What causes allergy symptoms?

A person with hypersensitive reactions has an immune system that treats ordinarily harmless proteins like plant pollen, pet dander, dust mites or mold as if they are risky invaders. This results in the production of antibodies to protect the body from harm. This sets off a complex series of chemical reactions that leave a wake of inflammation in their path.

Due to this inflammation, your airways become filled with extra mucus and fluid and, as a result, the cilia are not able to remove the allergens effectively. This is where hypersensitivity symptoms occur: runny nose, nasal congestion, postnasal drip, sneezing, coughing and shortness of breath; itchy, watery eyes; itchy, irritated skin. In some instances, symptoms can progress into life-threatening anaphylaxis.

Are you at risk for allergies?

Up to 50 million people in the United States have some type of allergy. Allergies are often hereditary, handed down, genetically, from generation to generation. That said, allergies can vary between family members. It is also possible for adult-onset allergies to develop later in life. This underscores the importance of being tested for allergies.

Additionally, people who have allergies are at increased risk of developing other allergic diseases such as asthma and eczema (allergic dermatitis). That is why it is important to get an accurate diagnosis and treatment plan. As you can see, having an allergist near you can greatly improve your overall health.

Allergies that Candler Internal Medicine treats

While there are various types of allergies such as food, latex, and more, we specialize in environmental and seasonal allergies. These are caused by allergens you would encounter both inside and outside your home. Such allergens include:

• Tree pollen
• Grass pollen
• Weed pollen
• Indoor and outdoor molds
• Dust mites
• Cockroaches
• Pet dander
• And more!

How we treat your allergies

Medications can be beneficial, but they are a short-term solution to a long-term problem. While providing relief, they only mask the symptoms. Our Immunotherapy Program is a long-term preventive treatment plan that gradually alters the response your body has to environmental allergens. It slowly stimulates the patient’s immune defenses thus reducing symptoms, over time. A patient often will require a combination of avoidance measures, medications, and immunotherapy for the most effective control.

If you have one or more of these symptoms, make an appointment:

Brain fog, rash, headaches, dizziness, balance issues, eczema, nasal congestion, bad breath, postnasal drip, sinus infections, loss of taste, itchy eyes, runny nose, snoring, atopic dermatitis, discolored drainage, anxiety, increased asthma, insomnia

Weight Management Programs

What is Weight Control?

Weight control is a term used to discuss managing and maintaining a healthy body weight. Having a healthy body weight can mean different things for different people. The traditional way this weight is calculated is with the body mass index (BMI). Your BMI uses your height and weight to figure out your ideal weight range. This number can vary.

What’s the difference between being overweight and being obese?

Both terms mean that you have excess body fat, but they are two different levels of a similar thing. Being overweight means that you have some extra fat. Although you are higher than your goal weight, you don’t have as much body fat as the next level — obesity. When you have high levels of body fat, it’s considered obesity. This is typically determined by your primary care physician during an appointment. Talk to your physician about the differences between being overweight and obese and what that means for your body type.

Can being overweight lead to medical problems in the future?

Your weight can play a large role in your health over time. Being overweight is linked to several health problems, including:

• Heart disease and stroke
• High blood pressure (hypertension)
• Diabetes
• Certain cancers
• Gallbladder issues and gallstones
• Osteoarthritis
• Gout
• Breathing problems, such as sleep apnea 

How can I control my weight?

Controlling your weight isn’t a short-term thing — you need to think long-term about ways to control your weight and make changes to your lifestyle. Weight loss should be gradual, and careful follow-up is needed to keep you from rebound weight gain. 

A few ways you can change your behavior and lifestyle that will help you control your weight include:

• Learning about nutrition.
• Changing your eating habits.
• Increasing your physical activity.
• Changing your mindset about eating.
• Joining a weight loss program.
• Building up support systems.
• Following any drug therapies ordered by your physician.

………..

Attention deficit disorder (ADD) is a neurological disorder that causes a range of behavior problems such as difficulty attending to instruction, focusing on schoolwork, keeping up with assignments, following instructions, completing tasks and social interaction.

Problems Often Associated With ADD

ADD may also involve hyperactivity with behavior problems. In addition, students with ADD may have learning disabilities and are often at risk for repeated disciplinary problems in schools. In fact, adults and peers alike may conclude that such students are lazy because of their inattention to tasks and failure to follow through with assignments. While ADD is extremely common, misperceptions about the disorder continue to circulate.

How ADD Differs From ADHD

ADD is a term used for one of the presentations of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), as defined in the “Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders.” It is officially, “attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder, predominantly inattentive presentation.”

ADD does not manifest itself in the same way that ADHD predominantly hyperactive-impulsive type or ADHD combined type do. People with these presentations have different symptoms.

People with ADD are generally not disruptive while it’s the opposite for people with ADHD. However, there are no cases that are completely alike.

Common Characteristics

People with ADD without the hyperactivity component may appear to be more easily bored or disinterested in daily activities. They may be prone to daydreaming or forgetfulness, work at a slow pace and turn in incomplete work.

Their assignment may look disorganized as well as their desks and locker spaces. In addition, they may lose materials. Behavior intervention may counter the child’s forgetfulness.

Diagnosis

If you suspect that you or a person that suspect has ADD with or without hyperactivity, talk with a therapist, counselor, or physician about appropriate treatment. If you have any concern, begin these discussions today.

Your physician may recommend seeing a psychologist who can do formal testing to see if you fits the criteria for ADD, and where you happens to be on the spectrum. Not only can this testing help differentiate ADD from other issues which may be causing difficulty within one’s life, but can be used to follow a your response to interventions over time.

Treatment

ADD is sometimes treated with stimulant medications such as Ritalin. In some cases, stimulant medications can help students with ADD stay on-task and focused. However, some stimulant medications have been associated with serious side effects. As a result, many people hesitate to use Ritalin, Adderall or other medications to treat ADD.

Whether or not you choose to medicate, most physicians and psychologists suggest that a behavior intervention plan should be developed to help teach you adaptive behavior skills and reduce off-task and inattentive behaviors.

….

Sleep Disorders

What is sleep?

Sleep is a complex biological process. While you are sleeping, you are unconscious, but your brain and body functions are still active. So when you don’t get enough quality sleep, it does more than just make you feel tired. It can affect your physical and mental health, thinking, and daily functioning.

What are sleep disorders?

Sleep disorders are conditions that disturb your normal sleep patterns. There are more than 80 different sleep disorders. Some major types include:

• Insomnia – being unable to fall asleep and stay asleep. This is the most common sleep disorder.
• Sleep apnea – a breathing disorder in which you stop breathing for 10 seconds or more during sleep
• Restless leg syndrome (RLS) – a tingling or prickly sensation in your legs, along with a powerful urge to move them
• Hypersomnia – being unable to stay awake during the day. This includes narcolepsy, which causes extreme daytime sleepiness.
• Circadian rhythm disorders – problems with the sleep-wake cycle. They make you unable to sleep and wake at the right times.
• Parasomnia – acting in unusual ways while falling asleep, sleeping, or waking from sleep, such as walking, talking, or eating.

What causes sleep disorders?

There are different causes for different sleep disorders, including:

• Other conditions, such as heart disease, lung disease, nerve disorders, and pain
• Mental illnesses, including depression and anxiety
• Medicines
• Genetics

Sometimes the cause is unknown. There are also some factors that can contribute to sleep problems, including:

• Caffeine and alcohol
• An irregular schedule, such as working the night shift
• Aging. As people age, they often get less sleep or spend less time in the deep, restful stage of sleep. They are also more easily awakened.

……..

Diabetes

What is diabetes?

The CDC estimates that 34.2 million adults in America have diabetes. Diabetes is a common medical condition that prevents your body from processing food into energy efficiently. Without treatment diabetes can lead to the development of heart disease, loss of vision, and kidney disease. Here at Candler Internal Medicine, we can help manage and treat diabetes to ensure our patients have happy and healthy lives.

Prediabetes

Individuals in the prediabetes phase show early warning signs, such as increased blood sugar levels. At Candler Internal Medicine we can provide simple testing to assess current blood sugar levels and provide advice about the next steps. Being diagnosed with prediabetes does not mean you will develop type 2 diabetes, there are lifestyle changes that can be made to low blood sugar levels. Our team of experts are ready and willing to help you!

Type 1

Type 1 diabetes occurs when your body does not produce insulin. When your body does not produce insulin your body’s energy supply is limited. However, when managed correctly with the guidance of a medical professional you can live a happy, healthy, and fulfilled life.

Type 2:

Type 2 diabetes occurs when your body processes insulin ineffectively. Type 2 diabetes can be managed through healthy adaptations to diet and exercise. Candler Internal Medicine has caring professionals ready to help you manage your diabetes.

Are you at risk for developing diabetes

Reasons for developing type 2 diabetes are linked to weight, age, physical activity, and lifestyle habits.

Factors that increase your risk include:

• Having a prediabetic diagnosis
• Overweight
• Being over 45 years of age
• Low levels of physical activity (less than three times per week)

Common symptoms associated with diabetes

It is important to understand the symptoms linked to diabetes.

• Frequent urination
• Excessive thirst
• Hunger
• Extreme fatigue
• Weight loss (type 1 diabetes)
• Tingling or numbness in the hands and feet (type 2 diabetes)

Next Steps

Work with your provider to make informed lifestyle changes.

Hypertension

What is hypertension?

Hypertension is more commonly known as high blood pressure, which commonly occurs when higher than normal pressure is exerted against the walls of the heart. 

What causes hypertension?

Lifestyle and dietary factors can all contribute to the development of hypertension. For example eating a consistently unhealthy diet and doing limited physical activity can increase your risk of developing hypertension. Additionally, being overweight or obese and being diagnosed with diabetes can increase your risk of high blood pressure. Hypertension will progress overtime so it is important to manage your condition.

Side effects of hypertension

high blood pressure increases your risk of fatal health conditions.

• Stroke
• Heart attack
• Heart failure
• Kidney disease

Are you at risk?

Your doctor will be able to assess if you have high blood pressure with a simple check. If your blood pressure is greater than 130/80 then your doctor may diagnose you with high blood pressure and inform you about the next steps.

Is there treatment for hypertension?

YES! Many cases of high blood pressure can be effectively managed. One of our doctors will work with you to provide a detailed care plan to help you reach your blood pressure goals. Treatment for hypertension is often a combination of lifestyle changes and medications. 

• Medication
• Physical exercise
• Stress management
• Dietary changes

Thyroid

What is the Thyroid?

The thyroid gland is a small organ that’s located in the front of the neck, wrapped around the windpipe (trachea). It’s shaped like a butterfly, smaller in the middle with two wide wings that extend around the side of your throat. Your thyroid makes hormones that help control many vital functions of your body. It releases and controls thyroid hormones that control metabolism, which is a process where the food you take into your body is transformed into energy. This energy is used throughout your entire body to keep many of your body’s systems working correctly. 

What is Thyroid Disease?

Thyroid disease is a general term for a medical condition that keeps your thyroid from making the right amount of hormones. Your thyroid typically makes hormones that keep your body functioning normally. When your thyroid doesn’t work properly, it can impact your entire body.

Hyperthyroidism

When the thyroid makes too much thyroid hormone, your body uses energy too quickly. This is called hyperthyroidism. Using energy too quickly will do more than make you tired — it can make your heart beat faster, cause you to lose weight without trying and even make you feel nervous.

Hypothyroidism

When your thyroid makes too little thyroid hormone it is called hypothyroidism. When you have too little thyroid hormone in your body, it can make you feel tired, you might gain weight and you may even be unable to tolerate cold temperatures.

Who is affected by thyroid disease?

Thyroid disease can affect anyone — men, women, infants, teenagers and the elderly. It can be present at birth (typically hypothyroidism) and it can develop as you age (often after menopause in women).

Thyroid disease is very common, with an estimated 20 million people in the United States having some type of thyroid disorder. A woman is about five to eight times more likely to be diagnosed with a thyroid condition than a man.

Cholesterol explained

Cholesterol is a thick fatty substance that builds-up overtime inside your arteries and veins. Arteries and veins play a critical role in the movement of blood around the body. The excessive build-up of cholesterol in your arteries causes narrowing that prevents adequate blood flow, which can lead to life threatening health complications. Individuals with elevated or high levels of cholesterol are more likely to have a heart attack, stroke or experience blood clots.

Causes of high cholesterol

Below is a list of common risk factors associated with the development of high cholesterol. 

• Unhealthy or poor diet
• Limited physical activity
• Smoking
• Age: Overtime our bodies become less effective at filtering out bad cholesterol
• Other health diagnoses such as being overweight or obese or suffering from diabetes can increase chances of having high cholesterol. 

Symptoms:

There are typically no distinct symptoms associated with heightened cholesterol, which makes it important to track your cholesterol levels at least annually. 

Do I have high cholesterol?

If you believe that your cholesterol could be elevated please schedule an appointment to receive a quick and easy cholesterol test. A simple blood test will provide an analysis of your current cholesterol levels. 

Treatment

A series of medications can be prescribed to lower cholesterol levels and reduce the risk of serious health complications, such as stroke, heart attack and clotting. Medications can be used in conjunction with healthy lifestyle changes to reduce your cholesterol levels. For example, changing your diet, increasing physical activity, quitting smoking, and losing weight can help reduce cholesterol levels. One of our providers will work with you to create the most appropriate treatment plan to suit your needs. 

Skin-related Problems

Skin disorders vary greatly in symptoms and severity. They can be temporary or permanent, and may be painless or painful. Some have situational causes, while others may be genetic. Some skin conditions are minor, and others can be life-threatening. While most skin disorders are minor, others can indicate a more serious issue.

Temporary Skin Conditions

• Acne: One of the most widespread skin conditions, acne comes in many forms. All types of acne are commonly treated with creams, and sometimes medication is necessary.
• Hives: Itchy welts that are raised up from the normal layer of the skin. They may be caused by an allergic reaction in the body or outside factors, such as stress, illnesses, or even tight clothes. Hives are treated with antihistamines and preventive practices.
• Warts: Raised bumps on the skin that are caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV). Warts are contagious, and can appear on any part of the body.
• Fungal Nail Infection: A condition in which fungus lives near, under, and around the nails, usually in the feet. Treatment is usually an anti-fungal cream or other fungal treatment.
• Cold sore: A cold sore is a red, fluid-filled blister usually found near the mouth. The sore itself is painful or delicate. Other symptoms may include itching or burning. They are caused by the herpes simplex virus, and there is no known cure for the virus. The sores may return and last for up to 2 weeks. Medical treatment includes creams and medications.
• Candidiasis: This causes irritated patches of skin, usually found in the armpits, groin, or under folds of skin such, as the knee. Candidiasis can usually be prevented with home remedies, proper hygiene, and avoiding the overuse of antibiotics.
• Athlete’s foot: A rash caused by a fungus that rapidly multiplies in warm, damp conditions, such as athletic shoes. Symptoms include dry, itchy, red skin. Can be treated with medicated ointments and good foot hygiene

Permanent Skin Conditions

• Seborrheic dermatitis: Seborrheic dermatitis may appear anywhere, and is prone to flare up and disappear for the rest of a person’s life. The affected skin may be reddish, swollen, and appear greasy. A white-to-yellow crust may appear on the surface of the skin as well. Many treatments help to bring relief from symptoms.
• Moles: Common growths on the skin that appear when the skin cells bunch up with tissue surrounding them. Moles have no symptoms, but should be regularly checked if they grow larger, appear abnormal, or change in color.
• Melanoma: Abnormal moles may lead to melanoma, a serious and life-threatening skin cancer. Patients with melanoma may have surgery, or undergo chemotherapy or radiation treatments.
• Rosacea: The skin condition rosacea is most commonly associated with redness. There is no known cure for rosacea, but symptoms can and should be treated to keep the condition in check.
• Lupus: This disease attacks the immune system, causing inflammation and pain. Symptoms on the skin include red patches or ring shapes on the skin, sunburn-like rashes on the nose and cheeks, or circular rashes that don’t itch or hurt. Treatment includes various strength medications designed to help minimize the damage caused by lupus.
• Psoriasis: Psoriasis is an autoimmune disorder. Symptoms typically include patches of abnormal skin. The affected skin is typically red, scaly, and very itchy. The affected areas vary in size and severity.
• Eczema: Symptoms include rashes on the face, scalp, behind the elbows, or on the neck, wrists, ankles, or legs. The rashes are very itchy and may become bumpy, change color, or thicken. There is no known cure for eczema. It either clears up on its own or the symptoms are treated with medications and creams.
• Vitiligo: Vitiligo is the loss of pigmentation in the skin. White patches of skin are the main symptom of vitiligo. There is no known cure for vitiligo. There are some medical and surgical treatment options, though they are not right for everyone.

Internal Conditions

• Carbuncle: When Staphylococcus aureus bacteria make their way into the hair follicles and cause an infection, a carbuncle is produced. This is a red, irritated lump underneath the skin. These are treated with antibiotics, drainage, and antibacterial washes. They usually respond well to medical treatment.
• Cellulitis: A bacterial infection in the deeper layers of the skin, which develops quickly and can spread rapidly throughout the body. Severe infections may be life-threatening. Most cases are treated with antibiotics.

General Medical Problems

Below is an example of the general health concerns that we are able to address at our clinic. If you have questions concerning other health related problems, such as rashes, insect bites,or burns please contact our office to schedule an appointment.

Influenza (Flu)

Influenza or the flu as it is more commonly known is caused by a virus that interferes with the person’s immune system. Viral influenza cannot be treated with antibiotics and instead requires adequate rest and hydration until the body is able to overcome the viral infection.

Symptoms 

These are some of the most common symptoms

• Fever
• Chills
• Muscle aches
• Cough
• Congestion
• Headache
• Nausea 
• Sore throat

If you feel that you have contracted the flu from a known or unknown source you can schedule an appointment with one of our providers to be tested for influenza. The test will provide an accurate diagnosis.

Common cold

The common cold is one of the most frequently contracted illnesses due to high levels of transmissibility. There are slight distinctions between the common cold and influenza, the most common difference between the two is the severity of illness. The common cold is usually mild in its presentation compared to influenza.

Women’s Health

The health needs of men and women can differ substantially. At Candler Internal Medicine, we offer a series of treatment options specific to the medical needs of women.

Common women’s health checks

Many health conditions do not show warning signs during early development, which makes it important to maintain regular check-ups and screenings as advised by your primary care provider.

Pap-smear

Regular pap-smears should be carried out once a woman reaches the age of 21 or becomes sexually active. As you age your chances of developing cancer begin to increase, but a simple pap-smear can help to catch cancerous cells early. Sexual activity can increase a woman’s likelihood of contracting HPV, which can lead to the development of cervical cancer in serious situations. However, many HPV infections resolve themselves without treatment.

When to get a Pap-smear

21-29 years old:

It is recommended that women that fall into this age category receive a pap-smear test every three years unless otherwise advised by their primary care physician.

30-65 years old:

It is recommended that women that fall into this age category receive a pap-smear once every three years. Women in this category may also receive a combination HPV test and pap-smear once every five years.

Pelvic Exam

This type of examination is used to examine the internal female organs to ensure that size and form are healthy. This test can help medical providers to identify health concerns that need to be addressed.

Breast Examination

Breast examinations require a medical professional to palpate the breast tissue to identify any lumps or hardened breast tissue. This examination can be used as a preliminary breast wellness check to identify if further testing is required. If lumps or concerns are raised during a breast examination your provider may recommend further testing.

Pregnancy Testing

Pregnancy tests can be conducted accurately and effectively in-house to ensure the success of your pregnancy. Pregnancy can be determined through blood tests, urine tests, and pelvic examinations. Visiting your primary care physician during the earliest stages of pregnancy can help to monitor the health of your baby as he/she develops.

Joint Injections:

Injury to the joints can cause pain in the legs, lower back, groin, buttocks, knees, shoulders and hips. Pain may occur from injury, simple wear and tear or an inflammatory disease, such as rheumatoid arthritis.

A joint is where the ends of two bones meet. They allow movement from side to side, up and down, and in rotation. A special lining covering the ends of bones, called cartilage, stops the bones from rubbing together and allows easy, smooth movement. If cartilage becomes worn down, the bones rub together during movement, causing significant pain. By injecting a local anesthetic and steroid into the injured joint, we aim to reduce joint pain and inflammation.

The Chandler Internal Medicine Office offers the following types of joint injections:

• • Shoulder joint injection
  • Knee joint injection
  • Hip joint injection

Procedure

During a joint injection, you will lie on your stomach on an X-ray table. The skin over the targeted joint is cleaned with antiseptic solution and then injected with local anesthetic to numb the area. Using X-ray guidance, the doctor will insert a needle into the targeted joint and inject a combination of anesthetic and steroids. The procedure takes approximately 10 to 20 minutes.

Recovery

You may experience minor soreness around the targeted area for a few days after the procedure. You can treat this with ice and over-the-counter pain medications.

 
Trigger Point Injections:

What is a trigger point injection?

A trigger point injection can help soothe muscle pain, especially in your arms, legs, lower back and neck. It also can be used to treat fibromyalgia, tension headaches and myofascial pain. Trigger points are painful “knots” in your muscles. They form when a muscle can’t relax. Sometimes you can feel these knots when you rub your muscle. Injecting small amounts of anesthetic and steroid into the trigger point can help alleviate the pain.

How is a trigger point injection done?

You will sit or lie down for the procedure. Your doctor will press on your muscle to locate the area where you have pain. Then, he or she will insert a small needle into the area and inject a mixture of anesthetic and steroid.

You can have several trigger points injected during one visit to your doctor’s office. The procedure only takes a few minutes.

What are the risks?

The risk of complication from a trigger point injection is very low. Complications such as bleeding and infection at the injection site are uncommon. However, you may have temporary soreness or numbness at the injection site.

What happens after the procedure?

After a trigger point injection, you can actively use your muscle. However, you should avoid strenuous activity for the first few days.

Is Trigger Point Injection right for you?

Trigger point injection may be right for you if your muscle pain has not improved with other treatment, including pain medication and physical therapy.

Allergy Injections:

Allergy shots are a type of immunotherapy aimed at reducing or eliminating allergy symptoms.

Allergy shots use tiny doses of a specific allergen to desensitize your immune system’s response to that allergen. By regularly exposing your body to small amounts of an allergen, you can develop an immunity over time.

You may benefit from allergy shots if:

• • Other treatments don’t work or don’t provide long-lasting relief
  • You want to cut back on taking over-the-counter medication
  • You have allergies that can’t be controlled by other medications

Shots can treat symptoms caused by these common allergens:

• • Dust mites
  • Pollen (from weeds, flowers, trees, etc.)
  • Animal dander
  • Mold spores
  • Cockroaches
  • Certain stinging insects such as bees, wasps, yellow jackets, fire ants

Are Allergy Shots Safe:

Allergy shots are well-tolerated by most people, and any side effects tend to be minor. Your doctor will discuss possible side effects to look out for during your visit. Shots are suitable for most patients over the age of five.

The most common side effects are typical of any injection, which include redness, swelling, or itching at the injection site.

If you experience trouble breathing, dizziness, or throat swelling after an injection, it’s important to let your allergy provider know immediately. These may be signs of anaphylaxis, which is a rare but serious side effect. Your doctor will ask you to wait in the clinic for half an hour after getting an injection to monitor you for signs of anaphylaxis.

Flu Vaccines:

Influenza is a potentially serious disease that can lead to hospitalization and sometimes even death. Every flu season is different, and influenza infection can affect people differently, but millions of people get flu every year, hundreds of thousands of people are hospitalized and thousands to tens of thousands of people die from flu-related causes every year. An annual seasonal flu vaccine is the best way to help protect against flu

When should I get vaccinated?

You should get a flu vaccine before flu viruses begin spreading in your community, since it takes about two weeks after vaccination for antibodies to develop in the body and provide protection against flu. Make plans to get vaccinated early in fall, before flu season begins. CDC recommends that people get a flu vaccine by the end of October.

What Type of Flu Shots Are Available:

• • A quadrivalent cell-based influenza shot (Flucelvax Quadrivalent) containing virus grown in cell culture, which is licensed for people 4 years and older. This vaccine is egg-free.
  • Recombinant quadrivalent influenza shot (Flublok Quadrivalent), an egg-free vaccine, approved for people 18 years and older.
  • A quadrivalent flu shot using an adjuvant (an ingredient that helps create a stronger immune response), approved for people 65 years of age and older.
  • A quadrivalent high-dose influenza vaccine (Fluzone High-Dose), licensed for people 65 years and older.
  • A live attenuated influenza vaccine (FluMist Quadrivalent), which is given intranasally.  This vaccine is approved for people 2 through 49 years of age.  Live attenuated influenza vaccine should not be given to people who are pregnant, immunocompromised persons, and some other groups.

Sleep Testing at home

Different types of Sleep Tests

The collective term sleep disorder refers to conditions that affect sleep quality, timing, or duration and impact a person’s ability to properly function while they are awake. These disorders can contribute to other medical problems, and some may also be symptoms for underlying mental health issues. In order to manage sleep problems, individuals may benefit from a sleep study or test.

Sleep Testing at Home

When you sleep, your muscles relax, including the throat and chest muscles that help you breathe. If you have sleep apnea, relaxation of throat muscles combine with a narrowed airway to interrupt breathing.

An at-home sleep apnea testing is an easy, cost-effective way to figure out whether you’re having trouble breathing. It is a very simplified breathing monitor that tracks your breathing, oxygen levels, and breathing effort while worn. 

Facts about at-home sleep tests

1. They monitor breathing, not actual sleep: A sleep test is meant to evaluate a patient for sleep apnea, and it monitors breathing parameters, not the sleep itself. The sleep test won’t analyze how long a person is in light or deep sleep. Instead, it will measure pauses in and absence of breathing, how much effort it takes to breathe and whether a person has shallow breathing.
2. Your doctor needs to prescribe it: This isn’t an over-the-counter test. Your primary care physician or a physician at a sleep clinic can order it to be taken home.
3. It uses sensors to detect breathing patterns: The sensors include a small probe over your finger that measures oxygen levels. You’ll insert another mask with tubes into your nostrils and secure it around your ears, similar to an oxygen mask. Other sensors are placed on your abdomen and chest to measure their rise and fall as you breathe.
4. It’s a small commitment: Most at-home sleep tests are used just for one night. It’s also less expensive than a sleep study in a clinic. It’s usually a third to a fifth of the cost of doing an in-lab study, and it’s typically covered by insurance.
5. It’s convenient: With an at-home study, you’ll be in the comfort of your own surroundings, which could offer a more accurate reading of how you actually sleep.
6. It doesn’t completely rule out apnea: After the test, your results will be reviewed by a sleep technologist and sent to your physician. If symptoms persist, your physician might recommend an in-lab study. Home tests can sometimes be inaccurate: For instance, your sensors might fall off during the night. At a lab, a physician is on-site to monitor you.
7. You might have other sleep issues: Not all sleep disorders are caused by breathing trouble. If your symptoms persist, you might not have apnea. Your physician can work with you to pinpoint the cause.

Heart Disease Tests

Below is a breakdown of the available tests that we conduct at Candler Internal Medicine.

What is a Heart Disease Test

The CDC reports that heart disease is the leading cause of death in the United States.

Tests offered at Candler Internal Medicine

A series of tests are currently available to diagnose heart disease and ensure that treatment plans can be developed. Please schedule an appointment with your physician to discuss your best options.

Echocardiogram

This test can be used to produce images of the heart that can be analyzed to diagnose heart disease and inadequate blood flow in the heart.

Stress Test

Stress tests are primarily used as a preliminary testing option to observe the capacity and capabilities of your heart. The test involves running on a monitored treadmill to assess the patients changes in heart rate when exercise levels are increased. Follow-up testing is often required to provide a more accurate diagnosis.

Holter Monitor

The holter monitor is a small device that can be worn for the duration of the day to measure your heart rate. The device will be fitted in our office by a medical professional and worn for 24 hours to monitor your standard resting heart rate. This simple test can provide a more detailed record of how your heart performs during daily activities.

What is the Bone Density Test:

A bone density scan is a quick and painless procedure that involves lying on your back on an X-ray table so an area of your body can be scanned. The scan is used to determine bone strength and density to determine if someone is a risk for breaking bone or developing osteoporosis, a health condition that weakens bones and makes them more likely to break.

Who needs to have a bone density scan

You may need to have a bone density scan if you’re:

• • over 50 with a risk of developing osteoporosis
  • under 50 with other risk factors, such as smoking or a previous broken bone

The results from a bone density scan are usually used alongside a fracture risk assessment to assess your chances of osteoporosis and breaking a bone.

How safe are bone density (DEXA) scans

Bone density scans are very safe. They use a much lower level of radiation than standard X-rays, which means that the radiographer (the technical specialist carrying out the scan) can stay in the scanning room with you during the scan. The amount of radiation used during a bone density scan is very low and less than 2 days’ exposure to natural background radiation (NBR).

When a bone density scan is recommended

A DEXA scan may be recommended if you have an increased risk of developing a bone problem like osteoporosis. 

Your risk is increased if you:

• • have had a broken bone after a minor fall or injury
  • have a health condition, such as arthritis, that can lead to low bone density
  • have been taking medicines called oral glucocorticoids for 3 months or more – glucocorticoids are used to treat inflammation, but can also cause weakened bones
  • are a woman who has had an early menopause, or you had your ovaries removed at a young age (before 45) and have not had hormone replacement therapy (HRT)
  • are a postmenopausal woman and you smoke or drink heavily, have a family history of hip fractures, or a body mass index (BMI) of less than 21   
  • are a woman and have large gaps between periods (more than a year)

How Does a Bone Scan Works:

A bone density scan is a quick and painless procedure that involves lying on your back on an X-ray table so an area of your body can be scanned.

No special preparations are needed.

You may be able to remain fully clothed, depending on the area of your body being scanned. But you’ll need to remove any clothes that have metal fasteners, such as zips, hooks or buckles. In some cases, you may need to wear a gown.