Mayo Clinic Health Letter - August 2003

Thursday, August 21, 2003

Mayo Clinic in Scottsdale - Anne Tewksbury - 480-301-4368
Mayo Clinic in Jacksonville - Erik Kaldor - 904-953-2299
Mayo Clinic in Rochester - Carol Lammers - 507-284-5037 (days) 507-284-2511(evenings) e-mail: newsbureau@mayo.edu

Here are highlights from the August issue of Mayo Clinic Health Letter. You may cite this publication as often as you wish. Also, you may reprint up to four articles annually without cost. More frequent reprinting is allowed for a fee. Mayo Clinic Health Letter attribution is required. Include the following subscription information as your editorial policies permit: Call toll free for subscription information, 800-333-9037, extension 9PR1.

Mayo Clinic Health Letter Tip of the Month: In rare instances, back pain can be an indicator of a serious medical problem. See a doctor if you experience: constant or intense pain, especially at night; pain, weakness or numbness in one or both legs; a loss of strength in one or both legs; a substantial fall or injury; pain with fever or a pulsating bulge in the abdomen; unintentional weight loss; difficulty initiating or controlling bowel movements or urination, or you have bowel or bladder incontinence; numbness in the genital or anal area.

Understanding Research Helps You Sort Out the Facts

SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. — How do you sort hype from hope in medical news? Knowledge of how research is done can help you better understand its relevance to your health, according to the August issue of Mayo Clinic Health Letter.

Laboratory experiments help determine the benefits and pitfalls of a substance or situation by studying living tissues, cells and disease-causing agents. But, there are many steps between lab experiments and new treatments for people.

Epidemiologic studies — such as retrospective and prospective studies — are based on observations that suggest risk factors or predictors of disease. Retrospective studies look back at what's affected the health of a particular group. Prospective studies, generally more accurate, plan in advance what to look for in a group over time. The longer a study lasts, and the more participants, the more reliable the findings. However, findings aren't conclusive until further study proves there's a cause and effect. Randomized clinical trails are the gold standard. They may involve thousands of volunteers who've been carefully screened and randomly separated into two or more groups. Often the study is blinded, meaning participants, and usually the researchers, don't know until after the study has ended who was using the new drug or therapy vs. the standard treatment.

Ways to Manage Back Pain

SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. — Morning back and joint pain that keeps you in slow motion until you limber up could be osteoarthritis.

Millions of Americans over age 65 have arthritis, and the most common form is osteoarthritis. It involves wearing away of the tough, slippery lubricated cartilage that normally cushions the ends of the bones in a joint. The remaining cartilage becomes inflamed and you feel pain.

Fortunately, there are numerous ways to manage the pain and maintain mobility, according to the August issue of Mayo Clinic Health Letter. Ask your doctor which is best for you.

• Topical pain relievers: Various over-the-counter creams, gels and sprays offer temporary relief. Products include Aspercreme, Sportscreme, Zostrix, Icy Hot and Bengay.
• Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs): These pain relievers fight inflammation. Common over-the-counter NSAIDs include aspirin, ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin IB, others) and naproxen (Aleve). These medications also are available in prescription strength.
• COX-2 inhibitors: These prescription drugs offer relief similar to other NSAIDs.
• Other drugs: Over-the-counter acetaminophen (Tylenol, others) and prescription tramadol (Ultram) can offer pain relief but have limited anti-inflammatory effect. Certain antidepressants also can help.

Beyond medication, regular exercise, maintaining normal weight, hot or cold packs and relaxation techniques also can help manage or reduce pain.

Treating Heat Exhaustion

SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. — During the long hot days of summer, it's possible for the body's natural cooling mechanism to be overwhelmed. Symptoms of heat exhaustion often begin suddenly and may include faintness, rapid heartbeat, low blood pressure, cold and clammy skin, nausea and, in fair-skinned people, an ashen appearance. The August issue of Mayo Clinic Health Letter recommends these steps if you suspect someone is experiencing heat exhaustion. Make sure the person:

• Gets out of the heat, preferably into an air-conditioned place
• Lies down with legs elevated slightly
• Loosens or removes most clothing
• Drinks cold water or a sports drink to replenish fluids

If there's no improvement after these steps are taken, get the person to a doctor. Heat exhaustion can quickly evolve into the more dangerous heatstroke. If signs of heatstroke develop — the two key signs being a fever of 105 F or higher and hot, dry skin — seek emergency medical help.

Mayo Clinic Health Letter is an eight-page monthly newsletter of reliable, accurate and practical information on today's health and medical news. To subscribe, please call toll-free 800-333-9037, extension 9PR1.

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