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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.

My doctor just prescribed MetroCream (metronidazole) topical cream) for adult acne. The tube shows a warning not to use with alcoloholic beverages. I looked up the medication in PDR and it recommends against using alcolohol with oral usage of this product. Why would it cause a problem with topical usage?

Recently, I lost about 75 pounds, and I'm experiencing some other problems. My bowel movements are fewer than usual, sometimes not even once per day. Lately, I've also been having recurring yeast infections, and over the past few months, I frequently feel bloated. Has my change in diet contributed to these problems? Are there foods that cause these, or can help?

A relative of mine had trouble with breathing and speech, and was diagnosed with Parkinson's Disease. However, she later broke her hip was placed for a period of time in a nursing home. During that time, she was taken off medication, and there were no tremors, she spoke more clearly, etc. Are there any drugs that can make it appear a person has Parkinson's?

What is macular degeneration?

Is there a connection between diabetes and blindness?

Do cataracts have to do with cancer?

I've been told I have IBD. Can you provide some details?

My doctor just prescribed MetroCream (metronidazole) topical cream) for adult acne. The tube shows a warning not to use with alcoloholic beverages. I looked up the medication in PDR and it recommends against using alcolohol with oral usage of this product. Why would it cause a problem with topical usage?

Even with topical usage, the liver metabolizes (breaks down) slowly, causing an increase in the blood plasma, which can cause the side effects of cramping, nausea, vomiting, headaches and flushing. Alcohol consumption, because the drug interacts with the alcolhol, would potentiate (increase) the side effects of the combined use of the drugs plus alcohol.

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Recently, I lost about 75 pounds, and I'm experiencing some other problems. My bowel movements are fewer than usual, sometimes not even once per day. Lately, I've also been having recurring yeast infections, and over the past few months, I frequently feel bloated. Has my change in diet contributed to these problems? Are there foods that cause these, or can help?

Your excessive weight loss of 75 pounds is of concern, combined with the multiple problems you describe. It is not probable that foods are causing your yeast infections; high fiber diets, fruits & vegetables, plus the consumption of 6-8 glasses of water per day, can help with your bowel movements and general well-being. Whether or not you have an underlying infection or disease causing all these symptoms can only be determined by a complete medical evaluation by your physician.

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A relative of mine had trouble with breathing and speech, and was diagnosed with Parkinson's Disease. However, she later broke her hip was placed for a period of time in a nursing home. During that time, she was taken off medication, and there were no tremors, she spoke more clearly, etc. Are there any drugs that can make it appear a person has Parkinson's?

Some drugs and toxins can cause secondary (acquired, symptomatic) Parkinsonism. The drugs include neuroleptics (anti-psychotic, antiemics), reserpine, tetrabenazine, a-methyl dopa, lithium, flunarizine and annarizine. You can check with a physician or pharmacist for the generic or brand name of the drugs. Toxins include methanol and ethanol.

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What is macular degeneration?

Macular degeneration involves the macula, or the small central area in the retina in your eye, and is part of the normal aging process. When the macula is diseased, central vision becomes fuzzy and "close" work becomes difficult to do without assistance. Currently, there is no known cure but blood vessels leaking beneath the macula may be sealed off by laser surgery. This may help slow the rate of vision loss. Low vision devices (large print reading materials, large-number telephones, etc.) are extremely helpful.

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Is there a connection between diabetes and blindness?

Yes, diabetes has the potential to affect your vision or even make you blind. This is because, when suffering from diabetes, your body does not immediately use sugar, which can impact on blood vessels throughout your body, including your eyes.

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Do cataracts have to do with cancer?

No, cataracts are not cancers, but rather the appearance of "fogging" or "frosting" of the lens in your eye. Symptoms include blurry vision with no pain, sensitivity to glare and light, double vision in one eye, and reduced night and color vision. A change of glasses may help, and cataracts can be removed by surgery.

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I've been told I have IBD. Can you provide some details?

IBD, or Inflammatory Bowel Disease, is a generic description of principally two chronic diseases inflaming the intestines: Ulcerative Colitis, affecting the mucous layer of the colon and rectum, and Crohn's Disease, which inflames the full thickness of the intestine and could affect any part of the digestive tract. The cause of these disorders is not certainly known and it appears to affect people primarily in their teens and twenties. There is no known cure but surgery can help manage the condition.

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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