Irritable Bowel Syndrome

Posted on April 13, 2017 by Andrew Rubin

For many people who suffer from Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS), finding out which foods agree with them and which foods cause them discomfort is essential to living successfully with the disease.
IBS is a condition whereby certain foods will cause intestinal discomfort after being consumed. These symptoms can include:
• Bloating
• Gas
• Nausea
• Abdominal cramps
• Diarrhea or constipation
There is no general rule of what to eat and what to avoid in treating IBS. A physician will go through a patient’s daily diet and see if there are certain foods that are more likely to act as irritants. Foods that typically cause a problem for people with IBS have a high concentration of insoluble fiber which are found primarily in whole grains and vegetables and that do not dissolve in water. Insoluble fiber rich foods pass through the intestine almost intact and can act as a natural laxative. The foods that physicians who treat this disease recommend avoiding include:
• Nuts
• Caffeine
• Chocolate
• Beans
• Cabbage
• Raisins
• Broccoli
The act of eating and chewing stimulates the digestive tract. It has been suggested that instead of eating one or two full meals every day, eating five or six smaller portion meals may prevent the digestive tract from becoming over stimulated.
To make an appointment with a physician specializing in IBS at Jamaica Hospital 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.

Adult Acne

Posted on April 10, 2017 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 affect, 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 skin care 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.

The Facts About the Stomach Flu

Posted on January 20, 2017 by Michael Hinck

The flu isn’t the only virus that we need to protect ourselves against this time of year. Gastroenteritis, or the stomach flu is a very contagious bug that is common in our region beginning in the fall and winter months.

Unlike influenza, which affects your respiratory system, the stomach flu attacks your intestines causing the following symptoms:

• Watery, non-bloody diarrhea
• Abdominal cramps and pain
• Nausea, vomiting or both
• Occasional muscle aches, headache, and low-grade fever

Gastroenteritis is typically spread through the sharing of food or drink with someone who is infected or sharing other items with them such as utensils or towels. Children can also spread the illness by placing their hands in their mouths after touching contaminated items or surfaces.

Symptoms usually appear within one to three days after exposure and can range from mild to severe. Typically symptoms last only a day or two, but in some cases, they may persist for up to ten days.

The main complication from viral gastroenteritis is dehydration — a severe loss of water and essential salts and minerals. If you’re healthy and drink enough to replace fluids you lose from vomiting and diarrhea, dehydration shouldn’t be a problem. However, infants, older adults and people with suppressed immune systems may become severely dehydrated when they lose more fluids than they can replace. Hospitalization might be needed so that lost fluids can be replaced intravenously. Dehydration can be fatal, but rarely.

To avoid catching the stomach flu, it is recommended that individuals wash their hands thoroughly, use separate items around the home, disinfect all potentially infected items and surfaces, and keep your distance from those who are infected.

If you do contract gastroenteritis, follow these tips:

• Let your stomach settle. Stop eating solid foods for a few hours.
• Try sucking on ice chips or taking small sips of water. You might also try drinking clear liquids or broths or non-caffeinated sports drinks. Drink plenty of liquid every day, taking small, frequent sips.
• Ease back into eating. Gradually begin to eat bland, easy-to-digest foods, such as ginger ale crackers, toast, gelatin, bananas, rice and chicken. Stop eating if your nausea returns.
• Avoid certain foods and substances until you feel better. These include dairy products, caffeine, alcohol, nicotine, and fatty or highly seasoned foods.
• Get plenty of rest. The illness and dehydration may have made you weak and tired.

See a doctor if you become dehydrated (characterized by excessive thirst, dry mouth, dark yellow or no urine, severe weakness or dizziness), if symptoms persist for over 24 hours, if you are vomiting blood or have blood in your stool, or if you have a temperature of 104 degrees or above.

ECZEMA

Posted on January 10, 2017 by Joann Ariola

Eczema is a condition that causes patches of skin to become red, inflamed, rough and itchy. Eczema is not a specific health condition; it is a reaction pattern that the skin produces as a result of a number of different diseases.

The specific causes of eczema currently remain unknown, but it is believed to develop due to a combination of hereditary (genetic) and environmental factors.

Environmental symptoms of eczema include:

Irritants – soaps, detergents, shampoos, disinfectants, juices from fresh fruits, meats, or vegetables
Allergens – dust mites, pets, pollens, mold, dandruff
Microbes – bacteria such as Staphylococcus aureus, viruses, certain fungi
Hot and cold temperatures – hot weather, high and low humidity, perspiration from exercise
Foods – dairy products, eggs, nuts and seeds, soy products, wheat
Stress – it is not a cause of eczema but can make symptoms worse
Hormones – women can experience worsening of eczema symptoms at times when their hormone levels are changing, for example during pregnancy and at certain points in their menstrual cycle

Since there is no cure for eczema, treatment for the condition is aimed toward healing the affected skin in an effort to prevent a flare up of symptoms. For some people, eczema goes away over time, and for others, it remains a lifelong condition.

There are a number of things that people with eczema can do to support skin health and alleviate symptoms, such as:

Taking regular warm baths
Applying moisturizer within 3 minutes of bathing to “lock in” moisture
Moisturizing every day
Wearing cotton and soft fabrics, avoiding rough, scratchy fibers, and tight-fitting clothing
Using mild soap or a non-soap cleanser when washing
Air drying or gently patting skin dry with a towel, rather than rubbing skin dry after bathing
Avoiding rapid changes of temperature and activities that make you sweat (where possible)
Learning individual eczema triggers and avoiding them
Using a humidifier in dry or cold weather
Keeping fingernails short to prevent scratching from breaking skin

Medication can also be helpful in treating or preventing symptoms. These treatments are prescribed by a physician. If you are experiencing symptoms of eczema and would like to speak with a physician, call Jamaica Hospital Medical Center’s Ambulatory Care Center at 718-206-7001, to schedule an appointment.

How to tell the difference between a long lasting cold, bronchitis or pneumonia

Posted on November 8, 2016 by Xavia Malcolm

That dreaded time of year is here, it is cold season. In the United States, this season starts around September and typically lasts until March or April.

Chances are like many, you may catch a cold. If you do, you may display symptoms that include sneezing, scratchy or sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, coughing, congestion or a low-grade fever. These symptoms are normal but can worsen when left untreated and may cause serious illnesses such as bronchitis or pneumonia to develop.

It is important to know when your condition is worsening. There are several signs that can help you to recognize when your common cold has become something more.

Here are some symptoms of bronchitis to look out for:

A cold that persists for two weeks or more
Shortness of breath or wheezing
Coughs that produce thick clear, white, green or yellow mucous or blood
Rapid breathing
Soreness of the chest

Pneumonia can develop after having a serious cold or flu. Symptoms can be mild or severe depending on factors such as age and your state of health. The symptoms of pneumonia can include:

Violent coughing spasms that produce very little mucous
Coughs with bloody or yellow or greenish mucous
Fever
Sharp or stabbing chest pain when you breathe deeply or cough
Loss of appetite
Fatigue
Clammy skin or excessive sweating
Chills
Muscle aches

If your cold persists longer than two weeks and you are experiencing these symptoms, it is important that you contact your doctor as soon as possible. In severe cases, pneumonia can be life threatening.

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

Colorectal Cancer

Posted on October 20, 2016 by Andrew Rubin

Colorectal cancer (also known as colon cancer, rectal cancer, or bowel cancer) is the development of cancer from the colon or rectum (parts of the large intestine). It is due to the abnormal growth of cells that have the ability to invade or spread to other parts of the body. Colon cancer is the third most commonly diagnosed cancer and the second leading cause of cancer death in men and women combined in the United States. The American Cancer Society estimates annually there are 136,830 people diagnosed and 50,310 will die from this disease.

Common symptoms include:
• A change in bowel habits, including diarrhea or constipation or a change in the consistency of stool, that lasts longer than four weeks.
• Rectal bleeding
• Persistent abdominal discomfort, such as cramps, gas or pain
• A feeling that bowels do not empty completely
• Weakness or fatigue
• Unexplained weight loss

Factors that may increase risk of colon cancer include: Older age, African-American decent, a personal history of colorectal cancer or polyps, inflammatory intestinal conditions such as ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease, a family history of colon cancer, a low-fiber, a high-fat diet, a sedentary lifestyle, diabetes, obesity, smoking and excessive alcohol consumption.
Regular screening is one of the most powerful weapons for preventing colon cancer. If polyps are found during colon screening, they can usually be removed before they have the chance to turn into cancer. Screening can also result in finding cancer early, when it is easier to treat and more likely to be curable.
One can help lower risk by eating more vegetables, fruits, and whole grains, and less red meat (beef, lamb, or pork) and less processed meat. Men should limit alcohol to no more than 2 drinks a day, and women to no more than 1 drink a day. The American Cancer Society recommends regular colon cancer screening for most people starting at age 50. People with a family history of the disease or other risk factors should talk with their doctor about beginning screening younger age. If you would like to schedule an appointment with a physician at Jamaica Hospital that specializes in gastroenterology, please call 718-206-6742.

Facts About Lung Cancer

Posted on September 30, 2016 by Michael Hinck

Lung cancer is a form of cancer that starts in the lungs. It is the leading cause of cancer death in the United States in both men and women. More people die each year from lung cancer than from colon, prostate ovarian, and breast cancer combined.

In the early stages there may not be any signs or symptoms. A history of smoking definitely contributes to a higher risk of being diagnosed with the disease, though non-smokers also can develop lung cancer. Smoking causes cancer by irritating the lining of the lungs. This causes changes in the lung tissue. It is believed that the effects of smoking may be reversible in the very early phases but repeated exposure to the chemicals found in smoke will eventually be irreversible.

Signs and Symptoms of Lung Cancer include:
• A cough that doesn’t get better
• Coughing up blood
• Shortness of breath
• Chest pain
• Wheezing
• Hoarseness
• Headache
• Weight loss that isn’t intentional

If lung cancer is suspected, a few tests to make the diagnosis definitive will be ordered. A chest x-ray will be performed and if there are any lesions found on the lung a CT scan will to get a better view of the lungs. An exam of the sputum can sometimes reveal lung cancer cells and to complete the diagnosis a lung biopsy will be done to examine the cells to see if they are cancerous.

Depending on the stage of the cancer, treatment options vary and can include chemotherapy, radiation and / or surgery. A common surgical option is called a lobectomy, removal one of the lobes of the lung.

There is no way to prevent lung cancer, but the best way to reduce your risk is to not smoke. If you do smoke, quit immediately. Also avoid second hand smoke, radon, and harmful carcinogens.

Sleep Paralysis

Posted on September 27, 2016 by Xavia Malcolm

Have you ever woken up and found that you were unable to move or speak? Believe it or not, over the centuries some have attributed this symptom to evil or supernatural presences especially when accompanied by hallucinations or a chest-crushing sensation. However, there is a medical explanation and name for this phenomenon. This frightening but perfectly natural occurrence is called sleep paralysis. It is estimated that up four out of every ten people have experienced symptoms associated with the disorder. Studies suggest that as many as fifty percent will experience sleep paralysis at least once in their lifetime.

Sleep paralysis is a term used to describe a variety of symptoms which occur when your body is not moving smoothly through the stages of sleep. It has been found that sleep paralysis most often happens during the REM (rapid eye movement), the phase where your brain is active and vivid dreams occur but your muscles are relaxed or turned off. The state of paralysis happens when a person wakes up before REM is completed. The brain is still actively dreaming but as a response to keep the body from acting out dreams and harming ourselves or others; our voluntary muscles become paralyzed.

According to medicinenet.com, “Sleep paralysis usually occurs at one of two times. If it occurs while you are falling asleep, it’s called hypnagogic or predormital sleep paralysis. If it happens as you are waking up, it’s called hypnopompic or postdormital sleep paralysis.”

Symptoms of sleep paralysis may differ from person to person and may include:

The inability to move or speak immediately after waking up.
Hallucinations- which occur because the brain is still in a state of dreaming.
Chest pressure- which can occur as a result of panicking

Causes of sleep paralysis can be attributed to:

Lack of sleep
Sleep position- It is believed that people who sleep on their backs are more inclined to have symptoms
Extreme fatigue
Use of certain medication
Narcolepsy
Stress
Mental health disorders such as bipolar disorder

Although sleep paralysis is a relatively harmless health condition it is recommended that you consult your physician or a sleep specialist if symptoms are prevalent and disrupting daily activities or the ability to function normally. To schedule an appointment with the Sleep Center at Jamaica Hospital Medical Center, please call 718-206-5916.

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.

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.