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Diseases and Disorders, Bellville (2026)

13/02/2022

ACHILLES TENDON RUPTURE

-Achilles (uh-KILL-eez) tendon rupture is an injury that affects the back of your lower leg. It most commonly occurs in people playing recreational sports.

The Achilles tendon is a strong fibrous cord that connects the muscles in the back of your calf to your heel bone. If you overstretch your Achilles tendon, it can tear (rupture) completely or just partially.

If your Achilles Tendon Ruptures, you might feel a pop or snap, followed by an immediate sharp pain in the back of your ankle and lower leg that is likely to affect your ability to walk properly. Surgery is often the best option to repair an Achilles Tendon Rupture. For many people, however, nonsurgical treatment works just as well.

▪︎SYMPTOMS
Although it's possible to have no signs or symptoms with an Achilles Tendon Rupture, most people experience:

-Pain, possibly severe, and swelling near your heel
-An inability to bend your foot downward or "push off" the injured leg when you walk
-An inability to stand on your toes on the injured leg
-A popping or snapping sound when the injury occurs

▪︎When to see your doctor?
Seek medical advice immediately if you feel a pop or snap in your heel, especially if you can't walk properly afterward.

▪︎CAUSES
Your Achilles tendon helps you point your foot downward, rise on your toes and push off your foot as you walk. You rely on it virtually every time you move your foot.

Rupture usually occurs in the section of the tendon located within 2 1/2 inches (about 6 centimeters) of the point where it attaches to the heel bone. This section may be predisposed to rupture because it gets less blood flow, which also may impair its ability to heal.

Ruptures often are caused by a sudden increase in the amount of stress on your Achilles tendon.

•Common examples include:

-Increasing the intensity of sports participation, especially in sports that involve jumping
-Falling from a height
-Stepping into a hole

▪︎RISK FACTORS
Factors that may increase your risk of Achilles Tendon Rupture include:

▪︎Age : The peak age for Achilles Tendon Rupture is 30 to 40.
▪︎S*x : Achilles Tendon Rupture is up to five times more likely to occur in men than in women.
▪︎Recreational sports : Achilles tendon injuries occur more often during sports that involve running, jumping, and sudden starts and stops — such as soccer, basketball and tennis.
▪︎Steroid injections : Doctors sometimes inject steroids into an ankle joint to reduce pain and inflammation. However, this medication can weaken nearby tendons and has been associated with Achilles Tendon Ruptures.
▪︎Certain antibiotics : Fluoroquinolone antibiotics, such as ciprofloxacin (Cipro) or levofloxacin (Levaquin), increase the risk of Achilles Tendon Rupture.

■TREATMENTS AND DRUGS
Treatment for a ruptured Achilles tendon often depends on your age, activity level and the severity of your injury. In general, younger and more active people often choose surgery to repair a completely ruptured Achilles tendon, while older people are more likely to opt for nonsurgical treatment. Recent studies, however, have shown fairly equal effectiveness of both operative and nonoperative management.

▪︎Nonsurgical treatment
This approach typically involves wearing a cast or walking boot with wedges to elevate your heel, which allows your torn tendon to heal. This method avoids the risks associated with surgery, such as infection. However, the likelihood of re-rupture may be higher with a nonsurgical approach, and recovery can take longer. If re-rupture occurs, surgical repair may be more difficult.

▪︎Surgery
The procedure generally involves making an incision in the back of your lower leg and stitching the torn tendon together. Depending on the condition of the torn tissue, the repair may be reinforced with other tendons. Surgical complications can include infection and nerve damage. Infection rates are reduced in surgeries that employ smaller incisions.

▪︎Rehabilitation
After treatment, whether surgical or nonsurgical, you'll go through a rehabilitation program involving physical therapy exercises to strengthen your leg muscles and Achilles tendon. Most people return to their former level of activity within four to six months.

▪︎LIFESTYLE AND HOME REMEDIES
To reduce your chance of developing Achilles tendon problems, follow these tips:

-Stretch and strengthen calf muscles. -Stretch your calf to the point at which you feel a noticeable pull but not pain. Don't bounce during a stretch. -Calf-strengthening exercises can also help the muscle and tendon absorb more force and prevent injury.
-Vary your exercises. Alternate high-impact sports, such as running, with low-impact sports, such as walking, biking or swimming. Avoid activities that place excessive stress on your Achilles tendons, such as hill running and jumping activities.
-Choose running surfaces carefully. Avoid or limit running on hard or slippery surfaces. Dress properly for cold-weather training and wear well-fitting athletic shoes with proper cushioning in the heels.
-Increase training intensity slowly. Achilles tendon injuries commonly occur after abruptly increasing training intensity. Increase the distance, duration and frequency of your training by no more than 10 percent each week.

26/01/2022

ACHILLES TENDINITIS

Achilles Tendinitis is an overuse injury of the Achilles (uh-KIL-eez) tendon, the band of tissue that connects calf muscles at the back of the lower leg to your heel bone.
Achilles Tendinitis most commonly occurs in runners who have suddenly increased the intensity or duration of their runs. It's also common in middle-aged people who play sports, such as tennis or basketball, only on the weekends.
Most cases of Achilles Tendinitis can be treated with relatively simple, at-home care under your doctor's supervision. Self-care strategies are usually necessary to prevent recurring episodes. More-serious cases of Achilles Tendinitis can lead to tendon tears (ruptures) that may require surgical repair.

SYMPTOMS

The pain associated with Achilles Tendinitis typically begins as a mild ache in the back of the leg or above the heel after running or other sports activity. Episodes of more severe pain may occur after prolonged running, stair climbing or sprinting.
You might also experience tenderness or stiffness, especially in the morning, which usually improves with mild activity.

When to see a doctor

If you experience persistent pain around the Achilles tendon, call your doctor. Seek immediate medical attention if the pain or disability is severe. You may have a torn (ruptured) Achilles tendon.

CAUSES

Achilles Tendinitis is caused by repetitive or intense strain on the Achilles tendon, the band of tissue that connects your calf muscles to your heel bone. This tendon is used when you walk, run, jump or push up on your toes.
The structure of the Achilles tendon weakens with age, which can make it more susceptible to injury — particularly in people who may participate in sports only on the weekends or who have suddenly increased the intensity of their running programs.

RISK FACTORS

A number of factors may increase your risk of Achilles Tendinitis, including:

Your s*x and age. Achilles Tendinitis occurs most commonly in middle-aged men.

Physical problems. A naturally flat arch in your foot can put more strain on the Achilles tendon. Obesity and tight calf muscles also can increase tendon strain.

Training choices. Running in worn-out shoes can increase your risk of Achilles Tendinitis. Tendon pain occurs more frequently in cold weather than in warm weather, and running on hilly terrain also can predispose you to Achilles injury.

Medical conditions. People who have Diabetes or high blood pressure are at higher risk of developing Achilles Tendinitis.

Medications. Certain types of antibiotics, called Fluoroquinolones, have been associated with higher rates of Achilles Tendinitis.

COMPLICATIONS

Achilles Tendinitis can weaken the tendon, making it more vulnerable to a tear (rupture) — a painful injury that usually requires surgical repair.

TESTS AND DIAGNOSIS

During the physical exam, your doctor will gently press on the affected area to determine the location of pain, tenderness or swelling. He or she will also evaluate the flexibility, alignment, range of motion and reflexes of your foot and ankle.

Imaging tests

Your doctor may order one or more of the following tests to assess your condition:

X-rays. While X-rays can't visualize soft tissues such as tendons, they may help rule out other conditions that can cause similar symptoms.

Ultrasound. This device uses sound waves to visualize soft tissues like tendons. Ultrasound can also produce real-time images of the Achilles tendon in motion.

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Using radio waves and a very strong magnet, MRI machines can produce very detailed images of the Achilles tendon.

TREATMENTS AND DRUGS

Tendinitis usually responds well to self-care measures. But if your signs and symptoms are severe or persistent, your doctor might suggest other treatment options.

Medications

If over-the-counter pain medications — such as ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin IB, others) or naproxen (Aleve) — aren't enough, your doctor might prescribe stronger medications to reduce inflammation and relieve pain.

Physical therapy

A physical therapist might suggest some of the following treatment options:

Exercises. Therapists often prescribe specific stretching and strengthening exercises to promote healing and strengthening of the Achilles tendon and its supporting structures.

Orthotic devices. A shoe insert or wedge that slightly elevates your heel can relieve strain on the tendon and provide a cushion that lessens the amount of force exerted on your Achilles tendon.

Surgery

If several months of more-conservative treatments don't work or if the tendon has torn, your doctor may suggest surgery to repair your Achilles tendon.

LIFESTYLE AND HOME REMEDIES

While it may not be possible to prevent Achilles Tendinitis, you can take measures to reduce your risk:

Increase your activity level gradually. If you're just beginning an exercise regimen, start slowly and gradually increase the duration and intensity of the training.

Take it easy. Avoid activities that place excessive stress on your tendons, such as hill running. If you participate in a strenuous activity, warm up first by exercising at a slower pace. If you notice pain during a particular exercise, stop and rest.

Choose your shoes carefully. The shoes you wear while exercising should provide adequate cushioning for your heel and should have a firm arch support to help reduce the tension in the Achilles tendon. Replace your worn-out shoes. If your shoes are in good condition but don't support your feet, try arch supports in both shoes.

Stretch daily. Take the time to stretch your calf muscles and Achilles tendon in the morning, before exercise and after exercise to maintain flexibility. This is especially important to avoid a recurrence of Achilles Tendinitis.

Strengthen your calf muscles. Strong calf muscles enable the calf and Achilles tendon to better handle the stresses they encounter with activity and exercise.

Cross-train. Alternate high-impact activities, such as running and jumping, with low-impact activities, such as cycling and swimming.

21/01/2022

ACANTHOSIS NIGRICANS

Acanthosis nigricans is a skin condition characterized by areas of dark, velvety discoloration in body folds and creases. The affected skin can become thickened. Most often, acanthosis nigricans affects your armpits, groin and neck.
The skin changes of acanthosis nigricans (ak-an-THOE-sis NIE-grih-kuns) typically occur in people who are obese or have Diabetes. Children who develop the condition are at higher risk of developing Type 2 diabetes. Rarely, acanthosis nigricans can be a warning sign of a Cancerous Tumor in an internal organ, such as the stomach or liver.
No specific treatment is available for acanthosis nigricans. Treatment of underlying conditions may restore some of the normal color and texture to affected areas of skin.

SYMPTOMS

Skin changes are the only signs of acanthosis nigricans. You'll notice dark, thickened, velvety skin in body folds and creases — typically in your armpits, groin and back of the neck. The skin changes usually appear slowly. The affected skin may also have an odor or itch.

When to see a doctor

Consult your doctor if you notice changes in your skin — especially if the changes appear suddenly. You may have an underlying condition that needs treatment.

CAUSES

Acanthosis nigricans has been associated with:

Insulin resistance. Most people who have acanthosis nigricans have also become resistant to insulin. Insulin is a hormone secreted by the pancreas that allows your body to process sugar. Insulin resistance is what eventually causes Type 2 diabetes.

Hormonal disorders. Acanthosis nigricans often occurs in people who have disorders such as Ovarian cysts, underactive thyroids or problems with the adrenal glands.

Certain drugs and supplements. High-dose niacin, birth control pills, prednisone and other corticosteroids may cause acanthosis nigricans.

Cancer. Acanthosis nigricans also sometimes occurs with Lymphoma or when a Cancerous Tumor begins growing in an internal organ, such as the stomach, colon or liver.

RISK FACTORS

Acanthosis nigricans risk factors include:

Obesity. The heavier you are, the higher your risk of acanthosis nigricans.

Race. Studies show that in the United States, acanthosis nigricans is more common among Native Americans.

Family history. Some types of acanthosis nigricans appear to be hereditary.

COMPLICATIONS

People who have acanthosis nigricans are much more likely to develop Type 2 diabetes.

TESTS AND DIAGNOSIS

Acanthosis nigricans is typically detected during a skin exam. Rarely, a small skin sample is removed (biopsied) for examination in a lab. If the cause of acanthosis nigricans is unclear, your doctor may recommend blood tests, X-rays or other tests to look for possible underlying causes.

TREATMENTS AND DRUGS

In many situations, treating the underlying problem can help fade the discoloration. Examples may include:

Losing weight. If your acanthosis nigricans is caused by Obesity, losing weight may help.

Stopping medications or supplements. If your condition seems to be related to a medication or supplement that you use, your doctor may suggest that you stop using that substance.

Having surgery. If acanthosis nigricans was triggered by a Cancerous Tumor, surgically removing the Tumor often clears up the skin discoloration.

If you are concerned about the appearance of your skin or if the lesions become uncomfortable or start to smell bad, your doctor may suggest:

Prescription creams to lighten or soften the affected areas

Antibacterial soaps, used gently, as scrubbing could worsen the condition

Topical antibiotic

Oral Acne medications

Laser therapy to reduce the skin's thickness

21/01/2022

ABSENCE SEIZURES

Absence seizures involve brief, sudden lapses of consciousness. They're more common in children than adults. Someone having an absence seizure may look like he or she is staring into space for a few seconds. This type of seizure usually doesn't lead to physical injury.
Absence seizures usually can be controlled with anti-seizure medications. Some children who have them also develop other seizures. Many children outgrow absence seizures in their teens.

SYMPTOMS

An indication of simple absence seizure is a vacant stare, which may be mistaken for a lapse in attention that lasts 10 to 15 seconds, without any subsequent confusion, headache or drowsiness. Signs and symptoms of absence seizures include:

Sudden stop in motion without falling

Lip smacking

Eyelid Flutters

Chewing motions

Finger rubbing

Small movements of both hands

Absence seizures generally last 10 to 15 seconds, followed immediately by full recovery. Afterward, there's no memory of the incident. Some people have dozens of episodes daily, which interfere with school or daily activities.
A child may have absence seizures for some time before an adult notices the seizures, because they're so brief. A decline in a child's learning ability may be the first sign of this disorder. Teachers may comment about a child's inability to pay attention.

When to see a doctor

Contact your doctor:

The first time you notice a seizure

If this is a new type of seizure

If the seizures continue to occur despite being placed on anti-seizure medication

Seek immediate medical attention:

If you observe prolonged automatic behaviors — activities such as eating or moving without awareness — or prolonged confusion, possible symptoms of a condition called absence status epilepticus

After any seizure lasting more than five minutes

CAUSES

Often, no underlying cause can be found for absence seizures. Many children appear to have a genetic predisposition to them. Rapid breathing (hyperventilation) can trigger an absence seizure.
In general, seizures are caused by abnormal electrical impulses from nerve cells (neurons) in the brain. The brain's nerve cells normally send electrical and chemical signals across the synapses that connect them.
In people who have seizures, the brain's usual electrical activity is altered. During an absence seizure, these electrical signals repeat themselves over and over in a three-second pattern.
People who have seizures may also have altered levels of the chemical messengers that help the nerve cells communicate with one another (neurotransmitters).
Absence seizures are more prevalent in children. Many children gradually outgrow them over months to years. Some children with absence seizures may also experience full seizures (tonic-clonic seizures).

RISK FACTORS

Certain factors are common to children who have absence seizures, including:

Age. Absence seizures are more common in children between the ages of 4 and 10.

S*x. In general, most seizures are more common in boys, but absence seizures are more common in girls.

History of Febrile seizures. Infants and children who have seizures brought on by Fever are at greater risk of absence seizures.

Family members who have seizures. Nearly half of children with absence seizures have a close relative who has seizures.

COMPLICATIONS

While most children outgrow absence seizures, some:

Have seizures throughout life

Eventually have full convulsions, such as generalized tonic-clonic seizures

Other complications can include:

Learning difficulties

Behavior problems

Social isolation

TESTS AND DIAGNOSIS

Your doctor will ask for a detailed description of the seizures and conduct a physical exam. Tests may include:

Electroencephalography (EEG). This painless procedure measures waves of electrical activity in the brain. Brain waves are transmitted to the EEG machine via small electrodes attached to the scalp with paste or an elastic cap.
Your child may be asked to breathe rapidly or look at flickering lights, an attempt to provoke a seizure. During a seizure, the pattern on the EEG differs from the normal pattern.

Brain scans. Tests such as magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) can produce detailed images of the brain, which can help rule out other problems, such as a Stroke or a brain Tumor. Because your child will need to hold still for long periods, talk with your doctor about the possible use of sedation.

TREATMENTS AND DRUGS

Your doctor likely will start at the lowest dose of anti-seizure medication possible and increase the dosage as needed to control the seizures. Most children can taper off anti-seizure medications, under a doctor's supervision, after they've been seizure-free for two years.
Drugs prescribed for absence seizure include:

Ethosuximide (Zarontin). This is the drug most doctors start with for absence seizures. In most cases, seizures respond well to this drug.

Valproic acid (Depakene). Because this drug has been associated with higher risk of birth defects in babies, doctors advise women against using it while trying to conceive or during pregnancy. Women who can't achieve seizure control on other medications should discuss potential risks with their doctors.

Lamotrigine (Lamictal). Some studies show this drug to be less effective than ethosuximide or valproic acid, but has fewer side effects.

LIFESTYLE AND HOME REMEDIES

A person with absence seizures may elect to wear a medical bracelet for identification for emergency medical reasons. The bracelet should state whom to contact in an emergency and what medications you use. It's also a good idea to let teachers, coaches and child care workers know about the seizures.

COPING AND SUPPORT

Even after they've been controlled with medication, seizures may affect areas of your child's life, such as attention span and learning. He or she will have to be seizure-free for reasonable lengths of time (intervals vary from state to state) before being able to drive.
You may find it helpful to talk with other people who are in the same situation as you. Besides offering support, they may have advice or tips for coping that you haven't considered.
The Epilepsy Foundation has a network of support groups, as well as online forums for teens and adults who have seizures and parents of children who have seizures. You can call the Epilepsy Foundation at 800-332-1000 or visit its website. Also, your doctor may know of support groups in your area.

15/01/2022

Batholin cyst(Bartholin's)

The Bartholin's (BAHR-toe-linz) glands are located on each side of the va**nal opening. These glands secrete Fluid that helps lubricate the va**na.
Sometimes the openings of these glands become obstructed, causing Fluid to back up into the gland. The result is relatively painless swelling called a Bartholin's cyst. If the Fluid within the cyst becomes infected, you may develop a collection of pus surrounded by inflamed tissue (abscess).
A Bartholin's cyst or abscess is common. Treatment of a Bartholin's cyst depends on the size of the cyst, how painful the cyst is and whether the cyst is infected.
Sometimes home treatment is all you need. In other cases, surgical drainage of the Bartholin's cyst is necessary. If an infection occurs, antibiotics may be helpful to treat the infected Bartholin's cyst.

SYMPTOMS

If you have a small, noninfected Bartholin's cyst, you may not notice it. If the cyst grows, you might feel a lump or mass near your va**nal opening. Although a cyst is usually painless, it can be tender.
A full-blown infection of a Bartholin's cyst can occur in a matter of days. If the cyst becomes infected, you may experience:

A tender, painful lump near the va**nal opening

Discomfort while walking or sitting

Pain during in*******se

Fever

A Bartholin's cyst or abscess typically occurs on only one side of the va**nal opening.

When to see a doctor

Call your doctor if you have a painful lump near the opening of your va**na that doesn't improve after two or three days of self-care — for instance, soaking the area in warm water (sitz bath). If the pain is severe, make an appointment with your doctor right away.
Also call your doctor promptly if you find a new lump near your va**nal opening and you're older than 40. Although rare, such a lump may be a sign of a more serious problem, such as Cancer.

CAUSES

Experts believe that the cause of a Bartholin's cyst is a backup of Fluid. Fluid may accumulate when the opening of the gland (duct) becomes obstructed, perhaps caused by infection or injury.
A Bartholin's cyst can become infected, forming an abscess. A number of bacteria may cause the infection, including Escherichia coli (E. coli) and bacteria that cause s*xually transmitted infections such as Gonorrhea and Chlamydia.

COMPLICATIONS

A Bartholin's cyst or abscess may recur and again require treatment.

TESTS AND DIAGNOSIS

To diagnose a Bartholin's cyst, your doctor may:

Ask questions about your medical history

Perform a pelvic exam

Take a sample of secretions from your va**na or cervix to test for a s*xually transmitted infection

Recommend a test of the mass (biopsy) to check for Cancerous cells if you're postmenopausal or over 40

If Cancer is a concern, your doctor may refer you to a gynecologist who specializes in Cancers of the female reproductive system.

TREATMENTS AND DRUGS

Often a Bartholin's cyst requires no treatment — especially if the cyst causes no signs or symptoms. When needed, treatment depends on the size of the cyst, your discomfort level and whether it's infected, which can result in an abscess.
Treatment options your doctor may recommend include:

Sitz baths. Soaking in a tub filled with a few inches of warm water (sitz bath) several times a day for three or four days may help a small, infected cyst to rupture and drain on its own.

Surgical drainage. You may need surgery to drain a cyst that's infected or very large. Drainage of a cyst can be done using local anesthesia or sedation.
For the procedure, your doctor makes a small incision in the cyst, allows it to drain, and then places a small rubber tube (catheter) in the incision. The catheter stays in place for up to six weeks to keep the incision open and allow complete drainage.

Antibiotics. Your doctor may prescribe an antibiotic if your cyst is infected or if testing reveals that you have a s*xually transmitted infection. But if the abscess is drained properly, you may not need antibiotics.

Marsupialization. If cysts recur or bother you, a marsupialization (mahr-soo-pee-ul-ih-ZAY-shun) procedure may help. Your doctor places stitches on each side of a drainage incision to create a permanent opening less than 1/4-inch (about 6-millimeter) long. An inserted catheter may be placed to promote drainage for a few days after the procedure and help prevent recurrence.

Rarely, for persistent cysts that aren't effectively treated by the above procedures, your doctor may recommend surgery to remove the Bartholin's gland. Surgical removal is usually done in a hospital under general anesthesia. Surgical removal of the gland carries a greater risk of bleeding or complications after the procedure.

LIFESTYLE AND HOME REMEDIES

There's no way to prevent a Bartholin's cyst. However, practicing safe s*x — in particular, using a condom — and maintaining good hygiene habits may help to prevent infection of a cyst and the formation of an abscess.

15/01/2022

Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm(AAA)

AAA is an enlarged area in the lower part of the aorta, the major blood vessel that supplies blood to the body. The aorta, about the thickness of a garden hose, runs from your heart through the center of your chest and abdomen. Because the aorta is the body's main supplier of blood, a ruptured abdominal Aortic aneurysm can cause life-threatening bleeding.
Depending on the size and rate at which your abdominal Aortic aneurysm is growing, treatment may vary from watchful waiting to emergency surgery. Once an abdominal Aortic aneurysm is found, doctors will closely monitor it so that surgery can be planned if it's necessary. Emergency surgery for a ruptured abdominal Aortic aneurysm can be risky.

SYMPTOMS

Abdominal Aortic aneurysms often grow slowly and usually without symptoms, making them difficult to detect. Some Aneurysms will never rupture. Many start small and stay small, although many expand over time. Others expand quickly. Predicting how fast an abdominal Aortic aneurysm may enlarge is difficult.
As an abdominal Aortic aneurysm enlarges, some people may notice:

A pulsating feeling near the navel

Deep, constant pain in your abdomen or on the side of your abdomen

Back pain

When to see a doctor

You should see your doctor if you have any of the symptoms listed above.
Anyone age 60 and older who has risk factors for developing an abdominal Aortic aneurysm, such as smoking or a family history of abdominal Aortic aneurysm, should consider regular screening for the condition. Because being male and smoking significantly increase the risk of abdominal Aortic aneurysm, men ages 65 to 75 who have ever smoked ci******es should have a one-time screening for abdominal Aortic aneurysm using abdominal ultrasound.
If you have a family history of abdominal Aortic aneurysm, your doctor may recommend an ultrasound exam to screen for the condition.
There are no specific screening recommendations for women. Ask your doctor if you need to have an ultrasound screening based on your risk factors.

CAUSES

Most Aortic aneurysms occur in the part of your aorta that's in your abdomen. Although the exact cause of abdominal Aortic aneurysms is unknown, a number of factors may play a role, including:

To***co use. Cigarette smoking and other forms of to***co use appear to increase your risk of Aortic aneurysms. In addition to the damaging effects that smoking causes directly to the arteries, smoking contributes to the buildup of fatty plaques in your arteries (atherosclerosis) and high blood pressure. Smoking can also cause your aneurysm to grow faster by further damaging your aorta.

Hardening of the arteries (atherosclerosis). Atherosclerosis occurs when fat and other substances build up on the lining of a blood vessel, increasing your risk of an aneurysm.

Infection in the aorta (Vasculitis). In rare cases, abdominal Aortic aneurysm may be caused by an infection or inflammation that weakens a section of the aortic wall.

Aneurysms can develop anywhere along the aorta, but when they occur in the upper part of the aorta, they are called thoracic Aortic aneurysms. More commonly, Aneurysms form in the lower part of your aorta and are called abdominal Aortic aneurysms. These Aneurysms may also be referred to as AAA or triple A.

RISK FACTORS

Abdominal Aortic aneurysm risk factors include:

Age. Abdominal Aortic aneurysms occur most often in people age 65 and older.

To***co use. To***co use is a strong risk factor for the development of an abdominal Aortic aneurysm. The longer you've smoked or chewed to***co, the greater your risk.

Atherosclerosis. Atherosclerosis, the buildup of fat and other substances that can damage the lining of a blood vessel, increases your risk of an aneurysm.

Being male. Men develop abdominal Aortic aneurysms much more often than women do.

Family history. People who have a family history of abdominal Aortic aneurysm are at increased risk of having the condition. People who have a family history of Aneurysms tend to develop Aneurysms at a younger age and are at higher risk of rupture.

COMPLICATIONS

Tears in the wall of the aorta (dissection) are the main complications of abdominal Aortic aneurysm. A ruptured Aortic aneurysm can lead to life-threatening internal bleeding. In general, the larger the aneurysm, the greater the risk of rupture.
Signs and symptoms that your Aortic aneurysm has burst include:

Sudden, intense and persistent abdominal or Back pain

Pain that radiates to your back or legs

Sweatiness

Clamminess

Dizziness

Nausea

Vomiting

Low blood pressure

Fast pulse

Loss of consciousness

Shortness of breath

Another complication of Aortic aneurysms is the risk of blood clots. Small blood clots can develop in the area of the Aortic aneurysm. If a blood clot breaks loose from the inside wall of an aneurysm and blocks a blood vessel elsewhere in your body, it can cause pain or block the blood flow to the legs, toes, kidneys or abdominal organs.

TESTS AND DIAGNOSIS

Abdominal Aortic aneurysms are often found during an examination for another reason. For example, during a routine exam, your doctor may feel a pulsating bulge in your abdomen, though it's unlikely your doctor will be able to hear signs of an aneurysm through a stethoscope. Aortic aneurysms are often found during routine medical tests, such as a chest X-ray or ultrasound of the heart or abdomen, sometimes ordered for a different reason.
If your doctor suspects that you have an Aortic aneurysm, specialized tests can confirm it. These tests might include:

Abdominal ultrasound. This exam can help diagnose an abdominal Aortic aneurysm. During this painless exam, you lie on your back on an examination table and a small amount of warm gel is applied to your abdomen. The gel helps eliminate the formation of air pockets between your body and the instrument the technician uses to see your aorta, called a transducer. The technician presses the transducer against your skin over your abdomen, moving from one area to another. The transducer sends images to a computer screen that the technician monitors to check for a potential aneurysm.

Computerized tomography (CT) scan. This painless test can provide your doctor with clear images of your aorta. During a CT scan, you lie on a table inside a doughnut-shaped machine called a gantry. Detectors inside the gantry measure the radiation that has passed through your body and converts it into electrical signals. A computer gathers these signals and assigns them a color ranging from black to white, depending on signal intensity. The computer then assembles the images and displays them on a computer monitor.

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). MRI is another painless imaging test. Most MRI machines contain a large magnet shaped like a doughnut or tunnel. You lie on a movable table that slides into the tunnel. The magnetic field aligns atomic particles in some of your cells. When radio waves are broadcast toward these aligned particles, they produce signals that vary according to the type of tissue they are. Your doctor can use the images produced by the signals to see if you have an aneurysm.

Regular screening for people at risk of abdominal Aortic aneurysms

The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force recommends that men ages 65 to 75 who have ever smoked should have a one-time screening for abdominal Aortic aneurysm using abdominal ultrasound. People older than age 60 with a family history of abdominal Aortic aneurysm or other risk factors should talk with their doctors about whether to have a screening ultrasound.

TREATMENTS AND DRUGS

Here are the general guidelines for treating abdominal Aortic aneurysms.

Small aneurysm

If you have a small abdominal Aortic aneurysm — about 1.6 inches, or 4 centimeters (cm), in diameter or smaller — and you have no symptoms, your doctor may suggest a watch-and-wait (observation) approach, rather than surgery. In general, surgery isn't needed for small Aneurysms because the risk of surgery likely outweighs the risk of rupture.
If you choose this approach, your doctor will monitor your aneurysm with periodic ultrasounds, usually every six to 12 months and encourage you to report immediately if you start having abdominal tenderness or Back pain — potential signs of a dissection.

Medium aneurysm

A medium aneurysm measures between 1.6 and 2.1 inches (4 and 5.3 cm). It's less clear how the risks of surgery versus waiting stack up in the case of a medium-size abdominal Aortic aneurysm. You'll need to discuss the benefits and risks of waiting versus surgery and make a decision with your doctor. If you choose watchful waiting, you'll need to have an ultrasound every six to 12 months to monitor your aneurysm.

Large, fast-growing or leaking aneurysm

If you have an aneurysm that is large (larger than 2.2 inches, or 5.6 cm) or growing rapidly (grows more than 0.5 cm in six months), you'll probably need surgery. In addition, a leaking, tender or painful aneurysm requires treatment. There are two types of surgery for abdominal Aortic aneurysms.

Open-abdominal surgery to repair an abdominal Aortic aneurysm involves removing the damaged section of the aorta and replacing it with a synthetic tube (graft), which is sewn into place, through an open-abdominal approach. With this type of surgery, it will likely take you a month or more to fully recover.

Endovascular surgery is a less invasive procedure sometimes used to repair an aneurysm. Doctors attach a synthetic graft to the end of a thin tube (catheter) that's inserted through an artery in your leg and threaded up into your aorta. The graft — a woven tube covered by a metal mesh support — is placed at the site of the aneurysm and fastened in place with small hooks or pins. The graft reinforces the weakened section of the aorta to prevent rupture of the aneurysm.

Recovery time for people who have endovascular surgery is shorter than for people who have open-abdominal surgery. However, follow-up appointments are more frequent because endovascular grafts can leak. Follow-up ultrasounds are generally done every six months for the first year, and then once a year after that. Long-term survival rates are similar for both endovascular surgery and open surgery.
The options for treatment of your aneurysm will depend on a variety of factors, including location of the aneurysm, your age, kidney function and other conditions that may increase your risk of surgery or endovascular repair.

LIFESTYLE AND HOME REMEDIES

The best approach to prevent an Aortic aneurysm is to keep your blood vessels as healthy as possible. That means taking these steps:

Quit smoking or chewing to***co.

Keep your blood pressure under control.

Get regular exercise.

Reduce cholesterol and fat in your diet.

If you have some risk factors for Aortic aneurysm, talk to your doctor. If you are at risk, your doctor may recommend additional measures, including medications to lower your blood pressure and relieve stress on weakened arteries.

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