Xavia Malcolm, Author at Health BeatHealth Beat

Common Spring Allergy Triggers

Posted on April 1, 2025 by Xavia Malcolm

Spring allergy season typically begins around March or April and lasts until June or July.

During this time of year, we become more susceptible to allergy triggers, or allergens, which are substances that can cause allergic reactions. The most common spring allergens are:

Tree pollen
Grass pollen
Mold spores
Insect venom

Exposure to these allergens can trigger a response from your immune system, causing it to release chemicals such as histamine and prostaglandins, which can lead to the following symptoms:

Runny nose
Sneezing
Itching
Red, watery or itchy eyes
Hives
Dark circles under the eyes
Sore or scratchy throat
Headache
Cough
Fatigue
Postnasal drip

Minimizing your exposure to allergy triggers can help you avoid or limit symptoms. Here are a few tips to help you do that:

Check the pollen count by watching the weather forecast or using an app
Change your clothes when you arrive home after being outdoors
Consider wearing a mask outdoors
Avoid driving with the windows open
Keep the windows closed at home
Vacuum regularly
Consider using a HEPA filter at home

Allergy symptoms may also be alleviated by using home remedies, such as a saline rinse, or by taking over-the-counter medications. If your symptoms do not improve, consult your doctor; they may recommend prescription medications or additional therapies to help you find relief.

To schedule an appointment with an allergist at Jamaica Hospital Medical Center, please call 718-206-7001.

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.

Missed Periods

Posted on March 5, 2025 by Xavia Malcolm

Many women will have late or missed periods in their lifetime. Depending on the reason, this can be normal.

Pregnancy is one of the most common causes of a missed period; however, it is only one of several reasons why your period may be late or missed.

Missed or late periods may also be caused by:

Stress
Thyroid disorders
Perimenopause
Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)
Pelvic Inflammatory disease (PID)
Breastfeeding
Sudden changes in your weight
Obesity
Extreme or excessive exercise
Taking certain medications

When you don’t get your period at all, this is known as amenorrhea. There are two kinds of amenorrhea: primary and secondary. Primary amenorrhea occurs in females aged 15 and older who have never had their first period. Secondary amenorrhea happens when women who have previously had regular periods stop menstruating for three months or more in a row.

The absence of your period, when not caused by perimenopause, menopause, pregnancy, or breastfeeding, can be indicative of an underlying health condition.

You should see a doctor for missed periods if:

You have missed your period for three months or more consecutively
You have fewer than nine periods in a year
You have not had your period by the age of 16 or 17
There are changes in the pattern of your periods

Your doctor may perform a pelvic examination and order tests, including imaging and hormonal tests, to determine a diagnosis. Treatment for amenorrhea depends on the underlying cause and may involve medications or surgery.

If you have concerns about missed or late periods, please contact Jamaica Hospital Medical Center’s Women’s Health department for an appointment by calling 718-291-3276.

Asthmatic Bronchitis

Posted on February 11, 2025 by Xavia Malcolm

Bronchitis is the inflammation of the bronchial tubes or bronchi, which carry air to and from the lungs. It can be caused by a bacterial or viral infection or, in some cases, environmental exposures.

People with asthma are more susceptible to getting bronchitis because asthma can also lead to inflammation of the bronchi— Inflammation caused by asthma narrows the airways, making it easier for bacteria and viruses to become trapped and infect the bronchi.

When someone with asthma develops bronchitis, it is called asthmatic bronchitis (this is not an official medical diagnosis but a term used to describe people with asthma and bronchitis symptoms).

The symptoms of asthmatic bronchitis are similar to those of bronchitis, which are:

Wheezing
Cough with mucus
Chest tightness
Chest congestion
Shortness of breath
Excess mucus production

Common triggers of asthmatic bronchitis include:

Viral or bacterial infections
Pollution
Tobacco smoke
Certain medications
Allergens such as mold, dust, or pollen
Breathing in dangerous chemicals

If you are experiencing symptoms of asthmatic bronchitis, you should see a doctor. Your doctor may ask questions about your symptoms, conduct a physical examination, or order tests.

Treatment for asthmatic bronchitis focuses on getting rid of mucus, reducing inflammation of the airways, and keeping them open. This can be achieved by using inhalers that contain bronchodilators and possibly corticosteroids. Treatment may also involve antibiotics or humidifiers.

To schedule an appointment with a doctor at Jamaica Hospital Medical Center, please call the Division of Pulmonary Medicine at 718-206-5916.

Postpartum Breast Engorgement

Posted on February 10, 2025 by Xavia Malcolm

The body undergoes various physical changes in the first few days after giving birth, including the production of breast milk in preparation for breastfeeding.

As your milk “comes in,” you may experience breast engorgement, which occurs when the breasts become painfully swollen or overly full due to an increase in blood flow, fluid, and milk production.

Postpartum breast engorgement typically happens within the first week after giving birth; however, it may also occur as late as day nine or 10. When breasts are engorged, you may experience:

Pain or tenderness of your breasts
A mild fever
Swelling of both breasts
Hardness or firmness of the breast
Breasts that are warm to the touch
Flat or hard nipples

These symptoms should go away within a few days if you are breastfeeding, but you can also manage them by:

Using a warm compress to encourage milk let down
Applying a cold compress to relieve pain and swelling
Hand expressing a small amount of milk to relieve pressure (Do not express too much milk as this may signal the body to produce more)
Wearing a supportive bra
Taking physician-approved pain medication
Breastfeeding regularly (if you have chosen to breastfeed)

It’s important to note that you may still experience engorgement even if you have chosen not to breastfeed. If you decide not to breastfeed, your body will recognize that it doesn’t need to produce milk, and over time, your milk supply will dry up.

Managing symptoms of breast engorgement is crucial. Prolonged symptoms may indicate more serious health issues, such as mastitis. If symptoms persist for several days, contact your doctor or lactation consultant as soon as possible.

Pulmonary Hypertension

Posted on February 3, 2025 by Xavia Malcolm

Pulmonary hypertension (PH) is a condition that develops when the blood pressure in the pulmonary arteries, which carries blood from the right side of your heart to your lungs, is too high.

Pulmonary hypertension causes blood vessels in the lungs to become narrowed, blocked, or damaged. The heart must work harder than normal to pump blood into the lungs because of these problems. This can cause damage to the heart and lead to symptoms including:

Chest pain or pressure
Shortness of breath
Fatigue
Dizziness or fainting
Heart palpitations
Edema or swelling of the feet, legs, or abdomen

Pulmonary hypertension can lead to serious complications such as:

Bleeding in the lungs
Heart failure
Heart enlargement
Arrhythmias or irregular heartbeats
Pregnancy complications
Liver damage
Anemia

The causes of pulmonary hypertension depend on the type of pulmonary hypertension you might have. Here are the five classifications of PH based on their causes:

Group 1: Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) –The causes of PAH can be idiopathic (an unknown cause or caused by an underlying health condition) or genetic. PAH can also develop due to illegal drug use, congenital heart defects, or certain medical conditions such as lupus.
Group 2: Pulmonary hypertension caused by left-sided heart disease- This is the most common type of PH. The causes include left heart failure or left-sided heart valve disease.
Group 3: Pulmonary hypertension due to lung disease and/or hypoxia- This develops due to pulmonary fibrosis or the scarring of the lungs, obstructive sleep apnea, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), or prolonged exposure to high altitudes.
Group 4: Pulmonary hypertension due to pulmonary artery obstructions or blockages in the lungs– Blockages or obstructions may include blood clots in the lungs or tumors that block pulmonary arteries.
Group 5: Pulmonary hypertension caused by other disorders or health conditions- These disorders or health conditions can include kidney disease, blood disorders such as sickle disease, or metabolic conditions such as thyroid disease.

The risk factors for developing pulmonary hypertension include:

A family history of blood clots
A family history of pulmonary hypertension
Living at high altitudes
Use of illegal drugs
Smoking or using tobacco products
Exposure to asbestos
Taking certain medications designed to treat depression or cancer
Age (PH is usually diagnosed in adults between ages 30 and 60. The risk increases as you get older.)

Pulmonary hypertension is diagnosed by a healthcare professional through various tests, such as an echocardiogram, which measures the pressure in the pulmonary arteries. Additional tests may include blood tests, chest X-rays, and electrocardiograms (ECG or EKG). Your healthcare provider will also assess your medical history and symptoms to determine if you have pulmonary hypertension. Treatment options for pulmonary hypertension may include medication, lifestyle changes, or surgery.

If you are experiencing symptoms of pulmonary hypertension or are at risk, please call the Division of Pulmonary Medicine at 718-206-5916 to schedule an appointment.

Travel Tuesday: Tips For Traveling With Prescriptions

Posted on December 17, 2024 by Xavia Malcolm

The holiday season is one of the busiest times for airplane travel. The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) recently shared that it expects almost 40 million people to fly this year. Among those travelers are people who need to pack their prescriptions for their trips.

Each country has rules for what is permissible or legal. Therefore, it is important to check with your destination’s embassy and learn the laws when flying with your prescriptions.

For those traveling to and from the United States, TSA provides the following information:

It is not necessary to present your medication to or notify an officer about any medication you are traveling with unless it is in liquid form (See next bullet).
Medication in liquid form is allowed in carry-on bags in excess of 3.4 ounces in reasonable quantities for the flight. It is not necessary to place medically required liquids in a zip-top bag. However, you must tell the officer that you have medically necessary liquids at the start of the screening checkpoint process. Medically required liquids will be subject to additional screening that could include being asked to open the container.
You can bring your medication in pill or solid form in unlimited amounts as long as it is screened.
You can travel with your medication in both carry-on and checked baggage. It’s highly recommended you place these items in your carry-on in the event that you need immediate access.
TSA does not require passengers to have medications in prescription bottles, but states have individual laws regarding the labeling of prescription medication with which passengers need to comply.
Medication is usually screened by X-ray; however, if a passenger does not want a medication X-rayed, he or she may ask for a visual inspection instead. This request must be made before any items are sent through the X-ray tunnel.
Nitroglycerin tablets and spray (used to treat episodes of angina in people who have coronary artery disease) are permitted and have never been prohibited.

Packing your medications safely and according to TSA guidelines can help avoid delays during airport security screenings. Remember to check the laws on medications for your destination; some medications that are considered legal in the U.S. may be unlicensed or classified as controlled substances in other countries.

For more information on TSA medication guidelines, please visit https://www.tsa.gov/

Pinched Nerve

Posted on October 15, 2024 by Xavia Malcolm

A pinched nerve is a non-medical term used to describe a compressed nerve. A pinched nerve sensation occurs when surrounding tissues place too much pressure on a nerve. As a result, a person may experience short-term or long-term tingling, numbness, pain, or muscle weakness in the affected area.

There are several types of pinched nerves characterized by the location of the compressed nerve and the part of the body it serves. This includes the pinching of a root nerve in the spine which causes tingling and pain in other parts of the body. This is known as radiculopathy.

A common type of radiculopathy is sciatica which causes pain along the sciatic nerve in the lower back and down the legs. Other conditions that can develop as a result of a pinched nerve are:
• Radial tunnel syndrome which occurs when the radial nerve in the elbow is affected
• Carpal tunnel syndrome which occurs when the median nerve in the wrist is affected
• Tarsal tunnel syndrome which occurs when the tibial nerve in the heel is affected

Some people are more at risk of experiencing a pinched nerve than others. They include those who:
• Were assigned female at birth
• Have rheumatoid arthritis
• Have diabetes
• Have thyroid disease
• Have bone spurs
• Are pregnant
• Are obese
• Are age 50 and older
• Perform activities that require repetitive movement of the wrist, shoulders, or hands

Most cases of a pinched nerve are mild and symptoms may go away in a few days or weeks. Your doctor may recommend treatment that involves over-the-counter medications, physical therapy, resting the affected area, pausing certain activities, or applying heat and ice.

Do not ignore the symptoms of a pinched nerve if they last longer than normal. Chronic pain, numbness, tingling, or other associated symptoms can indicate a serious problem.

Early detection can help you avoid complications. Your doctor can diagnose a pinched nerve by ordering imaging tests such as MRI, blood tests, spinal tap, or a nerve conduction study. Surgery is often used as a last resort to treat long-lasting symptoms.

An untreated neurological condition can significantly interfere with your ability to function daily, but with the help of our expert team of neurologists, you can get the treatment you need to prevent disability and maintain a high-quality, active life. To schedule an appointment, please email neuro@jhmc.org.

Sleepwalking

Posted on October 7, 2024 by Xavia Malcolm

Sleepwalking or somnambulism is a sleep disorder that causes you to walk around or perform other activities while asleep. Approximately 7% of people have sleepwalked once in their lifetime.

Sleepwalking tends to run in families, and it occurs more commonly in children than adults. Children usually outgrow the condition by the time they’ve reached their teenage years or by the time they become adults. Sleepwalking may however continue into adulthood for some individuals.

In addition to age and genetics other factors that may lead to sleepwalking include:

Taking certain medications
Stress
Lack of sleep
Fever
Obstructive sleep apnea
Restless leg syndrome
Alcohol use

Sleepwalking typically happens 1 to 2 hours after falling asleep and may last for several minutes. SleepFoundation.org states that a sleepwalking episode may involve:

Walking or running
Urinating in inappropriate places
Open, glassy eyes with a blank look on the face
Routine actions, like getting dressed
Minimally responsive or incoherent speech

People who sleepwalk may also sleep eat or take part in sexual activity without being aware of it.

It is important to take steps to create a safe environment and prevent injuries in people who sleepwalk. This can be done by keeping doors and windows locked, securing dangerous items, removing breakable items, or using alarms or motion-sensing devices.

Sleepwalking occasionally is not a concern and does not require treatment. However, if episodes occur frequently, for example, one or two nights a week, or more you should see a doctor. You should also speak with a doctor if sleepwalking leads to dangerous behaviors, disturbs or puts others at risk for injury, continues into a child’s teen years, or begins in adulthood.

Diagnosing sleepwalking may include a physical examination, reviewing your medical history, or participating in an overnight sleep study. Treatment may involve cognitive behavioral therapy, applying relaxation and stress reduction techniques, scheduled waking, or medication.

To speak with a specialist about sleep-related health problems you may be experiencing, please schedule an appointment with Jamaica Hospital’s Sleep Center by calling 718-206-7001.

Foods Asthma Sufferers May Want To Avoid

Posted on October 1, 2024 by Xavia Malcolm

Although food is not a common trigger for asthma, some people with the disease may develop symptoms or adverse reactions as a result of eating certain foods or additives.

According to the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America, asthma-triggering foods can include those that contain sulfites an additive found in:

• Pickled foods
• Packaged potatoes
• Dried fruits and vegetables
• Wine and beer
• Shrimp
• Bottled lemon or lime juices
• Some condiments

Foods that contain salicylates, a naturally occurring chemical compound, have also been known to trigger symptoms in some people with asthma. Salicylates can be found in:

• Teas and coffees
• Certain herbs and spices

Additionally, foods that can cause gas or bloating such as beans, fried foods, carbonated drinks, onions, or garlic may make breathing more difficult for people with asthma.

Lastly, if you are allergic to certain foods, it is best to avoid them. An allergic reaction to these foods can also trigger an asthma attack.

Asthma sufferers should be careful about the foods they eat. Food allergies or reactions vary depending on the individual; therefore, speaking with a doctor about foods to eliminate or add to a diet is recommended.

Eastern Equine Encephalitis

Posted on September 3, 2024 by Xavia Malcolm

Eastern equine encephalitis (EEE) is a serious infection that causes encephalitis or severe brain inflammation. It is spread through the bite of a mosquito infected with the EEE virus or EEEV. Eastern equine encephalitis cannot be transmitted from person to person.

The EEE virus can affect the way the brain and nerves function, and potentially lead to long-term or life-threatening complications.

Some people infected with EEEV may not present with any symptoms; however, if symptoms appear, they could range from mild to severe and include:

Fever
Muscle pain
Joint pain
Chills
Diarrhea
Headache
High fever
Vomiting
Drowsiness

The symptoms of an EEE infection typically appear 4-10 days after being bitten by an infected mosquito.

An EEE infection may progress into more serious complications such as:

Seizures
Coma
Behavioral changes
Paralysis

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), a third of the people who develop severe EEE die and those who survive may have some degree of brain damage; therefore, it is important that you see a doctor if you are experiencing any symptoms.

Your doctor may diagnose EEE based on signs and symptoms, travel history (traveling to areas where the EEE virus is prevalent), mosquito exposure, and blood or spinal lab tests. Treatment typically involves getting enough fluids, rest, or taking over-the-counter medications to relieve pain. Patients may require hospitalization in severe cases.

Eastern equine encephalitis can be prevented by protecting yourself from mosquito bites. The CDC recommends using insect repellant, wearing protective clothing, and taking steps to control mosquitos indoors and outdoors.