Snippets

Ketoacidosis occurs when diabetic people develop dangerously high levels of ketones, which are produced when stored fat is burned for energy.

Ketoacidosis, a sign that diabetes is uncontrolled, requires immediate medical attention.

The American Diabetes Association describes these common warning signs of ketoacidosis:

• Feeling very thirsty or having a very dry mouth.
• Urinating frequently.
• High blood sugar (glucose).
• High ketone levels in the urine.
• Persistent fatigue.
• Being confused or having difficulty paying attention.
• Flushed or dry skin.
• Feeling nauseous, vomiting, or having pain in the abdomen.
• Difficulty breathing, and having breath that emits a fruity smell.

What may be causing painful swallowing

Eating is no fun if it hurts to swallow. Uncomfortable squeezing or burning could be felt anywhere from the upper neck to behind the breastbone.

The U.S. National Library of Medicine lists some possible causes of difficult swallowing:

• A number of different infections, from thrush to herpes simplex.
• An abscess or infection in the teeth.
• Ulcers in the throat or mouth.
• An inflamed esophagus.
• Having an object lodged in the throat.
• Esophageal abnormalities.

Having an epidural: Some risks

An epidural is an injected anaesthetic often used during labour and delivery to ease the pain of childbirth.

The Nemours Foundation mentions these possible risks of an epidural:

• Increased difficulty pushing during labour (although a doctor can adjust the medication to compensate for this).
• A drop in the mother’s blood pressure.
• Headache.
• Rarely, problems urinating for the mother.
• Some bleeding in the mother.
• Slow heartbeat in the foetus.

High blood pressure while you’re pregnant

High blood pressure during pregnancy may develop into a dangerous condition called pre-eclampsia -- putting both mother and baby at risk.

The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists offers these suggestions to help make your pregnancy safer:

• Before you become pregnant, work with your doctor to get your blood pressure within a normal range.
• Help manage high blood pressure with a healthy diet, regular exercise and weight loss.
• Always take your blood pressure medicines as your doctor prescribes.
• Talk to your doctor about taking high blood pressure medication during pregnancy.
• Once you are pregnant, visit your doctor regularly to closely monitor your blood pressure, both at the doctor’s office and at home.
• Talk to your doctor about kidney disease or any other health conditions that may impact your blood pressure.
• If you develop symptoms of pre-eclampsia -- including headaches, rapid weight gain, visual problems or swelling of the hands or face -- contact your doctor immediately.

(HealthDay News)