Complete Health BlogComplete Health BlogThis site is a complete guide to health and medicine for Doctors and medical students and Articles
Pramipexole Safe and Effective in Treating Restless Legs Syndrome
2007-06-19 11:29:00 Pramipexole, a compound from Boehringer Ingelheim research, is approved in the U.S. for the treatment of the signs and symptoms of idiopathic Parkinson's disease. An application has been submitted to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for pramipexole for the treatment of moderate to severe primary RLS. Pramipexole is supported by nearly a decade of real-world experience in the treatment of Parkinson's disease, and approximately 9.1 million prescriptions for pramipexole have been written in the U.S. since its launch in 1997. Pramipexole may cause patients to fall asleep without any warning, even while doing normal daily activities such as driving. When taking pramipexole hallucinations may occur and sometimes patients may feel dizzy, sweaty or nauseated upon standing up. The most common side effects in clinical trials for RLS were nausea, headache, and tiredness. The most commonly reported adverse events in early and late Parkinson's disease in clinical trials were dizziness, ... More About: Syndrome , Legs , Restless , Effective , Safe
Restless Legs Syndrome (RLS)
2007-06-19 11:22:00 RLS is a common, yet often undiagnosed, neurological sensorimotor disorder.Patients with RLS often experience an urge to move their legs at night due to uncomfortable leg sensations that worsen during periods of rest or inactivity, often interfere with the ability to sleep, and are partially or totally relieved with movement, such as walking or stretching. While symptoms can vary from person to person, they are generally described as an urge to move the legs accompanied by burning, creeping, crawling, aching, tingling, or tugging sensations in the legs. Additionally, people with RLS will often have disruptions in sleeping, which may be caused by periodic limb movements (PLMs). Approximately one-third of sufferers experience symptoms more than twice weekly causing moderate to severe distress. As a direct result of RLS, patients may experience daytime tiredness, mood disturbance, and inability to perform daily activities, which can have a substantial negative impact on patients' qual... More About: Syndrome , Legs , Restless
Mushroom Poisoning (Mycetism)
2007-06-14 18:36:00 Mushroom poisoning has been known for centuries. The Greek poet Euripides (fifth century B.C.) is said to have lost his wife and three children from this cause. In recent years the number of cases of mushroom poisoning has been increasing as the result of the current popularity of the consumption of wild mushrooms. Various species of mushrooms contain many toxins, and species among the same genus may contain distinct toxins. Although Amanita muscaria is the source from which muscarine was isolated, its content of the alkaloid is so low (approximately 0.003%) that muscarine cannot be responsible for the major toxic effects. Much higher concentrations of muscarine are present in various species of Inocybe and Clitocybe. SymptomsThe symptoms of intoxication attributable to muscarine develop within 30 to 60 minutes of ingestion; they include salivation, lacrimation, nausea, vomiting, headache, visual disturbances, abdominal colic, diarrhea, bronchospasm, bradycardia, hypotension, and sh... More About: Mushroom , Mush , Poison
Stress and Obesity
2007-06-08 12:32:00 Did you know stress may have a direct connection to your weight? In recent years, research has shown that how you deal with everyday stress can affect your waistline in particular. This can be a huge threat to your health because abdominal fat is more dangerous -- and increases disease risk more -- than fat located in any other part of the body. Excessive abdominal fat is linked directly to serious health conditions like hypertension and diabetes. Women in particular have been found to accumulate more fat around their waists while they're under stress. In fact, a Yale University study showed that even otherwise-slim women who are under high stress levels are prone to put on weight on around their abdominal area.What's the connection? When we are stressed out, our bodies release a hormone called cortisol.Cortisol has been proven to encourage fat storage in the abdominal area. The worst part is if you don't learn to alleviate stress, cortisol levels stay high even when the original... More About: Obesity , Stress , Tres
Turmeric Lower Cholesterol
2007-06-06 12:52:00 The research on turmeric so far appears to be very favorable. It appears that turmeric mainly affects LDL cholesterol (the “bad” cholesterol) and triglyceride levels.One study conducted on rabbits fed a high-fat diet showed that turmeric appeared to lower LDL cholesterol levels and triglycerides, as well as preventing LDL from being oxidized. Oxidized LDL has been shown to greatly accelerate the formation of atherosclerosis. The cholesterol lowering effects of turmeric have remained consistent in these studies. In fact, one study even concluded that LDL cholesterol was lowered anywhere between one-half and one-third of those subjects consuming turmeric in comparison to those not receiving it.Although this information appears promising, there is one hitch: there are hardly any studies that have looked at the ability or turmeric to lower cholesterol levels in humans. Since it does work in other animals, it may also work in humans. However, the dosage and function of turmeric in hu... More About: Lower , Hole , Cholesterol , Lowe , Este
Heat Exhaustion and Heat Stroke
2007-05-28 20:37:00 Exposure to excessive heat can cause loss of body fluids and a rise in body temperature. This may occur at any age but is most common in babies and elderly people. It can occur due to prolonged exposure to high atmospheric temperature or a brief exposure to very high atmospheric temperature (direct exposure to sun is not necessary) or due to heavy manual work in high temperature, high humidity. Pre-existing chronic diseases and alcoholism are some of the predisposing factors. This condition is rarely serious but if exposure to heat continues, the body’s normal cooling mechanism breaks down and the temperature of the body rises further, resulting in a heat stroke. Heat stroke can prove to be a life-threatening emergency. Heat exhaustion and heat stroke most commonly occur above 104 degree F (40 degree C). High humidity increases the risk of heat stroke because sweating is ineffective and heat loss is decreased. Heat Exhaust ion This is an abnormal condition marked by weakness, di... More About: Stroke , Haus
Overly Anxious and Driven People Prone to Irritable Bowel Syndrome
2007-05-23 08:54:00 Overly anxious and driven people are susceptible to irritable bowel syndrome, usually known as IBS, indicates research published ahead of print in the journal Gut.Each participant completed a detailed questionnaire when their infection was confirmed. This included questions about mood, perceived stress levels, perfectionism and illness beliefs and behaviors.They were then monitored three and six months later to see whether they had developed the typical symptoms of IBS, which include diarrhea and/or constipation, abdominal pain and bloating.In all, 49 people had IBS at both time points. Women were more than twice as likely to have IBS as the men.Those with IBS were significantly more likely to have reported high levels of stress and anxiety and psychosomatic symptoms than those who did not develop the condition.They were also significantly more likely to be "driven," carrying on regardless until they were forced to rest - a pattern of behaviour which only worsens and prolongs the co... More About: People , Syndrome , Table , Pron , Irritable Bowel Syndrome
FDA: Pulled Zelnorm From Market
2007-05-23 08:45:00 FDA is issuing this public health advisory to inform patients and health care professionals that the sponsor of Zelnorm (tegaserod maleate), Novartis Pharmaceuticals Corporation, has agreed to stop selling Zelnorm. Zelnorm is being taken off the market because a new safety analysis has found a higher chance of heart attack, stroke, and worsening heart chest pain that can become a heart attack in patients treated with Zelnorm compared to those treated with a sugar pill they thought was Zelnorm.Zelnorm is a prescription medication approved for short term treatment of women with irritable bowel syndrome with constipation and for patients younger than 65 years with chronic constipation.At FDA's request, Novartis Pharmaceuticals Corporation has agreed to stop selling Zelnorm.· Patients being treated with Zelnorm should contact their physician to discuss alternative treatments for their condition.Patients who are taking Zelnorm should seek emergency medical care right away if they exper... More About: Market , Mark , Pull
First Contraceptive for Continuous Use
2007-05-23 08:24:00 The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) today approved Lybrel, the first continuous use drug product for prevention of pregnancy.The new contraceptive, Lybrel, comes in a 28 day-pill pack with low-dose combination tablets that contain 90 micrograms of a progestin, levonorgestrel, and 20 micrograms of an estrogen, ethinyl estradiol, which are active ingredients available in other approved oral contraceptives. Conti nuous contraception works the same way as the 21 days on-seven days off cycle. It stops the body's monthly preparation for pregnancy by lowering the production of hormones that make pregnancy possible.Why different from othersOther contraceptive pill regimens have placebo or pill-free intervals lasting four to seven days that stimulate a menstrual cycle. Lybrel is designed to be taken without the placebo or pill-free time interval. Women who use Lybrel would not have a scheduled menstrual period, but will most likely have unplanned, breakthrough, unscheduled bleeding or spo... More About: Contra , Trac , Contraceptive
Throat Cancer
2007-05-20 08:43:00 A new study from Johns Hopkins University has found a link between the human papilloma virus (HPV) and oropharyngeal cancer, more commonly known as throat cancer. The findings confirm that oral sex is a risk factor for throat cancer, although the risk is relatively small. The study, published in the May 10th edition of The New England Journal of Medicine, studied 100 people who were diagnosed with oropharyngeal cancer. Two hundred people without the disease were also included in the study. What the Study FoundBesides confirming the HPV link to throat cancer, the study concluded: having a large amount of vaginal sex partners over a course of a lifetime (more than 26 partners) is linked to the development of throat cancer people with a large amount of oral sex partners (more than 6) were three times more likely to develop oral cancer oral cancer is strongly associated with HPV-16, a strain of the virus that is also associated with cervical cancer in women heavy smoking and drinking do... More About: Cancer , Throat Cancer
Breast Cancer
2007-05-14 21:01:00 It has been proved from the earlier studies that Brea st Cancer run in families mainly among sisters of Blood Group O. So, it is necessary for the woman to undergo periodic screening for breast cancer. Screening of Breast cancer is very essential starting from the age of 20 years. Breast exams--at least every three years between the ages of 20 and 40 and every year after age 40. The problem with the detection of Breast cancer occurs as most of the woman are of shy nature and also progression of cancer is very slow and painless.The sign and symptoms are not so alarming in the earlier stages.Some researchers believe that maintaining a low-fat diet can lower a person's risk for breast cancer.A physical examination, mammography and breast self-examination (BSE) make up the conventional early detection approach. Mammogram is a special x-ray picture of the breast. Due to modern mammography equipment and techniques, women only receive a minimal amount of radiation during the procedure. Wit... More About: Breast Cancer
What Causes Insomnia
2007-05-14 16:22:00 There can be many possible causes of insomnia. There can be one main cause, but often several factors interacting together will cause a sleep disturbance. The causes of insomnia include: Psychological causesPhysical causesTemporary events or factors Psychological Cause s Anxiety, a condition in which person feels increased tension, apprehension, and feelings of helplessness, fear, worry, and uncertainty. Stress, or how effectively a person copes with any emotional, physical, social, economic, or other factor that requires a response or change. Depression, most common problem, a mood disturbance characterized by feelings of sadness, despair, and discouragement. In addition, a lack of a good night's sleep can lead to these very same psychological problems, and a vicious cycle can develop. Physical CausesHormonal changes in women. These include premenstrual syndrome, menstruation, pregnancy, and menopause.Decreased melatonin. The levels of melatonin, the hormone that helps control slee... More About: Insomnia , Omni
ACE inhibitors + Aspirin and NSAIDs
2007-05-14 16:08:00 The interaction between indomethacin and ACE inhibitors is well established, with a number of studies showing that indomethacin can reduce the antihypertensive effect of captopril, enalapril, and lisinopril, and single studies showing it can reduce the antihypertensive effect of cilazapril and perindopril. Note that the interaction may not occur in all patients. If indomethacin is clearly required in a patient on any ACE inhibitor, it would be prudent to monitor blood pressure carefully. In comparative studies, indomethacin has been shown to have less effect on the calcium channel blockers amlodipine, felodipine, and nifedipine, than on enalapril. Therefore, a calcium channel blocker may be an alternative to an ACE inhibitor in a patient requiring indometacin. Low-dose aspirin (It may be prudent to increase blood pressure monitoring when any NSAID is added or discontinued in a patient on any ACE inhibitor. Intermittent use of NSAIDs should be considered as a possible cause of errati... More About: Aspirin , Said , Aids
Fructose: Sweet, But Dangerous
2007-05-08 13:31:00 Fructose is a monosaccharide (simple sugar), which the body can use for energy. Because it does not cause a high blood sugar rise (has a low glycemic index), it was once thought that fructose was a good substitute for sucrose (table sugar; cane or beet sugar), but the American Diabetes Association and nutritional experts have changed their minds about this. Is fructose bad for us? A small amount of fructose, such as would be found in most vegetables and fruits, is not a bad thing - in fact, there is evidence that a little bit may be a positive stimulus for proper glucose metabolism. However, too much fructose at once seems to overwhelm the body's capacity to process it. The diets of our ancestors contained only very small amounts of fructose. These days, estimates are that about 10% of the modern diet comes from fructose. What happens when we get too much fructose? Most of the carbohydrate we eat is made up of chains of glucose. When glucose enters the bloodstream, insulin release... More About: Sweet , Danger , Fructose , Dangerous
Do NOT Re-use mineral Water bottles
2007-05-07 10:19:00 How to avoid: Check on the bottom of the bottle there is a triangle sign and there will be a number on it. If the number is higher than or equal to 5 --> then this bottle is safe to use. Whatever number under 5 will release the chemical. For most bottle water, the number is 1. Did you know chemical released by plastic water bottles can cause cancer (It is not the water that affecting you but the chemical releasing from the bottle) More About: Water , Re-use , Mine , Bottle , Mineral
Obesity Treatment
2007-05-06 12:59:00 USDA-approved drugs are available for long-term treatment of obesity Sibutramine. Also called Meridia, it is used together with a reduced-calorie diet to help you lose weight and keep the lost weight from returning. This medicine is approved for people whose initial body mass index (BMI) is at least 30. Patients with other risk factors, such as high blood pressure or diabetes, can be treated with the drug if their BMI is 27 or higher. It can cause an increase in pulse and blood pressure. While you are taking sibutramine, your doctor will check your blood pressure and heart rate at regular visits. People with uncontrolled high blood pressure should not take sibutramine. Other side effects include dry mouth, headache, constipation, insomnia, anxiety, irritability or unusual impatience, nervousness, stuffy or runny nose, or trouble in sleeping. Orlistat. Also called Xenical, it prevents the body from absorbing some of the fat in food. It also prevents the body from absorbing some vit... More About: Obesity , Treatment , Treat
Nutrition Guidelines for Weight Loss
2007-05-06 12:12:00 Considering why you eat is a big part of controlling your intake. The reason we should eat is to live. If you eat just because there is food, you may eat twice, or more, what you actually need to consume. Eat to run, don't run in order to eat. Food is fuel. You've probably heard it before, but it is the way we were built. We were built to take in food in order to provide our bodies energy and we need to realize this and allow it to take part in how we look at food. No, you don't have to stop enjoying food or eating, but you do need to see food for what it is: fuel for your body. (If emotional eating or other eating disorders are a problem for you, please seek help. Millions of Americans have untreated eating disorders that harm them more and more everyday. Even if you feel your problem is not serious, you may find that researching eating disorders will give you a new perspective on your own problems.) Without proper fuel your body does not function at its best. The better your bo... More About: Weight Loss , Weight , Nutrition , Loss , Guidelines
Diabetes Prevention
2007-05-06 11:47:00 A lifestyle approach to preventing type 2 diabetes and managing complications in all types of diabetes, using Mind-Body-Spirit .If you’re like most with Type 2 diabetes, you’ve heard your physicians recommend proper diet, weight loss and exercise to better manage your diabetes. ButThe truth is that successful diabetes management is a lifelong process of learning…but you need to be in charge.Lifestyle modifications can be a very effective way to keep diabetes in control. Improved blood glucose control can slow the progression of long-term complications. Multiple small changes can lead to improvements in diabetes control, including a decreased need for medication. Diabetes requires a lifelong management plan, and persons with diabetes have a central role in this plan. Lifestyle modifications are an opportunity for diabetics to take charge of their health. Therefore, it is important to learn as much as possible about diabetes and to take an active role in making decisions about h... More About: Prevention , Vent
Your Guide to Running & Jogging
2007-05-06 11:26:00 Slimness and beauty are so closely related these days that it has caused a rash of fad diets and eating disorders to plague even the most "normal" and adjusted citizens. It is becoming nearly impossible to go to the grocery store and buy "regular" or "real" foods. Everything has something added to it, like supplements, or something taken from it, like carbs. Is that really the best way to lose weight? Why is it so much work to be healthy? The good news is it really should not be that much work. Amazingly, nature is perfectly suited to keeping us healthy. Our problem is working a variety of natural foods into our daily life and eating the right amount, not too much or too little. Lifestyle change is the hard part. Most people do not want to change the way they eat or the way they live. Because of that, the diets that work best are the ones that make the least amount of change and that work with the individual. The other hard part of lifestyle change is learning to be active. Thankful... More About: Running , Guide , Guid
NSAIDs; Naproxen + Amoxicillin
2007-05-04 12:48:00 An isolated report describes acute interstitial nephritis with nephrotic syndrome associated with the use of naproxen and amoxicillin.Case StudyA man without any previous renal problems developed acute interstitial nephritis with nephrotic syndrome after taking naproxen for 4 days (total 4 g) and amoxicillin for 10 days (total 24 g). He appeared to recover when the drugs were stopped, but 3 months later he developed renal failure and needed haemodialysis. 1 This is not only a rare syndrome (reported to be only 55 cases in the world literature in 1988) 1 but this is the first case involving both of these drugs. No special precautions would normally seem to be necessary. References 1. Nortier J, Depierreux M, Bourgeois V, Dupont P. Acute interstitial nephritis with nephrotic syndrome after intake of naproxen and amoxycillin. Nephrol Dial Transplant (1990) 5, 1055. Stockley's Drug Interactions More About: Said , Aids , Amoxicillin
How Much Stress Is beneficial for you
2007-04-30 21:26:00 You’ve noticed something that many people don’t realize: not all stress is bad for you--and we wouldn't want to eliminate it all even if we could! (That's why managing stress, rather than eliminating stress, is the goal here.) There are types of stress, such as eustress and acute stress, that are actually beneficial in keeping life interesting. This type of stress includes the thrill of a roller coaster or the excitement of planning a party. However, even this exciting stress adds can up and become negative if you get too much; if you don’t have time to recover from between one jolt of excitement and the next, your body’s stress response still gets to working overtime and takes a toll. How can you tell when your stress level has become too much—before things are overwhelming? Symptoms are different for everyone, but some common signs that you’ve had too much excitement and need to slow down include:Impatience or Edginess Lack of Enjoyment Sleep Problems Exhaustion If i... More About: Stress , Much , Bene , Tres
"Phytonutrients; Phytochemicals"
2007-04-29 10:52:00 Chemicals in plants (apart from vitamins, minerals, and macronutrients) that have a beneficial effect the body. There are hundreds, if not thousands of them, and they have effects such as antioxidants, boosting the immune system, anti-inflammatory, antiviral, antibacterial, and cellular repair. Highly colored vegetables and fruits tend to be highest in these chemicals, but tea, chocolate, nuts, and flax seeds are all excellent sources as well. Various families of plants tend towards certain families of phytonutrients, for example, orange foods tend to have the caretenoid group.The lycopene in tomatoes and pink grapefruit, the anthocyanins in berries, and the flavanoids in chocolate are all examples of beneficial phytonutrients.From Laura Dolson More About: Chemicals , Chemical , Chem , Trie
Diet and Exercise Can Turn Pre-Diabetes Around
2007-04-26 21:45:00 People diagnosed with pre-diabetes (impaired glucose tolerance) can reduce their risk of developing type 2 diabetes by losing just 5 to 7 percent of their body weight and exercising regularly, according to a clinical study by the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK) The study, "The Diabetes Prevention Program," (DPP) took place in 2002, and looked at whether a diagnosis of type 2 diabetes in people who had pre-diabetes could be prevented or delayed either by diet and exercise changes or by taking an oral diabetes medication. The results of the DPP study showed that a 5- to 7-percent weight loss reduced the risk of developing diabetes by 58 percent in the lifestyle intervention group. The group that received metformin had a 31 percent lower occurrence of type 2 diabetes. Of the over 21 million people in the U.S. who have diabetes, 95 percent have type 2. Obesity is one of the major risk factors for type 2. People who are obese have five times th... More About: Diet , Exercise , Round , Turn
Diet and Exercise Can Turn Pre-Diabetes Around
2007-04-26 21:45:00 People diagnosed with pre-diabetes (impaired glucose tolerance) can reduce their risk of developing type 2 diabetes by losing just 5 to 7 percent of their body weight and exercising regularly, according to a clinical study by the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK) The study, "The Diabetes Prevention Program," (DPP) took place in 2002, and looked at whether a diagnosis of type 2 diabetes in people who had pre-diabetes could be prevented or delayed either by diet and exercise changes or by taking an oral diabetes medication. The results of the DPP study showed that a 5- to 7-percent weight loss reduced the risk of developing diabetes by 58 percent in the lifestyle intervention group. The group that received metformin had a 31 percent lower occurrence of type 2 diabetes. Of the over 21 million people in the U.S. who have diabetes, 95 percent have type 2. Obesity is one of the major risk factors for type 2. People who are obese have five times th... More About: Diet , Exercise , Round , Turn
Opioid Analgesics
2007-04-26 21:05:00 Facts About Opioid Anal gesics Used to relieve moderate to severe pain.Reduce anxiety and distress.Cause drowsinessHave an abuse potential for addiction and physical dependenceAll opioids are controlled substances except for tramadol.Cause constipation.Cough suppression activity.Adverse effects: Respiratory depression, miosis, urinary retention, orthostatic hypotension, nausea, and vomiting.Tolerance occurs to most of the opioid effects.Drug interactions: Significant CNS depressant effects if combined with other CNS depressants, including alcohol.Mechanism of ActionThe effects of opioids are the result of them combining with the opioid receptors located primarily in the CNS but also in the peripheral nervous system. There are three main opioid receptor classes, designated mu (µ, MOP), kappa (k, KOP), and delta (, DOP). Evidence indicates that subtypes of these receptors also exist. The brain produces natural analgesics that combine with these receptors to provide natural pain relief...
Acetaminophen
2007-04-26 20:52:00 Use of acetaminophen is widespread because it has analgesic and antipyretic efficacy comparable to aspirin, but does not have some of the adverse effects associated with aspirin and other NSAIDs. In fact, some names of acetaminophen products incorporate the terms “nonaspirin” or “aspirin free” to emphasize that it is an aspirin-like product but is without aspirin. The following are points of comparison of acetaminophen with aspirin: Acetaminophen inhibits COX in the brain but not in the peripheral sites. Consequently, acetaminophen is an effective antipyretic but does not have significant anti-inflammatory activity and hence it is not an NSAID.Acetaminophen does not have the risk of causing Reye’s syndrome as does aspirin (see Chapter 6). Therefore, acetaminophen is safe to use in children and teenagers to treat muscle aches and fever associated with viral infections. Except for inhibition of COX in the brain, the mechanism of action of the analgesic activity for acetamino...
Paracetamol Toxicity
2007-04-26 10:54:00 Paracetamol is not absorbed from the stomach, and the rate of absorption is well correlated with the gastric emptying rate. Paracetamol has therefore been used as a marker drug in studies of gastric emptying. Paracetamol is primarily metabolised by the liver to a variety of metabolites, principally the glucuronide and sulfate conjugates. Hepatotoxicity of paracetamol is thought to be due to a minor metabolite, N-acetyl-p-benzoquinone imine (NAPQI), which is inactivated with glutathione and excreted as mercapturate and cysteine conjugates. When the liver stores of glutathione are depleted, and the rate of production of NAPQI exceeds the rate of production of glutathione, excess NAPQI attaches to liver protein and causes liver damage. CYP2E1 may be involved in the formation of this hepatotoxic metabolite. More About: City , Para , Toxic , Tamo
Theophylline in Asthma
2007-04-23 11:34:00 Theophylline, a methylxanthine, is among the least expensive drugs used to treat asthma, and consequently, it remains a commonly used drug for this indication in many countries. In industrialized countries, the advent of inhaled glucocorticoids, b adrenergic receptor agonists, and leukotriene-modifying drugs has diminished theophylline use significantly, and it has been relegated to a third- or fourth-line treatment in patients whose asthma is otherwise difficult to control. Theophylline inhibits cyclic nucleotide PDEs, thereby preventing breakdown of cyclic AMP and cyclic GMP to 5¢-AMP and 5¢-GMP, respectively. Inhibition of PDEs will lead to an accumulation of cyclic AMP and cyclic GMP, thereby increasing signal transduction through these pathways. The cyclic nucleotide PDEs are members of a superfamily of genetically distinct enzymes. Theophylline and related methylxanthines are relatively nonselective in the PDE subtypes they inhibit. Theophylline is a competitive antagon... More About: Asthma , Line , Theo
Cola-flavored drinks usually contain considerable amounts of caffeine
2007-04-23 11:05:00 Theophylline, caffeine, and theobromine are three closely related plant alkaloids that are imbibed widely. At least half the population of the world consumes tea (containing caffeine and small amounts of theophylline and theobromine) prepared from the leaves of Thea sinensis, a bush native to southern China and now cultivated extensively in other countries. Cocoa and chocolate, from the seeds of Theobroma cacao, contain theobromine and some caffeine. Coffee, the most popular source of caffeine in the American diet, is extracted from the fruit of Coffea arabica and related species. Cola -flavored drinks usually contain considerable amounts of caffeine in part because of their content of extracts of the nuts of Cola acuminata and in part because caffeine is added during their production. The basis for the popularity of all caffeine-containing beverages is the ancient belief that they have stimulant and antisoporific actions that elevate mood, decrease fatigue, and increase capacity for... More About: Drinks , Side , Flavor , Usually
PHARMACOTHERAPY OF ASTHMA (Glucocorticoids )
More articles from this author:2007-04-22 12:12:00 Corticosteroids Systemic glucocorticoids long have been used to treat severe chronic asthma or severe acute exacerbations of asthma. The development of aerosol formulations significantly improved the safety of glucocorticoid treatment, allowing it to be used for moderate asthma. Asthma tic subjects who require inhaled b2 adrenergic agonists four or more times weekly are viewed as candidates for inhaled glucocorticoids. Asthma is associated with airway inflammation, airway hyperreactivity, and acute bronchoconstriction. Glucocorticoids do not directly relax airway smooth muscle and thus have little effect on acute bronchoconstriction. By contrast, these agents are singularly effective in inhibiting airway inflammation. The antiinflammatory effects of glucocorticoids in asthma include modulation of cytokine and chemokine production; inhibition of eicosanoid synthesis; marked inhibition of accumulation of basophils, eosinophils, and other leukocytes in lung tissue; and decr... More About: Pharma , Hera , Therapy , Coco 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7 |



