Mitochondrial Disease And Ebola
The basis of mitochondrial disease
At the root of the mitochondrial disease is the manner in which mitochondria, tiny microscopic organelles that are found within the cells of the body, function. The mitochondria are made up of different much smaller structures that include ribosomes, granules and two membranes. The internal structures of the mitochondria are the actual sites where the primary function of the mitochondria, which is formation of energy at the cellular level, takes place.
Through complex biochemical reactions that take place inside the internal structures, mitochondria serve the all important purpose of providing the energy that is needed to maintain the process of life. This takes place in all the body cells. It is through the process that takes place inside the mitochondria that body cells are able to get all the energy required to drive their vital processes.
At times and for various reasons, the mitochondria may fail in their primary function. This is the basis of mitochondrial disease. When this happens, the mitochondria are unable to provide energy to the body cells. This translates to complicated physiological conditions in the body of a person. It is in the same manner that the possible relationship between the disease and Ebola Virus Disease is being examined. Just as mitochondrial disease makes it easy for other disease to attack an individual, the same may be said about Ebola Virus Disease.
Signs and symptoms of mitochondrial disease
The different signs and symptoms that are manifested by this disease vary from person to person. Furthermore, they all arise from the fact that the disease results from internal damages to the structure of the mitochondria. This makes them unable to produce energy as is the norm, thus leading to direct interference in the manner in which the body cells function. This condition causes a number of signs that appear on the body of the affected person.
Because of lack of energy, a person may feel fatigued and fall short of breath at all times. Further, the effect of destruction of the mitochondria is usually seen in the form of overall weakness of the muscles and poor coordination of the limbs.
In the case of children, destruction of the mitochondria has adverse effects. First of all, it leads directly to developmental problems in the affected child. A child who has been diagnosed with mitochondrial disease will fail to fully develop mentally and physically. This results to learning problems and other forms of medical conditions which, if not checked, may lead to death.
Breakdown of the mitochondria in the cells of the body may also be manifested in the form of a number of different diseases. For instance, it is common to find persons who have been affected by the disease complaining of problems with the thyroid. Furthermore, some problems such as seizure have been associated with mitochondrial disease.
- How mitochondrial disease is detected
So far, a single test that can be used to detect this disease has not been developed. However, doctors are able to accurately diagnose its development in an individual with relative ease. This is because the symptoms of the disease are quite observable and unique to it. However, in some cases, a DNA test may be carried out to ascertain the existence of the condition in an individual who is showing symptoms.
- Treatment options for mitochondrial disease
Getting an effective treatment of mitochondrial disease is not easy. It requires finding a means by which the process of destruction of the structure of the mitochondria is reversed. Currently, there is no particular conventional therapy that has been developed to achieve this objective. Research on how to develop a single drug to reverse the process by which the internal structure of the mitochondria gets damaged as a result of the disease is undergoing.
The fact that there still lacks a single drug that can treat mitochondrial disease does not mean that all is lost. There exist different alternative approaches that are used to counter the effects of the disease. The basic idea behind such approaches is that although it may be difficult to undo the damage to the mitochondria, it is actually possible to tackle the effects of the disease. Effects on the body of het patient such as persistent fatigue, muscle weakness and other physiological conditions can actually be tackled by use of different medical methods.
The alternative approach to treating mitochondrial disease seeks to restore the health of the individual to the best level that is possible. There are several methods that are used to achieve this. Various therapies of vitamins and other nutrients are used to counteract the impact of mitochondrial disease on the bodies of patients. Furthermore, other natural supplements whose efficacy against particular symptoms and effects that are produced by the disease are used to improve the overall health of the patients.
Further, nutritional therapies are usually used to help patients remain healthy. By using a well developed diet, physicians are able to help patients of mitochondrial disease lead healthy and fulfilling lives. Such an approach has proven useful in helping patents attain and maintain a particular level of energy in their bodies, thus reducing the effect of the disease on their lives completely.
Dr. Dalal Akoury of AWAREmed Health and Wellness Resource Centre can help in using natural methods to restore the functioning of the mitochondria. In general, maintaining the mitochondria in good shape translates to overall wellness and health. That is why here at AWAREmed Health and Wellness Resource Centre, we seek to help our patients achieve overall health through different alternative methods that have been tried and tested. Our methods of treatment work well to complement other conventional methods being used. We believe that taking such an integrative approach to medicine is the way to go.
Mitochondrial Disease And Ebola
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