WINDED Symptoms

When a person is ‘winded’ it means that he or she has been subjected to a sudden powerful impact to his or her abdomen. When such a collision occurs, the individual faces difficulty in breathing as he or she is considered to have been winded.

WINDED Symptoms

An individual suffering from this condition known as solar plexus syndrome or winded usually experiences various symptoms such as difficulty in breathing, especially when he or she breathes deeply. In addition to this, the victim faces anxiety because ‘he or she is having the wind knocked out of him or her’.

Another symptom of solar plexus syndrome is the sudden blow directed to the person’s stomach or when the victim falls onto the back. When such blows happen, the diaphragm becomes contracted and then goes into spasm thus making it almost impossible to inhale and exhale effectively. However, when the diaphragm relaxes, the breathing process becomes easier again.

WINDED Causes

Being winded or getting a solar plexus syndrome is commonly realized in contact sports such as rugby, netball and even in ball sports like soccer. In addition to this, solar plexus syndrome is also experienced in martial arts like tae kwon do, karate among others when a participant falls to the floor.

WINDED Treatment

When a person becomes winded, it is advisable that he or she sits in a crouched position in order to enable the muscles to relax. Consequently, the patient should remain calm by taking slow and deep breaths as this will decrease the pain of the sudden forceful impact that has been experienced in the abdomen. If the condition does not improve within a period of ten-to-fifteen minutes, the victim should seek the attention of a general practitioner as that could be a case of further injury such as that of a collapsed lung or even a fractured rib. The doctor should diagnose prescribe treatment accordingly.

WINDED Prevention

In order to prevent the occurrence of solar plexus in individuals, certain lifestyle changes should be adhered to. Such lifestyle activities are aimed at improving health and reducing the vulnerability of people getting winded. They include the following: getting active. Individuals should always strive to perform exercises that keep them active such as walking routinely, swimming and even riding bicycles and horses. However, such exercises should be gradual.

Besides, people should maintain a good diet rich in vitamins and minerals. Drinking plenty of water is also a useful lifestyle change that improves health and keeps the body hydrated. Reduce caffeinated drinks and above all, reduce the amount of sugar intake.

Sufficient rest is necessary besides wearing protective dresses and avoiding stresses. Should the condition worsen and if the impact persists, it is important to seek medical attention from a general practitioner.

Tapeworms are harmful parasites that affect the digestive systems and the intestines where they consume raw meat, fish and unsanitary water. Since tapeworms are parasites, they acquire their nutrition from simply feeding on their host.

Tapeworms are often ingested along with food with cysts that hatch and through water containing the eggs of tapeworms. Cysts hatch to produce adult tapeworms whereas; eggs hatch and produce larvae—which move to the cyst phase and then the adult phase.

Tapeworms can develop into adults varying from 15 to 30 feet lengthwise. They are flat worms that reside in the intestinal tract of humans.

Tapeworms are often diagnosed through various tests, such as a stool sample to check for eggs or any other form of tapeworm segments. Sometimes cysts may also be present in the brain, therefore, doctors may choose to perform an MRI or CT scan. Additionally blood tests may also prove the presence of infections through the availability of antibodies that combat it.

This topic is not covered in any St Mark James first aid and CPR course and should only be diagnosed by a medical practitioner. If you believe you have tapeworms and / or you are suffering from the following symptoms contact your doctor.

Symptoms

• Upper abdominal pain or discomfort
• Unusual appetite—may be high or low
• Diarrhea
• Unexplained weight loss
• Fatigue and weakness
• Anemia—rare—caused only form the consumption of contaminated fish

If the cysts have affected the meninges of the brain, the following problems may occur:

• Headaches due to inflammation
• Confusion
• Convulsions
• Other neurological symptoms

A disease called cysticercosis is caused due to pork tapeworms. The disease is often caused when the larvae break though the intestinal walls and move into the bloodstream, tissues, internal organs, muscles and skin—where they form cysts which hatch to develop adult tapeworms.

Cysts that violate the skin tissue may be apparent to you. If you suspect that you have been infected, consult your doctor immediately to prevent any further damages, especially affecting the vital organs such as the heart and brain.

Treatment

Treatment involves taking a single anti-inflammatory or anti-parasitic drug.

Cysticercosis is usually not treated unless the brain is affected. Anti-parasitic drugs with corticosteroid are given to relive inflammation.

Prevention

• Strict laws are based in order to prevent the consumption of meat that is not bred to be eaten.
• Cysts are often visible in raw meat; therefore, make sure you check the meat before you consume it.
• Freeze your meat before cooking it.
• Make sure you properly cook your meat before you eat it—for at least 135 F.
• Drying, smoking or slightly heating the meat will not kill the cysts.
• Do NOT consume freshwater fish raw.
• While swimming in fresh water, make sure you do not drink it as it may contain numerous parasites, cysts and eggs.

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