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Asthma Treatment Medications may not be worth the side effects

As with most conventional drugs, when one truly considers the side-effects that the drugs may have, it makes one wonder if they are even worth being prescribed and used both by the medical fraternity and vulnerable patients. For asthma treatment, this is no exception.

Having suffered from asthma personally from the age of 7 (well, thats the first time I remember having an attack) to about 7 years ago, I can say first hand that I strongly think most asthma medications just may not be worth the use.

The first time I was told Hey, there is no cure for asthma, I remember thinking as a child: What, do you mean to tell me if someone playfully pats me on the back, or if I laugh hard at something, Id have to always be scared of an asthma attack?

Thank Godthey were wrong. Asthma is indeed curable and with inexpensive and common-sense methods at that. Moreover, when one discovers how, one actually may view most common asthma medications as laughable propaganda hyped up to make a buck at the vulnerable and desperate sufferers of this respiratory disease.

Now friends, Ventolin as an inhaler or oral medication, is arguably the most prescribed from of medication for asthma control. However, studies have indicated that this drug might actually cause more harm than good in regards to asthma treatment.

Since no two humans are alike, symptoms of these side effects do vary from patient to patient, nonetheless here are some of the side effects as revealed by research in writing this article and perhaps it may steer the applicable to consider other ways of coping with this respiratory disorder naturally.

The side effects of this popular drug include:

1. Shaking, usually of the hands (tremor)
2. Nervous tension
3. Headache
4. Faster than normal heart beat (tachycardia)
5. Awareness of your heart beat (heart palpitations)
6. Muscle cramps
7. Low blood potassium level (hypokalaemia)
8. Unexpected narrowing of the airways (paradoxical bronchospasm)

The side effects listed above may not include all of the ones reported by the drug’s manufacturer. For more information about any other possible risks associated with this medicine, you can always look at what the drug manufacturers have indicated on the package itself.

At this point, it leaves the question of what alternative treatments of asthma can be used and are there any at all.

Indeed there are and although thats another subject into itself, what worked for me (and is in effect in the “Breath Retaining Program for Asthmatics” developed by the Russian, Dr. Buteyko) was a drastic change in my diet, some mild breathing exercises as akin to Yoga (I picked this physical culture up as a therapeutic means of building fitness after years of having to be indoors) and other common sense methods such as avoiding excessive cold, dust and the like. However, the last steps are more of preventive measures more than anything.

Breathing is the very essence of living, asthma need not be a barrier any longer in your existence and you need not use side-effect laden drugs at that to curb it. There are successful methods of treating your asthma out there. Since they worked for me and several others who have used them, chances are they can work for you.

Heres to breathing freer.

Tags: Asthma Attack, Asthma Control, Asthma Medications, Asthma Treatment, Conventional Drugs, Heart Palpitations, Medical Fraternity, Muscle Cramps, Nervous Tension, Normal Heart Beat, Oral Medication, Potassium Level, Respiratory Disease, Respiratory Disorder, Sense Methods, Tachycardia, Treatment Medications, Unex, Ventolin, Vulnerable Patients

Crohn’s disease is a chronic inflammatory disease of the digestive tract. The disease is also called granulomatous enteritis, colitis, regional enteritis, regional ileitis, ileitis, or terminal ileitis and it causes ulcerations of the small and large intestine. The disease can affect the digestive system anywhere from the mouth to the anus, but distinctively affects the terminal ileum as well as demarcated areas of large bowel. The disease is named after the American physician, Burrill Bernard Crohn (18841983), who described the disease in 1932.

Crohns Disease Symptoms

Crohn’s disease symptoms may include:

Chronic diarrhea & disrupted digestion: It becomes difficult for the patients in the acute phase of the disease to eat and/or digest food.
Painful and debilitating inflammation
Fistulas of the colon
Hemorrhoids
Lipid absorption problems
Anemia: Persistent rectal bleeding may lead to anemia.
Bruising of the shins.
Fever, pain and psychological damage in many cases
Crohn’s disease in children may cause delayed development and stunted growth.

Crohns Disease Treatment

Crohn’s disease treatment may include medication, surgery, dietary advice and Helminthic therapy (current research).

- Medication Treatment

Acute treatment: steroids are used in the initial stages. Long-term steroid therapy is discouraged because of their side effects. Corticosteroids like prednisone are traditionally used medications. The side effects of steroids may include insulin resistance and frank diabetes, hypertension (high blood pressure), glaucoma, osteoporosis, severe psychological issues etc.

Chronic treatment (Steroid-sparing): The treatment may include Salicylates – 5-ASA derivates – 5-aminosalicylic acid compounds such as sulfasalazine (Azulfidine, Salazopyrin), mesalamine (Pentasa, Asacol), olsalazine, and balsalazide. Immunomodulating drugs such as azathioprine, 6-mercaptopurine and methotrexate are given mainly in moderate-to-severe cases. Infliximab (brand name Remicade) is given in patients with therapy-resistant or fistulating Crohn’s. Adalimumab (brand name Humira) has been used in patients who show allergic reaction to infliximab. The drugs like thalidomide are under study trials.

- Surgery

In the case of widespread intractable Crohn’s colitis, the colon and rectum (protocolectomy) are removed by the surgery ileostomy. Surgery is generally avoided, as this does not cure the disease. Crohns disease can recur at the site of the anastomosis or ileostomy.

- Dietary Advice

Crohns patients should avoid the following foods and liquids:

Dairy foods
High fiber foods should be avoided during flare-ups.
Hot spicy foods
Alcohol & caffeine
Foods containing saturated fats, found in meat and dairy products. However some fats such as in fish oil may actually be helpful.
Products containing corn or gluten, those made from wheat, oats, barley, or triticale
Foods, such as soy, eggs, peanuts, tomatoes
Gas-producing foods such as cabbage family vegetables (broccoli, cabbage, cauliflower and brussels sprouts), dried peas and lentils, onions and chives, peppers and carbonated drinks
Foods that may irritate the intestine (particularly the cabbage family vegetables)
Simple sugars
Dried fruits or high-sugar fruits, such as grapes, watermelon, or pineapple
Sorbitol (an artificial sweetener)

Beneficial Foods:

Fluids to keep the body hydrated and prevent constipation
Fruits may be protective
A high protein diet with lean meats

Advice:

Eat small frequent meals
Prebiotics such as psyllium may help in the healing process.
Probiotics may also be helpful in aiding recovery of the intestines.

- Helminthic Therapy

Recent studies have come up with a promising Crohns disease and ulcerative colitis treatment. Helminthic therapy is a new treatment that has shown impressive results in clinical trials. It argues that the absence of intestinal worms (due primarily to higher hygiene standards) from the human intestinal tract may cause the immune system that is not evolutionary adapted to this condition, to over-react causing inflammation and other negative effects, and that reintroducing helminths through ingesting eggs of a certain species (which is not dangerous to humans) can help down regulate and normalize immune responses.

Helminthic therapy like the fecal bacterio therapy induces a characteristic TH2 white cell response in the diseased areas which seems to be the key in achieving and maintaining remission, and may prove to be of key significance in further research.

Tags: 6 Mercaptopurine, Aminosalicylic Acid, Balsalazide, Chronic Diarrhea, Chronic Inflammatory Disease, Chronic Treatment, Crohn S Disease, Crohns Disease Symptoms, Effects Of Steroids, Immunomodulating Drugs, Insulin Resistance, Lipid Absorption, Medication Treatment, Pentasa, Regional Ileitis, Salazopyrin, Side Effects Of Steroids, Small And Large Intestine, Steroid Therapy, Terminal Ileitis

There are actually three common types of arthritis. The treatments which you will need will depend on the type, so please read carefully. The main type is Osteoarthritis which is the most common, affecting around 16 million Americans with an average age of 45. It usually will attack weight bearing joints like knees, hips, and ankles but has been found in the fingers, neck and spine. Each of our joints is cushioned by cartilage, a very dense, sponge-like substance. Osteoarthritis attacks that cartilage and gradually wears it down.

Another type of arthritis is Rheumatoid Arthritis. Extremely painful and inflammatory, it strikes the lining of the joints and actually attacks two million Americans in their twenties.

Psoriatic Arthritis is not as well known as the previous two, but actually eats away at the joints and can also manifest as psoriasis on the skin.

The term Arthritis literally translates to “joint inflammation.” If you suffer from any of the different types of Arthritis listed above, chances are you have taken drugs to combat the effects or tried other “home remedies.” If you haven’t yet tried “Urtication,” it might be helpful. The term “Urtication” comes from the botanical name, Urtica dioica and dates back some 2,000 years to biblical times. Urtica dioica is “Stinging Nettle. The treatment is to grasp the nettles in a gloved hand and swat the sore joints with the nettles. This may seem bizarre, but the practice has proven to be so effective for some sufferers of arthritis that they now maintain a nettle plant on their window sill.
Many arthritis sufferers have tried unusual and rather nasty ‘cures’ for their disease like enduring bee-stings or covering themselves in cow-manure. The benefits must have been rather less spectacular than the cures or else everyone else would have done the same.

One arthritis cure suggests that half a glass of raw potato juice followed by chewing two or three juniper berries will do the trick! While this may be so, many doctors and scientists researching arthritis have studied the benefits of taking nutritional substances like vitamins. In fact, studies have shown that people with arthritis are mostly deficient in the B group of vitamins, though whether this is due to the disease or to the fact that taking aspirin depletes the body’s stores of this vitamin is not clear.
Vitamin C, E and beta-carotenes are powerful antioxidants that help to neutralize free radicals. These oxygen-reactive free radical molecules are thought to contribute significantly to disease and tissue damage. It has been found that cells from damaged knee cartilage can release great amounts of free radicals. In fact, studies have shown that those who have a high Vitamin C intake have a two-thirds reduction in the risk of further damage to their knees. Well-known scientist Dr. Linus Pauling recommends 18 grams of V-C per day as an arthritis preventative measure.

Osteoarthritis can cause thinning of the bones, and so can prednisone, often given to treat it. It makes sense then to increase the amount of Vitamin D and calcium, both of which are bone-builders. As far back as 1974, British scientists found that lack of vitamin D contributed to bone fractures in the elderly with arthritis. Lack of sunlight and an unhealthy diet both contributed to the lack. The recommended daily dose of Vitamin D is 400 IU or 600 IU if for those over the age of 60. A daily dose of 1200 IU is the limit as this vitamin is toxic if too much is taken.

Vitamin E is also an antioxidant; working in a similar way to vitamin C. Studies in Germany have proven that it can help to reduce pain. Good sources of this vitamin can be found in wheat germ, sunflower seed, corn oil, legumes and whole grains.

While some people swear by the arthritis cure that their copper bracelet brought, there is no scientific link to copper as being an aid to arthritis. In fact the opposite is true. Those with RA often have higher levels of copper in their blood. Too much copper can make you sick.

Selenium deficiency can cause a particular type of arthritis called Kashin-Bek disease, but it is more common where the soil is deficient in selenium, though sufferers of RA have less in their blood than others. Fish, organ meats, whole grains, nuts and beans will provide selenium.

Zinc may help reduce pain, stiffness and swelling. Some trials showed this was true, though others gave conflicting results. Oysters, cheese and tofu are all good sources of zinc.

The pain of arthritis can also be relieved by hot-packs, deliberately focusing on something else like pleasant music, humor, gentle exercise and losing weight.

Here are a few more herbs that are used effectively for the treatment of arthritis:

Black Cohosh
Also known as Black Snakeroot, Bugbane, Rattleroot, Rattleweed, Squawroot. The dried root is the part used. This is a powerful relaxant as well as being extremely effective with easing painful menstrual cramps. Ovarian cramps will be relieved as well as bringing on a delayed menstrual cycle. It is also effective in the treatment of arthritis, osteo-arthritis, rheumatic pain and neurological pan. In small doses, appetite and digestion are greatly improved and is very beneficial for the nervous system in general.

Bogbean
Useful for treatment of rheumatism, osteo-arthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. Also has a stimulating effect on the walls of the colon and digestive juices.

Celery Seeds
Use dried ripe fruits to use as an anti-inflammatory, anti-rheumatic, diuretic or anti-spasmodic. Great for treating rheumatism, arthritis and gout.

Chapparal
Very useful in cases of acne, arthritis, chronic backache, skin conditions of warts and blotches. Also one of the best cancer herbs.

Feverfew
Use the leaves to treat migraine headaches, arthritis, dizziness and tinnitus.

Nettle
The is the herb we referred to earlier and is another one of those “universal” plants. They are found all over the world and they strengthen the entire body. Rheumatism, arthritis, eczema, nosebleeds, arteries, lessen blood pressure are just a few applications. Nettles contain calcium, chlorine, iron, potassium, silicon, sodium and sulphur.

Saffron
A natural hydrochloric acid (utilizes sugar of fruits and oils), thus helping arthritics get rid of the uric acid which holds the calcium deposited in the joints. Also reduces lactic acid build up. Good for measles, skin, scarlet fever and perspiration.

Yucca
Hope for arthritics. The extract from the plant has been used with surprising success on arthritis and rheumatism sufferers.

All of the herbs mentioned here should be available at your local health food store along with suggestions on how to prepare them for use. Some applications will be to ingest in teas while others may facilitate creating a topical treatment.
No matter what natural remedies you choose please consult your physician to make certain that your course of treatment does not interfere with medications that your doctor subscribes for your treatment.
More Articles and Information can be found at:

http://www.arthritis.inforatreat.com

Tags: Arthritis Cure, Arthritis Sufferers, Arthritis Treatments, Bee Stings, Botanical Name, Cartilage, Cow Manure, Home Remedies, Joint Inflammation, Juniper Berries, Nettle, Nettle Plant, Nettles, Osteoarthritis, Raw Potato, Rheumatoid Arthritis, Sore Joints, Stinging Nettle, Types Of Arthritis, Window Sill

L-Theanine, naturally occurring in green tea, proves effective in dealing with anxiety symptoms and providing anxiety relief

Anxiety is a state of intense fear, uncertainty, uneasiness, or apprehension due to anticipation of an imagined or real threatening future event. Anxiety can be both physically and psychologically devastating to the Anxiety sufferer’s life. Anxiety is often sub-categorized according to the focus of the perceived threat. There is social anxiety, separation anxiety, dating anxiety, performance anxiety, math anxiety, etc. Stress and anxiety often go hand in hand and can result in anxiety depression as the individual feels powerless to receive any anxiety help.

There are a variety of anti-anxiety treatments to consider in overcoming anxiety. For some, anxiety medications prove to be a source of anxiety relief. Other’s prefer not to use any of the anti-anxiety drugs and opt for more natural cures for anxiety management. These may include herbs for anxiety, acupuncture anxiety treatments, anxiety vitamins, aromatherapy for anxiety relief, even hypnosis has has proved beneficial overcoming anxiety.

This article discusses the perhaps little known amino acid L-Theanine as a natural remedy for anxiety relief.

L-Theanine is a unique free form amino acid found only in the tea plant and in the mushrooms Xerocomus badius and certain species of genus Camellia, C. japonica and C. sasanqua. Often drinkers of green tea report a feeling of calmness they feel after ingesting a cup or two even though green tea has roughly half the caffeine of coffee. This is due to the high L-Theanine content.

In addition to reducing anxiety symptoms, studies have shown L-Theanine may be effective in promoting concentration, supporting the immune system, improving learning performance, lowering blood pressure, increasing formation of the inhibitory neurotransmitter GABA, and increasing brain dopamine levels among other positive benefits with no known downside.

Studies in cooperation with Taiyo Kagaku Co., The University of Shizuoka, and The Family Planning Institute of Japan have shown that women taking 200 mg L-Theanine daily have lower incidence of PMS symptoms. These symptoms include physical, mental, and social symptoms. Overall, a significant alleviation of PMS symptoms by L-Theanine was observed.

While still under investigation, L-Theanine appears to have a role in the formation of the inhibitory neurotransmitter Gamma Amino Butyric Acid (GABA). GABA blocks release of the neurotransmitters dopamine and serotonin, playing a key role in the relaxation effect.

Everyone knows the effects stress and anxiety can have on an individual’s physical state of well-being. Fascinating neurochemistry research has revealed that given a shot of GABA essentially turned back the clocks in the brains of older monkeys, whose brain function briefly operated at levels normally seen in monkeys less than half their age.

GABA, or gamma-amino butyric acid, is a neurotransmitter chemical that is essential for optimizing how brain cells transmit messages to each other and acts to put a damper on unwanted brain signaling activity. Although GABA’s age-related decline has not been documented in humans, a host of studies in mammals, including other primates, suggests that a similar process is at work in people.

Monkeys ages 26 and 32 — considered old age for monkeys — that got GABA directly delivered to their neurons responded to visual patterns, such as flashing vertical and horizontal lines, in much the same way as monkeys aged 7 to 9 years old did.

Without GABA delivery, the monkeys’ aged brains had more difficulty firing neurons that specifically gauge various aspects of depth perception, motion and color. Instead, older monkeys have more random firings that make it difficult to observe visual nuances. In younger monkeys, GABA had no effect since their brains already had optimal GABA functioning.

L-Theanine is considered to be safe based on its historical use as a component of tea and on favorable toxicology studies. Tea is the most consumed beverage worldwide after water, and has been consumed for thousands of years by billions of people. It is estimated that a heavy tea drinker (6-8 cups daily) will consume between 200 to 400 mg of L-Theanine daily.

While dosage for depression and anxiety disorder remain individual, it is recommended to take 100 to 200 mg 1 to 3 times daily for anxiety relief. Based on the results of clinical studies, it has been established that L-Theanine is effective in single dosages in the range of 50-200 mg. It is suggested that subjects with higher levels of anxiety take a dose at the higher end of the effective range (100 – 200 mg) for overcoming anxiety.

Tags: Anxiety Management, Anxiety Symptoms, Anxiety Treatment The Natural Remedy For Anxiety Relief, Anxiety Treatments, Dealing With Anxiety, Genus Camellia, Inhibitory Neurotransmitter, L Theanine, Life Anxiety, Lowering Blood Pressure, Math Anxiety, Natural Cures For Anxiety, Natural Remedy For Anxiety, Neurotransmitter Gaba, Overcoming Anxiety, Performance Anxiety, Relief Anxiety, Separation Anxiety, Stress And Anxiety, Tea Report

Common S.T.D. Symptoms and Treatment for Chlamydia, Herpes and Hepatitis

Disease like Chlamydia, Herpes and Hepatitis are a growing problem in the United States. High risk behaviors and lack of disease information and resources have had a profound effect on the spread of such diseases. Some of these diseases have little to no symptoms yet can be extremely harmful if not treated and can spread without knowing so. Getting proper education in dealing with such diseases can help you as an individual protect yourself from infection.

Chlamydia – Chlamydia is one of the most common STDs today. Chlamydia is easily spread through sexual activities hence they are a sexually transmitted disease. Clamidia treatment is usually pretty easy and uncomplicated. Chlamydia can cause sterility in both men and women. At least three million individuals are infected with Chlamydia each year. Common symptoms of clamidia include: discharge from lower regions, painful urination, painful intercourse, abdominal pain, nausea, fever, swelling and bleeding from lower regions (specific symptoms for men or women). Symptoms usually occur with in 21 days of infection. Treatment of Chlamydia is usually taken care of with an antibiotic, usually doxycycline, taken for a week.

Herpes Herpes is also an extremely common sexually transmitted disease. Most adults have some version of the disease. Many do not know they even have the herpies virus. Herpes is often associated with sores on the mouth (cold sores) and genitals (genital herpes). There is no cure for herpes however herpies symptoms and breakouts can be treated with medication prescribed by your doctor. Someone using these medications can lead break-out free lives. Generally, herpes is usually the most problematic during the first breakout and lessons with age.

Hepatitis There are many versions of hepatitis. Hepatitus B for example can be prevented with a vaccination, other versions of hepatitis cannot. Hepatitis can be spread via sexual activity or by eating food handled improperly as a Food-Bourne illness. Hepatitis is a serious illness that affects the Liver and may cause jaundice. All symptoms associated with hepatitis should be directed to a medical professional for immediate treatment. Hepatitus can be very serious and it is important to get the facts and resources immediately for treatment. Other symptoms of hepatitis can include : extreme fatigue, headache, fever and hives. Hepatitus may be invisible during its most contagious stages.

Proper knowledge and safe practices can help you extremely reduce the risks of getting infected with a sexually transmitted disease. For more information on sexually transmitted diseases visit your local health department, your primary physician or a pregnancy resource center near you.

Tags: Breakouts, Chlamydia, Chlamydia Symptoms, Cold Sores, Common Stds, Cure For Herpes, Doxycycline, Genital Herpes, Hepatitus B, Herpes Symptoms, Lower Regions, Mouth Herpes, Painful Intercourse, Profound Effect, Proper Education, Risk Behaviors, Sexual Activities, Sterility, Treatment Of Chlamydia, Virus Herpes

What is Ankylosing Spondylitis?
Ankylosing Spondylitis is a condition which is related to arthritis. Ankylosing Spondylitis affects approximately 1 in every 250 mainly young men so while many may have not heard about it, it is quite common.

The word Ankylosing means inflammation of the spine while Spondylitis means joint which is fixed solid and unable to bend. So, in simple terms, Ankylosing Spondylitis is a condition which involves the spine becoming inflamed and as a consequence becoming fixed and solid. What tends to happen, is that tendons or ligaments attached to the spine become swollen. When the swelling reduces, it is replaced by growths of bone. When this happens a number of times, there becomes more and more bone where there used to be tendons or ligaments until eventually the joint fuses together.

As with many conditions, different people are affected with varying degrees of this condition, with some barely noticing it while others lose their full independence. What is also interesting is that the Ankylosing Spondylitis symptoms can come and go over time.

What are the Symptoms of Ankylosing Spondylitis?
The first time people tend to notice that they have Ankylosing Spondylitis, is when the experience lower back pain and some muscle spasms. This tends to be worse during the night. This pain often spreads to the upper back, neck and buttocks. Also, in the morning, neck pain may be experienced which is relieved during the day through exercise.

Without treatment, it is possible that the symptoms could develop into fever, fatigue and a loss of appetite. There may be some weight loss as well.

As the spine starts to fuse together, you may start to find it more and more difficult and painful to move around. Also, in a number of cases. as the joints start to become more and more affected, it becomes harder to breath as the ribs start to stop moving. This means that breathing is now being conducted using only the muscles of the diaphragm. On top of this, the lungs could be affected by Ankylosing Spondylitis.

Ankylosing Spondylitis in approximately 1 in 3 cases can cause inflammation in one or both eyes.

Causes of Ankylosing Spondylitis
Nobody knows exactly what causes Ankylosing Spondylitis. It is generally thought that the antigen HLA-B27. This may explain why this condition appears to run in families. This is also linked to a condition called Reites Syndrome.

Treatment of Ankylosing Spondylitis
There are no drugs in existence today which can slow or stop the condition. However, there are drugs called Non Steroidal Anti Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs) which can help to control the inflammation and reduce the pain.

Also, daily exercise consisting of gentle stretching exercises or swimming can help to improve the movement of the spine and help to create a more positive posture. On top of this, hydrotherapy and physiotherapy can also help to relieve the symptoms.

Unfortunately, there are a small number of people suffering from Ankylosing Spondylitis who will require hip replacements. Thankfully, those cases are few and far between.

Interestingly, the symptoms of Ankylosing Spondylitis can be present for a period of time and then they reduce significantly.

Tags: Ankylosing Spondylitis Symptoms, Arthritis, Back Pain, Buttocks, Diaphragm, Fatigue, Fever, Fuses, Harder To Breath, Inflammation, Joints, Ligaments, Loss Of Appetite, Muscle Spasms, Muscles, Neck Pain, Ribs, Spine, Tendons, Young Men

Colic in babies is actually not as serious as most think. Moms and dads who are not as experienced may not agree. The crying bouts that your baby will let you suffer from will make anyone think that it is a life and death situation. It is not; but this does not mean that you will not do anything to alleviate the problem.

Colic is characterized by a pain in the abdomen and the stomach. Until now, medical experts and physicians are still trying to pinpoint just what causes the colic. They still cant find the answer. Some believe that this is because of allergy while others think it is inborn. And because there is no specific cause, there is also no specific cure for the episode. Something that parents find unfortunate as colic episodes is not exactly a walk in the park.

Babies, when suffering from colic, will suddenly go into shouting matches that can destroy your eardrum. What is worse is that these crying and shouting episodes can last from one hour to as long as five hours, even the whole day, depending on the severity of the colic and the way parents handle the situation.

They will also become fussy and restless. Some parents tend to panic especially when this is the first time that they have seen their kids cry so loud and for so long. At one glance, they seem so inconsolable.

Colic happens to babies as young as three weeks old. This is the onset of the colic. For babies who are premature, colic can start at the sixth to eighth week after the supposed to be due-date.
Episodes will peak at the second month and will begin to wane at the third month. Often, colic episodes will cease by the end of the fourth month.

The reason why is still a mystery for scientists, who do not even know what starts the problem in the first place. There is really no exact profile on who can get colicky. It can happen to any baby, whether they are healthy or not. Some experts believe that people colic in infants can actually be genetic as parents who have had colic when they were babies will most likely produce an offspring who will also be afflicted with colic.

One of the most obvious signs of colic in babies is the crying episodes that will begin to become frequent and recurring. If the episodes happen at specific time or period of the day, usually after eating, colic may be the problem. Colic episodes can last for a few minutes to an hour and can happen many times a day. Crying will also start without any real reason unlike when they are hurt or hungry.

Parents should also observe the moment when they stop crying or when the crying episode cease. Often, crying will stop when they have passed gas or moved their bowels.
Another symptom in babies is their apparent restlessness. Because their stomach pains them, they will most likely draw their legs onto their stomachs and abdomens with their hands clenched. When you touch their abdominal muscles, they will be tense and hard. Babies also trash around and will appear to be in constant pain.

Babies suffering from colic will also have red cheeks, because of the exertion in crying and in keeping the pain in check.

Tags: Allergy, Bouts, Colic Babies, Colic In Babies, Death Situation, Due Date, Eardrum, Glance, Life And Death, Medical Experts, Moms And Dads, Mystery, Pain In The Abdomen, Parents, People, Physicians, Scientists, Severity, Stomach, Walk In The Park

Celiac disease is a genetically transmitted ailment in which gluten in the diet causes damage to the small intestine preventing the celiac sufferer from absorbing nutrients from the normal digestion process. These proteins are found in all forms of mainstream and other related products. Such as durum semolina, spelt, and related grains such as rye, barley, and oats. Damage to the small intestine is caused by a reaction to the ingestion of gluten.

Celiac disease causes the villi (the tiny hair-like projections in the small intestine)to shrink and ultimately disappear. This is the vicious reaction to celiac disease. Damaged villi interfere with the body’s ability to absorb nutrients. If left untreated, damage to the small intestine can be life threatening, posing an increased risk of many disorders.

For those suffering the effects of celiac disease, they will also suffer a host of related symptoms including: anemia, calcium deficiencies and vitamin deficiencies such as B12, B6. Often, they will have other allergies.

Among the more common celiac disease symptoms, abdominal cramps and bloating, diarrhea and constipation are all celiac disease symptoms. Often, they experience fatigue, weakness, and irritability.

At this time, the only treatment available for celiac disease is a lifelong adherence to a strict gluten-free diet. For nearly all celiac disease sufferers, when gluten is completely removed from the diet, the small intestine will begin to heal and general health will improve. It is important that the celiac disease sufferer learn to read labels. If you’re not sure about a food or ingredient, stay away and learn to identify those ingredients that may contain gluten. You must become aware of gluten hiding in some not so obvious foods such as deli meats, soups, hard candies, soy sauce, even salad dressings. When in doubt, stay away! You must be very diligent if you expect to see healing.

Gluten is also often used as a binder in prescription medicines. Again ask your doctor about gtluten in medications.

You should probably stay away from alcohol altogether. Beer MUST be avoided, but alcohol that’s been distilled is believed to be OK. Consult your doctor

Sometimes gluten products are added to alcohols and vinegars after the distilling process and should be avoided entirely. Malt vinegars are not distilled and are not gluten-free.

Tags: Abdominal Cramps, Ailment, Calcium Deficiencies, Celiac Disease Sufferers, Celiac Disease Symptoms, Deli Meats, Digestion Process, Experience Fatigue, Gluten Free Diet, Hard Candies, Irritability, Other Related Products, Prescription Medicines, Salad Dressings, Small Intestine, Spelt, Sufferer, Tiny Hair, Villi, Vitamin Deficiencies

Non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma is a slow-growing, life-threatening cancer of the immune system that develops when white blood cells grow uncontrollably in the lymph nodes. Each year in the U.S. alone, 55,000 new cases are diagnosed. Fortunately, novel, highly personalized treatments are being produced. With a recent medical breakthrough, patients can now receive individualized treatment that kills cancerous cells while sparing normal, healthy cells.

Traditional treatments usually consist of chemotherapy and monoclonal antibody drugs, which, along with targeting cancerous B-cells, kill healthy white blood cells that comprise a major component of the immune system.

Biovest International is one of a few companies working on patient-specific cancer vaccines. Biovest’s personalized therapeutic, BiovaxID, is currently being tested as a treatment for indolent (slow-growing) follicular B-cell non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma, which affects 12,500 new patients in the U.S. each year. The vaccine could eventually be used to treat other cancers.

Personalizing BiovaxID begins with a sampling of cancerous cells from a patient’s lymph nodes. On the surface of these cells are unique proteins, or antigens, detectable by the immune system. The doctor sends this sample of the patient’s cancer cells to Biovest’s laboratory in Worcester, Mass. Here, researchers mix the cells with another line of cells licensed from Stanford University. The cells fuse, releasing the antigen proteins.

As the patient undergoes chemotherapy to kill most of the cancer cells, Biovest collects and purifies the patient’s antigen proteins, which, after chemical modification, form the active ingredient of the custom vaccine. The individualized vaccine is then sent back to the doctor, who injects it into the patient five times over six months.

“Typical treatments for non-Hodgkin’s do not specifically target the tumor,” explains Dr. Carl M. Cohen, Biovest Chief Operating Officer. “Our vaccine trains the patient’s immune system to target a specific protein on the tumor cells-one found only on the tumor cells. BiovaxID only kills cancer cells. If you think of chemotherapy as a blunt instrument, our treatment is like tweezers.”

Results from a Biovest study of 20 patients, begun at the National Cancer Institute a decade ago, show a 95 percent survival rate. Forty-five percent are still in remission. According to historical data, only about half the patients would have survived with conventional treatments. None would still be in remission. (The Biovest-treated patients remained disease-free for a median of eight years.)

Currently, Biovest is enrolling patients for a large-scale study to be held at several major U.S. and European medical institutions. The trial will include 460 patients. Company officials hope to obtain FDA approval for the vaccine by 2008.

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