FitSugar

Professional Teeth Whitening: What You Should Know

FitSugar — Wed, 10 Sep 2008 09:00:00 -0700

Many toothpaste makers also sell over-the-counter teeth whitening strips to help make your smile dazzle. If you have severe discoloration, these strips may not give you the results you're after. That's when professional teeth whitening may cross your mind, so here are some things you should know.

Your teeth are equipped with an enamel surface that's designed to protect your teeth from the effects of coffee, smoking, wine, and aging. Over the years though, your enamel begins to wear down so it becomes more transparent, and the yellowish color of dentin (your tooth's core) begins to show through. Also with time, tiny cracks form in the enamel that allows debris and stains to sink in, which adds to the dull, grayish color.

When you have your teeth professionally whitened, the stains and debris are removed but the cracks will still remain. That means eventually your teeth will need to be whitened again to get that same desired white smile. People choose this option instead of over-the-counter whitening products because dentists have access to high-concentration peroxide gel, so you can achieve better results in a shorter amount of time. To find out what the risks of teeth whitening are read more.

The downside to professional whitening is that this stronger whitening formula can also cause extreme tooth sensitivity and gum irritation (which can last up to a month), not to mention it's much more expensive (around $650 per dentist visit). Depending on how stained your teeth are and how they respond to the gel, it may take several visits to acquire the whiteness you're after. Plus if you have crowns or porcelain veneers, the whitening won't affect them, so you could end up with what dentists call technicolor teeth (multi-colored teeth).

Fit's Tip: Experts say that teeth whitening is safe, as long as the products are approved by the American Dental Association (ADA). If you're considering professional teeth whitening, it's best to chat with your dentist about your options.

Source

Hair bleach poisoning

admin — Thu, 04 Sep 2008 18:59:20 -0700

Overview

Definition
Alternative Names
Poisonous Ingredient
Where Found
Symptoms
Home Treatment
Before Calling Emergency
Poison Control, or a local emergency number
What to expect at the emergency room
Expectations (prognosis)

HEALTH GUIDE REFERENCE FROM A.D.A.M

Definition

Hair bleach poisoning occurs when someone swallows this substance.

Alternative Names

Hair lightener poisoning

Poisonous Ingredient

Ammonium persulfate
Ethyl alcohol
Hydrogen peroxide

Where Found

Hydrogen peroxide
Some hair bleaches

Note: This list may not include all sources of hair bleach.

Symptoms

Abdominal pain
Blurred vision
Breathing difficulty
Burning pain in the throat
Burns to the eye
Collapse
Coma
Diarrhea (watery, bloody)
Low blood pressure
Inability to walk in a normal manner
No urine output
Rash
Slurred speech
Stupor
Vomiting

Home Treatment

Seek immediate medical help. Do NOT make a person throw up unless told to do so by Poison Control or a health care professional.

If the chemical is on the skin or in the eyes, flush with lots of water for at least 15 minutes.

If the chemical was swallowed, immediately give the person water or milk, unless instructed otherwise by a health care provider. Do NOT give water or milk if the patient is having symptoms (such as vomiting, convulsions, or a decreased level of alertness) that make it hard to swallow.

Before Calling Emergency

Determine the following information:

Patient's age, weight, and condition
Name of the product (ingredients and strengths, if known)
Time it was swallowed
Amount swallowed

Poison Control, or a local emergency number

The National Poison Control Center (1-800-222-1222) can be called from anywhere in the United States. This national hotline number will let you talk to experts in poisoning. They will give you further instructions.

This is a free and confidential service. All local poison control centers in the United States use this national number. You should call if you have any questions about poisoning or poison prevention. It does NOT need to be an emergency. You can call for any reason, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

See: Poison control center - emergency number

What to expect at the emergency room

The health care provider will measure and monitor your vital signs, including temperature, pulse, breathing rate, and blood pressure. Symptoms will be treated as appropriate. You may receive:

Endoscopy -- camera down the throat to see burns in the esophagus and the stomach
Fluids
Medicines to treat an allergic reaction (diphenhydramine, epinephrine, or prednisone)
Surgical removal of burned skin (skin debridement)
Tube through the mouth into the stomach to wash out the stomach (gastric lavage)
Washing of the skin (irrigation) -- perhaps every few hours for several days

If the poisoning is severe, you may be admitted to the hospital.

Expectations (prognosis)

How well you do depends on the amount of poison swallowed and how quickly treatment is received. The faster you get medical help, the better the chance for recovery.

Extensive damage to the mouth, throat, and stomach is possible. The outcome depends on the extent of this damage. Damage can continue to occur to the esophagus and stomach for several weeks after the product is swallowed.

Review Date: 1/23/2008

Reviewed By: Eric Perez, MD, Department of Emergency Medicine, St. Luke’s-Roosevelt Hospital Center, New York, NY. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.

A.D.A.M., Inc. is accredited by URAC, also known as the American Accreditation HealthCare Commission (www.urac.org). URAC's accreditation program is an independent audit to verify that A.D.A.M. follows rigorous standards of quality and accountability. A.D.A.M. is among the first to achieve this important distinction for online health information and services. Learn more about A.D.A.M.'s editorial policy, editorial process and privacy policy. A.D.A.M. is also a founding member of Hi-Ethics and subscribes to the principles of the Health on the Net Foundation (www.hon.ch).

A.D.A.M. Copyright

The information provided herein should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed medical professional should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Call 911 for all medical emergencies. Links to other sites are provided for information only -- they do not constitute endorsements of those other sites. © 1997-2009 A.D.A.M., Inc. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited.

adam.com

Source Doc: 1_002702

You Asked: Are Chlorine-Free Tampons Healthier?

FitSugar — Fri, 07 Aug 2009 09:00:36 -0700

Dear Fit,
I was at the health-food store and noticed chlorine-free tampons made with organic cotton. They cost $5.99 for a box of 20, and the ones I buy at the grocery store cost $6.99 for 40. Are they worth paying almost twice as much?
-Trying to Save a Buck

With the economy the way it is, I can understand you looking for places to save money. To find out if chlorine-free tampons are worth the splurge keep reading

Sodium hypochlorite poisoning

admin — Thu, 04 Sep 2008 18:57:18 -0700

Overview

Definition
Alternative Names
Poisonous Ingredient
Where Found
Symptoms
Home Treatment
Before Calling Emergency
Poison Control, or a local emergency number
What to expect at the emergency room
Expectations (prognosis)
References

HEALTH GUIDE REFERENCE FROM A.D.A.M

Definition

Sodium hypochlorite is a chemical commonly found in bleach, water purifiers, and cleaning products.

Swallowing sodium hypochlorite can lead to poisoning. Breathing sodium hypochlorite fumes may also cause poisoning, especially if the product is mixed with ammonia.

Alternative Names

Bleach; Clorox; Carrel-Dakin solution

Poisonous Ingredient

Sodium hypochlorite

Where Found

Chemical used to add chlorine to swimming pools
Some bleaching solutions
Disinfectants
Water purifiers

Note: This list may not be all inclusive.

Symptoms

Watered-down (diluted) sodium hypochlorite generally causes only mild stomach irritation. Swallowing larger amounts can cause more serious symptoms.

NEVER mix ammonia with sodium hypochlorite (bleach or bleach-containing products). This common household error produces a toxic gas that can cause choking and serious breathing problems.

Symptoms of sodium hypochlorite poisoning may include:

Body as a whole
- Pain in the mouth
- Possible burns on esophagus
Respiratory
- Coughing (from the fumes)
- Possible aspiration into lungs
Eyes, ears, nose, and throat
- Pain in the throat
- Burning, red eyes
- Gagging sensation
Skin
- Irritation of the exposed area
- Burns
- Blistering
Gastrointestinal
- Stomach or abdominal pain
- Vomiting
Heart and blood vessels
- Low blood pressure
- Bradycardia (slow heartbeat)
- Chest pain
- Shock
Nervous system
- Delirium
- Coma

Home Treatment

Seek immediate medical help. DO NOT make a person throw up unless told to do so by Poison Control or a health care professional.

If the chemical is on the skin or in the eyes, flush with lots of water for at least 15 minutes.

If the chemical was swallowed, immediately give the person water or milk, unless instructed otherwise by a health care provider. DO NOT give water or milk if the patient is having symptoms (such as vomiting, convulsions, or a decreased level of alertness) that make it hard to swallow.

If the person breathed in the poison, immediately move him or her to fresh air.

Before Calling Emergency

Determine the following information:

The patient's age, weight, and condition
The name of the product (ingredients and strengths if known)
The time it was swallowed
The amount swallowed

Poison Control, or a local emergency number

If you suspect possible poisoning, seek emergency medical care immediately.

For poison control, call 1-800-222-1222 from anywhere in the United States. This national hotline number will let you talk to experts in poisoning. They will give you further instructions.

This is a free and confidential service. All local poison control centers in the U.S. use this national number.

Take any containers with you to the emergency room, if possible.

What to expect at the emergency room

The person will be admitted to a hospital. The health care provider will measure and monitor the patient's vital signs, including temperature, pulse, breathing rate, and blood pressure. Symptoms will be treated as appropriate.

Specific treatment depends on how the poisoning occured.

For swallowed poison:

A tube thru the nose into the stomach to empty the stomach (gastric lavage)
Endoscopy -- camera down the throat to see burns in the esophagus and the stomach
Fluids by IV
Medicine (antidote) to reverse the effect of the poison

For inhaled poison, treatment may include:

Breathing tube
Bronchoscopy -- camera down the throat to see burns in the airways and lungs
Oxygen

For skin exposure, treatment may include:

Irrigation (washing of the skin), perhaps every few hours for several days
Skin debridement (surgical removal of burned skin)
Transfer to a hospital that specializes in burn care

Expectations (prognosis)

Swallowing , smelling, or touching household bleach will likely not cause any significant problems. However, more severe problems can occur with industrial strength bleach, or mixing bleach with ammonia.

How well a patient does depends on how rapidly the sodium hypochlorite was diluted and neutralized. There is a good chance of recovery if proper treatment is given soon after the poison was swallowed. Without prompt treatment, extensive damage to the mouth, throat, eyes, lungs, esophagus, nose, and stomach are possible, depending on how exposure occurred.

References

Ford MD, Clinical Toxicology. 1st ed. Philadelphia, Pa: WB Saunders; 2001:753.

Agabiti N, Ancona C, Forastiere F, et al. Short term respiratory effects of acute exposure to chlorine due to a swimming pool accident. Occup Environ Med. 2001 Jun;58(6):399-404.

Lambert H, Manel J, Gabrion I. Poisoning by household products. Rev Prat. 2000 Feb 15;50(4):365-71.

Review Date: 8/9/2007

Reviewed By: Eric Perez, MD, Department of Emergency Medicine, St. Luke's-Roosevelt Hospital Center, New York, NY. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

A.D.A.M. Copyright

adam.com

Source Doc: 1_002488

Label Able: Carnauba Wax

FitSugar — Mon, 09 Mar 2009 03:00:00 -0700

A couple weeks ago, I reviewed Annie's Bunny Fruit Snacks. As much as I liked them, I was a little weirded out by one item on the list of ingredients - carnauba wax.

As unappetizing as it sounds, I know in my heart that a company like Annie's would never put anything unhealthy in their foods, right? If you're curious to know what this ingredient truly is, then read more.

Carnauba wax comes from the leaves of the carnauba palm, a plant that grows in northeastern Brazil. In hot, dry weather, the palm secretes wax to protect its leaves from damage. To collect the wax, the leaves are dried and then beaten to dislodge the yellowish to brown waxy coating, which usually flakes off. The wax is refined and bleached before it's used.

I didn't know this, but carnauba wax is often called the "queen of waxes." It's a hard substance, so it's used to make durable coatings for floors and cars. It's also used in polishes, varnishes, and beauty products like mascara, deodorant, and lipstick. In foods, it's used as a coating or anti-caking agent, and can be found in frosting, candies (such as Altoids and Tic Tacs), gum, gravies, and sauces. Although I'm not too psyched that the same substance used to add a glossy finish to my shoes is also in something I eat, at least I now know that carnauba wax is plant-derived.

Chlorinated lime poisoning

admin — Thu, 04 Sep 2008 19:00:08 -0700

Overview

Definition
Poisonous Ingredient
Where Found
Symptoms
Home Treatment
Before Calling Emergency
Poison Control, or a local emergency number
What to expect at the emergency room
Expectations (prognosis)

HEALTH GUIDE REFERENCE FROM A.D.A.M

Definition

Chlorinated lime is a white powder used for bleaching or disinfecting. Chlorinated lime poisoning occurs when someone swallows chlorinated lime.

Poisonous Ingredient

Calcium hydroxide
Calcium hypochlorite

Where Found

Bleach
Used in a number of manufacturing processes

Note: This list may not include all sources of chlorinated lime.

Symptoms

Blood
- Severe change in the acid level in the blood (pH balance), which leads to damage in all of the body organs)
Eyes, ears, nose, and throat
- Loss of vision
- Severe pain in the throat
- Severe pain or burning in the nose, eyes, ears, lips, or tongue
Gastrointestinal
- Blood in the stool
- Burns and possible holes in the food pipe (esophagus)
- Severe abdominal pain
- Vomiting
- Vomiting blood
Heart and blood
- Collapse
- Low blood pressure that develops rapidly
Lungs and airways
- Breathing difficulty (from breathing in the chlorinated lime)
- Throat swelling (which may also cause breathing difficulty)
Skin
- Burns
- Holes (necrosis) in the skin or tissues underneath
- Irritation

Home Treatment

Seek immediate medical help. DO NOT make a person throw up unless told to do so by Poison Control or a health care professional.

If the chemical is on the skin or in the eyes, flush with lots of water for at least 15 minutes.

If the person breathed in the poison, immediately move him or her to fresh air.

Before Calling Emergency

Determine the following information:

Patient's age, weight, and condition
Name of the product (ingredients and strengths, if known)
Time it was swallowed
Amount swallowed

Poison Control, or a local emergency number

This is a free and confidential service. All local poison control centers in the U.S. use this national number. You should call if you have any questions about poisoning or poison prevention. It does NOT need to be an emergency. You can call for any reason, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

See: Poison control center - emergency number

What to expect at the emergency room

The health care provider will measure and monitor your vital signs, including temperature, pulse, breathing rate, and blood pressure. Symptoms will be treated as appropriate. You may receive:

Breathing tube
Bronchoscopy -- camera down the throat to see burns in the airways and lungs
Endoscopy -- camera down the throat to see burns in the esophagus and the stomach
Oxygen
Pain medication
Tube through the mouth into the stomach to wash out the stomach (gastric lavage)
Washing of the skin (irrigation) -- perhaps every few hours for several days
Surgical removal of burned skin (skin debridement)

Expectations (prognosis)

How well you do depends on the amount of poison swallowed and how quickly treatment is received. The faster you get medical help, the better the chance for recovery.

This type of poison can cause severe burns inside the entire gastrointestinal tract.

Review Date: 2/27/2008

Reviewed By: Stephen C. Acosta, MD, Department of Emergency Medicine, Portland VA Medical Center, Portland, OR. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.

A.D.A.M. Copyright

adam.com

Source Doc: 1_002773

Chlorine poisoning

admin — Thu, 04 Sep 2008 19:00:07 -0700

Overview

Definition
Poisonous Ingredient
Where Found
Symptoms
Home Treatment
Before Calling Emergency
Poison Control, or a local emergency number
What to expect at the emergency room
Expectations (prognosis)

HEALTH GUIDE REFERENCE FROM A.D.A.M

Definition

Chlorine is a chemical that prevents bacteria from growing. Chlorine poisoning occurs when someone swallows or breathes in (inhales) chlorine.

Poisonous Ingredient

Chlorine, which reacts with water in and out of the body to form hydrochloric acid and hypochlorous acid. Both are extremely poisonous.

Where Found

Gas released when mixing bleach with some of the powdered cleansing products and ammonia (chloramine gas)
Gas released when opening a partially filled industrial container of chlorine tablets that have been sitting for several months (for example, the first opening of a container after a pool has been closed all winter)
Mild cleaners
Some bleach products
Swimming pool water (and tablets used in swimming pool water)

Note: This list may not include all uses of chlorine.

Symptoms

Airways and lungs
- Breathing difficulty (from breathing in the chlorine)
- Throat swelling (may also cause breathing difficulty)
- Water filling the lungs (pulmonary edema)
Blood
- Severe change in acid levels of the blood (pH balance) which leads to damage in all of the body organs
Eyes, ears, nose, and throat
- Loss of vision
- Severe pain in the throat
- Severe pain or burning in the nose, eyes, ears, lips, or tongue
Gastrointestinal
- Blood in the stool
- Burns of the food pipe (esophagus)
- Severe abdominal pain
- Vomiting
- Vomiting blood
Heart and blood vessels
- Collapse
- Low blood pressure that develops rapidly
Skin
- Burns
- Holes (necrosis) in the skin or tissues underneath
- Irritation

Home Treatment

Seek immediate medical help. DO NOT make a person throw up unless told to do so by Poison Control or a health care professional.

If the chemical is on the skin or in the eyes, flush with lots of water for at least 15 minutes.

If the person breathed in the poison, immediately move him or her to fresh air.

Before Calling Emergency

Determine the following information:

Patient's age, weight, and condition
Name of the product (ingredients and strengths, if known)
Time it was swallowed
Amount swallowed

Poison Control, or a local emergency number

See: Poison control center - emergency number

What to expect at the emergency room

The health care provider will measure and monitor your vital signs, including temperature, pulse, breathing rate, and blood pressure. Symptoms will be treated as appropriate. You may receive:

Activated charcoal
Breathing tube
Bronchoscopy -- camera down the throat to see burns in the airways and lungs
Endoscopy -- camera down the throat to see burns in the esophagus and the stomach
Fluids
Medicine (antidote) to reverse the effect of the poison
Oxygen
Surgical removal of burned skin (skin debridement)
Tube through the mouth into the stomach to empty the stomach (gastric lavage)
Washing of the skin (irrigation) -- perhaps every few hours for several days

You may be admitted to the hospital if the poisoning is severe.

Expectations (prognosis)

How well you do depends on the amount of poison swallowed and how quickly treatment is received. The faster you get medical help, the better the chance for recovery.

Swallowing such poisons can have severe effects on many parts of the body.

A.D.A.M. Copyright

adam.com

Source Doc: 1_002772

Hydrogen peroxide poisoning

admin — Thu, 04 Sep 2008 18:58:45 -0700

Overview

Definition
Poisonous Ingredient
Where Found
Symptoms
Home Treatment
Before Calling Emergency
Poison Control, or a local emergency number
What to expect at the emergency room
Expectations (prognosis)
References

HEALTH GUIDE REFERENCE FROM A.D.A.M

Definition

Hydrogen peroxide is a liquid commonly used to fight germs. Hydrogen peroxide poisoning occurs when large amounts of the liquid come in contact with the lungs or eyes.

Poisonous Ingredient

Hydrogen peroxide

Where Found

Hydrogen peroxide
Hair bleach
Some contact lens disinfectants

Note: Household hydrogen peroxide has a 3% concentration.That means it contains 97% water and 3% hydrogen peroxide. Hair bleaches usually have a concentration of greater than 6%. Some industrial strength solutions contain more than 10% hydrogen perioxide.

Symptoms

Abdominal pain and cramping
Breathing difficulty (if large concentrations were swallowed)
Body aches
Burns in the mouth and throat
Eye burns
Seizures (rare)
Temporary white color to the skin
Vomiting

Home Treatment

Seek immediate medical help. DO NOT make a person throw up unless told to do so by Poison Control or a health care professional.

If the chemical is on the skin or in the eyes, flush with lots of water for at least 15 minutes.

Before Calling Emergency

Determine the following information:

Patient's age, weight, and condition
Name of the product (ingredients and strengths, if known)
Time it was swallowed
Amount swallowed

Poison Control, or a local emergency number

Take the container with you to the hospital, if possible.

See: Poison control center - emergency number

What to expect at the emergency room

The health care provider will measure and monitor the patient's vital signs, including temperature, pulse, breathing rate, and blood pressure.

Symptoms will be treated as appropriate. The patient may need a tube down the throat into the stomach (gastric tube) to relieve gas pressure.

Expectations (prognosis)

Most contact with household strength hydrogen peroxide is relatively harmless. Inappropriate exposure to industrial strength hydrogen peroxide can be dangerous.

References

Medical Management Guidelines for Hydrogen Peroxide.Atlanta, Ga. Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry, Division of Toxicology and Environmental Medicine, US Dept of Health and Human Services; 2007.

Review Date: 5/20/2008

Reviewed By: Stephen C Acosta, MD, Department of Emergency Medicine, Portland VA Medical Center, Portland, OR. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.

A.D.A.M. Copyright

adam.com

Source Doc: 1_002652

Hantavirus

admin — Wed, 03 Sep 2008 17:56:09 -0700

Illustrations

Hanta virus

Respiratory system overview

HEALTH GUIDE REFERENCE FROM A.D.A.M

Definition

Hantavirus is a disease characterized by symptoms that resemble the flu, followed by respiratory failure.

Alternative Names

Hantavirus pulmonary syndrome

Causes, incidence, and risk factors

Hantavirus has probably caused people to get sick for years in the United States, but it was not recognized until recently.

A 1993 outbreak of fatal respiratory illness on an Indian reservation in the Four Corners area led epidemiologists to the discovery of hantavirus as the cause. (The Four Corners area is at the border of Utah, Colorado, New Mexico, and Arizona.) Since that discovery, hantavirus disease has been reported in every western state, and in many eastern states.

Hantavirus is carried by rodents, particularly deer mice, and is present in their urine and feces. The virus does not cause disease in the carrier animal. Humans are thought to become infected when they are exposed to contaminated dust from the nests or droppings of mice.

The disease is not, however, passed between humans. Contaminated dust is often encountered when cleaning long-vacated dwellings, sheds, or other enclosed areas.

The federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported that rodents carrying hantavirus have been found in at least twenty national parks and that it is possible that the virus is in all of the parks.

Epidemiologists at the CDC suspect that campers and hikers may have a higher chance of contracting the disease than most people. This is due to the fact that they pitch tents on the forest floor and lay their sleeping bags down in musty cabins.

So far, however, of the more than 100 cases that have been reported in the U.S., only two were directly linked to camping or hiking. Most people who are exposed have come into contact with rodent droppings in their own homes.

The initial symptoms of hantavirus disease closely resemble the flu. The disease begins abruptly with fever, chills, muscle aches , headache, nausea and vomiting, and malaise. A dry cough may be present. The fever may be higher in younger people than in older people.

For a very short period, the infected person feels somewhat better, but this is followed within a day or two by an increased respiratory rate caused by a seepage of fluid into the lungs. The initial shortness of breath is subtle and the patient may be unaware of it, but progression is rapid. The patient ultimately develops respiratory failure.

An effective treatment for hantavirus is not yet available. Even with intensive therapy, more than half of the diagnosed cases have been fatal.

Symptoms

Chills
Dry cough
Fever
General ill feeling (malaise)
Headache
History of exposure to mice droppings, nest, or contaminated dust
Muscle aches
Rapid shallow breathing
Respiratory failure
Shortness of breath

Signs and tests

A doctor may notice signs of:

Hypoxia (decreased levels of oxygen in the blood, causing the skin to have a bluish tinge)
Hypotension (decreased blood pressure)
Acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS)

Tests include:

CBC (will show elevated white blood count)
Platelet count (will be less than 150,000 and decreasing)
X-ray of the chest (may show material invading the lungs, involving both lungs)
Liver enzymes (LDH will be elevated)
Serum albumin (levels will be decreased)
Hematocrit (will be increased, showing an increase in the levels of red blood cells)
Serological testing for hantavirus

Treatment

Because the breathing problems progress rapidly and there is a high death rate, treatment must occur in the hospital, often with admission to an intensive care unit.

Oxygen therapy is used, and regulated by close monitoring of the blood gases. Respiratory support with a breathing tube (endotracheal tube) and ventilator becomes necessary in severe cases.

IV ribavirin treatment is experimental and is under evaluation for its effectiveness. Ribavirin is an antiviral medicine.

Expectations (prognosis)

Hanta virus is a serious infection with a death rate (even with aggressive treatment) exceeding 50%.

Complications

Cardiorespiratory failure
Death

Calling your health care provider

Call your health care provider if you develop flu-like symptoms after being exposed to mouse urine or feces (excreta), or dust that may have been contaminated with mouse excreta.

Prevention

Avoid exposure to rodent urine and feces. When hiking and camping, pitch tents in areas without rodent droppings, avoid rodent dens, drink disinfected water, and sleep on a ground cover and pad.

Keeping a clean home diminishes the chance of contracting hantavirus. This includes clearing out potential nesting sites and maintaining a clean kitchen.

If you must work in an area where contact is possible, follow these recommendations from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC):

When opening an unused cabin, shed, or other building, open all the doors and windows, exit the building, and allow the space to air out for 30 minutes.
Return to the building and spray the surfaces, carpet, and other areas with a disinfectant. Leave the building for an additional 30 minutes.
Spray mouse nests and droppings with a 10% solution of chlorine bleach or equivalent disinfectant, allow to sit 30 minutes, and using rubber gloves place the materials in plastic bags, seal, and dispose of the bags in the trash or incinerator. Dispose of gloves and cleaning materials in the same manner.
Wash all potentially contaminated hard surfaces with a bleach or disinfectant solution. Vacuuming should be avoided until the area has been thoroughly decontaminated and then should only be done (the first few times) with adequate ventilation. Surgical masks may provide some protection.

Review Date: 1/29/2007

Reviewed By: D. Scott Smith, M.D., MSc, DTM&H, Chief of Infectious Disease & Geographic Medicine, Kaiser Redwood City, CA & Adjunct Assistant Professor, Stanford University. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

A.D.A.M. Copyright

adam.com

Source Doc: 1_001382

Chemical burn or reaction

admin — Wed, 03 Sep 2008 17:47:00 -0700

Overview

Definition
Alternative Names
Considerations
Symptoms
First Aid
Do Not
Call immediately for emergency medical assistance if
Prevention

Illustrations

Burns

First aid kit

Skin layers

HEALTH GUIDE REFERENCE FROM A.D.A.M

Definition

Chemicals that touch skin can cause a limited skin reaction, an overall body reaction, or both.

Alternative Names

Burn from chemicals

Considerations

Chemical exposure is not always obvious. You should suspect chemical exposure if an otherwise healthy person becomes ill for no apparent reason, particularly if an empty chemical container is found nearby.

Exposure to chemicals at work over a long period of time can cause changing symptoms as the chemical builds up in the person's body.

If the person has a chemical in the eyes, see first aid for eye emergencies. If the person has swallowed or inhaled a dangerous chemical, call poison control at 1-800-222-1222.

Symptoms

Depending on the type of exposure, the symptoms may include:

Abdominal pain
Bright red or Bluish skin and lips
Breathing difficulty
Convulsions (seizures)
Dizziness
Headache
Hives, itching, swelling, nausea, vomiting, or weakness resulting from an allergic reaction
Irritability
Pain where the skin has come in contact with the toxic substance
Rash, blisters, burns on the skin
Unconsciousness

First Aid

Make sure the cause of the burn has been removed. Try not to come in contact with it yourself. If the chemical is dry, brush off any excess. Avoid brushing it into your eyes. Remove any contaminated clothing or jewelry.
Flush the chemicals off the skin surface using cool running water for 15 minutes or more.
Treat the person for shock if he or she appears faint, pale, or if there is shallow, rapid breathing.
Apply cool, wet compresses to relieve pain.
Wrap the burned area with a dry sterile dressing (if possible) or clean cloth. Protect the burned area from pressure and friction.
Minor chemical burns will generally heal without further treatment. However, if there is a second or third degree burn or if there is an overall body reaction, get medical help immediately. In severe cases, don't leave the person alone and watch carefully for systemic reactions.

Note: If chemical gets into the eyes, the eyes should be flushed with water immediately. Continue to flush the eyes with running water for at least 15 minutes. Get medical help immediately.

Do Not

DO NOT become contaminated by the chemical as you give first aid.
DO NOT try to neutralize any chemical without consulting the Poison control Center or a physician.
DO NOT disturb a blister or remove dead skin from a chemical burn.
DO NOT apply any household remedy such as an ointment or salve to a chemical burn.

Call immediately for emergency medical assistance if

The person is having difficulty breathing, is having seizures, or is unconscious.

Prevention

Many household products are made of toxic chemicals. It is important to read and follow label instructions, including any precautions.
Avoid, prolonged (even low-level) exposure to chemicals.
Buy potentially poisonous substance in safety containers, and buy only as much as needed.
Never store household products in food or drink containers. Leave them in their original containers with the labels intact.
Avoid using potentially toxic substances in the kitchen or around food.
Store chemicals safely immediately after use.
Avoid mixing different products that contain toxic chemicals such as ammonia and bleach. The mixing can give off hazardous fumes.
Use paints, petroleum products, ammonia, bleach, and other products that give off fumes only in a well ventilated area.
All chemicals should be stored out of the reach of young children--preferably in a locked cabinet.

Review Date: 1/17/2007

Reviewed By: Eric Perez, MD, Department of Emergency Medicine, St. Luke's-Roosevelt Hospital Center, New York, NY. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

A.D.A.M. Copyright

adam.com

Source Doc: 1_000059