Whelehans Health Blog

Atrial fibrillation  Part 1   Atrial fibrillation is the most common type of arrhythmia. An arrhythmia is a heart rhythm problem. The heart may beat too quickly, too slowly or in an irregular pattern.   Types of arrythmia include: Tachycardia: fast heart rate of more than 100 beats/minute. Bradycardia: Slow heart rhythm below 60 beats/minute. Supraventricular arrhythmias: Arrhythmias manifesting from the atria (heart’s upper chambers) Ventricular arrhythmias: Arrhythmias manifesting from the ventricles (heart’s lower chambers) Bradyarrhythmias: Slow heart rhythms due to disease in the heart’s conduction system affecting the sinoatrial (SA) node, atrioventricular (AV) node or the His-Purkinje network.   Atrial fibrillation is classed as...

Menstrual Disorders   What is Menstruation? Menstruation or menstrual period is vaginal bleeding that occurs as part of the monthly cycle in women of reproductive age. Every month the woman’s body prepares for pregnancy. If no pregnancy occurs, the uterus (womb) sheds its lining. The menstrual discharge contains both blood and tissue from inside the uterus that passes out of the body. Premenstrual syndrome (PMS for short) is a group of symptoms that start before the period. PMS can include emotional and physical symptoms.   Common menstrual disorders   Menorrhagia (Brief Overview) Menorrhagia is menstrual bleeding that is prolonged (more...

Hay fever- Part 2 Hay fever is a type of allergic rhinitis caused by pollen or spores.   Diagnosis The doctor will ask questions to determine cause and type of allergy. The doctor will examine the inside of the nose with an instrument called a speculum. The eyes, ears, and chest may be examined. Skin tests may be performed. Patients are usually tested for a panel of common allergens. Skin tests are rarely needed to diagnose mild seasonal allergic rhinitis, since the cause is usually obvious. Patients should not take antihistamines for 12 to 72 hours prior to the skin test...

Hayfever- Part 1 Hay fever is a type of allergic rhinitis caused by pollen or spores. Hay fever affects the nose, sinuses, throat, and eyes. From May to July grass and flowers are in pollen, so is the most common time for hay fever. Mould and fungi also release tiny reproductive particles, called spores which also cause allergies. Grass is the most common cause of hayfever.   Hay fever is a common condition that affects around 20% of the population. Hay fever is more likely if there is a family history of allergies, particularly asthma or eczema. Hay fever usually begins in...

Who would you trust? Pharmacy and its role in Health in Ireland   Eamonn Brady MPSI of Whelehans Pharmacies in Mullingar discusses the role of pharmacy in Ireland and how it has changed both in the perception of the public and in service provision since the pandemic started in early 2020.   Pharmacists amongst the most trusted professions In response to the question “Who would you trust to tell you the truth?” posed in early 2021 by Ipsos MRBI as part of their annual Veracity Index survey of 1000 people representing a broad cross section of Irish society, the healthcare...