April 13, 2010

Apoplexy: Internal Organ Bleeding

Posted in Category : Common Ailments

Apoplexy is a condition commonly associated with those who are either fat or obese as well as those who accustom themselves to an unhealthily lavish lifestyle. However, the term apoplexy is given to bleeding into one’s organ which is typically uncontrolled. Thus you have different varieties of apoplexy like pituitary apoplexy. This would mean bleeding which takes place into one’s pituitary gland. However, if the term is used by itself, with no organ’s name attached to it, it is usually the brain which is implied. This is why the term apoplexy has sometimes been given to conditions such as a stroke. Symptoms here would be a sudden collapse such that there appears to be no movement except for breathing and a pulse. In some cases, before falling insensibly, there could be other signs such as a terrible headache and weak pulse. Remember that other types of apoplexy conditions have different symptoms and causes. Pituitary apoplexy, for instance, usually goes by the name pituitary infarction; and the bleeding in such cases is commonly attributable to non-cancerous tumors.

Treatments

The treatment for apoplexy would typically be to attend to the person by raising his or her head such that they are almost upright. The next step would be to help by loosening tight clothing, any strings or other binding garments. While cold water or cloths should be applied to the person’s head, the water applied to the feet should be warm. In addition to this, warm cloths should also be used on the patient’s feet. It helps to cool down the environment and ensure that the area has proper ventilation. While it might seem natural to offer water, do not attempt to do so or to offer anything until you find that the person breathes easier. After this, cold water is usually given to the person, to sip on. Remember that this is just temporary treatment and lifestyle changes would subsequently be necessary. You would be required to call emergency care without any kind of delay if you find a person to have symptoms of apoplexy. There could be various complications linked to apoplexy and one could also mistake it with another condition for apoplexy. This is why medical help and emergency care is of utmost importance when dealing with anyone experiencing such alarming symptoms. Discuss apoplexy with your doctor and do not forget to look at long term options in terms of managing this condition.