Causes of Transient Ischemic Attack (TIA)

The main risk factor for a transient ischemic attack, not to mention stroke, is high blood pressure. Other major risk factors may include heart disease, high cholesterol, diabetes, smoking, and a family history of stroke. All these may increase a person’s likelihood of suffering a TIA. Loss of blood flow to areas in the brain can be due to:

• A blood clot in one or more arteries of the brain or a blood clot that may transit to the brain from another body part (e.g. heart, legs, etc.)
• Blood vessel injury
• Blood vessel narrowing in the brain or going to the brain

Symptoms of Transient Ischemic Attack (TIA)

As previously mentioned, a transient ischemic attack has stroke-like symptoms but the difference lies in the duration. In most cases, most TIA symptoms disappear within an hour of the first symptom, however, symptoms may also last for as long as 24 hours in some cases. The easiest way to remember the sudden signs and symptoms of a TIA or stroke is FAST.

• F – face drooping (particularly on one side, e.g. uneven smile, unable to raise one eyebrow)
• A – arm weakness (on one side only)
• S – speech difficulty (e.g. difficulty understand or speaking – slurred speech)
• T – time to call for an ambulance

More signs and symptoms of stroke include:

• Abrupt trouble seeing in one or both eyes
• Abrupt lack of coordination or balance, walking and dizziness
• Abrupt headache with unknown cause

Headache with unknown cause can occur when one is suffering from a transient ischemic attack (TIA)

First Aid Management for Transient Ischemic Attack (TIA)

It is often difficult to differentiate whether a person is suffering from a transient ischemic attack or stroke, thus it is necessary to administer first aid immediately. Learn first aid by taking First Aid Classes. Just like a stroke, a TIA is also considered a medical emergency:

• If the person presents with any of the following signs or symptoms in the previous section, call for local emergency help immediately.
• Note the time when the symptoms first appeared and tell the emergency personnel the exact time.
• If the person is conscious, ensure that the person is in a position of greatest comfort. If the person is unconscious and breathing, assist the person to their side in a supported position.
• Minimize heat loss by covering the patient with a blanket.
• Monitor the person for any change in consciousness.

A transient ischemic attack (TIA) mimics stroke symptoms but only lasts for an hour to 24 hours and is said to be a future warning for a stroke.

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Residents are unprepared

High temperatures can cause heat-related problems when residents least expect it.

Because of the fact that Lethbridge residents do not experience hot weather conditions on a regular basis, most of them are caught off guard during those days when the temperature is higher than normal. Hence, when these temperatures strike, they do not know how to react. They do not know how to protect themselves from the scorching heat of the sun or how to manage and avoid the health complications that can be caused by this type of weather. Some residents are even unaware that these temperatures can cause a health complications which can directly lead to death.

Hot weather can cause numerous health problems

Aside from dehydration and skin problems, extreme heat can cause several health complications which can be very fatal if left untreated. Some of these complications include  heat exhaustion, heat edema and syncope. Considering that many of these conditions can cause death if they are not treated within the first hour, prompt action is needed when it comes to dealing with these problems.

The role of first aid training

One of the fundamental skills that rescuers are taught on their first day is to react swiftly during any type of emergency situations including those that are caused by heat-related complications. This means that residents who will undergo Lethbridge first aid training will learn how to handle patients who are suffering from these conditions as soon as the symptoms become visible. This will allow them to save numerous lives during the hot weather season. They will also learn how to manage the deadliest complications of having a hot weather which is dehydration as well as how to manage bone fractures that can be cause by heat syncope or fainting.

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What is heat exhaustion?

Heat exhaustion is defined as a type of fatigue that is caused by the insufficient supply of fluids and electrolytes in the body. This insufficiency happens when there is a decrease in the blood flow which caused the blood volume level to go down. Considering that fluid and electrolyte exchange happens in the bloodstream, a decrease in blood flow leads to insufficient fluids and electrolytes in the body. During the hot summer weather, the arteries and veins dilate which causes the blood flow inside the body to dramatically decrease. As a result, the body suffers from fatigue known as heat exhaustion.

Lethargy Caused by Heat Exhaustion

What are the symptoms of heat exhaustion?

Some of the most common symptoms of heat exhaustion include profuse sweating, pale or flushed skin and lethargy. Recognizing these symptoms allow rescuers to immediately administer the right first aid techniques for patients who are suffering from heat exhaustion. This will help patients avoid more debilitating complications of heat exhaustion which include brain trauma and death.

What are the first aid treatments for heat exhaustion?

The primary objective that first aid rescuers need to focus on when it comes to treating a person who is suffering from heat exhaustion is to lower the body’s temperature by transferring the patient to a cooler environment. However, most people who suffer from heat exhaustion tend to suffer from heat syncope or fainting. When this happens, they are at risk for bone fractures and internal bleeding which means that careful and safe transportation procedures should be followed to avoid further injuries. This is followed by a series of non-pharmacological interventions which are aimed towards normalizing the body’s functions.

By taking Lethbridge first aid classes, residents will learn how to transport these types of patients as well as the other non-pharmacological treatments that they can give.

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What is the difference between heat stroke and exhaustion?

Carrying a Victim of Heat Exhaustio

Even though both conditions are caused by the same precursor which is being exposed to hot weather conditions, their physiology or the way that they affect the body is very different. Heat exhaustion is mainly caused by the decrease in the blood flow within the veins and arteries which in turn causes fluid and electrolyte deficit. On the other hand, heat stroke causes all of the systems in the body to overheat which makes it impossible for the body to cool down. This is why heat stroke is regarded as a medical condition that is far more severe than heat exhaustion.

What is the danger of interchanging these two terms?

Considering that heat stroke is more severe than heat exhaustion, applying the medical interventions that can only manage heat exhaustion to patients who are actually suffering from heat stroke is very lethal and can cause death within minutes. Since first aid rescuers are trained to call paramedics or 911 if a patient is suspected to be suffering from heat stroke, misdiagnosis can lead bystanders or untrained residents to ignore this very important step when it comes to helping others that are affected by this condition.

Why is Lethbridge first aid training important?

By attending first aid classes, residents will learn how to differentiate the symptoms of heat stroke and heat exhaustion. This will lessen the likelihood of misdiagnosis which can save the life of the affected individual. Taking Lethbridge first aid classes will also teach residents about the first aid techniques that they should use on a patient while waiting for paramedics or help from other licensed medical professionals. This can greatly increase the survivability of patients who are suffering from heat stroke.

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For minors, calling the doctor or paramedics is the first step

Calling the Paramedics

When it comes to dealing younger patients or children who are suffering from dehydration, first aid rescuers are advised to call the doctor immediately. This is because the underdeveloped bodies of children cannot cope with the effects of dehydration as easily and quickly as adults. This means that mild dehydration can rapidly escalate to moderate and severe dehydration especially if the child is suffering from other medical problems or are taking medications which can decrease fluid absorption in the body.

For adults, call the doctor if the dehydration is caused by heat stroke

While waiting for paramedics or doctors to arrive, rescuers are advised to rehydrate the afflicted adult patient by giving 2 quarts of any type of fluid every two hours. However, water is highly preferred since it can regulate body temperature more efficiently than other types of fluids. When giving liquids to senior citizens, rescuers should slowly introduce them in order to minimize the chances of choking or drowning.

Watch out for falls and slips

The most common symptom of dehydration is lethargy and overall weakness of the body due to the lack of oxygen and nutrient supply. This symptom can cause patients, regardless of their age, to become more susceptible to slips and falls which can cause bone fractures and internal organ trauma. This is why patients who are suffering from dehydration should be carefully monitored to ensure that they do not fall, slip or incur any other type of physical injury.

By taking Lethbridge first aid classes, residents will learn the other first aid techniques that should be applied to patients who are suffering from dehydration due to the hot weather. They will also learn how to administer these techniques properly which ensures that they can apply these procedures without endangering the life of the patient or causing other medical problems which can lead to death.

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Calling the paramedics or doctors

Calling the Paramedics

Knowing when to call the paramedics during an emergency or crisis can help save the lives of patients regardless of the cause of their medical condition. For patients who are suffering from heat-related complications or illnesses, rescuers are advised to call the paramedics if the patient is suffering from heat stroke or the patient is exhibiting the signs and symptoms of moderate or severe dehydration. if the patient who is experiencing the dehydration is a minor, rescuers should call the paramedics as soon as possible even if the child is suffering from mild dehydration.

Lower the body’s temperature

While waiting for the paramedics or coming to the aid of a patient who is suffering from other types of health-related illnesses that does not need the help or paramedics, lowering the body’s temperature should be the priority of first aid rescuers. One of the easiest ways to cool down the body’s temperature is to transfer the patient to a cooler location. Though induction, the patient’s body will eventually adapt to the cooler environment. Giving liquids especially water is highly recommended as well.

Provide proper ventilation

Applying crowd control techniques and opening windows are just some of the ways to provide proper ventilation to a patient. This is very important since people who are suffering from heat-related illnesses often find it hard to breathe because of lethargy which can cause the respiratory system to malfunction or even fail.

Even though all of these techniques are non-pharmacological, they are guaranteed to increase the survivability of patients who are suffering from heat-related illnesses. This is why residents should take Lethbridge first aid classes whenever they can in order to learn more about these first aid techniques as well as other procedures that they can use on patients who are suffering from heat-related medical emergencies or conditions.

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Obesity among Residents

Chest Discomfort or Pain Caused by Obesity

According to the data that was releases through the Alberta Primary Health Care Community Profile that was released in 2013 by the government of Alberta, the percentage of people who suffer from obesity in Lethbridge is higher than the provincial percentage for 2011. The obesity percentage of Lethbridge is 26.7 while the provincial percentage for Alberta is only 19.6. This shows a disparity of more than 7% which is equivalent to thousands of residents. The number of people who suffer from obesity is also increasing every year. According to the same study, 22.2% of Lethbridge’s population is diagnosed with obesity in 2010. In 2011, this number rose to 26.7%.

Obesity in the Future

Aside from the number of people who are already suffering from obesity, the number of people who are likely to suffer from the condition is rising as well. In 2010, it has been determined that 33.4% of the population is suffering from being overweight. In 2011, it was revealed that 34.5% of the population is suffering being overweight. Considering that being overweight usually leads to being obese, this means that 34.5% of the total population is at risk for obesity.

Obesity and Other Diseases

Obesity is often linked to the most common diseases not just in Lethbridge but in other cities and countries as well. These diseases include heart diseases, diabetes and even osteoarthritis. This means that the number of people who are at risk for obesity is not just limited to those who are already overweight.

Obesity and Lethbridge First Aid Classes

Through these classes, residents will learn how to manage obesity by ensuring that its health complications does not become life-threatening. This can help lessen the mortality of obesity due to its complications that can be treated by administering first aid. However, this should not be an excuse for obese or overweight people to adapt a healthier lifestyle and diet.

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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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Stridor

Stridor is a loud, abnormal, high-pitched wheezing sound caused by a disruption in the larynx (voice box) or trachea (windpipe). It mainly occurs in children during inspiration (inhalation) but may also be heard during expiration (exhalation). It is more common in children due to their narrower, softer airways as compared to adults. Stridor may either be present at birth (congenital), from an infection or due to trauma.

Stridor in itself is not a diagnosis or disease but a sign of a blockage in the airway. Immediate treatment of the cause is necessary to avoid complete obstruction of airway. Complete blockage of airway may result to inability to breathe. Stridor is also called “abnormal breathing sounds,” “musical breathing,” or “extrathoracic airway obstruction.”

Types of Stridor

The timing and the sound heard during the child’s respiration can help determine the underlying cause or airway problem:

• Inspiratory stridor
  • Occurs during inhalation
  • Indicative of a collapse in the tissue above the vocal cords
• Expiratory stridor
  • Occurs during exhalation
  • Indicative of a problem below the trachea (located under the larynx)
• Biphasic stridor
  • Occurs during both inhalation and expiration

Causes of Stridor

The blockage in the airway may be caused by the swelling of the tissues in the throat,upper airway muscle or vocal cord spasm, or blockage of an object. The following are the more specific causes of stridor:

• Congenital causes:
  • Laryngomalacia (most common cause in infants)
  • Subglottic stenosis
  • Subglottic hemangomia
  • Vascular rings
• Infectious causes
  • Croup
  • Epiglottis
  • Bronchitis
  • Severe tonsillitis
  • Tracheitis
  • Abscess in the back of the throat
• Traumatic causes:
  • Presence of foreign bodies in the ear, nose or anywhere along the airway tract
  • Fractures in the neck
  • Neck surgery
  • Ingestion or inhalation of a harmful substance that may lead to airway damage
  • Smoke inhalation
  • Airway injury
  • Allergic reaction and anaphylaxis

Treatment for Stridor

It is always necessary to seek medical attention when stridor is first detected to give treatment to the underlying cause. The following are some of the possible treatments in cases of stridor:

• Observation for minor obstructions
• Medications to ease airway swelling
• Surgery to remove or repair airway obstruction

Disclaimer: This article does not provide medical advice or treatment. The information given should not be used for self-diagnosis of possible conditions. Seek medical attention when necessary. Understanding symptoms that are commonly present in medical situations may help when taking first aid training. To learn more about to how to ease symptoms, such as wheezing, enrol in First Aid Courses with Red Cross Training.

Source:

Stridor. (2012). National Institutes of Health. Retrieved September 27, 2013, from http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/003074.htm

Stridor. (ND). Lucile Packard Children’s Hospital at Stanford. Retrieved September 27, 2013, from http://www.lpch.org/DiseaseHealthInfo/HealthLibrary/respire/stridor.html

Stridor (Noisy Breathing). (ND). The Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia. Retrieved September 27, 2013, from http://www.chop.edu/service/airway-disorders/conditions-we-treat/stridor-noisy-breathing.html

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Depression is a serious medical disorder involving the brain. It is commonly characterized by constant sadness, loss of interest in activities, energy loss, and suicidal thoughts, among others. Depression is more than feeling “blue” or the sadness over everyday matters. Depression symptoms do not disappear easily. There are intense feelings of sadness and worthlessness that interfere with daily life. Genetic,environmental, psychological and biochemical factors are attributed to the variety of causes.

Eight percent of Canadians will experience a major depression in their lifetime (Canadian Mental Health Association (ND). This does not count the people who will experience bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, anxiety disorders and other mental disorders that may lead to depression.It is more common in women and typically begins sometime between ages 15 and 30.

Forms of Depression

There are several different forms of depressive disorders than an individual can suffer:

• Major Depression or Major Depressive Disorder
  • Affects everyday functions that may disable a person
  • May be experienced once only but often occurs multiple times
• Dysthymic Disorder or Dysthymia
  • Chronic symptoms (lasting for more than two years)
  • Not disabling a person but may prevent normal functioning
  • May experience one or more episodes of major depression during their lifetime
• Minor Depression
  • Symptoms may last for two weeks or more but not severe enough to meet full criteria for major depression
  • Forms of Minor Depression:
    • Psychotic depression: severe depression accompanied by a form of psychosis (e.g. having delusions or hallucinations)
    • Postpartum depression: occurs in mothers who have recently given birth due to hormonal and physical changes in the body
    • Seasonal affective disorder (SAD): onset of depression occurs during the winter months, when there is less natural sunlight
• Bipolar Disorder or Manic-depressive Illness
  • Cycling mood changes from extreme highs to extreme lows

Causes of Depression

                A combination of genetic, environmental, psychological and biochemical factors lead to depression. The most common causes of depression include:

• Death of a loved one
• Losing a job or unemployment
• Breaking up or divorce
• Discrimination
• Bullying
• Victims of physical, emotional or sexual abuse
• Certain medications such as for hypertension, cancer, seizure, severe pain, etc.
• Alcohol and drug abuse

Signs and Symptoms of Depression

Signs and symptoms may slightly vary in children, teenager, men and women but the commonly present symptoms of depression are the following:

• A constant sadness or feeling empty
• Loss of interest or pleasure in hobbies or activities
• Energy loss and fatigue
• Rapid change in weight – weight gain or weight loss – due to loss of appetite or overeating
• Difficulty sleeping or oversleeping
• Wanting to stay in bed the whole day
• Hopelessness or pessimism
• Feeling of worthlessness and guilt
• Irritability and restlessness
• Difficulty concentrating, remembering details, and making decisions
• Suicidal thoughts or suicide attempts

Treatment for Depression

Depression

Depression cannot be treated with first aid, but there are cases where the first aider has to respond to a victim, or even a friend, with depression. Join in First Aid Courses to learn how to manage individuals with depression. The following precautionary steps and treatment are usually advised in individuals with depression:

• How to approach someone who may be experiencing depression:
  • It may be better to wait for the person to open up. If they do not initiate a conversation, say something at an appropriate place and suitable time for both to talk.
  • Express your concern and explain that you are willing to help. Encourage the person to talk to you.If they are not comfortable to talk to you, suggest getting professional help.
  • Form a strong support system
  • Do not be hostile or sarcastic.
• Medications may be prescribed for depression:
  • Antidepressants
  • Tricyclics
  • Monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs)
• Psychotherapy may sometimes be used to treat depression.

Source:

Depression. (ND). National Institute of Mental Health. Retrieved September 29, 2013, from http://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/depression/index.shtml

Fast Facts about Mental Illness. (ND). Canadian Mental Health Association. Retrieved September 29, 2013, from http://www.cmha.ca/media/fast-facts-about-mental-illness/#.UkfUtdJmiSp

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