News
Pharmacogenetics and depression – Taking the guesswork out of treating mood disorders
Antidepressant medication is a commonly used treatment for people suffering from mood and anxiety disorders. However, it is estimated that approximately half of patients commenced on such treatment do not notice any improvement in their symptoms, with even less noticing a complete resolution of their symptoms (1). The way in which individuals respond to, and […]
Where are we with the Male Birth Control?
For decades contraception has fallen to the female in most couples, due to the effectiveness of female contraceptives and the lack of a satisfactory male alternative. Current reversible methods consist of ‘pulling out’, which is not effective, or using condoms. Condoms, while very effective if used correctly, are not popular with most men as they […]
Chronic Pelvic Pain in women
Chronic pelvic pain in women is often a debilitating condition resulting in a significant reduction in quality of life in the affected individuals. It is a common presentation in UK primary care, with 38 per 1000 women affected annually—a rate comparable to those of asthma (37 per 1000) and back pain (41 per 1000) (1). […]
Mumps outbreaks in the press – What should you know?
With the focus on measles in the recent months, less attention has been given to the outbreaks of mumps described in the press at several universities in UK. Mumps and Measles usually go ‘hand in hand’ when people talk about the Measles-Mumps-Rubella vaccine/MMR. What is Mumps? Mumps is a viral infection cause by a paramyxovirus. […]
Are your Firmicutes making you fat?
How your gut microbiome may be affecting your weight. The bacteria that live in our gut (more recently termed the “gut microbiome”) are becoming linked increasingly with a number of health conditions ranging from cardiovascular disease and autoimmune disorders to mental health conditions such as anxiety or depression. Another condition emerging with possible links to […]
Giving Blood Saves Lives
The Blood Transfusion Service always needs blood donors. Donated blood is used to treat critically ill patients who have lost blood through accidents, surgery or chlid birth, and for some chronic medical conditions. Constituents of blood, platelets and plasma, are also used to treat conditions such as clotting disorders. The blood transfusion service works 365 […]
Codeine – If I can buy it over the counter then it must be safe?
Here we discuss the medication codeine, its uses, and potential drawbacks. What is codeine? Codeine is considered one of the commonly used painkillers in the UK for mild to moderate pain. It is also used to treat diarrhoea and is sometimes an ingredient in some cough syrups, as it can be used to suppress […]
The ABC of Hepatitis
The term Hepatitis refers to inflammation of the liver. The commonest cause of inflammation is due to viral infection. There are three common types of viral hepatitis- hepatitis A ,hepatitis B and Hepatitis C. Hepatitis A This is more commonly known as ‘infectious hepatitis’. Hepatitis A is typically transmitted through the ingestion of contaminated water […]
Breaking news in the diagnosis of Endometriosis!
Recently it was announced that a new blood test has been developed to help diagnose endometriosis. Endometriosis is the very painful disease where cells that produce menstrual blood normally found in the womb lining (=endometrium) are outside of the womb, and as the blood produced can not escape anywhere, it causes cysts, inflammation and scarring. […]
Gut microbiome and your mood. How your microbiome may be making you a misery guts.
It is now apparent that the bacteria living within our gut (the gut microbiome) are essential for our physical wellbeing. Numerous studies implicate the gut microbiome’s role in maintaining our health through important processes such as developing and modulating our immune system. Allergies, autoimmune diseases, chronic conditions and even obesity are all thought to […]
