Chemosis
The conjunctiva is the thin, transparent tissue that lines the eyelids and surface of the eye. The swelling of conjunctiva is termed as chemosis. The swelling is due to accumulation of fluid. Due to the swelling, the eyes cannot close properly and affects visual acuity. Chemosis is alternatively referred to as fluid-filled conjunctiva, swollen eye or conjunctiva.
The most common symptom associated with chemosis is swelling of the eye and the eye appearing red in color. In most of the cases, chemosis is caused by an allergic reaction, viral infection as well as by rubbing of the eye. Exophthalmos, a sign of hyperthyroidism, which results in abnormal bulging of one or both eyes, may also be associated with Chemosis.
Treatment of chemosis depends on its cause. Home care treatment options of chemosis due to angioedema or allergies includes using over-the-counter antihistmine medications and placing cool clothes on the eyes. It is best to contact health care provider in case the symptoms continue. The health care provider may diagnose by conducting a physical examination of the eye. Certain questions to understand the history of swelling of the eye and discomfort it causes will be asked. The health care provider will then prescribe an eye cream to reduce the swelling and antibiotics medications.
Mumps
Mumps is an infection caused by myxo virus. Mumps usually affects the parotid salivary glands. Either one side or both sides develop swelling. In some cases, mumps affects pancreas and leads to abdominal tenderness. In severe cases, mumps can lead to encephalitis or meningitis. Mumps can also lead to hearing loss and painful swollen breasts. Mumps is highly contagious and can spread through coughing, sneezing and touching utensils used by an infected person. Mumps vaccine is given as part of MMR vaccine along with measles and German measles. Mumps vaccine is given in 2 doses and is part of the immunization schedule for children.
Typical symptoms of mumps include headache, body ache and low-grade fever. There is swelling on the cheek and jaws. Headache and loss of appetite are also noticed. Swallowing and eating becomes painful. A person suffering from mumps may feel drowsy and suffer convulsions. In some adolescent or adult males, mumps may lead to painful swelling of the testicles.
Mumps can be confirmed through blood, saliva or urine tests. An attack of mumps lasts for about a fortnight. The patient must be given plenty of fluids. Paracetamol is useful in reducing the fever. Pain relievers can ease the pain and ache associated with mumps.
Hamstring Injury
Hamstring muscles are a cluster of three muscles in the back of the thigh. A hamstring injury is also referred to as a pulled hamstring and occurs due to a tear in the hamstring muscle. The degree of the tear can be a minor tear or total damage of the muscle itself.
Causes of hamstring injury
- Overstretching or tightening the muscle excessively can lead to the injury.
- Stretching the muscle without adequate warming up while taking part in any sporting activity.
- Running in long strides.
- Muscle exhaustion and taking part in sports even before the previous hamstring injury has healed.
- Rigid, stiff and weak hamstring muscles.
- Abrupt intensive physical training.
Symptoms of hamstring injury include swelling of the affected area and excessive pain in the area. There may be bruising and difficulty in moving the leg. Depending on the severity of the injury, treatment has to be given. Initially for the pain and the swelling to reduce RICE technique i.e. R- Rest, I - Ice pack for the swelling, C - Compression of the injured part and E - elevation of the injured part.
Your physician might order for an x-ray, ultrasound or MRI depending on the degree of the injury. Painkillers are prescribed to reduce the pain and the swelling of the muscles. Surgery is suggested in cases of severe injury and for patients in whom the stiffness of the muscle and pain does not reduce even after non-surgical treatment. Ultrasound or massage might be suggested by the physician, along with exercises that stretch and support the muscles. This helps the muscles to recuperate faster and helps induce the lost motion in the knees and hip.
Bibliography / Reference
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