Treating A Sore Throat

woman suffering from sore throat sitting on sofa. Sick young woman covered with blanket coughing while sitting on the sofa at home.One of the most common causes of a sore throat is a viral infection, such as a cold. However, a sore throat can also be caused by a bacterial infection, such as strep throat, or irritation from allergies, dryness, or pollutants, such as smoke.

Once a diagnosis is made, the symptoms of a sore throat can be treated. Over-the-counter medication can be used to relieve some of the symptoms. When the cause of the sore throat is bacterial, a physician may have to prescribe an antibiotic. If the sore throat is being caused by exposure to an irritant, it is a good idea to stay away from the substance that is causing the problem.

Home remedies can offer some relief for a sore throat. They can include:

  • Rest
  • Drinking fluids
  • Drinking warm liquids
  • Adding honey to warm liquids
  • Gargling with warm salt water
  • Lozenges
  • Sucking on popsicles or ice chips
  • Using an air humidifier

A sore throat typically improves in two to seven days. If you are still experiencing symptoms, please contact your physician.

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.

Bleeding Disorders

Bleeding disorders are a group of conditions that affect the way the body controls blood clotting. The clotting process, known as coagulation, changes blood from a liquid to a solid.

When you’re injured, your blood normally begins to clot to prevent a massive blood loss. However, these conditions prevent blood from clotting properly, which results in heavy or prolonged bleeding.

Bleeding disorders can cause abnormal bleeding outside and inside the body. Some disorders can drastically increase the amount of blood leaving the body, while others cause bleeding under the skin or in vital organs, such as the brain.

There are numerous bleeding disorders. The most common include:

  • Hemophilia A and B- are conditions that occur when there are low levels of clotting factors in your blood. It causes heavy or unusual bleeding in the joints. Although hemophilia is rare, it can have life-threatening complications
  • Factor II, V, VII, X, or XII deficiencies- are bleeding disorders related to blood clotting problems or abnormal bleeding problems
  • Von Willebrand’s disease- is the most common inherited bleeding disorder. It develops when the blood lacks the von Willebrand factor, which helps the blood clot

For blood to clot, the body needs blood proteins called clotting factors and blood cells called platelets. Normally, platelets clump together to form a plug at the site of a damaged or injured blood vessel. The clotting factors then combine to form a fibrin clot, keeping the platelets in place and preventing blood from flowing out of the blood vessel.

For people with bleeding disorders, however, the clotting factors or platelets don’t work the way they should or are in short supply. When the blood doesn’t clot, excessive or prolonged bleeding can occur. It can also lead to spontaneous or sudden bleeding in the muscles, joints, and other body parts.

Some bleeding disorders are present at birth and are passed down or inherited through families. However, other bleeding disorders can be caused by:

  • Medical conditions, such as liver disease
  • A low red blood cell count
  • A vitamin K deficiency
  • Side effects from certain medications

Symptoms of bleeding disorders can include:

  • Bruising easily
  • Heavy bleeding
  • Heavy menstrual bleeding
  • Nosebleeds that do not stop easily
  • Excessive bleeding due to surgical procedures
  • Umbilical cord bleeding after birth

A doctor will diagnose a bleeding disorder by asking about your symptoms and medical history. They will also perform a physical exam and run blood tests to make a proper diagnosis. These tests can include:

  • A complete blood count
  • A platelet aggregation test
  • A bleeding time test

Treatment options for bleeding disorders vary depending on the type of bleeding disorder and its severity. Although treatments can’t cure bleeding disorders, they can help relieve the symptoms associated with certain disorders. Treatment options include:

  • Iron supplementation
  • Blood transfusion

If you experience symptoms of a bleeding disorder, it’s important to get diagnosed as soon as possible; even if your symptoms are mild, talking to a doctor can help you avoid potential risk factors that may worsen them. You can schedule an appointment with a doctor at Flushing Hospital Medical Center’s Ambulatory Care Center by calling (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.

Complications of Ulcerative Colitis

Ulcerative colitis is a form of chronic inflammatory bowel disease.  It causes inflammation and sores to develop on the inner lining of the colon and rectum.

The symptoms of ulcerative colitis may vary from person to person, they include:

  • Diarrhea (which may or may not be bloody)
  • Pus in the stools
  • Nausea
  • Abdominal cramping
  • Abdominal pain
  • Feeling the need to poop (even though your bowels are already empty)
  • An urgent need to have a bowel movement
  • Fever
  • Weight loss

People living with ulcerative colitis are at risk of developing complications or further health problems, such as:

  • Osteoporosis
  • Growth and development delay in young children
  • Bowel cancer
  • Colon cancer
  • Perforated colon
  • Toxic megacolon
  • Anemia
  • Primary sclerosing cholangitis
  • Blood clots
  • Dehydration
  • Severe bleeding from the rectum
  • Sexual dysfunction

Perforated colon, toxic megacolon, severe dehydration, and severe bleeding from the rectum are complications that require immediate medical attention.

There is no known way to prevent ulcerative colitis; however, symptoms or flare-ups can be managed to reduce the risk of complications.  You can manage symptoms by taking medications as prescribed, watching what you eat and drink, managing stress, and exercising.

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.

Stroke Treatment Options

Strokes happen when a blood clot or broken blood vessel prevents blood from getting to your brain. The lack of blood flow deprives brain cells of the oxygen and nutrients they need to survive, causing them to die in minutes.

There are two types of strokes: ischemic and hemorrhagic.

Ischemic strokes usually happen because a blood clot blocks a blood vessel connected to your brain. Hemorrhagic strokes occur when a blood vessel in your brain breaks or ruptures.

Strokes can be fatal. Therefore, you must know the symptoms and pay attention to them when they occur. Symptoms of strokes include:

  • Trouble speaking and understanding what others are saying
  • Numbness, weakness, or paralysis in the face, arm, or leg
  • Problems seeing in one or both eyes
  • Headaches
  • Trouble walking
  • Confusion
  • Dizziness or vertigo
  • Blurred vision or double vision
  • Loss of coordination

Seek immediate medical attention if you notice any symptoms of a stroke, even if they seem to come and go or disappear completely.

To diagnose a stroke, a healthcare provider will use a combination of neurological exams and tests that include:

  • Blood tests
  • CT scan
  • Electroencephalogram (EEG)
  • Electrocardiogram (EKG)
  • MRI
  • Carotid ultrasound
  • Cerebral angiogram

Some treatments are most effective when given soon after a stroke starts. Emergency treatment depends on whether you’re having an ischemic or hemorrhagic stroke.

To treat an ischemic stroke, blood flow must quickly be restored to the brain. This can be done with:

  • Emergency IV medicine
  • Emergency endovascular procedures
    • Medications delivered directly to the brain
    • Removing the clot with a stent retriever
  • Other procedures, such as a carotid endarterectomy and angioplasty and stents

Emergency treatment of hemorrhagic stroke focuses on controlling the bleeding and reducing the pressure in the brain caused by excess fluid. If the area of bleeding is large, surgery may be needed to remove the blood and relieve pressure on the brain. Surgery may also be required to repair blood vessel damage due to the hemorrhagic stroke. A healthcare professional may recommend a procedure if an aneurysm, arteriovenous malformation (AVM), or other blood vessel condition caused the stroke. Procedures include:

  • Surgical clipping
  • Endovascular embolization, also known as coiling
  • Surgical removal of a tangle of thin-walled blood vessels, known as AVM
  • Stereotactic radiosurgery

Stroke rehabilitation is an important part of stroke treatment. Rehabilitation will help you adjust to changes in your brain and body after a stroke. You may need to regain abilities you had before or need to adjust to new or different disabilities. You may need a combination of:

  • Cognitive rehabilitation
  • Occupational therapy
  • Physical therapy
  • Speech therapy

Maintaining your overall health is the best way to reduce your risk of a stroke. Some ways you can sustain your overall health include the following:

  • Eating plenty of healthy foods and maintaining a healthy weight
  • Engaging in regular physical activity
  • Managing your blood pressure, cholesterol, and any health conditions you may have
  • Quitting smoking

If you are experiencing any symptoms of a stroke, call 911 immediately. If you need assistance managing your health to prevent a stroke or maintaining your overall wellness, visit Flushing Hospital Medical Center’s Ambulatory Care Center. To schedule an appointment, 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.

Anorexia #NationalEatingDisorderAwarenessMonth

Anorexia nervosa, more commonly known as anorexia, is an eating disorder that involves severe calorie restriction and often a low body weight based on personal weight history. It is a complex condition that has mental, behavioral, and physical symptoms.

People who have anorexia often have a strong fear of gaining weight and may think they’re overweight, even if they are not. To prevent gaining weight or to continue to lose weight, people with anorexia often limit the amount or type of food they eat. They do this by restricting the number of calories they consume, resulting in a nutrient deficit and usually, but not always, a very low body weight.

Anorexia can cause changes in the brain due to malnutrition. If left untreated, weight loss can get to a point where people with anorexia are at high risk of serious physical harm or death. Anorexia has the second-highest death rate of any mental illness, surpassed only by opioid overdoses. Most anorexia-related deaths stem from heart conditions and suicide.

There are two subtypes of anorexia nervosa based on eating behaviors:

Restrictive anorexia– the person severely limits the amount and type of food they eat

Binge-purge anorexia– the person greatly restricts the amount and type of food they eat. However, they also have binge-eating and purging episodes where they eat large amounts of food in a short time and then intentionally vomit or use laxatives or diuretics to get rid of what they consumed.

Anorexia involves physical, behavioral, and emotional and mental signs and symptoms.

Emotional and mental signs of anorexia include:

  • Intense fear of gaining weight
  • Body dysmorphia
  • Obsessive interest in food, calories, and dieting
  • Fear of certain foods or food groups
  • Being very self-critical
  • Denying the seriousness of your low body weight and/or food restriction
  • Feeling a strong need to be in control
  • Insomnia

It is common to have other mental health conditions alongside anorexia, you may have additional mental and emotional symptoms.

Behavioral signs of anorexia include:

  • Changes in eating habits or routines, such as eating foods in a certain order or rearranging foods on a plate
  • A sudden change in food preferences, such as eliminating certain food types or food groups
  • Making frequent comments about feeling “fat” or being overweight despite weight loss
  • Purging through intentional vomiting and/or misusing laxatives or diuretics
  • Going to the bathroom right after eating
  • Misusing diet pills or appetite suppressants
  • Compulsive and/or excessive exercising
  • Continuing to limit calories even when your weight is love for your sex, height, and age
  • Wearing loose clothing and/or wearing layers to hide weight loss and stay warm
  • Withdrawing from loved ones and social events

Physical signs and symptoms of anorexia can include:

  • Significant weight loss over several weeks or months
  • Not maintaining an appropriate body weight based on your height, age, sex, stature, and physical health
  • Unexplained change in growth curve or body mass index (BMI) in children and still-growing adolescents

Physical signs and symptoms of anorexia that are side effects of starvation and malnutrition include:

  • Dizziness and/or fainting
  • Fatigue
  • Abnormal heart rhythm
  • Low blood pressure
  • Feeling cold all the time
  • Absent periods or irregular menstrual periods
  • Bloating and/or abdominal pain
  • Muscle weakness and loss of muscle mass
  • Dry skin, brittle nails, and/or thinning hair
  • Poor wound healing and frequent illness

Anorexia is a complex condition with no singular cause. Research suggests that a combination of certain factors may be responsible, such as:

  • Genetics
  • Brain changes
  • Trauma
  • Environment and culture
  • Peer pressure
  • Emotional health

Anorexia nervosa affects all gender identities, races, ages, incomes, and body types. It is also more common among teenagers, although people of any age can develop anorexia. Teens can be more at risk due to all of the changes their bodies go through during puberty. They also face peer pressure and can be more sensitive to criticism or casual comments about weight or body shape. Certain factors can raise the risk of anorexia and other eating disorders, including:

  • Family history
  • A history of weight bullying
  • A history of dieting
  • Transitions

A healthcare provider can diagnose anorexia nervosa based on the criteria listed in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5). The three criteria include:

  • Restriction of calorie consumption that leads to weight loss or a failure to gain weight. This results in a significantly low body weight based on your age, sex, height, and stage of growth.
  • Intense fear of gaining weight or becoming fat
  • Having a distorted view of yourself and the seriousness of the state of your health

If you have signs and symptoms of anorexia, a healthcare provider will do a complete medical history and physical exam. They will ask questions about your:

  • Dietary history
  • Exercise history
  • Psychological history
  • Body image
  • Purging frequency and elimination habits (use of pills, laxatives, and diuretics)
  • Family history of eating disorders

Treatment for anorexia varies depending on the person’s needs. They may receive treatment through inpatient or outpatient care based on their current medical and mental state. Treatment for anorexia most often involves a combination of:

  • Individual and group psychotherapy
  • Medication
  • Hospitalization

A person with anorexia or any eating disorder will have the best recovery outcome if they receive an early diagnosis. If you or someone you know are experiencing signs and symptoms of anorexia, be sure to talk to a provider as soon as possible.

To find out more about our mental health services or to schedule a virtual appointment, call (718) 670-5316 to speak with our intake coordinator or call (718) 670-5562 to reach the clinic.

 

 

 

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.

Tuberculosis

Tuberculosis is a serious infectious disease that mainly affects the lungs. It is caused by a bacteria called Mycobacterium tuberculosis. Tuberculosis can spread when a person with the illness coughs, sneezes, or speaks, releasing tiny droplets of germs into the air. Another person can breathe in the droplets, and the germs will enter the lungs.

When tuberculosis germs survive and multiply in the lungs, it is a TB infection. A TB infection can happen in one of three stages, each with symptoms.

Primary TB infection is the first stage of TB infection. Immune system cells find and capture the germs, which the immune system may destroy. However, some captured germs can still survive and multiply.

Most people don’t have symptoms during primary infection. Some people may have flu-like symptoms, including:

  • Low fever
  • Tiredness
  • Cough

Latent TB infection is the stage following primary TB infection. Immune system cells build a wall around lung tissue with TB germs, which keeps them under control. However, the germs survive. There aren’t any symptoms during latent TB infection.

Active TB disease happens when the immune system can’t control an infection. Germs cause disease throughout the lungs or other parts of the body. Active TB disease can happen right after primary infection, but it usually occurs after months or years of latent TB infection. Symptoms of active TB disease in the lungs begin gradually and worsen over a few weeks. Symptoms can include:

  • Cough
  • Coughing up blood or mucus
  • Chest pain
  • Pain with breathing or coughing
  • Fever
  • Chills
  • Night sweats
  • Weight loss
  • Loss of appetite
  • Tiredness
  • Not feeling well in general

Extrapulmonary tuberculosis occurs when an active TB infection spreads from the lungs to other body parts. Symptoms vary depending on what part of the body is infected. Common symptoms can include:

  • Fever
  • Chills
  • Night sweats
  • Weight loss
  • Not wanting to eat
  • Tiredness
  • Not feeling well in general
  • Pain near the site of infection

Common sites of active TB disease outside of the lungs include:

  • Kidneys
  • Liver
  • Fluid surrounding the brain and spinal cord
  • Heart muscles
  • Genitals
  • Lymph nodes
  • Bones and joints
  • Skin
  • Walls of blood vessels
  • The voice box or larynx

People with active TB infection can spread tuberculosis easily, especially in crowded spaces.

To diagnose a TB infection, a healthcare provider will perform an exam that includes:

  • Listening to you breathe with a stethoscope
  • Checking for swollen lymph nodes
  • Asking you questions about your symptoms

Your healthcare provider will order tests if:

  • Tuberculosis is suspected
  • You were likely exposed to a person with active TB disease
  • You have health risks for active TB disease

Your healthcare provider will determine whether a skin or blood test is best. X-rays, sputum tests, and other lab tests can also diagnose a TB infection.

Your healthcare provider may treat you with drug treatments if you have a latent TB infection. This is especially true for people who are at an increased risk of active TB disease. Most latent TB infections are treated for three or four months. Active TB may be treated for four, six, or nine months. Specialists in TB treatment will determine which drugs are best for you.

It is important to take every dose as instructed when your healthcare provider prescribes medication. You must complete the full course of treatment, as it is important for killing the bacteria in your body and preventing new drug-resistant bacteria.

If you are experiencing symptoms of tuberculosis, you must receive treatment from a doctor as soon as possible. You can schedule an appointment at Flushing Hospital Medical Center’s Ambulatory Care Center by calling (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.

Signs Your Blood Sugar is Too High

Hyperglycemia, also known as high blood sugar, is common in people who have diabetes. It occurs when too much sugar (glucose) is in the blood and the body has too little insulin or if the body can’t use insulin properly to regulate blood sugar levels.

People with diabetes can experience hyperglycemia episodes frequently.

Hyperglycemia usually doesn’t cause symptoms until blood sugar levels are high – above 180 to 200 milligrams per deciliter (mg/dL), or 10 to 11.1 millimoles per liter (mmol/L).

Symptoms for hyperglycemia develop slowly over several days or weeks. The longer sugar levels stay high, the more serious symptoms can become. However, some people who’ve had type 2 diabetes for a long time may not show any symptoms despite high blood sugar levels. Early symptoms of hyperglycemia include:

  • Frequent urination
  • Increased thirst
  • Blurred vision
  • Feeling weak or unusually tired
  • Headache

Recognizing early symptoms of hyperglycemia can help identify and treat it right away.

If hyperglycemia isn’t treated, it can cause toxic acids called ketones, to build up in the blood and urine. This condition is called ketoacidosis. Symptoms include:

  • Fruity-smelling breath
  • Dry mouth
  • Abdominal pain
  • Nausea and vomiting
  • Shortness of breath
  • Confusion or disorientation
  • Loss of consciousness
  • Dehydration
  • Rapid heartbeat

Hyperglycemia most often results from a lack of insulin. This happens due to insulin resistance and/or issues with the pancreas, the organ that makes insulin.

However, other hormones can contribute to the development of hyperglycemia as well. Excess of the stress hormone cortisol or the growth hormone can lead to high blood sugar.

Chronic hyperglycemia over the years can damage blood vessels and tissues in your body. This can lead to a variety of complications, including:

  • Retinopathy
  • Nephropathy
  • Neuropathy
  • Gastroparesis
  • Heart disease
  • Stroke

Hyperglycemia is diagnosed when a healthcare provider orders blood work to screen for the condition and diagnose diabetes. These tests may include:

  • Fasting glucose tests.
  • Glucose tolerance tests.
  • A1c test.

Injected insulin is the main way to treat hyperglycemia episodes. Everyone requires different doses. Your healthcare provider will work with you to determine which dose is best to treat and prevent high blood sugar. Dietary changes and exercise plans can also help manage your blood sugar to prevent hyperglycemia.

If you’re experiencing symptoms of hyperglycemia, you can receive treatment from an endocrinologist at Flushing Hospital Medical Center’s Ambulatory Care Center. To schedule an appointment, 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.

The Link between Alcohol and Cancer

The Office of the Surgeon General recently issued an advisory calling for updated warnings on alcoholic beverages, cautioning that the consumption of alcohol heightens the risk of several types of cancer.

The current labels on alcoholic beverages warn about drinking while pregnant, drinking while driving, and operating machinery, as well as other general “health risks”.  The Office of the Surgeon General noted that alcohol consumption contributes to approximately 100,000 cancer cases and 20,000 cancer-related deaths each year. Therefore, the public needs to be warned about the link between alcohol consumption and an increased risk of cancer.

Alcohol has been classified as a carcinogen “primarily due to its metabolite, acetaldehyde, which has the ability to bind to DNA and potentially cause mutations”, says Dr. Vasilis Vasiliou PhD, chair of the Department of Environmental Health Sciences and the Susan Dwight Bliss Professor of Epidemiology at the Yale School of Public Health. Acetaldehyde may also increase the risk of aerodigestive cancers, which are cancers that affect the upper respiratory and digestive tracts. Aerodigestive cancers include cancer of the lip, tongue, salivary glands, and other oral and nasal regions. “Furthermore, acetaldehyde may have a more pronounced effect on individuals with mutations in DNA-repair enzymes, such as BRCA1 and BRCA2. Mutations in these BRCA1 and BRCA2 enzymes can increase the risk of developing breast or ovarian cancer”, Dr. Vasiliou says.

Dr. Vasiliou acknowledges that the adverse effects of alcohol are significantly influenced by the dose-response relationship, which considers both the quantity of alcohol consumed daily and the duration of consumption over time. These factors, along with co-exposures to environmental contaminants, play a pivotal role in determining the severity of alcohol-related risks. Such interactions suggest that alcohol’s harmful effects cannot be fully understood in isolation but should instead be evaluated within the broader context of combined exposures to other environmental and lifestyle-related carcinogens.

Dr. Vasiliou offers this advice when it pertains to alcohol and its link to cancer:

  • Do not start drinking for health reasons
  • Limit consumption
  • Consider personal and family health risks
  • Seek non-alcoholic sources of antioxidants

Synergistic interactions with other environmental carcinogens and lifestyle factors influence the risk of cancer from alcohol consumption. Reducing alcohol intake, alongside minimizing exposure to other known carcinogens such as tobacco smoke, environmental pollutants, and chemical toxins, is a critical strategy for lowering overall cancer risk. Comprehensive prevention efforts should address not only alcohol consumption but also broader environmental and lifestyle factors.

 

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.

Appendicitis

Appendicitis occurs when the appendix becomes clogged, infected, and inflamed. It can cause acute pain in your lower abdomen, however, for most people, pain begins around the belly button and then moves. As inflammation worsens, appendicitis pain typically increases and eventually becomes serious.

Symptoms of appendicitis include:

  • Sudden pain that begins on the right side of the lower belly
  • Sudden pain that begins around the belly button and often shifts to the lower right belly
  • Pain that worsens with coughing, walking, or making other jarring movements
  • Nausea and vomiting
  • Loss of appetite
  • Low-grade fever that may rise as the illness worsens
  • Constipation or diarrhea
  • Belly bloating
  • Gas

Additional symptoms that may develop later in some people can include:

  • Malaise
  • Urinary symptoms- needing to go more frequently or more urgently
  • Bowel paralysis

The size and location of the appendix make it easy for it to become clogged and infected. Your large intestine is home to many bacteria. If they become trapped in your appendix, they overgrow and cause an infection. The bacteria then multiplies quickly causing the appendix to become inflamed and filled with pus. If it is not treated right away, the appendix may burst or break open.

Some common causes of inflammation, swelling, obstruction, and infection in your appendix include:

  • Hardened poop (appendix stones)
  • Lymphoid hyperplasia
  • Colitis

Other factors that could block the opening of your appendix can include:

  • Tumors
  • Parasites
  • Cystic fibrosis

Risk factors for appendicitis include:

  • Age – anyone can develop appendicitis, but it most often happens in people between the ages of 10 and 30
  • Your sex – men have a slightly higher risk of appendicitis than women

To help diagnose appendicitis, a healthcare provider will likely take a history of symptoms and examine the abdomen. Tests used to diagnose appendicitis can include:

  • A physical exam
  • Blood tests
  • Urine tests
  • Imaging tests

Appendicitis may spontaneously resolve if the cause suddenly goes away on its own. This might happen if an obstruction in your appendix gets unblocked and passes through the intestines, or if an infection causing lymphoid hyperplasia in your appendix suddenly improves. However, you shouldn’t assume this will happen or that it has happened, even if your pain has reduced.

The standard treatment includes medicine such as antibiotics and surgery to remove the appendix. Appendicitis is considered an emergency, so it is treated in the emergency room.

If you are experiencing symptoms of appendicitis, visit Flushing Hospital Medical Center’s Ambulatory Care Center. To schedule an appointment, please call (718) 670-5486. If there is an emergency, please call 911.

 

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.

Tips for Strength Training as You Age

As we age, concerns about strength, balance, and mobility arise. Age-related mobility limitations are a fact of life for many older adults. Studies have shown that about 30% of adults over 70 years of age have trouble walking, getting up out of a chair, or climbing stairs. In addition to making everyday tasks difficult, mobility limitations are also linked to higher rates of falls, chronic disease, nursing home admission, and mortality.

Weight lifting and stretching are useful at any age, but there are specific benefits for older adults such as preventing or delaying the onset of many age-related ailments. Integrating resistance training and stretching into your routine can keep you feeling healthy and strong.

Committing to and maintaining a strength training program, whether it is at the gym or at home can improve your strength, balance, and mobility.

Your strength training program should include:

  • Three weekly sessions
  • Work out your whole body
  • Consistency

Here are six strength exercises for an effective and comprehensive full-body workout:

  • One-leg balance
  • Squat
  • Wall pushup
  • Resistance band row
  • Bird dog
  • Glute bridge

Unless otherwise noted, do three sets of 10-12 reps of each exercise.

Here are five stretches to include in your fitness routine to hit all of the major body parts and help improve your flexibility and mobility:

  • Hamstring stretch
  • Seated hip stretch
  • Chest opener
  • Side-lying thoracic rotation
  • Side-to-side reach

If not indicated, hold each stretch for about 30 seconds total. As you focus on breathing, deep inhale, deep exhale, and try to go deeper into the stretch.

Please note that when beginning strength training, your healthcare provider must clear you before starting. Start slowly and gradually increase your physical activity level over time.

If you experience medical problems while exercising, you can schedule an appointment with a doctor at Flushing Hospital Medical Center’s Ambulatory Care Center. To schedule an appointment, 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.