Insulin: Choices, choices, choices…
The timely initiation and titration of insulin is a challenge for many healthcare professionals involved in the treatment of T2DM. The failure to do so when clinically indicated is a multifactorial problem with significant consequences for patients, including an increased risk of microvascular complications. Barriers to insulin initiation and intensification include the inconvenience of the […]
Identifying COPD
COPD is a multifaceted disease influenced by both genetic and environmental factors, and its complications (triggered by infections and environmental factors) often require additional treatment, making it a critical health concern.2 There are many endotypes of COPD, which necessitates the classification of patients into distinct subgroups based on biological differences, such as the extent of […]
ASPs reduce antibiotic consumption by almost 30%
Current research demonstrates that ASPs can decrease total antibiotic consumption in hospitals by 19% and restrict the usage of certain antimicrobials by 27%. However, the effectiveness of ASPs in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), where antimicrobial use is disproportionately high compared to high-income countries (HICs), remains underexplored. In a recent study by Zay et al […]
Antimicrobial resistance a growing challenge for wound care
Despite advances in wound care, bacterial and fungal infections remain among the most common and painful conditions, often leading to significant death and illness. Currently, Staphylococcus aureus, methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), and Pseudomonas aeruginosa are the most common bacteria found in infected wounds. Stages of the healing process The healing process is a meticulously coordinated […]
Differentiating between anaphylaxis and urticaria
Each individual welt emerges and vanishes within a 24 hour period, but the appearance of new welts implies that the entire episode may persist for a longer duration. Patients typically maintain good overall health, although during severe outbreaks, they may experience systemic symptoms like lethargy, malaise, and indigestion. Anaphylaxis is characterised by a life-threatening decrease […]
New treatment options for AR: Combining montelukast and levocetirizine
The late-phase reaction, which occurs hours after allergen exposure, involves the recruitment of various inflammatory cells and the release of multiple mediators, perpetuating the inflammatory response. This phase leads to nasal congestion, a distressing symptom for AR patients. Nasal and ocular symptoms significantly impact patients’ quality of life and daily functioning. Existing pharmaceutical options Current […]
Allergic rhinitis pathology, symptoms and impact on QoL
Histamine induces sneezing via the trigeminal nerve and plays a role in rhinorrhoea by stimulating mucous glands. Other immune mediators, such as leukotrienes and prostaglandins, are also implicated as they act on blood vessels to cause nasal congestion. Four to six hours after the initial response, an influx of cytokines, such as interleukins (IL)-4 and […]
