A positive effect (superior to placebo) products
homeopathic treatment. This would also be the case for
Patients with asthma or allergy. It
However, the majority of studies with fewer patients and
With the results often not obvious, as
Shows a methodical synthesis (systematic review) 2.
The study, properly handled, is randomized, double
Blind, versus placebo. The authors are studying the effectiveness
A homeopathic vaccine in asthmatic patients
Allergic to dust mites. The criteria for judgement
Are parameters clinics and welfare
Patient. Patients were recruited from 38 practices
General medicine in England. Patients are
Labelled asthmatics based on several criteria
: Randomization, need to improve
15% of their VEMS 15 minutes after inhalation
200 micrograms of salbutamol, two of the three
Criteria for a daily score of asthma, or a variation
Nycthémérale the peak flow of
More than 15%, or appeal necessary for salbutamol
For at least 7 days during the previous 2 weeks préinclusion.
The subjects of a skin reaction
Positive (greater than 3 mm greater than
Control) were found positive for mites.
Included are randomized and throughout the study,
242 patients with asthma and allergic to dust mites.
One group receives a homeopathic vaccine, the other one
Placebo. At the end of the study, there are still 101 patients in
Each of the 2 groups, the results of which are analyzed.
The judgement criteria are the primary and VEMS
Quality of life. This assessment takes place every
Four weeks up to and including the 16th week.
No difference was observed for these criteria
Between the two groups. The authors conclude that
This study reveals no positive effect of this treatment
Homeopathy versus placebo among
Asthma patients allergic to dust mites.
Results are analyzed according to the method intention-to-treat. Only included allergic asthma patients
To dust mites. The definitions used are clearly described. Patients were randomized but the technique
However, is not precisely described. The first 10 patients were randomised according to a system of envelopes
Closed and the following patients were divided according to age, sex, tobacco use, the severity of
Asthma, and so on. (Quasi-randomized). Treatment is with double-blind evaluation of the accuracy of prognosis
The doctor and patient on the type of treatment received (placebo or homeopathy). The criteria for judgement
Secondary show a worsening compared to placebo (on a scale analog for asthma and
Mood) during the first weeks of treatment with homeopathic product, but this difference vanishes
Then under investigation. This leads a discussion on the possibility of an error of type 1 (affirming
Inaccurate that a difference between the two interventions). So far, it is a classic study protocol. The
Reactions to this article have illustrated, once again, the significant gap between doctors and homeopaths "classic".
This study does not take into account individual patients (the perpetrators would have had to give 242 different treatments,
Individualized) has been made in general medicine and not in a homeopathic, definitions
Are not correct, and so on. A search of the literature does not provide more information. This
Summarizes the whole debate and all other issues remain raised. The discussion between "supporters" and "non -
Supporters "remains current. Epidemiologists "classic" have established a framework for developing
Good clinical trials for medicine, but, as homeopaths, this technique can not be applied
On their land. As physicians, we must ask ourselves about our salaries, that we are "classic
"Or" training "homeopaths. Provide evidence that a treatment is effective or not, and that this effect
Clinically relevant forms an integral part of good medical practice, for homeopaths également3.
Senin, 17 Desember 2007
Which treatment for which asthma?
There are two types of asthma: the intermittent asthma ie, as reflected in a number of crises limited to 2 or 3 a week and persistent asthma. These 2 forms of asthma does not deal in the same way. When we had intermittent asthma, treatment is used only during crises or manifestations of respiratory gene, and consists of using a drug (usually inhaled), which will ease quickly. However, in chronic asthma, the treatment is preventive medicine and associates a broncho-dilator and another said antiar inflammatory; drugs are most often taken 2 times a day every day; The dose of drugs is Depending on the severity of asthma. We must, as far as possible that, with treatment, the extent of the asthmatic breathing is normal.
It currently has very effective medications to treat asthma, it is necessary to distinguish dealing with the crisis and treatment of substance.
The drugs fast-acting bronchodilators was like ventoline or bricanyl very quickly relieve the crisis and should be used widely, there is no danger of this toxic type of medication when they can be inhaled; However, if they take ' improves not in a crisis period must be quick t repeat their use and call a doctor if relief is not total. Indeed, the non-response to this type of medicine indicate a more serious crisis which justifira probably taking cortisone.
Medications bronchodilators may have a delayed effect and are used in persistent forms of asthma has always associated anti-inflammatory treatments;
The anti-inflammatory drugs are used as treatment. They do not relieve the discomfort but affect the invisible component of the disease is the inflammation of the bronchus. The most common are corticosteroids. The antileukotrienes are used in the treatment of certain forms of asthma, an anti-inflammatory action from the cortisone. The cromones are anti-inflammatory and less powerful for use in mild forms of the disease
One Third of Asthmatic Embarrassed on Sexual Activity
"I am asthmatic and I have some difficulty with my sexuality". This spontaneous admission of a patient to letters from readers of the association Asthma and Allergies was the starting point of an unprecedented study. Based on a questionnaire developed by a sexologist Dr Michèle Pujos and a pulmonologist Dr. Marc Sapene, this survey on the incidence of asthma on sexuality has been conducted on over 300 patients.
A sex life disrupted
Asthma sexualitéLes results show a potentially disturbed sex life: 38% of respondents complained of breathing difficulties during sexual intercourse, 31% said that their asthma has an impact on their quality of life as a couple even outside sexuality. One third of asthma say they use a product for the prevention of crises before sexual intercourse. And the picture is even more black patients for so-called "persistent severe," including:
* 46% are embarrassed by their asthma during intercourse;
* 35% say that their respiratory problems have an impact on the success of their sexual act and 21% on the final quality of their sex;
* 26% s'économisent when having sex, the time limit (21%) or frequency (17%);
* Among asthmatics often having an asthma attack during the sexual act: 25% are often forced to stop during the sexual act, which alters their pleasure (48% of severe asthmatics).
But by breaking the silence that the patient has access to therapeutic solutions.
Unleashing the floor patient
Although general practitioners regularly speak of the quality of life with their asthma patients, they acknowledge some discomfort with the topic of sexuality they deem as a "sensitive subject" for 32% of them ...
Thus, doctors interviewed more readily on diseases more likely for them to generate sexual or easier to deal with (depression, herpes, diabetes) than asthma, which comes fourth position. A quarter of GPs believed that it is for patients to talk about it first. As for patients, few people dare to talk about sex, which is taboo for many people. But solutions exist, and it is a shame to deny oneself.
A good quality of life is often linked to good control of asthma, including sexuality. Each patient is obviously unique and judge the place emphasis on sexuality. However, beyond the individual aspects, quality of life as a whole ought not to be hampered by difficulties in breathing. And it is often possible!
Luc Blanchot
Asthma in children: the enemy in the house
First chronic condition among school children, asthma has been rising steadily for several decades in industrialized countries. Faced with this multi-factorial disease, many risk factors related to the environment were incriminated both in the development of the disease and crises. Among them, moisture and mold arising…
Moulds trigger crisis
Child Asthma house "Many studies have shown an association between excessive moisture in buildings and other respiratory symptoms, bronchial as wheezing, coughing, asthma or a" note the team of Juha Pekkanen department Environmental Health at the National Institute of Public Health in Kuopio (Finland). "But if the role of this factor is found in the exacerbation of existing asthma, it had not yet been established in the outbreak of the disease."
To assess this, Juha Pekkanen and his colleagues then enlisted for four years all children from one to seven years with asthma who had just been diagnosed. In the end, 121 children were selected, which were compared with untreated asthma 241 of the same age. All had lived at least two years, or three-quarters of their lives, their current home.
A diagnostic technique at home
The originality of this major Finnish study lies in the fact that, in addition to an interrogation pushed and dosing specific antibodies (IgE) to identify a possible allergic ground, all children have been visited at home by experienced technicians, in charge to inspect all parts according to a very specific protocol. These specialists have evaluated every house humidity and the presence of mold. Leaks water marks condensation, damp patches, color changes affecting building materials… everything has been reviewed!
The result is very clear signs of moisture or mold visible were found two to three times more often in living rooms where small asthmatic children than among witnesses. A moisture or mold infestation in other parts of the house, like the attic or cellar, on the other hand appeared without major effects on the airways.
One in five asthma-related moisture
The authors also analyzed the causal link between asthma and moisture depending on the age of children. The result: up to a childhood asthma in five could fall under this origin! The risk increases with the degree of humidity and the presence of visible mold in the rooms, especially in the bedrooms, the study concludes. Physicians should now have this question in mind when they seek the origin of a childhood asthma. And when in doubt, a technical inspection at home by a professional might be helpful.
In conclusion, the authors suggest that "moisture problems within the homes do not aggravate existing asthma, they can also contribute to the development of a persistent asthma." The mechanism, however, remains to be specified, Finnish doctors admit. But now, the authors stress the importance of careful design of buildings, as well as good construction practices. Just as they insist on the importance of housing maintenance, in order to prevent damage from moisture and their consequences for the occupants.
David Bême
Rabu, 12 Desember 2007
some food that can help asthma
Earlier this month, accepted findings in Pediatric Allergy and Immunology from a seven-year muse of 460 Spanish children washed-up that a particular annex exists between symptom-free progeny and a diet rich in �fruity vegetables� and fish. Fruity vegetables are those that grow from a blossom in the plant that comes from seed; such veggies include tomatoes, zucchini, eggplants, green beans, cucumbers and butternut squash, among others.
Scientists go into that the solicitous effects of this personality of take out were irrefutable, and were remarkably personal to this balmy
of vegetables. Researchers tested different types of foods such as diary, meats and vegetables, but only fruity vegetables and fish were beneficial to these conditions.
Although this is not the peak provide for that links a hand of a vittles
titillating in fish and vegetables to health improvement, the findings here are ever influential as the researchers followed the children from the womb until age six, taking the mother�s dietary habits into consideration among other factors. Incidents of asthma and allergies were reduced significantly in children consuming more than 2 oz of fish and 1� oz of fruity vegetables a day.
Senin, 19 November 2007
Basics of Asthma Inhalers
The metered-dose asthma inhaler uses a chemical type of propellant to move the medicine out from the inhaler into the lungs. This medicine is received by squeezing onto the canister in the inhaler or by inhaling. A dry powder inhaler does not involve pushing out the medication. It requires inhaling at a faster rate than with another kind of inhaler.
Asthma inhalers are used to administer various different kinds of medicines that are prescribed by doctors to treat asthma symptoms. The most often used medicines for it include short and long-acting bronchodilators, corticosteroids and nedocromil. In some cases corticosteroids are paired with long-acting bronchodilators.
The two basic kinds of asthma inhalers will work in different ways. A metered-dose inhaler works by squeezing the top of the canister of medicine in the inhaler. The medicine is converted into a mist that goes directly to the lungs. The doses are also measured.
On the other hand, a dry powder inhaler works by having the patient press the lips onto the mouthpiece of the inhaler and quickly inhaling. This is one of the more popular types of asthma inhalers among patients because it does not require the hand-lung coordination that the metered-dose inhaler uses.
Using an asthma inhaler the right way is the most important of the basics of asthma inhalers. In fact, it is best that an inhaler be used as often as a doctor requests that it be done. This is because if an asthma patient does not take care of the symptoms as often as recommended with an inhaler that person will suffer more serious symptoms and experience damage in the future.
A physician can help to educate on how asthma inhalers work properly and how they should be used. It is important to know how to use it right so that it will be more effective and will prevent any more serious problems from happening in the future.
These are the basics of asthma inhalers. If you have asthma then it is important to see what type of inhaler is the best one for you to use and that you know how to use it properly and at the right times. This is needed so that the asthma inhaler you use will be more effective.
Alternative Asthma Medicine
Before looking at the types of alternative asthma medicine that are available it is important to see that not all kinds of alternative asthma medicine are right for every person. In fact, most forms are not approved by the Food and Drug Administration, so be careful when using alternative asthma medicine.
Acupuncture is a form of alternative asthma medicine that is popular. This helps to get the body to use its healing energy to treat asthma. There is a risk of needles used in the process contaminating the body if they are not sterilized in the right fashion.
Chiropractic spinal manipulation is another alternative asthma medicine form that can help. This is where spinal cord alignments are used to help restore the proper flow of energy around the body.
Laser treatment is another modern form of alternative asthma medicine. A laser is used to help shrink inflamed tissues in the body, but there is a risk of scar tissue developing as a result.
Hypnosis is common for some people who want to treat their asthma. Of course, the effectiveness of it is not completely proven and will vary by patient.
Yoga is commonly used as a form of alternative asthma medicine. With regularly occurring yoga practices asthma symptoms can lessen over time and eventually go away. Like with many other forms of alternative asthma medicine the healing power of the body is used to help control the symptoms of asthma.
While these forms of alternative asthma medicine can be effective, it is important to consider that it does not work with everyone. The level of asthma is an important factor in determining whether or not alternative asthma medicine will work. More severe cases of asthma may have to be handled with doctor prescribed methods. The length of alternative asthma medicine treatments and how well they are followed will be important to consider too.
Finding out if your asthma is caused by allergies can help you too. While alternative asthma medicine can be useful it is important to see what allergies are needed because avoiding things that can trigger allergies can work in conjunction with the alternative asthma medicine that is being used.
Be sure to consult with your doctor for more information on these kinds of alternative asthma medicines. These can be effective, but it is still important to watch and see that the method you are interested in will work for you.