6 FDA-approved asthma medications to know about There is no known cause of asthma; usually, a combination of genetic and environmental factors lead to the condition. Exposure to allergic substances and irritants can trigger asthma symptoms. The triggers and symptoms vary from person to person. Everything from airborne substances like pet dander, mold spores, the common cold, cold air, smoke, GERD, and stress can trigger asthma symptoms. These triggers can induce asthma symptoms such as shortness of breath, chest tightness, chest pain, wheezing or whistling sound when exhaling, coughing attack, or wheezing attack. These symptoms can be alleviated and controlled using asthma medications. There are no complete treatments for asthma, but therapies and medications are used to prevent flare-ups and keeping the symptoms under control. For flare-ups, quick-relief inhalers are recommended. Long-term control of asthma symptoms can be done with certain FDA-approved asthma medications. Fasenra It is a medication used for the treatment of a type of severe asthma called eosinophilic phenotype asthma. This medication is usually prescribed to patients who are 12 years or older. Younger patients whose asthma condition is not under control with current medications have found relieve with the use of Fasenra. It is prescribed along with asthma maintenance medications. The medication lowers the number of severe asthma attacks that require hospital stay or emergency room visits. Additionally, taking Fasenra lowers the daily maintenance dose of oral corticosteroids. Zyflo Zyflo is a leukotriene inhibitor prescribed for the prevention of asthma attacks in adults and children above 12 years of age. Leukotrienes are chemicals released in the body whenever a person breathes in allergens. These allergens make the lungs swell and cause muscle tightening around the airways, triggering asthma symptoms. Zyflo prevents the effects of the allergens on the lungs and respiratory system, thus controlling asthma symptoms.

Treatment plans and medications for depression According to the World Health Organization, the estimated number of people around the world affected by depression are around 350 million. It is the most common illness worldwide and is a leading cause of disability. WHO states that it is a common mental disorder that is characterized by persistent sadness and a loss of interest in activities that a person usually enjoys, accompanied by an inability to carry out daily activities for at least two full weeks. What causes depression? While the cause of depression is not fully understood, it is likely to be a complex combination of genetic, environmental, and biological and psychosocial factors. Also, while depression can affect people of all ages from all walks of life, poverty, unemployment, life events like the death of a loved one or a relationship break-up, physical illness, and problems caused by alcohol and drug use are likely to increase the risk. The symptoms involve losing interest in doing things that one would usually enjoy, change in appetite and sleep patterns, and feeling sad for at least 2 weeks. Approaches to treat depression If the symptoms persist for more than two weeks, patients are advised to get professional help from a therapist who can evaluate the symptoms and recommend the right approach for treatment. It is a condition that can be treated by therapy, medication, or both, and the treatment approaches vary depending on the type of depression. Here are some psychotherapy approaches to know about: Interpersonal therapy (IPT) This approach focuses on the past and present social roles and interpersonal interactions of the patient and attempts to help them find better ways to deal with their current problems. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) It focuses on helping patients understand the thoughts and feelings that influence behavior.

Eczema is a condition where patches of skin become inflamed, itchy, cracked, rough, and red. For some people, blisters may occur too. While some people are cured of this condition, some continue to have it throughout their adulthood. It is important to recognize the symptoms and seek immediate professional help to make treatment more efficient. Symptoms to be aware of: In adults; rashes commonly appearing in the creases of the elbows or knees or the nape of the neck Rashes that cause very dry skin Itchy rashes that do not seem to go away Rashes that look scaly Skin infections caused by these rashes Rashes differ in infants under two years and children aged two years until puberty. For infants; They commonly appear on the scalp and cheeks They bubble up before there is liquid leaking from it Rash interferes with sleeping, and there’s a continuous itch For children aged two years and above; Rashes can be bumpy They can be light or dark in colors It develops a permanent itch or a knot Some treatment approaches While there is no cure for eczema, there are treatments that can help control the swelling, rash, itchiness of the skin, by using a mix of home cures and some doctor-prescribed medications. Some home remedies involve taking lukewarm baths, applying moisturizer on the skin within three minutes of the bath to ensure it keeps the skin hydrated; wearing cotton and soft fabrics is recommended over rough, scratchy, and tight-fitting clothes, using a humidifier in dry or cold weather, keeping fingernails short to prevent any scratching of the skin and inflammation caused due to it. Each person has their own triggers which make their condition worse, so it is important to recognize those symptoms and take control of what works and what doesn’t. Some medications that you could be aware of when getting treated for eczema are:

How to manage skin flare-ups for psoriasis: treatment and medications Psoriasis is a skin condition that is known to be a recurring autoimmune disorder. This condition is characterized by red, flaky patches on the skin, and there is a rapid buildup of skin cells, which causes scaling on the skin’s surface. Though some treatments help ease the symptoms of psoriasis, there is no cure for this condition. These treatments are a combination of home remedies and prescribed medications to control specific triggers. Different treatment approaches There are two types of approaches to treating this condition. The first is topical and involves direct application of creams and ointments on the skin to relieve mild to moderate psoriasis. The other is the systemic approach, which involves taking medication orally or injecting it directly to treat moderate to severe psoriasis. Since these medications can have severe side-effects, they are just short-term prescriptions. Light therapy is another approach to treatment that uses ultraviolet or natural light to kill the overactive white blood cells that attack healthy skin cells and cause rapid cell growth, leading to the buildup. Patients are advised to use both UVA and UVB light to help reduce the symptoms of this condition. Some trade names to be aware of when getting treated for this condition Skyrizi This is the trade name for risankizumab-rzaa. This medication is an injection prescribed to treat moderate to severe plaque psoriasis in adults. It is not known yet whether Skyrizi is safe or effective for children aged below 18 years. Stelara Its generic name is ustekinumab, and this medication is an immunosuppressant that reduces the effects of a chemical substance in the body that causes inflammation. Unlike skyrizi, this is used to treat plaque psoriasis in adults as well as children aged 12 years and above.

Treatment options and medications for managing rheumatoid arthritis A long-term, progressive and, disabling autoimmune disease, rheumatoid arthritis causes inflammation, swelling, and pain in and around the joints and other body organs. It occurs when a person’s immune system mistakenly assumes the body’s healthy tissues as foreign invaders and, as a response, inflammation occurs in the target tissue or the organ. While this condition can occur in any joints, it usually affects the hands and feet in the initial stage. Treatment approaches for rheumatoid arthritis patients Unfortunately, currently there is no cure to treat rheumatoid arthritis, but there are treatment options that can help reduce inflammation in the joints, relieve the pain, and slow down the damage caused to the joints. Physical therapy The goal is to keep you moving, this therapy uses exercise and other methods that stimulate muscles, bones, and joints. Instead of planning your own personal exercise chart, it’s advisable to consult a professional therapist who is aware of the challenges occurring with rheumatoid arthritis patients and how to work around it to keep the patients fit. Occupational therapy Since rheumatoid arthritis can make daily tasks difficult to accomplish due to pain and swelling, this therapy comes as a rescue. The professional will determine the problems and provide solutions such as assistive devices or products that make activities like dressing, cooking, bathing easy. Surgery This is the last resort. If none of the alternative treatment approaches help you, a doctor will advise surgery to repair damaged joints, correct deformities and reduce pain. Medications The following medications have proven to be quite effective against rheumatoid arthritis. H.P. Acthar® A trade name for corticotropin, this medication is a hormone that is used to treat rheumatoid arthritis. Although corticotropin can only reduce the symptoms and is not a cure for this condition.

6 prescription medicines used for treating migraines A migraine is a form of severely painful, recurring headaches that are typically accompanied by a range of sensory symptoms such as temporary vision loss, pins and needles in the arms or legs, difficulty speaking, hearing noises, seeing bright lights, and uncontrollable jerking or other movements. Depending on the severity, this condition can last for hours or even days. According to the American Migraine Foundation, over 36 million people are suffering from this condition. In addition, women are 3 times more likely to get migraines than men. While its exact cause still remains unknown, episodes can be triggered by hormonal fluctuations, emotional distress, fatigue, alcohol, caffeine, dehydration, certain types of medications, and environmental factors. Treatment The following medications are commonly used to treat migraine symptoms. Some of these help mitigate the existing headache, while some prevent the onset of a migraine, reducing the frequency of attacks. Ergomar® Ergomar® belongs to a group of compounds known as ergot alkaloids. These are specially designed for migraine-type headaches, so they shouldn’t be taken to treat common tension headaches or other headaches different from migraine. This medication alleviates migraine headaches by narrowing the widened blood vessels in the head. Ergomar® works best on headaches that have already begun. It won’t be able to prevent migraine headaches or lower the frequency of attacks. ONZETRA® Xsail® ONZETRA® is a sumatriptan nasal powder that is dispensed via the Breath Powered® Xsail device. Sumatriptan comes from a class of medicines known as triptans. It affects serotonin levels that narrow blood vessels in the brain and also relieves pain by targeting certain types of nerves. This prescription medication is used for treating episodes of acute migraine with or without the symptoms of aura in adults. It doesn’t intend to prevent migraine attacks or to treat other forms of headaches including cluster headaches.

Popular medications for neutropenia Neutropenia is a condition where the body does not have enough neutrophils. Neutrophils are a type of white blood cells that are vital to helping the body fight infection. They fight the infection off by destroying harmful bacteria and fungi like yeast that invade the body. Importance of neutrophils It is essential to have a sufficient number of neutrophils in the body; otherwise, the person is prone to several infections. The risk of infection is so high that the person has to be extra cautious about sanitation and hygiene. While washing hands, in general, is good practice, they must wash their hands regularly or they are at the risk of getting serious infections. Symptoms While neutropenia itself does not cause any symptom, it triggers infections which show symptoms like: Sore throat Sores in the mouth or a toothache Pain or burning when urinating Abdominal pain Pain near the anus Unusual vaginal discharge Redness, swelling or pain around cuts or wounds Diarrhea or sores around the anus Shortness of breath or a cough Causes Neutrophils are produced in the bone marrow of larger bones and anything that disrupts this process of production in the bone marrow can lead to this condition. One of the most common causes of neutropenia is chemotherapy, and in fact, almost half the cancer patients that undergo chemotherapy experience some level of neutropenia. Treatment and medication The treatment for this condition usually involves glycoprotein. Granulocyte-colony stimulating factor (G-CSF) It is a glycoprotein that triggers the bone marrow, which is a tissue that contains stem cells, to produce a sufficient number of neutrophils and release them into the bloodstream. Its generic name is filgrastim, but it also has different trade names that one may be aware of. Granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF) A naturally producing glycoprotein that carries out the same functions as that of G-CSF.

6 FDA-approved medications for high cholesterol High cholesterol leads to fatty deposits in the blood vessels. Over time, these deposits grow, causing difficulties for the blood to flow through the arteries. In some cases, the deposits may break off and form clots. These can cause a stroke or heart attack. There can be multiple causes of high cholesterol; the causes can be genetic or a result of unhealthy lifestyle habits. This makes high cholesterol a preventable and treatable health disorder. High cholesterol can be easily managed by following a balanced and healthy diet along with regular exercise. In case the cholesterol levels are extremely high, medications may be required to control and manage the condition. There are a few medications for high cholesterol that are approved by the FDA. All these medications must be taken only when prescribed by a doctor. Kynamro A cholesterol-lowering medication, Kynamro works by lowering bad cholesterol in the blood, such as non-high-density lipoprotein (non-HDL), apolipoprotein-B (apo-B), and low-density lipoprotein (LDL). It is effective when used along with a low-fat diet and other prescribed treatments. Kynamro is usually recommended to those with homozygous familial hypercholesterolemia, an inherited type of high cholesterol. It is, however, not suitable for those with heterozygous familial hypercholesterolemia. Although Kynamro lowers high cholesterol levels, it is uncertain if the medication can lower the risk of heart diseases. Altoprev Altoprev, when used with a diet, helps lower blood levels of bad cholesterol such as low-density lipoprotein (LDL). Altoprev works by increasing the levels of good cholesterol or high-density lipoprotein (HDL). The medication also lowers the levels of triglycerides, a type of fat in the blood. A high level of triglycerides increases the risk of cardiovascular disorders. The use of Altoprev has been known to lower the risks of heart attacks, strokes, and other heart complications resulting from diabetes.

Treatment options for dyskinesia Seeking treatment for dyskinesia may get complicated depending on the severity of the disease. Some people try going off the medication levodopa altogether as most doctors agree that this medication is the primary cause for the condition. However, if you are off levodopa, you face a new set of challenges. The tremors, stiffness, and rigidity start surfacing again — this may result in the doctor prescribing additional doses of levodopa. Most doctors think that it is important to find the right balance. Some people may have to go off levodopa for a longer period of time, but the aftereffects can be tough to handle. Other people may choose to stay on the drug for long to avoid the severe consequences of Parkinson’s disease and dyskinesia. Let’s examine some of the treatment options for dyskinesia. Medication Opt for a controlled release form of levodopa. This prevents you from experiencing peak levels of the medicine, giving you relief from dyskinesia. Another alternative is breaking down the daily dose of levodopa into smaller more frequent doses throughout the day so as to prolong the effects. Some people also use other drugs that slow down the breakdown of levodopa so that its effects are felt for a longer time. The dosage of dopamine agonists could also be significantly increased and the dosage of levodopa should be brought down to a minimum tolerable level. A gel that contains levodopa and carbidopa is also applied on the upper part of the small intestine, and this stabilizes dopamine levels in the bloodstream and allows for smoother control over your motor functions. Amantadine, which is also called a glutamate antagonist, controls glutamate, which has an effect on dopamine levels. It can be administered orally or intravenously. Motor diary A motor diary can be very useful for you and your doctor to check how your medications are working.

7 lifestyle changes that can help improve psoriatic arthritis Psoriasis arthritis is an autoimmune disease that affects the skin causing red patches, development of flakes and inflammation. Two to three percent of the world’s population has psoriasis, with about 8 million affected people from the US alone. Patients with psoriasis tend to develop an inflammatory form of arthritis called psoriatic arthritis. It affects about 1% of the population and can result in a poor quality of life. With that being said, here are seven lifestyle changes that can help improve psoriatic arthritis. Eat healthily Following a healthy diet is a lifestyle change that has to be incorporated into everyone’s life, be it someone suffering from psoriatic arthritis or not. Its importance cannot be reinstated enough with obesity being one of the rising concerns in today’s world. Eating healthy. Psoriatic arthritis patients should take care to consume food that is low in salt, sugar, and fat. Since psoriatic arthritis causes pain in the joints, being overweight does not help this at all. Drink lots of water and consume enough fruits and vegetables. Stay active An active lifestyle, similar to healthy eating is not specific to psoriatic arthritis patients but everyone in general. Daily exercise helps to reduce stiffness in the joints, which is one of its many symptoms. The rigor of the exercise should vary depending on the level of the symptoms. Exercising in groups or finding a physiotherapist can help ensure that there is no lack of motivation. Practice meditation Stress is one of the main triggers in Psoriatic Arthritis. Triggers usually cause flares, which cause a spike in the symptoms for a particular period. Practicing yoga and meditation can help reduce any possible stress triggers. Stop smoking and reduce alcohol consumption Smoking can aggravate breathing issues and also triggers psoriatic arthritis.