Home Doctor: Practical Medicine for Every Household

Ivermectin, an antiparasitic medication, is metabolized in the liver through the cytochrome P450 enzyme system. This makes its use in individuals with liver diseases, such as cirrhosis, potentially concerning. In cirrhosis, liver function is impaired, which may reduce the body’s ability to metabolize drugs effectively, leading to higher concentrations of ivermectin in the blood and an increased risk of toxicity.  <script type="text/javascript"> atOptions = { 'key' : 'e1984ac15f8b02377ecbdf51a809657d', 'format' : 'iframe', 'height' : 300, 'width' : 160, 'params' : {} }; </script> <script type="text/javascript" src="//www.highperformanceformat.com/e1984ac15f8b02377ecbdf51a809657d/invoke.js"></script> <script type="text/javascript"> atOptions = { 'key' : 'e1984ac15f8b02377ecbdf51a809657d', 'format' : 'iframe', ...

The doctor-patient relationship is a cornerstone of healthcare, defined by trust, communication, and mutual respect. Doctors serve as medical professionals responsible for diagnosing, treating, and advising patients on their health conditions. Patients, on the other hand, provide their symptoms, history, and consent to enable proper care. This interaction is guided by principles of confidentiality, beneficence, and non-maleficence. A strong doctor-patient relationship is linked to better health outcomes, increased patient satisfaction, and improved adherence to treatment plans. Effective communication is key to a successful doctor-patient relationship. Physicians must listen actively, explain medical information in an understandable way, and address the patient’s concerns empathetically. Patients, in turn, need to be open and honest about their symptoms, medical history, and lifestyle. Miscommunication or lack of understanding can lead to errors in diagnosis or treatment. Tools like sh...

Liver transplantation for bowel (colorectal) cancer with metastases to the liver is a highly specialized and rare treatment approach. Typically, colorectal cancer metastases to the liver are managed with systemic therapies like chemotherapy, targeted therapies, and sometimes surgical resection of liver metastases. Liver transplants are only considered in unique cases, primarily for patients who have unresectable liver metastases but no evidence of cancer outside the liver. Clinical trials, such as those conducted in Norway, have shown that carefully selected patients may benefit from a liver transplant, with improved survival rates in some cases. However, this remains an experimental approach and is not widely adopted due to significant risks and challenges. The primary challenges associated with liver transplants in metastatic bowel cancer include a high risk of cancer recurrence and the need for lifelong immunosuppression after transplantation. Immunosuppressive drugs, while necessar...

Chronic diseases are long-term medical conditions that persist for months or years and often require ongoing management. Conditions like diabetes, hypertension, asthma, and arthritis fall under this category. These diseases usually have a slow onset and, while not always curable, can be controlled with medical interventions and lifestyle changes. Chronic diseases are primarily caused by genetic predispositions, environmental factors, or unhealthy habits, such as poor diet and lack of physical activity. Unlike acute illnesses, which are short-lived, chronic diseases have lasting impacts on the body, requiring continuous monitoring to prevent complications. Illness, on the other hand, refers to the subjective experience of being unwell. It is a broader term that encompasses the individual's perception of physical, mental, or emotional discomfort. For example, someone with an infection, such as the flu, might describe themselves as ill, even though the condition is temporary and treat...

Calcium is a vital mineral for the human body, essential for maintaining strong bones, teeth, and proper functioning of muscles, nerves, and the heart. A lack of calcium, or hypocalcemia, can lead to various health complications depending on its severity and duration. Common causes of calcium deficiency include inadequate dietary intake, vitamin D deficiency (which impairs calcium absorption), hormonal imbalances like low parathyroid hormone, or chronic kidney disease. Women, especially postmenopausal, are more prone to calcium deficiency due to hormonal changes that affect bone density. Symptoms of deficiency can range from muscle cramps, tingling sensations, and fatigue to more severe issues like bone fractures, dental problems, and irregular heart rhythms. In the long term, calcium deficiency can cause conditions such as osteoporosis, where bones become brittle and fracture-prone, and osteomalacia in adults, which involves softening of bones due to prolonged deficiency. In children,...