THE TICKING TIME BOMB; HOW WELL DO YOU KNOW THE HEALTH RISKS OF ECTOPIC PREGNANCIES?

-
Blood transfusion is usually required to save women with ruptured ectopic pregnancy from shock due to massive internal bleeding. Courtesy wikimedia commons.

An ectopic pregnancy is an abnormal pregnancy in which a fertilized egg also known as the embryo, attaches itself into any other parts of the female genital tract or the abdomen other than the endometrium or the inner lining of the uterus. While they can be divided into various types, based on location of the ectopic pregnancy in the female genital tract, see DEFINITION AND TYPES OF ECTOPIC PREGNANCIES, they can also be divided based on presentation at the hospital into ruptured, non ruptured and slow leaking ectopic pregnancies. Most of the complications of ectopic pregnancies are seen following an unsuspected ruptured ectopic pregnancy. A ruptured ectopic pregnancy refers to an ectopic pregnancy that has outstretched its confining structures resulting in a significant tear followed by sudden and massive bleeding into the abdomen, often times, presenting with a history of sudden and severe abdominal pain, followed by a history of collapse and fainting attacks.This bleeding, if not promptly stopped by surgery can lead to the following complications:

Cardiovascular Shock

This refers to sudden inability of the heart to pump blood effectively to all the organs of the body, due to massive loss of blood into the abdominal cavity associated with ruptured ectopic pregnancy. When this happens a patient may slip into unconsciousness and may not be rousable until adequate resuscitation is done with fluid and blood, alongside an emergency surgery (laparotomy) to stop the bleeding.
Anaemia
This refers to a reduction in the quality and amount of red blood cells circulating in the blood. These cells transport oxygen from the lungs to the body. Following massive loss of blood, there is a reduction in the haematocrit or packed cell volume which is a measure of the amount of red blood cells in the blood. This, if not promptly and adequately corrected can lead to an acute state of anemia that can can cause death as vital organs are devoid of oxygen or if sub optimally corrected can lead to a chronic state of anaemia, features of which include weakness, panting, fatigue and and heart failure. Read more

 Source: Ewomen Clinic

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

CHILD SAFETY: OUR HOMES HAVE MORE POISONOUS SUBSTANCES THAN WE REALIZE

-
Image
Source: Max Pixel I had a friend who told me how her last child mistakenly drank Dettol liquid. She immediately went into panic mode (as you would expect of a mother). She had to ensure her child drank some palm oil to neutralize any possible effect(African first aid,lol). But what is the best way to handle such unexpected events. You first have to understand that children knowledgeable enough to distinguish between what is actually healthy and harmful. They copy what adults do yet not knowing the reason we do them or where to draw the line when taking seemingly risky acts. Remember the scene in Home Alone 1, where Macaulay Culkin's character (Kelvin) used his father's shaving cream. He screamed because of the sensation he felt. He (Kelvin) didn't understand that the actual use of the shaving foam. He just wanted to behave like his dad. Without proper supervision, a  child can pick up any liquid and ingest it. What poisons are in our homes that can be harmful t
Read more

What's the function of cotton buds in your first aid kit/box?

-
Image
If you own a standard first aid kit/box, you are most definitely going to find some cotton buds in them. No, their inclusion in your first aid kit/box isn't to help apply or take off your make up😝 No, they're not there to "clean", poke or tickle your ears 🤦‍♀️. Putting stuff in your ears is a no-no, it poses the risk of damaging your eardrums  So what are they for? Cotton buds aka Q tips, cotton bud applicators, cotton tip applicators, cotton swabs in first aid kits/boxes are for 👇 1) cleansing wounds or area surrounding a wound 2) applying topical meds (burn cream, antiseptic ointment/solution etc.) 3) to pick out debris in the eye or wounds (in the absence of clean running water) So if you didn't know, now you know😁 It's not sufficient that you own a first aid kit/box, it's important that you know how to use it's contents. #CottonBuds #QTips #CottonTipApplicators #CottonBudApplicators #FirstAid #FirstAidKit ##FirstAidSavesLives #TheFA
Read more

GIRL RESUSCITATES HER BROTHER BY PERFORMING CPR (VIDEO)

-
Image
Source: Linda Ikeji's Blog Finally, I found the video of the girl who was videoed performing CPR (Obviously this was her first time performing CPR) on her brother who had collapsed. With her mom and possibly her mom’s friend guiding her on what to do over the phone on CPR procedure. This must have been one of the most terrifying and stressful assignment for her to perform. However,it was a life and death issue. Words cannot describe how she felt doing it or was able to perform this, but she did and saved the day,an avoidable death was prevented. #AFABulouSSister! She performed the hands only procedure, although she did not exactly get it done as recommended, but the outcome was good. Check CPR procedures on my blog. Be equipped with the skill and the kit! You never know when a loved one or a stranger would collapse in your presence, it could end up been a disaster if you don't know what to do. But undergoing a first aid training and practice with a professional
Read more