Oxford Handbook of Respiratory Medicine
Oxford Handbook of Respiratory Medicine
Pulmonology
Wednesday, October 19, 2011
Pulmonology
Pulmonology is the subspecialty of internal medicine concerned with diseases of the lungs and bronchial tubes, which often involves evaluation of the upper respiratory tract (nose, pharynx and throat) as well as the heart.Pulmonologists must first complete seven or more years of medical school and postgraduate training and become board certified in Internal Medicine. Then, for an additional two to three years, they study conditions specific to the respiratory system.
What pulmonologists do
Pulmonologists are specially trained in diseases and conditions of the chest, such as pneumonia, asthma, tuberculosis, emphysema, or complicated chest infections.When you need a pulmonologist
Not everyone who suffers from an acute respiratory condition or chronic respiratory diseases needs a pulmonologist. Many of these conditions can be managed by a general internist. Their skills are usually needed for patients with complex pulmonary problems, such as emphysema, tuberculosis, asthma, complicated infections of the chest, the pulmonary complications of AIDS, injury, and complications of respiratory diagnostic and therapeutic procedures.Does a pulmonologist perform surgery?
Major surgical procedures are performed by a thoracic surgeon. Yet pulmonologists often perform specialized procedures to obtain samples of the lining of the chest wall or of the lung itself. For example, they use flexible fiber optics to see inside the air passages and extract sample pieces for study. They also perform angiographic visualization -- injecting dye into the pulmonary arteries to view the blood vessels in the lungs.Download Brochures
Click here to download a free copy of “Living With Asthma” and here to download a free copy of “Living With Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD): A Guide for African Americans.” (PDF format: Adobe Acrobat needed)
Download a printable brochure containing the information on this page. (PDF format: Adobe Acrobat needed)
source
source
What is the treatment for mesothelioma?
Monday, July 11, 2011
What is the treatment for mesothelioma?
There are three traditional kinds of treatment for patients with malignant mesothelioma. Often two or more of these are combined in the course of treatment:
- surgery (taking out the cancer),
- radiation therapy (using high-dose X-rays or other high-energy rays to kill cancer cells), and
- chemotherapy (using drugs to fight the cancer).
Additional information
Surgery: There are several types of surgery used in treating mesothelioma.
- A pleurectomy is the removal of part of the chest or abdomen lining and some of the tissue around it.
- Depending on how far the cancer has spread, a lung also may be removed in an operation called a pneumonectomy.
- In an extrapleural pneumonectomy, the lung is removed along with the lining and diaphragm (the muscle that helps you breathe) on the affected side. In this surgery, the lining around the heart is also removed.
- Sometimes a pleurectomy/decortication is performed. In this surgery, the lining of the lung is removed along with as much of the tumor as possible.
Radiation therapy uses high-energy X-rays to kill cancer cells and shrink tumors. Radiation may come from a machine outside the body (external radiation therapy) or from putting materials that produce radiation (radioisotopes) through thin plastic tubes in the area where the cancer cells are found (internal radiation therapy).
If fluid has collected in the chest or abdomen, your doctor may drain the fluid out of your body by putting in a needle into the chest or abdomen and using gentle suction to remove the fluid. If fluid is removed from the chest, this is called thoracentesis. If fluid is removed from the abdomen, this is called paracentesis. Your doctor may also put drugs through a tube into the chest to prevent more fluid from accumulating.
Chemotherapy is the use of drugs to kill cancer cells. Chemotherapy may be administered by pill, or it may be put into the body by a needle in the vein or muscle.
Chemotherapeutic agents can be administered either systemically (through the bloodstream) or intrapleurally (in the pleural cavity). When it is administered intrapleurally, the treatment is localized at the site of the tumor. These drugs are generally very toxic and you should discuss their use very carefully with your physician.
Mesothelioma treatment options
Mesothelioma treatment options
(traditional and new treatments being studied)
(traditional and new treatments being studied) Treatment options are determined by the stage of mesothelioma (the extent to which the tumor has spread in the body). There are three staging systems currently in use, and each one measures somewhat different variables.
The oldest staging system and the one most often used is the Butchart system, which is based mainly on the extent of primary tumor mass and divides mesotheliomas into four stages.
Butchart system extent of primary tumor mass
- Stage I: Mesothelioma is present in the right or left pleura and may also involve the diaphragm on the same side.
- Stage II: Mesothelioma invades the chest wall or involves the esophagus, heart, or pleura on both sides. Lymph nodes in the chest may also be involved.
- Stage III: Mesothelioma has penetrated through the diaphragm into the lining of the abdominal cavity or peritoneum. Lymph nodes beyond those in the chest may also be involved.
- Stage IV: There is evidence of metastasis or spread through the bloodstream to other organs.
The more recent TNM system considers variables of tumor in mass and spread, lymph node involvement, and metastasis.
TNM system: variables of T (tumor), N (lymph nodes), and M (metastasis)
- Stage I: Mesothelioma involves right or left pleura and may also have spread to the lung, pericardium, or diaphragm on the same side. Lymph nodes are not involved.
- Stage II: Mesothelioma has spread from the pleura on one side to nearby lymph nodes next to the lung on the same side. It may also have spread into the lung, pericardium, or diaphragm on the same side.
- Stage III: Mesothelioma is now in the chest wall, muscle, ribs, heart, esophagus, or other organs in the chest on the same side with or without spread to lymph nodes on the same side as the primary tumor.
- Stage IV: Mesothelioma has spread into the lymph nodes in the chest on the side opposite the primary tumor, extended to the pleura or lung on the opposite side, or directly extended into organs in the abdominal cavity or neck. Any distant metastases is included in this stage.
The Brigham system is the latest system and stages mesothelioma according to resectability (the ability to surgically remove the tumor) and lymph node involvement.
Brigham system: variables of tumor resectability and nodal status
- Stage I: resectable mesothelioma and no lymph node involvement
- Stage II: resectable mesothelioma but with lymph node involvement
- Stage III: unresectable mesothelioma extending into chest wall, heart, or through diaphragm, peritoneum; with or without extrathoracic lymph-node involvement
- Stage IV: distant metastatic diseaseMesothelioma treatment options (traditional and new treatments being studied)
Treatment options are determined by the stage of mesothelioma (the extent to which the tumor has spread in the body). There are three staging systems currently in use, and each one measures somewhat different variables.
The oldest staging system and the one most often used is the Butchart system, which is based mainly on the extent of primary tumor mass and divides mesotheliomas into four stages.
Butchart system extent of primary tumor mass
- Stage I: Mesothelioma is present in the right or left pleura and may also involve the diaphragm on the same side.
- Stage II: Mesothelioma invades the chest wall or involves the esophagus, heart, or pleura on both sides. Lymph nodes in the chest may also be involved.
- Stage III: Mesothelioma has penetrated through the diaphragm into the lining of the abdominal cavity or peritoneum. Lymph nodes beyond those in the chest may also be involved.
- Stage IV: There is evidence of metastasis or spread through the bloodstream to other organs.
The more recent TNM system considers variables of tumor in mass and spread, lymph node involvement, and metastasis.
TNM system: variables of T (tumor), N (lymph nodes), and M (metastasis)
- Stage I: Mesothelioma involves right or left pleura and may also have spread to the lung, pericardium, or diaphragm on the same side. Lymph nodes are not involved.
- Stage II: Mesothelioma has spread from the pleura on one side to nearby lymph nodes next to the lung on the same side. It may also have spread into the lung, pericardium, or diaphragm on the same side.
- Stage III: Mesothelioma is now in the chest wall, muscle, ribs, heart, esophagus, or other organs in the chest on the same side with or without spread to lymph nodes on the same side as the primary tumor.
- Stage IV: Mesothelioma has spread into the lymph nodes in the chest on the side opposite the primary tumor, extended to the pleura or lung on the opposite side, or directly extended into organs in the abdominal cavity or neck. Any distant metastases is included in this stage.
The Brigham system is the latest system and stages mesothelioma according to resectability (the ability to surgically remove the tumor) and lymph node involvement.
Brigham system: variables of tumor resectability and nodal status
- Stage I: resectable mesothelioma and no lymph node involvement
- Stage II: resectable mesothelioma but with lymph node involvement
- Stage III: unresectable mesothelioma extending into chest wall, heart, or through diaphragm, peritoneum; with or without extrathoracic lymph-node involvement
- Stage IV: distant metastatic disease
What is the prognosis for mesothelioma?
Like most cancers, the prognosis for this disease often depends on how early it is diagnosed and how aggressively it is treated. Unfortunately, mesothelioma is often found at a stage in which a cure is unobtainable. Many will succumb to the disease within one year of diagnosis.
How is mesothelioma diagnosed?
How is mesothelioma diagnosed?
Mesothelioma is diagnosed by pathological examination from a biopsy. Tissue is removed, placed under the microscope, and a pathologist makes a definitive diagnosis and issues a pathology report. This is the end of a process that usually begins with symptoms that send most people to the doctor: a fluid buildup around the lungs (pleural effusions), shortness of breath, pain in the chest, or pain or swelling in the abdomen. The doctor may order an X-ray or CT scanFalling Star
of the chest or abdomen. If further examination is warranted, the following tests may be done:
of the chest or abdomen. If further examination is warranted, the following tests may be done: - Thoracoscopy
For pleural mesothelioma, the doctor may look inside the chest cavity with a special instrument called a thoracoscope. A cut will be made through the chest wall and the thoracoscope will be put into the chest between two ribs. This test is usually done in a hospital using a local anesthetic or painkiller.
If fluid has collected in your chest, your doctor may drain the fluid out of your body by putting a needle into your chest and using gentle suction to remove the fluid. This is called thoracentesis. - Peritoneoscopy
For peritoneal mesothelioma, the doctor may also look inside the abdomen with a special tool called a peritoneoscope. The peritoneoscope is put into an opening made in the abdomen. This test is usually done in the hospital under a local anesthetic.
If fluid has collected in your abdomen, your doctor may drain the fluid out of your body by putting a needle into your abdomen and using gentle suction to remove the fluid. This process is called paracentesis. - Biopsy
If abnormal tissue is found, the doctor will need to cut out a small piece and have it looked at under a microscope. This is usually done during the thoracoscopy or peritoneoscopy, but can be done during surgery.
Unfortunately, in some cases, tumor cells can grow along the tract where the biopsy is taken. This can be minimized with the use of radiation to the area.
mesothelioma and time
How much asbestos exposure does it take to get mesothelioma?
An exposure of as little as one or two months can result in mesothelioma 30 or 40 years later and in some cases, as much as 70 years later.
How long does it take after asbestos exposure for mesothelioma to show up?
People exposed in the 1940s, '50s, '60s, and '70s are now being diagnosed with mesothelioma because of the long latency period of asbestos disease.
What causes mesothelioma?
What causes mesothelioma?
Most people with malignant mesothelioma have worked on jobs where they breathed asbestos. Usually, this involves men over 40 years of age. Others have been exposed to asbestos in a household environment, often without knowing it. Interestingly, the number of new cases of mesothelioma has been relatively stable since 1983, the same time that the restrictions on asbestos were instituted by the U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA). In Europe, the number of new cases of mesothelioma continues to rise.
What are the symptoms of mesothelioma?
Sunday, July 10, 2011
What are the symptoms of mesothelioma?
Most people present with complaints of shortness of breath. They also can have complaints of chest pain. Surprisingly, this pain is often not pleuritic; that is, it does not get worse with deep breathing. This is surprising in that the pleura (outer surface of the lung) is often involved in this disease, and most other diseases involving the pleura are often associated with pleuritic pain (pain that worsens with deep breathing). Patients may also be asymptomatic, with the disease discovered by physical exam or an abnormal chest X-ray.
As the disease progresses, shortness of breath increases, and weight loss, decreased appetite, and night sweats can develop. Local invasion by the tumor can result in changing of voice, loss of function of the diaphragm, and symptoms specific to the area and involvement of adjacent structures.
What is mesothelioma?
What is mesothelioma?
Mesothelioma is a rare form of cancer (malignancy) that most frequently arises from the cells lining the sacs of the chest (the pleura) or the abdomen (the peritoneum). Pleural mesothelioma is the most common form, often presenting with symptoms in the chest area. Peritoneal mesothelioma is much less common. This can effect the organs in the abdomen, and its symptoms are related to this area of the body, that is, abdominal swelling, nausea, vomiting, and bowel obstruction. The rarest form of mesothelioma is pericardial mesothelioma, which involves the sac surrounding the heart.
There are two major cell types of mesothelioma, epithelial and sarcomatoid. Sometimes both of these cell types can be present. The sarcomatoid type is rarer and occurs in only about 15% of cases; it portends a poorer prognosis. In very rare cases, mesothelioma can originate from benign, non-malignant cells. This so-called benign mesothelioma can be cured surgically.
Egyptian Ministry of Health withdraws six medical preparations lead to death
Thursday, June 9, 2011
Egyptian Ministry of Health decided to withdraw six medical preparations from the market after monitoring the adverse effects on the heart and nerves may lead to death.
Where Dr. Ashraf Bayoumi, Chairman of the Central Sector of Pharmaceutical Affairs, had been withdrawn six products registered containing the article "Bovlomidel" in all concentrations and forms of the pharmacy from the local market and Tharizha stores based on a decision of the Technical Committee to monitor the drugs issued by the Listing in 05/31/2011.
These include lotions, CD Ovil 150 mg, 300 mg and Pavlodel, and Villatol 300 mg and 150 mg, and Pavlomid 300 mg, 150 mg Vasumikan.
The Committee on pharmaceuticals Human Agency Alouribp Medicines Evaluation has issued a report on 20.05.2011 recommended the suspension of the use of preparations containing the article "Bovlomidel" until the completion of the evaluation currently under way to balance risk in relation to benefits for this article it was noted that the balance of Risks started to excel on the balance of benefits, and also by France to prevent the product already in February 2011 after monitoring the adverse effects on the heart and nerves may lead to death.
Where Dr. Ashraf Bayoumi, Chairman of the Central Sector of Pharmaceutical Affairs, had been withdrawn six products registered containing the article "Bovlomidel" in all concentrations and forms of the pharmacy from the local market and Tharizha stores based on a decision of the Technical Committee to monitor the drugs issued by the Listing in 05/31/2011.
These include lotions, CD Ovil 150 mg, 300 mg and Pavlodel, and Villatol 300 mg and 150 mg, and Pavlomid 300 mg, 150 mg Vasumikan.
The Committee on pharmaceuticals Human Agency Alouribp Medicines Evaluation has issued a report on 20.05.2011 recommended the suspension of the use of preparations containing the article "Bovlomidel" until the completion of the evaluation currently under way to balance risk in relation to benefits for this article it was noted that the balance of Risks started to excel on the balance of benefits, and also by France to prevent the product already in February 2011 after monitoring the adverse effects on the heart and nerves may lead to death.
Arthritis-Definitions and Types
Sunday, May 8, 2011
Before we delve into the remedies for arthritis, it is important to understand the two main types of arthritis. There are over one hundred types of arthritis but they all go under the heading of these two main branches:
1. Osteoarthritis
This is my burden in life, the main type and the one most often suffered. Osteoarthritis means basically the degeneration of joints. Your knees and hips and lower back are giving out on you and the loss of mobility in these joints causes untold pain. If you are an athlete or an older person you most likely suffer from some degree of osteoarthritis. You find that your lower back aches, your knees hurt when you climb stairs and your hips ache if you stand or sit too long. You are not alone. Over 33 million people in the United States suffer from this type of arthritis. This condition can and does result from obesity because the wear and tear also results from the weight-bearing joints start to break down. With Osteoarthritis, the cartilage or soft bone in the joint begins to wear down. It had been serving as your shock absorber for many years, and protecting the joints from damage. As more damage to your joints occurs over time, the cartilage on the bones of the joint starts to wear away more and more and soon it does not work at all.
The cushioning effect of the cartilage is gone and also the gel-like fluid in the joints. The end result is pain when you run, walk or stand for a long time. You might HYHQ KHDU WKH JUDWLQJ VRXQG DV WKH MRLQW·V URXJK HGJHV RI FDUWLODJH UXE XS DJDLQVt each other. Bone spurs can develop at they end of the bones and they are very painful.
If one area, such as your lower back is affected, there are several vertebrae affected. An x-ray of your lower back and knees will be able to detect the damage and to what degree each is suffering. The diagnostician will be able to pinpoint which S joints or Spinal joints and L joints or Lumbar will need attention, or to what degree you knee joints are affected. After that determination you are responsible for whichever treatment you opt to take, and you need to be informed. Many people continue to live athletic and demanding lives, you will not be compromised by osteoarthritis, but you will need help. And that you have to judge for yourself!
The Second Type of Arthritis
The second most debilitating type of arthritis is called Rheumatoid Arthritis. It is characterized as an enduring disease that affects joints in any part of the body but most especially the hands, wrists and knees. You may remember your grandmother or aunt with gnarled up hands, enlarged knuckles and closed up fists. She was hardly able to lift a spoon or a pot, but she could still cook. The only trouble is she could no longer knit, crochet or do any fine-motor skills. The looks of the hand is the signal that rheumatism has taken over. In this type of arthritis, the body is attacking itself, called auto-immune disease. There were no damages or accidents to the wrist or knuckles or knees. The body is simply ganging up on itself and causing the joints to swell up and gnarl up. The inflammation in the joints then spreads to any surrounding tissues and can damage the cartilage or bone. In very severe cases rheumatism can spread and do damage to the skin, eyes and nerves. Lupus, gout and fibromyalgia are also classed under the rheumatoid arthritis branch in which the body is attacking itself and is an auto-immune disease. The first symptoms of any sort of arthritis are:
x Pain in the joint areas of the body
x Fatigue due to lack of beneficial sleep
x Aches which seem to come and go with changes in the weather x Diminished capacity of active life
x Joints react with severe stabs of pain
x Lower back aches which start with early morning stiffness and reappear all day x Pain reappears throughout the day with normal activity Lupus is an agonizing auto-immune systemic disease in which the antibodies start to attack QRW RQO\ WKH MRLQWV EXW DOVR WKH ERG\·V RUJDQV 7KH KHDUW NLGQH\V H\HV OXQJV DQG VNLQ FDQ
become involved and slowly fill the patient with agonizing pain. Gout occurs when crystals gather in the joint, as in the knees, and make movement of any sort painful and difficult. The knees, knuckles and toes are the most susceptible to gout. Fibromyalgia is another type of arthritis in which the muscles surrounding the joints are affected with pain and aches. There are 11 points that a rheumatologist checks and at least 8 of them have to react in order to be determined as Fibromyalgia. It is often grouped together with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome but I find that not to be the case. Pain and discomfort is the only characteristic for me with bouts of fatigue on certain days. Medical Treatment for Arthritis
Now that we have defined what arthritis is, we can discuss what the medical field will offer you in one form or another. The doctors and rheumatologists have diagnosed the arthritis so it their duty to follow through with a medical plan. You might be offered an anti-inflammatory in pill form. An anti-inflammatory or NSAID is usually very safe to take and does not interfere with any other medication you might be taking. It is used for arthritis pain, sports injuries and headaches. It will relieve the constant pain or ache if taken on schedule, daily and with food. The only side effects that I am familiar with are stomach problems, so take them with food to reduce the risk of an ulcer,
Names of NSAIDs that you might recognize are Naproxen, Celebrex and aspirin. In fact, ordinary baby aspirin of 81 mg is also recommended for heart patients to prevent blood clots. So in addition to relieving pain, aspirin is good for the heart in a small dose every day. An NSAID is fine to relieve the inflammation but the pain is a different matter. Pain relievers that can be prescribed or sold over the counter are Tylenol, Advil, Motrin, and many others too many of which to include. These pain relievers in addition to the NSAIDs as above would be an adequate combination to help out with the pain and aches of arthritis.
If, however, your arthritis, or disc degeneration is so severe, and the pain unbearable, the doctor may give you a prescription for Tylenol #3 or #4, Oxycocet or Percocet which are YHU\ SRWHQW 'RQ·W SODQ RQ ZRUNLQJ RU GULYLQJ RU WDNLQJ FDUH RI VPDOO FKLOGUHQ if you are taking these on a regular basis. I take mine at night to give me a deep sleep along with Naproxen to reduce the swelling. Also keep in mind that these are narcotics and they are very potent. Do not leave any pills or medication within reach of a baby or youngster, Opiates are also very habit-forming and can become a problem if you take them for a long period of time.
In addition to medication, the doctor may request that you have sports therapy which is a special athletic gym with equipment to reduce the weight bearing on your joints and give your muscles a work out. Physiotherapists are trained to put you on a routine of special equipment to take the pressure off of the joints and to reduce the inflammation. It is wonderful to take part in the facilities and to gain some strength and agility back. Alternative Methods for Arthritis
For every country, culture and ethnicity there is a cure for arthritis. We are now learning to trust and use the alternative methods which have proven tried and true for centuries for many races. Modern society has the majority of us run to the university trained doctors but we do not necessarily need to choose their suggestions for a cure. I will offer home remedies first because some of them can be made from the garden or from household items. Bear in mind that these are for your perusal and do not promise to cure. Once again, make sure your doctor knows what you are trying. 1. Teas made of just about any herb or root, steeped for two minutes, drunk three times daily
1. Osteoarthritis
This is my burden in life, the main type and the one most often suffered. Osteoarthritis means basically the degeneration of joints. Your knees and hips and lower back are giving out on you and the loss of mobility in these joints causes untold pain. If you are an athlete or an older person you most likely suffer from some degree of osteoarthritis. You find that your lower back aches, your knees hurt when you climb stairs and your hips ache if you stand or sit too long. You are not alone. Over 33 million people in the United States suffer from this type of arthritis. This condition can and does result from obesity because the wear and tear also results from the weight-bearing joints start to break down. With Osteoarthritis, the cartilage or soft bone in the joint begins to wear down. It had been serving as your shock absorber for many years, and protecting the joints from damage. As more damage to your joints occurs over time, the cartilage on the bones of the joint starts to wear away more and more and soon it does not work at all.
The cushioning effect of the cartilage is gone and also the gel-like fluid in the joints. The end result is pain when you run, walk or stand for a long time. You might HYHQ KHDU WKH JUDWLQJ VRXQG DV WKH MRLQW·V URXJK HGJHV RI FDUWLODJH UXE XS DJDLQVt each other. Bone spurs can develop at they end of the bones and they are very painful.
If one area, such as your lower back is affected, there are several vertebrae affected. An x-ray of your lower back and knees will be able to detect the damage and to what degree each is suffering. The diagnostician will be able to pinpoint which S joints or Spinal joints and L joints or Lumbar will need attention, or to what degree you knee joints are affected. After that determination you are responsible for whichever treatment you opt to take, and you need to be informed. Many people continue to live athletic and demanding lives, you will not be compromised by osteoarthritis, but you will need help. And that you have to judge for yourself!
The Second Type of Arthritis
The second most debilitating type of arthritis is called Rheumatoid Arthritis. It is characterized as an enduring disease that affects joints in any part of the body but most especially the hands, wrists and knees. You may remember your grandmother or aunt with gnarled up hands, enlarged knuckles and closed up fists. She was hardly able to lift a spoon or a pot, but she could still cook. The only trouble is she could no longer knit, crochet or do any fine-motor skills. The looks of the hand is the signal that rheumatism has taken over. In this type of arthritis, the body is attacking itself, called auto-immune disease. There were no damages or accidents to the wrist or knuckles or knees. The body is simply ganging up on itself and causing the joints to swell up and gnarl up. The inflammation in the joints then spreads to any surrounding tissues and can damage the cartilage or bone. In very severe cases rheumatism can spread and do damage to the skin, eyes and nerves. Lupus, gout and fibromyalgia are also classed under the rheumatoid arthritis branch in which the body is attacking itself and is an auto-immune disease. The first symptoms of any sort of arthritis are:
x Pain in the joint areas of the body
x Fatigue due to lack of beneficial sleep
x Aches which seem to come and go with changes in the weather x Diminished capacity of active life
x Joints react with severe stabs of pain
x Lower back aches which start with early morning stiffness and reappear all day x Pain reappears throughout the day with normal activity Lupus is an agonizing auto-immune systemic disease in which the antibodies start to attack QRW RQO\ WKH MRLQWV EXW DOVR WKH ERG\·V RUJDQV 7KH KHDUW NLGQH\V H\HV OXQJV DQG VNLQ FDQ
become involved and slowly fill the patient with agonizing pain. Gout occurs when crystals gather in the joint, as in the knees, and make movement of any sort painful and difficult. The knees, knuckles and toes are the most susceptible to gout. Fibromyalgia is another type of arthritis in which the muscles surrounding the joints are affected with pain and aches. There are 11 points that a rheumatologist checks and at least 8 of them have to react in order to be determined as Fibromyalgia. It is often grouped together with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome but I find that not to be the case. Pain and discomfort is the only characteristic for me with bouts of fatigue on certain days. Medical Treatment for Arthritis
Now that we have defined what arthritis is, we can discuss what the medical field will offer you in one form or another. The doctors and rheumatologists have diagnosed the arthritis so it their duty to follow through with a medical plan. You might be offered an anti-inflammatory in pill form. An anti-inflammatory or NSAID is usually very safe to take and does not interfere with any other medication you might be taking. It is used for arthritis pain, sports injuries and headaches. It will relieve the constant pain or ache if taken on schedule, daily and with food. The only side effects that I am familiar with are stomach problems, so take them with food to reduce the risk of an ulcer,
Names of NSAIDs that you might recognize are Naproxen, Celebrex and aspirin. In fact, ordinary baby aspirin of 81 mg is also recommended for heart patients to prevent blood clots. So in addition to relieving pain, aspirin is good for the heart in a small dose every day. An NSAID is fine to relieve the inflammation but the pain is a different matter. Pain relievers that can be prescribed or sold over the counter are Tylenol, Advil, Motrin, and many others too many of which to include. These pain relievers in addition to the NSAIDs as above would be an adequate combination to help out with the pain and aches of arthritis.
If, however, your arthritis, or disc degeneration is so severe, and the pain unbearable, the doctor may give you a prescription for Tylenol #3 or #4, Oxycocet or Percocet which are YHU\ SRWHQW 'RQ·W SODQ RQ ZRUNLQJ RU GULYLQJ RU WDNLQJ FDUH RI VPDOO FKLOGUHQ if you are taking these on a regular basis. I take mine at night to give me a deep sleep along with Naproxen to reduce the swelling. Also keep in mind that these are narcotics and they are very potent. Do not leave any pills or medication within reach of a baby or youngster, Opiates are also very habit-forming and can become a problem if you take them for a long period of time.
In addition to medication, the doctor may request that you have sports therapy which is a special athletic gym with equipment to reduce the weight bearing on your joints and give your muscles a work out. Physiotherapists are trained to put you on a routine of special equipment to take the pressure off of the joints and to reduce the inflammation. It is wonderful to take part in the facilities and to gain some strength and agility back. Alternative Methods for Arthritis
For every country, culture and ethnicity there is a cure for arthritis. We are now learning to trust and use the alternative methods which have proven tried and true for centuries for many races. Modern society has the majority of us run to the university trained doctors but we do not necessarily need to choose their suggestions for a cure. I will offer home remedies first because some of them can be made from the garden or from household items. Bear in mind that these are for your perusal and do not promise to cure. Once again, make sure your doctor knows what you are trying. 1. Teas made of just about any herb or root, steeped for two minutes, drunk three times daily
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
