|
NSAIDS
Explained
NSAIDS
are the more traditional approach to regulating and
reducing pain and inflammation of the body by blocking
the enzymes cyclooxygenase-1 (Cox-1) cyclooxygenase-2
(Cox-2). NSAIDS include aspirin, ibuprofen, naproxen
and are typically available in an over-the-counter
form.
Because
NSAIDS inhibit both of these enzymes, they do two
things, help reduce inflammation and inhibit the enzyme
that helps protect the lining of the stomach. The
result can be unwanted side effects such as stomach
irritation and ulcers. The newer class of NSAIDS are
called Cox-2 inhibitors, which block the Cox-2 enzyme,
while not affecting the Cox-1 enzyme. The result,
at least in theory, is pain and inflammation relief
without the harsh effects on the stomach. gastrointestinal
side effects. Celebrex and Vioxx are both examples
of Cox-2 inhibitors.
Arthritis
Arthritis
is a grab bag term for over 100 rheumatic diseases.
The condition affects some 40 million people in this
country and can run the gamut from very mild aches
to debilitating pain. Arthritis causes temporary and
chronic pain, stiffness, and joint swelling, most
commonly in older Americans. The condition can also
cause problems with muscles, bones, tendons, ligaments,
and other internal organs. Of the 40 million Americans
that suffer from arthritis, 16 million are affected
by osteoarthritis, the most common form of the disease.
Osteoarthritis
Osteoarthritis
is a degenerative joint disease that gradually wears
down the joint cartilage and causes pain and aching
to those individuals that it affects. The occurrence
of this disease increases as one ages, and typically
affects areas like the knees, hips, and spine, yet
can also affect the finger and hand joints. Nearly
everyone over age 60 is affected by some degree of
osteoarthritis, although certain individuals have
more severe cases than others. Osteoarthritis causes
the joints to stiffen, reducing the amount of elasticity.
As the flexibility of the joints is reduced, the joints
are more prone to damage.
The
Role of Cartilage
Cartilage
is an important player in this whole process. Cartilage
is the firm, bendable material that is found on the
ends of bones and joints. It helps reduce friction
between the different parts of the joints. It might
be best thought of as a shock absorber for the joints.
The cartilage can bend and flex, and because it has
no nerves, it causes no pain when it does its job.
The cartilage can wear away, lowering its ability
to work as the joint's shock absorber. As the cartilage
wears away, tendons and ligaments stretch, causing
pain. If the condition worsens, the bones can rub
against each other.
The
Causes of Osteoarthritis
•
Heredity
Born
"double-jointed"
Collagen-producing
gene is defective
Abnormality
of the spine
•
Obesity
•
Injury
• Overuse of joints
Symptoms
of Osteoarthritis
•
Painful, sore, or aching joints
• Pain after significant use (especially if
inactive for a period of time)
• Enlargement of the middle and end joints
of the fingers
Heart
Failure
Heart
failure takes the lives of nearly 50,00 Americans
each year. In fact, it is the leading cause of death
for Americans over the age of 65. Heart failure can
be attributed to an arrhythmia (irregular heart beat)
or acute pulmonary edema (swelling).
The
heart is the most important organ in the body, almost
like the quarterback on a football team. The job of
the heart is to pump blood to the different parts
of the body to keep them oxygenated and fresh. Blood
moves through the heart and into the lungs, where
it receives oxygen. The blood then moves back to the
heart where it is then pumped out to all parts of
the body via the aorta artery. If the heart is not
able to pump enough blood to serve the needs of the
body tissues, heart failure occurs.
When
heart failure happens, the heart, not able to pump
out all of the blood, experiences a back up of fluid
that then causes a swelling of the body's tissues.
If the left side of the heart fails, it results in
fluid accumulating in the lungs. When the right side
fails, fluid entering the heart backs up, causing
the veins in the body and tissues surrounding them
to swell. The result of either of these is that organs
are deprived of oxygen and nutrients, and they break
down and fail.
The
Causes of Heart Failure
The
major cause of heart failure is damage cause by coronary
artery disease. The disease occurs when there is a
buildup of cholesterol on the walls of the arteries
that allows less oxygen to reach the heart. As the
amount of cholesterol build up increases, it chokes
off the heart until a heart attack occurs. People
now often survive heart attacks, but eventually many
develop heart failure from the physical damage done
to the heart muscles.
Hypertension,
or high blood pressure, can also cause a heart attack.
It can be a major cause of heart failure even in the
absence of an attack. Hypertension involves a thickening
of the heart muscles as a response to increased blood
pressure. Over time, the force of the muscle contractions
weaken and are not able to full relax, preventing
the normal filling of the heart with blood.
Ulcers
Ulcers
are open sores or raw areas that develop on the lining
of the upper part of the small intestine (duodenal
ulcer) or the stomach (gastric ulcer), which are typically
between ¼ to ½ inch in diameter.
Ulcers
occur when there is an imbalance in the stomach's
digestive fluids that break down food and the substances
that protect the lining of the stomach. The stomach
is in charge of breaking down food, including starches,
fats, proteins, etc. This happens when the stomach,
intestines and digestive glands create enzymes and
acidic substances such as pepsin that break these
foods down.
The
danger lies in the fact that the stomach lining is
mostly proteins that have to be protected by the very
same enzymes and acids that break down food. If it
isn't, the acid and pepsin begin to eat away at the
lining of the stomach, eventually causing ulcers to
occur.
|
