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Dry eyes – Symptoms, causes, and treatment

The condition of dry eyes is characterized by the lack of sufficient lubrication for the eyes. Tears provide the necessary moisture and lubrication to the eyes, and the lack of tears can be caused by various factors. Dry eyes can also be caused by the production of tears that are of poor quality. This condition can cause discomfort symptoms, like a burning or stinging sensation in the eyes. Dry eyes can be experienced in various situations, like traveling on an airplane, sitting in an air-conditioned room, riding a bike, and long exposure to screens.

Symptoms
There are various symptoms caused by dry eyes, such as

Burning sensation in the eyes
Itching in the eyes
Ache
Feeling of heaviness in the eyes
Tired eyes
Soreness in the eyes
Dryness in the eyes
Redness
Blurriness in the vision
Photophobia or sensitivity of the eyes to light

In addition to the abovementioned symptoms, one may feel the presence of foreign material in one of the eyes. Surprisingly, in some cases, having watery eyes can also be a symptom of dry eyes. This happens when the extreme dryness in the eyes triggers a response in the form of excessive production of tears. But these tears do not stay in the eyes for long, which means they might not be enough to treat the condition.

In some cases, dry eyes can also lead to inflammation, which can cause damage to the eyes’ surface. The condition can also have an impact on the results of a cataract or a LASIK surgery.

Causes
Tears act as natural lubricators for the eyes. The moisture provided by the tears helps in providing necessary comfort to the eyes, which is needed for the eyes to function properly. So, how do tears provide this comfort? Well, tears are a mixture of

Water, which is important for moisture
Oils, which provides lubrication
Mucus, for the evenly spreading
Antibodies and some proteins, which are important to prevent infections

These ingredients are secreted from special glands that are located around the eyes. Therefore, when a person suffers from dry eyes, it means there is a fault in their tear system. Any imbalance in the flow of tears leads to dry eye. Also, several external factors contribute to dry eye syndrome. They include devices like air conditioners and heaters that make the tear film dry out. There are some other causes, including

Aging
Anyone can be affected by dry eyes; however, the condition becomes more common as we age. There is a decline in the production of tears as the body ages. Thus, the condition can affect people who are above 50 years of age. When one suffers from dry eyes due to aging, it might be difficult to control. However, using artificial tears regularly can provide extra lubrication to the eyes and relieve the symptoms.
Medications
Tears are made of water, oil, and mucus, but certain medications can interfere with the production of mucus and lead to dry eyes. These include antidepressants, antihistamines, diuretics, and beta-blockers with medication for hypertension. In case any medication is causing dry eyes, you must consult the doctor. You can ask for an alternative or talk about lowering the dosage to help you reduce the symptoms of dry eye. You can also use artificial tears along with the medication to make sure that your eyes stay lubricated all the time.
Prolonged exposure to screens
Working on computers for long hours can cause headaches and severe strain on the eyes. Besides, looking at the computer screen constantly can impact the production of tears and cause dry eyes. This happens because staring at the screen incessantly tends to make you blink less frequently than normal. This is results in rapid evaporation of tears. To fight this problem, make sure that you blink more frequently while using a computer. This will give the necessary lubrication to your eyes and prevent irritation and dry eye. If the condition persists even after blinking frequently while using the computer, you should try using artificial tears. Also, make sure that you take breaks at regular intervals to give your eyes some rest. Every 20 minutes try to look away from the computer and blink continuously to moisten your eyes.
Laser surgery
Experiencing dry eye symptoms after laser surgery for the eyes can happen in some cases. In a laser-correction procedure, some nerves in the cornea can be cut. This can lead to reduced production of tears in the eyes. However, when the condition is caused by laser surgery, its symptoms are temporary and go away in some time. Till the time the symptoms of dry eyes go away, you must keep lubricating the eyes by using eye drops.
Menopause
Any disbalance in the hormone levels of the body can lead to dry eye. Therefore, some females who undergo menopause, are pregnant, or who use birth control pills can experience the symptoms related to this condition. Hormones have a role to play in tear production. Hence, any imbalance in the hormones can lower the production of tears in the eyes. Hormone replacement therapy might not help to relieve the symptoms of dry eye. However, you can consult your doctor and get eye drops to lubricate the eyes to fight irritation and dryness.
Vitamin A deficiency
Vitamin A is important for maintaining good eye health. The natural supply of vitamin A can be given to the body through foods like carrots, broccoli, spinach, and peppers. When you follow a diet that does not contain vitamin-A-rich foods, it can lead to dry eyes and several other vision-related problems including night blindness. With the help of a blood test, a vitamin A deficiency can be diagnosed. After consulting your doctor, you can use eye drops that contain vitamin A. However, these drops might not be a commonly prescribed treatment for dry eyes.
Exposure to wind
When your eyes are exposed to cold climatic conditions or high winds, it can lead to rapid tear evaporation. This can become a cause of chronic dryness in the eyes. If you are exposed to such climatic conditions, you must keep your eyes lubricated with eye drops and protect them by wearing sunglasses.
Sjögren’s syndrome
This is a condition wherein the tear and salivary glands come under attack from white blood cells. This results in reduced tear production. The treatment for the condition includes prescription and some over-the-counter eye drops. In some cases, doctors can also recommend a steroid eye drop. If the condition does not get better with eye drops, the patient can be recommended a surgery. The procedure involves the insertion of silicone plugs in the tear ducts, which can help in preserving some tears.
Autoimmune diseases
Diabetes, arthritis, lupus, and several other autoimmune disorders can lead to the inadequate production of tears. If dry eyes occur due to any of these autoimmune disorders, there will be several other symptoms of the condition, which one may experience. For instance, if a person suffers from arthritis, the symptoms will include pain in the joints, fever, and fatigue. Similarly, some early symptoms of diabetes will be unusual thirst and increased frequency of urination. Once the underlying condition is diagnosed and treated, the symptoms of dry eyes can also be addressed. Treating autoimmune disorders can include the use of corticosteroids and immunosuppressants. For diabetics, keeping the blood sugar levels under check with the help of a healthy lifestyle and eating habits will be necessary.
Allergies
Sometimes, allergies can be the cause of dry eyes. The eyes can become red, itchy, and watery due to allergies. To reduce allergies, medication can be prescribed by the doctor. However, sometimes these medications can lead to worsening of the symptoms.
Dehydration
At times, dry eyes can be caused by the lack of enough hydration in the body and not consuming sufficient fluids. Dehydration can be identified by several other symptoms such as low energy levels in the body, dark urine, fast heartbeat, dizziness, and not urinating frequently. Increasing your intake of water can relieve the symptoms of dehydration and dry eye.

Treatment options
Several dry eye treatment options are available once the condition is diagnosed. In most cases, when the symptoms are mild, the condition can be treated with over-the-counter eye drops or artificial tears. However, in cases where the symptoms are severe, some other dry eye treatment options will need to be considered. The treatment you take will depend on the underlying condition causing dry eyes.

Various treatment options aim at managing or reversing the effects of the underlying cause of dry eye. Some treatment alternatives also focus on improving the quality of tears or preventing the tears from draining away rapidly from the eyes.

When one is suffering from dry eyes due to an underlying condition, treating the disease can help in relieving the symptoms of dry eyes. In cases where dry eyes occur due to a medication, the doctor might prescribe an alternative that does not cause any side effects.

If a person suffers from a condition that affects the eyelids, they may be referred to an oculoplastic surgeon for surgery of the eyelids. If the underlying condition that is causing dry eyes is rheumatoid arthritis, the patient may be referred to a rheumatologist.

Medicines for treating dry eyes
Several medications can be prescribed for dry eye treatment, such as

Medication to fight eyelid inflammation
When the edge of the eyelids become inflamed, this can prevent the oil glands from releasing oil into the tears. To fight the inflammation, antibiotics can be prescribed to the patient.
Eyedrops to fight inflammation of the cornea
To combat inflammation that affects the cornea, eyedrops consisting of Restasis or corticosteroids can be prescribed. However, prolonged usage of corticosteroids might not be recommended since they can cause side-effects.
Inserts for artificial tears
In cases where dry eyes cause severe symptoms, artificial tears might not help. Under such situations, a small insert that looks like a tiny rice grain can be prescribed. This insert will have to be placed between the eyeball and the lower eyelid once a day. The insert will gradually dissolve and secrete a substance, which will help in lubricating the eyes.

Other treatment options
In addition to medications, several procedures that can be used for dry eye treatment, such as

Reducing loss of tears by closing the ducts
This procedure can be suggested by the doctor to prevent the tears from rapidly draining from the eyes. In the procedure, the tear ducts can be closed partially or entirely.
Contact lenses
There are new contact lenses available in the market that are used for dry eye treatment. These lenses can be used by people who suffer from severe symptoms of dry eye. They help in fighting the symptoms by protecting the eyes’ surface and locking in the moisture. These lenses are known as bandage or scleral lenses.
Unclogging of the oil glands
With the use of eye masks or warm compresses, the blockage in the oil glands can be cleared. Another option to unblock the glands is a thermal pulsation machine. However, the benefit of using such a device over hot compresses is yet to be clear.
Eyelid massage and light therapy
A therapy known as intense pulsed light therapy is followed by eyelid massage has shown promising results in people who suffer from severe symptoms of dry eye.

Now that you have an idea about the dry eye treatment options, you can opt for any of the aforementioned ones depending on the severity of the condition.

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An Overview Of Colon Polyps

An overview of colon polyps Colon polyps are small clumps of cells formed on the lining of the colon. The majority of these polyps tend to be harmless, but with time, there are certain polyps that can easily grow into colon cancer. This is a serious condition, especially when found in the later stages. Almost any individual can develop colon polyps. People who are over 50 years of age are at an increased risk of suffering from this condition. Even smokers and overweight individuals or people with a family or personal history of colon polyps might be at an increased risk of suffering from this condition. Colon polyps – causes are slightly known, but this condition rarely causes any symptoms. Therefore, for individuals who are at risk of developing the condition, it is important to have screening tests on a regular basis. These will include a colonoscopy. Polyps found in the early stages can conveniently be removed. They can be removed completely in a very safe manner. Regular screening is the best step for the prevention of colon polyps. What are the colon polyps – causes? Doctors do not exactly know the causes of colon polyps, but they are of the view that polyps are a result of abnormal tissue growth. The human body develops healthy cells in a periodic manner, thus replacing the old cells that tend to be damaged or are no longer required. The division and growth of these new cells is regulated. However, there are cases when the new cells develop and then divide before they are actually needed. It is this excessive growth that results in polyps. Packaged red meat is also one of the most common colon polyps – causes. Fiber deficiency in the body. High-fat diet taken in excessive amounts. Smoking cigarettes. Obesity is also one of the major colon polyps – causes. Inherited conditions such as Gardener syndrome, familial adenomatous polyposis, and Peutz-Jeghers syndrome might also put an individual at an increased risk of having colon polyps. What signs and symptoms do colon polyps show? Majority of the individuals suffering from colon polyps do not show any symptoms. They are actually unaware of the fact that they have polyps, because they feel very well. Bleeding from the rectum is one of the most common symptoms of colon polyps. Blood in the stool can also be a sign of colon polyps. Blood might make stool look black, or there can be red streaks in stool. A feeling of tiredness due to anemia and not having sufficient iron in the body are common symptoms. It is the bleeding from the polyps that can result in an iron deficiency and anemia. Several other health issues might also result in these signs. Nevertheless, if rectum bleeding or blood in the stool are everyday phenomena, a consultation with a doctor is vital. How can colon polyps be prevented? Knowing the colon polyps – causes can help prevent the condition. However, there are other important steps that can be followed in trying to prevent this condition. They are as listed: Regular screenings. Lifestyle changes can also be of help in doing away with the colon polyps – causes, and, consequently, prevent them. Adopting healthy habits such as eating fruits, whole grains, and vegetables and reducing fat intake can help in the prevention of colon polyps. Limiting the intake of alcohol and quitting tobacco. Staying active physically and maintaining a healthy body weight is also important. When should one see a doctor? A general physician must be consulted in case of the following: Blood in the stool Abdominal pain Changes in bowel habits for more than a week It is important for one to have a word with their physician regarding their intake of vitamin D and calcium. This is because studies have proved that increasing the intake of food items rich in vitamin D and calcium can help prevent the recurrence of polyps. However, this is not completely clear. It is important to consider all the options, especially if one is at a very high risk of suffering from colon polyps.

The Types Of Colon Polyps And Their Prevention

The types of colon polyps and their prevention Growths that occur on the inner lining of the colon (large intestine) and usually protrude into the colon are known as colon polyps. They form when the genetic material within the cells that line the colon changes and becomes abnormal. Under normal circumstances, the immature cells that line the colon multiply, mature, and then die in a timely fashion. On the other hand, the genetic changes in the lining cells prevent the cells from maturing, and they don’t die. Resultantly, immature and genetically abnormal cells start accumulating in the colon, eventually resulting in the formation of polyps. This article intends to raise awareness about colon polyps, its types, symptoms, diagnosis, the colon polyps – causes, and more. What are the types of colon polyps? Inflammatory colon polyps : Also known as false polyps, it is mostly found in people who have inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD), such as Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis. These polyps are inflammatory manifestations of IBD, are benign, and are unlikely to become cancerous. Adenomatous colon polyps : Also known as adenomas, this type of colon polyps make up about 70% of all polyps found in the colon. They can become cancerous, but the process takes years. Hyperplastic colon polyps : The term hyperplasia means fast growth, which indicates an abnormal increase in the number of cells resulting in the gross enlargement of the colon polyp. Despite the rapid growth, hyperplastic polyps have a low risk of turning cancerous. Villous adenoma : This type of colon polyp has a greater potential of becoming cancerous. It is estimated that approximately 30 percent of villous adenomas develop into a malignancy. These polyps require surgery for the removal of their cauliflower-like protrusions. What are the causes of colon polyps? Experts are not sure about the colon polyps – causes. However, the causes are believed to be a mix of environmental and genetic factors that result in an abnormal tissue growth. What are the known risk factors of colon polyps? Age : The risk of developing colon polyps tends to increase with age. Family history : A close relative with colon cancer or polyps raises the risk. Sex : Men have a slightly higher chance of developing polyps. Race : Black men and women have a higher risk. Alcohol : Alcohol consumption is closely linked to colon cancer risk and is known as one of the colon polyps – causes. Red meat : If not had in moderation, red meat can serve as one of the colon polyps – causes. Having too much red meat increases the risk of colorectal cancer as well. Lack of dietary fiber : A good intake of fiber has many benefits, including colon benefits. It decreases the risk of colon cancer. Smoking : Smoking increases the risk of all types of cancers, and colon polyps or cancer is no exception. Obesity : Obese people are at higher risk of developing colon polyps and cancer. How are colonic polyps diagnosed? The following tests help diagnose colon polyps: Colonoscopy Sigmoidoscopy Barium enema CT colonography Stool test What are the symptoms of colon polyps? Change in stool color Rectal bleeding Iron deficiency Anemia Change in bowel habits Abdominal pain Blood in the stool Fatigue How common are colon polyps? They are very common. They increase in prevalence as people age. If one has colon polyps, they are more likely to develop polyps elsewhere in the colon later. Only a small proportion of polyps cause symptoms or signs, which usually are the result of bleeding from the polyp. How can colon polyps be prevented? Adopt healthy habits : Adopt healthy habits and increase the intake of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. Limit fat intake, alcohol consumption, and quit tobacco. Stay physically active and maintain a healthy weight. Avoid all the estimated colon polyps – causes. Seek advice if at high risk : If there’s a family history of colon polyps or its other risk factors affect one, seeking prompt medical advice and counseling is important. With regular colonoscopies, one can prevent the colon polyps – causes from developing, and hence preventing the colon from developing.

Carcinoid Neuroendocrine Tumors – Prognosis And Life Expectancy

Carcinoid neuroendocrine tumors – Prognosis and life expectancy The neuroendocrine system is a complex regulatory mechanism comprised of cells spread throughout several organ systems, including our lungs and digestive system. As they have characteristics of both nerves and endocrine cells, they are called neuroendocrine cells. The nerve cells transmit signals using electrical impulses, whereas endocrine cells make thyroid and insulin-secreting glands. This article intends to discuss the carcinoid neuroendocrine tumor that starts in these cells in detail. What is a carcinoid neuroendocrine tumor? A carcinoid neuroendocrine tumor starts in the cells of the hormone-producing organs in our body. A carcinoid tumor is a type of neuroendocrine tumor that most commonly arises in the gastrointestinal system, which includes intestines, stomach, and esophagus. Carcinoid tumors account for about 1% to 2% of lung cancers. As carcinoid tumors originate from tissue that produces hormones, the main side effect of the condition is the inappropriate release of various hormones in the bloodstream. Carcinoid neuroendocrine tumor can arise in a number of locations categorized into three areas: the foregut, midgut, and hindgut. Lungs and stomach form the foregut area. The midgut comprises of the small intestine, colon, and appendix. The hindgut includes the end of the large bowel, the rectum, and genitourinary tract organs (ovaries and testes). What factors raise a person’s risk of developing a carcinoid tumor? A family history of multiple endocrine neoplasia type 1 : This hereditary condition increases an individual’s risk of developing tumors in the pituitary gland, pancreas, and parathyroid gland. Age : Age seems to be a major factor that plays an integral role, as children rarely develop carcinoid tumors; the average diagnosis age is 55 to 65 years for this condition. Race and gender : Carcinoid tumors are more common among black people than white people, and black men have a higher risk than black women. White men and women have the same risk levels, and after treatment, women tend to live longer. Other medical conditions : Some medical conditions that damage the stomach and reduce acid production increase the risk of developing a carcinoid neuroendocrine tumor. What are the symptoms of a carcinoid tumor? Signs and symptoms of a carcinoid neuroendocrine tumor depend on where the tumor develops: Carcinoid tumors in the lungs : The symptoms of a tumor in the lungs are chest pain, wheezing, diarrhea, shortness of breath, skin flushing (redness and a feeling of warmth on the face and neck), weight gain, particularly around the midsection and back, and pink or purple marks on the skin, which look like stretch marks. Carcinoid tumors in the digestive tract : The symptoms, in this case, are abdominal pain, diarrhea, nausea and vomiting, intestinal blockage, causing an inability to pass stool, rectal bleeding and pain, and skin flushing. What are some effective management tips for the symptoms of carcinoid neuroendocrine tumors? Facial flushing : Avoid stress and ask your doctor about specific foods that cause facial flushing so that you can avoid them. Diarrhea : Ask your doctor for anti-diarrheal medication. Wheezing : Ask for medication that relaxes muscles in the lungs to make breathing easier. Heart problems : Discuss your heart issues with your doctor so that they can prescribe diuretics, which lower the blood pressure. Carcinoid syndrome : Use octreotide on prescription, which is the most effective medication to treat carcinoid syndrome. What is the prognosis for carcinoid neuroendocrine tumor? Carcinoid neuroendocrine tumors can be benign (non-cancerous) or malignant (cancerous). Benign carcinoid tumors are small and can be removed completely. They don’t come back and don’t spread to other parts of the body. They don’t produce any symptoms as well. Malignant carcinoid tumors are large, and their cells can invade and damage the surrounding tissues and organs. Additionally, malignant cells can enter the bloodstream or lymphatic system and can even form new tumors in other parts of the body. Lymph nodes, lungs, bone liver, and skin are the common sites for carcinoid metastases. Carcinoid tumors grow slowly in comparison to other cancers, such as lung, colon, pancreas, or liver cancer. Patients with larger malignant carcinoid tumors (with or without metastasis) can survive and have a good quality of life after proper treatment. Adenocarcinoids, a rare form of carcinoid tumors, are more aggressive than the typical malignant carcinoid tumors.

What Are The First Signs Of Liver Damage

Liver damage – What are the first signs? On the right side of the abdomen, below your rib cage, is an organ called the liver. It is the size of a football and is one of the most important organs in the human body. The liver aids in the digestion of the food we eat and also helps in flushing out the toxins from our body. When there is any kind of disturbance in the normal liver functioning, then it can cause a significant damage to the human body. Once you start exhibiting the signs of liver damage, it is important to get the exact diagnosis and take the next steps accordingly. What are the causes of liver damage? There can be a number of causes for liver damage: Liver infection is one of the most common causes of liver damage. Viruses and parasites can cause infections that affect the normal functioning of the liver. Hepatitis is the most common liver infection, which includes Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B, and Hepatitis C. Some diseases will affect your immune system thereby damaging your liver too. This is called autoimmune hepatitis. Primary Sclerosing Cholangitis and Primary Biliary Cirrhosis are of the same kind. If you have inherited an abnormal gene from any of your parents or family members, it can lead to a build up of various substances in the body and hence can damage the liver. Build up of liver cancer can be a cause. A person who is an alcohol addict is more prone to liver damage. What are the first signs of liver damage? There can be several signs of a liver damage. Here are 10 signs of liver damage that you need to pay attention to: Your eyes and skin turning yellow, which is usually a sign of jaundice. Abdominal swelling and pain are also symptoms of liver damage that you should watch out. Your ankles and legs begin to swell.. Your urine becomes dark yellow in color. There can be many reasons for dark yellow urine, but it can also be a sign of liver damage. Excessively itchy skin is also a symptom of liver damage. Loss of appetite. Getting bruises easily as your liver fails to create proteins needed for blood clotting. Vomiting and nausea for no reason. Blood in the stool or pale stool. Chronic fatigue. How is liver damage diagnosed? In order to get started with the liver damage treatment, it is very important to diagnose the symptoms of liver damage correctly. In order to start the diagnoses, your doctor will start with a physical examination, followed by requesting details of your health history. Liver function tests, which are blood tests will be done at the initial stage. MRI Scan and CT scan kind of image tests are done. Tissue analysis is also done to get an accurate idea of the problem . How is liver damage treated? The treatment for the liver damage depends on the type and severity of damage. Some stages can be treated with just slight modifications to the diet and lifestyle like weight reduction, no smoking or alcohol. Further stages will require medication and severe condition will need a surgery. If your liver has failed completely, then you will have to go for a liver transplant, which is an expensive and time consuming process. How can liver damage be prevented? Certain changes in your lifestyle can prevent liver damage. You need to stop drinking alcohol or only drink a moderate amount to decrease pressure on your liver. Get vaccinated to prevent getting hepatitis infections. When you are spraying insecticides or other aerosol sprays, make sure that you cover your nose and also make sure to protect your skin. You need to maintain a healthy weight as there are chances of fatty liver damage as well. You should take only medicine that is prescribed to you and make sure that you do not take any medicine in excess or without talking to your doctor.