Tuberculosis is a communicable infection caused by the bacteria “Mycobacterium tuberculosis” which latches onto the lungs following inhalation of aerosolized bacteria (emitted by an infected individual). In the 19th and 20th centuries, tuberculosis killed over 1 billion people – and it continues to kill in excess of 1 million people each year, inflict permanent lung …
On June 4, 2021, the FDA approved a new weight loss drug called Wegovy (Semaglutide). That said, technically the drug is not new – it was initially approved in 2017 under the brand name Ozempic as an adjunct treatment for type 2 diabetes. Wegovy (Semaglutide) is administered by injection (2.4 mg) once per week for …
Chamomile is a popular herb of the Asteracae family that is commonly used in herbal medicine to treat things like: stomach aches; irritable bowel syndrome; constipation; inflammation; and anxiety. (Read: Chamomile for anxiety) Although many people find chamomile to be safe, tolerable, and effective for various health ailments and psychological stress – some wonder whether …
Although PPIs are generally safe medications for most people, some users are concerned with increased risk of infection – particularly C. diff (Clostridium difficile). I happen to be: (A) a PPI user (esomeprazole 20 mg, b.i.d.) and (B) someone who’s concerned with potential increased risk of C. diff – so I reviewed the literature on …
Proton-pump inhibitors (PPIs) are among the effective medications for the treatment of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). It is estimated that nearly ~15 million people in the United States use PPIs each year – with omeprazole being the 9th most-prescribed drug in 2019. One concern among PPI users – particularly long-term PPI users – is the …
Over the past few months I’ve been taking a PPI (proton-pump inhibitor) called “Esomeprazole” (Nexium) to manage a condition called laryngopharyngeal reflux (LPR). I take the Esomeprazole (Nexium) at a dosage of 20 mg twice daily (b.i.d.). The medication is partially effective in reducing some of my most severe symptoms of LPR including: ear pain; …