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Friday 6 August 2021

Two Keys to Losing Weight and Keeping it Off

 

Two Keys to Losing Weight and Keeping it Off

Healthy Moments Episode: July 5, 2021

There are many ways to lose weight, but to keep the pounds off, you need these two keys: physical activity AND healthy eating habits.

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Download the MP3 audio file

Transcript

Hi, I’m Dr. Griffin Rodgers, bringing you Healthy Moments from the NIH. I’m the director of the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases.

There are many ways to lose weight, but to keep the pounds off, you need these two keys: physical activity AND healthy eating habits.

For physical activity, aim for at least 30 minutes of moderate to vigorous activity on most days to control your weight. This could include walking, aerobic dancing, and even household chores.

For healthy eating, your plan should emphasize fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. Include more lean meats and be low in saturated fats and added sugars.

For more information, follow us @NIDDKgov External link. This is Dr. Griffin Rodgers with the NIH.


 

Thursday 5 August 2021

CANCER TREATMENT

 

Treatment

There are several types of treatment for cancer. The main cancer treatments are surgery, chemotherapy and radiation therapy. Other treatments include hormonal therapy, targeted therapy, immunotherapy and stem cell transplants.

Cancer treatments are given by cancer specialists (oncologists) who specialize in radiation therapy or chemotherapy and other drug therapies. Surgeons use their skill in doing surgery to remove tumours.

The type of treatment you have will depend on many factors, including:

the type of cancer you have

the stage of the cancer

your personal preferences

your age

Treatment plans

Sometimes people who have the same cancer will be given different treatments. Some people will have only 1 treatment but most people will have a combination of treatments such as surgery with chemotherapy or radiation therapy or both.

When a combination of treatments is used, they may be given together or at different times.

First line therapy is the first, most common or preferred (standard) treatment given for a type of cancer. It is also called primary therapy or primary treatment.

Neoadjuvant treatment is given before other treatments such as surgery. It may be given if a tumour is too large to be removed by surgery. It may include chemotherapy, radiation therapy or hormone therapy.

Adjuvant treatment is given to destroy cancer cells left behind after surgery and reduce the risk that the cancer will come back (recur).

Treatment goals

Treatment is given for different reasons. Sometimes, the goal of treatment can change over time.

Prevention (prophylaxis)

Treatment is given to prevent the growth of cancer cells or to remove precancerous tissue that could turn into cancer.

Cure

Treatment is given to cure the cancer.

Control

Treatment is given to control the cancer and stop it from growing and spreading. It also reduces the risk of the cancer coming back.

Palliative care

When the cancer can’t be cured or controlled, treatment may be given to relieve pain or ease the symptoms of advanced cancer.

Types of treatment

Treatment can be broadly divided into the following types of therapies.

Local therapy is directed at a specific part of the body and is often used when cancer is only in that area. Radiation therapy and surgery are both local treatments.

Systemic therapy travels through the bloodstream to reach cancer cells throughout the body. Many chemotherapy drugs are systemic treatments that are absorbed by the body’s cells and tissues.

Targeted therapy uses drugs to target specific molecules (such as proteins) on cancer cells or inside them. By targeting these molecules, the drugs stop the growth and spread of cancer cells and limit harm to normal cells.

Side effects of treatment

Side effects can happen with any type of treatment for cancer, but everyone’s experience is different. Not everyone has side effects or experiences them in the same way. Side effects can occur during or after treatment. They may go away quickly or last for a long time.

 

Heart Attack (Myocardial Infarction)

 

Heart Attack (Myocardial Infarction)

What is a Heart Attack (Myocardial Infarction)?

 

A heart attack occurs when one of the heart's coronary arteries is blocked suddenly or has extremely slow blood flow. A heart attack also is called a myocardial infarction.

The usual cause of sudden blockage in a coronary artery is the formation of a blood clot (thrombus). The blood clot typically forms inside a coronary artery that already has been narrowed by atherosclerosis, a condition in which fatty deposits (plaques) build up along the inside walls of blood vessels.


Slow blood flow in a coronary artery can happen when the heart is beating very fast or the person has low blood pressure. If the demand for oxygen is greater than the supply, a heart attack can happen without formation of a blood clot. People with atherosclerosis are also more likely to have this reason for a heart attack.

Each coronary artery supplies blood to a specific part of the heart's muscular wall, so a blocked artery causes pain and malfunction in the area it supplies. Depending on the location and amount of heart muscle involved, this malfunction can seriously interfere with the heart's ability to pump blood. Also, some of the coronary arteries supply areas of the heart that regulate heartbeat, so a blockage sometimes causes potentially fatal abnormal heartbeats, called cardiac arrhythmias.

The pattern of symptoms that develops with each heart attack and the chances of survival are linked to the location and extent of the coronary artery blockage.

Most heart attacks result from atherosclerosis. The risk factors for heart attack and atherosclerosis are basically the same:

An abnormally high level of blood cholesterol (hypercholesterolemia)

An abnormally low level of HDL (high-density lipoprotein), commonly called "good cholesterol"

High blood pressure (hypertension)

Diabetes

Family history of coronary artery disease at an early age

Cigarette smoking

Obesity

Physical inactivity (too little regular exercise)

In early middle age, men have a greater risk of heart attack than women. However, a woman's risk increases once she begins menopause. This could be the result of a menopause-related decrease in levels of estrogen, a female sex hormone that may offer some protection against atherosclerosis.

Although most heart attacks are caused by atherosclerosis, there are rarer cases in which heart attacks result from other medical conditions. These include congenital abnormalities of the coronary arteries, hypercoagulability (an abnormally increased tendency to form blood clots), a collagen vascular disease, such as rheumatoid arthritis or systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE, or lupus), cocaine abuse, a spasm of the coronary artery, or an embolus (small traveling blood clot), which floats into a coronary artery and lodges there.

Symptoms

The most common symptom of a heart attack is chest pain, usually described as crushing, squeezing, pressing, heavy, or occasionally, stabbing or burning. Chest pain tends to be focused either in the center of the chest or just below the center of the rib cage, and it can spread to the arms, abdomen, neck, lower jaw or neck.

Other symptoms can include sudden weakness, sweating, nausea, vomiting, breathlessness, or lightheadedness. Sometimes, when a heart attack causes burning chest pain, nausea and vomiting, a patient may mistake his or her heart symptoms for indigestion.

Diagnosis

Your doctor will ask you to describe your chest pain and any other symptoms. Ideally, a family member or close friend should accompany you when you go for medical treatment. This person can help to provide your doctor with valuable information about your symptoms and medical history if you are unable to do so.

It is also important to give your doctor a list of the names and dosages of the prescription and nonprescription medications that you are taking. If you don't have a list already prepared, just scoop the medicines into a nearby bag or purse and bring them with you to the hospital.

Your doctor will suspect that you are having a heart attack based on your symptoms, your medical history and your risk factors for cardiovascular disease. To confirm the diagnosis, he or she will do:

An electrocardiogram (EKG)

A physical examination, with special attention to your heart and blood pressure

Blood tests for serum cardiac markers — chemicals that are released into the blood when the heart muscle is damaged. The blood test that doctors order most frequently to diagnose a heart attack is called troponin.

Additional tests may be needed, including:

An echocardiogram — A painless test that uses sound waves to look at the heart muscle and heart valves.

Radionuclide imaging — Scans that use special radioactive isotopes to detect areas of poor blood flow in the heart

Expected Duration

How long heart attack symptoms last varies from person to person. In about 15% of cases, the patient never reaches a hospital for treatment and dies quickly after symptoms begin.

Prevention

You can help to prevent a heart attack by:

Exercising regularly

Eating healthfully

Maintaining a healthy weight

Not using tobacco products

Controlling your blood pressure

Lowering your LDL cholesterol.

Treatment

The treatment of a heart attack depends on how stable the person's condition is and his or her immediate risk of death. As soon as possible, the person will receive an aspirin and often other medicines that help prevent unwanted blood clotting in the coronary arteries.

The person also will be given oxygen to breathe, pain medication (usually morphine) for chest pain, beta-blockers to reduce the heart's demand for oxygen, nitroglycerin to help blood flow into heart muscle cells, and a cholesterol-lowering statin drug. The person may be started on heparin in addition to aspirin for more potent anti-clotting action.

During the initial evaluation, the person will be considered for reperfusion therapy. The goal is to restore blood flow to the injured heart muscle as soon as possible to limit permanent damage.

Reperfusion is best done mechanically. The patient is taken to the cardiac catheterization laboratory in the hospital. A catheter is threaded through a large blood vessel toward the heart. Dye is injected to locate the blockage in the coronary artery.

The next step is percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty (PTCA). In PTCA, a different catheter that has a small deflated balloon is threaded past the blockage, and the balloon is inflated to crush the clot and plaque. Most balloon catheters also have a wire mesh, called a stent, over the balloon. After the balloon is inflated to unclog the blocked artery, the stent remains in place to keep the artery open.

In addition to aspirin, a second anti-platelet drug is given. The ones used most commonly are clopidogrel (Plavix, generic versions), prasugrel (Effient) and ticagrelor (Brilinta).

Reperfusion therapy can also be done with clot-dissolving drugs called thrombolytic agents, such as tissue plasminogen activator (tPA). This drug is used if it would take too long to transfer a patient to a hospital where an angioplasty could be performed.

Much of the additional treatment for heart attack depends on whether the patient developed any complications. For example, additional drugs may be needed to treat dangerous cardiac arrhythmias (abnormal heartbeats), low blood pressure, and congestive heart failure.

While in the hospital, daily medications usually include aspirin, a beta-blocker, an ACE (angiotensin-converting enzyme) inhibitor to help the heart work more efficiently, primarily by lowering blood pressure, a statin and a second anti-clotting drug.

When To Call A Professional

Seek emergency help immediately if you have chest pain, even if you think it is just indigestion or that you are too young to be having a heart attack. Prompt treatment increases your chance of limiting heart muscle damage. That's because reperfusion measures work best if they are started as soon as possible after symptoms start.

Prognosis

Survival from a heart attack has improved dramatically over the last two decades. However, some people experience sudden death and never make it to the hospital. For most people that do reach the hospital soon after the onset of symptoms, the prognosis is very good. Many people leave the hospital feeling well with limited heart damage.


 

Wednesday 4 August 2021

LIST OF DELHI GOVT. HOSPITALS

 LIST OF DELHI GOVT. HOSPITALS

                                                   
S.NONAME OF HOSPITALADDRESSCONTACT NO

UNDER DELHI GOVT

1Aruna Asaf Ali Govt. HospitalRajpur Road,Delhi.11005423965532,23831524 Fax-23922333
2Acharyaashree Bhikshu HospitalMoti Nagar New Delhi-11001525423011 Fax- 25448806
3Attar Sain Jain HospitalLawrence Road, New Delhi-11003527153357 Fax- 27106441
4Baba Saheb Ambedkar HospitalSector 6, Rohini, New Delhi.-11008527055585, Fax-27058108
5Bhagwan Mahavir HospitalPitamPura, Delhi-11003427034535, Fax-27033948
6Babu Jagjivan Ram HospitalJahangir Puri, New Delhi11003327631810, Fax- 27631610
7Central Jail HospitalJail Road, Hari Nagar, Delhi-11006428520012
8Chacha Nehru Bal ChikitsalayaGeeta Colony, Delhi-11003121210215,2120216 Fax-21210203
9Dadadev Mother & Child HospitalNasirpur Near Dabrimore Janakpuri New Delhi-11001825395536 Fax-25395542
10Deen Dayal Upadhyay HospitalHari Nagar, New Delhi-11006425494337 Fax-25494264
11Deep Chand Bandhu HospitalKokiwala Bagh,Ashok Vihar,Phase-IV,New Delhi27305953
12Delhi State Cancer InstitutionGTB Hospital Complex, Shahadara, Delhi - 95

22110505,22110303

13Dr. Hedgewar Arogya SansthanKarkardooma, Delhi-110032 20822305, 20822313
14Dr. N.C. Joshi HospitalKarol Bagh New Delhi-11000523611786, Fax-23523677
15Govind Ballabh Pant Hospital (G.B.P.H.)Jawahar Lal Nehru Marg,Delhi.-11000223238109,23237254 Fax-23239442
16Guru Govind Singh Govt. HospitalRaghubir Nagar New Delhi-11002725984549,25988532 Fax- 25989417
17Guru Nanak Eye CenterMaharaja Ranjit Singh Marg, New Delhi-223236931 Fax-23230033
18Guru Teg Bahadur Hospital (G.T.B.H.)Shahdara,Delhi.11009522581730 Fax-22581928
19Institute of Liver & Biliary Sciences (I.L.B.S.)Vasant Kunj, Delhi-11005746300000
20Institute of Human Behaviour and Allied Sciences (I.H.B.A.S.)Shahdara,Delhi-110095 22112136,PBX No 22114021,22114029, 22583056, 22583322
21Janakpuri Super Speciality HospitalJanakpuri, Delhi-11005825552023
22Lal Bahadur Shastri Hospital (L.B.S.)Khichri Pur New Delhi-11009122774145 Fax-22786808
23Lok Nayak HospitalJawahar Lal Nehru Marg,Delhi.11000223236000, 23232400, Fax-23232870
24Maharishi Balmiki HospitalPooth Khurd, New Delhi-11003927761521, Fax- 27761522
25Pt. Madan Mohan Malviya HospitalMalviya Nagar New Delhi-11001726680603, 26674757
26Maulana Azad Institute of Dental SciencesM.A.M.C. J.L. Nehru Marg, New Delhi-11000223233925, 23239271-76
27Poor House HospitalBeggers Home G.T.B.Ngr Delhi-11000923965532,23831524
28Rajiv Gandhi Super Speciality HospitalTahirpur, New Delhi-11006465252480
29Rao Tula Ram Memorial HospitalJaffar pur, New Delhi-11007325318444, Fax-25318012 25318070
30Sardar Vallabh Bhai Patel HospitalPatel Nagar New Delhi-11000825885944 Fax-25881396
31Satyawadi Raja Harish Chandra HospitalNarela, Delhi-11004027787304; 27787305(Fax)
32Sanjay Gandhi Memorial HospitalMangol Puri,Delhi.-11008327921117 Fax-27924403
33Jag Parvesh Chander HospitalShastri Park, Delhi-11003122184453 Fax-22184455
34Ayurvedic & Unani Tibbia College & HospitalAjmal Khan Park, Karol Bagh, New Delhi-0523629013
35B R Sur Homeopathic Medical CollegeNanakpura, Moti Bagh, Delhi-11002124105298
36Nehru Homeopathic Medical CollegeB-Block, Defence Colony, New Delhi-2424331193
37Chaudhary Brahm Prakash Ayurved Charak SansthanVill. Khera Dabar, Najafgarh, New Delhi - 7365172030

Asthma

 

What is asthma?

Asthma is a lung disease that makes breathing difficult. Chronic inflammation and reactions to triggers narrow the airways in the lungs. Asthma can become life-threatening if it is not managed

What is cough-variant asthma?

Cough-variant asthma is a type of asthma that causes a dry cough that keeps coming back. A dry cough may be your only symptom, or you may also have chest tightness. These symptoms may be caused by exercise or exposure to odors, allergens, or respiratory tract infections. Cough-variant asthma is treated the same way as typical asthma.

What are the signs and symptoms of asthma?

Coughing

Wheezing

Shortness of breath

Chest tightness

What may trigger an asthma attack?

A cold, the flu, or a sinus infection

Exercise

Weather changes, especially cold, dry air

Smoking or secondhand smoke

Fumes from chemicals, dust, air pollution, or other small particles in the air

Pets, pollen, dust mites, or cockroaches

How is asthma diagnosed?

Your healthcare provider will examine you and listen to your lungs. He or she will ask how often you have symptoms and what makes them worse. Tell him or her if you have trouble sleeping, exercising, or doing other activities because of shortness of breath. Your provider will ask about your allergies and past colds, and if anyone in your family has allergies or asthma. Tell your healthcare provider about medicines you take, including over-the-counter drugs and herbal supplements. You may need a chest x-ray to check for lung problems, or a lung function test. Lung function tests show how well you can breathe.

How is asthma treated?

Medicines may be used to decrease inflammation, open airways, and make it easier to breathe. Medicines may be inhaled, taken as a pill, or injected. Short-term medicines relieve your symptoms quickly. Long-term medicines are used to prevent future asthma attacks. Other medicines may be needed if your regular medicines are not able to prevent attacks.

Allergy testing may find allergies that trigger an asthma attack. You may need allergy shots or medicine to control allergies that make your asthma worse.

How can I manage my symptoms and prevent future attacks?

Follow your Asthma Action Plan (AAP). This is a written plan that you and your healthcare provider create. It explains which medicine you need and when to change doses if necessary. It also explains how you can monitor symptoms and use a peak flow meter. The meter measures how well your lungs are working.

Manage other health conditions , such as allergies, acid reflux, and sleep apnea.

Identify and avoid triggers. These may include pets, dust mites, mold, and cockroaches.

Do not smoke or be around others who smoke. Nicotine and other chemicals in cigarettes and cigars can cause lung damage. Ask your healthcare provider for information if you currently smoke and need help to quit. E-cigarettes or smokeless tobacco still contain nicotine. Talk to your healthcare provider before you use these products.

Ask about the flu vaccine. The flu can make your asthma worse. You may need a yearly flu shot.

When should I seek immediate care?

You have shortness of breath, even after you take your short-term medicine as directed.

Your lips or nails turn blue or gray.

When should I call my doctor?

You run out of medicine before your next refill is due.

Your symptoms get worse.

You need to take more medicine than usual to control your symptoms.

You have questions or concerns about your condition or care.

Care Agreement

You have the right to help plan your care. Learn about your health condition and how it may be treated. Discuss treatment options with your healthcare providers to decide what care you want to receive. You always have the right to refuse treatment. The above information is an educational aid only. It is not intended as medical advice for individual conditions or treatments. Talk to your doctor, nurse or pharmacist before following any medical regimen to see if it is safe and effective for you.

Garlic

 

Garlic

 What is garlic?

Garlic is an herb also known as Ail, Ajo, Allii Sativi Bulbus, Allium, Allium sativum, Camphor of the Poor, Da Suan, Lasun, Lasuna, Nectar of the Gods, Poor Man's Treacle, Rason, Rust Treacle, or Stinking Rose.

Garlic is a commonly used food and flavoring agent. When used as a food product, garlic is not likely to produce health benefits or side effects. When used as a medicinal product, garlic may produce both desired and unwanted effects on the body.

Garlic products sold as health supplements may vary widely in amount of allicin, the active ingredient in garlic. Allicin is unstable and can be reduced in garlic products that are aged to reduce odor. Odorless garlic may contain little to no allicin. The lower the amount of allicin, the less effective a garlic product might be.

Garlic taken orally (by mouth) has been used in alternative medicine as a possibly effective aid in treating high blood pressure, coronary artery disease (hardened arteries), stomach cancer, colon cancer or rectal cancer, and in preventing tick bites. Garlic applied to the skin may also be possibly effective in treating fungal skin infections such as ringworm, jock itch, or athlete's foot.

Garlic has also been used to treat high cholesterol, stomach ulcers caused by H. pylori, cancer, or circulation problems in the legs. However, research has shown that garlic may not be effective in treating these conditions.

Other uses not proven with research have included preventing the common cold, and improving urination problems caused by an enlarged prostate.

It is not certain whether garlic is effective in treating any medical condition. Medicinal use of this product has not been approved by the FDA. Garlic should not be used in place of medication prescribed for you by your doctor.

Garlic is often sold as an herbal supplement. There are no regulated manufacturing standards in place for many herbal compounds and some marketed supplements have been found to be contaminated with toxic metals or other drugs. Herbal/health supplements should be purchased from a reliable source to minimize the risk of contamination.

Garlic may also be used for purposes not listed in this product guide.

Warnings

Follow all directions on the product label and package. Tell each of your healthcare providers about all your medical conditions, allergies, and all medicines you use.

Before taking this medicine

You should not use garlic if you are allergic to it.

Ask a doctor, pharmacist, or other healthcare provider if it is safe for you to use this product if you have:

a stomach ulcer;

problems with digestion; or

a bleeding or blood clotting disorder such as hemophilia.

Ask a doctor before using garlic if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.

The use of garlic as a flavoring agent in foods is considered safe during pregnancy.

Do not give any herbal/health supplement to a child without medical advice. Garlic taken by mouth in large doses may be harmful to children.

How should I take garlic?

When considering the use of herbal supplements, seek the advice of your doctor. You may also consider consulting a practitioner who is trained in the use of herbal/health supplements.

If you choose to use garlic, use it as directed on the package or as directed by your doctor, pharmacist, or other healthcare provider. Do not use more of this product than is recommended on the label.

Do not use different forms (cloves, tablets, oil, etc) of garlic at the same time without medical advice. Using different formulations together increases the risk of an overdose.

Do not crush, chew, or break an enteric coated pill. Swallow it whole. The pill has a special coating to protect your stomach. Breaking the pill will damage this coating.

Call your doctor if the condition you are treating with garlic does not improve, or if it gets worse while using this product.

Garlic can affect blood-clotting and may increase your risk of bleeding. If you need surgery, dental work, or a medical procedure, stop taking garlic at least 2 weeks ahead of time.

Store at room temperature away from moisture, heat, and light, or as directed on the package.

What happens if I miss a dose?

Skip the missed dose and take the next regularly scheduled dose. Do not use two doses at one time.

What happens if I overdose?

Seek emergency medical attention 

What should I avoid while taking garlic?

Avoid taking fish oil or vitamin E while you are taking garlic.

Also avoid using garlic together with other herbal/health supplements that can also affect blood-clotting. This includes angelica (dong quai), capsicum, clove, danshen, ginger, ginkgo, horse chestnut, panax ginseng, poplar, red clover, turmeric, and willow.

Garlic side effects

Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Although not all side effects are known, garlic is thought to be possibly safe when taken for a short period of time.

Stop using garlic and call your healthcare provider at once if you have:

redness, swelling, or blistering (when applied to the skin); or

easy bruising or bleeding (nosebleeds, bleeding gums).

Common side effects (especially when eating raw garlic) may include:

unpleasant breath or body odor;

heartburn, burning in your mouth or throat;

nausea, vomiting, gas or

diarrhea.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. 

Garlic side effects (more detail)

What other drugs will affect garlic?

Do not take garlic without medical advice if you are using any of the following medications:

acetaminophen (Tylenol);

birth control pills;

chlorzoxazone;

cyclosporine;

theophylline;

warfarin (Coumadin, Jantoven);

HIV or AIDS medicines--delavirdine, efavirenz, nevirapine, saquinavir;

medicine used to prevent blood clots, such as alteplase, clopidogrel, dipyridamole, ticlopidine, and urokinase; or

NSAIDs (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs)--aspirin, ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin), naproxen (Aleve), celecoxib, diclofenac, indomethacin, meloxicam, and others.

Do not take garlic without medical advice if you are using a medication to treat any of the following conditions:

any type of infection (including HIV, malaria, or tuberculosis);

anxiety or depression;

asthma or allergies;

cancer;

erectile dysfunction;

heartburn or gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD);

high blood pressure, high cholesterol, or a heart condition;

migraine headaches;

psoriasis, rheumatoid arthritis, or other autoimmune disorders;

a psychiatric disorder; or

seizures.

This list is not complete. Other drugs may affect garlic, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Not all possible drug interactions are listed here.


Further information

Consult with a licensed healthcare professional before using any herbal/health supplement. Whether you are treated by a medical doctor or a practitioner trained in the use of natural medicines/supplements, make sure all your healthcare providers know about all of your medical conditions and treatments.

Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your medicines with others, and use this medication only for the indication prescribed.

Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

 

Tuesday 3 August 2021

Pain

 

Pain

Summary

Pain is a signal in your nervous system that something may be wrong. It is an unpleasant feeling, such as a prick, tingle, sting, burn, or ache. Pain may be sharp or dull. It may come and go, or it may be constant. You may feel pain in one area of your body, such as your backabdomenchestpelvis, or you may feel pain all over.

Pain can be helpful in diagnosing a problem. If you never felt pain, you might seriously hurt yourself without knowing it, or you might not realize you have a medical problem that needs treatment.

There are two types of pain: acute and chronic. Acute pain usually comes on suddenly, because of a disease, injury, or inflammation. It can often be diagnosed and treated. It usually goes away, though sometimes it can turn into chronic pain. Chronic pain lasts for a long time, and can cause severe problems.

Pain is not always curable, but there are many ways to treat it. Treatment depends on the cause and type of pain. There are drug treatments, including pain relievers. There are also non-drug treatments, such as acupuncture, physical therapy, and sometimes surgery.

 


What Is Heartburn?

 

What Is Heartburn?

Heartburn is an irritation of the esophagus -- the tube that connects your throat and stomach. It's caused by stomach acid. This leads to a burning discomfort in your upper belly or below your breastbone.

Despite its name, heartburn has nothing to do with the heart. But some of the symptoms are similar to those of a heart attack or heart disease.

Heartburn Symptoms

Heartburn feels just like its name: a burning sensation behind your sternum, or breastbone, in the middle of your chest. You might also feel it in your throat. You may also:

Feel pain in your chest when you bend over or lie down

Have a hot, acidic, bitter, or salty taste in the back of your throat

Find it hard to swallow

 

How long does heartburn last?

It can vary. For some folks, it can last just a few minutes. Sometimes it can last for several hours.

Heartburn happens about once a week for up to 20% of Americans and is common in pregnant women.

Heartburn Causes and Risk Factors

Heartburn symptoms can start up because of a problem with a muscular valve called the lower esophageal sphincter (LES). It's located where the esophagus meets the stomach -- below the rib cage and slightly left of center.

Normally, with the help of gravity, the LES keeps stomach acid right where it should be -- in your stomach. When it's working right, the LES opens to allow food into your stomach or to let you belch, then closes again. But if the LES opens too often or doesn't close tightly enough, stomach acid can seep into the esophagus and cause a burning sensation.

If your LES doesn't tighten as it should, there are often two things that contribute to the problem. One is overeating, which puts too much food in your stomach. Another is too much pressure on your stomach, often due to obesity, pregnancy, or constipation.

Certain foods can relax your LES or increase stomach acid, including:

Tomatoes

Citrus fruits

Garlic and onions

Chocolate

Coffee or caffeinated products

Alcohol

Peppermint

Meals high in fats and oils (animal or vegetable) often lead to heartburn, as do certain medications. Stress and lack of sleep can raise how much acid your stomach makes and can cause heartburn.

If you're pregnant, the hormone progesterone can relax your LES and lead to heartburn. Smoking also relaxes the LES and increases stomach acid.



 


Heartburn Diagnosis

If your heartburn goes on for a long time, it may be a sign of a more serious condition known as gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). Your doctor may be able to tell if GERD is the cause of your heartburn from your symptoms. But to tell how serious it is, they may do several tests, including:

X-ray: You’ll drink a solution called a barium suspension that coats the lining of your upper GI (gastrointestinal) tract -- your esophagus, stomach, and upper small intestine. This coating lets doctors see defects that could mean a problem in your digestive system.

Endoscopy: A small camera on a flexible tube is put down your throat to give a view of your upper GI tract.

Ambulatory acid probe test (esophageal pH monitoring): An acid monitor is put into your esophagus and connected to a small computer that you can wear on a belt or shoulder strap. It measures when stomach acid backs up into your esophagus and for how long.

Esophageal motility testing (esophageal manometry): A catheter is put into your esophagus and measures pressure and movement.

Heartburn Treatment

Usually, you can treat heartburn with over-the-counter medicines, including:

Antacids: These medications lessen the acid in your stomach to ease heartburn pain. They can also sometimes help with stomach pains, indigestion, and gas.

Acid blockers and proton pump inhibitors: These drugs lessen the amount of acid your stomach makes. They can also calm symptoms of acid indigestion.

If OTC medicines don’t work for you, your doctor may give you a prescription version of these types of medicines.

Heartburn Complications

Occasional heartburn isn't dangerous. But GERD can sometimes lead to serious problems, such as:

A long-term cough

Laryngitis

Inflammation or ulcers of the esophagus

Problems swallowing because of a narrow esophagus

Barrett's esophagus, a condition that can make it more likely to get esophageal cancer

 

Ibandronate Medicine

 

Ibandronate

 Introduction

Synthetic bisphosphonate; bone resorption inhibitor.

Uses for Ibandronate

Osteoporosis

Prevention of osteoporosis in postmenopausal women. Risk factors for postmenopausal osteoporosis and related fractures include early menopause, advanced age, low bone mineral density (BMD), low body mass index (BMI), previous fracture or family history of fracture/osteoporosis, excessive alcohol intake, smoking, inadequate physical activity, low calcium and vitamin D intake, certain drugs (e.g., glucocorticoids), and medical conditions or diseases (e.g., rheumatoid arthritis, diabetes mellitus, Cushing syndrome, hyperparathyroidism).

Treatment of osteoporosis in postmenopausal women.

In addition to adequate intake of calcium/vitamin D and other lifestyle modifications (e.g., exercise, avoidance of excessive alcohol and tobacco use), experts recommend that pharmacologic therapy for osteoporosis be considered in postmenopausal women with previous hip or vertebral fractures or low BMD; pharmacologic therapy also may be considered in postmenopausal women with low bone mass, although there is less evidence supporting overall fracture risk reduction in such patients.

Use of a drug with proven efficacy in reducing fracture risk is recommended; bisphosphonates (e.g., alendronate, risedronate, zoledronic acid, ibandronate) are recommended as one of several first-line drugs.

Individualize choice of therapy based on potential benefits (with respect to fracture risk reduction) and adverse effects of therapy, patient preferences, comorbidities, and risk factors.

Glucocorticoid-induced Osteoporosis

Also has been used in the management of glucocorticoid-induced osteoporosis.

American College of Rheumatology (ACR) recommends optimizing calcium and vitamin D intake and lifestyle modifications (e.g., diet, smoking cessation, weight-bearing or resistance-training exercise) in all patients receiving long-term glucocorticoid therapy; in addition, pharmacologic therapy with an oral bisphosphonate is recommended in patients who are considered to be at moderate-to-high risk of fracture. Oral bisphosphonates generally are preferred because of their demonstrated antifracture benefits, safety, and low cost.

Ibandronate Dosage and Administration

General

Correct hypocalcemia and other disturbances of bone and mineral metabolism prior to initiation of therapy.

Provide supplemental calcium and vitamin D if dietary intake is inadequate.

Administration

Oral Administration

Administer orally with a full glass (180–240 mL) of plain water ≥60 minutes prior to the first food, beverage (other than plain water), or other orally administered drug or supplement (including vitamins, antacids, and calcium) of the day. (See Food under Pharmacokinetics.)

Avoid lying down for ≥60 minutes following administration.

Do not to suck or chew tablets; potential for oropharyngeal ulceration. (See Upper GI Effects under Cautions.)

If a morning daily oral dose is missed, do not take missed dose later that same day. Resume the regular schedule the next day.

When administered monthly, take tablets in the morning on the same day each month. If a monthly dose is missed and the next scheduled dose is more than 7 days away, take the missed dose the next morning after it is remembered and resume the regular schedule. If the next scheduled dose is 1–7 days away, maintain the regular schedule; do not take more than one 150-mg tablet within the same week.

IV Administration

Administer by IV injection once every 3 months by a health-care professional.

Injection must only be administered IV. Safety and efficacy of IV injection administered by other routes not established.

Because of the risk of anaphylaxis or other severe hypersensitivity reactions, appropriate medical support should be readily available during IV administration. (See Hypersensitivity under Cautions.)

If a dose is missed, reschedule administration with a health-care professional as soon as possible. Schedule subsequent injections at 3-month intervals; should not be administered more often than once every 3 months.

Administration Risks

Take care to avoid intra-arterial or paravenous injection as such administration could result in tissue damage.

Rate of Administration

Administer IV over a period of 15–30 seconds.

Dosage

Available as ibandronate sodium (as the monosodium monohydrate); dosage expressed in terms of ibandronate.

Adults

Osteoporosis

Prevention in Postmenopausal Women

Oral

150 mg once monthly.

Osteoporosis

Treatment in Postmenopausal Women

Oral

150 mg once monthly.

Optimal duration of treatment not established. Safety and efficacy based on data over 3 years. Reevaluate need for continued therapy periodically in all patients receiving bisphosphonates. Consider discontinuance of bisphosphonate therapy after 3–5 years in patients at low risk of fracture. Evaluate fracture risk periodically in patients who discontinue therapy.

IV

3 mg once every 3 months.

Optimal duration of treatment not established. Safety and efficacy of IV ibandronate based on data supporting fracture reduction over 1 year of treatment. Reevaluate need for continued therapy periodically in all patients receiving bisphosphonates. Consider discontinuance of bisphosphonate therapy after 3–5 years in patients at low risk of fracture. Evaluate fracture risk periodically in patients who discontinue therapy.

Special Populations

Renal Impairment

Oral or IV

Dosage adjustments not necessary in patients with mild to moderate renal impairment (Clcr ≥30 mL/minute); use not recommended in patients with severe renal impairment (Clcr <30 mL/minute).

Detailed Ibandronate dosage information

Cautions for Ibandronate

Contraindications

Oral: Esophageal abnormalities that delay esophageal emptying (e.g., stricture, achalasia).

Oral and IV: Uncorrected hypocalcemia.

Oral and IV: Known hypersensitivity to ibandronate or any ingredient in the formulation.

Oral: Inability to stand or sit upright for ≥60 minutes.

Warnings/Precautions

Upper GI Effects

Possible severe adverse esophageal effects (e.g., esophagitis, esophageal ulcers, erosions, strictures, perforation). (See Oral Administration under Dosage and Administration.) Monitor for any manifestations and discontinue if dysphagia, odynophagia, new or worsening heartburn, or retrosternal pain occurs.

Use with caution in patients with active upper GI disease (e.g., Barrett’s esophagus, dysphagia, other esophageal diseases, gastritis, duodenitis, ulcers). Gastric and duodenal ulcers (some severe and with complications) reported during postmarketing experience.

Route of Administration

Injection must be administered IV by a health-care professional; do not administer by non-IV (e.g., intra-arterial) routes. (See Administration Risks under Dosage and Administration.)

Metabolic Effects

Correct hypocalcemia, hypovitaminosis D, and other disturbances of bone and mineral metabolism before initiating therapy.

If daily intake inadequate, administer supplemental calcium and vitamin D.

Osteonecrosis of the Jaw

Osteonecrosis and osteomyelitis of the jaw reported in patients receiving bisphosphonates. Most cases associated with tooth extraction and/or local infection with delayed healing. Known risk factors include cancer, concomitant therapies (e.g., chemotherapy, corticosteroids, angiogenesis inhibitors), poor oral hygiene, and comorbid disorders (e.g., periodontal and/or other preexisting dental disease, anemia, coagulopathy, infection, ill-fitting dentures). Risk also may be increased with increased duration of bisphosphonate use.

If osteonecrosis of the jaw develops, consult an oral surgeon for treatment. Dental surgery may exacerbate condition.

In patients requiring dental procedures, discontinuance of therapy prior to procedure may reduce the risk of osteonecrosis of the jaw. Base management of patients requiring dental treatment on an individual assessment of risks and benefits.

Musculoskeletal Pain

Severe and occasionally incapacitating bone, joint, and/or muscle pain reported infrequently with bisphosphonate therapy. Time to onset varied from 1 day to years (mean onset about 3 months) after treatment initiation. If severe symptoms occur, consider discontinuing drug. Such pain generally improves following discontinuance, but may recur upon subsequent rechallenge with the same drug or another bisphosphonate.

Atypical Fracture of the Femur

Atypical (subtrochanteric or diaphyseal) femur fractures reported rarely with long-term use (>3 years) of bisphosphonates, mostly in patients receiving these drugs for osteoporosis. Often occurs with minimal or no trauma, and may be bilateral. Causality not established; atypical fractures also occur in osteoporotic patients not receiving bisphosphonates. Risk may be increased with concomitant use of glucocorticoid, estrogen, and proton-pump inhibitor therapy.

Evaluate patients who present with new thigh or groin pain for possibility of an atypical femoral fracture; include assessment of the contralateral limb. Consider interruption of bisphosphonate therapy in patients with manifestations of possible femoral fracture; weigh risks versus benefits of continued treatment. Discontinue if a femoral shaft fracture is confirmed.

Atrial Fibrillation

Although data are conflicting, possible increased risk of atrial fibrillation with use of bisphosphonates. FDA analysis of data from long-term (6 months to 3 years) controlled trials identified a higher rate of atrial fibrillation in patients receiving bisphosphonates (alendronate, ibandronate, risedronate, or zoledronic acid) versus placebo; however, only a few events reported in each study. FDA is continuing to monitor this safety concern.

Potential Risk of Esophageal Cancer

Some evidence (from postmarketing experience and observational studies) suggests a possible association between use of oral bisphosphonates and an increased risk of esophageal cancer. However, because of conflicting data, additional study needed to confirm such findings.

FDA states that benefits of oral bisphosphonates continue to outweigh their potential risks in patients with osteoporosis; it is important to consider that esophageal cancer is rare, especially in women.

Avoidance of oral bisphosphonates in patients with Barrett’s esophagus, a known precursor to esophageal adenocarcinoma, has been recommended.

Renal Effects

Possible renal toxicity (e.g., deterioration of renal function and, rarely, renal failure) with bisphosphonates. Risk may be greater in patients with coexisting conditions associated with renal impairment, concomitant therapy with other nephrotoxic drugs, preexisting renal disease, dehydration, dosage, infusion volume and rate, and multiple cycles of treatment. Assess renal function in such patients.

Use not recommended in patients with severe renal impairment (Clcr <30 mL/minute).

Measure Scr prior to each IV dose. Withhold treatment if deterioration of renal function occurs.

Sensitivity Reactions

Hypersensitivity

Hypersensitivity reactions, including fatal anaphylaxis in patients who received ibandronate injection, reported. (See Contraindications under Cautions and see IV Administration under Dosage and Administration.)

Specific Populations

Pregnancy

No data in pregnant women to inform any drug-associated risks. In reproductive animal studies, maternal and fetal toxicity (including postimplantation loss, developmental anomalies, and deaths) observed.

Lactation

Distributed into milk in rats; not known whether distributed into human milk. Also not known whether the drug has any effects on the nursing infant or milk production.

Pediatric Use

Safety and efficacy not established in children. Not indicated for use in children.

Geriatric Use

No substantial differences in safety and efficacy relative to younger adults, but increased sensitivity cannot be ruled out. Consider age-related decreases in renal function.

Renal Impairment

Use not recommended in patients with severe renal impairment (CLcr <30 mL/minute).

Common Adverse Effects

Oral: Back pain, dyspepsia, pain in the extremities, diarrhea, headache, myalgia.

IV: Arthralgia, back pain, abdominal pain.

Interactions for Ibandronate

Does not induce or inhibit CYP isoenzymes (i.e., CYP1A2, 2A6, 2C9, 2C19, 2D6, 2E1, or 3A4) and is not metabolized.

Antacids or Mineral Supplements Containing Divalent Cations

Pharmacokinetic interaction (decreased absorption of ibandronate) when tablets are used concomitantly with antacids or mineral supplements containing divalent cations (e.g., aluminum, calcium, magnesium, iron). Administer tablets ≥60 minutes prior to such drugs or supplements.

Drugs Affecting Hepatic Microsomal Enzymes

Pharmacokinetic interactions unlikely.

Drugs Excreted through Renal Tubular Transport

Based on limited data in animals, not excreted through renal tubular transport. Pharmacokinetic interaction unlikely.

Nephrotoxic Agents

Potential pharmacologic interaction (increased risk of renal toxicity). Assess patients taking concomitant nephrotoxic agents. (See Renal Effects under Cautions.)

Specific Drugs and Tests

Drug

Interaction

Comments

Bone-imaging agents

Potential to interfere with use of bone-imaging agents

Histamine H2-receptor antagonists

Increased oral bioavailability of ibandronate

No evidence of increased adverse upper GI effects

Not considered clinically important

Melphalan

Pharmacokinetic interaction unlikely with IV ibandronate

NSAIAs

No evidence of increased adverse upper GI effects

Use concomitantly with caution

Prednisolone

Pharmacokinetic interaction unlikely with IV ibandronate

Tamoxifen

Pharmacokinetic interaction unlikely with IV ibandronate


Absolute (compared with IV administration) oral bioavailability about 0.6%.

Onset

Reduction in bone turnover evident within 1–3 months of treatment initiation; maximal effects observed at 6 months.

Food

Bioavailability decreased by 90% when administered with a standard breakfast compared with administration under fasting conditions. Bioavailability and effect on BMD reduced when food and beverages taken <60 minutes following oral administration.

Special Populations

In patients with renal impairment (Clcr 40–70 mL/minute), AUC is increased by 55% compared with that in patients with normal renal function (Clcr >90 mL/minute). Patients with severe renal impairment (Clcr <30 mL/minute) had >2-fold increase in AUC compared with exposure for healthy individuals.

Distribution

Extent

Widely distributed throughout the body and redistributed to bone. Subsequently, the drug is released systemically via bone turnover. Not known whether distributed into milk.

Plasma Protein Binding

84–99.5% at therapeutic drug concentrations.

Elimination

Metabolism

No evidence of metabolism.

Elimination Route

Excreted in urine (50–60% of circulating dose) as unchanged drug and in feces (unabsorbed drug).

Half-life

Apparent oral terminal half-life is 37–157 hours; dose-dependent.

Apparent IV terminal half-life is 4.6–25.5 hours; dose-dependent.

Special Populations

Pharmacokinetic differences based on race not evaluated. Pharmacokinetics not affected by gender.

Pharmacokinetics not evaluated in pediatric patients. Pharmacokinetics in patients with hepatic impairment not studied as ibandronate is not metabolized in the liver.

Stability

Storage

Oral

Tablets

25°C (may be exposed to 15–30°C).

Parenteral

Injection

25°C (may be exposed to 15–30°C).

Compatibility

For information on systemic interactions resulting from concomitant use, see Interactions.

Parenteral

Do not admix with calcium-containing solutions or other IV drugs.

Actions

Incorporates into bone and selectively inhibits osteoclast-mediated bone resorption in a dose-dependent manner.

Reduces biochemical markers of bone resorption in patients with postmenopausal osteoporosis.

Maintains or increases BMD and increases bone mass in postmenopausal women.

Advice to Patients

Importance of providing patient with a copy of the manufacturer’s patient information.

Importance of adhering to recommended life-style modifications (e.g., exercise, calcium and vitamin D supplementation).

Importance of correct oral administration (e.g., avoiding foods and beverages other than plain water [including mineral water] prior to administration, not lying down for ≥60 minutes following administration).

Importance of not taking vitamins, calcium, or antacids ≤60 minutes of taking oral ibandronate.

Necessity of swallowing tablets whole, without chewing or sucking.

Importance of reviewing how to resume therapy in the event of a missed dose.

Importance of discontinuing oral ibandronate and informing clinician if symptoms of esophageal disease (e.g., new or worsening dysphagia, difficulty or pain on swallowing, retrosternal pain, heartburn) develop.

Importance of informing a clinician if severe bone pain, joint pain, muscular pain, or jaw problems develop.

Importance of women informing clinicians if they are or plan to become pregnant or to plan to breast-feed.

Importance of informing clinicians of existing or contemplated concomitant therapy, including prescription and OTC drugs (vitamins, supplements, antacids), as well as any concomitant illnesses (e.g., preexisting dysphagia, esophageal disorders, renal impairment).

Importance of advising patients of other important precautionary information. (See Cautions.)

Preparations

Excipients in commercially available drug preparations may have clinically important effects in some individuals; consult specific product labeling for details.

Please refer to the ASHP Drug Shortages Resource Center for information on shortages of one or more of these preparations.

* available from one or more manufacturer, distributor, and/or repackager by generic (nonproprietary) name

Ibandronate Sodium

Routes

Dosage Forms

Strengths

Brand Names

Manufacturer

Oral

Tablets, film-coated

150 mg (of ibandronate)*

Boniva

Genentech

Ibandronate Sodium Tablets

Injection, for IV use only

1 mg (of ibandronate) per mL*

Boniva (available in prefilled syringe with needle and swabs)

Genentech

Ibandronate Sodium Injection

AHFS DI Essentials™. © Copyright 2021, Selected Revisions March 12, 2018. American Society of Health-System Pharmacists, Inc., 4500 East-West Highway, Suite 900, Bethesda, Maryland 20814.

† Use is not currently included in the labeling approved by the US Food and Drug Administration.

 

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