Tylenol (the trademark name for acetaminophen or paracetamol) is a common drug used to control fever and pain. The metabolism of Tylenol involves liver enzymes, which are also required for the metabolism of alcohol. In layman’s terms, Tylenol metabolism requires two steps: Tylenol is broken down by a liver enzyme, cytochrome P450 CYP2E1 and CYP1A2,… Continue reading why am i not supposed to drink when i’m taking tylenol?
Category: Emergency Medicine
Why does my pediatrician tell me not to give my child aspirin when he has a cold?
The reason children are advised to stay away from aspirin for febrile illnesses is because aspirin usage during viral infections has been linked to Reye’s Syndrome – a deadly and rapidly progressive systemic disease that leads to brain swelling and death almost exclusively in children. In fact, the Food and Drug Administration and American Academy… Continue reading Why does my pediatrician tell me not to give my child aspirin when he has a cold?
What is herpangina?
Herpangina is a viral infection (most often coxsackie virus A) which causes painful ulcers and vesicular papules inside the mouth. It is associated with pharyngitis (painful irritation of the throat), high fever, weakness, and loss of appetite. Herpangina often affects the pediatric population but people of any age can be infected. As it is a… Continue reading What is herpangina?
I fell on my arm and it started hurting immediately and there was swelling. But the doctor didn’t find any fracture when he took an xray. He put a cast anyway. About 2 weeks later, it was still hurting a little so I got another xray and it showed a small fracture. How come the fracture didn’t show on the first one?
Although modern X-rays have excellent resolution, not all fractures are visible especially they are hairline fractures or minor compression fractures. In these injuries, the bone’s structure often has minimal disruption. The likely reason the fracture was visible 2 weeks later is because the healing process takes time and involves formation of a dense callous across… Continue reading I fell on my arm and it started hurting immediately and there was swelling. But the doctor didn’t find any fracture when he took an xray. He put a cast anyway. About 2 weeks later, it was still hurting a little so I got another xray and it showed a small fracture. How come the fracture didn’t show on the first one?
My kid had a concussion after playing soccer. There wasn’t anything wrong with his brain. How long before he can play again?
Concussions are known as "Minor Traumatic Brain Injuries." Though the brain often appears normal after brain imaging, most physicians believe there exists some amount of damage which would explain the confusion, headaches, double vision, nausea, vomiting, mood changes, inability to concentrate and amnesia that often occurs in these patients. Most patients with concussions recover by… Continue reading My kid had a concussion after playing soccer. There wasn’t anything wrong with his brain. How long before he can play again?