Tuesday, December 28, 2010

Winter Colds and Flu

Viruses have been described as ‘organisms at the edge of life’. They are true intracellular parasites, destroying their host cells as they replicate. Viruses lack a cellular structure (which is regarded as the basic unit of life), although they do have genes, enveloped by a simple envelope in some cases. They do not self-metabolize and they need a host cell to replicate and synthesize new products. Viruses only resemble other living organisms in that they possess genes and can evolve in infected cells by natural selection, reproducing by creating multiple copies of themselves through self-assembly. Without a living host cell, very specific to each virus, there would be no replication.
Over 200 different viruses can cause the 'common cold' and most of the causative organisms are found within the Rhinovirus family. This collection of genetic material that causes our most common worldwide infection is so neatly presented that the cold virus can be found on every corner of our planet and remain active without a host for hundreds of years. They are so small that around 500 million viral particles can be squeezed onto the head of a pin. Head cold symptoms remain typically centered around the nose - symptoms include nasal stuffiness, sneezing and pharyngeal irritation (usually without redness). Flu viruses may also cause ‘cold-like symptoms’ where approximately 15% of ‘head colds’ are actually caused by flu viruses.
What happens to you when you contract a viral infection is largely determined by the overall state of your health and especially how effectively your immune system responds to the attack. Your innate immune system is your first line of defense and effectively wins the battle against most viral organisms entering your body.
Conventionally, the flu vaccine is recommended as flu prevention, but what must be realized is that getting the flu vaccine does not guarantee that you will not contract the virus. If the strain of virus that you contract is not included in the vaccine that you receive, you will not have protection against those strains. Antibiotics are only effective in controlling some of the secondary complications; they have no effect on killing the flu virus itself. We all have a developing immune system that has highly specialized white blood cells called lymphocytes that have the ability to develop a 'memory' of every viral particle it encounters. This memory of the viruses prevents us from being ill all the time, because the reality is that cold and flu viruses are always around, and we are always exposed to them.
Flu viruses infect birds, pigs, and humans; but do not necessarily cause illness in all of its 'hosts'. While some types of flu viruses don't harm birds, they can overwhelm and kill humans. These specific hosts allow viruses to remain in our environment and survive during the unfavorable warmer months of the year when our resistance on mucosal membrane surfaces does not allow for frequent infections. The dry and cold winter air promotes viral transmission and this is further compounded by the use of heaters indoors which further dries the air out and puts us at risk for picking up infections via the respiratory passages, nasal membranes and tear ducts. The flu virus, one of the fastest mutators amongst viruses, can rapidly infiltrate the nasal passages, throat, bronchial tubes and lungs. Common symptoms of flu include:
  • Fever and chills
  • Loss of appetite
  • General aches and pains
  • Aching muscles
  • Headaches
  • Weakness
The secondary complications to flu result in lingering illness that may cause deeper damage within the body. Susceptible people may get severely ill with these secondary complications. If you are prone to secondary complications you may need to take more care this flu season. Pneumonia (which may be viral or bacterial) is one of the most serious consequences of flu. The sixth leading cause of death in the U.S.A. yearly is influenza and pneumonia combined. Other secondary illnesses include:
  • Sinusitis
  • Laryngitis
  • Bronchitis
  • Ear infections
Supporting immune function during a viral infection allows a more effective and targeted response with subsequent exposures. Our immune systems need to respond effectively throughout our lives. Constant infections and slow healing times with the continuous need for antibiotics is a clear sign that your immune response is not functioning properly. This is seen commonly in children where an over-dependence on antibiotics from a young age can result in antibiotic resistant bacteria and a diminished immune response.

Monday, December 27, 2010

Healing The Erosions In Your Esophagus With Nexium

Buy Nexium  online has come as a wonderful relief in treating heartburn in acid reflux disorders. Acids are released in the stomach for digestion of food. When some of this acid persistently flows back into the food tube, the esophagus, its lining get damaged leading to a condition known as erosive esophagitis. You suffer from persistent heartburn. Changing diets also do not help. Just one pill a day of Nexium can relieve you of the pain and agony of severe and continuous heartburn.

Nexium generically is esomeprazole magnesium and is available as a Delayed- Release capsule for oral administration. If you are having typical heartburn symptoms on 2 or more days per week in spite of treatment and diet change, you need to consult a doctor to find out whether you are suffering from acid reflux disease. Only a Doctor can confirm whether the lining of your esophagus has been damaged due to back flow of stomach acids in this food pipe for frequent relaxes of the lower esophageal sphincter. If this lining has been eroded, you have the condition known as erosive esophagitis and your heartburn is due to this cause.

Nexium administration can heal these erosions in the esophagus in 4 to 8 weeks. However, results may vary depending on your age and extent of damage. Nexium therapy is often associated with minor side effects. Over 8500 patients in the United States and over 6500 patients in Europe and Canada underwent clinical trials to ascertain the safety of Nexium. Near about 3000 patients were studied in long-term trials. The tolerance, both in short-term and long-term trials were found to be fairly satisfactory. Nexium was administered in various doses in patients with confirmed erosive esophagitis. For all dosage levels, some headache (+/- 1%) was reported. The intensity varied according to the level of the dose. Very mild diarrhea was also noticed but it had no relation with dosage level. Some nausea, flatulence, abdominal pain and dry mouth symptoms were reported in the trials. However, similar symptoms also appear in patients on omeprazole medication for stomach disorders.

Marketed by AstraZeneca Pharmaceuticals, Nexium is a proton pump inhibitor (PPI) and is well indicated for the treatment of heartburn in erosive esophagitis and other symptoms associated with GERD. It suppresses gastric acid secretion in the stomach by blocking the final step in acid production. Nexium can also be prescribed with antibiotics for eradication of H.Pylori that reduces the risk of duodenal ulcer recurrence. A very recent study conducted with more than 1000 patients with erosive esophagitis show Nexium (esomeprazole) to be more effective in healing the disorder than lansoprazole (Prevacid). Results of this study has been published in July, 2006 issue of Clinical Gastroenterology and Hepatology. According to Dr. Kenneth DeVault, MD, Director of Gastrointestinal Research, Mayo Clinic College of Medicine, Jacksonville, Florida, and the lead study investigator, "Esomeprazole therapy was able to control both mucosal damage and reflux symptoms" in healing the erosions in the esophagus.

Disclaimer - The information presented here should not be interpreted as or substituted for medical advice. Please talk to a qualified professional for more information about Buy Nexium.online

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Nexium (Esomeprazole) - Nexium 40mg, Nexium 20mg-
Nexium (Esomeprazole magnesium) 20mg & 40mg are used in treating a number of stomach related problems. Nexium (Esomeprazole) belongs to the class of medication called Proton Pump Inhibitors (PPIs). PPIs regulate the flow of digestive acids in the stomach and intestines. Most frequent Nexium (Esomeprazole) use is for treating Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). Minimizing risk of stomach ulcers cause by use of NSAIDS; Elimination of H.pylori bacteria to lessen chances of duodenal ulcer recurring as well as prescription in treatment of pathological hypersecretory problems like Zollinger-Ellison syndrome etc. Nexium is suggested as heartburn medicine. It is also used in from ulcers that can be caused due to NSAID (Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) use. Nexium medication is also prescribed in chronic stomach problems like Zollinger-Ellison Syndrome. For more details on Nexium and its Usage click here...
How to Take Nexium-
Nexium (Esomeprazole) dosage depends on the affliction for which the patient is being treated. One tablet (Nexium 20mg / Nexium 40mg) a day is prescribed to be taken at least an hour before meal. In extreme cases...read more
How Nexium Works-
Esomeprazole is a proton pump inhibitor which works by blocking the enzyme that produces gastric acid inside the stomach. This provides relief to the patient as symptoms of acidity subside. When the acid content in the stomach is reduced...read more
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Nexium benefits to be much greater than Nexium risks involved. FDA approval also means that Nexium is found to be safe for use in general population. Users must strictly follow Physician instructions of use. Users should be aware about serious Side Effects of Nexium such including blisters or skin coming off, skin irritation, bloating of facial features and limbs..read more
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Sunday, December 26, 2010

Symptoms and Confirming ZES
Persons suffering from Zollinger-Ellison Syndrome will have symptoms just like patients of peptic ulcers. This includes:
  • Stinging stomach ache
  • Uneasiness and throwing up
  • Reduction in weight
  • Loose motions
  • High intensity Gastroesophageal Flux
Since ZES has similar symptoms to peptic ulcers and nothing specifically indicates its actual presence, it needs to be diagnosed carefully. Doctors first start off with the symptoms displayed by the patient and then proportions of free gastrin in the blood as well as the amount of acid in the stomach are measured. Finally imaging is carried out to study the gastrin producing Gastrinomas.
The most prominent indicator is presence of loose motions with symptoms of peptic ulcer. Generally peptic ulcers are cause by H.pylori bacteria or excessive NSAID use. Lack of either Peptic Ulcer cause generally means ZES. When an imaging with the gastrointestinal endoscopy of the duodenum displays high number of ulcers, ZES indications are considered pretty high.

ZES treatment – PPIs like Generic Nexium and how Nexium works
Generally ZES is treated by medications unless a surgery is required. Esomeprazole (Generic Nexium) is a proton pump inhibitor, which helps in reducing generation of gastric acid. ZES is considered cancerous in nearly 25% cases but with proper care and good treatment, people can live on comfortably for 10 years. It is essential to discuss with their physician about all precautions like how to take Nexium like medications, what dietary habits to be observed, foods to be avoided etc. Users should discuss the exact amount of medication to be taken, for e.g. Nexium is available in two strengths Nexium 40 mg and Nexium 20mg, so diagnosis should be carried out properly

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Ellison Syndrome (ZES) treatment with Nexium (Esomeprazole) can be comfortable

Zollinger-Ellison Syndrome is an uncommon problem affecting various internal organs in the digestive system. It causes production of excessive acid in the pancreas or duodenum causing ulcers that may turn cancerous as well. ZES generally affects men aged 30 – 50 years more than any other population group. Population suffering from a genetic disorder known as multiple endocrine neoplasia type 1 (MEN1) are highly susceptible for this affliction. MEN1 is hereditary and children of parents with MEN1 have higher risk of inheriting MEN1 and in turn have increased chances of getting ZES.

ZES is caused by the release of Gastrinomas. The actual reason behind appearance of Gastrinomas has still not been ascertained except for the fact that this disorder is hereditary. Almost one in four Gastrinoma causes are a hereditary gene problem known as multiple endocrine neoplasia type 1 (MEN1). These tumors produce a hormone known as Gastrin. Gastrin causes various cells in the stomach to generate Gastric juice. Gastric juice is acidic in nature and is used to breaking down food for digestion. When created in excess amounts, it has adverse effects on the inner lining of the various digestive organs. Sores known as peptic ulcers appear on the inner lining of the duodenum.