Tag Archives: Conditions and Diseases

Feb 7 2012

Asthma Attack

Asthma affects about 6% of the US population, and shortness of breath is a very common among Asthma sufferers. When a person reports a wheeze or chest tightness along with shortness of breath, it is not unreasonable to consider an asthma attack as the cause of their breathing problems.

First Aid for Asthma attacks can be quickly applied with the use of a bronchodilator commonly referred to as an “inhaler”.  A person exhibiting the signs of an asthma attack is probably being treated for the condition, and would likely have a prescription inhaler nearby.  Quickly check the person’s pockets, car, desk, purse, briefcase, or gym bag for an inhaler– and hand it to them right away.

If an inhaler cannot be readily found, then an oxygen mask can be used as an alternate means to help restore normal breathing.  Inhaling pure oxygen will block air irritants that are causing the Asthma attack, and allow the person’s airways to relax.

If no inhaler or oxygen mask can be found nearby, then quickly move the Asthma sufferer to a warm area.  Choose an area that is also free from airborne irritants such as smoke, perfumes, chemicals, mold and dust.  Then promptly call for medical assistance. Continue to monitor the person’s breathing and circulation until medical help arrives.

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Feb 7 2012

Arthritis

Arthritis makes joints painful to move. There are more than one hundred types of arthritis, among the most common forms are:

  • Rheumatoid arthritis, which can cause feelings of stiffness all over the body.
  • Ankylosing spondylitis, which causes chronic sore back and morning stiffness.
  • Osteoarthritis, which mostly causes knobby swelling of finger joints, but can also affect the neck, hips, knees, or spine.
  • Gout is another form of arthritis that is mostly common in men.  Gout causes severe pain and swelling in one joint at a time, and often affects the knee, ankle, or big toe area.

First Aid for Arthritis pain starts with hot and cold therapy:

  • During painful flare-ups, apply moist heat to the area two or three times a day for at least 20 minutes. Using hot soaks, hot packs, heating pads, or heat lamps can help. Massage sore spots after heat treatments. Taking a warm bath each morning can help reduce joint stiffness.
  • Putting cold packs on painful joints can also help. Alternating hot and cold treatments is also effective, and should be done in 10-minute intervals two or three times a day for 20 minutes.
  • It is very important for arthritis sufferers to stay hydrated by drinking at least 2 quarts of water per day.
  • Taking aspirin or ibuprofen can be helpful in managing pain, but do not use both in the same day. Aspirin, taken at night, can help reduce swelling and joint stiffness in the morning. As with all medications, become aware of the side effects of aspirin before taking.

Alternative therapies for relieving arthritis pain include Yoga exercises, and eating probiotic foods like yogurt and sour cream.  Yoga has consistently proven effective in reducing arthritis pain by increasing the body’s capacity to move certain limbs and joints. The healthy bacteria in probiotic foods help the digestive system deal with stress caused by some arthritis medications. Some researchers also think that probiotics have anti-inflammatory properties, which might help lessen the swelling caused by arthritis.

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Feb 7 2012

Animal Bites

Most animal bites come from domestic pets; however, animal bites from non-immunized domestic pets and wild animals might transmit the rabies virus.

Rabies is a viral disease often transmitted through the bite of a rabid animal.

Rabies is more prevalent among wild animals such as bats, skunks, foxes and raccoons, and less commonly carried by dogs, cats, or rabbits.

First Aid for animal bites starts with evaluating the type of animal that initiated the bite, and the severity of the wound.

  • If you suspect the bite was caused by an animal that could potentially carry rabies, seek medical attention right away.  Getting an immediate vaccination can prevent rabies from developing once the virus has been transmitted.
  • For severe animal bite wounds that have torn into, or deeply punctured the skin, try to stop the bleeding with a clean, dry cloth, and seek medical attention.   You should also seek medical attention if the bite has punctured or torn the hand or fingers.
  • If the animal bite is mild, promptly wash the wound with a mild soap then rinse the area with water for 3 to 5 minutes. When finished, pat the area dry, apply an antibiotic ointment or cream, and cover the wound with a clean bandage.
  • Monitor the area surrounding the animal bite for signs of infection.  Seek medical help if you notice an increase in redness or swelling as well as any oozing around the site.

People who have contracted rabies from a bat bite before, were often unaware they had been bitten in the first place. That is largely due to the fact that bat bites are small, so they often go unnoticed. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends that anyone who sees a bat inside their home or tent, or comes into direct contact with a bat in any way, promptly discusses the situation with a health care professional.

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Feb 7 2012

Anemia

Anemia occurs when the red blood cells don’t have enough hemoglobin to carry oxygen from the lungs throughout all parts of the body. Without oxygen, organs and tissues cannot work as well as they should.

Some types of anemia may be life threatening if not diagnosed and treated. Anemia takes time to develop, but as the condition worsens, a person may experience symptoms of:

  • Fatigue, weakness, dizziness, headache, difficulty concentrating and irritability; accompanied by
  • Cold or numbness of the hands and feet,
  • Low body temperature and paler than normal skin, as well as
  • A Rapid or irregular heartbeat, shortness of breath, and chest pain

If you are experiencing symptoms of Anemia, make an appointment with your doctor for a simple blood test called a CBC. If the results of the test are positive, your doctor may want to do other tests to find out the cause, and the treatment prescribed will depend on the type of anemia that is diagnosed.  Most cases of anemia can be remedied with simple changes in diet and medications combined with the addition of certain supplements.   Severe forms of anemia might require a blood transfusion or surgery.

To help prevent some of the most common types of anemia:

  • Avoid drinking coffee or tea with meals.
  • Avoid fasting, or dieting fads, and
  • Increase your intake of foods high in iron such as: beans, oysters, fish, liver, tofu, spinach, lean red meat, and dried fruits.  Foods high in vitamin C, folic acid, and vitamin B12 have also been proven to contribute positively toward the prevention of anemia.

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Feb 7 2012

Alzheimer’s

When a person is suffering from Alzheimer’s disease, abnormal changes are taking place in the parts of their brain that control thinking, memory, and language.  A person suffering from Alzheimer’s will be elderly, and will probably exhibit signs of memory loss, disorientation, dementia, language difficulty, and problems with abstract thought such as counting or math.  Alzheimer’s victims often have difficulty communicating if they get lost or become separated from a caregiver or loved one.

First aid responders should utilize proper communication skills in order to find out who the person is and help reconnect them with their caregiver.  If you believe that an elderly person is lost and might be suffering from Alzheimer’s:

  • Approach and speak to them slowly. Make good eye contact when talking, and only ask one question at a time beginning with their first name. Give them ample time to answer your questions, and try asking again if they do not respond.
  • The Alzheimer’s Association offers a program and emergency response service for individuals who have wandered off and might be having a medical emergency. Look for a Medical Alert bracelet or necklace, ask to see it, and call the number on the I.D.
  • If you cannot visually locate an identification bracelet or necklace, ask the person about any family or friends they might have. If they have wandered off, they likely live nearby.  Try to tailor your questions toward the person’s responses until you gather enough information to be of help.  Be patient so they do not become frustrated or agitated.

People affected by Alzheimer’s can exhibit rapid mood swings and unusual fits of anger as a result of their confusion.  If the person’s behavior suddenly becomes irritated or irrational, stop asking questions, step away, and call 911 for assistance right away.  Give the operator details about your conversation and suspicions about their condition, and try to stay close by until help arrives.

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Feb 7 2012

Allergies

Allergies and Allergic reactions can be moderate or severe.  Severe allergic reactions can be life-threatening. Call 911 if a person has had severe allergic reactions in the past, or

  • Is developing hives or swelling on the face and neck,
  • has a rapid pulse along with a profound feeling of anxiety,
  • Experiences tightness in the chest area along with trouble breathing.

See a doctor or get to an emergency room immediately if you notice other dangerous signs of an allergic reaction such as:

  • a fast-spreading red or blistered area on the skin, or skin that peels off without blistering
  • Raw areas of flesh that appear scalded
  • Spreading of the condition to areas around the eyes, mouth, or genitals

First Aid for mild allergic reactions starts with treatment for itchiness and rash:

  • Adults can take an over-the-counter antihistamine to relieve the discomfort of itching, provide they are not allergic to any of the ingredients.  Consult a doctor before giving an antihistamine to a child.
  • Take cool showers using only soaps and detergents that are made for sensitive skin. Cool compresses or Calamine lotion can be applied for additional relief, and wearing lightweight clothing that is loose-fitting will help prevent additional irritation to the rash area.

Certain medications have been known to cause allergic reactions.  If you believe an allergic reaction has been triggered by a new medication, stop taking the medication and inform your doctor right away.  Ask your doctor about alternative medicines and which medications to avoid in the future.

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