What Parents Should Know About Tonsillitis and Tonsil Removal

Posted on August 9, 2016 by Xavia Malcolm

Tonsillitis is one of the most common medical conditions that occur in children. It is caused by bacterial or viral infections of the tonsils and can result in severe inflammation and swelling.

Tonsillitis is often caused by Streptococcus (strep) bacteria. Other contributors are the influenza virus, enteroviruses, Epstein-Barr virus or adenoviruses.

In addition to the major symptoms of swelling and inflammation, complications due to tonsillitis include:

Painful blisters on the throat
Ear pain
Hoarseness or the loss of one’s voice
Bad breath
Fever
Difficulty swallowing
Throat pain
Loss of appetite
A yellow or white coating of the tonsils
Tender lymph nodes on the sides of the neck
Drooling

Tonsillitis is typically diagnosed by performing a rapid strep test or throat swab culture. Depending on severity, a doctor may treat the condition with medication or recommend surgery.

Surgery is often considered the best option when tonsillitis is recurrent, unresponsive to medication or when inflamed tonsils are obstructing airways and other severe complications. The name of the procedure is called a tonsillectomy and is performed to remove the tonsils.

Tonsillectomies can be performed as same-day surgery in an ambulatory surgical setting. It is done under general anesthesia and may last anywhere from 30-45 minutes. The recovery period is approximately 10 days.

The procedure is one of many performed by highly-trained physicians at the Ambulatory Surgery Unit at Jamaica Hospital Medical Center. The unit’s newly designed pediatric area offers children amenities such as televisions that feature child-friendly movies, toy chests and coloring books. In this area, children now have the option to ride a tricycle into the operating area. Jamaica Hospital’s on-site Ambulatory Surgery Unit is located on the first floor of the hospital. The Center is open Monday through Friday, from 6:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. For more information, please call 718-206-6102.

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.

Congenital Heart Disease

Posted on July 26, 2016 by Xavia Malcolm

Congenital heart diseases (congenital heart defects) are abnormalities in the structure of the heart that are present at birth. They are the most common type of birth defect and affect eight out of every 1,000 newborns in the United States.

Congenital defects can involve abnormalities of the muscle, valves or interior walls of the heart as well as defects in the arteries or veins that transport blood to the heart. Defects can be simple, where the child exhibits no symptoms (some may experience symptoms later on in adulthood) or complex resulting in serious complications or death. Serious defects are often diagnosed while the baby is still in the womb or soon after birth.

There are many types of congenital heart diseases and they sometimes occur simultaneously. Some of the more common defects are:

Coarctation of the aorta
Pulmonary valve stenosis
Transposition of the great arteries
Septal defects

Symptoms of congenital heart defects may include:

Rapid breathing
Fatigue
Bluish tint to skin, fingernails and lips(cyanosis)
Poor weight gain
Recurring lung infections

The causes of congenital heart defects are unknown; however, the disorder tends to run in families. Other factors that are believed to be contributors are a pregnant woman’s use of certain medications, alcohol or illegal drugs as well as viral infections such as rubella or poorly controlled diabetes during gestation.

Once diagnosed, treatment will vary depending on the severity of the defect. Some may not require treatment, as their condition can improve on its own while others may require medication, surgery or other interventional procedures. Most people born with serious heart defects will continue to need monitoring by a heart specialist and treatment throughout their lifetime.

The Pediatric Cardiology Division at Jamaica Hospital is a comprehensive service that diagnoses, manages, and provides long-term care to infants, children, and adolescents with congenital or acquired heart disease. Appointments for the Pediatric Cardiologist can be scheduled by calling 718-206-7591.

Jamaica Hospital and Councilman Eric Ulrich Collaborate To Educate the Community About Zika

Posted on July 22, 2016 by Xavia Malcolm

The threat of the Zika virus outbreak in the United States is becoming more of a public health concern, especially now that it is summer and we are in the peak mosquito and travel season.

Councilman Eric Ulrich and Jamaica Hospital Medical Center wants everyone to know the basics and learn how to protect themselves and their loved ones from the growing threat of the Zika virus.

The councilman consulted with Dr. Farshad Bagheri; Director of Infectious Disease at Jamaica Hospital Medical Center to get important information you need to know. “I thank Dr. Farshad Bagheri and the entire team at Jamaica Hospital for putting together this timely and important information on the Zika virus,” said Councilman Eric Ulrich. “I look forward to continuing our partnership so together we can help Queens residents stay healthy and safe.”

Here are the facts:

What is Zika and how is it transmitted?

Zika is a mosquito-borne virus. It is transmitted most commonly by the bite of the infected Aedes species mosquito. Transmission also occurs through sexual intercourse from an infected man to either female or male partners. The virus can be passed from a pregnant woman to her fetus. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is investigating the possibility of transmission through blood transfusions as well as female to male transmission through intercourse. To date, there are no reports of infants getting Zika virus through breastfeeding.

What are the symptoms?

Many people infected with the Zika virus will have no symptoms or mild symptoms that can last anywhere from a few days to a week. Most common symptoms include; conjunctivitis (pink eye), fever, rash and joint pain. Although symptoms are mild for most, a pregnant woman faces the greatest risk because Zika virus is known to cause microcephaly (a birth defect that causes a baby’s head to develop smaller than normal) as well as other brain defects in developing babies. It is also believed that the virus contributes to miscarriages. Zika virus has also been linked to a disorder of the nervous system known as Guillain-Barre syndrome. This disorder is more common in adult men than others. It causes the body‘s immune system to attack parts of the peripheral nervous system.

How long does the virus remain in the body if one is infected?

On average the virus remains in the body for about a week but there have been instances where it has lasted longer. The virus is present in semen longer than in blood.

Who is at risk?

Those who recently traveled to countries that have reported outbreaks, those who have had sexual intercourse with an infected man, pregnant women and unborn babies exposed to the virus.

How can you protect yourself and loved ones?

Currently, there is no vaccine for the Zika virus; however, there are measures you can take to ensure safety and lessen the chances of infection. Here are a few:

You can help prevent Zika infection by using EPA- registered insect repellents. The CDC suggests using repellents that have DEET, oil of lemon eucalyptus, picaridin, or IR 3535.
Wear long-sleeved shirts and pants, in mosquito-infested areas.
Pregnant women should abstain from sex or use condoms throughout their pregnancy when having intercourse with male-partners who may have been exposed.
Safeguard your home by throwing away, or, once a week turning over items outside or inside that collect water. Examples are tires, flower pots and trash containers.
Use indoor mosquito sprays in areas where the insects are commonly found, such as dark and humid places.
Install screens in doors and windows.
The best safety measure for pregnant women or women trying to become pregnant is to “postpone travel to countries declared high risk. If travel is unavoidable, she must consult with her doctor before embarking on that trip,” advises Dr. Bagheri. “Following the travel advice of agencies such as WHO (World Health Organization) and the CDC is also helpful.”

If you believe you are at risk for contracting the Zika virus and are experiencing symptoms, make an appointment to see your doctor immediately. To learn more information about Zika virus, please visit https://www.cdc.gov/zika/

CIPA (Congenital Insensitivity to Pain with Anhidrosis)

Posted on July 19, 2016 by Xavia Malcolm

For some, the idea of having the inability to feel pain may seem ideal. Although pain may not be one of our preferred sensations; it is very important. Without the feeling of pain, you are more at risk of sustaining serious injuries. It signals that something is wrong with your body that requires immediate attention.

There are individuals who are insensitive to pain. This can be the result of inherited disorder known as CIPA (congenital insensitivity to pain with anhidrosis). This is an extremely rare disorder which may also cause a person to produce very little sweat or none at all and makes them incapable of feeling temperature. These symptoms appear early in childhood, typically at birth or during infancy.

Unintentional injuries are very common in children with CIPA. They may bite their tongues, fingers or lips, causing severe damages and in some cases amputation. Other complications associated with the disorder is high fever as the body is unable to sweat and lower temperatures, chronic bone infections as a result of chronic trauma or delay in healing of skin and bone injuries. In some cases, individuals may have intellectual disabilities.

The cause of CIPA is attributed to mutations in the NTRK1 gene. Mutations in this gene lead to a loss of the sensory neurons, as well as the ability to feel pain.

Diagnosis of CIPA is usually confirmed after a complete evaluation of infants with recurrent fevers, who frequently bite their tongue, fingers or lips. In older individuals, an evaluation is required if they continue to have traumatic injuries. Assessments of the sensory and autonomic functions are used to form a complete, clinical diagnosis.

There is no cure for CIPA but the condition is manageable with the help of a team of medical professionals that typically include specialists in orthopedics, pediatrics, dermatology, ophthalmology and dentistry. Parents of children with the disorder are strongly advised to keep a watchful eye at all times for signs of injury and to remove items that may result in accidents.

For more information about CIPA and other rare medical conditions, please visit the National Organization for Rare Disorders website www.rarediseases.org.

Emergency Preparedness Plans and What You Should Have in Your Kit

Posted on July 7, 2016 by Xavia Malcolm

Disasters can occur unexpectedly but being prepared can lessen the effect of damages and the chances of accidents. Developing an emergency plan and creating a kit for your household is the best way to prepare for disasters.

When forming an emergency plan get the entire family or those who live in your home involved. Here is a checklist for things to consider:

Ensure that contact information for family and loved ones is up to date
Designate safe spaces where everyone can meet
Locate emergency shelters in your community
Assign responsibilities to each member of your household
Choose an emergency contact person outside of your immediate area
Create an evacuation plan and practice evacuating your home at least twice a year
If you have pets, keep a list of pet-friendly hotels and shelters in your neighborhood
Remind everyone to register with the American Red Cross’ Safe and Well website or call 800-RED-CROSS after a disaster. Enrolling will allow concerned loved ones to know that you are safe, by searching the list.

In addition to having an emergency plan, it is vital that you put together an emergency preparedness kit. A few suggested items to include are:

Water- at least one gallon per person for each day , lasting two weeks
Non- perishable food
Flashlights
Batteries
Sanitary and personal hygiene Items
Copies of important documents, such as ID’s, birth certificates, medical information, proof of address and insurance
Cell phones and chargers
Extra cash in small bills
Medications
Multipurpose tools
Battery-powered and two-way radios
Blankets
Maps
Emergency contact information cards
Spare set of house and car keys

If you need assistance in making an emergency plan, City programs such as Ready New York provide ready-made templates, where you can fill in important information. Templates also include resources from utility companies, city and federal emergency departments. Please visit https://www1.nyc.gov/assets/em/downloads/pdf/myemergencyplan_english.pdf to create a plan.

Fibroids- Causes, Symptoms and Treatments

Posted on June 28, 2016 by Xavia Malcolm

Uterine fibroids are abnormal growths that develop in or just outside the uterus. They form when the smooth muscle cells of the uterus (myometrium) begin to grow rapidly and advance into tumors, which are typically non-cancerous. These tumors vary in size and can be as small as a pumpkin seed or as large as a grapefruit and in unusual cases, much larger.

Fibroids are very common. It is estimated that 70 to 80 % of women will develop tumors by the age of 50. Although the causes are unknown, there are factors that put some at a greater risk than others-they are:

Family history
Pregnancy
Being overweight
Having African American ancestry
Being over the age of 30

The symptoms of fibroids depend on the size, location and the number of tumors present. Symptoms include:

Pelvic pain
Heavy bleeding and blood clots between and during periods
Increased urination
Pain during intercourse
Enlargement of the lower abdomen
Increased time of menstruation
Pressure or a feeling of fullness in the lower abdomen

Women who have very small tumors or are going through menopause may experience very little or no symptoms at all.

Fibroids are diagnosed by gynecologists by way of pelvic exams and ultrasound or MRI. Your doctor will create a treatment plan based on symptoms and the advancement of the growth. Treatment may consist of medication to regulate hormone levels, assist in shrinking the tumor or alleviate pain. Surgery may be performed laparoscopically to remove tumors, however, if your condition is extreme, your physician may recommend a hysterectomy.

Jamaica Hospital’s Gynecologic Division uses the latest techniques and equipment, such as ultrasonography, color Doppler, laser and laparoscopic surgery, in the diagnoses and treatment of female disorders. These disorders include sexually transmitted diseases, abnormal pap smears, benign tumors, and female urinary disorders, including urinary incontinence. To schedule an appointment, please contact our Women’s Health Center at 718-291-3276 between the hours of 9:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m.

Heat Waves and Heart Health

Posted on June 21, 2016 by Xavia Malcolm

As the temperature increases so does the risk of having complications linked to heart disease. Extreme summer heat can be dangerous for people who suffer from cardiovascular issues. Studies show that cardiovascular deaths are more frequent during heat waves and complications are usually triggered by dehydration.

Dehydration can occur because of excess sweating. If the body is overheating, an increase in the production of sweat is needed to keep it cool. In order to meet this demand, the heart has to work harder and faster to pump more blood to your skin. Dehydration also affects normal blood flow because a lack of fluid causes blood to thicken. If the body cannot cool itself and strain is put on the heart, a person can suffer from heat stroke, heart attack or heart failure.

If the following symptoms of heat-related illness or exhaustion are present, it is recommended that medical attention is sought right away:

Dizziness or light-headedness
Nausea or vomiting
Dark urine
Weakness
Rapid, weak pulse
Confusion
Rapid, shallow breathing
Unconsciousness

There are several steps a person can take to reduce the risk of heart complications during extreme heat:

Keep hydrated- Drink plenty of fluids, especially water. However, stay clear of beverages that may dehydrate you such as teas, alcohol or coffee.
Take cool baths or showers to help body keep cool.
Wear cool and loose fitting clothing.
Do not exercise or perform rigorous physical activity during extreme heat.
Stay in cooler environments

It is always important to remember to follow the suggested precautions to stay safe during the summer heat.

Are You at Risk for Developing Cataracts?

Posted on June 14, 2016 by Xavia Malcolm

Cataracts are the leading cause of blindness globally. They are very common in older adults- in fact; it is estimated that more than 75% of people over the age of 65 will develop cataracts. Although less common, people can develop this medical condition in their forties and fifties as well.

As you age, proteins in the eye begin to break down, causing clouding in the lens and the formation of cataracts. Many who are affected are unaware that this process is occurring because cataracts grow very slowly and does not impede vision during its early stages. There are symptoms that can indicate the development of cataracts. Here are some that you can look out for:

Colors appear faded
Clarity in vision decreases and cannot be corrected with eyeglasses
An increase in sensitivity to light and glare
Halos appearing around lights
Poor night vision
Frequent changes in prescription eyewear
Double vision

Some people are more at risk of developing cataracts than others. These factors increase your risks:

Diabetes
Exposure to prolonged durations of sunlight
Heavy drinking
Smoking
Obesity
Family history
Advanced age
High blood pressure
Previous eye injury or surgery

June is Cataract Awareness Month. During this time, the Department of Ophthalmology at Jamaica Hospital Medical Center wants you to know, there are several things you can do to be proactive and slow the progression of cataracts. Eating healthy is a good start. A balanced diet rich in vitamin C has shown to be effective. Wear sunglasses to shield your eyes from the Sun’s UV rays. If you are a smoker- stop smoking and drink in moderation. Early detection can save your eyesight therefore, scheduling routine eye exams is very important.

To schedule an appointment with an ophthalmologist (eye doctor) at Jamaica Hospital, please call, 718-206-5900.

Trypanophobia- A Fear of Needles

Posted on June 7, 2016 by Xavia Malcolm

Studies show that a remarkable 20 percent of the population has some degree of fear of needles or injections and 10 percent within that number suffer from what is known as Trypanophobia. This is an excessive or irrational fear of injections or needles which can be learned or inherited. Many with Trypanophobia avoid getting medical treatment that involves the use of needles, which can prove dangerous for those with chronic medical conditions such as diabetes.

The fear of needles can present or manifest in one of three ways:

1: A vasovagal reflex reaction-where a person may faint or go into convulsions during or after a needle procedure.

2: Classic phobia- which can result from traumatic events. Symptoms may involve feeling anxious, experiencing nausea or difficulty breathing when needles are present.

3: Hypersensitivity to the pain caused by a needle- the skin’s surface becomes extremely sensitive making procedures that involve needles uncomfortable.

There are a few things that can be done to minimize the symptoms of Trypanophobia. They are using topical anesthetics to numb the skin or avoiding the sight of needles by using covered caps. Diabetics can ask their doctor for products such as inhalable insulin or jet injectors. Lastly, individuals with a severe phobia can consider therapy. Methods such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy may help in overcoming this fear.

Did You Know Vitamin C Helps Protect Your Vision From the Leading Cause of Blindness?

Posted on May 24, 2016 by Xavia Malcolm

Vitamin C benefits your health in several ways, one of which is helping to protect your vision from cataracts- the number one cause of blindness in the world.

Cataracts are caused by protein buildup and oxidation which cloud the lens of the eye. If left untreated, the condition can advance and eventually lead to a loss of vision.

The risk of developing cataracts increases with age. However, studies indicate that consuming a diet rich in vitamin C can cut the risk of cataract progression by as much as one-third. Vitamin C helps reduce this risk because of its strength as an antioxidant, which prevents the eye from oxidizing and becoming cloudy.

Vitamin C is not produced naturally by the body, so we have to obtain our daily dose by taking supplements or eating foods such as:

Red or green peppers
Broccoli
Strawberries
Oranges
Cabbage
Leafy greens

The daily recommended dose of vitamin C is 90 mg a day for men and 75 mg a day for women. However it is advised that you speak with a doctor to determine a healthy dose for you.

May is Healthy Vision Month; during this time Jamaica Hospital Medical Center is encouraging people to take National Eye Institute’s Five Steps for protecting their sight. The five steps include eating a healthy diet that promotes eye health, receiving a comprehensive eye exam, knowing your family’s health history, wearing protective eye wear while working or playing sports and wearing sunglasses to protect your eyes from the sun’s UV rays.

The Department of Ophthalmology at Jamaica Hospital Medical Center offers a wide range of comprehensive medical, diagnostic and surgical services for those with vision and eye conditions. To make an appointment, please call 718-206-5900.