Old World Diseases - are they making a comeback?

1. BLACK DEATH or BUBONIC PLAGUE
Who would have believed that something we thought was from the History books would make a comeback?
Recently it has showed up in California, Colorado and New Mexico. It is usually spread by the fleas who live on rodents.
2. T.B. (Tuberculosis)
Although not as prevalent as it used to be, it is getting harder to treat due to resistance to antibiotics used for its treatment.
3. SYPHILLIS and CHLAMYDIA
These were almost eradicated but are back with a vengeance according to the recent international reports. They are also getting harder to treat.
4. SCARLET FEVER
This is mostly due to the bacteria responsible for it becoming resistant to antibiotics. It usually affects children between 5 and 15.
5. MEASELS
The comeback of this disease could be due to lack of uptake in vaccines, usually children under 5 or adults over 20 suffer from this condition and sometimes with very serious consequences.
6. MUMPS
This is another illness which doctors are encountering frequently. The outbreaks usually happen in an area where lots of people are living in close proximity, such as hostels, barracks etc.
7. WHOOPING COUGH
The best prevention for Whooping Cough is vaccination, as advised by the World Health Organisation. It is serious at any age especially in babies.
8. LEGIONNAIRES DISEASE
This is a lung infection caused by breathing the bacteria responsible which hides inside water droplets sometimes in air conditioning plants and even in showers but can be successfully treated with antibiotics if caught in time, otherwise it may cause serious complications especially in the elderly.
9. LEPROSY
Leprosy is also known as Hansen’s disease. It usually attacks the nerves of the extremities, face etc. Each year about 250,000 people suffer from it worldwide with serious consequences. This disease is hard to diagnose but easy to treat especially if caught early.
10. POLIO
We still see cases worldwide especially in countries with low uptake of vaccine. As it affects the brain it can be life threatening and is a very disabling condition.
11. GOUT
This is also on the rise. It is due to an increase of uric acid in the blood. If you are overweight it can double your chances of getting this very painful condition, usually affecting the big toe, but it can affect any joints especially the lower limbs. Changes in lifestyle and Nutritional Therapy can help a lot in the prevention and treatment of this disease. Always consult your G.P. if you suspect you are suffering from this or any other condition.
12. RICKETS
This occurs due to lack of vitamin D which can lead to softening of bones in children. Increase seems to be due to children spending less time in the sun due to fear of skin cancer.
13. SCURVY
Scurvy was also known as Sailor’s disease back in the day, is due to lack of vitamin C. It can cause bleeding gums and sometimes the teeth could fall out.
Common in people not eating enough fresh fruit and vegetables, elderly with malnutrition and people with alcoholism. Men who live alone are also quite susceptible to it hence it is also known as Widowers Scurvy.
At the Holistic Health and Stress Clinic Dr Bhatti specialises in weight loss the natural way and treatment of painful conditions such as arthritis, back, neck, shoulder and hip pain. He also treats migraine, stress and anxiety, digestive disorders, menstrual disorders, skin conditions by combining natural therapies such as needle free acupuncture, nutrition, lifestyle medicine, gut health, microbiome restoration, low dose medicine (L.D.M.), mindfulness and CBT techniques which is a new and novel approach giving excellent results.



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