Homeostatic Imbalance
An individual who is in a homeostatic state is considered healthy, with everything functioning accurately. The homeostatic status signifies that an individual is in excellent health, with no breakdowns, and their internal system performs as expected. When interruptions emerge, such as exhaustion, hanger, and feeling extremely cold or heated, the body often attempts to adapt or convey a signal to do something automatically. When the body needs are satisfied, an individual return to a homeostatic state, when obstructions to the homeostatic state convert to long-term and cannot be efficiently repaired this results in homeostatic imbalance (Melrose, 2018). The homeostatic imbalance is described as the inability of the internal regularity to persist stably in the face of external and internal environment impacts. This paper aims to discuss homeostatic imbalance by identifying the causes, signs and symptoms, prevention, statistics, and the most impacted population.
Statistics
In these modern times, many illnesses are as a result of homeostatic imbalance. The significant diseases that emerge due to homeostatic imbalance include diabetes and failure of the heart. Aging is described as a cause of homeostatic imbalance since the administration of the feedback mechanism loses its effectiveness. The homeostatic imbalance has become common in different individuals, regardless of age or gender. Studies indicate that recent environmental changes and foods individuals consume contribute significantly to the outcome of homeostatic imbalance (Styr & Slutsky, 2018). However, the elderly population is identified to be at a high risk of homeostatic imbalance due to the reduction of the internal system functioning.
Signs and Symptoms
When cells are at a homeostatic state, they maintain the ideal levels. However, in the case of homeotic imbalance, the body may correct or worsen the problem based on specific influences. Homeostatic imbalance often leads to a state of disease, mostly to the elderly. Thus, an increase in conditions such as diabetes and heart failures indicates the presence of homeostatic imbalance within an individual body (Styr & Slutsky, 2018). Homeostatic imbalance signifies that the body is failing to return to its reasonable condition. Therefore, experiencing long-term effects and complex to handle, indicates the presence of homeostatic imbalance.
Cause
Homeostatic imbalance occurs when body cells encounter deficiencies due to undernourished diet or cells exposed to contagions. There are three main influences of homeostatic imbalance, internal, external, and environmental influences. Internal forces incorporate factors such as aging and genetics. Aging is considered a general example of a cause of homeostatic imbalance. As a body age, it gradually exhausts the feedback loops, resulting in an unstable internal system (Hartl, 2016). External forces include diet scarcities, physical exercise, mental wellness, and drug and alcohol misuse. For cells to function efficiently, the cells must get the minerals and vitamins they require. These vitamins are acquired through the diet an individual eats, and imbalanced nutrition may enhance one’s risks of illnesses. Environmental influences incorporate factors such as exposure to toxins. Studies indicate that any matter that interrupts cellular performance and leads to cellular breakdown is considered a poison. These times, there are various origins of toxins, including physical and artificial drugs, plants, and animal meals (Styr & Slutsky, 2018). When an individual takes excess toxins, it leads to the disruption of essential life functions such as heartbeat and breathing. Such incidents may lead to coma, brain damage, or mortality.
Prevention
Currently, there is limited studies indicate the approaches that can be implemented to prevent homeostatic imbalance. However, if individuals consider applying them in their daily routine, there are common factors that will minimize the emergence of homeostatic imbalance. Healthcare studies indicate that proper nutrition is one of the significant approaches to preventing homeostatic disruption. Proper nutrition helps the body cells to function correctly. Moreover, physical activities also play a vital role in preventing homeostatic imbalance (Melrose, 2018). Physical exercise is crucial for the precise performance of the body and cells. Individual’s rest and activities both impact homeostasis. Studies indicate that a lack of rest may lead to fatigue, unusual heartbeat, nervousness, and difficulties. Proper diet and physical exercise are significant in preventing homeostatic imbalance. Even so, individuals should consider living in a less polluted environment.
Diagnosis
Diagnostics tests are mainly conducted to check whether components of the body are within typical values. Physicians will primarily determine whether organs, tissues, and body systems are functioning correctly by deciding if they are supporting homeostasis with the result they produce. Doctors will observe the vital signs, including temperature, pulse, respiration rate, skin color, and blood pressure. Physicians will conduct blood tests (Hartl, 2016). A blood sample will be obtained and tested for a variety of cells, proteins, glucose, vitamins, sodium, and substances that should not be in the bloodstream. These include toxins, drugs, and bacteria. Doctors may also suggest for urinary analysis to determine if the patient’s kidneys are correctly functioning and diagnose hydration levels, bacteria, infections, liver disease, gallstones, anemia, kidney stones, diabetes, and proteinuria.
Complication
The main complications associated with homeostatic imbalance include difficulty breathing, increased, or reduced heartbeat, which may lead to heart failure, particularly among the elderly (Hartl, 2016). Moreover, homeostatic imbalance may lead to complications such as the body and cells failing to return to normal conditions.
Treatment
There is no significant treatment procedure set for homeostatic imbalance given that its a condition that causes various illnesses to emerge, including diabetes and heart failures. However, the homeostatic imbalance can be treated by eliminating negative health influences and providing adequate positive health (Melrose, 2018). Usually, the body has the potential to self-regulate and repair maintaining homeostasis. In worsening incidents, individuals might consider medication depending on the illnesses at present. For instance, insulin prescription for diabetes patients.
Prognosis
The homeostatic imbalance is a condition that, if not addressed appropriately, may result in permanent loss of function or probability of death (Melrose, 2018). Nevertheless, if proper precautions are implemented, there may be chances of recovery. Conclusive, Homeostatic imbalance can be caused by lifestyle, genetic and environmental factors.
References
Melrose, A. J. (2018). Homeostatic Imbalance and Monetary Delay Discounting: Effects of Feeding on RT, Choice, and Brain Response (Doctoral dissertation, University of Southern California).
Styr, B., & Slutsky, I. (2018). Imbalance between firing homeostasis and synaptic plasticity drives early-phase Alzheimer’s disease. Nature neuroscience, 21(4), 463-473.
Hartl, F. U. (2016). Cellular homeostasis and aging. Annual review of biochemistry, 85, 1-4.