Pharyngitis (fromthe Greek. Pharynx – throat) is called a common inflammation of the pharynx (orthroat). because of the structure of the pharynx and throat mucous membrane ismuch more common than the localized inflammation, sore throat or otherwise. Throatfunctionally designed to protect against the penetration of the body along withthe air of foreign particles, dust and germs. a structure of pharyngeal mucosais such that ensures and immune defense. Pathogenic microbes adhering to themucosa, rich in blood vessels and lymphoid tissue, immediately attacked by theimmune system cells.Pharyngitis can take two forms of clinical development – an acute or chronic.For acute disease characterized by the following symptoms: dryness, burning ortingling sensation in the throat, cough, pain on swallowing, difficultybreathing, worsening of general well-being with the advent of pain in the backof the head, possibly a slight increase in body temperature. in addition, thereis a cluster of hard detachable mucus with an unpleasant odor. Children havealways pharyngitis occurs at high temperature and is complicated byinflammation of the nose, throat and acute catarrhal rhinitis.Often the sore throat may occur independently owing to the direct effects ofaggressive stimuli on the mucosa, or an allergic reaction to their impact – thecold air or hot steam, liquids, alcohol, tobacco smoke, gases, dust and otherchemicals.Cause of acute pharyngitis may be bacterial (staphylococci, pneumococci,streptococci, Chlamydia, Neisseria) or viral infections (influenza, measles,scarlet fever, herpes and cytomegalovirus) and fungal infections (candida). Itshould be noted that the most common cause of acute pharyngitis are viruses.the vast majority of SARS necessarily accompanied by symptoms of pharyngitis.in addition, the development of inflammation of the mucous throat may be causedby the spread of inflammation of the nasal cavity with sinusitis or rhinitis,from the mouth – with caries.the cause of chronic pharyngitis may serve as long-term irritation of thethroat due to smoking, alcohol abuse and exposure to chemicals, gases, dust,and hypothermia. Recurrent acute inflammation of the pharynx, as well aschronic inflammation of the nose, tonsils and nasal breathing for a long trip,too, can lead to chronic inflammation.in some cases, the cause of chronic pharyngitis may be endocrine systemdiseases (hypothyroidism, menopause), or metabolic disease (diabetes,diathesis, etc.), kidney disease, cardiovascular disease. Immunologicaltolerance and immunodeficiency, when the immune system allows the small amountof micro-organisms to multiply freely in the tissues of the tonsils to acertain level, can also lead to chronic pharyngitis. As a result of chronicpharyngitis may have exacerbation and remission?Typical symptoms of chronic pharyngitis form are less pronounced. There is adry, sore throat, persistent cough without fever. Chronic pharyngitis differsnot for reasons of appearance, and clinical manifestations. Depending on thecondition of the mucous membrane (thickening, thinning, congestion and otherchanges) it can be simple, hypertrophic or atrophic.Any form of pharyngitis requires first determining the type of infection andthe source of its origin. For this purpose it is necessary to see a specialist,which will produce an inspection of the pharynx, and if necessary appointadditional research. if strep throat is not treated or treated properly, theinfection can spread into the cavity of the larynx, nose, or middle ear,thereby causing laryngitis, sinusitis, otitis media, or other seriousillnesses. Or go to the chronic form.Accurate diagnosis – the main key to success in healing. if a pronounceddeterioration of general condition is not observed, it is enough to symptomatictreatment. Typically, it includes a diet without irritating foods with abundantwarm drink, other than smoking, hot foot bath and warming compresses on theneck. the doctor may prescribe anti-microbial agents in the form of drops andinhaled or topical antibacterial. when bacterial pharyngitis may be prescribedsystemic antibiotics. Remember that any medication should be carried out underthe supervision of a physician.

Posted on: Tuesday, 14 December 2010, 08:22 CST

(Ivanhoe Newswire) – The cocktail of hormones running through a depressed mother’s body may play a major role in the development of their baby’s brain, according to this University of Michigan led study.

A higher level of depression in mothers during pregnancy was associated with higher levels of stress hormones in their children at birth, along with other neurological and behavioral differences.

“The two possibilities are that they are either more sensitive to stress and respond more vigorously to it, or that they are less able to shut down their stress response,” the study’s lead investigator, Delia M. Vazquez, M.D., a professor of psychiatry and pediatrics at the University of Michigan Medical School, was quoted as saying.

The study looked at links between maternal depression and the development of the infants’ neuroendocrine system, which controls the body’s stress response, moods, and emotions.

When the babies were only two weeks old researchers found that the children of depressed mothers had lower muscle tone compared to those born to mothers who weren’t depressed, but they adjusted more quickly to stimuli like a bell, rattle, or light- a sign of neurological maturity.

“It’s difficult to say to what extent these differences are good or bad, or what impact they might have over a longer time frame,” the study’s lead author, Sheila Marcus, M.D., clinical director of U-M’s Child and Adolescent Psychiatry Section was quoted as saying.

“We’re just beginning to look at these differences as part of a whole collection of data points that could be risk markers,” Marcus explained. “These in turn would identify women who need attention during pregnancy or mother/infant pairs who might benefit from postpartum programs known to support healthy infant development through mom/baby relationships.”

Along with tracking the mothers’ depressive symptoms throughout gestation, researchers took samples of umbilical cord blood right after birth. they found elevated levels of adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) in babies born to mothers with depression. ACTH tells the adrenal gland to produce the stress hormone cortisol. Cortisol levels, however, were similar in children of mothers with varying levels of depression, likely an indication of the high level of stress associated with the birth itself, the researchers note.

The bigger question is the degree to which the hormonal environment of the uterus acts as a catalyst for processes that alter infant gene expression, neuroendocrine development, and brain circuitry. These could set the stage for increased risk for later behavioral and psychological disorders. The researchers recommended that mothers experiencing symptoms of depression during pregnancy talk to a therapist. they also noted that interventions aimed and mother-child bonding after birth can act as countermeasures, stimulating children’s neurological development and lowering the possible effects of stress hormone production early in life.

Post-partum depression is one of the most common complications of pregnancy and up to 1 in 5 women may experience symptoms of depression during pregnancy.The impact of mothers’ depression on fetuses and newborns has generated a considerable amount of research in recent years. Previous studies have shown that babies born to women with severe depression may be more likely to be born prematurely or underweight, have diminished hand-to-mouth coordination and be less cuddly.

SOURCE: Infant Behavior and Development, published online December 13, 2010

Source: Ivanhoe Newswire

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