PULSE YOUR HEALTH

  A sore throat is a common condition that affects many people at some point in their lives. It can cause pain, scratchiness, or irritation in the throat that may worsen when swallowing or talking. A sore throat can also be accompanied by other symptoms, such as fever, cough, runny nose, sneezing, body aches, headache, nausea, or vomiting.   Causes of Sore Throat There are many possible causes of a sore throat, but the most frequent one is a viral infection, such as a cold or the flu. Other viral infections that can cause a sore throat include mono (mononucleosis), measles, chickenpox, croup, and COVID-19. Viral infections usually resolve on their own within a week or two, and do not require antibiotics. However, some sore throats are caused by bacterial infections, which may need treatment with antibiotics to prevent complications. The most common bacterial infection that causes a sore throat is strep throat (streptococcal infection), which can lead to serious problems such as rheumat

  Anthrax is a serious infectious disease that can affect both humans and animals. It is caused by a type of bacteria called Bacillus anthracis, which can form spores that can survive in harsh conditions for a long time. Anthrax spores can be found in soil, plants, or water, and can infect animals that graze or drink from contaminated sources. People can get anthrax if they come in contact with infected animals or their products, such as wool, hide, or meat. Anthrax is not contagious, which means it cannot spread from person to person like the flu or the cold. Types of Anthrax Infection There are four types of anthrax infection in humans, depending on how the spores enter the body: cutaneous, inhalation, gastrointestinal, and injection . Each type has different symptoms and requires different treatment. Anthrax can be fatal if not treated promptly with antibiotics. In some cases, anthrax can also cause a severe allergic reaction called anthrax toxin-mediated shock, which can lead to or

  A cough is a common symptom that affects many people. It is a natural reflex that helps your body clear your airways from irritants, mucus, or infections. But what are the main causes of cough and how can you treat them? Common causes of acute and subacute cough Acute cough is a cough that lasts less than three weeks, while subacute cough lasts three to eight weeks. These types of cough are usually caused by viral infections, such as the common cold, influenza , respiratory syncytial virus infection or COVID-19 . These infections can cause inflammation and irritation in your throat, nose, and lungs, leading to a cough that may be dry or productive (bringing up mucus). Other possible causes of acute and subacute cough include: Inhaling an irritant, such as smoke, dust, chemicals, or a foreign object Pneumonia , which is an infection in one or both lungs Whooping cough, which is a bacterial infection that causes a severe cough with a whooping sound Bronchitis, which is an inflammation

  Ketamine is a drug that has various medical and recreational uses. In this blog post, we will explore what ketamine is, how it works, what are its effects and risks, and how it is used for different purposes. Ketamine is a synthetic compound that belongs to a class of drugs called dissociative anesthetics. Dissociative anesthetics are substances that produce a state of altered perception and consciousness, where the user feels detached from their body and surroundings. Ketamine was first developed in the 1960s as a safer alternative to phencyclidine (PCP), another dissociative anesthetic that has more severe side effects and potential for abuse. Ketamine has several approved and off-label medical uses . It is mainly used as a general anesthetic for surgery and other procedures that do not require muscle relaxation. Ketamine has the advantage of preserving breathing and airway reflexes, stimulating heart function and blood pressure, and causing bronchodilation (widening of the airwa

  Legionnaire’s Disease is a serious and potentially fatal form of pneumonia caused by a type of bacteria called Legionella. These bacteria are naturally found in freshwater environments, such as lakes and rivers, but they can also grow and multiply in human-made water systems, such as cooling towers, hot water tanks, showers, faucets, and hot tubs. People can get sick from Legionnaire’s Disease when they breathe in small droplets of water that contain the bacteria. The disease is not spread from person to person. Who can get affected? Legionnaire’s Disease can affect anyone, but some people are more likely to get sick than others. These include older adults, smokers, people with chronic lung diseases, and people with weakened immune systems. Symptoms of Legionnaire’s Disease The symptoms of Legionnaire’s Disease usually appear 2 to 10 days after exposure to the bacteria and can include: fever chills cough shortness of breath chest pain muscle aches headaches nausea vomiting diarrhea a

JN.1 is arising star in the coronavirus world, a subvariant of Omicron that's quickly spreading its wings. It emerged in 2023 with an extra trick up its sleeve - a mutation that seems to make it even more contagious than its parent. This rapid growth has put JN.1 in the spotlight, sparking concerns about its impact on the pandemic. While there's no evidence JN.1 causes more severe illness, its ability to dodge past immunity worries scientists. The good news? Vaccines still offer protection, and public health measures like masking and hand hygiene remain key to keeping this variant in check. So, stay informed, stay safe, and remember, JN.1 may be new, but the rules to beat the virus remain the same.  Here are 12 facts about this variant of the coronavirus. Emergence and spread: 1. Descendant of Omicron: JN.1 is a subvariant of the Omicron variant, BA.2.86, with a single additional mutation in its spike protein. 2. First detected in September 2023: JN.1 was first identified in t

  The term "degloved face" refers to a severe medical injury where the skin and underlying tissue of the face are partially or completely torn away from the underlying muscles, bone, and connective tissue. It's essentially like removing a glove from the face, hence the name. Degloving injuries are extremely serious and often life-threatening due to: Extensive blood loss: The tearing of blood vessels can lead to rapid and dangerous blood loss. Exposure of vital structures: Underlying muscles, nerves, and bone can be exposed, increasing the risk of infection and damage. Functional impairment: Depending on the severity and location of the injury, degloving can affect facial functions like eating, speaking, and breathing. Psychological trauma: The graphic nature of the injury and the long-term recovery process can have a significant psychological impact on the victim. Causes of degloved face injuries: High-impact accidents: Car accidents, motorcycle crashes, and industrial

  Dengue fever is a viral infection that is transmitted by mosquitoes in tropical and subtropical regions of the world. It can cause mild to severe symptoms, and sometimes it can be life-threatening. In this blog post, we will discuss the causes and symptoms of dengue fever, how to diagnose it, and how to prevent and treat it. Causes of Dengue Fever Dengue fever is a viral disease that is primarily transmitted by Aedes mosquitoes, particularly Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus. These mosquitoes are the vectors responsible for transmitting the dengue virus to humans through their bites. There are four types of dengue virus, and infection with one type does not provide immunity to the others. The main cause of dengue fever is the bite of an infected female Aedes mosquito, which usually bites during the day. The mosquito can become infected by biting a person who has the virus in their blood, and then transmit it to another person. Mild Dengue Fever Symptoms Most people who get infected

  Arthritis is a general term that refers to more than 100 conditions that affect the joints and the tissues around them. Arthritis can cause pain, stiffness, swelling, and reduced range of motion in the affected areas. Some types of arthritis can also affect other parts of the body, such as the skin, eyes, heart, and lungs. In this blog post, we will discuss five common types of arthritis. 1. Osteoarthritis (OA) Osteoarthritis (OA) is the most prevalent type of arthritis, affecting over 32 million people in the United States. It occurs when the cartilage that cushions the ends of the bones wears away, causing bone-on-bone friction and inflammation. OA can affect any joint, but it is more common in the knees, hips, hands, and spine. OA usually develops gradually over time as a result of aging, obesity, injury, or overuse of the joints. The main symptoms of OA are joint pain, stiffness, tenderness, and reduced mobility. There is no cure for OA, but treatments can help relieve pain and