1. Diabetes Mellitus
· What is Diabetes Mellitus (DM)? Diabetes is a metabolic disorder that affects how your body uses blood sugar (glucose).
· Types of Diabetes Mellitus (DM):
Prediabetes is when your blood sugar level is higher than normal, but not high enough that it may require treatment
Type 1 is also called Juvenile and Insulin-Dependent Diabetes. Typical onset before age 30, and seen in non-obese patients
Type 2 represents 90% of Diabetes Mellitus. Patients are typically over the age of 40 and obese
· Symptoms of DM: Polyuria, nocturia, polydipsia, unexplained weight loss, increased appetite, blurred vision, frequent urination, frequent yeast infections, fatigue, dry skin, or numbness and tingling in extremities
· Treatment for DM:
Type 1: Insulin (most patient utilizes an insulin pump)
Type 2: Modification of diet, Oral medications, and Insulin
Prediabetes: Monitoring, diet modification, and oral medications may be started at this time as well
2. Hypertension (HTN)
· What is HTN? HTN is also known as high blood pressure is when the blood against the artery walls is too high. Diagnosis is made after three or more elevated readings at different times
· Classification of HTN: Normal, Prehypertension, Stage I HTN, and Stage II HTN
· Types HTN managed by our practice: Essential HTN Primary and Secondary HTN
· Causes: Essential HTN due to obesity, family history, and unhealthy diet. Secondary HTN due to renal parenchymal and coarctation of the aorta
· Symptoms: acute, life-threatening complications, renal failure, headaches, fatigue, nose bleeds, vision problems, chest pain, shortness of breath, irregular heartbeat
· Treatment: Oral HTN medication, diet modifications, weight loss, stop smoking, decrease intake of alcohol
3. Thyroid Disease
· What is Thyroid Disease? Is a condition where your thyroid does not make the right amount of hormone
3. Thyroid Disease
· What is Thyroid Disease? Is a condition where your thyroid does not make the right amount of hormone
· Types of Thyroid Disease? Goiter, Hypothyroidism, and Hyperthyroidism
· Causes: Most common cause of all Thyroid Diseases is inadequate iodine or an autoimmune disease
· Symptoms and Signs: Goiter- multinodular thyroid, large thyroid. Hypothyroidism-weakness, fatigue, cold intolerance, mild weight gain or difficulty losing weight, depression, confusion, dry hair, bradycardia, absences of menses, constipation, etc. Hyperthyroidism- thyroid is firm, hyperactivity, anxiety, fatigue, weight loss, increase perspiration, heat intolerance, large eyes, fine tremors, absence of menses, enlargement of breast in men and erectile dysfunction.
· Treatment: Goiter- Iodine replacement. Hypothyroidism-Levothyroxine. Hyperthyroidism-radioactive iodine, controlling of blood pressure with atenolol
4. Hyperlipidemia (high cholesterol): is a leading cause of mortality and morbidity, related to coronary artery disease
· What is high cholesterol? Is when your blood has too many lipids or fats
· Causes: Diet, inherited genetics
· Signs and Symptoms: Patients do not experience symptoms, diagnoses are normally made via routine labs
· Treatment: Oral cholesterol-lowering medications, diet modification and exercise
5. Allergies:
· What are allergies? Allergies are the bodies’ reaction to a harmless substance such as pollen, mold, certain foods, latex, etc.
· Causes: Certain foods, medications, airborne pollen, or insect bites
· Symptoms: Runny nose, itchy eyes, sneezing, skin irritation
· Treatment: Allergy medication, steroids
6. Asthma:
· What is Asthma? Asthma is a condition that affects the airways in the lungs. Airways become inflamed, narrow, and begin to produce extra mucus
· Causes: Allergens, infections, tobacco smoke, exercise, change in weather, drugs
· Symptoms: chest tightness, shortness of breath, persistent cough, wheezing, use of chest and abdominal muscles, fatigue, drowsiness
· Treatment: Inhalers (Short or Long-Acting inhalers), Oral steroids, Steroid injections, Allergy medication
7. Sexually Transmitted Disease (STD or STI)
· What is an STD or STI? STD or STI is an Inflammatory/infective syndrome that affects organs of reproduction and can affect surrounding structures
· Causes: Bacteria, Viruses, and Parasites
· Types of STD or STI: Gonorrhea, Genital Herpes, Syphilis, Chlamydia, HIV, HPV
· Symptoms: Lower abdominal pain, fever, vaginal or penile discharge, pain with urination
· Treatment: Antibiotics or Antiviral medication
8. Bronchitis:
· What is Bronchitis? Bronchitis is when the lining of the bronchial tubes becomes inflamed
· Causes: Viral or bacterial infections, Irritants such as smoking
· Symptoms: Congestion, runny nose, sore throat, low-grade fever, cough lasting 3 weeks or longer, productive cough, shortness of breath
· Treatment: Cough suppressants, decongestants, allergy medication, oral steroids and Short-Acting Inhalers