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Gastrointestinal Drugs

Considering the average diet of most Americans, it is no wonder the country is prone to stomach chaos, indigestion woes, gas attacks and ulcer pains. Doctors suggest healthier changes in diet for better gastrointestinal performance, but instead of giving up bad habits, the majority of people continue to give their stomachs good reason for upset. Rather than choosing good nutrition, they depend on gastrointestinal drugs to calm their troubled insides only to continue making poor dietary choices. It is an endless cycle plaqued with a plethora of potential problems from unplesant side effects to irreversible damage to one of the body’s most vital systems. Gastrointestinal drugs – such as antacids and anti-flatulents, laxatives, stomach acid blockers and ulcer drugs – may help the junk addict rationalize a substandard diet, but the body is not so easily fooled by these chemical dangers.

Antacids and Antiflatulents (Anti-gas)

An antacid is a common follow-up to a disagreeable meal, carelessly consumed as if it were a mere after dinner mint. However, the contents of antacids deserve cautious consideration. Many antacids feature aluminum hydroxide, an ingredient used to treat stomach acid and other antacids contain a combination of aluminum hydroxide, magnesium hydroxide and simethicone. Unfortunately, aluminum can cause bone damage, and the magnesium found in antacids can cause severe diarrhea. Doctors strongly discourage older adults with severe kidney disease from using magnesium antacids. Other adverse side effects caused by antacids ingredients include painful urination, dizziness, irregular heartbeat, mental changes, muscle weakness, diarrhea, vomiting and stomach cramps.

Not only found in antacids, the combination of magnesium hydroxide, aluminum hydroxide and simethicone is also taken as an antiflatulent (anti-gas) drug. But, according to physicians, there is no evidence that simethicone alone or combined with other ingredients effectively treats excess gas. In fact, physicians believe that treating excess gas is by and large a futile process. Suffers from excess gas may actually have a bloated feeling from overeating or discomfort from eating the wrong food. In this case, no anti-gas drug will help because the problem has nothing to do with gas. In general, the passing of gas is no cause for medical concern, but rather, a cause to improve diet.

Laxatives

Every year, Americans spend $725 million on laxatives (constipation 1). As with antacids and antiflatulents, many people take laxatives far more frequently than necessary. This is dangerous for several reasons. First, laxatives can cause lasting damage to the intestines and can interfere with the body’s use of nutrients. Second, they can be habit forming. Of taken for long periods, they inhibit the body’s natural abolity to digest food properly, causing consumer dependency. The unpleasant side effects are numerous and scientists are continually discovering additional causes for concern. For example, the laxative ingredient danthron was recently recalled in the United States because of its cancer-causing possibilities. According to physicians, laxatives should not be used to “clean out the system” or to promote intestinal regularity, a process the body generally controls naturally.

Unfortunately, even those with healthy diets are not immune to occasional constipation. Although it may be bothersome, according to physicians, constipation itself usually is not serious. For most people, dietary and lifestyle improvements can lessen the chances of constipation. A well-balanced diet that includes fiber-rich foods, such as unprocessed bran, whole-grain breads and fresh fruits and vegetables, is recommended. Drinking plenty of fluids and exercising regularly also help to stimulate intestinal activity.

Stomach Acid Blockers and Ulcer Drugs

Despite doctors’ calls for improved lifestyles, the multitude of gastrointestinal drugs on the market is astounding. Stomach acid blockers, such as nizatidine, famotidine, cimetidine and randitine are another popular drug group used to treat duodenal and gastric ulcers and conditions caused by excess stomach acid. Long-term safety of these drugs is still unknown, but side effects may include confusion, hallucinations, dizziness, sore throat and fever, irregular heatbeat, abdominal pain, skin rash, depression, diarrhea, hair loss, headache and nausea. Because older people eliminate drugs more slowly from their bodies, they are at an especially high risk of side effects.

Ulcer drugs, such as sucralfate, misoprostol and omeprazole are used to treat and prevent ulcers resistant to the usual treatment with stomach acid blockers or antacids. Adverse side effects include constipation, dizziness, backache, drowsiness, dry mouth, indigestion, stomach cramps, difficulty breathing, fever, cloudy or bloody urine, bleeding or bruising and skin rash. Certain ulcer drugs have also been shown to alter chemical markers of bone metabolism, possibly leading to osteoporosis. Long-term suppression of acid by ulcer drugs can also lead to intestinal infections.

Stomach acid blockers and other ulcer drugs should not be taken for minor digestive complain such as occasional upset stomach, nausea or heartburn, as there is no evidence that they effectively treat these problems. They should also not be used by those with pre-existing conditions and in combination with other drugs, so it is critical to consult with a physician before taking any ulcer drug. It is also important to recognize that even with treatment, ulcers frequently return after a few months. As long-term prevention, people prone to ulcers should avoid smoking, foods that trigger ulcers and drugs known to aggravate ulcers, especially aspirin, ibuprofen and other nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs).

Anti-Nausea Drugs for Cancer patients

Although most instances of stomach pain are caused by diet, feeling of sickness, including nausea and vomiting, are also side effects linked with chemotherapy drugs can affect the lining of the digestive system and others can cause people to lose their appetite for a time. More rarely, chemotherapy drugs can cause constipation. A doctor may prescribe one of a number of anti-sickness drugs (antiemetics) to stop or reduce these side effects. However, these drugs can cause further side effects including signs of tardive dyskinesia, parkinsonism and neuroleptic malignant syndrome. Eating small, frequent meals so the stomach is never empty, avoiding foods with strong smells and drinking clear liquids are simple dietary changes that may prevent the need for antinausea drugs (drum).

Effective Solutions to Gastrointestinal Upset

Stomach disconfort is real, but it is preventable in many cases. According to physicians, dietary changes, as oposed to drugs, should be the first solution in the attack against inner aches and pains. E.Excel family’s goal offers healthy and delicious ways to better meet the body’s nutritional needs. As medical studies demonstrate, improved daily eating habits may help prevent the gastrointestinal nightmares haunting the stomachs of millions. Furthermore, choosing a healthy lifestyle hushes the phrase “oh, I shouldn’t have” and prevents emergency drugstore trips and the body will celebrate their absence.

Tags: Acid Blockers, Aluminum Hydroxide, Antacid, Bone Damage, Dietary Choices, Dinner Mint, Endless Cycle, Gastrointestinal Drugs, Good Nutrition, Irregular Heartbeat, Irreversible Damage, Kidney Disease, Magnesium Hydroxide, Mental Changes, Nutritional Immunology, Older Adults, Simethicone, Stomach Acid, Stomach Cramps, Ulcer Drugs

Malignant Hypertension and accelerated high blood pressure are two emergency conditions which should be treated promptly. Both conditions have same outcome and therapy. However Malignant hypertension is a complication of high blood pressure characterized by very elevated high blood pressure, and organ damage in the eyes, brain, lung and/or kidneys. It differs from other complications of hypertension in that it is accompanied by papilledema. (Edema of optic disc of eye) Systolic and diastolic blood pressures are usually greater than 240 and 120, respectively. While Accelerated high blood pressure is condition with high blood pressure, target organ damage, on fundoscopy we have flame shaped hemorrhages, or soft exudates, but without papilledema.

There are two things. Hypertensive Urgency and Hypertensive emergency. In hypertensive urgency we dont see any target organ damage while in emergency we see target organ damage along with high blood pressure greater than systolic >220. Now depending upon target organ damage you will decide whether you have hypertensive emergency or urgency. It is essential to bring down high blood pressure in hypertensive emergency immediately, while in urgency, bring down blood pressure very rapidly is not required.

Pathogenesis of malignant hypertension is fibrinoid necrosis of arterioles and small arteries. Red blood cells are damaged as they flow through vessels obstructed by fibrin deposition, resulting in microangiopathic hemolytic anemia. Another pathologic process is the dilatation of cerebral arteries resulting in increased blood flow to brain which leads to clinical manifestations of hypertensive encephalopathy. Common age is above 40 years and it is more frequent in man rather than women. Black people are at higher risk of developing hypertensive emergencies than the general population.

Target organs are mainly Kidney, CNS and Heart. So symptoms of Malignant hypertension are oligurea, Headache, vomiting, nausea, chest pain, breathlessness, paralysis, blurred vision. Most commonly heart and CNS are involved in malignant hypertension. The pathogenesis is not fully understood. Up to 1% of patients with essential hypertension develop malignant hypertension, and the reason some patients develop malignant hypertension while others do not is unknown. Other causes include any form of secondary hypertension; use of cocaine, MAOIs, or oral contraceptives; , beta-blockers, or alpha-stimulants. Renal artery stenosis, withdrawal of alcohol, pheochromocytoma {most pheochromocytomas can be localized using CT scan of the adrenals}, aortic coarctation, complications of pregnancy and hyperaldosteronism are secondary causes of hypertension. Main Investigations to access target organ damage are complete renal profile, BSR, Chest Xray, ECG, Echocardiography, CBC, Thyroid function tests.

Management:
Patient is admitted in Intensive Care Unit. An intravenous line is taken for fluids and medications. The initial goal of therapy is to reduce the mean arterial pressure by approximately 25% over the first 24-48 hours. However Hypertensive urgencies do not mandate admission to a hospital. The goal of therapy is to reduce blood pressure within 24 hours, which can be achieved as an outpatient department. Initially, patients treated for malignant hypertension are instructed to fast untill stable. Once stable, all patients with malignant hypertension should take low salt diet, and should focus on weight lowering diet. Activity is limited to bed rest until the patient is stable. Patients should be able to resume normal activity as outpatients once their blood pressure has been controlled.

Hospitalization is essential until the severe high blood pressure is under control. Medications delivered through an IV line, such as nitroglycerin, nitroprusside, or others, may reduce your blood pressure. An alternative for patients with renal insufficiency is IV fenoldopam. Beta-blockade can be accomplished intravenously with esmolol or metoprolol. Labetalol is another common alternative, providing easy transition from IV to oral (PO) dosing. Also available parenterally are enalapril, diltiazem, verapamil, Hydralazine is reserved for use in pregnant patients as it also increases uterine profusion, while phentolamine is the drug of choice for a pheochromocytoma crisis. After the severe high blood pressure is brought under control, regular anti-hypertensive medications taken by mouth can control your blood pressure. The medication may need to be adjusted occasionally.

Remember, It is very necessary to control malignant hypertension, otherwise it can lead to life threatening conditions like Heart Failure, Infarction, Kidney failure and even blindness.
If you want to know more about Malignant Hypertension, visit our site highbloodpressuremed.com

Tags: Cerebral Arteries, Clinical Manifestations, Complications Of Hypertension, Diastolic Blood Pressures, Exudates, Fibrin Deposition, Fundoscopy, Hemolytic Anemia, High Blood Pressure, Hypertensive Emergencies, Malignant Hypertension, Optic Disc, Organ Damage, Pathologic Process, Population Target, Red Blood Cells, Systolic And Diastolic, Systolic And Diastolic Blood, Target Organ, Target Organs

Periodontitis (gum disease) is a common human affliction, affecting one third of all adults, and over half of the population over the age of 50.

Symptoms
Gingivitis symptoms can include: swollen gums, redness of the gums, tenderness when the gums are touched, tenderness when chewing, pus around the teeth, or a bad taste in the mouth. A common gingivitis symptom is noticeable accumulations of tartar or plaque on the teeth. Another common gingivitis symptom is blood on the toothbrush while brushing teeth. When gingivitis symptoms are advanced, the disease often spreads to the bony tissues, which are located under the gums and support the teeth. In later stages of periodontal disease, the teeth can become loose and severely infected with pus that oozes out from around the sockets.

Gingivitis treatment is very effective if the disease is caught in time. The most effective gingivitis treatment or gum disease treatment is to prevent gingivitis and gum disease from getting started. Gingivitis treatment begins with regular daily brushing of the teeth to remove plague and tartar. Scraping of the tongue is also important to remove bacteria. Many people overlook these important parts of oral hygiene, but they are essential for gingivitis treatment.
Gingivitis treatment, including treatment for receding gums, bleeding gums, canker sores, and other problems of the teeth and gums, does not have to be an arduous task

Treatment
Non-antibiotic approach for treating the underlying infection responsible for periodontal disease. After routine scaling, the dentist will apply the compound directly into the periodontal pockets and around the gum line of affected teeth. The compound quickly penetrates the plaque preferentially binding to multiple structural components in bacteria, including their toxic secretions. Laser light is then applied directly to the affected sites using a fiber optic probe. A powerful free-radical reaction destroys the targeted bacteria and the associated toxins such as collagenase.
Periowave is a revolutionary new adjunctive treatment bringing the power and ease of photodynamic disinfection to the treatment of periodontal diseases. The patented process was developed by Professor Michael Wilson and colleagues at the Eastman Dental Institute, London, England and is licensed to Ondine Biopharma Corporation by UCL Biomedica PLC, University College London.

Tags: Arduous Task, Bad Taste, Bleeding Gums, Brushing Teeth, Canker Sores, Free Radical Reaction, Gingivitis Treatment, Gum Disease, Gum Disease Treatment, Gum Line, Human Affliction, Laser Light, Oral Hygiene, Periodontal Pockets, Pus, Secretions, Stages Of Periodontal Disease, Swollen Gums, Teeth And Gums, Treatment For Receding Gums

Prescription prices are skyrocketing out of control. The average person is now spending over $250 a month at the pharmacy counter. With the new Medicare Part D plan, the government is stepping in to try and alleviate some of these expenses. The plan is riddled with problems, delays, and confusion. Taking control of your own healthcare is truly the only way to lower your costs. What follows is a quick list of five ways to lower your costs.

Shopping around to various pharmacies can save you a few dollars here and there. Consider your time, gas, and effort when making the decision to drive out of the way to save a couple of dollars. Is it really worth five dollars to drive an extra 15 miles round trip every month? Some pharmacies will match a competitors price. Ask up front is they will match, then find the lowest price. Call them back, give them the lowest price and where you found it. They should then reduce their price for you.

Getting a generic is always the smart thing to do. Some people are apprehensive about generic medication but it must contain the same active ingredients as the more expensive brand. The difference is with the fillers or dyes used in the manufacturing. There are rare allergies to some of these fillers and dyes, but they occur is so infrequently, there is no need to worry. Brand name drugs are so expensive because the manufacturers must recoup the money spent on research and development before the patent runs out. When the patent does expire, any manufacturer who can prove to the FDA that they can make a similar product, can produce it and charge what they feel is necessary. This brings out competition and lower prices.

Splitting tablets is common in the nursing home and hospital setting. These institutions know how to lower costs. You can do the same by asking your doctor to double your dose and cut it in half. Most medications do not double price when they double strength. In most cases, this will save you about 40%. Be sure your medication can be cut. Often times, drugs are released slowly in the body through a mechanism in the tablet. This mechanism cannot be cut or the medication will be released at one time. If you have insurance with a set co-pay, this technique will not work. You will pay the same co-pay regardless of the quantity of pills you buy.

A few popular prescription medications are available over-the-counter (OTC) in lower doses. For example, Prilosec recently became available OTC. The cost for the OTC version is much less than the prescription and you do not need to see your doctor, an added expense in time and money. Motrin, Zantac, and Pepcid are other examples of medication available in both prescription and OTC strengths.

Going online to find a pharmacy can be worthwhile. These companies will mail you your prescription at a lower price than you can usually get them at the retail level. They can do this because they are set up in a very efficient warehouse setting with little overhead. When shopping online, you must be cautions. The FDA has now determined that almost half of the seized drugs that were supposed to be from Canadian pharmacies, were from some other country. When looking for an online pharmacy, by sure they display the VIPPS symbol. This signifies that they are following all the rules and regulations set forth by the National Association of Boards of Pharmacy. This is the same governing body that regulates traditional pharmacies.

Medication is essential for the health and wellbeing of many people. Anything this important is not going to be cheap. By using one or all of these quick tips, you will see your costs reduced at the pharmacy.

Tags: Active Ingredients, Allergies, Average Person, Brand Name Drugs, Competitors Price, Confusion, Double Strength, Dyes, Fillers, Five Dollars, Medicare, Medicare Part D, Medication, Medications, Nursing Home, Pharmacies, Prescription Drugs, Prescription Prices, Research And Development, Time Gas

When the pressure of the blood that is exerted against the walls of the blood vessels after and during every heart beat is lower than normal, you have low blood pressure. This can result in insufficient blood flow to the important body organs like the heart and the brain. And this can lead to various low blood pressure symptoms.

You may detect low blood pressure symptoms during the use of various drugs such as those used for surgery, anti-anxiety agents, treatment for high blood pressure, diuretics, heart medicines, antidepressants, narcotics, alcohol, and other types of drugs. You may notice the low blood pressure symptoms also because of dehydration, heart failure, or heart attack, anaphylaxis, shock, diabetes (especially in advanced stage), etc.

The most common low blood pressure symptoms are dizziness and lightheartedness. But there are other low blood pressure symptoms, and they are: a tendency to faint, black or maroon stools, chest pain, wheezing, irregular heart beat, consistent high fever, head ache, back pain, or stiff neck. If you happen to spot any of the low blood pressure symptoms, it is recommended that you consult a doctor as soon as possible.

Because of low blood pressure not enough blood reaches to all parts of the body and thus the cells do not receive the correct amount of oxygen and nutrients. Therefore, the waste products in the blood are not removed.

Dont overlook the risk of low blood pressure if you cough with phlegm or if you are suffering from prolonged diarrhea, or if you are unable to eat or drink, or if you experience burning urinary symptoms or even if you are taking new medicines, because all these are low blood pressure symptoms.

When you start experiencing low blood pressure symptoms remember that the brain is the first organ to malfunction in such situations because its located at the top of the body and as a result you will experience dizziness or even fainting. You should be aware that if you dont treat low blood pressure seriously it might lead to brain damage.

When you have low blood pressure, blood is not adequately supplied to the heart muscles and therefore breathlessness and chest tightness forms one of the common low blood pressure symptoms. When you have prolonged low blood pressure all organs start malfunctioning and this leads to shock.

You must take precautionary measures to avoid the situation from getting worse when you have low blood pressure and you must take your doctors advice. You must try to be more physically active and must try to lose weight. You should also maintain a healthy diet and limit your alcohol intake. All these will help you to keep your low blood pressure symptoms under control.

In spite of all the harmful aspects of low blood pressure, researchers say that it is better than high blood pressure because people experiencing low blood pressure symptoms tend to live longer than people suffering from high blood pressure symptoms do.

If you suspect you are suffering with low blood pressure you should consult your primary care physician straight away.

Tags: Ache Back Pain, Body Organs, Chest Pain, Head Ache, Heart Attack, Heart Beat, Heart Failure, Heart Medicines, High Blood Pressure, High Fever, Insufficient Blood Flow, Irregular Heart, Low Blood Pressure, Low Blood Pressure Symptoms, New Medicines, Phlegm, Prolonged Diarrhea, Stiff Neck, Types Of Drugs, Urinary Symptoms

What is Fibromyalgia?

Sometimes referred to as “fibro” and “the invisible disease,” fibromyalgia is a very debilitating that can strike anyone. Approximately three to six percent of the U.S. population suffers from this condition, which causes sufferers chronic pains and aches. The chronic pain and fatigue associated with this disease causes sufferers a general discomfort and a loss of the ability to function normally.

The earmarks of fibromyalgia are muscular aches and pains, stiffness of joints, and general fatigue. Most who suffer from fibromyalgia are faced with disturbed sleep, making it almost impossible to get a good night’s rest. This only makes the general aches and pains of the disease that much worse.

What are the Symptoms of Fibromyalgia?

Fibromyalgia causes widespread, chronic pain. No area of the body will remain untouched by the effects of fibro, though the pain is most commonly found in the back, shoulders, neck, and hands. Those who suffer from fibromyalgia have complained of a tingling or burning sensation, and numbness. Many who have been struck with fibro have experienced sensitized skin and nerve pain.

Other symptoms of fibro include impaired memory and concentration, anxiety, depression, dizziness, ringing in the ears, terrible headaches, and irritable bowels and bladder. Fibromyalgia most commonly causes sufferers a general, overall fatigue brought on by general pain, muscle ache, and sleeplessness.

What Causes Fibromyalgia?

Fibromyalgia is a disease that is the focus of much intense scientific study. There are many theories about the causes of fibro, and in many cases it is the result of some trauma that sufferers have experienced. But there is much still unknown about this horrible disease, and modern medicine has still to pinpoint the cause of fibromyalgia. There is no known method of prevention. Scientific research indicates that some people may be genetically predisposed to fibromyalgia, but nothing has been accurately proven.

Is There a Cure For Fibromyalgia?

There is no known cure for fibromyalgia. In fact, as there is much still unknown about this disease and as there are no accurate tests for fibromyalgia, it is very hard to be diagnosed with this disease. Many doctors remain largely unfamiliar with the effects of fibro, and many doctors remain steadfast that fibromyalgia is not a true disease or physical ailment.

However, as awareness of fibromyalgia grows, new treatments are being explored. Sufferers of fibro have more options today, and as scientists learn more there is great hope that a true cure will be discovered in the future.

What Treatments are Available To Those Who Suffer From Fibromyalgia?

Over-the-counter pain medications can help to relieve some of the chronic pain caused by fibromyalgia. Most doctors will prescribe pain medication and antidepressants to those who suffer from fibro, and prescribe a light exercise regime to keep muscles loose and limber.

Daily stretching exercises, like yoga, can help alleviate some of the muscle pain associated with this disease. Hollistic methods and medicines are very popular with fibromyalgia sufferers. Proper diet and nutrition are very important to those who suffer from this disease, and there is a focus on eating healthy and treating the body very well.

As fibromyalgia causes sleeping problems, doctors have stressed the importance that those who have been diagnosed with fibro get plenty of healthy sleep. Plenty of sleep will lessen the fatigue and exhaustion that those with fibromyalgia almost constantly feel, and alleviate some of the pain in the muscles and joints.

What’s Next?

With no known cure, and no way to reverse the effects of fibromyalgia, sufferers are forced to live with the disease for the remainder of their lives – or until a cure is found. Treatment must remain strict, and diet and exercise programs followed explicitly. Those who suffer from fibromyalgia will not be able to function at any high-level capacity. They will not be able to engage in strenuous activities, or even to hold a full-time job in most cases. But by maintaining treatment and living inside the realm of their physical capacity, those who suffer from fibro greatly reduce the pain that they experience. When more is understood about this disease, and scientists are able to come up with a comprehensive cure, perhaps fibromyalgia will finally be wiped out.

Tags: Anxiety Depression, Burning Sensation, Chronic Pains, Earmarks, Fibro, Fibromyalgia, Fibromyalgia Information, Fibromyalgia Treatment, Horrible Disease, Invisible Disease, Irritable Bowels, Modern Medicine, Muscle Ache, Nerve Pain, Numbness, Ringing In The Ears, Sleeplessness, Stiffness, Symptoms Of Fibromyalgia, Treatment Fibromyalgia

Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs as a Serious Risk Factor for Ulcer

Ulcer is a common type of digestive disorder that can affect different levels of the gastrointestinal system. Ulcer generally causes inflammation and open lesions to the soft tissues and organs of the gastrointestinal tract. The most common types of ulcer are duodenal and stomach ulcer. While most duodenal ulcers are mild, stomach ulcers can lead to serious complications such as perforation of the stomach wall and internal bleeding. In some cases, stomach ulcer can eventually lead to gastric cancer, a life-threatening disease.

There are various causes and risk factors of stomach ulcer. The major causes of stomach ulcer are infection with Helicobacter pylori bacteria and the stomachs overproduction of digestive fluids. The categories at risk of developing stomach ulcer are: people with ages over 50, smokers, people who have suffered abdominal surgery, people who have acquired abdominal injuries and people who follow ongoing treatments with non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAID).

Recent studies have revealed that certain medications have a great contribution in the occurrence of stomach ulcer. Commonly prescribed in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs greatly increase the risk of developing stomach ulcer. These drugs affect the digestive system on multiple levels: they weaken the mucosal protective cover of the internal organs; they stimulate an overproduction of gastric acid and pepsin; they perturb the blood circulation at the level of the stomach.

Diclofenac is a common non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug prescribed in the treatment of arthritis. This medication is known to block the bodys production of cox enzymes, chemicals that have a very important role in renewing the stomachs protective mucosal cover, considerably increasing the risk of developing stomach ulcer. Statistics indicate that ongoing treatment with Diclofenac is responsible for causing more than 150.000 new annual cases of ulcer in the United States. Furthermore, an annual number of 10.000 patients who follow prolonged treatments with this drug are expected to die as a consequence of ulcer complications.

Although new generation non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs such as Celebrex are considered to be safe, most patients who follow prolonged treatments with these medications also develop ulcer or other gastrointestinal disorders. Recent studies indicate that more than 10 percent of patients who receive ongoing treatment for arthritis develop recurrent ulcers. In time, some of these patients also develop serious complications such as perforated or bleeding ulcers.

In present, medical science is unable to replace non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs with other safer medications. Although non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs have many side-effects, they are also the primary option in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis and other inflammatory diseases. In order to prevent the occurrence of ulcer in patients who receive such medication treatments, this category of people should benefit from frequent medical examinations.

Tags: Abdominal Injuries, Anti Inflammatory Drugs, Blood Circulation, Digestive Disorder, Digestive Fluids, Duodenal Ulcers, Gastric Cancer, Gastrointestinal System, Gastrointestinal Tract, Helicobacter Pylori Bacteria, Internal Organs, Mild Stomach, Non Steroidal Anti Inflammatory Drugs, Open Lesions, Rheumatoid Arthritis, Soft Tissues, Stomach Ulcer, Stomach Ulcers, Stomach Wall, Treatment Of Rheumatoid Arthritis

There are two types of people when it comes to drug detox, including those who voluntarily admit themselves because they are tired of the heartbreaking effect that drugs have on their life and there are those who are ordered by a court to attend. Drug detox is sometimes ordered by the court as the result of a conviction related to charges stemming from possession or use of an illegal substance.

During a drug detox treatment program, individuals can expect to receive an immediate detoxification at the facility. This process usually lasts 3 to 4 days and immediately removes the availability of drugs. During this period, the body is cleansed and the individuals immediate craving for their addiction is treated. These few days are often some of the most physically and emotionally draining to the patient, but are often the only way to effectively rid the dependency and desire for the use of drugs. After the drug detox is complete, patients may be required to undergo a series of treatments consisting of both psychological and social therapy. In addition, regular group meetings are often required, at which the patient may attend and speak freely with other drug detox patients about their situation. In most cases, the entire drug detox treatment program will last for up to one month, but may be longer in special cases or depending on the patients need for continued treatment.

An inpatient drug detox treatment program is designed for those who are either ordered by the court to receive inpatient care or for anyone who believes that they are unable to function in everyday life without the use of drugs. If their level of dependency has grown to a dangerous level, an inpatient drug treatment would be ideal in that it consists of 24 hour supervision by a qualified individual who is trained to deal with recovering drug addicts.

Any type of drug treatment program, whether it be inpatient or outpatient, is designed to help individuals recover from the grasp that these dangerous substances have on their lives. Not only created to detoxify an individual immediately, a drug treatment program is primarily designed to instill the importance of avoiding drug use in the future. The best outcome is one that results in an individual with a new outlook on life and one that no longer needs drugs to be a part of that life.

This article is to be used for informational purposes only. The information contained herein is not intended to be used in place of, or in conjunction with, professional medical advice or recommendations regarding any form of drug detox treatment. Before deciding on the most effective method of treatment, the patient must consult a licensed medical doctor for advice and/or to determine the best course of action for his/her individual situation.

Tags: Addiction, Conviction, Dange, Dangerous Level, Desire, Detox Program, Detoxification, Drug Addicts, Drug Detox, Drug Treatment Program, Drugs, Everyday Life, Few Days, Grasp, Group Meetings, Ideal, Illegal Substance, Possession, Program Individuals, Supervision

Is Fibromyalgia a disease, a collection of symptoms or is it all in your head?

For weeks you have been aching from head to foot. You have no energy, you cant concentrate and you cant remember the last time you got a good nights sleep. You have been to the doctor a few times already and all he can tell you is what you DONT have. You have read about fibromyalgia and even talked to others that have been diagnosed with the disease. Yet, so far, no one can tell you whether you have it or not?

Sound familiar?

Well welcome to the world of fibromyalgia diagnostics. It is bad enough that there is no cure or significantly effective treatment for this condition, but it is even more frustrating when it takes so long for anyone to tell you that the problems you are having are caused by fibromyalgia.

There is no debate as to the validity of fibromyalgia as a disease. In fact, the World health Organization has recognized the disease for many years. It is the diagnosis that is debatable.

Fibromyalgia is a very confusing and misunderstood condition. It has been known by many different names for well over a century but was not termed fibromyalgia until the 1970s. The term is derived from the actual experience of the condition. Fibro which represents the fibrous tissues affected (i.e. ligaments and tendons); Myo representing the muscular system; and Algia meaning pain, which is the dominant manifestation of this disease. Essentially, fibromyalgia means being in pain almost everywhere.

Fibromyalgia must be diagnosed through a process of elimination. In other words, before a complaint can be labeled fibromyalgia, it must first be determined that there is not some other cause. If your appendix is inflamed, you have appendicitis. If you fall and bang your head a CT scan will indicate if you have a concussion. But if you ache all over and suffer from chronic fatigue for months on end, have trouble focusing and struggle with anxiety and depression, it must first be determined what you DONT have rather than what you DO have. Because if you have fibromyalgia, there is no test that will indicate that you have it.

In other words, diagnosing fibromyalgia is difficult.

This process is very contrary to the health care system as currently structured. The optimal level of testing and analysis to reach a confident diagnosis of fibromyalgia can be cost prohibitive. As a result, the symptoms of fibromyalgia can be conveniently dismissed as psychosomatic. Conversely, fibromyalgia can become the catchall diagnosis when there is resistance to traveling the long road to a conclusive diagnosis. Either way, the patient loses.

Sometimes, a patient receives great relief when they are told what the problem is, even if a solution is unclear. Receiving a confidant diagnosis of fibromyalgia may not provide relief but at least it allows the sufferer to move forward to explore treatment alternatives.

The American College of Rheumatology has made this diagnostic process easier for patient and physician by developing criteria for fibromyalgia that can be used in diagnosing the disorder. According to the criteria established by the ACR, a person is considered to have fibromyalgia if he or she has experienced widespread pain for at least three months in combination with tenderness in at least 11 of 18 specific tender point sites. While this may not be as definitive as a blood test or X-rays for other conditions, at least there is guidance that results in diagnosis with a high degree of confidence.

As for treating fibromyalgia well thats another story! (Ill deal with treatments in a subsequent article. Stay tuned.)

Tags: 1970s, Anxiety And Depression, Appendix, Chronic Fatigue, Concussion, Ct Scan, Diagnosis, Fibro, Fibromyalgia, Fibromyalgia Symptoms, Fibrous Tissues, Last Time, Ligaments And Tendons, Manifestation, Muscular System, Process Of Elimination, Sleep, Struggle, Validity, World Health Organization

Imagine that it is 5 a.m. and you wake with a migraine headache. What can you take that will start to work fast on the pain? Or what if your migraine makes you nauseous or causes vomiting? What can you do to relieve your pain when you can’t keep a pill down? Or what if you feel a migraine coming on and the pain of this migraine grows worse by the minute. What can you do to stop it before it takes over?

Migraines can vary from person to person and from attack to attack, and therefore, the treatment needs for each attack may also vary. Oral treatments can be effective at treating migraine pain for many patients, but for certain types of migraine attacks, such as those described above, an alternative delivery system may be more appropriate.

Another Option for

Migraine Pain

Today, there is good news for migraine sufferers. The United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recently approved a new formulation of Imitrex (sumatriptan succinate) Injection. The new formulation gives people an easy way to take a 4mg dose of the product. With the push of a button, patients can treat their migraines quickly and easily using the Imitrex STATdose System. According to a study published in the journal Headache, 88 percent of patients found the product easy to use. In another study of patients with moderate to severe migraine pain, 67 percent reported headache relief within one hour and 11 percent of patients reported relief starting at 10 minutes.

Migraines affect 28 million Americans. The treatment needs for migraines can vary from attack to attack, and being able to effectively treat a migraine can be the difference between debilitating pain and getting on with your daily life. That is why it is important for many migraine sufferers to have different treatment options.

“The availability of this product provides a simple and effective treatment option for patients who experience certain types of migraines,” said Robert Kaniecki, M.D., director of The Headache Center at the University of Pittsburgh and assistant professor of neurology. “Migraine patients who experience nausea or vomiting with their headaches often require an injection, since oral treatments are typically not well tolerated by these patients. Additionally, injections bypass the digestive system and enter the bloodstream quickly, which is especially important for treating certain migraine attacks, such as morning and rapidly escalating migraines.”

Kimberly McGonigle suffers from migraines. As a busy mother and professional, she knows first-hand that it is important to have options for treating migraine headaches. “I’ve suffered with migraines for the last 15 years and do not respond well to oral treatments due to the nausea I experience with each attack, so I use Imitrex Injection,” said Kimberly. “With the injection, I can quickly and easily treat my migraines, so that I can get on with my life.”

About The Imitrex

STATdose System

Imitrex Injection is available in the easy-to-use STATdose System, which allows patients to administer a 4mg dose of the product with just the push of a button. Until now, patients did not have an easy way to administer doses lower than 6mg. The system includes two small, disposable cartridges pre-filled with a single dose of medicine and an easy-to-use autoinjector pen that allows patients to give themselves a single dose of the medication. The delivery system enables patients to treat their migraines quickly and conveniently while avoiding direct contact with a needle or a syringe.

Important Safety Information About Imitrex

Imitrex is approved for the acute treatment of migraines with and without aura in adults. Patients should not take Imitrex if they have certain types of heart disease, history of stroke or TIAs, peripheral vascular disease, Raynaud syndrome, or blood pressure that is uncontrolled. Patients with risk factors for heart disease, such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes or being a smoker, should be evaluated by a doctor before taking Imitrex. Very rarely, certain people, even some without heart disease, have had serious heart-related problems. Patients who are pregnant, nursing or taking medications should talk to their doctor.

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