Causes of Eclampsia

Eclampsia frequently follows preeclampsia, although the exact cause of preeclampsia is still not yet determined. Possible causes may include the following:

• Problems or damage to the blood vessels
• Insufficient flow of blood to the uterus
• Diet
• Genes
• Autoimmune disorders

Risk Factors of Eclampsia

                It is not easy to tell which pregnant women with preeclampsia will progress to eclampsia, however, it was determined that the following risk factors increases a pregnant women’s chances of developing severe preeclampsia and seizures include:

• Hypertension (high blood pressure)
• Having headaches
• Age – being under age 20 but over age 35
• Race – African Americans are at greater risk
• First pregnancy
• Multiple pregnancy (twins or more)
• History of malnutrition or poor diet
• Diabetes
• Having conditions that affect the blood vessels

Signs and Symptoms for Eclampsia

Signs and symptoms for eclampsia are the following:

• Muscle aches and pains
• Convulsions
• Extreme agitation
• Loss of consciousness
• Emergency symptoms: seizures and/ or decreased alertness

When an individual is having a seizure, such as in eclampsia, the head must be supported with the hands

One must also be on the lookout for the signs and symptoms of preeclampsia to avoid the development of eclampsia. The following are the signs and symptoms of preeclampsia:

• Unexplained weight gain (more than two pounds a week)
• Headaches
• Stomach pain
• Nausea and vomiting
• Edema (swelling) of face and hands
• Vision changes

Treatment for Eclampsia

The main treatment for preeclampsia to prevent eclampsia from developing is to deliver the baby. Continuing the pregnancy despite signs and symptoms of preeclampsia is dangerous for both the mother and the baby. Treatment for eclampsia may include:

• Medications, called anticonvulsants, to prevent seizures from occurring
• Medications to lower high blood pressure

Eclampsia is a serious but rare condition that causes seizures in pregnant women, even with no history of brain condition. To learn how to recognize signs and symptoms of eclampsia and seizures, enroll in First Aid Courses.

http://youtu.be/97j0lJXMTlQ?t=7s  

Online Sources:

http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/000899.htm

http://www.healthline.com/health/eclampsia?toptoctest=expand

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Suicidal Thoughts

Suicidal thoughts are troubling thoughts that involve killing oneself. Suicidal thoughts are usually due to feelings of hopelessness in one’s life often from stressful life situations, which may be extra disturbing if accompanies by mental illnesses, depression, alcohol or substance abuse, or suicidal plans. When one or a friend has suicidal thoughts, call National Suicide Prevention Lifeline as soon as possible. The number is 1-800-273-TALK (8255). It is necessary to learn of the warning signs of suicidal thoughts and suicide, as one can save a life.

Doctors classify suicidal thoughts as either active or passive. Active suicidal thoughts involve a present desire and plan to die. On the other hand, suicidal thoughts can be passive when they involve a desire to die but has not made plans on how to take own life. It is common for people to have passive suicidal thoughts at one point in their lives. People with history of suicidal thoughts or attempts are likely to have suicidal thoughts. Suicidal thoughts are also called suicidal ideation.

According to Statistics Canada (2012), 3,890 were recorded to have committed suicide in 2009, as slight increase from the 3,705 the previous year. There has been a small increase, percentage-wise, in the number of people committing suicide from 2006-2009. However, statistics may be inaccurate as suicide is sometimes difficult to classify. Men are more likely to take their lives as compared to women.

Causes of Suicidal Thoughts

Suicidal thoughts often stem from feelings of hopelessness in one’s life. Common causes of suicidal thoughts include:

• Depression
• Sudden, unanticipatedand overwhelming change in life, usually negative
• Mental disorders such as bipolar disorders, schizophrenia, etc.
• Certain anxiety disorders such as, posttraumatic stress disorder and obsessive compulsive disorder, among others
• Use of illegal drugs such as marijuana, cocaine, etc.
• Alcohol and drug abuse
• Sleep deprivation

Signs and Symptoms of Suicidal Thoughts

Suicide often might feel like the only solution to a person’s pain and troubles. In some cases, a person may not even show signs and symptoms of suicidal thoughts. One must be wary for the following warning signs that may help determine when a person might be having suicidal thoughts:

• Talking about suicide
• Hopelessness or helplessness
• Mood swings that may be in extremes (from very happy to deeply discouraged the next day)
• Very down and depressed and incapable of feeling happy
• Wanting to be alone and withdrawing from social contact
• Personality changes
• Sleep disturbances – inability to fall asleep or inability to remain asleep
• Sleeping for prolonged periods of time
• Rapid weight gain or weight loss
• Loss of appetite
• Work or school performance may be affected
• Increased alcohol or drug intake
• Saying goodbye to persons

First Aid Management for Suicidal Thoughts

Treatment for depression, medical or anxiety disorders will be tailored according to the cause. Medications and professional help will be required. To learn how to manage individuals with suicidal thoughts, enrol in First Aid Courses.The following steps are recommended in cases of suicidal thoughts:

• If one or someone you love has made a suicide attempt and is injured,
  • Call emergency medical services immediately.
  • If there is another person, have them call.
  • In case there is bleeding, follow first aid protocol on bleeding.
  • If no pulse and breathing is detected, initiate CPR.
• If one or someone you love is having suicidal thoughts and is not injured,
  • Call National Suicide Prevention Lifeline as soon as possible. The number is 1-800-273-TALK (8255).
  • Do not leave the person alone if you think your friend is in danger.
  • Avoid illegal drugs and alcohol.
  • Form a strong support system that may involve, family, friends, therapists, coaches and friends from place of worship.
• If one suspects that a friend is having suicidal thoughts,
  • Be first and ask your friend if he/ she is thinking about suicide.
  • Do not judge and remain supportive.
  • Ask if there are any specific plans. Active suicidal thoughts are at greater risk for committing suicide.
  • Do not leave the person alone if you think your friend is in danger.
  • Call National Suicide Prevention Lifeline as soon as possible, when one has suicidal thoughts,the number is 1-800-273-TALK (8255).

Source:

Edwards, Roxanne D. (ND).Suicidal Thoughts.WebMD. Retrieved September 29, 2013, from http://www.emedicinehealth.com/suicidal_thoughts/article_em.htm

Smith, Michael W. (2011). Suicidal Thoughts: Helping a Friend.WebMD. Retrieved September 29, 2013, from http://firstaid.webmd.com/suicidal-thoughts-treatment

Statistics Canada.(2012). Suicide and suicide rate, by sex and by age group.Government of Canada. Retrieved September 29, 2013, from http://www.statcan.gc.ca/tables-tableaux/sum-som/l01/cst01/hlth66a-eng.htm

Suicide and suicidal thoughts.(2012). Mayo Clinic. Retrieved September 29, 2013, from http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/suicide/DS01062

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A hangover is a group of unpleasant signs and symptoms that occur upon waking up after drinking too much alcohol the night before. Hangovers usually lead to poor work/ school performance and increased irritability leading to conflict. The general rule is that the more alcohol a person drinks, the higher the possibility of developing a hangover the following day, however, each person’s limits before developing a hangover will vary. Moreover, not all persons will develop a hangover from drinking.The severity of hangovers will vary per person. Most hangovers will resolve on their own, but there are ways to alleviate the signs and symptoms.

Causes of Hangover

In some cases, one alcoholic beverage is enough to result to a hangover, whereas others may drink heavily and not trigger a hangover. Hangovers are caused by drinking too much alcohol but the following factors may add to the problem leading to the symptoms, which will be discussed later:

• Alcohol as a diuretic will cause the body to produce more urine à may lead to dehydration
• Alcohol as an activator of an inflammatory response from the immune system à may trigger agents that may lead to certain symptoms
• Alcohol as an irritant of the stomach lining àincreases stomach acid production and slows stomach emptying
• Alcohol expands blood vessels
• Alcohol decreases blood sugar
• Alcohol reduces sleep quality
• Alcohol may contain certain ingredients that may contribute to hangovers such as, congeners

Signs and Symptoms of Hangover

                The unpleasant signs and symptoms from hangovers are usually evident, which include:

• Thirst
• Dizziness and light-headedness
• Headaches and sometimes, migraines
• Muscle aches
• Decreased appetite
• Nausea with or without vomiting
• Abdominal pain
• Diarrhoea
• Weakness and fatigue
• Groggy
• Photosensitivity
• Increased sensitivity to sound
• Rapid heartbeat
• Inability to concentrate
• Memory problems
• Loss of interest in usual activities
• Irritability and other mood disturbances
• Poor work performance
• In some cases, seizures

How to Manage a Hangover

Manage a Hangover

Only time will tell how long it will take for hangover to resolve. The following can be done to alleviate symptoms:

• Take plenty of rest. In some cases, after extended sleep, hangover will disappear.
• Drink plenty of water or fruit juices to avoid dehydration. Avoid other diuretics
• Start by eating bland foods to increase blood sugar level and settle the stomach. Fructose-containing food may help burn alcohol in a faster pace.
• Take over-the-counter pain medications in cases of headaches. Be cautious whentaking aspirin, ibuprofen, and paracetamol as it may irritate the stomach.
• Do not drink more alcohol. It is not true that the best way to treat a hangover is with alcohol.

Disclaimer: This article should not be used for self-diagnosis or medical advice/ treatment. Seek medical attention when necessary.To learn how to manage symptoms of hangovers and unpleasant symptoms, enrol in First Aid Courses with Red Cross Training.

Hangovers. (2011). Mayo Clinic. Retrieved September 29, 2013, from http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/hangovers/DS00649

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