ALLERGY AND IMMUNOLOGY
Doctors specialising in allergy and immunology treat adults and pediatric patients suffering due to weak immune systems. They are prone to respiratory tract illnesses. Patients are treated for disorders such as immune deficiencies, asthma, food and drug allergies, lung diseases, etc.
Those wishing to pursue a specialisation in allergy and immunology can seek opportunities in:
- Education industry
- R&D
- Private medical practice.
ANESTHESIOLOGY
Anesthesiology is the medical branch specialising in pain relief for patients before surgery, whilst, and post-surgery.
According to the American Board of Anesthesiology, the following subspecialties are under its jurisdiction:
- Critical care medicine
- Hospice and palliative care
- Pain medicine
- Pediatric anesthesiology
- Sleep medicine
ADHD (attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder)
WHAT IS ADHD?
ADHD is a chronic condition that affects millions of children and often persists into adulthood. The common issues ADHD patients experience are – difficulty sustaining attention, hyperactivity and impulsive behaviour. It can be one or combination of such problems that is considered as ADHD.
CAUSES OF ADHD
The exact cause of ADHD is unclear. Many factors have been implicated in its development.
- Genetic inheritance
- Maternal drug use, alcohol use, smoking during pregnancy and premature birth are other possible risk factors.
SYMPTOM CHECKER
In some children, signs and symptoms are noticeable as early as age 2 or 3 Signs and symptoms may include:
- Difficulty paying attention
- Frequently daydreaming
- Difficulty following through on instructions
- Difficulty organizing tasks or activities
- Frequently forgets or loses needed items
- Frequently fails to finish schoolwork, chores or other tasks
- Easily distracted
- Frequently fidgets or squirms
- Difficulty remaining seated and seemingly in constant motion
- Excessively talkative
- Frequently interrupts or intrudes
DIAGNOSIS
There is no specific diagnosis for ADHD. Doctor examines the patient, takes their medical history, and gathers details in counselling sessions from family or caretakers. Doctors may even talk to their teachers in the school to know about behavioural patterns. To be diagnosed, your child must meet the criteria in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders published by the American Psychiatric Association. A child diagnosed with ADHD may be given a more specific diagnosis (a subtype), such as
- Predominantly inattentive type ADHD,
- Predominantly hyperactive-impulsive type ADHD,
- Combined type ADHD.
TREATMENT
Standard treatments for ADHD include medications, education, training and counselling. Many of the symptoms of ADHD can be relieved by these treatments and counselling, but it is not completely curable. It may take some time to determine what works best for your child and your family.
Stimulant medications
These are most commonly prescribed medications for ADHD .
- methylphenidate (Concerta, Metadate, Ritalin, others)
- dextroamphetamine (Dexedrine),
- dextroamphetamine-amphetamine (Adderall XR)
- lisdexamfetamine (Vyvanse).
The drugs shouldn’t be taken if your child has any signs or symptoms of a heart condition or heart disease runs in the family.
Other medications
- Atomoxetine (Strattera)
- antidepressants (bupropion, Wellbutrin, others)
- desipramine (Norpramin).
- Clonidine (Catapres)
- guanfacine (Intuniv, Tenex) Atomoxetine
Behaviour therapy and counselling
LIFESTYLE
To help reduce problems or complications:
- Provide structure: means arranging things so that a child’s life is as predictable, calm and organized as possible. Be consistent, set limits and have clear consequences for your child’s behaviour.
- Follow a daily routine : that include such things as bedtime, morning time, mealtime, simple chores and TV.
- Avoid distraction. When talking with your child, don’t multitask. Make eye contact when giving instructions.
ALS (amyotrophic lateral sclerosis)
WHAT IS AMYPTROPIC LATERAL SCLEROSIS?
ALS is a disease related to neurological system, which causes muscle weakness and impacts physical function of the patient.
ALS is generally called Lou Gehrig’s disease, because this famous baseball player was diagnosed with it. Patients with ALS suffer with motor neuron disorder, which causes nerve cells to break down slowly and eventually causes death.
CAUSES OF ALS
- The most commonly affected age group 40 and 60.
- In most cases, doctors don’t know why ALS occurs. In about 5 to 10 percent of cases it’s inherited. Among people with inherited (familial) ALS, their children have a 50-50 chance of developing the disease
- Smoking cigarettes increases a person’s risk of ALS.
- Exposure to lead may increase risk of the disease.
SYMPTOM CHECKER
ALS often begins with muscle twitching and weakness in an arm or leg, or sometimes with the slurring of speech. Early signs and symptoms include:
- Difficulty walking, tripping or difficulty doing your normal daily activities
- Weakness in your leg, feet or ankles
- Hand weakness or clumsiness
- Slurring of speech or trouble swallowing
- Muscle cramps and twitching in your arms, shoulders and tongue
- Difficulty holding your head up or keeping a good posture.
DIAGNOSIS
ALS is difficult to diagnose early because it can appear similar to several other neurological disorders. A diagnosis is often made after ruling out other possible conditions.
- Electromyogram (EMG) and nerve conduction study: to evaluate the electrical activity of muscles and nerves.
- Imaging tests may be used to look for brain and spinal cord abnormalities.
- Blood and urine samples
- Sample of spinal fluid is taken for analysis.
TREATMENT
- No treatment can reverse the course of ALS.
- Treatment focuses on slowing the progression of symptoms, preventing complications and maintaining comfort.
- Devices that assist with breathing may become necessary at some point.
- Nutritional needs also are monitored.
Medications
Riluzole (Rilutek) is the only medication approved by the Food and Drug Administration for treatment of ALS. It may slow the disease’s progression in some people
Therapy
- Physical therapy can address pain, walking, mobility, bracing and equipment needs.
- Low-impact exercises and stretching exercises.
- Occupational therapy can help in the performance of daily activities
- Speech therapy to help maintain speech and to assist in alternative methods of communication.