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Responsibility in Medication: Interactions Between Antibiotics and Cortisone

By SWA
The use of multiple medications is common in modern medicine, but it also carries risks—especially when it comes to combining antibiotics and cortisone (corticosteroids). These two drug classes can interact in ways that affect their effectiveness or lead to serious side effects. Taking responsibility for medication safety requires active communication between patients and healthcare professionals. The Importance of Medical Responsibility A core principle of safe medication use is transparency. Patients must inform doctors and pharmacists about all medications they are taking—including over-the-counter drugs and supplements. Likewise, medical professionals should show interest in a detailed medical history (anamnesis) before prescribing new medications. The Purpose of Anamnesis: To identify current complaints and their progression. To uncover pre-existing conditions and risk factors. To determine possible causes for the symptoms. To serve as the foundation for diagnostics an...
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Toxoplasmosis in Adults: Symptoms, Transmission, Lung Involvement, Treatment, and Prevention

By SWA
Toxoplasma gondii: This is the scientific name of the parasite that causes the disease . Toxoplasmosis is a common infectious disease caused by the parasite Toxoplasma gondii . It often goes unnoticed in healthy adults, but it can lead to complications in individuals with weakened immune systems or in pregnant women, where it poses a risk to the unborn child. Though symptoms are rare in most adults, the infection can, in uncommon cases, affect organs such as the lungs , causing respiratory illness. Symptoms of Toxoplasmosis in Adults Around 80% of healthy adults infected with Toxoplasma gondii do not show any symptoms . When symptoms occur, they are usually mild and flu-like , and may include: Fever Fatigue or general weakness Muscle and joint pain Headache and sore throat Swollen lymph nodes , especially in the neck Skin rash Occasional gastrointestinal symptoms In rare cases, especially in people with weakened immune systems, toxoplasmosis can affect the lungs ...
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Ergot Poisoning from Contaminated Rye Bread: History, Symptoms, and Health Effects

By SWA
Eating rye bread made from grain contaminated with the ergot fungus ( Claviceps purpurea ) can have dangerous—even fatal—consequences. This condition, called ergotism , is caused by a group of toxic compounds known as ergot alkaloids . These alkaloids affect the nervous system, blood vessels, muscles, and even the hormonal balance of the human body. Although rare today due to agricultural regulations and modern food safety practices, ergotism once caused mass poisonings across Europe. This article provides a comprehensive overview of ergot poisoning—its history, symptoms, causes, mechanisms, and modern-day relevance . What Is Ergot and What Does It Do to the Body? Ergot is a fungal disease caused by Claviceps purpurea , which infects cereal crops, especially rye . The fungus replaces developing grains with sclerotia —dark, hardened fungal structures containing ergot alkaloids , the compounds responsible for ergotism. What Does Ergot Do to the Human Body? Ergot alkaloids: Cons...
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