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HOW TO DETERMINE PCV (PACKED CELL VOLUME)

The Packed Cell Volume (PCV) Test 1. Objective: This is one of the oldest tests done in medical practice. The objective of this test was to determine the percentage of red blood cells (RBCs) in whole blood. It  also helped to assess the blood’s capacity to carry oxygen. ________________________________________ 2. Principle: The test was based on the principle that when blood was centrifuged, the red blood cells settled at the bottom of the tube, forming a packed column. The ratio of the packed RBC column to the total blood column gave the packed cell volume (PCV), expressed as a percentage. ________________________________________ 3. Materials: • Microhematocrit capillary tubes • Microhematocrit centrifuge • Plasticine or sealing clay • Microhematocrit reader • Lancet • Alcohol swab • Cotton ________________________________________ 4. Procedure (Microhematocrit Method): 1. The fingertip was cleaned with an alcohol swab and pricked with a sterile lancet. 2. Blood was collected into ...
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MANAGEMENT AND TREATMENT OF ARTHRITIS


WHAT ARE THE TYPES OF ARTHRITIS?


Just as the location of arthritis varies, not all people will have the same type of arthritis.



Types of arthritis include:

Types of arthritis.


OSTEOARTHRITIS, OA.

OA is the most common type of arthritis. The greatest risk factor for this condition is age. Normal pain and stiffness associated with getting older don’t go away when you have this condition. Previous injuries in childhood and young adulthood can also cause osteoarthritis, even if you think you fully recovered.



RHEUMATOID ARTHRITIS, RA.

RA is the second most common type of arthritis. In people younger than 16 years old, it’s called juvenile inflammatory arthritis (previously it was known as juvenile rheumatoid arthritis). This type of autoimmune disease causes the body to attack tissues in the joints. You have a greater risk of getting this form of arthritis if you already have another type of autoimmune disorder, such as lupus, Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, or multiple sclerosis. Pain and visible swelling, especially in the hands, characterize this condition.



GOUT

Gout is the third most common type of arthritis. When uric acid builds up, it crystalizes around the joints. This crystallization triggers inflammation, making it difficult and painful for bones to move. The Arthritis Foundation estimates that four percent of American adults develop gout, primarily in their middle ages. Obesity-related conditions can also increase your risk for high uric acid and gout. Signs of gout commonly start in the toes but can occur in other joints in the body.



CAN YOU PREVENT ARTHRITIS?



There is no single preventative measure for arthritis, especially considering all of the different forms that exist. But you can take steps to preserve joint function and mobility. These steps will also improve your overall quality of life.



Learning more about the disease can also help with early treatment. For example, if you know you have an autoimmune disorder, you can be mindful of early symptoms. The earlier you catch the disease and start treatment the better you may be able to delay the progression of the disease.



Some general recommendations as to how you can prevent arthritis include:



Eating a Mediterranean-style diet. A diet of fish, nuts, seeds, olive oil, beans, and whole grains may help with inflammation.


Decreasing your intake of sugar, wheat, and gluten may also help.


Eating a diet low in sugars. Sugars can contribute to inflammation and gout pain.


Maintaining a healthy weight. This reduces the demands on your joints.


Exercising regularly.


Physical activity can help reduce pain, improve mood, and increase joint mobility and function.


Refraining from smoking. The habit can worsen autoimmune disorders and is a major risk factor for rheumatoid arthritis.


See your doctor for yearly check-ups. Remember to report any symptoms that may be related to arthritis.



Wearing proper protective equipment. When playing sports or doing work, protective equipment can help prevent injuries.





WHEN SHOULD YOU SEE A DOCTOR?




Advanced arthritis can make mobility difficult, including the ability to perform everyday activities. Ideally, you would see your physician before your condition is in the advanced stages. That’s why it’s important to know about this condition, especially if you’re at risk for it.



Some general recommendations for when to see your physician include:



Difficulty moving a particular joint.


Joint swelling.


Pain.


Redness.


Warmth at the affected joint.


Your doctor will listen to your symptoms and evaluate your medical and family history. A doctor may order further testing, such as blood, urine, joint fluid tests, or imaging studies (x-rays or ultrasound). These tests can help determine what type of arthritis you have.



Your doctor may also use imaging tests to identify areas of injury or joint breakdown. Imaging tests include X-rays, ultrasound, or magnetic resonance imaging scans. This can also help rule out other conditions.



WHAT ARE THE TREATMENTS FOR ARTHRITIS?




Your doctor may prescribe medication, recommend surgery, and encourage you to do physical therapy. At home, you can ease arthritis pain by taking a warm shower, doing gentle stretching exercises, and using an ice pack on the sore area.



OSTEOARTHRITIS TREATMENT

Your doctor may initially treat OA with conservative methods. These include topical or oral over-the-counter pain relievers, or icing or warming the affected joint. You may also be encouraged to engage in physical therapy exercises to strengthen the muscles around the joint. If your osteoarthritis continues to advance, surgery may be recommended to repair or replace the joint. Joint replacement procedures are more common for large joints, such as the knees and hips.




RHEUMATOID ARTHRITIS TREATMENT

Doctors treat rheumatoid arthritis with medications that stop your immune system from attacking the joints. Other goals of treatment include relieving symptoms, preventing further damdamageand improving your overall being. Examples of these medications include nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, corticosteroids, and DMARDs. In serious cases of RA, your doctor may recommend surgery.




GOUT TREATMENT

Doctors treat gout by recommending a low sugar, purine, and alcohol-free diet. Purines are a precursor to uric acid, a buildup of which can lead to joint pain. In some instances, your doctor may prescribe medications to treat gout, such as the following:

Allopurinol.

Febuxostat

Probenecid

Pegloticase


Talk to your doctor about your treatment options. Treatments for arthritis can be specific to the type of arthritis.



Source: Healthline media


©️ PUBLIC HEALTH ORBITAL

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