Quick Review: Creatine

Creatine is an important organic acid that keeps energy levels high in muscle cells. It is found in vertebrates and keeps the ATP/ADP high ensuring there is lots of ATP available to act as fuel to hard working muscle cells. In the human diet most creatine comes from meat and fish but some is also generated by the liver itself. Using nutrition supplements containing creatine boosts the level of this important chemical in the body and can help it to work more efficiently during exercise. This extra creatine can be particularly beneficial to people on a vegetarian diet.

There are many inherited medical conditions where the cellular levels of creatine are severely depressed. Because of this there is increasing interest in the use of creatine as a therapy for muscular, neurological and neuromuscular diseases like arthritis, congestive heart disease and mitochondrial disease. Creatine really is an essential part of a fit and healthy lifestyle.

Abdominal Pain

Pain the abdomen usually has a minor cause like mild food poisoning, although it can be a sign of underlying problems with organs in the abdominal cavity. Distension (widening) or obstruction of the intestine causes colic - when the casualty feels waves of pain, often making them double up in agony and vomit. If the appendix or intestine ruptures the contents can leak into the abdominal cavity, giving rise to the very serious painful condition peritonitus.

It is for this reason that appendicitus, inflammation of the appendix, requires urgent medical attention. Appendicitus is characterised by pain in the centre of the abdomen which may move to the right with time, nausea, vomiting, bad breath and fever.

Recognition:

• The casualty complains of abdominal pain.

Aims:

• To relieve pain and discomfort.
• To get medical aid if necessary.

Treatment:

• Make the casualty comfortable. Prop them up if breathing s difficult. Provide a vomit bowl.
• Give the casualty a hot water bottle wrapped in a towel to place on their abdomen.
• If the pain is severe or occurs with fever and vomiting call a doctor. Do not allow the casualty to eat, drink or smoke in case hospital treatment is needed.

IF YOU SUSPECT APPENDICITUS GET MEDICAL HELP.