Many people who use the club drug ketamine – known as “special K” – may risk abdominal pain, bladder control problems and other urinary tract issues, and the heavier the dose or frequency of use, the more likely the problems, according to a UK study.

The study, which appeared in the British Journal of Urology International, found that of 1,285 young adults who said they’d abused ketamine in the past year, 27 percent had developed urinary tract symptoms.

In medicine, ketamine is used as an anesthetic. In clubs, where it’s better known as “special K,” ketamine is snorted or sometimes injected, with users saying it creates feelings of euphoria and being “out of your body.”

Related: Ketamine: A miracle antidepressant?

Ketamine abuse is on the rise in many countries, and repeated use has been linked to mental problems such as hallucinations and impaired memory, thinking and concentration. It can also cause high blood pressure.

The study, led by Angela Cottrell, a researcher at the Bristol Urological Institute, looked at the prevalence of urinary tract symptoms such as pain in the lower belly, painful urination, blood in the urine and bladder-control problems.

“The take-home message is that regular ketamine use can lead to severe urinary symptoms,” Cottrell said, although she did say it was not clear how the rate of urinary problems among ketamine users compared to young people in general.

The findings were based on an online survey promoted by a UK club-music magazine called “MixMag.”

Of 3,806 young people who responded, half said they’d tried it at least once, while 1,285 – or a third of the whole group – said they’d used it in the last year.

The researchers found that among all of the past-year users, 17 percent had symptoms of ketamine dependence such as wanting, but failing, to cut down on the drug. Not surprisingly, they tended to take the drug in bigger doses, and more often, than other users.

In general, the odds of urinary problems and abdominal pain went up as people’s ketamine doses climbed, and with more frequent use.

Those symptoms often seem to go away once the ketamine abuse stops.

For the study, 251 survey respondents described their experience. half said they’d stopped using the drug and their symptoms had improved. Another 43 percent still had urinary problems, but were also still abusing ketamine.

Then there was the 4 percent who said their urinary problems were getting worse even though they were off ketamine.

“There may be a stage where irreversible damage may occur,” Cottrell said. “However, little is known about this.”

With 475,000 asthmatics, Ireland has the fourth highest prevalence worldwide, writes Kate Murray

Just how do you manage asthma in winter? before you look at that, you must first know exactly what asthma is: It is a condition which affects the airways, causing them to become over-sensitive, and react to things that wouldn’t normally affect them such as cold air and dust, making it difficult for the air to flow.

Although asthma may run in families, it is not genetic and is likely to be environmental, which may be caused by allergens, pollution, smoking or a change in the body’s response to the environment and in the winter months, chest infections, exposure to colds and viruses may exacerbate the problem.

Symptoms may include coughing, wheezing, phlegm, tightness and shortness of breath, but not all symptoms may appear. Not pleasant and certainly not a condition made any better by winter elements.

Frances Guiney, an asthma nurse specialist for the Asthma Society of Ireland, says that asthma sufferers should get the flu shot, as seasonal flu is a highly infectious viral condition and can result in periods of prolonged illness. the flu is responsible for an increased number of hospital admissions in asthmatics and some cases can be life threatening.

In the last ten years there has been a significant rise in the number of asthmatics but recently, this has stabilised. so, how common is it?

One in five children have asthma and when it comes to teenagers, there are more male sufferers than female.

Asthma is usually diagnosed using clinical skills, which include patient and family medical history and an examination from a doctor. It is advised to visit your doctor as not all symptoms are asthma related, meaning your symptoms could belong to a different medical condition.

Asthma can become worse throughout the winter months as a result of cold and flu viruses which are triggers for some asthma sufferers. the change in temperature can also affect asthmatics with cold, frosty and windy weather exacerbating their condition.

Poor management is also a large factor and because some sufferers are unable to recognise their triggers and their signs of deterioration, they are unaware of why their condition is worsening. Specialists advise that you should record symptoms when they happen, where they happen and how frequently they happen to help figure out what triggers affect your condition.  

Regular exercise is beneficial for many health problems and especially asthma. Cardiac exercise helps with lung capacity, strengthens the breathing muscles and keeps the airways elastic.

For an asthmatic, a management plan is an extremely important tool in case someones asthma deteriorates.

According to the Asthma Society of Ireland, there are five main rules if someone suffers an asthma attack:

1. Ensure the reliever inhaler is taken immediately. It is usually blue and opens up narrowed air passages.

2. Sit down and loosen tight clothing.

3. Stay calm. Attacks may be frightening but it is important to stay calm.

4. If there is no immediate improvement continue to take the reliever inhaler every minute for five minutes or until symptoms improve.

5. If symptoms persist after the initial five minutes, or if you are in doubt, call 999 or a doctor urgently. Continue to take reliever inhaler until help arrives or symptoms improve. Do not be afraid of causing a fuss, even at night.

Asthma can affect anyone at any time in life and it is crucial to get it under control and get a proper management plan in place.

For more information about asthma, ask your doctor or visit asthmasociety.ie for information for sufferers, family members and for additional support, and information on asthma news and upcoming events.

Lisbon, Portugal, October 21, 2011

– Isoconazole nitrate is not only a potent antifungal agent, but may also be effective against a broad range of bacteria which can cause bacterial superinfection of dermatomycoses. this is the result of an in vitro study previously presented by Intendis as a poster(1) at the EADV Congress 2011 in Lisbon, Portugal.

Microbic (fungal and/or bacterial) infections of the skin and nails form are very widespread. for instance, in the last few decades, the prevalence of superficial mycotic infections has risen effecting approximately 20 to 25 percent of the world’s population(2). Due to their widespread and contagious nature, such infections require an effective antimicrobial treatment that can both reduce morbidity and discomfort and limit the spread of the disease to other sites or individuals. Isoconazole nitrate is highly effective in the treatment of the vast majority of pathogenic organisms implicated in superficial infections of the skin, including dermatophytes, yeast and moulds. the study results presented are evidence of a bacteriostatic and bactericidal action of isoconazole nitrate against a broader range of potentially pathogenic bacterial species such as Staphylococcus aureus, Staphylococcus haemolyticus, Propionibacterium acnes and Corynebateria tuberculostearicum. Interestingly, isoconazole was also effective in inhibiting a multiresistant Staphylococcus aureus strain (MRSA).

“Our results show that the antimicrobial range of isoconazole is broader than previously supposed,” said Dr. Viktor Czaika, Department of Dermatology and Allergy, Charit? – Universit?tsmedizin, Head of Section Dermatology – Campus Benjamin Franklin, Berlin, Germany, and corresponding author of the study. “The compound provides fast and effective treatment of superficial mycotic and/or bacterial infections.”

the study design

in the study several aspects of the antibacterial action of isconazole nitrate were evaluated:

(i) the minimal inhibition concentration against bacteria strains from the microorganisms culture collection of the German Resource Centre for Biological Material DSMZ as reference strains as well as against isolates was determined using the broth dilution method. (ii) the bactericidal activity was evaluated by counting cells stained with Hoechst 33342 (Invitrogen, USA) or propidium iodide (Roth, Germany). Using this method the change in number of dead and living bacteria could be differentiated. (iii) Furthermore, killing curves were identified.

To evaluate a possible mode of action, reactive oxygen species production of S. aureus was determined. in this experiments bacteria were stained with singlet oxygen sensor green (Invitrogen, USA) after the incubation with isoconazole nitrate.

the study demonstrates a broad bacteriostatic and bactericidal action of Isoconazole nitrate against gram positive bacteria. in addition to the current literature the study demonstrated action against S. epidermidis, S. haemolyticus, Strept. salivarius, Coryneb. tuberculostearicum, P. acnes as well as a multiresistant S. aureus strain. the antibacterial effect might be attributed to the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS).

About superficial microbic infections

Superficial microbic (mycotic and/or bacterial) infections of the skin are common and ubiquitous, affecting millions of people worldwide, irrespective of skin type and age group. the most common pathogens relevant to clinical practice can be subdivided into four groups: dermatophytes, yeasts, moulds and gram positive bacteria. the chief symptoms experienced by patients with superficial microbic infections are itching, burning and redness. Intendis markets products for superficial fungal infections of the hands, the interdigital spaces of the feet and in the inguinal region and the skin of the genital regions. another indication is the initial or interim treatment of those superficial fungal infections that are accompanied by highly inflammatory or eczematous skin changes.

About Isoconazole nitrate at EADV 2011

PO158 – Bacteriostatic and bactericidal effects of isoconazole nitrate

V. Czaika, J. Siebenbrock, M. Friedrich, F. Czekalla, B. N??lein, M. Sieber (Berlin, Germany)

the results of this in vitro study shows that Isoconazole nitrate has antibacterial activity against a broader range of gram-positive bacteria than previously known.

PO182 – Analysis of penetration and storage of Isoconazole nitrate in the stratum corneum and the hair follicles after regular application of anti-mycotic drug

J. Lademann, A. Patzelt, S. Schanzer, H. Richter, G. Thiede, B. Havlickova, C. Guenther, M. Friedrich, S. Seifert, J.W. Fluhr (Berlin, Germany)

the in vivo study demonstrates that hair follicles represent excellent long-term reservoirs for topically applied Isoconazole nitrate which is of clinical importance where a long-lasting therapeutic effect beyond the application time is required, e.g. for prevention of re-infection.

PO1357 – Isoconazole nitrate versus isoconazole nitrate and diflucortolone valerate in the treatment of tinea inguinalis: Results of a multicentre retrospective study

S. Veraldi, M.C. Persico, R. Schianchi (Milan, Italy)

this clinical study in patients with tinea inguinalis demonstrates that the use of a combination therapy of an antimycotic and corticoid leads to a significantly faster relief of inflammation including faster relief of pruritus compared to monotherapy with a pure antimycotic.

Travocort contains 1% diflurcortolone valerate and 0.1% isoconazole nitrate in a cream with good emollient properties. Isoconazole nitrate, the antifungal component of Travocort?, belongs to the N-substituted imidazole class of antimycotic agents. Isoconazole nitrate has a broad fungistatic and fungicide activity and is active against gram positive bacteria. the efficacy of isoconazole nitrate in the treatment of dermatomycoses has been shown in a series of three controlled, multi-centre studies, with cure rates of 90-94%. Diflurcortolone valerate, the second active ingredient of Travocort is a class III-corticosteroid with demonstrated rapid onset of action and safety. Its anti-inflammatory effect is of particular benefit in counteracting the pruritus commonly experienced by patients with superficial microbic infections.(3) the product is marketed in 70 countries over the world.

Intendis is an integrated pharmaceutical business with its headquarters in Berlin, Germany. it has annual sales of EUR 300 million (2010). Intendis is part of Bayer HealthCare and completely dedicated to dermatology. the company focuses on the development, manufacturing and marketing of high quality, innovative topical therapies, targeted to treat skin disorders. the current product portfolio comprises treatments of eczematous disorders including atopic dermatitis, psoriasis, acne, rosacea, hemorrhoidal disease and fungal skin infections (mycoses). Find out more at .

About Bayer HealthCare

the Bayer Group is a global enterprise with core competencies in the fields of health care, nutrition and high-tech materials. Bayer HealthCare, a subgroup of Bayer AG with annual sales of EUR 16.9 billion (2010), is one of the world’s leading, innovative companies in the healthcare and medical products industry and is based in Leverkusen, Germany. the company combines the global activities of the Animal Health, Consumer Care, Medical Care and Pharmaceuticals divisions. Bayer HealthCare’s aim is to discover and manufacture products that will improve human and animal health worldwide. Bayer HealthCare has a global workforce of 55,700 employees (Dec 31, 2010) and is represented in more than 100 countries. Find more information at

bayerhealthcare.com

.

Forward-Looking Statements

this release may contain forward-looking statements based on current assumptions and forecasts made by Bayer Group or subgroup management. various known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors could lead to material differences between the actual future results, financial situation, development or performance of the company and the estimates given here. These factors include those discussed in Bayer’s public reports which are available on the Bayer website at . the company assumes no liability whatsoever to update these forward-looking statements or to conform them to future events or developments.

(1) PO158 – Bacteriostatic and bactericidal effects of isoconazole nitrate, V. Czaika, J. Siebenbrock, M. Friedrich, F. Czekalla, B. N??lein, M. Sieber (Berlin, Germany)

(3) Schropl, F.; Travocort/Travogen cream. Multicentre clinical study. Travocort/Travogen Workshop, Experta Medica 1980 Amsterdam.

Asthma sufferer 10-year-old Anastasia Savvas, pictured at home in Plymouth, South Australia, went for five years without an attack. Picture: James Elsby Source: the Australian

DEATHS from asthma and the prevalence of the disease among five to 34-year-olds have declined substantially over the past decade, despite concern among experts the condition is still poorly managed by GPs.

The latest Australian Institute of Health and Welfare data on the disease shows two million people have asthma and the mortality rate is the fourth-highest in the developed world.

Experts are worried that fewer than 9 per cent of those who see their general practitioner with an asthma problem are given an asthma management plan or encouraged to use preventer medication, despite this being recommended practice.

Anastasia Savvas, 10, who was diagnosed with asthma as a toddler, thought she had outgrown the condition until a virus triggered an attack last year that left her hospitalised for three nights.

"It surprised me. It came just like that, out of the blue, after she had no symptoms for five years," says Anastasia’s mother, Sophie, who had difficulty getting a diagnosis from several GPs.

Ms Savvas says her daughter is managing well, using a preventer medication four times a day.

The prevalence of asthma among five to 34-year-olds declined by more than 25 per cent between 2001 and 2008 but remained stable in adults aged 35 years and over, the AIHW report Asthma in Australia shows. there were 411 deaths from asthma in 2009 but the mortality rate dropped by 45 per cent between 1997 and 2009.

Indigenous Australians and people living in areas of lower socio-economic status are more likely to be hospitalised for asthma than those in more wealthy areas, the report shows.

Guy Marks, who helped produce the report, says the causes of asthma and the reasons the rate of disease went up and down remain a mystery.

The reduction in prevalence of the disease and improved treatments were partly responsible for the reductions in the death rate, said Professor Marks, who is from the Australian Centre for Asthma Monitoring.

The chairman of Asthma Australia’s medical committee, Simon Bowler, said the report was good news because it showed fewer Australians were suffering asthma symptoms and fewer people were being hospitalised and dying from the disease.

However, he said the decline in asthma had undermined the hypothesis that the disease was caused by the lack of exposure to bugs and dirt in the first 12 months of a child’s life.

"It remains one of the mysteries of our time and it is frustrating we don’t know the cause," mr Bowler said.

The operate with the gall bladder is misunderstood and underappreciated in its operate. the gall bladder is accountable for concentrating and storing bile produced through the liver; bile that assists break down food you eat. the bile emulsifies fats in your foods, and serves to neutralize acid. it is an crucial organ to help in digestion.

Once the gall bladder is storing bile, at times portions of the bile can crystallize, creating what we know as “gall stones.” Gallstones are an extremely frequent illness, with a significantly higher prevalence in woman, especially ladies more than forty. Gallstones are also especially prevalent in chubby persons, but their improvement has also been connected with speedy weight loss or situations of several pregnancies.

So how do you understand for those who have gallstones? Gall bladder signs and symptoms are commonly referred to as “attacks” mainly because they usually come about rather speedily, usually straight subsequent a meal. Although a little proportion of gall bladder suffers don’t have visible signs and symptoms (and in these circumstances therapy just isn’t needed), even so for that vast majority of persons, it really is a incredibly unpleasant experience. There are actually a plethora of related signs and symptoms, some being: sharp pain within the upper abdomen, discomfort within the back again, among shoulder blades, vomiting and/or nausea, bloating, signs and symptoms of indigestion including gasoline, and intolerance of fatty meals.

So, is there no means of avoiding gall bladder symptoms? There are issues you could do to assist avoid the occurrence of gall bladder signs and symptoms. amongst them, maintaining a wholesome diet plan filled with fiber-rich meals. to add to the list of things that physical exercise helps prevent; it can also swing the numbers inside your favor to prevent gallstones. Maintaining a wholesome, active lifestyle is uncomplicated should you ensure to choose pursuits which you get pleasure from and can keep up with. There have also been constructive correlations among coffee drinking and gallstones; it seems that a moderate amount of coffee usage leads to much less likelihood of gall stones. why this is, researchers aren’t certain; however it doesn’t seem to get the case with all caffeinated drinks.

In case you already have gallstones, then there are actually a number of treatment alternatives readily available for you. A popular one could be the complete elimination of the gallbladder; men and women are able to function without it, however, this may be a rather inconvenient strategy of remedy for persons; it demands a great deal of downtime and is also extremely unpleasant in recovery. You’ll find a number of over-the-counter medication you could get now that individuals are encountering excellent results with, or you may go for a Laparoscopic cholecystectomy which is much much less painful and instrusive.

gall bladder symptoms

Posted on February 17, 2011Filed under Health | Leave a Comment

One of the prevailing disorders that greatly affects the mental and psychological condition of children and even adults is Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, otherwise known as ADHD. The prevalence of ADHD is basically characterized in two main categories. Poor attention span is one of the characteristics which tend to cause the affected person to not pay attention to details, make unnecessary mistakes and fail to follow clear instructions. Poor listening ability, the inability to finish tasks, forgetfulness, unfocused and disorganized behavior are also hallmark symptoms. Hyperactivity or impulsivity is another symptom of a person with ADHD. this type of symptom causes a sufferer to be nervous, uncontrolled, have impulsive behavior, be irrational, talk excessively and be physically restless. can this kind of ADHD disease be reduced, if not totally eliminated, by way of ADD alternative medicine?

Many doctors as a first-line treatment immediately provide stimulant drugs as a key to reducing the symptoms of ADHD. as an alternative, have you ever considered using a natural remedy for ADHD? certain natural ADHD remedies can be as effective, and that do not have side effects.

Treating ADHD naturally is an alternative way to effectively reducing the symptoms of ADHD. according to studies, one of the factors in the occurrence of ADHD is a protein deficiency in the body. Proper intake of protein may help a person in reducing the symptoms of ADHD. as researched by the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, protein helps the brain concentrate and stay focused.

Nutritionists also suggest that it is better to add omega-3 essential fatty acids to the diet. Additionally, deficiency in vital minerals, vitamins and essential fatty acids produces imbalance and therefore affects body’s ability to perform well.  Another study shows that no less than 30 percent of children and toddlers affected with ADHD benefit from the use of proper diet to determine food sensitivities. You can manage ADHD symptoms by introducing foods that are high in protein and essential fatty acids while also eliminating foods that can cause food sensitivities.

Comments

By Annie Freeda Cruez

TALK on human papillomavirus (HPV) mostly centres on women since it increases their risk of cervical cancer.

But Dr Suresh Kumarasamy, a consultant obstetrician and gynaecologist, says the virus can infect men, too.

"All types of HPV can be transmitted between men and women. There's also a rare form of non-sexual transmission from mother to child during delivery," says Dr Suresh, who is also a gynaecological oncologist at Gleneagles Medical Centre in Penang.

In most cases, he adds, the transmission is done unknowingly because the infection is asymptomatic. although there's no data on the incidence or prevalence of HPV infection in the country, data from the WHO/ICO (Institut Catalia d'Oncologia) HPV Information Centre estimates that it's about 6.2 per cent at any one time in the general female population.

Among women who have undergone pap smear, the prevalence of HPV infection is 8.4 per cent. but there's data on the different HPV types in patients with cervical cancer in Malaysia.

Dr Suresh Kumarasamy. Photo: NST

Among these patients, 73 per cent have evidence of HPV Type 16 and 65.2 per cent with HPV Type 18.

"most men don't know that they can be infected by HPV. the most deadly disease women can get from HPV infection is cervical cancer while men are at risk of other diseases as well as cancers," says Dr Suresh, who is also an adjunct associate professor at Penang Medical College.

Although the vast majority of HPV cases show no symptoms, some may develop warts in their genital region.

"although easily treated, they can cause anxiety, embarrassment and long-term psychological, sexual and relationship problems," says Dr Suresh. Warts are generally asymptomatic.

But they can sometimes cause symptoms, depending on their location.

For example, warts in the vulva can cause pain during sexual intercourse, itchiness and a burning sensation while vaginal warts can cause discharge and bleeding.

Warts can also cause itchiness in the penis.

Genital warts: found on shaft of penis (male), vagina, vulva, cervix (female) and around anus. Photo: NST

Those that occur in the urethral meatus (opening of the urethra at the tip of the penis where urine is passed out) can cause blood in the urine or impairment of urinary stream.

Cancers are a different matter altogether.

Female patients who have cancer of the cervix may experience bleeding after intercourse, irregular vaginal bleeding, bleeding after menopause or pelvic pain.

Dr Suresh says HPV can infect married couples and singles who are sexually active.

"Prostitutes have a higher risk of infection." in the United States, it is estimated that between 50 and 80 per cent of the adult population have had HPV at some point in their lives.

And although HPV infection is rare in virgins, it's not impossible.

The virus can spread from hand-to-genital, hand-to-anal and mouth-to-genital contact.

Condoms may reduce the risk of infection, but they don't completely eliminate it.

Although HPV infection is common, the majority of men and women clear the virus from the body and don't suffer from any squealae of the infection, says Dr Suresh.

Only one per cent of men with HPV get warts while of a million women with HPV, only 1,600 get cancer if not screened.

Dr Suresh says vaccination programmes should be aimed at as many people as possible and not only those at risk.

"the focus should be on effectiveness and safety, and not method of transmission." some types of HPV can infect the mouth and throat, called the aerodigestive tract.

HPV Types 6 and 11, the same types that cause genital warts in men and women, can also cause an uncommon but serious condition in infants and children called recurrent laryngeal papillamatosis.

"the virus is transmitted from mother to baby through the birth canal during delivery.

The risk of infection in the child has been estimated to be one in 500 women," says Dr Suresh. He adds that children with recurrent laryngeal papillamatosis can develop an obstruction of the respiratory tract, causing breathing difficulties. "They may require surgery to relieve the obstruction.

Some children need as many as 10 operations per year.

One to three per cent of children with this condition die from it." There is an extremely rare variation of this condition which occurs in adults which is thought to be transmitted by oral sex. HPV infection is also implicated as the cause of a number of head and neck cancers.

Dr Suresh says: "HPV infection is implicated in 36 per cent of cancers of the oropharynx and 24 per cent of mouth cancers.

As far as oropharynx cancers are concerned, Types 16 and 18 account for 89 per cent of HPV infections.

In mouth cancers, 95 per cent of HPV infections are due to Types 16 and 18." Two types of vaccine available locally can provide protection against HPV Types 16 and 18.

The quadrivalent vaccine, or Gardasil, can also protect against HPV Types 6 and 11.

"although no research has been done to see if these vaccines can protect against head and neck cancers or mouth cancers, their potential to prevent diseases caused by HPV infection is tremendous," says Dr Suresh. currently, both vaccines are licensed by the US Food and Drug Administration for the protection against pre-cancer and cancer of the cervix.

The quadrivalent vaccine is also licensed against genital warts and pre-cancer of the vulva and vagina in women, and genital warts in men aged between nine and 26.

 >> Next