Toxoplasmosis

Toxoplasmosis

Toxoplasmosis is a condition that can be transmitted by cats. It is caused by a parasite that lives in the faeces of cats, so it usually only occurs when handling cat faeces, such as changing cat litter trays. Young children may also catch this parasite after playing in soil that may have been contaminated by cat faeces. It may also be present in meat from animals that have been exposed to cat faeces.

Generally toxoplasmosis is not dangerous, unless you are pregnant. It can cause birth defects in the unborn child, or when you have lowered immunity, such as those undertaking chemotherapy.

Those infected with this parasite may develop aches and pains, and may develop swollen lymph glands, for example in the armpits or groin. The parasite may result in damage to the eyes or brain in those affected.

However, most infestations are minor. A pregnant woman may not realise that she has been affected by this condition, so must be extra careful to avoid being affected if around cats. The first sign that she may have been affected is often the premature delivery of her baby who may have damaged eyes, ears or nervous system.

The only treatment for those that are severely affected by toxoplasmosis are medicines normally used to prevent malaria. In New Zealand these are not widely used in pregnant women unless there is clear evidence that their use is essential.

Pregnant women, or those wishing to become pregnant, are advised to prevent potential toxoplasmosis by avoiding exposure to cat faeces. They should avoid emptying cat litter trays or gardening without gloves in areas where cats are known to live or use as a toilet. All meat should be thoroughly cooked, and all food preparation areas and equipment washed and cleaned if in contact with raw meat.

Pregnant women do not need to avoid all contact with cats, but should wash their hands thoroughly after handling any cat or other items that may have been in contact with cats before they eat or drink.

Consult your community pharmacist for advice about toxoplasmosis. They can advise you on how you may continue to enjoy the benefits of cat ownership and companionship without exposing yourselves to the unnecessary risk of contracting this or other conditions from your cat.

Swallowing difficulties (dysphagia)

Causes of swallowing difficulties

Swallowing difficulties can happen at any age. There are a wide range of causes for them, including:

some medicines, such as antipsychotics
heartburn and acid reflux
cancer, such as mouth or throat cancers
nervous system or brain disorders
muscle disorders
blockages or structural issues with your mouth, throat or oesophagus.

Symptoms of swallowing difficulties

Symptoms of swallowing difficulties may include:

coughing or choking when eating or drinking
bringing food back up, may be through your nose
the feeling that food is stuck in your throat
having issues chewing your food
problems with dribbling.

Swallowing difficulties can cause weight loss, dehydration and chest infections.

Diagnosing swallowing difficulties

Let your healthcare provider know if you have swallowing difficulties. They will ask you about your symptoms and check if any other health conditions you have may be the cause.

Your healthcare provider may refer you to a specialist for tests. These may include a:

gastroscopy—a camera is passed down through your mouth to look at your throat and stomach
swallowing study—your throat and stomach are x-rayed as you swallow small amounts of food.

Treating swallowing difficulties

How your swallowing difficulties are treated depends on the cause and how severe it is. Treatments may include:

medicines to treat acid reflux
swallowing therapy with a speech and language therapist
making changes to what you eat and drink, such as softer foods and using thickener in drinks
using special spoons, plates and cups
surgery to widen your oesophagus.
using special medication lubricants eg Gloup to help make it easier to swallow tablets etc. For more information click here.

Self care for swallowing difficulties

As well as seeing your healthcare provider, the following tips may help you to get food or liquids into your stomach.

Sit upright in a chair—at a table is best.
Have regular small meals instead of the main large meals.
Eat or drink small mouthfuls at a time.
If your voice is gurgly when you eat or drink, give a small cough to make sure your airway is clear.
Wet food will be easier to swallow as dry food can catch in your throat.
If your food has 2 consistencies, such as fruit in juice and cereal in milk, try to mix it into 1 consistency, or eat the solid and liquid portions separately.
Concentrate on eating and avoid talking.
Hot, ice-cold or fizzy liquids are easier to swallow than room temperature liquids.
If you are told to have thickened liquids, avoid ice-cream and jelly as they thin before swallowing.
Drink from the top half of you cup to avoid tipping your head back.

Have a look at our range of Gloup medication lubricants here which can help with difficulties swallowing tablets...

Bureta Pharmacy Shop

We're 'the little pharmacy with the big heart' - our slogan explains our attitude - small in size but big in attitude, we like to go the extra mile for our customers!