Vocal cord dysfunction (VCD) is the sudden, abnormal narrowing closure of the vocal cords during inhalation causing obstruction of the airflow, and is characterized by a noise that can mimic the sound of wheezing. A VCD attack can easily be mistaken for an asthma attack though it does not respond to asthma medications.
The UK urgently needs to reorganise stroke services to improve outcomes for patients, argues a senior doctor in this week?s BMJ.
A campaign led by the United Nations Children?s Fund (UNICEF) to prevent major outbreaks of acute watery diarrhoea in Sudan during the rainy season this year is paying dividends, with the number of cases of the sometimes fatal condition in the north of the country almost 90 per cent below last year?s figures.
On August 16, the Food and Drug Administration approved new labeling information for the blood-thinner warfarin, sold under the brand name Coumadin. The new label suggests that one can prescribe higher or lower doses that may be safer for patients with variations in two genes, CYP2C9 or VKORC1. These variations can be learned through genetic testing, which may be a useful tool in determining appropriate dosing levels for individual patients and lower risks of bleeding complications.
People with chronic, intractable back pain know exactly what they need ? relief directly where it hurts. Peripheral nerve field stimulation (PNFS), the newest weapon against back pain for people who are finding no relief from conventional treatment, does just that, says Dr. Eugene Lipov, who is Director of Research, Alexian Brothers Hospital Network Pain Program.
Melbourne mental health researchers have succeeded in halving the number of relapses experienced by people with bipolar disorder which strikes two in 100 Australians, accounts for 12 percent of suicides each year and costs the country at least $1.5 billion annually.
The Fraser-Fort George Museum Society has been awarded a $50,000 grant for the creation of preschool and child care spaces at The Exploration Place, Minister of State for Child Care Linda Reid announced.
Mars Petcare US, Inc. announces a voluntary recall of select five pound bags of Krasdale Gravy dry dog food sold in Connecticut, Massachusetts, New Jersey, New York, and Pennsylvania.
Mars Petcare US, Inc. announces a voluntary recall of select 50 lb bags of Red Flannel Large Breed Adult Formula dry dog food sold in two stores in Pennsylvania. Only three bags of product were actually sold, with only one bag still unaccounted for.
Large burns can trigger cardiac problems and enhanced inflammatory and hypermetabolic responses in patients, a study in the online open access journal Critical Care suggests. Effective treatments may need to focus on these multiple aspects.