People who hear colors and see sound are described as synesthetes.
Synesthetes have a response with one of their senses that matches what
they are detecting with another of their senses.
While many people will hear a sound and not associate it with a
particular color, people who are synesthetes experience something
different. They match what they hear with a color.
Synesthetes may
experience a mixing of more than one sense at any time. They may smell a
particular sound- for example, laughter may smell sweet. An individual
who perceives sound like this may also associate a visual with some
sounds.
Doctors
describe this medical condition as synesthesia. It is a neurological
condition which is experienced by people all across the globe. Many of
the people whose senses work differently have always been synesthetes.
People with synesthesia feel different effects.
Some
synesthetes do not see letters that are typed in regular black text as
black. Instead, their brain automatically assigns a unique color to each
letter. Some persons have a sense of space when it comes to dates and
may see a calendar date that is nearer as being physically closer than
another date. There are more than sixty different ways in which people
with synesthesia mix their senses.
Doctors
are divided on how synesthesia works. Some physicians think that all
human beings are born with synesthesia but as the brain develops, many
people have their senses split. This means that they no longer see blue,
for example, when they hear a loud sound. Doctors think that the split
occurs after a child reaches four months.
According to what
some doctors think, people with synesthesia do not experience this
split after they reach four months, so they may hear a sound every time
they see something move. Physicians are of this opinion because they
observe that young infants only respond to changes in the intensity of
the stimulation that they receive.
There
are also people who have never experienced synesthesia before, who only
start to see colors and hear sound after they have had something affect
them externally. For example, people who have had seizures, individuals
who have had a concussion and persons who have lost the blood supply to
a particular area of the brain may all smell colors, see sound or
experience synesthesia in some other way.
Saturday, August 30, 2014
Thursday, July 3, 2014
Repairing an Atrial Septal Defect or "Hole in the Heart" in Children
Many parents may wonder when an atrial septal defect should be closed
by surgery. The physician involved with the case will use several
different factors to decide if your child needs surgery to close a hole in the heart. Surgery is not usually the first choice, because
of the risk associated with anesthesia and other complications that might develop.
If the doctor notices that there is persistence of the atrial septal heart defect beyond 4 years of age, surgical intervention will be necessary. Also, if your child has other heart defects, such as a ventricular septal defect, or valvular anomalies, your physician will also encourage you to choose surgery to treat your child’s condition.
Children with refractory congestive heart failure and a septal heart defect may also be required to have surgery to treat their condition. Adults who have this issue may also require an operation.
If your doctor decides that repairs must be done to the heart in order to reduce symptoms, they generally choose one of the following techniques:
1. They may make an incision in the chest and close the hole in the heart using a patch or stitches. This is done under anesthesia and is referred to as open heart surgery.
2. They may insert a thin tube into a blood vessel which leads from the arm or the groin and conduct treatment using this tube. This is known as cardiac catheterization.
Source: Cdc.gov, "Facts About Atrial Septal Defect",
http://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/heartdefects/atrialseptaldefect.html
If the doctor notices that there is persistence of the atrial septal heart defect beyond 4 years of age, surgical intervention will be necessary. Also, if your child has other heart defects, such as a ventricular septal defect, or valvular anomalies, your physician will also encourage you to choose surgery to treat your child’s condition.
Children with refractory congestive heart failure and a septal heart defect may also be required to have surgery to treat their condition. Adults who have this issue may also require an operation.
If your doctor decides that repairs must be done to the heart in order to reduce symptoms, they generally choose one of the following techniques:
1. They may make an incision in the chest and close the hole in the heart using a patch or stitches. This is done under anesthesia and is referred to as open heart surgery.
2. They may insert a thin tube into a blood vessel which leads from the arm or the groin and conduct treatment using this tube. This is known as cardiac catheterization.
Source: Cdc.gov, "Facts About Atrial Septal Defect",
http://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/heartdefects/atrialseptaldefect.html
Is It Safe to Drink a Soy Chai Latte Tea with Anise During Pregnancy?
Many pregnant women who enjoy drinking soy chai lattes wonder if it
is safe to do so during pregnancy. This tea has less caffeine than
coffee. It also helps some women to relax and that is generally a
positive thing when it comes to health.
This tea contains anise, which has been linked to miscarriages. Anise is known to bring on contractions. That is the reason why some women are wary of drinking the tea while they are carrying their baby in their womb.
Not all soy chai latte’s contain anise. If you really want to have a cup, choose a brand or a store that does not use this spice or spices that have a similar side effect when making the beverage.
According to Drugs.com, anise is not recommended for use in pregnancy. You should also be careful with meats, liqueurs and other food products that contain this flavoring.
As with everything else, if you choose to drink a soy chai latte tea during pregnancy, you should do so with caution. Moderation is the key. If you have any health issues that you feel might exacerbate the effect of anise, speak to your gynecologist about it.
Source: Anise
This tea contains anise, which has been linked to miscarriages. Anise is known to bring on contractions. That is the reason why some women are wary of drinking the tea while they are carrying their baby in their womb.
Not all soy chai latte’s contain anise. If you really want to have a cup, choose a brand or a store that does not use this spice or spices that have a similar side effect when making the beverage.
According to Drugs.com, anise is not recommended for use in pregnancy. You should also be careful with meats, liqueurs and other food products that contain this flavoring.
As with everything else, if you choose to drink a soy chai latte tea during pregnancy, you should do so with caution. Moderation is the key. If you have any health issues that you feel might exacerbate the effect of anise, speak to your gynecologist about it.
Source: Anise
Thursday, May 8, 2014
Effects on Children of Teen Parents- Disadvantages, Problems, Imapct and Needs
Children of teen pregnancy are at higher risk for a wide range of
diseases and conditions that can affect children. Doctors are aware of
this and pay special attention to teenagers who become pregnant whenever
this is possible. They will point out the increased risks to the
teenage mother so that both parents and the immediate family can be
better prepared and take precautions where necessary.
Children of teen pregnancy are more likely to be born prematurely. Being a preemie, or a premature baby comes with its own share of problems. Kids who are born too early sometimes have organs that are not fully developed. They may die if they do not receive the right kind of help through specialized equipment that can help them perform the vital functions of life until their little bodies are able to work on their own.
These little ones have a low birth weight. Some of them are really tiny and may remain that way for the first few years of life. Although some of these kids start out small, they may grow significantly as they move into adolescence and by adulthood they may be the same size as other people in their age group.
Children of teen pregnancy are also more likely to die as infants because their bodies are not properly developed. The babies experience more illnesses and sometimes have cognitive delays. However, if a child does not display any signs of problems at birth it is less likely that they will have issues later on with their health.
One of the problems that teen mothers often face is that of their own children engaging in early sexual activity. They usually warn their kids of the possible outcomes of early sexual activity but some of these children disregard the warnings. In fact, children who are born to teen mothers and fathers are more likely to engage in early sexual activity.
Children of teen pregnancy are more likely to be born prematurely. Being a preemie, or a premature baby comes with its own share of problems. Kids who are born too early sometimes have organs that are not fully developed. They may die if they do not receive the right kind of help through specialized equipment that can help them perform the vital functions of life until their little bodies are able to work on their own.
The Unplanned Pregnancy Book for Teens and College Students- Get it on Amazon
These little ones have a low birth weight. Some of them are really tiny and may remain that way for the first few years of life. Although some of these kids start out small, they may grow significantly as they move into adolescence and by adulthood they may be the same size as other people in their age group.
Children of teen pregnancy are also more likely to die as infants because their bodies are not properly developed. The babies experience more illnesses and sometimes have cognitive delays. However, if a child does not display any signs of problems at birth it is less likely that they will have issues later on with their health.
One of the problems that teen mothers often face is that of their own children engaging in early sexual activity. They usually warn their kids of the possible outcomes of early sexual activity but some of these children disregard the warnings. In fact, children who are born to teen mothers and fathers are more likely to engage in early sexual activity.
Wednesday, March 5, 2014
Acute Epiglottitis Croup in Children- Symptoms, Picture, Treatment, Causes
Epiglottitis in children causes in difficulty in their breathing.
Epiglottitis in children results in stridor with inspiration and
expiration. The shallow breathing and loud sounds that a child makes
usually cause parents and guardians to become worried. This condition
can result in death if it is not treated.
Children also experience symptoms such as high fever and dysphagia. Drooling and hypoxia are also exhibited by children who have epiglottitis. Adults with this condition show similar symptoms.
Children with epiglottitis may lean forward with their neck outstretched to minimize airway obstruction. The condition is treated with intubation, and intravenous antibiotics. The intubation should be done by trained personnel.
Epiglottitis in children is caused by Haemophilus type B infection in some cases. It is also caused by bacterial infection by Streptococcus and bacterial infection by Staphylococcus. Routine vaccines usually protect children from this condition but if you think your child is affected, get emergency medical help immediately.
Children also experience symptoms such as high fever and dysphagia. Drooling and hypoxia are also exhibited by children who have epiglottitis. Adults with this condition show similar symptoms.
Take A Deep Breath:Clear the Air for the Health of Your Child- Get it on Amazon
Children with epiglottitis may lean forward with their neck outstretched to minimize airway obstruction. The condition is treated with intubation, and intravenous antibiotics. The intubation should be done by trained personnel.
Epiglottitis in children is caused by Haemophilus type B infection in some cases. It is also caused by bacterial infection by Streptococcus and bacterial infection by Staphylococcus. Routine vaccines usually protect children from this condition but if you think your child is affected, get emergency medical help immediately.
Epiglottitis in Children: Treatment and Management
## **Introduction**
Epiglottitis is a potentially life-threatening condition that occurs when the epiglottis—a small, leaf-shaped flap of tissue located at the base of the tongue—becomes inflamed and swollen. This can lead to airway obstruction, making it difficult for a child to breathe. Although rare due to widespread vaccination against *Haemophilus influenzae* type B (Hib), epiglottitis remains a medical emergency that requires prompt diagnosis and intervention.
This article explores the treatment and management of epiglottitis in children, including emergency care, hospital treatment, medication, and supportive care.
## **Recognizing the Signs of Epiglottitis**
Before delving into treatment, it is essential to recognize the symptoms of epiglottitis in children. Symptoms typically develop rapidly, often within hours, and include:
- **Severe sore throat** (often out of proportion to what is seen on examination)
- **High fever**
- **Drooling** (due to difficulty swallowing)
- **Muffled or hoarse voice**
- **Stridor** (a high-pitched sound when breathing)
- **Difficulty breathing** (which may worsen when lying down)
- **Anxious or panicked behavior**
- **Tripod position** (leaning forward with hands on knees to improve airflow)
If a child exhibits these symptoms, immediate medical attention is crucial.
## **Emergency Management**
### **1. Airway Protection**
The primary concern in treating epiglottitis is maintaining an open airway. Since swelling of the epiglottis can quickly lead to complete airway obstruction, doctors prioritize securing the airway before proceeding with further treatment.
- **Minimal Disturbance:** The child should remain calm, and unnecessary procedures (such as throat examinations with a tongue depressor) should be avoided, as these can trigger a sudden airway closure.
- **Oxygen Therapy:** If the child is in distress, oxygen may be administered using a face mask or nasal prongs.
- **Endotracheal Intubation:** In moderate to severe cases, doctors may perform endotracheal intubation, where a breathing tube is inserted through the nose or mouth into the windpipe. This procedure is typically done in a controlled environment, such as an operating room or intensive care unit (ICU), with an anesthesiologist and an otolaryngologist (ENT specialist) present.
- **Tracheostomy (Rare Cases):** If intubation is not possible due to severe swelling, an emergency tracheostomy (surgical opening in the windpipe) may be necessary to establish a secure airway.
### **2. Hospitalization and Monitoring**
Children with epiglottitis are admitted to the ICU for close monitoring and supportive care. Once the airway is secured, doctors focus on treating the underlying cause of the infection and managing symptoms.
## **Medical Treatment**
### **1. Antibiotic Therapy**
Since epiglottitis is most commonly caused by *Haemophilus influenzae* type B (Hib) or other bacterial infections (*Streptococcus pneumoniae*, *Streptococcus pyogenes*, or *Staphylococcus aureus*), broad-spectrum intravenous (IV) antibiotics are started immediately. Common choices include:
- **Ceftriaxone** or **Cefotaxime** (third-generation cephalosporins)
- **Vancomycin** (if methicillin-resistant *Staphylococcus aureus* [MRSA] is suspected)
- **Ampicillin-sulbactam** (if other bacterial infections are considered)
Once the causative organism is identified through blood cultures or epiglottis swabs, antibiotics may be adjusted accordingly. IV antibiotics are typically continued for 5–7 days, followed by an oral antibiotic course if needed.
### **2. Anti-inflammatory Medications**
To reduce swelling of the epiglottis and ease breathing:
- **Corticosteroids** (such as dexamethasone) may be administered to decrease inflammation. However, their routine use remains controversial and is decided on a case-by-case basis.
### **3. Fluid and Nutrition Support**
Children with epiglottitis often have difficulty swallowing, which can lead to dehydration. To maintain hydration and nutrition:
- **IV Fluids** are administered until the child can swallow safely.
- **Nasogastric (NG) Tube Feeding** may be considered in severe cases where oral intake is unsafe.
## **Supportive Care and Recovery**
Once treatment begins, most children show improvement within 24–48 hours. During recovery:
- **Airway swelling gradually subsides** with antibiotics and supportive care.
- **The breathing tube is removed** once doctors confirm that the airway is no longer obstructed. This usually occurs within 24–72 hours, depending on the severity of the case.
- **The child is monitored for complications**, such as pneumonia or secondary infections.
Before discharge, doctors ensure that the child can eat and drink normally and breathe comfortably without assistance.
## **Prevention of Epiglottitis in Children**
### **1. Vaccination**
The most effective way to prevent epiglottitis is through routine **Hib vaccination**. The Hib vaccine is part of standard childhood immunization schedules and is typically given at:
- **2 months**
- **4 months**
- **6 months** (if required)
- **12–15 months** (booster dose)
Since the introduction of the Hib vaccine, cases of epiglottitis have dramatically decreased worldwide.
### **2. Preventing the Spread of Infections**
Because other bacteria can also cause epiglottitis, parents and caregivers should take additional preventive measures, such as:
- **Handwashing:** Encouraging children to wash their hands regularly to reduce the risk of infections.
- **Avoiding Close Contact:** Keeping sick children away from those with respiratory infections.
- **Proper Hygiene:** Teaching children to cover their mouths when coughing or sneezing.
## **Potential Complications of Epiglottitis**
Although rare with proper treatment, epiglottitis can lead to severe complications, including:
- **Respiratory failure:** If the airway becomes completely blocked, the child may stop breathing, requiring emergency intervention.
- **Sepsis:** A systemic infection that can spread to other organs if untreated.
- **Pneumonia:** Infection spreading to the lungs.
- **Meningitis:** In rare cases, *H. influenzae* can cause bacterial meningitis, leading to brain inflammation.
Prompt medical care minimizes the risk of these complications and improves outcomes.
## **Conclusion**
Epiglottitis is a serious but treatable condition that requires urgent medical attention. Early recognition of symptoms, rapid airway management, and appropriate antibiotic therapy are key to preventing life-threatening complications. With timely intervention, most children recover fully without long-term issues.
The widespread use of the Hib vaccine has significantly reduced the incidence of epiglottitis, highlighting the importance of vaccination in disease prevention. Parents and caregivers should remain vigilant, ensuring children receive all recommended vaccinations and seeking immediate medical care if signs of epiglottitis appear.
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