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.
Cystic Fibrosis in Adults
One of the most common autosomal recessive diseases is cystic fibrosis (CF). It occurs in 1 in 2,500 to 3,500 newborns. Does this illness sound familiar? If it does not, do not worry. In this article, you will learn about cystic fibrosis in adults, including symptoms and how it affects different organs in the body.
What is Cystic Fibrosis?
Cystic fibrosis is an inheritable disease. In order for the disease to manifest, two copies of the abnormal gene must be present. Mutations in the cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) gene (a gene that encodes a chloride channel) causes problems in the CFTR protein, which leads to imbalances in the salt and water inside the cell. This imbalance leads to the body producing thick and sticky mucus. Mucus is ideally fluid and runny so that it can act as a lubricant in the body, but for people with CF it tends to clog tubes, putting you at risk of other health concerns.
Cystic fibrosis is also a multi-organ disease, as its effects are seen in different organs, such as the lungs, pancreas and the other gastrointestinal organs, the sinuses and sweat glands.
1. Symptoms in Lungs
Mucus in the lungs normally helps in the lubrication and trapping of foreign substances and microorganisms. The increased viscosity of mucus brought about by cystic fibrosis leads to mucus plugging of the bronchial passages and small airway ducts. This leads to obstructive lung disease and inflammation. It also provides a good habitat for the growth of bacteria, leading to pulmonary infection. Because of its effect on the lungs, people with this condition have significant respiratory problems leading to extreme difficulty in breathing over time.
2. Symptoms in the Gastrointestinal System
Normally, the pancreas secretes enzymes that empty into the small intestine to help with the digestion of food. For patients with cystic fibrosis, this is impaired because the thick mucus secretion blocks and clogs the pancreatic ducts, leading to pancreatic insufficiency. The release of pancreatic enzymes for digestion is compromised too. The impairment due to cystic fibrosis causes greasy stools and difficulty of absorption of nutrients, especially the fat-soluble ones (vitamins A, D, E and K).
Not only that, but because the pancreatic enzymes are not released, it results in inflammation within the pancreas which can lead to destruction of pancreatic tissue and eventually pancreatic failure. Further damage of the pancreas can lead to complications that are similar to type 1 diabetes mellitus.
Duct obstruction also affects the gallbladder and liver, leading to liver cirrhosis and gallbladder disease, with an increased risk of gallstone formation.
3. Symptoms in the Sinuses and Sweat Glands
Obstruction in the sinus passages leads to increased inflammation. Cilia, which are hair-like structures that line the sinus passageways, are impaired. Cilia are part of the respiratory system’s defense and trap potentially-harmful substances, including bacteria that can lead to increased bacterial growth and sinusitis. Dysfunction also occurs in the sweat glands, and it causes the sweat in skin to have a higher salt concentration. In severe cases, this can lead to dehydration.
How is It Treated?
Cystic fibrosis can be diagnosed at birth through newborn screening tests. Because it can be detected early, treatment can also be started early and optimized. Treatment is also multi-factorial and patients are usually managed by a team of specialists.
The main goal in the treatment of cystic fibrosis is to ensure that all the organs affected by the disease are not damaged and function optimally for as long as possible.
Because cystic fibrosis has a significant impact on the lungs, one of the goals of treatment is to maintain lung function and avoid further impairment by controlling infection and inflammation.
Antibiotics are given to control infection and adequate oxygenation is provided by bronchodilators. Anti-inflammatory medications are given to control inflammation. If there are signs of respiratory distress, oxygenation and breathing are supported by using devices such as nasal cannulas or a bilevel positive airway pressure. Nutritional support is also important as malabsorption of important nutrients can lead to poor weight gain and weaker immunity. By addressing all these concerns, treatment is not only multi-factorial, but also holistic.
In Conclusion
While many people believe CF is limited to the lungs, this is not true. Cystic fibrosis in adults can occur in other areas of the body, affecting the sinus cavities and digestive tract. If you believe you are at risk, talk to your doctor as soon as possible.