Whelehans Health Blog

Ozempic®: Part 4 Potential Side effects   Last week I discussed the more common side effects of Ozempic®, this week I discuss some of the rarer side effects.   There have been rare reports of pancreatitis associated with GLP-1 receptor agonists, the class of drugs to which Ozempic® belongs. Pancreatitis is a serious condition characterised by severe abdominal pain and requires immediate medical attention. Individuals with a history of pancreatitis or those at an increased risk should not be prescribed Ozempic®.   Concerns have been raised about the potential for thyroid C-cell tumours, including medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC), in rodent...

Ozempic®: Potential Side effects Part 3   Ozempic®, or semaglutide, is a medication commonly used for the treatment of type 2 diabetes and can also help with weight loss. While it is generally well-tolerated and effective in managing blood sugar levels and weight control, like any medication, it can have side effects.   Common side effects of Ozempic® includes gastrointestinal symptoms. nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, and constipation are among the reported issues. These side effects often occur early in the treatment and may diminish over time as the body adjusts. Starting with a lower dose and gradually increasing it can sometimes...

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) Prevention The main symptom of Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is an inability to breathe in and out properly, otherwise known as airflow obstruction. COPD is the name for a group of lung diseases including chronic bronchitis, emphysema, and chronic obstructive airways disease. Types Chronic bronchitis: bronchitis means 'inflammation of the bronchi'. Inflammation caused by the likes of smoking damage increases mucus produced in the airways which causes the classic COPD cough. Emphysema: this is where the alveoli (air sacs) in the lungs lose their elasticity causing them to get narrower. It also means the...

Cough A cough is a reflex action to clear the throat of any foreign bodies or particles, such as dust.  But when you get a cold, the infected mucus from your nose drips down the back of your throat in a process called post-nasal drip.  This post-nasal drip causes a type of cough that is not helpful at all. Essentially there are two types of coughs, a dry or a chesty cough.  Chesty coughs occur when mucus (also called phlegm or catarrh) builds up in the airways and the cough occurs so your body can clear the mucus.  Chesty cough...

Coeliac disease (Part 3) Over the last week I discussed causes, symptoms, and diagnosis of Coeliac Disease (CD)   Treatment From a medical perspective – the GP may require the patient to attend an annual check-up. This may not be much more than a discussion on progress together with maybe height and weight check. This relates to full absorption of calories and any height loss related to potential osteoporosis concerns. Depending on the situation, the GP may also recommend supplements such a Calcium and Vit D, particularly in the months following diagnosis. The simplest and most effective treatment for CD...