Varicose veins.

Varicose veins are enlarged subcutaneous blood vessels that may have a bulging or twisted appearance.

The causes of varicose veins include the following:

• The valves may be congenitally weak.

• Disease of the venous system, such as an infection (thrombophlebitis), may weaken the valves or damage the venous wall.

• Sustained pressure increases within the veins can damage the valves. Elevated pressure may occur with excessive abdominal weight in obesity or pregnancy and with prolonged standing in certain occupations.

Some patients are asymptomatic, and symptoms may vary. They include the following:

• A feeling of heaviness, itching, or burning in the general area of the vein.

• A diffuse, dull aching sensation after prolonged standing or walking.

• Leg cramps at night.

• Fatigue.

• Swelling.

• Palpable nodules.

Medical and surgical methods are used to manage varicose veins.

• Medical management includes supportive measures and exercise programs.

• Surgical management is reserved for severe varicose veins.

Respiratory disorders

Presence of respiratory risk factors:

• Smoking

• Occupational exposure to respiratory irritants and/or pollutants

• Genetic predisposition

• Emotional / stressful life-style

• Obesity

Treatment of the respiratory disease:

• Diet

• Medications

• Exercises

• Relaxation

• Guidelines for daily living

• Additional treatments

Respiratory disorders:

• asthma,

• bronchiectasis,

• chronic bronchitis,

• emphysema,

• pleuritis,

• pulmonary embolism.

Asthma.

Asthma is a chronic disease of variable severity, characterized by episodes of airway narrowing that temporarily produces breathing difficulty.

Factors that can trigger an asthma attack include the following:

• Respiratory infections

• Exposure to allergens

• Emotional factors

• Environmental changes, such as air temperature, humidity, and dust.

Symptoms of asthma include the following:

• Wheezing

• Prolonged expiration

• Dyspnea

• Physical exhaustion

• Inability to sleep or rest

• Anxiety

• Dehydration

• Thick, tenacious mucus production

• Use of accessory muscles of respiration; retractions.

Preventive measures:

• Avoiding the following bronchopulmonary irritants:

1. Cigarette smoke

2. Industrial pollutants

3. Animal hair

4. Dust

5. Powder, perfume

6. Weeds, pollen, grasses

7. Extreme heat or cold

• Avoiding known allergens

• Avoiding distressing situations

• Avoiding people with respiratory infections

• Practicing good oral hygiene to help prevent infection.

The components of the treatment regimen for asthma include the following:

• Medications

- A balanced, nutritious diet with small , frequent meals

- Oxygen therapy

• Stress management

• Regular medical examinations.

Endocrine disorders

Risk factors: gastrointestinal tract disorders, liver and other organs dysfunction.

Causes of E.D.: stress, traumas, hormonal dysfunction.

Symptoms: fatigue, weakness, irritability, nausea, vomiting, loss of consciousness, itchiness.

Treatment: hormonal therapy.

Disorders: diabetes mellitus, hyperthyroidism (Graves' disease), hypothyroidism, Addison's disease.

Diagnostic tests: oral glucose tolerance test, urine glucose determination, urine ketone determination, self-blood glucose monitoring,thyroid scan, thyroid ultrasonography.