Whelehans Health Blog

Acne Treatment Part 1   Acne Vulgaris is a disorder of skin glands that produce a natural oil (Sebum). The face, neck, shoulders, upper chest, and back are most frequently affected. It affects more than one in two young adults at some stage, usually beginning at puberty and clearing completely before the mid-twenties.   Symptoms   Definitions and terms used for symptoms of acne Lesion is an overall term that can describe the different bumps caused by acne and include: Papules: raised bumps Pustules: raised bump often known as a pimple and filled with yellowish fluid known as pus; pus...

Urinary Tract Infections (UTI’s) (Part 3) Treatment Once a UTI diagnosis is confirmed, in most cases a course of antibiotic treatment is prescribed. It is important to stress that the recommended course is completed even if there is noticeable immediate improvement. The following antibiotic treatment options are according to the HSE’s most recent prescribing recommendations (Sep 2021): - Uncomplicated lower UTI’s Courses of below antibiotics for 3 days for females and for 7 days for males 1st Choice options: Nitrofurantoin Alternative 1st Choice options (if nitrofurantoin unsuitable): Cefalexin or Trimethoprim Additional alternative for females: Fosfomycin 3g Single dose   Acute...

Urinary Tract Infections (UTI’s) (Part 2)   Causes (Continued) Anatomically speaking, women have a shorter urethra than men, so less distance for bacteria to travel, combined with the proximity of the urethra to the rectum, result in higher levels of infection of bladder and kidney for women. For pregnant women, their urine carries more proteins, sugars and hormones which increases UTI risk. The growing baby can also put pressure on the bladder which can prevent emptying the bladder completely, which also increases risk. For men, the risk of contracting a UTI aged under 50 is extremely low, however the risk...

Urinary Tract Infections (UTI’s) (Part 1)   The part of the body responsible for the filtering, processing, and passing of liquid waste is known as the urinary tract. For clinical purposes it is divided into the “upper” urinary tract which contains the kidneys and ureters (two thin tubes which carry processed waste liquid from the kidneys to the bladder) and the “lower” urinary tract which includes the bladder and urethra.   There are primarily three types of UTI, dependent on location: - Cystitis (infection of the bladder) – a lower UTI Urethritis (infection of the urethra) – a lower UTI...

Diverticular disease and diverticulitis Part 3   Treatment   I discussed the importance of fibre last week. Mild diverticulitis can be treated by a GP who will prescribe antibiotics for the infection and paracetamol to ease pain. Sticking to a fluid-only diet for a few days may be recommended until symptoms improve. For severe diverticulitis, hospital treatment may be needed.   Surgery In the past, surgery was recommended as a preventative measure, but this is no longer the case. However, there are exceptions to this, such as a history of serious complications arising from diverticulitis   Colectomy Surgery for diverticulitis...