Purgation and counter-irritation received a great setback with the rise of bacteriology. Even gold salts were forgotten for a while. Arthritis specialists all began looking for bacterial infections. Infected tonsils, appendices, teeth —all were taken out—until it was noticed that arthritic shoulders, knees, or inflamed joints still did not heal. Removing an infected organ will [...]
Most people don’t think of wisdom, or for that matter competence or expertise, as biological categories, but they are. Most people understand, generally and vaguely, that our mind is the product of our brain. But it is not always easy to realize just how intimate the relationship is. Despite their acceptance of the mind-brain connection [...]
For infants under the age of six months, pediatricians generally do not recommend giving any cold medicine because of the potential for bad side effects. To relieve nasal congestion, use a bulb syringe to clear the nose, administer saline nose drops, and give as much fluid as the baby will take. A vaporizer in the [...]
From adolescence through middle age, UTI is much more common in women. However, the incidence of UTI among elderly men and women is almost equal. The main reason for this change in epidemiology is benign prostatic hypertrophy. As with women, sexual activity (especially anal sex) is a risk factor for men. Other risk factors include [...]
Dentist Many elderly people have poor dental health. In one large community survey 74 per cent had no natural teeth and many were wearing unsatisfactory dentures. There were numerous reports of mouth and gum disease as well as pain, and many elderly people felt embarrassed by their appearance, with dentures dropping out during conversation and [...]
Varicose veins inside and outside the anus are described as internal and external hemorrhoids respectively. Colloquially known as “piles”, hemorrhoids occur in relation to a low fibre diet and constipation. In the United Kingdom, hemorrhoid sufferers languish for seven years on hospital waiting lists before it is their turn for surgery. Many of them find [...]
Yes, high levels of cholesterol in the blood increase the risk of heart disease. Yet some people manage to elude heart attacks even when their numbers are high. It could be that the way your body oxidises cholesterol in the blood may point to susceptibility to heart disease. At the University of Southern California in [...]
For many, if not most, men and women, a program of diet, exercise and stress control will bring cholesterol levels under control. But some of us need additional help. The body makes its own cholesterol in the liver and, to a much lesser extent, in the intestine. But some of us make too much, and [...]
If the cough is due to asthma, it is treated appropriately with medications, depending on the nature and extent of the symptoms and the age of the child. The commonest cough, the one that follows a cold, does not need any specific treatment. Antibiotics are not indicated in the great majority of these children because [...]
Genetics is a highly complicated field. If you have a family history of a particular disorder, it is wise to consult someone experienced in genetic counselling, who can explain the details to you. A geneticist or paediatrician can also advise you about the likelihood of any of your children inheriting the problem. If you have [...]