What Doctors Don't Tell YouMr C.P., a 36-year-old soldier, came to see me eight months ago with a diagnosis of lymphoedema - extensive puffiness and swelling of his legs. He told me it had begun as a mild swelling of the right foot that had gradually extended to the entire...
Diuretics were invented 70 years ago to reduce body swelling due to water retention. They are based on relatively simple chemical formulas that work by encouraging the kidneys to expel more urine,
Once upon a time there were arthritis drugs known as NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs), but they caused gastrointestinal problems, such as ulcers.
While on holiday in an inaccessible part of the African coast a year ago, my 18-year-old grandson contracted septicaemic meningitis, which he survived thanks in very large measure to the heroic efforts by my eldest son.
What do they do?
Contrast agents are chemicals used to enhance medical and diagnostic images such as X-rays, and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and computed tomography (CT) scans.
A new technique that helps detoxify drug users while they are under anaesthetic could be highly dangerous.
Additional side-effects of angiotensin-receptor blockers (ARBs) include:
Flecainide acetate (Tambocor) is a sodium-channel-blocking antiarrhythmic drug specifically prescribed for life-threatening cases of tachycardia (excessively rapid heartbeat). According to the British National Formulary,
X-rays and other tests that involve the use of barium meals and dyes may not be as safe and routine as your doctor would have you believe.
Kissing is a perilous business. It can lead to any number of pickles, such as marriage, families and food allergies. Yes, those clever people in white coats (doctors, not cricket umpires)
