El dolor óseo puede ser un síntoma de diversas condiciones médicas. Estas son las causas más frecuentes:
Deficiencia de Vitamina D y Osteoporosis
La falta de vitamina D afecta la absorción de calcio, debilitando los huesos. La osteoporosis, frecuente en adultos mayores, provoca pérdida de densidad ósea y fracturas por fragilidad. Se observa en pacientes con malabsorción intestinal, enfermedad renal crónica o baja exposición solar.
Artritis y Enfermedades Reumáticas
Artritis reumatoide: Trastorno autoinmune que provoca inflamación crónica de la membrana sinovial, erosión ósea y dolor.
Osteoartritis: Degeneración progresiva del cartílago articular con afectación ósea subcondral, produciendo dolor mecánico.
Infecciones Virales y Fiebres Exantemáticas
Enfermedades como el dengue, chikungunya y otras fiebres exantemáticas pueden causar artralgias y mialgias intensas, que a menudo se confunden con dolor óseo.
Enfermedades Metabólicas y Hormonales
Trastornos como el hiperparatiroidismo, el hipotiroidismo y la enfermedad de Paget alteran el metabolismo óseo, provocando dolor y deformidades. Tipos específicos de anemias también están involucrados.
Fracturas por Estrés y Medicación
El uso prolongado de corticosteroides, la quimioterapia y las fracturas microscópicas pueden causar dolor óseo crónico.
Si el dolor es persistente, consulta a un médico para un diagnóstico y tratamiento adecuado.
Infecciones y Cáncer Óseo
La osteomielitis (infección ósea) y las metástasis óseas pueden causar dolor persistente, inflamación y debilitamiento del hueso.
Si el dolor es persistente, consulta a un médico para un diagnóstico y tratamiento adecuado.
Drinking alcohol while taking medication can be risky, leading to dangerous side effects, intoxication, or even death. It's important to understand which medications are safer to use with alcohol and which should be completely avoided. Here's a guide on the topic:
Medications That Should Be Avoided with Alcohol Completely:
Antibiotics (like metronidazole, tinidazole, and certain cephalosporins): Can cause severe reactions with some antibiotics, including the "disulfiram effect," resulting in symptoms such as flushing, nausea, vomiting, and abdominal pain. For some antibiotics like metronidazole, even a small amount of alcohol can cause these symptoms.
Benzodiazepines (like diazepam, alprazolam): Can amplify the sedative effects of benzodiazepines, leading to extreme drowsiness, respiratory depression, or even coma.
Painkillers (opioids like morphine, oxycodone): Alcohol can dangerously enhance the depressant effects on the central nervous system, leading to life-threatening respiratory depression.
Antidepressants (especially SSRIs and MAOIs): Alcohol can heighten the sedative effects of antidepressants, and combining alcohol with MAOIs can result in severe reactions like hypertensive crises.
Diabetes Medications (like metformin): Alcohol can interfere with blood sugar levels, increasing the risk of hypoglycemia or lactic acidosis.
Blood Pressure Medications (like beta-blockers): Alcohol can reduce the effectiveness of these medications, leading to dangerously low blood pressure.
Medications That Can Be Taken with Alcohol (With Caution):
Mild Pain Relievers (such as acetaminophen in small doses): excessive alcohol consumption can increase the risk of liver damage.
Antihistamines (such as loratadine or cetirizine): can cause drowsiness.
Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs, like ibuprofen): can irritate the stomach and increase the risk of ulcers or bleeding.
Always consult a healthcare professional before combining alcohol with any medication as tolerance, pharmacology or chronic use can influence. The information provided is general, and a doctor or pharmacist can offer personalized advice, especially for those on ongoing medication regimens.
11/02/25
Diabetic foot ulcers require specialized care to promote healing and prevent complications. There are three main types of wound care approaches: dry wound care, moist wound care, and negative pressure wound therapy (NPWT). Each method is used based on the wound’s condition and healing stage.
1. Dry Wound Care
Dry wound care involves keeping the ulcer dry and covered daily with non-adherent dressings. This method is typically used for necrotic or uninfected wounds that require debridement or when excessive moisture could lead to bacterial growth. It helps form a scab that protects the wound but may slow down tissue regeneration.
2. Moist Wound Care
This method promotes healing by maintaining a balanced moisture level in the wound bed. It uses hydrocolloids, hydrogels, and foam dressings to create an optimal environment for cell migration and tissue regeneration. Moist wound care is ideal for granulating ulcers as it reduces pain, minimizes scarring, and speeds up the healing process.
3. Negative Pressure Wound Therapy (NPWT)
NPWT, also known as vacuum-assisted wound closure, uses a sealed dressing connected to a vacuum pump. This therapy removes excess fluid, reduces swelling, and increases blood flow, accelerating the healing of deep or chronic diabetic foot ulcers. It is particularly useful for infected or large wounds that require controlled healing.
Proper wound care selection depends on the wound’s severity, infection status, and healing progress. Consulting a healthcare professional ensures the best treatment approach to prevent complications and promote faster recovery.
Here in MedDomicilio Dry and Wound Care treatments are available.
24/01/2025
In an emergency, if a tourniquet is needed and none is available, you can improvise one using a bandage or cloth. Here’s how to do it:
Take a clean bandage or cloth and wrap it tightly around the injured extremity.
Tie a knot in the middle of the cloth.
Insert a sturdy yet thin object, such as a pen, pencil, or metal rod, through the knot.
Tie another knot over the object to secure it in place.
Use the object as a lever to twist and tighten the bandage, applying pressure until the bleeding slows or stops.
Once the bleeding has decreased, wrap the extremity again and tie the bandage to the object to secure it.
This method should only be used when necessary and is a temporary solution. Be sure to seek immediate medical help for proper treatment.
24/01/2025
Injuries can bleed for various reasons, depending on the location or mechanism of the wound. Scalp cuts, for example, can be particularly dramatic due to the high blood supply in that area. However, the key to stopping the bleeding remains the same: act promptly.
First and Foremost: Apply Pressure The first step in controlling bleeding is to activate the clotting cascade. This can take anywhere from one to two minutes or longer, depending on the severity of the wound. Typically, applying firm, direct pressure with a bandage or clean cloth should be enough to stop the bleeding. If the bleeding persists despite initial pressure, it's important to apply more pressure to the wound to help stop the bleeding. One effective way to do this is by wrapping the injured area with an additional layer of cloth or fabric.
To do this, take another clean piece of fabric, such as a cloth or bandage, and wrap it tightly around the injured extremity. The extra layer of material will help exert more pressure on the wound, promoting clotting and controlling the bleeding.
Always ensure that the pressure is firm but not excessive, as you don't want to restrict blood flow entirely.
In Case of Extensive Injury: Use a Tourniquet If the wound is large or pressure cannot be applied effectively, a tourniquet may be necessary. You can improvise a tourniquet with common items, but it should only be used in specific cases. Place it approximately 5-6 cm above the wound, avoiding joints. Contrary to popular belief, a tourniquet can remain in place for up to two hours without causing irreversible damage. However, it is important to note the exact time the tourniquet was applied.
Seek Immediate Medical Attention Regardless of the steps you take, a bleeding wound requires medical attention. It's strongly recommended to go to a healthcare facility for proper evaluation and treatment.
By following these steps, you can help stop the bleeding while preparing to seek professional medical care promptly.
22/01/2025
Not all wounds require immediate medical attention, but knowing when to visit a healthcare provider and how to manage wounds at home is crucial. Large, deep, or bleeding wounds that do not heal should be evaluated by a professional. For minor injuries, follow these steps:
Wash the area: Use 0.9% saline solution, available at most pharmacies, to remove debris or dried blood.
Clean the wound: Use 2% chlorhexidine soap for its bactericidal properties, ensuring cleanliness and infection prevention.
Apply Dressings: Cover the wound with sterile gauze or appropriate dressings. Replace them daily to avoid bacterial growth.
Clean water and pH neutral soap are adequate too.
Avoid Rubbing Alcohol: It irritates the skin and delays healing.
Skip Dish or Hand Soap: These can harm sensitive tissue.
Avoid Hydrogen Peroxide: It damages skin cells responsible in cicatrization.
Do Not Wet Dressings: Keeping bandages dry is crucial to prevent bacterial contamination and ensure proper healing.
Stay tuned for more tips, including using spray antiseptics for open wounds!
20/01/2025
As a traveler in El Salvador, it's comforting to know that the country has an accessible and FREE public healthcare system. In Santa Ana, several institutions provide medical services, ensuring that healthcare is within reach. Let’s take a closer look at some of them.
The main healthcare facility is Hospital Nacional San Juan de Dios, operating 24/7. This is a second-level hospital with third-level resolution capacity in certain cases. It offers emergency services, outpatient care, and hospitalization. As the most capable hospital in the western region, it's no surprise that it often operates at full capacity.
In addition to the hospital, Santa Ana is home to Unidades Comunitarias de Salud Familiar (UCSF), which are public clinics at the first healthcare level. These clinics handle most health concerns that don’t require hospitalization. There are 8 health units in Santa Ana, and some of them operate 24/7 in the urban area, including UCSF Tomas Pineda, El Palmar, San Rafael, and Santa Barbara.
The public healthcare system delivers quality care at no cost. The main drawback is often the long waiting times. However, the availability of multiple strategically located facilities ensures that accessing healthcare is relatively easy.
For those seeking private care, Santa Ana also offers several options, including Centro Médico de Santa Ana, Climesa, Hospital Cader, and San Antonio as the largest private institutions. Additionally, there are many private doctors providing more personalized and warm medical attention.
When it comes to medical emergencies, I will always recommend 132 SEM (Servicio de Emergencias Medicas). This is the government’s emergency medical service under the Ministry of Health, staffed by trained professionals and equipped with well-prepared ambulances.
Whether you choose public or private services, Santa Ana has a robust healthcare system to meet your needs during your visit to El Salvador.
18/01/2025
Hello everyone! Albert here.
I started this business recently and liked the idea of helping foreigners who face language barriers or simply don't want to spend the night in a hospital. This is the market I'll focus on, and I look forward to meeting many people and hearing their stories along the way. I take pride in delivering care that combines professionalism, empathy, and adaptability to each individual’s needs, think fast, fix it right away. My goal is not just to treat illnesses but to promote health and well-being in a way that feels effortless and supportive.
I talk a lot about "professionals, our team, and all that", but I am the one and only running this business—social media, image design, supplies, and, of course, medical consultations and treatment. It’s not that I distrust myself, but sometimes I feel that the image I’m presenting is too formal. I’m fine with it; the goal is for this to grow as a business.