Dr Dimari's Medical Sciences Thread - Read the first post

[Golden Dysprosium]

La Veuve Zin

Golden Dysprosium

Despite being a strong advocate of pain relief, I don't think the "popping sensation" is a good thing. sweatdrop

Could be a popping gas bubble.

It's possible, but I'd rather settle for a chemistry solution to the problem.

[Dr Dimari]

Golden Dysprosium

La Veuve Zin

Golden Dysprosium

Despite being a strong advocate of pain relief, I don't think the "popping sensation" is a good thing. sweatdrop

Could be a popping gas bubble.

It's possible, but I'd rather settle for a chemistry solution to the problem.

The popping sensation is most likely due to the lung fields being bogged down with mucus (due to either viral or bacterial infection, and being located in the lower lobes of the lungs) which causes the lung spaces to stick together. When you breathe in, your force these stuck together lung tissues to be forced open against the motion of sticky mucus and this may create a popping sensation. That and you get something called a polyphonic wheeze, where breathing in creates a resonating sound of bubbles getting through the mucus,

[Golden Dysprosium]

That's gross/awesome.

[Amarene The Falling Star]

So I believe I may need to get a few of my wisdom teeth pulled and I'm a bit scared about it... I'm scheduled to see a doc soon and he'll probably recommend me to a dentist, but in the meantime I was wondering if anyone had any answers for me. Several years ago when I went to go get a couple cavities filled the dentist noticed my wisdom teeth and said I most likely had enough room in my mouth to not need to have them pulled. The top two grew in okay, but have decayed over the years. The bottom ones grew in more slowly, and while I'm not currently having any problems with the one on the bottom right, the one on the bottom left has started to act up recently. On top of that, I have pain on the left side of my jaw. But it's only when I open my mouth to a certain extent and then try to close it. The pain is in my upper jaw; sometimes it's moderate, other times it's as though it's not even there. I'm worried the bottom left tooth may be impacted, but until I see a dentist there's no way for me to be sure. I'll have to pay for most of everything out of pocket, since I have no insurance.

I tried doing some research online, but I've seen so many vastly conflicting views gathering info has been a mess. I've been worried most of all about the infections that can occur with having impacted teeth, or even having them removed. It all seems like a lose/lose situation. I'm not sure if I have an infection or not, but can it really spread into the bloodstream and then into the heart or brain? The rarity of these complications seem to vary from site to site. So does anyone have any more information on this?

[Golden Dysprosium]

I'm not a dentist, and I doubt there are any here, but yes, it can spread. Infections can get into the bloodstream many ways, but are typically eliminated either by WBCs or get filtered out in urine.
This site amused me with its colorful drawings and fun lettering, but it's rather informative.
http://www.animated-teeth.com/wisdom_teeth/t1_wisdom_tooth.htm
Or you can check out the American Dental Association for complicated info.
http://www.ada.org/public/resources/glossary.asp

[Dr Dimari]

Amarene The Falling Star

So I believe I may need to get a few of my wisdom teeth pulled and I'm a bit scared about it... I'm scheduled to see a doc soon and he'll probably recommend me to a dentist, but in the meantime I was wondering if anyone had any answers for me. Several years ago when I went to go get a couple cavities filled the dentist noticed my wisdom teeth and said I most likely had enough room in my mouth to not need to have them pulled. The top two grew in okay, but have decayed over the years. The bottom ones grew in more slowly, and while I'm not currently having any problems with the one on the bottom right, the one on the bottom left has started to act up recently. On top of that, I have pain on the left side of my jaw. But it's only when I open my mouth to a certain extent and then try to close it. The pain is in my upper jaw; sometimes it's moderate, other times it's as though it's not even there. I'm worried the bottom left tooth may be impacted, but until I see a dentist there's no way for me to be sure. I'll have to pay for most of everything out of pocket, since I have no insurance.

I tried doing some research online, but I've seen so many vastly conflicting views gathering info has been a mess. I've been worried most of all about the infections that can occur with having impacted teeth, or even having them removed. It all seems like a lose/lose situation. I'm not sure if I have an infection or not, but can it really spread into the bloodstream and then into the heart or brain? The rarity of these complications seem to vary from site to site. So does anyone have any more information on this?

Hi there, Unfortunately teeth aren't my strong point, but my housemate is a Student Dentist, so I spoke with her. Sounds like there could be some infection, but its more likely to be an inflammatory reaction to your tooth growing into the space. Are the bottom teeth decayed much? If so it could be a little bit of infection. The old talk about infection of ion the gums and dental work causing blood infections is old, and the evidence is becoming more limited by every study that comes out. There are very small chances of infections spreading, but mainly in those who have diabetes and other diseases that affect a particular type of white blood cell: neutrophils. They can spread to the heart valves or meninges (the "skin" of the brain), but this is very rare.

See your dentist! - what he both suggest, as we don't have anyway of examining your mouth. In the meantime:

• Antimicrobal mouthwash that contains chlorhexadine (in the US: Perichlor or Peridex, in the UK Corsodyl) twice daily
• Continue to brush around the area
• Take some ibuprofen 200mg, three times a day with food. Beware if you are asthmatic or allergic to any compound in the tablets.

[Golden Dysprosium]

If I remember correctly, Peridex can cause some staining of your teeth, so if that happens throw in a bit of over-the-counter Hydrogen Peroxide (not too much, and DON'T SWALLOW IT) to bring it to a manageable level.

[Amarene The Falling Star]

Thanks for the posts; I go to see the dentist sometime this week I think. After that I'll be able to determine when the tooth/teeth needs to get pulled... I'm considering local anesthetics; I'm not sure how I feel about being put to sleep or nitrous sweatdrop

[Golden Dysprosium]

Getting "put to sleep" is best. You aren't conscious enough to feel the full effect of the pain and you get a couple more hours of sleep.

[Dr Dimari]

Amarene The Falling Star

Thanks for the posts; I go to see the dentist sometime this week I think. After that I'll be able to determine when the tooth/teeth needs to get pulled... I'm considering local anesthetics; I'm not sure how I feel about being put to sleep or nitrous sweatdrop

Actually in the UK, dentists only offer Local Anaesthetic. This is because with General Anaesthetic(being put to sleep etc) has many risks, of which a dentist is not actually qualified in rectifying. (like being able to pull you out a GA if you stay like that, Cardiac or Breathing problems etc)

Local Anaesthetic in my opinion is the best choice, less chance of problems and you don't feel the pain, but you do feel slight pressure. The only thing is, local anaesthetic is administered by injection (usually lignocaine and adrenaline) into the gum area.

[Seaine]

Amarene - Have you looked into dental insurance? Mine, from BCBS, is only about $30 a month. It doesn't cover everything of course, but perhaps it would reduce the cost of your surgery enough to be worth it.

I've had teeth pulled with local anesthetic and I had my wisdom teeth out with general anesthesia. I'd recommend being put to sleep for your wisdom teeth; those local shots hurt a lot and I assume you'd have to get at least one for every tooth pulled. With the general anesthesia, they give you medicine through an IV and you're out in like ten seconds. You have to have someone else there to drive you home afterwards though, and then you fall asleep at home and probably bleed all over your pillow. xd

[Dr Dimari]

I would just like to remind everybody about Swine Flu and some information people should have at the back of their mind.

We are entering September, which means one thing. Everyone is back at school and college, the weather is on its way to get cooler and wetter. This only means one thing, flu season is on its way.

So whats does this mean?

Well, we are expecting the swine flu virus to be more easily transferred from person to person. Also, because of the increase in chest infections, colds and coughs (especially in children) people are more susceptible to get infections, and if they are carriers, will spread the virus much more easily too.

So what to watch out for

Currently, any flu case is being diagnosed as swine flu, this was due to the fact that seasonal flu generally doesn't occur in the summer. So we want to look out for the symptoms of flu regardless of whether it is seasonal or swine:

• Fever (a temp above 38°C) ... and 2 of any of the following:

• Tiredness and feeling run down (malaise)
• Muscle aches and pains
• Headaches (usually behind the eyes)
• Non-productive cough and sore throat
• Lack of appetite
• Diarrhoea and vomiting

What can you do?

Well, if you think you have swine flu, then the best thing is to stay at home.

• Keep contact with others to a minimum
• Cough and sneeze in to tissue, and dispose of immediately
• Regularly wash your hands, especially after handling tissues

There is no real need to seek medical advice, if you are usually a well person. Increase fluid intake, plenty of rest and pain relief are the best thing. Aspirin should be avoided in children under 14 years (Reye's Syndrome).

If you suffer from the following, or symptoms aren't getting better after 3-5 days of being unwell, call your GP or local Flu helpline.

• elderly people,
• pregnant women,
• newborn babies and young children
• people with a weakened immune system
• people with cancer, HIV or AIDS,
• people having steroid or chemotherapy treatment, or
• people with any long-term health conditions, such as diabetes, asthma, kidney impairment.

Be sensible though! If you have problems breathing or something is not right, seek immediate and emergency medical attention.

What about Tamiflu?

Well you might ask this, and wonder why I haven't said get Tamiflu. Well Tamiflu is only effective if you take it no less than 24-36 hours after the prorogation of symptoms. Then, it only gives you 4 days of flu symptoms rather than the usual 5. The side effects of Tamiflu are pretty nasty, with vomiting, feeling crap, migraines and insomnia (so just as bad at the flu). Also, resistance to Tamiflu is a worry, if we use it for everyone, and the virus suddenly mutates into a resistant strain.

So the best treatment is rest, drink plenty, keep warm, and pain relief. If things do get worse, or don't start to get better after 3-5 days then calling you GP or local Flu Healthline is recommended. If you are concerned, again, call your GP.


======

Just an update on me. I'm currently studying Paediatrics, and loving it. Its hard work and in a specialist children's hospital I am flying around getting one and another thing done.

[Golden Dysprosium]

Thanks for the update. It popped up in the local newspapers a while back, and I was wondering why no one mentioned it on here.
Might be a good idea to create a new thread.

[Echo_Space]

I have a question:

Of the many general physicians (and sometimes even psychiatrists and neurologists) I have been to, it seems like they usually tend to know very little about brain chemistry and the possible substances to use for mental disorders. Also, they seem to be very bad at correlating conditions with prescriptions, and just generally being good at diagnosing and treating these conditions. I understand that neuroscience is a VERY complex science (I'm going into it myself,) but on several occasions I have, through my own diagnosis, found the solutions to certain problems of my own. An example is that I am still on Cyclobenzaprine after 3 years and it has done wonders for some of my conditions. It wasn't a "hit or miss" prescription, it was a conclusion I came to after reading numerous medical journals on flexirils believed mechanism of action coupled with an understanding of what causes certain disorders.

Tell me, why do doctors (in general) always seem to be so incredibly bad at diagnosing and treating mental disorders?

[Golden Dysprosium]

Mental disorders aren't really that cut and dry. Psychology and similar fields emerged because tests and pills weren't giving the expected results. An aptly-named GP can only tell you so much, and there are billions of possibilities. Nothing in this world is perfect; just look at the judicial system. A lot of bad people get dropped back into the tank with the rest of us because of some minor technicality, instead of getting the hell they deserve.