Whelehans Health Blog

Difference between irritable bowel disease (IBS) and diverticular disease   As a lot of the symptoms of both conditions are similar, they can be difficult to distinguish. One distinguishing factor is that the pain associated with IBS tends to be a cramping type pain and tends to be relieved by eliminating foods that contribute to it, whereas the pain from diverticular disease is more constant, not associated to meals/foods and is more associated with the lower left side of the abdomen. Diverticular disease is more common in older people and gets worse with age while IBS is more common in younger...

Never use cotton buds to try clear earwax   A UK YouGov survey in February 2019 found almost two-thirds of people questions use cotton buds to try to “clean out” their ears. Cotton buds (or any other home instrument) should never be used try to clean out earwax as it pushes earwax further down the ear canal making the problem worse as it causes wax to become compacted which can block the ear meaning hearing may not be a sharp as it should be. Used cotton buds in the ear can bring on ear infections due to the disruption of the...

Asthma (Part 3)   Other treatment options   Leukotriene receptor antagonists (montelukast): an oral drug that acts by blocking part of the chemical reaction involved in inflammation of the airways. Montelukast is particularly beneficial for two types of asthma: asthma predominantly induced by exercise Asthma associated with allergic rhinitis.   Theophylline: helps widen the airways by relaxing the muscles around them. Theophylline is known to cause potential side effects, including headaches, nausea, insomnia, vomiting, irritability, and stomach upsets. These can usually be avoided by adjusting the dose. It has a narrow therapeutic index meaning the balance between sub-optimal dosage and...

Asthma (Part 2) Treatment   Treatment is based on relief of symptoms and preventing future symptoms and attacks from developing.   Short-acting beta 2-agonist (SABA) These are best known as a reliever inhaler. These work quickly to relieve asthma. They work by relaxing the muscles surrounding the narrowed airways. Examples of beta 2-agonists include salbutamol and terbutaline. They are usually blue in colour. They are generally safe medicines with few side effects unless they are overused. It is important for every asthmatic to have a beta-2 agonist inhaler. If an asthmatic need to use their beta agonist inhaler too regularly (three...

Asthma Part 1   Asthma is a long-term condition that can cause a cough, wheezing and breathlessness. Earlier in 2021, I discussed new medication recently on the market for severe asthma. Over the next few weeks in the Topic, I give a more general overview of asthma.   Causes                                                                                                                      The airways become over-sensitive and react to stimuli that would normally not cause a problem, such as cold air or dust. Muscles around the wall of the airway tighten up, making it narrow and difficult for air to flow in and out. The lining of the airway’s swells, and sticky mucus...