Khaoz's blog

Saturday, July 12, 2008

This Breathing Method Actually Improved My Asthma! Finally ...


They say that the treatment for asthma is easy, simple and effective. All you need to do is to take steroids to suppress any inflammation of the airways. This is also referred to as preventer. Then if and when you have an asthma attack all you need to do is inhale what's known as a muscle relaxant, commonly termed ventolin via an inhaler or a spacer. This helps to dilate the airways. What could be more simple?

However, there is now perhaps a better and safer way of treating your asthma or your child's asthma than previously thought. While there is no doubt that these drugs work and I am not suggesting that you dump your medication altogether, what I am however suggesting is that perhaps it's time we all considered a safe and effective alternative, known as the Buteyko method.

Buteyko is all about learning to breathe properly and learning how to control your breathing in order to better control and manage your asthma. While it may not improve your lung function or the inflammation that accompanies asthma it can definitely help asthmatics to cut down on their asthma medication if it is taught properly.

Buteyko was developed some 40 years ago by a Russian doctor called Konstantin Buteyko and it is all about nasal breathe and learning how to breathe out more carbon dioxide and take in less air. While many of us are lead to believe that we are oxygen deprived the truth is that we take in more than enough oxygen, it's just that we are not taught how to use that oxygen effectively. Hence, the sole purpose of the Buteyko method of breathing.

The Buteyko method is more about slow and shallow breathing and learning to calm and control your breath, rather than many slow deep breaths.

Through the Buteyko method you learn to properly breathe through your nose rather than your mouth. Because your nose acts like a filter, you are less likely to breathe in as many pollutants and dust that can affect ones asthma. When you breathe through the mouth you are basically catching all the little germs and particles that are floating around you, whereas the nose prevents some of these little 'nasties' from getting into your airways and therefore allowing your lungs to fill up with healthier and cleaner air.

In terms of asthma there is often some trigger or precipitating factor that causes inflammation of the lining of the airways causing the surrounding muscles to go into spasm, often resulting in the characteristic wheeze. The wheeze that doctors often look for and listen too to determine if you are an asthma sufferer or not. However I know many of us who either have never had a wheeze or who don't have one during peak asthma periods but still we are clearly asthmatic.

The primary goal of Buteyko is to help one learn to control their asthma by learning how to relax more and experience less stress that can help to bring on or worsen the conditions of an asthma attack. Buteyko can help people who suffer from asthma or other breathing difficulties to suffer from fewer symptoms than they have previously.

There are a few different techniques associated with Buteyko. One technique was all about shallow, nasal breathing and then exhaling slowly while another technique was more about relaxation and exercises for the upper body. Both of these techniques are said to be instrumental in helping people to reduce their asthma medication and to breathe more normally and therefore live a healthier and less dependent life on medication.

For the record I have started practicing some of the Buteyko method of breathing. All I have been doing so far is breathing in and out of my nose as much and as I can as slowly as I can. Can I just say that already it has made a big difference to my asthma and I have noticed that the times where I would normally feel over exerted, I have been able to achieve a lot more because I am no longer gasping for air like I have previously. Also in terms of things like cleaning, driving in the car or even cooking, I have noticed I am taking in less chemical or air pollutants and therefore am not reaching for my ventolin anywhere near as much as before. I am now getting more of the good smells in and less of the bad ones-now that sounds like a healthy change to me.

This new method of breathing is helping me every single day,. The weather lately has been hot and windy and unbearable and unlike previously I am probably now using my ventolin every second or third day during these conditions as opposed to 3-4 times a day. It has helped me and it also helps to keep me a little more calm and not too panic as much when I feel the asthma coming on. My nose and my lungs feel cleaner and I feel as if I am in greater control of my asthma instead of always having to rely on my medication or rush off to the doctor.

This breathing method has helped me enormously and even though I haven't given up my medication I have been able to reduce the amount I use and that for me is a big step in the right direction.

Anyway as much as I can I intend to continue practicing Buteyko method of breathing so that I can continue to improve my asthma and hopefully continue to reduce the amount of asthma medication that I rely on. Now what could be better than learning to breathe easier and more naturally for an asthmatic?

You can buy Ventolin here

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Telantaa's weblog

Phentermine and Pregnancy - Is Phentermine Safe For Your Baby?


Obesity is the main problem during pregnancy and may lead to diabetes in pregnant women. As per the latest survey carried out by the various research teams, there are no side effects of Phentermine in case of pregnant women if it is taken as per prescribed doses.

But if the doses of Phentermine are consumed in large quantity, there is a risk of abnormal development of foetus, so to reduce these risks, prescribed doses needs to be followed in proper manner under strict vigilance of the doctor. But it is an advice to the pregnant women that they should avoid Phentermine during pregnancy period because it may lead to gestational diabetes. Sometimes Phentermine can cause various withdrawal symptoms in case of pregnant women. To avoid all these side effects, Phentermine should be stopped before start of pregnancy stage and doctor needs to be consulted for more information about Phentermine.

In case of breast-feeding mothers, Phentermine is to be avoided, so that the newborn baby is safeguarded from various side effects. As Phentermine is from the family of sympathomimetic amines and it is almost similar to the Adipex-P, pregnant women should avoid taking Phentermine. This may lead to an addiction if the doses of Phentermine are taken in large quantities. If doctor permits you to go ahead with Phentermine during pregnancy period, you should gradually reduce the dose to avoid the symptoms of withdrawal. Before opting for Phentermine, please go through the instructions and quantity of doses written on the leaflet. Do not follow self-medication practice, it may result in abnormalities.

Along with above stated abnormalities, there are various side effects of Phentermine during pregnancy period and they are as follows.

• Phentermine may lead to allergic reactions during pregnancy stage.

• You may feel abnormality in breathing.

• Throat choking in pregnant women is a common side effect of the Phentermine.

• It might lead in swelling of lips and face.

• Phentermine may lead to risk of abnormal babies.

• Phentermine may cause abnormal heartbeats and the risk of high blood pressure.

• Headache and the dizziness occur in case of pregnant women due to Phentermine.

• Diarrhea and constipation are other minor side effects of the Phentermine, in case of pregnancy.

• The common and minor side effects in pregnancy are soar throat, confusion, anxiety, insomnia and the abnormal taste.

• There is also a risk of impotency due to the Phentermine.

Basically Phentermine is a type of medication that is used for reducing the appetite and obesity as it simulates the nervous systems in case of pregnant cases.

In general, Phentermine is not recommended for pregnant women as losing weight may lead to under-weight babies or with abnormality such as neural defect in which the spinal has abnormality. In case of such problems, it is better to get examined to have a healthy baby. The examinations or tests recommended by the doctor are ultrasound examination, which enables to check the physical behavior of the baby in mothers’ womb. Even this ultrasound can provide complete details of the head and the spinal cord of the baby. In such cases Phentermine should be stopped immediately.

Women who breast-feed their babies should also avoid taking Phentermine as the contents may pass on to the baby through the milk and may affect the health of baby. Tremors and agitation may occur in baby due to breast milk because the main function of Phentermine is to stimulate the central nervous system and that may lead to side effects. Before breast-feeding, mothers who plan to take the dose of Phentermine, should consult with the doctor.

All of the above information regarding side effects and disorders during pregnancy is only a guideline and not to be treated as authority for the Phentermine users. Readers are advised to discuss the issues with their doctor before opting for Phentermine.

You can buy Phentrimine here

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chakkorsis's weblog

Thursday, July 10, 2008

Common High Blood Pressure Medications - Know These 8 Types


There are eight common medications used to treat high blood pressure. While many people dealing with hypertension will possibly be prescribed a combination of a variety of these medications, the amount of medication needed depends greatly on the type and the level of severity of the illness.

While antihypertensive medicines are used to lower blood pressure to normal levels, medications should always be used in combination with a healthy lifestyle change. The main objectives of high blood pressure medications are to not only lower blood pressure but to minimize the side effects caused by some of the medicines.

Diuretics


Water pills are used to remove excess salt from the body. The increase in salt in a person's body causes the blood vessels to retain more fluid than needed. The release of excess fluid in blood vessels, takes a strain off the vessels and arteries.

Examples: Thalitone, Lasix, Esidrix, Lozol, Dyazide, and Maxzide.

Beta-Blockers


Beta-Blockers are used to reduce the amount of blood pressure flowing through the body, by slowing the heart rate down, it allows for an optimal flow of blood throughout the vessels.

Examples: Sectral, Tenormin, Coreg, Lopressor, Toprol, Corgard, Inderal and Blocadren.

ACE Inhibitors (Angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors)


The hormone Angiotensin II can cause the blood vessels to narrow; ACE inhibitors stop that hormone from production.

Examples: Lotensin, Vasotec, Prinivil, Zestril, Accupril, Altace, and Mavik.

ARBs (Angiotensin II receptor blockers)


This medication defends blood vessels from narrowing affects from angiotensin II.

Examples: Atacand, Avapro, Cozaar, Benicar, Micardis, and Diovan.

CCBs (Calcium channel blockers)


Calcium entering from the body's cells can cause blood vessels to constrict, CCB's stop that from happening.

Examples: Norvasc, Cardizem, Cartia, Dilacor, Tiazac, Plendil, Cardene, Adalat, Procardia, Calan, Covera, Isoptin, and Verelan.

Alpha-Blockers


Alpha-Blockers are used to reduce nerve pressure to allow blood to pass in vessels more freely.

Examples: Cardura, Minipress, and Hytrin.

Centrally acting drugs


Centrally acting drugs work with a person's brain chemistry to control nerve impulses that narrow the blood vessels.

Examples: Catapres and Methyldopa.

Direct vasodilators


Direct vasodilators perform by widening the blood vessels to allow more blood to circulate.

Examples: Apresoline and Loniten.

You can buy Diovan here

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Blackguard's weblog

Should You Be Concerned About Melatonin Side Effects?


With the prevalence of medicines and herbal remedies in today’s world, it is easier than ever to self-diagnose your illness and find a drug that will claim to cure what ails you. However, what claims to cure you can also make you very sick if you don’t know the potential side effects of the medicine.

One such remedy that has gained popularity in recent years is melatonin. Melatonin is a growth hormone naturally produced by the pineal gland in your brain. Melatonin hormones are secreted at night or in the dark and helps regulate the sleeping cycle. It is believed that melatonin may help the body know when it is time to go to sleep and when it’s time to wake up. These days, melatonin can be taken in pill form to treat everything from jet lag to insomnia. However, like with all medications, there is the potential for serious melatonin side effects if take with other medications.

There are two types of melatonin: natural (what is produced by the body) and synthetic (man-made.) The synthetic version is sold in a variety of stores in pill form and is considered one of the least poisonous substances out there. However, it is important to know that synthetic melatonin has not been approved by the FDA and therefore there is no regulation on the quality or purity of melatonin sold. Because of this, make sure you purchase it from a reputable store if you choose to buy it.

Also, if you plan on taking synthetic melatonin, tell your doctor or pharmacist. They will be able to let you know if any melatonin side effects will occur if you take it with your other medications. Drug interactions can produce fatal results if you don’t take the time to check into them before taking several different types of medications at once.

Melatonin side effects are considerably smaller than other types of synthetic or herbal remedies. But there still are side effects and you should be aware of them before deciding to take melatonin to cure your insomnia.

Melatonin side effects include slower reaction times, “heavy” heads and stomachs and continued drowsiness throughout the day. Melatonin side effects are somewhat more severe in people with weaker immune systems so that is why doctors recommend that people with mental illness, severe allergies or cancer should not take melatonin. Doctors also recommend that pregnant women should stay away from melatonin as well.

While melatonin side effects are relatively non-existent, it doesn’t mean that it should be a cure-all treatment for your insomnia. Instead, you should first visit your doctor and learn more about other insomnia treatments before considering melatonin. Your doctor can also tell you more about melatonin and what effects it might have on your body given your particular health situation. While most doctors will agree that being proactive about your health is a good thing, they will also say that self-medicating an illness or condition without consulting them first is asking for serious trouble.

You can buy Melatonin here

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Boogs's weblog

Differences And Similarities Of Three ED Drugs


Ready to combat ED (erectile dysfunction) but confused about which type of PDE-5 inhibitor to take? You're not the only one. Of the 3 FDA approved PDE-5 inhibitors, Viagra (sildenafil citrate) is definitely the most popular, but popularity alone shouldn't be a determining factor. The more recently approved Cialis (tadalafil) and Levitra (vardenafil hydrochloride) are also highly effective and very safe alternatives, although they may not be as popular yet. The problem for most people is actually deciding on the best alternative for them.

For starters, all three drugs are PDE-5 inhibitors so they help relax compromised or hardened penile arteries thus allowing more blood to flow into the penis and subsequently cause an erection. All three drugs also help keep high levels of cGMP within the penis. What's cGMP? It means cyclic guanosine monophosphate and it is an incredible substance which is naturally produced by the penile tissue in response to sexual stimulation and which aids vascular muscle relaxation. When high levels of cGMP are present, the penile arteries become relaxed and a natural and stiff erection will occur.

Unfortunately, in most men suffering from E.D., the PDE-5 enzyme neutralizes any available cGMP and without cGMP an erection will become flaccid or will not occur at all. That's where PDE-5 inhibitors such as Viagra, Cialis and Levitra come in. These drugs "inhibit" or block the unwanted PDE-5 and hence the very much wanted cGMP is allowed to remain within the penis after sexual stimulation occurs, thus aiding the erection process and keeping the penis erect. The question is, "Since all of these drugs have the same effect, why should I choose one over another?"

Let's compare the three PDE-5 inhibitors side by side to determine their differences:

Manufacturers:

Viagra: Pfizer

Cialis: Eli Lilly and ICOS

Levitra: GlaxoSmithKline and Bayer

Generic Name:

Viagra: Sildenafil Citrate

Cialis: tadalafil

Levitra: vardenafil hydrochloride

Dosages: Available and Recommended:

Viagra: 25 mg, 50 mg, and 100 mg tablets. Most patients begin using the 50 mg pill and either increase or decrease the dosage based on drug tolerance and / or effectiveness. Most healthcare practitioners recommend taking Viagra 1 hour prior to sexual activity but studies have shown that Viagra can actually be taken anywhere from 30 minutes to 4 hours before having sex.

Cialis: 5 mg, 10 mg, and 20 mg tablets. It is recommended that you start out using 10 mg tablets and either increase or decrease the dosage depending on the results achieved. Traditionally, Cialis tablets can be taken anywhere from 30 minutes to 12 hours prior to sexual activity. Cialis soft tabs (which need not go through the digestion process) may be taken around 15 minutes prior to sexual activity.

Levitra: 2.5-mg, 5-mg, 10-mg, and 20-mg. Most people start out on the 10 mg pill and either work their way up or down depending on the results achieved. Levitra should be taken anywhere from 25 minutes to 1 hour prior to sexual activity, though some experts claim sex can be initiated in as early as 15 minutes.

How long does the effect last?


Viagra: approximately 4 hours

Cialis: approximately 17 to 36 hours (This is why they call Cialis the weekend pill.)

Levitra: approximately 5 hours

Year approved by the FDA:

Viagra: March 27, 1998

Cialis: November 1, 2003

Levitra: August 20, 2003

Cost of Pill

The cost for each of the 3 drugs is similar though Cialis tends to be a bit cheaper.

Success Rate

All three drugs work for approximately 70 percent of all men. Unfortunately, PDE-5 inhibitors won't work for everyone. Certain men may need to use alternative treatments such as vacuum pump devices or even penile implants.

Side Effects

All three drugs share most of the same side effects. Some men may experience headaches, flushing, back pain, runny noses, stomach aches, or even changes in vision (example: some Viagra studies have revealed that on rare occasions a man may begin seeing a bluish tinge but that should go away after the drug has been eliminated from the body). These are all common side effects and should not be reason to worry excessively.

None of the three PDE-5 inhibitors should be taken in combination with low blood pressure medication as this can potentially cause a person to have a heart attack. People with high blood pressure should also take PDE-5 inhibitors only after consulting with their doctor. In fact you should never self-prescribe yourself with any of the 3 PDE-5 inhibitors or any other prescription drug for that matter. Even if you are purchasing your PDE-5 inhibitors online you must still open up and tell the pharmacist everything he/she needs to know in order to properly formulate the correct treatment for you.

What the drug looks like:

Viagra: Small blue tablet with the word Pfizer engraved in the middle.

Cialis: Yellow tablet that is almond shaped and film coated.

Levitra: Orange tablet with a flame logo.

Notable Differences

Basically the only major difference between the three drugs is that Levitra begins working the fastest and will work regardless of what kind of food you have previously eaten. Viagra has the proven track record and has been trusted by over 30 million men and Cialis is the longest lasting. In the end though, the real choice is up to you.

You can buy Viagra Soft Tabs here

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chakkorsis's weblog

Side Effects of Fluoroquinolones


Fluoroquinolones are antimicrobials, medications used to treat infections caused by microorganisms. Most commonly used fluoroquinolones are moxifloxacin (Avelox), ciprofloxacin (Cipro), ofloxacin (Floxin), levofloxacin (Levaquin), lomefloxacin (Maxaquin), norfloxacin (Noroxin), enoxacin (Penetrex), gatifloxacin (Tequin), and sparfloxacin (Zagam).

The fluoroquinolones as a class are generally well tolerated. Most side effects are mild in severity, self-limited, and rarely result in treatment discontinuation. However, some people have had severe and life-threatening reactions to fluoroquinolones. Some side effects are so strange, that people often don't associate them with the drug. It's unclear why some people react to medication while others do not.

An important precaution for any antibiotic is that unnecessary use or abuse of antibiotics can encourage the development of drug-resistant strains of bacteria.

Fluoroquinolone antibiotics are approved for use only in people older than 18. Research suggests that this class of medicines may cause bone development problems in children and teenagers. Infants, children, teenagers, pregnant women, and women who are breastfeeding should not take this medicine unless directed to do so by a physician.

  • Gastrointestinal effects.
    The most common side effects with fluoroquinolones are nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation, and abdominal pain, which occur in 1 to 5% of patients.

  • Central Nervous System effects.
    These medicines make some people feel drowsy, dizzy, lightheaded, or less alert. Insomnia occurs in 3-7% of patients who take ofloxacin.
    These drugs can quickly concentrate in the brain and interfere with a receptor that normally prevents seizures. Although seizures are very rare, fluoroquinolones should be avoided in patients with a history of convulsion, cerebral trauma, or anoxia. No seizures have been reported with levofloxacin, moxifloxacin, gatifloxacin, and gemifloxacin.

  • Phototoxicity.
    These antibiotics may increase sensitivity to sunlight. Even brief exposure to sun can cause severe sunburn or a rash. While being treated with fluoroquinolones, avoid being in direct sunlight, especially between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m.; wear a hat and tightly woven clothing that covers the arms and legs; use a sunscreen with a skin protection factor (SPF) of at least 15; protect the lips with a sun block lipstick; and do not use tanning beds, tanning booths, or sunlamps.
    The degree of phototoxic potential of fluoroquinolones is as follows: lomefloxacin > sparfloxacin > ciprofloxacin > norfloxacin = ofloxacin = levofloxacin = gatifloxacin = moxifloxacin.

  • Tendon damage (tendonitis and tendon rupture).
    Some fluoroquinolones may weaken the tendons in the shoulder, hand, or heel, making the tendons more likely to tear. Anyone who notices pain or inflammation in these or other tendon areas should stop taking the medicine immediately and call a physician. Rest and avoid exercise until the physician determines whether the tendons are damaged. If the tendons are torn, surgery may be necessary to repair them. Potential risk factors for tendon damage include age >50 years, male gender, and concomitant use of corticosteroids.

  • Cardiovascular effects.
    The newer quinolones have been found to produce additional toxicities to the heart that were not found with the older compounds. Evidence suggests that sparfloxacin and grepafloxacin may have the most cardiotoxic potential.

  • Hypoglycemia/Hyperglycemia.
    Recently, rare cases of hypoglycemia have been reported with gatifloxacin and ciprofloxacin in patients also receiving oral diabetic medications, primarily sulfonylureas. Although hypoglycemia has been reported with other fluoroquinolones (levofloxacin and moxifloxacin), the effects have been mild.

  • Hypersensitivity.
    Hypersensitivity reactions occur only occasionally during quinolone therapy and are generally mild to moderate in severity, and usually resolve after treatment is stopped.


Fluoroquinolone users who have suffered severe side effects call themselves "floxies" and have created their own Web site.

You can buy Cipro here

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Hammerfel's weblog

Wednesday, July 9, 2008

Depression and Thyroid Hormones


If you are tired or depressed much of the time, your doctor should order blood tests for the two thyroid hormones called T3 and T4 and for the brain hormones called TSH and prolactin. If your TSH is high and your prolactin is normal, you are probably hypothyroid and need to take thyroid hormone to give you more energy and prevent heart and blood vessel damage.

Doctors treat people with low thyroid function with thyroid pills called T4 (Levothroid, one brand name is Synthroid). Many doctors think that a person needs only T4 because the thyroid gland makes T4 and then it is converted to T3 in other tissues. However, some people become depressed when they take just T4 and their depression can be cured when they take both thyroid hormones, T3 and T4.

When a depressed patient comes to me and is taking thyroid hormone, T4, I immediately order a blood test called TSH to check if he or she is getting the correct dose. If the TSH is normal, I reduce the dose of T4 by 50% and add a very low dose of T3 (brand name, Cytomel) because it safer to prescribe too low a dose, rather than too high a dose. Overdoses cause shakiness, irritability, irregular heart beats, clots, and osteoporosis. The patient returns in one month for a blood test, TSH, to see if the total thyroid dose is correct. If the TSH is too high, the thyroid dose is too low and I raise the T3 (Cytomel) dose by 5 to 10 m5 each month until the TSH is normal. Then once a year I check TSH blood levels to make sure that the person's requirements for thyroid hormone are being met.

For example, the usual replacement dose for low thyroid function is 100 micrograms per day. If a depressed patient has a normal TSH, I reduce the T4 dose to 50 mcg/day and add 5 mcg of T3 per day. One month later, if the TSH blood is still too high I raise the T3 dose to 10 or 20 mcg and continue to increase the T3 level each month until the TSH is normal.

Exciting research shows that the thyroid hormone called T3 can help treat depression. Psychotherapy often fails to control depression. Sigmund Freud, the father of psychotherapy, proposed theories about depression, that many psychiatrists do not accept because his writings were his opinions and not presented as scientific data supported by controlled experiments. The dominant theory today is that depression is caused by low brain levels of the neurotransmitters, serotonin and norepinephrine.

The drugs such as Paxil, Prozac and Zoloft that treat depression are supposed to raise brain levels of these neurotransmitters. Doctors can also raise brain levels of serotonin by prescribing pills containing T3, a hormone produced by peripheral tissue from T4, which is produced by the thyroid gland. They also prescribe T3 by itself or together with antidepressants. Depression is common among people who have too much or too little thyroid hormone. Doctors usually treat low thyroid function with T4 also known as Levothroid and many people become even more depressed. They treat this depression by prescribing T3 as well as T4.

Try to balance T3 and T4 so you will not be taking too much thyroid and harm yourself. 1)If you now take 100 mcg of Levothroid (T4): 2) Lower T4 (Levothroid) to 50 mcg and add Cytomel (T3) 5 mcg each day. 3) One month later, have your doctor draw blood for TSH. 4) If it is normal, you are on the correct dose and should get blood tests TSH once a year. 5) If TSH is too high, increase Cytomel to 10 mcg and hold Levothroid at 50. 6) Draw monthly TSH until it is normal. Keep on raising Cytomel by 5 mcg until TSH is normal.

You can buy Levothroid here

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Praestat's weblog