Almost one in four people in the UK suffers from hay fever (allergic rhinitis) and the numbers are rising. This common chronic condition is an inflammation of the inside part of the nose caused by pollen (allergen) produced by plants in susceptible individuals. Symptomatology includes: sneezing and coughing; a runny or blocked nose; itchy, red…
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During summer direct sun exposure increases; boosting vitamin D levels, improving bone health and even mood. Melanin production is also stimulated by the sun; this hormone makes the skin darker in people who acquire a tan. Overexposure to ultraviolet rays could have very damaging long-lasting consequences, like: premature ageing of the skin or skin cancer;…
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It is acknowledged that cancer patients have a higher risk of developing pulmonary embolism (PE) and deep vein thrombosis (DVT) than the rest of the population due to the over-secretion and activation of thrombotic chemicals such as thrombin, tissue factor and factor VIIa1. The risk increases as the disease progresses. The Department of Health risk…
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Parkinson’s disease (PD) is a progressive neurodegenerative condition that affects approximately one in every 500 people in the UK. It is more prevalent in men than in women and it usually starts after the age of 50. PD is caused by the loss of neurons in the substantia nigra in the brain, which is usually…
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We mentioned this in a previous newsletter but another query has come in from our hospices which has led to a more thorough review. Proton Pump Inhibitors (PPIs) are used to treat gastroesophageal reflux disease and work by blocking the transport of acid into the stomach to decrease the acidity. They are used widely in…
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We have had some interesting queries over the past few months which have required some time to answer in full. We also had some feedback from previous queries which we respond to below. All our visiting pharmacists are there to respond to your queries and if they can’t answer the question on the spot, we…
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Advance planning for flu vaccination clinics has become an important part of patient care. The flu vaccination delivered in the following year provides vulnerable patients with protection against the strands of flu that are going to be the most prevalent over the next year. This is even more important this year, as hospitals deal with…
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It is generally accepted that the management of symptoms in palliative care must involve appropriate polypharmacy. We are comfortable with using more than one medicine to help with one symptom provided the mechanisms of action are different and complementary – for example morphine plus gabapentin for pain with neuropathic characteristics. At the same time, we…
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It’s summer and hay fever season is in full swing. Hay fever (allergic rhinitis) is an allergic reaction to pollen and symptoms include sneezing and coughing; a runny or blocked nose; itchy, red or watery eyes; an itchy throat, mouth, nose and ears; pain around your temples and forehead; headache; earache and feeling tired. People with asthma can experience additional symptoms…
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We observe that people have a reduced oral intake at the end of life due to their symptoms or general weakness and level of consciousness. There is inconclusive evidence that artificial hydration is beneficial, with arguments against being the chance of it increasing the likelihood of oedema, ascites and death rattle. Arguments for are that it may alleviate feelings of thirst and reduce the risk of agitation.
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