Archive for October, 2010

submityourarticle

How Poor Leg Circulation Is Detected

Poor leg circulation is a common disease that is unfortunately under-diagnosed in this country. Poor circulation contributes to foot wounds, gangrene, and is a direct cause of leg amputation. Early detection is key to preventing serious complications, and this article will discuss how that is done.

The body requires the oxygen and nutrients in the blood stream in order for tissue to survive. All this is delivered through the blood stream by the arteries, and returned back to the heart by the veins. Unfortunately, arteries are susceptible to blockages that can limit or even cut off the supply of blood going to the feet. This can occur because of plaques that develop on the inner walls of the arteries (similar to heart disease), or due to calcium deposits in the muscle layer of the artery which limits it flexibility. Once the blockage occurs, it can gradually worsen. The body has an ability to re-route some blood through other channels to get to the feet, as there are numerous pathways to the feet in the legs. However, these alternate pathways are not infinite, and eventually the body runs out of options. People at risk for this disease include those with high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes, kidney disease, heart disease, stroke, obesity, advanced age, or those who smoke, amongst others. Early symptoms include thinner foot and leg skin, cooler foot skin temperature, and loss of foot hair. Later stages see the development of foot discoloration to a red, purple, or dark color, and calf or leg pain begins to develop after walking short distances. Severe disease causes painful wounds to develop, toes can turn black, and constant foot or leg pain appears as the tissues begin to die from lack of nutrients. All this can lead to amputation of the leg if the arteries are not repairable. New minimally invasive surgical techniques are available that can repair these artery blockages, in addition to the older techniques of bypassing the blocked segment. However, like all things, these techniques work best when the disease is not as severe. Early detection is the key to preventing severe disease from developing, and physicians have several options available to them to assist with this detection.

Ankle Brachial Index (ABI)

The ankle brachial index is an easy way to get a general picture of how well circulation is getting to the foot. It can be performed in any office, and only takes a few minutes. Blood pressure cuffs and a stethoscope or hand-held Doppler device are used to measure and listen to the blood pressure in the ankle and compare it to the arm, which generally should always have normal circulation. When they are equal, a ratio of 1 is calculated. When the pressure at the ankle is less than the arm, indicating poor leg circulation, the ratio will be less than one. Ratios of 0.6 to 0.9 indicate mild to moderate disease, and those less than 0.5 indicate more severe disease. The ABI is reliable, reproducible, and is a good indicator of leg circulation.

Segmental Pressures and Pulse Volume Recordings (PVR)

This test requires some more specialized equipment, but is available in many physician’s offices as it is portable and relatively inexpensive. Segmental pressures are essentially blood pressure measurements taken at various points over the leg, extending down to the ankle. These pressures function similarly to an ABI, but they can help to generally pinpoint where the actual disease is located along the leg, something an ABI cannot do. PVR is used visually graph the pulsation of the blood in the arteries. A normal graph should have a large incline followed by a steep decline, with a slight leveling of the decline in the middle. When blood flow is poor, the incline and decline flattens out, and in serious artery disease the graph appears to have a nearly flat line. These measurements are taken at the same areas that the segmental pressures are taken, giving the physician a picture into where the flow may be blocked.

Arterial Doppler

Doppler technology uses sound waves bounced off the artery surface to obtain information on how well the circulation is flowing in the leg. The doppler can create several different types of information. Firstly, the doppler creates a distinct audible sound that can be heard as well as graphed visually on a monitor or on paper. Secondly, more sophisticated instruments can create a visual image of the artery, much like an ultrasound for a pregnancy, where blood flow speed can be seen and measured, and color can be added to show the flow direction of the blood more distinctly.

Angiography

Still considered the gold standard for the detection and direct visualization of leg artery blockages, the angiogram is essentially an extended x-ray image of the legs in which radioactive dye is pumped through the leg arteries. Since blood vessels cannot be seen on x-ray, the dye is used to highlight where the blood is going. Where there is blockage, the artery ‘tube’ that the dye illuminates will appear thinner, or even crimp off. This technology can show exactly where the blockage is, and can guide treatment which may even be performed right there during the testing. Unfortunately, the dye can be toxic to the kidneys, and those with kidney disease cannot tolerate this test. It also requires puncturing an artery to insert the dye, which can have complications if there is an issue with clotting or if one is on powerful blood thinners.

Computed Tomography Angiography (CTA)

CT is an advanced x-ray that uses several x-ray exposures to create a three dimensional image of the body’s tissue with the help of computer software. Soft tissue is better seen on a CT than on a regular x-ray, and the image can be rotated and moved to get a better look at various aspects of the body. Unlike regular angiography, the dye used does not have to be placed in an artery. It is injected into a vein, which is safer than an artery. The dye can still cause kidney damage in those with kidney disease, and radiation is still used to obtain the images like an x-ray or standard angiogram. However, the amount of detail obtained by this study is impressive, and can show the leg blood vessel system in its entirety.

Magnetic Resonance Angiography (MRA)

MRAs are an artery specific form of MRI. In this study, the body is subjected to a quick change in its magnetic field. This releases energy that is read by a computer that produces an image of the body’s tissues based on the energy release. The body is not subjected to radiation like in angiography or CTA. A contrast solution is placed in the body through a vein to help the arteries stand out, but this material has less toxicity to the kidney than dye. The image produced is not as defined as CTA, but it is safer for the body overall.

The above studies are a vital part of early prevention of PAD, and regular monitoring of at-risk individuals with at least an annual ABI and PVR or Doppler can help prevent the eventual amputation many serious cases of PAD lead to. If one has a concern for their leg circulation, they should speak promptly with their family doctor, internist, podiatrist, or cardiologist for a more in-depth examination.

Dr. Kilberg provides compassionate and complete foot and ankle care to adults and children in the Indianapolis area. He is board certified by the American Board of Podiatric Surgery, and is a member of the American Podiatric Medical Association. He enjoys providing comprehensive foot health information to the online community to help the public better understand their feet. Visit his practice website for more information.

SuperSizeHealth.com – The nutritional supplement source for unique health products.

There are millions of people around the world who experience panic at one time or another. However, when panic becomes uncontrollable or experienced in a long period of time, then it becomes a problem. The person who suffers from panic attacks is unable to control his or her body when several symptoms immediately follow. Some physical symptoms are difficulty in breathing, choking, nausea, extreme palpitations and having a feeling of butterflies in the stomach. When these happen, a person can seek homeopathic remedies for panic attacks.

An attack can cause disruption to the natural rhythm of the nervous system. A number of experts in the field have identified some causes or triggers of panic attacks and they are categorized into two types:

Internal Triggers

These are stimuli that include thoughts, some recent memory, filled up emotions and other bodily sensations.

External Triggers

These are stimuli brought about by a sudden change in the environment and our body senses react in that perceivable circumstance. Some examples include, a burst of light, a smell that lingers, noises that irritate and even some irregular taste sensation in the taste buds.

According to studies, when these triggers are introduced,the person suffering from panic attacks turn into a sudden exaggeration of these stimuli and panic soon ensues. Homeopathic remedies for panic attacks are therefore advisable because they afford the patient a chance to get back into the groove with his bodily system and allow itself to heal from such a situation.

One such remedy is Aconite which is a choice for treating anxiety which has its roots from shock or terrible fright. This treatment is culled from the Monkshood plant and is also used to treat phobias. Arnica is another treatment that homeopaths may recommend for general application for treatment of anxiety. Gelsemium is a well known remedy that is used when you suffer symptoms like diarrhea. It is recommended for symptoms that are similar to chills, fear of the crowd, and generally when the patient feels an arresting fear. Some people who experience stage frights or having butterflies in the stomach right before a performance are administered with this treatment.

There are many homeopathic remedies for panic attacks. Usually, they are given through tablets but for some others, they are given in tincture form. In Europe, it is very popular to rely on homeopathy. The philosophy behind it states that the body can heal itself once the appropriate triggers for healing are activated. In addition, if you are turned off by the taste of tinctures, you can opt to get the tablet form instead. However, most homeopaths will also recommend that you do not take them all at once. Rather, give the tablet fifteen minutes to melt in your mouth. Make sure as well that your mouth is free of other substances such as food or alcohol or other beverages. It is also recommended to take water only after the fifteen minute period. This way, the remedy is allowed to simmer and take its effect fully.

Panic attacks are tiring on the bodily system. With the availability of homeopathic remedies for panic attacks, you have a good chance to cope with the problem successfully and there is hope to personally manage panic and eventually cure it.

Do you prefer homeopathic remedies for panic attacks to medical treatments? Want an
anxiety and panic attack treatment
that can stop panic attack fast and effectively without the use of medication? For more information, watch this video at: http://www.preventing-panicattacks.com

SuperSizeHealth.com – The nutritional supplement source for unique health products.

The generic name for over-the-counter drugs such as Tylenol® and prescription medications such as Vicodin® and Percoset® is acetaminophen (APAP). Under normal use the drug is usually considered to be safe.

However, medical practitioners believe that if you take more than the recommended amount or if you take acetaminophen and also drink 3 or more alcoholic beverages a day then you subject yourself to the possibility of liver damage or liver failure.

Acetaminophen liver damage is a very serious condition. It can happen when a person takes an overdose of APAP. The results can include liver failure and possible death.

Approximately 50,000 people go to the emergency room annually and about 500 people per year die as a result of either an intentional or unintentional acetaminophen overdose.

Attorneys and doctors know how serious the condition is and they are aware that the most common cause of an overdose is when a person combines acetaminophen with other medications that also have APAP. It is actually a lot easier than one might think to take too much acetaminophen accidentally.

What are the Symptoms of an Acetaminophen Overdose?

It is very hard for most people to realize that they have liver damage in the early stages of acetaminophen poisoning. That’s because the symptoms can easily be mistaken for the flu or other illnesses. The early symptoms of liver damage or liver failure are nausea, loss of appetite, and vomiting.

Other signs of an acetaminophen overdose include extreme tiredness, sweating, unusual bruising or bleeding, yellowing of the eyes or skin, and having a pain in the upper right part of your stomach.

These symptoms can take some time to appear.

What is the Recommended Dose?

The normal recommended dose for acetaminophen is a maximum of four grams a day. This is the equivalent of eight 500 mg extra-strength tablets. However, drinking alcohol can substantially lower the amount of acetaminophen you should take. Therefore, it is not recommended to take the drug with alcohol.

What are the Other Possible Side Effects?

Even people who take normal doses can have side effects that would require immediate medical assistance. These side effects include:

- Itching

- Rash

- Hoarseness

- Hives

- Difficulty swallowing

- Difficulty breathing

- Swelling of the ankles, feet, lower legs, hands, eyes, tongue, throat, or lips

Is There an Antidote for an Acetaminophen Overdose?

There is an antidote for an acetaminophen overdose called NAC. However, it must be given to the person suffering the overdose within eight to ten hours from the time they took the medication.

Next, if you or someone you love has suffered from an acetaminophen overdose,speak with Tylenol lawyers about your options. For more information, go to => http://www.tylenol-lawyers.com Registered trademarks are the property of their respective owners.

SuperSizeHealth.com – The nutritional supplement source for unique health products.

As a result of taking a very popular medication that is available over the counter or by prescription, approximately 50,000 people in the United States have to go to the emergency room every year. And, because some people take overdoses of this medication, unintentionally, approximately 500 people per year die.

What is this drug? The drug is acetaminophen (the main ingredient in Tylenol®, and it’s the most common cause of acute liver failure in the US today.

Although some overdoes are intentional, more than half are due to the patient taking more than one medication that contains acetaminophen – or simply because he or she took more doses than is suggested on the insert in the package.

How Acetaminophen Affects the Liver

Generally acetaminophen is believed to be effective and safe. However there is dose-related toxicity. Anybody who takes more than a certain amount can reach that toxic level.

Liver failure and death caused by accidental hepatotoxicity can happen to people who either take too much of the medication because they are not aware of the potential harm or to people who consume moderate to heavy amounts of alcohol with acetaminophen.

Some people unknowingly take two or more products that contain acetaminophen at the same time.

Usually the liver flushes out the toxic byproducts that are produced when someone takes acetaminophen. The liver detoxifies it by coupling it with other compounds that are flushed out through the bile. However, when someone drinks alcohol it causes an overproduction of an enzyme that further boosts these byproducts while it simultaneously compromises the detoxification.

Are there Antidotes for Acetaminophen Overdoses?

Yes, there is an antidote available for an acetaminophen overdose. However it needs to be administered within a certain amount of time after the drug has been taken. This is usually within hours.

One of the big challenges is that the symptoms associated with overdosing on acetaminophen are not very specific. A person might feel nauseous and could vomit. But these symptoms tend to go away very quickly. The person would then feel better for the next couple of days. However, life-threatening liver damage could occur within 48 hours of overdosing.

What is the Recommended Safe Dosage for Acetaminophen?

Most manufacturers set a maximum safe dosage of four grams of acetaminophen per day. This is usually the equivalent of 8 extra-strength 500 mg capsules or tablets.

However, a number of researchers recommend that you should take no more than two or three grams per twenty-four hours. This is especially true if you regularly drink 3 or more alcoholic beverages per day.

What is also of concern is that some companies have recently released 750 mg mint flavored acetaminophen tablets.

And, if you have a baby, make sure to consult with your physician to find out the proper amount for your child before giving them any acetaminophen.

Next, if you or a loved one has suffered any serious consequences as a result of taking acetaminophen, and you believe that you have Tylenol liver damage, go to => http://www.sokolovelaw.com/legal-help/tylenol-liver-damage/ to discover out how you can hold the drug companies responsible.
Registered trademarks are the propert of their respective owners.
Wendy Moyer on behalf of Sokolove Law.

SuperSizeHealth.com – The nutritional supplement source for unique health products.

submityourarticle

Is This Common Over-the-Counter Medication Safe?

There is a very common drug that has been sold to millions of people in pharmacies and supermarkets across the country for many years that has been the reason that approximately 50,000 people per year go to hospital emergency rooms. And this particular drug has been the cause of about 500 deaths in the United States every year.

This medication is often used to relieve pains and to get rid of headaches. And there’s a very good chance that it’s in your medicine cabinet today under one of many brand names. It’s there waiting for you or your children to use. And, like any drug, if used indiscriminately, it can kill you.

What is this medication? Its generic name is acetaminophen. It’s what a lot of people take instead of taking aspirin because it’s supposed to be easier on your stomach. However, it is quite easy to take an accidental overdose of this drug. And, if you take this drug and drink alcohol you may be taking a lethal combination.

A study done between 1998 and 2003 found that overdoses of acetaminophen were the leading cause of acute liver damage and liver failure in the United States. About half of all of the acute liver failure cases in the US can be attributed to taking acetaminophen. And almost one third of these cases have ended in death.

Acetaminophen is used in a lot of medications, both over-the-counter as well as prescription. And a lot of people are not aware of how easy it is to accidentally take an overdose of acetaminophen.

To make it even more confusing, acetaminophen often is listed on the ingredient labels of drugs under different names, such as APAP.

In June 2009 the Food and Drug Administration had an advisory committee discuss the problem of the use of acetaminophen being related to liver injury. The advisory committee recommended that the maximum dosage of acetaminophen that someone should take at one time be reduced. It also recommended that combining narcotics and APAP should be prohibited.

Although the committee made these recommendations the FDA has not as of yet implemented any of them.

What is the Current Recommended Maximum Dosage of Acetaminophen?

Currently most manufacturers have set 4 grams of acetaminophen per day as the maximum safe dosage. If you are taking the 500 mg extra-strength capsules this would be the equivalent of taking eight of these per day.

A number of people have recommended that you shouldn’t take in excess of two to three grams per day, especially if you drink three or more alcoholic beverages a day.

Next, if you or a loved one has suffered from an overdose of acetaminophen contact
acetaminophen lawyers
for answers. For more information go to =>
http://www.acetaminophenlawyers.com

SuperSizeHealth.com – The nutritional supplement source for unique health products.

submityourarticle

Finding Contact Lenses for Astigmatism

Many consumers are under the impression that due to astigmatism, they are unable to wear contact lenses. This is a myth. Unless it is extreme, most astigmatism can be treated with the conventional method; eyeglasses or corrective contacts.

A prescription for astigmatism contains three main parts instead of one. The first part indicates your main spherical correction. Part two shows the extent of the astigmatism in diopters, and part three contains the measure of the axis. May people assume because the prescription treats a three part problem that they are unable to wear contacts.

An eye care practitioner can tell you that while that may have been true many years ago, adamants in technology changed that. Years ago a rigid contacts known called RPG’s or GPs were thought to only correct astigmatism. A new type of contact lens has been introduced on the market as “toric contact lens” which supports astigmatism.

Visiting your eye care practitioner will be the best source of information on what is best for you. Finding the contact lens that works for you will depend on your comfort. Astigmatism contact lenses generally are a rigid contact lens, and can take more getting used to then soft. Due to the biggest disadvantage of discomfort you may want exhaust another avenue of contact lens. I recommend getting fitted for the first type of astigmatism lens which is a gas permeable (GP) contact lens. Wear a pair on a trial basis. A couple of weeks of constant wear may make your eye accustomed to this type of contact lens on your eye. Better to have a trial run before you commit.

Each type of contacts available also comes with flocculating prices and availability. Brand and replacement schedule should factor into your choice of contact lens when trying to correct astigmatism. Most brands offer disposable lenses from two week to two month wearing. Your eye care practitioner should be able to advise you on the best avenue available to you, depending on the prescription you require. There are many forums out there which can provide you with information on how you can find contact lenses for astigmatisms.

Online research, like anything else should be verified with a medical professional when discussing health care of any kind. Searching for contact lenses to correct astigmatism is no different.

Ask the questions you need to ask, don’t hesitate. Consult any information available to you. Visit your local mass chain retailer to comparison shop and have feedback provided. As the consumer you have the right to be satisfied with your purchase. Your eyesight is no exception.

For more tips and information about contact lenses please visit: astigmatism

SuperSizeHealth.com – The nutritional supplement source for unique health products.

submityourarticle

Orthodontics: How to Brush Your Teeth and Floss

Everyone brushes their teeth but few people brush them properly. It’s more than brushing twice daily, it comes down to technique, length of time and some other important factors. Read on to become a tooth brushing professional.

1. Time: It takes two full minutes or more to properly brush your teeth. Most people brush their teeth for only thirty seconds and only achieve a quarter or their proper tooth care as a result. Use a stopwatch, or listen to a short song while brushing to get a better sense of how long it should take.

2. Technique: Brush gently, don’t scrub. Short, little circular strokes do a great job of removing plaque. Pay extra attention to your molars, all around the gumline and crowns, fillings and other areas of restoration. Begin with the outer areas of your upper teeth, then do the sameyou’re your lower teeth. Clean the insides after that, and finally clean the chewing areas.

3. Tongue: Brushing your tongue – or even better, buying a tongue scraper – will immediately give you better breath. Usually your tongue is kind of white. That is masticated food. Gross, right? Scrape it off for more kissable, less embarrassing breath.

4. Toothbrush: Use a soft, small toothbrush – the head should be a perfect fit for one tooth. Big headed toothbrushes can’t hit the more difficult, harder-to-reach areas of the mouth. Replace your toothbrush after it starts to show wear, or after every three months.

Flossing:

1. The wrap: You will need about 18 inches of floss for a solid wrap around your fingers. Wind it around your middle fingers with an inch or two at the ends.

2. Technique: Slide it up and down between your teeth. Go beneath the gumline or you may miss important gunk. Wrap the dirty floss around your finger to use clean floss for each tooth.

3. Dental pics: You can also use dental pics or a floss holder to stimulate your gums and reach between teeth with more ease if you have trouble flossing.

Your dental hygiene is in accord with how much you work at it. That is, like everything else in life, if you work hard at keeping your teeth clean, you will have nice clean teeth. For some that means brushing after every meal. For others it means developing a better floss technique. Either way, by working at keeping your teeth clean, your orthodontist will feel much better about looking inside your mouth, and your trips to the dentist will be less painful and less frequent. While it may require even more time and dedication if you have Medicaid Braces or Invisalign, it will be worth it once your braces are removed and you have the most beautiful smile on the block.

HansonPlaceOrtho.com, Hanson Place Orthodontics is a Brooklyn NY orthodontist run by Dr. Yakov Eisenberger dedicated to improving the smiles of patients using the latest treatment technologies.

SuperSizeHealth.com – The nutritional supplement source for unique health products.

submityourarticle

Talking With No Voice

Three years ago, extensive radiation on my tongue caused me to lose my voice. There is a nerve in the tongue called the hypoglossal nerve. It failed and affected my vocal cords. The result was a my vocal cords stopped working and I lost my voice.

I was a big talker and felt this was a permanent set back. No voice is something few people think about until it happens to you. Immediately I began looking for the opportunities this situation created for me.

What was I capable of doing now? Are benefits of not being able to talk?

First, you do serious soul searching as to how you’re going to communicate with other people. Here’s what happens, first, you listen carefully to what the other person is saying. Many times it is not what they say, but how the say it. You get a different insight on the person and conversation. Since it is more difficult to talk, word selection and the number of words used becomes more important.

Because of the limitations, you get to the point quickly, and actually improve the quality of the conversation….very little pomposity. So no voice can be a benefit.

One other important element, the conversation requires good eye contact, and this can be a new experience for many people. So even though you have lost your voice, you still can have meaningful communication through eye contact with the other person.

Since it has been established that you can have a conversation with no voice, how is it done? Here are three techniques I frequently use, and they work.

Two of the most important tools to always have with you are a pen and tablet. You can begin a conversation, respond to a comment or ask a question. Just write it down for the other person to read.

Next, and this can be amusing, you use charades. You are able to capture the person’s attention and imagination. You are engaged with the other person.

The next tool is to have someone with you that “understands” what you say and can serve as an interpreter. The added value with this approach is you now have three people involved in a conversation.

Each of these methods is effective and easy to incorporate. Losing your voice for any reason does not have to stop you from having a conversation with another person. Taking the time to think about what you want to say and how to say it can be very rewarding.

Most people become interested in what your thoughts are and become interested in how you communicate with them. No voice does not mean that you have no brain or can’t communicate. It is up to you to be pro active in your efforts to blend into conversations and to express your thoughts. You can do it!

Get new tips weekly on how to communicate better when speaking is hard. Go to www.listentometoday.com

SuperSizeHealth.com – The nutritional supplement source for unique health products.

submityourarticle

More Brits Keen on Teeth Whitening

A growing number of people are taking advantage of teeth whitening services, according to a survey.

Research by Mintel revealed that 41 per cent of British people are concerned about the colour of their gnashers and are willing to undergo teeth whitening procedures in order to get that Hollywood smile.

The market research analyst firm also discovered that almost half of young Brits aged between 16 and 24 confessed they were worried about the shade of their smile and a third of those aged from 55 to 64 said they wanted a gleaming white smile.

Alexandra Richmond, Mintel’s senior health and beauty analyst, said: “Alongside wrinkles, teeth are another key indicator of age. Agelessness is one of the major social issues which has been gathering pace over the past decade.

“While kids are getting older younger, older adults are now refusing to accept their age.”

The Daily Mail reported that the market for teeth whitening has increased rapidly in the last few years as sales of whitening toothpaste have grown by 15 per cent since 2006 and now account for 22 per cent of overall toothpaste sales.

Despite this boom in sales of teeth whitening products, Mintel found that many people are ignoring health problems that can be caused by cavities and receding gums which could result in cosmetic dentistry procedures.

The study discovered that 40 per cent of people said they were worried about stained or yellow teeth but only 25 per cent were concerned about cavities and receding gums.

A significant number of survey respondents said that they would rather pay for teeth whitening services than invest in improving their oral hygiene.

Miss Richmond added: “Just as many young people will associate a tan with good health, a bright white smile is being associated with good oral hygiene. The fact that more people are concerned about the colour of their teeth than real health issues, such as cavities and gum rescission, is a worry.

“There is a real danger that this could result in people neglecting genuine health issues, such as tongue and gum health.”

The colour of someone’s teeth is genetically determined although teeth do darken naturally over time; however, this can be exacerbated by consuming tea, coffee and smoking.

More people have taken advantage of teeth whitening services since the introduction of the smoking ban in the United Kingdom, according to The British Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry (BACD).

A study by the BACD revealed that four out of five people were unhappy with their smiles.

Elizabeth street dentist, SW1. We provide a full range of general, preventive, cosmetic dentistry London treatments and teeth whitening London services in a relaxed atmosphere and to the highest standards, using the latest technology. Click on the links to see how we can improve your smile!

SuperSizeHealth.com – The nutritional supplement source for unique health products.

submityourarticle

Acetaminophen – Is it as Safe as You Think?

One of the safest drugs available, if taken at its recommended dosage, is acetaminophen. Millions of people a year have used it for many years without any problems. It’s very good at relieving pain and reducing fever without running the risk of having any serious side effects.

However, if too much is taken the results can be devastating.

You may have read about the recent FDA warnings about acetaminophen. If you haven’t they are now saying that if you take acetaminophen – which is the main ingredient in Tylenol® – with alcohol or with other drugs that contain acetaminophen it could cause damage to your liver.

You might not know it, but the number one cause of drug induced liver failure in the US is acetaminophen. Tens of thousands of people a year need to be treated for liver damage because they have taken too much of this drug. And hundreds of people a year die because of the liver failure that came about after they took too much acetaminophen.

There are 3 main ways that a person can put himself or herself at risk. They could either by take an intentional or unintentional overdose, combine it with other drugs that contain acetaminophen, or mix it with alcohol.

1. Taking an Overdose

Too many people don’t realize that if they take too much acetaminophen they really run the risk of themselvesinjury. After all, they may figure, “Hey – it’s just Tylenol. How can it be dangerous?”

Unfortunately, if you take more than the recommended maximum dose you run the risk of causing liver damage and possible liver failure. And, it your liver fails you could easily die.

2. Combining Acetaminophen with Other Drugs

People also often unknowingly take too much of this drug when they combine it with other medications that contain acetaminophen. A lot of commonly prescribed pain medications are a combination of a narcotic and APAP (acetaminophen). Some examples are Percocet®, Vicodin®, Darvocet®, Lorcet®, and Lortab®.

In addition there are quite a few over-the-counter medications that contain acetaminophen. Here are several of them: Contac®, Nyquil®, Excedrin®, Theraflu®.

In general, if a medication ends with “cet” there’s a good chance that it has acetaminophen. Also, the letters “APAP” often means that acetaminophen is one of the drugs in the medication.

3. Combining Alcohol and Acetaminophen

If you drink in excess of 2 alcoholic beverages a day you should be very careful when you take acetaminophen. This is especially true if you already have a liver disease. That’s because both alcohol and this medication are toxic to the liver. So when you combine drinking and this drug you are increasing the toxicity.

If you regularly drink alcohol make sure to ask your doctor before taking any drug that contains acetaminophen.

If you plan on going out drinking you should skip taking any such drug that day.

An overdose of acetaminophen does not have to be fatal. If you are treated within eight hours of the overdose then the chances that your liver will fail are low. However, if you are not treated in time then the destruction is irreversible.

Next, if you or someone you love has suffered liver damage as a result of taking acetaminophen you should consider filing a
Tylenol liver damage lawsuit
. For more information go to =>
http://www.tylenolliverdamagelawsuit.com
Registered trademarks are the property of their respective owners.

SuperSizeHealth.com – The nutritional supplement source for unique health products.

Next »