In a double-blind, placebo controlled study, appearing in the journal Pediatrics, (May 2003;111(5):e574-e579), the efficacy of herbal ear drops were tested in 171 children with ear pain due to middle ear infection. The children were between the ages of five and 18. They were given herbal ear drops (five drops, three times daily) containing allium Read More …
Multivitamin may slow the progression of AIDS
A study of HIV infected women in Tanzaniashows that a taking a multivitamin daily may slow the progression of HIV. This is the result from research performed by the Harvard School of Public Health and the Muhimbili University College of Health Services in Dar es Salaam. The study results appear in the July 1, 2004issue Read More …
In Ear Infections, Don’t Rush to Take Antibiotics
According to research published in the British Medical Journal (February 10, 2001; 322: 336-342),waiting a few days to see whether symptoms of an ear infection improve before beginning a course of antibiotics appears to be a practical way to reduce the use of antibiotics. This may help prevent the overuse of the drugs, and thus Read More …
Flu Season? Maybe it’s Vitamin D
According to research appearing in the British journal, Epidemiology and Infection (2006 Dec;134(6):1129-40), there may be a connection between the flu and vitamin D deficiency. The article cites R. Edgar Hope-Simpson, who noticed the seasonality of influenza epidemics, and the possible relation to solar radiation. The researchers propose that the seasonal connection between vitamin D Read More …
Fighting Infections
When antibiotics were developed in the middle of the 20th century, they were hailed as “miracle drugs”. Life-threatening infections were suddenly able to be brought quickly under control. In the period of time that ensued, antibiotics were overused. They were used for the common cold and for viral infection. While it is desirable to get Read More …
Fatigue and Body Pain may be Linked to Chronic Sinusitis
Fatigue and Body Pain may be Linked to Chronic Sinusitis Research published in Archives of Internal Medicine (2003;163:1832-1836.) and performed by scientists at Georgetown University Medical Center, shows a link between fatigue, unexplained pain and chronic sinusitis. A study conducted at Harvard had shown that fatigue and pain scores of sinusitis patients were similar or Read More …
Echinacea for the Common Cold?
A meta analysis of the use of Echinacea for upper respiratory tract infections appeared in Pharmacotherapy[20(6):690-697]. The reviewers looked at studies found in the Medline data base. For the most part, the reviewers were critical of the methodology of the studies—they were all flawed in some way. However, they did conclude that some evidence exists Read More …
Colds in Childhood May Prevent Allergies and Asthma
According to the British Medical Journal, (February 17, 2001; 322: 390-395) it is a good thing when a baby gets a cold. Colds and minor infections seem to help the immune system to develop and help to prevent asthma and allergies latter in life. The finding supports a theory that an immune system that has Read More …
Bacterial Infections Affect Allergies
Research published in the March, 2003 issue of the journal, Infection and Immunity shows a connection between bacterial infection and subsequent allergies. Mice who were infected with the bacteria, Mycoplasma pneumoniae had a decreased reaction to allergens. If the mice were sensitive to the allergens prior to the infection, they had a stronger response. Mice Read More …
Bacteria May be the Cause of Irritable Bowel Syndrome
One possible cause of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is bacterial overgrowth in the small intestine. In research appearing in the Journal of the American Medical Association (2004;292(7):852-858) suggests that the bloating seen in IBS can be caused by bacteria in the small intestine. Bloating immediately following a meal is an indication of small intestine bacterial Read More …