Hot Water Bottles Research Articles

Has the energy poverty crisis fuelled a rise in hot water bottle burn injuries within the United Kingdom?

IntroductionThere are an estimated 10 million hot water bottles (HWB) currently in use within the United Kingdom (UK), and HWB related burn injuries represent a significant resource burden to UK Burns Services. These injuries can be caused through a variety of mechanisms including scalds sustained when filling the bottle or scalds from leaking or rupture. The fuel poverty crisis started in February 2022 leading to an estimated six-fold increase in alternative sources of heating, in particular hot water bottles. In this study, we wish to understand the impact that this may have had upon burn injuries sustained by these products. MethodsAll hot water bottle (HWB)-related injuries sustained January 2014 - February 2023 were retrieved from the UK International Burn Injury Database (IBID). Data were collected on patient demographics, injury mechanism, anatomical location, and clinical outcomes. The data were collated and analysed; statistical analysis was performed using R StudioTM. Patient levelling costs were also incorporated to enable translation of these data into healthcare costs. ResultsA total of 5944 HWB-related burn injuries were recorded in the IBID database in England and Wales, from 2014 to 2023, with a mean of 594 (SD 146.2) burn injuries annually, costing an estimated £ 12.7 million. There were 423 burn injuries sustained from HWB in winter 2022 compared to 295 in winter 2021, representing a 43.4 % increase over one year, with a corresponding increase of 43.1 % in the number of patients managed in an outpatient setting. The largest increase in burn incidence between winter 2021 and winter 2022 was seen in children (0–16 years old) and older adults (greater than 65 years old) with a rise of 60.3 % (n = 41) and 68.5 % (n = 37) respectively. ConclusionOur epidemiological study on hot water bottle (HWB)-related burn injuries within the United Kingdom has shown that the dramatic rise in fuel prices, which sparked the fuel poverty crises, has coincided with a 43.4 % increase in HWB burns incidence on the health service in that year alone. This alarming rise in HWB-related injuries highlights the continued need for targeted public awareness campaigns to ensure a safe and proper use of these devices.

Preliminary Failure Analyses of Loaded Hot Water Bottles

Hot water bottles are widely utilised for their therapeutic advantages, such as relieving muscle tension and imparting warmth. However, the increasing frequency and potential risks associated with bursting or failure necessitate a detailed examination of the contributing factors as their failure is not fully understood in a scientific manner. With the apparent lack of analysis of hot water bottles in the literature, this study employs, for the first time, a dual methodology involving finite-element (FE) analysis conducted in ABAQUS and experimental validation to systematically investigate the underlying mechanisms leading to failure incidents. Through FE modelling and analysis, the stress and strain distribution within typical hot water bottles is modelled under compression loading conditions, facilitating the identification of vulnerable areas prone to failure. Experimental validation encompasses uniaxial loading compression tests on distinct specimens, generating load–displacement curves that elucidate material responses to compressive forces and highlight variations in load-bearing capacities. The study explores diverse failure modes, attributing them to stress concentration at geometric transitions and contact regions. Stress–strain curves contribute valuable insights into material characteristics, with ultimate stress values as crucial indicators of resistance to deformation and rupture. The FE analysis simulation results visualise deformation patterns and stress concentration zones. The findings illustrate that the highest stress concentration areas exist in the internal boundary of hot water bottles near the neck and cap region. This is experimentally confirmed through the bursting failures of four samples, with three failures occurring in this specific region. The findings support the guidance that users should avoid sleeping with a hot water bottle as it may fail under compression if they lay on top of it. Meanwhile, this result guides manufacturers to strengthen the weak areas of hot water bottles around the nicks and edges. This study significantly enhances our understanding of hot water bottle mechanics, thereby guiding design practice to improve overall performance and user safety. In summary, hot water bottles are commonly used but have not been investigated scientifically regarding external loading conditions and their related failure, as the current study has achieved. Identifying the weak points through experiment and simulation directs manufacturers towards required improvements in particular regions, such as the bottleneck and edge reinforcement during the design and manufacturing phases.

The effect of abdominal heat therapy on constipation

Background: Constipation is one of the most common complications of the digestive system and has a significant impact on people's health and quality of life. One of the proposed non-drug interventions is the use of heat therapy. This study aimed to determine the effect of abdominal heat therapy on constipation. Aims: To identify if the use of heat therapy reduces constipation in elderly people admitted to the general internal medicine department. Methods: This study employs a triple-blind clinical trial design. A total of 92 elderly patients admitted to the internal medicine department of Sinai Hospital in Arak City in 2023 were randomly assigned to either a control or intervention group. Patients in the intervention group received local heat therapy using a standard hot water bottle with a temperature of 50°C applied to the abdomen. The control group received a hot water bottle at a temperature of 25°C. Data collection tools included the Bristol Stool Form Scale and a demographic data sheet. Analysis was conducted using SPSS 16. Results: The results showed that stool consistency was similar between the interventional and control groups before applying the hot water bag to the abdomen. A significant difference was observed on the first day (P=0.001) and the second day (P=0.005). There was a significant difference in stool consistency before the intervention, on day 1 and day 2 (P<0.001), but most people in the control group had no defecation. Conclusions: Local heat therapy improves bowel function and reduces constipation during defecation in the elderly, and its use is suggested at the same time as complementary studies.

The cost of keeping warm: a relationship between a rise in the cost of domestic energy and burn injuries caused by personal heating equipment

IntroductionDuring 2022–2023, the UK found itself in the midst of a domestic energy crisis, with the average domestic gas and electricity bill rising by 75% between 2019 and 2022. As a result, the use of hot water bottles, radiant heaters, and electric blankets increased. An unintended consequence of this may be an increase in burn injuries caused by misfortune, misuse, or the use of items in a state of disrepair. PurposeThe aim of this study was to explore any increase in referrals to a single burns centre in England for injuries caused by hot water bottles, radiant heaters, or electric blankets. MethodsThis was a retrospective study of a prospectively maintained database of referrals. All referrals between January 2022 and January 2023 were selected and compared with the same period from 2020–2021 (before the rise in energy prices). Referrals were screened for the terms “hot water bottle,” “electric heater,” “electric blanket,” and “heater.” Total referrals in each period, demographic data (age, gender), anatomical location and the mechanism of injury were compared between cohorts. ResultsWe found a statistically significant increase in the number of burns relating to heating implements between 2020/21 and 2022/23, rising from 54 to 81 (p = 0.03) – a 50% increase in injuries. Injuries in working age adults increased significantly (52% to 69%, p < 0.05). The most frequently injured area was the leg (30%) followed by the hand (18%). The commonest type of injury described was scald (72%). We found a moderately-strong correlation between the number of referrals and the average cost of energy in 2022–23. ConclusionThe number of injuries sustained by people using personal heating equipment is significantly increasing, which correlated with the rise in domestic energy prices. The most affected demographic appears to be working age adults, with wider implications around lost work-time yet to be explored. Further prospective, population-based work is indicated to assess the strength of the correlation seen in this study.

Prevalence of dysmenorrhea and its effect on the quality of life of female undergraduate students in Nigeria

ObjectivesDysmenorrhea, also known as painful menstruation, has been a source of concern among many adolescent females and has been reported to adversely affect the quality of life of adolescents if not properly managed. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of dysmenorrhea and its effect on the quality of life among female undergraduate students of a private university in Nigeria. MethodsDescriptive cross-sectional research design was utilized, and stratified sampling technique was used in selecting 397 participants based on the required sample size. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 23, and results were summarized using descriptive and inferential statistics with level of significance set at p < 0.05. ResultsMajority of the respondents started menstruating between ages 12–15 years. Dysmenorrhea is prevalent among 69.8% of the respondents, absent in 18.4% and sometimes occurs in 11.8%. Menstrual pain affects routine work (37.8%), sleep (29.2%), and 33.8% withdraw socially during menstruation. The approaches used during dysmenorrhea include diversional therapy (59.7%), hot water bottle technique (41.8%), medications (49.4%), lower back and abdomen massage (25.9%), herbs (24.2%) and breathing exercise (11.8%). There was a significant relationship between age and the prevalence of dysmenorrhea (p = 0.000). ConclusionDysmenorrhea is prevalent among female undergraduate students, affecting their daily routine tasks. Educating adolescents on the effective management of dysmenorrhea is necessary to enhance their quality of life.

Acute deltamethrin intoxication in a cat – a case report

Deltamethrin is a synthetic type II pyrethroid insecticide that is widely used to protect vegetables, fruits and agricultural crops against pests such as mites, ants, beetles and weevils. Moreover, it is used in veterinary practice as an ectoparasiticide, but it is not approved for feline use. To my knowledge, deltamethrin intoxication in cats has never been reported before. For the first time, this report aimed to report clinical, haematological and biochemical changes due to deltamethrin intoxication in a cat. The cat had complaints of involuntary movements and difficulty in standing because the owner sprayed his kittens to treat lice infestation with a watery solution of a pesticide containing deltamethrin, and the mother cat licked its kittens. In the clinical examination of the cat – incoordination, spontaneous contractions, ataxia, hyperesthesia, hypothermia (T: 37.2°C), bradycardia (128/bpm), tachypnea, mydriasis and erosive lesions in the tongue – were detected. Hematologic examination revealed leukocytosis and neutrophilia. Biochemical analysis showed an increase in AST, LDH and CK-MB activities and potassium levels. Given that there is no specific antidote to deltamethrin toxicity, symptomatic treatment was given. Fluid therapy (0.9% NaCl and 5% dextrose solution at a dose of 40 ml/kg, IV) was administered for the elimination of the toxin from the body and coping with septic shock. Diazepam (0.5 mg/kg, IV) was administered to alleviate neurological signs. Enrofloxacin (5 mg/ kg, SC) was administered for three days due to sepsis, leukocytosis and neutrophilia. In the treatment of hypothermia, blankets and hot water bottles were used. After this treatment, the cat recovered. This case report, confirms that deltamethrin, like other pyrethroids, is quite toxic to cats, the clinical findings appeared in a short time, and neurological findings, especially choreoathetosis, were dominant. Consequently, this study demonstrated that deltamethrin causes neutrophilia, leukocytosis, hyperkalaemia, and heart and skeletal muscle damage in cats.

Effect of infrared belt and hot water bag on labor pain intensity among primiparous: a randomized controlled trial

BackgroundLabor pain is complex, paradoxical and varied in every parturient woman. Management of labor pain has been a crucial component in maternity care. Heat therapy is one of the proposed method for labor pain relief. Infrared is one of the methods of heat therapy but there is any study in this regard. This study aimed to compare the effect of the infrared belt and hot water bag on the severity of pain in the first stage of labor among primiparous women.MethodsIn this clinical trial in the first stage of labor, 20-min cycles of heat therapy were conducted at the dilations of 4–5 and 6–7 cm in the intervention group 1 by an infrared belt and in the intervention group 2 by hot water bag, respectively. The control group received routine care. The severity of the pain was measured by the short-form McGill Pain Questionnaire.ResultsIn total, 136 women consented to participate in this clinical trial study. The mean score of pain intensity was significantly lower in the two intervention groups compared to the control group (P < 0.001). The mean pain intensity was significantly lower in the infrared belt group than in the hot water bag group (P < 0.001).ConclusionsBased on these findings, heat therapy with an infrared belt reduced the severity of pain in the first stage of labor. The infrared belt could be used and recommended as a safe and effective pain relief in childbirth and maternity care.Trial registrationThis study was registered in the Iran Clinical Trial Center with the code of IRCT20190805044446N1.

Application of hot medicated fomentation for pain alleviation in non-specific low back pain - A randomized controlled clinical trial

BackgroundNon-specific low back pain is a leading contributor to disease burden and works absenteeism worldwide with a lifetime prevalence of 60–70% in industrialized countries. This clinical study aimed to assess the efficacy of hot fomentation with half-baked medicated bread (khubz) compared to hot water bag fomentation to alleviate pain and disability in non-specific low back pain. MethodsIn this randomized-controlled study, fifty-four patients with low back pain were randomly assigned into two groups to receive either hot fomentation (Takmīd-e-haar) with half-baked medicated bread in the test group or hot water bag fomentation in the control group, on the lumbosacral region daily for 30 min for 15 consecutive days. Patients were assessed statistically using the visual analogue scale (VAS) and Oswestry disability index (ODI) at baseline, 7th and after treatment (15th day). ResultsAfter the intervention, statistically significant improvements (p < 0.001) were observed in VAS and ODI scores in both the groups on the intragroup comparison. The test treatment showed better efficacy in comparison to the control treatment with a mean difference of 1.75 in VAS (p < 0.0001) and 8.20 in ODI (p = 0.001). ConclusionThe tested intervention showed significantly better efficacy in comparison to the hot water bag fomentation probably due to the analgesic (musakkin-i-alam), anti-inflammatory (muḥallil-i-awrām), and demulcent (mulaṭṭif) properties of the ingredients of tested Unani formulation in addition to the effects of heat. It may therefore be concluded that medicated fomentation is an effective, safer, feasible, and less expensive regimen for patients with non-specific low back pain. Trial registrationThe Clinical Trials Registry-India (CTRI/2020/03/024107).

A Study to Assess the Effectiveness of Lamaze Method in terms of Labour Pain Perception, Anxiety and Progress of Labour among Primi Mothers in active first stage of Labour

Background: Natural childbirth is a beautiful experience. Women dream of the perfect birth with less pain. But severe pain is a phenomenon embedded in the very nature of human existence. Though experiencing pain during labour is a universal feature of childbirth, the degree of pain perception can be reduced using many simple, effective, low cost non-pharmacological methods which also helps in improving labour progress and patient satisfaction. The concept of painless child birth gave rise to many scientific discoveries and research findings. Among that Lamaze method is one, which prepares mother for child birth and to tackle Labour pain. Objective: The objective of this study are to evaluate the effectiveness of Lamaze method in terms of pain perception, anxiety and progress of labour among primi mothers in first stage of labour admitted at Christian fellowship Hospital, Oddanchatram. Method: The research design used for the study was quasi experimental nonequivalent control group posttest only design. The sample size was 60 samples. Out of which 30 were in experimental group and 30 were in control group. The Samples were selected by using Non probability purposive sampling technique. Primi mothers at their term was selected and was given antenatal teaching on “Normal labor process and non-pharmacological labour pain management” in antenatal OPD for about 30 minutes. The same primi mothers who attended teaching were selected for experimental group during their labour period. During the first hour of active first stage of labour Lamaze intervention of visual stimuli was provided by showing natural sceneries during each contraction for the second hour auditory stimuli was provided by making the mother to listen to light music by using ear phone. During the 3rd hour of active first stage of labour abdominal effleurage stroke was done during each painful contractions. Followed by that hot water bag application on the sacral region was provided and was continued till delivery. Primi gravid mothers who did not undergo Lamaze teaching and interventions were selected for control group. Posttest was done on both experimental and control group after four hours of active stage of labor to assess the level of labor pain perception, the level of anxiety and progress of labor by using Universal pain assessment scale, modified Max Hamilton anxiety rating scale and Labor progress assessment scale. The level of satisfaction on Lamaze method among experimental group was assessed by using Likert scale on satisfaction of Lamaze method. Total time taken to perform posttest in both groups was 30 minutes. The gathered data were analyzed by using descriptive and inferential statistics. Results: Results: Independent “t” value for level of pain perception was 16.08(table value=2.001) which was significant at P&lt;0.05 level. The independent “t” value for level of anxiety was 5.08(table value=2.001) which was significant at P&lt;0.05 level. The independent “t” value for progress of labour was 9.86 (table value=2.001) which was significant at P&lt;0.05 level. Regarding the level of satisfaction on Lamaze method of experimental group all 30(100%) primi mothers were adequately satisfied. There was no significant association existing between pain perception, anxiety and progress of labour with demographic variables such as age, education, occupation, monthly income and residence except for pain perception and demographic variables such as religion (χ2 = 45.44) and family type (χ2 = 4.33) among experimental group. The study findings revealed that Lamaze method was effective in reducing labor pain perception, anxiety and promote labour progress among primi mothers in active first stage of labour.

A Descriptive Study to Assess the Knowledge Regarding Home Management for Dysmenorrhoea Among Girls of B. Sc. Nursing 1st Year of Bee Enn College of Nursing, Jammu

Nowadays most ladies and girls come exposed to cramps every month. The cause of cramps is dysmenorrhea. Dysmenorrhea begins with an augmentation in the body known as the hormone prostaglandins. The level of prostaglandins in the lining of the uterus increases, before menstruation starts each month. Because of this pain, some women experience severe pain and are unable to do their daily routine work on these days or some are having mood swings because of hormonal changes. Pain varies it could be premenstrual or may occur through menses. Some women used home remedies like hot water bottle application, coffee etc. to alleviate pain levels. Some women and girls also used non-pharmacological management to reduce their pain and whose pain level is not reduced with home remedies. Our research study was to assess the knowledge regarding home management for dysmenorrhoea among girls of B.Sc. nursing 1st year of Bee Enn College of Nursing, Jammu. To determine the association between knowledge regarding home management for dysmenorrhoea among girls and selected socio-demographic variables. The research design selected for the study was descriptive and a quantitative research approach was used in the study. The main study was conducted at Bee Enn College of nursing Jammu. 50 students were selected through a convenient sampling technique and a knowledge questionnaire was used to assess the level of knowledge regarding home management for dysmenorrhoea. The study had shown that a maximum of girls (66%) had moderate knowledge regarding home management of dysmenorrhoea, a minimum of 34% were having inadequate knowledge whereas 0% were having adequate knowledge. There was a significant association between knowledge of home management of dysmenorrhea with their selected socio-demographic variables except for age.

Effect of Hot Water Bottles on Body Temperature during Magnetic Resonance Imaging in Dogs under General Anesthesia: A Retrospective Study.

Prevention of hypothermia induced by anesthesia and enhanced by low environmental temperatures is difficult in magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) examinations in dogs as forced warming devices, including magnetic materials, are not acceptable for use in the MRI room. A hot water bottle (HWB) can be carried into an MRI examination room and can contribute to the prevention or attenuation of hypothermia. Here, we retrospectively investigated the effects of HWB on body temperature during MRI examinations in dogs under general anesthesia (GA). From anesthesia records of the Veterinary Medical Teaching Hospital, Okayama University of Science, validated data of 100 dogs that underwent an MRI examination under GA were obtained and divided into the following two groups: one group received HWB, while the other did not. Decrease in rectal temperature 15 min after intubation was significantly smaller in the group using HWB than in the group without HWB. In conclusion, the use of hot water bottles might be one of the methods to attenuate hypothermia in the early period but should not be expected for complete prevention of hypothermia, and it was not recommendable necessarily for body temperature management during MRI examinations in dogs under general anesthesia.

Hydrotherapeutic Heat Application as Support in Febrile Patients: A Scoping Review.

Background: Most often, fever is still treated by lowering body temperature with medication. In complementary and integrative health care, patients are supported during illness to use the positive effects of fever. Accompanying applications from the field of hydrotherapy are often used for gentle cooling, but there are references that warming in fever can also be used as a support. The aim of this scoping review was to identify available evidence on how, when, and why patients with fever are treated with heat application. Methods: The MEDLINE, CINAHL, EMBASE, COCHRANE, Google, and Google Scholar databases as well as references of identified literature were searched. As sources of evidence, publications studying patients who received heat application or were kept warm in febrile condition, regardless of medical situation, type of health care setting, and geographical background, were taken into consideration. Results: The literature search identified 1698 publications, of which only 7 were included. Methods of applying heat were the use of electric warming blankets, hot packs, hot-water bottles, or hot water footbaths. Most of the studies on heat application used temperatures of about 40°C and reported significantly lower body temperature after heat application. Conclusions: The literature suggests that hydrotherapeutic heat application is a common and well-appreciated method in Middle Eastern and Asian regions to support febrile patients. Using heat to support the energy-intensive and uncomfortable phase of rising fever may improve comfort, prevent unnecessarily high fever, and save biological energy. Therefore, high-quality studies on the role of heat application in fever are expected to be of high relevance for future fever management guidelines and integrative health care in general.

Warming up for a better fever: a randomized pilot study in pediatric oncology

BackgroundFever in children is a major problem in pediatric oncology. Usual management leads to immediate antibiotic and antipyretic therapy, although there is consensus that antipyretic therapy should not be utilized with the sole aim of reducing body temperature. Increased body temperature during fever appears to be an effective modifier in terms of viral replication and enhanced host defense mechanisms against pathogens. Therefore, it might be beneficial to support febrile patients by applying gentle heat during the onset of fever to help the body to reach its new thermoregulatory set point.MethodsA randomized pilot study over 6 months will be conducted in a pediatric oncology department in an academic hospital in Germany. This study is a preparation for a multicenter clinical trial with two parallel groups concerning the efficacy of heat application vs. treatment as usual. One of the inclusion criteria is body temperatures ≥ 38.0 °C in n = 24 cases of patients receiving chemotherapy aged 18 months to 17 years. The first intervention consists of gentle heat application with hot water bottles at any sign of illness and onset of fever. The aim is to achieve a warm periphery equilibrated to trunk temperature of less than 0.5 °C. The second intervention is the avoidance of antipyretics. The control group receives the standard antipyretic treatment from the participating hospital. The purposes of this pilot study are proof of principle of intervention, evaluation of safety, feasibility, definition of endpoints, and to receive basic data for sample size calculation and needed resources.DiscussionThe main goal is to improve the care of children with cancer by providing the best possible support for febrile episodes. If fever support by heat reduces discomfort, administration of antipyretics and maybe even antibiotics, this would be an advancement in oncological fever management. This pilot study is intended to provide a basis for a main, multicenter, randomized trial and demonstrate the practicability of heat application in febrile patients in pediatric oncology.Trial registrationGerman Clinical Trials Register (DRKS), DRKS00028273. Registered on 14 April 2022

The Effect of Heat Therapy on the Severity of Restless Legs Syndrome and Sleep Quality in the Elderly

Objective Restless legs syndrome is a neurological condition associated with an irresistible urge to move the legs and eventually leads to discomfort, sleep disorders, and reduced quality of life. Restless legs syndrome is common in the elderly, whose health improvement is an important healthcare issue. This study aimed to determine the effect of hot water bags on the severity of restless legs syndrome and sleep quality in the elderly. Methods The study has a quasi-experimental design. In this research, 88 elderly people were selected based on purposive sampling. Then they were randomly assigned to the experimental (n=44) and control (n=44) groups. The intervention group received a hot water bag on the leg, and the control group received routine care. Data collection tools were the demographic questionnaire, the restless legs syndrome rating scale, and the Pittsburgh sleeps quality index. The questionnaires were completed as a self-report. Data were analyzed with the independent t test and paired t test using SPSS. Results The Mean±SD scores of restless legs syndrome were 16.7±0.46 in the experimental group and 16.50±1.17 in the control group before the intervention, which was not significantly different (P=0.32). The Mean±SD scores of restless legs syndrome were 10.68±1.52 in the experimental group and 15.55±1.79 in the control group after the intervention, which was significantly different (P=0.0001). In addition, the mean ± SD scores of sleep quality were 8.3±1.5 and 10.42±1.89 in the control group and the experimental group after the intervention, which showed a significant difference (P=0.0001). Conclusion Findings showed that the hot water bag application reduces the severity of restless legs syndrome and improves sleep quality. Therefore, a hot water bag is especially recommended for the elderly, as it is cheap, accessible, and acceptable.

Mt. Rainier Sanctification

Mt. Rainier Sanctification

Using warm compresses to reduce IL-1β levels in dysmenorrhea: An evaluation of quasy experimental study

Primary dysmenorrhea is a gynecological problem that occurs among adolescents and women of reproductive age. Theoretically, primary dysmenorrhea increases pro-inflammatory cytokine IL-1β levels. However, studies using warm compresses to reduce pain management in dysmenorrhea are limited. This study aimed to determine the effect of warm compresses to reduce IL-1β levels in primary dysmenorrhea. The research design used a quasi-experiment with a pretest-posttest study design. The population of this study was students experiencing dysmenorrhea. A total of 24 respondents was taken by using a simple random sampling technique. Hot water bags were the equipment for this study. The instrument for measuring pain used NRS (Numeric Rating Scale), and IL-1 β levels used the ELISA method. The data were analyzed by the Wilcoxon test and Mann-Whitney Test. The study showed there was a positive effect of warm compresses on dysmenorrhea (p ≤ 0.05). There were significant differences in the intensity of menstrual pain and IL-1β levels among the two groups of study (p ≤ 0.05). The recommendation for the next research should be focused on the different types of pain that commonly occur among women.&#x0D; Keywords: dysmenorrhea; pain management;pediatric nursing;nursing care; warm compresses

Period cramps: An annoying but treatable pain

Female health issues such as period cramps are great opportunities for pharmacists to improve the care and quality of life for those with self-treatable conditions. Primary dysmenorrhea, a very common menstrual problem for young people, is defined as cramping pain in the lower abdomen at the onset of menstruation in the absence of any identifiable pelvic disease. Pain usually develops within hours of the start of menstruation and peaks as the flow becomes heaviest during the first day or two of the cycle. It is distinguished from secondary dysmenorrhea, painful menses resulting from pelvic pathology such as endometriosis, and is one condition most people assigned female at birth can manage with a combination of self-care options including nonpharmacologic and pharmacologic options. The primary goal of treatment for primary dysmenorrhea is pain relief, though other symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, fatigue, and diarrhea may also occur. Patients may complain not only of pain in the abdomen (severe at times) but also in the hips, lower back, or inner thighs and pressure in the abdomen. Menstrual cramps occur when prostaglandin causes the uterus to contract and press against nearby blood vessels, cutting off the supply of oxygen to the muscle tissue and causing pain. Pharmacotherapy has been shown to be the most reliable and effective treatment for relieving dysmenorrhea. Because the pain results from uterine vasoconstriction, anoxia, and contractions mediated by prostaglandins, symptoms can often be relieved using agents that inhibit prostaglandin synthesis and possess anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties. NSAIDs provide the best relief for mild cramps because they reduce prostaglandin production. FDA has approved diclofenac, ibuprofen, ketoprofen, meclofenamate, mefenamic acid, and naproxen for treatment of primary dysmenorrhea. Research has shown that aspirin may not be as effective as other NSAIDs. For patients who can't take NSAIDs, other pain relievers such as acetaminophen may help relieve cramping pain. Oral hormonal contraceptives have also been shown to provide dysmenorrhea relief by inhibiting ovulation and preventing prostaglandin production. In some patients, oral contraceptives can prevent dysmenorrhea altogether, though these agents are not approved by FDA for this indication. Some states now allow dispensing of oral hormonal contraceptives by pharmacists without a prescription, so this may be an option for patients choosing voluntary childlessness. Other therapies for dysmenorrhea—including a low-fat vegetarian diet and supplements containing pyridoxine (vitamin B6), magnesium, and vitamin E—have been proposed, but most are not well studied. Acupuncture, acupressure, aromatherapy, various herbal medicines, and physiotherapy have also been suggested to relieve menstrual pain, as have yoga, massage, and relaxation or breathing exercises. Remind patients that most supplements are not regulated by FDA and should be taken with caution. More common ways to relieve abdominal pain include placing a heating pad or hot water bottle on the lower back or abdomen, avoiding foods that contain caffeine, avoiding smoking and drinking alcohol, and massaging the lower back and abdomen. Heat therapy is thought to relieve menstrual pain through vasodilation, which increases blood flow to the area and relaxes smooth muscles. Also, advise patients to exercise regularly as exercise can lessen symptoms through stress reduction and decreased prostaglandin levels. More serious pain may be due to secondary dysmenorrhea, which can be caused by endometriosis, adenomyosis, pelvic inflammatory disease, cervical stenosis, or fibroids. Circumstances that may indicate secondary dysmenorrhea include dysmenorrhea occurring during the first one or two cycles after menarche (congenital outflow obstruction), dysmenorrhea beginning after age 25 years, dysmenorrhea in patients with no history of previous painful menstruation, heavy menstrual flow or irregular cycles, and little or no pain relief after NSAID therapy or beginning oral contraceptives. Because secondary dysmenorrhea is caused by conditions that should be treated by a physician, it's important to advise patients with these symptoms or with pain that begins earlier in the menstrual cycle and lasts longer than common menstrual cramps without nausea, vomiting, fatigue, or diarrhea to consult their physician rather than attempting self care. Also advise patients complaining of menstrual cramps about the signs of toxic shock syndrome—a fever of over 102 °F, vomiting, diarrhea, dizziness, and a rash that looks like a sunburn. Toxic shock can be life-threatening and affected patients should get medical help right away. Primary dysmenorrhea is extremely common and treatable with NSAIDs and/or oral contraceptives, heat, massage, exercise, or diet. Patients with symptoms of secondary dysmenorrhea should be referred to their physician for diagnosis and treatment.

Wireless liquid-alloy-based induction heating for soft devices by alternating magnetic field: From characterization to application

Soft heating has attracted remarkable attention due to its extraordinary potential in the emerging multifunctional thermal applications, e.g. heating clothing, thermal therapy and therapy support products. However, current soft heating devices are mostly realized by wired configurations, which will constrain the overall flexibility and increase wiring complexity, especially for discrete multipoint circuits. Here, we propose a wireless liquid alloy induction heating method through a high-frequency alternating magnetic field (AMF), and can achieve rapid wireless heating for fully intrinsically soft devices. Then, we characterized the heating performance under different sizes and their quantitative relations. Further, we found a new phenomenon that liquid alloy continuously shrinks into a ball shape in AMF by mutual repulsion force based on the skin effect. Finally, we demonstrated a wireless trigger detection circuit for AMF and a fully soft wireless electric hot water bag with comparable performance to commercials. This work provides a convenient and rapid wireless heating technology option for fully soft devices and is potential for wireless functional devices and thermal therapy.

A Descriptive Study to Assess the Knowledge Regarding Home Management for Dysmenorrhoea Among Girls of B. Sc. Nursing 1st Year of Bee Enn College of Nursing, Jammu

Nowadays most ladies and girls come exposed to cramps every month. The cause of cramps is dysmenorrhea. Dysmenorrhea begins with an augmentation in the body known as the hormone prostaglandins. The level of prostaglandins in the lining of the uterus increases, before menstruation starts each month. Because of this pain, some women experience severe pain and are unable to do their daily routine work on these days or some are having mood swings because of hormonal changes. Pain varies it could be premenstrual or may occur through menses. Some women used home remedies like hot water bottle application, coffee etc. to alleviate pain levels. Some women and girls also used non-pharmacological management to reduce their pain and whose pain level is not reduced with home remedies. Our research study was to assess the knowledge regarding home management for dysmenorrhoea among girls of B.Sc. nursing 1st year of Bee Enn College of Nursing, Jammu. To determine the association between knowledge regarding home management for dysmenorrhoea among girls and selected socio-demographic variables. The research design selected for the study was descriptive and a quantitative research approach was used in the study. The main study was conducted at Bee Enn College of nursing Jammu. 50 students were selected through a convenient sampling technique and a knowledge questionnaire was used to assess the level of knowledge regarding home management for dysmenorrhoea. The study had shown that a maximum of girls (66%) had moderate knowledge regarding home management of dysmenorrhoea, a minimum of 34% were having inadequate knowledge whereas 0% were having adequate knowledge. There was a significant association between knowledge of home management of dysmenorrhea with their selected socio-demographic variables except for age.

Nursing Experience of A Patient with Acute Heart Failure Complicated with Diabetic Foot Scald

The nursing care of a patient with acute heart failure and diabetes who accidentally scalded the right foot with hot water bottles was analyzed and summarized. Early assessment of the wound, reasonable selection of biological dressings to manage the wound, plus bedside teaching, group teaching, the introduction of materials and photos, information contact, etc. Various forms of health education for patients, including nursing measures such as ankle pump exercise and food guidance, can significantly improve patients' medical compliance and accelerate wound healing. It shows that for patients with acute heart failure with coronary heart disease and diabetic foot scald, it is equally important to evaluate and treat the wound correctly and early when controlling blood sugar and dealing with the underlying disease of coronary heart disease.