By Dr. John Spence
If you have a medical problem, or something is bothering you or a member of your family, The Jackson County Times now has a local physician, Dr. John Spence, of the Panhandle Family Care Associates available to respond to your questions via e-mail.
I’m always shocked at just how many of my patients are plagued with allergy problems or chronic sinus issues. To that end, the next several articles focus on how to stamp out the snotty misery that seems so prevalent in our area. As we progress towards spring, a slew of possible irritants will rain down upon us, from tree pollen and grasses to peanut dust and spores.
How do I know what I’m allergic to?
An allergist can perform skin prick testing to evaluate for specific reactions to allergens. He may evaluate for grass or mold allergens by checking for a superficial skin reaction (hives, redness) to the substance. Knowing the triggers will then allow a patient the opportunity to avoid them or to monitor their counts in the air (webmd.com pollen counter).
How can I get relief with over the counter medications?
Many patients can treat themselves effectively without interventions from their physicians. Several non-sedating antihistamines are available and can be safely used (Claritin, zyrtec). Most allergists and ENTs (ear, nose and throat docs) recommend nasal saline irrigation as a cheap method at treating chronic problems. OTC nasal sprays can be used, but caution should be taken to avoid "addiction" to these decongestants. After two to three days, a patient may develop rebound symptoms whereby congestion rapidly returns after use of the spray. Patients end up using more and more of the spray to have a similar effect. Be wary! Transition to nasal steroid sprays may be the best option for these individuals.
Other OTX medications include drops/lozenges for sore throats and antihistamine drops for eyes that itch, burn and generally drive you nuts.
Are antihistamines themselves addictive?
Some people are under the impression that allergy pills can be addictive just like the nasal sprays. The reality is that they have no "addictive" potential. Some patients do, however, develop a tolerance to these agents and may need to rotate their use of OTC antihistamines to combat the issue. According to experts, tolerance generally occurs after three months. At this point, consider changing to another brand.
I hate taking pills – are there any other ways to manage my allergies?
Logically, avoidance of the trigger is the key. Since many allergens are airborne, windows should remain closed even if the weather appears inviting. Allergens also have a tendency to stick to clothes and are piggy-backed into the house after you spend time outdoors. Showering after exposure, though inconvenient, may be helpful. Clothes need to be washed regularly to prevent transfer of the allergens to furniture, pillows, sheets or spouse.
The next article will focus on formal physician mediated medical management, from prescription pills to shots. Then, I will shatter some myths frequently surrounding allergen avoidance in the home.
Do you have any medical questions or concerns that you would like addressed? You can contact Dr. Spence by email at panhandledailydose@hotmail.com or by mailing your question to Daily Dose, P.O. Box 6107, Marianna, FL 32446.
Wednesday, January 28, 2009
Thursday, January 22, 2009
Bad Breath- Cause and Cure
By Larry J. Cook
Have you noticed or has someone told you that you have bad breathe? Have you been overwhelmed by the breath or a loved one or a friend? Halitosis (medical term for bad breath) can embarrass you or your friends. It can also effect how other people think about you. I know your question…. what causes bad breath?
The most common cause of bad breath can be food particles left in your mouth after meals which combine with bacteria to create a bad odor. Bacteria often collect on the back of your tongue, creating an odor. Another cause can be gum disease that may be at the infection stage. The fluids oozing from the infected gums will usually cause a very strong odor due to pus in the fluids.
Another cause could be a dry mouth. Saliva cleanses your mouth, washing away many odor-causing bacteria. A dry mouth allows more bacteria and their by-products to remain in your mouth, thus causing bad breath. You could have a dry mouth when you sleep, if you don’t drink enough fluids or because of certain medications. Some types of food and drink can cause bad breath. These include garlic, onions, fish, cabbage, coffee, and alcohol. Smoking and chewing tobacco can make your breath smell. This bad breath can stay with you even when you stop smoking or chewing. There are other causes of bad breath. Braces, dentures, and other mouth gear may smell if not kept clean. Certain medical problems may cause bad breath. Sinus problems that cause drainage into the throat may sometimes lead to mouth odor. In general, bad breath becomes more of a problem as you age.
Your dentist can look for a cause of chronic bad breath. If a cause is found, treatment may improve your breath. Some people think they have bad breath when they really don’t. First, you need your dentist to confirm that you have bad breath. You will then be checked for gum disease and asked questions about foods you eat, any medications you take, and how you care for your teeth.
You can do some simple things to help avoid bad breath. First, brush after each meal and floss at least once a day. Brush your tongue (or use a special tongue scraper) to clean off food and odor-causing bacteria. Always brush as far back on your tongue as you can. Drink plenty of water and rinse your mouth with water every so often to keep the salvia flowing. Chewing sugarless gum can also help. Try to avoid foods that can cause bad smelling breath. If you smoke or chew tobacco, QUIT!! You’ll be amazed how much better your breath will smell. Over-the-counter mouthwashes only cover up bad breath for a very short time.
If there is no underlying medical cause, you can usually achieve fresh-smelling breath with the help of your dentist. Practice good oral hygiene, see your dentist regularly and use what you’ve learned to keep your breath smelling great!
Have you noticed or has someone told you that you have bad breathe? Have you been overwhelmed by the breath or a loved one or a friend? Halitosis (medical term for bad breath) can embarrass you or your friends. It can also effect how other people think about you. I know your question…. what causes bad breath?
The most common cause of bad breath can be food particles left in your mouth after meals which combine with bacteria to create a bad odor. Bacteria often collect on the back of your tongue, creating an odor. Another cause can be gum disease that may be at the infection stage. The fluids oozing from the infected gums will usually cause a very strong odor due to pus in the fluids.
Another cause could be a dry mouth. Saliva cleanses your mouth, washing away many odor-causing bacteria. A dry mouth allows more bacteria and their by-products to remain in your mouth, thus causing bad breath. You could have a dry mouth when you sleep, if you don’t drink enough fluids or because of certain medications. Some types of food and drink can cause bad breath. These include garlic, onions, fish, cabbage, coffee, and alcohol. Smoking and chewing tobacco can make your breath smell. This bad breath can stay with you even when you stop smoking or chewing. There are other causes of bad breath. Braces, dentures, and other mouth gear may smell if not kept clean. Certain medical problems may cause bad breath. Sinus problems that cause drainage into the throat may sometimes lead to mouth odor. In general, bad breath becomes more of a problem as you age.
Your dentist can look for a cause of chronic bad breath. If a cause is found, treatment may improve your breath. Some people think they have bad breath when they really don’t. First, you need your dentist to confirm that you have bad breath. You will then be checked for gum disease and asked questions about foods you eat, any medications you take, and how you care for your teeth.
You can do some simple things to help avoid bad breath. First, brush after each meal and floss at least once a day. Brush your tongue (or use a special tongue scraper) to clean off food and odor-causing bacteria. Always brush as far back on your tongue as you can. Drink plenty of water and rinse your mouth with water every so often to keep the salvia flowing. Chewing sugarless gum can also help. Try to avoid foods that can cause bad smelling breath. If you smoke or chew tobacco, QUIT!! You’ll be amazed how much better your breath will smell. Over-the-counter mouthwashes only cover up bad breath for a very short time.
If there is no underlying medical cause, you can usually achieve fresh-smelling breath with the help of your dentist. Practice good oral hygiene, see your dentist regularly and use what you’ve learned to keep your breath smelling great!
Wednesday, January 7, 2009
The Connection Between Oral Health & Your General Health 1/8/09
You may have read in recent months about the evidence that our medical science researchers are uncovering. The evidence is becoming clearer and clearer that active oral disease has a basic connection to effects seen in general health. One of the areas the researchers have been able to establish clear connection is chronic gum disease and its linkage to cardio-vascular disease. This connection should be a great concern for all adults who are reading this article. The concern is because 80% or more of the general adult public have some level of active low grade gum inflammation in their bodies. This pervasive chronic low grade inflammation creates a response from our bodies’ immune system. When we have a low grade inflammation anywhere in our bodies our liver is stimulated to release a certain reactive protein (c-reactive). The action of this C - reactive protein is to act upon plaques on the walls of our arteries. The build up of plaque in our arteries is a life style life long occurrence, which helps to lead to ultimate cardio-vascular accidents. Most common cardio-vascular accidents are stroke and heart attacks. This protein reaction with the arterial plaque is to cause loosen or busting of the plaque, which creates floaters (emboli) in the blood stream. If the floaters are large enough to lodge in one of the small arteries of our brain it is called a stroke and if it lodges in one of the arteries of the heart it is called a heart attack.
It is always important to look at cause and effect when we want to take action to create a different effect or outcome. If we did not have the low grade chronic inflammation in our gums our liver would not be stimulated to release the C-reactive protein and the protein would not be creating floaters in our blood stream. The above information can become too entailed, yet the moral of the story is that every adult should take action to be certain that they are not in the 80% of persons who have an ongoing low grade gum inflammation. If we create a healthy oral condition we lessen the chances of these unique cardio vascular accident connections from occurring.
Consult with your dental professional for an evaluation of your current dental health condition. Allow your dental team to develop a custom game plan for your dental wellness.
It is always important to look at cause and effect when we want to take action to create a different effect or outcome. If we did not have the low grade chronic inflammation in our gums our liver would not be stimulated to release the C-reactive protein and the protein would not be creating floaters in our blood stream. The above information can become too entailed, yet the moral of the story is that every adult should take action to be certain that they are not in the 80% of persons who have an ongoing low grade gum inflammation. If we create a healthy oral condition we lessen the chances of these unique cardio vascular accident connections from occurring.
Consult with your dental professional for an evaluation of your current dental health condition. Allow your dental team to develop a custom game plan for your dental wellness.
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