Ask The Visiting Nurse ONLINE Archive
Disclaimer: All information published by "Ask The Visiting Nurse ONLINE" is for educational purposes only and should not be construed as a substitute for advice by your physician. You are advised to consult your physician regarding the applicability of any opinions or recommendations appearing here.
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What do you recommend I take for a severe head cold, stuffy nose, scratchy throat and cough? |
What do you recommend I take for a severe head cold, stuffy nose, scratchy throat and cough?
These symptoms can be caused by an upper respiratory viral infection or possibly an allergy. If you have a temperature, or have had no response to over-the-counter medications after several days, it is recommended that you consult your physician. If none of the above, your pharmacist/MD may suggest some nasal decongestants, Tylenol and possibly an antihistamine.
If her doctor has ruled out a more serious problem, try the following:
Have her eat more fruits and vegetables, either cooked or raw, more whole grain cereals and bread, plus dried fruits such as apricots, prunes and figs. She should avoid sweets and foods high in fat, and limit her intake of antacids. As long as there are no heart, circulatory or kidney problems, she should drink plenty of liquids, 1 to 2 quarts daily. She should stay as active as possible, perhaps taking a brisk walk after dinner. If symptoms persist after these measures have been tried, you will have to consult her physician; your mother should not be taking laxatives unless prescribed by her doctor.
The causes of migraine headaches are not always fully understood. There are several drugs on the market which can prevent or treat migraines. Knowing what the precipitating factors are (food, stress, fatigue, etc.) can also be helpful in preventing migraines. A neurology consultation would be helpful in ruling out a medical condition, and then can provide you with medication to help you. Several herbal remedies have been suggested, but whether the safety of their use can be demonstrated is sometimes questionable. Visit your library for a selection of books and literature on alternative (herbal) therapy.
The level of protein in the urine of a diabetic patient is an indication that kidney and liver functions are being affected, as well as the nervous system and the state of hydration (fluid intake/output).
As you stated, regular eating patterns are correlated with the insulin regime. It is generally recommended that 70% of carbohydrate content be from complex carbohydrates such as starchy foods, and that the intake of sucrose and highly refined sugars should be avoided. There are printed diabetic diets available through your physician, hospital, and the nearest American Diabetes Association (listed in your local phone directory).
Unfortunately, there have been a variety of tables published which provide average weights for men and women. Individual consideration should be given to family history of diseases which are risk factors for obesity, the patient's own risk factors, age, diet and exercise history.
Lately, there have been several articles with guidelines using the Body Mass Index (BMI) formula, which is weight in pounds X 703 divided by the square of your height in inches. The National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute considers a person with a BMI of 25 to 29.9 overweight, and a BMI of 30 as indicative of obesity. The National Center of Health Statistics defines overweight as a BMI of 28 for men and 27 for women. The amount of body fat is also important, which can be measured by skin calipers. The height/weight tables used will change for the individual as the person ages.
Your current weight appears to be acceptable.
There are several factors that may be involved: your age, physical condition, post-delivery status, hormone levels and emotional issues. First, a comprehensive medical evaluation will rule out a physical component. If none of the above factors are the cause, consultation and referral to a sex therapist should be considered.
The duration, intensity and frequency of the events must be considered. If there is any evidence that her liquid intake is not sufficient (amount taken in by mouth, or urinary output), her physician should be contacted. A thorough physical examination should be done to rule out any neurological or physical disease that may be causing these swallowing problems. If the cause is not medical, then, with your support and patience, you can start giving liquids, first in small amounts and gradually increasing, to help her overcome her fears.
What is a medication called zoloff, and what it's for?
The proper spelling is Zoloft. It is a drug indicated for depression, obsessive-compulsive and panic disorders. Usually, the dose is 50mg, once daily, either in the morning or evening. Lower doses are used if the patient has liver problems. The patient should be followed closely for signs of misuse of this drug over a long period of time.
After consultation with an obestrician and various medical literature, we are unable to locate anything on "pregnancy aceda." It is possible you may not have the right name. If you can get the specific diagnosis from your daughter, please try us again.
Disclaimer: All information published by "Ask The Visiting Nurse ONLINE" is for educational purposes only and should not be construed as a substitute for advice by your physician. You are advised to consult your physician regarding the applicability of any opinions or recommendations appearing here.
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