Symptoms, Causes and Treatment Options for Sinusitis
August 23, 2011
The sinus cavities are located at different locations in our head region. They are present beneath the cheek bones (the maxillaries), behind forehead and eyebrows (the frontals), on the sides of nose (the ethmoid), and behind the nose and in front of the brain (sphenoid). All of these cavities are joined together and open into another opening known as nasal passage. The nasal passage is used for breathing, letting the air in and out and for getting rid of the mucous too. Sometimes when the nasal opening is blocked due to any reason like cold, rhinitis etc. and nasal passage gets inflamed, bacteria inside the body make use of the favorable condition to grow (as there is no ventilation) and cause infection.
Sinusitis is the term for the inflammation of sinus cavities. Inflammation can be caused by either some infection, or an allergy or both of them. There are two types of sinusitis. Acute sinusitis and chronic sinusitis, acute being short lived while chronic is long term. Acute sinusitis is often seen accompanied with the cold. It usually lives for a few weeks and ends on its own without requiring any medical treatment. On the other hand, if sinusitis remains more than 3 months, it is termed as chronic sinusitis. It is more complicated and much difficult to treat. It occurs to those who have history of allergic rhinitis, improper nasal structure or asthma. A rare case of chronic sinusitis is also seen occurring because of fungus.
The symptoms of acute sinusitis involves
• Coughing
• Pressure on sinuses
• Facial pain
• Toothache
• Stuffed nose
• Post nasal dripping
• Yellow-green nasal discharge
• Sometimes fever
The symptoms of chronic sinusitis are less frequent but may involve facial pain and colored discharge from the nose. Moreover chronic sinusitis patients may also notice loss of smelling and tasting senses, bad breath, rough throatiness, and frequent sore throats. It is important to have your tests done for determining the underlying cause of chronic sinusitis. The tests include sinus x-ray, CT scan and sometimes endoscopic examination.
Usually the acute sinusitis heals on its own without having any medication. However its treatment may also involve the use of antibiotics for removing bacteria, anti-congestants, corticosteroid sprays, saline sprays or salt water gargles. Chronic sinusitis may involve nasal surgery too.
Prevention Of Oral Cancer Using Vegetables And Fruits
July 29, 2011
Fruits and vegetables are so healthy that they can together combat a lot of diseases including Oral Cancer too. According to the February Volume of Journal of American Dental Association’s, the risk of oral cancer can be minimized to a greater extent if the oral healthcare professionals inform the patients about the benefits of fruits and vegetables in fighting the oral cancer. It is in practice that clinicians educate people about the hazards of tobacco and alcohol, but they are hardly found telling their patients of a good dietary plan including vegetables and fruits that can almost reverse the effects of oral cancer.
Benefits of fruits and vegetables.
In May 2006 issue of JADA, the JADA authors have identified the role of citrus fruits in avoiding oral cancer. They have also noticed that the theory of fruits and vegetables concerning to the inhibition of different cancers, especially oral cancer is under study from past 50 years or more. The 1994 issue of Nutrition and Cancer stated that the researchers of National Cancer Institute of Health found that consumption of fresh fruits and vegetables prevents the occurrence of second primary cancers in patients who suffer from oral and pharyngeal cancer (OPC). Many studies have been done to prove the relationship of fruits and vegetables with the avoidance of oral cancer.
Although the exact action of diet is not known yet as to how it prevents the onset of a particular cancer, but scientists hypothesize the roles of Vitamin C, E, and Terpenes present in fruits and vegetables. They think that these vitamins act as antioxidants and prevent the DNA damage by the exposure of oxygen’s free radicals. Similarly, Terpene found in certain plants affects the cell cycle and apoptosis. Moreover, there are other micro-nutrients such as phytonutrients present in fruits and vegetables and are related to light somehow. These micronutrients can also play a vital role in preventing the oral cancer specifically and other cancers generally. Nutritionists, dieticians and scientists have found that the fruits that contain ellagic acid in abundance, like berries, and vegetables that are rich in isothiocyanates, like cruciferous vegetables, also prevent the same.
One of the medicine professors, Dr. Tieraona Low Dog, MD, at the University of Arizona Health Sciences Center has put forward a suggestion of consuming 5 servings of fruits and vegetables every day along with the other daily dietary plans. Not only because they prevent the incidence of oral cancer, but, according to her, this diet protects a person from several periodontal diseases too.
Researches have shown that the consumption of dairy and meat products increase the risk of cancer especially oral, prostrate and ovarian cancers. Moreover, the processed meat, adding the icing to the cake, processed salted meat is the main cause of oral cancer throughout the world. Meat and dairy products increase the formation of carcinogenic nitrosamines which in turn increase the risk of oral and neck cancers.
It is very important to have checked the head, neck and oral mucosal regions for any pre cancerious changes in cells time to time. Besides that, the oral healthcare professionals not only should educate the patients about the benefit of fruits and vegetables but also start campaigning worldwide telling the general public about the same. People who are tobacco addicted or who consume alcohol, betel nut or gutka should be of major concern because they are at much higher risk of developing oral cancer. Moreover people who have history of head, neck, or aerodigestive tract cancer should also show concern too. People with periodontal diseases should be educated about the oral hygiene and consumption of fresh and healthy fruits and vegetables.
Myths and Misconceptions about Root Canals
June 27, 2011
Root canals are still an alarming name to many of us. To get a clearer picture of root canals, on should be aware of the following myths about them and get rid of all the misunderstandings and misconceptions about them.
i. Root canal treatment is not painful anymore
It is true that the treatment for root canal used to hurt a lot previously. The American Association of Endodontists claims that the root canal procedure is no more painful due to the advent of modern techniques and technology. So, it is very important to inform the unaware patients who are afraid of the pain they are predicting.
ii. Root canal is time taking
People often postpone or cancel their root canal treatment due to lack of time as they could not visit the dentist too often or for too long. However, the modern technology has made it possible to have your root canal done in just one or two visits.
iii. Root canal due to crowning
It is not at all right to relate crowns with the need of root canal. People think that it is the crowns which eventually lead to root canal therapy. It is wrong. If a crowned tooth needs root canal, it is probably because the underlying tooth has abscessed or the infection has reached the roots of the tooth.
iv. Root canal does not cause diseases
In older days people assumed that root canal therapy causes other diseases. Today, due to the accurate sterilization and root canal treatment advancements, this misconception has disproved totally. A person having a root canal is no more at risk of developing some ailment.
v. Root canals remove roots of teeth
It is a common disbelief that the dentists take out the roots of the teeth under root canal therapy. This is not true again. The pulp of the tooth is taken out, and not its root.
vi. Root canal is safe for pregnant women
Pregnant women can safely have root canals. Most of the women are afraid of the x-ray done for examining the tooth. The x-ray is intended for the oral region, and the abdominal region plus the growing kid inside are safe from its hazardous effects. Moreover, the radiologist covers the abdomen with shield cover to protect it more. Some other women are afraid of the anesthetic drugs. Keep your dentist informed about your pregnancy so that he can choose a safe anesthetic drug for you.
vii. Root canal does not persist
People let their teeth suffer as they think the affected tooth will come out over the time. If proper care is given with proper hygiene to the tooth, the root canal tooth persists for life.
viii. Pain is not always seen as a symptom
Usually the tooth aches when it requires root canal treatment. But it does not mean that if there is no pain, there is no need for a root canal. Dentists and associated professionals can determine the situation of your teeth well. Seek their medical advice for better therapy.
ix. Root canal is always better than having your entire tooth pulled out
There is no alternative to natural things. Similarly there is no substitute for natural teeth. Try to keep them intact as long as possible. It is always better and recommended to get your damaged tooth a root canal treatment. If not, your natural tooth may get lost. Of course there are alternatives like dentures, partial dentures, dental implants and fixed dental bridges but they are not only expensive but hinder proper eating and chewing.
x. Root canal follow ups
For complete restoration of your tooth, make follow up appointments with your dentist. It is very important for its complete health to have it checked by the dentist.
Treatments For Osteonecrosis Of The Jaw (ONJ)
June 14, 2011
One of the disorders that are developing and have no real treatment is Osteonecrosis of the Jaw (ONJ). It is also known as the “jaw disease”. In some cases, when the dental procedures are not as hygienic as they should be, oral infections take place. They are much severe in osteoporosis patients that take bisphosphonates. Initially ONJ was seen in those patients who used to take these medications as intravenous drugs. But the recent studies have shown the results otherwise too. Taking bisphosphonates orally can lead to the same condition. Bisphosphonates and Boniva, Bonefos, Aredia, Zometa, Actonel, Fosamax are few names of the drugs which are used to treat patients of cancer, degenerative bone disorders, osteoporosis, and Paget’s disease.
Osteoporosis specialist, Dr. Fred K. Viren, M.D., suggests that for better precautionary steps deal with the condition generated by a long latency period. That is the oral bisphosphonates can be obstructed to affect adversely for years; only the patients are to be cultivated. Osteoporosis is the most common ailment in America and every year the number is increasing. To cure it, bisphosphonates is recommended. Smaller doses of this drug can lead to some amount of it to remain in the body and play the longer latency periods.
“Half-life” of a drug determines how long would it remain inside the body. Anyone can determine the half-life of a drug online or from the drugs’ listings. The estimated half-life of bisphosphonate is:
Boniva = 4.6-15.3 hr. for Intravenous 2mg after 2 hr. (Intravenous and Oral)
Boniva = 5 - 25.5 hr. for Intravenous 4mg after 2 hr. (Intravenous and Oral)
Bonefos = 13 hr. for Intravenous (Intravenous and Oral)
Aredia = 28 +/- hr. (Intravenous and Oral)
Zometa = 146 hr. (Intravenous)
Actonel = 480 hr. (Oral)
Fosamax = 10 years (Oral)
The use of bisphosphonate shows the symptoms of ONJ causing the alteration or disturbance in bone cycle. It also causes pain, bones become fragile and jaws disfigure. There is no true treatment solely for ONJ. Some of the treatments that are being used to treat the condition are Antibiotics, Jaw reconstructive surgery, reconstruction using bone, surgical debridement, reconstruction using plates, and hyperbaric oxygen therapy etc. but these treatments are not much effective.
Some of the other factors causing ONJ are:
• Considerable pressure is put on the bone during some dental procedures
• Bisphosphonates affects the antiangiogenic that leads to vascular supply
• The duration bisphosphonate stays inside the body
• The duration for how long the patient has been taking bisphosphonate
• The action of mastication muscles
• How strong bisphosphonate doses are?
• The periodontal condition
• The general condition
Vitamin D is under study as it can strengthen bones when prescribed and taken properly and in accurate amounts. Unfortunately, majority of us do not know that we are deficient in Vitamin D. Finding it is not so difficult. You can have a simple blood test and here you go!
Relation Between Pancreatic Cancer And Periodontal Disease
May 30, 2011
Dominique Michaud who is an assistant professor of epidemiology at Harvard School of Public Health (HSPH) said, “Our study provides the first strong evidence that periodontal disease may increase the risk of pancreatic cancer. This finding is of significance as it may provide some new insights into the mechanism of this highly fatal disease.” This statement was made after HSPH and Dana-Farber Cancer Institute undertook a combined study. The results of this research were published in the January 17, 2007 issue of the Journal of the National Cancer Institute stating that pancreatic cancer and periodontal diseases have some relationship. The cancer of pancreas is the major cause of deaths in United States. There is not much known about the disease and its causes. The treatment is, therefore, difficult and faces man obstacles. A few of the factors that are known to cause this cancer are smoking, insulin imbalances and type 2 diabetes. And the research study mentioned at the start has determined a connection between pancreatic cancer and periodontal diseases too.
Dental sciences have determined the causes of periodontal diseases. Bacterial infection and gingivitis (swelling of gums) are the two major reasons for periodontal diseases. They together if persist for longer can damage your teeth completely, and even can lead to tooth decay or tooth loss too. When this happens, it reflects an extreme case of periodontal diseases.
Previously, some studies have been carried out but the sample data was not enough to give out some reasonable conclusion. The foremost study which concluded for the present known relation between these two ailments was carried out in 1986. The sample consisted of more than 50,000 U.S. men working in health sector. They filled a questionnaire after every 2 years. At the end of the study, 216 pancreatic cancer patients were confirmed between 1986 and 2002. Out of those 216, 67 pancreatic cancer patients had periodontal diseases. When the results were sorted according to age, smoking, diabetes, BMI and other aspects, it was determined that people with periodontal diseases were at 63% higher risk of developing pancreatic cancer than non-periodontal persons.
Michaud stated that when a person gets periodontal ailment, which is followed by the inflammation, that inflammation is the cause for the cancer of pancreas. This person shows high serum biomarkers of inflammation that encourage cancer cells. She also explained the fact that periodontal diseases in persons produce much oral bacteria and nitrosamines and they lead to pancreatic carcinogenesis. And if we refer to some previous studies, we know that nitrosamines and gastric acidity are also primarily involved in pancreatic cancer. Michaud, Charles Fuchs who is a high-ranking author and a gastric oncologist at Dana-Farber, and their fellows consider that more studies and further research should be carried out to realize the relationship between periodontal inflammation and pancreatic cancer.