Mycology Reference Centre Manchester Director (retired) Prof Malcolm Richardson Honoured

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Prof Malcolm Richardson becomes President of BSMM
Prof Malcolm Richardson

The British Society for Medical Myology (BSMM) has a long and distinguished history in the advancement of education and the promotion of research in all branches of medical and veterinary mycology over the last 69 years (www.bsmm.org), so it is a great honour to be elected to be its President. Prof Richardson follows an illustrious list of fellow medical mycologists who have served as President of BSMM since 1964.

 

Professor Malcolm Richardson built and ran the highly specialised mycology laboratories at the Mycology Reference Centre Manchester since its inception alongside the National Aspergillosis Centre at the Manchester University NHS FT in 2009 until his retirement in 2020, and still serves the centre as its Consultant Clinical Scientist in Medical Mycology. He has an extensive list of publications, positions and achievements - for more details click here.

 

Prof Richardson commented "I feel very honoured to be elected as President, having been a BSMM member for 50 years", and it is particularly fitting that the Presidency comes to Manchester as the annual scientific meeting of the BSMM is to take place in the city in May 2023.

 

 

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Why does someone with chronic disease feel so tired?

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Ashley explains how fatigue affects your psychological wellbeing, and how to manage thoughts and feelings.
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Most people with a chronic illness will be all too familiar with how tired it makes them feel. Fatigue is a prominent and debilitating symptom of aspergillosis and recent research is starting to show why this is.

We are often asked why someone with aspergillosis feels so tired and up till now our usual answer would be that when your immune system is working hard it tires you out much like if you had run a km or two that day – the effort needed is similar and you are exhausted. Recent research gives us a slightly different picture. As your body responds to an infection one of the things that your immune system can do is to directly put you to sleep to help your recovery!

 

Molecules called cytokines are produced in response to inflammation (eg infection) and one of their functions is to stimulate drowsiness and sleep. Furthermore once asleep your immune system really gets to work on the infection – focusing your energy on fighting the infection, and promoting fever.

Needless to say, it follows that if you don’t sleep well this system does not work as well as it could, and long-term sleep deprivation can promote emotional disturbances such as depression and even reduce the effectiveness of vaccines!
Note too that our immune system stands between us and several types of cancer, so getting good sleep is vital for our health in more ways than you may think.
This web link is quite old now but explains the basics simply https://www.nature.com/articles/nri1369

So – when tired and sleepy it is possible that your immune system is telling you to take a nap, or make sure you sleep well that night!

We are aware that some medications make good sleep difficult/impossible at times and anxiety plays its part too. If you mention this to your GP you may get a referral to one of the many NHS Sleep clinics in the UK who can help problems with getting asleep/staying asleep https://www.nhs.uk/…/Sleep-Medicine/LocationSearch/1888

Hints and tips for getting a good sleep

Hints and tips on how to manage the psychological impact of fatigue

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The importance of detecting cancer early

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Our focus at the National Aspergillosis Centre is to raise awareness and support those with aspergillosis. Still, it is vital as an NHS organisation that we raise awareness of other conditions because, sadly, a diagnosis of aspergillosis does not make you impervious to everything else, and a chronic illness has the potential to mask the symptoms of other conditions like cancer.

The ever-growing pressure on the NHS, increased waiting times, a growing reluctance amongst many to seek medical attention, and a lack of understanding of the common symptoms of many cancers are all factors that can lead to an extended diagnostic interval, which in turn reduces treatment options. Therefore, earlier recognition of symptoms by patients is crucial in mitigating other factors that delay diagnosis.

It is important to note that not all alarm symptoms are cancer. Still, cancer incidence and mortality projections estimate that 1 in 2 people in the UK will be diagnosed with cancer in their lifetime(1), so last week at our monthly patient meeting, we talked about cancer and the most common symptoms. Inspired by the incredible work of the late Dame Deborah James on raising awareness and breaking down the taboo attached to bowel cancer, we have compiled the content from that talk into one article.

What is Cancer?

Cancer starts in our cells.

Usually, we have just the right number of each type of cell. This is because cells produce signals to control how much and how often the cells divide.

If any of these signals are faulty or missing, cells might start to grow and multiply too much and form a lump called a tumour.

 

Cancer Research UK, 2022

Cancer Statistics

  • Every two minutes, someone in the UK is diagnosed with cancer.
  • Breast, prostate, lung and bowel cancers together accounted for over half (53%) of all new cancer cases in the UK in 2016-2018.
  • Half (50%) of people diagnosed with cancer in England and Wales survive their disease for ten years or more (2010-11).
  • Cancer is the cause of 27-28% of all deaths in England in a typical year.

 

Experts believe abdominal cancers - throat, stomach, bowel, pancreatic, ovarian - and urological cancers - prostate, kidney and bladder - are the most likely to go unrecognised.

 

The above chart shows cancer diagnoses by stage for some cancers in 2019 (the most current data). The stage of cancer relates to the size of the tumour and how far it has spread. Diagnosis at a later stage is related to lower survival.

Breast Cancer - Symptoms

  • A lump or thickening in the breast which is different to the rest of the breast tissue
  • Continuous breast pain in one part of the breast or armpit
  • One breast becomes larger or lower/higher than the other breast
  • Changes to the nipple - turning inward or changes shape or position
  • Puckering or dimpling to the breast
  • Swelling under the armpit or around the collarbone
  • A rash on or around the nipple
  • Discharge from one or both nipples

For more information visit:

https://www.breastcanceruk.org.uk/

https://www.cancerresearchuk.org/about-cancer/breast-cancer

 

Kidney Cancer - Symptoms

  • Blood in the urine
  • Low back pain on one side not through injury
  • A lump on the side or lower back
  • Fatigue
  • Loss of appetite
  • Unexplained weight loss
  • Fever that is not caused by an infection and that doesn't go away

For more information visit:

https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/kidney-cancer/symptoms/

https://www.cancerresearchuk.org/about-cancer/kidney-cancer/symptoms

Lung cancer

The symptoms of lung cancer can be particularly hard to differentiate for patients with aspergillosis. It is important to report any new symptoms, such as a change to a long-term cough, weight loss and chest pain to your GP or specialist consultant.

Symptoms

  • A persistent cough that doesn't go away after 2/3 weeks
  • A change in your long-term cough
  • Increased and persistent breathlessness
  • Coughing up blood
  • An ache or pain in the chest or shoulder
  • Repeated or persistent chest infection
  • Loss of appetite
  • Fatigue
  • Weight loss
  • Hoarsness

For more information visit:

https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/lung-cancer

https://www.cancerresearchuk.org/about-cancer/lung-cancer

 

Ovarian Cancer - Symptoms

  • Persistent bloating
  • Feeling full quickly
  • Loss of appetite
  • Changes in bowel habits
  • Unexplained weight loss
  • Pelvic or abdominal pain
  • Needing to wee more frequently
  • Fatigue

For more information visit:

https://ovarian.org.uk

https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/ovarian-cancer/

 

Pancreatic Cancer

Some of the symptoms of pancreatic cancer can closely resemble those of bowel conditions such as irritable bowel. See your GP if your symptoms change, get worse, or do not feel normal for you.

Symptoms

  • Yellowing to the whites of your eyes or skin (jaundice)
  • Itchy skin, darker pee and paler poo than usual
  • Loss of appetite
  • Fatigue
  • Fever

Other symptoms can affect your digestion, such as:

  • Nausea and vomiting
  • Changes in bowel habits
  • Stomach and/or back pain
  • Indigestion
  • Bloating

For more information visit:

https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/pancreatic-cancer

https://www.cancerresearchuk.org/about-cancer/pancreatic-cancer

https://www.pancreaticcancer.org.uk/

 

Prostate Cancer - Symptoms

  • Urinating more frequently, often during the night (nocturia)
  • Increased urgency to urinate
  • Urine hesitancy (difficulty starting to urinate)
  • Difficulty in passing urine
  • Weak flow
  • Feeling that your bladder has not emptied fully
  • Blood in urine or semen

For more information visit:

https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/prostate-cancer

https://prostatecanceruk.org/

https://www.cancerresearchuk.org/about-cancer/prostate-cancer

 

Skin Cancer

Patients who are on antifungal medication are at an increased risk of developing skin cancer, therefore it is important to understand the symptoms and take adequate precautions with sun exposure to reduce the risk.

Symptoms

There are three main types of skin cancer:

  • Malignant Melanoma
  • Basal Cell Carcinoma (BCC)
  • Squamous Cell Carcinoma (SCC)

Broadly, the signs are (shown in the image below):

BCC

  • Flat, raised or dome-shaped spot
  • Pearly or skin-coloured

SCC

  • Raised, crusty or scaly
  • Sometimes ulcerated

Melanoma

  • An abnormal mole that is asymmetrical, irregular and has multiple colours

 

For more information visit:

https://www.cancerresearchuk.org/about-cancer/skin-cancer

https://www.macmillan.org.uk/cancer-information-and-support/skin-cancer/signs-and-symptoms-of-skin-cancer

https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/melanoma-skin-cancer/

https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/non-melanoma-skin-cancer/

 

Throat Cancer

Throat cancer is a general term that means cancer that starts in the throat, however, Doctors don't generally use it. This is because there are different types of cancer which can affect the area of the throat.

More information can be found here: https://www.macmillan.org.uk/cancer-information-and-support/head-and-neck-cancer/throat-cancer

General symptoms

  • Sore throat
  • Ear pain
  • Lump in the neck
  • Difficulty swallowing
  • Change in your voice
  • Unexplained weight loss
  • A cough
  • Shortness of breath
  • A feeling of something stuck in the throat

For more information visit:

https://www.cancerresearchuk.org/about-cancer/head-neck-cancer/throat#:~:text=Throat%20cancer%20is%20a%20general,something%20stuck%20in%20the%20throat.

https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/head-and-neck-cancer/

https://www.christie.nhs.uk/patients-and-visitors/services/head-and-neck-team/what-is-head-and-neck-cancer/throat-cancer

Bladder Cancer - Symptoms

  • Increased urination
  • Urgency to urinate
  • A  burning sensation when passing urine
  • Pelvic pain
  • Flank pain
  • Abdominal pain
  • Unexplained weight loss
  • Leg swelling

For more information visit:

https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/bladder-cancer/

https://www.cancerresearchuk.org/about-cancer/bladder-cancer

 

Bowel Cancer - Symptoms

  • Bleeding from the bottom and/or blood in poo
  • A persistent and unexplained change in bowel habit
  • Unexplained weight loss
  • Fatigue
  • A pain or lump in the stomach

For more information visit:

https://www.bowelcanceruk.org.uk/about-bowel-cancer/

https://www.cancerresearchuk.org/about-cancer/bowel-cancer

 

(1)Smittenaar CR, Petersen KA, Stewart K, Moitt N. Cancer incidence and mortality projections in the UK until 2035. Br J Cancer 2016 Oct 25;115(9):1147-1155
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Aspergillosis and Fatigue

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People who have chronic respiratory illness frequently state that one of the main symptoms that they find difficult to cope with is perhaps one that doesn’t leap to mind as a major problem for most of us who do not have a chronic illness – fatigue.

Time and time again people who have aspergillosis mention how exhausted it makes them feel, and here at the National Aspergillosis Centre we have determined that fatigue is a major component of chronic pulmonary aspergillosis (CPA – see Al-Shair et. al. 2016) and that the impact of aspergillosis on a patients quality of life correlated well with the level of fatigue suffered.

There are many possible causes of fatigue in the chronically ill: it could partly be a result of the energy that the immune system of a patient puts into fighting off the infection, it could partly be a consequence of some of the medication taken by people who are chronically ill and possibly even the result of undiagnosed health problems such as anaemia, hypothyroidism, low cortisol or infection (e.g. long COVID).

Because of the many possibilities that cause fatigue, your first step in trying to improve the situation is to go and see your doctor who can check for all common causes of fatigue. Once you have established that there are no other possible hidden causes you might read through this article on fatigue produced by NHS Scotland containing lots of food for thought and suggestions to improve your fatigue.
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Singing for lung health

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Want to try therapeutic singing?

You may be lucky and find a lung health group locally, however, you don't have to leave your home to benefit (sessions are run on Zoom), AND you don't have to be a patient either as the groups are also open to carers.

The Asthma & Lung Health charity has published a page giving some useful information on how you can find a singing group in your area.[/et_pb_text][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][/et_pb_section]


Monkeypox outbreak

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As we are sure many of you are aware, there is widespread news coverage regarding Monkey Pox, with the UK Health Security Agency (UKSA) today reporting a further eleven cases.
We understand this may cause concern amongst many of you, particularly as this is happening in the wake of Covid-19. However, we would like to highlight that current UKHSA guidance is that the virus does not usually spread easily, and the risk to people is low. Investigations are ongoing, and contact tracing is underway to look at possible modes of transmission and prevent further spread.

What is Monkeypox?

Monkeypox is a zoonotic (can be spread from animals to humans) viral infection that is endemic in parts of the west and central Africa.

How is monkeypox spread?

The virus is spread through close physical contact with an infected individual or through contact with blood, bodily fluids, or cutaneous or mucosal lesions of infected individuals or animals. It can also be spread through contact with clothing or linens used by an infected person. 
It is worth noting that monkeypox is NOT predominantly a respiratory virus so will not spread in the same way as COVID-19 and is unlikely to affect people with pre-existing respiratory disease in the same way.

Symptoms

Initial symptoms of monkeypox include:
  • fever
  • headache
  • muscle aches
  • backache
  • swollen lymph nodes
  • shivering
  • exhaustion
A rash usually appears 1 - 5 days after the first symptoms, often beginning on the face and then spreading to other parts of the body, particularly the hands and feet.
The rash (which can look like chickenpox) starts as raised spots, which turn into small blisters filled with fluid. These blisters eventually form scabs which later fall off. Symptoms are usually mild and self-limiting and typically clear up in 2 to 4 weeks.
Anyone with concerns that they could be infected with monkeypox is advised to contact NHS 111 or a sexual health clinic.
More information can be found via the link below.

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Drug Induced Photosensitivity

What is drug-induced photosensitivity?

 

Photosensitivity is the abnormal or heightened reaction of the skin when exposed to ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun. This leads to skin that has been exposed to the sun without protection becoming burnt, and in turn, this can increase the risk of developing skin cancer.

There are several medical conditions like lupus, psoriasis and rosacea that can increase a person's sensitivity to ultraviolet light. A more comprehensive list of known conditions can be found here.

Drug-induced photosensitivity is the most common type of skin-related adverse drug reaction and can occur as a result of topical and oral medications. Reactions happen when a component of the medication combines with UV radiation during sun exposure, causing a phototoxic reaction that appears as severe sunburn, identified by swelling, itchiness, profuse redness and in the worst cases, blistering and oozing.

Patients taking antifungal medications, in particular, Voriconazole and Itraconazole (the former being more widely known for causing reactions), are often aware of the increased risks of photosensitivity; however, these are not the only drugs that can induce an abnormal response to UV exposure. Other drugs that have been reported to cause photosensitivity are:

  • NSAIDs (Ibuprofen (oral and topical), naproxen, aspirin)
  • Cardiovascular medication (furosemide, ramipril, amlodipine, nifedipine, amiodarone, clopidogrel – just a few)
  • Statins (simvastatin)
  • Psychotropic drugs (olanzapine, clozapine, fluoxetine, citalopram, sertraline – just a few)
  • Antibacterial medications (ciprofloxacin, tetracycline, doxycycline)

It is essential to note that the above list is not exhaustive, and reported reactions range from rare to frequent. If you think a medication other than your antifungal is causing a reaction to the sun, speak to your pharmacist or GP.

How to protect yourself

In most cases, patients can't stop taking the medication that can predispose them to photosensitivity. Staying out of the sun isn't always possible either - quality of life is always an important consideration; therefore, extra care should be taken to protect their skin while outside.

There are two types of protection:

  • Chemical
  • Physical

Chemical protection is in the form of sunscreen and sunblock. However, it is important to remember that sunscreen and sunblock are not the same. Sunscreen is the most common type of sun protection, and it works by filtering the sun's UV rays, but some still get through. Sunblock reflects the rays away from the skin and prevents them from penetrating it. When buying sunscreen, look for a sun protection factor (SPF) of 30 or above to protect against UVB and at least a UVA protection rating of 4 stars.

Physical protection 

  • NHS guidance advises staying in the shade when the sun is strongest, which in the UK is between 11am and 3pm from March to October
  • Use a sunshade or umbrella
  • A wide-brimmed hat that shades the face, neck and ears
  • Long-sleeved tops, trousers and skirts made of close-weave fabrics that stop sunlight from penetrating
  • Sunglasses with wraparound lenses and wide arms that conform to the British Standard
  • UV protective clothing

 

Links to further information

NHS

British Skin Foundation

Skin Cancer Foundation

 

 


NAC Physio Mairead runs the Manchester Marathon for the Fungal Infection Trust

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One of our specialist physiotherapists Mairead Hughes ran the Manchester Marathon last Sunday in support of the Fungal Infection Trust (FIT). The Fungal Infection trust supports the National Aspergillosis Centre in many ways - not least providing support so that we can run our patient support websites and these Facebook support groups that mean so much to thousands of patients and carers across the NHS and the world beyond.
As it turned out Mairead's support was also called into action as 21 miles into her run she stopped to give medical assistance to a fellow runner. The delay cost her 45 minutes on her final time which was just over 6 hours - still an amazing effort I am sure you will agree.
We are all proud of you Mairead and maybe on day you will break that 6 hour mark?
If anyone would like to donate to Mairead's fundraising fr the Fungal Infection Trust please go to https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/mairead-hughes4
Many Thanks

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Medical Alert Paraphernalia

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If you have a chronic condition, food or drug allergies, or take medications such as long-term steroids or anticoagulants, they may alter the treatment you might receive, and it is imperative that healthcare professionals know and can act accordingly. In a situation where you may be unconscious or unable to speak, a medical alert can provide vital information regarding conditions, medications and next-of-kin.

What medical alert items are available?

Many different medical alert items are available, the most common being a bracelet that is worn and easily identified in an emergency.

There are a number of reputable online companies where you can purchase a medical alert bracelet, a couple of which are listed below. Please ensure when purchasing online that the company is legitimate and that their jewellery will be recognised by the healthcare professionals.

https://www.medicalert.org.uk/collections/

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Medic-Alert-Bracelets/s?k=Medic+Alert+Bracelets

Lions Club Message in a Bottle

Lions Clubs Message in a Bottle is a simple but effective way for people to keep their basic personal and medical details where they can be found in an emergency on a standard form and in a common location – the fridge.

Message in a Bottle (known within Lions as MIAB) helps emergency services personnel to save valuable time in identifying an individual very quickly and knowing if they have any allergies or take special medication.

Paramedics, police, firefighters and social services support this Lions life-saving initiative and know to look in the fridge when they see the Message in Bottle stickers supplied. The initiative provides peace of mind that prompt and appropriate medical assistance can be provided, and next of kin/emergency contacts can be notified.

How to obtain a Message in a Bottle

Members of the public and other organisations can obtain a Message in a Bottle kit by contacting their local Lions club; more details are available here.[/et_pb_text][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][/et_pb_section]


Advice for patients on long-term steroid treatment

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Are you on long-term steroid treatment?

Patients who take long-term (greater than three weeks) oral, inhaled, or topical steroids for medical conditions, are at risk of developing secondary adrenal insufficiency (resulting in very low cortisol levels) and becoming steroid-dependent (to artificially replace cortisol).

The omission of steroids for these patients can result in an adrenal crisis as they no longer produce their own cortisol, which is a medical emergency that if left untreated can be fatal. For example, if a steroid-dependent patient had a road accident and was admitted to A&E without medical staff knowing that they needed daily steroid medication (such as if they were unconscious or otherwise unable to communicate) then they would be at high risk of adrenal crisis.
NOTE: it is often desirable for a patient to reduce their dose of oral steroids in order to minimise adverse effects and symptoms. If this is achieved the steroid-dependent patient can be switched to a form of oral steroid that should be less prone to adverse effects (i.e. hydrocortisone) in order to prevent them from going into adrenal crisis.

Cortisol is also part of your body's system to cope with stress. Consequently, if you are steroid-dependent on e.g. hydrocortisone you will need an increased dose if your stress levels increase - this can be caused by many things including infection, becoming acutely ill, suffering trauma, or undergoing surgery for example.

To ensure clinical staff are always aware of the risk of adrenal crisis, consequently the new national guidance was issued in August 2020 which promotes a new patient-held Steroid Emergency Card to help healthcare workers identify patients with adrenal insufficiency and provide information on emergency treatment if the patient presents in an emergency. The card also provides details of the prescriber, drug, dosage, and duration of treatment.

Where can patients get a steroid card?

Cards can be obtained from GPs, hospital teams and community pharmacies. More information can be found here.

The card can also be downloaded as a PDF, and added as a lock screen to mobile devices. Learn more from the Addison’s Disease Self-Help Group.

 

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