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Can Depression Be Cured?

Depression is a medical illness that negatively affects how you feel, the way you think and how you act. 

Depression is different from being sad. So, can depression be cured?

Although depression can be cured with time, it depends on the type and severity of the depression. 

The first step towards getting over this disease is to have a better understanding of its causes.

Symptoms

There are many types of depression. Major depressive disorder(MDD) is the most common form of depression. Symptoms include:

  • Loss of interest in activities you once enjoyed
  • Feeling fatigued
  • Changes in weight or appetite
  • Sleeping issues
  • Trouble in making decisions, thinking, and concentrating

Usually, symptoms persist for at least two weeks before a person is diagnosed with MDD.

Medications

Antidepressants can alleviate the symptoms of depression. They help you feel better and prevent relapses. 

It is important to note that antidepressants do not cure depression but merely alleviate the symptoms. 

They work by generating more serotonin in the brain. 

Moreover, it takes at least 4 to 6 weeks to work. So, you have to take the medications regularly.

Lifestyle Changes

Besides taking medications, certain lifestyle changes can also be made. 

One way is to avoid alcohol. Alcohol is a temporary fix people use to escape from reality and it does not treat the underlying problem.

Another way is to remain physically active and maintain a balanced diet. Regular exercise increases endorphins which will help to relieve depression.

Getting enough sleep may help your body to recover itself both mentally and physically. 

Other than managing your lifestyle, getting consultation and treatment from the right healthcare professionals can also help.

Importance of Treatment

Taking medications while maintaining a healthy lifestyle help to combat depression. 

It is important to take medications as a short-term relief measure while working on longer-term lifestyle changes.

Here at Mayflax, we provide drugs for almost every ailment. We also provide fast and efficient delivery. You can click here to know more about our service.

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Osteoarthritis: Signs & Symptoms, Complications and Prevention

Osteoarthritis affects millions of people worldwide. It occurs when the protective cartilage, cushioning the ends of the bones, wears down over time.

Although this disease can damage any joint, the most commonly affected joints are the knees, hands, hips, and spine.

Signs & Symptoms

Signs & symptoms of osteoarthritis may develop slowly and worsens over time. Examples include :

  • Pain: During movements, the affected joint might get hurt.
  • Swelling: Inflammation around the joint causes this condition.
  • Loss of flexibility: The joint is unable to move.
  • Crepitus: Grating, crackling as well as popping sounds sensation occurs due to presence of air under the skin or joint. Roughening of the normally smooth surfaces inside the joint consequently, cause this sensation.

If you have any of the symptoms above, make an appointment to see a doctor.

Risk Factors

As you get older, you are at a higher risk of osteoarthritis. Women, however, are more likely to get it.

Moreover, being obese adds stress to the joint and thus, may increase the risk this disease. 

This disease can also be hereditary.

Complications

Over time, osteoarthritis may worsen. Joint pain and stiffness might become severe enough to make daily tasks difficult.  Hence, this may cause some people to be unable to perform daily tasks.

Can It be Prevented?

Osteoarthritis can’t be fully prevented. However, you can try reducing the risk by reducing stress on the joints. For example:

  • Maintaining a healthy body weight

Extra weight can cause stress on the joints. Additionally, extra fat will also cause changes in the cartilage.

  • Control your blood sugar

High blood sugar level increases the risk for osteoarthritis.

  • Be active every day

Exercise not only can prevent joint problems by keeping joints from getting stiff, but it can also keep muscles strong.

In a nutshell, prevention and treatment of osteoarthritis are possible. Here at Mayflax, we provide various types of drugs for various diseases. Contact us here to get to know us better

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Gout vs Pseudogout :Risk Factors,Causes, and Symptoms

GOUT

Gout is a common form of arthritis. It is also a painful condition that usually involving the joints. It is caused by high levels of uric acid in the blood. Uric acid is formed when the body breaks down purines. The purines can be found in the body and certain foods. When symptoms get worse, it is known as flares. When there are no symptoms, it is known as remissions.

Risk Factors

There are many risk factors for gout.Gout generally develops in men between age 30 to 45 and women age 55 to 70.

Increased Risk for Developing Gout:

  1. Obesity.
  2. High Blood Pressure.
  3. Injury or recent surgery.
  4. Fasting or overeating.
  5. Consuming an excessive amount of alcohol regularly.
  6. Diet high in meat, shellfish, and beverages sweetened with high-fructose corn syrup.
  7. Taking medications that can increase blood levels of uric acid.

Causes

Gout occurs when there is an excess of uric acid in the body. The body makes uric acid when it breaks down purines. Purines are found in the body and the foods we eat. Usually, uric acid crystals can build up in joints, fluids, and tissues within the body when there is an excess of uric acid in the body. Hyperuricemia does not always cause gout. In addition, hyperuricemia without gout symptoms does not need to be treated. The sharp, needle-like crystals cause gout. 

Symptoms

  1. Intense joint pain: can occur at any joint but usually affects the big toe.
  2. Inflammation and redness: joint is usually swollen, warm, and red.
  3. Limited movement: not able to move joint normally.
  4. Lingering discomfort: last from few days to a few weeks.

Symptoms develop quite rapidly. It can last for three to ten days. Usually, the symptoms and signs affect a single joint. Gout attacks are very painful. It can happen quite suddenly, often overnight. The pain is typically severe. So, it shows the severity of inflammation in the joint. The medical term for excessive fluid in a joint is a “joint effusion”.

Treatment

  1. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) – reduce swelling and pain. It is used as first-line treatment.
  2. Colchicine – people who cannot tolerate NSAIDs usually take  colchicine.
  3. Steroids (prednisone) – used in people who cannot take NSAIDs or colchicine. Prednisone is linked with an increased risk of a recurrent gout attack.

PSEUDOGOUT

Pseudogout also is a form of arthritis that causes sudden joint pain and swelling. It is caused by calcium pyrophosphate dihydrate crystals (CPPD). 

The sudden attacks of joint pain, swelling, and warmth can occur when you have pseudogout. It can last for days to weeks. It can affect the ankles, feet, shoulders, elbows, wrists, or hands but it mostly affects the knee.

Risk Factors

Besides older age, several other factors also increase the risk for developing pseudogout :

  • Joint trauma due to injury or surgery.
  • Genetics: some people tend to develop pseudogout and more likely to have symptoms at an earlier age.
  • Excess iron: people with a genetic disorder that causes the body to store excess iron.
  • Other disorders: some disorders that affect metabolism or endocrine glands are likely to develop pseudogout.

Causes

Pseudogout occurs when calcium pyrophosphate crystals form in the synovial fluid in the joints. Crystals can also deposit in the cartilage and can cause damage. The formation of crystal in the joint fluid results in swollen joints and acute pain. Older people have higher possibilities of getting pseudogout compared to younger people. In addition, the genetic condition can cause pseudogout because it always occurs in families.

In addition, other factors may include :

  • Low activity of the thyroid gland.
  • Parathyroid glands create too much parathyroid hormone.
  • Excess iron in the blood.
  • High calcium levels in the blood.
  • Lack of magnesium.

Symptoms

Pseudogout most often affects the knees. In addition, it also affects the ankles, wrists, and elbows.

General symptoms may include:

  1. Bouts of joint pain
  2. Swelling of the affected joint
  3. Fluid build up around the joint
  4. Chronic inflammation

Treatment

Until now, no treatment can completely remove or prevent the formation of calcium pyrophosphate dehydrate crystals. Therefore, treatment is generally focused on reducing pain and swelling.

  • Joint injection: insert a needle into the affected joint and take off the fluid. So, the crystals, pressure, and pain will be relieved. Injection of a steroid into the joint can decrease the amount of inflammation present.
  • Oral medications such as NSAIDs, prednisone, and colchicine can decrease inflammation and pain.
  • Joint immobilization: avoid lifting heavy objects if it involve the legs.

REFERENCES

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Nur Ayuni Mohd Ruduan

Nur Ayuni Mohd Ruduan, Bachelor of Science (Hons) Pharmacology, is staff officer of Mayflax, one of the nation’s leading healthcare and marketing company.

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Depression and Anxiety During a Pandemic: 9 Common Tips

Anxiety and Depression- Mayflax

Depression and Anxiety During a Pandemic: 9 Common Tips

The pandemic has caused a mental strain on many people around the world. And for those living with anxiety and depression, the impact is severe.

The COVID-19 pandemic has had a major effect on our lives. Many aspects of everyday life, including mental health, have been affected. The COVID-19 pandemic is impacting our physical, economic, and mental well-being. As a result, many people face struggles that can be frustrating, daunting, and cause adults and children to have strong emotions.

However, social distancing and stay-at-home orders are very challenging, especially for people living with mental illness, COVID-19 exacerbates feelings of depression and anxiety.

Thus, during the Movement Control Order (MCO), with the limited movement, closed borders, and roadblocks, some individuals easily get heightened temperament and irritability at home.

Dr. Robert Leahy an attending psychologist at New York-Presbyterian said: “This is the perfect storm for depression and anxiety,”.

All data and statistics are based on the short article “Prevalence  of  Anxiety, Stress,  Depression  among  Malaysian  Adults during COVID-19 Pandemic Movement Control Order”.

Therefore, the  prevalence  in a score  of Stress  70%  (Mean=2.02), Anxiety  67%  (Mean=1.71) and Depression  42.3% (Mean=2.28). There is a significant prevalence of psychological health problems among adults during adverse events due to the COVID-19 Pandemic Movement Control Order.

In the midst of the global COVID-19 pandemic, it’s easy to felt hopeless and despair. But these tips can help to improve your mood and ease your mental health problem.

1. Keep a schedule

Schedule your day with useful things. At the end of the day, check everything and make a list of things to do for the next day, so you can look forward to things.

Furthermore, create a set of goals for the week and month. This is the right time to set short-term and long-term goals.

2. Sleep well

Prioritizing sleep is not always easy when you are in a state of mental health. Stress, Anxiety, and Depression can affect the quality of your sleep.

Therefore, poor sleep can also lead to depression. Fixed your daytime habits and sleep routine can help improve how well you sleep at night and reduce the symptoms of depression.

Finding relaxing activities such as reading, writing a journal, or listening to slow music can cause your brain to slow down before bed.

3. Connect with others

Just because we are isolated does not mean we have to completely isolate ourselves. Make a list of friends to contact whenever you feel bored and lonely. Always stay connected with others !

Set a regular time each day to contact others, and schedule virtual get-togethers on online platforms to talk or share your problem and maybe even play games. Stay in touch with friends, family, and especially the mental health care team if you are diagnosed with anxiety and depression.

4. Find simple sources of joy.

Encourage yourself to do things that will boost your mood throughout the day. Try to listen to uplifting music and dancing around if you can as long as can make you happy all day long.

Alternatively, you can watch funny videos or favorite sitcoms on TV, Instagram, Facebook, or YouTube. Spending time in nature such as walking in the park, or playing with your kids or a pet also can relieve stress.

5. Eat a mood-boosting diet

In times of stress, people always find “comfort foods” such as unhealthy fats, sugar, and refined carbs to release their stress and depression. Therefore, drinks too much caffeine and alcohol also can adversely affect our mood.

Moreover, wholesome foods, fresh food such as salmon, codfish can increase your intake of mood-enhancing nutrients.

6. Stay informed and limit social media usage.

Nowadays, the government always announces information that constantly changes regarding SOP. It is important to stay up-to-date but not to overconsuming sensationalistic news or unreliable social media coverage. This makes your mind full of negative thought and fear.

Limit how often you check the news or social media and limit yourself to reputable sources. Thus, healthcare professionals also recommend not checking the news at least one hour before bedtime.

7. Exercise

Importantly, physical activity is good for mental health. Scientific research has shown that exercise, especially in particular aerobic exercise, can be beneficial for depression and anxiety.

Exercise will release good hormones and lowers your stress hormones. Since covid-19, you cannot go to the gym or fitness studios, try online broadcasts, YouTube workouts, or use the equipment at home to exercise.

Besides that, you can go running or cycling as long as you stay a safe distance away from others who are passing by.

8. Continue treatment or services from mental health professionals

If you are undergoing therapy, taking medication, or both before coronavirus started, make sure to keep up with your treatment regimen. Almost all psychiatrists or mental health professionals are now used online practices like video calls.

Alternatively, you can try an online therapy platform like WhatsApp video, Zoom, Webex, and others.

9. Practice gratefulness and mindfulness

During challenging times, be grateful and mindful can help to cope with anxiety and depression.

“When we take note of the good things in our lives, it bumps up the feel-good hormones of serotonin and dopamine,” said Serani.

As we know, practicing mindfulness meditation is very popular for overcoming depression, anxiety, and stress adds Guttentag.

Also, you can start the practice by taking a few minutes to sit or lying down and try to focus on your breathing. Besides, train your mind to get rid of negative thoughts and feelings to stay away from you.

Counseling and hotlines mental health services in Malaysia

If you are struggling to cope, there are many ways to get help. Contact a healthcare provider if the sign of anxiety, and depression get in the way of your daily activities for many days and also if you are in crisis, immediately get help such as:-

  • Call 999
  • Talian Kasih at 15999
  • Befrienders (main suicide hotlines in Malaysia): 03-7627 2929/ 03-79568145
  • Malaysian Mental Health Association: 03-2780 6803
  • People Psychological Solutions : 017-899 2207
  • HELP University’s Centre for Psychological and Counselling Services (CPCS): 03-2096 1212
  • The Mind Faculty KL: 03-2780 6803
  • HumanKind Community Counselling (victims of physical and sexual abuse): 012-300 5453
  • Soul Mechanics: 010-252 1734 (Gia) / 019-395 9211 (Devi)
  • MentCouch Psychology Centre: 03-2712 9372

Depression and anxiety are soaring and there are many fears that we will face an epidemic of mental health.

COVID-19, make life very difficult for everyone, but they may pose an even bigger challenge for people with depression. Depression is a serious mental health condition that can give a huge impact on people’s lives.

However, depression can be treated. Even in this pandemic, it is important to continue to seek treatment and stick with it until you get cured.

Therefore, there are self tests that you can answer to check whether you have anxiety or depression, if the score tells you are having these mental health issues you need to see the doctors who specialize in psychiatry to diagnosed your disease. We cannot simply just do the test only. These self tests ask some important questions that can help you to know where you are at so you can make a sooner plan for feeling better.

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Raihan Ridzuan

Raihan Ridzuan, Bachelor of Science (Hons) Pharmacology, is Customer Relationship Executive of Mayflax, one of the nation’s leading healthcare and marketing company.

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Improper Inhaler Technique: Affect Asthma Control

Picture of inhaler

Improper Inhaler Technique: Affect Asthma Control

Healthcare professionals can support patients in optimizing their technique by examining the effects of the sub-optimal inhaler.

Inhalers used to treat asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Thus, inhalation techniques play a major role in improving drug adherence.

About 92% people with asthma use their device incorrectly. Improper inhaler have been reported in children and adults, including experienced inhaler users

Moreover, improper inhaler technique can prevent drugs from reaching to lungs. It can be effective if the patient used in correct ways. Good inhalation techniques are very important to maximize the benefits of these drugs.

Hence, the correct technique depends on what type of inhaler. Some inhaler steps differ according to the type  of inhaler.

Besides, healthcare professionals must be proficient in how to use correctly of each inhaler device and need to be aware of common mistakes so they can confidently demonstrate in front of patients.

However, you can purchase the inhaler with doctor’s prescription at any pharmacy, and healthcare professional can buy from any pharmaceutical company such as Mayflax.

Types of Asthma Devices

    Common inhaler are used to deliver asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) medications which are metered dose inhalers (MDIs), dry powder inhalers (DPIs), and soft mist inhalers (SMIs).

Meanwhile, each type of inhaler has advantages and disadvantages. Below,  the various types and technique of inhaler medical device :-

1. Pressurised metered dose inhaler (PMDI)

Description

  • Drug is stored under pressure in the metal canister
  • A fine mist of medication is released upon pressing the canister that can be inhaled into the lungs
  • Works well with a valved holding chamber (VHC) or spacer.

How to use?

  1. First, need to remove cap.
  2. Second, hold inhaler upright and shake well.
  3. Third, breathe out gently and away from inhaler.
  4. Fourth, put mouthpiece between teeth without bite and close lips to form a good seal.
  5. Start to breathe in slowly and deeply. At the same time, press the inhaler device.
  6. Hence, hold breath for 5 to 10 seconds.
  7. While holding breath, remove inhaler from mouth.
  8. Breathe out gently and away from the inhaler.
  9. Repeat dose if needed and replace cap.
  10. Lastly, clean device if necessary after use.
Picture of metered dose inhaler

Available Brand in Malaysia

  • Ventolin® MDI (Salbutamol)
  • Flixotide MDI (Fluticasone)
  • Flutiform® MDI (Fluticasone/Formoterol)
  • Foster®  MDI (Beclometasone/Formoterol)
  • Alvesco® MDI (Ciclesonide)

2. Tuberhaler

Description

  • Dry powder inhaler (DPI)
  • No coordination required
  • Device dispenses a small amount of very fine powder directly into the lungs
  • Comes with a dose indicator

How to use?

  1. First, need to unscrew and remove cover.
  2. Second, check dose counter.
  3. Third,  keep inhaler upright while twisting grip at the base.
  4. Twist around and then back until click is heard.
  5. Then, breathe out gently, and away from the inhaler.
  6. Fourth, put mouthpiece between teeth without bite and close lips to form good seal
  7. Do not cover the air vents.
  8. Breathe in strongly and deeply.
  9. Fifth, hold breath about 5 to 10 seconds.
  10. Hence, remove the device before breathing out fully.
  11. If more than one dose is needed, repeat all steps starting from step 3.
  12. Lastly, replace cover and clean the device if necessary.
PIcture of taking tuberhaler

Available Brand in Malaysia

  • Symbicort® Turbuhaler (Budesonide/Formoterol)
  • Pulmicort® Turbuhaler (Budesonide)
  • Bricanyl® Turbuhaler (Terbutaline)

3. Respimat soft mist inhaler

Description

  • Dispenses fine and easy to inhale droplets directly deep into the lungs.
  • Requires very less effort during inhalation
  • Comes with a dose indicator

 How to use?

  1. Hold inhaler upright with the cap closed.
  2. Then, turn base in direction of arrows on label until it clicks. Half a turn.
  3. Open the cap until it snaps fully open.
  4. Breathe out gently, and away from inhaler.
  5. Moreover, put mouthpiece in mouth and close lips to form a good seal.
  6. After that, start to breathe in slowly and deeply through mouth;
  7. And at the same time, press down on the dose button.
  8. Continue to breathe in slowly and deeply.
  9. Hold breath for 5 to 10 seconds.
  10. While holding breath, remove inhaler from mouth.
  11. Breathe out gently, away from mouthpiece.
  12. Close cover to click shut.
  13.  If you need two doses, repeat from step 1 to get the full dose.
Picture of taking Respimat soft mist inhaler

Available Brand in Malaysia

  • Spriva Respimat® (Tiotropium)

4. Accuhaler

Description

  • Dry powder inhaler (DPI)
  • No coordination required
  • Device dispenses a small amount of very fine powder directly into the lungs
  • Comes with a dose indicator

How to use?

  1. Check dose counter.
  2. Open cover using thumb grip.
  3. Load dose.
  4. Keep device horizontal or upright while sliding lever until it clicks and do not shake.
  5. Then, breathe out gently but not into device.
  6. Put mouthpiece in mouth, without biting and close lips to form a good seal. 
  7. Breathe in quickly and deeply.
  8. After that, hold breath for a count of ten.
  9. While holding breath, remove inhaler from mouth.
  10. Slowly breathe out.
  11. If more than one dose is needed, repeat all steps starting from step 3.
  12. Close cover to click shut.
  13. Clean device if necessary after use.
Picture of Accuhaler

Available Brand in Malaysia

  • Seretide® Accuhaler (Salmeterol/Fluticasone)

5. Ellipta

Description

  • Medication is stored under pressure in the metal canister
  • A fine mist of medication is released upon pressing the canister that can be inhaled into the lungs
  • Works well with a valved holding chamber (VHC) or spacer.

How to use?

  1. First, check dose counter and do not shake.
  2. Second, slide cover down until click is heard.
  3. Third, breathe out away from inhaler.
  4. Fourth, put mouthpiece in mouth and close lips to form a good seal;
  5. And do not block air vent with fingers.
  6. Then, breathe in steadily and deeply.
  7. Fifth, hold breath about 5 to 10 seconds.
  8. While holding breath, remove inhaler from mouth.
  9. After that, breathe out gently, and away from inhaler.
  10. Slide the cover upwards as far as it will go, to cover the mouthpiece.
  11. Lastly, rinse your mouth with water and spit it out for a steroid-containing inhaler.

Available Brand in Malaysia

  • Ventolin® MDI (Salbutamol)
  • Flixotide MDI (Fluticasone)
  • Flutiform® MDI (Fluticasone/Formoterol)
  • Foster®  MDI (Beclometasone/Formoterol)
  • Alvesco® MDI (Ciclesonide)
Picture of taking ellipta

Common Errors with Inhaler Technique

  • Not breathing with the proper way.
  • Breathing in too early and too late when pressing the inhaler canister.
  • Forget to shake the inhaler before use.
  • Not waiting for the next puff. Some inhalers, need to wait at least 30 to 60 seconds before taking the next puff.
  • Hence, not breathing out before using the inhaler and does not have  a tight lip seal.
  • Not lifting your chin slightly before breathing in. 
  • Furthermore, not holding your breath after taking the inhaler;
  • As well as, not using a spacer when needed.

Guidance of How To Use Your Asthma Devices?

This video shown how to use different types of inhalers. 

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Raihan Ridzuan

Raihan Ridzuan, Bachelor of Science (Hons) Pharmacology, is Customer Relationship Executive of Mayflax, one of the nation’s leading healthcare and marketing company.

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