A herbal extract is an effective treatment for hay fever. Researchers in Switzerland gave 125 patients with a history of the condition butterbur-extract tablets or cetirizine, a common non-sedating antihistamine.
Sweet smell of success
After two weeks, the effects were similar in the two treatment groups. Cetirizine produced more drowsiness and fatigue than butterbur (a member of the daisy family), despite the drug being considered non-sedating. "We believe butterbur should be considered for treating hay fever, particularly in cases where the sedative effects of antihistamines need to be avoided," write the researchers in the British Medical Journal.
Relief for PMT
A drug called venlafaxine is significantly more effective than a placebo in reducing the symptoms of premenstrual dysphoric disorder, a severe form of premenstrual syndrome, according to a US study. In a trial reported in Obstetrics And Gynaecology, 60 per cent of those women taking venlafaxine reported an improvement in symptoms, compared with 35 per cent of women in the placebo group.
Sleeping easier
Obstructive sleep apnoea is a serious condition in which the flow of air from the nose and mouth to the lungs is restricted during sleep. It is characterised by loud snoring, daytime sleepiness and a fall in oxygen concentration in the blood. It is also associated with increased blood pressure and a raised cardiovascular-risk profile. Untreated patients have about a 3 per cent risk of a stroke or other cardiovascular event each year. A UK study reported in the British Medical Journal suggests that a breathing-support device known as nasal continuous positive airway pressure probably provides a significant reduction in the risk of stroke and other cardiovascular diseases, as well as reducing daytime sleepiness and improving patients' quality of life.
Living with a cleft lip
One in 800 babies is born with a cleft lip, palate or both. Although surgery can correct the condition, there is the inevitable trauma of the procedure. "First, there's the shock of realising your child has it. Then there are problems feeding. My daughter had an operation at two and a half months, and she faces surgery again at the age of 10. She will also need a bone graft for the gap in her gum and more revisions to her lip and final surgery at the age of 20," says Georgina Wade of the Cleft Lip & Palate Association of Ireland. The association is hosting an information evening on Thursday, February 7th at 8 p.m. in the William Stokes Building at St James's Hospital in Dublin. Admission is free. Further details from 01-8225908, or e-mail info@cleft.ie
Help with eating disorders
Studies have shown that understanding how sufferers of eating disorders are feeling and thinking about themselves gives family and friends better ways of dealing with the problem. Family members and carers of those suffering from eating disorders are welcome to attend a weekly support group held each Monday, from 8 p.m. to 9.45 p.m., at the Marino Therapy Centre, 22 Marino Mart, Fairview, Dublin 3. The Eating Distress Helpline (01-8333063) is open on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Sundays from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. It is open for male sufferers only from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. on the first Tuesday of each month.
Compiled by Muiris Houston and Sylvia Thompson
lifelines@irish-times.ie