Meningitis is an infection caused by bacteria that affects the membranes surrounding the brain and spinal cord. It can be caused by a number of different bacteria and may show symptoms like high fever, seizures, and headaches. Certain factors can increase one’s risk of developing this condition. Understanding these factors can help one protect themselves from contracting the disease. Let’s take a look at the risk factors prevention methods of meningitis B. Risk factors of meningitis B These factors can increase a person’s risk of developing the condition. Age Children under the age of 20 are more susceptible to contracting meningitis B. People who have not been vaccinated in their childhood could also pose a greater risk of the disease. Pregnancy Pregnant women are at a greater risk of developing an infection called listeriosis. This infection may also lead to the contraction of meningitis B. Listeriosis also increases the risk of miscarriage and stillbirth. A weak immune system People with a compromised immune system due to chronic diseases such as AIDS, diabetes, and heart disease and those without a spleen are easily affected by the bacteria. Living in a community People who live in small shared spaces like dormitories, military bases, and child care centers are at a greater risk of developing the condition. This is because the bacteria is spread through the respiratory system and transmissions are easier through bigger groups of people. Prevention of meningitis B Here are some ways in which one can prevent the contraction of meningitis B. Practicing good hygiene Wearing a mark when sick, bathing daily, and keeping your surroundings clean can help prevent the spread of the disease. One must also thoroughly wash hands before and after meals. Maintaining good health Eating healthy meals that include green vegetables, fresh fruit, lean meat, drinking plenty of clean water, and exercising regularly are different ways to strengthen their immune system.

Meningitis B leads to inflammation of the liquid that lines the spinal cord and brain. It occurs due to an infection caused by the Neisseria meningitidis bacteria and can lead to dizziness, poor appetite, and a flu-like condition. As people can get sick quickly after contact with an infected person’s saliva, it is important to know symptoms and act when they appear to oneself or others. Symptoms of meningitis B As Meningitis B can progress quickly, speak to a doctor if the following symptoms occur: Fever Since the fluid around the brain swells up, patients will initially develop a fever as the body tries to combat the bacteria. Fever, however, can occur due to several infections, so it may be far-fetched to rule it out as a singular indicative of meningitis B. Headache along with nausea Headache can range from a dull pain to a throbbing sensation and may be generalized all over the head and not always at specific points. Patients may also feel like vomiting and may experience recurring episodes of nausea. Severe cases may include confusion and drowsiness. A rigid neck Moving the neck will feel painful, especially bending it forward might lead to more pain. Some patients also complain of a sore throat. The stiffness in the neck could be due to the fluid around the spinal cord. Diagnosis of meningitis B Your doctor may look for indications of infection by checking symptoms and then looking at signs of inflammation around the head and spinal cord. Here are some diagnosis procedures: Blood cultures A sample of blood is placed in a specific plate to examine if germs, mainly bacteria, thrive there. A sample can also be stained on a slide and examined under a microscope to check if bacteria are present. Spinal tap A spinal tap to obtain cerebrospinal fluid is required for a conclusive diagnosis of meningitis.

Deteriorating vision is a common problem as a person ages. Doctors typically recommend multifocal contact lenses for those with myopia (nearsightedness), astigmatism, hyperopia (farsightedness), or presbyopia (age-related farsightedness). These lenses allow one to see better and are far more comfortable than contacts or reading glasses. However, they are not for everyone. Here, we discuss the pros and cons of multifocal contact lenses to help you make an informed choice. Pros Better comfort The bridges of one’s nose and ears may hurt because of wearing glasses all day. Sometimes, the weight of the glasses also induces headaches and irritation. Multifocal contact lenses, however, eliminate any fatigue or irritation since they are incredibly lightweight and comfortable. Wider field of clarity Glasses can get cracked, chipped, or develop scratches with time, affecting the clarity of one’s eyesight. There are no such problems with multifocal contact lenses since they directly fit the curvature of one’s eyes, offering a broader and clearer vision. Eliminates weather-related issues Glasses often become foggy in cold weather, causing a hindrance. For individuals who do not have prescription sunglasses, the brightness of the sun also becomes an issue. However, there are no weather-related problems with multifocal contact lenses since they are unaffected by temperature changes. Maintains productivity Individuals with presbyopia have certain restrictions if they choose to wear glasses. Glasses may also not be comfortable for athletes or while performing certain adventure sports. On the other hand, multifocal contact lenses allow better peripheral vision and are more comfortable for mechanics and electricians since their work requires more mobility. Cons Difficult to apply Some individuals may find it tough to put on multifocal contact lenses. It requires proper technique and practice, which may not come easily for everyone. So, it is much more convenient to wear glasses instead of these lenses for daily use.

Neurofibromatoses are a group of genetic disorders that cause tumors in the nervous system. There are three types of neurofibromatosis: mainly neurofibromatosis 1 (NF1), neurofibromatosis 2 (NF2), and schwannomatosis. The symptoms are usually mild but may cause serious complications. Here are the common symptoms of neurofibromatosis and what causes them. Symptoms The common signs and symptoms of neurofibromatosis are as follows: Small bumps on and under the skin These tumors tend to grow inside the body; however, sometimes, they may even grow under the skin. When these growths are present in the nerves, they may result in disfiguration of the face. These bumps called Neurofibromas may also increase in number with age. Learning disabilities Children affected by the NF1 gene may find their thinking abilities impaired. They may find it difficult to read or perform mathematics. Moreover, the child may also experience ADHD or a speech delay. Light brown spots Harmless brown spots called cafe au lait spots occur on the skin. Usually, the presence of more than six of these spots indicates NF1. They occur during childbirth or the initial years and stop after childhood. Other bumps and freckles Bumps called Lisch nodules are commonly noticed in the iris of the eyes. They are painless. Also, freckles occurring in various body folds, especially in areas like the armpits and the groin, are also common. Problems with the ears NF2 may result in the development of slow-growing tumors in the ears. They may also grow on the nerves that carry sound to the brain. As a result, one may experience symptoms such as hearing loss, ringing in the ears, and loss of balance. Causes The following reasons are responsible for the development of neurofibromatosis. NF1 The NF1 gene, located on chromosome 17, creates a protein called neurofibromin that helps regulate the growth of cells.

A rotavirus infection triggers diarrhea and vomiting in children. In fact, before the vaccine for this virus was developed, most children would be affected at least once by the age of 5. Doctors usually recommend giving children rehydration fluids to replenish all the water lost due to diarrhea. Other than that, there are no major treatments unless the infection triggers health complications linked to rotavirus. Herein, we discuss how getting a vaccine helps prevent rotavirus. Prevention of rotavirus Rotavirus is ranked among the top infectious diseases that majorly affects children under the age of 5. It remained the leading cause of diarrhea among infants up until 2006, when the first vaccine was introduced. Rotavirus is highly contagious infection that mostly spreads through hand and mouth contact. Along with a vaccination, good handwashing habits and overall hygiene will ensure that this disease doesn’t not rapidly spread. Adults must also ensure commonly touched surfaces are disinfected on a regular basis so that the child is not infected by contaminants on surfaces. Vaccination for rotavirus There are two approved vaccines that are given at a gap of two months. The first dose of the oral-drop vaccine is given to the child at the age of 15 weeks and both doses are completed before the child is 8 months old. The two approved vaccines for use are RotaTeq® The RotaTeq® vaccine is given three times: starting first at the age of 2 months, then at 4 months, and then 6 months Rotarix® Starting first at the age of 2 months and once at 4 months, the Rotarix® vaccine is given only twice. Note that the number of doses varies with these two approved brands. Statistics and studies indicate that vaccination protects almost 9 out of 10 children from severe form of the rotavirus disease.

Sleep apnea is when a person’s breathing is interrupted while they are asleep, i.e., it stops and starts during sleep, and as a result, leads to them waking up with gasps every few hours. Disturbed sleep is a breeding ground for several other illnesses that can be triggered due to your body being under constant stress. People with a lack of sleep can be at higher risk of mental health complications, heart failure, weak immune systems, and even memory loss. Some lifestyle changes can help tackle sleep apnea. Room humidifier Some places have particularly dry air, which can be an irritant to those already struggling to breathe properly. With the use of humidifiers, the air is moisturized, and it helps keep the airways open, allowing for easy breathing. If you are grappling with managing your sleep apnea, investing in a room humidifier may be helpful. You may also add some essential anti-inflammatory oils like lavender or eucalyptus that will help you sleep better. Oral appliances One of the easiest ways of managing sleep apnea would be to use oral appliances made specifically for this condition. These appliances reposition your jaw or your tongue in a way that does not obstruct your airway while you are asleep. While it is easy to purchase these over the counter, there are also options to customize them. Your family dentist will be able to help you with a custom fit that works best for you. Regular activity Exercise helps in keeping your body healthy and potentially decreases several risks of many diseases, including sleep apnea. With regular activity, the heart gets stronger, stamina increases, and airflow is easy in the nasal passage. In fact, those with sleep apnea should work on some breathing exercises like those shown in yoga to help manage this condition.

Neurofibromatosis is a genetic disorder of the nervous system that leads to the growth of tumors on the nerve tissues. There are two types of the condition: Neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1) – the more common type, and neurofibromatosis type 2 (NF2). Each type carries its unique symptoms. Therefore, the treatments to help manage the condition also differ. Here are some of the preferred treatment methods. KOSELUGO® (selumetinib) Doctors prefer KOSELUGO® (selumetinib) – the only FDA-approved prescription medicine – to treat children affected by plexiform neurofibroma. There are ongoing clinical trials to introduce similar drugs, both for kids and adults. Medications for pain As part of the treatment plan for Schwannomatosis – a rare genetic disorder that results in tumors – a doctor may recommend select medications. The following medications help manage any pain related to the condition. Amitriptyline, which is a tricyclic antidepressant Gabapentin (Neurontin, Gralise, Horizant) or pregabalin (Lyrica) to manage nerve pain Medications for Epilepsy like topiramate (Topamax, Qudexy XR, Trokendi XR) or carbamazepine (Carbatrol and Tegretol) Duloxetine (Cymbalta, Drizalma Sprinkle), a serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor (SNRI) Surgery for tumor removal People affected by NF2 may experience brainstem compression or tumor growth. This can even result in hearing loss. Such developments can compress nearby tissue or damage the organs. So to treat the symptoms, a doctor may recommend surgery to remove the acoustic neuromas that may be causing the problem. Further, one must understand that removing the schwannomas completely from people affected by Schwannomatosis helps significantly reduce pain. Stereotactic radiosurgery Stereotactic radiosurgery is a treatment method recommended by doctors for patients with NF2. The procedure transmits radiation directly to the tumor without any incision. Undergoing this procedure over others may also help prevent the loss of hearing. Auditory brainstem implants and cochlear implants For people with symptoms of NF2 and hearing loss, auditory brainstem implants and cochlear implants are preferred.

Rotavirus is a specific type of virus that causes a wide range of gastrointestinal disorders in children and adolescents. This may often lead to symptoms like watery diarrhea, vomiting, fever, and abdominal pain. This virus is transmitted via contact with infected surfaces, and it is most commonly passed through fecal-oral contact. The best way to avoid getting infected is by getting the rotavirus vaccine. If your child is infected by rotavirus, the doctor may recommend immediate hospitalization to prevent any further complications. The following are a few treatment methods that can be opted for when treating a rotavirus infection: Oral rehydration therapy One of the biggest problems that a child suffering from a rotavirus infection may face is the loss of fluids, which can lead to severe dehydration. If an infant is suffering from such an infection, they must be given small amounts of fluids at regular intervals or must be nursed frequently. It is also recommended to use an oral rehydration solution to avoid severe dehydration. If the child is severely dehydrated, they may need to be provided with extra fluids through intravenous or intraosseous lines. Probiotics A child who is infected with this virus can experience a weakened immune system that needs to be remedied to avoid any further infections and diseases. Regular intake of probiotics is known to be effective in improving immunity in children and preventing foreign antigens from entering the body. Moreover, these probiotics may also help improve gut health in children. Other medications There are several other medications that might be prescribed to treat protozoal or helminthic infections in the intestines. These infections are a common occurrence in children suffering from rotaviral gastroenteritis, and are usually treated by prescribing medications containing nitrothiazole-benzamide compounds. Although such children may suffer from watery diarrhea, antidiarrheal medications are usually not given to them.

Neurofibromatosis (NF) is a condition in which an individual develops tumors in the three most vital parts of their nervous system: the brain, spinal cord, and nerves. The disorder passes from one generation to the next in families through genetic mutations. Thankfully, neurofibromatosis tumors are not always cancerous. Based on the symptoms, the disease can be categorized into three distinct types as follows. Neurofibromatosis type 1 This is the most common of the three and is usually diagnosed in early childhood. The symptoms of neurofibromatosis type 1 include multiple freckles in the armpit or groin area, tiny growths in the iris of the eye, as well as flat, brown spots on the skin called café-au-lait spots. Some people may also experience bone deformities and neurofibromas on or under the skin. If tumors develop on the optic nerve, one may even start losing their eyesight. Neurofibromatosis type 1 can be further classified as cutaneous, subcutaneous, and plexiform based on the type and position of the tumors. Neurofibromatosis type 2 This type of neurofibromatosis is less common than type 1. It is usually diagnosed in the late teens or early 20s, but some may remain asymptomatic until they turn 40 or older. People with this type of neurofibromatosis do not typically observe café-au-lait spots or skin tumors. Instead, they develop tumors on their eighth cranial nerve, which is connected directly to the ear canal on the left and right sides of the brain. As a result, patients observe symptoms relating to hearing loss or lack of balance. The other signs include dizziness, uncoordinated walking, weakness in the facial muscles, and cataracts at an early age. Neurofibromatosis type 3 Neurofibromatosis type 3, commonly known as schwannomatosis, is the rarest type of the disease and is mainly diagnosed in early adulthood. In this type of neurofibromatosis, the patient may start developing tumors that contain Schwann cells, also known as schwannomas.

Rotavirus is a contagious virus that causes inflammation in the intestines and stomach. It is one of the most common causes of diarrhea in children. Although there is no cure for this condition, there are medications that help manage the symptoms. Understanding the symptoms of rotavirus can help one treat the condition immediately. In this article, we will be discussing the symptoms, causes, and prevention methods of rotavirus. Symptoms The symptoms of rotavirus start two days after the exposure to the virus. However, the symptoms can last for up to seven days. Fever and vomiting During the first three days, one may notice fever and vomiting. However, these symptoms may fade away by the fourth day. Dehydration Babies and younger children may experience severe dehydration. Irritability, lack of fluid consumption, little to no urine, and lethargy may be common symptoms of dehydration. Seek immediate medical help if you notice any of these symptoms. Watery diarrhea After the fever and vomiting fade away, one may experience watery diarrhea. This may last for up to seven days. Abdominal pain The diarrhea may be accompanied by abdominal pain. Nevertheless, the stomach pain should subside within a couple of days. Causes Rotavirus is present in the fecal matter of a person and spreads through hand-to-mouth contact. It may be present in the infected person’s stool for two days before the symptoms show up. If a kid or a parent does not wash hands after using the toilet or changing a diaper, the virus can spread easily. The virus can stay on surfaces that have not been disinfected for up to months at a time. Contracting the viral infection is possible even after getting vaccinated. Therefore, prevention is crucial. Prevention To prevent or reduce the risk of getting contaminated, one must wash their hands after using the washroom.