How to Spot Signs of Vision Problems in Children

by

Vision problems in children are not always obvious, but yearly comprehensive eye exams identify eye issues early before they affect school performance.

Poor Vision and Schoolwork

Clear vision is essential for students to learn effectively. According to the American Optometric Association, one out of four kids in the United States has an undetected vision problem.  This means that up to twenty-five percent of students are at a disadvantage when teachers use visual aids like whiteboards and screens.

Studies show that when children cannot see clearly, their academic performance suffers. Visually compromised kids have trouble concentrating, and they may avoid participating in class. They often fall behind in their classwork and homework, which affects their test scores and quarter grades. It is easy to see how vision problems can be misdiagnosed as attention disorders, learning disabilities or behavioral issues.

Symptoms and Signs of Vision Problems in Children

Many young children with poor eyesight are unaware that their vision is not healthy. A parent or a teacher is usually the first person to associate a possible vision problem with the change in behavior or school performance.

Here are a few warning signs that your child may need to see an eye doctor:

1. Excessively rubbing the eyes

2. Sitting too close to screens

3. Complaining of headaches

4. Inattention and distractibility

5. Squinting or tilting the head

6. Closing one eye to see more clearly

7. Sensitivity to light

8. Holding a book too close

9. Avoiding participation in sports, outdoor games or group activities

10. Getting lower grades in school

Schedule an Eye Exam with an Ophthalmologist

Give your child the best possible start by scheduling an appointment for a comprehensive eye exam. At the appointment, an eye doctor will screen your child for refractive errors like nearsightedness, farsightedness and astigmatism as well as many eye diseases. Getting prompt vision correction will help your child to feel confident and successful this school year. 

Herniated Disc: Symptoms, Treatment and Surgery Options

by

If a disc in the spine herniates, a doctor may recommend herniated disc surgery. Understanding more about what happens when discs herniate, as well as the treatment options available, can help you know if surgery might be right for you or a family member — now or in the future.

When a Disc Herniates

Spinal discs are spongy cushions located between the vertebrae. If discs become worn or injured, the bones of the vertebra can rub together leading to pain and other problems.

Discs can also become herniated (pressed out from between the bones). Sometimes, herniated discs can rupture. When a disc ruptures in this way, it may pinch nerves, leading to pain, weakness and numbness. A herniated disc is also referred to as a “slipped,” “ruptured” or “prolapsed” disc.

Symptoms of a Herniated Disc

If symptoms don’t improve after a few months, a doctor or surgeon may recommend a type of herniated disc surgery. The goal of herniated disc surgery is to take pressure off of the nerves that are being irritated by the damaged disc.

If you or someone you care about is struggling with one or some of the following issues, herniated disc surgery could be the best option:

  • Difficulty standing or walking
  • Difficulty sleeping due to spine pain
  • Inability to perform daily activities
  • Pain, in addition to numbness or weakness
  • Issues with incontinence (bowel and bladder control)

Treatment for Disc Herniation

Every patient with a herniated disc has unique circumstances and challenges related to the disc. For instance, some ruptures may happen to the lumber (lower) discs and may be severe. Other ruptures may occur farther up the spine and may be mild.

Fortunately, there are several different surgeries doctors can use to treat herniated discs.

Discectomy

During this procedure, the herniated disc is removed. Depending on the patient, the surgeon may be able to use a minimally invasive procedure called microdiscectomy. This surgical option involves smaller incisions than traditional surgery, and the surgeon may remove all or just part of the damaged material. The traditional surgery, called open discectomy, is also an option.

Lumbar Laminotomy

Lamina is a term used to describe bone tissue that protects the spinal cord. Sometimes it needs to be removed so the surgeon can access and treat a herniated disc. When only part of the lamina is removed, it is called a laminotomy. When all or most of it is removed, the procedure is called a laminectomy.

Depending on the patient, there may need to be two separate procedures: one to address the lamina and another to remove the herniated disc.

Spinal Fusion

Another surgery option is a spinal fusion. This procedure happens after a discectomy or laminotomy. During spinal fusion, the surgeon fuses the two vertebrae on either side of the disc, so they heal into a single bone. A fusion is used to stabilize the bones and reduce or eliminate pain.

Artificial Disc Replacement

As an alternative to spinal fusion, sometimes a damaged disc can be replaced with an artificial one. However, this surgery can only be used on the lumbar vertebrae (the discs at the bottom of the spine).

After Herniated Disc Surgery

Herniated disc surgery can relieve pain, weakness and numbness. However, as with any surgery, patients need to practice proper self-care during recovery and rehabilitation. This means consistently following doctors’ instructions, taking proper doses of medications, walking when instructed, attending physical therapy and performing prescribed exercises.

Do I Have Gastroparesis or GERD?

by

Gastrointestinal distress can be painful, embarrassing and disruptive. Fortunately, most GI conditions can be alleviated with the help of a gastroenterologist. Two GI disorders that can have similar symptoms are gastroparesis and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). Here are some similarities and differences between the two disorders.

Gastroparesis

One common type of GI distress is gastroparesis, a form of digestive tract paralysis. Although few people have heard of gastroparesis, it affects one out of 25 Americans. This chronic condition is characterized by slow, irregular stomach contractions that interrupt or prevent normal digestion.

When digested food material does not pass into the small intestines within a normal timeframe due to gastroparesis, pain and abdominal bloating can result. Other symptoms of gastroparesis include heartburn, cramping, nausea and a persistent feeling of fullness. Because the condition is relatively unknown, gastroparesis can be mistaken for other types of GI disorders like GERD.

Similarities Between Gastroparesis and GERD

Many symptoms of gastroparesis mirror symptoms of GERD. Both disorders may be accompanied by abdominal pain, indigestion and a sensation of fullness, so they are easily confused for one another. It is equally important to receive prompt treatment for each of these disorders, as undiagnosed GERD can lead to Barrett’s esophagus and untreated gastroparesis can result in malnutrition and weight loss.

Differences Between Gastroparesis and GERD

GERD is chronic acid reflux caused by a weakness in the lower esophageal sphincter (LES), the valve the separates the esophagus and the stomach. Gastroparesis, in contrast, often develops after an injury to the vagus nerve, which is responsible for stimulating contractions in the stomach and intestines.

Unlike gastroparesis that develops due to stimulus interruption, GERD flare-ups often are determined by diet. Eating spicy, greasy, creamy or acidic foods or drinking caffeinated beverages, soda or alcohol can aggravate reflux. Lifestyle choices like overeating, wearing tight clothing or lying down after meals can also exacerbate the condition.

Patients with GERD usually experience upper GI pain because stomach acid leaks into the esophagus and causes inflammation. On the other hand, those with gastroparesis tend to have lower GI distress due to food moving slowly through the digestive tract.

Call a Gastroenterologist

Gastroparesis and GERD can cause long-term health problems if you are not under a doctor’s care. If you are experiencing gastric pain or GI distress, make an appointment with a board-certified gastroenterologist for a full exam and consultation.

And remember, August is Digestive Tract Paralysis Awareness Month, so take a moment to inform your friends and family about the condition and encourage them to prioritize their digestive wellness!

Filed Under: News Tagged With:

High-Fat Diet Could Prevent Glaucoma Development

by

A high-fat, low-carbohydrate diet may help prevent retinal degeneration that leads to glaucoma.

A recent study published in the Journal of Neuroscience found that a ketogenic diet prevented damage to the retinal ganglion cells in mice that were on the cusp of developing glaucoma. Retinal ganglion cells are neurons located on the inner surface of the eye. These cells are the main component of the optic nerve, which transmits visual information to the brain. In people who have glaucoma, spikes in eye pressure can cause the optic nerve to degenerate resulting in permanent vision loss.

A research team at Northeast Ohio Medical University fed a group of mice a ketogenic diet comprised of 90 percent fat for eight weeks. At the conclusion of the testing period, the mice had high antioxidant levels and less degeneration of retinal ganglion cells.

This study is not the first time researchers have tested the effects of a high-fat diet on degenerative nerve diseases. Doctors have used ketogenic diets since the early twentieth century to treat epilepsy in children. Limiting carbohydrate intake has been linked to improvements in many other conditions like Alzheimer’s disease, sleep disorders, autism, Parkinson’s disease and even brain cancer. 

According to the Glaucoma Research Foundation, over 3 million Americans have glaucoma, but half are unaware because there are generally no early symptoms. When symptoms develop, it often means that permanent vision loss has already occurred.

The most effective way to prevent glaucoma damage is to schedule annual comprehensive eye exams with an ophthalmologist. A complete eye exam includes screening for glaucoma, cataracts, macular degeneration and many other degenerative conditions. 

Signs You Need a Hip Replacement

by

Hip replacement is a procedure that can lead to greater freedom, reduced or eliminated pain and a better quality of life. While it can be life-changing for many, such as people with osteoarthritis, knowing exactly when the time is right can be challenging.

Assess the Hip Issue

The first step is to assess the hip problem. Pay attention to your symptoms and record details, so you can be well-informed and discuss the information with your doctor. Here are some questions to ask yourself:

  • Are you unable to perform certain daily tasks, like walking up stairs or getting out of a chair because of stiffness, swelling or hip pain?
  • Is it hard to get to sleep, or do you wake up frequently due to hip pain?
  • Do you avoid walking, shopping or staying active because you want to stay off your hip?
  • Have you tried other treatments, like medications or physical therapy, but still have ongoing pain?

If some or all of these issues are affecting your life, hip replacement could be a good option for you — but there are still more things you should consider.

Other Factors that Contribute to Timing of Hip Replacement Surgery

When considering hip replacement, step back and look at the big picture. In addition to thinking about your pain level and stiffness, also consider:

Age

  • If you are younger: Hip replacement may allow you to continue your favorite sports or activities, or even try new ones. However, younger patients will likely need to have a second hip replacement in the future (known as revision surgery), since artificial hip joints typically have a lifespan of approximately 20 years.
  • If you are older: After the procedure, you should have greater freedom, ability and independence. However, it can take many months (up to a year) to recover and rehabilitate after the procedure.

Physical Health

  • Bone density: Osteoporosis or osteoarthritis causes the bones to weaken. This might mean it is not the right time for hip replacement, depending on your specific condition. Consult with your doctor to determine what is best for you.
  • Overall health: If you have another health issue or any unhealthy lifestyle habits, it might not be the right time for hip replacement. However, if you change your habits, it could become a possibility. For instance, if you stop smoking or lose weight, your overall health could improve, which could make the near future a good time for hip replacement surgery.

Tend to Your Emotional Health

When thinking about surgery for yourself, it’s normal to have questions and concerns. But if you are very anxious when you think about hip replacement, it may not be the right time for you. Here are some tips on how to manage or reduce anxiety:

  • Ask your doctor about strategies other patients have used to manage their anxiety regarding hip replacement.
  • Avoid random Internet searches about the procedure, which often provide incorrect or biased information. For more information, ask your doctor to recommend trusted medical websites.
  • Visit another doctor for a second opinion.
  • Talk to a mental health counselor about your anxiety.

The Bottom Line

Remember that hip pain can occasionally flare-up, then improve. You should only consider a hip replacement if you are experiencing chronic pain that is significantly impacting your life and other non-surgical treatments have not brought you any relief.

Gastroparesis Awareness Month Calls for Action in August

by

What is Gastroparesis?

Gastroparesis is a condition characterized by delayed stomach emptying. In a normally functioning stomach, gastric contractions move food material through the gastrointestinal tract. Patients with gastroparesis experience slow or erratic stomach contractions, which halts the digestive process. Common symptoms of gastroparesis include abdominal pain, bloating, reduced appetite and weight loss.

What Causes Gastroparesis?

One of the most common causes of gastroparesis is a damaged vagus nerve, the main nerve that communicates with the digestive tract. Injury to the vagus nerve interrupts impulses that control involuntary muscles in the stomach, gallbladder and intestines which stimulate secretions and contractions.

Gastroparesis can also be caused by uncontrolled diabetes, medications and other nerve disorders.

Common Misconceptions about Gastroparesis

Many people think that gastroparesis is an eating disorder because it is associated with malnutrition and weight loss, but this is untrue. Gastroparesis is a gastrointestinal disorder that causes a sensation of fullness because the stomach cannot empty properly.

Fatigue and nausea are common with gastroparesis because the body is not being properly nourished. Therefore, people who have gastroparesis are sometimes mischaracterized as being lazy or lacking in motivation. It is important to remember that although those who suffer from gastroparesis may want to perform the daily tasks that most people can accomplish, they may not be able to, since they lack nutritional availability.

 How You Can Help

You can get involved in Gastroparesis Awareness Month by paying attention to your own digestive health. If you are experiencing symptoms of gastroparesis, make an appointment with a gastroenterologist. Undiagnosed gastroparesis can lead to serious health risks.

You can also talk to your friends and family about the condition to spread awareness about the disorder. Many people are unfamiliar with gastroparesis, so start a conversation and share your knowledge with someone else.

Finally, go to the International Foundation for Functional Digestive Disorder’s web page. You will find many resources on gastroparesis including management and prevention tips, personal testimonials and ways you can get involved in your local community.

Filed Under: News Tagged With:

Children’s Eye Health and Safety Month

by

Vision problems negatively impact school performance, so schedule comprehensive eye exams for your children to be sure they have healthy vision before school begins.

Here are the top 5 reasons a comprehensive eye exam should be a part of your family’s back-to-school routine each year:

Comprehensive Eye Exams Correct Problems Early

The right and left eye must function as a team for normal vision to develop. Regular visits to your children’s pediatrician from infancy through preschool will help ensure that eye alignment problems are detected early. However, if you suspect your child has an issue with eye alignment, make an appointment with an ophthalmologist.

Comprehensive Eye Exams Offer More than School Vision Screenings

School vision screenings can only identify vision problems, not correct them. Often admistered by volunteers, screenings offer limited testing with minimal equipment. On the other hand, through comprehensive eye exams, licensed eye care professionals perform several tests and can make specific diagnoses. During an eye exam, a child can receive immediate treatment and corrective options for vision problems.

Comprehensive Eye Exams Correct More than Eye Problems

A common complaint among school-aged children is headaches due to refractive errors like nearsightedness, farsightedness and astigmatism. When children cannot see clearly, they often strain their vision by squinting, which often results in headaches. Many children experience relief after refractive errors are diagnosed and treated with eyeglasses.

Comprehensive Eye Exams Increase Self-Confidence

Children with vision problems often cannot read words and images in books or on display boards, which may affect their academic performance. Eye problems may also impact their ability to participate in activities like physical education classes and youth sports, resulting in low self-esteem. Through yearly eye exams, providers can diagnose and correct vision problems early on so children can perform at their highest level.

Comprehensive Eye Exams Provide Overall Health Assessments

During comprehensive eye exams, ophthalmologists use tests including eye dilation to evaluate the health of the retina and blood vessels. Some of these tests may even identify undiagnosed chronic health conditions like diabetes or hypertension, and children can then be referred to a specialist for further evaluation.

A comprehensive eye exam is an essential component of back-to-school readiness. Make an appointment with an ophthalmologist for a full comprehensive eye exam with dilation for your children. You can then feel confident that they are equipped with clear vision and are ready for a successful school year. 

Urinary Incontinence: Procedures to End Your Suffering

by

When it comes to urinary incontinence — that is, the inability to control the flow of one’s urine — every patient’s experience is unique. In addition to there being different challenges for women and men, there are also a variety of reasons the problem may be occurring.

Plus, some urinary incontinence may be temporary, such as incontinence caused by a urinary tract infection (UTI). Other times, it is ongoing and could become worse over time if not treated.

When a Surgical Procedure Is Needed for Urinary Incontinence

Doctors use a number of different treatments for urinary incontinence, ranging from medications to self-care practices designed to strengthen the muscles. But if medications or non-surgical treatments don’t lead to improvement, surgery can be used to treat urinary incontinence. Surgery typically offers a permanent solution.

A doctor will explain the available procedures and discuss which is best for the patient. In offering this recommendation, the doctor will have to take a number of factors into consideration, such as the patient’s overall health and existing damage to the urinary tract or surrounding tissues.

Here are some common procedures used to treat urinary incontinence:

Artificial Urinary Sphincter Placement (for Men)

Urethral sphincters are the muscles that control the release of urine from the bladder. When the urethral sphincters are contracted, this blocks the opening of the bladder, preventing urine from leaking out. When functioning properly, the urethral sphincters remain contracted until a person urinates, at which point, the sphincters relax. In males who cannot voluntarily control urination, one surgical option is implantation of an artificial urinary sphincter (AUS). During an AUS procedure, the doctor makes small incisions near the scrotum and below the abdomen. Next, an inflatable urethral cuff, pump and balloon are inserted. After the procedure, the patient will then be able to urinate by squeezing and releasing a small pump located in the scrotum. This causes fluid to pass from the cuff into the balloon, allowing the cuff to expand and the urethra to open so the patient can urinate.

Bladder Neck Suspension (for Women)

Stress incontinence is a term used to describe an involuntary emission of urine when there is sudden pressure on the bladder and abdomen, such as when sneezing, laughing or jumping. It is one of the most common types of incontinence issues experienced by women. To correct stress incontinence, a doctor can perform a bladder neck suspension. This procedure involves the physician pulling up or “suspending” the bladder neck to give it greater support, then attaching it to the surrounding bone or tissue. This protects against urine leakage.

Sling Procedures (for Men and Women)

Both men and women can have sling procedures. Slings are made of soft mesh that is inserted permanently into the body.

  • For Men – The sling is inserted to reposition the urethral sphincter muscle. This supports the muscle and helps stop bladder leakage. During the procedure, the doctor makes a small incision between the scrotum and anus. Next, he or she places the sling around part of the urethra. The sling repositions and squeezes the urethra, which helps the sphincter function properly.
  • For Women – Women can also have a sling procedure to stop or lessen urinary incontinence. In women, the sling is positioned so it raises and supports the urethra as well as the neck of the bladder. There are several approaches a doctor can use for the procedure that are performed on an outpatient basis and typically take just a half an hour.

Improved Quality of Life

Treating urinary incontinence with a surgical procedure can lead to a much better quality of life. If you are suffering from urinary incontinence, schedule an appointment with a doctor to discuss your options.

A Weak Pelvic Floor Can Lead to Vaginal Wall Prolapse

by

This causes the organ or organs that they are supporting — whether that’s the vagina, uterus, bladder, urethra, small bowel or rectum — to shift position and put pressure on the vagina. In some cases, these tissues can cause so much pressure that they protrude out of the vagina.

There are a variety of reasons pelvic floor muscles can become weak, making pelvic prolapse more likely. For instance, if a woman:

  • Has given birth vaginally, and the labor was long or the baby was very large
  • Has had a hysterectomy
  • Is post-menopausal; women who are post-menopause have lower levels of estrogen which causes the muscles and soft tissues of the pelvis to weaken
  • Is obese
  • Experiences chronic coughing
  • Strains almost every time she has a bowel movement

Vaginal Prolapse Symptoms

If you think you might have pelvic organ prolapse, one or some of these symptoms may be familiar to you:

  • Difficulty with bowel movements
  • Heaviness or pressure in the pelvic area
  • Lower back pain
  • Pain during intercourse
  • Tissue protruding from the vagina or a feeling that it could
  • Urinary problems from incontinence to chronic urge to urinate to urine retention

Pelvic organ prolapse can worsen over time, so it’s important to make an appointment to see a doctor if you are experiencing any of these symptoms.

Non-Surgical POP Treatment Options

If your prolapse is not causing pain or interfering with your daily life, your doctor may suggest no treatment, exercises or non-surgical treatment. One non-surgical option frequently used to treat POP is a pessary, which is a small device that fits inside the vagina and helps support the pelvic organs.

A pessary must be fitted to each woman, and there is no scientific method available to determine the perfect size a patient needs. For that reason, after the first fitting, a woman will need to return to the doctor several days later to have it checked. If the pessary is working well, the woman will likely not need to return for several months. A pessary can be used on an ongoing basis, and it’s estimated that about half of the women who have one continue to use it. However, they must be cared for and used correctly. Otherwise, problems can occur, such as bleeding or vaginal infections.

Kegel exercises are another non-surgical care method that may be recommended by a doctor to help strengthen the pelvic floor. The National Institutes of Health offers instructions on how to perform Kegel exercises.

Pelvic Organ Prolapse Surgery

There are several surgical solutions for patients who have pelvic organ prolapse. The particular procedure depends on factors such as a woman’s unique anatomy and whether or not she wants to be sexually active. Here are some examples:

  • Anterior Vaginal Prolapse Repair: Lifts the front vaginal wall back into the body so the bladder has support
  • Apical Suspension: Repairs the top of the vagina and helps maintain sexual function
  • Posterior Vaginal Prolapse Repair: Repairs a bulge in the back wall of the vagina

A doctor may be able to perform these procedures laparoscopically, using small incisions in the vagina or abdomen. This can help shorten recovery time.

For More Information

For more details about pelvic organ prolapse and surgical procedures for POP, visit the American College of Obstetricians & Gynecologists (ACOG).

Methylene Blue Dye Could Increase Colonoscopy Effectiveness

by

A blue tablet could help increase your gastroenterologist’s ability to detect polyps during a colonoscopy.

Blue Dye Increases Adenoma Detection Rate (ADR)

A recent study found that oral tablets with methylene blue dye could boost adenoma detection rate (ADR) as much as nine percent. ADR is the percentage of patients undergoing screening colonoscopies in whom a physician detects one or more adenomas, or precancerous polyps.

Alessandro Repici, M.D., of Humanities University Medical School in Milan, Italy, led the study. He and his research team analyzed over 1,200 colonoscopy patients at 20 facilities. Patients received either a placebo, a half-dose of delayed-release methylene blue dye tablet or a full dose. The patients who received the full dose of delayed-release methylene blue had nine percent more adenomas detected because the dye identified small, flat polyps that typically would have been missed.

Blue dye is commonly used during colonoscopy, but it is sprayed into the colon during the exam to highlight specific areas. The oral tablet used in the study is innovative because it is quick, easy to administer and has no known side effects.

ADR and Colon Cancer Prevention

Increasing physician ADR directly affects colon cancer prevention. For every percentage point increase in a physician’s ADR, a patient’s colon cancer risk is reduced by three percent.

Improving colon visualization during colonoscopy is the first and most essential step in boosting ADR since adenomas must be detected before they can be removed. Use of the delayed-release blue tablet still requires further testing but could become an integral part of the colonoscopy procedure.

Colon cancer is currently the third-leading cause of cancer death among men and women in the United States, but the disease is mostly preventable with routine colonoscopy. The American Cancer Society recommends that people who are at average risk for colon cancer begin screening at age 45. If colon cancer or colon polyps run in your family, however, you should be screened at a younger age.

Call Your Gastroenterologist

Talk to a gastroenterologist about when you should begin colon cancer screening. Only a colonoscopy allows your GI doctor to detect and remove precancerous polyps during the same procedure. It is so effective that you won’t have to repeat the procedure for a whole decade if you are at normal risk for colon cancer and have a clean bill of health.

Filed Under: News Tagged With: