<a href="https://www.pexels.com/photo/counter-with-fresh-fruits-and-vegetables-5218232/">Photo by Alina Lomilova</a>Food is more than just something that tastes good and fills you up. It is an essential part of our lives and plays a critical role in maintaining good health and fueling our bodies.But not all foods are the same. Understanding the different classes of food and what they contain will help you decide on what to eat, what they do, and how you should eat to introduce and maintain your body in its best shape.&nbsp;<h2 style="margin-left:0cm;">What are Classes of Food?</h2>Classes of food are groups of foods that have similar nutrients and work in the body in similar ways. There are six major classes of food: carbohydrates, proteins, fats, vitamins, minerals, and water.&nbsp;<h2 style="margin-left:0cm;">Carbohydrates give you energy</h2><img src="https://tenbadgers-myhealthvoice.s3.eu-central-1.amazonaws.com/image_fccbab762c.png"><a href="https://www.freepik.com/free-photo/assortment-common-food-allergens-people_33757336.htm#query=carbohydrates&amp;position=1&amp;from_view=keyword&amp;track=sph&amp;uuid=f0919fbe-c696-4808-b971-d6a506938a8d">Image by&nbsp;Freepik</a>While carbohydrates have gotten a bad reputation for contributing to diabetes and weight gain, they are essential in keeping you fit and energized. Foods such as yams, bread, rice, potatoes, and some fruits are chief sources of carbohydrates, which are a type of macronutrient that&nbsp;serves as body fuel. This is why you should include carbohydrates in your diet.<h3 style="margin-left:0cm;text-align:justify;">Types of carbohydrates</h3>There are two main types of carbohydrates: simple carbohydrates and complex carbohydrates.<ul><li>Simple carbohydrates&nbsp;are a type of carbohydrate that undergo no further processing to produce energy. They are found in sugary foods and provide a quick burst of energy.&nbsp;</li><li>Complex carbohydrates, on the other hand, need to be broken down to provide a slower release of energy. They are found in starchy foods like rice, yam, and whole grains,&nbsp;which are metabolised to provide sustained energy.</li></ul>&nbsp;<h3 style="margin-left:0cm;">How to incorporate carbohydrates into your diet</h3>Choose whole grain products, such as wheat bread and brown rice, instead of refined grain products, such as white bread and white rice.&nbsp;Supplement these with a collection&nbsp;of fruits and vegetables to make your diet for a healthy source of carbohydrates.&nbsp;<h2 style="margin-left:0cm;">Proteins build your body</h2><img src="https://tenbadgers-myhealthvoice.s3.eu-central-1.amazonaws.com/image_afab21adb3.png"><a href="https://www.pexels.com/photo/grilled-vegetables-and-fried-egg-with-beans-and-sausage-4552980/">Photo by Roman Odintsov</a>Proteins are essential for the growth and repair of our body tissues. They are the building blocks of our muscles, skin and tissues. Proteins can be found in foods such as meat, poultry, fish, dairy products, beans, nuts, and tofu.<h3 style="margin-left:0cm;">Types of Proteins</h3>There are many different types of proteins, each with its own unique structure and function. Some examples include hemoglobin, which carries oxygen in the blood, and enzymes, which help to digest food.<h3 style="margin-left:0cm;">How to Incorporate More Proteins into Your Diet</h3>Start with lean protein sources and meats, such as chicken and fish, in your meals. Then add plant-proteins or dairy products to provide you with the essential amino acids.&nbsp;<h2 style="margin-left:0cm;text-align:justify;">Can Fats make you fat?</h2><img src="https://tenbadgers-myhealthvoice.s3.eu-central-1.amazonaws.com/image_88c4bf7ba0.png"><a href="https://www.freepik.com/free-photo/real-food-pyramid-assortment-top-view_39205167.htm">Image by&nbsp;Freepik</a>No, Fats will not make you fat if you take the right type of fats in the right proportion. A small amount of Fat in your diet is enough to keep you healthy, without being at risk of the many complications that come with excess fat.&nbsp;Fats&nbsp;help our body to produce essential amino acids and absorb fat-soluble vitamins. They are found in a variety of foods, including oils, butter, nuts, cheese, and fatty cuts of meat.&nbsp;<h3 style="margin-left:0cm;">Types of Fats</h3>There are two main types of fats: unsaturated fats and saturated fats.<ul><li style="text-align:justify;">Unsaturated fats found in foods such as olive oil, nuts, and avocados. They can be benefcial to health when consumed in moderation. These types of fats can help lower cholesterol levels and improve heart health.</li><li style="text-align:justify;">Saturated fats&nbsp;are found in animal products and processed foods such as butter, lard, and fatty meats. Saturated fats have been linked to increased cholesterol levels and raise the risk of heart disease, and as such, should be consumed in moderation.</li></ul><h3 style="margin-left:0cm;">How to incorporate more good fats into your diet</h3>At all times, choose unsaturated fats over saturated ones. Evidence from nutritionists and doctors suggest that moderate levels of unsaturated fats have better health benefits and less risks than saturated ones.&nbsp;Unsaturated fats are found in food items such as nuts, seeds, avocados, and olive oil.&nbsp;Also, limit your intake of saturated fats from animal products and processed foods, and opt for lean cuts of meat instead.&nbsp;<h2 style="margin-left:0cm;text-align:justify;">Vitamins and Minerals for Vitality</h2><img src="https://tenbadgers-myhealthvoice.s3.eu-central-1.amazonaws.com/image_9ae6c6e784.png"><a href="https://unsplash.com/photos/kiwis-and-oranges-1cWZgnBhZRs">Photo by Luke Michael</a>The body needs vitamins and minerals in small amounts to function properly.&nbsp;Vitamins and minerals have a vital role in everything from building strong bones and maintaining good health to boosting our immune system.&nbsp;Some of the most important vitamins and minerals include vitamin A, vitamin C, calcium, and iron. You can get these nutrients from a variety of foods, including fruits, vegetables, dairy products, whole grains, and lean protein sources.<h3 style="margin-left:0cm;">Types of Vitamins and Minerals</h3>There are 13 essential vitamins, including vitamins A, C, D, and E. Each vitamin has its unique function, such as maintaining healthy skin and supporting the immune system.There are also many different types of minerals, including calcium, iron, and magnesium. Each mineral has its unique function in the body, such as building strong bones and helping regulate the heart's rhythm.&nbsp;<h3 style="margin-left:0cm;">Role of Vitamins and Minerals in the Body</h3>Vitamins and minerals play a crucial role in many processes in the body, including growth, metabolism of carbohydrates, proteins, and fats, building strong bones, regulating heart function, transmitting nerve impulses, and disease prevention.&nbsp;&nbsp;They also help to protect cells and tissues, maintain&nbsp;fluid balance, and support the maintenance of a healthy immune system.<h3 style="margin-left:0cm;">How to incorporate more vitamins and minerals into your diet</h3>Fruits and veggies are the chief source of vitamins and minerals. For instance, leafy greens, such as spinach and kale, are a good source of calcium and iron.&nbsp;Orange is rich in vitamin C.&nbsp;Additionally, meat, poultry, and dairy products, such as milk and yogurt, are rich in iron and calcium and are a good source of Vitamin D. Seafood is a good source of magnesium and iodine. Nuts, seeds, and legumes are good sources of magnesium, phosphorus, and potassium.&nbsp;<h2 style="margin-left:0cm;">Water</h2><img src="https://tenbadgers-myhealthvoice.s3.eu-central-1.amazonaws.com/image_421b6c4d19.png"><a href="https://unsplash.com/photos/pouring-water-on-persons-hands-YpZ2cj4s0oo">Photo by mrjn Photography</a>Our body is made up of 70% water, so it’s only natural for water to be very essential to play a central role in our diet, digestion, and wellbeing.&nbsp; Water helps to regulate our body temperature, lubricates joints, removes or flushes out waste products and toxins, and helps transport nutrients throughout the body. It is also important for hydration and maintaining healthy skin and eyes.<h3 style="margin-left:0cm;">How to stay hydrated all day</h3>It is recommended to drink at least&nbsp;15 cups or glasses (3 to 4 litres, or 6 to 8 sachets of water) per day.&nbsp;If you’re in a hot environment like Nigeria, you may need to drink more. But the exact amount of water you need can change depending on your age, gender, level of activity, and health in general.&nbsp;&nbsp;<h2 style="margin-left:0cm;">Bottom Line</h2>A balanced diet is a diet containing a healthy blend of the different classes of food we’ve discussed. Fill your plate with a variety of components from each food group.&nbsp;<img src="https://tenbadgers-myhealthvoice.s3.eu-central-1.amazonaws.com/image_62c94a4d33.png"><a href="https://unsplash.com/photos/fruit-salad-on-gray-bowls-HlNcigvUi4Q">Photo by Brooke Lark</a>Personalise your diet and ensure your health is at the top of your scale when selecting what food to eat.&nbsp;&nbsp;While several dietary guidelines recommend different daily dietary regimens for individuals, there are no universal diet guidelines. So it’s helpful to tailor the guidelines to your individual needs and circumstances.&nbsp;&nbsp;Remember that everyone's nutritional needs are different and may change throughout their lives, depending on factors like age, gender, specific health conditions and physical activity levels.&nbsp;&nbsp;Speaking with a registered dietitian or healthcare provider can help you determine what a healthy and balanced diet looks like for you.

The ABCs of Food and Why Food Classes Matter

Lifestyle and Wellness

<a href="https://pxhere.com/en/photo/1620710?utm_content=clipUser&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_source=pxhere">Image from PxHere</a>Alcohol consumption has become a normalized aspect of social culture in Nigeria and across Africa. Whether it is at celebratory events, gatherings with friends, or even just a casual drink after a long day, alcohol is a go-to for many people. However, excessive drinking can hurt the liver.While zero alcohol consumption is ideal for liver health, moderate intake is often considered safe. The&nbsp;<a href="https://www.nhs.uk/better-health/drink-less/#:~:text=Alcohol%20guidelines,risk%20of%20harming%20your%20health.">National Health Service</a> recommends drinking no more than 14 units of alcohol a week, spread across 3 days or more. That is around 6 medium (175ml) glasses of wine, or 6 pints, that is, 2.8 litres of beer with 4% alcohol by volume (ABV). There is no completely safe level of drinking, but sticking within these guidelines lowers your risk of harming your health. Consuming more than these limits, particularly binge drinking or taking in excess can raise the risk of Alcohol-Related Liver Disease (ARLD).Alcoholic liver disease (ALD) is a deadly condition affecting millions of people globally and is a growing concern in Nigeria and across Africa.&nbsp;A new report from the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.who.int/news/item/25-06-2024-over-3-million-annual-deaths-due-to-alcohol-and-drug-use-majority-among-men#:~:text=A%20new%20report%20from%20the,deaths%20to%20psychoactive%20drug%20use.">World Health Organization (WHO)</a> reveals that 2.6 million deaths per year were attributable to alcohol consumption, accounting for 4.7% of all deaths, with more than 200 diseases and injuries linked to alcohol use. While<a href="https://gatefield.co/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/Alcohol-Policy-Brief.pdf"> Alcohol policy in Nigeria</a> also noted that harmful alcohol use accounts for approximately. 3.3 million deaths annually and it is linked to over 200 non-communicable diseases.&nbsp;<h2 style="margin-left:0cm;">What is alcoholic liver disease</h2>Alcoholic liver disease is a medical condition that occurs when the liver becomes damaged due to excessive and chronic alcohol consumption, leading to impaired liver function.&nbsp;The liver processes and detoxifies substances in the body and produces essential proteins. Impairment of these functions due to alcoholic disease can have severe consequences, including liver failure and even death.<h2 style="margin-left:0cm;">The stages of Alcoholic liver disease&nbsp;</h2>Alcoholic liver disease progresses through three key stages: fatty liver, alcoholic hepatitis, and cirrhosis. Each of these stages present with different symptoms, allowing for early interventions that can prevent further damage.<ul><li>Fatty liver&nbsp;is the first stage, where excessive alcohol consumption leads to fat buildup in the liver. This stage is often reversible with lifestyle changes if caught early.</li><li>Alcoholic hepatitis, the second stage, is marked by liver inflammation. This stage presents with more noticeable symptoms like abdominal pain and jaundice or yellowing of the eyes and mucous membranes.</li><li>Cirrhosis&nbsp;is the final stage, where the liver becomes permanently scarred, leading to severe complications and a higher risk of liver failure.</li></ul>Early detection during the fatty liver or alcoholic hepatitis stage allows for lifestyle changes and medical treatments, which can stop the disease from progressing to cirrhosis, which is irreversible and life-threatening.<h2 style="margin-left:0cm;">Risk factors of ALD</h2>The risk factors for Alcoholic Liver Disease (ALD) include:<ul><li>Excessive alcohol consumption: long-term heavy drinking is the most significant contributor.</li><li>Gender: women are more likely to have alcoholic liver disease than men, even if they drink less alcohol.</li><li>Genetics: those with a parent or relative who has a history of liver disease have a greater risk.</li><li>Obesity: excess body weight can worsen the effects of alcohol on the liver.</li><li>Poor nutrition: alcohol impairs nutrient absorption, and a poor diet can worsen liver damage.</li><li>Co-existing liver conditions: an ongoing liver disease or infections like hepatitis B or C increase the chances of alcoholic liver disease.</li><li>Age – Older adults are at higher risk due to decreased liver regeneration capacity.</li></ul><h2 style="margin-left:0cm;">Symptoms of Alcoholic Liver Disease</h2><img src="https://tenbadgers-myhealthvoice.s3.eu-central-1.amazonaws.com/image_cd35024eab.png"><a href="https://www.pexels.com/photo/depressed-man-holding-his-head-7927024/">Photo by Nicola Barts</a>The symptoms of alcoholic liver disease can vary depending on the severity of the condition. In the early stages, there may be no symptoms at all. As the disease progresses, you may experience the following:<ul><li>Fatigue</li><li>Loss of appetite</li><li>Nausea and vomiting</li><li>Abdominal pain and swelling</li><li>Jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes)</li><li>Confusion</li><li>Dark urine</li><li>Pale-colored stools</li><li>Weight loss</li><li>Easy bruising and bleeding</li></ul>You should see a doctor immediately if you experience any of these symptoms.<h2 style="margin-left:0cm;">How is alcoholic liver disease diagnosed</h2>For the diagnosis of alcoholic liver disease, your doctor will begin by asking about your medical history and conducting a physical exam. They may also request blood tests to assess how well your liver is functioning. Imaging tests like an ultrasound, CT scan, or MRI can help detect liver damage, such as fat buildup or scarring.If more clarity is needed, your doctor might recommend a liver biopsy, where a small tissue sample is taken and examined under a microscope to check for damage.<h2 style="margin-left:0cm;">The treatment of alcoholic liver disease</h2><img src="https://tenbadgers-myhealthvoice.s3.eu-central-1.amazonaws.com/image_e89d87bbb6.png"><a href="https://www.pexels.com/photo/a-man-holding-medicine-container-11452186/">Photo by Towfiqu barbhuiya</a>The treatment of Alcoholic Liver Disease (ALD) focuses majorly on halting disease progression, managing symptoms, and promoting liver healing. The main steps in treating include:<ul><li>Alcohol cessation: The most critical step in treating ALD is to stop alcohol consumption. Continued drinking will worsen liver damage, while quitting can help stabilize or even reverse early-stage damage.</li><li>Nutritional support: Many individuals with ALD suffer from malnutrition, which can worsen liver health. A balanced diet with vitamins and minerals (like vitamin B, folate, and zinc) helps improve liver function and overall health.</li><li>Medications: In some cases, medications are prescribed to reduce inflammation and improve liver function. These treatments help manage symptoms and prevent complications.</li><li>Liver transplantation: For patients with advanced cirrhosis, a liver transplant may be the only option. However, patients must abstain from alcohol for an extended period to be considered for this procedure.</li><li>Counseling and support: Since ALD is tied to alcohol use disorder, counseling, therapy, and support groups like Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) are vital for long-term recovery.</li></ul><h2 style="margin-left:0cm;">Alcohol Use Disorder</h2>Alcohol use disorder (AUD) is a common condition that occurs in people with pre-existing alcoholic liver disease. It is a chronic brain disease that affects how a person processes and responds to alcohol.&nbsp;People with AUD may not experience ALD and can continue to drink despite the negative consequences, such as health problems and relationship issues.&nbsp;Treatment for AUD may include counseling, support groups, medication-assisted treatment, and other therapies.<h2 style="margin-left:0cm;">Conclusion</h2>Excessive alcohol consumption which is typical in Nigerian and African social cultures, can lead to severe liver damage. The damage is gradual and may take years before it results in full-blown disease. Recognising the symptoms of liver damage early is essential for treatment success; the later stage is irreversible. Thankfully, the condition is manageable.

Liver Health and Alcohol: What You Need to Know

Disease prevention and management

What is Genotype and How Does it Work?

Health News and Research

<a href="https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Otitis_Media.png">BruceBlaus</a>, <a href="https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0">CC BY-SA 4.0</a>, via Wikimedia CommonsOverviewOtitis media is&nbsp;inflammation of the tympanic membrane and middle ear. Approximately two-thirds of children of all ages are affected by otitis media.Key facts:<ul><li>Approximately 42 million people over the age of three years suffer hearing loss due to otitis media</li><li>90% of children experience this disorder before they enter the school system</li><li>Many attacks of otitis media spontaneously resolve within three months, but in 30% to 40% of children, the disorder becomes recurrent</li><li>Otitis media occurs in 75% of children at least three times in their frst three years of life.</li><li>Around 20,000 people, majorly children under 5 years of age, die every year with the associated complications.</li></ul>Otitis media, especially with a chronic and recurrent form, is associated with complications such as hearing loss, decreased learning capability, and low educational achievement.&nbsp;<h2 style="margin-left:0cm;">Causes of otitis media in Africa</h2>Otitis media usually occurs as a result of acute upper respiratory tract infections. It can also be caused by&nbsp; allergies or abnormalities in the normal structure and function of the middle ear or Eustachian&nbsp; tube.&nbsp;The most important bacteria causes are<ul><li>non-typeable Haemophilus infuenzae</li><li>Streptococcus pneumoniae</li><li>Staphylococcus aureus</li><li>Streptococcus pyogenes</li><li>Pseudomonas aeruginosa</li><li>Proteus mirabilis</li><li>Escherichia coli, and</li><li>Moraxella catarrhalis</li></ul>P. aeruginosa, S. aureus and P. mirabilis are the commonest bacterial pathogens responsible for otitis media in sub-Saharan Africa.Viruses and&nbsp;fungi also cause otitis media.&nbsp;The occurrence of otitis media is directly related to the colonization rate of the nasopharynx by the bacteria. Viral upper respiratory tract infections (URTI), disrupts the mucociliary system, a system of thick secretions (mucus) from the airways and hairlike projections that sweep the mucus. The disruption of the mucociliary system impairs the host’s primary mechanical defense for bacterial invasion and predisposes children to acute otitis media (AOM).<h2>Types of otitis media</h2><ol style="list-style-type:decimal;"><li>Acute otitis media (AOM)<ul><li>Description: This type of middle ear infection starts suddenly, causing swelling and redness.</li><li>Symptoms: Fluid and mucus get trapped in the ear, leading to fever and ear pain.</li></ul></li><li>Otitis media with effusion (OME)<ul><li>Description: Fluid and mucus remain in the middle ear after an initial infection has subsided.</li><li>Symptoms: A sense of fullness in the ear, possible hearing impairment, or no symptoms at all.</li></ul></li><li>Chronic otitis media with effusion (COME)<ul><li>Description: Fluid stays in the middle ear for an extended period or keeps coming back without infection.</li><li>Symptoms: Difficulties in fighting new infections and potential hearing issues.</li></ul></li></ol><h2>Symptoms of a middle ear infection</h2><ol style="list-style-type:decimal;"><li>Ear pain:<ul><li>In older children and adults, there is ear pain.</li><li>Babies may rub or pull at their ears, cry more than usual, have trouble sleeping, or be restless and irritable.</li></ul></li><li>Loss of appetite:<ul><li>Especially noticeable in young children during bottle-feeding, as swallowing can increase ear pain due to pressure changes.</li></ul></li><li>Irritability:<ul><li>Persistent pain can cause irritability.</li></ul></li><li>Poor sleep:<ul><li>Pain can worsen when lying down due to increased ear pressure.</li></ul></li><li>Fever:<ul><li>Temperatures can range from 38°C to 104°F, and about half of the children with an ear infection also have a fever.</li></ul></li><li>Ear Drainage:<ul><li>Drainage of yellow, brown, or white (not earwax) fluid from the ear may indicate a ruptured eardrum.</li></ul></li><li>Hearing problems:<ul><li>Fluid behind the eardrum can slow down the movement of sound signals through the inner ear, affecting hearing.</li></ul></li></ol>These symptoms can resemble other conditions, so it's important to consult a healthcare provider for an accurate diagnosis.<h2 style="margin-left:0cm;">Risk factors</h2>The risk factors for ear infections are:<ul><li>cultural, such as use of feathers to clean the ears,</li><li>socioeconomic, and environmental (e.g., living in crowded places, living in large families, the duration of breastfeeding, smoking status),</li><li>genetic (e.g., craniofacial anomalies such as those characteristic in Down syndrome and cleft palate),</li><li>nutritional like how the infant is fed: Babies who are bottle-fed, particularly when lying down, are more prone to ear infections compared to breast-fed babies.</li><li>medical (e.g., age, gender, race, health status, history of several acute otitis episodes, rhinorrhea, allergic rhinitis, seasonal rhinitis, snoring, upper respiratory tract infections, and adenoid hypertrophy).</li></ul><h2 style="margin-left:0cm;">Diagnosis</h2>Diagnostic criteria for acute otitis media include:<ul><li>rapid onset of symptoms,</li><li>middle ear effusion, and</li><li>signs and symptoms of middle&nbsp;</li></ul>&nbsp;Antibacterial resistance in AfricaA high level of resistance was observed to commonly used antibacterial agents such as Ampicillin, cotrimoxazole, Amoxicillin, and Amoxicillin-clavulanate however, isolates were less resistant to Ciprofoxacin, Gentamycin, and Chloramphenicol.Thus, drugs like Ampicillin, amoxicillin, Amoxicillin-clavulanate, and cotrimoxazole should not be used as a first-line treatment in sub-Saharan countries since countries in Sub-Saharan Africa are commonly dependent on clinical data for treatment with the absence of microbiology laboratory. Without proper treatment, otitis media could lead to intracranial and intratemporal complications with higher and complex management.<h2 style="margin-left:0cm;">Management and treatment of otitis media&nbsp;</h2>Treatment of ear infections depends on age, severity of the infection, the nature of the infection (is the infection a first-time infection, ongoing infection or repeating infection)&nbsp; and if fluid remains in the middle ear for a long period of time.Your healthcare provider will recommend medications to relieve your child’s pain and fever. If the ear infection is mild, depending on the age of the child, your healthcare provider may choose to wait a few days to see if the infection goes away on its own before prescribing an antibiotic.<h3 style="margin-left:0cm;">Antibiotics</h3>Antibiotics may be prescribed if bacteria are thought to be the cause of the ear infection. Your healthcare provider may want to wait up to three days before prescribing antibiotics to see if a mild infection clears up on its own when the child is older. If your or your child’s ear infection is severe, antibiotics might be started right away.<h3 style="margin-left:0cm;">Pain-relieving medications</h3>Over-the-counter pain relievers such as acetaminophen/paracetamol or ibuprofen can help relieve earache or fever. Pain-relieving ear drops can also be prescribed. These medications usually start to lessen the pain within a couple hours.&nbsp;Never give aspirin to children. Aspirin can cause a life-threatening condition called Reye’s syndrome.<h3 style="margin-left:0cm;">Ear tubes (tympanostomy tubes)</h3>If your child has experienced frequent ear infections (three ear infections in six months or four infections in a year), had ear infections that weren’t resolved with antibiotics, or experienced hearing loss from fluid buildup behind the eardrum, he or she may be a candidate for ear tubes.&nbsp;Ear tubes are small tubes inserted into the eardrum to drain fluid from the middle ear, relieve the pressure there, and allow air to pass through. They provide immediate relief and are sometimes recommended for small children who are developing their speech and language skills.&nbsp;You may be referred to an ear, nose and throat (ENT) specialist for this outpatient surgical procedure, which is called a myringotomy with placement of tube. During the procedure, a small metal or plastic tube is inserted through a tiny incision (cut) in the eardrum. The tube lets air into the middle ear and allows fluid to drain.&nbsp;The procedure is very short — approximately 10 minutes — and there’s a low complication rate.&nbsp;The ear tube usually stays in place from six to 12 months. It often falls out on its own, but it can also be removed by your doctor. The outer ear will need to be kept dry and free of dirty water, until the hole in the eardrum heals completely and closes.<h2 style="margin-left:0cm;">What can I do to prevent ear infections in my child?</h2><ul><li>Don’t smoke. Studies have shown that second-hand smoking increases the likelihood of ear infections. Be sure no one smokes in the house or car — especially when children are present — or at your daycare facility.</li><li>Control allergies. Inflammation and mucus caused by allergic reactions can block the eustachian tube and make ear infections more likely.</li><li>Prevent colds. Reduce your child's exposure to colds during the first year of life.&nbsp;</li><li>Maintain adequate hygiene. Don’t share toys, foods, drinking cups or utensils. Wash your hands frequently.&nbsp;</li><li>Breastfeed your baby. Antibodies in breast milk reduce the rate of ear infections.</li><li>Bottle feed baby at an upright angle. If you bottle feed, hold your baby in an upright angle (head higher than stomach). Feeding in the horizontal position can cause the fluids to flow back into the eustachian tube..</li><li>Watch for mouth breathing or snoring. Constant snoring or breathing through the mouth may be caused by large adenoids. These may contribute to ear infections. An exam by an otolaryngologist, and even surgery to remove the adenoids (adenoidectomy), may be necessary.</li><li>Get vaccinations. Make sure your child’s immunizations are up to date, including yearly influenza vaccine (flu shot) for those 6 months and older. Ask your doctor about the pneumococcal, meningitis and other vaccines too. Preventing viral infections and other infections help prevent ear infections..</li></ul><h2 style="margin-left:0cm;">Complications of otitis media&nbsp;</h2>Although otitis media may&nbsp;occur without symptoms,&nbsp; complications mayexist. These include:<ul><li>delayed language and speech,</li><li>ruptured eardrum,</li><li>cholesteatoma, and</li><li>reading and writing impairment.&nbsp;</li></ul>Other complications are:<ul><li>mastoiditis,</li><li>meningitis,</li><li>acute labyrinthitis,</li><li>acute petrositis.</li></ul>

Otitis Media in Africa: Causes, Risk Factors, Treatment, Prevention and Complications

Vaccination: A Vital Tool in the Fight Against Diseases in Nigeria

<a href="https://www.freepik.com/free-vector/kidney-realistic-organs-anatomy-poster_29875081.htm#query=human%20kidney&amp;position=3&amp;from_view=keyword&amp;track=ais_user&amp;uuid=fb359a69-327f-488e-b1c5-80e2237f8a0e">Image by gstudioimagen1 on Freepik</a><h2 style="margin-left:0cm;text-align:justify;">What is acute kidney injury?&nbsp;</h2>Acute&nbsp;kidney&nbsp;injury (AKI) is a sudden decrease in the ability of the kidney to filter the blood, resulting in a reduction in urine production. This decrease disturbs the balance of body fluids and electrolytes, causing the body to retain wastes.&nbsp;Although a problem worldwide, acute kidney injury is more common in Africa than elsewhere. Available data indicates that the disease is common among 10 - 40% of adults in sub-Saharan Africa.<h2 style="margin-left:0cm;text-align:justify;">Symptoms and signs of AKI</h2>Most patients&nbsp;do not know that they have an acute kidney injury because the condition does not often present with clinical symptoms. However, the following symptoms might be present in some:<ul><li>Decreased urine output&nbsp;</li><li>Edema: generalized body swelling</li><li>Hypertension&nbsp;</li><li>Weakness&nbsp;</li><li>Nausea</li><li>Coma, in severe cases</li></ul><h1 style="margin-left:5.0pt;text-align:justify;">Classification of AKI</h1>Acute kidney injury is classified based on the location of the cause of the injury. The classifications could be:<ul><li style="text-align:justify;">Pre-renal AKI - if the cause of the injury is before the kidney</li><li style="text-align:justify;">Renal or intrinsic AKI - if the injury is within&nbsp;the kidney</li><li style="text-align:justify;">Post renal AKI - if the injury is caused by factors after&nbsp;the kidney, such as the obstruction of the ureter, a tube that carries urine from the kidney to the bladder, by a stone.</li></ul>Only the intrinsic acute kidney injury represents true kidney disease.&nbsp;Pre-renal and post-renal forms of the disease are the consequences of non-kidney diseases that lead to a decreased glomerular filtration rate (GFR).<h2 style="margin-left:0cm;text-align:justify;">Stages of acute kidney injury&nbsp;</h2>There are four main stages in the development of an acute kidney injury:&nbsp;<ul><li style="text-align:justify;">Initiation</li><li style="text-align:justify;">Oligo-anuria&nbsp;</li><li style="text-align:justify;">Polyuria&nbsp;</li><li style="text-align:justify;">Restitution&nbsp;</li></ul>These four stages restore kidney functions and should last a maximum period of three months, if the injury does not cause significant damage to the kidney.&nbsp;However, the injury can progress to a chronic kidney disease if it persists for more than three months.<h1 style="margin-left:5.0pt;text-align:justify;">Causes of AKI in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA)</h1>The most common causes of acute kidney injury in Africa include:<ul><li style="text-align:justify;">Malaria</li><li style="text-align:justify;">HIV</li><li style="text-align:justify;">Nephrotoxic agents such as&nbsp;traditional&nbsp;herbal concoctions&nbsp;</li><li style="text-align:justify;">Envenomation from snakebite&nbsp;</li><li style="text-align:justify;">Chronic conditions like diabetes mellitus and&nbsp;hypertension</li><li style="text-align:justify;">Obstetric complications</li><li style="text-align:justify;">Use of skin&nbsp;lightening (bleaching) creams containing mercury&nbsp;</li></ul><h2 style="margin-left:0cm;text-align:justify;">Who is at risk of acute kidney injury?</h2>Anyone can come down with acute kidney injury but some classes of people are especially at higher risk. These sets of people include:<ul><li style="text-align:justify;">People&nbsp;living with chronic illnesses like&nbsp;diabetes&nbsp;mellitus,&nbsp;hypertension,&nbsp;and sickle&nbsp;cell&nbsp;disease</li><li style="text-align:justify;">Patients with sepsis</li><li style="text-align:justify;">Patients with poorly treated&nbsp;urinary tract infection&nbsp;</li><li style="text-align:justify;">People who abuse nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)</li><li style="text-align:justify;">Elderly&nbsp;patients</li><li style="text-align:justify;">People with blocked urinary tract&nbsp;</li><li style="text-align:justify;">Users of certain antibiotics like&nbsp;aminoglycosides</li><li style="text-align:justify;">Patients with dehydration from&nbsp;diarrhea or exercise&nbsp;</li><li style="text-align:justify;">Patrons of traditional practices&nbsp;that involve lacerations of people with unsterilised tools</li><li style="text-align:justify;">People observing prolonged fasting without water</li><li style="text-align:justify;">Poor people who drink herbal concoctions</li></ul><h2 style="margin-left:0cm;text-align:justify;">Complications of acute kidney injury</h2>When the kidney cannot filter waste and electrolytes from the blood&nbsp;or&nbsp;maintain the water or electrolytes balance due to an injury, the patient&nbsp;may develop complications such as:<ul><li style="text-align:justify;">Edema: generalized body swelling</li><li style="text-align:justify;">Arrhythmia: abnormal heart rhythm</li><li style="text-align:justify;">Metabolic acidosis: acid buildup in the blood due to reduced excretion</li></ul>Vomiting, drowsiness and breathlessness also can occur.<h2 style="margin-left:0cm;text-align:justify;">Diagnosis and laboratory tests for AKI</h2>Your&nbsp;doctor may order&nbsp;a range of tests to confirm an acute kidney injury or determine its severity These tests include:<ul><li>Urinalysis&nbsp;</li><li>Blood test</li><li>Abdominopelvic ultrasound</li><li>CT scan</li><li>Biopsy of the kidneys in extreme cases</li></ul><h1 style="margin-left:0cm;text-align:justify;">Treatment for acute kidney injury</h1>Prompt medical treatment is necessary to reverse an acute kidney injury, restore kidney functions, and prevent the injury from progressing to a chronic disease or degenerating into renal failure.&nbsp;Treatment options include:<ul><li style="text-align:justify;">Medications to restore fluid and electrolyte balance</li><li style="text-align:justify;">Diuretics to help eliminate accumulated waste</li><li style="text-align:justify;">Dialysis support for people with severe acute kidney injury&nbsp;</li><li style="text-align:justify;">Dietary restrictions, especially from potassium-rich foods like bananas, oranges, spinach, potatoes, and tomatoes</li></ul><h1 style="margin-left:0cm;text-align:justify;">How to prevent acute kidney injury</h1>A healthy lifestyle, balanced diet, and adequate hydration are key to preventing acute kidney injury. These healthy habits&nbsp;can reduce your chances of having an acute kidney injury, but may require you to:<ul><li>Reduce alcohol intake&nbsp;</li><li>Avoid the abuse of NSAIDS like Ibuprofen and aspirin</li><li>Exercise regularly&nbsp;</li></ul><h2 style="margin-left:0cm;">Challenges in the Management of Acute Kidney Injury in Africa</h2>Acute&nbsp;kidney&nbsp;injury is still a major challenge in Africa as compared to other parts of the world. This is due to:<ul><li style="text-align:justify;">Inadequate facilities and diagnostic tools</li></ul>Poor communities don't have standard hospitals and laboratories. This makes it difficult for patients to access care on time.<ul><li style="text-align:justify;">Few specialists, many patients&nbsp;</li></ul>The number of people with acute kidney injury far outnumbers the number of specialists to care for them. While some patients with the injury may need to see a specialist, those who need specialists must compete with tens of other patients, which may lead to treatment delays and avoidable complications.&nbsp;<ul><li style="text-align:justify;">Late presentation</li></ul>Patients with AKI often present late to the clinic due, in part, to poverty, ignorance, and self-treatment. Some patients start with self medications, only to present at the hospital when they don't see any improvement.&nbsp;<ul><li style="text-align:justify;">Poverty and illiteracy</li></ul>Poverty and illiteracy go hand-in-hand to complicate AKI care in Africa. Some patients who&nbsp;have AKI and need to see a doctor help don't know they do need medical attention,&nbsp;while those&nbsp;who do&nbsp;may not have the financial means to get well.<ul><li style="text-align:justify;">High disease burden&nbsp;</li></ul>African patients are disproportionately affected by AKI, along with other diseases like HIV, malaria, and&nbsp;diarrhoea, and triggers like nephrotoxins (chemicals that hurt the kidneys). This high disease burden increases the risk of worse outcomes for African patients with AKI.<h1 style="margin-left:0cm;text-align:justify;">What next?&nbsp;</h1>The high prevalence of AKI in SSA is not solely due to the nature of the condition, but rather a complex interplay of preventable and treatable causes, poor health-seeking behavior, socioeconomic barriers, and systemic healthcare challenges. Addressing these multifaceted issues is crucial to improving the management and outcomes of AKI in the region. To ensure that AKI incidence is greatly reduced, there’s&nbsp;a need for proper awareness of this disease entity in SSA, especially since a good number of her populace ingest herbal concoctions and the prevalence of malaria with HIV, which are the main&nbsp;culprits of AKI.

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