Stomach ulcers? Antibiotics can help you

Fri, Aug 20, 2010
tabla!

Stomach ulcers? Antibiotics can help you

By Dr Sujit Singh Gill GASTRITIS or inflammation of the stomach's inner lining affects up to 20 per cent of the population. The common symptoms are pain in the upper abdominal area, usually around meal times. In some patients, eating food relieves the pain. In others, the opposite happens. This problem was long thought to be due to the production of too much acid in the stomach. This was thought to irritate the stomach lining and, when the lining eventually broke down, caused sores or ulcers. Acid production is regulated by several factors especially the vagus nerves and cells in a part of the stomach called the antrum. Patients who have had ulcers fora long time may have to be hospitalised if they develop serious complications, namely severe bleeding or perforation of the ulcer.Perforation occurs when the ulcer has eroded through the stomach wall, from the inner lining all the way to the outer lining. This perforation, or hole in the wall of the stomach, allows stomach contents to leak into the abdominal cavity, resulting in life-threatening infection. Nowadays, medication is used to reduce the acidity of the stomach. But patients used to undergo surgery to cure the ulcers, sometimes resulting in the removal of the antrum, till it was learned that removing the branches of the vagus nerves to the stomach would result in reduced acid production. It was only in 1982 that two Perth-based doctors, Dr Barry Marshall and Dr Robin Warren, proved that a bacteria called Helicobacter pylori living in the stomach causes gastritis and gastric ulcers. They then proved that this bacteria could be killed with antibiotics, resulting in improvement of the symptoms of gastritis or gastric ulcers. A problem that affects a large proportion of the world's population now suddenly had a cure. As the number of people being subjected to major stomach surgery plummeted, the two doctors were awarded the Nobel Prize for Medicine in 2005. Gastroscopy has now become one of the commonest procedures because it is safe and provides important information about patients with abdominal pain. With the gastroscope, tissue can even be removed from the stomach lining to test for Helicobacter pylori. Dr Sujit Singh Gill is a vascular and general surgeon in private practice. He can be contacted at sujitsinghgill@me.com

Managing urinary tract infections

Mon, Aug 16, 2010
The Star/Asia News Network

Managing urinary tract infections

By Dr Milton Lam THE diagnosis of urinary tract infections (UTI) is made from the history presented by the patient, a physical examination, and laboratory investigations. The clinical features of UTI may differ depending on whether the lower, i.e. bladder or urethra, or upper urinary tract, i.e. kidney, is involved. The clinical features suggestive of UTI involving the bladder (cystitis) include pain or a burning sensation when passing urine, frequent passing of urine, feeling the urge to pass urine, lower abdominal discomfort or pain, urine that smells or appears cloudy or red, and tenderness in the lower abdomen. The clinical features suggestive of UTI involving the kidneys (pyelonephritis) include frequent passing of urine, pain when passing urine, feeling the urge to pass urine, aches in the back, groin and side of the body, fever, blood and/or pus in the urine, nausea, vomiting, and tenderness in the back. Clinical features of the factors that increase the risk of UTI may also be present. These factors have been discussed in the article a fortnight ago. Sometimes, symptoms are less specific and they include tiredness and confusion. The latter is more common in senior citizens. It is advisable for anyone with these symptoms to seek medical attention. Many people who are suffering from UTI have no symptoms at all. This is particularly so in the case of people who are at increased risk of UTI, e.g. pregnancy, diabetis. Other conditions which may have symptoms similar to that of a UTI include common infections of the genital tract, e.g. sexually transmitted infections and fungal infections of the vulva and vagina, urethral syndrome (a condition in which the symptoms indicate a UTI but there is no underlying infection), non-infective cystitis due to nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory and other drugs, and an enlarged or infected prostate in men. The distinction between an uncomplicated and a complicated UTI is important as it has an impact on the type and choice of antibiotics, and the extent to which the urinary tract will be evaluated. Certain factors suggestive of a potential complicated UTI include male gender, senior citizens, pregnancy, diabetes, abnormalities of the urinary tract, recent antibiotic use, immunosuppression, symptoms present for a week or more, indwelling urinary catheter, and hospital acquired infection. Investigations An examination of a midstream specimen of urine will provide a rapid idea of whether UTI is present. The midstream specimen of urine is used because of the need to avoid contamination of the sample. Indirect evidence of infection can be found in the urine sample. They include blood, protein, white blood cells, and nitrites. Most bacteria that commonly cause UTI convert nitrate, which is a compound that is normally present in the urine, into nitrites. The latter is usually not present in urine. A urine sample is also collected at the same time for laboratory investigation. The presence of 100,000 bacteria per millilitre of urine is indicative of an infection. Pus and white blood cells are also present on microscopic examination of the urine. It is the usual practice to culture the urine sample to determine the type of bacteria present and its sensitivity to various antibiotics commonly used to treat UTI. If risk factors of UTI are present or suspected, other investigations may be carried out, e.g. ultrasound and X-ray studies. General treatment measures It is common practice to advise a patient with UTI to drink plenty of fluids, e.g. water, juice. This leads to the body producing more urine, which results in the flushing out of bacteria from the urinary tract. It also reduces the collection of urine (stasis) which is a factor that increases the risk of UTI. Doctors also advise patients with UTI to consume substances like citrate, which help in alleviating symptoms and provide an environment in the urinary tract that is more hostile to bacterial growth, and as such, improves the effectiveness of the antibiotics prescribed. Oestrogens may also be prescribed in post-menopausal women with UTI. Antibiotics Antibiotics are the primary measures used to treat UTI. The choice of antibiotic is influenced by its effectiveness, side effects, resistance levels, costs and whether the UTI is simple or complicated. Different antibiotics are used for cystitis and pyelonephritis. The common antibiotics used in the treatment of UTI include trimethoprim, nitrofurantoin, cephalosporins, penicillins, fluoroquinolones, and fosfomycin. The doctor may prescribe another antibiotic after receiving the results of the culture of the urine. The widespread and indiscriminate usage of certain antibiotics has resulted in the development of high bacterial resistance levels. This means that the more powerful and recent antibiotics may not be of use or are of limited use when a serious infection occurs. That is why concerns have been raised about the possible overuse of the more powerful antibiotics as first line treatment for UTI in the community setting. When prescribed an antibiotic for UTI, it would be advisable to raise these issues with the attending doctor. It is important to complete the course of antibiotics in the manner prescribed by the doctor. Recurrent UTI Recurrent UTI is defined as the occurrence of three or more episodes of UTI in the preceding 12 months, or two episodes in the preceding six months. The causes of recurrent UTI are genetic or behavioural. Women who are non-secretors of blood group substances are at increased risk of recurrent UTI. A secretor is a person who secretes his or her blood type antigens into the body fluids and secretions like saliva. The risk factors associated with recurrent UTI in sexually active premenopausal women include frequency of sexual intercourse, use of spermicides, the age of first UTI (the risk is greater if it is less than 15 years), and history of UTI in the mother, suggesting that genetic factors may be involved. The risk factors after the menopause include bladder prolapse, incontinence, and residual urine in the bladder after passing urine. If there are recurrent UTIs, the doctor will refer the patient to a specialist, who will recommend the necessary measures for the identification and treatment of the underlying cause. Prophylactic antibiotics may be prescribed. Other prophylactic measures like the vaginal application of lactobacilli, and consumption of cranberry juice, have been reported to have produced variable effects. The doctor may prescribe "bladder toilet", i.e. drinking at least two to three litres of fluid daily and always passing urine before going to bed and after sexual intercourse. Those who have urinary tract conditions that require surgical intervention will be advised accordingly by the urologist. Dr Milton Lum is member of the board of Medical Defence Malaysia. This article is not intended to replace, dictate or define evaluation by a qualified doctor. The views expressed do not represent that of any organisation the writer is associated with.

Onions & Garlic Vs Flu

This informative article was emailed to me by a friend...


Onions & Garlic Vs Flu
洋葱抗甲流 

In 1919. When the flu killed 40 million people, there was this doctor that visited the many farmers to see if he could help them combat the flu. Many of the farmers and their family had contracted it, and many died.
1919年。当流感造成了四千万人死亡时，有一位医生到各地农场去探视，看是否可以帮助人们战胜流感。很多农民和他们家庭感染了流感，很多人因此而死亡。 


The doctor came upon this one farmer, and to his surprise, everyone was very healthy. 
这位医生来到一家人家。出乎预料，这家的每一个人都非常健康。 


When the doctor asked what the farmer was doing that was different, the wife replied that she had placed an unpeeled onion in a dish in the rooms of the home (probably only two rooms back then). 
医生询问这家的做法与其他人家有何不同，这家的妻子说她在家里的每一个房间（那时大概也就是两间吧）里放置了一颗没有剥皮的洋葱。 


The doctor couldn't believe it, and asked if he could have one of the onions, and place it under the microscope. 
医生无法置信，因此就问是否可以要一颗洋葱以便放在显微镜下观察观察。 


She gave him one, and when he did this, he did find the flu virus in the onion. 
她给了他一颗。医生观察时真的在洋葱上发现了流感病菌。 


It obviously absorbed the bacteria, therefore keeping the family healthy. 
显然，洋葱吸收了病菌，因此让这家人保持健康。


Now, I heard this story from my hairdresser in Arizona . 
如今，我从亚利桑那州我的理发师那里听到类似的故事。 


She said that several years ago, many of her employees were coming down with the flu, and so were many of her customers. 
她说几年前她的很多雇员感染流感，她的很多顾客也是如此。 


The next year, she placed several bowls with onions around in her shop.  To her surprise, none of her staff got sick.  It must work . . . 
次年，她在她的理发店里放了几个果盘，里面放了一些洋葱。令她吃惊的是，她的员工没有一个生病的。看来洋葱真的起作用… 


(And no, she is not in the onion business.)
（真的，她并不做洋葱的生意。）


The moral of the story is, buy some onions and place them in bowls around your home. 
故事的核心是，买一些洋葱吧，把它们摆放在你的家里的果盘里。 


If you work at a desk, place one or two in your office, or under your desk, or even on top somewhere. 
如果你是坐办公室的，在你的办公室里，或者办公桌下面，或者在柜子顶部放置几颗洋葱吧。 


Try it and see what happens.   
试试看效果怎么样。


We did it last year, and we never got the flu.
我们去年做了，没有人得流感。


If this helps you and your loved ones from getting sick, all the better. 
如果这样做可以帮助你和你所爱的人不感冒，那就太好了。 


If you do get the flu, it just might be a mild case.
如果你仍然得了感冒，也许会是比较轻微的症状。


Whatever, what have you to lose? 
不管结果如何，你又会有什么损失呢？ 


 Just a few bucks on onions! 
除了几颗洋葱之外！ 


Now there is a P. S. to this for I sent it to a friend in Oregon who regularly contributes material to me on health issues. 
下面是后续。我把这个送给我在奥尔良的朋友，她经常给我一些健康方面的建议。 


 She replied with this most interesting experience about onions: 
她回复说了关于洋葱的最有趣的实验：


I don't know about the farmer’s story, but I do know that I contracted pneumonia, and needless to say I was very ill. 
我不知道那个农民的故事，但是我知道我得了肺炎。无需说，我病的不轻。 


I came across an article that said to cut both ends off an onion, put one end on a fork, and then place the forked end into an empty jar, placing the jar next to the sick patient at night. 
我读到一篇文章，建议把洋葱的两头切掉，插在叉子上，然后把叉子放在花瓶里，晚上放在病人身旁。 


It said the onion would be black in the morning from the germs. 
据说，洋葱会因为病菌而在次日清晨变黑。 


Sure enough, it happened just like that. 
果然，事情跟说的完全一样。 


The onion was a mess, and I began to feel better. 
洋葱看起来糟透了，但我却开始好起来。


Another thing I read in the article was that onions and garlic placed around the room saved many from the black plague years ago. 
那篇文章还谈到放在屋子里的洋葱和大蒜在多年前的黑死病中救了很多人的命。 


They have powerful antibacterial, antiseptic properties. 
洋葱和大蒜有强大的抗菌和消毒的功效。 

Know these 10 super fruits

Wed, Jun 30, 2010 Mind Your Body, The Straits Times Know these 10 super fruits

By Priya Suri Super fruits have sparked a worldwide following, bolstered by claims promoting benefits such as anti-ageing, detoxification, energy enhancement and immunity boosts. As common fruits such as apples and oranges are less likely to excite consumers, super fruits are more likely to be exotic or relatively new to consumers. These include noni, pomegranate and seabuckthorn. However, there is no definitive list of superfruits and new fruits are regularly put forward, usually backed by persuasive advertising. Dietitians and nutritionists tend to reject the term superfruits as there is no scientific criteria that would allow consumers to objectively assess the potential health benefits of fruits in the category. Ms Anna Jacob, nutritionist and dietitian at NutriVentures, said: 'The term super fruits has been coined to bring attention to a few fruits that are being intensely researched for their nutritional benefits.' Ms Jacob said that fresh fruits in general are good sources of vitamins, minerals and fibre. Most fruits are also naturally fat-free, cholesterol-free and low in sodium. But there is something else health-conscious individuals around the world are after: antioxidants. Antioxidants are molecules that fight free radicals, cell-damaging chemicals that are produced during normal human functions such as digestion and breathing. However, people must remember that superfruits are not the only good source of antioxidants. Ms Lim Su Lin, chief dietitian at the National University Hospital, said: 'Many other foods also contain antioxidants such as soya, red wine, tea, nuts, seeds, fish, shellfish, eggs, red meat and garlic. 'I would strongly encourage people to eat a variety of fruits in their diet and not just concentrate on one or two fruits. This is because we can obtain different nutrients from different fruits. Some useful nutrients may not even have been discovered by scientists yet.' Here is a list of 10 "superfruits". 1. Pomegranate Also known as: Granada What it is: Has around 600 seeds that can range from white to deep red Where it grows: Native to the Mediterranean Middle East Supposed benefits: Some studies suggest that the juice may contain almost three times the total antioxidants in green tea and red wine.

2. Kiwi

Also known as: Chinese gooseberry

What it is: Flesh can be bright green or golden.

Where it grows: Can be grown in most temperate climates with adequate summer heat

Supposed benefits: A single kiwi is said to supply more than the normal daily adult requirement of vitamin C.

3. Mangosteen

Also known as: Manggis

What it is: Has sweet-sour white flesh

Where it grows: Primarily in countries with a hot, humid climate such as Thailand, Malaysia, Singapore, Vietnam, and Indonesia

Supposed benefits: Its rind contains xanthones, which are said to neutralise free radicals.

4. Goji (pronounced goh-gee)

Also known as: Wolfberry

What it is: Red berries that are usually found dried

Where it grows: China, Mongolia and the Himalayas in Tibet

Supposed benefits: It contains carotenoids that act as antioxidants to protect the retina of the eye.

5. Cranberry

Also known as: Mossberry, fenberry
What it is: Berries, 6 to 18mm in size, turn deep red when ripe.
Where it grows: A major commercial crop in the United States and Canada
Supposed benefits: It is used to prevent or treat urinary tract infections.






 


6. Noni

Also known as: Cheese fruit, ach, mengkudu
What it is: Oval-shaped and prickly
Where it grows: Native to South-east Asia but now grows in India and the Pacific islands
Supposed benefits: The juice is said to be able to help reduce high blood pressure and relieve arthritic pain as it contains a high level of antioxidants.

7. Avocado

Also known as: Palta, abacate
What it is: Egg shaped, green-brown on the outside and green-yellow on the inside
Where it grows: Long history of being cultivated in Central and South America
Supposed benefits: It contains healthy monounsaturated fat, which has been linked to a reduced risk of cancer, heart disease and diabetes.

8. Seabuckthorn

Also known as: Sandthorn, seaberry
What it is: Soft and juicy orange berries, 6 to 9mm in diameter
Where is grows: Native to Europe and Asia
Supposed benefits: It is said to boost the immune system as it is rich in vitamin C.

9. Blueberry

Also known as: Bleuet
What it is: Indigo berries, 5 to 16mm in diameter
Where it grows: Native to North America but also grown in Australia, New Zealand and South American countries
Supposed benefits: It is said to be an anti-ageing superstar that is loaded with antioxidants to improve vision and brain function.

10. Acai (pronounced as-sa-E)

Also known as: Cabbage palm berry
What it is: A dark-blue berry that is similar in size to a grape
Where it grows: South American rainforests
Supposed benefits: Claims to have twice the antioxidants found in blueberries, as well as omega fatty acids, protein and fibre.




This article is an excerpt from a feature first published in Mind Your Body, The Straits Times.

Perspective a wonderful thing!

One day, a man from a very wealthy family took his son on a trip to the countryside with the expressed purpose of showing him how poor people live.

 

They spent a couple of days and nights on the farm of what would be considered a very poor family. On their return from their trip, the father asked his son, "How was the  trip?"

 

"It was great, Dad." "Did you see how poor people live?" the father asked.

"Oh yeah," said the son.
"So, tell me, what did you learn from the trip?" asked the father.
 
The son answered:
"I saw that we have one dog and they had four.
 
We have a pool that reaches to the middle of our garden and they have a creek that has no end.
 
We have imported lanterns in our garden and they have the stars at night.

Our patio reaches to the front yard and they have the whole horizon.

We have a small piece of land to live on and they have fields that go
beyond our sight.

We have servants who serve us, but they serve others.

We buy our food, but they grow theirs.

We have walls around our property to protect us, they have friends to protect them."

The boy's father was speechless.
 
Then his son added, "Thanks Dad for showing me how poor we are."
 
Isn't perspective a wonderful thing??

Makes you wonder what would happen if we all gave thanks for everything we have, instead of worrying about what we don't have.

 

Appreciate every single thing you have, especially your friends!