Greatest Medical Discoveries And Breakthroughs
Medical Miracles
Throughout history, there have been thousands of scientific breakthroughs that have extended the human lifespan and bettered our general health. Here are the five greatest discoveries and breakthroughs of all time to show you just how some medical breakthroughs have revolutionized the world in which we live. These medical discoveries have not only made our lives longer, but they have also helped to make our lives easier, less painful, and disease free.
5) X-ray
The discovery of the X-ray is one of the greatest diagnostic discoveries of all time. It allows us to see inside the human body, without having to perform dangerous surgeries. As well as seeing anomalies in the human body, x-rays have helped hugely in dentistry, allowing a dentist to spot cavities before they turn in to painful abscesses.
With the use of the x-ray in medicine, scientists have been able to find the cause of many diseases, and how to treat them.
4) Anesthetics
Anesthetics are easily one of the most important medical advances in surgical operations. By preventing pain during surgery, surgeons were given the ability to work in completely new ways with the human body, with a lower chance from complications such as shock.
With anesthetics, pain no longer became such a huge factor in operations. Not only did this reduce the risk of shock, but it also allowed for more complex and intricate surgical procedures.
3) Germ Theory
Germ theory allowed our scientist to find the major causes behind disease, and created a whole new understanding on why cleanliness was important, as opposed to the old practice of surrounding oneself with bad smells to ward off bad influences.
The discovery of germ theory helped bring about the knowledge of the importance of sanitation, and is one of the biggest factors in extending human life by prevention of disease.
Germ theory was actually discovered by a haberdasher named Anton Leeuwenhoek, who was also a janitor in his spare time. In the end, the discovery was made his examination of a raindrop under a microscope, in which he could see a myriad of tiny animals swimming around.
2) Penicillin
Germ theory might have been the discovery of bacteria, but the discovery of penicillin was the moment that the medical profession finally had a way to fight back against infections that would have once cost people their lives.
Penicillin became the starting point for a whole string of antibiotics, both broad and narrow spectrum. This new way of treatment meant that amputations were significantly reduced, gum infections could be treated, and infections of the blood were no longer fatal.
1) Vaccination
Edward Jenner faced great adversity when he announced his discovery of vaccination. However, the discovery of vaccination has helped to greatly reduce some of the world’s deadliest epidemics and diseases, from cholera, influenza and measles, to the bubonic plague.
Thanks to vaccination, we no longer have to deal with some of the world’s deadliest and most infectious diseases, which have plagued humankind for millennia.
All these discoveries have made significant progress for humankind, in health and lifespan, but who knows what we will invent in the future!
For more interesting articles on surgeries and much more please visit the Surgery section on GKHealth. Read More»
Plastic Surgery Addictions
Too Much Of A Good Thing?!
We have been in the digital age for quite some time now. Mostly, its effects have been positive. Instant access to news, the ability to research almost any subject, and easy communications have made life easier. Unfortunately, television, movies, magazines and the Internet have all contributed to a need for perfection. Images of reed thin women and perfectly toned men have changed the way people view beauty.
In a drive towards obtaining that perfect look, many have turned to plastic surgery. Some have taken it too far and have become addicted. Plastic surgery was once considered a way to overcome a difficult condition or unsightly feature. Breast augmentations were mainly performed on women after they lost one or both breasts to a mastectomy. Nose jobs were for people who had suffered a injury which hadn't healed correctly or had a large, ungainly nose. Today, plastic surgery has become a way to loose weight, improve a normal body and to "look beautiful."
While it is true there are people who turn to plastic surgery once or twice to correct a feature they are unhappy with, there is a growing problem. Some people are repeatedly returning to their cosmetic surgeon. People who suffer from plastic surgery addiction sometimes return again and again to have the same feature worked on. Others have one feature after the next augmented. Some of the common procedures requested by plastic surgery addicts include face lifts, tummy tucks, calf implants, butt implants, breast augmentations, nose jobs, lip jobs and even cheek implants. People who suffer from plastic surgery addictions often have all of these procedures done, one after another.
It is often difficult to determine if someone has a plastic surgery addiction. In many cases, people are visiting a cosmetic surgery for legitimate reasons. The first line of defense is the cosmetic surgeon. While they are not trained as psychologists, they are trained to look for the warning signs that a clients body image has become self-destructive. They may refuse to perform more procedures. Those with true addictions will simply turn to other surgeons or travel out of the country to have more work done.
The family and friends of a plastic surgeon addict can often shine a light on the problem and encourage the addict to get the help they so desperately need. This help typically comes in the form of regular visits with a qualified mental health professional. Together, they can work to improve the body image of the patient and help them understand that the perfection they seek is simply unobtainable. In severe cases, a stay at an addiction center may be required. A good option is a center specializing in body image addictions such as eating disorders. Like any addiction, the goal is to uncover the underlying problem and to develop tools with which to deal with it.
Plastic surgery can be an excellent option for people looking to improve a feature, but it can be terribly self-destructive if taken too far. Don't be afraid to confront a loved one you believe has a problem with plastic surgery, there is help available. Read More»
Scary Surgeries Gone Bad
Surgeries Gone Bad - The Top Cases of when Surgeries Have Gone Bad
We're all familiar with the things that can go wrong in the emergency room. Some surgeries have gone so awry that they're practically in the realm of urban legend. While most of us never even lie on an operating table for anything more serious than gallstones, those who do have plenty to worry about. Of course if you take a look at what has happened to these people during surgery you may never want to go under the knife! Here are some of the top cases of scary mistakes made during surgeries, as well as what you might be able to do to avoid them altogether!
Here are some of the scariest things that have happened during surgeries:
- A teen died after receiving a heart and lungs from a donor with a mismatched blood type
- One man had a healthy testicle removed, without giving consent
- After removing a tumor, doctors left a 13 inch metal re-tractor in one man's abdomen
- Invasive open heart surgery was performed on a woman who was in the hospital for an unrelated condition
- One hospital did brain surgery on the wrong side of the brain THREE TIMES in one year
- One man had the wrong leg removed.
Women Impregnated With the Wrong Embryo
Couples who are unable to have children often use technology to their advantage. Of course, this also means plenty of chances to mix-ups. Take, for instance, the case of the Japanese woman in Kanagawa, who was impregnated with the wrong fertilized egg! This also happened in Toledo, where a woman carried another couple's baby to term after being impregnated with the wrong embryo.
Man Wrongfully Diagnosed With Lung Cancer
Doctors commonly misdiagnose patients and some of them can pay a hefty price for it. A man in the UK reported having chest pains and then went to see his doctor. He was then told he had lung cancer and was referred to a specialist who removed the offending lung. The only issue here was the man never actually had lung cancer in the first place. Now, without a lung, he's leading quite a difficult life. This is quite common, and if you think that you might need a second opinion do not hesitate to ask for one immediately!
Went in for Liver Surgery and Wound up With Burn
Some of the equipment that is used during surgery can also cause serious damage to the body. For example, a man living in Vancouver underwent liver surgery and was surprised to wake up with a huge burn on his chest. When he began to ask questions, he later learned that his heart had stopped, and during the defibrillator charge, the paddles caught fire due to alcohol residue left on him by doctors. Believe it or not, this can happen when the proper precautions are not taken during an emergency.
These are very serious stories that have happened to real people all over the world. While we have a great health care system, there is no way to entirely prevent accidents from happening. If you are conscious and awake, make sure that you are paying attention to everything that is going on. Some patients may be nervous about asking questions, or calling attention to things that look out of place, but making sure you're paying attention could save your life. If negligence or gross error does cause harm to you or your family, make sure you find a good lawyer to represent your case. The last thing that you want to do is end up like one of these patients, without a lung, or the child you've been desperately trying to have.
For more interesting articles on surgeries and much more please visit the Surgery section on GKHealth. Read More»
Most Common Medical Surgeries & Their Costs
The Most Common Surgeries and What They Cost
The most common procedures in the US as of 2003, according to the Department of Health and Human Services, are as follows:
Cataract and other lens-related procedures — Cataracts are a leading cause of world blindness; live long enough and you’re almost certain to experience that clouding of vision that comes along with the natural aging process of the lens. Average cost: $3,900.
Inguinal and femoral hernia repair — An abdominal hernia develops when an organ pushes out of the abdominal cavity that normally contains it. Inguinal and femoral hernias are two different types of abdominal hernia. Average cost: $5,800
Certain surgeries on muscles and tendons — For example: rotator cuff repair, exploratory surgery on the hand, and the removal of lesions. Average cost: $5,400
Tonsillectomy and/or adenoidectomy — The removal of the tonsils or adenoids. Average Cost: $3,800
Excision of semilunar cartilage of knee — Knee injuries are very common, due in part to the complexity of the structure and the amount of weight that it bears. When cartilage is torn, sometimes it must be removed via surgery. Average Cost: $6,200
Myringotomy (ear tube surgery) — Ear tubes can help children (or adults) with constant ear infection by allowing the middle ear to drain fluid more easily. Average Cost: $2,800
Joint Surgery — For example: removal of lesions and inflamed joint tissue from the knee. This surgery is common for people with various types of arthritis. Average Cost: $6,600
Surgery on nose, mouth, and pharynx — For example: different types of sinus surgery, such as the removal of sinus lesions, and turbinectomy, which is the removal of part of the nasal turbinates. Average cost: $5,700
Arthroscopy — Arthroscopy is a procedure which allows doctors to see inside a joint and perform operations on a very small scale, using an arthroscope. It is commonly performed for arthritis sufferers. Average cost: $7,000
Transurethral drainage, excision, or removal of an obstruction — This is surgery performed through the urethra, with the aid of special instrumentation. Average cost: $6,300
Breast Lumpectomy or quadrantectomy — The removal of part of the breast, as done in both of these procedures, is commonly performed when the patient suffers from breast cancer. Average cost: $4,900
Diagnostic dilatation and curettage (D&C) — This procedure is often done when fibroids or polyps appear in the uterus; in it, the lining of the uterus can be scraped or suctioned out. Then, as needed, samples from the uterus can be examined. Average cost: $3,900
Other cervix and uterus surgery — For example, the removal of uterine lesions and endometrial ablation. Average cost: $5,200
Cholecystectomy and common duct exploration — These are, respectively, the removal of the gall bladder and the exploratory surgery of the bile duct. Average cost: $8,100
Decompression of the peripheral nerve — Nerve compression becomes necessary when a nerve is under pressure from surrounding structures, in order to avoid permanent damage to the nerve. Average cost: $3,600
Surgeries on the skin and breast — For example: breast reductions, breast implants, skin removal, and the removal of cysts and abscesses. Average cost: $6,700
For more interesting articles on surgeries and much more please visit the Surgery section on GKHealth. Read More»
What is a Cure for Carpal Tunnel Syndrome?
Top Cures for Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
When people mention carpal tunnel syndrome, the nasty word “surgery” rears its ugly head. Nobody wants someone to cut in their hands and play with their nerves. Not to mention, CTS surgery limits a person’s use of their hands for weeks. Our hands are essential in every way to the life we live. With that in mind, there are a variety of non-surgical treatment approaches for CTS. These avenues should be explored before surgery. In the medical community, practitioners debate the causes and treatments of CTS without much agreement.
What is CTS?
CTS happens when the median nerve becomes compressed by bones, tendons and muscles at the wrist. The compression causes numbness, muscle weakness and pain in the hand. In severe cases, the muscle weakness and numbness can progress to a loss of function including movement and grip. Additionally, severe cases include fingers permanently stuck in a claw-like position. When CTS lasts over two weeks, treatment should be sought immediately from a physician.
Many causes of CTS are unknown. The most common cause is attributed to work-related activities, such a repetitive motions to include typing, but many physicians suggest psychological factors play a role, as well.
What is a Cure for Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
An increasingly common, but rarely studied treatments involves Vitamin B6, biotin and riboflavin. A combination of these vitamins and nutrients has been shown in some studies to relieve and cure the effects of CTS over 12 weeks. Approximately 100 to 300 mg of B6 and biotin are the key ingredient. B6 is considered to the best most effective vitamin for nerve health.
A wide range of stretching exercises has been shown to reduce the symptoms of CTS. When people bend and flex their wrists regularly, that frees the nerve and eases tension, reducing the pain. These exercises are recommended especially for CTS diagnosed as a cause of repetitive motion.Additionally, breaks between repetitive activities such as typing are recommended.
CTS patients can run their hands and wrists in hot and cold water to reduce the pain. The water creates the same effect of IcyHot by numbing the pain and increasing blood flow.
Some physicians consider CTS to be a psychosomatic disease caused by stress in life or latent psychological problems. They recommend coping and stress relief methods, such as listening to calming music.
Pharmaceutical Treatments to CTS
Most doctors do not prescribe pharmaceuticals for treatment. Some doctors will write prescriptions for a high-dose anti-inflammatory such as Ibuprofen. The goal for the Ibuprofen is to reduce the swelling of tendons and nerves near the wrist, in hopes the nerve will regain free motion.
Over-the-Counter Aids
Creams such as Bengay or IcyHot have been shown to relieve the pain. Their mixture of cooling and warming sensations dulls the pain and improves blood flow. Decreased blood flow in the nerve area has been linked to CTS.
Wrist and elbows support promote proper positions for the elbow by limiting bending and compression. The support limits the bending at the elbow and wrist, so the nerve stays straight. A splint worn at night allows the hand to relax and heal overnight, reducing many symptoms while the patient sleeps.
Remember: These methods are recommended for light to mild cases of CTS. CTS cases involving a loss of motion should be seen by a doctor as soon as possible to prevent long-term and sometimes Read More»
Human Genome Sciences Create New Drug to Treat Lupus
New Lupus Drug available
Imagine being in relentless agony due to painful, swollen joints accompanied by extreme muscle pain, not being able to breathe deeply without discomfort, and being constantly fatigued. For one Oklahoma woman, this was what she endured daily since being diagnosed six years ago. She suffered from a chronic autoimmune disease called systemic lupus erythematosus, called lupus for short.
This disease strikes mostly young women, but men, teens and children can also get it. The disease causes the production of antibodies that attack almost every healthy organ and tissue of the body, including the kidneys, brain, heart, lungs, skin, blood, and joints. There are four types of lupus: systemic lupus erythematosus, discoid lupus erythematosus, drug-induced lupus erythematosus, and neonatal lupus. Systemic lupus erythematosus is the most common and serious form of lupus.
Lupus is a chronic disease with no known cure, so the treatment focuses on easing the severity and frequency of symptoms. Doctors have been treating lupus for decades with nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, antimalarials, immunosuppressants, and steroids. While these medications do ease the symptoms of this disease, the side effects can range from uncomfortable to very toxic. Additionally, many lupus patients suffer from debilitating pain, and must be prescribed painkillers, which can be addictive.
The woman from Oklahoma was one of the first people with lupus to take part in a clinical trial for a new experimental drug for lupus called Benlysta. She says that her symptoms are all but gone in the few months since taking the new drug.
Benlysta is the first new medication developed in 50 years to treat lupus, and is expected to be approved by the Food and Drug Administration in 2010. Benlysta has shown very few side effects, which is consistent with what the Oklahoma woman has experienced. Compared with the medication she was taking before—a steroid called prednisone—she says that the side effects were so minimal it was like she wasn’t on any medication at all.
Although some lupus patients are skeptical, the researchers in the clinical trials note that over 50\% of the patients in the study showed marked improvement over the course of a year, compared with 44\% of the patients who were taking a placebo. Only 6\% of the patients in the study reported any side effects at all.
Many physicians, scientists, and patients in the lupus community are encouraged by the results of the clinical trials and are happy to see the development of the first safe and effective treatment for lupus in 50 years.