Sinus Video
April 15th, 2009
Sinus Issues from DrSam on Vimeo.
Archive
Posts Tagged ‘Spring Hill’
Common Allergies and Symptoms
April 14th, 2009
What are the most common allergens?
You have an allergy when your body overreacts to things that don’t cause problems for most people. These things are called allergens. Your body’s overreaction to the allergens is what causes symptoms (see the box at the bottom of this page) For example, sometimes the term “hay fever” is used to describe your body’s allergic reaction to allergens in the air.
What are the most common allergens?
Pollen from trees, grass and weeds:
Allergies that occur during spring are tree pollen induced.
Allergies that occur during summer are from grass.
Allergies that occur in the fall are due to ragweed.
Mold:
Mold is found in damp conditions, like your bathroom or basement.
Most mold allergies are at their peak when weather conditions are humid.
Animal dander:
Proteins found in the skin, saliva, and urine of furry pets such as cats and dogs are allergens. You can be exposed to dander when handling an animal or from house dust that contains dander.
Dust:
Many allergens, including dust mites, are in dust. Dust mites are tiny living creatures found in bedding, mattresses, carpeting and upholstered furniture. They live on dead skin cells and other things found in house dust.
What medicines can I take to help relieve my symptoms?
Antihistamines:
This medication reduces the sneezing, runny nose and itchiness of allergies. They’re more useful if you use them before you’re exposed to allergens.
Some antihistamines can cause drowsiness and dry mouth.
Decongestants:
Phenylephrine help temporarily relieve the stuffy nose of allergies. Decongestants are found in many medicines and come as pills, nose sprays and nose drops. They are best used only for a short time. Nose sprays and drops shouldn’t be used for more than 3 days because you can become dependent on them. This causes you to feel even more stopped-up when you try to quit using them.
With this form of treatment there could be medication interactions, like with people who have high blood pressure. Please walk-in or make an appointment with our providers if you have concerns.
Nasal Steroids:
Sprays reduce the reaction of the nasal tissues to inhaled allergens. This helps relieve the swelling in your nose so that you feel less stopped-up. They come in nasal sprays that your doctor may prescribe. You won’t notice their benefits for up to 2 weeks after starting them.
Steroid Shots:
Steroid shots are great for relieving many allergy symptoms. They have been shown very effective to relieve swelling and pressure caused from allergies, hives, and poison ivy allergy skin reactions.
When taking any of these medications, please consult our providers to check for possible drug interactions or side effects.
If any of these symptoms are persistent or worsen please walk-in for treatment, make an appointment, or even visit our website for your very own Online Housecall.
Discolored mucus (Anything that is not clear) Sinus pain and pressure Sore or swollen throat Continous cough Hives or rash
Information Source: FamilyDoctor.org
Fungal Nail Infections
January 24th, 2009
A fingernail or toenail infection that is caused by a fungus is called onychomycosis (say: “on-ee-koh-my-ko-sis”). Toenails are more likely to become infected than fingernails. This infection can make your nails thick and discolored. Your nails may also be brittle or change their shape. You may even have pain in your toes or fingertips.
Who gets fungal nail infections?
Anyone can get a fungal nail infection. These infections are more common in adults older than 60 years of age. They are especially common in people with diabetes or circulation problems. Children rarely get fungal nail infections.
Why did I get a fungal nail infection?
It may be hard to know where or how you got a fungal nail infection. A warm and wet place provides the perfect conditions for a fungus to grow. If you often wear heavy work boots that make your feet warm and sweaty, a fungus can grow around your toenails. If you often walk barefoot in locker rooms, you can pick up a fungus from the warm, wet floors.People whose hands are often wet (for example, dishwashers in restaurants and professional house cleaners) are more likely to get fungal fingernail infections.
Sometimes several people in a family will get fungal infections in their nails at the same time. This can happen because their immune systems aren’t't able to fight off the infection very well or because the infection is being passed when they use the same towels.
How do I find out if I have a fungal nail infection?
If you think you have a fungal infection in your fingernails or toenails, see your doctor. By looking carefully at your nails, your doctor might be able to tell if you have an infection.
How is a fungal nail infection treated?
Several medicines can treat a fungal nail infection. Some of these medicines are not safe for people who have liver problems or a history of congestive heart failure. Be sure to let your provider know if you have one of these conditions. Your provider will decide which medicine is right for you.
You might only need to take the medicine for 6 weeks. You might need to take it for 6 months, or longer. It depends on where the infection is and the severity of the infection.
Topical treatments, or creams and polish that you apply to the top of your nail, also may be available for mild infections.
Because of the high price of some of these medications your provider may consider other treatments like toenail removal in severe infections.
What can I do to take care of my nails?
- Keep your nails cut short and file down any thick areas.
- Don’t use the same nail trimmer or file on healthy nails and infected nails. If you have your nails professionally manicured, you should bring your own nail files and trimmers from home.
- Wear waterproof gloves for wet work (like washing dishes or floors). To protect your fingers, wear 100 percent cotton gloves for dry work.
- Wear 100 percent cotton socks. Change your socks when they are damp from sweat or if your feet get wet. Put on clean, dry socks every day. You can put over-the-counter anti-fungal foot powder inside your socks to help keep your feet dry.
- Wear shoes with good support and a wide toe area. Don’t wear pointed shoes that press your toes together.
- Avoid walking barefoot in public areas such as locker rooms.
Information Source: FamilyDoctor.org