39 Alcohol

also stimulated the flow of gastric juices and its vasodilator effects were of benefit in angina.35 The use of alcohol gradually declined as a result of better understanding of pathology and the pharmacology of alcohol and better alternative treatments, though doubtlessly, some doctors took longer to give up prescribing it than did others. In haemorrhagic shock, the better understanding of shock that occurred during the First World War and the wider application of intravenous fluids led to brandy being abandoned though it was still mentioned (if not recommended) in relation to obstetric selleck inhibitor haemorrhage into the 1930s.40 and 41 In pneumonia, its use seems to have gradually faded as can be illustrated by quoting from articles in the

medical press. In 1933 it was recommended as a sedative and as a food and was particularly useful to stem delirium tremens in alcoholics with pneumonia but not recommended as a routine.42 In 1936 it was felt useful for those who were “most urgently ill”.43 Another author, the same year, said that although alcohol had been the most commonly used drug in pneumonia, opposition was growing as it could worsen circulatory failure.44 By 1941 sulphonamides were available and in 1945 an author merely said that he had observed no harm from alcohol45 while by 1949, it was recommended that alcohol had no Alpelisib solubility dmso place in pneumonia other than in the avoidance of delirium tremens.46 There are no conflicts of interest. This research was partly funded by the Wellcome Trust by a Short Term Research Award in the History of Medicine selleck chemicals for Clinicians and Scientists for a study on “Medicine during the Heroic Age of Antarctic exploration 1895–1922”. “
“Overweight has become increasingly common in children around the world. Unfortunately, Brazil is no exception.1 Additionally, due

to increased access to many modern conveniences, the physical activity levels in this age group have declined. Besides metabolic sequelae, obesity combined with a sedentary activity level can also negatively affect multiple organ systems throughout the body. Data are accumulating which indicate that the respiratory system is not an exception. Respiratory symptoms are a leading reason for pediatric consultations. The effects of weight gain and a sedentary lifestyle may be playing a larger role in lung disease than ever. Obesity has been repeatedly associated with an increased risk of developing new cases of objectively and rigorously defined asthma.2, 3 and 4 Also, it has been difficult to define the ways through which obesity affects the asthma phenotype in children and adolescents. Two of the most consistent phenotypic findings specific to children with obese asthma are (1) greater symptom burden and (2) reduced response to daily inhaled corticosteroids. There is now some evidence that weight loss among obese asthmatic children improves asthma-related outcomes.