Acute diarrhea in children: causes, dangers and solutions

Conjunctivitis is the inflammation of the conjunctiva, the outer membrane of the eye. The conjunctiva is a transparent membrane that covers the white part of the eyeball and the inner eyelid. When this membrane becomes inflamed, the eye turns red, and itching, discharge, and sometimes burning occur. Many people know it as "pink eye". Conjunctivitis is a very common and usually not serious illness, but some forms can be contagious and require special attention. Conjunctivitis can be caused by various factors: • Viral conjunctivitis: This is the most common form, often associated with upper respiratory tract infections and colds. The eye becomes red and watery, and often both eyes are affected. It is very contagious and easily transmitted. • Bacterial conjunctivitis: The cause is bacteria. A thick yellow or greenish discharge comes from the eye, and in the morning, the eyelids may stick together. It can also be contagious but is treated with antibacterial drops. • Allergic conjunctivitis: This is an eye reaction to allergens (dust, pollen, animal hair, etc.). Both eyes itch, turn red, and are watery. It is not contagious to others. • Chemical or irritant conjunctivitis: This is eye irritation from smoke, chemicals, or perfumes. You should wash your eye and consult a doctor. What are the symptoms? • Redness of the eye • Watery or purulent discharge • Itching or burning • Sticky eyelids in the morning • Slightly blurred vision (usually temporary) • Sensitivity to light (only in some cases) If vision suddenly worsens, the eye is very painful, or you feel there is a problem in the center of your vision, you should immediately consult an ophthalmologist. Viral and bacterial conjunctivitis can spread easily through: • Hands, when we touch our eyes • Public items (towels, pillows, eye cosmetics) • Kindergartens, schools, and workplaces How to protect yourself and treat it • Wash your hands frequently with soap. • Do not try to share towels or pillows. • Do not use other people's eye cosmetics or contact lenses. • Replace cosmetics with new ones during an infection. Treatment approach: • Viral conjunctivitis usually resolves on its own within a few days or weeks. Artificial tears and cold compresses are used to alleviate the symptoms. • Bacterial conjunctivitis is treated with antibacterial drops or ointment. • Allergic conjunctivitis is treated with antiallergic drops, and sometimes with antihistamines. • In the case of chemical or irritant forms, the eye should be washed well with clean water, and a doctor should be visited as soon as possible. Remember, self-treatment can be dangerous, especially if the symptoms worsen or last for a long time. If you have a red eye, burning, or discharge, don't wait. Consult an ophthalmologist for a correct diagnosis and treatment.

The condition of the circulatory system is extremely important for our health. Currently, there are various methods that allow us to study the work of blood vessels and assess their condition. One of the most effective of these is the duplex scan. What is a duplex scan? A duplex scan is an ultrasound method that makes it possible to assess: • blood circulation indicators • vascular patency • the degree of narrowing • the condition of the vessel wall • the condition of the lumen In addition, it allows for measuring the diameter of the vessel, checking the speed of blood flow, and detecting deformations, the presence of atherosclerotic plaques, and other important deviations. Advantages of a duplex scan This study has a number of advantages: • It is painless and short (lasting about 15-30 minutes). • It is completely safe (it can also be performed on pregnant women). • It is affordable and very informative. • It has no age or gender restrictions. These characteristics make the duplex scan a widely used and safe method. When is a duplex scan necessary? Doctors recommend this scan if the following symptoms are present: • Headaches, dizziness, ringing in the ears, memory, and attention disorders. • Pressure fluctuations or arterial hypertension. These signs often indicate possible problems with the vascular system, and detecting them at an early stage can save lives. Who is at risk? A duplex scan is particularly important for the following people: • Those suffering from arterial hypertension. • Those with cardiovascular diseases. • Those with obesity. • Those with atherosclerosis, high blood cholesterol, or diabetes mellitus. • Smokers. In these groups, the risk of developing vascular disorders is much higher. What will this study give us? Thanks to this study, it is possible to timely diagnose vascular problems, prescribe effective treatment, and prevent the development of complications. Your health is in your hands. Schedule a duplex examination at Dalimed Medical Center to receive high-quality service and professional care.

High blood pressure, or hypertension, is a disease that's quiet but ends in catastrophic consequences. It's often called a "silent killer" because it can develop for years without obvious symptoms. Initially, there are no alarms or warning signs. But later, it can lead to a heart attack, stroke, or kidney failure. However, it is possible to prevent it if you know what to look for.What is High Blood Pressure? Blood pressure is considered high when its systolic (upper) value exceeds 140 mmHg and its diastolic (lower) value exceeds 90 mmHg. In this state, the body is under constant stress, threatening the health of the heart, brain, kidneys, and other organs.Why is Hypertension Dangerous? The danger isn't the pressure increase itself, but the consistently elevated state of the pressure, which causes a thickening of the blood vessels, heart enlargement, and impaired blood circulation. Hypertension can lead to: • Myocardial infarction • Stroke • Kidney failure • Sudden death • Worsening vision and blindness Types of Hypertension There are two main forms of hypertension: • Primary (Essential): Develops without a clear cause but is linked to genetics, stress, and lifestyle. • Secondary (Symptomatic): Is a consequence of other diseases, such as kidney, thyroid, heart, or hormonal disorders. Unlike primary hypertension, secondary hypertension often progresses more aggressively, requiring prompt identification and targeted treatment of the underlying cause. Stages and Grades of Hypertension Doctors evaluate the progression of the disease according to the following criteria: Stages: Stage 1: No organ damage. Stage 2: Minor damage to target organs: heart, brain, kidneys. Stage 3: Heart attack, stroke, or kidney failure are already present. Grades: Optimal Pressure: Around 120/80 mmHg. Grade 1 Hypertension: Systolic pressure is 140-159, and diastolic is 90-99. Grade 2 Hypertension: Systolic is 160-179, and diastolic is 100-109. At this stage, constant medication control is needed. Grade 3 Hypertension: Pressure exceeds 180/110. This is a high-risk condition for acute damage to the heart, brain, and kidneys. Hypertensive Crisis A hypertensive crisis is one of the most dangerous manifestations of hypertension. It's an acute condition where blood pressure rises sharply, accompanied by headaches, vision disturbances, heart palpitations, chest pain, or difficulty breathing. If not treated in time, a hypertensive crisis can lead to a cerebral hemorrhage or a heart attack. Who is at Risk? Factors contributing to the development of hypertension can be divided into two groups:Non-modifiable (genetic, biological):Age (especially after 40) Gender (men more often until 60, women in the postmenopausal period) Heredity Modifiable (lifestyle-related): Overweight Sedentary lifestyle Salty, fatty foods Stress Smoking, alcohol Sleep disorders Chronic diseases like diabetes or kidney problems Organs at Risk High blood pressure primarily targets organs that perform the most vital functions: • Heart: Left ventricular hypertrophy, angina, heart attack. • Brain: Stroke, memory loss, thrombosis. • Kidneys: Decreased filtration, kidney failure. • Eyes: Retinopathy, sharp vision deterioration. • Vessels: Aortic dilation, aneurysm. How to Know if Your Blood Pressure is High The biggest problem with hypertension is that it can be asymptomatic for a long time. However, people sometimes report: • Headaches, especially in the neck • Dizziness • Heart palpitations • Blurred vision • Sleep disturbances • Decreased work capacity • Spontaneous fatigue What to Do if You Already Have High Blood Pressure Hypertension is treatable, but not just with medication. The first step is to change your lifestyle. It is recommended to: • Measure your blood pressure regularly. If it's often high, consult a doctor. • Limit salt and animal fats. • Try to lose weight if you are overweight. • Avoid tobacco and alcohol. • Be physically active. Just 30 minutes of walking a day can make a significant difference. • Manage stress, as mental tension is a silent enemy of the heart. • Follow your doctor's instructions and do not stop taking medication on your own. High blood pressure isn't fatal if it's controlled. It becomes dangerous when it's ignored.

Polisegmental osteochondrosis is a disease of the musculoskeletal system in which several or even all parts of the spine are affected. Because the painful sensations manifest differently in various parts, the disease is often confused with other ailments, so a thorough diagnosis is essential. This disease progresses much more difficultly than the usual form of osteochondrosis, as it causes rather mixed symptoms. Common symptoms include headache, dizziness, unprovoked nausea, and back pain that often radiates to the limbs. The causes of polisegmental osteochondrosis include: • Spinal trauma, which is usually associated with professional activity, an accident, or constant sports activities. Any damage to the musculoskeletal system does not pass without consequences, and the development of this disease is one of them. • Excessive body weight, as extra pounds create an increased load on the vertebrae, which leads to their rapid wear and provokes degenerative changes. • Incorrect posture. In young people, the disease is provoked by poor nutrition, being constantly in a bent position, scoliosis, or prolonged sitting at a computer desk. • Heredity. If a similar disorder was observed in close relatives, there is a high probability of it being passed down. • Lack of physical activity. The body must receive sufficient load every day for nutrients to enter the bones through diffusion from soft tissues. But if there is none, the metabolism is disturbed, which leads to the onset of degenerative processes in the bones. • Age-related changes. This is one of the most common causes, as the natural aging process of the body gradually leads to various negative changes, including degenerative processes in the cartilage. • Poor nutrition. The deficiency of minerals and vitamins in the body should also not be underestimated, as without them, all vital organs cannot develop normally. The symptoms of the disease depend on its location. Polisegmental osteochondrosis of the cervical spine is characterized by the following signs: • Acute pains that last long enough and are poorly eliminated by pain medications. • Hearing loss and periodically appearing sharp pains. • Sudden increase or decrease in blood pressure. • Frequent dizziness. • Impaired vision, the appearance of floating spots before the eyes. • Difficulty swallowing or speech problems. • The appearance of nausea, not related to a violation of the gastrointestinal tract. Damage to the thoracic spine is less common, as this area is less mobile than others. The distinguishing features in this case are the absence of bright signs, especially at the beginning of the process. The only characteristic sign is intercostal neuralgia, which a doctor can detect during the initial examination. If left untreated, thoracic osteochondrosis will gradually make itself known with severe pain, cough with bronchospasms, and pressure in the heart area. These symptoms are often confused with pleurisy or pathologies of the heart muscle. The degenerative process in the lumbar spine develops quickly and makes itself known even in the early stages. This is explained by the maximum load on this area, which includes the entire body weight and the heavy objects a person lifts every day. Symptoms include: • Severe pain radiating to the lower limbs. • Increased discomfort when trying to sit down or bend over. • Lack of relief even in a relaxed position. • Frequent bowel disorders or failures in the work of the pelvic organs. • Increased weakness in the legs or loss of skin sensation. • Difficulty in urination or defecation. • Chronic aching pains or sharp pains in the lower back. Upon the appearance of the first signs of pathology, it is necessary to make an appointment with a neuropathologist. The following methods are used to diagnose the disease: ultrasound, echography, MRI, X-ray, and Doppler of blood vessels. Treatment usually includes several directions at once, such as taking medications, strictly following a diet, physical therapy or visiting a manual therapist, acupuncture, therapeutic gymnastics, and unconventional medicine. The latter includes acupressure, hirudotherapy, manual therapy, and pharmacopuncture. PRP therapy is also used, which is the newest way to stimulate restorative processes. If the disease is not treated, it can lead to muscle dystrophy, acute circulatory failure, nerve entrapment, protrusions, and intervertebral hernias. Therefore, it is extremely important to be attentive to your health and see a doctor on time when the first symptoms appear. Don’t postpone taking care of your spine health. At Dalimed Medical Center, you will receive professional diagnostics and effective treatment under the supervision of experienced specialists.