Impact on Louisiana Hospitals
Louisiana hospitals are clearly noticing the increase. Dr. Michael Bolton, a pediatric infectious disease specialist at Our Lady of the Lake in Baton Rouge, stated, "We’ve seen more cases than usual in terms of more severe pneumonia in kids with this bug. More so than we have in years past." The spike in pneumonia cases comes as other seasonal respiratory viruses are starting to increase as well. Bolton said, "It’s starting to pick up right now, probably because people spent time together over Thanksgiving."Mycoplasma Pneumonia - Causes and Symptoms
Mycoplasma pneumonia is caused by an infection with the bacteria Mycoplasma pneumoniae. Initially, symptoms are similar to a cold and include a runny nose, sneezing, low energy, and a sore throat. From there, some children may develop a deep, lingering cough. Additionally, mycoplasma pneumonia can cause neurological symptoms such as severe headaches, difficulty with balance, and an altered mental status. While it is typically more common among school-age kids, this year the spike is more pronounced in younger children ages 2 to 4, which is unusual. This particular bacteria usually peaks every three to seven years and often resolves on its own without causing pneumonia. The entire nation is seeing more cases in young kids. Dr. Kent Humble, medical director for Ochsner Lafayette General Urgent Care, said, "I don’t know if anybody understands exactly what is going on." Most cases are mild, which is why it is called "walking" pneumonia. Some believe the increase might be due in part to the bacteria developing resistance to the typical antibiotics used to treat it. Bolton added, "We’ve seen a little more resistance than historically noted for this bacteria… so we’ve had to go to alternative drugs."RSV on the Rise
Influenza and RSV are also on the rise, though not more than what is typical for the season yet. Dr. Mark Kline, a pediatric infectious disease specialist and physician in chief at Children’s Hospital New Orleans, said, "Influenza is probably going to be a milder-than-average season, from what I’m seeing so far." According to wastewater data, influenza remains low in Louisiana. But the state currently has high levels of RSV, or respiratory syncytial virus. Louisiana’s rate is about 130% higher than the national rate for RSV and is one of eight with "high" or "very high" levels. About 20% of tests for RSV are coming back positive at Children’s. There was hope that new vaccines for pregnant women, infants, and older adults might curb RSV numbers, but it’s likely too early to see an impact. Among adults over 60, 3.5% received the RSV vaccine in Louisiana. Infants under 8 months old born during or just before their first RSV season and those under 19 months who are at higher risk of disease entering their second RSV season are eligible for a monoclonal antibody immunization for RSV, which provides temporary protection. About 4% of Louisiana children received it last year.COVID-19 Levels
COVID-19 levels are low nationally and in Louisiana, according to wastewater data. For parents trying to limit illness, the advice remains the same: try not to spread germs to others and wash your hands. Bolton emphasized, "You would be amazed, when you watch somebody for two minutes, how many times they put their fingers or hands in places where germs are."Uncovering the Hidden Link between Lead and Mental Health
Introduction to the Study
Researchers from Duke University and Florida State University conducted a study to understand the impact of lead in gasoline on mental health. Gasoline containing lead was first added in 1923 to keep car engines healthy and was later banned in 1996. People born from the mid-1960s to mid-1970s had the highest exposure.This exposure resulted in an imbalance of mental health, making generations of Americans more depressed, anxious, inattentive, or hyperactive. The study, published in the Journal of Child Psychology and Psychiatry, attributed an estimated 151 million cases of psychiatric disorders over the past 75 years to leaded gas exposure in American children.Impact on Different Generations
The generation with the greatest lead exposures, Generation X (1965-1980), faced the greatest mental health losses. Americans born before 1966 experienced significantly higher rates of mental health problems due to lead exposure. This likely led to changes in their personalities, making them less successful and resilient in life.Even today, millions of Americans alive have had extremely high lead exposure as children. This raises questions about how these exposures have influenced the trajectories of their lives.Neurotoxic Effects of Lead
Lead is neurotoxic and can erode brain cells and alter brain function. Young children are especially vulnerable, and no matter the age, our brains are ill-equipped to keep lead toxicity at bay. There is no safe level of lead exposure at any point in life.Researchers have noted that humans are not adapted to the levels of lead to which we have been exposed over the past century. We have few effective measures to deal with lead once it is in the body.Clinical Consequences
Lead exposure resulted in greater rates of mental disorders like depression and anxiety. It also led to more "mild distress that would impair quality of life." This likely contributed to lower IQs, mental health problems, and other long-term health complications such as cardiovascular disease.The researchers analyzed historical data on childhood blood-lead levels, leaded gas use, and U.S. population statistics. They determined that more than 170 million Americans had "clinically concerning levels" of lead in their blood as children as of 2015.Call to Action
Experts urge the public to take lead exposure seriously by removing hazards that still exist in some paint, fuel, batteries, and other mediums. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has taken steps to address lead issues, issuing a regulation in October 2024 to give cities 10 years to replace remaining lead plumbing and taking action in January 2024 to lower lead levels in soil at residential homes.Child psychologist Dr. Michele Borba emphasizes that while social media is often blamed for the current youth mental health crisis, lead exposure explores a new realm. More research is needed, and she recommends that other mental health experts consider lead exposure when treating patients.In conclusion, lead has played a larger role in our mental health than previously thought. As time goes on, more lead-mental health studies are needed to improve our understanding and estimates. For more Health articles, visit foxnews.com/health.Aprende a manejar la diarrea explosiva y evitar la deshidratación
Causas de la diarrea explosiva
La intoxicación alimentaria es una causa común de la diarrea explosiva. Al ingerir alimentos o bebidas contaminados con microorganismos, se pueden producir síntomas como la diarrea acuosa y vómitos. Algunos de los microorganismos responsables son Salmonella, Escherichia coli y Campylobacter spp. Además, la toxina del Staphylococcus aureus también puede causar episodios comunes en verano.
Las infecciones virales también pueden provocar la diarrea explosiva. El norovirus es una de las causas principales de gastroenteritis viral, mientras que el rotavirus afecta principalmente a lactantes y niños pequeños. Estos virus atacan las células del intestino delgado e interrumpen la absorción normal de líquidos, lo que resulta en una salida excesiva de agua.
Otras causas
Las infecciones bacterianas también pueden causar la diarrea explosiva. Vibrio cholerae es el agente causal del cólera, mientras que Escherichia coli, especialmente las cepas O157:H7, pueden causar síndrome urémico hemolítico. Salmonella también se asocia con aves de corral, huevos y productos lácteos contaminados. Campylobacter se acompaña de fiebre y dolor abdominal.
Los medicamentos también pueden ser una causa de la diarrea explosiva. Los antibióticos pueden alterar la flora intestinal normal, permitiendo que crezcan microorganismos perjudiciales como Clostridium difficile. Los laxantes también pueden causar diarrea si se usan excesivamente. Además, algunos antiácidos con magnesio y medicamentos para la quimioterapia también pueden tener un efecto secundario similar.
Consecuencias del síndrome de malabsorción
El síndrome de malabsorción puede causar diarrea explosiva y otras consecuencias. Cuando los nutrientes no absorbidos llegan al colon, atraen agua y se salen del cuerpo en forma de heces líquidas. Además, se pueden producir estearrea, flatulencias y pérdida de peso.
Enfermedades inflamatorias intestinales
Las enfermedades inflamatorias intestinales (EII) también pueden causar diarrea frecuente y explosiva. Pueden afectar cualquier parte del tubo digestivo y se acompañan de dolor abdominal, pérdida de peso y, a veces, fiebre. También es posible que aparezcan gotas de sangre o restos de moco en las heces.
Qué hacer si tienes diarrea explosiva
Si tienes diarrea explosiva o severa, debes consultar a un médico. El profesional hará un diagnóstico y te propondrá un tratamiento acorde. En general, las infecciones virales y las intoxicaciones alimentarias se autolimitan y no requieren medicación. Solo se necesita sostener medidas higiénico-dietéticas para no deshidratarse. Las infecciones bacterianas pueden necesitar la prescripción de un antibiótico.
Además, hay algunas medidas generales que puedes tomar mientras esperas el turno para tu consulta. Descansa para permitir que tu cuerpo se recupere. Evita ciertos alimentos, como las grasas, los picantes y las frituras. No tomes bebidas irritantes, como cafeína, alcohol y refrescos carbonatados. Bebe abundante líquido para reponer los perdidos. Consume alimentos blandos, astringentes y fáciles de digerir.
Debo tomar medicamentos para la diarrea explosiva?
En general, no se recomienda detener los episodios de diarrea con fármacos. Solo se deben utilizar medicamentos antidiarreicos si están debidamente prescritos. Las opciones más recetadas son la loperamida, el subsalicilato de bismuto y el racecadotrilo.
Cuándo consultar al médico
Si tienes fiebre superior a 38 °C, detectas sangre o moco en las heces, la diarrea dura más de 48 horas sin mejoría, pierdes rápido de peso o no puedes mantener líquidos en el estómago debido a los vómitos, es necesario consultar a un médico de inmediato. También hay claros signos de deshidratación, como boca seca, sed excesiva, orina oscura, mareos y debilidad.
Prevención de la diarrea explosiva
No siempre se pueden evitar las causas de la diarrea explosiva, pero hay algunas medidas que puedes tomar para reducir el riesgo. Beber agua segura, desinfectar superficies en las áreas de preparación de alimentos, refrigerar bien los productos y cocinar adecuadamente. También es importante lavarse las manos frecuentemente y evitar la contaminación cruzada.