10Sep

September 10, 2021 admin 76

Food allergy

Food allergy is an abnormal immune system reaction to a food or a substance in a food. The immune system identifies the food as a danger and triggers a protective response. Even a tiny amount of the allergy-causing food can trigger the reaction.

Symptoms of food allergy

Symptoms of an allergic reaction can present in various forms and may involve the skin, the respiratory tract, the gastrointestinal tract, or the cardiovascular system. They can present in one or more of the following forms:

Hives (skin rashes/welts)/itchy skin
Vomiting
Stomach cramps
Shortness of breath
Wheezing
Repetitive cough
Stuffy/runny nose
Swelling of the tongue/lips
Weak pulse
Dizziness or feeling faint

When the symptoms are severe, it is called anaphylaxis. This can become life-threatening as it may hinder proper breathing and can send the body into shock. Such a reaction can also affect various parts of the body (stomach, chest, skin) at the same time.

Causes of food allergy

There is the possibility that any food can cause allergy, but there are some foods commonly associated with food allergy including –

Tree nuts such as walnuts, almonds, and cashews

Groundnut/peanut
Egg
Fish
Wheat
Soy

Can allergy develop in adulthood?

Often, allergic reaction to foods begins in childhood. In some cases, children outgrow the allergy as they get older, but some do not. However, some allergies are developed during adulthood. For instance, someone can suddenly begin to react to a food or food substance that he/she was never allergic to in the past.

Understand what causes the allergy and know how to prevent it

Symptoms of food allergy can occur within minutes of eating the food, in some cases, hours. Also, exposure to the allergens can induce the allergy without direct consumption.

If you suspect that you have a food allergy, you need to be able to pinpoint the exact food that triggers the reaction, know the quantity and the method of preparation/consumption that affects it. Then, your pharmacist or doctor can help you with tests and treatment.

It is important that you also know the type of reaction and how long the reaction lasts to help your healthcare provider with diagnosis and treatment. It will also help you to avoid the offending food/food substance.

Another important reason for you to track these details is that it is not every reaction to food that can be diagnosed as a food allergy. It could be some other ailment.

The basic way to prevent food allergy is to know what triggers it and avoid that, knowing that the allergy can be severe or mild at any given time that one is exposed to that food. This may prove difficult if you eat out often. Therefore, one needs to be wary of what he/she eats outside.

It is also advisable to thoroughly read the ingredient labels of food items before consumption.

Your healthcare provider will prescribe the right medications for your food allergy. As a matter of necessity, you need to have such medication on you at all times in case you unknowingly consume the food that you are allergic to.

Remember, do not indulge in self-medication or drug abuse because you are trying to ward off food allergies. Always consult your doctor or pharmacist.

31Aug

Typhoid fever: causes, symptoms, and preventive measures

August 31, 2021 admin 73

Typhoid fever is caused by salmonella typhi bacteria which can be spread via contaminated food and water or close contact with an infected person. For instance, if a food seller who is infected with typhoid fever defecates without properly washing his hands before handling his customer’s food, chances are that the customer might contract the typhoid fever when she consumes that food.

It is not enough to run water through the hands after using the toilet. The hands must be washed properly with soap.

Common symptoms of typhoid fever include –

Headaches
Poor appetite
Generalized aches and pains
High fever
Lethargy
Diarrhea
Abdominal pain and discomfort
Chest congestion

Sometimes, even when the symptoms are eliminated, people may still carry the typhoid bacteria, which means they can still spread it to others through their faeces.

How can I protect myself against typhoid fever?

Typhoid fever is common in places with poor sanitation and a lack of safe drinking water. Therefore, safe drinking water, improved sanitation and adequate medical care can help to prevent and control typhoid fever. However, in developing countries like Nigeria, it may be difficult to achieve the needed level of sanitation and access to potable water. Hence, some experts believe that vaccines are the best way to control typhoid fever.

Unfortunately, the vaccine may not provide total protection, so you need to always follow these guidelines –

Wash your hands thoroughly. Wash your hands before eating or preparing food and after using the toilet. Have an alcohol-based hand sanitizer handy for times when water is not available.
Avoid drinking untreated water. Contaminated drinking water is an easy way to contract typhoid fever. It is pertinent that the water you drink is safe. You can use water guard to purify water or boil your water if you cannot afford bottled water.
Thoroughly wash raw fruits and vegetables. Use salt and clean water to wash your fruits and vegetables always thoroughly, if possible, more than once.
Opt for hot foods. If you must eat outside, make sure it is served hot.
Consult your doctor or pharmacist. If you are in close contact with an infected person or you notice any of the above-mentioned symptoms, please consult the experts.

04Aug

World breastfeeding week 2021 – Protect breastfeeding: A shared responsibility in Nigeria and beyond

August 4, 2021 admin 76

August 1 to August 7 annually is mapped out as World breastfeeding week. This year, the theme which is “Protect breastfeeding: A shared responsibility” reminds us that each of us has a responsibility to protect breastfeeding. The onus is not just on the mothers, but also on fathers, employers, churches, healthcare providers, and so on. Provision of breastfeeding spaces for nursing mothers to conveniently breastfeed their babies is one of the ways to protect breastfeeding. Why should we all be involved in protecting breastfeeding? Simple – the costs of not breastfeeding are quite enormous

The World Health Organization (WHO) has provided some facts and guidelines on breastfeeding. Here are some of them –

The advantages of breastfeeding are enormous and cannot be over-emphasized. Here are some of the advantages as outlined by WHO –
– Breastfeeding is one of the most effective ways to ensure child health and survival. However, nearly 2 out of 3 infants are not exclusively breastfed for the recommended 6 months—a rate that has not improved in 2 decades.
– Breastmilk is the ideal food for infants. It is safe, clean and contains antibodies which help protect against many common childhood illnesses.
– Breastmilk provides all the energy and nutrients that the infant needs for the first months of life, and it continues to provide up to half or more of a child’s nutritional needs during the second half of the first year, and up to one third during the second year of life.
– Breastfed children perform better on intelligence tests, are less likely to be overweight or obese and less prone to diabetes later in life.
– Women who breastfeed also have a reduced risk of breast and ovarian cancers.

If you are having any challenges with breastfeeding,please consult your doctor or registered midwife.

28Jul

World hepatitis day 2021 – Hepatitis can’t wait in Nigeria

July 28, 2021 admin 71

July 28^th is recognized globally as World Hepatitis Day to encourage the prevention, testing, and treatment of Hepatitis. The theme for this year which is – ‘Hepatitis can’t wait’ takes into cognizance the fact that people living with hepatitis can’t wait to get treatment, just as people that are unaware of their hepatitis status can’t wait to get vaccinated and tested.

Types of hepatitis

Hepatitis which is inflammation of the liver is caused by five main strains of the hepatitis virus – A, B, C, D, and E with hepatitis B and C constituting the greater health challenge. Hepatitis D virus is not considered a complete virus and can only affect people who already have hepatitis B.

Hepatitis B and C are prevalent in Nigeria. Unfortunately, most people living with hepatitis B and C infections do not show symptoms and can remain so until the infection causes significant damage to the liver.

Signs and symptoms of hepatitis

Chronic hepatitis (B, C, and D) takes a long time to develop. Hence, these signs and symptoms may not be easily noticed, but acute hepatitis (A and E) show these signs and symptoms faster –

Abdominal pains
Dark urine
Yellow eyes and skin (jaundice)
Fatigue
Loss of appetite
Fever
Nausea and vomiting

Mode of transmission

A different virus is responsible for each type of hepatitis, thus, the different modes of transmission. Hepatitis B, C, and D can be transmitted by mother to child transmission, transfusion of unscreened blood, use of unsterilized equipment for surgical procedures, indiscriminate use of sharp objects in local circumcision, tribal marking, ear piercing, tattoos, or reuse of needles and syringes and other sharp objects. Unprotected sexual intercourse is also a means of transmission.

However, hepatitis A & E viruses are transmitted through food and water that are contaminated with the fecal matter of an infected person. Hepatitis A is highly contagious.

There is noninfectious hepatitis which is caused by excessive alcohol intake, an overdose of medications, and exposure to poisons.

Hepatitis can also develop as a result of autoimmune response, that is, when the immune system mistakes the liver for a harmful object and begins to attack it.

Dangers of hepatitis for those that do not know their status

One of the dangers is that people could go on to develop liver disease, including cancer. They could also continue to infect others around them, especially family members and sexual partners.

Note that Hepatitis B (HBV ) has no known cure for now while hepatitis C has no vaccine.

Prevention of hepatitis

Get vaccinated against hepatitis A and B
Practice good hygiene
Be mindful of what and where you eat
Know your hepatitis status, especially pregnant women to reduce the incidents of mother-to-child transmission.
Implementation of blood safety strategies
Safer sex practices
Spread the word about hepatitis, not the virus.
If you notice the above-mentioned signs and symptoms, please consult your doctor or pharmacist. Same goes for people who are exposed to the risks of hepatitis. For instance, if you have unprotected sex, multiple sex partners, share sharp objects or been in contact with a person living with hepatitis, please visit a healthcare professional.

16Jul

Some common health and medication myths debunked

July 16, 2021 admin 72

Medication myths are common, even among the learned. This affects the way people use medications and of course, their efficacy. Following these myths may even result in the development of further health challenges.

Some common medication myths include –

Injections are more effective than oral medications.

This is a common myth among Nigerians. It is so prevalent that the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration (NAFDAC) has had to wade in and declare that tablets and capsules are as potent as injections.

Both injections and tablets are effective. The important thing is taking the right drug in the right dosage. When in doubt, consult your pharmacist to educate you on drug use.

2. I do not need to continue taking my medications since I already feel stronger.

The fact that you do not like taking medications does not mean you should abuse them. If your doctor prescribes certain medications for your ailment, you must take the full dosage. Even though you may no longer experience the symptoms, this does not mean the illness is completely gone. To avoid a relapse, please ensure you follow your doctor’s prescription to the letter.

3. Antibiotics are the solution!

For many people, every ailment’s solution can be found in antibiotics. Stomach upset? take antibiotics, painful menstruation? antibiotics, constant headache? antibiotics to the rescue.

Not only is that a form of drug abuse, but you are also putting your life at risk. When the need for antibiotics finally arises, your body may have become antibiotic-resistant. This will interfere with the efficacy of the antibiotics and hinder recovery.

4. Alcohol cannot interfere with medications

The fact is that alcohol interferes with certain medications and reduces their efficacy. It can also interact with these medications to cause certain complications in your body.

Alcohol may also intensify the side effects of certain medications.

5. Spicy foods, alcohol, and stress cause ulcer

This used to be the belief, but recent researches have shown that the bacterium, Helicobacter pylori is responsible for the development of ulcers. Lifestyle choices and spicy foods can only aggravate your ulcer but they are not the cause.

This article does not exhaust the list of common health and medication-related myths. Before you take any medication that was not prescribed by a medical professional, please consult your pharmacist.

Do you know any more health and medication myths? Add yours in the comment section.

09Jul

What is COVID-19 and how can I protect myself?

July 9, 2021 admin 62

What is COVID-19 and how can I protect myself?

A new virus called the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) was identified as the cause of a disease outbreak that began in China in 2019. The disease is called coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19).

In March 2020, the World Health Organization (WHO) declared COVID-19 a pandemic. Public health groups, including the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and WHO, are monitoring the pandemic and posting updates on their websites. These groups have also issued recommendations for preventing the spread of the virus.

How does the coronavirus spread?

Data has shown that the virus that causes coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) mainly spreads from person to person among those in close contact (within about 6 feet, or 2 meters). The virus spreads by respiratory droplets released when someone infected with the virus coughs, sneezes, breathes, sings or talks. These droplets can be inhaled or land in the mouth, nose or eyes of a person nearby.

Sometimes the COVID-19 virus can spread when a person is exposed to small droplets that stay in the air for several minutes or hours — called airborne transmission. It’s not yet known how common it is for the virus to spread this way.

It can also spread if a person touches a surface with the virus on it and then touches his or her mouth, nose or eyes, but this isn’t a main way it spreads.

What are the symptoms of COVID-19?

COVID-19 symptoms can be very mild to severe. Some people have no symptoms. The most common symptoms are fever, cough and tiredness.

Other symptoms may include shortness of breath, muscle aches, chills, sore throat, headache, chest pain, and loss of taste or smell. This list is not all inclusive. Other less common symptoms have also been reported. Symptoms may appear two to 14 days after exposure.

Can COVID-19 be prevented?

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has given emergency use authorization to some COVID-19 vaccines in the U.S. A vaccine might prevent you from getting COVID-19 or prevent you from becoming seriously ill from COVID-19 if you get the COVID-19 virus.

What can I do to avoid becoming ill?

If you haven’t gotten a COVID-19 vaccine, there are many steps you can take to prevent yourselves from getting the COVID-19 virus and spreading it to others. The CDC and WHO recommend following these precautions:

Keep at least 6 feet (2 meters) of distance between yourself and people outside your household.
Avoid crowds and indoor places that have poor ventilation.
Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, or use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol.
Wear a mask in public places, especially when social distancing is difficult.
Cover your mouth and nose with your elbow or a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Throw away the used tissue. Wash your hands right away.
Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth.
Clean and disinfect surfaces you often touch on a daily basis.

If you have a chronic medical condition and may have a higher risk of serious illness, check with your doctor about other ways to protect yourself.

Should I wear a mask?

The CDC and WHO recommend that people who haven’t been vaccinated wear cloth face masks in public when social distancing is difficult. People who haven’t been vaccinated should continue to wear face masks in indoor public spaces and outdoors where there is a high risk of COVID-19 transmission, such as at a crowded event or large gathering. This advice is based on evidence that people with COVID-19 can transmit the COVID-19 virus before they realize they have it.

Using masks in public may help reduce the spread from people who don’t have symptoms. Non-medical cloth masks are recommended for the public. Surgical masks may be used if available. In some locations, surgical masks and N-95 respirators are in short supply and should be reserved for health care providers.

After you’re fully vaccinated, the CDC recommends that it’s ok not to wear a mask except where required by a rule or law. If you are fully vaccinated and have a condition or are taking medications that weaken your immune system, you may need to keep wearing a mask. You’re considered fully vaccinated 2 weeks after you get a second dose of an mRNA COVID-19 vaccine or 2 weeks after you get a single dose of the Janssen/Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 vaccine.

In the U.S., everyone also needs to wear a mask while on planes, buses, trains and other forms of public transportation.

Can I travel?

If you’re planning to travel, first check for travel advisories and use appropriate precautions when in public. You also may want to talk with your doctor if you have health conditions that make you more susceptible to respiratory infections and complications.

What can I do if I am or may be ill with COVID-19?

If you develop symptoms or you’ve been exposed to the COVID-19 virus, contact your doctor for medical advice. If you need to go to the doctor or hospital, call ahead so health care providers can take steps to ensure that others aren’t exposed.

Take the following precautions to avoid spreading the COVID-19 virus:

Stay home from work, school and public areas, except to get medical care.
Avoid public transportation, taxis and ride-sharing if possible.
Wear a cloth face mask around other people.
Isolate yourself as much as possible from others in your home.
Use a separate bedroom and bathroom if possible.
Avoid sharing dishes, glasses, bedding and other household items.

With

Pritish K. Tosh, M.D.