How to Know If You Have Hepatitis C

Hepatitis C is classified among the most dangerous viral infections that have a special propensity to affect liver cells. 

After initial infection, the virus invades hepatic tissue and remains silent, while slowly destroying the parenchymal cells of the liver gland. Ironically, most cases of HCV infection are silent and are only instantaneously discovered on routine medical examinations or years after initial infection due to significant alteration in the liver function as a result of virus mediated destruction.

Hepatitis C is considered as life threatening virus and is transmitted by the use of contaminated needles (illicit drug abuse) or accidental needle stick injuries in the hospital setting.

How to Know If You Have Hepatitis C

Since hepatitis infection is mostly asymptomatic, at least in the early course of infection, most people tend to live a normal, symptom-free life. Test for hepatitis C is not generally performed by healthcare providers until the patient is certain of the exposure to a viral source.

There are certain risk factors that are often implicated in the pathogenesis of hepatitis C. If you have one or more of the following risk factors, you should ask your healthcare provider to perform a viral test: 

• Your birth year is between 1945-1965. 
• You have received a blood transfusion from an unaccredited source or from a donor who is an HCV positive. 
• Exposure to contaminated syringes or needles during illicit drug use. 
• If you have received blood/ plasma for a blood related disorder or condition especially before 1987. 
• If you are a recipient of an organ transplant especially before July 1992. 
• You have a history of kidney dialysis in the past. 
• You are an HIV positive patient. 
• If your mother was infected with HCV at the time of your birth. 

If you have any of the risk factors listed above, make sure to speak to your primary care provider to ascertain if you are infected. Doctors usually perform serological test to ascertain if you have an infection and may also perform a liver biopsy taking a tissue sample from your liver to see if the virus has affected the liver tissue significantly.

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Lymph Nodes in Neck

Swollen glands or lymph nodes in neck indicate that the body is trying to fight an ongoing infection or illness. Lymph nodes are small, bean-like tissues that are part of your lymphatic system. They trap viruses, bacteria and other harmful substances circulating in the body.

Besides the neck, lymph nodes are also found in other area of the body, such as the armpits, behind the ears, and in the groin. Your tonsils are also lymphatic tissues that swell when infection occurs.

Normally you cannot feel your lymph nodes in the neck. However, when you are sick, you can feel them swell and you can feel them as soft, round or oval tissues that may be tender to touch. These lumps are usually movable and the skin overlying them may be red and warm. In some cases, the lymph nodes become hard and immovable but not painful or tender. These need further evaluation by your doctor, as these may indicate more serious illness.

Causes of Swollen Lymph Nodes in Neck

Lymph nodes help the body to fight disease or infection, and in the process, they become swollen or inflamed. However, when the infection and inflammation subside, they return to their normal size. If they remain swollen and hard even in the absence of obvious infection, further medical evaluation may be necessary.

The common causes of swollen lymph nodes in neck include the following:

1. Strep Throat

Throat infection caused by strep or tonsillitis can cause lymph nodes in the neck to become swollen and tender to touch. This is often accompanied by difficulty in swallowing, fever and pain.

2. Tooth Abscess

A tooth abscess is an infected area in the root of the tooth where pus develops when bacteria enter the gum. This may be caused by a decayed tooth, periodontal disease where the gum separates from the tooth or trauma to the gum or tooth. A tooth abscess can result in pain, fever, sensitivity to hot food and swollen lymph nodes in neck.

3. Lymphoma

This condition is a type of cancer involving the lymphatic system, which can cause lymph nodes in neck to swell. There are two major types: Hodgkin's lymphoma, which the most common type, and non-Hodgkin's lymphoma. Lymph node biopsy is needed to diagnose the disease. The enlarged neck nodes are not painful.

4. Tonsillitis

Inflammation of your tonsils at the back of the throat leads to swollen tonsils, difficulty swallowing, sore throat, and tender, swollen lymph nodes in neck. It is usually caused by a virus, but bacteria may also be the culprit.

5. Mononucleosis/Mono

This is a common condition caused by a virus called the Epstein-Barr virus (EBV). It usually affects young people and leaves them feeling weak and tired for weeks or even months. It is also called the "kissing disease" because it spreads through saliva, mucus and tears. Symptoms include high fever, sore throat, weakness and swollen lymph nodes in neck. Sometimes the spleen can also become swollen, causing abdominal pain.

6. Other Causes

• Swelling of lymph nodes in neck may also due to:
• Common colds
• Skin infection
• Ear infection
• Upper respiratory tract infection
• HIV/AIDS
• Tuberculosis
• Side effect of certain drugs or vaccine

When to See a Doctor

It is advisable for you to consult a doctor when lymph nodes in neck are accompanied by:

• High fever
• Difficulty swallowing
• Difficulty breathing
• Night sweats
• Unexplained weight loss
• Red skin overlying the swollen lymph nodes

Lymph nodes that are larger than one inch and those that are very tender or hard, or do not improve after a month need to be evaluated by a doctor immediately.

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Introducing The Best Exercise for Diabetes Patient

Exercise for diabetes patient treatment plans can help them control blood sugar levels and complement a healthy diet and medications. 

If you suffer from Type 2 diabetes, adding exercise increases your chances of staying healthy longer and prevents long-term complications including heart disease, kidney disease and damage to delicate nerves. Read on to see some of the best exercises diabetics can add as part of their treatment plan to stay healthy and fit.

What Are the Benefits of Exercise for Diabetes Patient?

People with diabetes tend to have lower blood glucose levels if they exercise. Type 2 diabetes causes people to have too much glucose in their blood. This is caused by not enough insulin or their body is resistant to the insulin they produce. Whatever the cause, exercising regular helps lower glucose levels. 

During exercise the muscles can use the excess glucose for energy, which in turn lowers glucose. If you have a problem with insulin resistance, exercising makes your body respond better to it. This also helps the cells in the body use glucose properly.

Exercising regularly with Type 2 diabetes can help you avoid long-term complications. It can help prevent heart disease by reducing the incidence of blocked arteries. This is the main cause of heart attacks and exercise can improve heart health. It can also help reduce cholesterol levels-one of the main causes of blocked arteries.

Best Exercise for Diabetes Patient

Take a Daily Walk

Walking is good for the body. It is a gentle easy exercise that can raise the heart rate and help burn calories, blood sugar and get blood flowing. Brisk walking is considered aerobic and the American Diabetes Associationrecommends aerobic exercise at least 3 times weekly.

Tai Chi

This relaxing exercise is just going through a routine of different movements. It helps keep the body fit and reduces stress levels. This type of exercise can help maintain good balance and may even possibly prevent damage to delicate nerves.

Try Yoga

Yoga is low impact on the body and gentle, but does really pack a punch when it comes to lowering blood sugar levels. You can do yoga daily to help improve insulin sensitivity, improve blood flow to the delicate nerves, and reduce stress.

Go For a Swim

Swimming is one of the best aerobic exercises that can get your heart pumping without strain to the joints. It also takes the stress off the feet that are prone to injuries due to nerve damage.

Ride a Stationary Bike

This aerobic exercise can improve the function of both the lungs and the heart. This is an exercise you can do year round in the comfort of your gym or own home. It really helps get the blood pumping all the way down to the legs, where you need it most. The blood vessels in the legs tend to have the most damage and need good blood flow.

Do Some Housecleaning

If you have trouble finding time for a regular exercise routine, just step up your housecleaning. Things like vacuuming, going up and down your stairs, mopping, and even gardening can help burn calories and reduce blood sugar levels.

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