Inside health : Ebola, painkillers, immunity, integrated Health, thyroid and pregnancy. 3/6.

This radio broadcast examines a variety of current health issues including the Ebola virus; prescribed opioid versus over the counter codeine medication; CVID (Common Variable Immunodeficiency), and increasing concerns over thyroid problems during pregnancy. Firstly, Dr Jimmy Whitworth from the Wellcome Trust discusses the real threat of Ebola growing into an epidemic; he talks about the need for control measures, acting early and the need to reduce the ratio of those infected to the risk of those who are infectious. Secondly, Professor Gary Franklin from Washington University weighs in on the current issue of opioids. Despite media attention of over the counter codeine, Professor Franklin tells us that the real threat lies with doctor prescribed opioid medication for non-cancer chronic pain. Furthermore, Dr Andrew Moore from Oxford University explains that there is no evidence linking these strong painkillers to successful treatment of the pain. He argues that opioids are prescribed in much too large doses than is safe. Next, clinicians Dr Siobhan Burns, Dr Andrew Symes and Dr Margaret McCartney talk about CVID, a condition produced by inadequate antibodies, in particular white blood cells. This is a problematic and troubling experience for patients who are diagnosed with the condition because of the lengthy process of getting to the root of their illness. It is even more troubling for those suffering without the correct diagnosis, and those who go without proper treatment because it goes undertreated and undiagnosed for many years. Patient Josie Drabwell gives an account of her journey to discover the diagnosis and treatment of CVID. Lastly, there have been recent studies that claim women who have thyroid problems during their pregnancy have an increased risk of limiting their child’s intellectual ability in maths. This is discussed and challenged by Dr Miles Levy.