Inhaler alert... Cancer & race... Energy drinks... Flu

Wednesday, September 24, 2008

Inhaler alert

Bay News 9 medical reporter Melissa Eichman brings you the latest medical headlines.

New research suggests certain inhaler drugs might be harmful to some people. Researchers say those with COPD who use one of two types of inhalers for more than a month could have a slightly higher risk for heart attacks, stroke and even death.

The drugs are sold under the brand names Spiriva Handihaler and Atrovent. Researchers say the increased risks do not outweigh the benefits, but urge doctors to closely monitor patients using these inhalers.

Sources: American Medical Association, AP

COPD: National Heart, Lung & Blood Institute

Colon cancer & race

New research suggests colon cancer kills more black people than white people. Doctors find more and larger colon polyps while screening black patients, many of those polyps become malignant tumors. Researchers say evidence suggests tumor biology and genetics play a role in some of the racial differences.

Sources: American Medical Association, CNN

More information: Mayo Clinic

New labels on energy drinks?

More controversy over a popular beverage. Researchers studying energy drinks say containers should include labels warning of caffeine content. Researchers say one energy drink can equal the caffeine in fourteen cans of cola.

Calling it caffeine intoxication, researchers warn of health effects including:

Nervousness
Anxiety
Restlessness
Insomnia
Stomach problems
Tremors
Rapid heart beat
Death

Most energy drinks are sold as performance enhancers and stimulants - a marketing strategy that researchers say could put people at risk for abusing stronger stimulants.

Source: Johns Hopkins Medicine

Flu season

Not enough Americans get their flu shots each year, the government is warning as it calls for a record number to line up for inoculations this year - including 30 million more school-age children.

This year promises an ample vaccine supply: 143 million to 146 million doses, more than ever before manufactured. "It's a fact that the influenza vaccine saves lives," said Dr. Julie Gerberding, director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Add up everyone the CDC recommends get vaccinated, and 261 million Americans qualify. Yet last year, just 113 million of the
140 million doses produced were used. And new CDC data released Wednesday show just a fraction of those at highest risk from influenza's seasonal march across the country get protected. Flu kills about 36,000 Americans a year and leads to about 200,000 hospitalizations.

The American Lung Association is making it a little easier for people to get their flu shot this season with the availability of its 2008-2009 Flu Clinic Locator.

Source: AP