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Body Weight

Body weight represents the mass of a person body and it is measured in kilograms (kg) or pounds (lb).

Much is said about weight and obesity (excessive weight) and anorexia (reduced weight) are both diseases of our modern society as they prevent us from enjoying a healthy life.

There are several indexes for measure the ideal weight according to our height, gender and/or age. The most commonly used is the Body Mass Index (BMI)

BMI = Weight (kg) / Height (m)²

	BMI (Kg/m²)
	Men	Women
Low weight	< 20	< 18,5
Normal weight	20 – 25	18,5 – 25
Excessive weight	25 – 29
Obesity	30

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Posted By Pharma in Weigth | No Comments on January 26th, 2010

Fever

Fever, or pyrexia, is a rise in body temperature above ones normal levels.

Our normal body temperature ranges between 36 and 37ºC but it can vary according to several factors such as: age (it is higher in children), day time (it is lower at dawn and in the morning, rising through the day and reaching the highest value at the end of the afternoon and early night), gender (women temperature is usually higher than in men and it can vary according to menstrual cycle phase), environmental temperature and physical activity (if you are in a hot place or practicing and strong physical activity practicing rises your body temperature).

The place of measurement is an important factor, fever is present when:

- Axillary temperature (under the arm) above 37,5ºC

- Anal temperature (in the rectum) above 38 ºC

- Oral temperature (in the mouth) above 38ºC

- Otic temperature (in the ear) above 38ºC

Fever is one of our organism responses to a perceived threat; it should not be seen in an isolated perspective.

Causes

Temperature is regulated in a brain zone known as the hypothalamus, which works as a thermostat. When a fever inducing substance (pyrogen) enters the body the temperature set-point is raised and the temperature increases. What can cause this deregulation of the temperature set-point?

- Viral or bacterial infections;

- Heat over exposure;

- Excessive physical exercise;

- Some medicines

- Serious health conditions (tumors, hormonal problems, hypothalamus injury.

Treatment

Fever as an important role in infections control so it should only be reduced when it rises above levels that also bring discomfort or that can harm the organism, usually above 38º axillar or 38,5ºC rectal temperature. If there is an underline complication such as convulsions or cardio-pulmonary complications the temperature should be closely monitored.

Conventional medicines:

Anti-pyretic medicines: Paracetamol, Acetyl salicylic acid, Ibuprofen.

Paracetamol should be the first choice as it has less adverse reactions, especially in children. It has an anti-pyretic and analgesic effect. Use it carefully in hepatic impairment.

Ibuprofen can be used either alone, when an anti-inflammatory effect is also required, or in conjunction with paracetamol when the second one is not enough to control the temperature. Use it carefully in asthma patients, if you have gastric complications or coagulation problems. Be sure it has no interaction with other medicines you are taking.

Acetyl salicylic acid (Aspirin®) should only be used under doctor’s prescription.

Phytotherapy

White willow, Salix alba, bark contains salicin, which as anti-pyretic, analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties. It was the base compound to the synthesis of acetyl salicylic acid.

Additional measures for temperature control

- Use light cloths, preferably cotton ones;

- Avoid too warm or too cold places;

- Drink sugary liquids to prevent dehydration;

- Bathing with slightly warm water.

Look for medical council if:

- New born child;

- When the temperature is high and is not controlled with the usual means;

- It the fever is lasting for more than 3 days;

- When there are also other symptoms such as difficulty in breathing, vomits, diarrhea, or skin spots.

Posted By Pharma in Fever | 7 Comments on January 24th, 2010

Vaginal Infections (Vaginitis)

Vaginal infection, known as vaginitis, is a general designation for an inflammation of the vagina together with excessive discharge, with a different color and intense odor. It causes discomfort and can be itchy.

Women vagina is colonized with natural microorganisms, known as the vaginal flora (lactobacilli), which make a natural defense against bacteria, fungi or other infectious agents, and assures the required acidity for maintaining a proper equilibrium.

This equilibrium can be disrupted by some factors, internal or external:

- Age, menstrual cycle phase, pregnancy, sexual activity, diabetes, hygiene (too much or too little), some medication (like oral contraception or antibiotics) can modify the vaginal acidity, weakening its defenses against pathogens.

When the number of protective bacteria decreases the number of other infectious agents that can be present increases.

Causes and Treatment

Bacterial Infections –characterized by a yellow or grey discharge with an unpleasant fishy odor, ardor and local redness. Gardnerella vaginalisand Peptostreptococcus sp. are the most frequently bacteria present in vaginal bacterial infections.

This situation is treated with antibiotics, after a correct diagnose your doctor will indicate the best one for you.

Uva ursi contains chemicals with antiseptical and antibacterial properties. Its astringent action can also be useful in urinary inflammation relief. This plant extracts can be particularly effective when used as soon as the symptoms begin. It is available as pills or tinctures. It should not be used in children, pregnant women or in hepatic, renal or gastro-intestinal impairment. Be aware that Uva ursi is inactivated in acidic pH, so do not use urine acidifiers simultaneously.

Yeast Infections (Candidiasis) – characterized by a white, thick, clumpy discharged, like cottage cheese), ardor and itchy and pain during sexual intercourse. Candida albicans is the responsible pathogen.

It can be treated with topical anti-fungi creams or vaginal pills. Both sexual partners should be treated.

In recurrent yeast infection episodes, an oral supplement of Lactobacillus canhelp promoting a healthy vaginal flora as well as Lactic acid vaginal pills that help maintain the vaginal acidic pH.

Thrichomonas vaginitis – Caused by the parasite Trichomonas vaginalis is characterized by a grennish yellow discharged with a fishy odor, itching and soreness and pain during sexual intercourse and urination. It is treated with specific antibiotics, after medical diagnosis.

Prevention

- Do not use aggressive soaps for genital hygiene;

- Wash the genital area no more than two times daily;

- Always wash and clean from the vagina to the anus and not the opposite, avoiding intestinal flora from contaminating the vagina;

- Choose cotton under-wear and avoid tight cloths.

Remember: The symptoms are similar for these vaginal problems and they can also be caused by Sexual Transmitted Diseases. For a good treatment the correct diagnose is very important.

Posted By Pharma in Vaginal Infections | 5 Comments on January 17th, 2010

Preventing Blood clots

reduce the stickiness of platelets

Preventing blood clots

A blood clot is the result of excessive blood coagulation. Platelets aggregate and coagulation factors are activated, the blood gets thickener and can solidify. The blood clot can be formed inside a vessel, including heart vessels, and it is called a thrombus. This thrombus is called an embolus if is released and travels to another location in our body, like the brain (causing a stroke) or the lungs (causing pulmonary embolism), stopping the blood flow to those organs.

Risk factors

- Standing or sitting for too long;

- Frequent long-course flights;

- Blood circulation problems;

- Some cardiovascular problems;

- Bedridden patients or extensive periods of inactivity (like after a surgery);

- Genetic alterations.

Prevention

- Avoid sitting or standing in the same position for too long, lift your legs or take some steps at least every one hour;

- Don`t cross or bump your legs while sited

- Wear clothing and socks that fit loosely;

- Limit your salt intake;

- Wear compression stockings if your doctor recommends you;

- Make some exercise proper to your health condition;

- Elevate your beds end.

In some medical situations your doctor may recommend you to take anti-coagulant medicines such has warfarin or heparin.

There are also natural products and food that can help the blood flowing: Garlic is know for its effect on lowering blood thickness and reducing the stickiness platelets.

Posted By Pharma in Blood | 4 Comments on January 17th, 2010

SORE THROAT

SORE THROAT

Sore throat is one of the main complaints during winter time as it is a common symptom of a variety of airways diseases.

Dryness, pain, discomfort while swallowing solids, liquids and even saliva are frequent symptoms of a sore throat.

Causes

Viral Infections, such as flu, are the most common cause of sore throat. It is usually self-limited and symptoms disappear in 3 to 7 days. Mononucleosis is also a viral infection that can be responsible for sore throat signs but in this case it is usually accompanied with fever, general discomfort, tiredness, headache.

Bacterial infections, which can be responsible for tonsillitis, pharyngitis, laryngitis or pulmonary infections. Because of potentially serious complications, these cases require medical advice for a proper treatment, often with antibiotics.

Allergies, rhinitis or inhalation of substances that irritate the airways.

Air dryness, air conditioning and central warming use dry the air we breathe increasing the sensitiveness of our airways.

Smoking, inhaled tobacco substances dry our throat and cause irritation.

Less frequent causes of sore throat can be gastroesophageal reflux, head and neck tumors, presence of a foreign body on the throat.

Treatment

Here are some home measures you can take to help

- Drink liquids in abundance;

- Warm tea with lemon and honey;

- Gargle with warm salty water (1 tea spoon of salt/ 1 glass of water);

- Gargle with a preparation of ginger (zingiber officinale), lemon drops and cinnamon in warm water, it has an anti-inflammatory action;

- Humidify the air to lubricate the airways;

- Avoid smoking;

- Avoid dry and hot places;

- Chew non sugar candies to stimulate saliva production;

If these measures are not enough and if you do not have any contra-indication you can use anti-inflammatory drugs such as ibuprofen.

Posted By Pharma in SORE THROAT | 4 Comments on January 15th, 2010

Hoarseness and Aphonia

Hoarseness and Aphonia

We have two vocal cords. They remain separated while we breathe, but are brought together and vibrate when the air rises from the lungs, producing sound while we speak or sing.

When something affects the vocal cords, preventing then to join together, they vibrate in a different way and we have difficulty producing sound when trying to speak and the voice sounds rough, weakened or scratchy. This is Hoarseness. Aphonia occurs when we cannot speak.

Causes

- Allergies;

- Alcohol or tobacco, its excessive use dries the vocal cords;

- Excessive or wrong use of the voice (singers, teachers);

- Inhaling irritating substances;

- Prolonged coughing or crying (in children);

- Foreign object in the airways;

- Laryngitis;

- Viral illness;

- Gastroesophageal reflux (the rise of the acidic stomach content irritates the vocal cords);

- Vocal cords nodules or paralysis;

- Laryngeal cancer;

- Other medical causes.

Treatment

Resting, time and patience…

Hoarseness can be acute or chronic, but the treatment is similar in both cases. Look for medical advice if:

- Hoarseness or aphonia remains for more than three week in adults or one week in children;

- It occurs in a baby under 3 months;

- You also have difficulty in breathing;

- If you also have cough with blood.

As an isolated symptom, hoarseness, disappears in a few days but here are some measures you can take for relief:

- Avoid using your voice;

- Drink lots of liquids (water, tea, fruit juices)

- Humidify the air you breath;

- Don`t drink alcohol or smoke, even passive smoking;

- Avoid spicy foods

Sisymbrium officinale is a medicinal plant used in folk medicine to soothe sore throats, one of its names is singer`s plant . It can be found as the active ingredient in some throat drops to relieve hoarseness.

Onion tea is an old home remedy for these situations as well.

Prevention

To keep a healthy voice:

- Drink water in abundance, at least 6 to 8 cups a day to hydrate lubricate your vocal cords;

- Avoid alcohol and drinks rich in caffeine (coffee);

- Avoid smoking;

- Use your voice correctly, don`t scream and learn some voice techniques if you need to use your voice a lot.

Posted By Pharma in Hoarseness and Aphonia | No Comments on January 13th, 2010

Medicines and alcohol

Medicines and alcohol

Can I drink if I am taking medicines?

If you drink while taking medicines there is a higher risk of interaction between alcohol and medicines. This can happen by several mechanisms:

- On one hand, alcohol metabolism requires the same enzymes as some drugs. So, if you drink, the enzymes that would inactivate the medicines in question are not available and these medicines remain longer in your body raising the possibility of adverse reactions;

- On the other hand, alcohol, especially when used in a chronic way, can induce the activation of some enzymes, thus stimulating drugs metabolism and reducing their therapeutic effect. And these enzymes can remain activated even in the absence of alcohol;

- Alcohol consumption can modify drugs transformation thus resulting the formation of toxic products, for the liver or other organs;

- If you are taking medicines that act on the nervous system and you drink alcohol, the effect on the nervous system can be amplified.

Interactions can occur both with prescription and non prescription medicines and Food Supplements and with occasional or chronic alcohol ingestion.

Alcohol can interfere with several products but be especially aware if:

- You have an infection and you are taking antibiotics;

- If you are diabetic or have blood pressure alterations;

- I f you are taking drugs for blood coagulation (warfarin)

- If you are taking drugs that act on the nervous system (anti-depressives, anxiety disorders or anti-epileptics)

Posted By Pharma in Alcohol | 1 Comment on January 13th, 2010

INSOMNIA

INSOMNIA

Sleep disorders can affect the quality and/or quantity of your sleep. Insomnia is a sleep disorder characterized by difficulty falling asleep, difficulty maintaining sleep or sleeping but not resting.

Usually, an adult requires seven to eight hours of sleep but this is not a rule, the sleeping hours should be ones which allow a person to wake up not feeling sleepy the next day.

Causes

Insomnia can be caused by:

1) Medical factors such as a physical disease, like breathing problems or taking medicines that interfere with sleeping patterns;

2) Psychological problems – anxiety, depression, stress, strong emotional happenings;

3) Behavior factors – caffeine or nicotine abuse;

4) Environmental factors such as noise or light that prevent you from resting;

5) Sleep/awakening rhythm disturbances – people who work by shifts or who travel a lot (jet lag)

Symptoms

Treatment

Posted By Pharma in Insomnia | 1 Comment on September 9th, 2009

Diarrhoea

Diarrhoea

Diarrhoea is the passage of loose or liquid stools more frequently than normal for the individual, usually more than 3 times per day. However, it is the consistency of the stools rather than the number that is most important. Frequent passing of formed stools is not diarrhoea. Babies fed only breastmilk often pass loose, "pasty" stools; this also is not diarrhoea. (WHO)

Acute diarrhea is a self-limiting condition, lasting no more than 72 hours. Intestinal cells are damaged and water is not absorbed from the intestine, watery stools are evacuated.

Chronic diarrhea occurs when the episodes are recurrent or persistent, it requires medical investigation.

Causes

Acute diarrhea is usually the result of a gastroenteritis that can be caused by bacterial (E. coli, salmonella, campylobacter) , viral (norvirus, rotavirus) or parasitic infection, usually from contaminated food or water.

Short-term diarrhea can also be caused by anxiety or emotional stress, alcohol or coffee abuse or as a side-effect of some medicines.

Diarrhoea often occurs when travelling abroad, usually from contaminated food or water, it is the traveller`s diarrhoea

Chronic diarrhea can be caused by a poor diet, a bacterial or viral infection or it can be a symptom of a long-term condition (Crohn`s disease, Irritable bowel syndrome, bowel tumour, malabsorption syndrome, laxative abuse, drugs side effects).

Symptoms

Diarrhoea is often accompanied by stomach pain, cramps, nausea or vomiting, loss of appetite, an urgent need to evacuate, headache and fever. The area around the back passage may get sore.

Prevention:

- Wash your hands regularly, especially after going to the toilet, before eating or cooking, before playing with pets or gardening;

- When you eat fresh fruit or vegetables wash them very well ;

- Clean and disinfect toilets frequently and do not share towels.

Traveler`s diarrhoea ,besides the cares stated above, when travelling to a risk area:

- Avoid drinking area, use bottled mineral water (even for tooth cleaning), avoid ice cubes, dairy products, ice-creams;

- Try to eat only in clean places;

- Be careful with salads, shellfish and fish;

- Cook it, boil it, peel it…or leave it.

Treatment

Seek a GP advice if:

- Diarrhoea lasting for more than 72 hours;

- Cildren between 1 and 3 years old and elderly patients with diarrhoea for more than 48h;

- Children between 3 months and 1 year old and diabetic patients with diarrhoea for more than 24 hours;

- Immediately in babies under 3 months;

- Presence of blood or mucus in stools;

- Severe vomiting and fever;

- Signs of dehydration (dry skin and tongue, less urine, sunken eyes, drowsiness)

General tips:

1) Keep fluid intake: Drink frequently small amounts of water or diluted fruit juices;

2) Avoid drinks rich in sugar and milk products;

3) In case of dehydration suspicious there are oral rehydration solutions that can provide you the water, sugar and salts your are losing.

4) Eat food rich in carbohydrates (bread, rice, potatoes) and avoid fats. Clear soups are a good option for salt reposition.

Anti-diarrhoea medication:

Anti-diarrhoea agents, like loperamide, decrease secretory activity and intestinal motility. Do not use it in children under 12 years old without medical advice or if fever or blood in the stools is precence.

Pro-biotics

Posted By Pharma in Diarrhoea | 1 Comment on August 17th, 2009

Constipation

CONSTIPATION

Constipation occurs when the bowels do not move regularly. There is not an exact definition because the number of motions necessary for a good health varies from one person to another: Most people have one motion a day, some can have two a day and for others the normal pattern is one motion every other day. A person suffers from constipation when there is a reduction in the normal stool frequency together with hardening of stools. This is a common disturbance of the digestive tract.

Causes

There are two types of constipation:

1) Functional – Simple constipation, with no underlying pathology. It can have various causes but the major ones are wrong diet and a faulty lifestyle.

Diet – Insufficient fluid intake;

- Insufficient fibre intake;

- Eating refined food, lacking essential vitamins and minerals, instead of food in its natural state;

- Overeating and wrong combination of foods;

- Excessive meat consumption;

- To much tea, coffee and other stimulant drinks.

Faulty life style – Reduced mobility, sedentary habits;

– Lack of physical activity;

– Eating to quickly and insufficient chewing of food;

– Irregular habits and schedules of eating;

– Irregular habits of defecation and holding to defecate;

– Emotional stress and strain.

There also some drugs that can cause constipation as a side effect – opioid analgesics (codeine, morphine,), antacids with aluminium, some antihypertensives (as verapamil), iron.

2) Secondary – Constipation as a symptom of an underlying disease (tumour, colitis or other intestinal pathologies). It is necessary to consult your doctor for medical examination.

Symptoms

- Reduced and irregular bowel frequency (below what is normal for you)

- Difficulty of elimination due to hard stools;

- Straining when attempting to defecate;

- There may be abdominal discomfort and pain and also bloating;

- Constant fullness sensation in the abdomen;

- Bright blood in the stools might be due to pleading from haemorrhoids.

Treatment

Simple constipation can usually be corrected with dietary adjustments and lifestyle changes:

Diet - Prefer unrefined food with more fibres: whole grain cereals, green and leafy vegetables (spinach, lettuce, asparagus, celery, tomatoes, cabbage, pumpkin, carrots), fresh fruits (papaya, kiwi, oranges, apples and pears, grapes, figs), dry fruits (raisins, figs, apricots, dates), dairy products (butter, ghee or cream)

- Regular water intake, 1,5L per day but preferably without meals (one glass of warm water first thing in the morning can be a good help);

- Avoid quick meals and chew your food very well;

- Try to keep a regular meal schedule and do not eat just before going to bed;

- Avoid refined and processed food (white flour, rice or bread, cakes)

Lifestyle - Move yourself, walk, swim, run, out door games and activities, physical exercise help to activate abdominal muscles and increase intestinal motility;

- Keep defecation schedules and respect your organism, do not hold from defecate.

Other natural healing-tips:

- A cold friction bath in the morning;

- Hot and cold alternate hit bath before bed time;

- Abdominal massage with circular movements;

- Warm water enema when needed

Conventional Treatment

There are several substances with a laxative effect, they are classified according to their mode of action:

1) Bulk-forming agents – They pass undigested through the gastrointestinal tract where they add volume and soften the faeces. This should be the first line treatment because it is the innocuous option, it is the closest approximation to our organism natural function.

- ispaghula husk,

- sterculia,

- methylcellulose.

They usually act in 24h but it might take 2 to 3 days for a full effect.

They have no major interaction with other medicines and the adverse effects are usually minor (flatulence, abdominal discomfort).

You should drink enough water during the treatment

Use them carefully if you have diabetes or if you have fluid intake restriction.

2) Osmotic laxatives: they increase the water content of faeces, stimulating intestinal peristalsis.

2.1)Organic osmotic laxatives

- Lactulose,

- Macrogol powder,

- Glycerol suppositories.

Lactulose may take 72 hours to be effective and large volumes might be required. Side effects include flatulence, cramp and abdominal pain.

Macrogol acts more rapidly and is a good option for children

Glycerol suppositories act in 15 to 30 minutes after rectal application. They are also a good option for babies and children.

2.2)Inorganic salts

- Magnesium hydroxide,

- Magnesium sulphate,

- Sodium sulphate.

They usually act in 6 to 8h, you can take them at night and the effect would be expected in the morning.

They should be use with careful in elderly people or in renal impairment and avoided if you have high blood pressure, oedema or heart diseases.

Side effects include nausea and vomiting.

3) Stimulant laxatives: They act by “irritation” of the intestinal mucosa. They are usually taken at bedtime to produce effect in the next morning. Supposiories act faster, usually in 1 hour.

Adverse effects include griping and intestinal cramps.

They should not be used in children under 5 and during pregnancy (first trimester).

Do not use these products for a prolonged time (a few days at most) because your intestine might get used to it and stop working without it.

3.1) Diphenylmethane derivates

– Bisacodyl

– Sodium picosulfate

3.2) Anthraquinones

– Senna (plant extract)

4) Faecal softner – weak laxative, anion surfactant that emulsifies and softens the faeces. It takes 1 to 3 days to produce an effect. It might increase the therapeutic and adverse effects of other drugs.

- Docusate sodium

5) Faecal lubrificant – Lubrificates the faeces facilitating its passage through the intestine. It was several adverse effects and it was limited usefulness (it should not be used in children)

Phytotherapy:

Homeopathy

Ayurveda

- Diet

- Ayurvedic remedies

- Panchkarma treatments

- Yoga – There are some yoga asanas that stimulate peristaltic intestinal movements and help to strengthen the abdominal and pelvic muscles: Bhujangasana, Halasana, Paschimotanasana, Shalabhasana.

Acupressure

Acupressure can help you to relax the abdomen and stimulate bowel movements.

After going to bed, closeyour eyes and take some deep breaths. Than use your fingers to pressure some points 5 cm under the belly.

Aromatherapy

An abdominal massage with Rosmarinus officinalis orThymus spp. essential oils diluted in olive oil, almond oil or similar oil in circular moovements can help to releave constipation.

Posted By Pharma in Constipation | 23 Comments on August 8th, 2009