May 2024 - Page 2 of 2

Peptic Ulcer Disease

Posted on May 7, 2024 by Xavia Malcolm

Peptic ulcer disease is a condition that causes open sores or ulcers to develop in the lining of the stomach or small intestine.

The most common causes of peptic ulcers are an infection with a bacterium called Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) or the use of a group of medications called non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) for a long time and/ or at high doses. Both may lead to the breakdown of the lining that protects the stomach and small intestine from strong acids. Without this protection, the acids will eat their way through and create sores.

Most people living with peptic ulcers do not experience any symptoms. However, if symptoms present, they can include:

Stomach pain
Burning sensation in the stomach
Bloating
Belching
Feeling of fullness
Nausea and vomiting
Weight loss
Dark, bloody, or tarry stools

If you are experiencing symptoms, you should see a doctor. Because, if left untreated peptic ulcers can result in complications such as internal bleeding, gastrointestinal obstruction, gastrointestinal perforation (a hole in the stomach), or gastric cancer.

Diagnosing peptic ulcer disease may include a physical examination, lab tests, GI series x-ray examinations, or an endoscopy. Treatment depends on the cause and can involve antibiotics to kill H. pylori, medications to block or reduce acid production, medication to coat and protect the lining of the stomach or small intestine, or medications to neutralize stomach acids.

To schedule an appointment with a gastroenterologist at Flushing Hospital Medical Center, please call 718-670-5486.

All content of this newsletter is intended for general information purposes only and is not intended or implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Please consult a medical professional before adopting any of the suggestions on this page. You must never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking medical treatment based upon any content of this newsletter. PROMPTLY CONSULT YOUR PHYSICIAN OR CALL 911 IF YOU BELIEVE YOU HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY.

National High Blood Pressure Education Month

Posted on May 6, 2024 by Jacob Lobosco

High blood pressure, also known as hypertension, is defined as a systolic blood pressure greater than 130 mmHg or a diastolic blood pressure greater than 80 mmHg, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Hypertension is a main contributing factor for heart disease and stroke, the leading causes of death in the United States. Nearly half of all adults have hypertension, but only about a quarter of these adults have their blood pressure under control.

As your blood flows throughout your body, it pushes against the walls of your arteries; this is what is known as blood pressure. It’s normal for your blood pressure to rise and fall throughout the day, and certain factors, such as anxiety, might cause it to become elevated in specific situations. However, if your blood pressure is chronically high, it can cause damage to your heart.

Certain factors can increase your risk of developing chronic high blood pressure. These include:

Diabetes
Lifestyle factors, such as obesity, an unhealthy diet, or a lack of physical activity
Excessive consumption of alcohol or usage of tobacco
A family history of high blood pressure
Older age
Race (over half of Black adults in the United States have hypertension)

There are steps you can take to manage your blood pressure and decrease your risk of medical complications. To prevent high blood pressure, it is most helpful to:

Eat a healthy diet
Maintain a healthy weight
Engage in regular physical activity
Avoid smoking
Limit alcohol consumption (no more than two drinks per day for men or one drink per day for women)
Get a sufficient amount of sleep each night

To control high blood pressure, you should:

Regularly measure your blood pressure
Make lifestyle changes to prevent your condition from worsening
Get medical care for any underlying conditions that may be contributing to your high blood pressure

Flushing Hospital Medical Center’s expert cardiology specialists can high-quality care for chronic hypertension and any condition that may be causing it to occur. To schedule an appointment with a cardiologist, please call (718) 670-5486.

Hepatitis Awareness Month

Posted on May 1, 2024 by Jacob Lobosco

Hepatitis is an inflammatory disease that affects the liver. Many cases of hepatitis are caused by viral or bacterial infections, but it can also be caused by excessive alcohol consumption, exposure to certain toxins, and drug use. Many people may not be aware that they have hepatitis, as symptoms may not appear for weeks or months after developing this disease. Each year, approximately 15,000 people in the United States die from either liver cancer or chronic liver disease caused by hepatitis.

There are five types of hepatitis; each of them may occur in different ways and present a variety of symptoms. These types include:

Hepatitis A, which is typically transmitted through exposure to food, water, or other substances that have been contaminated by the feces of a person who carries the disease. It does not cause chronic liver disease, but does cause acute, debilitating symptoms that, in rare cases, can be fatal.

Hepatitis B, which is spread through contact with the bodily fluids of an infected person; it is also often transmitted from mother to child during birth. Hepatitis B puts infected people at a high risk of death from liver cirrhosis or cancer.

Hepatitis C, a viral infection that can cause both acute and long-term liver problems, such as those that occur in people with hepatitis A and B. It is mainly transmitted through contact with an infected person’s blood. Unlike hepatitis A and B, there is no vaccine to prevent hepatitis C, but it can be treated through antiviral medication.

Hepatitis D, which only occurs in people who already have hepatitis B. It is considered the most severe form of viral hepatitis, putting infected people at the highest risk of experiencing fatal complications, such as liver cirrhosis and cancer.

Hepatitis E, which causes similar symptoms to those of hepatitis A and is transmitted in similar ways, but is caused by a different virus.

The best way to prevent hepatitis is to get vaccinated. If you would like to schedule an appointment with a physician at Flushing Hospital Medical Center to schedule an appointment or learn more, please call (718) 670-5486.