Docs Giving Wrong Rx to Kids with Sore Throats?

For years, there has been concern that antibiotics are overprescribed, and with good cause. Despite clear guidelines calling for prior testing, physicians prescribed antibiotics in 53 percent of sore throat cases in children, researchers from Brigham and Women's Hospital (BWH) and Children's Hospital Boston found in a recent study.

This represents significantly more prescriptions than warranted for actual rates -- 15-36 percent -- of strep throat among kids with sore throat. Furthermore, almost half of those prescriptions were given in the absence of a test. Details of this research appear in the November 9, 2005, issue of the Journal of the American Medical Association.

Group A streptococcal pharyngitis, or strep throat, is the most common cause of sore throat for which antibiotics are indicated. However, many leading health organizations, including the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the American Academy of Pediatrics say that a common "strep" test should be performed prior to prescribing recommended antibiotics.

Antibiotic-Resistant Bacteria

"This study demonstrates that children with sore throat are frequently given unnecessary antibiotics," says lead author Jeffrey A. Linder, MD, MPH, a BWH internist.

"This overprescribing of antibiotics could be easily remedied by following known guidelines, which include doing a simple, inexpensive strep test," he adds.

"This is critical for not just children but all patients," Dr. Linder notes, "as unnecessary prescription of antibiotics can lead to a variety of issues, including increased costs, the potential development of antibiotic-resistant bacteria, and adverse drug effects."

Researchers analyzed data from children aged 3 to 17 years from 1995 to 2003 with sore throat who visited office-based physicians, hospital outpatient departments and emergency departments.

Among an estimated 7.3 million visits for sore throat over this time period, physicians prescribed antibiotics in 53 percent of the cases, the researchers found.

Just 15 to 36 percent of children with sore throat actually have the strep throat bacterium, according to estimates. But only 53 percent of those who were given the antibiotics had been tested first.

Testing Is Underused

Over the eight-year time period of the study, physicians prescribed antibiotics less frequently, the researchers found, which suggests an encouraging trend. In 1995, 66 percent of cases were given antibiotics, decreasing to 54 percent of cases in 2003.

Still, there was no decrease in the prescribing of non-recommended antibiotics, which made up 27 percent of antibiotic prescriptions, Dr. Linder points out. Recommended antibiotics for the treatment of strep throat are penicillin, amoxicillin, erythromycin and first-generation cephalosporins.

"Strep testing is underused, and physicians should be ordering this important diagnostic test before prescribing antibiotics to kids with sore throat," emphasizes Dr. Linder.

"Instead of writing a prescription, physicians should order a test and make sure they are treating kids' symptoms by offering a pain medication like acetaminophen or ibuprofen," he advises.
by: Rita Jenkins
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Ringworm: Fungus Or Real Worm Under My Skin

If you are looking at a patch of skin that is kind of reddish and has rounded edges but normally is not in that area, YOU MIGHT HAVE RINGWORM! Not a real worm but a skin infection caused by fungus…

Most people don’t get a mirror to look in the mirror to see the area back of their neck. My adult daughter teaches grade school and we were at a basketball game. Her long hair was in a ponytail and draped in front of her. The reddish patch of skin about the size of a golf ball was obviously not there as she grew up so I asked if it itched. “What? What are you talking about?” “No its not ringworm! That’s gross!”

Most people have never heard of a yeast overgrowth in the body, or tinea, or dermatophytes. But they have heard of jock itch, athletes foot and women’s yeast infection. These are all caused by fungus overgrowth. One of these is called ringworm.

When changes occur in the body such as stress, menstrual cycle, hormonal change, or sometimes the taking of antibiotics can cause the ph balance in the body to change so that fungus can grow in abundance. The fungus is present in our body at all times but is not allowed to grow out of control because our immune system will kill off most of the fungus. Fungus spores are present in every area of the globe.

Ringworm may itch, may spread to large areas, may infect pets too, may be eliminated by topical solutions or in extreme cases require antibiotics.

The characteristics of skin infected in circular patterns evokes the name “ring”, the growing of the infection somehow was correlated to “worm”. The center of the ring of skin that is infected may clear up leaving the outer circle to define ringworm. In some cases the infection is so large that no ring is noticeable. The fungus can cause patches of hair to fall out in the scalp, beard or pet. The hair will grow back.

Ringworm is prevalent in children as they spend a lot of time outdoors and in contact with the ground.

Inspect your pets for ringworm fungus infections, as dogs, cats and horses are hosts of ringworm fungus. Prevent any member of the family from using communal hairbrushes and combs.

The ringworm fungus is described as expanding raised rings of pinkish inflamed skin, sometimes scaly on any location on your body, that can be a lesion, blistered or cracked skin. In most cases ringworm is described as a circular area of discolored skin that itches. Ringworm and all fungus overgrowth have had natural remedies attested to, on the World Wide Web, of tea tree oil, colloidal silver and oregano oil. These natural remedies will not further upset the ph balance of the body and will strengthen the immune support system. Going natural is no longer a Euell Gibbons “thing”; we now know that helping the body heal with natural support leaves fewer side effects and quicker healing time!
by: James Zeller

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Living Pain Free With Peptic Ulcers

Sufferers of peptic ulcers know that they are no laughing matter. These ulcers in the stomach and duodenum can come on no matter what age you are and they affect both genders. If they aren’t treated, the sufferer will go through a prolonged battle with them.

Fortunately, peptic ulcers are more manageable today than they were for people in previous generations. Very rarely is surgery required and new and improved medications act quickly and offer more relief than ever before.

The signs of a peptic ulcer are generally a constant discomfort in the abdomen, usually between meals or during the night. Some temporary relief can be gained by drinking milk or taking an antacid. However, because milk stimulates the production of hydrochloric acid, it may not be in your best interests to use this as a remedy unless there is no other alternative as this acid intensifies the pain.

Before taking antacids, you should see your doctor, particularly if you are taking othr medications. Antacids can interfere with the absorption of some medications and may make them less effective because they are made from aluminum, calcium, or magnesium. The doctor may also be able to suggest a more effective remedy than antacids.

Whatever you do, you must heed the warning signs of an ulcer. Complications can be serious and life threatening. If ulcer pains continue for more than two weeks or returns after a period of treatment, you should consult your doctor immediately. If there is blod in your bowel movements, it may be the sign of a bleeding ulcer although it can be caused by other problems as well.

A bleeding ulcer can expand and create a leak in a major blood vessel. If a hemorrhage occurs, you only have minutes in which to have life saving treatment. Bleeding ulcers can also cause anemia or may perforate, completely eroding the stomach or duodenum wall. This causes the contents of the stomach to flow into the abdominal cavity, resulting in severe infection. A perforated ulcer requires immediate surgery and is an emergency.

Researchers believe that, if you are a smoker, you are twice as likely to develop an ulcer. Smokers also tend to heal much more slowly and have a higher rate of relapse.

Another group of people at high risk of developing ulcers is those who take aspirin and aspirin based medications. This includes the pain killers that are commonly used to relieve the pain and inflammation of arthritis. These medications tend to irritate the lining of the stomach and can cause bleeding of the gastrointestinal organs.

There are a number of things that are known precursors of the ulcer. These include smoking, spicy foods, alcohol, and stress. It is also believed that it may be caused by a combination of conditions. Research continues into this in the hope that one day, the dynamics of this will be fully understood.
by: Anne Wolski


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Gastric Reflux and How To Stop It

The number of people that suffer from Gastric Reflux is in the millions. What people may not know about Gastric Reflux is that there are various of ways to deal with the problem effectively.

As many people suffer from Gastric Reflux, the cases can range from mild to severe. For those of you who are unfamiliar with Gastric Reflux or are suffering from it, this article will explain what steps you can take to cure or reduce the problem.

Defining Gastric Reflux

Gastric Reflux disease (GERD) is defined as the back flow of stomach acid into the esophagus (the tube that connects the mouth to the stomach). The flow of food from the stomach into the esophagus causes a burning discomfort within the individual.The person can also experience a bitter aftertaste in their mouth and difficulty swallowing. Gastric Reflux disease is often times referred to as heartburn.

Facts

The fact is that many people experience Gastric Reflux at one time or another in their lives.The reason is because a great many people indulge in things that are not good for their health like smoking, greasy and fatty foods. Fatty foods in particular can cause a bout with Gastric Reflux. Why? Fatty foods can remain within a person's stomach for a long time after it has been eaten.

As stated earlier, a person can have an occasional bout with Gastric Reflux or it can become chronic.If a person suffers from chronic Gastric Reflux, other health problems can result ,such as a severe case of inflammation, ulcers, anemia or a low blood count.

Prescribed solutions

There are ways that a person can control Gastric Reflux, if it becomes a chronic problem.

First, if you are suffering from Gastric Reflux and you smoke, stop immediately.Although there is some debate on how much smoking effects gastric reflux, there is enough research to establish that it does have some negative effects. What has been established is that smoking can cause a delayed gastric emptying,which can lead to Gastric Reflux.

Second, if a person is overweight and suffers from chronic Gastric Reflux they should consider losing the excess weight. There is a theory that suggests that when you are overweight and suffering from Gastric Reflux,the weight compresses the stomach and raises the pressure inside.

Third, if a person is suffering from chronic Gastric Reflux they should limit or get rid of alcohol all together.If they continue to drink, then a person should limit himself or herself to one glass of alcohol a day.

Fourth,do not eat two or three hours before going to bed.

Fifth, people who suffer from Gastric Reflux should limited their caffeine. This includes coffee, chocolate and soda.

Sixth, if the Gastric Reflux is severe enough, go see a doctor and they can prescribe medicines to treat the problem. Medications that could be prescribed to you are H2blockers, which lessen gastric acid secretions. There are also Proton-pump inhibitors, which prevent gastric acid secretions as well by stopping the enzyme pump process.

Conclusion

Everyone suffers from Gastric Reflux at one time or another in their lives. When Gastric Reflux becomes chronic, one should see a doctor, and take a close look at their dietary habits. The causes of Gastric Reflux are usually dietary, and can be changed, which is good news. If Gastric Reflux cannot be changed through diet, a doctor can prescribe medication to get it under control.

So, don't wait, take action. What one does not want is to wait for the problem to get worse. Make the necessary changes, and by doing so, you can make the quality of your life so much better.
by: Jacqueline Courtiol

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Allergies And Clean Air

Allergies are caused by exposure to pollution of either a particulate form such as pollen or a chemical form such as polyvinylchloride. The results of exposure to a pollutant to which the body is allergic vary dramatically.

Hayfever with a few sneezes in the morning is a mild reaction while Multiple Chemical Sensitivity can completely debilitate a sufferer.

So, what can be done to reduce the symptoms from these allergies?

The answer is a lot.

While this article addresses the use of portable air purifiers, the first layer in a plan to reduce allergic symptoms must be to eliminate the source of the pollution. An air purifier is typically not able to keep up with an active source.

So, for instance, while a good home air purifier can reduce the smell and particulates from a cigar, it will not be effective while a cigar is being smoked.

Secondly, surfaces and materials that might harbor the pollutant such as rugs, walls, light bulbs, drapery, and upholstery must be cleaned or eliminated from the environment. All of these items will continue to return the pollutant to the environment.

Thirdly, if there is a forced air system in the home or office the filter must be changed regularly and duct cleaning should be considered in older homes and offices. Often these first steps remove the pollutant and the allergy sufferer finds relief without the use of an air purifier.

All of the effective air purifier technologies are simple. There is a box with a fan and some system, either electronic or mechanical, that removes pollutants from the airflow that is passing though the box. The real key to understanding how to use an air purifier is to remember that only the air that goes though the box gets cleaned.

So, if you have a very long room you may be better with two small air purifiers at either end rather than one large unit in the middle. Think logically and remember how these devices work.

The technology that you should employ is determined by what type of pollutant you are trying to remove. Adsorption media such as activated carbon or zeolite will remove chemical pollutants, HEPA and electronic technologies will remove particulates, and UV technology will disable microorganisms. Typically these technologies are used in combination.

Pollen is a particulate pollutant and is best addressed with either a HEPA system or an electronic system. HEPA is highly effective but the filters must be changes on an interval that varies from 6-months to 5-years depending on the manufacturer.

Electronic filter elements do not need to be changed but must be washed regularly to remain effective. Both of these technologies are usually combined with an activated carbon filter. These vary from pounds of media to a then mat. Since pollen is a particulate we do not need to worry about the activated carbon but do not expect much from the activated carbon mats. They do not offer enough exposure time to be effective at removing chemicals or odors.

Microorganisms are often a concern for those that have weak or damaged immune systems including the very young and elderly. The most effective way to address the spread of microorganisms is the use of UV light in the air purifier. This light affects the DNA of the organism and at least keeps it from reproducing but more often kills it. UV light is typically employed in conjunction with HEPA technology so that the air is clean of particulates that would shade the microorganisms from the UV radiation.

Chemicals are removed from the air via a process known as adsorption. A media is used such as activated carbon that has tremendous surface area. As the chemicals encounter the media they adhere to the media and coat it, thus removing the chemicals from the air. While activated carbon is a good general purpose media, there are other mixtures that have been created by the air purifier companies that address specific compounds. Therefore, if you know which compounds you are targeting for removal it is best to communicate this with the firm to get the proper mixture to address your issue. Much like UV, HEPA is usually used in combination with the adsorbing media. This assures that the media does not become clogged with particulate pollution and made less effective.

In summary, the first defense against airborne allergens to remove the source of the allergen and anything that will retain the allergen.

Secondly, pick a technology that is effective with the specific allergen that is the issue.

Thirdly apply air purifiers in such a way as to maximize the air that is going though the unit.
by: William Doyle


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Milk Allergies

More and more people are recognizing that they or a family member is intolerant of lactose. Scientists have made great inroads in the past decade regarding this phenomenon, but have yet to come up with a simple cure.

It is often hard on a person to be lactose intolerant. If you suffer, you know that such great foods as yogurt, cheese, and ice cream are sold and consumed everywhere you go. Cheese is a cooking ingredient that is frequently used in so many dishes that it is hard to eliminate.

Lactose is a sugar found in milk and dairy products that is broken down in the lower intestines. The organ that helps the body digest the substance usually produces its own lactose, and in a way cancels out the ingested lactose. You may find that a medication taken before consuming dairy products will help your digestive capabilities. Other people will need to eat substitutes.

Some doctors recommend taking a calcium pill so you can receive nutrients needed for your teeth and bones that you may not get enough of when you avoid dairy products. You may also need to take a digestive aid pill after eating to help coat your stomach to reduce side effects.

If you are lactose intolerant you likely find that it's hard for you to digest dairy products. The first reaction is often your tummy. But you may feel sick, dizzy, and generally unwell after consuming these products. You may also develop systemic problems in your lower intestines.

This is because your body cannot process dairy matter and it can get lodged in your waste track and cause pain. In some people, the pains may be so severe that they are unable to function normally. Thus it is important that you lean how to balance your need for dairy and your allergic reactions.

Many people are forced to find their own path through the dairy eating world. Whatever works best for you is what you should do. Of course, milk has calcium, which our bodies need. If you are unable to consume milk or dairy products as part of your diet, then you will be required to take supplements. Some infants who are found to be lactose intolerant are fed special soy formulas to help the child get enough nutrients.

You should not hesitate to contact your doctor about supplements. He or she may even suggest that you drink soya milk. Soya milk, or soymilk, is produced by processing soybeans and contains no lactose. Many brands of soymilk are calcium fortified so that you can get the same amount of calcium as you would with a glass of milk. Recent enhancements in flavor, and texture of soymilk has sparked a growing industry, and most stores now contain at least one brand. Lactose intolerant people are not the only purchasers, as many other folks recognize the health benefits of soy, and the harm of consuming too much dairy. So experiment, test your reactions, and you should be able to live comfortably with your allergy.
by: John Brown

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Remedies For Arthritis

Arthritis remedies are in high demand since this condition currently afflicts more than 70 million people in America. Natural Remedies for Arthritis are the best choice for your treatment. Natural arthritis remedies are gaining more and more popularity now a days since they are safe, and

on't have any side effects as some pharmaceutical anti-inflammatory drugs have. Natural arthritis remedies are available on the shelves to provide some pain relief for sufferers. Most people are able to function with these arthritis remedies but cortisone shots as arthritis remedies are for others to ease their pain. Natural Arthritis Remedies are a better way to treat arthritis with fewer side effects. When finding out your options as far as arthritis remedies are concerned, it’s always best to do your research. Many supplements marketed as arthritis remedies are not backed by adequate science to determine whether or not they offer any relief. Below I have listed 7 of the best home remedies for arthritis suffers.

Home Remedies:

Home remedies for arthritis are a better idea than taking supplements.

Home remedies for arthritis #1: Eat Alfalfa or take alfalfa capsules.

Home remedies for arthritis #2: Take chondroitin sulfate 700 mg.

Home remedies for arthritis #3: Take Vitamin E to protect and improve joint mobility.

Home remedies for arthritis #4: Bogbean is an aquatic herb, very powerful herb special for rheumatoid arthritis and Osteoarthritis, anti-inflammatory.

Home remedies for arthritis #5: Boswellia has anti-inflammatory effects similar to Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAID) (Advil, Aleve, Tylenol etc.

Home remedies for arthritis #6: Ginger is the Killer of Arthritis pain, superior to any NASID, it can be applied directly on the affected area or taken orally ether way it relieves pain, inflammation, stiffness, bursitis, tendinitis.

Home remedies for arthritis #7: MSM is rapidly establishing a reputation as a safe, natural effective solution for many types of pain and inflammatory conditions including: degenerative (wear-and-tear) arthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, chronic back pain, chronic headaches, muscle pain, fibromyalgia, tendonitis, bursitis, carpal tunnel syndrome, TMJ, post-traumatic pain, inflammation and heartburn.

Drinking Juice For Arthritis Relief:

Juice of green leafy vegetable mixed with beet, carrot and celery is specific for arthritis. Juice enough potatoes to produce 4 ounces of raw potato juice. The first thing in the morning is to have fresh juice extracted from potatoes and diluted with water on 50:50 bases. Mix 1 tablespoon liquid pectin with a glass of Concord grape juice once a day. Two teaspoons of lemon juice and a teaspoon of honey mixed in a cup of warm water taken twice a day is good for curing arthritis. Add one tablespoon cod liver oil to the juice of one orange, whip and drink before going to bed at night.

Supplements:

Nutritional supplements: Boron, calcium, magnesium, glucosamine sulfate, omega-3 fatty acids, pantothenic acid, selenium, and Vitamin B complex are important nutritional supplements that play an important role in arthritis pain relief. If you are taking A and D supplements, check the dosages carefully. Please be sure to consult your physician or other qualified medical professional before taking any arthritis natural remedies or other supplements as an alternative to prescription of over-the-counter (OTC) arthritis medications. Be sure you are aware of all the possible side effects before you take supplements. Many arthritis patients take glucosamine and chondroitin for joint pain, but research has yielded mixed results about these supplements. A proper intake of ginger supplements help in getting rid of muscular and joint pains. When boron supplements were given to hospitalized arthritis patients, some 90 percent reported "complete remission" of symptoms. Some dietary supplements have documented benefits; the advantages of others are unproven and claims about those products may be false or misleading. In addition to lacking documented effectiveness, some dietary supplements may be harmful under some conditions. For example, many herbal products and other "natural" supplements have real and powerful pharmacological effects that could cause adverse reactions in some consumers, or cause dangerous interactions with other medicines. One specific area which is attracting the interest of researchers is glucosamine chondroitin supplements. So I usually recommend using them as supplements. Combining treatments, such as taking joint supplements and attending hydrotherapy or acupuncture sessions, may have the greatest impact on your symptoms and on the pain relief.

Conclusion:

Arthritis Remedies: There are many different Arthritic Remedies which really can help relieve the symptoms of Arthritis. Arthritis remedies can also be found in the form of joint protections like knee supports and back belts. Arthritis remedies that are easily available do not always work as they are perceived. Many people do suffer badly from arthritis. Arthritis remedies, in particular, must show that they are able to accomplish goals such as pain relief, reduction of inflammation, or improvement in joint function. Arthritis remedies that include a regimen of exercise are very effective in building bone mass and retaining more supple movement in the patient. It is always better to look for Home remedies for arthritis because they are more safer for the body.
by: William Walters


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