Blood drug test
Blood drug tests are conducted to check for any traces of barbiturates or drug abuse. Blood is drawn from a vein on the inside of the elbow as is the case with other blood tests. Blood drug tests are used to screen for presence of illegal drugs or overdose or poisoning. Drug abuse of substances such as cocaine, heroin as well as overdose of amphetamines, benzodiazepines, phencyclidine and codeine can be analyzed with a blood drug test. The presence of illegal drugs or drugs not prescribed for the person indicated by a blood drug test can be suggestive of illicit drug use. Blood drug tests are conducted to monitor drug abuse cases, delirium and dementia.
Drug Withdrawal
Drug dependence refers to compulsive use of a drug, not for medical reasons. Some of the common substances that are abused are opium, codiene, heroin, cocaine, amphetamines since they have a stimulating effect. Some barbiturates have a soothing and numbing effect on the central nervous system. Drug withdrawal therapy or detoxification treatment is aimed at aiding a drug addict in reducing or eliminating the dependence on the substance. Drug withdrawal leads to symptoms such as:
- Nausea and vomiting
- Abdominal pain
- Nervousness and shaking
- Drenching sweats
- Seizures
This occurs because the nervoius system is disrupted. It is essential that drug withdrawal is done systematically and gradually. Otherwise the drug withdrawal symptoms can be very severe and often dangerous. Detoxification is most often carried on in a center geared towards helping drug addicts in getting rid of the drug abuse or substance addiction.
Septic Arthritis
Septic Arthritis is also known as bacterial arthritis and is a condition caused by bacterial infection of the joint space. The infection may be located at the affected joint or may have traveled through the bloodstream. Micro-organisms such as Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus pneumoniae, and group B streptococci are often the cause for this form of arthritis. This medical condition must be treated immediately lest it destroy the affected joint. The knees and hip are most often affected by septic arthritis. But sometimes the shoulder, wrist, elbow or ankles are affected. Often septic arthritis is noticed in persons who have had traumatic injury to the joint or fitted with an artificial joint. Diabetes and rhematoid arthritis can put a person at higher risk for septic arthritis. Poor immune system and intravenous drug abuse are other conditions that put a person at additional risk of contracting septic arthritis. Septic arthritis manifests with symptoms such as intense joint pain and swelling of the affected joint. Swelling on the affected joint makes it very tender and redness is noticed. Low grade fever is also noticed.
Aspiration of snyovial fluid and its culture helps in diagnosing septic arthritis. X-rays may not help in detecting this form of arthritis in the early stages. Draining the increased synovial fluid from the affected joint can help in relieving pressure and reduce symptoms of septic arthritis. The damage to the affected joint can be arrested once the fluid is drained. Blood tests can help in prescribing the right antibiotics to find the type of bacteria that is causing the infection. In the early stages of treatment, the antibiotics are directly injected into the vein. But the antibiotic treatment must be continued till the infection is completely eliminated. While warm compresses and elevation gives some relief to a person suffering from septic arthritis, rest will also do good. The affected joint may be rehabilitated with supportive exercises.
Bibliography / Reference
| 