Q: What makes it necessary to need a liver transplant?
It is impossible to live without a properly working liver. It is the largest organ in the body and is responsible for digesting food, storing energy and removing poisons in the body. Because their livers have failed, about 17,000 people are waiting for a healthy liver from a deceased or living donor. Most liver failures are a result of either acute liver failure, which happens suddenly, or chronic liver failure, which progresses over months. The leading cause of acute liver failure in the country is an overdose of acetaminophen (Tylenol). The leading cause of chronic liver failure is cirrhosis, a condition in which scar tissue replaces healthy liver tissue until the liver can no longer function. Cirrhosis caused by chronic hepatitis C is also the most common reason for needing a liver transplant. Cirrhosis caused by long-term alcohol abuse is the second most common reason for liver transplantation. If your liver fails and medications or other treatments do not help, your doctor may put you on a waiting list for a liver transplant.
Q: Why do I get the hiccups?
A: Hiccups occur when the diaphragm — the muscle that separates the chest and abdomen and is responsible for pulling air into the lungs and pushing it back out — involuntarily contracts. Those spasms are followed by the vocal cords closing, which is what produces the “hic” sound. A number of things can irritate the diaphragm and cause hiccups, including eating too fast or too much, drinking carbonated beverages or too much alcohol, or swallowing air while chewing gum or sucking on candy. Excitement, emotional stress or a sudden change in temperature can also trigger a bout of pesky hiccups. Persistent hiccups can damage your overall health, so call your doctor if you experience hiccups that last 48 hours or more. There are a variety of treatments than can be used to treat persistent hiccups.
Q: Why is my mucus green? Does it mean I have a sinus infection and need an antibiotic?
A: Mucus plays an important role in protecting the respiratory system. It keeps nasal tissues moist and traps dust, pollen and other allergens. The human body typically produces 1 to 1.5 liters of mucus a day, which is usually clear and not noticeable. All of that changes when we get sick. When an infection is introduced into the body, mucus often begins to thicken, making it harder to clear out of the sinus cavities. Mucus may also turn green or yellow because a certain type of white blood cell has rushed to the area to fight the infection. Contrary to popular belief, green mucus doesn’t always mean a bacterial infection and that an antibiotic is needed. Viral infections can also turn nasal secretions green. An examination by a doctor will be needed to determine if the infection is bacterial — and can be treated by an antibiotic. An antibiotic won’t be of any use for those with a cold or other viral infection. The symptoms may last two to three weeks. However, if you are not better in a week to 10 days, by all means, see your doctor.