Emedicinehealth com. Medically Significant Spider Bites: Which to Watch Out For
What are the most dangerous spider species? Which spider bites require immediate medical attention? How to identify and treat venomous spider bites.
Venomous Spider Species of Concern
When it comes to spider bites, not all species pose the same level of risk to human health. Some spider bites can be merely uncomfortable, while others may lead to severe reactions or even fatalities. The most medically significant spider species in North America include:
- Black widow spider (Latrodectus species)
- Brown recluse spider (Loxosceles reclusa)
- Hobo spider (Eratigena agrestis)
- Yellow sac spider (Cheiracanthium species)
These spiders are capable of injecting venom that can cause a range of symptoms, from mild local reactions to life-threatening systemic effects. It’s important for healthcare providers to be able to recognize the potential dangers posed by these arachnids.
Symptoms of Venomous Spider Bites
The symptoms of a venomous spider bite can vary greatly depending on the species involved and the individual’s reaction. Some common symptoms include:
- Localized pain, redness, and swelling at the bite site
- Muscle cramps, rigid abdomen, and sweating (black widow bites)
- Necrosis and tissue damage (brown recluse bites)
- Nausea, vomiting, and headache
- Difficulty breathing or swallowing
- Fever and chills
In severe cases, spider venom can cause systemic effects like paralysis, seizures, and even organ failure. Prompt medical attention is crucial for managing these potentially life-threatening complications.
Identifying and Treating Spider Bites
Accurate identification of the spider responsible for a bite is important, as it can guide the appropriate treatment approach. However, this is not always possible, especially if the spider has not been captured. In these cases, healthcare providers must rely on the patient’s reported symptoms and the clinical presentation to determine the appropriate course of action.
For mild, non-venomous bites, basic first aid measures like cleaning the wound, applying a cold compress, and taking over-the-counter pain medication may be sufficient. But for suspected venomous bites, emergency medical care is essential. Treatment may involve anti-venom, supportive care, and other interventions to manage the specific effects of the spider’s venom.
Preventing Spider Bites
Avoiding encounters with venomous spiders is the best way to prevent serious injuries. Some tips for reducing the risk of spider bites include:
- Wearing long sleeves and pants when in areas where venomous spiders are known to live
- Shaking out clothing, shoes, and bedding before use
- Sealing cracks and crevices around the home to eliminate potential spider harborages
- Keeping the yard and garden well-maintained to discourage spider activity
By understanding the risks posed by medically significant spider species and taking appropriate precautions, individuals can help minimize the chances of experiencing a potentially dangerous spider bite.
Importance of Educating Healthcare Providers
Given the potential severity of venomous spider bites, it’s crucial for healthcare providers to be well-versed in their identification and management. Clinicians should be able to recognize the signs and symptoms of envenomation, and have a clear protocol in place for treating these medical emergencies. Ongoing education and training can help ensure that healthcare teams are prepared to provide timely and effective care for patients who have been bitten by a venomous spider.
Conclusion
While the majority of spider bites are harmless, certain species can pose a serious threat to human health. By understanding the characteristics and venom effects of medically significant spiders, healthcare providers can be better equipped to recognize and manage these potentially life-threatening encounters. Educating the public on spider bite prevention and the importance of seeking prompt medical attention for suspected venomous bites can also play a crucial role in improving patient outcomes.
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How good is Google? The quality of otolaryngology information on the internet
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. 2012 Sep;147(3):462-5.
doi: 10.1177/0194599812447733.
Epub 2012 May 17.
Max D Pusz
1
, Scott E Brietzke
Affiliations
Affiliation
- 1 Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Walter Reed National Military Medical Center, Bethesda, MD 20889-5600, USA. [email protected]
PMID:
22597577
DOI:
10.1177/0194599812447733
Max D Pusz et al.
Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg.
2012 Sep.
. 2012 Sep;147(3):462-5.
doi: 10.1177/0194599812447733.
Epub 2012 May 17.
Authors
Max D Pusz
1
, Scott E Brietzke
Affiliation
- 1 Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Walter Reed National Military Medical Center, Bethesda, MD 20889-5600, USA. [email protected]
PMID:
22597577
DOI:
10.1177/0194599812447733
Abstract
Objective:
To assess the quality of the information a patient (parent) may encounter using a Google search for typical otolaryngology ailments.
Study design:
Cross-sectional study.
Setting:
Tertiary care center.
Methods:
A Google keyword search was performed for 10 common otolaryngology problems including ear infection, hearing loss, tonsillitis, and so on. The top 10 search results for each were critically examined using the 16-item (1-5 scale) standardized DISCERN instrument. The DISCERN instrument was developed to assess the quality and comprehensiveness of patient treatment choice literature.
Results:
A total of 100 Web sites were assessed. Of these, 19 (19%) were primarily advertisements for products and were excluded from DISCERN scoring. Searches for more typically chronic otolaryngic problems (eg, tinnitus, sleep apnea, etc) resulted in more biased, advertisement-type results than those for typically acute problems (eg, ear infection, sinus infection, P = . 03). The search for “sleep apnea treatment” produced the highest scoring results (mean overall DISCERN score = 3.49, range = 1.81-4.56), and the search for “hoarseness treatment” produced the lowest scores (mean = 2.49, range = 1.56-3.56). Results from major comprehensive Web sites (WebMD, EMedicinehealth.com, Wikipedia, etc.) scored higher than other Web sites (mean DISCERN score = 3.46 vs 2.48, P < .001).
Conclusion:
There is marked variability in the quality of Web site information for the treatment of common otolaryngologic problems. Searches on more chronic problems resulted in a higher proportion of biased advertisement Web sites. Larger, comprehensive Web sites generally provided better information but were less than perfect in presenting complete information on treatment options.
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Yellow diarrhea: causes, methods of treatment and prevention in adults
Author, editor and medical expert – Zavgorodnyaya Ekaterina Aleksandrovna.
Editor and medical expert – Harutyunyan Mariam Harutyunovna.
Number of views: 1 320 410
Date last updated: 2 Contents:
Causes of yellow stool in an adult
Treatment
What medicines can the doctor prescribe?
Normal stool has an elongated “sausage” shape, soft texture, and color in different shades of brown 1 . Unusual yellow or orange coloration of stools may be quite normal 1 , but if loose yellow stools are persistent or recur from time to time, a medical examination may be warranted. We talk about the causes of yellow feces with diarrhea and the treatment of diarrhea in the article.
Causes of yellow stool in an adult
Brown stool is associated with the “dye” stercobilin 1 . It is formed from the bile enzyme bilirubin after it is processed by intestinal bacteria 1 . A smaller amount of stercobilin and different impurities can give the feces different shades of yellow 1 . Let’s figure out how this happens.
Diseases of the gallbladder
The gallbladder secretes bile in portions when we eat something. This synchrony is disturbed by inflammation of the gallbladder, its absence, or problems with the movement of bile through the biliary tract (dyskinesia) 10 . Bile, which enters the intestines at the wrong time, does not find food there that needs to be digested. Free bile speeds up the work of the intestines and increases the release of fluid into its lumen, so the stool becomes liquid 9 . And since “pure” bilirubin enters the feces, which did not have time to turn into stercobilin, diarrhea and golden yellow stools occur 9.10 .
Nutrition
Loose yellow stools are common among dairy drinkers 12 . Fats and milk sugar in their composition digest the enzymes of the digestive system. But if there is too much “milk” in the diet, enzymes may not be enough. Part of the milk sugar is not digested and develops a syndrome of malabsorption – impaired digestion and absorption. It manifests as diarrhea with yellow stools 12 .
Yellow loose stools may occur with excessive consumption of 3 :
- animal milk;
- sour cream and yogurt;
- cottage cheese and curd products;
- kefir, curdled milk and acidophilus;
- hard and soft cheeses;
- butter.
Lactase deficiency
Sometimes the body is not able to digest milk sugar due to a deficiency of the necessary enzyme – lactase. The problem is quite common – lactase deficiency is present in 20% of people. It can be a congenital feature of digestion, a manifestation of food allergies or intestinal diseases 3,8,12 .
Undigested lactose is fermented by intestinal bacteria, but some of the milk sugar remains unprocessed and, getting into the stool, turns it yellow. Diarrhea usually bothers even if you eat very little dairy products, and is accompanied by bloating and pain in the abdomen 3. 8 .
Celiac disease
In celiac disease, the body cannot tolerate gluten, a protein found in wheat, rye, barley and oats 2 Not only cereals from these cereals are rich in cereals, but also ordinary bakery products, pasta, pastries, breakfast cereals, even “crab” meat and sticks 4 .
If you eat a gluten product, an autoimmune reaction occurs in the intestines of a person with celiac disease: immune cells attack not only gluten, but also partially intestinal cells 2,4 . The symptom of this reaction is diarrhea with yellow frothy stools and a very unpleasant odor 2.4 .
Some drugs
The color of the stool may change under the influence of various drugs taken by mouth.
Laxatives
After taking strong laxatives (senna, rhubarb) diarrhea with yellow stools is possible. Diarrhea usually occurs if you exceed the recommended dosage or use the medicine too often 1.8 .
Slimming drugs
Some drugs, such as orlistat, interfere with the absorption of fat from food, it is excreted in the feces, so the stool becomes yellow. There may be no diarrhea, but the stool becomes softer and bulkier 2 .
Antibiotics
Diarrhea with golden yellow stools often occurs during antibiotic therapy or some time after the end of the course 1 . In this case, changes in the color and consistency of feces are due to the fact that antibiotics suppress the normal intestinal microflora, causing dysbacteriosis 1 .
Note!
Almost always, stool changes color in those who have recently had an X-ray of the gastrointestinal tract. Before the study, a person is given a drink of a chalky suspension – barium sulfate, so that it makes the digestive tract visible on the X-ray. But, getting into the feces, barium sulfate gives it a light yellow or white color 1 .
Intestinal infections
Stools in the form of “pea puree” – thin, yellow-orange color – a clear sign of typhoid fever 1 . This infectious disease is caused by the intestinal bacteria Salmonella, which are usually transmitted through food or water 5 .
Chronic bowel disease
If there is chronic inflammation in the bowel, you may occasionally experience green or yellow jelly-like stools with a fever. And with purulent processes in the large intestine, feces take on the appearance of coffee with milk or cream: clots of dead immune and intestinal cells give the feces a light yellow color 1.11 .
Treatment
Since the causes of yellow loose stools are varied, do not self-diagnose – consult a specialist. Only after analyzing the specific situation and additional studies, the general practitioner or gastroenterologist can establish a diagnosis and prescribe treatment.
While waiting to see a specialist, it is recommended:
Drink plenty of fluids
Regardless of the cause, there is a risk of dehydration with diarrhea. Its first signs are dryness of the skin and mucous membranes, rare urination with a small volume of urine of a saturated color. These symptoms can appear even with mild diarrhea. To compensate for the loss of fluid, a person with diarrhea needs to receive a sufficient amount of fluid (1.5-2.5 liters per day) in the form of fruit drink, rosehip infusion, weak tea or water acidified with lemon or
cranberry extract 5 . Tea, coffee, cocoa, fruit drinks and juices can be consumed when you are on a gluten-free diet 4 .
Follow a diet
Until the stool normalizes, it is better to exclude fatty and fried foods, smoked meats, canned food, any beans, beets, cucumbers, radishes, citrus fruits, pears, plums and grapes from the diet 7.12 . If you have gluten intolerance or problems digesting lactose, eliminate dairy products and baked goods from your diet 4 .
Choose lean meats, fish or poultry 7 . We recommend eating them boiled, pureed or steamed 12 .
What medicines can the doctor prescribe?
There is no universal tablet for yellow diarrhea. The doctor can recommend medicines from different groups 8 :
- rehydrators — to restore the water-salt balance in the body;
- enterosorbents – removing toxins and excess fluid from the intestines;
- enzymes – facilitating digestion;
- intestinal antiseptics and antibiotics – to fight infection;
- anti-inflammatory drugs – for chronic bowel diseases;
- pre- and probiotics – to normalize the microflora;
- antidiarrheals containing loperamide – to relieve the symptoms of diarrhea.
Loperamide is the active ingredient in Imodium® Express 13 . It is indicated for the symptomatic treatment of diarrhea caused by a change in diet or diet, drug use, or intestinal malabsorption 13 . In acute infectious diarrhea, Imodium® Express is used as an adjuvant 9 . Imodium® Express lyophilisate tablets with special Zaydis technology dissolve on the tongue in 3 seconds and do not require drinking water 13 . The effect of the drug begins from the first application 14 .
Please note!
If you notice blood in your stool and you have a fever, do not take antidiarrheal medicines, call your doctor 13 .
The information in this article is for reference only and does not replace professional medical advice. For diagnosis and treatment, contact a qualified specialist.
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Foods that increase blood hemoglobin
How much hemoglobin does the body need?
One of the most common diseases is hemoglobin deficiency. Hemoglobin is an iron-rich protein found in red blood cells (erythrocytes) that is responsible for transporting oxygen throughout the body.
Vera Afanasieva
general practitioner, head of the therapeutic department LLC “Institute of Health”
– When the level of hemoglobin decreases, a person feels tired, weak, shortness of breath, headache. If hemoglobin drops significantly, anemia begins. Often products that increase hemoglobin help solve the problem. We will figure out in which cases it is enough to adjust the diet, and when it is necessary to take more serious measures.
Most blood cells, including red blood cells, are made in the bone marrow, a spongy material found in the cavities of many large bones. Red blood cells live in the bloodstream for about 120 days.
The body needs iron, vitamin B12, folic acid, and other nutrients from food to produce hemoglobin and red blood cells.
Reference
Hemoglobin is defined as the amount of hemoglobin in grams (g) per deciliter (dL) of whole blood, a deciliter being 100 milliliters.
The level of hemoglobin in the body depends on the age and gender of the person. Since there are different test systems, normal values may vary slightly (approximately within 0.5 g / dl).
Age | Reference values (g/dl) | Mean value (g/dl) |
---|---|---|
newborns | 13. 5–24.0 | 16.5 |
up to 1 month | 10.0–20.0 | 13.9 |
1–2 months | 10.0–18.0 | 11.2 |
2–6 months | 9.5–14.0 | 12.6 |
0.5–2 years | 10.5–13.5 | 12.0 |
2–6 years | 11.5–13.5 | 12.5 |
6–12 years old | 11.5–15.5 | 13.5 |
Girls 12–18 years old | 12.0–16.0 | 14.0 |
Women over 18 | 12.1–15.1 | 14.0 |
Boys 12–18 years old | 13.0–16.0 | 14.5 |
Men over 18 | 13.6–17.7 | 15.5 |
https://www.emedicinehealth.com/hemoglobin_levels/article_em.htm
Types of anemia and their causes
There are many forms of anemia, each with a different cause. Anemia can be temporary or long lasting and range from mild to severe.
- Iron deficiency anemia – the most common, caused by iron deficiency in the body, without which the bone marrow cannot produce the necessary amount of hemoglobin for red blood cells. Iron deficiency anemia can be caused by blood loss, such as from heavy menstrual bleeding, stomach or small intestine ulcers, or colon cancer. Also, iron deficiency anemia can begin due to the regular use of certain painkillers, such as aspirin. Aspirin provokes inflammation of the stomach lining, which leads to blood loss. It is very important to determine the true cause of iron deficiency in order to prevent anemia.
- Folate deficiency anemia – caused by a lack of folic acid (vitamin B9), often accompanies iron deficiency and B12 deficiency anemia. Vitamin B9 is synthesized by the intestinal microflora, and also enters the body as part of the folate contained in plant foods.
- Avitaminous (pernicious, B12 deficiency) anemia is an autoimmune disease in which vitamin B12 is not absorbed. In order to produce enough healthy red blood cells, the body needs folic acid and vitamin B12 in addition to iron.
- Aplastic anemia – rare and life-threatening. Occurs when bone marrow stem cells do not produce enough red blood cells. Aplastic anemia is caused by infections, certain drugs (such as antiretrovirals), autoimmune diseases, and exposure to toxic chemicals.
- Hemolytic anemia – occurs when red blood cells are destroyed faster than the bone marrow can replace them. Some blood disorders increase the destruction of red blood cells. Hemolytic anemia can be hereditary or develop during life.
- Sickle cell anemia is an inherited form of anemia, sometimes a type of hemolytic anemia. Caused by defective hemoglobin, which causes red blood cells to take on an unusual crescent (sickle) shape. These blood cells die prematurely, resulting in a chronic shortage of red blood cells.
Who is at risk?
People with the conditions listed below should be especially careful and have their hemoglobin levels checked regularly.
Anemia can be caused by:
- Immune and inflammatory diseases such as cancer, HIV/AIDS, rheumatoid arthritis: interfere with the production of red blood cells.
- Diseases of the bone marrow – leukemia, myelofibrosis, lymphoma, multiple myeloma, myelodysplastic syndrome: affect the production of red blood cells in the bone marrow.
- Intestinal disorders such as Crohn’s disease and celiac disease: interfere with the absorption of nutrients in the small intestine.
- Chronic kidney disease: interfere with the production of red blood cells, because the kidneys synthesize a hormone that signals the bone marrow to produce new red blood cells.
- Enlarged spleen (splenomegaly): The spleen filters red blood cells as they travel through the body – trapping and destroying damaged or dying red blood cells. An enlarged spleen holds on to more red blood cells than necessary, interrupting the life of these cells prematurely.
- Thalassemia: a blood disorder that affects the body’s ability to produce hemoglobin and red blood cells.
- Chemotherapy: May affect bone marrow cells by reducing the number of red blood cells it produces.
But healthy people can also be at risk.
Factors that can also trigger the development of anemia:
- Diet low in iron, vitamin B12, folic acid and copper.
- Menstruation . To replace the hemoglobin lost during menstruation, women need about twice as much iron as men, as well as women after menopause.
- Pregnancy . Refusal to take multivitamins with folic acid and iron increases the risk of developing iron deficiency and folate deficiency anemia.
- Alcohol . Alcohol abuse can affect the production of red blood cells.
- Age . People over the age of 65 are at an increased risk of developing anemia.
Symptoms of low hemoglobin
Decreased hemoglobin is indicated by: fatigue, weakness, pale or yellowish skin, irregular heartbeat, shortness of breath, dizziness, chest pain, cold hands and feet, headaches.
At first, anemia can be so mild that it is hard to notice. But as it worsens, the symptoms worsen.
How to treat low hemoglobin
Treatment options for anemia depend on the cause and range from taking dietary supplements to medical procedures.
If, as a result of the diagnosis, iron deficiency or folic deficiency anemia is detected, the doctor will recommend diversifying the diet with foods rich in iron, folic acid and vitamin B12, and will also prescribe appropriate dietary supplements.
If the root cause lies in a serious disease, then it is necessary to treat it.
What causes prolonged anemia
If anemia is started, the following health problems may begin:
- Extreme fatigue . Severe anemia can make you so tired that you can’t perform daily tasks.
- Complications during pregnancy . Folic deficiency anemia is especially dangerous for pregnant women, as it can provoke malformations of the fetal nervous system, and also increases the risk of placental abruption and premature birth.
- Heart problems . Anemia can lead to arrhythmia (a fast or irregular heartbeat). In anemia, the heart pumps more blood to make up for the lack of oxygen in the blood. This can lead to an enlarged heart or heart failure.
- Death . Some hereditary anemias, such as sickle cell anemia, can lead to life-threatening complications. Loss of large amounts of blood quickly leads to acute, severe anemia and even death. For older people, anemia can be deadly.
What can cause high hemoglobin levels?
A high level of hemoglobin leads to an increased concentration of red blood cells, which makes the blood more viscous and dense. This can threaten high blood pressure, thrombosis, embolism (the presence in the bloodstream of “wandering” blood clots that are not attached to the vessel wall by a leg), myocardial infarction and stroke.
– With increased hemoglobin, the blood supply to organs and tissues worsens, as with reduced hemoglobin, adds Vera Afanasyeva .
Hemoglobin levels become too high when the body needs increased oxygen carrying capacity. In healthy people, as a rule, the causes of increased hemoglobin can be as follows:
- Lack of oxygen:
– High concentration of carbon dioxide in the air (smokers and residents of megacities are at risk).
– Living at high altitude – to compensate for the lack of oxygen, the production of red blood cells naturally increases.
- Deficiency of fluid in the body: may occur during drying, strict diet, dehydration.
- Active sports: Intense cardio and sports such as athletics require more oxygen, which causes the body to produce more hemoglobin.
Also, hemoglobin can increase due to problems with the heart and lungs – if they cannot cope, then the production of red blood cells increases to maintain the required amount of oxygen in the body.
In addition to these reasons, a high level of hemoglobin can be caused by diseases such as congenital heart disease, exacerbation of COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease), dehydration, emphysema, kidney cancer, liver cancer, polycythemia vera.
How to increase hemoglobin
A balanced diet with a focus on important nutrients is the best way to maintain healthy red blood cells and hemoglobin.
The diet must include red meat, liver, fish, leafy vegetables (cabbage, spinach), lentils, beans, peas, nuts and dried berries.
Unfortunately, with the help of a properly selected diet, you can only get rid of iron deficiency and folate deficiency anemia. A diet with low hemoglobin should include foods containing iron, vitamins B9 and B12, as well as vitamins and minerals that promote iron absorption.
Iron – found in beef and other meats, liver, eggs, beans, lentils, iron-fortified cereals, dark green leafy vegetables (cabbage, spinach) and dried fruits. (Top list of foods high in iron).
Vitamin B12 – found in meat, dairy products, and fortified cereals and soy products. (Top list of foods high in vitamin B12).
Folic acid (vitamin B9) – Found in sweet peppers, bananas, peanuts, sunflower seeds, pumpkin seeds, dark green leafy vegetables, green peas, beans, broccoli, cauliflower, Brussels sprouts, asparagus and fortified grains such as like bread, cereals, pasta and rice.
Product | Amount of folic acid (µg/100 g) |
---|---|
Peanut | 240 |
Sunflower seeds | 227 |
Parsley | 110 |
Beans, grain | 90 |
Lentils | 90 |
Spinach | 80 |
Broccoli | 63 |
Green coriander (cilantro) | 62 |
Pumpkin seeds | 58 |
Asparagus | 52 |
Buckwheat, core | 32 |
Brussels sprouts | 31 |
Cauliflower | 23 |
Green peas, fresh | 20 |
Rice white | 19 |
Bell pepper | 17 |
Beet | 13 |
Banana | 10 |
https://health-diet. ru/calorie
Iron absorption is promoted by copper and vitamin C.
Copper – a lot in beef liver, seafood (shrimp, crabs), it is also found in seeds, nuts, mushrooms, chocolate.
Vitamin C – they are rich in oranges, lemons, grapefruits, bell peppers, kiwi, tomatoes, broccoli, melon and strawberries.
If you have a low level of hemoglobin, it is better to limit the consumption of foods containing polyphenols, tannins, phytates, oxalic acid, such as tea, coffee, cocoa, soy products and bran, emphasizes Vera Afanasyeva . “They interfere with the absorption of iron.
You should be careful with calcium-rich foods and calcium supplements – they also make it difficult for the absorption of iron.
For people who, for one reason or another, do not eat animal products, with low hemoglobin, special attention should be paid to the following fruits and vegetables:
- Beetroot is one of the best foods to increase hemoglobin levels.