Tag: symptoms

  • When Blood Pressure Is Low

    MEDICAL NEWS

    Man taking his blood pressure at home.

    High blood pressure gets a lot of attention. But low blood pressure can cause health problems as well.

    If blood pressure is too low, your organs will not receive enough blood. This can quickly become dangerous. While a one-time low blood pressure reading is not usually concerning, a doctor should address chronic low blood pressure that occurs with other symptoms.

    Symptoms

    The normal range for blood pressure is between 90/60 mm/Hg to 120/80 mm/Hg. However, some people naturally have lower blood pressure than others. Low blood pressure is a problem when accompanied by any of these symptoms:

    *  Feeling dizzy or lightheaded

    *  Nausea or vomiting

    *  Blurry vision

    *  Confusion

    *  Fainting

    *  Fatigue

    *  Weakness

    *  Clammy, pale skin

    *  Rapid, shallow breathing

    *  Sleepiness

    *  Depression

    Causes

    Low blood pressure can be a sign of a problem that needs to be addressed right away. Causes may include:

    *  Severe allergic reaction

    *  Sudden loss of blood volume due to dehydration, injury, or internal bleeding

    *  Septic shock caused by infection impacts the blood vessels causing blood pressure to drop

    *  Heart problems such as heart attack or changes in heart rhythm, which may prevent the heart from pumping blood efficiently

    *  Certain medications or substances can lower blood pressure

    *  Orthostatic hypotension which is temporary and happens when you change position quickly

    *  Endocrine or hormone imbalances

    Treatment

    If you have low blood pressure, your doctor is your best resource for treatment. Depending on the specific cause, treatment may include:

    *  Changing or switching medications if recommended by your doctor

    *  Drinking more fluids to stay well hydrated

    *  Moving slowly when going from sitting to standing

    *  Wearing compression socks to prevent blood from pooling in the legs

    *  Medicines to increase heart strength and improve blood pressure

    *  Avoiding alcohol

    *  In severe cases, receiving blood through an IV

    © American Institute for Preventive Medicine

  • I Cannot Tell Afib

    MEDICAL NEWS

    Illustration of a normal heart vs a heart with AFib.

    Atrial fibrillation or AFib is the most common heart arrhythmia or irregularity in the U.S. It affects up to 4 million people.

    AFib needs to be taken seriously. It increases the risk of stroke by as much as 5 times and can contribute to heart failure and other heart conditions.

    When someone develops AFib, the upper chambers of the heart, the atria, beat rapidly and irregularly. “The atria quiver instead of squeezing normally. This causes slow blood flow, which leads to clots and stroke,” said Dr. Eric Rashba, Director of the Heart Rhythm Center at Stony Brook University Heart Institute.

    People with AFib often feel a fluttering in their chest, an unexplained racing of the heart, or that their heart is skipping beats. Other symptoms include fatigue, dizziness, shortness of breath, and lack of energy. Up to 10% of AFib patients have no symptoms at all.

    AFib can be related to high blood pressure, an overactive thyroid, congestive heart failure, or diseased heart valves. It is important to be diagnosed and treated early.

    The longer you wait for diagnosis and treatment, the more AFib progresses and becomes increasingly difficult to treat. Your doctor can refer you to a heart specialist. Initial treatment is medication. New procedures are also available.

    © American Institute for Preventive Medicine

  • Anemia

    Women’s Health

    Paper cutouts of blood drops with stethoscopes.

    Anemia means that red blood cells or the amount of hemoglobin in red blood cells is low. Hemoglobin is a protein that carries oxygen in red blood cells.

    Signs, Symptoms & Causes

    There are many types of anemia. Common ones are low amounts of iron, folic acid (a B vitamin), and vitamin B12. In general, symptoms include:

    *  Tiredness.

    *  Weakness.

    *  Paleness. This could be pale skin or paleness around the gums, nailbeds, or the linings of the lower eyelids.

    *  Shortness of breath.

    *  Heart palpitations or rapid heartbeat.

    With anemia from low iron, extra symptoms can occur. These include:

    *  Tiny cracks at the corner of the mouth.

    *  A smooth, sore tongue.

    *  Brittle nails.

    *  A hard time concentrating.

    *  Unusual cravings for ice, starch, or dirt.

    In the United States, up to 20% of all women of childbearing age have this form of anemia. Only 2% of adult men do. The main cause is blood lost during menstruation. Eating too few iron-rich foods or not absorbing enough iron can make the problem worse.

    Pregnancy, breastfeeding, and blood loss from peptic ulcers or other medical problems, can also deplete iron levels. Older women who have poor diets, especially when they live alone, often have low iron anemia.

    When folic acid is very low, extra symptoms can occur. These include:

    *  A smooth and tender tongue.

    *  Appetite loss and weight loss.

    *  Nausea and diarrhea.

    *  Headache.

    Folic acid is needed to make red blood cells. Folic acid levels are low from a lack of folic acid in the diet or faulty absorption. The need for this vitamin more than doubles during pregnancy. This is often not met by diets of pregnant women. A supplement of 400 micrograms (0.4 milligrams) of folic acid per day is advised.

    Females who are planning a pregnancy, should take folic acid, too. Folic acid is important when a female conceives and during the first months of pregnancy. Low folic acid levels at these times have been linked to low birth weight and major birth defects, such as neural tube defects (spina bifida) in babies. Folic-acid deficiency can also lead to infertility and an increased risk of infection. Low levels of this vitamin are often seen among elderly women, especially those who have poor diets.

    When vitamin B12 is low, extra symptoms can occur. These include:

    *  Chest pain on exertion.

    *  Swollen red tongue or bleeding gums.

    *  A hard time concentrating.

    *  Appetite loss and weight loss.

    *  Nausea and diarrhea.

    When vitamin B12 is very low, nervous system problems can occur, such as:

    *  Numbness and tingling in the hands and feet.

    *  Walking and balance problems.

    *  Memory loss, confusion, dementia or psychosis.

    One form of vitamin B12 deficiency anemia is pernicious anemia. This is usually caused when the body doesn’t absorb vitamin B12 from food. It can result from a lack of digestive acids and a substance called the intrinsic factor. Both are needed to absorb vitamin B12. Other causes are surgery that removes part or all of the stomach and autoimmune problems that cause cells in the stomach’s lining to shrink. Vitamin B12 is found only in animal foods. It is not in plant foods unless the vitamin is added, such as in some cereals.

    Other Types of Anemia

    *  Sickle cell anemia. This is an inherited disorder that affects the red blood cells’ ability to carry oxygen to the body’s tissues. Sickle cell anemia occurs mostly in African Americans but can occur in other ethnic groups too.

    *  Aplastic anemia. This is a serious disease of decreased bone marrow production.

    Also, alcohol, certain drugs, large amounts of aspirin, and some chronic diseases can cause anemia.

    Treatment

    Anemia shares symptoms with many health problems. It needs to be diagnosed by a doctor. Persons with severe anemia may need one or more blood transfusions.Treatment for it depends on the type and what caused it. This includes:

    *  Treating the problem that caused it.

    *  Eating a proper diet and taking vitamin and/or mineral supplements, as prescribed. {Note: Don’t take iron supplements on your own. Persons with a genetic illness called hemochromatosis (iron overload disease) can be harmed with iron supplements.}

    *  Getting vitamin B12 shots, if needed.

    Questions to Ask

    Self-Care

    To Get and Absorb Iron

    *  Eat foods that are good sources of iron: green leafy vegetables, lean red meat, beef liver, poultry, fish, wheat germ, oysters, dried fruit, and iron-fortified cereals.

    *  Eat foods high in vitamin C, such as citrus fruits, kiwi, tomatoes, strawberries, broccoli, and green or red bell peppers.

    *  If you drink tea, drink it between meals. Tannins in tea block iron absorption. Or add milk to tea. The calcium in milk binds with the tannins. (Herbal tea does not have tannins.)

    *  Take the supplements your doctor advises. {Note: High levels of iron in the blood may increase the risk for heart attacks. This is especially a concern if you have gone through menopause.}

    *  Avoid antacids, phosphates (which are found in soft drinks, beer, ice cream, candy bars, etc.), and the food additive EDTA. These block iron absorption.

    To Get and Absorb Folic Acid

    *  Eat good food sources of folate every day. These include asparagus, Brussels sprouts, spinach, romaine lettuce, collard greens, and broccoli. Other good sources are black-eyed peas, cantaloupe, orange juice, oatmeal, and whole-grain or fortified cereals.

    *  Eat fresh, raw fruits and vegetables often. Don’t overcook food. Heat destroys folic acid.

    *  Take the supplement your doctor advises.

    *  Don’t smoke or drink alcohol.

    Tips for Getting Vitamin B12

    *  Eat animal sources of food. Good choices are lean meats, fish, poultry, nonfat or low-fat dairy products.

    *  Strict vegetarians (vegans) who eat no animal sources of food should get vitamin B12 from a supplement or foods fortified with it, such as cereals or plant-based milks or nutritional yeast.

    Resources

    National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute

    www.nhlbi.nih.gov

    Women's Self-Care book by the American Institute for Preventive Medicine. www.HealthyLife.com. All rights reserved.

    © American Institute for Preventive Medicine

  • Is It The Flu?

    MEDICAL NEWS

    Image with the words "Fight the Flu" written in a banner.

    Influenza, or the flu, circulates every winter and leaves thousands of people sick with a cough, aches, fever, and fatigue. The flu is much more serious than a cold: thousands of people die each year from flu-related complications. Unfortunately, many people don’t realize they have the flu until it’s too late. By then, they may have exposed people at work, school, or other public places. Here’s how to know if you have the flu, or just a cold:

    Chart showing symptoms of the cold vs the flu.

    When you come down with a cold, your symptoms usually appear very gradually over a few days. They often start with a sore throat followed by a runny nose. The flu often hits hard, very quickly. Symptoms appear suddenly and the exhaustion and aches can quickly become severe.

    If in doubt, try to stay home and stay away from others when you’re sick. In particular, try to avoid exposing young children and older adults, who may be more likely to suffer from flu-related problems. Wash your hands frequently and encourage others in your household to do the same.

    If you think you have the flu, call your doctor right away. You may be able to take an antiviral medication (brand name: Tamiflu), which can decrease your symptoms and the amount of time you are sick. Antiviral medications should be taken within 48 hours of the start of symptoms.

    Finally, talk to your doctor about getting a flu shot each year: it’s the number one way to help avoid getting – and spreading – the flu!

    Sources: Centers for Disease Control, U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs

    © American Institute for Preventive Medicine

  • Anemia 2

    General Health Conditions

    Anemia means that red blood cells or the amount of hemoglobin in red blood cells is low. Hemoglobin is a protein that carries oxygen in red blood cells. Common types of anemia are low amounts of iron, folic acid (a B-vitamin), and vitamin B12.

    Signs & Symptoms

    *  Tiredness.

    *  Weakness.

    *  Paleness. This could be pale skin or paleness around the gums, nailbeds, or the linings of the lower eyelids.

    *  Shortness of breath.

    *  Heart palpitations or rapid heartbeat.

    *  Cravings for unusual things, such as laundry starch, dirt, or ice.

    When folic acid is low, extra symptoms can occur. These include: Appetite loss and weight loss; nausea and diarrhea, swollen abdomen, and a sore, red tongue that looks glazed. When vitamin B12 is low, extra symptoms include: Chest pain on exertion; appetite loss and weight loss; nausea and diarrhea, a hard time concentrating, and a sore, red tongue that looks glazed. If vitamin B12 is very low, nervous system problems occur. These include: Numbness and tingling of the hands and feet; walking and balance problems; memory loss, confusion, dementia, or psychosis. This is known as pernicious anemia.

    Causes

    *  Anemia from low iron. Often, the cause is blood loss from menstruation in females, peptic ulcers, and other medical problems.

    *  Anemia from low folic-acid. The cause is lack of folic acid in the diet.

    *  Anemia from low vitamin B12. This usually results when the body doesn’t absorb vitamin B12 from food, not a lack of vitamin B12 in the diet.

    Treatment

    Anemia shares symptoms with many health problems. It needs to be diagnosed by a doctor. Treatment for it depends on the type and what caused it. This includes:

    *  Treating the problem that caused it.

    *  Proper diet and vitamin and/or mineral supplements, as prescribed. {Note: Don’t take iron supplements on your own. Persons with a genetic illness called hemochromatosis (iron overload disease) can be harmed with iron supplements.}

    *  Vitamin B12 shots, if needed.

    Persons with severe anemia may need one or more blood transfusions.

    Questions to Ask

    Self-Care / Prevention

    Follow your doctor’s treatment plan.

    To Get and Absorb Iron

    *  Eat foods that are good sources of iron: Lean, red meats; green, leafy vegetables; beef liver; poultry; fish; wheat germ; oysters; dried fruit; and iron-fortified cereals.

    *  Eat foods high in vitamin C, such as citrus fruits, tomatoes, and strawberries. Vitamin C helps your body absorb iron from plant foods.

    *  Take the supplements your doctor advises.

    *  If you drink tea, drink it between meals. Tannins in tea block iron absorption. Or, add milk to tea. The calcium in milk binds with the tannins. (Herbal tea does not have tannins.)

    *  Avoid antacids, the food additive EDTA, and phosphates (found in soft drinks, beer, ice cream, etc.). These block iron absorption.

    To Get and Absorb Folic Acid

    *  Eat good food sources of folate every day. Examples are asparagus, brussels sprouts, spinach, collard greens, broccoli, peas, oranges, cantaloupe, oatmeal, and whole-grain cereals.

    *  Eat fresh, raw fruits and vegetables often. Don’t overcook food. Heat destroys folic acid.

    *  Take the supplement your doctor advises.

    *  Don’t smoke. Don’t drink alcohol.

    For Getting B12

    *  Eat animal sources of food. Good choices are lean meats, fish, poultry, nonfat or low-fat dairy products, and cereals with added vitamin B12.

    *  Strict vegetarians (vegans) who eat no animal sources of food may need a vitamin B12 supplement or foods fortified with it.

    Healthier at Home book by the American Institute for Preventive Medicine. www.HealthyLife.com. All rights reserved.

    © American Institute for Preventive Medicine

  • Know About Prostate Cancer

    MEDICAL NEWS

    Image of prostate cancer ribbon.

    Experts at Mount Sinai Medical Center offer this prostate cancer prevention advice:

    *Age is the strongest risk factor:Almost two-thirds of prostate cancers are found in men over the age of 65.

    *Family history can be important:Having a father or brother with prostate cancer more than doubles a man’s risk of developing this disease.

    *Race is a factor:Prostate cancer occurs more often in African-American men than in men of other races.

    *Follow a healthy diet:Eat more low-fat, high-fiber foods such as fruits and vegetables, and limit intake of red or processed meat.

    *Diagnose cancer early:Speak with your doctor about your risk for prostate cancer and the benefits of screening. For men at high risk, screening should be considered at age 40.

    Screening works

    Screenings consists of a PSA blood test, which measures the level of PSA, a protein that is produced by the prostate gland, and a digital rectal exam, which can uncover physical abnormalities of the prostate that may be a sign of cancer.

    NOTE:

    Prostate cancer screening guidelines vary with different health groups. Ask your doctor at what age you should discuss prostate cancer screening. Ask about the benefits and risks of PSA blood tests.

    © American Institute for Preventive Medicine

  • Chest Pain & Heart Disease

    Women’s Health

    Women making heart shape with hands and wearing a wear dress.

    Chest pain can be a warning sign for many things. It is often linked to a heart attack, especially in men. Women should be just as concerned. Heart disease is the number one cause of death for women in the U.S.

    Signs & Symptoms

    Angina

    With this, the heart does not get as much blood and oxygen as it needs for a given level of work. This causes pain, discomfort, or a squeezing pressure in the chest. Aching in a tooth, jaw or neck can also occur. Symptoms usually go away with rest and/or nitroglycerin. Angina attacks may occur with anger, excitement, or exertion, such as walking up a hill.

    Heart Attack

    *  Chest pressure or pain (may spread to the arm, neck, back, tooth or jaw).

    *  Feelings of chest tightness, squeezing, or heaviness that last more than a few minutes or go away and come back.

    *  Chest discomfort with: shortness of breath, nausea, sweating, fast or uneven pulse, or fainting.

    *  An uneasy feeling in the chest with: fluttering or rapid heartbeats, extreme fatigue or weakness, unexplained or extreme anxiety, or severe indigestion that doesn’t go away with an antacid.

    *  Unusual chest, abdominal or stomach pain.

    *  Dizziness, nausea, trouble breathing, jaw or arm pain without chest pain.

    {Note: For any of these signs, don’t delay. Call 911 right away!} After your call:

    *  Chew 162-325 mg uncoated aspirin (up to 4 baby aspirins), unless you are allergic to aspirin.

    *  Be sure to tell the EMS driver that you are having chest pain.

    Heart Failure

    With this, the heart “fails” to supply the body with enough blood and oxygen for its needs. This develops slowly. It becomes chronic. Symptoms are: shortness of breath, feeling very tired or weak, swelling in the lower legs, ankles, and feet, dry cough or one with pink, frothy mucus, rapid weight gain, and a fast heartbeat.

    Causes

    Heart disease is caused by atherosclerosis. This is the buildup of plaque in the inner walls of the arteries. The plaque is made up of blood, platelets, cholesterol, fibrous tissue, and sometimes, calcium. Blood flow to the heart is slowed or blocked. Besides heart disease, chest pain can also be a symptom of:

    *  Mitral valve prolapse (MVP), a heart-valve problem.

    *  Bronchitis, pneumonia, lung injuries, etc.

    *  Heartburn or a hiatal hernia.

    *  Shingles.

    *  A pulled muscle or even swallowing too much air.

    Treatment

    Heart disease needs medical treatment. It is not always easy to know whether or not to seek medical care for chest pain. When in doubt, check it out. Prompt medical treatment for a heart attack or severe lung injury could be life-saving.

    Questions to Ask

    Self-Care / Prevention

    Reduce the Risk of Heart Disease

    *  Have regular medical checkups. Get your blood pressure and blood cholesterol checked as often as advised by your doctor.

    *  Don’t smoke or use tobacco. If you do, quit.

    *  Be at a healthy weight.

    *  Take all medications, as prescribed.

    *  If you have diabetes, high blood pressure or high cholesterol, follow your treatment plan.

    *  Follow a diet low in saturated fats, trans fats, and cholesterol. Limit sodium to 1500 mg to 2,400 mg per day. Eat plenty of vegetables and fruit, fiber-rich whole grains, fatty fish, nuts, seeds, beans, lentils, and olive or canola oil. Limit processed meats and sugary foods and beverages.

    *  Do regular exercise.

    *  Avoid or limit alcohol to one drink per day.

    *  Manage stress. Practice relaxation techniques.

    Pulled Muscle or Minor Injury to the Rib Cage

    *  Do not strain the muscle or ribs while pain is felt.

    *  Rest.

    *  Take an over-the-counter medicine for pain.

    Heartburn or a Diagnosed Hiatal Hernia

    *  Lose weight, if you are overweight.

    *  Eat 5 to 6 small meals a day and chew thoroughly.

    *  Avoid tobacco and alcohol. Avoid “trigger” foods, such as caffeine, spicy foods, citrus juices, chocolate, and  carbonated drinks.

    *  Don’t bend over or lie down after eating.

    *  For heartburn, take antacids after meals and before going to sleep.

    *  Don’t have food 2 hours before bedtime.

    *  Do not wear tight clothes, tight belts or girdles.

    *  Sleep on a bed with the head raised about 6 inches.

    Anxiety and Hyperventilating

    *  Talk about your anxiety with someone you trust.

    *  When you hyperventilate: Open up a small paper bag. Loosely cover your nose and mouth with it. Breathe slowly into the bag. Rebreathe the air in the bag. Do this about 10 times. Set the bag aside. Breathe normally for a couple of minutes.

    *  Try to breathe slowly. Focus on taking one breath every 5 seconds.

    Inflammation of the Cartilage Where the Ribs Attach to the Breastbone (Costochondritis)

    *  Take aspirin, ibuprofen, or naproxen sodium for pain.

    Mitral Valve Prolapse (MVP)

    *  Follow your doctor’s guidelines for self-care.

    *  Eat healthy foods. Limit caffeine and alcohol.  Don’t smoke.

    *  After checking with your doctor, exercise regularly to improve cardiovascular fitness.

    *  Deal with and control stress and anxiety.

    Resources

    American Heart Association & Go Red For Women

    888.MY.HEART (694.3278)

    www.heart.org

    www.GoRedForWomen.org

    National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI)

    www.nhlbi.nih.gov

    Women's Self-Care book by the American Institute for Preventive Medicine. www.HealthyLife.com. All rights reserved.

    © American Institute for Preventive Medicine

  • Minutes Count With A Stroke

    MEDICAL NEWS

    Image of older women with hand on head.

    If someone were having a stroke, would you recognize the signs? Would you know what to do?

    These are important questions to consider. During a stroke, brain cells are damaged due to a blood clot or rupture of a blood vessel in the brain. This can lead to serious disability and death.

    According to the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, about 795,000 strokes occur every year. It is the third leading cause of death in the U.S. But with fast action, you might save someone from permanent brain damage.

    Preventing stroke

    Health problems like atrial fibrillation (an irregular beating of the heart), high cholesterol, high blood pressure, heart disease and diabetes increase your risk. Take medicines to control risk factors and follow a heart-healthy lifestyle. Eat right, exercise, limit alcohol and don’t smoke. See your doctor as recommended for health exams and screenings.

    Aspirin may help reduce the risk of stroke due to a blood clot in women ages 55-79 years, but you should discuss the use of aspirin with your doctor before taking it.

    Know the signs of stroke

    The five most common signs and symptoms of stroke:

    *SUDDENnumbness or weakness of the face, arm or leg

    *SUDDENconfusion, trouble speaking or understanding others

    *SUDDENtrouble seeing in one or both eyes

    *SUDDENdizziness, trouble walking or loss of balance or coordination

    *SUDDENsevere headache with no known cause

    What to do

    Call 9-1-1 immediately. Hospital emergency rooms have medication that can dissolve blood clots and restore blood flow to the brain. The window of opportunity is three hours, but in order to receive treatment in time, patients must get to the hospital within 60 minutes. Don’t wait – if you see signs of stroke, seek emergency medical care!

    © American Institute for Preventive Medicine

  • Ectopic Pregnancies

    Pregnancy & Prenatal Care

    An ectopic pregnancy is when an embryo starts to develop outside the uterus. (Ectopic means out of place.) This happens less than 2 percent of the time.

    In normal pregnancies, an egg travels from a woman’s ovary to the uterus. It travels down the fallopian tube to get there. Somewhere along the way, the egg gets fertilized by a male sperm. Once inside, the egg attaches to the wall of the uterus. It becomes an embryo and then a fetus. Nine months later, a baby is born.

    In ectopic pregnancies, the fertilized egg does not reach the uterus. It starts to grow somewhere else. Most often, that’s in the fallopian tube.

    The embryo can’t survive for long outside the uterus. But it can put the mother in danger if it gets too big. It can rupture an organ or cause internal bleeding. Medical steps must be taken right away.

    Symptoms

    Some women may have no symptoms. They may not even know that they are pregnant. When there are symptoms, they usually come within 8 weeks of conception. Symptoms may include:

    *  Pain in the lower belly

    *  Pain on one side of the body

    *  Vaginal spotting and bleeding

    *  Pain in the rectum (rear end) or shoulder

    *  Feeling like throwing up

    *  Throwing up

    *  Feeling weak

    *  Fainting

    Diagnosis

    Ultrasound can sometimes locate the embryo. Laparoscopy is another option. That’s when a tiny camera with a light is put in the mother’s body. It goes in through a very small incision (cut).

    Illustration of normal vs ectopic pregnancy.

    Causes

    There are many causes for ectopic pregnancies:

    *  Damage to the ovary or fallopian tube

    *  Scarring of the ovary or fallopian tube. Scarring can result from endometriosis, pelvic inflammatory disease or an STD.

    Also, the risk for an ectopic pregnancy is higher for women who:

    *  Have had an ectopic pregnancy in the past

    *  Have had fallopian tube surgery

    *  Have had problems getting pregnant

    *  Have used an IUD for birth control

    These women should call their health care provider when they miss a menstrual period.

    Treatment

    Medicines may be used. But if some time has passed, surgery may be needed. The embryo is removed. Any damage to the mother’s body is repaired. In some rare cases, a fallopian tube or ovary must be removed. But women have another set of these. So the mother may become pregnant again.

    Questions to Ask

    Self-Care / Prevention

    Tips to Lower the Risk of an Ectopic Pregnancy

    *  Talk to your health care provider about your risks for damage to your fallopian tubes from:

    – STDs

    – Pelvic Inflammatory Disease

    – Endometriosis

    *  Ask if you need to get tested for these and how often. Find out, too, if your health plan pays for these tests.

    *  Schedule any tests needed with your health care provider.

    Prenatal Self-Care book by the American Institute for Preventive Medicine. www.HealthyLife.com. All rights reserved.

    © American Institute for Preventive Medicine

  • Questions Answered About Mers

    MEDICAL NEWS

    Illustration of lungs with MERS.

    As concern increases about Middle Eastern Respiratory Syndrome, or MERS, in the Middle East and in Asia, Dr. Peter Hotez, dean of the National School of Tropical Medicine at Baylor College of Medicine, answers questions on what we need to know about this emerging infectious disease.

    What is MERS?

    It is a serious lower respiratory infection caused by the MERS coronavirus. This emerging viral pathogen was first acquired from camels, but now has limited human-to-human transmission.

    What are the symptoms?

    The symptoms include fever, cough, and respiratory symptoms that could lead to respiratory failure and other organ system breakdown. This infectious disease is similar to SARS (severe acute respiratory syndrome) that caused a severe and highly lethal outbreak in South China in 2002-2003. Some data from previous SARS outbreaks indicate that 13% of cases may have no symptoms and this could also be true for MERS.

    How is it spread?

    The mode of spread is still not well known. In general, it involves close contact, especially in health care settings. For SARS, a related coronavirus, sneezing and cough seems to facilitate transmission.

    Is there a treatment? Is there a vaccine?

    There is no proven antiviral treatment, yet, for MERS. Several prototype vaccines are in different stages of development.

    Who is at risk? Any groups more at risk?

    For about 30 to 40%, of people who get MERS, the disease is fatal. At greatest risk of dying are the elderly and those with underlying heart and lung disease or diabetes.

    Should we be concerned?

    The MERS epidemic in South Korea looks as though it will be contained soon with all new cases appearing among the estimated 3,000 people in quarantine. However, in Saudi Arabia and elsewhere on the Arabian Peninsula, new cases continue to appear. Individuals thinking about travelling to the Arabian Peninsula should consult their doctor if they are elderly or have underlying chronic disease conditions.

    © American Institute for Preventive Medicine