Wednesday, May 18, 2011

Treatments for multiple sclerosis and role of generic baclofen in it

Multiple sclerosis is a neurological disease that involves an inflammation of the protective covering of the nerve cells. The disease causes dysfunctions of the body's nervous cells (neurons), due to destruction of myelin, a substance that surrounds the neurons. Myelin is vital for the proper activity of the nervous system, as it facilitates the transmission of information between neurons. When the nervous cells' myelin-containing membrane is damaged, the innervated tissues of the entire body can be seriously affected. Due to destruction of myelin, multiple sclerosis can cause dysfunctions of the musculoskeletal, sensorial and cognitive systems. Sometimes, the disease can also affect the activity of the internal organs such as kidneys, gastrointestinal tract. People who suffer from multiple sclerosis can in time develop neuropsychological conditions, such as depression, mania or dementia. Inflammation of the myelin sheath also causes some other spinal cord diseases.

Multiple sclerosis is a frustrating disease because the current treatments are few and at present, there is no cure for multiple sclerosis, but the available drugs can slow the disease course. Synthetic forms of beta interferon (a natural immunomodulator that regulates the immune response) reduce the frequency and severity of relapses and decrease the degree of disability over time. There are treatments for specific symptoms, such as steroids (which are usually given in high doses intravenously for a few days, between 3 and 5), which can shorten the duration of an attack. Some drugs can alleviate spasticity, fatigue and disorders of micturition. People with multiple sclerosis tend to verify that non-pharmacological treatments such as regular exercise and adequate rest can help them maintain a more active life. Muscle spasm causes no movement of hands and feet. Physical therapy and exercise can help strengthen the weakened muscles and improve coordination. Occupational therapy can improve the skills to teach everyday people how to cope with multiple sclerosis with a reduced capacity of movement and speech therapy can improve the difficulties in speaking and swallowing. Another novelty in the treatment of Multiple Sclerosis is the use of electromagnetic fields. This is very important to clarify that the electromagnetic fields that are used in this case are low intensity, extremely low frequencies and carefully controlled. These applications are extra-cranial and are 20 minutes once a week. The results are variable and more research is needed to refine this form of treatment.

Along with the treatment options stated above, oral medications also helpful in the treatment of multiple sclerosis and other spinal cord diseases. Amongst all the oral drugs used in the treatments for multiple sclerosis, generic baclofen is of great help. Muscle spasm causes stiffness in muscles and joints that makes any kind of movement almost impossible. Generic Lioresal (Baclofen) has similar action like GABA blocks the activity of the nerves within the part of the brain that controls the contraction and relaxation of skeletal muscles thus it helps in reducing the symptoms of multiple sclerosis. Baclofen 10mg is the standard starting dose of the treatments for multiple sclerosis. Like all medicines generic baclofen also has some mild side effects that disappears as you body gets used to the drug. Baclofen side effect includes constipation, nausea, dizziness, low blood pressure which vanishes in couple of days.

Saturday, May 7, 2011

Ear infections symptoms, causes and treatment with generic ciprodex

What is Ear infection ?
An ear infection is an infestation in the ear, caused by either bacteria or by virus. The adult ear infection and the inner ear infection are other names by which it is called. The scientific name is otitis media. Most commonly are infections of the outer ear or the ear canal called otitis externa, and the middle ear and ear drum, called otitis media. Of the two, otitis media is the more serious and the one most often referred to when your doctor diagnoses an "ear infection." There is a small tube, called the eustachian tube, which connects the middle ear and the throat. Its purpose is twofold. One is to open and close to allow fluid produced in the ear to drain out and into the throat and prevent other fluids from backing up into the ear. Its second function is also to open and close for the purpose of normalizing air pressure. When we travel to a higher altitude and our ears "clog." Ear infections may develop when the eustachian tube does not open and close properly, allowing germ-laden fluids from the throat, along with secretions produced in the nose, to back up into the middle ear and not drain out. Colds and allergies may produce inflammation in the area and can be another cause for the eustachian tube to not function properly. As the immune system does its job to fight the infection, dead bacteria and white blood cells form pus which puts pressure on the eardrum as it builds up.

An ear infection may be caused by one or a combination of the following factors. Within the ear are tiny bones which help translate sound waves to the brain. The sound waves travel to these bones through the Eustachian tube, which in children is placed in more of a level position. When liquid is introduced to the ear through swimming or bathing, and if the liquid is not cleaned out by a swab, it may linger there and allow bacteria to fester. Though the Eustachian tube is more slanted in adults, similar infestation may occur if water is not cleared. Even without water, ear wax may build up, also leaving the ear open to bacterial infestation. Ear wax build up should be cleared regularly, especially because viruses may speed up the possibility of infection. Once you get to know the exact cause of the ear infections it is easy to treat them.

The exact cause of the infection helps to get right treatment. The treatment aim for the reduction of the symptoms. There are many ear infections symptoms to be aware of. Feeling pressure in the ear, or even an earache, is indicative of the general build up of fluid or pus in the infected area. The infection may cause dizziness, nausea, or a feeling of fatigue. Headaches, ringing, hearing loss, and ear drainage may also develop. Often, as symptoms grow more severe, blurry vision, vomiting, and diarrhea may also occur. These symptoms are more prevalent in children, who suffer an ear infection four times as often as adults do. These ear infections symptoms are very annoying and need medical attention as you cannot do your daily work with it. Thus medicine which cans help to reduce the symptoms is most beneficial.

Most of the times doctor suggest an ear infections medications to treat ear infections symptoms. An ear drop is a liquid form of a medicine which is easy to use and effectively reduces symptoms like pain and feeling of pressure due to infection. The most commonly used ear infections medications is generic ciprodex. It is made of two types of medicines, ciprofloxacin and dexamethasone. Both medicine works by their specific action of mechanism to give the desired results. Ciprofloxacin is an antibiotic while dexamethasone is an anti-inflammatory corticosteroid class of drug. Ciprofloxacin works by suppressing DNA gyrase which is necessary for the separation of the DNA. Generic Ciprodex (Ciprofloxacin & Dexamethasone) suppresses the cell division and ultimately stops the growth of bacteria. Dexamethasone has an anti-inflammatory property which gives relief from inflammation caused by the bacterial infection. Thus this ear infections medication helps to reduce the ear infections symptoms.