I have had psoriasis for many years, and now I have developed arthritis in multiple joints. It causes quite a bit of pain, and Advil has not been helping recently. My general doctor told me that it may be related to the psoriasis. Do you think that may be the case? If so, what kind of doctor should I see, and are there treatments other than the usual anti-inflammatory medications?
If you suffer from psoriasis, a common skin condition, there is a 30% chance that you will develop arthritis in your lifetime; this is known as Psoriatic Arthritis. It causes
Gout
by Dean Heller MD January 6th, 2012 | Ask the Doctor
Over Christmas my right big toe became swollen, painful, and red. My cousin said that he has gout, and it caused the same symptoms. Do you think he may be correct about my big toe?
Your cousin MAY be correct. Although there may be other causes, the big toe is a common place for a gout attack. The symptoms of gout are a painful, red, swollen joint, as it is a form of arthritits. There are a number of causes; the most common is just an elevation of the uric acid levels in the blood, which accumulates in the joint,
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Your cousin MAY be correct. Although there may be other causes, the big toe is a common place for a gout attack. The symptoms of gout are a painful, red, swollen joint, as it is a form of arthritits. There are a number of causes; the most common is just an elevation of the uric acid levels in the blood, which accumulates in the joint,
Pulmonary Artery Hypertension
by Dean Heller MD December 30th, 2011 | Ask the Doctor
I have been diagnosed with PAH pulmonary artery hypertension. I am frequently short of breath when cleaning my house and while chasing after my 3 kids. I know there are newer treatments; what do you think of these treatments?
Pulmonary artery hypertension (PAH) is a condition that causes higher pressures in the lungs and subsequently thickening of the arteries in the lungs. It causes symptoms of fatigue and shortness of breath, just like you are having. The newer PDE5 inhibitors are similar to the medications that you see advertised for erectile dysfunction, and have been found to improve the symptoms in patients with PAH. See your doctor
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Pulmonary artery hypertension (PAH) is a condition that causes higher pressures in the lungs and subsequently thickening of the arteries in the lungs. It causes symptoms of fatigue and shortness of breath, just like you are having. The newer PDE5 inhibitors are similar to the medications that you see advertised for erectile dysfunction, and have been found to improve the symptoms in patients with PAH. See your doctor
Healthy Lunches
by Dean Heller MD December 23rd, 2011 | Ask the Doctor
I find this time of year so hectic, and I eat so much junk. There is always candy all over the office. What can I eat quickly at lunch to be healthier?
Lunch is an important meal for working people. It gives you the energy to finish your day productively. A healthy lunch should include a good balance of vitamins, protein, and carbohydrates. Try to bring a small lunch from home. Use your leftovers from dinner, and add some fresh vegetables such as tomato, cucumber, and lettuce. You can also put a small amount of your dinner meal on a
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Lunch is an important meal for working people. It gives you the energy to finish your day productively. A healthy lunch should include a good balance of vitamins, protein, and carbohydrates. Try to bring a small lunch from home. Use your leftovers from dinner, and add some fresh vegetables such as tomato, cucumber, and lettuce. You can also put a small amount of your dinner meal on a
Macular Degeneration
by Dean Heller MD December 16th, 2011 | Ask the Doctor
I was recently diagnosed with macular degeneration, and they called it wet macular degeneration. I have been having trouble seeing at night and stopped driving. Does this usually progress to blindness? I am still waiting to see the specialist for treatment. Is there good treatment? I am very nervous.
Macular degeneration is a common condition; it is the leading cause of blindness for people over age 50. Usually the central vision is affected; however, there is a new treatment for this condition that seems to be very promising. Doctors have been using laser and other treatments for a number of years to slow the progression. The new treatment appears to
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Macular degeneration is a common condition; it is the leading cause of blindness for people over age 50. Usually the central vision is affected; however, there is a new treatment for this condition that seems to be very promising. Doctors have been using laser and other treatments for a number of years to slow the progression. The new treatment appears to