What is Polymyalgia Rheumatica?

Polymyalgia Rheumatica, which has an acronym of PMR, is a condition categorized as inflammatory. It is a form of a rheumatic disease linked to stiffness in the shoulder, neck and hip area as well as muscular pain. According to statistics, Polymyalgia Rheumatica affects mostly the elderly and white people. Most often, those who are 65 years old and above are the ones who are inflicted with Polymyalgia Rheumatica. In addition to that, women also reportedly suffer from Polymyalgia Rheumatica more than men.

Polymyalgia Rheumatica Symptoms

Those who suffer from Polymyalgia Rheumatica manifest and report symptoms of painful and severe stiffness upon waking up in the morning and also at night. Most often, the pain and stiffness occurs in the thigh and shoulder. In addition to that, Polymyalgia Rheumatica strikes without prior notice and also appear after illness suhc as the flu.

There are various symptoms that are linked to Polymyalgia Rheumatica. These symptoms include:

• Mild, low-grade fever
• Anemia
• Fatigue
• Poor appetite
• Stiffness
• Headache
• Blurring of vision
• Pain in the muscles
• Depression
• Weight loss
• Limited range of motion
• Edematous distal extremity
• Having difficulty sleeping
• Temporal arteritis
• Synovitis or joint inflammation

Neck Pain as a Common Symptom of Polymyalgia Rheumatica

According to studies conducted, persons who suffer from temporal arteritis also have a condition called Polymyalgia Rheumatica and vice versa. Aside from that, those who suffer from Polymyalgia Rheumatica also experience inflammation in their joint area. The classical sign of the Polymyalgia Rheumatica is both stiffness and pain in the muscular region or area.

Polymyalgia Rheumatica Causes

The cause of Polymyalgia Rheumatica is unknown. There has been no evidence of the presence of any toxin or agent that is infectious in nature. The classical signs of Polymyalgia Rheumatica are stiffness and pain which is brought about by the inflammatory process of the body. In, persons suffering from Polymyalgia Rheumatica, the inflammation process is concentrated to the joint tissue area.

According to research, there are a lot of causes or etiological factors, such as:

• Factors that involves the environment

According to research, the contributing factor may be brought about by the presence of an infectious disease. The presence of a contagious viral diseases may be consistent with new cases of Polymyalgia Rheumatica.

• Factors that involve genetics

Studies have shown that genes may play a great factor in Polymyalgia Rheumatica. Having a pattern of this disease in the family medical history proves to be evidence that suggests that there is indeed an inheritance influence.

• Persons with HLA-DR4

HLA-DR4 is a kind of human leukocyte antigen which has a high risk of the getting Polymyalgia Rheumatica.

• Persons with Giant Cell Arteritis

Polymyalgia Rheumatica also is present in persons affected with Giant Cell Arteritis and vice versa. This kind of condition leads to arterial inflammation.

Polymyalgia Rheumatica Diagnosis

Polymyalgia Rheumatica has no specific and confirmative diagnostic examination. The diagnostic examination given to persons who are suspected of having Polymyalgia Rheumatica will be given a diagnostic examination based on the factors that the person manifests. The diagnostic tests that the person undergoes are the following:

• Physical examination
• Medical historical examination
• Blood examination such as complete blood test which will check for the presence of inflammation
• Biopsy examination of the temple arteries which will check for the presence of giant cell arteritis
• Plasma viscosity examination
• C-reactive protein or CRP examination
• Erythrocyte sedimentation rate or ESR examination
• X-ray examination of hips and shoulders
• Ultrasound examination of hips and shoulders

Polymyalgia Rheumatica Treatment

Persons who suffer from Polymyalgia Rheumatica are given the following suggested treatment options:

Physical therapy

This is an important treatment therapy that is done for the person to regain his or her strength as well as coordination. There is a need for the person with Polymyalgia Rheumatica to be able to undergo physical therapy to be able to perform his or her day to day tasks after being stagnant for a long period..

Medical therapy

Medical therapy is prescribed to persons suffering from Polymyalgia Rheumatica. The medications that are usually prescribed are as follows:

Corticosteroids

Corticosteroid, which is otherwise called glucocorticoid, is a drug classification and the best choice in treating persons suffering from Polymyalgia Rheumatica. The example of medication that belongs to this kind of drug classification is prednisone which is the ideal drug for persons who are inflicted with Polymyalgia Rheumatica. A low dosage of prednisone is given during the initial treatment phase.

Analgesics

The analgesics given to persons with Polymyalgia Rheumatica belong to the classification named NSAIDs or non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs like ibuprofen. It relieves the stiffness as well as the pain associated with Polymyalgia Rheumatica.

Bisphosphonates

An example of Bisphosphonates includes alendronate and risedronate which will aid in the prevention of the person to experience osteoporosis.

Polymyalgia Rheumatica Prognosis

The prognosis or outlook for persons that suffer from Polymyalgia Rheumatica is good. Polymyalgia Rheumatica will  resolve after a few years time with the right treatment. Other persons suffering from Polymyalgia Rheumatica may also be relieved of this condition even without undergoing treatment. The treatment mentioned above will only aid in the control of the progression of the disease condition.

Polymyalgia Rheumatica Complications

Persons who suffer from Polymyalgia Rheumatica are at risk of the following complications:

• Depression
• Gastrointestinal bleeding due to intake of corticosteroid drugs
• Temporal arteritis
• Poor self esteem
• Physical inactivity

Hence, one must take note of the complication of Polymyalgia Rheumatica.

What is Wheat Allergy?

Wheat allergy is a type of food allergy as a result of ingestion or contact with the different components of wheat. Wheat allergies involve the response of the mast cells and IgE which produces allergy symptoms. Allergies to wheat are commonly due to exposure to the seed storage proteins found in wheat; however, patients may also be allergic to various seeds and plants. There are a total of 27 allergens associated with wheat allergy.

Wheat allergy may be confused with celiac disease and gluten intolerance. The former involves an allergic reaction to proteins in wheat while the latter two cause problems in the intestines as a result of exposure to gluten, a specific protein in wheat.

Symptoms and Signs of Wheat Allergy

Symptoms of wheat allergy are general to all people; however, there are certain symptoms specific to women, adults and children. General symptoms include:

• Hives

Hives, or urticaria, are raised, bordered, reddish skin patches that are often itchy. They may occur singly or in multiples as a wide reddish patch on the skin. Urticaria is a sign of anaphylaxis and may indicate a life-threatening reaction.

Hives

• Angioedema

Angioedema is the presence of swelling of the tissues as a result of increased permeability of blood vessels leading to movement of blood from the intravascular space into the interstitial space. Angioedema is mostly observed in the face and leads to swelling of the lips and other tissues.

Angioedema

• Allergic rhinitis

Allergic rhinitis, or hay fever, is the presence of a runny nose along with itchiness and irritation of the nasal passage.

• Nausea and vomiting

This symptom is a reaction of the body attempting to remove the wheat from the digestive system or inside the body.

• Abdominal cramps

Allergies to wheat also causes the intestinal mucosa to become irritated, resulting in smooth muscle spasms and causing abdominal cramping.

• Diarrhea

Diarrhea may also be experienced due to the mechanism of the body to eliminate all foreign substances.

• Tiredness and lethargy

Allergic reactions to wheat also increase the body’s rate of functioning in order to fight the foreign substance, thereby leading to lack of energy.

Symptoms in women

• Mood swings

Women may experience changes in mood due to an affectation of the nerve impulse transmission.

• Hypogastric pain or dysmenorrhea

The presence of swelling of the sacroilial joint may be present as dysmenorrhea when the allergic reaction occurs during menses.

Symptoms in adults

• Sacroilitis

Sacroilits is the inflammation of the sacroilial joint. Wheat allergies cause the area to swell and inflame as a result of inflammatory response.

• Eczema

Eczema or atopic dermatitis is the occurrence of rashes on the skin as a result of histamine release by the mast cells, causing vasodilatation and development of scaly rash on the skin. Eczema is often itchy and causes severe dryness of the skin. Eczema can occur in all parts of the body such as the face, arms, back and trunk.

• Palpitations and chest pain

Adults may experience heart irregularities, especially when there is an anaphylactic reaction or severe allergy. This results from increased heart contractility, resulting in conscious feelings of heart contractions.

• Joint and muscle pains

Arthritis may also be experienced because of circulation of antibodies to the joints which may lead to damage.

Symptoms in children

• Unexplained  cough and asthma

Children often exhibit asthma attacks and an unexplained cough. Asthma is more apparent when the child is really asthmatic. Baker’s asthma is a specific allergic reaction to uncooked wheat flour.

• Swelling of the tongue and throat

There is also pharyngitis that is easily seen in children who suffer from allergic reactions.

• Wheat allergy rash

Children often do not develop severe eczema. A maculopapular rash may be more apparent in children.

Causes of Wheat Allergy

The main cause of wheat allergy is exposure to different proteins in wheat as a result of ingestion, inhalation or skin contact with these substances. Generally, the main cause is ingestion through food. Foods that contain wheat proteins include:

• Breads
• Pastries
• Cereals
• Couscous
• Pasta
• Spelt
• Farina
• Semolina
• Beer
• Crackers
• Soy sauce
• Vegetable protein
• Ketchup
• Hot dogs
• Ice cream
• Starch
• Vegetable gum
• Jelly beans and candies
• Licorice

People who are allergic to wheat may also have similar reactions to barley, rye and oats.

Wheat Allergy Testing

Diagnosis of wheat allergy begins with a medical history that might indicate family history of allergies as well as symptomatology. A food diary may also be required to determine the foods that have been taken in. Further testing includes:

• Skin test

A solution containing small amounts of wheat proteins are injected under the skin to determine if there is an allergy to wheat. The small amount of wheat helps to identify allergy even from the smallest proportion.

• Antibody testing

Testing for IgE antibodies may also be done to determine presence of immunologic markers for wheat allergy.

• Food challenge testing

This test involves the ingestion of capsules containing possible allergens. The presence of symptoms following ingestion within hours to days may indicate allergy.

Treatment of Wheat Allergy

The single, most effective way to manage wheat allergy is through avoiding exposure to wheat proteins such as eliminating them from the diet. However, some patients may still ingest portions of wheat in products. With this, specific treatments include:

Medications

Medications such as anti-histamines reduce the symptoms of allergy by binding the histamine receptors to prevent symptoms. Anti-histamines include diphenhydramine, cetirizine, and others. These medications may cause sedation so safety should always be ensured. In cases of anaphylaxis, epinephrine is given to provide emergency management for severe reactions. Epinephrine is usually injected intramuscularly. Patients with allergies are advised to carry epinephrine injections all the time for emergency purposes.

Diet and Recipes

Aside from medications, avoiding the allergen means dietary modifications and restrictions. Wheat products should be avoided. However, lack of wheat intake may also yield deficiencies in fiber. Because of this, wheat-free oats can be used to supply the body with the needed dietary fiber. Recipes that contain wheat-free goodies are also available online. They are easy to prepare and as tasty as foods containing wheat.

What is Allergic Contact Dermatitis?

Allergic Contact Dermatitis is a medical diagnosis in which a person experiences itchy skin that is brought about by an allergic reaction from a certain material coming in contact with the person’s skin. Other medically inclined experts would define it as a contact dermatitis form that has an allergic manifestation response and is due to the irritant substance contact.

Allergic Contact Dermatitis on the side of the neck after wearing jewelry

Medically speaking, this is a prevalent kind of immunotoxicity associated in human beings. Due to the fact that it is allergic in nature, this is a widely known as a hypersensitivity reaction. Hence, it is medically termed as Type IV delayed hypersensitivity reaction which involves the allergic response that is cellular mediated. Aside from that, Allergic Contact Dermatitis is known to rise from the two vital stages known to be the induction phase, where the sensitization is experienced and the other is termed as the anelicitation phase, where the response has been triggered. Most often, the substances that one is allergic to are considered to be harmless such as cotton and the like. Yet, there are persons who have developed hypersensitive reactions to harmless substances.

Allergic Contact Dermatitis Symptoms

Persons suffering from Allergic Contact Dermatitis will experience the following symptoms similar to that of persons suffering from irritant contact dermatitis which leads to a hard diagnosis to begin with. The symptoms from Allergic Contact Dermatitis are as follows:

• Skin lesions
• Blisters
• Vesicles
• Papules
• Simple reddish area
• Itching
• Inflammation
• Swelling that is localized
• Tender to touch
• Warmth area
• Leathery skinned
• Darkened skinned
• Burning sensation

The first sign that the person with Allergic Contact Dermatitis will observe or notice is a visible red rash. It may not appear for a period of one to two days after being exposed to the irritant. Also, one must know that when the reaction will start; it may take for about a month to completely resolve and return back to normal.

Allergic Contact Dermatitis Causes

Different persons who acquire Allergic Contact Dermatitis will experience different kinds of causes or etiological reasons as to why. The following common causes linked to Allergic Contact Dermatitis are as follows:

• Exposure to poison sumac
• Exposure to dyes used in sneakers and shoes
• Exposure to poison oak
• Exposure to poison ivy
• Brought about by newly bought pair of shoes

Generally, exposure to allergens will precipitate the person to experience Allergic Contact Dermatitis. What happens to people suffering from Allergic Contact Dermatitis is that the person’s immune system will react, especially when there is a presence of a foreign substance. The activation of the immune system will lead to the production of the antibodies against allergen that is presence upon contact. This will form a hypersensitivity reaction. The antibody that fights off these foreign invaders are the immunoglobulin E, or IgE, which is stored in mast cells. They are the ones that promote hormonal and chemical release (mediators) such as Histamine. Persons inflicted with Allergic Contact Dermatitis have an external trigger instead of an internal trigger.

Allergic Contact Dermatitis Treatment

With regards to the treatment given to the persons suffering from Allergic Contact Dermatitis:

Pharmacological treatment

The following commonly prescribed treatment medications are as follows:

1. Antihistamine drugs

This may either be prescribed to the person with Allergic Contact Dermatitis or may be bought over-the-counter. This will target the release or activation of the mediator histamine so as not to cause an inflammatory response once there is a presence of allergens or foreign invaders. An example of antihistamine drugs is:

Diphenhydramine medications

This is a known medical treatment that is good for persons experiencing inflammatory reactions. It is commonly prescribed to persons suffering from Allergic Contact Dermatitis.

2. Corticosteroid medications

This drug may either be in a form of an ointment or cream. This works similar to that of the hydrocortisone which is often prescribed to fight off inflammation in a localized area. If there is a severe form of allergy brought about by Allergic Contact Dermatitis, an oral pill or injection may be necessary to assure the direct effect of the medication to the person’s body or immune system.

3. Calamine lotion

This kind of medication may relieve the itchy feeling and may soothe the area that is afflicted by Allergic Contact Dermatitis.

Home remedies

Home remedies include:

• Draping the affected area in a cool oatmeal bath to aid in the relief of itching episodes
• Application of wet dressing to the affected area
• Application of lotion that will dry the skin to avoid itching episodes
• Wearing smooth textured clothing to prevent irritation of the skin
• Avoidance of dye
• Avoidance of perfumes
• Avoidance of soap that is irritating to the person’s skin
• Washing the area with cool water after exposure to the allergen
• Application of cold moist compress especially when blisters are present and applied for as long as 30 minutes for three times a day

Normally, the symptoms associated in Allergic Contact Dermatitis may resolve even without treatment within 2- 4 weeks or one month. As long as the triggering factor or allergen is avoided by the person allergic to it, the recuperation stage will be achieved. However, the person with Allergic Contact Dermatitis may experience a chronic form of the disease condition especially if they were not able to pinpoint the allergen that caused him or her to experience the disease condition. Thus, since it was not pinpointed, it was not avoided.

Allergic Contact Dermatitis Pictures

Allergic contact dermatitis on the face of a child

Rashes developed after contact with detergent

Dermatitis on the ear as a result of frequent contact with hair