Dear Dr. K – I heard that there is a new drug to treat flu. Is that true? And, does it work?

Dear Dr. K – I heard that there is a new drug to treat flu. Is that true? And, does it work?

Yes, and yes.  The new drug is Xofluza and it is the first flu drug with a new mechanism of action to come along in 20 years.  It is (hold on to your hat) a polymerase acidic endonuclease inhibitor, (PAEI).  PAEI is essential for the viral RNA messenger that allows the flu virus to replicate itself.  By shutting down viral replication, it shuts down the infection.  It is effective for both influenza A and B.   The only other available…

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Post-Lyme Disease

Post-Lyme Disease

Some compelling research on Lyme disease was recently published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Science.  The focus for the research was to try and elucidate the reason that in some patients with Lyme disease they continue to have symptoms despite prompt and appropriate treatment with antibiotics.  It turns out to be caused by post-infection inflammation caused by ongoing immune response against part of the bacteria.   Lyme disease is caused by the tick born bacteria Borrelia burgdorferi. …

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Q – Tips: appendix

Q – Tips: appendix

Researchers at Duke University have discovered a new and important function for the appendix. It turns out that the appendix contains special “nurturing” immune cells that protect the healthy gut bacteria.  Thus, when people suffer severe diarrheal illness the “sheltered bacteria” can be a healthy source to repopulate the colon.

Q – Tips: fire ant venom

Q – Tips: fire ant venom

Not to be outdone by Duke, scientists at Emory have discovered two beneficial aspects of a protein in fire ant venom: solenopsin. This protein helps human skin maintain its resilient barrier function and may be useful in people experiencing thinning and easy bruisability of the skin.  Solenopsin also seems to have anti-cancer properties and may provide a mechanism to lessen skin cancers.

Q – Tips: PPI’s and Cough

Q – Tips: PPI’s and Cough

If you were prescribed a PPI for chronic reflux-induced-cough, but aren’t seeing any results, be patient. PPI’s will alleviate heartburn sensation within a few days, but they can take up to a month to do the same for a cough.  This is because your throat takes time to heal and repair itself from the acid injury.  So, don’t start looking for another cause of your cough until at least a month has elapsed.

Q – Tips: Reflux and laparoscopic surgery

Q – Tips: Reflux and laparoscopic surgery

Speaking of reflux, the New England Journal of Medicine just published a research project on people with “refractory” heart burn. The patients studied were people with severe reflux that weren’t adequately controlled using PPI’s.   One group was given a second medicine: Baclofen, a muscle relaxer, the other group had laparoscopic surgery called fundoplication.  The surgical group had a much better resolution of their symptoms.

Too much of a good thing (aka – Doctors make the worst patients)

Too much of a good thing (aka – Doctors make the worst patients)

By:  Sasha Klemawesch, MD   Like many Americans, I go on and off “health kicks”.  You know, periods of time when you’re exercising, eating right and “doing everything you’re supposed to”.  On my most recent one, I decided I should start supplementing my diet with vitamins, calcium, iron, etc.  The problem is, they make those dang gummies so tasty!  For several weeks I was taking 2-3 times the recommended amount every day, and I couldn’t figure out why I had…

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Triclosan and Antibiotic Resistance

Triclosan and Antibiotic Resistance

The New England Journal of Medicine recently published research regarding triclosan and its effect on bacteria. Triclosan is a poly-chlorinated aromatic compound that targets fatty acid synthesis.  It is found in household items such as some toothpastes, deodorants, and shaving creams.  It is added to these products because of its antimicrobial properties.  Measurable levels of triclosan can be found in the urine of 10% of Americans. Unfortunately, chronic low-level exposure to triclosan can lead to bacteria becoming resistant to medicinal…

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Got Milk?

Got Milk?

By:  Sasha Klemawesch, MD If you are a dairy lover who is also unfortunately lactose intolerant (and therefore, dependent on taking Lactaid capsules every time you want to eat some cheese or drink a milkshake), good news!  You may be able to scrap those pills! Studies have shown that lactose intolerant patients who have regularly consumed dairy products (aided by Lactaid capsules), are often able to stop the pills after a few years.  Because they were partaking in dairy on…

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Supplement Sources

Supplement Sources

By:  Sasha Klemawesch, MD If the previous article freaked you out about taking supplements, here is a list of common things people often take in pill form and corresponding foods which they could instead be eating to reap the same (or better) benefits.  Every registered dietitian I’ve ever encountered says the same thing; “save your money”!  You don’t need oodles of vitamins and mineral tablets if you are eating a healthy balanced diet.  And the majority of the ingredients you…

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