Can A Thunderstorm Trigger An Asthma Attack?

Posted on July 18, 2023 by Xavia Malcolm

It has been found that a thunderstorm can trigger or worsen an asthma attack, under the right conditions. The term used to describe this phenomenon is “thunderstorm asthma”.

Although thunderstorm asthma can happen to anyone diagnosed with asthma, symptoms are most likely to develop in individuals who also suffer from seasonal allergic rhinitis.

According to a study published in the Journal of Applied Meteorology and Climatology, the phenomenon of thunderstorm asthma is caused by several factors including:

The combination of rainfall, cold air, and high humidity that occur in thunderstorms. (These weather conditions aid in breaking down pollen and spores into much smaller fragments, which can pass through the nose and sinuses, and into the airways of our lungs).
Electrical activity (lightning) that contributes to pollen fragmentation.
Strong gusts of wind that spread pollen.

Incidents of thunderstorm asthma are rare and have mostly occurred in Australia, England, and Italy. Although there haven’t been any widespread cases in the United States, the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America (AAFA) reports, “many with asthma, especially allergic asthma, complain about their symptoms getting worse during thunderstorms.”

Though thunderstorm asthma is a rarity, there are growing concerns for those at risk for developing weather-related asthma attacks. Changing climate patterns are contributing to longer pollen seasons and more potent pollen. Additionally, storms are becoming more intense and frequent.

If you are at risk for developing weather-related asthma attacks, the AAFA has the following recommendations to help manage your health:

See a board-certified allergist to help you determine your triggers. They can help you create an asthma management plan.
Follow your doctor’s plan to keep your symptoms under control.
If you have allergic asthma and pollen is one of your triggers, watch the weather, especially when humidity and pollen are high.
Get support from others who have asthma. Asthma is easier to deal with if you have support from others after you leave the doctor’s office. AAFA has asthma and allergy online support groups you can join to talk to others with the same conditions.

To schedule an appointment with an asthma and allergy specialist 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.

Q&A: What Should You Do If Your Medicine Is Recalled?

Posted on May 30, 2023 by Xavia Malcolm

A drug recall is one of the most effective ways to protect the public from potentially harmful drugs.

Drug recalls are mostly voluntary and occur when a manufacturer decides to remove a drug from the market when there is reason to believe the product is mislabeled, contaminated, defective, or hazardous to a person’s health. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) can also request a recall if multiple reports of adverse effects or problems have been received.

If your medicine has been recalled, the FDA recommends that you speak with your doctor right away to determine the best course of action for your health. If your doctor advises that you stop taking the medication, you may be able to take it back to the store of purchase and request a refund. Manufacturers may also provide contact information for product returns.

To keep up-to-date or find out more about drug recalls, you can visit the FDA’s website https://www.fda.gov/ and sign up for alerts.

Collagen Supplements

Posted on May 23, 2023 by Xavia Malcolm

The use of collagen supplements has grown significantly in recent years due to the promotion of their purported benefits. Packaging for these supplements, which is commonly purchased in pill or powder form, often boasts astounding benefits for hair, skin, nails, and joints.

If you are considering taking collagen supplements it is important to learn the facts before making a purchase.

Collagen is a protein that is naturally produced by the body. It can be found in the blood, joints, connective tissues, and muscles and plays the following roles in helping the body to function well:

Helps blood to clot
Provides protective lining for organs
Gives structure and support to skin, and tissue
Aids in cellular responses such as cellular renewal
Help keep bones strong
Provides elasticity to the skin

There are five main types of collagen found in the body, they include:

Type l: Makes up 90% of the collagen in the body, and is used to build bones, skin, tendons, and ligaments
Type ll: Helps to make cartilage and provides joint support
Type lll: Is found in muscles, organs, and arteries
Type lV: Is found in the skin
Type V: Is found in skin, hair, placenta tissue, and the cornea of the eyes

As we age, our bodies produce less collagen, and over time, the collagen we already have begins to break down. We may experience the following changes as this occurs:

Loss of skin elasticity, resulting in wrinkled or crepey skin
Weaker muscles
Gastrointestinal problems
Loss of flexibility or stiffness of the joints
Joint pain
Osteoarthritis
Hallowing around the eyes

There are a few lifestyle changes we can implement that may boost collagen production. This includes eating foods that are rich in vitamin C, zinc, and copper, eating protein-rich foods, and bone broths.

Taking supplements is another option that some people may consider. Taking collagen peptides by mouth is possibly safe. However, it is important to keep in mind that these supplements are not regulated by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration; therefore, quality and safety are not guaranteed. Additionally, evidence or studies that support the use of collagen supplements have been small. For these reasons, it is highly recommended that you speak with a physician before taking collagen supplements.

When Does Depression Become An Emergency?

Posted on April 24, 2023 by Xavia Malcolm

People often associate going to the emergency room (ER) with treating physical emergencies; however, it is important to know that the ER is also equipped to treat mental health emergencies.

One of the most common mental health conditions treated in the ER is severe depression which requires immediate care.

Severe cases of depression should be taken as seriously as any other physical, life-threatening health condition, especially when an individual is expressing the desire to harm themself or others, or is experiencing thoughts of suicide.

Depression should also be treated as an emergency when:

A person who has been diagnosed with clinical depression has an acute change in their mood that persists for weeks
A person is unable to care or has stopped caring for themself
There are new symptoms presenting such as psychosis, hallucinations, mania, or delusions

If you or anyone you know is experiencing a mental health emergency, call 911 right away. If there are concerns about suicide, you can also contact the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255 or call, text, or chat 988.

Babesiosis

Posted on April 11, 2023 by Xavia Malcolm

As temperatures warm up, more time will be spent doing outdoor activities in areas with grass or shrubs, where ticks are commonly found. Increased exposure to these environments heightens our risk of contracting illnesses that are transmitted by ticks such as babesiosis.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), babesiosis is an emerging tickborne parasitic disease that has become significantly more prevalent in the Northeast regions of the United States such as New York, New Jersey, and Connecticut. The CDC classified the disease as endemic in these and other states where cases have grown the fastest.

Babesiosis is caused by the Babesia parasite, which infects red blood cells and is carried by blacklegged or deer ticks. The disease is transmitted to humans by the bite of these ticks. Cases of infection peak during the warmer months of spring and summer.

In addition to being transmissible by the bite of a blacklegged or deer tick, babesiosis can also be spread by the transfusion of contaminated blood.

Many people who are infected with babesiosis do not experience symptoms; however, some may present with flu-like symptoms such as fever, body aches, nausea, loss of appetite, fatigue, or chills. Symptoms may take one to nine weeks to appear. Complications can include blood clots, severe hemolytic anemia (hemolysis) low or unstable blood pressure, organ failure, and in rare cases death.

The disease can be severe or life-threatening to:

Individuals living without a spleen
Those with weakened immune systems
The elderly
Those who have serious health conditions such as liver or kidney disease

Steps can be taken to reduce the risk of exposure to ticks and prevent the transmission of babesiosis. The CDC recommends doing the following while you are outdoors:

Walking on cleared trails and staying in the center of the trail, to minimize contact with bushes or other places where ticks typically live
Minimizing the amount of exposed skin, by wearing socks, long pants, and a long-sleeved shirt
Applying repellents to skin and clothing

It is also recommended that you conduct tick checks before going indoors and promptly remove any ticks that are found.

If you are experiencing symptoms of babesiosis and believe you were exposed to ticks, make an appointment to see your doctor right away, Your physician can order blood tests to diagnose the disease and provide effective treatment.

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

Surprising Causes of A UTI

Posted on April 4, 2023 by Xavia Malcolm

A urinary tract infection (UTI) is a common infection that affects the urinary system, which includes the bladder, ureters, urethra, and kidneys.

Urinary tract infections develop when bacteria from outside the body (most commonly from the rectum or skin) enter the urethra and infect the urinary system.

Although anyone can get a UTI, women are more at risk than men. It is estimated that around 50% to 60% of women will experience an infection in their lifetime.

The risk of developing a UTI can be minimized if you know the risk factors and take measures to prevent an infection. These factors include:

Eating excessive amounts of sugar
Having diabetes
Hormonal changes such as menopause
Holding in your urine for too long or not emptying your bladder completely
Wiping the wrong way (It is recommended that you wipe from front to back. Going the opposite way can track bacteria from your anus to the urethra)
Frequently wearing thong or string-bikini underwear
Frequently wearing tight pants
Frequent sexual intercourse
Not urinating after having sexual intercourse
Not drinking enough water
Using certain forms of birth control such as a diaphragm, spermicide, or unlubricated condoms
Catheter use
Taking certain medications such as some antihistamines or antipsychotic drugs
Frequently riding a bicycle

Some risk factors are easier to address than others and some are unavoidable, but there are steps you can take to help lower the risk of a UTI. Drinking plenty of water helps dilute urine and makes you urinate more often, which flushes bacteria out of the urinary system. Wiping front to back after using the bathroom is also helpful. Other measures include reducing your sugar intake, changing your method of birth control, managing your diabetes, avoiding holding in your urine and urinating after intercourse.

If you are frequently experiencing urinary tract infections, you should make an appointment to see your doctor. To schedule an appointment at Flushing Hospital Medical Center, please call 718-670-5486.

How MS Can Affect Oral Health

Posted on March 28, 2023 by Xavia Malcolm

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic disease that affects the central nervous system (brain, spinal cord, and optic nerves).

The disease causes the immune system to attack the central nervous system, disrupting signals to and from the brain.

MS affects each person differently; however, common symptoms of the disease include motor impairment and heightened levels of inflammation in the body; both of which can contribute to the deterioration of a person’s dental health.

Motor impairment caused by MS often involves decreased dexterity, muscle weakness, or loss of coordination. These deficits can affect a person’s ability to brush and floss their teeth properly. People living with MS that have lost control of their muscles may find it difficult to do either action well.

Gingivitis and other gum diseases are more prevalent in individuals with MS. This is due to the increased levels of inflammation in the body, resulting from a deteriorating immune system.

Medications used to treat MS can also contribute to poor dental health. Side effects of these prescriptions often include dry mouth which makes a person more susceptible to dental problems.

Living with MS and maintaining good oral health can be challenging. However, complications can be avoided by making adjustments to a dental regimen, such as sitting down while brushing and visiting a dentist routinely.

To schedule an appointment with a dentist at Flushing Hospital Medical Center, please call (718) 670-5521.

Differences Between Psychologists, Psychiatrists and Licensed Mental Health Counselors

Posted on March 14, 2023 by Xavia Malcolm

Taking care of your mental health and well-being is just as important as taking care of your physical health. If you are feeling overwhelmed, or experiencing anxiety or other symptoms of a mental health disorder, it is highly recommended that you seek the help of a licensed professional.

Mental health professionals can help you to assess challenging life events and explore how they may be affecting you. They are trained to diagnose mental health conditions and provide the tools needed to manage emotions, phobias, compulsions, or addictions.

There are several types of mental health professionals available to help with your concerns. The most common are licensed mental health counselors, psychiatrists, and psychologists. Understanding the key differences in their training and the delivery of their services can help with deciding what is best for you.

Psychologists- have advanced, doctoral degrees in the study of the human mind and behaviors. They are qualified to provide counseling and psychotherapy, perform psychological testing, and treat mental health disorders. Psychologists are not medical doctors; therefore, they generally (except for a few states) do not prescribe medications and cannot perform medical procedures.
Psychiatrists– are medical doctors who are trained in the field of psychiatry (the branch of medicine that focuses on preventing, diagnosing, and treating mental health and emotional disorders). Psychiatrists typically treat more complex mental health disorders than psychologists and are trained to differentiate mental health problems from other underlying medical issues that present symptoms similar to psychiatric conditions. Psychiatrists can prescribe medications and other medical treatments as part of a patient’s treatment plan.
Licensed Mental health counselors- have master’s degrees in a field of study related to mental health such as counseling or psychology. They work with individuals, couples, or families to identify triggers, improve overall mental well-being or cope with mental health issues. They are not medical doctors; therefore, are unable to prescribe medications.

If someone you know is experiencing mental health problems, please encourage them to seek the assistance of a mental health professional.

To schedule an appointment with a Mental Health Professional at Flushing Hospital Medical Center, call 718-670-5562.

What To Expect: Colonoscopy

Posted on February 28, 2023 by Xavia Malcolm

A colonoscopy is a procedure that physicians use to examine the inside of the large intestine (colon). During an examination, doctors can investigate changes in the large intestine and possible causes for a variety of symptoms. Most importantly, physicians can use this procedure to look for precancerous or cancerous polyps on the inside of the colon’s lining.

Before the procedure, your doctor will require that you consume a clear liquid diet for at least 24 hours ahead of the time for your exam. You will also have to take a laxative to help clear the intestines. In some instances, your provider may perform an enema before the test. Please be sure to inform your doctor of any medications you are taking so that adjustments can be made if needed before your procedure.

When you arrive for your colonoscopy, you may be given medications to sedate you or make you feel sleepy. It is highly recommended that you have someone available to drive you home for this reason.

Your physician will begin the procedure once you are sedated. A colonoscope is the tool your healthcare provider utilizes to conduct the examination. The device is a long, flexible tube with a camera and light on the end. During the procedure, your physician will insert the colonoscope into your rectum and move it into your colon to look for polyps or other signs of a potential health problem.

Once the examination is completed, your healthcare team will transport you to a recovery room for a few hours. It is common for patients to experience mild cramps or bleeding in the first stool after the procedure. Please contact your doctor if bleeding and cramping persist.

Pelvic Organ Prolapse

Posted on February 14, 2023 by Xavia Malcolm

Pelvic organ prolapse (POP) is a type of pelvic floor disorder. It occurs when the muscles and tissues that support a woman’s pelvic organs become weak and no longer capable of holding those organs in place.

A woman’s pelvic organs include the rectum, uterus, bladder, cervix, and urethra, all of which are held in place by pelvic floor muscles. However, these muscles can become stretched or torn as a result of childbirth or other factors including:

Pelvic floor injuries
Chronic constipation and straining during bowel movements
Aging
Obesity
Hormonal changes
Hysterectomy
Genetic disorders that weaken connective tissues
Having a condition that causes frequent coughing

When pelvic floor muscles are no longer able to hold pelvic organs in position, they drop lower in the pelvis. This creates a bulge or prolapse into the vagina, and in severe cases may cause pelvic organs to bulge onto other organs or outside the body.

According to the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, “POP affects 1 in 4 women in their 40s and 1 in 3 in their 60s. By the time women reach their 80s, POP affects half of all women.” Some may experience symptoms that include:

Lower back pain
Pressure of pain during sexual intercourse
Problems inserting tampons
A feeling of pressure, fullness or aching in the pelvis
Incontinence
Spotting or bleeding of the vagina
Feeling or seeing a bulge coming out of the vagina

POP is diagnosed by conducting a series of tests that include a pelvic examination. There are various treatments available such as inserting devices called pessaries to support the pelvic organs, pelvic floor therapy, or surgery to support or close the vagina.

Flushing Hospital Medical Center offers a wide variety of treatments for POP, this includes sacrocolpopexy, a surgical procedure that can be performed with the assistance of a surgical robot by our highly trained surgeons.

For more information about robotic surgery or procedures performed by our surgeons, please contact Flushing Hospital’s Department of Surgery at 718-670-3135.