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    Tuesday, 9 February 2016

    IJUE ASPIRIN

    Aspirin Sensitivity & Aspirin Desensitization

      
    ★Know what is Aspirin drug in depth★

     

    Aspirin is one of the oldest drugs on the market. It was first made in 1897 and first sold to the public in 1899. At the start, it was used mainly to ease minor aches and pains and to lower fever. Over the years, doctors have found other ways to use the drug.

    It is now common for people with heart disease or who are at risk of getting heart disease or of having a stroke to take aspirin every day. This helps keep their blood from forming clots that block blood vessels.

    Aspirin is a very widely used drug. One report says that people in the United States take about 19 billion aspirin tablets each year. But some people react when they take aspirin or aspirin-type drugs. A harmful reaction after taking aspirin or an aspirin-type drug that entails respiratory or skin symptoms (such as an itchy rash or hives) is called aspirin sensitivity.

    In some cases, a doctor wants a person with aspirin sensitivity to take aspirin every day to treat or prevent a health problem. That person may be able to go through a graded dose challenge to aspirin to determine whether aspirin sensitivity is (still) present. Challenges with aspirin in patients with suspected aspirin sensitivity need to be done carefully by physicians knowledgeable in carrying out this procedure, and who have expertise in managing reactions to aspirin if it should occur.

    In patients with a type of aspirin sensitivity known as aspirin-exacerbated respiratory disease (AERD), aspirin desensitization treatment can improve the course of asthma and chronic sinusitis.

    How will you  know if you are sensitive to aspirin?

    People who are sensitive to aspirin can have symptoms such as:

    Hives, itching, or swelling

    OR

    Shortness of breath, wheezing, and worsening of nasal/sinus symptoms

    In rare cases, the adverse reaction to aspirin can be serious or even life-threatening.

    Aspirin-exacerbated respiratory disease?

    AERD is a condition that includes chronic asthma, sinusitis with nasal polyps, and sensitivity to aspirin and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). Patients with AERD experience respiratory symptoms from aspirin or any aspirin type drug, including ibuprofen and naproxen. Approximately one of 10 adults with asthma and one of three patients with asthma and sinusitis with nasal polyps are sensitive to aspirin and NSAIDs and have AERD.

    What is aspirin desensitization?

    Patients with AERD can undergo a procedure, called aspirin desensitization, which can induce tolerance to aspirin.
    Even patients who have had life-threatening respiratory reactions will be able to go through this procedure, and will be able to take aspirin without reacting to it. To do this, the patient with AERD is challenged with graded doses of aspirin over a period of several days. The doctor will start by giving a very small dose of aspirin and watching to see if you react. When you get to the dose that causes symptoms, you will keep getting that dose until you are able to tolerate this dose without adverse reaction. The doctor will then give you higher and higher doses of the drug. As you keep getting the higher doses, your body will start to accept the drug without reacting.

    Aspirin desensitization is generally done over a period of several days.

    What are the benefits of aspirin desensitization?

    Patients with AERD experience benefit with aspirin desensitization treatment, that includes reduced nasal/sinus and asthma symptoms, reduced medication reliance, improved quality of life, reduced health service utilization for asthma, and reduced need for sinus surgery over time.

    How successful is aspirin desensitization?

    Those AERD patients who were able to continue aspirin desensitization treatment for more than one year, 87 percent experienced benefit.

    Risks of aspirin desensitization?

    The most common side effects of aspirin are stomach pain, nausea, and heartburn. Some people stop taking aspirin because of these side effects.
    There are drugs your doctor can give you that will help with these problems so you can still take aspirin regularly.

    Call your health care provider if you have gone 48 hours or longer without taking your aspirin or if you develop any of the signs of a bad reaction to aspirin, including:

    Hives
    Problems swallowing
    Swelling of the lips or tongue
    Belly pain
    Nausea or throwing up.

    #MEDICALTEAM

    KUHARA DAMU au DYSENTERY

    DYSENTERY

    Dysentery is an inflammation of the intestines especially in the colon that can cause severe diarrhea. Often mucus and blood will be found in the feces.

    Amoebic dysentery is common in the tropics and is caused by Entamoeba histolytica. Bacillary dysentery is caused by Shigella, a bacterium and is the most common type in Western Europe and the USA.

    Poor hygiene and tainted food and water is the main cause of bacillary dysentery infection (Shigella). Approximately 1.1 million people die globally from this each year with 60% of the deaths occurring among young children. Amoebic dysentery is caused from contaminated food and water and also poor hygiene practices.

    Symptoms of amoebic dysentery include abdominal pain, fever and chills, nausea and vomiting, watery diarrhea which can contain blood, mucus or pus, painful passage of stools, fatigue, and intermittent constipation. The amoeba can tunnel through the intestinal wall and spread through the bloodstream infecting other organs. Ulcers can also develop and bleed causing blood to appear in the stool also.

    Symptoms typically last for a few days but can persist for several weeks. Recurrence of infection is possible as the amoebas continue to live in the human host after symptoms have resolved.
    Bacillary dysentery normally presents with mild stomachache and diarrhea. Blood or mucus in the feces is less common. Patients can also have abdominal pain, fever and nausea and vomiting though these are also less common.

    Diagnosis is normally determined based on symptoms and confirmed by analysis of a stool sample. Oral rehydration is important. If vomiting and diarrhea are severe then IV fluid replacement may be necessary. Untreated dysentery can be life threatening if the person cannot replace lost fluids fast enough. If amoebic dysentery is diagnosed the patient will be treated with a 10 day course of an antimicrobial medications such as metronidazole, diloxanide furoates, paromomycin, or iodoquinol or auranofin is also a cheap alternative.

    The best prevention for dysentery is regular handwashing especially before and after using the bathroom and before preparing food. If you are in a high risk area then only drink bottled or boiled water, avoid ice cubes and use purified water for teeth hygiene. Make sure all food is thoroughly cooked and washed prior to eating.

    Stay blessed!

    KUHUSU DAWA YA OMNICEF

    OMNICEF DRUG

    Omnicef is a cephalosporin antibiotic used to treat many different types of bacterial infections, such as pneumonia, bronchitis, sinus infections, tonsillitis (inflammation of the tonsils), ear infections, and skin infections.

    Like all antibiotics, Omnicef works only against bacteria. It will not cure an infection caused by a virus, such as the common cold or flu.

    Antacids containing magnesium or aluminum and iron supplements, including multivitamins that contain iron, interfere with the effectiveness of Omnicef. If you are required to take these products, you should take Omnicef at least 2 hours before or after taking them. The only exception to this rule is iron-fortified infant formula.

    Mild diarrhea is common with antibiotic use. However, a more serious form of diarrhea, although rare, may occur. Contact your doctor right away if you experience stomach pain or cramps, severe diarrhea, or bloody stools. Do not treat the diarrhea without first checking with your doctor.

    Diabetics should be aware that Omnicef suspension contains sugar.

    Who should not take Omnicef?

    If you've ever had an allergic reaction to a cephalosporin antibiotic, you should not take Omnicef. Also, if you are allergic to penicillin, you may also be allergic to cephalosporins. The reaction can be extremely severe. Be sure to let the doctor know about any medication allergies you may have.

    Tell your doctor about all prescription, over-the-counter, and herbal medications you are taking before beginning treatment with Omnicef. Also, talk to your doctor about your complete medical history, especially if you have colitis (inflammation of the lower bowel), diabetes, kidney problems, or seizures. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breastfeeding.

    Usual dosage?

    The information below is based on the dosage guidelines your doctor uses. Depending on your condition and medical history, your doctor may prescribe a different regimen. Do not change the dosage or stop taking your medication without your doctor's approval.

    Chronic Bronchitis and Sinus/Throat/Tonsil Infections

    Adults and adolescents ≥13 years: The usual dose is 300 milligrams (mg) every 12 hours or 600 mg once a day. Based on your condition, your doctor will determine the appropriate duration of treatment.

    Pneumonia and Skin Infections

    Adults and adolescents ≥13 years: The usual dose is 300 mg every 12 hours for 10 days.

    Ear, Sinus, Skin, and Throat Infections

    Children 6 months-12 years: Your doctor will prescribe the appropriate dose for your child based on their body weight.

    How should you  take Omnicef?

    Omnicef can be taken with or without food. Shake the oral suspension well before each use.

    It is important to take the full dosage schedule of Omnicef, even if you are feeling better in a few days. Not completing the full dosage schedule may decrease the drug's effectiveness and increase the chances that the bacteria may become resistant to Omnicef and similar antibiotics. If this happens, Omnicef and similar antibiotics may not work in the future.

    What should you avoid while taking Omnicef?

    Do not take antacids that contain aluminum or magnesium, iron supplements, or multivitamins with iron, with a dose of Omnicef. Take these products at least 2 hours before or after a dose of Omnicef to prevent decreased effectiveness of the antibiotic.

    Possible food and drug interactions associated with Omnicef?

    If Omnicef is taken with certain other drugs, the effects of either could be increased, decreased, or altered. It is especially important to check with your doctor before combining Omnicef with any of the following: antacids, iron supplements, multivitamins containing iron, and probenecid.

    The combination of iron and Omnicef sometimes turns the stool red. This is not a cause for concern.

    Possible side effects of Omnicef?

    Side effects cannot be anticipated. If any develop or change in intensity, tell your doctor as soon as possible. Only your doctor can determine if it is safe for you to continue taking this drug.

    Side effects may include: diarrhea, vaginal infection, nausea, rash, headache, abdominal pain, vaginal itching, vomiting, upset stomach, gas, loss of appetite, constipation, dizziness, dry mouth, trouble sleeping

    The effects of Omnicef during pregnancy and breastfeeding are unknown. Tell your doctor immediately if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breastfeeding.

    If  miss a dose of Omnicef

    If you miss a dose of Omnicef, take the missed dose as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the one you missed and return to your regular dosing schedule. Do not take two doses at once.

    #Medicalteam

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