Castletown Chemist

Sniffling our Way Through Spring and Summer

MFG123 — Wed, 01 Sep 2010 04:07:02 +0000

Traditionally, hay fever (known medically as allergic rhinitis) is said to begin in Australia about this time – spring coming on to summer. But the reality is hay fever in this country is frequently a year-round problem. Of course, depending on the trigger factors and the weather conditions, the symptoms can become especially bad right about now.

The good news is that hay fever can usually be very well managed with medicines now available without prescription. However, you’ll need to describe the most troublesome symptoms to your pharmacist to ensure you get the most effective product.

The symptoms of hay fever develop as the result of a super active immune system. That is: substances which in most people would cause no reaction, actually cause a severe allergic reaction in the really sensitive ones amongst us. These substances, generally called allergens (or trigger factors), include wind borne pollen from grasses, weeds and trees – more likely to be a factor around this time of year.

Another common trigger factor is exposure to dust mite – these microscopic animals live with us in their millions in our pillows, blankets, bedspreads, doonas, cushions, curtains and carpets. Rather hard to avoid! And perhaps not such a pleasant thing to think about, but it’s probably no surprise so many of us get sneezy and wheezy when we breathe in the little creatures – dead or alive – or even their droppings.

Similar year-round symptoms can be caused by animal dander – the dead skin cells from our pets, especially cats. Mould and mould spores can cause the same sort of problems.

Most people inherit the tendency to be a hay fever sufferer. If one parent has allergic rhinitis you have a 50% chance of having it also. If both parents are sufferers your risk increases to 75%. And it’s not just hay fever. Chances are you will also have asthma, eczema and food allergies. Our immune system goes into overdrive.

Exposure to cigarette smoke – your own or someone else’s – may increase sensitivity to allergies; and occupational exposure may lead to a greater likelihood of developing hay fever. For instance, if you work with wood dust, seed dust, textile dust, rubber latex, some chemicals and certain foods and spices, you may also have to work with hay fever.
Of course avoiding trigger factors altogether is the best option. Clearly that’s not always possible.

When medication is required, the one recommended will depend largely on the severity and frequency of symptoms. Mild symptoms occurring less than four days a week or less than four weeks at a time respond well to the new oral antihistamines.

If symptoms adversely affect sleep or work, school or leisure activities; or the symptoms persist for more than four days a week or more than four weeks at a time, then the so-called intranasal corticosteroid sprays (Beconase, Rhinocort or Telnase) will be the most appropriate treatment. And particularly if nasal congestion is a problem, these nasal sprays are the treatment of choice, however, a few days treatment may be necessary before the full benefit is realised. And when symptoms are severe a combination of antihistamine and nasal spray might be required.

If extremely itchy eyes are a major concern the anti-allergy eye drops (Eyezep, Livostin or Zaditen) should be considered; and maybe Azep or Atrovent spray when the nose resembles a constantly dripping tap
For more detailed advice about how to avoid, or when necessary treat, those springtime sniffles and sneezes, ask for the “fact cards” on Hay fever and Sinus Problems. They’re available from pharmacies around Australia providing the Pharmaceutical Society’s Self Care health information. Phone 1300 369 772 or check out the Pharmaceutical Society website at www.psa.org.au and click on Self Care Pharmacy Finder.

Feeling thirsty – drink water instead

MFG123 — Mon, 30 Aug 2010 03:38:37 +0000

This month an issue of New Scientist magazine devotes a page to the topic of acronyms – words made from the initial letters of other words. Examples are: radar, scuba and even ANZAC.

Acronyms are especially common in the fields of science and medicine. Researchers undertaking clinical trials seem unable to proceed unless they have first coined a suitable and eye (or ear) catching acronym.

Organisations promoting health awareness have apparently also realised the need for an attention-grabbing slogan. And so Kidney Health Australia has determined that 19-25 July should be known as “Wee Week”. It’s all about emphasising the importance of a healthy urinary tract.

Urinary tract infections are generally called simply UTIs – not really an acronym, but pretty close.

UTIs can involve just about any part of the urinary tract – the body’s plumbing, filtration and liquid waste disposal system. The kidneys and the bladder can be affected, as can the ureter and the urethra – the “pipes” which carry urine to and from the bladder.

Bacteria which normally live harmlessly in the intestine or the bowel are the usual suspects for causing UTIs. If these bacteria manage to spread from the anus (the back passage) into the urethra and then further into the urinary system, they can cause some rather nasty and discomforting conditions.

Urethritis is the medical term describing the infection when just the urethra is affected. If the infection spreads to the bladder causing the bladder lining to become raw and inflamed the condition is known as cystitis; whereas pyelonephritis is the name for the infection if it spreads to the kidneys.

All these conditions can cause a prickly, scalding or burning sensation when passing urine, and the urge to urinate frequently. If the bladder and kidney are affected, the urine might be cloudy or bloody and you may experience lower abdominal or back pain. Kidney related infections are potentially very serious and need prompt treatment to avoid kidney damage.

Mild cystitis can sometimes be treated effectively by drinking plenty of fluids (preferably water) to flush the bugs out the system, whilst often a urinary alkaliniser – something to make the urine less acid – will also help. Some studies have shown that cranberry juice or cranberry extract tablets may assist in preventing symptoms of cystitis in people who are susceptible to repeat infections. It seems cranberries contain a substance that can help prevent bacteria from sticking to the walls of the bladder. However, results from the studies are not so positive for elderly men and women.

Women, generally, are more likely than men to suffer with UTIs because the urethra is so short. Also, female hormones can affect urine acidity making it more likely the offending organisms can thrive – especially at certain times of the menstrual cycle, during pregnancy and menopause or after a hysterectomy. Sexually active women are more at risk because sex can push the bacteria into the urethra.

Men with prostate problems may have difficulties with urine flow and bladder emptying and so allow the bacteria more time to reproduce. Older people, or people with another chronic medical condition such as diabetes, where the immune system is already under stress, are also be more likely to get UTIs.

The Pharmaceutical Society (PSA) has produced a Urinary Tract Infection card which has some self help hints on how to reduce the risk of urinary tract infections. And it starts with drinking enough water. There’s no specific amount to drink each day – it will vary from person to person; but a good guide is sufficient to satisfy your thirst.

Most importantly, if you think you have a UTI and the simple non-prescription products are not successful, see your doctor promptly. An appropriate antibiotic will usually give the desired results quickly and safely. And you’ll avoid any possible serious consequences.

Meanwhile, if you would like more information about UTIs, check out the Kidney Health website at www.kidney.org.au, or call into your local Self Care Pharmacy for a UTI fact card. For the nearest location phone PSA on 1 300 369 772 or click on Self Care Pharmacy Finder at www.psa.org.au.

The Trouble with Travel

MFG123 — Wed, 18 Aug 2010 05:45:26 +0000

Recent news reports have indicated that this is a great time for Australians to travel. We have a strong dollar and presently airline travel packages are apparently the best value they’ve been for quite a few years.

Meanwhile, a Newsweek magazine survey has rated Australia fourth in its rankings of the “best countries in the world”. So there should be plenty to see and do at home. But if you want the excitement of adventure, remember misadventure can sometimes be close by.

The reality is, of course, that while accidents are always possible when travelling, we are at much greater risk of becoming ill as a result of a disease which we are ill-prepared to treat or prevent – that is, poor planning prior to departure.

Statistics show that the likelihood of experiencing a travel-related illness while overseas is almost 50%. Despite this, travel health is largely ignored. More than 240 years ago, Captain James Cook was sailing across the Tasman towards Botany Bay. He kept his crew healthy with plenty of fresh vegetables and lemon juice in the diet. And while scurvy shouldn’t be a problem these days on a quick plane trip from Australia, Captain Cook could certainly give us some pointers on how to prepare for an extended time away from home.

No doubt, the first thing to consider is what vaccinations you need. Before going overseas, all travellers should be up-to-date with vaccinations for tetanus, diphtheria, pertussis (whooping cough) and polio. Vaccination against measles, mumps, rubella and hepatitis B is also advisable.

Depending on your destination and proposed accommodation, vaccination for hepatitis A, yellow fever, meningococcal meningitis and rabies may also be recommended. And the list is not complete. The important thing is to check with your GP about 6-8 weeks before travel.

A few injections and a sore arm now are a small price to pay for a trouble-free trip later on.

Diseases spread by biting insects, bugs or parasites are a particular problem in developing countries; and you don’t have to go too far off the beaten track to be at risk.

Malaria is the most common disease in this category. Malaria kills quickly and quietly. In Africa, someone dies from malaria every 10 seconds – compelling reasons to take precautions against malaria; yet, research has shown, when travelling to high risk areas, only 40% of Australians carry antimalarial medication.

Medications, important as they are, play only a part in malaria prevention. Most important is not to get bitten by the parasite-bearing mosquito. So the appropriate use of insect repellents and bed nets is essential as well as cover-up clothing, especially between dusk and dawn.

Generally not quite so serious but still causing great discomfort are conditions such as travellers’ diarrhoea.

“Travellers’ diarrhoea” is something almost all of us will have suffered at some time; Montezuma doesn’t only take his revenge in Mexico, and Delhi belly is not confined to people enjoying Indian cooking. Upset tummies can be an inconvenience anywhere away from home. There are some simple medications to take with you that make a great addition to any travel insurance policy. Ask your pharmacist for a recommendation.

In fact, a basic first-aid kit should be one of the first things packed when you travel – ideally carried in your hand luggage. And don’t forget to take sufficient prescription medicines to last the duration of your travel.

So before you take off for your next holiday or business trip overseas, take off to your Self Care Pharmacy and pick up the Travel Health information fact card. Call the Pharmaceutical Society (PSA) on 1300 369 772 for the nearest location or log onto the PSA at www.psa.org.au and click on Self Care Pharmacy Finder.