Prime Healthcare Internal Medicine Group

Abdominal Pain

Abdominal pain is a common symptom that affects people of all ages for many different reasons. Abdominal pain may be acute or chronic, and may develop as a result of constipation, diarrhea, gas, appendicitis or a bladder infection. It may be a sharp or dull pain, may occur in just one area of the stomach or all over, and the pain may be constant or may come and go. Patients with abdominal pain often suffer from nausea, vomiting, fever and fainting as well.

Treatment for abdominal pain usually focuses on treating the underlying cause of the pain. Most conditions can be effectively treated with medications, fluids or rest. Relieving stress and eating a healthy and balanced diet can also help control abdominal pain in many cases.

Anxiety

Social anxiety disorder or social phobia is the most common anxiety disorder and affects over 19 million people in the US. People with social anxiety have excessive and unreasonable fears of different social situations. They may feel overly anxious and nervous in everyday situations.

Social anxiety affects people emotionally and physically. The emotional fear of being judged, watched or embarrassed can lead to:

Profuse sweating
Blushing
Shaking

Confusion
Nausea/upset stomach
Diarrhea

Like other mental health conditions, the causes of social anxiety disorder are believed to be a result of genetics, biochemistry and environment. This condition most likely begins during adolescence and early adulthood. Although minor social phobias are common among most people, these phobias should not affect your daily life. If they do, you should see a doctor who may diagnose social anxiety disorder. Cognitive-behavior therapy is the most effective treatment for social anxiety because it guides patients to have more rational thoughts about social situations. Medication is also available to help treat symptoms.

Arthritis

Arthritic joints are swollen, or inflamed, usually because the smooth cartilage around them has been damaged in some way. Patients with arthritis suffer from pain, stiffness and swelling in the affected area(s).

Nearly one in three adults suffers from arthritis or other chronic joint symptoms. Arthritis is the most common chronic ailment among the elderly, although it can affect people of any age, including children.

There are over 100 different types of arthritic diseases. The most common is osteoarthritis, a degenerative joint disease in which the cartilage protecting the bone ends wears away. At first, discomfort results from inflammation in the joint. Then, as the condition progresses, the worn bones rub together with painful friction whenever the joint moves. Osteoarthritis frequently affects weight-bearing joints such as the spine, hips and knees.

Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic condition in which the body’s own immune system attacks the joint lining. This autoimmune disorder usually affects the hands and feet and can cause pain even when the joint is not being moved.

A diagnosis of arthritis is made after an evaluation of symptoms, a physical examination and one or more diagnostic imaging tests.

Unfortunately, most types of arthritis are currently incurable – but today’s treatment options can be very effective. Treatment typically involves a combination of anti-inflammatory medication and devices to relieve stress on the joint (canes, crutches or splints). Regular exercise, weight loss for overweight patients, and cortisone injections may also be helpful. In severe cases, orthopedic surgery such as joint replacement may be the only way to improve or restore function and relieve pain.

Cholesterol

Cholesterol is an essential fat found in every cell in the body and used to produce hormones like vitamin D and bile. While a certain amount is necessary, too much cholesterol is unhealthy and blocks the blood from flowing through the arteries. This can eventually lead to a stroke. Cholesterol levels can be controlled through an active and healthy life.

There are three different types of cholesterol, some of which are healthier than others. Low-density lipoprotein (LDL) is the "bad" cholesterol that builds up in the walls of the arteries and blocks blood flow. Very-low-density lipoprotein (VLDL) also narrows the blood vessels and contains the most triglycerides, another type of fat that can lead to pancreatitis if too much is present. High-density lipoprotein (HDL) is the "good" cholesterol that carries extra cholesterol back to the liver.

High levels of "bad" cholesterol can lead to several serious complications, including atherosclerosis, heart attack and stroke. There are no symptoms associated with high cholesterol, so it is important to monitor your levels on a regular basis. Your doctor can check your cholesterol levels through a blood test called a lipid panel.

Life changes are usually the first line of defense against high cholesterol. A low-fat diet and losing weight in general can help lower LDL and triglyceride levels. More aggressive treatment methods may be needed if total cholesterol and LDL levels are still high. Medications or hormone replacement therapies may be used, but a healthy life must also be maintained. These steps can also help prevent high cholesterol. Talk to your doctor about your potential risks and what you can do to reduce them.

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