, instead of soda, sugar-sweetened tea, or alcohol. Choose low-fat (1 percent) or fat-free (skim) dairy products to reduce your intake of saturated fat, total fat, cholesterol, and calories.
Read food labels on margarines and salad dressings to choose those lowest in saturated fat and trans fat. Some margarines are now trans-fat-free.
Treat meat as one part of the whole meal, instead of the focus:
Limit meat to 6 ounces a day (2 servings) — that's all you need. (A single 3-ounce serving is the size of a deck of cards.)
If you now eat large portions of meat, cut them back gradually — by a half or a third at each meal.
Include two or more vegetarian-style (meatless) meals each week.
Increase servings of vegetables, rice, pasta, and dry beans in meals. Try casseroles and pasta, and stir-fry dishes, which have less meat and more vegetables, grains, and dry beans.

5 ways to minimize your child's Asthma Symptoms


5 Ways to Minimize Your Child's Asthma Symptoms

You may be able to spare your child some asthma agony by doing simple things such as vacuuming at least once a week.
There are lots of ways you can help your child cope with asthma. Follow these steps:


Reduce the number of allergy triggers in your child's environment, starting in the bedroom, where younger children can spend as much as 12 to 18 hours a day.

Cover the pillows, mattress, and box spring in allergen-proof casings, and wash the bed linens weekly in 130-degree water.

Use area carpets that are washable, and buy only washable stuffed animals.

Vacuum once a week or more, and try not to allow pets in the bedroom or, if possible, in the entire house.

Restrict smoking in your home, as smoke can filter through the vents into all parts of a house, and if there is an animal in the home, use air cleaners with HEPA filters for children sensitive to animal dander.


5 tips for Healthy cooking

5 Tips for Healthy Cooking
1. Think positive. Cooking with poultry, fish, fruits, veggies, beans, whole grains, herbs and seasonings make meals taste better and it's a bonus that they're good for you!

2. Read labels. Informed cooks are better cooks ... avoid foods with hydrogenated oils (especially near the top of the ingredients list) and high percentages of saturated fat.

3. Use canola or olive oil. These fats may actually reduce heart disease risk - remember that even "good" fats have lots of calories, so don't go overboard.

4. Get a good skillet. Cheap pans warp and distribute heat unevenly; their handles often crack and the nonstick coating may flake off.

5. Buy produce in season. The flavor is better, nutrients aren't lost in long storage or transit, and prices are affordable.

Eye Infections


EYE INFECTIONS
· What is eye infection?
Eyes can get infections from bacteria, fungi or viruses. Eye infections can occur in different parts of the eye and can affect just one eye or both. Two common eye infections are
Conjunctivitis - also known as pink eye. Conjunctivitis is often due to an infection. Children frequently get it, and it is very contagious.
Stye - a bump on the eyelid that happens when bacteria from your skin get into the hair follicle of an eyelash.
The different eye infections are

1. conjunctivitis
Conjunctivitis (commonly called "Pink Eye" or "Red Eye" in North America, and "Madras eye" in India [1]) is an inflammation of the conjunctiva (the outermost layer of the eye and the inner surface of the eyelids), most commonly due to an allergic reaction or an infection (usually viral, but sometimes bacterial).
Symptoms of conjunctivitis
Redness, irritation, watering of eyes is common symptoms of conjunctivitis.
Acute allergic conjunctivitis is typically itchy, sometimes distressingly so, and often involves some lid swelling. Chronic allergy often causes just itch or irritation.
Viral conjunctivitis is often associated with an infection of the upper respiratory tract, a common cold, and/or a sore throat. Its symptoms include watery discharge and variable itch. The infection usually begins with one eye, but may spread easily to the other.
Bacterial conjunctivitis due to the common pyogenic (pus-producing) bacteria causes marked grittiness/irritation and a stringy, opaque, grey or yellowish mucopurulent discharge that may cause the lids to stick together (matting), especially after sleeping. Another symptom that could be caused by Bacterial Conjunctivitis is severe crusting of the infected eye and the surrounding skin.
· What are the causes of conjunctivitis?
Conjunctivitis is most often the result of viruses. Conjunctivitis can also be caused by bacterial infections, allergies, chemicals, irritation from contact lenses, or eye injury. Viral and bacterial conjunctivitis are very contagious. If both eyes are affected, with the predominant symptom being itching and a clear discharge, it is likely that allergies are the cause. A thick, crusty discharge may be the sign of a bacterial infection.

Treatment

Conjunctivitis is generally not a serious problem. But it is important to consult doctor. Bacterial conjunctivitis is generally treated with antibiotic drops or ointment. Like a cold, viral conjunctivitis will usually go away on its own, even without treatment. But eye-drops are often prescribed to help control the symptoms. Conjunctivitis caused by viruses does not respond to antibiotics, but antihistamines and anti-inflammatory medications may help relieve symptoms. Antibiotic drops may be prescribed, nevertheless, to prevent a secondary bacterial infection.

Also like a cold, viral conjunctivitis is very contagious. Coughing or sneezing can spread the infection. Sharing makeup, towels, or anything else that touches the eye may spread the infection. Washing hands frequently and avoiding rubbing the eye can help decrease the risk of spreading the infection to others. Steroid eye-drops should not be used in bacterial or viral conjunctivitis.

Prevention:

Don't touch or rub the infected eye(s).
Wash your hands often with soap and warm water.
Wash any discharge from your eyes twice a day using a fresh cotton ball or paper towel. Afterwards, discard the cotton ball and wash your hands with soap and warm water.
Wash your bed linens, pillowcases, and towels in hot water and detergent.
Avoid wearing eye makeup.
Don't share eye makeup with anyone else.
Never wear another person's contact lens.
Wear glasses instead of contact lenses. Throw away disposable lenses or be sure to clean extended wear lenses and all eyewear cases.
Avoid sharing common articles such as unwashed towels, cups, and glasses.
Wash your hands after applying the eye drops or ointment to your eye or your child's eye.
Do not use eye drops in a non-infected eye that were used for an infected one.
2. STYLE:

A stye, medically known as a hordeolum, is a small lump that appears on, inside or under the eyelid or on the eyelashes. Styes typically result from a staphylococcal bacteria infection or from a clogging of the oil glands around the eyelashes or inside the eyelid.

Symptoms

Redness, tenderness and pain are usually the first symptoms of a stye (though eyelash styes are less painful and heal with less effort than eyelid styes). These are followed by:
swelling in a small area or the entire eyelid
the affected eye may water, feel irritated or be sensitive to light
discomfort when blinking
a small yellowish spot in the center of a sty, which occurs when pus collects and expands. Pain is usually relieved when the stye ruptures, draining the pus.
Causes
The real cause of stye is the toxic condition of the child's system brought about by wrong eating habits, especially consumption of foods such as white bread, refined cereals, boiled potatoes, pudding, pies and confectionery.
Treatment
Apply a washcloth on the affected eye for 10 minutes, four times per day, to release the fluids that have built up inside the stye. Do not squeeze the stye. Antibiotic ointment, or an antibiotic-steroid combination, can be used until symptoms have cleared. If the eyelash stye lasts for more than 3 days or the infection appears to be spreading, consult an eye doctor.



Prevention

Wash hands thoroughly before touching the skin around the eye. Careful attention to cleaning excess oils from the edges of the lids may help prevent styes in susceptible persons.
Avoid sharing eye makeup, especially if you're prone to recurring styes.
Stress and strain to eyes especially working for a long time on the computer.
Contact lenses should not be worn during infection or drainage of a style.
not touching the eye and surrounding areas.
3.EYE DISCHARGE:
Eye burning with discharge is burning, itching, or drainage from the eye of any substance other than tears.
Causes
Allergies, including seasonal allergies or hayfever
Bacterial infections
Chemical irritants (such as chlorine in a swimming pool or makeup)
Conjunctivitis or pink eye
Irritants in the air (cigarette smoke or smog)
Treatment and management:
Apply cool compresses to soothe itching.
If the eyelids have crusts, gently soften them with warm compresses. Gently washing the eyelids with baby shampoo on a cotton applicator can help remove crusts.
Artificial tears used 4-6 times a day can also relieve symptoms. Avoid over-the-counter eye drops other than artificial tears because they will eventually make symptoms worse.
Itching and burning due to allergy or chemicals can be very uncomfortable. Attempt to determine the cause of the allergy, such as pet, seasonal pollen, or irritating cosmetics.
Refrigerated artificial tears can be very soothing. Antihistamine drops, available from your health care provider, can be helpful.
Pink eye or viral conjunctivitis causes a red or bloodshot eye and excessive tearing. If you suspect pink eye, remember to wash your hands often, and avoid touching the unaffected eye. The infection will run its course in about 10 days.
Bacterial conjunctivitis is not common, but if you have eye discharge that is white, yellow, or greenish, contact your health care provider
4. BLEPHARITIS:
Blepharitis / is an ocular disease characterized by inflammation of the eyelid margins. Blepharitis may cause redness of the eyes, itching and irritation of the eyelids in one or both eyes. Its appearance is often confused with conjunctivitis and due to its recurring nature it is the most common cause of "recurrent conjunctivitis" in older people
Symptoms:
Eye irritation
crusty and reddened eyelids
swollen eyelids
itching and burning eyelids
a granular sensation when blinking
loss of eyelashes



Causes:
Blepharitis is usually caused by seborrheic dermatitis, a bacterial infection, or a combination of both. Allergies or eyelash infestation with lice may less commonly cause Blepharitis. Blepharitis is characterized by excess oil production in the glands near the eyelid, which creates a favorable environment for the excess growth of bacteria which are normally present on the skin. Eyelids appear red and irritated, with scales that cling to the base of the eyelashes. Blepharitis may be associated with repeated styes and chalazia.Risk factors are seborrheic dermatitis of the face or scalp, rosacea, and allergies.
Treatment
The primary treatment is careful daily cleansing of the lid margins to remove the skin oils that the bacteria feed on.
Baby shampoo or special cleansers may be recommended by your health care provider.
Antibiotic ointments may also be helpful in controlling bacteria on the lids.
Complications
styes or chalazia
injury to the eye tissue (corneal ulcer) from irritation
inflammation of the surface of the eye (conjunctivitis)
loss of eyelashes
scarring of the eyelids



Heart Attack







Angioplasty
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In general, the treatment of choice is now angioplasty with stent insertion.


What Is a Heart Attack?
A heart attack, known medically as a myocardial infarction, occurs when a blood clot blocks one of the coronary arteries (see How a Heart Attack Happens ). Each coronary artery supplies blood to a specific part of the heart’s muscular wall, so a blocked artery causes pain and malfunction in the area it supplies. Depending on the location and the amount of heart muscle involved, this malfunction can seriously interfere with the heart’s ability to pump blood. Also, some of the coronary arteries supply areas of the heart that regulate heartbeat, so a blockage sometimes causes potentially fatal abnormal heartbeats called cardiac arrhythmias. Most people are familiar with the classic description of a heart attack: crushing chest pressure; pain radiating to the neck, jaw, back, or arm; sweating and shortness of breath; sudden "indigestion" that isn’t relieved by antacids. If you experience these symptoms or others that indicate you may be having a heart attack
Common Symptoms of a Heart Attack
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Learn the symptoms of a heart attack and seek help immediately if you think you are having one. Although the most common sign of a heart attack in both men and women is chest pain or discomfort, other symptoms tend to vary depending on your gender.
Men
Women
Pain or discomfort in the center of the chest
Pain or discomfort that radiates to upper body, especially shoulders or arms and neck
Sweating
Dizziness
Pain or discomfort in the center of the chest (though not as frequently as in men)
Shortness of breath
Weakness, fatigue
Nausea/vomiting
Back or jaw pain

Types of Heart Attacks
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Doctors analyze EKG patterns to help determine what type of heart attack you are having. In an ST-elevation heart attack, which requires the most aggressive treatment, the ST segment is usually above the baseline (middle). In a non-ST-elevation heart attack, the ST segment is below baseline (right). However, EKG patterns are seldom so clear, and blood tests and other tests will confirm a diagnosis.

The increased risk of heart attack that comes with the use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) to treat arthritis pain is directly related to the specific pain-causing molecule they act against, a new study finds.
"We found a significant correlation between the degree of inhibition in vitro [in the laboratory] of whole blood cox-2, but not whole blood cox-1," said the report by researchers in Spain and Italy.
Cox-1 and cox-2 are different forms of cyclooxygenase, an enzyme whose activity increases inflammation and pain. Older NSAIDs, such as ibuprofen and naproxen, act primarily against cox-1. A newer generation of NSAIDs that act against cox-2 reduce the gastrointestinal bleeding, pain and inflammation that are major side effects of the cox-1 drugs, but they have been found to increase the risk of heart attack and stroke.
Three cox-2 inhibitor NSAIDs have been marketed in the United States. Two of them -- Bextra and Vioxx -- were withdrawn from the market earlier this decade because of their association with an increased risk of heart attack and stroke. A third cox-2, Celebrex, remains available, but with a label warning of cardiovascular risk.
All NSAIDs increase heart risk, according to the new study of 8,852 people who had heart attacks. And the increase was related to both the dosage and the length of time the drugs were taken. But the risk was increased by 18 percent by drugs acting primarily against cox-1, compared to a 60 percent increase for those with the greatest cox-2 activity.
The findings were published in the Nov. 11 issue of the Journal of the American College of Cardiology.






AIDS

AIDS
· Definition:
Acquired immune deficiency syndrome or acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS or Aids) is a set of symptoms and infections resulting from the damage to the human immune system caused by the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)

· Route of transmission:
Transmission of HIV occur one of the following routes
1. Sexual route-homosexuality, heterosexuality, oral sex.
2. Parental route- infected blood transfusion, blood products, syringes, needles, blade, and surgical instrument.
3. Perinatal/ Tran placental- from mother to baby through placenta or breast milk.

· Causes:
Having Unprotected Sex
Most people become infected with HIV through sexual activity. You can contract AIDS by not using a condom when having sexual relations with a person infected with HIV. During sex, the vagina, vulva, penis, rectum, and mouth can provide entry points for the virus.
Other risky behaviors include having:
Sex with someone without knowing his or her HIV status
More than one sex partner
Sex with someone who has more than one sexual partner
Anal intercourse
Sharing Needles or Syringes
Using a needle or syringe that contains even a small amount of infected blood can transmit HIV infection.


Having Certain Medical Conditions
Sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) and vaginal infections caused by bacteria tend to increase the the risk of HIV transmission during sex with an HIV-infected partner. Examples of STDs include:
Syphilis
Genital herpes
Chlamydia
Gonorrhea
For men, not being circumcised can also increase the risk of getting HIV infection.
Having Certain Medical Procedures
Having a blood transfusion or receiving blood products before 1985 increases your risk of HIV infection and AIDS. Before blood banks began testing donated blood for HIV in 1985, there was no way of knowing if the blood was contaminated with HIV, and recipients could become infected through transfusions.
Receiving blood products, tissue or organ transplantation, or artificial insemination increases your risk of HIV infection and AIDS. Even though blood products are now screened for HIV, there is still some degree of risk because tests cannot detect HIV immediately after transmission.
Being a Healthcare Worker
Exposure to contaminated blood and needles puts healthcare workers at risk for HIV infection.
You cannot get AIDS/HIV from touching someone or sharing items, such as cups or pencils, or through coughing and sneezing. Additionally, HIV is not spread through routine contact in restaurants, the workplace or school.





Symptoms:
These symptoms are as follows:
extreme fatigue
rapid weight loss from an unknown cause (more than 10 lbs. in two months for no reason)
appearance of swollen or tender glands in the neck, armpits or groin, for no apparent reason, lasting for more than four weeks
unexplained shortness of breath, frequently accompanied by a dry cough, not due to allergies or smoking
persistent diarrhea
intermittent high fever or soaking night sweats of unknown origin
a marked change in an illness pattern, either in frequency, severity, or length of sickness
appearance of one or more purple spots on the surface of the skin, inside the mouth, anus or nasal passages
whitish coating on the tongue, throat or vagina
forgetfulness, confusion and other signs of mental deterioration

Test/diagnosis:
ELISA Test — ELISA, which stands for enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, is used to detect HIV infection. If an ELISA test is positive, the Western blot test is usually administered to confirm the diagnosis. If an ELISA test is negative, but you think you may have HIV, you should be tested again in one to three months. ELISA is quite sensitive in chronic HIV infection, but because antibodies aren't produced immediately upon infection, you may test negative during a "window" of a few weeks to a few months after being infected. Even though your test result may be negative during this window, you may have a high level of the virus and be at risk of transmitting infection.
Home Tests — The only home test approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration is called the Home Access Express Test, which is sold in pharmacies.
Saliva Tests — A cotton pad is used to obtain saliva from the inside of your cheek. The pad is placed in a vial and submitted to a laboratory for testing. Results are available in three days. Positive results should be confirmed with a blood test.
Viral Load Test — This test measures the amount of HIV in your blood. Generally, it's used to monitor treatment progress or detect early HIV infection. Three technologies measure HIV viral load in the blood — reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR), branched DNA (bDNA) and nucleic acid sequence-based amplification assay (NASBA). The basic principles of these tests are similar. HIV is detected using DNA sequences that bind specifically to those in the virus. It is important to note that results may vary between tests.
Western Blot — This is a very sensitive blood test used to confirm a positive ELISA test result.
Other Tests
If you're infected with HIV, additional blood tests may be ordered to check for other infections. Tests may be administered to check the effects of medications on your liver and kidneys and other organs. Other common tests include:
CD4+T Cell Count — As soon as HIV enters the body, it begins to destroy or disable your bodys CD4+T cells, the immune system's key infection fighters. The CD4+T cell count is a blood test that measures the number of CD4+T cells and helps assess the immune system's health. The CD4+T cell count correlates with a person's risk of developing opportunistic infections and is a useful marker for HIV disease staging and treatment planning. The Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends CD4+T testing every three to six months in all HIV-infected patients, though the need may vary by individual.
HIV Resistance Testing — Resistance to anti-retroviral drugs is fairly common in some HIV-positive patients. Resistance testing can be useful to determine the drugs not to use in a patient with increasing levels of the virus despite therapy or in a previously untreated individual who may have been infected with a virus that is resistant to one or more of the HIV drugs.

· Treatment:
Antiretroviral medications are used to control the reproduction of the virus and to slow or halt the progression of HIV-related disease.
1. Non nucleoside Reverse Transcriptase Inhibitors (NNRTIs), such as nevirappine (Viramune) and efavirenz (Sustiva), bind to and block the action of reverse transcriptase, a protein that HIV needs to reproduce.
2. Nucleoside Reverse Transcriptase Inhibitors (NRTIs), such as zidovudine (Retrovir), tenofovir DF (Viread), and stavudine (Zerit), are faulty versions of building blocks that HIV needs to make more copies of itself. When HIV uses an NRTI instead of a normal building block, reproduction of the virus is stalled.
3. Protease Inhibitors (PIs), such as lopinavir/ritonavir (Kaletra), disable protease, a protein that HIV needs reproduce itself.
4. Fusion Inhibitors, such as enfuvirtide (Fuzeon), are newer treatments that work by blocking HIV entry into cells
The goals of therapy are to:
Suppress viral load (or the amount of HIV in a sample of blood)
Restore or preserve immune function
Improve quality of life
Reduce morbidity (the occurrence of opportunistic infections or number of hospitalizations) and mortality (death)
Reduce the transmission of HIV/AIDS
Prevention of AIDS and HIV Infection:
The only way to protect from contracting AIDS sexually is to abstain from sex outside of a mutually faithful relationship with a partner whom the person knows is not infected with the AIDS virus. Otherwise, risks can be minimized if they:
Don't have sexual contact with anyone who has symptoms of AIDS or who is a member of a high risk group for AIDS.
Avoid sexual contact with anyone who has had sex with people at risk of getting AIDS.
Don't have sex with prostitutes.
Avoid having sex with anyone who has multiple and/or anonymous sexual partners.
Avoid oral, genital and anal contact with partner's blood, semen, vaginal secretions, feces or urine. Unless they know with absolute certainty that their partner is not infected, a latex condom should be used during each sexual act, from start to finish. The use of a spermicidal agent may provide additional protection.
Avoid anal intercourse altogether.
Don't share toothbrushes, razors or other implements that could become contaminated with the blood of anyone who is or might be infected with the AIDS virus.
Exercise caution regarding procedures, such as acupuncture, tattooing, and ear piercing, etc., in which needles or other non sterile instruments may be used repeatedly to pierce the skin and/or mucous membranes.
Such procedures are safe if proper sterilization methods are employed or disposable needles are used. Ask what precautions are taken before undergoing such procedures.
If an individual is scheduling surgery in the near future, and is able, they could consider donating blood for their own use. This will eliminate completely the already very small risk of contracting AIDS through a blood transfusion. It will also eliminate the risk of contracting other blood borne diseases (such as hepatitis) from a transfusion.
If a person is an IV drug user, adhere to the prevention tips mentioned earlier, as well as:
Get professional help for terminating the drug habit.
Do not share needles or syringes. Be aware that some street sellers are resealing previously used needles and selling them as new.
Clean the needle before using.
Some people apparently remain well after infection of the AIDS virus. They may have no physically apparent symptoms of illness. However, if proper precautions are not used with sexual contacts and/or intravenous drug use, these infected individuals can spread the virus to others.
Anyone who thinks he or she is infected, or who is involved in high-risk behaviors, should not donate his/her blood, organs, tissues, or sperm as they may now contain the AIDS virus.

Sunday, December 21, 2008

FAQ's

What is medicine?
The word medicine is derived from the Latin word medicina, meaning the art of healing. Medicine is something that treats or prevents or alleviates the symptoms of disease
Medicine is the branches of medical science that deal with nonsurgical techniques.
It is the art and science of healing. It encompasses a range of health care practices evolved to maintain and restore health and that is used for diagnosis, prevention, treatment or cure of disease.
.

What do you mean by a drug?
Drug is derived from the word Drogue means a dry herb.
According to WHO Drug is any substance or product that is used or is indented to be used to modify or explore physiological system or pathological states for the benefit of the recipient.
It is single active chemical entity present in a medicine that is used for diagnosis, prevention, treatment or cure of disease.

What do medicines do?
The medicine you are taking may:

Treat your condition- eg: an antibiotic to treat certain infections.
Control your condition- eg: a medicine to lower blood pressure.
Treat symptoms of your conditions- eg: a painkiller for toothache.
Prevent you from being unwell- eg: a vaccination against diseases.


Will my medicine cause side effects?
The benefit of taking your medicine is expected to be greater than the risk of suffering any unwanted side effects.
Most of the peoples take medicine without suffering any unwanted side effect. But all medicines can cause problems.
The chance (risk) of having side effects can be described by following
· Very common means that more than 1 in 10 people taking this medicine are likely to have the side effects.
· Common means between 1 in 10 and 1 in 100 can cause the side effects.
· Uncommon means that between 1 in 100 and 1 in 1000 of peoples are affected.
· Rare means that between 1 in 1000 and 1 in 10000 of peoples are affected.
· Very rare means that less than 1 in 10000 of peoples are affected.

How can I reduce the risk of side effects?

· Take your medicines as advised by the doctor or by the pharmacist.
Do not take the medicine without the prescription of the medicine.
· If you feel any discomfort after taking a medication, immediately withdraw the next usage of medicine and consult a doctor immediately.
· For worrying or serious effects you may be told to stop medication or receive any other treatment. For less serious side effects you may be advised to continue medication or change a dose.
· If you are allergic to any medication, it is important to tell to your doctor or pharmacist.
· Be careful about mixing of medicines. Some medicines should not be mixed together.
Before taking any medicine it is important to tell to your doctor or pharmacist it about any other medicine you are taking already.
· Be aware that something can increase the chance your medicine causing side effects. For eg: you may able to lower the risk of side effects by not drinking alcohol or not eating certain foods during the course of treatment.
· Adopt correct drug administration technique.


What are the routes through which a medicine can administer?’


Most drugs can be administered by different route .The routes can be broadly classified into those for local action and systemic action.
Local routes- This route can be used for local lesions at accessible sites and for drugs whose systemic absorption from sites is minimal or absent.
The local routes are
Topical route
Deeper tissues- Deep tissue areas can be approached by using a syringe and needle. Eg: intra-articular injection (hydrocortisone acetate).
Arterial supply- It is used in angiography.

Systemic routes- The medicine administered through systemic route is intended to be absorbed into the blood stream and distributed all over.
1. Oral- It is the commonest mode of drug administration. Both solid dosage form and liquid dosage form can give through this route.
2. Sublingual or buccal- The tablet containing drug is placed under the tongue or crushed in the mouth and spread over the buccal mucosa. Eg: GTN, nitroglycerin, buprenorphine.
3. Rectal- Certain irritants or unpleasant drugs can be put into the rectum as suppositories or enema for systemic effect.
4. Cutaneous- Highly lipid soluble drugs can applied over the skin for long and prolonged absorption.
5. Inhalation
6. Nasal route.
7. Parental route- This refers to administration of medicine by injection directly into tissue fluid or to blood.

Parental route include subcutaneous, intramuscular, intravenous, intradermal.



8. Drugs which are giving through injection show faster action than the drugs given through oral route. Why?
The medicines which are giving through oral route, if it is solid form it must dissolve in aqueous phase and then cross the biological membrane in the body and get in to the blood circulation. Then the medicine goes into the site of action and shows drug action.
But in case of the drugs given through parental route by injection which takes the drugs directly into the tissue fluid or blood without having to cross biological membrane and shows the drug action. So the drugs given through the parental route has faster onset of action than given through oral route.


9. How to get most from your medicine?
Follow these Do’s and don’t:
· Do read the medicine strip or prescription carefully.
· Do take your medicine exactly as your doctor or pharmacist tells to you
· Do understand the generic and brand name of the medicine.
· Do look for an over the counter medicine that will treat only symptoms you have. for example, if you only have runny nose, don’t pick a medicine that also treats coughs and medicine
· Do make sure that each of your doctors has a list of all medicines you are currently taking.
· Do make sure that you have a list of all of the medicines you are currently taking.
· Don’t combine prescription medicine and OTC medicines unless your doctor says it’s okay.
· Don’t stop taking a medicine, change how much you take or how often you take it without first taking to your doctor.
· Don’t take someone else’s medicine.
· Don’t use medicine after its expiry date.
· Don’t crush, break or chew tablets or capsules unless your tells you to. Some medicine won’t work right unless they are swallowed whole.

10. Can we split tablet to adjust dosage?
Splitting of tablet is common. The patient’s need to split the tablets into two equal halves and take one tablet as one dose. The reason for the splitting of tablet is to obtain the required strength for the individual. Sometime the required strength of the tablet cannot be available commercially and the commercially available strength product may not be suitable.
Uneven breaking of tablet not only causing the inaccurate dose but may increase wastage too. The environmental exposure of broken tablet to air and light may affect the stability of the product.
Certain categories of tablets such as coated tablet, sustained release tablets are not suitable for splitting. On breaking of the coated tablet, the coating gets damaged and the purpose or benefit of coating may lose. similarly sustained releases tablets are designed for the purpose of achieve long duration of action from single dose. The design would be damaged on breaking. Pre packed oral contraceptives are not indented for splitting.


11. What are all should I check in the strip while buying a medicine?

Brand name of the medicine, date of manufacturing, expiry date, batch number of the medicine, dose and indications along with ingredients of the medicine and necessary precaution. These are all should be check in the strip of the medicine while buying a medicine.



12. How can I diffentiate brand name, generic name and chemical name of a medicine?
Brand name is the name assigned by the manufacturer and is his property or trade mark. One drug may have multiple brand names. For Eg: Calpol, Dolo, Medomol, Dolopar are the brand names of paracetamol.
Chemical name describes the name of the chemical substance present in the medicine. For Eg: 1-(Isopropylamino)-3-(1-naphthyloxy) propan-2-ol for propranolol.
Generic name is the name accepted by the competent scientific body or authority. For Eg: ciprofloxacin, cinnarizine, Omeprazole propranolol etc.

13. Is there any problem of changing brand name of my medicine?
The brand name and generic name of the product has been mentioned on the strip.
The manufactures may market the same product under different brand name in different countries. Brand names are generally differing in different countries. So the changing of the brand name of a medicine is not a problem.
But when you are purchasing another brand product you should check it out the generic name strength of the medicine and combination proportion and it should not be changed. For continuous use of medicine its better to go for the same brand as prescribed by the doctor.

14. Will any problem of taking the medicine after the expiry date?
All pharmaceutical products must carry the date of manufacturing and date of expiry on their label. The period between the two dates is called as life period or shelf life. Under specific storage conditions the product is expected to be remain stable during this period.
The expiry date does not means than the medicine has actually been found to lose potency or become toxic after it, but the quality of the medicine is not assured beyond the expiry date, and the manufactures is not liable if any harm arises from the use of the product.
Infact, majority of solid oral dosage forms (tablet, capsules etc.) stored under ordinary conditions in unopened containers remain stable for 1-5 years after the expiry date. Liquid formulations are less stable. Suspensions clump by freezing. Injectable solutions may develop precipitate, become cloudy or discoloured by prolonged storage.
An adrenaline injection in ampoule has been found to lose potency few months after expiry dates and it gets oxidized. Outdated tetracycline capsules produced renal tubular damage.
Though, majority of medicines, especially solid dosage forms remain safe and active years after the expiry date but their use cannot be legally allowed beyond this date.


15. Can one take allopathic medicine along with ayurveda medicines?
If not indicated otherwise by the doctor, Ayurveda Medicines can generally be taken along with allopathic medicines. Moreover, Ayurveda Medicines are used as adjuvant to allopathic medicines in most of chronic and degenerative diseases. As such there is no harm to consume simple over the counter medicine even without the prescription of the doctor but when they are using along with the ayurvedic medicine must be used after due consultation and advice of the doctor.

16. What do prescription abbreviations mean?
Centuries ago, all medical prescriptions were written in Latin.
Currently, only one section of the prescription that is the directions for taking the drug uses abbreviations in Latin.

Partial list of prescription abbreviations


Abbreviations
Latin
Meaning

1
aa
ana
Of each day
2
alt.h.
alternis horis
Every other hour
3
a.m.
Ante meridiem
Morning, before noon.
4
amt

amount
5
aq
aqua
water
6
bis
bis
twice
7
b.i.d
Bis in die
Twice daily
8
B.S.

Blood sugar
9
Cap. Caps.
capsula
capsule
10
c
cibos
food
11
cc
Cum cibos
With food
12
Cr., crm.

cream
13
dil.

dilute
14
disp.

dispense
15
D.W

Distilled water
16
elix.

elixir
17
et
et
and
18
fl.,fld.

fluid
19
g

gram
20
h,hr
hora
hour
21
h.s.
hora somni
at bed time
22
ID

intradermal
23
IM

intramuscular
24
IV

intravenous
25
lin.
linimentum
liniment
26
liq.
liquor
solution
27
mcg

microgram
28
mg

milligram
29
mL

milliliter
30
oz

ounce
31
p.c.
post cibum
after meals
32
p.m.
post meridium
evening or after noon
33
q.a.d.
quoque alternis die
every other day
34
q.a.m.
quoque die ante meridium
every day before noon
36
q.i.d
quarter in die
four times a day
37
qqh
quarter quoque hora
every four hours
38
s.o.s., si op. sit
si opus sit
if there is a need
39
ss
semis
one half
40
stat
statim
immediately
41
susp

suspension
42
syr
syrupus
syrup
43
tab
tabella
tablet
44
tbsp

table spoon
45
tsp

tea spoon
46
t.i.d
ter in die
three times a day
47
t.d.s
ter die sumendum
three times a day
48
t.i.w

three times a week
49
top

topical
50
w

with
51
w/o

without
52
x

times
53
Y.O

years old








17. What do mean by ‘Rx’ in the prescription?
Rx is an abbreviation of the Latin word "recipe," meaning "take," or as a representation of the astrological sign of Jupiter.
This sign was placed on ancient prescriptions to invoke that deity's blessing on the medicine to help the person get well.

18. What do drug caution codes mean?
Abbreviations on medications that indicate caution, drug caution codes provide very valuable warnings.
They include both universal and specific caution codes:
Universal caution codes:
D = drowsiness
H = habit forming
I = interaction
X = SOS (contains a substance such as acetaminophen that could cause problems consult your pharmacist)
Special caution codes
ASA = contains acetylsalicylic acid (aspirin)
C = caution
G = glaucoma
S = diabetes
These special caution codes are intended to be warnings for patients with specific medical conditions. For example, a person with hypertension might see the generic "C" code on a prescription bottle or vial if the medication might raise his or her blood pressure.
19. What are the principles of prescription writing?
· Write the prescription on the letterhead.
· Write legibly and indelibly.
· Write the patient’s name, age and address.
· Do not abbreviate name of the drugs/ preparations or instructions about taking medicine. Write units not u. write mcg not mg.
· When decimals are unavoidable, write 0.5, not 5.
· Write clearly the dose, dosing interval, time of the day, relation to meals and duration of therapy.
· When prescribing a drug as required, write the minimum dosing interval and number of doses per day.
· In case of scheduled drug, write the quantity of the drug to be supplied at the name and how many times the prescribed drug may be supplied without revalidation.
· Advise the parents/patients that, no medicine should be added to the infant’s feeding bottle; tablets/capsules should be taken in sitting position and washed down with plenty of water; ointments should be used as supplied and not diluted before use; residual ointment after use by one patient should be discarded and not stored for future use.
· Sign the prescription.
· Write date and your registration number.
20. How to use dry syrup? Once open how long can use the dry syrup?

Dry syrup can use by converting the powder into the syrup form by adding boiled and cooled water up to the mark on the bottle, and shake well for the uniform dispersing of the drug.
Once open all dry syrup should be use within a week and should not be reuse the syrup.
21. Once open how long an eye drop/ nasal drop can use?

Once open an eye drop/nasal drop should use within a month and it should not reuse after a month.
22. How to use dispersible tablet?

Dispersible tablet formulations are simple formulation containing a single disintegrating agent for a single time use. Dispersible tablet dissolve in a teaspoon of water and can use. The action of dispersible tablet is faster than other type of tablets this is indicated on the strip as ‘DT’
E.g.: Dolonex-DT, Mox-DT.

23. What are the drugs which want to take before meal?

The drugs which contain following want to taken in empty stomach 1 hour before meal or 2 hour after meal.
Ampicillin, Astemizole, Azithromycin, Azulene, Benserazide + levodopa, Bethnechol, Carbidopa + Levodopa, captopril, Ceftibuten, chloramphenicol, cisapride, cyanocobalamine, dicloxacilline, dipyridamole, enoxacin, entecavir, erythromycin estolate, Etoposide, ferrous sulphate, ferrous fumarate, iron, iron+ vitamin B complex, isoniazid, isoniazid+ pyrazinamide + rifampicin, isosorbid dinitrate, isosorbid mononitrate, Itopride hydrochloride, Ivermectin, lanzoprazole, lincomycin, loracarbef, mercaptopurine, metoclopramide, metronidazole, nafcillin, nicergoline, norfloxacine, ofloxacin, omeprazole, oxytetracycline, pantoprazole, penicillamine, penicillin V,G, pirenzepine, propantheline, quinapril, roxithromycin, salbutamol, sorbitol, tetracycline, thalidomide, thioguanine, thyroxine, voriconazole, zafirlukast, zalcitabine, zinc supplements.


24. If forgot to take a medicine which want to take meal, then when can take the next dose?

Most of the medicines want to take before meal, should take 1 hour before meal. If forgot to take the medicine before meal, should take it 2 hour after the meal.

25. What are the drugs keeping under tongue?

Isosorbid dinitrate- isordil, sorbitrate
Nitroglycerine- nitro-bid, nitro-dur, nitro- stat, transderm-nitro, minitran.
Glyceryl trinitrate-GTN-sorbitrate-CR, glynit, myocare, myonit, myovin, vasovin, nitroglyn, nitrogesic, nitrocure.
Buprenorphine/naloxone sublingual- suboxone.

26. What will happen if the antibiotics like Azithromycin and roxithromycin are taken immediately after food?
The antibiotics like Azithromycin and roxithromycin want to take 1 hour before meal or 2 hour after meal since food reduces the absorption of the medicine. Azithromycin should not be taken at the same time as aluminum- or magnesium- based antacids because antacids will bind the azithromycin and prevent it from being absorbed from the intestine.



27. Any problem or side effect of using oral antibiotics?
The common side effects of oral antibiotic are stomach upset, nausea, diarrhoea. Other side effects include increased sun sensitivity, headache, and allergic reactions. Some antibiotics are more prone to causes some kind of side effects than others. For example sun sensitivity is most common in doxycycline type of antibiotic

28. Will oral antibiotics affect my teeth?

The antibiotics like tetracycline are deposited in the developing teeth, where they cause irreversible yellowish brown staining of the teeth. The tetracycline should not be given to babies or children younger than 8 years of age because of the staining of the teeth.

29. What do mean by OTC medicine?
OTC means Over the Counter medicines. These are the medicines which we can buy without the prescription of the doctor.
OTC medicines many times to relieve pain and treat symptoms. OTC medicines include pain relieves, antihistaminic, decongestants and cough medicines.

30. What over the counter medication can I use for decongestion?
Decongestions can improve nasal congestion and relieve most common symptoms. These include over the counter oral antihistamines like diphenhydramine (benadryl), cetrazine NSAIDS, mucolytics (mucus thinning medication). Decongestants nose sprays and drops are available over the counter. However these products should not be used for more than three times a day because your body can depend on them.

31. What are the common side effects of OTC decongestants?
Side effects are usually not a problem for those who use decongestants once a while. Side effects can be concern of people who have health problem or use decongestants for a prolonged period of time. Pseudoephedrine may make some people feel nervousness, palpitation (feeling like your head is racing) or sleeping problem.

32. Is there other reason I should talk to my doctor before taking a decongestants?

If you have any of the condition below, you should talk to your doctor before taking decongestants.
Heart disease.
High blood pressure.
Kidney disease.
Glaucoma.
Thyroid disease.
Diabetes.


33. What is the most important information I should know about albendazole (drug use to expel worms)?
You should not use this medication if you are allergic to albendazole, or to similar medications such as mebendazole.
Before using albendazole, tell your doctor if you are allergic to any drugs or if you have liver disease or have ever had abnormal liver function tests.
You should not use albendazole if you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant during treatment. Use an effective form of birth control while you are using albendazole, and for at least 1 month after your treatment ends. Take albendazole with food to lessen stomach upset. Take this medication for the entire length of time prescribed by doctor. Your symptoms may get better before the infection is completely treated. Albendazole will not treat a viral infection such as the common cold or flu.

34. What are the causes for gastritis? What kind of tablet should be taken for the sudden attack of gastritis?

Gastritis is the abnormal burning effect, inflammation, mild irritation or the lining of the stomach. The common reasons for gastritis are bacterial or viral infection, excess or infection production of acids in stomach as a result of heavy smoking, alcohol use, caffeine, improper diet such as spicy, greasy foods, stress and consumption of certain drugs.
Digene, gelusil chewable tablets and ranitidine are commonly using for the sudden attack of gastritis.


35. What are the uses of folic acid, iron and calcium in pregnant women?
Folic Acid:
- Folic acid which prevents birth defects
- The daily requirement for folic acid in pregnant women is 400 mcg.
- Helps protect against a number of congenital malformations including neural tube defects. Neural tube defects result in malformations of the, skull, and brain. The risk of neural tube defects is significantly reduced when supplemental folic acid is consumed in addition to a healthy diet prior to and during the first month following conception.

Iron:
-Iron is used by the body to carry oxygen, iron is in hemoglobin.
In case of pregnancy body makes more blood for you and your baby and it needs iron to make blood. Having low iron levels make you feel tired, have poor concentration and a higher risk of infection.
Calcium:
Calcium is essential for the formation and maintenance of healthy bone. Calcium helpful for the growth, maintenance and reproduction of the body.
36. Is calcium supplements should they be taken with meal?
Whether calcium supplements should be taken with meals depends on what the supplements contain. If your calcium supplements contain calcium carbonate, take them with meals. Stomach acid enhances absorption of calcium carbonate. If your calcium supplements contain calcium citrate, you can take them with meals or on empty stomach.
37. Is the intake of aspirin tablet in a patient who is having daily consumption of alcohol will lead to bleeding ulcer?
Yes. Alcohol may interact with aspirin tablet. Both aspirin and alcohol (ethanol) can cause stomach irritation and may potentially damage the lining of the stomach. In some cases, this damage may be so severe that it causes a bleeding ulcer. When aspirin and alcohol are used at the same time, the risk of developing a bleeding ulcer may be increased for up to 36 hours after the dose of aspirin is taken. To minimize this risk, avoid using aspirin for 12 hours after alcohol has been consumed.
38. Is alcohol having any interaction with paracetamol tablet?

Both alcohol (ethanol) and acetaminophen can cause damage to the liver. The risk of experiencing liver damage may be increased when alcohol and acetaminophen are used together. This potential interaction is more likely to occur when alcohol is combined with high doses of acetaminophen, or when alcohol and acetaminophen are both used daily over a long period of time. People who consume three or more alcoholic drinks per day should avoid using high doses of acetaminophen or avoid using acetaminophen on a regular basis.

39. Can paracetamol syrup can be use for mild cold?
Paracetamol syrup can give for mild cold as single time use. But the long time use of this medicine causes severe side effects. So its better go for any other type of anti cold medicine for mild cold hen paracetamol
40. What is BMI?
The body mass index (BMI), or Quetelet index, is a statistical measurement which compares a person's weight and height. Though it does not actually measure the percentage of body fat, it is a useful tool to estimate a healthy body weight based on how tall a person is.
BMI (kg/m2) =weight in Kgs/ height in meters2.
BMI weight status categories:
BMI WEIGHT STATUS
Below 18.5 under weight
18.5-24.9 normal
25-29.9 overweight
30& above obese.
41. What are the First aids?
1. Artificial respiration:

Mouth to Mouth: This is appropriate and effective technique for emergency artificial respiration.
Keep the head slightly backward and open the jaw.
Seal the casualty’s nose to prevent escape of air by pinching with thumb and index finger.
Take a deep breath, open your mouth widely, place it over the victim’s mouth and make a tight seal.
Quickly blow the full breath into the mouth of victim.
Remove your mouth from the victim and allow him to exhale passively.
Repeat the procedure 12 to 15 times per minute, till medical aid is arranged.
Arrange immediate medical aid.

2. Burns:

Pour running cold water on the affected part.
Do not apply ointments or oils or any other substance.
Cover the wound with sterilized cloth.
Give artificial respiration, if needed.
Prevent shock.
Arrange immediate medical aid.
3. Fractures:

Signs of Fracture: Pain, Tenderness, Swelling,
Loss of Power, Deformity
Do not move the injured unless the life is endangered from other causes.
Deal with the hemorrhage and breathing difficulties. Immobilize the fracture by using suitable splints.
Immobilization should include one joint above and one joint below the fracture.
Remove the injured to the hospital.

4. Wounds:
· Stop the bleeding, if any.
· Avoid touching the wounds.
· Cover the wound with sterilized cloth.
· Arrange immediate medical aid.
5. Eye injuries:
Removal of foreign body should not be attempted.
Do not apply oil or ointment.
Apply sterile pad and loose bandage.
Send the patient to the hospital.
6. Abdominal wound:
Make the patient lie down.
Remove all clothing except the underwear.
Keep the patient under the fan.
Pour cold water on the body repeatedly.
Wash the head thoroughly with cold water and dry it with towel.
Record body temperature falls up to 38ÂșC stop pouring water.
Give plenty of cold water with a pinch of common salt in each glass of water to drink.
Send the patient to the hospital.
Make the patient sit on a Chair with head downward.

7. Bleeding nose:
Pinch the nose with fingers and thumb.
Apply ice or cold compression.
Do not plug the nostrils.
Do not put water or any medicine through the nostrils.
Send for medical aid immediately.
8. Foreign bodies in the nose:
Do not try to remove the solid object
Ask the patient to breathe through mouth.
Send the patient to the hospital.
9. Foreign bodies in the ear:
Solid – Do not try to remove, scratch or probe it.
Insects – Put a few drops of water in the ear and turn the head so that affected ear points upwards.
Keep the head in that position for 5 minutes, then turn the head downwards so that the water flows out.
Arrange immediate medical aid.
10. Snake bite:
Reassure the patient
Do not allow the person to run or walk
Apply a ligature above the wound (in between the heart and the wound) if the bite is in the leg or hand.

Wash the wound with potassium permanganate solution or with soap and water.
Allow free bleeding.
Never suck the blood from the wound.
Treat for shock.
Arrange immediate hospitalization, by transporting the patient in a lying down position.
11. Bleeding ear:
Do not cover the wound.
Send the patient to hospital for treatment.
12. Insect bite:
The sting bite should be pulled out.
Apply cold compression.
Apply vinegar diluted with water.
Soda-bicarbonate paste should be applied at the site.
Prevent shock.
Send for medial aid immediately.
13. Chemical burns of the eye:
Immediate washing of the eye with clean water at least for fifteen minute or longer.
Apply sterile dressing over the eye.
Neutralizing agents or ointments should not be used.
Send the patient to the hospital.
14. Dog bite:
Clean the wound immediately with water.
Then wash with antiseptic soap and water.
Do not try to stop bleeding.
Switch off the current at once.
Do not attempt first aid until the contact has been broken.
Make the air passage clear and clean.
Restore breathing Artificial respiration and external cardiac massage, if needed.
Call for immediate medical aid.
Send the patient to the hospital.