Saturday, July 12, 2008

Gastroparesis - Causes, Symptoms and Treatment Methods


Gastroparesis is the failure of the stomach to empty because of decreased gastric motility. It is also called delayed gastric emptying. Diabetes is the most common cause of gastroparesis. Gastroparesis can also occur after stomach surgery for other conditions. Gastroparesis is a weak stomach. It can be the cause of a number of abdominal complaints. The stomach is a hollow organ composed primarily of muscle that serves as a storage container for food. It can make diabetes worse by adding to the difficulty of controlling blood glucose.

When food that has been delayed in the stomach finally enters the small intestine and is absorbed, blood glucose levels rise. Since gastroparesis makes stomach emptying unpredictable, a person's blood glucose levels can be erratic and difficult to control. Patients who undergo gastric surgery may develop gastroparesis, especially those who have had preoperative gastric outlet obstruction as a complication of peptic ulcer disease. Patients with pseudo-obstruction often have delayed gastric emptying as well.

Gastroparesis can make diabetes worse by adding to the difficulty of controlling blood glucose. People with scleroderma, those on anticholinergic medications commonly used for treatment of conditions such as asthma and Parkinson's disease, and those who have had surgery for treatment of a duodenal ulcer may also suffer from gastroparesis. Gastroparesis may be caused by motor dysfunction or paralysis of stomach muscles or may be associated with other systemic diseases such as diabetes mellitus.

When the condition of gastroparesis is present the stomach is unable to contract normally, and therefore cannot crush food nor propel food into the small intestine properly. With gastroparesis, the stomach is paralyzed, so its function is greatly reduced or lost. Dietary changes and certain medications sometimes help control symptoms of gastroparesis, but they're not effective in every case. Gastroparesis results in delayed emptying of food from the stomach into the small intestine.

Causes of Gastroparesis

The common causes and risk factor's of Gastroparesis include the following:

Medications, particularly anticholinergics and narcotics (drugs that slow contractions in the intestine).

Diabetes.

Systemic sclerosis.

Postviral syndromes.

Drinking alcoholic beverages and coffee.

Smoking.

previous gastrectomy.

Metabolic disorders, including hypothyroidism.

Use of anticholinergic medication.

Imbalances of minerals in the blood such as potassium.

Gastroparesis may also be a complication of stomach surgery for ulcer disease or weight loss.

Symptoms of Gastroparesis

Some sign and symptoms related to Gastroparesis are as follows:

A feeling of fullness after just a few bites (early satiety).

Abdominal bloating.

Nausea and vomiting.

Premature abdominal fullness after meals.

Lack of appetite.

Abdominal discomfort (These symptoms may be mild or severe, depending on the person.)

Tingling, burning, or prickling.

Sharp pains or cramps.

Upset stomach and/or vomiting.

Treatment of Gastroparesis

Here is list of the methods for treating Gastroparesis:

Diabetics may improve symptoms of gastroparesis by gaining better control of blood sugar levels.

Metoclopramide (Reglan): This drug stimulates stomach muscle contractions to help empty food. It also helps reduce nausea and vomiting.

Eating small meals and soft (well-cooked) foods may also help relieve some symptoms.

Cholinergic drugs, which act on acetylcholin nerve receptors.

Botulinum toxin (Botox) injected into the pylorus (outlet of the stomach).

If you have a bezoar, the doctor may use an endoscope to inject medication that will dissolve it.

Domperidone (Motilium, Janssen) is another drug that improves gastric emptying and may have less side-effects.

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Arkaig_Roe's weblog

Lamictal Rash Lawyer


Lamictal, or lamotrigine, is an anti-seizure medication that has been prescribed to treat epileptic seizures for about 10 years. In addition to its mood stabilizing effects, Lamictal has antidepressant effects as well that have been prescribed for bipolar or manic depressive patients. Some researchers have suggested that Lamictal be the first-prescribed medication for bipolar patients suffering from more depressed versions of the disorder. Often antidepressants prescribed for bipolar disorder will trigger manic phases, increasing the rate of unhealthy mood swings, but Lamictal does not appear to have this same effect.

As an anti-epileptic drug, Lamictal is considered broad spectrum. This means that it effectively treats both partial-onset and generalized-onset epilepsy. It is thought to do this by inhibiting sodium channels and reducing glutamate (an excitatory neurotransmitter) release. Lamictal is available in tablets of many sizes and doses, with tiny pills available for children.

Lamictal does have a very serious side effect that takes the form of an allergy. The medication can cause a very serious skin rash that, in its worst forms, results in death. When Lamictal was first prescribed about 10% of all patients was getting this life-threatening rash, which is a terrible rate of negative reaction. However, doctors soon found that the likelihood of suffering this allergic reaction decreases the longer the medication is in use. By beginning with a very low dosage of Lamictal and progressively increasing the dosage to an effective level, patients can grow acclimated to the drug and in doing so avoid the rash.

Aside from this rash, the medication seems to have very few negative side effects. A few patients have complained of ankle swelling, and for some the medication simply did not work. No weight gain problems have been described, which is unique among anti-depressant medication. The effects of Lamictal during pregnancy have not been studied, and it the drug is transmitted through breast milk. Nobody knows the damage to infants who are exposed to the medication, so Lamictal should not be used during pregnancy unless absolutely necessary. Patients on Lamictal should never breast feed.

If you or a loved one have suffered negative side effects to Lamictal and feel that you were not properly warned about these dangers, contact a lawyer today to discuss your options and possibly engage in a lawsuit to improve the packaging and warnings about Lamictal side effects.

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Findus's weblog

Thursday, July 10, 2008

Purim: Rescind the Kahane Terrorist Classification!


"The State Department lists Kach and Kahane Chai as foreign terrorist organizations." Oh, that settles it then....NOT! Neither Kach or Kahane Chai have engaged in terrorist activities. To condemn the righteous organizations because of alleged crimes (Baruch Goldstein was innocent - read about him at Barry Chamish's website ) of an individual or two would be equivalent to condemning the FBI or CIA because of a spy here or there.

Kach and Kahane Chai "terrorize" those who are afraid of the plain truth of the Bible, who prefer their dark and idolatrous ideas, rather than read the mind of God (the Bible) and learn to think like God (Isaiah 55:7-9).

The State Department has sullied its name and discredited the United States by rashly condemning innocent organizations like Kach and Kahane Chai in an attempt to appear "evenhanded" - speak out against legitimate terrorist organizations of Nazi-Muslims (even though meeting with them in the White House and sending American tax-payers' money to them) and throw in a couple Jewish groups for good measure. It's an unequal balance that will condemn them.

In the holy spirit of Purim:

Sign the petition for the State Department to rectify this error and take Kach and Kahane Chai off the list they don't belong on. In this Purim season, it's an appropriate time to right the wrong: RESCIND KAHANE TERRORIST CLASSIFICATION.

May the United States learn from Meir Kahane and win the war against terrorism rather than just fight a war of attrition:

USA Must Have Guts to Terrorize Terrorists

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Kayd's weblog

Candidiasis Yeast Infection Symptoms


A candidiasis yeast infection is common in women and is caused by a fungus. This fungus is called Candida Albicans, which explains where the yeast infection got its name. Normally, a yeast infection is located around the vagina, but it can be found in other moist parts of the body as well. Yeast is something that is produced naturally by the body in the vagina and rectum area. Occasionally, the yeast will begin to grow too fast and this is what causes a candidiasis yeast infection to develop. Taking antibiotics for an extended amount of time can also cause this infection along with medical conditions, birth control pills, being pregnant and menopause.

Some signs that might indicate you have a candidiasis yeast infection include noticing pain or a burning feeling when trying to urinate. The area around the vulva can be sore, red and itchy. Some women experience a white pasty discharge that is very thick. Keep in mind that it is possible to not have any symptoms and still have a yeast infection. If the lining of the mouth is red and sore then it is possible you have a mouth yeast infection. Sometimes creamy yellow sores will also appear. Symptoms of a yeast infection on the skin include a red itchy rash with small red colored bumps on the skin.

When you are certain that you have a candidiasis yeast infection then you need to start treatment as soon as possible to clear up this condition. If you are not sure of what you have or if this is the first time that you have noticed any symptoms make sure that you see your doctor before taking medication. Your doctor may prescribe you with a prescription medicine or you may be able to use a non-prescription medicine. The most commonly used are Mycelex-7, Monistat-7, FemCare and Gyne-Lotrimin. You can also buy suppositories and vaginal creams designed for this condition. Occasionally, you may be given an antifungal oral medication by your doctor to help clear up the infection.

A candidiasis yeast infection can normally be cleared up within a week to ten days after beginning your treatment. Make sure that you avoid sex during this time. You don't want to keep spreading the infection around. If you are interested in avoiding a yeast infection all together, then here are a few suggestions that you might find useful. If taken for long periods of time antibiotics can cause a yeast infection so avoid this if possible. Wearing clothes that are to tight or that are damp should also be avoided. Do not douche too often and take very few bubble baths.

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Kaston's weblog

Prozac Returns


In the late eighties and early-nineties, Prozac was pronounced as the new wonder drug, a magical cure for depression that was patronized by millions of people worldwide. Prozac was later discredited when murmurs spread that it could spur suicidal tendencies in regular users. These days, Prozac is making a big comeback in the most unlikely of places: law enforcement.

Online news reports last June 25 graphically detailed the latest plan of the United Kingdom to control sex offenders - feed them with Prozac until they're calm as lambs. It seems the British government, impressed with Prozac's calming effects, plans to administer the controversial drug to jailed pedophiles and other sex offenders. In doing this, they hope to tame the beastly nature of the inmates and shackles their libidos so they do not commit any more heinous crimes.

The plan calls for 100 inmates from nine different prisons to serve as the first, recipients of Prozac in the British penal system. If the plan works, British authorities say they will proceed to administering Prozac to as many as 10% of the prison population and see if it'll calm them down.

The plan is a rather unique way to approach the problem of sex offenders. You might say it's like castration on a mental and emotional level. You could also say that the plan is not morally ethical considering that it is tantamount to drugging the prisoners into submission, if not immobility. And then, there's also the controversial history of the drug to consider.

Prozac was heaped upon the American public in 1988 and was an immediate smash hit. Millions flocked to drugstores to purchase the new drug, which seemingly had touched a raw nerve of depression that lay latent not only in America but in the rest of the world. It became cool to ingest Prozac. There is no doubt that the aggressive and creative marketing communications campaign that promoted Prozac was a tremendous boost. Sales hit the roof as the drug earned billions of dollars in sales annually.

Then, in 1990, Prozac came under severe attack stemming from allegations that

Prozac made people preoccupied with thoughts of suicide.

Eli Lilly and Company, makers of Prozac launched its own media campaign citing studies that refuted the connection between Prozac and suicide. Nothing was ever proven in court nor were there any settlements, But the damage had been done and Prozac's reputation was tarnished.

Let's see if the British government can find some use for the drug that will help us all sleep a little better.

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Arkaig_Roe's weblog

Using Antibiotics Rarely and Wisely


Amoxil, generic name Amoxicillin, is a penicillin-based antibiotic. It is used to fight bacteria in the body and is prescribed for bacterial infections. Examples of such infections include bladder infections, E Coli, salmonella, gonorrhea, skin infections and ear infections. Amoxil might be used with Biaxin, or clarithromycin, to treat stomach ulcers resulting from a Helicobacter pylori infection. Prevacid, or lansoprazole, is a stomach acid reducer, also commonly prescribed in such cases.

Amoxil will not treat flu or the common cold. It is sometimes used before dental work or surgery to prevent infection. When treating conditions such as strep throat, it is vital to take the whole course of antibiotics, even if you feel better, to make sure the bacteria is totally eradicated.

It is unsuitable if you are allergic to penicillin or cephalosporin antibiotics, have a kidney or liver disease, have asthma or hay fever or any blood problem. Amoxil can reduce the efficacy of contraceptive pills so you should take extra precautions whilst using it. It is not recommended to breast feed while taking Amoxil. The doctor might want to take a swab to see if your illness is susceptible to Amoxil or whether a different medication would be better, before prescribing anything.

Amoxil should be taken with liquid such as milk, water or fruit juice, and can be taken either with or without food. Side effects include diarrhea, nausea, a headache, having to urinate more or less than usual, vaginal irritation and flu-type symptoms. More serious side effects include vomiting, feverishness, wheezing and blacking out, but these are quite rare.

Amoxil is widely available and comes as a powder to mix with water, tablets or chewable pastilles. If you are ill, it is always best to consult a doctor rather than self-medicate, although Amoxil is widely available online. Put amoxil into a search engine such as Google and you will see many websites where you can order it.

This drug can interfere with beneficial, healthy bacteria in the colon, so you should only take it for prolonged periods if your doctor tells you to. Your natural resistance to antibiotics can increase if you take antibiotics too frequently or for a long time.

Because of possible side effects and contraindications, it is a good idea to talk to your doctor, or at least a pharmacist, before attempting to buy Amoxil online. A course of the antibiotic online will cost you at least $70 and it might not even be suitable for the particular illness you have.

Another thing to bear in mind is that when you order online, you risk ordering counterfeit drugs from fraudulent sellers. The drugs might be out of date or fake. You should be wary about ordering online if there is no address or telephone number for the online company or if their drug prices are a lot lower than those of the competition.

Many of these websites operate from outside of the United States. It is always best to seek a medical opinion first, to find out whether Amoxil is the best drug to treat you, and to get a legitimate prescription for the correct drugs.

You can buy Amoxil here

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agra's weblog

Wednesday, July 9, 2008

Fighting Acid Reflux With Prilosec


Prilosec is the trademark brand name for omeprazole, an antacid drug that suppresses or decreases the amount of gastric acid secreted in the stomach. Prilosec is used for the treatment of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), including duodenal and gastric ulcers.

By blocking an enzyme in the stomach wall that stimulates the secretion of gastric juices, Prilozec reduces the amount of such acid from being pulsed into the esophageal passage in a reflux reaction. It is generally thought that an overabundance of acid in the stomach will contribute to the acid reflux, as will obesity, pregnancy, or the wearing of tight fitting clothes. Therefore, a reduced quantity of acid sent up to the esophagus should cause less damage or irritation.

To fight acid reflux with Prilosec, look out for such symptoms as burning discomfort in the chest, difficulty in swallowing, and chronic chest pain. If you have heartburn more than once per week, you become more susceptible in contracting GERD; and so a course of treatment with Prilosec is advised. However, an occasional heartburn is not an uncommon thing and does not pose any risk of getting GERD.

Prilosec is not a prescription drug and so is readily available over the counter. Still, Prilosec is meant primarily for people who have frequent heartburns, such as getting it 2 to 3 times a week.

Do not overdose on Prilosec. While it is generally true that high acidity in the stomach can lead to acid reflux, the opposite is ironically true as well. A lack of acid in the stomach can also prevent the stomach's exit valve to the small intestine from opening up. Instead, the contents in the stomach get to roll back up to the esophagus, and what little acid present may still cause irritation.

For Prilosec, one pill a day is enough to relieve heartburn for up to 24 hours, and this is part of a recommended 14-day course of therapy. This Prilosec treatment may be repeated once every 4 months if necessary, but not more than that. When undergoing a course of treatment, do not stop taking Prilosec even when you start to feel better.

Your symptoms have improved and that's a good thing, but the condition still exists and so you need to carry through with the full length of treatment before this condition is considered as fully treated. If the heartburn condition does not improve or even worsen, you would need to consult with your doctor. However, this is not the only time you seek out your doctor.

As with all medicines, OTC or not, before taking Prilosec, always let your doctor know if you have any instance of painful swallowing, difficulty in swallowing, vomiting blood, and bloody or black stools.

Furthermore, if you have heartburn that has lasted three months or longer, or experience heartburn combined with wheezing, arm pain, jaw pain, neck pain, shoulder pain, chest pain, dizziness, lightheadedness, or sweating, make sure you let your doctor know before taking Prilosec.

Contact your physician if you experience frequent chest pains, inexplicable weight loss, vomiting, nausea, or stomach pain while taking the medication.

Disclaimer: The information above should not be interpreted as medical advice. Please talk to a qualified professional for more information about Prilosec.

You can buy Prilosec here

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Ulairi's weblog