Whelehans Health News

Atrial fibrillation Treatment Part 1   I discussed causes and symptoms of Atrial Fibrillation (AF) in this column in November 2022; for the next three weeks, I discuss AF treatment.   Aims of AF management are to: Relieve symptoms, such as palpitations, tiredness, dizziness, and breathlessness Prevent serious complications, such as stroke and CHF Regulate heart rate Treat the cause of AF where identifiable   Medication   Medication used to slow the heart rate include: Beta-blockers (atenolol, metoprolol) Digoxin Dihydropyridine calcium channel blockers (CCBs) (e.g.) verapamil, diltiazem Amiodarone (less often used due to risk of side effects)   Beta blockers...

Biologics for severe Asthma New Asthma Treatment Part 2   Biologics are a new class of drugs called monoclonal antibodies that are licenced for severe asthma. Last week I discussed Omalizumab (Xolair®), this week I discuss other biologics which include: Mepolizumab (Nucala®) Reslizumab (Cinqair®) Benralizumab (Fasenra®) Dupilumab (Dupixent®)   European Academy of Allergy and Clinical Immunology (EAACI) guidelines (continued)   Mepolizumab Mepolizumab is an IL-5 inhibitor licenced as add-on therapy in adults and children over 6 with severe uncontrolled eosinophilic asthma. The EAACI strongly recommended Mepolizumab to limit exacerbations and taper oral corticosteroids in severe asthma but less strongly recommended...

Biologics for severe Asthma New Asthma Treatment Part 1   I previously discussed asthma in this column, this week I discuss biologics, a new class of drugs called monoclonal antibodies that are licenced for severe asthma. They reduce the inflammation from the in the respiratory tract. Only respiratory specialists can prescribe biologics. Most biologics are given by subcutaneous injection once or twice a month. All biologics are an add-on option and do not replace existing reliever and preventer medication, but patients should eventually be able to reduce the dosage of existing therapies such as inhaled corticosteroids. Biologics are available to...

Medication used for schizophrenia Part 2   Choice of Drug   There are some differences between the various antipsychotic drugs. No one drug can be considered significantly better than the others, however one may be better for one individual than another. For example, some are more sedating than others so may be suitable for patients who are agitated or cannot sleep. If one does not work so well, a different one is tried until a good response occurs. A good response to antipsychotic medication occurs in about 70% of cases. Symptoms such as agitation and hallucinations generally ease within a...

Medication used for schizophrenia Part 1   In many cases, people living schizophrenia do not realise they have a mental illness. They may not think they need help because they believe their delusions or hallucinations are real. Therefore, it is often up to family and friends to seek treatment. Occasionally people with schizophrenia pose an immediate risk to themselves or others during an acute episode and may need rapid tranquillisation. Tranquillisation with benzodiazepines should only be a temporary measure.   The causes of schizophrenia are still unknown; therefore, treatment focuses on eliminating the symptoms of the disease. Antipsychotics are mainly...