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What Risks Can Hypertension Present In Pregnancy?

Hypertension is becoming more frequent in women during pregnancy. This can put the mother and her unborn child at risk of complications. Also, high blood pressure can create complications during and after childbirth. However, there is a silver lining in the cloud since high blood pressure is preventable and treatable. It is crucial to see your Port Saint Lucie hypertension physician as soon as you find out you are pregnant to begin assessing the risks.

What is hypertension in pregnancy?

Hypertension occurs when the force exerted against the arterial walls is excessive. Up to 10% of pregnancies are complicated by hypertension and other high blood pressure issues worldwide. These illnesses are essential because they can cause severe problems for both the mother and the infant if left undetected and untreated. High blood pressure disorders are classified into different groups based on the time of diagnosis and the severity of the associated signs and symptoms.

  1.     Gestational hypertension is hypertension detected after 20 weeks of pregnancy in a woman who did not have high blood pressure before pregnancy. However, there are usually no other signs or symptoms. It usually causes no harm to you or your baby, and it fades gone within 12 weeks after delivery. However, it increases your chances of developing high blood pressure in the future. At times, it can be extreme, resulting in low birth weight or premature birth. In some cases, preeclampsia can occur in particular women with gestational hypertension.
  2.     Chronic hypertension – This category includes women with preexisting hypertension who become pregnant or are discovered to have high blood pressure before 20 weeks of pregnancy. Some women may have had it for a long time but were unaware of it until a doctor monitored their blood pressure at their prenatal checkup. Chronic hypertension can sometimes result in preeclampsia.
  3.     Preeclampsia – About 8% of expectant mothers get this dangerous hypertension condition. It frequently happens after 20 weeks of pregnancy. Women with chronically increased blood pressures and proteinuria, changes in test values, or symptoms such as a severe, continuous headache, eye problems, and upper abdomen pain are diagnosed with this condition. Symptoms may not appear till after delivery in some circumstances. Some of your organs may be damaged due to preeclampsia, such as your liver or kidney. Protein in the urine and extremely high blood pressure are two possible symptoms. Both you and your baby are at risk from preeclampsia, which can be fatal.

Problems hypertension cause during pregnancy

During pregnancy, high blood pressure poses various risks, including:

  • Injury to the other organs such as the heart, brain, and lungs.
  • The low blood floor to the placenta makes the baby receive few nutrients and less oxygen.
  • Placenta abruption causes heavy bleeding threatening the mother and baby’s life.
  • Premature delivery.
  • Increasing your risk of future cardiovascular (heart and blood vessel) disease.

Is it possible to prevent hypertension during pregnancy?

If your hypertension is high, it can progress to preeclampsia, which has far more catastrophic consequences for both mother and child. There is currently no practical technique to prevent hypertension. Some variables that contribute to high blood pressure can be managed, while others are uncontrollable. Follow your doctor’s diet and exercise recommendations.

Do not let untreated hypertension cause medical problems for you and your baby. Schedule an appointment at TLC Medical Group Inc by phone or online today.

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Health

Why Should You See a Physical Therapist?

Physical therapy may not initially spring to mind regarding lingering back pain, bothersome headaches, or diabetes management. However, it should be. Physical therapy is not simply for acute pain or following an injury or accident. From chronic shoulder pain to a fall or joint replacement, physical therapy promotes mobility in all healthcare settings. It can help you appreciate the activities you love; thus, improving your life quality. Roy Rivera Jr., a Doctor of Physical Therapy at Crom Rehabilitation, uses his skills in physical therapy to help patients of all ages or activity levels return to their optimum physical condition. Dr. Roy Rivera shares some of the benefits of physical therapy for your overall health and wellness, including:

Enhance Your Mobility, Balance, And Strength

Physical therapists are proponents of mobility. They have to educate you regarding causation in the human body as part of their profession. For instance, knee discomfort might be caused by a lack of hip strength, whereas neck pain and carpal tunnel syndrome could be caused by excessive texting and typing.

Besides, physical therapy could assist you in enhancing your posture when exercising and adapting your movement in everyday tasks. It is critical to be proactive in physical therapy and caring for your body mechanics. At Crom Rehabilitation, Dr. Rivera will discuss your body’s reaction and partner with you to identify and fix the problem.

Avoid Injury

You probably have not visited a physical therapist since you suffered an injury. However, it is a great idea to use physical therapy as a precautionary measure. Perhaps you wish to improve your form or gain a competitive sporting advantage. Qualified physical therapist Dr. Rivera will assess your level of exercise and educate you on how to avoid injury.

Prevent Invasive Procedures

While surgery is at times inevitable, pre-surgical physical therapy could speed up recovery and improve post-surgery outcomes. Some individuals have found that going to a physical therapist has improved their range of motion and reduced their discomfort to the point where they no longer need surgery.

Manage Conditions or Illnesses

Physical therapy is applicable in various settings other than rehabilitation institutions. Dr. Rivera is skilled in managing conditions or illnesses, including weight, lung, and cardio-related disorders. For instance, persons with type 2 diabetes could profit from physical therapy because it helps them lose weight via movement, possibly lowering their need for drugs or susceptibility to stroke or heart disease.

Manage Aging

As you age, your body risks losing muscle strength and mass, rendering it challenging to maintain healthy body weight. Moreover, you are at higher risk for conditions like osteoarthritis, joint discomfort, and arthritis pain. Using his expertise in physical therapy, Dr. Rivera assists aging persons in better managing these concerns or reducing their risk for developing such conditions. He may suggest simple procedures like walking or at-home exercises.

Whether you have suffered an acute injury or are struggling with chronic pain, reach out to Dr. Rivera for a physical therapy consultation. Call the Crom Rehabilitation office or use the online booking tool to start today!

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Health

When to See a Reproductive Endocrinologist

People are frequently startled by how long it takes to conceive after choosing to begin a family. It is pretty unusual for typical healthy couples to wait many months before getting pregnant. Numerous people start to wonder if something is amiss, which adds to the anxiety of waiting. At University Reproductive Associates, Michael Cho, MD, wants patients to be well-informed regarding their fertility and understand the difference between when to seek professional help and letting nature take its course. Schedule a consultation with Dr. Michael Cho through mobile or book online to learn more.

You Have Been Trying to Get Pregnant for A Year Without Any Luck

In numerous circumstances, couples must try for a year to fall pregnant before considering therapy for infertility. Every month, there is just a 48-hour window of fertility for fully healthy, normal couples, with a 20% probability of conceiving and implantation in any particular cycle. Thus, even couples with no reproductive issues might take several months to conceive.

You Have Had a Miscarriage or Struggled to Conceive in the Past

If one or both spouses have already had infertility therapy, there is a good chance that the same issue may arise again. Based on the reason for infertility, it might be essential to seek care right away or after 3-6 months of attempting to conceive naturally.

If you have had two or more miscarriages or have a family history of repeated pregnancy loss, you should talk to your endocrinologist before trying to conceive. Based on your situation, infertility therapy might or might not be required. Nonetheless, you will undoubtedly require thorough monitoring throughout your pregnancy.

Your Menses Are Erratic or Have Stopped Altogether

For various reasons, females whose menses do not come at periodic intervals might have difficulty becoming pregnant. One of these is determining ovulation when cycles are not consistent in duration. It is also possible that ovulation is hampered by a hormone imbalance or a health concern affecting conception or implantation. Females with erratic periods should pursue infertility therapy following six months of attempting to conceive naturally or sooner if a practitioner advises it.

The total cessation of menses in younger females occurs due to medical problems like polycystic ovarian syndrome. Regardless of the circumstances, an utter absence of menstruation is a significant indicator of infertility. Therefore, females who fail to menstruate should seek medical help as soon as they desire to conceive.

You or Your Partner Suffer from or Have Suffered from A Reproductive Problem

Women with PCOS, endometriosis, tubal illness, or pelvic infection are probably well aware of their condition’s impact on fertility. Based on the severity of the conditions, women might be encouraged to seek infertility therapy as soon as they want to conceive or after about six months of unsuccessfully trying to get pregnant. The same applies to men who have suffered concerns related to the prostate, testicles, any form of hormonal imbalance, or other reproductive parts.

If you have issues conceiving, talk to Michael Cho, MD, a competent reproductive endocrinologist in New Jersey. He will assess your situation and provide you with the ideal remedy for your concerns. Call University Reproductive Associates or request an appointment online to get started.

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DentalHealth

What To Look For In A Dentist

Dentists are critical medical professionals who help keep teeth, gums, and the surrounding oral tissue clean and healthy. Many people do not think about their dentist until they need them for treatment or to make an appointment. As Ms. Sofiya Shimonova Brooklyn says, this is because we often overlook dental needs before something goes wrong. Many people never have a dentist they can go to, so they need to find one every time they need treatment. Here are some key things you need to look for when searching for a dentist.

  • Qualifications

To begin with, you need to know how qualified a dentist is before ever consulting them. Dental qualifications are necessary because they tell you about the training and experience of your dentist in question. Not all dentists have been trained equally. Some may work in general practice, while others focus on specific areas such as pediatrics or orthodontics.

  • Location

You also need to know where a dentist is located. Like any other professional, a dentist needs a certain level of proximity for you to visit them quickly and set up consultations on time. In this case, it is helpful to have your dentist near home or work so you can have regular appointments without spending too much time on the road. Of course, you also need to know how far a few miles are because your dentist needs to be close enough for you not to wait too long or pay extra.

  • Insurance And Fees

There is no point consulting a dentist you cannot afford, or one who does not accept your insurance policy, because it will be impossible to see them again. They will also not be able to provide treatment anyway. For example, if you have dental insurance but your dentist does not work with that company, your insurance provider will not reimburse you if you pay out of pocket.

  • Services Offered

Ensure the dentist you are consulting offers all the services you need for your teeth and gums. For example, diagnostic services prove very helpful in identifying problems early on, so an x-ray or two can go a long way. As such, you need to know what services your dentist is offering so they can answer all of your questions without any problem.

  • Reviews and Testimonials

Finally, you should never trust a dentist just because their office looks nice or because they have all the latest equipment. This makes it seem like your dentist is more interested in making money than providing effective treatment. That’s why the best way to go about selecting a good dentist is by checking online customer reviews and testimonials. These sources will give you an honest perspective on how the dentist in question performs their job and what you can expect from them in terms of quality, services, etc.

In summary, you need to know what to look for in a dentist before booking an appointment. It is critical you go with someone qualified, experienced, and who offers the services you require. By searching these criteria, you will find the best dentist near your area quickly and without too much trouble.

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Health

Benefits of Botox

Botox is a botulinum toxin made up of proteins capable of paralyzing the muscles. The toxin has been used to prevent wrinkles and facial lines by blocking nerve impulses at the brain level, thus preventing muscle contractions that contribute to fine lines and wrinkles. Botox is administered through injections, and the results typically last for about three to four months. Although it is not permanent, Botox is one of the most popular non-surgical procedures globally. It is also one of the most expensive, and you need to make sure it is done by a specialist in Botox in Chalmette. Despite the high price tag, Botox remains one of the most beneficial cosmetic treatments, and we look at some of the benefits it has to offer in this article.

  • Eliminate Wrinkles

Botox is one of the most popular ways to reduce wrinkles and facial lines. The toxin works by preventing the muscles from contracting and this, in turn, helps reduce the appearance of wrinkles and lines. Botox is a temporary solution, but it can make a big difference in the appearance of your skin.

  • Reduce Migraines

Botox is also effective in reducing the number of migraines a person experiences. In some cases, Botox can even eliminate migraines. Botox works by blocking the nerve impulses that cause pain, and it has been proven to be an effective treatment for migraine headaches.

  • Treat Excessive Sweating

Botox can also be used to treat excessive sweating. It works by paralyzing the sweat glands, which means that they cannot produce sweat until Botox wears off. As with most treatments for cosmetic purposes, this one is temporary and lasts only as long as you continue to receive injections.

  • Improves Collagen Production

Botox is also very effective in improving collagen production. Collagen is the protein that keeps your skin strong and tight, and Botox helps boost collagen production by preventing the muscles from contracting. This allows your skin to remain smooth and firm, and it contains other signs of aging, like wrinkles.

  • Improve Self Confidence

Botox can also help to improve your self-confidence. It is a very effective way to reduce wrinkles and facial lines, making you look younger and more attractive. When you feel good about how you look, it shows in your attitude, which can positively impact all areas of your life.

  • Creates a More Youthful Appearance

Botox injections work by preventing the muscles from contracting and this, in turn, helps keep your skin smooth and firm. This prevents other signs of aging, like wrinkles and fine lines. Since Botox is a temporary solution, it can make a big difference in the appearance of your skin. The toxin also improves collagen production by blocking nerve impulses that cause muscles to tighten. This prevents the formation of wrinkles and fine lines, thus creating a more youthful appearance.

To summarize, Botox is a botulinum toxin made up of proteins capable of paralyzing the muscles. Botox can effectively eliminate wrinkles and fine lines to create a more youthful look. As a result, it can improve your self-confidence. Botox also reduces pain caused by migraines and enhances collagen production.

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Health

Massage Therapies: 5 Main Types to Consider

Massage is one of the most popular forms of wellness therapies globally. It has been around for centuries, and its benefits are well-documented. In Chatsworth, California, massage therapies are also standard. There are many types of massage, each with its own technique for specific parts of the body or entire body. Some massages help relieve stress, while others focus on physical pain relief. Aim for top-class centers for massage therapy in Chatsworth, CA.

Swedish Massage

Swedish Massage is the most common type of massage and probably comes to mind when you think of a massage. Swedish massage uses long strokes, kneading, and circular motions to loosen muscles and improve circulation. It can relieve stress, tension, headaches, neck pain, and fatigue.

This massage mimics Swedish or European style using long strokes, kneading, and circular motions. This massage method was developed in Europe to help people relax and relieve stress.

Deep Tissue Massage

Deep tissue massage is a type of massage that uses slow, deep strokes to target the deeper layers of muscle and connective tissue. It can relieve chronic pain, muscle tension, and knots.

This massage is done using firm pressure and slow, deep strokes. This massage method can target the deeper layers of muscle and connective tissue. It is often crucial to relieve chronic pain, muscle tension, and knots.

Sports Massage

Sports massage is a type of massage that is specifically tailored to the needs of athletes. It helps to improve performance, prevent injuries, and reduce post-workout pain.

This massage is done using a specific technique that can include lighter, more fluid movements with kneading and tension techniques. This method of massage specifically targets athletes and their muscles. It can help improve performance, prevent injuries, and reduce post-workout pain.

Therapeutic Massage

Therapeutic massage is a more specific type of massage tailored to the individual’s needs. It can relieve pain, tension, and anxiety. It can also help improve range of motion and flexibility. Conditions include sciatica, sinusitis, arthritis, strains and sprains, temporomandibular joint dysfunction (TMJD), frozen shoulder syndrome.

You’ll also benefit from the therapeutic massage if you suffer from:

  • Headache due to migraine or tension
  • Tennis elbow (lateral epicondylitis)
  • Carpal tunnel syndromes (CTS)
  • Wrist tendinitis or tendonitis
  • Plantar fasciitis or heel spurs (plantar fascia)
  • Piriformis syndrome (piriformis muscle)
  • Low back pain (lumbago)
  • Post-surgical rehabilitation

Trigger Point Massage

Trigger point massage is a type of therapeutic massage that focuses on a specific muscle and tries to release trigger points. It can take place manually or with tools such as foam rollers, tennis balls, and lacrosse balls.

This massage is done using manual or tool-assisted techniques that target a specific muscle to try and release the trigger points in that muscle. This massage helps relieve pain and tension in the muscles.

A massage is a form of treatment that uses pressure to the muscles and other soft tissues to relieve pain, increase relaxation, improve circulation, reduce stress, aid in injury recovery, and overall wellness. It also increases your energy levels, enhances immunity, reduces anxiety and depression, helps you relax. There are many different types of massages, each with its technique that can be applied to specific parts of the body or entire body.

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Health

How to Manage Ear Infections At Home

An ear infection is a common illness that affects a large number of people. Despite it being difficult to treat ear infections at home, it can be possible to reduce the infection’s duration and make symptoms more bearable. The majority of ear infections do not recover on their own. If you have a fever, significant pain, or symptoms persist for more than 24 hours, you should consider visiting your White Plains, NY family medicine practitioner.

Causes of an ear infection

Ear infections are most frequent if a person has had another sickness such as the common cold or influenza. A viral or bacterial infection causes these illnesses. As your body battles the illness, it may make its way into your middle ear, causing an ear infection. Infectious adenoids can also cause ear infections. Your adenoids are immune-boosting glands located on the roof of the mouth, behind your nose. Infections can transmit from these glands to the Eustachian tube openings nearby.

Ways to treat an ear infection

While most minor ear infections go away on their own, the following treatments may be beneficial:

  1. Home treatment.

The most significant ways to promote healing at home are drinking plenty of water, resting, and managing your discomfort. These techniques will assist you in overcoming the symptoms of a minor ear infection:

  • Some parents may apply a warm cloth to the ear bothering the child.
  • Take a pain reliever like Ibuprofen (OTC).
  • Use over-the-counter or prescription ear drops to ease the pain.
  • Consume a decongestant like Pseudoephedrine (Over-the-counter).
  • Avoid sleeping on the infected ear.  
  1. Surgery

Surgery may be an alternative if your ear infection does not respond to standard medical care or if you have had several ear infections in a short amount of time. Ear tubes are commonly used to allow fluid to drain from your ears. Your eardrums are surgically inserted with these tubes. They fall out eventually, and the holes close up. Hence, surgical closure of these pores is sometimes required.

  1. Children’s medical treatment

When treating ear infections in children, doctors frequently use a wait-and-see approach to avoid over-prescribing medicines, leading to antibiotic resistance. Unless your pain is severe or does not subside in 2-3 days, your doctor may prescribe antibiotics. Alternatively, they may issue you a prescription but advise you to wait 2-3 days to see whether your child’s symptoms improve. You must finish your prescription. It is recommended not to offer aspirin to children unless their doctor has prescribed it. Aspirin is an avoidable risk factor for Reyes’ syndrome, a rare illness that damages the brain and liver.

Can ear infections affect your health in general?

Prolonged ear infections can seriously harm the middle and inner ear. A variety of factors causes an ear infection, including fluid building up in your middle ear when one of your Eustachian tubes becomes inflamed or clogged, causing an ear infection. A Eustachian tube is a small tube that joins the back of the throat to each ear.

There is no excuse to delay getting your ear infection treated any longer! Make an appointment at Formé Medical Center and Urgent Care by contacting the office or booking online today.

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Health

Everything You Need to Know About Herniated Disc

Have you been experiencing back pain and stiffness lately? Do you wake up in the morning with a stiff neck or numbness in your arm? You may have a herniated disc. The most common causes of this condition are too much sitting, repetitive activities like typing all day, and heavy lifting. Less often, it can be due to genetic factors and physical trauma. In Houston, TX, some centers offer the proper remedy for herniated disc accurately. They focus on your individual needs before deciding on a suitable treatment. Thus, finding the best centers if you have a herniated disc in Houston.

What is a Herniated Disc?

A herniated disc is a medical condition that can cause pain and numbness in the back and extremities. A disc is a small, C-shaped piece of cartilage that separates the vertebrae in your spine. When this disc ruptures or herniates, the inner material can bulge and press on nearby nerves, causing pain, numbness, and weakness.

Herniated discs can occur anywhere in the spine but are most common in the lower back (lumbar region). Symptoms usually develop slowly over time and may get worse with activity. In some cases, a herniated disc can cause permanent nerve damage.

When Should You See a Doctor for a Herniated Disc?

You should schedule an appointment with your doctor if:

  • Your back or leg pain is sudden and severe and doesn’t improve after a short time.
  • You experience numbness, tingling, or weakness in any part of your body.
  • You have difficulty controlling urination or defecation.

If you are experiencing the symptoms of a herniated disc, it is vital to seek medical help. Ignoring the signs can lead to permanent nerve damage. Several treatment options are available that can help relieve pain and improve your quality of life.

How is the Diagnosis?

There is no definitive test for diagnosing a herniated disc. Your doctor will likely perform a physical examination and ask about your medical history. They may also order imaging tests like an X-ray, MRI, or CT scan to help determine the cause of your symptoms.

How is it treated?

There are many treatment options for herniated discs, depending on the severity of your symptoms.

Epidural steroid injections are one treatment option for herniated discs that relieves pain by reducing inflammation around the nerves near your spinal cord or brain stem, which helps relieve pressure on those nerves from the herniated disc. This is only a temporary fix, and the long-term solution is surgery.

Several medications can help relieve the pain and symptoms of a herniated disc. Over-the-counter medications like ibuprofen and acetaminophen can help reduce inflammation and pain. Prescription medications like corticosteroids and narcotics can also help relieve pain and inflammation.

Physical therapy is another standard treatment for herniated discs. Physical therapy includes a variety of exercises and treatments that can help relieve pain and stiffness, improve flexibility and range of motion, and strengthen the muscles around your spine. Some exercises and treatments used in physical therapy include:

  • Stretching exercises to improve flexibility and range of motion
  • Exercises to strengthen the abdominal and back muscles
  • Traction to stretch and loosen the spine
  • Heat or cold therapy to reduce inflammation and pain

Having a herniated disc comes with back pain and stiffness or numbness in your arm. This is why it’s essential to seek medical help. Ignoring the symptoms can lead to permanent nerve damage. Several treatment options are available that can help relieve pain and improve your quality of life.

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Health

Signs of Allergies

Allergies are one of the most common medical conditions in the United States. According to the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America, over 50 million Americans suffer from allergies each year. Most allergies come about due to specific substances that the human body perceives as dangerous. These substances are called allergens and can include pollen, plants, insect stings, animal dander, molds, food items, synthetic materials, or dust. The symptoms of allergies range from mild to severe but generally begin with hives on the skin. If you think you have an allergy, you should visit Dr. Hiral Thakrar in Gilbert for treatments that can help relieve the symptoms. Below are some more signs of allergies.

  • Runny, Stuffy Nose

One of the most common symptoms experienced by individuals suffering from allergies is a runny or stuffy nose. This symptom occurs when the body tries to expel allergens entering through the nose, eyes, mouth, or ears. Sneezing tends to be another common symptom in these cases, especially if an individual has hay fever.

  • Rashes, Itchy Skin

A rash or itchy skin occurs when the body tries to expel allergens touching the skin. These rashes or itching tend to be extremely itchy, affecting large parts of the skin. Animal dander and pollen will usually cause itching or rashes in individuals who are allergic to these substances. Other symptoms include red or dry skin.

  • Difficulty Breathing

Allergens such as dust and pollen can trigger the body to fight harder for breath, which results in difficulty breathing. Individuals suffering from allergies will usually find it extremely hard to breathe if they are allergic to these substances. Individuals who have allergic asthma experience difficulty breathing in addition to wheezing, chest tightness, and coughing.

  • Tingling in The Mouth or Throat

If an individual is allergic to a food item, they may experience tingling in their mouth or throat. This tingling occurs when the body tries to expel the allergens. The symptoms usually go away once the person vomits or removes the food from their system. It is primarily a symptom of food allergies.

  • Wheezing

Individuals who are allergic to animal dander, mold spores, and pollen often exhibit wheezing when they breathe in. Chest tightness and coughing may also occur in these cases. Sometimes individuals will experience difficulty breathing, which is the body’s reaction to not having enough air due to constricted passages. Hives can also occur with wheezing, as well as itchy skin.

  • Anaphylaxis

Anaphylaxis is the most severe allergic reaction an individual can experience. When the body tries to expel allergens but cannot, it becomes anaphylaxis. The throat, tongue, and eyelids may swell up, causing difficulty breathing or swallowing. An individual suffering from anaphylaxis will also have hives on their skin, plus dizziness or fainting. If left untreated, anaphylaxis can result in death. If you experience these symptoms, you should immediately go to the emergency room.

In summary, allergies are a common condition affecting millions of Americans. Some of the most common symptoms include a runny, stuffy nose, wheezing, tingling in the mouth or throat, difficulty breathing, and rashes or itchy skin. In severe cases, you may experience anaphylaxis which can cause the throat, tongue, and eyelids may swell up, causing difficulty breathing or swallowing. Make sure you seek emergency treatment if you have anaphylaxis.

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Health

Colonoscopy: What to Expect During the Colon Cancer Screening

Screening for colon cancer can be a tall order, with your doctor requiring you to start preparing for the procedure 14 days prior. However, the process can be less demanding if you get the best GI doctors to guide you through. For instance, your gastroenterologist might give you instructions to follow on bowel preparation to help clean your colon, making it easy for him to detect tiny or hidden polyps.  

Why would your doctor recommend a colonoscopy?

Your healthcare provider may request a colonoscopy when he wants to:

  • Screen your colon for cancerous cells. An examination is a screening option, especially when your doctor wants to rule out the possibility of colon cancer. Your healthcare provider may advise you to go for the exam after ten years or less to screen for abnormalities if you are 50 years and above and are at average risk of having the condition.
  • Evaluate intestinal symptoms. While some pelvic floor signs might be harmless, some instances might prompt your doctor to perform a colonoscopy to investigate possible causes of intestinal problems like chronic constipation, rectal bleeding, and chronic diarrhea.
  • Look for polyps. Your GI physician may suggest a follow-up colonoscopy to look for additional polyps, especially if you had the growths before, to minimize your risk of colon cancer.

What happens during the process?

Before a colonoscopy, your healthcare provider will administer venous medications to help you relax. The medical professional will ask you to lie (on your left side) on the examination table before inserting a colonoscope through the rectum into your colon. The colonoscope is a long, tubular device your gastroenterologist uses to have a clear image of your colon’s lining to check for abnormalities. Thanks to the instrument’s flexibility, your doctor can shove it to the extreme ends of your large intestine. Once the device is inside your colon, the medical professional blows air into your intestine’s curves to expand them so that he can check out for abnormal growths.

If your gastroenterologist notices anything unusual during the treatment, he may take tissue samples for further analysis. The medical professional may also identify and remove polyps without a major operation. However, you might need another colonoscopy sooner when your healthcare provider notices:

  • An extensive polyp, usually more than a centimeter
  • Cancerous polyps
  • Polyps indicating a high cancer risk
  • More than two abnormal growths

What should you know before a colonoscopy?

A colonoscopy is an intense procedure. Therefore, there are a few things you should know before the treatment. For instance, inform the medical expert of the medications you might be taking, including prescription drugs or over-the-counter alternatives like supplements. Your doctor will advise you on the pills to use and those to avoid, plus the possible changes you might need to make. You may also need to reschedule medications, especially if you have underlying conditions like diabetes or need to take blood thinners. Other medical concerns you may inform your doctor about include:

  • Heart conditions
  • Lung conditions
  • Pregnancy
  • Medication allergies

Your doctor may recommend a surgical procedure if he identifies an abnormal tissue he cannot remove during the process. Inform your GI physician for a colonoscopy to investigate possible gastrointestinal symptoms like changes in your bowel habits. 

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