Livostin is the trade name of a prescription medication available in the Canada and the US.

It comes in the form of eye drops, and contains as an active ingredient the drug levocabastine. Levocabastine is an antihistamine which can be useful in relieving the itchy, watery eyes caused by allergies.

Most allergic reactions have to do with a chemical called histamine, which is something that your body produces naturally in response to foreign organisms in the environment. Some organisms – like those contained in pollen and pet hair – cause some people’s bodies to produce too much histamine, which in turn irritates the eyes by causing them to become watery and itchy. Livostin can relive these symptoms by curbing your body’s production of histamine, and by reducing the eye cells’ sensitivity to it.

In order for it to be effective, Livostin must be used every day as directed by your doctor. It is also important that the eye drops be administered correctly. Many people don’t know how to do this, which can make the medication much less effective.

There are a few important steps you should keep in mind when administering the drops:

1) Wash your hands. Your eyes are suffering from an allergic reaction, and it is therefore necessary to keep as many foreign organisms as possible away from them.

2) Tilt your head back, and press on the area just below your lower eyelid. This will create a small space between your eyeball and eyelid.

3) Drop the medication into this space and immediately close your eye for a minute or two. This allows the medication to be absorbed by the eyes. It is important that you don’t blink.

4) Keep the applicator tip as sterile as possible. Do not let the tip touch your hands or eyeball, as this could contaminate it, and when finished, immediately replace the cap so that the applicator tip stays sterile.

As with all medication, it is possible that Livostin could interact dangerously with other drugs. It is therefore imperative that you notify your doctor of any other medication you are taking, or any allergies you have.

It is rare for Livostin to cause severe side effects: the most common one is an itching or burning sensation when the drops are placed in the eye – though for most people this will subside quickly.

If you find it doesn’t you should consult your doctor immediately. Less common side effects include drowsiness and a dry mouth, and as with any side effect, if it persists or becomes uncomfortable you should consult your physician.

Immunohistochemistry is a diagnostic test. It uses antibodies previously marked with a substance that can be seen under the microscope. The antibodies are specific to an antigen that the test is able to detect. These antibodies have high affinity to their antigens so the test has high specificity, not necessarily high sensitivity which depends on other factors.

It is widely used to detect and classify cancer cells Antibodies can be polyclonal or monoclonal. How can this test affect treatment options for a given disease? I will explain this through an example:

Cells, cancer or not, have, different antigens (markers) on their membranes, such as receptors, glycoproteins, etc. This markers define populations of cells like CD4 and CD8 T-lymphocytes and B-lymphocytes (CD-20 + or -). This markers, when they are unique to a specific type of cell, can help not only to differentiate them, but also to target them with specific antibodies. These antibodies can be used for tests and also as treatments.

I will explain this through an example:

A patient comes to the office with a biopsy of his pleura, and it reports "Diffuse large B-cell lymphoma". The immunoperoxidase shows CD20 (+) (a B cell marker) and Bcl-6 (a marker of its origin from the germinal center).

If this patient didn’t have a CD20 (+) report then he wouldn’t be eligible for Rituximab therapy and the prognosis would be far more somber.

Rituximab is a genetically engineered chimeric murine/human monoclonal antibody that targets CD20 receptors that are present in certain B-cell non-Hodgkin lymphomas. Once it reaches its intended target, it activates other immune cells and the complement system to destroy the b-cell. It is part of the new therapies that are being used in Hemato-oncology.

Before Rituximab, the standard therapy for B-cell lymphoma was CHOP therapy. This therapy had a success rate of 40% to 50%. (3-year event-free rate)

When Rituximab is used in conjunction with CHOP chemotherapy, it has shown a success rate of up to 99% (when used in early stages).

Now you see the difference.

However this new therapies are not exempt of potentially hazardous effects, and this page is not intended as an advertisement of Rituximab, but to show an example of the application of antibodies in different settings (diagnostic and therapeutic.

Anxiety is a condition that usually arises with excess stress and worry. It is usually the feared possibility of the consequences of an action that brings about anxiety. The people who get anxious are always worrying about the bad things that might happen and thus create an environment of fear in their minds.

Anxiety comes in many forms. Some suffer from panic disorder where there are unpredictable attacks of panic on the person, with its physiological consequences, while some others feel helpless in an embarrassing situation and this is agoraphobia. There are also others suffering from various other phobias like fear of heights, insects and water. Some feel that they are always watched by others, and thus suffer from social anxiety disorder. People who have undergone some traumatic event in their past suffer from post traumatic stress disorder. Some people perform repeated and ritualistic behaviors to rid themselves of obsessive compulsive disorders and the most common form of anxiety is generalized anxiety disorder. These people are usually over anxious of a situation and may end up in some major depressive disorder.

As it can be seen, anxiety comes in many forms, and the first step to be taken in the treatment of anxiety lies in finding out what the cause is. Once the reason of the anxiety has been found out, it proves to be rather easy to cure anxiety. It is best to avoid these situations as much as possible in the beginning of your treatment so that there is no feeling of anxiety at all.

It may be needed to approach a psychiatrist to help in the treatment of anxiety. Under their guidance, you learn to handle anxiety attacks in three steps; before, during and after the anxiety attack.

A person who suffers from anxiety should not set self-defeating goals. It is instead better to set productive and possible goals that improve one’s thought and action. With this step, the patient learns to gain better control over oneself and thus overcome anxiety. When suffering from a bout of anxiety, it is better to calm oneself naturally rather than trying to fight or control one’s anxious feelings.

Someone with anxiety should work at producing positive thoughts in the mind. Once pessimistic or unpleasant thoughts enter the mind, it is better to divert oneself and think of other situations with vivid, optimistic pictures. If possible, it proves to be better to think positive thought of these pessimistic thoughts, using objective words.

Ask any parent and they’ll tell you that parenting a child is the most difficult task they’ve ever encountered. They’ll also tell you it’s the most rewarding. Parenting a child with autism, however, can be a little more stressful. It can also be just as rewarding. The key to bringing up bright and happy children with Autism is to love and nurture them, as you would any child.

Once your child has been diagnosed with autism, you may at first go through a typical sort of panic mode. One of the first things you may want to do is set up counseling for yourself to help you deal with any negative feelings you are having about your child. This can help you in this overwhelming time. You may also want to do some research on your own regarding Autism, as it will help you to understand what you may expect with your child.

When you start researching, you’ll, of course, want to start with your child’s pediatrician. They can certainly help to point you in the right direction. There also may be support groups in your area and you’ll find that parents of children with autism can help you deal with this initial period, as well as being a great source for information.

When you are choosing a program for your child with autism, you’ll want to seek the advice from professionals, such as your pediatrician and other autism professionals. Research the program to make sure it will deal with all aspects of autism, as well as make sure they are qualified to assist your child.

Once you’ve come to terms with your child being diagnosed with autism, there are certain things you’ll need to take care of in the home. You want to bring your autistic child up in a home that is safe, as well as comfortable for your child. One of the first things you should do is a safety check. For example, if you worry because your child likes to sneak outside, you may want to install security locks on the doors. Make sure, however, the child can get out in case of an emergency. You may also want to consider fencing in the yard where your child can play safely.

Some autistic children are very sensitive to touch and even bathing them becomes a struggle. You want your child to be clean however, you also want them to be happy. If this means foregoing a daily bath for one every other day, then by all means, do it. You can also help them to overcome their sensitivity to water by scheduling regular playtimes in water, such as playing with lawn sprinklers and squirt guns. You can make it a fun time and they may come to enjoy bathing.

Most importantly, provide your child with activities at home, as well as outside the home. They may not want to participate in all of them, but it is important for your child to be treated as if they are included. Don’t leave your child home when going out for dinner. Take your autistic child with you and just make sure you go to a family type restaurant so if your child does misbehave in public, it is not such a big deal. Provide your child with an environment filled with different colors and textures. This will help to keep their attention on certain activities and if you provide them with the opportunity for social interaction, this can certainly help them in the long run.

Most importantly, however, provide your child with love. Even if your autistic child does not like to be touched, there are other things you can do to let them know you love them. Talking with your child, even when you don’t feel they are listening is important to their development. Tell them how much you love them, whether they respond in turn or not. A child that is loved will feel this love, even if they have autism.

Dear Dr. Sowle

I am 16 years old and I think I think I have an eating disorder. My mom loves me very much and she’s always supported me in my dream to be a model. Ever since I can remember, my mom has tried to help me find the right clothes, talk right, and get exercise and eat in a healthy way. Up until this year, I really thought I wanted to be a model, but now I’m in my junior year of high school and I think I want to go to college to be a teacher or maybe join the Peace Corps. I’ve never had a boyfriend before and now I’m going with Tim who thinks I’m beautiful whether I wear makeup or not. In fact, he says he likes the "natural look". I’ve stopped wearing so much makeup and I’ve been eating more when I go out with Tim.

It was Tim who noticed that I hardly eat anything when I’m out. He wonders if I have a problem. His sister had anorexia and had to go away to a treatment place. He’s worried about me. I’m trying to show him that I don’t have anorexia like his sister, but now I feel terrible because I’ve been throwing up since I was 13. I feel like I should tell him, but I don’t want to lose him. My mom is mad because she says I look "terrible" and that I’m "letting myself go". I have gained a little bit of weight and Tim thinks I look pretty. My mom keeps asking me if I’m exercising. She made a deal with me that I could go out more if I exercise and stop eating sweets. She had some chocolates hidden up in the pantry and I got into them and ate some, and she found out and was really mad.

Tim is really nice and is popular and studies and is planning to go to college. His parents go to our church and are really nice too. Now my mom says I’m spending too much time with Tim and wants me to limit it to once every two weeks. I don’t understand why she’s so mad.

I think I have bulimia. What should I do? I don’t want to hurt anybody’s feelings, especially my mom, but I think she’s too much in my business. Everyday when I get home, she asks about what this girl said, or that girl said. She wants to know everything Tim says and then gets mad when I tell her. Maybe I should just break up with Tim so he doesn’t get hurt.

Marcie

Dear Marcie:
Yes, I certainly think you do have Bulimia Nervosa. You can check the specific symptoms here on the website. If you are vomiting after you eat as part of trying to control your weight, you have a problem. It is very important for you to get help with this right away.

Up until recently, your mother has been totally in charge of your decisions. She decides what you should wear, eat, and do. She is way too involved and way too controlling. Part of the clinical picture for a Bulimic is an overinvolved mother. Your mother needs to get therapy to help her find a more healthy way of relating to a teenage daughter. Perhaps she could be a part of your therapy at some point. It appears that your mother has revolved her life around you and that isn’t good. She may even be trying to live her life vicariously through you. Because of this, if you don’t do as she expects, she becomes frustrated and angry, and tries anything to get you back under her control. She is going to try to break up your relationship with Tim because he has an influence on you that is running contrary to hers. I know this sounds harsh, but somebody has to say it….your mother needs to back off and let you be who you want to be. Hopefully, you will go away to college and at least create some physical distance with your mother.

Because you have this enmeshed (too close) relationship with your mother, you have never developed an internal guide to help you make your own decisions. Now that you have Tim in your life, you’re now trying to please him too. The stress of being caught between the needs of these two powerful people in your life could make your eating disorder worse. As strange as this seems, your eating disorder gives you a sense of control. Even though you feel out of control when you’re in it, it is the one thing you do have control over. This does sound strange, and that’s why you need to get into therapy with somebody who understands the complexities of this condition. Even if you attach yourself to the therapist for awhile and try to please her, at least you will have the influence of somebody who has your best interests at heart. Eventually, however, the purpose of the therapy is to help you find your own inner voice which tells you what you need and want. My guess is that you have anxiety about being perfect and not making mistakes. You mentioned that Tim is your first boyfriend and he’s probably the first person outside the family who has had a different opinion. This can throw you into quite a turmoil on a very deep level. Depression and anxiety are probably part of what you are experiencing right now.

Check with your school and see if they can help get you a referral to a therapist or eating disorder group facilitated by a professional. The school counselor could also be a valuable mediator in approaching your mother about getting help. She will be very threatened by your seeking therapy. She will be afraid the therapist will blame her and I’m not sure her ego strength is that solid. Whatever you do, do not take responsibility for the feelings of these loved ones. It is up to them to deal with their own feelings. It’s your job to focus on yourself so that you can begin to recover from this eating disorder.
Dr. Sowle

ADHD stands for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. Even though the cause of this disorder is still relatively unknown, it affects nearly 10% of all school age children in the United States today. Researches have shown that people with ADHD have less activity than normal in the areas of the brain that control their attention. This disorder is almost always accompanied by some form of learning disability and is usually diagnosed before the age of seven. What Causes ADHD? There have been many arguments about the main cause of ADHD, ranging from the genetics of the child to their diet. The treatments of this disorder are also being questioned. While some doctors say that the only way to treat ADHD is through a combination of counseling and medication, others say that a change in the child’s diet is enough to effectively treat this condition. Teens with ADHD While most children with ADHD might have their symptoms decline as they move into adolescence, a lot continue to have them well into adulthood. ADHD in teens and adults is less noticeable than it is in children because teens and adults may have found a coping mechanism. ADHD teens are generally less hyperactive than children with this disorder. They tend to be more fidgety and impatient rather than hyper and disruptive. They have problems concentrating, keeping organized, and with acting impulsively. But of course, teenagers and adults with ADHD can still receive treatment for this disorder. Patients should consider being evaluated by a psychologist or psychiatrist who has experience in dealing with ADHD. There are treatments available for you to take in order to live a normal life. There are specialized drugs for adult and teen ADHD sufferers. But medication that has been proven to work in treating children can also work in teens and adults.