#Myalgia

the rare case i mentioned ... n needed help ... is suffering from sjogren syndrme .... i was mislead by the reporting of alcohol n chronic alcoholism ... thanks to Curofy f riends for promptly reponsidn g pl find here with the details from Sjogren India website .............. Sjögren's syndrome What is Sjögren's syndrome? Sjögren's (pronounced SHOW-grins) syndrome (SS) is a chronic, autoimmune disease in which white blood cells attack and destroy the moisture-producing glands, causing decreased production of saliva and tears. It was first identified by a Swedish physician, Dr. Henrik Sjögren in 1933. Although the hallmark symptoms are dry eyes and dry mouth, Sjögren's syndrome also may cause dryness of other organs. It may also involve the kidneys , GI system, blood vessels, lung, liver, pancreas and the Central Nervous System. Many patients experience debilitating fatigue and joint pains. Nine out of ten patients are women. Symptoms wax and wane. Some people experience mild discomfort, other suffer debilitating symptoms that greatly impair their quality of life. When it occurs along with other primary diseases like Rheumatoid Arthritis, Lupus (SLE), or Scleroderma, it is known as secondary Sjögren's syndrome. Early diagnosis and proper treatment can prevent serious complications and greatly improve the quality of life for those with Sjögren's Syndrome. Symptoms You may have Sjögren's syndrome (SS) if you continuously experience: Dry, gritty, sore, red or burning eyes Eyes sensitive to sunlight, smoke and winds Difficulty in speaking, swallowing dry food Increased Dental decay, difficulty in wearing dentures Sore, cracked tongue, increased yeast infections Altered sense of taste and smell Swollen salivary glands Debilitating Fatigue Joint and muscles pains Dry nose Dry cough Dry skin and rashes Vaginal dryness How Sjögren's syndrome may affect you file:///C:\Users\MYPC\AppData\Local\Temp\msohtmlclip1\01\clip_image001.jpg FAQs Who is most likely to develop Sjögren's syndrome (SS)? Nine of ten (SS) patients are women. The average age of diagnosis is late 40's although it can occur in all age groups in both sexes. What are the symptoms of Sjögren's syndrome? Symptoms may include a dry, gritty or burning sensation in the eyes; difficulty in talking, chewing or swallowing; a sore or cracked tongue; dry or burning throat; a change in the sense of taste or smell; increased dental decay; joint pains; digestive problems; dry nose; dry skin & fatigue. No two people have the exact same set of symptoms. Is it easy to diagnose Sjögren's syndrome? Sjögren's syndrome is often undiagnosed or misdiagnosed. The symptoms of SS may overlap or “mimic” those of other diseases including Lupus, Rheumatoid Arthritis, Fibromyalgia, Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, and Multiple Sclerosis. Because all symptoms are not always present at the same time and Sjögren's can involve several body systems, physicians and dentists sometimes treat each symptom individually and do not recognize that a systemic disease is present. The average time from onset of symptoms to diagnosis is over five years in the USA. What kind of doctor treats Sjögren's? Rheumatologists have primary responsibility for managing Sjögren's syndrome. Ophthalmologists, dentists and other specialists are also involved in treating symptoms related to SS. How is Sjögren's syndrome diagnosed? Once Sjögren's syndrome is suspected, you may have to undergo a series of blood tests, including: ANA (Anti-Nuclear Antibody): About 70% of Sjögren's syndrome patients have elevated antibodies that react against normal components of a cell's nucleus. SS-A (or Ro) and SS-B (or La): 70% of patients are positive for SS-A and 40% positive for SS-B. RF (Rheumatoid Factor): 60-70% of patients have a positive RF. ESR (Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate): Measures inflammation. IGs (Immunoglobulins): Normal blood proteins, usually elevated in Sjögren's syndrome. Dry Eye tests include: Schirmer's Test: Measures tears production. Rose Bengal and Lissamine Green: Dyes to observe abnormal cells on the surface of the eye. Slit-Lamp Exam for assessing the health of the cornea. Dry Mouth tests include: Parotid Gland Flow: Measures the amount of saliva produced over a certain period of time. Salivary Scintigraphy: Measures salivary gland function. Sialography: An x-ray of the salivary-duct system. Lip Biopsy: Confirms lymphocytic infiltration of the minor salivary glands. This test is often needed for a confirmed diagnosis of Sjögren's syndrome. What treatments are available? Over the counter products for relieving dry eyes and dry mouth are available. Prescription drugs are available for systemic symptoms, depending on the nature and severity of the condition. What else can be done? High quality professional dental and eye care are extremely important. Lifestyle changes and use of protective gear such as wrap around goggles help in relieving symptoms. Often, patients learn useful tips from one another in support group meetings. Will I die from Sjögren's syndrome? Although Sjögren's syndrome is a serious disease, it is generally not fatal if complications are diagnosed and treated early on. The incidence of lymphoma (cancer of the lymph glands) is believed to be higher in people with Sjögren's syndrome than in the general population.

Health Benefits of Alfalfa Grass ............................................................... Alfalfa grass is a flowering plant that is very common and the alfalfa grass health benefits are plentiful. The following will uncover 5 surprising health benefits of alfalfa grass… It is a perennial plant, which means that it grows and blooms over the spring and summer. During the fall and winter, the plants die back. In the spring, they return from the rootstock. The basic benefit of alfalfa is that it is very nutritious when it is consumed. This plant is high in chlorophyll, micronutrients, and vitamins A, B1, B6, C, E, and K. It also contains calcium, iron, zinc, and potassium. Finally, it contains more protein than most plants. What Are the Health Benefits of Alfalfa Grass? Other than the nutritional value, alfalfa has several health benefits. These include: Anti-Inflammatory Properties: An alfalfa study was published in the July 2009 issue of Journal of Biomedical Science. The study was performed on animals that were injected with compounds that contained inflammation. The animals that were not fed alfalfa sprouts had increased inflammation compared to those who were fed alfalfa sprouts. Bolsters Immune System: A study was performed and published in the March 2009 issue of “Lupus”. During this study, animals were injected with alfalfa sprout ethyl acetate extract. The scientists doing this study wanted to see if alfalfa sprouts could be beneficial for people who suffer from autoimmune diseases, such as lupus. The animals that were given alfalfa had lower T-cell counts at the end of the study. Antioxidant Effects and Radiation Protection: A study was conducted in Turkey, and the results were published in the February 2008 issue of Photocheistry and Photobiology. According to the study, alfalfa can protect the cells from damage from x-rays, due to its antioxidant properties. The animals that were given alfalfa before having an x-ray had less free radicals and cell damage than those who were not given alfalfa. Lower Cholesterol: High cholesterol can lead to stroke and heart disease. A study was performed and published in the May 1087 issue of Atherosclerosis. According to the study, patients with high cholesterol were given alfalfa for 8 weeks. At the end of the study, their LDL, also known as bad cholesterol, dropped by 30 percent. After the study, the patients stopped eating alfalfa, and their cholesterol returned to the previous levels before the study was conducted. The study indicated that regular consumption of alfalfa could successfully reduce cholesterol. Improves Certain Medical Conditions: Alfalfa has been used to treat a variety of medical conditions, including kidney, bladder, and prostate conditions. It can also increase urine flow. Patients with osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, upset stomach, and asthma can benefit from alfalfa. Side Effects of Alfalfa Grass Alfalfa is relatively safe for adults. However, if you take large amounts of alfalfa for a long period of time, the seeds can cause a reaction that is similar to lupus. Also, alfalfa can make the skin more sensitive to the sun. It is important for light skinned people to wear sunblock when going outdoors. Patients who are pregnant should avoid alfalfa. There is evidence that alfalfa can act like estrogen, which can have a negative effect on the pregnancy. Its estrogen effect can also be harmful for patients who suffer from breast cancer, uterine cancer, and ovarian cancer. If you have diabetes, you should check your blood sugar levels often, as alfalfa can lower your blood sugar. You may think that you are eating right, and your blood sugar levels are fine, but the alfalfa can have an effect on it. Patients who have had a kidney transplant should avoid consuming anything with alfalfa. There has been one reported case of a patient who had a transplant and rejected it due to their consumption of alfalfa. Because alfalfa boosts the immune system, it can make the anti-drugs that are given after the surgery, less effective. How to Take Alfalfa Grass The most common way to ingest alfalfa is to add alfalfa sprouts to a salad. You can also purchase alfalfa supplements and take them with your daily multivitamin. Alfalfa Grass in Green Powder Drinks If salad is not your favorite thing to eat, and you would rather not take a daily supplement, you can purchase green powder drinks that contain the right amount of alfalfa that is healthy for your diet. Green powder drinks such as Total Living Drink Greens contain numerous ingredients, including alfalfa grass, which are rich in vitamins and nutrients. Just having a drink or two a day can greatly improve your health. Alfalfa grass grows all over the world, and is very plentiful. For years, many people did not know the many health benefits of alfalfa grass. As studies were conducted on this grass, more and more people began putting alfalfa sprouts in their salad, and even eating them on their own. As the health food industry began seeing the importance of this grass, many companies began using alfalfa in their green drink powders.

Hyperthyroidism Hyperthyroidism (overactive thyroid) is a condition in which the thyroid gland produces the high level of the hormone thyroxine. In other words, it can be called as overreactive thyroid. The thyroid gland is an organ located in the front of your neck and releases hormones that control your metabolism (the way your body uses energy), breathing, heart rate, nervous system, weight, body temperature, and many other functions in the body. When the thyroid gland is overactive (hyperthyroidism) the body’s processes speed up and you may experience nervousness, anxiety, rapid heartbeat, hand tremor, excessive sweating, weight loss, and sleep problems, among other symptoms. Pathophysiology In hyperthyroidism, serum T3 usually increases more than does T4, probably because of increased secretion of T3 as well as the conversion of T4 to T3 in peripheral tissues. In some patients, only T3 is elevated (T3 toxicosis). T3 toxicosis may occur in any of the usual disorders that cause hyperthyroidism, including Graves’ disease, multinodular goitre, and the autonomously functioning solitary thyroid nodule. If T3 toxicosis is untreated, the patient usually also develops laboratory abnormalities typical of hyperthyroidism (ie, elevated T4 and 123I uptake). The various forms of thyroiditis commonly have a hyperthyroid phase followed by a hypothyroid phase. Causes A variety of conditions can cause hyperthyroidism. Graves’ disease, an autoimmune disorder, is the most common cause of hyperthyroidism. It causes antibodies to stimulate the thyroid to secrete too much hormone. Other causes of hyperthyroidism include: Excess iodine, a key ingredient in T4 and T3 Thyroiditis, or inflammation of the thyroid, which causes T4 and T3 to leak out of the gland Tumours of the ovaries or testes Benign tumours of the thyroid or pituitary gland Large amounts of tetraiodothyronine taken through dietary supplements or medication Risk factors Have a family history of thyroid disease Have other health problems, including Pernicious anaemia, a condition caused by a vitamin B12 deficiency Type 1 diabetes Primary adrenal insufficiency, a hormonal disorder Eating large amounts of food containing iodine, such as kelp, or use medicines that contain iodine, such as amiodarone, a heart medicine Older than age 60, especially if you are a woman Pregnant within the past 6 months Clinical manifestations The symptoms of hyperthyroidism include the following: An enlarged thyroid gland (goitre), which may appear as a swelling at the base of your neck Fatigue or muscle weakness Light periods or skipping periods. Weight loss Hand tremors Mood swings Rapid heartbeat Nervousness or anxiety Trouble sleeping Protruded eyeballs Skin dryness fine, brittle hair Heart palpitations or irregular heartbeat Increased frequency of bowel movements Breast development in men Complications Heart problems include atrial fibrillation and congestive heart failure An irregular heartbeat that can lead to blood clots, stroke, Brittle bones like osteoporosis Graves’s ophthalmology may exhibit eye problems including bulging, red or swollen eyes, sensitivity to light, and blurring or double vision. Red, swollen skin. Thyrotoxic crisis. Diagnosis and Test Thyroid function blood test Thyroid function test is performed using a sample of blood obtained from the patient with hyperthyroidism. It is used to check the levels of: Thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) – a hormone produced by the pituitary gland (a gland at the base of the brain) that controls the production of thyroid hormones Triiodothyronine (T3) – one of the main thyroid hormones Thyroxine (T4) – another of the main thyroid hormones Your levels will be compared to what’s normal for a healthy person. A low level of TSH and high levels of T3 and/or T4 usually means you have an overactive thyroid. Radioactive Iodine Uptake Test To detect the way thyroid gland takes in and absorbs the orally given iodine dose and uses it to produce thyroid hormones. Conclusions are drawn based on the results obtained in this test. Thyroid scan A dye-injection or oral iodine dose test that enables visualization of the thyroid gland, which is seen on a computer. It helps to detect whether a region of the thyroid gland or the entire gland is affected. Ultrasound Scan – To detect the enlargement of the thyroid gland and surrounding structures. CT or MRI Scan – Scanning specified region if a tumour is suspected. Treatment and Medications No single treatment is best for all patients with hyperthyroidism. The appropriate choice of treatment will be influenced by your age, the type of hyperthyroidism that you have, the severity of your hyperthyroidism, other medical conditions that may be affecting your health, and your own preference. Antithyroid Drugs: Drugs known as antithyroid agents-methimazole (Tapazole®) or in rare instances propylthiouracil (PTU)-may be prescribed to treat the hyperthyroidism by blocking the thyroid glands to secrete thyroid hormones. Methimazole is preferred due to less severe side-effects. These drugs work well to control the overactive thyroid, and do not cause permanent damage to the thyroid gland. Radioactive Iodine: Another way to treat hyperthyroidism is to damage or destroy the thyroid cells that make thyroid hormone. Because these cells need iodine to make thyroid hormone, they will take up any form of iodine in your bloodstream, whether it is radioactive or not. The radioactive iodine used in this treatment is administered by mouth, usually in a small capsule that is taken just once. Once swallowed, the radioactive iodine gets into the bloodstream and rapidly it is taken up by the overactive thyroid cells. The radioactive iodine that is not taken up by the thyroid cells disappears from the body within days over a period of several weeks to several months (during which time drug treatment may be used to control hyperthyroid symptoms), radioactive iodine destroys the cells that have taken it up. The result is that the thyroid or thyroid nodules shrink in size, and the level of thyroid hormone in the blood returns to normal. Thyroid surgery: Hyperthyroidism can be permanently cured by surgical removal of all or most of the thyroid gland. This procedure is best performed by a surgeon who has experience in thyroid surgery. An operation could be risky unless the hyperthyroidism is first controlled by an anti-thyroid drug or a beta-blocking drug, usually for few days before surgery, a surgeon may prescribe to take drops of nonradioactive iodine-either Lugol’s iodine or supersaturated potassium iodide (SSKI). This extra iodine reduces the blood supply to the thyroid gland and thus makes the surgery easier and safer. Beta-Blockers: Beta blockers do not stop thyroid hormone production but can reduce symptoms until other treatments take effect. Beta blockers act quickly to relieve many of the symptoms of hyperthyroidism, such as tremors, rapid heartbeat, and nervousness. Most people feel better within hours of taking beta blockers. Propranolol (Inderal®) was the first of these drugs to be developed. Some physicians now prefer related, but longer-acting beta-blocking drugs such as atenolol (Tenormin®), metoprolol (Lopressor®), nadolol (Corgard®), and Inderal-LA® because of their more convenient once- or twice-a-day dosage. Prevention and Cure Patients being treated for hyperthyroidism need to follow-up with the physician for regular monitoring. For weight loss, fatigue and other complaints a proper nutritional plan is essential. To prevent further weakness, bone thinning and to maintain good health, it is necessary to follow a proper diet plan and healthy routine as advised by the physician. Taking calcium and vitamin D supplements may be considered with medical advice. Regular exercise can help to improve bone and heart health. For those suffering from eye disturbances or Grave’s ophthalmology, special care of the eyes can help. Some measures include wearing sunglasses, applying cool eye compresses, using lubricating eye drops and raising the head while sleeping to relieve pressure on the eyes.

Patient is suffering from excessive pains, pains are now in control, R. A factor is also normal, C Reactive protein is also normal,ESRIs not decreased, than what will be the exact diagnosis, plz suggest, L. F. T is also normal

A 33 Year Old Male Suffering From Extreme Weakness And Burning Sensation Epigastrium Since Last 3 Years......He worked at multinational corporate company and lately started feeling debilitating weakness which forced him to quit his job too.....Now patient lies in bed whole day.....Blood picture Normal, BP always Normal, Blood Glucose Normal.....No signs of depression but after suffering from disease for so long, it made him feel low......Once Got RUT positive so been treated for H.pylori....Been to 12 big name hospitals and once was diagnosed with Myasthenia Gravis but later Antibody test was negative.....Constant diagnosis given was Chronic Fatigue Syndrome.....In 3 years he has taken Zolpidem, Fluoxetine, Clonazepam, Alprazolam, Multivitamins, Calcium everything but condition never got better.....Currently He is only taking CoQ10, Rabeprazole, Calcirol....Suggest an approach to manage this patient