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Treatment of constipation in older people

Article Abstract:

Constipation affects about 20% of older people and it is caused by low fluid intake, immobility and poor diet. Nursing home residents may be constipated because they do not have privacy or there are not enough toilets. Four types of laxatives are used to treat constipation, varying in cost from 30 pence to four pounds sterling. Various studies have been conducted to assess which treatments are the most effective although they have not been conducted very efficiently. The effectiveness of different laxatives is unclear and further trials into the benefits of fruit and fibre are needed.

Care and treatment, Constipation, Laxatives

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Theophylline in acute childhood asthma

Article Abstract:

Theophylline, a bronchodilator, has been widely used to treat asthma, but recent studies have shown it may be of little benefit and could cause nausea and palpitations. The review, looked at specific interventions in the treatment of asthma, including studies of hospitalized children with acute asthma, and was evaluated by the NHS Centre for Reviews and Dissemination, which found that the overall conclusions were sound. Therefore the routine use of theophylline may not be justified.

Drug therapy, Asthma, Theophylline

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Cancer-stress link: the truth

Article Abstract:

More research needs to be made into the claim linking cancer with stress. Cancer related research is carried out through the study of epidemiology, which assesses the causes and regularity of disease. Early researchers concluded a strong link between the occurrence of cancer with stress, although little evidence-based research has been carried out to ascertain the truth of this statement.

Research, Analysis, Cancer research, Cancer, Stress (Psychology), Epidemiological research, Cross sectional studies

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