Archive for May 15th, 2009
VENEREAL DISEASE – INTRODUCTION
The sexually transmitted diseases are on the increase and we should all be aware of what they are, how they are caused and what we can do to both treat and prevent them.
World health authorities estimate that there are
40 million new cases of syphilis and 200 million cases of gonorrhoea throughout the world each year. These two diseases are perhaps the most widely known and feared of venereal disorders, but there are a number of other conditions which are also spread sexually.
There are a number of theories as to why venereal diseases are increasing. The belief that they can be easily cured and are no longer a problem has led to complacency among the general public and also the medical profession.
The permissive society has meant an increase in promiscuity and an increase in sexual activity among the young. This coupled with greater mobility of the population has increased the risk and also the incidence.
Changing patterns of contraception, such as the Pill and easier abortion have changed the emphasis from man “taking precautions” to the woman.
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EMPHYSEMA – GENERAL INFORMATION
They can be used as tablets, as medicines, as injections, as suppositories or inhaled directly into the lung.
Cortisone can considerably reduce the symptoms of emphysema, and may be used continuously, or only intermittently for severe attacks of breathless-ness.
Considerable benefit has now been achieved in this disease — and in asthma as well — by using a cortisone derivative, beclomethasone. This is inhaled directly into the lungs, and acts locally.
Its main advantage is that very little of the drug is absorbed into the general circulation.
When the symptoms are severe, it may be necessary to use oxygen, but in any case of chronic breathing difficulty, oxygen must be used with caution — in some cases it can make the condition worse.
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