Individuals who suffer from recurring panic attacks suffer from a condition called panic disorder. This condition can very often lead to agoraphobia (fear of open or public places). Having a panic attack means suffering an attack of fear or anxiety which comes on very suddenly for no apparent reason. As well as anxiety, panic attacks can be accompanied by the following symptoms: thumping heart or palpitations; sweating; chills or hot flashes; shortness of breath; feeling sick; chest pains; dizziness or feeling faint; fear of dying; fear of going mad; pins and needles or numbness; and, feelings of detachment.

Any physical symptoms associated with an attack do not indicate a physical problem with the chest, heart, abdomen, etc – they usually occur due to a rush of nervous impulses originating in the brain which go to various parts of the body during the attack.

It is known that at the very least, one in ten people have had an occasional panic attack, but to have a panic disorder means to have recurring panic attacks, the frequency of which varies in different people.

No treatments are usually necessary for the occasional panic attack, but for those who have a panic disorder the aim is to try and reduce the severity as well as number of panic attacks that occur and the main types of medication for these are antidepressants.

Panic Disorder

Rotavirus infection affects the stomach and intestines in children with symptoms including diarrhea and vomiting. Most cases of the rotavirus infection are mild and usually clear up without medical intervention within a few days but some children, especially toddlers under the age of two, can be at risk of dehydration so it is essential to keep them hydrated with plenty of fluids.

The rotavirus infection is spread by infected people who haven’t washed their hands properly after going to the toilet. This can cause tiny amounts of infected feces being passed on to the child.  Small amounts of these infected feces can also be carried in the air resulting in the child inhaling them. Most children will have contracted the rotavirus infection by the age of five.  The rotavirus infection is more common during the winter and spring and it is usually common for the first virus to be the worst as after that the child will have built up some immunity.  It is for this reason that the rotavirus is rare in adults.

Rotavirus Infection

The rotavirus is extremely contagious in children and can even infect children who have already had the infection due to full immunity not being built up.  It is a good idea to isolate an infected child for a period of at least 48 hours after they have stopped having diarrhea and vomiting.

Symptoms of the rotavirus infection include rapid onset of diarrhea and vomiting and also occasionally a high temperature of 38C or above however it is important to recognize the signs of dehydration as this can occur if not enough fluids are taken.  Signs of dehydration include weakness, rapid breathing, little or no urine, or dry mouth and eyes.

The most important thing to do for a child with the rotavirus infection is to keep them hydrated and the infection will usually pass within a few days.

Acne can be described as a condition of the skin where inflamed spots build up, and it is a fairly common condition. They generally appear on the face and neck areas but can also emerge on the back, shoulders and less commonly, other areas of the body.

Acne

Acne is a direct result of an oily substance known as sebum that is secreted from the sebaceous gland. These glands are found at the end of each one of the thousands of hair follicles found on the skin. When there is an overproduction of sebum (this can be caused due to a variety of reasons), it tends to “mix” with dead skin cells which has the effect of blocking the hair follicles.

Sometimes these blocked follicles rupture, causing inflammation which could itself lead to cyst-like spots forming, and it is these that sometimes leave the scars when they disappear.

Contrary to popular belief, there is really no scientific basis that says eating a particular food (chocolate or fried foods, for example) makes an outbreak of acne any worse than it is, but some common triggers known to cause an acne outbreak include sitting exams or starting a new relationship (in teenagers) and the wearing of certain cosmetics, just before a period or pregnancy (for females).

Acne normally affects younger people due to increased levels of hormones in their bodies and the main symptoms of the condition range from little white spots that are pretty painless, to large red-colored cysts full of pus and sebum and which can be sore.