Dr Ian Arnott is a leading specialist in ulcerative colitis. he is a consultant gastroenterologist at the Western General hospital in Edinburgh and the Royal College of Physicians’ associate director for the UK-wide, NHS-funded inflammatory bowel disease audit.

“Ulcerative colitis can be a very disabling condition and leaves people weak, tired, frustrated and lacking energy. It can change people’s lives completely. they can’t be very far from the toilet so aren’t able to go out very much. Patients tell me that when they go to a nearby town or city, they know exactly where every toilet is, because they often get very little warning about needing to go to the toilet. It can mean that people have accidents with their bowel motions. It’s an embarrassing condition – it’s a difficult subject to talk to people about.

“It is a serious inflammation of the large bowel, which is better-known as the colon. Where it should be pink, smooth and nice it becomes red, weepy and unhappy — it looks like you’ve taken the skin off your knee. The main symptoms are diarrhoea, blood in stools, stomach pains and feeling rotten. It goes up and down. You will have good periods of remission when you feel normal – that can be a month or even a few years – and bad periods when you feel dreadful and can be forced to go to the toilet six, eight or 10 times a day around the clock, including two or three times a night. if you can imagine having food poisoning and that going on for weeks on end, rather than days, that’s what it’s like.

“It’s quite a common condition. if you take ulcerative colitis together with Crohn’s disease, which has similar symptoms, they are known together as inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). one in 200 people in the UK develop IBD, so around 300,000 have that. Young people aged between 10 and 40 get it.

“It’s not a curable condition unless you have an operation. With surgery you take the colon out completely. People often need an external bag to collect their faeces, though some people get an internal pouch which lets them go to the toilet normally. so you wouldn’t have surgery unless you had to. However, one-third of patients end up having an operation to remove their colon at some point in their lives.

“The cause of colitis is unknown. It’s genetic to some extent, but less than with Crohn’s disease, but something unknown in the environment comes along and sets it off. It could be food, atmospheric pollution or stress – no one really knows what it is. It could be all of them.”

With 475,000 asthmatics, Ireland has the fourth highest prevalence worldwide, writes Kate Murray

Just how do you manage asthma in winter? before you look at that, you must first know exactly what asthma is: It is a condition which affects the airways, causing them to become over-sensitive, and react to things that wouldn’t normally affect them such as cold air and dust, making it difficult for the air to flow.

Although asthma may run in families, it is not genetic and is likely to be environmental, which may be caused by allergens, pollution, smoking or a change in the body’s response to the environment and in the winter months, chest infections, exposure to colds and viruses may exacerbate the problem.

Symptoms may include coughing, wheezing, phlegm, tightness and shortness of breath, but not all symptoms may appear. Not pleasant and certainly not a condition made any better by winter elements.

Frances Guiney, an asthma nurse specialist for the Asthma Society of Ireland, says that asthma sufferers should get the flu shot, as seasonal flu is a highly infectious viral condition and can result in periods of prolonged illness. the flu is responsible for an increased number of hospital admissions in asthmatics and some cases can be life threatening.

In the last ten years there has been a significant rise in the number of asthmatics but recently, this has stabilised. so, how common is it?

One in five children have asthma and when it comes to teenagers, there are more male sufferers than female.

Asthma is usually diagnosed using clinical skills, which include patient and family medical history and an examination from a doctor. It is advised to visit your doctor as not all symptoms are asthma related, meaning your symptoms could belong to a different medical condition.

Asthma can become worse throughout the winter months as a result of cold and flu viruses which are triggers for some asthma sufferers. the change in temperature can also affect asthmatics with cold, frosty and windy weather exacerbating their condition.

Poor management is also a large factor and because some sufferers are unable to recognise their triggers and their signs of deterioration, they are unaware of why their condition is worsening. Specialists advise that you should record symptoms when they happen, where they happen and how frequently they happen to help figure out what triggers affect your condition.  

Regular exercise is beneficial for many health problems and especially asthma. Cardiac exercise helps with lung capacity, strengthens the breathing muscles and keeps the airways elastic.

For an asthmatic, a management plan is an extremely important tool in case someones asthma deteriorates.

According to the Asthma Society of Ireland, there are five main rules if someone suffers an asthma attack:

1. Ensure the reliever inhaler is taken immediately. It is usually blue and opens up narrowed air passages.

2. Sit down and loosen tight clothing.

3. Stay calm. Attacks may be frightening but it is important to stay calm.

4. If there is no immediate improvement continue to take the reliever inhaler every minute for five minutes or until symptoms improve.

5. If symptoms persist after the initial five minutes, or if you are in doubt, call 999 or a doctor urgently. Continue to take reliever inhaler until help arrives or symptoms improve. Do not be afraid of causing a fuss, even at night.

Asthma can affect anyone at any time in life and it is crucial to get it under control and get a proper management plan in place.

For more information about asthma, ask your doctor or visit asthmasociety.ie for information for sufferers, family members and for additional support, and information on asthma news and upcoming events.

There is an outbreak of syphilis cases in Escambia County, according to the Escambia County Health Department.

So far this year, 69 cases of syphilis have been reported — a number equivalent to last year’s total. before this outbreak began, the county averaged 25 cases a year. Local health officials are consulting with Florida regional and state health officials to combat the increase of syphilis infections.

Syphilis is spread by intimate contact with an infected partner. Left untreated, it can lead to severe disease and even death. Studies indicate a two to five times increased risk for transmission of HIV, the virus that causes AIDS, in the presence of syphilis. Syphilis may also be transmitted from an infected pregnant woman to her baby. these infants are at risk of lifelong disabilities and death.

The Escambia County Health Department is encouraging inviduals to be aware of the signs and symptoms of syphilis. in the initial stage, a sore might be visible in the genital area or the mouth (usually painless). in the second stage, a rash on the palms of the hands or the soles of the feet, moist lesions in the mouth, and/or unexplained hair loss may develop. When sores and lesions are present, they are extremely infectious, and intimate contact with them should be avoided. Early syphilis can include periods of “latency” with no outward signs or symptoms. Individuals experiencing these symptoms, or who have experienced them in the past should see their physician or local clinic for testing and treatment.

The best way to prevent syphilis is not to have sex with an infected partner. The health department said it is important to know your partner’s syphilis status. Proper use of a latex condom can help protect against acquired HIV, syphilis and a number of other sexually transmitted diseases.

Syphilis can be detected through a simple blood test at a physician’s office or clinic. several local clinics provide free or low cost screening, diagnosis and treatment services. The Escambia County Health Department also provides these services.

For more information on local low cost clinics or for the Escambia County Health Department’s STD clinic hours and fees, visit escambiahealth.com or call (850) 595-6532.

Comments

1. cruze60 on October 6th, 2011 6:36 am

   The county warns there is an outbreak? What have we come to when officials have to warn the public over something of this nature? Are officials naive enough to really think this’ll scare the pants back on the crowd that is apt to contract such. like a heavy fog advisory or such. Warning: STD”s coming down the street, quick ,get inside!

2. David Huie Green on October 4th, 2011 10:40 am
3. AL on October 4th, 2011 10:23 am

   I don’t suppose it matters what zip code…. keep your goods where they belong (in the marriage bed) and you don’t have to worry about it (and if you contract it from the marriage bed there are more issues than a news article can help)

4. Oversight on October 4th, 2011 6:08 am

   How many are from the 32535 (Century), 32568 (McDavid/Walnut Hill) and 32577 (Molino) zip codes? At least that’d give us some idea if it is a North Escambia problem or just the armpit area of Pensacola.

5. 429SCJ on October 4th, 2011 4:00 am

Hi, every other month I am experiencing SEVERE PMS symptoms before the onset of my periods. these are not the regular PMS symptoms, the pains are five fold it includes Entire Body Pains, and Severe back pain. This happens every alternate month, the next month has regular PMS symptoms like regular pains and bloating and the periods get delayed. does this mean that this is the perimenopausal stage for a person who is about enter their 41st year? or is this too early to think about it? your Feedback would really help! THANKS! any experiences and thoughts would help.

i think its to early for menopause. besides that , menopause does not hurt. ( i'm there)
i think you need to see a dr. that sounds so painful and not normal.

Is it possible i could be pregnant after 5 months when had sex with no symptoms.also i have taken the test 4 times and i am not showing and having periods. Could i possibly be pregnant?

Are you saying you are not having period or you are having them? I wasn't clear on this. I think if you aren't having periods it can be possible you are pregnant. I was watching a show on TLC where a few women didn't even show or have the symptoms of pregnancy and they had babies so I guess its a definite possibility. Some of them even said the tests turned up negative each time. if you haven't had periods you may want to just get a check up at your doctor anyway to make sure nothing is wrong. Hope this helps!

You said you took 4 tests, i am assuming it came out negative because your asking if you're pregnant and stuff. if your tests turned out negative i would advise you to ask your doctor and get yourself checked. if your tests turned out positive then you are pregnant, you can still be pregnant and not have any symptoms, every woman is different. Hope this helps.

You should be showing around now, but I guess it is possible, it seems like you would of felt your uterus stretching, if you are though, and you haven't gone to the doctor yet, you better hurry because doctors don't accept someone after 5 months, then you've got to have a natural birth at home and just hope that everything is fine.

If your getting negative tests then I am 99% sure you are not pregnant. Some women have gone full term and not known they were pregnant but it's rare and I doubt they ever tested.

If your having periods, that is a pretty good indication that you aren't pregnant. if your not, you need to go to the doctor to find out why you are skipping so many.

Talk to a doctor. I didn't show with my daughter until 6 1/2,7 months. you didn't tell us if your tests came out positive or negative,so I'm assuming negative. I would think you'd need to get checked out,as ovarian cysts can cause these same types of issues. I had them.

OK So i am going through the exact same thing and ive done research and asked around and from what i gather it is possible..so i dont know but if you find out please let me know…im sorry i couldnt be more help.

1 in a MILLIONTH chance. Some women have vaginal BLEEDING but not periods. if you're not showing by now and you're having periods, I'd say stop worrying.

Ehm no,at about 4 months you will feel the first kick of the baby

You could be some people don't have the symptoms ask a doc.

you could be and if you dont get any symptoms then god bless you, i wish i was that lucky

My aunt found out she was pregnant at 5 months. thought she had an ovarian cyst and went for an ultrasound. And surprise!

i had no symptoms what so ever apart from a missed period? and what did the test say??

Would spotting between periods that is regular, i.e 7 days before my period every month, be considered irregular bleeding?
Thanks.

I'm a guy and i get paper cuts alot does this apply to me?

And could this cause abnormal bleeding? my periods have been lasting 2-3 wks. I have been taking the depo provera injections for 4 mos., but had bleeding symptoms previously. Any suggestions for treatment?

One of my close friends, on occasion, experiences twitches throughout certain parts of the day or at particular places (ex. church, some periods at school, etc), and her neck muscles will stiffen. What does she probably have, and is it serious?

it's nothing. it's just randome muscle spasms. everyone gets it.

Not to worry to much, it should be just some muscle spasms. however, if her condition worsens, do ask her to go for some physiotherapy

Uterine Fibroids are common Pelvic Tumors which women have during their Child Bearing years. sometimes even large fibroids produce no symptoms. And they are found during routine Gynecological examination.

The Symptoms of Uterine Fibroids in Women

1. Heavy and Irregular Vaginal Bleeding – Prolonged Menstrual Bleeding or Heavy Bleeding during periods is a common symptom. sometimes even women cannot leave the house due to heavy bleeding. sometimes heavy bleeding results into Anemia or Low Blood Count. Anemia on the other hand could cause fatigue and headaches. sometimes Irregular Vaginal Bleeding can also lead to a growth of Uterine Fibroid.

2. Increase in Size Around the Waist – Uterine Fibroids in some women may increase their size around the waist. as a result they have to increase the size of their clothing.

3. Infertility – sometimes even after trying for 1 year to become pregnant some women fails to bear a child. You may face such infertility because of Uterine Fibroids. Immediately visit your doctor to find the cause of infertility.

4. Discomfort while Doing Intercourse – Causing pain or discomfort during Intercourse is a common symptom of Uterine Fibroids. Pain may occur in specific positions and feeling discomfort is a significant issue. Make sure to mention this point while consulting your doctor.

5. Low Back Ache – sometimes Fibroids press against the muscles and nerves of the lower back and thus a heavy Lower Back Pain occurs. a large fibroid on the back of the Uterus is more likely to cause a pain than a small fibroid within the Uterine Wall.

6. Miscarriage – Uterine Fibroids may even cause a Miscarriage. so if you have a miscarriage just find out whether Uterine Fibroids have developed or not. Having miscarriage is also a symptom of these fibroids.

7. Painful Periods – Excessive Periodical Pain can be a symptom. some women face such severe pain during Menstruation. If the pain continues go and visit your Gynecologist.

8. Pelvic Discomfort – sometimes with a large fibroid you may feel heaviness or pressure in the Lower Abdomen or Pelvis. You could feel uncomfortable while bending over or at the time of exercising.

9. Pelvic Pain – Pelvic pain is less common symptom. an acute or severe pain may cause when a fibroid goes through a process called Degeneration. using a pain reliever may minimize the pain. sometimes the pain can be chronic. Chronic pain is usually mild but confined to a specific area.

10. Pressure on the Bladder – It may cause frequent urination and you will always feel an urgency to urinate. but despite of a full bladder you are unable to urinate. actually the fibroid presses against the bladder and thus a pressure is created on the bladder. thus it reduces the capacity to hold the urine or blocking the outflow of urine.

11. Rectal Pressure – the Fibroids can press against the rectum causing a sensation of rectal fullness. thus you may have difficulty of having a bowel movement leading to constipation.

If you face any of the symptoms discussed above, don’t wait, just rush to your Gynecologist to have a thorough check up to find whether everything is fine.

But as it affects younger women, the issue of pregnancy can be a matter of particular concern.

As the menopause usually occurs at around the age of fifty, specialists use the term early menopause or rather “premature ovarian dysfunction” when it occurs before the age of 40.

When menopause occurs, periods cease. Sometimes it engenders menstrual cycle problems, including hot flushes, mood swings, vaginal dryness, etc.

And according to medical experts, women should consult with their doctors as soon as they start experiencing some of the symptoms.

While early menopause can be brought on by treatment for certain types of cancer, chromosome anomalies can also be to blame, as can auto-immune diseases.

Smoking too has been shown to be a risk factor. however, it is often the case that the precise cause of early menopause remains unknown.

To improve the patient’s quality of life, but also to avoid the risks associated with the menopause, and osteoporosis in particular, appropriate treatment may be offered.

So speak to your doctor.