When a part of the small or large intestine (the bowels) becomes blocked, either totally or partially so that stools cannot get through, this is known as a bowel obstruction; and it can happen to anybody.

Blockages can occur for a number of reasons. Some of these include hernia, gallstones, tumors, abnormal growth of tissue, a twisted intestine or foreign body (by swallowing a non-food item).

Bowel Obstruction

A blocked bowel is usually a serious condition that requires medical attention. Sometimes, the intestine may have to be decompressed which is achieved by the insertion of a (nasogastric) tube into the stomach. If this doesn’t manage to resolve the blockage then surgery may be required.

There are some complications associated with bowel obstructions. If not treated, for example, a part of the bowel tissue could die resulting in infection and even in some cases, gangrene. There is also the possibility of the intestine becoming perforated, and this is a medical emergency should it happen.

The symptoms of a blocked bowel can include the total lack of stools as none can get through, or diarrhea as only liquid stools can get through. Pain, bloating and cramps also point to a blocked bowel, as do bad breath and vomiting. Diagnosis of a bowel obstruction is carried out be a physical examination in combination with diagnostic tests.

People with personality disorders may have conditions such as not being able to live with others, not being able to maintain relationships with other people, finding it difficult to control emotions or upsetting other people when distressed.

Causes of personality disorders can include genetic makeup, mental or emotional state or brain problems. There are three types of personality disorder: suspicious, emotional and impulsive, and anxious.

Suspicious personality disorders are where the sufferer is often paranoid of other people, and finds it difficult to interact with others, preferring their own company instead.  The person with a suspicious personality disorder is often seen by others as strange or peculiar.

Emotional and impulsive personality disorders are where the sufferer is indifferent to other people’s feelings and can be quite aggressive.  They often find it difficult to control emotions and will do this spontaneously without thinking about the consequences.  Sufferers will also self harm if they feel really bad about themselves.

Anxious personality disorders are where the sufferer worries about everything.  They are very indecisive and worry constantly about doing the wrong thing.  Anxious sufferers are overly sensitive to criticism and can often feel worthless or incompetent.

There are therapies which can help such as psychotherapy or cognitive behavioral therapy.  There is also medication available to help with the different groups of personality disorders.  Antipsychotic drugs can help those in the suspicious group while antidepressants can help to relieve the symptoms of those in the emotional group.  There are also some antidepressants which have been shown to help those in the anxious group such as serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRI).

Personality Disorders

Anemia occurs when a person’s red blood cell count falls under normal numbers. Red blood cells in the body are responsible for transporting oxygen from the lungs so when these numbers start to fall, an anemic person may start to feel tired and lethargic due to a lack of oxygen.

There are many causes of anemia and for a doctor or physician to treat it, the cause has to be known. Some of the most common causes of the condition include iron deficiency, blood loss, disease, poor diet and reaction to certain medications or medical procedures.

If someone contracts anemia, they could have it in either mild or severe form, as well as having a temporary or chronic anemic condition. In the very serious cases it can create such oxygen deficiency in the body’s organs that it can lead to heart attacks and death. Symptoms of the condition could initially be unnoticeable but obviously increase as the condition gets worse. Some of these symptoms include dizziness, confusion, fatigue, tiredness, headaches and paleness.

Of all the types of anemia around, the most common are the result of iron deficiency. Therefore, the people most at risk are women that suffer from heavy periods, women that are pregnant and people that suffer from internal bleeding due to a variety of conditions.

Symptoms of Anemia

Anemia can be treated, depending on the initial cause. These treatments could be something as simple as dietary changes and exercise or at the other end of the scale, injections or blood transfusions.