Before the Needle Although many people have heard about Botox, few people know what it actually is. So, what are Botox injections? Many people would be surprised to learn that it actually is a drug derived from a neurotoxin created by a specific bacterium, the Clostridium botulinum. This is the same toxin that causes botulism, a life-threatening form of food poisoning. When ingested in its natural form, Botox can cause paralysis that spreads through the body until it eventually works its way to the breathing muscles, causing respiratory failure. This is why it is important to educate yourself before considering Botox injections. Why Do People Get Botox? Although this is a toxin, it is safe to use in small doses for medical use. Doctors often use the substance cosmetically. It is probably best known as an anti-wrinkle agent used to treat fine lines and signs of aging. Most commonly, it is used to treat wrinkles in the neck or face. Some people also get Botox injections to minimize their forehead lines. [youmaylike] In addition to smoothing skin to give it a more youthful appearance, it serves other medical purposes. Some patients use it to treat severe underarm sweating, migraines, uncontrollable blinking, overactive bladder and strabismus (misaligned eyes). How Does Botox Work? Botox causes paralysis. While this can be fatal in large, targeted doses, it is the property that helps with treatment. It acts locally, upon the injection site where it will weaken or paralyze targeted muscles. This is done as the neurotoxin attaches to nerve ending and blocks impulses from coming through. Instead of contracting as normal, the injected tissues will remain relatively frozen. Reducing the pulling of the skin is what makes the skin look more youthful. This signal-blocking property is also assisted with the other medical applications of Botox. It is important to realize that these are not the same as a filler. How Long Does Botox Last? The effects of Botox do not last forever. After a while, the signals will begin to pass through again. Procedures are expected to have a visual effect that lasts three to six months. Botox will not lose its effect overnight. Rather, you will experience a gradual decline in results as the muscles slowly regain their movement. The effects of your first session will wear off faster than the later sessions. Your first session is expected to last around three months where the later sessions will gradually last up to six months. Is Botox Safe? Under controlled medical environments, Botox injection procedures are considered low-risk. Most procedures are carried out safely and effectively with little side effects. The side effects one does experience are normally what is expected from any sort of injection procedure. This would be some temporary redness, bleeding or bruising at the injection site. In rare cases, one may experience a headache in the first two days after the procedure or temporary drooping. With this being said, there are certain situations where you should avoid getting Botox injections. You should not undergo treatments if you: Are 65 years of age or older, or under 18 years old. Have breathing problems. Have bleeding problems. Are allergic to or have sensitivities to Botox products. Be sure to talk to your doctor about any medications or supplements you are currently taking as there may be some interactions that could be dangerous. If you immediately experience signs of an allergic reaction upon the treatment, seek medical help immediately. To reduce any of the potential complications, it is important that you thoroughly research the performing physician. You need to make sure you are going to someone who knows what they are doing and has an adequate environment to perform hygienically and legally. It is not worth the risk to seek other methods. Does Botox Hurt? Botox procedures use very tiny needles. While injections are associated with some pain, the size of the needles keeps this pain at a minimum. Botox injections are generally preceded by some sort of anesthetic treatment to numb the pain. This is often done with a topical anesthetic cream or a cold pack. Most people report minimal to no pain at all. The Cost of Botox The cost of Botox will vary greatly depending on the specifications of your procedure. Some facilities will charge you by the area covered, but more often they charge you per unit of Botox used. On average, you will pay about $20 per unit. As the average treatment is about 20 to 60 units on average, you will likely pay between $500 and $800. The number of units used in a session will vary greatly depending on the space that you want to be covered. The bigger the area, the more units you will need to pay to achieve results. When it comes to cosmetic procedures, insurance will likely not pay for any of the costs. You can talk with your insurance provider to find out if they offer financial compensation for non-cosmetic procedures.
What is Crohn's Disease?
Crohn's disease is an inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) characterized by mild or chronic inflammation of parts of the digestive tract. It is estimated that 780,000 U.S. citizens have Crohn’s disease. These statistics cause concern because researchers have yet to identify the causes of the disease, or a cure.
Although Crohn's disease is not life-threatening, it can cause fatal complications.
Causes and Symptoms of Crohn's Disease
There are common ecological, heredity, and immune system factors found amid patients with IBD.
People living in developed nations, urban, and northern climates are more likely to have IBD compared with the people in underdeveloped, rural, and Southern climates.
Research shows that Crohn's disease is common in families with a history of IBD. Up to 20% of patients with IBD have a parent, child, or sibling with Crohn's or an IBD type of disease.
A healthy person's immune system pushes white blood into the gastrointestinal tract to launch an attack on bacteria and other harmful microorganisms. During the attack, the immune system spares the beneficial bacteria in the digestive tract. Inflammation occur in periods when the immune system is on the defense.
However, with IBD patients, the immune system does not differentiate between harmful and beneficial bacteria. Further, the inflammation that occurs during the immune response does not subside. It becomes chronic and causes ulcers and the intestinal walls thicken.
The most common symptoms of Crohn's disease include:
- Fever
- Fatigue
- Blood in the stool
- Unexplained weight loss
- Abdominal cramps
- Loss of appetite
- Abdominal pain
- Frequent diarrhea
Smoking, poor nutrition, and stress increase the severity of Crohn’s symptoms.
Strictures
Because of frequent inflammation, scar tissues that form in the intestinal wall cause the intestines to become narrow and consequently form strictures. Repeated inflammation and scarring of the small intestines may cause the scars to rupture.
Ulcers
The main characteristic of Crohn's disease is an inflamed intestinal lining. The inflammation causes changes to the intestinal lining, the mucosa, and the thickness of the intestinal walls, which leads to ulcers. Inflamed stomach, mouth or intestinal walls make eating and feeding very hard for the patient.
Fistulas and Anal Fissures
Fistulas and fissures are among the severe symptoms of Crohn's disease. Fistulas are connections or holes between an organ and the intestines. At the same time, fissures are painful tears in the anal tissues, which can expose the patient to other infections or lead to fistulas.
How is Crohn's Disease Diagnosed?
Doctors diagnose Crohn's through a process of elimination. A doctor will use several tests to diagnose and rule out likely causes of your symptoms. These tests range from stool tests to look for blood in your gut, colonoscopy, imaging tests like MRIs and CT scans, biopsy, or endoscopy.
By looking at the gut inside out, the doctor can then rule out other causes of symptoms and confirm Crohn's disease.
How is Crohn's Disease Treated?
There is no cure for Crohn's disease, but doctors can manage the disease through various ways such as administering antibiotics, steroids, immunosuppressant drugs, and anti-inflammatory drugs.
Doctors may also take other surgical measures depending on the severity symptoms, the extent of flare-ups, and the damage left in the intestines.
These measures include:
- Abscess drainage
- Colostomy or ileostomy
- Bowel resection (removal of some bowel sections with fistulas)
- Reconstructive surgery
To reduce flares and mitigate the severity of Crohn's doctors advise a change in diet. It's essential that you make an appointment with a registered dietitian capable of advising on the best foods to eat and foods to avoid.
It is also vital to keep a food diary and take note of your trigger foods or any information likely to be useful during follow up doctor appointments.
You should also be sure to take note of any prescription or over the counter medications you ingest. A diary helps the doctor trace the cause of a flare. For instance, aspirin in medications causes fire in the gut for people with gastro-intestinal issues.
As a start, increase your water intake and limit excessive fats and dairy in your diet. Look at the spices you use to cook. Chances are if your intestines are inflamed, some spices will make the pain more intense.
Talk to your doctor or dietitian regarding which supplements are best for you. Having an inflamed gut means absorbing fewer nutrients, hence the weight loss. It's essential to have alternative sources of nutrients to ensure to keep up with the body's needs.