Articles tagged with Alternative Medicine
A WSU study found that stopping long-term opioid therapy does not make chronic, non-cancer-related pain worse, and in some cases, improves it. The researchers analyzed data from 551 VA patients who discontinued opioid therapy for at least a year, finding that their pain did not worsen but rather remained similar or improved slightly.
A new study reveals that supplement use among children has doubled since 2003, with adolescents using alternative medicines to treat health conditions or side effects of prescription medications. The prevalence of supplement use varies by gender, reflecting other health issues such as depression and insomnia.
A US clinical trial found that in-home telerehabilitation was as effective as traditional in-clinic therapy in improving arm motor status in stroke survivors. The study, conducted at 11 sites, showed significant improvements in patients who received the home-based program, with a total of 97.9% patient compliance.
A study published in BMJ Open found that GP surgeries with GPs trained in complementary and alternative medicine have lower antibiotic prescribing rates. This reduction is associated with a decrease in some antibiotic resistance. The authors suggest exploring additional treatment strategies to combat antimicrobial resistance.
A study of medical cannabis dispensaries in Washington and Colorado reveals how communities vote affects marketing strategies, with traditional approaches dominating counties where recreational use was rejected. Dispensaries in favor of recreational sales adopted more risk-taking marketing tactics, emphasizing convenience and price.
A recent study published in Neurology found that virtual reality training can improve arm and hand movement after a stroke, with results comparable to traditional therapy. The study involved 120 participants who underwent either standard physical and occupational therapy or virtual reality training for four weeks.
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is an effective treatment for chronic pain that can reduce reliance on opioids and improve quality of life. By teaching patients coping strategies, CBT helps them manage their pain and behaviors associated with it.
The study investigates stevia's antiobesity, antihyperglycemic, antihypertensive, and antihyperlipidemic effects. Stevia extracts derived from the plant's leaves, flowers, and roots may provide natural alternatives for treating metabolic syndrome-related disorders.
Researchers at the University of Leeds have created an alternative pathway for peroxisome organelles to import proteins, leading to the development of 'designer organelles'. These custom compartments could be used as biofactories for producing therapeutic proteins or other useful molecules.
Researchers found that combination therapy is only beneficial for high-risk patients with CPE, while low-risk patients can be treated with a single active antimicrobial. This approach reduces adverse side effects and the risk of drug resistance.
Scientists at the University of Liverpool have shown that phage therapy can kill drug-resistant strains of Pseudomonas aeruginosa, a common cause of chronic lung infections in Cystic Fibrosis patients. The study suggests that phage therapy could be a valuable addition to treatment options for these hard-to-treat infections.
A review of studies on menopause symptoms found that women frequently use alternative treatments but often don't inform their doctors. The University of Delaware study suggests improving communication between healthcare providers and patients using CAM can boost treatment efficacy.
High-concentration peroxide ingestion has been linked to life-threatening ailments such as seizure, stroke, and respiratory distress, with a mortality rate of 6.8%. Early treatment with hyperbaric oxygen can improve outcomes.
A study by Vanderbilt University found that cognitive behavior therapy (CBT) is most effective in improving daily functioning for IBS patients. Cognitive behavioral therapies were found to be the most effective type of psychotherapy in reducing symptoms and increasing ability to participate in activities.
A recent case report highlights the dangers of alternative therapies in children, leading to severe symptoms such as vomiting, constipation, and weight loss. In another case, a woman developed tick-borne illness, including seizures and multiorgan failure, after removing a tick from her skin.
A new review found that certain alternative therapies, such as probiotics and fiber, are effective in treating IBS symptoms. Patients with functional constipation and ulcerative colitis may also benefit from synbiotics and Escherichia coli strain Nissle 1917.
Women with early-stage breast cancer who used dietary supplements and complementary medicine were less likely to start chemotherapy than nonusers, according to a new study. CAM use was associated with lower chemotherapy initiation rates among those for whom treatment was indicated.
Women with early-stage breast cancer who used dietary supplements and complementary therapies were less likely to start chemotherapy. Dietary supplement usage was associated with a lower likelihood of initiating chemotherapy, while mind-body practices showed no relation.
Websites geared towards more educated groups struggle to communicate with the general population. Nonprofit, academic, and government websites have higher accuracy but are harder to read. Healthcare professionals should actively evaluate online resources for their patients.
Researchers at Lund University have found a promising new therapeutic target to treat bacterial infections, regulating the immune response and avoiding destructive inflammation. The discovery of IRF-7 as an immunotherapeutic target holds promise for non-antibiotic therapy.
A survey of glaucoma patients in Washington, D.C. found that perceptions of marijuana legality and false beliefs about its value were associated with intentions to use it as a treatment. The study suggests a need for education on the topic to protect patients against increased acceptability based on misconceptions.
Scientists at the University of Copenhagen have made a groundbreaking discovery in cancer therapy, revealing a new chemical reaction that enables more accurate treatment. This breakthrough has the potential to improve patient outcomes and reduce damage from traditional radiation therapy.
A new study has found that targeted magnetic pulses cause biochemical and connectivity changes across the brain in depressed patients. The research suggests that personalized TMS treatment could lead to better, more targeted therapy for depression and other conditions.
A new study confirms that 53% of menopausal women use at least one type of CAM for symptom management, raising safety concerns due to lack of medical consultation. Healthcare providers need to be aware of CAM therapies and guide patients to coordinate safe care.
The European Menopause and Andropause Society recommends non-hormonal management of menopausal vasomotor symptoms through lifestyle modifications and behavioral interventions. Selective serotonin-reuptake inhibitors and gabapentin may be effective alternatives to estrogen-based therapies, but evidence is limited for other approaches.
A study of antibiotic shortages from 2001 to 2013 found that 148 antibiotics were affected, with an upward trend starting in 2007. Many involved gold-standard therapies for life-threatening infections with limited alternative treatment options, raising concerns about patient care.
Women with uterine fibroids have several treatment options, including medical and interventional therapies. Alternative treatment options include tranexamic acid, levonorgestrel-releasing IUDs, hysteroscopic myomectomy, endometrial ablation, gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonists, and more.
A University of Tokyo research group has successfully synthesized (R)- and (S)-rolipram in high yield with high selectivity using a catalyzed flow fine synthesis. This new technology eliminates excess energy, purification steps, and waste generation, offering a promising solution for the production of medicines and fine chemicals.
A new study from University of Alberta researcher Sunita Vohra examines the use of alternative therapies among pediatric cardiac patients in Canada. The study found that 64% of patients at Stollery Children's Hospital reported using complementary and alternative medicine products, with most having no regrets about their choices.
Trade formalization in urban areas is expected to increase medicinal tree species cultivation, benefiting poor smallholder farmers. The study found that most traders prefer wild-sourced materials due to perceived higher potency, but farm-grown options are gaining acceptance.
Repeat sternotomy is a low-risk surgical option for octogenarian patients who have had previous coronary artery bypass graft surgery. The study found similar results in terms of operative morbidity and mortality between repeat sternotomy and primary sternotomy and surgical aortic valve replacement.
The guideline states that certain forms of medical marijuana in pill or oral spray form may help reduce patients' reported spasticity symptoms, pain due to spasticity, and frequent urination. However, long-term safety of medical marijuana use is not known, and potential side effects include seizures, dizziness, and psychological problems.
The book provides a three-step process to help readers solve relationship issues in their own way, without the need for face-to-face therapy. By understanding their partner's perspective and accepting each other's flaws, couples can achieve lasting change through acceptance and specific changes.
Research finds that indigenous cultures' medicinal plant use is linked to their environment, making them vulnerable to climate change and globalization. The study highlights the importance of preserving traditional knowledge to mitigate the impact of environmental changes on these communities.
A large-scale randomized control trial shows Schema Therapy to be significantly more effective than Clarification-Oriented Psychotherapy and treatment as usual in treating a range of personality disorders. The therapy resulted in higher recovery rates, greater declines in depression, and lower dropout rates.
Researchers found that cognitive therapy reduced psychotic symptoms and improved personal and social functioning in individuals with schizophrenia who had stopped taking antipsychotics. The therapy involved reappraising psychotic experiences and modifying unhelpful thought patterns.
A recent study published in the British Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology found that oral garlic did not provide significant relief for women with vaginal thrush. The research involved 63 women who took either garlic tablets or a placebo for two weeks, with no notable reduction in Candida levels observed.
A study by BUSM found that the majority of family medicine residency program directors believe complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) is essential for resident training, but few have specific learning goals or adequate evaluation methods in place. The study also highlighted significant differences between strong and weak CAM/IM p...
A new study finds desiccated thyroid extract (DTE) to be a safe and effective alternative to standard T4 therapy for hypothyroid patients. DTE caused modest weight loss and nearly half of the study patients preferred it over L-T4.
A study published in Medical Mycology found that nearly 5 million asthmatics with allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis (ABPA) could significantly benefit from antifungal treatment. Clinical studies have shown a response rate of 60% with oral antifungal drugs, improving symptoms and asthma control.
A phase III trial shows mirabegron reduces incontinence episodes and daily urinations, improving urgency and nocturia in adults with overactive bladder. The study also confirms the drug's balanced efficacy and safety profile, making it a potential alternative for patients with inadequate antimuscarinic therapy.
Herbal and complementary medicines can effectively treat postmenopausal symptoms without the risks associated with hormone replacement therapy. Soy, red clover, and black cohosh have been shown to ease hot flush symptoms and other menopausal issues, making them viable alternatives for women seeking non-pharmacological treatment options.
A Harvard researcher has found that using traditional, natural medicines can provide significant economic benefits, with households in Madagascar receiving between $30 and $45 per year. The study suggests that if Americans relied on these remedies, they could save up to 63% of their annual healthcare bill.
Bioorthogonal chemistry allows doctors to administer separate ingredients that combine to produce medicine inside patients' bodies. This emerging field has the potential to revolutionize drug development and diagnosis by enabling targeted treatment of diseases.
Researchers at McGill University have discovered a critical process in understanding the degeneration of brain cells sensitive to Alzheimer's disease. The study suggests that targeting this process could lead to alternative therapies for treating AD, including drugs that protect neurons from degeneration.
A study published in Science Translational Medicine found that massage reduces inflammation and promotes the growth of new mitochondria in skeletal muscle after intense exercise. The research provides evidence that massage could be a valuable treatment option for individuals with chronic inflammatory diseases or musculoskeletal injuries.
Researchers identified two substances in licorice root that kill major bacteria responsible for tooth decay and gum disease. Licoricidin and licorisoflavan A were found to be effective antibacterial substances, potentially treating or preventing oral infections.
A study by the Missouri Botanical Garden found that over 24% of water extracts and 76% of alcoholic extracts from Peruvian medicinal plant species contained elevated toxicity levels. This highlights the need for proper preparation methods to account for varying toxicity levels in traditional remedies.
A new NIH-funded study confirms that saw palmetto extract does not reduce urinary problems associated with prostate enlargement. The study found no significant improvement in lower urinary tract symptoms for men with benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), regardless of dose.
Researchers found that bitter cumin seeds are a rich source of phenolic antioxidants, which can mop up free radicals and reduce oxidative stress. This antioxidant activity is correlated with the total phenol content of the seeds, suggesting that multiple phenolic compounds may be responsible for its effects.
A new study by the University of Cincinnati reveals that urban adolescents with asthma who use integrative medicine like prayer or relaxation experience improved mental and physical health outcomes. The research found that spiritual struggles contribute uniquely to a patient's quality of life, beyond demographic variables.
Researchers found that patients with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) who chose a positive color on a color chart were nine times more likely to respond to hypnotherapy. The study suggests the use of this test as a predictor for responders.
Researchers investigate genetic predictors of stroke in pediatric sickle cell disease patients, validating biomarkers and identifying new risk factors. Additionally, a potential breakthrough may inhibit malaria transmission, offering hope for controlling the disease.
Researchers found pacemaker reuse associated with a 4% decrease in overall complications compared to new device implantation. No increased risk of infection or device malfunction was observed.
A systematic review found that Tai Chi is associated with reduced stress, anxiety, and depression, as well as improved mood and self-esteem. However, the quality of the studies was generally modest, highlighting the need for more high-quality randomized trials to confirm these findings.
A new oral treatment has been shown to be effective in 95% of cases against head lice, providing a real therapeutic alternative to conventional anti-lice lotions. The study used oral Ivermectin administered at 400 μg per kilogram and found significant improvements compared to traditional malathion lotion treatments.
A new therapeutic approach to treating hypertension may be possible using an enzyme called ACE2, which breaks down angiotensin II in the system. This approach could provide a more complete and effective suppression of the renin-angiotensin system, treating not just hypertension but also other medical conditions.
The EU has funded a 3-year project called CAMbrella to study complementary medicine, with TUM university hospital coordinating the 12-nation initiative. The network will focus on building international cooperation and fostering patient needs, legal conditions, and terminology.
The Lancet South Africa series proposes three strategies to address public sector workforce needs, affordable national health insurance, and competent leadership. The authors also discuss the decline in clinical research activity and capacity, as well as health inequities in South Africa, highlighting the need for jobs and cooperation ...
The PROTECT AF study found that percutaneous closure of the left atrial appendage (LAA) is a viable option for stroke prevention in patients with non-valvular atrial fibrillation. The device-based approach showed non-inferior efficacy to long-term warfarin therapy, but higher safety event rates.