CanDrugStore Health Blog

What is Vimovo and How Can It Help You?

2020-01-13T21:14:48Z

In the United States, about 23% of adults (or 54 million) have arthritis. This means every fourth person you know has this condition; perhaps you yourself have it.

While there’s no cure for arthritis, there are certainly ways to alleviate the symptoms associated with it. For example, you can get a prescription medication called Vimovo.

In this article, we’ll discuss Vimovo in detail. That way, if it sounds like it’s right for you, you can bring it up with your doctor at your next appointment.

What Is Vimovo?

Vimovo is a combination of the drugs naproxen and esomeprazole.

Naproxen is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID), which means it’s similar to over-the-counter drugs such as aspirin and ibuprofen.

Esomeprazole is a protein pump inhibitor (PPI); this is a lesser-known type of drug. A brand name of esomeprazole you may have heard before is Prilosec.

In any case, we’ll explain how both of these drugs work to help you with arthritis below.

How Does Vimovo Work?

First, let’s tackle the NSAID side. The naproxen in Vimovo works in the same way that, say, aspirin does.

As the name suggests, it works to prevent inflammation from happening, which is a major symptom in arthritis that detracts from your quality of life.

But in addition to reducing inflammation, the naproxen also addresses any pain, stiffness, or fever you may be getting from the condition or any infections you may have.

The problem is, when you take any NSAIDs for a long period of time, you’re at a higher risk of developing stomach ulcers. This is because it alters how well your stomach can protect itself from the digestive acids it has inside.

In response to this, Vimovo has esomeprazole in it. As a protein pump inhibitor, esomeprazole reduces how much acid is produced in your stomach. Not only does this prevent ulcers from happening, but it can also help any existing ones heal over.

Do note that this medication is a slow-release type. This means that if you have sudden arthritic pain, Vimovo isn’t the right type of medication to relieve it.

What Does Vimovo Treat?

As we’ve said earlier, Vimovo is used to treat arthritis. More specifically, it’s used for juvenile idiopathic arthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, and ankylosing spondylitis.

Who Shouldn’t Take Vimovo?

Not every person is right for every medication, which means you may not be a good candidate for Vimovo. If you fit any of the below criteria, you shouldn’t take Vimovo:

You’re allergic to esomeprazole and other similar medications
You’ve had asthma attacks or allergic reactions from NSAIDs
You’ve had or will have a heart bypass surgery
You’re taking HIV medications that have rilpivirine

The following pose higher risks of side effects if you take Vimovo:

Smoking
Drinking alcohol
Asthma
Liver disease
Kidney disease
Crohn’s disease
Low magnesium
Heart disease

How to Take Vimovo

The dosage and frequency of taking Vimovo will differ for each person. This means you should listen to your doctor’s recommendations and read the pamphlet carefully.

In general, you’ll have to take Vimovo once in the morning and once at night. You must take your dosage at least 30 minutes before a meal, and you have to swallow the tablet whole with a full glass of water.

Once you’ve taken your medication, you shouldn’t lie down in the next 10 minutes. Your doctor may advise that you take antacids while on Vimovo so you won’t suffer additional side effects.

In the beginning, you may not see any noticeable improvements at first. But don’t stop taking Vimovo as directed. It can take up to 2 weeks of daily doses for you to finally see the benefits, so keep at it and don’t let up with your doses.

Common Side Effects of Vimovo

Like most other medications, Vimovo has some potential side effects. Minor ones include dizziness, drowsiness, heartburn, diarrhea, or upset stomach.

You should stop using Vimovo if you start having allergic reactions to it or a bad skin reaction, such as fever presenting with blistering and peeling skin.

Cease use immediately and call 911 if you have any of the below symptoms:

Chest pain
Shortness of breath
Slurred speech
Sudden numbness/weakness on one side of your body

Speak to your doctor if you have the following side effects:

Bad stomach pain
Water or bloody diarrhea
Coughing up blood
Problems with your heart, kidney, or liver
Low magnesium
Anemia
Symptoms of lupus

Other Important Information About Vimovo

Vimovo isn’t meant to be a long-term medication. If you take it for years, you risk developing things like a vitamin B-12 deficiency or fundic gland polyps.

If after 2 weeks you don’t notice any improvements, or worse, your arthritis gets worse, you’ll need to tell your doctor. Considering the chances of developing side effects increase the longer you take Vimovo, it’s best to speak to your GP as soon as possible so they can adjust your dosage if needed.

This is also a good time to discuss how long you should be on Vimovo. If you need long-term relief from your arthritis symptoms, they can prescribe you something that’s safer on your body.

Order Vimovo Today

Now that you know what Vimovo is and how it works, perhaps you’ll want to have a discussion with your doctor about this medication. Since they know your medical history and conditions, they’ll be able to assess your personal situation and determine whether or not Vimovo is right for you.

Are you on other prescription medications and would like to pay less for them? Then use our price checker now to see if you can. If they’re on our list, then you’ll be able to save up to 70% on your prescriptions!

CanDrugstore.com, a Canadian Internet-based pharmacy intermediary (license #BC X23), offers low cost, long-term prescription drugs. A professionally registered pharmacist fills all Canadian prescriptions. A certified member of the Canadian International Pharmacy Association, CanDrugstore.com is ranked as one of the best Canadian pharmacies online by PharmacyChecker.com. For more information on how to order your drugs from Canada safely and securely call 1-866-444-6376 or visit http://www.candrugstore.com/- a trusted and reliable Canadian online pharmacy since 2002.

What Does Cymbalta Treat? 4 Reasons You Might Need Cymbalta

2020-01-13T21:16:34Z

Are you affected by a mood disorder that interferes with your daily life? What about chronic pain that makes simple tasks like walking difficult? Cymbalta may be able to help.

Chances are you’ve heard the name Cymbalta before, but you may not know what it does or how it may be able to help you. Cymbalta is used to treat a range of health issues, from major depression to chronic pain. If you’re wondering what is Cymbalta and what does it treat, read on to learn more about this medication.

What Is Cymbalta?

Cymbalta is the brand name for the prescription drug duloxetine. Cymbalta is classified as an SNRI. SNRI stands for serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor.

SNRIs are most commonly used as a depression medication. They increase the levels of these neurotransmitters in the brain to help improve mood.

Because of the complex nature of the brain, SNRIs can have a positive effect on symptoms other than mood. SNRIs have shown to be useful for managing the symptoms of several chronic pain conditions.

As a prescription medication, Cymbalta is only available through a prescription from your doctor. With a prescription, Cymbalta can be purchased at a local pharmacy or at an online pharmacy, often at a reduced price.

4 Reasons You Might Need Cymbalta

Cymbalta is used to treat a variety of physical and emotional disorders in adults. Here are 4 of the most common uses for Cymbalta.

1. Depression

Cymbalta is used to treat major depressive disorder in adults. Major depressive disorder is a common issue affecting approximately 16.2 million people in the United States alone.

There are many symptoms associated with depression, and symptoms vary from person to person. The most common sign of major depression is a feeling of sadness or hopelessness that persists over time. Some other symptoms of depression include:

loss of interest in daily activities
changes in appetite
trouble sleeping or sleeping too much
lack of energy
irritability
trouble concentrating
thoughts of harming oneself

Depression can be managed through various treatments. These include lifestyle changes, therapy, and medication. The most effective treatment plans for major depressive disorder usually involve a combination of these approaches.

2. Anxiety

Cymbalta is used to treat generalized anxiety disorder. Generalized anxiety disorder, or GAD, is a persistent feeling of worry or fear in common, everyday situations. This feeling often has no apparent cause.

For those struggling with GAD, their worry is hard to control, and it may interfere with their daily activities. Other symptoms of GAD include:

fatigue
muscle tension
trouble focusing
difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep
digestive issues
rapid heartbeat
shortness of breath

Much like depression, generalized anxiety disorder can be managed with a combination of lifestyle changes, therapy, and medication. Cymbalta may be part of an effective treatment plan for you.

3. Diabetic Peripheral Neuropathy

If you suffer from diabetes, you are at an increased risk for developing a wide range of potential complications. One of those is diabetic peripheral neuropathy.

Diabetic peripheral neuropathy is damage to nerves in the arms, legs, feet, and hands. This happens over time as a result of unmanaged blood glucose levels.

Peripheral neuropathy causes nerve pain that can be severe enough to affect movement. Here are some of the signs you may be suffering from diabetic peripheral neuropathy:

sensitive to touch
muscle weakness
trouble walking
burning or tingling
numbness

While Cymbalta won’t treat or prevent nerve damage, it helps manage symptoms by increasing the levels of serotonin and norepinephrine in the brain. These neurotransmitters help relieve pain and promote a healthier mental balance overall.

4. Chronic Pain Disorders

Much like in the case of diabetic peripheral neuropathy, Cymbalta can be used to manage the symptoms of various other chronic pain conditions. Some of the conditions Cymbalta can help with include arthritis, fibromyalgia, and other bone, muscle, and joint disorders.

For chronic pain sufferers, Cymbalta can help relieve physical symptoms as well as mental symptoms. Many people living with chronic pain also experience symptoms of depression as a result of their physical condition. Cymbalta doesn’t cure the underlying causes of chronic pain conditions, but it can help give patients a much better quality of life.

Side Effects of Cymbalta

Like all medications, Cymbalta is associated with certain potential side effects. These side effects range from mildly uncomfortable to potentially life-threatening. While severe reactions to Cymbalta are uncommon, it’s important to be aware of them.

Common Side Effects of Cymbalta

Some people may experience uncomfortable side effects when first starting Cymbalta. The most common side effects of Cymbalta include:

fatigue or tiredness
nausea
dry mouth
constipation or diarrhea
trouble sleeping
dizziness
loss of appetite

Many of these side effects will go away over time as your body adjusts to the medications. If they persist or affect your quality of life, be sure to talk to your doctor.

Serious Side Effects of Cymbalta

Serious adverse reactions to Cymbalta are uncommon and don’t occur in most people. However, it’s important to be informed if you experience any of the following symptoms. Signs of a severe allergic reaction to Cymbalta include:

difficulty breathing
hives and itching
fever
vision changes

If you experience any of these symptoms, get emergency medical help immediately.

Could Cymbalta Help You?

If you’re struggling with a mood disorder or chronic pain, Cymbalta may be able to help you have a better quality of life. Make an appointment to talk to your doctor to find out if Cymbalta is right for you.

The high cost of prescription drugs can be a serious concern for many people. If you’re looking for more options for affordable prescription medications, take a look at our online pharmacy for more information.

Keep Your Type 2 Diabetes Under Control: How to Reduce Blood Sugar

2019-10-22T01:58:38Z

More than 30 million Americans have diabetes, and most of them have type 2 diabetes.

Blood sugar levels are a serious concern for diabetics. Hyperglycemia, or high blood sugar, happens when blood sugar levels exceed 180 milligrams per deciliter.

For type 2 diabetics, keeping your blood sugar levels under control can prevent serious complications like blindness, kidney failure, heart disease, loss of limbs, damage to your nervous system, and peripheral vascular disease. Knowing how to reduce blood sugar is essential for living a long and healthy life.

Keeping your blood sugar levels in the healthy zone can prevent short term and long term complications. Keep reading to learn more about how to manage your type 2 diabetes by keeping your blood sugar in check.

Mind Your Carb Intake

Not only should you reduce your overall carbohydrate intake, but you should also choose the rights type of carbs.

You can reduce your blood sugar levels by eating a diet that is low in carbs and high in protein. This works because of the way the body breaks down carbs into sugar for energy.

If you have diabetes, eating too many carbs means too much sugar in your blood. It makes sense then that eating fewer carbs can help keep your blood sugar levels lower.

The other thing to be mindful of when it comes to carbs is the type you are consuming. There are two kinds of carbs – simple and complex. Each type affects your blood sugar levels different.

Simple Carbohydrates

These are made up of one type of sugar. Simple carbs come from unhealthy foods like candy, pasta, and white bread.

Your body can break these carbs down quickly. This leads to sudden spikes in blood sugar levels.

Complex Carbohydrates

These are made up of at least three different sugars that work together. It takes your body longer to break these down because they are more complicated.

That means the sugar is released into your body gradually and your blood sugar remains more stable. Complex carbs are found in foods like sweet potatoes and whole grain oats.

Consume Low Glycemic Index Foods

Chances are, you’ve at least heard of the glycemic index. It works by measuring and ranking foods by the effect they have on blood sugar.

As a diabetic, you should opt for foods that score below 55 on the glycemic index. Eating foods like these will decrease your fasting blood sugar levels.

Here are some of the best options:

Fish
Meat
Sweet potatoes
Leafy greens
Low-fat milk
Nuts and seeds
Non-starchy vegetables
Legumes
Quinoa

Drink Enough Water

Making sure you are staying hydrated with the right liquids can improve your blood sugar levels.

Not only does drinking enough water prevent dehydration, but it helps your kidneys filter extra sugar and flush it through your urine.

Avoid sugary drinks like soda and fruit juices that can raise your blood sugar. You should also be mindful when drinking alcohol.

Increase Your Fiber Intake

Fiber is good for us for many reasons. For diabetics, consuming fiber can help you manage your blood sugar.

Fiber slows the rate that your body breaks down carbs and absorbs those sugars. While there are two types of fiber, insoluble and soluble, soluble is the best for controlling your blood sugar.

You can find it in foods like these:

Fruit
Whole Grains
Vegetables
Legumes

Practice Portion Control

We should all be mindful of how much we’re eating, but this is especially true for diabetics.

You should follow the portion control guidelines set by your doctor or nutritionist. Eating too much in one sitting can cause your blood sugar to spike suddenly.

Keep in mind that all foods will increase your blood sugar. Controlling how much you eat is as important as what you eat.

Exercise and Maintain a Healthy Weight

Exercising and maintaining a healthy weight can go a long way towards keeping your blood sugar under control.

Exercising can help you lose weight and also increase your insulin sensitivity. It also teaches your body’s muscles to use sugar as an energy source, lowering your blood sugar levels.

Losing weight can also help you control your blood sugar levels. Being overweight can worsen diabetes and lead to insulin resistance.

Eating right and exercising, even if you only lose a few pounds, can improve your overall health significantly.

Reduce Stress

Did you know that stress can increase your blood sugar levels?

When you’re stressed, your body releases hormones that raise your blood sugar. Managing your stress through methods like exercise and medication can lower your blood sugar.

Staying on top of your blood sugar levels can in itself reduce your stress levels about your diabetes.

Get a Good Night’s Rest

Sleeping is one of the body’s ways of reducing the amount of sugar in your blood.

Making sure you get enough sleep each night can help keep your blood sugar levels down. Failing to get enough sleep can lead to an insulin resistance effect and a spike in blood sugar levels in the morning.

More Help With How To Reduce Blood Sugar

These are some of the best natural ways for how to reduce blood sugar. For type 2 diabetics, medication and insulin are usually prescribed to help manage your condition as well.

For many Americans, the cost of supplies to manage their diabetes is more than they can handle. We are here to help.

Click here to check prices and learn more about how to find your type 2 diabetes medications at prices you can afford.

Facts You Need To Know About A Concussion

2017-02-07T22:47:12Z

Traumatic brain injuries (TBI), commonly known as concussions, have been a major cause of death and disability in the United States. According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, “about 2.5 million emergency department (ED) visits, hospitalizations, or deaths were associated with TBI, either alone or in combination of other diseases” in 2010 [1].

Essentially, concussions are defined as the temporary loss of brain function. In addition to having physical, emotional and cognitive symptoms, this condition inhibits many essential daily tasks. Concussions usually occur when a large bump or violent jolt causes the brain to experience a hard impact against the skull. This bump usually results in the tearing of nerve fibers and the buildup of blood in that specific region.

Regardless of the fact that concussions are a very common injury, researchers have not yet established any concrete biomarkers or tests to determine the severity of the concussion. The diagnoses provided by doctors are solely based on signs and symptoms observed from the patient. These symptoms include loss of consciousness, confusion, vomiting, nausea, slurred speech and tiredness. The symptoms can persist for hours up to a few weeks after the concussion, depending on the severity of the injury. In addition, there are no specific treatments for concussions; but, the following guidelines are commonly used to help cope with concussions:

Rest is always recommended to give your brain a chance to heal
It helps to take over the counter pain relief medications to help deal with the headaches experienced after a concussion. Stronger pain relievers may be prescribed by a doctor depending on individual cases
Alcohol should be avoided completely when a concussion has occurred; it has been known to slow down the healing process
A doctor should be consulted before rejoining any sports or physical activity of any sort

Sources:

[1] TBI: Get the Facts. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Retrieved from: https://www.cdc.gov/traumaticbraininjury/get_the_facts.html

Concussion: How to Recognize, Treat, and Avoid. Nordqvist, Christian. Medical News Today. Retrieved from: http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/158876.php

Concussion Recognition, Diagnosis, and Acute Management. National Center for Biotechnology Information – US National Library of Medicine. Retrieved from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK185340/

2 Common Drugs to Treat Alzheimer’s Disease

2017-01-26T17:00:23Z

Dementia is a condition which categorizes many brain disorders that cause the loss of intellectual and social skills. Although there are numerous conditions that fall under the classification of dementia, the most common disease has been Alzheimer’s disease. According to the Alzheimer’s Association, Alzheimer’s accounts for about 60-80% of the cases of dementia [1]. Furthermore, Alzheimer’s is a progressive condition in which, the patient has difficulty performing important mental functions. In the beginning, when a patient is first diagnosed with Alzheimer’s, patients usually experience minor symptoms such as mild confusion and memory loss. However when the disease becomes more severe, patients may suffer dramatic personality changes and severe memory loss.

Although researchers are continually conducting studies to get a better understanding of this disease, it can roughly be attributed to a combination of genetic, lifestyle and environmental factors which are known to impact the brain. Since the degeneration of the brain is the primary cause of this disease, studying these factors in greater depth allows one to understand the development of this condition.

When dealing with this condition it is common for a person to experience loss of memory or cognition. There is no way to reverse degeneration, but there are two common drugs that are approved to treat these cognitive symptoms:

Cholinesterase inhibitors:

Function:

These drugs specifically target the brain by providing it with neurotransmitters that are depleted by the presence of Alzheimer’s disease [2]. Neurotransmitters, in this case acetylcholine, are brain cells which are exhausted when a patient exhibits brain degeneration. This drug may help lessen or stabilize symptoms by affecting neurotransmitters and slow the degeneration process.

Side Effects:

It is best to discuss side effects of these medications with a medical professional as they will have a better knowledge of a patient’s medical history. Possible side effects include the loss of appetite, nausea, and sleep disturbances.

Memantines:

Function:

In order to better understand the function of this drug, it helps to understand the function of glutamate in your brain. Glutamate is a neurotransmitter in the brain that helps permit calcium to enter cells – an important component involved in learning and memory. A person with Alzheimer’s disease will have excess glutamate, which leads to chronic overexposure to calcium and subsequent cell damage. Memantines help by partially blocking the receptors that allow calcium into the cells.

Side Effects:

Constipation, dizziness and headaches are noteworthy side effects that may result when taking this medication.

Sources:

[1] What is Alzheimer’s? Alzhiemer’s Association. Retrieved from: http://www.alz.org/alzheimers_disease_what_is_alzheimers.asp

[2] Medications for Memory Loss. Alzhiemer’s Association. Retrieved from: http://www.alz.org/alzheimers_disease_standard_prescriptions.asp

Does Acupuncture Increase Your Chance of Getting Pregnant?

2017-01-17T16:09:00Z

Acupuncture therapy is a traditional Chinese treatment which has been known to treat a wide variety of conditions. Although there is little significant evidence or medical acceptance of this treatment, many people claim it has the ability to effectively treat pain [1]. In addition, numerous studies have been conducted in order to find the etiological importance of this treatment but it still remains unclear. However, it is interesting to see the associations and it gives patients an alternative technique to experiment with.

For instance, a review study analyzed acupuncture studies done in the past to make associations between having a baby through in vitro fertilization and getting acupuncture therapy before and after the treatment.

Cumulatively, it has been found that the findings were clinically and significantly relevant but still very preliminary. The study reviewed 1366 women in four western countries and these women received acupuncture therapy right before and after IVF embryo transfer. Among women who got acupuncture and IVF, the rates of getting pregnant were 65% higher and the rates of live births were nearly twice as high among women who got IVF with acupuncture [2]. As the interest in this form of therapy grows, more research into the applications for acupuncture will reveal the nuances of this option.

[1] How acupuncture can relieve pain and improve sleep, digestion and emotional well-being. UC San Diego: Center for Integrative Medicine. Retrieved from: http://cim.ucsd.edu/clinical-care/acupuncture.shtml

[2] Acupuncture for In Vitro Fertilization. WebMD. Retrieved from: http://www.webmd.com/infertility-and-reproduction/news/20080207/acupuncture-for-in-vitro-fertilization

Alternative Therapies for Treating Multiple Sclerosis

2017-01-03T18:07:39Z

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a disease of the central nervous system where the protective covering of nerves called myelin becomes inflamed. Currently, there are no cures for the disease, but several available treatment options. It is common that patients use medical treatments and therapy to treat this disease, but given that there is no cure, more people are willing to try alternative or other complimentary therapies that may ease the patients’ symptoms when suffering from the disease. These therapies are not intended to cure MS but there is evidence that they are helpful if done alongside the prescribed treatment.

It is recommended that these alternative therapies be used only after being discussed with your doctor. For instance, acupuncture or yoga can be a stress reducer and help manage the symptoms of MS, but it can have other negative effects on your body. It is important that all forms of alternative medical treatment are discussed with your doctor first; doctors have the required knowledge of your health and possible interactions, thus are able to recommend the best actions for your health. They are able to point out any potential side effects or negative effects from the alternative treatment.

One example would be to take primrose oil, which may help in lessening the effects of MS symptoms. Primrose oil contains linoleic acid, an ingredient easily found in sunflower seeds, which has underwent promising studies that show that it may ease symptoms of MS. Additionally, massage therapy is a commonly used option for patients with MS, as it can help reduce stress and depression. It is a low risk alternative treatment, but there is no hard evidence that this therapy helps with treating MS.

Some of these therapies can prove to be quite helpful for patients with MS, but consulting your physician before beginning them is vital. This will allow the patient to have a second opinion and the physician could suggest monitoring techniques to see if that therapy is working for the specific individual.

Sources:

Alternative and Complementary Therapies for MS. WebMD. Retrieved from: http://www.webmd.com/multiple-sclerosis/guide/multiple-sclerosis-alternative-therapies#2

Can Age-related Vision Loss be Unnatural?

2016-12-19T21:35:14Z

As you age, it is natural to experience a decline in the performance of your vision. Some changes in eyesight are normal, such as presbyopia (blurriness when reading or at the computer) and cataracts, but it is vital that these problems are not mistaken with abnormalities with the eye. There needs to be an increase in attention to vision care as the eye continues to change. Being knowledgeable about issues that are seen as abnormalities is the first step to caring for your vision. An example of an age-related vision issue is macular degeneration.

Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is a common eye condition that affects many people over the age of 50. It concerns the small spot near the center of the retina and the part of the eye need for the sharp, central vision that allows the eye to see straight ahead. AMD advances quite slowly and vision loss does not occur suddenly, so it is not an obvious change. Only late stage AMD results in damage to the macula, a region made of millions of light-sensing cells that provide central vision. Damage to the macula results in sight that is blurry, distorted, or dark. Typically the symptom of blurred vision occurs in the intermediate stage, so it is essential to notify a doctor before the condition advances. If detected sooner, an increase in certain vitamins and minerals can slow down the degenerative process.

Aside from age, there are other risk factors for AMD. Ethnicity, family history and genetics contribute to the risk of AMD. The main lifestyle choices that can be changed to avoid this condition are reducing smoking, maintaining a healthy diet, and keeping a consistent workout schedule.

Sources:

Facts about Age-Related Macular Degeneration. National Eye Institute. Retrieved from: https://nei.nih.gov/health/maculardegen/armd_facts

Simple Ways to Treat Frequent Nosebleeds

2016-12-07T16:02:06Z

Nosebleeds tend to come in different forms and due to different reasons. Many nosebleeds may occur due to simple reasons such as weather change. This usually happens in the winter when you come outside from the cold weather and your nasal passage becomes dehydrated by breathing the warm air created by the heat in your home. People who suffer from chronic nosebleed conditions are victims of a weekly and sometimes daily nosebleed. This condition is named hemorrhagic telangiectasia (HHT).

Simple ways to treat nosebleeds include holding the bridge of your nose with both fingers and applying ice to your nasal region to restrict blood flow. In addition, for chronic conditions, medicated solutions may be available in order to stop the bleeding. It is best to consult with a medical professional if a simple over the counter solution would suffice or if a prescription solution is needed.

However if your condition continues to worsen your physician may suggest a medical technique called cauterization. This method usually “involves your doctor burning the blood vessels in your nose with silver nitrate,” [1]. The compound is used to remove tissue from the affected area.

Regardless, there are certain treatments that are in your control. For instance, limiting aspirin intake and using an air humidifier can make significant contributions to lowering your chances of a nosebleed.

[1] What causes nosebleed? 29 possible conditions. Krucik, George. Healthline. Retrieved from: http://www.healthline.com/symptom/nosebleed

Acupuncture: A serviceable alternative to medication?

2016-11-21T19:13:01Z

Depending on the severity of the pain a patient is experiencing, there are many types of pain medication available. They range from over-the-counter options such as acetaminophen to prescribed narcotic medications such as opioids. These medication have been known to successfully treat pain but there are many alternative therapies that can be explored, among them is acupuncture therapy.

Acupuncture therapy is a traditional Chinese treatment which has been known to treat a wide variety of conditions. Although there is no significant evidence or medical acceptance of this treatment many people claim it has the ability to effectively treat pain [1].

The premise of this therapy is to stimulate specific anatomic points of the body with very fine sterile needles. These points are called acupoints. In traditional Chinese medicine, these points were dependent on a variety of factors. It was believed that stimulating certain points with a certain technique could diagnose and treat the condition in question. The following points explain the core philosophies which lead to the above stated conclusions:

There are opposite forces in the universe and the body which need to be in balance in order for the body to be considered healthy
Energy in the body flows in certain pathways
If the flow of energy in the body is disrupted it is most likely causing pain in that specific area. Analysts describe it as the flow of water being blocked by a dam
Energy flow needs to be constant in order to reduce pain

With these core ideologies, traditional Chinese medicine specialists have been able to cure many people experiencing severe pain. Also, modern research has found associations with acupuncture therapy and cardiovascular, immune, endocrine and digestive symptoms, however there is no evidence of its etiological importance [2].

[2] Acupuncture. Medicine Net. Retrieved from: http://www.medicinenet.com/acupuncture/article.htm

Image retrieved from Lars Plougmann