Wednesday, August 10, 2011

Mesothelioma Cancer

Thoracoscopy allows the doctor to look inside the chest and obtain tissue samples. A productive cough typically follows, and the shortness of breath and the productive cough slowly worsen and persist. The patient can also go online and put a search for mesothelioma legal assistance cells by typing mesothelioma and then typing the name of the state or area they are from in the search field of the search engine they are using. People can register themselves online and consult top experts who after verifying their problem through a questionnaire, advice on appropriate drugs that help to cure mesothelioma. If the cancer has spread beyond the mesothelium to other parts of the body, symptoms may include pain, difficulty swallowing, or swelling of the neck or face. Mesothelioma affects men most due to the high exposure of asbestos in industrial typed jobs. It starts in the chest cavity (after breathing the particles) before spreading to other areas.

This can be detected through a chest x-ray, as well as CT scans. Symptoms of peritoneal mesothelioma include weight loss and abdominal pain and swelling due to a buildup of fluid in the abdomen. In general, the earlier that Mesothelioma is diagnosed, the greater the likelihood of survival.

A late diagnosis and treatment of mesothelioma because an asbestos caused disease was mistaken for a smoking-related disease can take years off of your life, and lead to harsh and painful living during your last few years. These symptoms may be caused by mesothelioma or by other, less serious conditions. It is important to see a doctor about any of these symptoms. A physical examination may be performed, including x-rays of the chest or abdomen and lung function tests. A productive cough typically follows, and the shortness of breath and the productive cough slowly worsen and persist. Other symptoms of peritoneal mesothelioma may include bowel obstruction, blood clotting abnormalities, anemia, and fever.

With most cancers, and mesothelioma treatment in particular, early diagnosis and treatment is crucial to survival. Not only does it take years for symptoms to appear, but there are limited treatements and drugs that will prolong the lives of workers stricken with mesothelioma. Asbestos is a type of insulation material, which was commonly utilized in the past in the following industries: Steel Workers Brake Mechanics Insulators Boilermakers Ship fitters Maintenance Workers Pipe Fitters Construction industry Shipbuilding industry Automotive industry Other manufacturing industries Mesothelioma appears most often in people who worked in the above industries and were exposed to asbestos in their workplace.

However, with increased funding in mesothelioma research through the government and private grants, the outlook for a mesothelioma cure is quite possible. Pleural Mesothelioma is the most common form of Mesothelioma. Because of that, it is very important to mention to your doctor your exposure to asbestos at your first visit.


Source:Mesothelioma Info

Tuesday, January 18, 2011

Tramadol- Ultram Oral

Uses:
Tramadol is used to treat severe pain, similarly to codeine. It is a central acting analgesic.


How To Use:
Take this medication by mouth with or without food as directed by your doctor. If you have nausea, you may take this drug with food. Consult your doctor or pharmacist about other ways to decrease nausea (e.g., antihistamines, lying down for 1 to 2 hours with as little head movement as possible).The dosage is based on your medical condition and response to treatment. To reduce the risk of side effects, your doctor may tell you to gradually increase your dose when starting tramadol.The maximum recommended dose is 400 milligrams a day. If you have serious kidney disease (e.g., if you are on dialysis), the maximum recommended dose is 100 milligrams every 12 hours. If you have serious liver disease (e.g., cirrhosis), the maximum recommended dose is 50 milligrams every 12 hours. If you are older than 75 years, the maximum recommended dose is 300 milligrams a day.Pain medications work best if they are used as the first signs of pain (or migraine) occur. If you wait until the pain has worsened, the medication may not work as well.Follow your doctor's or pharmacist's instruction for the safe use of non-narcotic pain relievers (e.g., acetaminophen, ibuprofen). Ask your doctor or pharmacist for more details regarding your treatment.This medication may cause withdrawal reactions, especially if it has been used regularly for a long time or in high doses. In such cases, withdrawal symptoms (such as anxiety, sweating, sleeplessness, shaking, diarrhea, rapid breathing) may occur if you suddenly stop using this medication. To prevent withdrawal reactions, your doctor may reduce your dose gradually. Also, if you are taking regular doses of narcotic medications for ongoing pain (e.g., cancer pain), starting tramadol may cause a withdrawal reaction. Consult your doctor or pharmacist for more details, and report any withdrawal reactions immediately.Rarely, abnormal drug-seeking behavior (addiction) is possible with this medication. Do not increase your dose, take it more frequently, or use it for a longer time than prescribed. Properly stop the medication when so directed.When used for an extended period, this medication may not work as well and may require different dosing. Talk with your doctor if this medication stops working well.Tell your doctor if your pain persists or worsens.

Abuse and Dependency

Tramadol is associated with the development of physical dependence and a severe withdrawal syndrome.Tramadol causes typical opiate-like withdrawal symptoms as well as atypical withdrawal symptoms including seizures. The atypical withdrawal symptoms are probably related to tramadol's effect on serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake. Symptoms may include those of SSRI discontinuation syndrome, such as anxiety, depression, anguish, severe mood swings, aggressiveness, brain "zaps", electric-shock-like sensations throughout the body, paresthesias, sweating, palpitations,restless legs syndrome, sneezing, insomnia, tremors, and headache among others. In most cases, tramadol withdrawal will set in 12–20 hours after the last dose, but this can vary. Tramadol withdrawal lasts longer than that of other opioids; seven days or more of acute withdrawal symptoms can occur as opposed to typically three or four days for other codeine analogues. It is recommended that patients physically dependent on pain killers take their medication regularly to prevent onset of withdrawal symptoms and this is particularly relevant to tramadol because of its SSRI and SNRI properties, and, when the time comes to discontinue their tramadol, to do so gradually over a period of time that will vary according to the individual patient and dose and length of time on the drug.

Availability

Tramadol comes in many forms, including:
  • capsules (regular and extended release)
  • tablets (regular, extended release, chewable, low-residue and/or uncoated tablets that can be taken by the sublingual and buccal routes)
  • suppositories
  • effervescent tablets and powders
  • ampules of sterile solution for SC, IM, and IV injection
  • preservative-free solutions for injection by the various spinal routes (epidural, intrathecal, caudal, and others)
  • powders for compounding
  • liquids both with and without alcohol for oral and sub-lingual administration, available in regular phials and bottles, dropper bottles, bottles with a pump similar to those used with liquid soap and phials with droppers built into the cap
  • tablets and capsules