News, information and articles on the health, pharmaceutical, medical and wellness industries.
Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS for short) is a widespread condition in the United Kingdom. In fact, statistics show that up to 20% of the population will develop a form of IBS at some point in their lives.
Because it can be a chronic illness IBS can feel like a life sentence, even stopping people from carrying out their daily activities and living normal lives. The symptoms can be debilitating at times, however with proper care the condition can usually be managed effectively. Read in full
Acne is a troubling skin condition affecting up to 25% or people at some time in their lives. It can cause physical discomfort and mental anguish.
Whilst there is a lot of information available about acne, much of it is based on misconceptions; from old wives’ tales to simple misinformation. Some notions are simply wrong, others can be harmful. We all want clear skin, so let’s set the record straight and bust some of the most common myths about acne! Read in full
Many of us know the feeling when a headache starts to set in. You feel pressure inside your skull, your muscles are tense and light becomes annoying. The pain can become so unbearable that concentration on simple tasks seems impossible.
Most headaches are of the stress type, but migraine is different and is caused by changes in blood flow in and around the brain. Migraine can be incapacitating, forcing you to stay home from work or school and cancel all appointments. Even if you are able to identify your triggers they can still occur. Learn more about how to stave them off and what to do if you feel one coming on. Read in full
Hair loss can be a traumatic, whether it happens rapidly or over the space of years. For some, it has to do with more than just losing hair, it can be about losing an important part of identity.
There are a number of treatments to help combat hair loss. Once you begin to investigate you will inevitably start to hear about Propecia. This pharmacological treatment has helped plenty of men over the years to have renewed hair growth with minimal side effects, but it is not a miracle cure. Read on to see if Propecia has the potential to meet your expectations.
Propecia, also known by its active ingredient finasteride, is a drug that prevents testosterone from turning into dihydrotestosterone, or DHT. In susceptible men DHT can reduce the activity of hair follicles, which in turn can result in hair loss. Reduction of DHT by taking regular finasteride is currently one of the only proven method of slowing hair loss, the other being topical minoxidil (Regaine). Propecia/finasteride is prescribed in 1mg tablets and is taken once daily. Read in full
Stomach acid is the strong substance that allows us to digest our food and absorb nutrients. If your body is functioning normally, you probably never give your stomach acid much thought.
However, if the acid makes its way into the oesophagus it can be quite uncomfortable. It may simply manifest itself as a burning sensation and unpleasant taste in your mouth, but acid reflux can also be the sign of something more serious. It could be a warning from your body that you need to transition to a healthier life style.
When learning more about acid reflux, note that the term Gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (GORD) refers to the spectrum of conditions related to acid reflux; from simple heartburn to oesophagitis. The cause, duration, and intensity of your acid reflux will help determine the proper course of treatment. Read in full
Being diagnosed with asthma can be traumatic, in no small part because the diagnosis often follows an episode of shortness of breath. It is also a shock to hear about a chronic condition that could be lifelong.
For some it may feel like life will never be the same, but this is only partially true. For most sufferers, asthma is a condition that can be kept at bay. With proper care and management you can live a normal life; it does not need to become the centre of your existence. Knowing the facts is the first step.
Asthma is a common chronic respiratory condition that consists of narrowing and inflammation of the airways. This leads to coughing, wheezing and other unpleasant symptoms. Although the exact causes of asthma are not yet fully understood, we do know that people with a family history of asthma and allergies are more likely to suffer from it. Read in full
Alarming headlines in several UK newspapers and news websites this week (27 January 2015) claiming a US study concluded common hay fever tablets available over the counter raise the risk of developing dementia and Alzheimer’s disease.
While there are significant findings in the study, the news reporting was not entirely accurate according to NHS ‘Behind the headlines’ (page now removed). Much of the reporting failed to highlight the study focus was on prescribed medicine for over 65s only; some brand name drugs contain different ingredients in the US to the UK; and other limitations of the study findings.
Although some of the drugs can be bought over the counter, the study only included prescribed medicines which have an anticholinergic effect, including some antihistamines, antidepressants and drugs for an overactive bladder, and concludes those over 65s taking the highest levels of anticholinergic prescribed medicines were at a higher risk of developing dementia compared with those not taking any.
Some of the medicine brands also contain different ingredients in the UK than the US: Benadryl and Piriteze do not contain ingredients identified in the study as causes of concern. Read in full
An erection occurs when the brain, as a result of physical or psychological stimulation, sends signals to the penis that cause its blood vessels to relax. Blood flow to the penis increases, and blood becomes trapped within the corpora cavernosa, which expands and hardens, producing an erection.
Blood flow is central to achieving and maintaining erections. Erectile dysfunction (ED) is sometimes related to problems with circulation.
There are many reasons men get erectile dysfunction, and circulatory problems, although fairly common, are not the only reason. Read in full
