Pharmacist role in common drug abuse.
Have you ever wondered what happens in your body when you swallow those tablets labelled MEDICINE and the cumulative effects of these pills especially when taken in an inappropriate manner.
Drug abuse is an evergreen issue whose venom has eaten deep into the total wellbeing of an average individual. The decadence of this global issue has made it more than the pharmacy profession affair as all hands are needed on deck to curb the inclining rate of this menace. According to the definition given by Wikipedia, a drug is any chemical substance that causes a change in an organism’s physiology or psychology when consumed. They are further defined in the ways they affect the body i.e. hallucinogens, depressants, stimulants etc.
In simpler terms, drug abuse occur when these drugs are used in ways other than the prescribed indications. Gone are the days when the drugs abused were prescription medications like narcotics, bezondiapines; the alarming rate of abuse of OTCs, herbal medications makes one to wonder if this issue would ever be defeated. The effects of these abused substances is more than just a physiological or psychological dilemma as various developed countries are at the brim of making this global issue a thing of the past. What are the active roles pharmacists should play to make this feat achievable?
Pharmacist are the drug experts and are most often the first healthcare professional in general to identify potential or chronic substance abuse cases. For this reason, they are well-positioned to play a crucial role in fighting substance abuse through prevention, education, and awareness of assistance programs.
Awareness program is the first critical step to effect change as it ensures proper dissemination of health information like federal and state rules and regulations and treatment guidelines around both prescription and non-prescription drugs of abuse. This program can be done in a patient oriented pharmacy setting like hospital or community pharmacy.
Pharmacists could also organize educational workshops, seminars etc. as this would not only focus on the patients but also on other members of the health care team, care givers and the community at large. This can be effectively carried out when the substances abused and patterns of abuse are identified. These solutions can help in identifying some common red flag potentials for drug abuse.
WORLD HEART DAY GIVES PEOPLE THE POWER TO BE HEART HEALTHY: MY HEART, YOUR HEART
In 1999, the establishment of World Heart Day was announced by the World Heart Federation (WHF), in conjunction with the World Health Organization (WHO). The idea for this annual event was conceived by Antoni Bayés de Luna, president of WHF from 1997–99. Until 2011, World Heart Day was originally observed on the last Sunday in September, with the first celebration taking place on September 24, 2000, presently World Heart day is being observed yearly every 29th day of September.
The importance of the world Heart Day cannot be overemphasized because cardiovascular diseases are the most common cause of death globally. In the early 2000s, roughly 17 million people worldwide died from cardiovascular diseases annually. The majority of these deaths were the result of coronary heart disease or stroke. Although cardiovascular diseases are often considered to be afflictions of people living in developed countries where sedentary lifestyle is common, more than 80 percent of deaths from these diseases occur in low- and middle-income developing countries. World Heart Day avails us the opportunity to learn the causes of heart diseases as well as various means to prevent them.
While cardiovascular diseases can refer to different heart or blood vessel problems, the term is often used to mean damage to your heart or blood vessels by atherosclerosis, a buildup of fatty plaques in your arteries. Plaque buildup thickens and stiffens artery walls, which can inhibit blood flow through your arteries to your organs and tissues.
Atherosclerosis is also the most common cause of cardiovascular disease. It can be caused by correctable problems, such as an unhealthy diet, lack of exercise, being overweight and smoking. Thus, even in developing countries, which often lack efficient health care programs, the majority of these diseases can be prevented. Other causes of heart disease include heart defects you’re born with (congenital heart defects), diabetes mellitus, excessive use of alcohol or caffeine, drug abuse and stress.
No one is too young or too old to take care of their heart. Hence, all age groups must adopt measures to prevent the occurence of heart diseases. Adoption of healthy diet is the most important measure to achieve healthy weight reduction as well as to prevent heart diseases. This means eating meals low in sodium and saturated fats but contain more of fish, nuts, legumes fiber-rich whole grains, skinless poultry, fruits and vegetables.
How can one know he/she has a heart disease? By regular checking with an accurate sphygmomanometer. How regularly do you visit the pharmacy close to you to check your blood pressure? Remember that early detection of heart diseases reduces complications and risk involved. Lastly, regular exercise can help lower stress and anxiety by releasing endorphins. America Heart Association has prescribed workup to at least 150 minutes of moderate aerobic physical activities every week.
It takes more than a beautiful body, we need to have a functional heart. Let us all preserve our healthy lives by caring for the precious Heart. As we celebrate the World Heart Day be informed that “the power to be heart healthy has been handed to you today, choose wisely and diligently how you wish to use it”
CONTRIBUTORS: Pharm. Gloria Nwankwo, Pharm. Chioma Odogwu, Pharm. Rejoice Thomas Kaigama, Pharm. Mmesoma Mgboko, Pharm. Taiwo Olawehinmi, Pharm. Temitayo Soyinka, Pharm. Obianuju Nnedigwe, Pharm. Samuel Adedoyin, Pharm. Rufina Ezeanowi, Pharm. Onyedikachi Obike, Pharm. Chisom Anaedu, Pharm. Temitayo Aderibigbe.
Read MoreWORLD ALZHEIMER’S DAY 2019
It was Jamie Calandriello who said, a disease might hide the person underneath, but there’s still a person in there who needs your attention. So is the case of Dementia. As we join the Alzheimer’s Disease International (ADI) to celebrate the Eighth world Alzheimer’s Month, we do this from an understanding that Alzheimer patients deserve love, care, and attention. Since inception of the ADI, public health enlightenment as well as fighting the stigma against the Alzheimer’s disease has been a central focus of the association. The impact of this campaign is growing, but the stigma and misinformation that surrounds dementia remains a global problem and challenge. This year’s theme is “Let’s talk about dementia”. Through talking we help break down the fear and the stigma and we encourage people to seek out information, support and advice.
Alzheimer disease, one of the major types of dementia is a neurodegenerative disorder which affects memory, cognition, behavior and emotion, causing the individual suffering from dementia to have challenges remembering past experiences or making it hard to make sound judgments. Dementia is not a respecter of social, economic or even geographical status as it affects individuals of all races. Most often than not, Alzheimer like most neurodegenerative conditions are progressive, that is, symptoms start slowly and gradually get worse, making them exhibit features such as memory loss that disrupts daily life, challenges in solving problems or doing basic tasks, confusion with time and place, trouble understanding visual images and spatial relationship, constantly misplacing things and losing ability to retrace steps, withdrawal from work and social activities, changes in moods and personality.
The World Health organization states that that every 3 seconds, someone develops dementia that means by extension, 28,800 new cases of dementia are reported daily. For a condition that affects virtually every sphere of an individual’s life and one within such a global burden, a lot needs to be done.
It is encouraging that the WHO adopted the global plan of action on the public health response to dementia, a plan that started in 2017 and would run till 2025. It created strategic plans for government of 194 member states of the WHO to improve dementia awareness, handle dementia as a public health priority, reduce the risk of occurrence, improve diagnosis, treatment, and care, support care givers and improve data and research. A lot still needs to be done at different levels of society to help both prevent and manage dementia whether as individual with dementia, as care givers of people with dementia , the general public, or the government, the onyx is on us to prevent dementia and fight the sigma by talking about it.
ROLE OF PHARMACIST IN MANAGING ALZHEIMER’S DISEASES
In almost every area of pharmacy practice, pharmacists are very likely to encounter a patient with Alzheimer’s disease and/or a caregiver. Therefore, it is imperative for pharmacists to keep abreast of new developments in research and pharmacologic therapies regarding the disease.
- Pharmacists can be a vital resource for both patients and their caregivers, thereby improving quality of life.
- Pharmacists can support people living with dementia in Medication adherence by number of ways; Simplified administration instructions, Telephone follow-ups ,Involving patients and care givers more in their care through self-monitoring Simplified dosing regimens
- Managing symptoms of dementia.
- Pharmacists also have an important role in identifying and resolving drug- related problems involving medications that may exacerbate the symptoms of dementia.
#break the silence, talk about dementia #PLSP, #TeamSynergy.
Read MoreINTERMITTENT PREVENTIVE TREATMENT DURING PREGNANCY
Background
Malaria infection during pregnancy is a major public health problem, with substantial risks for the mother, her foetus and the newborn. Each year, Malaria in Pregnancy (MiP) is responsible for 20% of stillbirths in sub-Saharan Africa, 11% of all newborn deaths in sub-Saharan Africa, and 10,000 maternal deaths globally. In areas with moderate to high transmission of Plasmodium falciparum, the World Health Organization (WHO) recommends a package of interventions for controlling malaria and its effects during pregnancy, which includes the promotion and use of insecticide-treated nets (ITNs), the administration during pregnancy of intermittent preventive treatment with sulfadoxine-pyrimethamine (IPTp-SP), and appropriate case management through prompt and effective treatment of malaria in pregnant women. During the last few years, WHO has observed a slowing of efforts to scale-up IPTp-SP in a number of countries in Africa. Although there may be several reasons for this, an important factor is confusion among health workers about sulfadoxine-pyrimethamine administration for intermittent preventive treatment in pregnancy. At a recent WHO evidence review, a meta-analysis of seven trials evaluating IPTp-SP was undertaken. It showed that three or more doses of IPTp-SP were associated with higher mean birth weight and fewer low birth weight (LBW) births than two doses of IPTp-SP. The estimated relative risk reduction for LBW was 20% (95% CI 6-31). This effect was consistent across a wide range of SP resistance levels. The 3+ dose group also was found to have less placental malaria. There were no differences in serious adverse events between the two groups.
Based on this evidence review, in October 2012, WHO updated the recommendations on IPTp-SP as outlined below, and urges national health authorities to disseminate this update widely and ensure its correct application. IPTp-SP is an integral part of WHO’s three-pronged approach to the prevention and treatment of malaria in pregnancy, which also includes the use of insecticide treated nets and prompt and effective case management.
Timing of IPTp-SP
Complementing the use of an ITN, and prompt and effective case management, the Antenatal Care (ANC) contact schedule for MiP should be applied flexiblyso that pregnant women always receive IPTp-SP when eligible, starting as early as possible during the second trimester of pregnancy. It is important to keep in mind that:
Determining gestational age by clinical examination, especially early in pregnancy, can be challenging. WHO recommends that countries continue to use what is currently practiced for dating—either abdominal palpation or symphysis-fundal height. Doing one ultrasound scan, ideally during the first trimester, where available, is another opportunity to determine early gestational age, among other potential benefits for the pregnancy.
The period between 13 and 20 weeks is critical for irreversible negative consequences of MiP, when parasite densities are highest,11,12 and major benefit can be achieved from malaria prevention. For effective MiP programming, contact with a health provider early in the second trimester (between 13 and 16 weeks) is critical to ensuring timely access to the first dose of IPTp-SP for maximal impact.
Frequency of IPTp-SP
Following administration of the first dose of IPTp as early as possible in the second trimester (i.e., 13 to 16 weeks), pregnant women should receive an additional dose of IPTp-SP at each contact with a health care worker trained to deliver IPTp-SP until the time of delivery, ensuring that doses of IPTp-SP are administered at least one month apart. WHO does not recommend a maximum number of doses of IPTp-SP. SP can be safely administered from the beginning of the second trimester until delivery.
ITN use
All pregnant women should sleep under an ITN as early as possible in pregnancy, though ideally before becoming pregnant. Providing an ITN at the first contact will help to keep the pregnant woman and her foetus safe from malaria. Additionally, all efforts should be made to ensure women of reproductive age have access to and sleep under an ITN so that they are protected against malaria if they become pregnant.
Key points regarding ITN use include:
Free delivery of an ITN at the first ANC visit is an incentive to attend antenatal care and provides the pregnant woman with a lifesaving tool for herself and her baby. Sleeping under the ITN will also protect her baby during the first year of life.
Countries need to plan and budget for continuous ITN distribution to pregnant women at the first ANC contact, in addition to forecasting, procuring, and distributing ITNs for campaigns targeting the whole population.
Women living with HIV
Women living with HIV are at increased risk of all adverse consequences of malaria infections due to their compromised immune responses. All pregnant women should be screened for HIV at first ANC contact. Pregnant women living with HIV and taking co-trimoxazole prophylaxis should not receive SP, as concomitant administration of SP and co-trimoxazole could increase adverse drug reactions. When taken daily, co-trimoxazole provides protection against MiP. Despite this, it is especially important that pregnant women living with HIV sleep under an ITN, and seek prompt diagnosis and receive effective treatment if they experience symptoms of malaria.
Role of Pharmacists in IPTP
Pharmacists are medicines expert and as such have a large role to play in IPTP. Some include:
Monitoring for drug therapy problems. High doses of folic acid (i.e. daily dose equal to 5 mg or above) have been shown to
counteract the efficacy of SP as an antimalarial, and thus only the low dose (i.e. 0.4 mg daily) should be co-administered with SP. SP should not be administered concurrently with co-trimoxazole prophylaxis due to their redundant mechanisms of action and synergistic worsening of adverse drug reactions. Therefore, HIV-infected pregnant women who are already receiving co-trimoxazole prophylaxis should not receive IPTp-SP.
Increasing availability of SP, Folic Acid and other necessary medications via outsourcing, public-private partnership and collaborations with relevant government agencies.
Constant education of patients about drug dosage, side effects and basic info about medications being consumed.
Undertaking continuous research about this key subject.
Liaising with other healthcare workers on how to optimize drug therapy.
Read MoreINTERVENTIONS TO IMPROVE MEDICATION ADHERENCE IN PATIENTS
Like every set goal, it takes discipline and commitment to adhere to the dosage regimen prescribed by the doctor or pharmacist. Medication adherence is described as the extent to which medication intake behavior corresponds with the advice of the health care provider (WHO, 2003). It usually refers to whether patients take their medications as prescribed (e.g. one tablet 12 hourly), as well as whether they continue to take a prescribed medication for the prescribed duration. Medication non-adherence on the other hand, can be described as the degree to which the patient does not carry out the clinical recommendations of a treating physician. It is a growing concern to clinicians, healthcare systems, and other stakeholders (e.g. payers) because of mounting evidence that it is prevalent and associated with adverse outcomes and higher costs of care. To date, measurement of patient medication adherence and use of interventions to improve adherence are rare in routine clinical practice. Medication adherence behavior has thus been divided into two main concepts, namely, adherence and persistence. Although conceptually similar, adherence refers to the intensity of drug use during the duration of therapy, whereas persistence refers to the overall duration of drug therapy.
REASONS FOR MEDICATION NONADHERENCE
1. Health system– Poor quality of provider-patient relationship; poor communication; lack of access to healthcare; lack of continuity of care
2. Condition– Asymptomatic chronic disease (lack of physical cues); mental health disorders (eg, depression)
3. Patient– Physical impairments (eg, vision problems or impaired dexterity); cognitive impairment; psychological/behavioral; younger age; nonwhite race
4. Therapy– Complexity of regimen; side effects 5. Socioeconomic– Low literacy; higher medication costs; poor social support
INTERVENTIONS
The interventions are aimed at tackling either one or more of the reasons why patients are non-adherent to medications through the following:
1. Ensuring good provider- patient relationship and proper communication: Here, the provider explains in detail why he/ she is prescribing the drug, what the drug will likely achieve and the need for the patient to adhere to the drug regimen for the given period of time. The side effects of the drug should also be properly explained to the patient if any. The provider should also ensure that the drug is cost effective for the patient. E.g. a patient on Nevirapine, an anti-retroviral drug, needs to be properly counseled on the need for adherence in order to prevent treatment failure, increased viral load and eventual unwanted sequel for the patient.
2. Access to health care: Government and pharmaceutical industries should make sure that these medications are not scarce in certain areas. Inaccessibility to drugs almost always discourage patient from adhering to medications even if they would normally want to.
3. Directly Observed Therapy (DOT): This was the intervention for non-adherence to anti-TB medications. The patient goes to a health center close to him/her where the drugs are administered by the nurse and she ensures that the drugs are taken. This is important because tuberculosis is a highly infectious disease and must be curbed. The drawback is that the patient may find it rather inconvenient to always go to the clinic to take his/her drug hence, resulting in a default.
4. Adjustment of the medication: Using combination pills to reduce the number of pills daily, for example, the Artemisinin-based Combination Therapy (ACT) for malaria has been made as double strength (six tablets) instead of the usual twenty-four tablets. This is more patient-friendly as the patient doesn’t need to take numerous drugs. The duration of treatment for TB has also been reduced to 6 months. This is better than 8 months or 12 months which mostly puts the patient off.
5. Patients who are physically impaired or those that are of young age: A home care provider is compulsory and the details of the medication should be clearly explained to them. It is also necessary to involve the relatives if the patients in the pharmaceutical care of the patient. Close monitoring by the healthcare provider is also essential.
6. Cognitive behavioral therapies (such as motivational interview by trained counselors): Medication-taking reminders (such as refill reminder calls or use of electronic drug monitors for real-time monitoring and reminding); and incentives to promote adherence (such as reducing co-payments and paying patients and clinicians for achieving disease management goals) are some alternative interventions to encourage medications adherence.
Medication adherence is especially important in the cases of chronic diseases such as diabetes mellitus and hypertension, where multiple therapeutic regimens are employed. Reasons for medication non-adherence are multifactorial and may vary with different settings and populations. Hence, it is important for the healthcare provider to monitor the patient’s compliance with the dosage regimen while identify probable causes of no adherence, in the case of one. Addressing such factors has been shown to improve adherence and ultimately, patients’ therapy.
CONTRIBUTORS: Pharm. Gloria Nwankwo, Pharm. Chioma Odogwu, Pharm. Rejoice Thomas Kaigama, Pharm. Mmesoma Mgboko, Pharm. Taiwo Olawehinmi, Pharm. Temitayo Soyinka, Pharm. Obianuju Nnedigwe, Pharm. Samuel Adedoyin, Pharm. Rufina Ezeanowi, Pharm. Onyedikachi Obike, Pharm. Chisom Anaedu, Pharm. Temidayo Aderibigbe.
Read MoreWORLD BREAST FEEDING WEEK, 2019: Breast milk, the Best for your baby : The Role of Pharmacists in Child Nutrition
The human breast milk is one of the most balanced meal provided by nature as it contains all the classes of food , minerals and vitamins necessary for a child’s nourishment as well as growth.
Mature human milk contains 3%–5% fat, 0.8%–0.9% protein, 6.9%–7.2% carbohydrate calculated as lactose, and 0.2% mineral constituents expressed as ash. Its energy content is 60–75 kcal/100 ml.
Colostrum being the first milk expressed by a woman in the first few days after birth, is highly nutritious as well as containing other nutrients that are necessary for the nourishment and building up of the immune system. It is also beneficial to the digestive system and its development. As such a cross laboratory analysis of the colostrum showed that Protein content is markedly higher and carbohydrate content lower in colostrum than in mature milk. Fat content does not vary consistently during lactation but exhibits large diurnal variations and increases during the course of each nursing. Race, age, parity, or diet do not greatly affect milk composition and there is no consistent compositional difference between milks from the two breasts unless one is infected. The principal proteins of human milk are a casein homologous to bovine beta-casein, alpha-lactalbumin, lactoferrin, immunoglobulin IgA, lysozyme, and serum albumin. Many enzymes and several “minor” proteins also occur. The essential amino acid pattern of human milk closely resembles that found to be optimal for human infants. Possible special functions of milk proteins and enzymes other than as a source of amino acids, are as yet largely speculative. The principal sugar of human milk is lactose but 30 or more oligosaccharides, all containing terminal Gal-(beta 1,4)-Glc and ranging from 3–14 saccharide units per molecule are also present. These may amount in the aggregate to as much as 1 g/100 ml in mature milk and 2.5 g/100 ml in colostrum. Some of them may function to control intestinal flora because of their ability to promote growth of certain strains of lactobacilli.
Human milk fat is characterized by high contents of palmitic and oleic acids. the former heavily concentrated in the 2-position and the latter in the 1- and 3-positions of the triglycerides. Fatty acid composition of milk fat varies somewhat with the composition of diet, particularly the fatty acids which it supplies. Phospholipids, amounting in the aggregate to about 75 mg/100 ml, include phosphatidyl ethanolamine, phosphatidyl choline, phosphatidyl serine, phosphatidyl inositol, and sphingomyelin. The principal mineral constituents of human milk are Na, K, Ca, Mg, P, and Cl. Calcium concentrations reported in various studies vary from 25–35 mg/100 ml. Phosphorus at 13–16 mg/100 ml is much more constant but is lower in proportion to casein and calcium than in the milk of most other species. Iron, copper, and zinc contents of human milk vary considerably. A long list of other trace elements has been reported. About 25% of the total nitrogen of human milk represents nonprotein compounds including urea, uric acid, creatine, creatinine, and a large number of amino acids. Of the latter, glutamic acid and taurine are prominent. All of the vitamins, except K, are found in human milk in nutritionally significant concentrations
The first 1000 days of a child is very critical, i.e., from conception, pregnancy, 1st year and 2nd year.Intestinal microbiota acquired remains with us throughout life. Adequate breastfeeding provide this microbiola.
The Differences between Human breast milk and other mammals’
We will compare human milk with cow milk because it is the readily available milk. There are lots of differences between the protein content of human and cow milk. The cow milk as shown above have higher content of protein (cassein) which is required for the rapid growth of calves. The human baby is unable to digest the protein cassein ( this tells the reason why babies are found throwing up much often) when milk is coagulated using acid or enzyme, cassein separate as a white mass. Cow milk is also found to contain more unsaturated fatty acid while the human milk contains more healthy fat and fatty acid.
REASONS WHY BREAST MILK IS BEST FOR BABY
1. It is the most nutritionally sound food you an provide to your baby.
2. It is very easy to digest by the baby’s system.
3. It helps strengthen your babies natural immune systems or defense.
4. It protects the baby from diseases(presence of IgA).
5. It is natural and contains important probiotics (microbiota).
ROLE OF A PHARMACIST IN CHILD NUTRITION
1. Check out every child as a potential patient and counsel base on the feeding pattern and weight.
2. Advice mothers on the effects and the need for adequate breastfeeding and in cases where there is absence of breast milk, on the need for the use of fortified probiotic milk as we’ll as right brands to be used.
Contributors: Peer Group 7
Pharm. Stephanie Akpojeme, Pharm. Anuoluwapo Odusanya, Pharm. Enyi Augustine Uchenna, Pharm. Akosa Izukanne, Pharm. Oluwadara Akinleye, Pharm. Yusuf Temitope, Pharm. David Somtochukwu, Pharm. Kelechi Nwokedi, Pharm. Ebere Angela, Pharm. Tijesu Folorunsho, Pharm. Ameh John, Pharm. Dinfa Dombin
Read MoreWHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT PNEUMONIA IN CHILDREN
Children below the age of 5 are one of the age groups that are at most risk of having pneumonia, whether caused by bacteria, fungi, viruses or parasites. Pneumonia is said to be an infection of the lungs. As such, the infection causes the air sacs in the lungs to be filled up with pus and other fluids making it difficult for oxygen to reach the bloodstream. Pneumonia has become a fairly common infection among children below five years old affecting 150 million to 156 million children in the United States each year. It can be mild or serious.
What Causes Pneumonia in a Child?
As stated earlier, pneumonia can be said to be caused by either bacteria, virus, fungi or a parasite. Although most common organisms that cause pneumonia in kids are bacteria and virus and some of them include; Streptococcus pneumonia, Mycoplasma pneumonia, Staphylococcus aureus, Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), Parainfluenza virus, Influenza virus, Adenovirus and Group B streptococcus.
Following an upper respiratory tract infection, often, pneumonia usually surfaces with the symptoms beginning after 2 or 3 days of a cold or sore throat. The infection then moves down to the lungs and fluid, white blood cells and debris start to accumulate in the alveoli (air spaces of the lungs) and then blocks the smooth passage of air, hence making it harder for the lungs to work efficiently and giving rise to the main symptoms of pneumonia. Some symptoms give important clues about which germ or organism is causing the pneumonia. For example, kids with bacterial pneumonia usually become sick pretty fast, beginning with a sudden high fever and unusually fast labored breathing while kids with viral pneumonia often have symptoms that appear gradually and are less severe, although wheezing can be more common.
Nonetheless, a child is at a high risk of being infected if he or she has a weak immune system, an ongoing chronic health problem like asthma or cystic fibrosis, problems with the lungs or airways or if the child is being exposed to second hand tobacco smoke at such tender age.
What Are The Symptoms Of Pneumonia In A Child?
Most symptoms include;
Productive cough, vomiting, diarrhoea, loss of appetite, tiredness, cough pain, fever and chills, headache, fussiness, abdominal pain (because a child is coughing and working hard to breathe), stuffy nose, breathing with wheezing sounds.
Diagnosis
In the diagnosis of pneumonia in children, the doctors usually conduct a physical examination on the child which includes the child’s appearance, breathing pattern, and vital signs and also listen to the lungs for abnormal sounds. Some other tests for a definite diagnosis includes; chest X-rays, blood tests, pulse oximetry, chest CT scan, bronchoscopy, pleural fluid culture.
Treatment of Pneumonia in a Child
For bacterial pneumonia, treatment can be done using antibiotics while for viral pneumonia, there isn’t any good treatment available yet and it most likely gets better on their own. Any flu-related pneumonia can be treated with an antiviral agent. Some other treatments can be done in order to relieve the symptoms of pneumonia such as; taking lots of rest, coughs medicines, acetaminophen for fever, headaches, and taking more fluids.
Pneumonia is a high risk infection and can become severe and may cause breathing problems or a lasting high fever or bacteria in the blood that the child would need to be hospitalized. In this case, the child is given either an oxygen therapy, intravenous antibiotics. With treatment, bacterial pneumonia can be cure in 1 to 2 weeks while for walking or viral pneumonia, it can take up to 4 to 6 weeks to be cured completely.
How contagious is pneumonia?
There’s an old saying that claims that pneumonia is contagious. Well, it has some truth to it but in essence, pneumonia itself is not exactly contagious but the upper respiratory tract infections that build up to pneumonia are highly contagious. The organisms that cause these infections are usually present in the fluid in the mouth or nose of an infected person. So, if the person sneezes, he/she is likely to spread out these organisms to unaffected individuals. Also, sharing glasses and cutleries with an infected person can predispose someone to contacting the infection. Hence, it is advisable to keep kids away from persons with symptoms of respiratory tract infections like a stuffy nose, flu, cough, sore throat etc.
Can pneumonia really be prevented?
Yes! Pneumonia can very much be prevented with the use of some specific vaccines. There are two types of vaccines that can help prevent pneumococcal disease. The first vaccine, Pneumococcal Conjugate Vaccine or Prevnar is normally included as part of an infant’s routine immunizations. The second, Pneumococcal Polysaccharide Vaccine or Pneumovax is recommended for children and adults who are at an increased risk of developing pneumococcal infections. Pneumonia can also be prevented from children with good hygiene which includes teaching the children to wash their hands often and to cover their nose and mouth when coughing or sneezing.
CONTRIBUTOR: Peer Group 2
Pharm. Gloria Nwankwo, Pharm. Chioma Odogwu, Pharm. Rejoice Thomas Kaigama, Pharm. Mmesoma Mgboko, Pharm. Taiwo Olawehinmi, Pharm. Temitayo Soyinka, Pharm. Obianuju Nnedigwe, Pharm. Samuel Adedoyin, Pharm. Rufina Ezeanowi, Pharm. Onyedikachi Obike, Pharm. Chisom Anaedu, Pharm. Temitayo Aderibigbe.
Read MoreWORLD ENVIRONMENT DAY 2019: BEAT AIR POLLUTION
It is not unusual to find permeations of smoke here, more than a whiff of dust there, with gaseous emissions every now and then. Lagos, the commercial centre of Nigeria, is a particularly polluted state with its huge population, hellish traffic congestions and poor waste disposal system. The importance of clean air cannot be overflogged, for clean air is crucial to sound health. In the absence of sound health, life could lose its value, hence the need to ensure clean air in the environment. Air is life; but with every breath taken, tiny particles are released into the air which harm our health (lungs, brain and heart) causing diseases, and the environment causing global warming and of course, affecting economic growth.
Air pollution occurs when a measurable amount of biological, physical and chemical pollutants in the air is found, or when the presence of undesirable impurities or certain components of the atmosphere rise abnormally, thus affecting the quality of air. Air pollution is caused by human activities (burning of natural fuels like coal, emission from industries and factories releasing large amount of carbon monoxide, agricultural activities due to the use of fertilizers, waste production mostly because of methane generation in landfills etc) or natural phenomena (volcanic eruptions, dust storms and wildfires), amongst others (Lateef M. A. & Sharjeel M., 2019). Nine out of ten people are exposed to levels of air pollutants that exceed World Health Organization (WHO) safe levels. Around seven million people worldwide die prematurely each year from air pollution with about four million of these deaths occurring in the Asia-Pacific region (UN Environment, 2019).
Clean air is so critical to sound health that polluted air is the leading cause of many chronic diseases like lung cancer and Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD). Medical studies showed that air pollution significantly triggers asthma attacks. According to the American Lung Association, by 2020 asthma will affect 1 in 4 Americans and 1 in 5 families; exposure to air pollution has been linked to increased use of medications and an increased rate of emergency room visits and hospitalizations for people living with asthma.
Professor Thomas Munzel, a scientist, stated that particulate matter (ultrafine dust), which has the size of a virus, enters the bloodstream through the lungs when inhaled and is taken up by the vessels, causing local inflammation. Ultimately, this causes atherosclerosis (vascular calcification), thus leading to cardiovascular diseases such as myocardial infarction, heart failure and cardiac arrhythmias which cause about 60% of deaths. (Peter P., 2018).
To raise awareness of the environment and specific environmental issues like pollution, global warming, sustainable food production and protection of wildlife; World Environment Day (WED) was established by the United Nations in 1972. Every year since June 5, 1974 when it was first held, WED has a new focus. This year’s focus is ‘Beat Air Pollution’. This is apt as the understanding of air pollution and how it affects our health and environment will help us take steps towards improving the air around us.The WED 2019 is an awareness to take action in combating this global epidemic. Survival is paramount to living things, hence quality air is indispensable to life. The UN image below describes ways of combating air pollution in line with enacting clean air laws by the environmental protection agencies of our country such as the
The air we breathe is as important as the food we eat, the water we drink and even the clothes we wear. Individuals, industries and governments must make concerted efforts to drastically reduce air pollution. Let’s beat diseases, reduce wastages and correct global warming by beating air pollution, shall we?
Contributors: Pharm. Mmesoma Mgboko, Pharm. Taiwo Olawehinmi, Pharm. Temitayo Soyinka, Pharm. Obianuju Nnedigwe, Pharm. Samuel Adedoyin, Pharm. Chioma Odogwu, Pharm. Rufina Ezeanowi, Pharm. Onyedikachi Obike, Pharm. Anaedu Chisom, Pharm. Gloria Nwakwo, Pharm. Rejoice Thomas Kaigama, Pharm. Temitayo Aderibigbe
Read MoreWORLD MILK DAY -1ST JUNE, 2019
History
In 2001, the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) selected June 1st as World Milk Day, which celebrates the important contributions of the dairy sector to sustainability, economic development, livelihoods and nutrition. Milk is a great source healthy nutrients required by the body (calcium, magnesium, zinc, phosphorus, iodine, iron, potassium, folates, vitamin A, vitamin D, riboflavin, vitamin B12, protein, and healthy fat)
What is Milk?
Milk is a nutrient-rich, white liquid food produced by the mammary glands of mammals and obtained from some plants. It is the primary source of nutrition for infant mammals (including humans who are breastfed) before they are able to digest other types of food. Early-lactation milk contains colostrum, which carries the mother’s antibodies to its young and can reduce the risk of many diseases. It contains many other nutrientsincluding protein and lactose.
Health Benefits of Milk
- Best source of Calcium- Builds healthy bones and teeth; maintains bone mass. Calcium is an essential mineral in the creation of bone matter, and bone mineral density measurements rely highly on calcium as the main support structure of our body. It is the quickest, least expensive, and most readily available source of calcium on the market. Calcium protects the body from major chronic ailments such as bone loss, arthritic conditions, migraine headaches, pre-menstrual syndrome, osteoporosis, and obesity in children
- Maintains healthy teeth
- Rehydrates the body
- Treats dry skin and nourishes the skin- The lactic acid present in milk is known to aid in removing dead skin cells, thereby rejuvenating your skin and keeping it fresh. Finally, simply drinking it, due to its impressive content of vitamin A, helps to improve skin, particularly since the antioxidant potential of it helps to eliminate free radicals.
- Reduces risks of cardiovascular diseases
Daily Requirements
The U.S. federal government document Dietary Guidelines for Americans, 2010 recommends consumption of three glasses of fat-free or low-fat milk for adults and children 9 and older per day. Two and half glasses per day for children ages 4 to 8 years, and 2 cups for children ages 2 to 3 years.
Possible Harms
- Lactose Intolerance- Lactose intolerance is a condition in which people have symptoms due to the decreased ability to digest lactose, a sugar found in dairy products. Those affected vary in the amount of lactose they can tolerate before symptoms develop. Symptoms may include abdominal pain, bloating, diarrhea, gas, and nausea
- Milk Allergy- Cow’s milk allergy (CMA) is an immunologically mediated adverse reaction, to one or more cow’s milk proteins.Most often, allergic symptoms are caused by whey proteins called alpha-lactoglobulin and beta-lactoglobulin, but they can also be due to caseins.
- Acne- Milk consumption has been associated with acne — a common skin disease characterized by pimples, especially on the face, chest, and back.
Events
World Milk Day is supported largely by Global Dairy Platform and there is an #EnjoyDairy Rally from 29th May to June 1st with themes; Nutrition, Community and Enjoyment. Each theme is designated for each day.
There about 180 events registered all over the world for this event and they included Milk fair, Milk Circus, dairy contests, Farmers group celebration, nutrition and dairy seminars, radio shows, etc
The events taking place in Nigeria on June 1st, 2019 for the world milk day include;
- World Milk Day- Social Media takeover
- Three Crowns Milk giveaway- Lagos
- Peak breakfast: Organized Friesland Campaign WAMCO in patnershio with Nutrition Society of Nigeria- Lagos
- Dairy; unlocking opportunities deeper in the pyramid- organized by Tetra Pak WestAfrica
- 9ja Milk fest- Lagos
You can join the World Milk Day Celebration by;
- Sharing a photo/ video you raising a glass of milk on twitter, Instagram and/or Facebook with hashtag #WorldMilkDay and #EnjoyDairy in your content.
- Follow the events on social media and repost. You can follow @WorldMilkDay on twitter and Instagram.
RAISE A GLASS THIS WORLD MILK DAY!!!
Contributors: Pharm. Abosede Akinkuowo., Pharm. Adenike Adelakun., Pharm. Aminu Kende A., Pharm. Ayoola Olowoeshin., Pharm. Abdulbasit Olaniyi., Pharm. Christopher Yakubu., Pharm. Edidiong Orok., Pharm. Emebradu Ohwoodo., Pharm. Joshua Awulu., Pharm. Kesiena Eluor., Pharm. Onyekachi Nwakoby., Pharm. Vivian Oyebade.
Read MoreTOBACCO SMOKING AND LUNGS HEALTH
It is often said, “the value of a thing is not known until it is lost”. However, must we allow this to happen to our health too? Tobacco smoking has posed a great threat to public health for decades now. It has begun to call our attention by laying claims to over 6million deaths yearly, 40% of cancers across virtually every part of the body and plaguing every age group down to even the unborn child. Man has battled with the menace of tobacco smoke for a long time and it is time we take it serious.
The lungs remain one of the most vital organs of the human body necessary to live a normal and a healthy life. The pair of spongy, air-filled organs located on either side of the chest (thorax) serves as the primary organs of the respiratory system. They are solely responsible for “extracting” oxygen from the atmosphere and transferring it into the blood stream and release carbon dioxide from the blood stream back into the atmosphere in a process termed gaseous exchange.
As vital as the lungs is to our health, it’s function is been threatened by tobacco smoking either directly on the smoker or by passive smoking, often referred to as second hand smoking. Tobacco contains more than 7,000 different chemical substances with about 50 of them being carcinogens (having the ability to cause cancer).Some of these chemicals include: Nicotine, Tar, Carbon monoxide, Cyanide, arsenic, cadmium, lead, cobalt and nickel which are known to be very toxic substances. Nicotine is known to be a highly addictive psychoactive drug. When a puff of cigarette is taken, nicotine immediately travels to the brain within seconds and binds to nicotine receptors of the brain causing Dopamine release-a chemical that plays an important role in pleasure sensation. Once this happens, the user begins to experience feelings of pleasure and calmness. However, this effect soon wears off, causing a craving for the same feeling hence an urge for tobacco use. Eventually, there is an increase in the number of nicotine receptors of the brain so that more and more and even more sticks of cigarette is required to produce such effect on the user, causing a chain of addiction.
Tobacco use remains the single greatest cause of preventable death globally. World Health Organization estimates that each year tobacco causes about 6 million deaths with over 600,000 of these occurring in nonsmokers due to second hand smoking. The effect of tobacco cuts across virtually every system of the body. In the central nervous system, it causes a reduction in cognition, leads to addiction, causes anxiety, depression headache and dizziness. In the cardiovascular system, it increases heart rate and blood pressure, increases the risk of coronary heart disease, stroke and heart failure. In the excretory system it induces kidney failure by reducing blood flow to the kidneys. In the reproductive system there is an increase in the risk of erectile dysfunction and poor quality of sperm in men, affects female hormones necessary for menstruation, pregnancy and gestation and even affect the fetus in the mother’s womb. The effect in the digestive System include; contribution to heartburn, gastro esophageal reflux disease, peptic ulcers, and liver cancer. It’s long term effect on the respiratory system plays a major role in the development of diseases like Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease, Emphysema, Lung cancer, cancer of the mouth and larynx, and generally reducing the life expectancy of smokers.
Tobacco Smoking threatens the future of every society, as the bulk of its patronage is from youths, beginning from as early as 12years for active smokers, and even lesser for passive smokers. For a global epidemic with such prevalence, swift action is required to curb its menace.
Firstly, individuals who are directly involved in tobacco smoking should begin to think of quitting as it affects not just one individual but also members of the general public. Remarkable improvement is seen in the health of smokers as early as 24hours after cessation of smoking- the blood pressure drops to normal, pulse rate normalizes, carbon monoxide level of the blood returns to normal. After 2weeks to 3months of cessation, lung function improves by 30%, blood circulation improves. After 9months, coughing, wheezing, shortness of breath decreases. The cilia of the lungs re-grow. One year in, the risk of coronary heart disease reduces by half. 5years in, the stroke risk is that of a non-smoker. After 10years, the risk of cancer reduces by half and 15years later, the risk of coronary heart disease is that of nonsmokers.
Secondly, smoke-free laws that ban individuals from smoking in public areas such as workplaces, theatre, and bars should be enacted to reduce the chances of second hand smoking and also to discourage smokers.
Government can also discourage the production as well as importation of tobacco products by increasing the tax duty on them. This will strangle the tobacco market until it is reduced to the barest minimum. A public ban should be placed on advertisement of tobacco products and individuals that wish to quit should be encouraged and aided by government in order to quit. We must continue to strive to achieve a tobacco free society as it affects every one of us either directly or indirectly. Protect Your Lungs, Stay away from Tobacco smoke.
#Say no to tobacco Smoking. #WorldNoTobaccoDay #ElitePharmacists #PLSP #2019Cohort
Contributors: Team Synergy: Peer Group 1. Pharm. Abosede Akinkuowo., Pharm. Adenike Adelakun., Pharm. Aminu Kende A., Pharm. Ayoola Olowoeshin., Pharm. Abdulbasit Olaniyi., Pharm. Christopher Yakubu., Pharm. Edidiong Orok., Pharm. Emebradu Ohwoodo., Pharm. Joshua Awulu., Pharm. Kesiena Eluor., Pharm. Onyekachi Nwakoby., Pharm. Vivian Oyebade.
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