Dyschromatopsia and Achromatopsia
The failure to be able to differentiate between similar shades of a single color is known as color blindness. The ability to recognize only certain colors is referred to as dyschromatopsia. An inability to perceive color completely is known as achromatopsia. Color blindness usually occurs due to a congenital defect and is present at the time of birth. In more rare cases, the color blindness develops as one ages as the lens of the eye also undergoes ageing. It may also result from certain illnesses or due to intake of some medications. It is mostly a genetic trait that causes color blindness and this takes place more commonly in men that in women. The ability to perceive color may also be affected by disorders or damage to the retina or optic nerve of the eyes.
When a person is affected by achromatopsia, he is unable to differentiate between various colors. In some cases, only grey shades are seen. These individuals may also suffer from disruptions in sensitivity to light, rapid eye movement and distance vision. Dyschromatopsia tends to occur more frequently. Individuals suffering from this condition usually have no other problems with vision. They are generally unable to distinguish between the shades of green and red. In few cases, the ability to distinguish between shades of yellow and blue is hampered. The condition of color blindness is usually detected through self diagnosis. Achromatopsia may be detected only after the child has reached three to four years of age. The doctor generally does a color test to confirm the presence of color blindness. In some cases, an electric eye test known as an electroretinograph may also be performed.
Color blindness cannot be prevented as such. The maximum that one can do is to undergo regular eye check-ups and treat eye problems promptly as this may help in preventing further deterioration of eye conditions. The condition of color blindness persists throughout the lifetime of a person and as such early detection is important so that the person can learn techniques to deal with the condition in terms of occupational therapy and other methods. There is no known available treatment for color blindness in terms of surgery, medication or nutritional supplements. Proper care and precautions are the only way to cope with this condition. It is not advisable for individuals suffering from color blindness to drive or operate heavy machinery. Some individuals suffering from achromatopsia are known to benefit from wearing dark glasses.
Drug Induced High BP:
Hypertension or blood pressure that results due to intake of certain drugs, medications or chemicals is termed as drug induced hypertension. Blood pressure refers to the quantity of blood that is pumped by the heart, the strength of the pumping ability of the heart, the health of the valves of the heart and the size and health of the arteries. Blood pressure levels are affected by the state of the nervous system, the kidneys and the blood vessels. Hormonal levels in the body and the water content in the water also determine blood pressure. Hypertension can be classified into three types; essential hypertension for the causes are unknown; secondary hypertension which take place on account of another illness; and drug induced hypertension which is a type of secondary hypertension and is caused due to the effects of drugs or medication.
The drugs that commonly cause high blood pressure or hypertension are cocaine and other narcotics, alcohol and amphetamines. Corticosteroids, erythropoietin, cyclosporine, estrogens and other hormonal supplements, asthma and cold medications, migraine medicines and nasal decongestants are also known to result in high blood pressure. Sometimes the blood pressure can rise after one discontinues or lowers the intake of a particular drug and is known as rebound hypertension. The signs and symptoms of drug induced hypertension include pain in the chest, anxiety, profuse sweating, confusion, muscle spasms and tremors, headaches, nausea, vomiting, fatigue, vision problems and paleness.
Blood pressure is measured in the form of systolic blood pressure which is the upper number and is the value of the pressure of the blood vessels when the heart is in active state and is pumping; and diastolic pressure which is the lower number and is the value of the pressure of the blood vessels when the heart is resting. Blood pressure is considered normal when it systolic pressure is lower than 120 mmHg and diastolic pressure is lower than 80 mm Hg. Blood tests must be done in order to detect the drug or medication levels that may be triggering the hypertension. Treatment for drug induced hypertension is aimed at lowering the blood pressure to under 140/90. The doctor usually recommends discontinuation of the drugs that are causing the hypertension and may prescribe an alternative drug instead. High blood pressure may be kept in check through proper diet, restricting alcohol intake, engaging in regular exercise and maintaining one’s ideal body weight. Garlic is known to be very effective in keeping blood pressure in check and may be taken through the diet. A tablespoon of Indian gooseberry and honey may also be consumed daily for regulating blood pressure levels in the body.
Drug Induced Erectile Dysfunction:
The inability of a man in achieving or maintaining an erection is referred to as erectile dysfunction. It is also known as male impotence and can result due to various causes. This condition usually occurs as a man becomes older. There are a few occurrences of this condition in men below the age of forty years also. Many conditions such as diabetes or mental depression can result in erectile dysfunction. Intake of drugs could be one of the causes. There are various drugs that can give rise to this problem. Drug abuse involving cocaine, heroin and other narcotic drugs can bring about this condition. Use of alcohol and cigarette smoking can also have this effect in men. A drug administered for the treatment of gastroesophageal reflux disease and peptic ulcers, called cimetidine is known to cause erection problems. Diuretics used to regulate high blood pressure, heart disease and edema in the legs have also been found to cause erectile dysfunction. Other types of high blood pressure medications called beta blockers and medications for treating depression, psychosis and certain sedatives can also result in erectile dysfunction. Another drug known to cause this condition is finasteride which is used in the treatment of prostate cancer and in preventing balding.
There are many other drugs that can also cause erectile dysfunction. However, this does not take place in all men and some men never experience this problem when taking such drugs. But for some men, the ability to achieve an erection is completely diminished. If the problem starts occurring soon after starting on a new medication or drug, then in all likelihood the drug is responsible for the condition. In some cases months may pass while taking the drug and it is only later on that erectile dysfunction begins to occur. Before discontinuing the drug or medication, one must consult the doctor as this could have a negative effect on the condition that is being treated. In some cases, the drug can be substituted by another drug that is not known to cause erectile dysfunction. When the drug intake is stopped, the ability to have and maintain an erection will return soon. However if the erectile dysfunction persists, then other causes need to be examined.
In cases where the erectile dysfunction is caused by drug abuse or alcohol abuse, then it is most important to stop intake of these substances. This will not only solve the problem of erectile dysfunction but will also prevent far more serious health problems. Very long term abuse of these substances may result in erectile dysfunction throughout the lifetime of the individual. One needs to consult and discuss the condition with the doctor so that the right course of treatment can be prescribed.
Thoracic Outlet Syndrome:
Thoracic outlet syndrome is a collective term for disorders that result from compression of the nerves or blood vessels in the thoracic outlet. The thoracic outlet refers to the area between the clavicle (collar bone) and the first rib. These disorders cause pain in the neck and shoulders and may also result in a numb sensation in the fingers. The causes of thoracic outlet syndrome could range from physical trauma or injuries that may have occurred repeatedly in the area. Injuries that may have occurred in the past can also result in this syndrome. In certain cases, the cause of these disorders cannot be ascertained. The treatment for thoracic outlet syndrome involves the administration of pain medication and physiotherapy. This brings positive results in most cases. In severe cases, surgery may be required to take care of the problem.
There are three classifications of thoracic outlet syndrome. Neurological thoracic outlet syndrome refers to compression of the complex of nerves known as brachial plexus. These nerves extend from the spine and are responsible for movements of the muscles. They also control sensations that are felt in the hand and shoulder. This is the most common type of thoracic outlet syndrome. Vascular thoracic outlet syndrome results due to compression of the veins and arteries under the collar bone. There is also a category called non-specific type or disputed thoracic outlet syndrome in which individuals experience pain in the thoracic outlet area, however the reasons for the same are unknown. The symptoms of neurological thoracic outlet syndrome include pain in the neck, shoulder and arm, tingling sensation in the fingers, numbness of the fingers and weakness in gripping objects. The symptoms of vascular thoracic outlet syndrome include appearance of a bluish discoloration on the hand, swelling and pain in the arm, blood clotting in the area, swelling around the clavicle and appearance of small black marks on the fingers. Thoracic outlet syndrome may be caused by congenital defects, improper posture, trauma or injury, repetitive movements, strain on the joints and pregnancy.
The treatment for thoracic outlet syndrome involves physical therapy in which muscle strengthening exercises are taught, relaxation which helps to relax the strained muscles and regulate proper posture and medications for relaxing the muscles and for treating inflammation. The exercises must also be practiced at home regularly so that the muscles of the thoracic outlet become strong. It is also important to refrain from putting excessive stress on the neck and shoulder muscles. One must also focus on maintaining a proper posture at all time. Taking regular breaks between activities will also give the muscles time to rest.
