Is global medicine at risk? Hidden costs of political tension

You might be surprised to learn that today, hardly any nation is self-sufficient in terms of medicines. Most countries import a large portion of their medicines. In addition to this, the interruption of international trade has caused prices to rise, while countries who are directly affected are in need for extra stock. Some countries have also decided to stop exporting certain medicines, keeping them in their own country.

What patients need to know about shortages in the UK and France

British Medical Journal reported that certain medicines are already in short supply in the UK. Spain as of now has not issued a formal alert, but this could change. It may be a good idea to talk to your pharmacist about the situation if you are dependent on long-term medications to control high blood pressure, heart conditions, diabetes or anxiety. It’s not a problem right now. If things worsen, the Spanish government has central stocks as well as plans for a severe shortage. The EU has also activated contingency plans across the EU.

The obvious solution would be for every nation state to be self sufficient and manufacture their own medicines, but this just isn’t practical – nor should it be necessary.

A question of mental fitness: the case for revoking a president’s ‘license’

While I hold the highest respect for the office of President of the United States and the people who hold it, I consider the current holder to be deranged. This is a view that is widely shared within medical circles, although the term most often used is ‘Malignant Narcissism and Paranoia’ which actually includes a broad mix of various personality disorders. This is not someone who occasionally gets confused or forgets things, this is someone who has a messiah like personality, is incapable of empathy, and appears to enjoy cruel behaviour. I believe that his license to practice should be immediately revoked as he is a serious danger to the public.

Mr Trump has not only destroyed medical facilities, but also killed and injured medical personnel. This is a clear breach of the First Geneva Convention. A war crime is committed when a deliberate violation of any one of the four Geneva Conventions with their two protocols.

Normal, well-balanced, educated individuals would not share such a desire in a global media platform unless they had underlying personality disorders. The Geneva Conventions number 4 and Additional Protocol 1 prohibit any intentional attacks on civilians or civilian infrastructure that is considered essential. This would be considered a crime.

Here’s something totally different: how to safely manage hayfever

I usually don’t stray too far into politics or religion, but lately it seems that things are getting out-of-control. So I apologize. To return to familiar ground, I would suggest steroid nasal dilators.

As the pollen and hay fever season is about to bring misery to many, I thought it would be a good idea to talk about some of the popular nasal decongestants. Most are steroid-based. These sprays reduce congestion very effectively and are especially useful for people with pollen allergies. There are side effects, but they tend to be minor and go away once the treatment is stopped. Nasal steroids, on the other hand, are considered to be very safe since the active ingredient is delivered directly to the nose lining where it will act. Oral steroids decongestants are less effective, as they have to pass through the liver, bloodstream, and nose before any effect is felt. You run the risk of increasing blood pressure if you increase your oral dose. The spays deliver steroid safely to the nose.

What is rhinitis medicationosa, and what does it mean?

One important caution is in order. Because steroid spays are so good at doing their job, if you use them for a prolonged period of time and then stop you run the risk of something known as ‘rebound effect’. When the spray hits your nose, the tiny blood vessels shrink and contract. This is what causes the relief. You can get used to the constricted blood vessel if you spray too much. The blood vessels will relax as soon as you stop spraying. They will then fill up with blood again, causing congestion. Rhinitis Medicamentosa occurs as a result of taking the medication. The current advice for those who suffer from allergies to pollen is to only use the sprays when necessary.

Be prepared: Essential items for a first-aid kit at home

Last week, I was enjoying a pleasant lunch with a group of friends – something I should make time for more often – when one person mentioned they were “stocking up on a few essentials” in case global events took a turn for the worse and local supermarkets began to run short of everyday necessities, and not just toilet paper. Conversation then turned to the contents of a home first-aid kit.

No matter what the world’s circumstances are, every family should have a first-aid kit. I would include the following:

• Stock up on adhesive plasters, sterile bandages and other sterile products
• Disposable gloves are not required to be sterile.
• Bandages that can be used for larger dressings, or as slings.
• Variety of non-adherent, sterile dressing pads
• Cling film is useful for covering burns, retaining moisture and covering up.
• Antiseptic lotion
• Antiseptic cream
• Adhesive Wound Closure Strips
• Tablets Paracetamol
• Tablets of Loperamide (for diarrhoea).
• The use of Tweezers, both blunt and pointed (for removing debris)
• A pair of scissors that can cut through clothing quickly
• Reliable torch

You should also keep an extra supply of bottled drinkable water as well as any medicines that you and your family use regularly.

Consult reputable organisations, such as the Red Cross and your local Civil Protection office for further information about general emergency preparedness.

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