October 2020 - Page 2 of 4 - Health BeatHealth Beat

Lactose Intolerance

Posted on October 16, 2020 by Xavia Malcolm

Lactose intolerance is a fairly common disorder, estimated to affect 75% of the world’s population. It is caused by a lack of an enzyme produced in the small intestine called lactase. This enzyme helps the body to break down the sugar (lactose) found in milk and milk products so that it can be properly absorbed into the blood.

There are three types of lactose intolerance:

Primary lactose intolerance – this is the most common form of the condition. In this type of intolerance, the body starts off life with the full ability to digest lactose found in milk but as the body ages, this capability diminishes.

Secondary lactose intolerance – this occurs when the body’s ability to digest lactose is altered either due to surgery or as a side effect of an illness (Celiac disease, bacterial overgrowth, and Crohn’s Disease).

Congenital lactose intolerance – is the condition where babies are born with a diminished capacity to digest lactose.

The symptoms of lactose intolerance can be very uncomfortable. They include:
• Gas
• Bloating
• Diarrhea
• Abdominal cramps
• Nausea

Diagnosing lactose intolerance can be performed a few different ways. There is a Lactose intolerance test that involves drinking a liquid with a high level of lactose in it. After two hours blood samples are taken to see if there is an increase in the level of sugar in the blood. If there isn’t a significant change, this indicates that the body didn’t digest the lactose sufficiently. A hydrogen breath test can be performed ro monitor the level of hydrogen produced if lactose is digested properly. The more hydrogen produced indicates the less digestion that took place. The third test is a stool acidity test which is primarily used in patients who are unable to undergo the first two tests and it measures the amount of acid in the stool.

There are several types of foods that people who are lactose intolerant should avoid:
• Milk
• Ice Cream
• Yogurt
• Butter

Additionally, some other types of food that may contain dairy are: bread, cake, custard, chocolate, candy, instant soups and some sauces.

One of the ways to avoid the symptoms of lactose intolerance is to remove dairy and dairy containing products from the diet. There is lactase containing supplements that can be taken that may help with the digestion of lactose and also taking probiotics may be beneficial.

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.

Kidney Stones

Posted on October 16, 2020 by Jamaica Hospital Medical Center

Kidney stones (nephrolithiasis) are lumps of crystal made from substances found in urine. They typically build up along the inner surfaces of the kidney. The size of a kidney stone can range from as small as a grain of sand to as large as a golf ball. It is estimated, one in every twenty people will develop them at some point in their life.

Stones form when there is a decrease in the amount of urine produced, causing it to become highly concentrated and therefore allowing minerals to crystallize and stick together. There are four major types of stones, they include:

Calcium stones
Uric acid stones
Struvite stones
Cystine stones

While dehydration is a major contributor to the formation of kidney stones, some people are more prone to developing them than others. People with certain medical conditions such as gout or digestive diseases, those with a family history of kidney stones, as well as people who are obese or consume a diet rich in protein, sodium and sugar are more susceptible.

Kidney stones often go undetected until they become loose and travel along the urinary tract. When they move around the kidney or pass through the ureter, the following symptoms may occur:

Pain during urination
Pain along your side or back, below the ribs
Urine that is pink, red or brown in color
Pain in the lower abdomen or groin
Difficulty urinating
Frequent urination or urge to urinate
Nausea or vomiting
Cloudy or abnormal smelling urine
Fever and chills

If these symptoms present themselves and persist it is advised that you see a doctor immediately. Your doctor may perform a series of tests that may include blood or urine tests, analysis of passed stones or abdominal x-rays to assess your condition. Depending on severity, treatment may include increasing your intake of water, pain medication or surgery.

Gallstones

Posted on October 16, 2020 by Jamaica Hospital Medical Center

Have you ever experienced sudden abdominal pain and wondered if it might be gallstones?

Gallstones form in the gall bladder, located just under the liver, and may cause no signs or symptoms. However, if a gallstone lodges in a bile duct, it could cause a blockage. Gallstone pain may last several minutes to a few hours and symptoms may include:

Sudden and rapidly intensifying pain in the upper right portion of your abdomen
Sudden and rapidly intensifying pain in the center of your abdomen, just below your breastbone
Back pain between your shoulder blades
Pain in your right shoulder

Make an appointment with your doctor if you experience any of these signs or symptoms. Seek immediate care if you are experiencing:

Abdominal pain so intense that you can’t sit still or find a comfortable position
Yellowing of your skin and the whites of your eyes
High fever with chills

Laparoscopic surgery to remove the gallbladder, called a cholecystectomy, is one of the most commonly performed surgical procedures in the United States and is the treatment of choice for gallstones that cause moderate to severe pain. Symptoms usually do not return after the gallbladder has been removed. In a small number of cases, surgery may be done to prevent complications of gallstones.

Understanding Dyslexia

Posted on October 16, 2020 by Jamaica Hospital Medical Center

Dyslexia is a language-based, learning disability that affects approximately 15% of the population living in the United States. It is the most common learning disability in the country.

People who are dyslexic find it difficult to read because they are unable to properly identify speech sounds and learn how they relate to letters and words. They often have difficulty with writing, math and comprehension as well.

Dyslexia is a lifelong disability that cannot be cured. However, an individual can overcome its many challenges when early intervention and specialized education approaches are applied.

The exact cause of dyslexia is unknown; however, the condition tends to run in families. In addition to genetics, there are other factors attributed to dyslexia; they include:

Premature birth or a low birth weight
Exposure to substances such as nicotine, alcohol or illegal drugs during pregnancy

Symptoms and signs of dyslexia vary with each individual. They may experience the following:

Difficulty forming words correctly –they may reverse the sound in words or confuse words that sound alike
Late speech
Difficulty remembering or naming colors , letters and numbers
Reading well below average
Difficulty playing rhyming games or learning rhyming songs
Problems with math or spelling
Difficulty following directions
Disinterest in books
Difficulty remembering details
Trouble understanding puns and idioms
Difficulty telling right from left
Difficulty understanding the concept of time

A significant number of children with dyslexia go undiagnosed because symptoms are not recognized. Many children who are undiagnosed, struggle in school and grow up to be adults who are unaware that they have dyslexia; therefore, it is very important for parents to note warning signs and seek assistance from a specialist. In most cases, a diagnosis of dyslexia is determined by a licensed educational psychologist after completing a series of evaluations.

Urinary Incontinence

Posted on October 16, 2020 by Jamaica Hospital Medical Center

Urinary incontinence is the inability to control the flow of urine resulting in a person urinating when they don’t want to. The basic cause is due to loss of control of the urinary sphincter. This is a fairly common condition, occurring more frequently in women than in men.

The American Urological Association estimates that one quarter to one-third of people in the United States experiences urinary incontinence.

Types of incontinence:
• Stress Incontinence – urine leaks when there is pressure put on the bladder by coughing, sneezing, laughing, lifting heavy objects
• Urge Incontinence – the urge to urinate can be very intense and can be caused by a severe infection or a chronic condition like diabetes or a neurological condition
• Overflow Incontinence – when the bladder doesn’t empty completely it can lead to dribbling
• Functional Incontinence – when there is a physical or mental condition that inhibits you from getting to the bathroom quickly enough. (This can be due to age or a physical disability)
• Mixed Incontinence – when there is more than one factor that leads to being unable to control the flow of urine

Diagnosing urinary incontinence can be done in different ways and depends on what the underlying cause is thought to be. In men, this may include a prostate exam and in women, this may involve checking the pelvic floor. A blood test may be performed to assess kidney function. Urinalysis may show if there are signs of infection. It may be necessary to examine the bladder by performing a post-void residual test to see if the bladder is emptying properly. A pelvic ultrasound can be used to see if there are obstructions in the ureters and bladder. A cystogram is an x-ray of the bladder. Another exam is a cystoscope whereby a tiny probe is placed into the urethra to see if there are abnormalities.

Treatment options for urinary incontinence depend on what is causing the problem. Options include muscle strengthening, delaying urination as a way of gaining control, going to the bathroom to urinate at set times to avoid a buildup of urine in the body. There are also medications that may be helpful in controlling an overactive bladder and weakened sphincters.

Bursitis

Posted on October 16, 2020 by Jamaica Hospital Medical Center

According to the Mayo Clinic, Bursitis is a painful condition that affects the small, fluid-filled sacs called bursae that cushion the bones, tendons and muscles near your joints. Bursitis occurs when bursae become inflamed. The most common locations for bursitis are in the shoulder, elbow and hip.

Although Bursitis typically affects the shoulder, elbow and hip, it can also affect your knee, heel and the base of your big toe. Bursitis often occurs near joints that perform frequent repetitive motion.

Some symptoms of Bursitis are:

Achy or stiff joints
Pain when the joint is moved or touched
Redness and swelling in the affected area

The treatment of Bursitis usually includes resting the inflamed joint and guarding it from further trauma. Bursitis pain can last for a few weeks and is prone to recurrent flare-ups.

Adult Acne

Posted on October 16, 2020 by Jamaica Hospital Medical Center

According to the American Academy of Dermatology, some adults continue to get acne well into their 30’s, 40’s, and 50’s. There is even a possibility that you can get acne for the first time as an adult.

As an adult, acne can be frustrating because the remedies you used as a teen are rendered useless or can even make your acne worse. But, how do we determine whether the marks on our skin are acne or merely a blemish?

Blemishes, or pimples, can show up on your face, neck, chest, back and shoulders because these areas have the greatest number of oil glands. The marks come and go with little or no treatment. Acne, on the other hand, has a long-term effect, requires treatment and if left untreated, may leave dark spots and permanent scars on the skin.

Women who are menopausal are more likely than men of a similar age, to get what dermatologists call “adult-onset acne.”

Some other reasons for developing adult acne are:
◾Stress
◾Family history
◾Excessive use of hair and skincare products
◾Medication side effects
◾Undiagnosed medical conditions
◾Excessive consumption of carbohydrates
◾Excessive consumption of dairy

There are many do it yourself remedies, but if nothing clears your adult acne, you should see a dermatologist. With proper treatment and a great deal of patience, it can be controlled.

Understanding Bipolar Disorder

Posted on October 16, 2020 by Jamaica Hospital Medical Center

Bipolar disorder is a form of mental illness that is marked by extreme shifts in a person’s mood. Those with bipolar disorder experience periods of being overly happy to feelings of extreme sadness and hopelessness.

Bipolar disorder is also known as manic depression. The word “manic” describes the times when someone feels overly excited and confident, while the word “depressive” describes the times when the person feels very sad or depressed. Most people with bipolar disorder spend more time with depressive symptoms than manic ones.

During their “highs” people with bipolar disorder are often restless, act impulsive, speak in a rapid fashion, have an increased sex drive, and are more likely to abuse drugs or alcohol. Conversely, during “the lows” those with bipolar disorder have trouble concentrating, experience changes in their appetite, require an abundance of sleep or experience insomnia, have difficulty making decisions, and experience thoughts of death or suicide.

In bipolar disorder the dramatic episodes of high and low moods do not follow a set pattern. Someone may feel the same mood state (depressed or manic) several times before switching to the opposite mood. These episodes can happen over a period of weeks, months, and sometimes even years. In between these periods, those with bipolar disorder can feel completely normal.

Signs of bipolar disorder typically first become evident during adolescence or young adulthood, but in rare cases the onset can take place during childhood. It is equally prevalent in men and women and can run in families. There is no single known cause for bipolar disease, but changes in genes, brain development and stress are all considered factors.

Diagnosing bipolar disorder is done by a trained mental health professional during an evaluation that will consist of a question and answer period. After ruling out that bipolar symptoms are not due to another cause, a doctor can outline a treatment plan that takes into account the severity, frequency, and length of symptoms.

The good news is there is treatment for bipolar disorder, but it is a long-term and on-going process that requires regular therapy and usually medication management. Medications prescribed are intended to stabilize the patient’s mood and avoid them from experiencing extreme highs and lows.

Learn The Facts About Epilepsy

Posted on October 16, 2020 by Jamaica Hospital Medical Center

Epilepsy also referred to as a “seizure disorder,” is a chronic condition that affects the central nervous system. Those with this neurological disorder experience abnormal brain activity, which results in unpredictable and unprovoked seizures as well as other unusual behaviors, sensations, and sometimes loss of awareness.

Because epilepsy is caused by abnormal activity in the brain, seizures can affect any process the brain coordinates. Seizure signs and symptoms may include:

Temporary confusion
A staring spell
Uncontrollable jerking movements of the arms and legs
Loss of consciousness or awareness
Psychic symptoms such as fear, anxiety or déjà vu

A person with epilepsy may experience different symptoms than others with the same disorder. In most cases however, a person with epilepsy will tend to have the same type of seizure each time, so the symptoms will be similar from episode to episode.

While epilepsy has no identifiable cause, about half the cases can be traced to a variety of different factors, including:

Family history
Head trauma
Stroke
Infectious diseases, such as meningitis encephalitis, or AIDS
Developmental disorders, including autism

Medications or surgery can control seizures for the majority of people with epilepsy. Some people require lifelong treatment to control seizures, but for others, the seizures eventually go away. Some children with epilepsy may outgrow the condition with age.

Is My Pain From Osteoarthritis Or A Similar Condition ?

Posted on October 15, 2020 by Andrew Rubin

Osteoarthritis is a common joint disease that typically affects parts of the body where joints are weight bearing such as the knees, hips, spine, hands or feet. It is caused by the wearing down of cartilage which is the tissue that cushions the bones where they meet each other to form a joint. Over time, the loss of cartilage will lead to bone rubbing against bone which causes them to erode and become painful with motion.

Osteoarthritis is sometimes mistaken for similar diseases that also cause joint pain. Some of these diseases include:

Psoriatic arthritis
Rheumatoid arthritis
Lupus
Reactive arthritis
Lyme disease

A characteristic that distinguishes osteoarthritis from these diseases is the way that joint pain presents itself. For those suffering from osteoarthritis, pain usually occurs as a result of exertion of the joints, and typically occur during or after movement. The diseases that present with some of the same characteristics, movement within a joint is not usually reason for the pain to occur.

Diagnosing osteoarthritis is done by performing lab tests to check for indicators in the blood and also by performing x-rays to check for distinctive patterns of bone and joint involvement.

If you are experiencing symptoms of osteoarthritis such as joint pain or limited mobility, you can make an appointment with a specialist known as a rheumatologist who can make a diagnosis. Treatment of the disease may include medications, therapy or surgery.

To schedule an appointment with a physician at Jamaica Hospital Medical Center please call 718-206-6742.