It’s normal to worry about your health from time to time—especially when you’re experiencing new or unexplained symptoms. However, when these worries become overwhelming, persistent, and difficult to control, they may point to something known as health anxiety (also called illness anxiety disorder). At Pain Treatment Centers of America (PTCOA), we understand that pain and health-related worries often go hand in hand. Learning to identify and manage health anxiety can help you regain peace of mind and focus on your overall well-being. What Is Health Anxiety? Health anxiety occurs when your mind fixates on the possibility that you have—or might develop—a serious illness, even when medical tests show no cause for concern. It’s more than just being cautious or attentive to your body; it’s a pattern of fear and rumination that interferes with daily life. People with health anxiety often: Constantly check their body for signs of illness (for example, touching a spot, checking their pulse, or scanning for pain). Seek reassurance from doctors, loved ones, or the internet—but find that relief only lasts temporarily. Avoid doctors or medical testing because they fear getting bad news. Misinterpret normal bodily sensations—like a headache or fatigue—as symptoms of a serious disease. Struggle to focus on work, relationships, or hobbies because of ongoing worry about their health. If this sounds familiar, you’re not alone. Many people living with chronic pain or health conditions experience anxiety about their symptoms. At PTCOA, we see how emotional and physical health are deeply connected—and we approach both as part of your care. What Causes Health Anxiety? Health anxiety can stem from a variety of factors, often working together. Past medical experiences: A serious illness in your past—or in the life of a loved one—can make you more sensitive to new symptoms or health changes. Chronic pain or health problems: People who live with pain or ongoing medical conditions often worry that each new sensation means something worse. Chronic pain can heighten awareness of the body and increase fear of additional issues. Stress and personality factors: If you’re naturally prone to worry, perfectionism, or stress, you may be more likely to experience health-related anxiety. Information overload: In today’s digital age, searching online for symptoms can quickly lead to alarming or misleading information. Reading worst-case scenarios can amplify anxiety. The mind-body connection: Pain and anxiety share similar pathways in the brain. When you’re anxious, your nervous system goes into “fight-or-flight” mode, which can intensify physical sensations—making pain feel worse and worry harder to manage. Understanding these triggers can help you start breaking the cycle of fear and physical tension that fuels health anxiety. Recognizing the Signs of Health Anxiety You might be experiencing health anxiety if you: Frequently fear having a serious illness despite reassurance. Schedule multiple doctor visits or constantly switch physicians. Feel anxious when reading or hearing about diseases. Avoid medical care altogether out of fear of bad news. Spend excessive time researching health topics online. Notice that anxiety increases physical symptoms such as heart rate, sweating, or pain. When health worries begin to consume your time and energy, they become more than just a concern—they become an obstacle to living well. Strategies to Cope with Health Anxiety Managing health anxiety takes time and patience, but small, consistent steps can make a big difference. 1. Acknowledge the Mind-Body Connection Recognize that worrying about your health doesn’t mean something is wrong—it’s a symptom of anxiety itself. The body and mind are interconnected, especially when you’re managing chronic pain or recovering from illness. By understanding that anxiety can amplify physical sensations, you can begin to interpret your symptoms more calmly. 2. Limit Symptom Checking Repeatedly checking your body for signs of illness can reinforce fear. Try setting boundaries—for instance, allowing yourself to check once a day, or not at all unless a symptom significantly changes. Trust that your doctor will guide you on what requires attention. 3. Step Away from Dr. Google Searching for answers online often increases worry instead of providing relief. Limit or eliminate online symptom research and instead rely on your healthcare team for accurate, personalized information. 4. Set “Worry Time” If you find yourself unable to stop worrying, schedule a short “worry period” each day—say, 15 minutes. During this time, write down your concerns and what’s on your mind. When anxious thoughts arise outside of that time, remind yourself you’ll revisit them later. Often, the urgency of the worry fades before the scheduled time arrives. 5. Practice Relaxation Techniques Anxiety activates the body’s stress response. Calming that response can help ease both your emotional and physical discomfort. Techniques to try include: Deep breathing: Inhale for four seconds, hold briefly, and exhale slowly.Progressive muscle relaxation: Tense and release different muscle groups to reduce tension. Mindfulness meditation: Focus on the present moment instead of future “what ifs.” Gentle movement: Activities like walking, yoga, or stretching calm both mind and body. 6. Focus on What You Can Control Instead of worrying about potential illnesses, shift your energy toward proactive, healthy habits—getting enough sleep, eating well, staying hydrated, and maintaining regular exercise. These actions empower you and provide a sense of control. 7. Seek Professional Support If anxiety continues to affect your daily life, professional support can help. Therapy: Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is one of the most effective treatments for health anxiety. It helps reframe unhelpful thoughts and reduce compulsive behaviors like constant checking or reassurance seeking. Integrated care: At Pain Treatment Centers of America, our providers understand how emotional stress can intensify physical pain. Our multidisciplinary approach combines pain management and behavioral health to help patients heal both physically and mentally. Medication: In some cases, anxiety medications prescribed by a healthcare provider can help reduce symptoms while you work on long-term coping strategies. Why It’s Important to Manage Health Anxiety Ignoring health anxiety can have real consequences: It can worsen pain perception and fatigue. It can lead to unnecessary medical tests or avoidance of necessary care. It increases stress, sleep problems, and strain in relationships. Addressing
All About Respiratory Viruses – HealthyWomen
Alex Fulton Alex Fulton has been working in the wellness field for more than 20 years. She has written extensively about integrative medicine, herbalism, supplements and other topics related to holistic health. Alex also focuses on issues related to women’s health, from menstruation to menopause. She has collaborated with physicians, midwives and functional medicine practitioners to promote natural approaches to health care for women. She has a BA in English from the University of Wisconsin-Madison. Full Bio Source link
The 5 Tanner Stages: What Are the Different Stages of Puberty?
Puberty is a natural part of development, and it is when a child goes through physical, hormonal, emotional and mental changes to reach sexual maturity. These changes begin and end at different ages for each child, depending on their sex, race, and ethnicity, as well as environmental factors. Today, we’re going to discuss the five different Tanner stages of puberty for both boys and girls. For clarity, a boy refers to a child with testicles and a girl refers to a child with ovaries. What is Puberty? Puberty is your body’s natural way of physically becoming an adult. During this time, your major organs and body systems mature, and your body becomes capable of sexual reproduction. It’s a biological process driven by hormonal changes that affect physical growth, emotional development, and sexual maturity. But even though the fact that puberty makes you physically an adult, your brain continues to develop and mature into your mid-to-late 20s. In Short, What Happens During Puberty? During puberty, a child’s body changes into an adult body. Their brain activates the Hypothalamic-Pituitary-Gonadal (HPG) axis, which then tells the body to produce sex hormones, like testosterone in boys and estrogen in girls. After this, a child will go through a growth spurt, both in length and body size, their reproductive system will mature (girls will get their period, and sperm production starts in boys), secondary sexual characteristics develop (such as breasts, a deeper voice, and body hair), and there may be noticeable emotional and mood changes. In more detail, when it comes to puberty, there is something called the five Tanner stages. These are different for both girls and boys. What Are the Five Tanner Stages in Boys? Firstly, when does puberty usually begin in boys? Around ages 9-14, with full development typically completed by 16-18. This can vary though. Stage 1: Prepubertal At stage one, there are no visible signs of puberty yet, and the testicles, penis, and body hair are still childlike. Stage 2: Early Puberty At stage two, the testicles and scrotum begin to enlarge, the skin of the scrotum will start to thin and redden, and sparse, fine pubic hair will begin to grow at the base of the penis. Stage 3: Mid Puberty At stage three, the penis starts to lengthen, the testicles continue to grow, pubic hair becomes darker, coarser, and curlier, there may be early voice changes, and a growth spurt often starts. Stage 4: Late Puberty At stage four, the penis grows in both length and thickness, the scrotum and testicles are larger and darker, adult-type pubic hair is present, there is a noticeable deepening of the voice, and acne and body odour may start to appear. Stage 5: Full Maturity At stage five, the genitals reach adult size and shape, pubic hair spreads to the inner thighs, facial and chest hair may develop, the voice is fully deepened, and growth slows and eventually stops. What Are the Five Tanner Stages in Girls? When does puberty usually begin in girls? Around ages 8-13, with full development typically completed by 15-17. This can vary though. Stage 1: Prepubertal At stage one, there is no breast development or pubic hair yet, and the ovaries and reproductive system are still immature. Stage 2: Early Puberty At stage two, breast buds appear (small, tender lumps under the nipples), the areola (the area around the nipple) begins to widen, and fine, soft pubic hair begins to grow. Stage 3: Mid Puberty At stage three, the breasts grow larger and begin to take shape, pubic hair becomes darker, coarser, and curlier, growth spurts often begin, and vaginal discharge may start. Stage 4: Late Puberty At stage four, the breasts are more developed, with the nipple and areola forming a raised mound, pubic hair is adult-like in texture, and menstruation usually begins. Stage 5: Full Maturity At stage five, the breasts reach their adult size and shape, pubic hair spreads to the inner thighs, and the menstrual cycle becomes more regular over time. How Long Does Puberty Take? Puberty usually takes about 3 to 5 years from the first physical signs to full adult development, but this can vary from person to person. In fact, starting earlier or later can still be completely normal. Important to remember though: growth and emotional development can continue after physical changes end. What Affects the Timing of Puberty? There are a lot of things that can influence the timing of puberty. Things such as one’s biology, environment, and lifestyle play a big part, and for that reason, there’s not one single factor that controls it. Here are the main things that affect when puberty starts and how quickly it progresses: Genetics Your genes actually play the biggest role. If one’s parents (especially the mother) started puberty early or late, the chances that their child will follow the same pattern are high. Specific genes influence when the brain signals the body to begin puberty. Nutrition & Weight With the right and adequate nutrition, the body can reach the energy level needed to begin puberty. Undernutrition or an eating disorder however can delay puberty, as a severely low calorie intake may slow down development. If there are higher fat levels in girls, it may result in an early start of puberty. Hormones Puberty will start when the brain, more specifically the hypothalamus and the pituitary gland, activates the reproductive system. If a child has any conditions that affect hormone production, such as a thyroid disorder or pituitary issues, this can speed up or delay puberty. Stress & Emotional Environment For some, early puberty is linked to those who face early life stress, early-life adversity. Physical Environment Those who have been exposed to endocrine-disrupting chemicals that are found in some plastics or pesticides may start puberty earlier. Physical Activity Some forms of high intensity training can delay puberty, especially in girls. Some activities include sports that emphasise low body weight, like gymnastics, ballet, or long distance running. What is Considered Early
The Best Hair Loss Treatments Available in Scottsdale, AZ
If you have been Googling “hair loss treatment Scottsdale” at midnight, you are already further along than you think. Asking the question is the first step, and getting the right answer is where we come in. Hair loss affects more than your hairline: it affects your confidence, your mornings, and the way you show up in the world. At NHLMA, we have watched thousands of patients walk through our Scottsdale doors carrying that weight, and we have watched them leave lighter, fuller, and more themselves. The right treatment plan makes all the difference, and it starts with understanding what your options actually are. Here is a breakdown of the most effective hair loss treatments available in Scottsdale right now, and the guidance you need to figure out which one belongs in your plan. Why Hair Loss Deserves a Real Treatment Plan Hair loss is one of those conditions that gets minimized far too often. The reality is that research confirms that more than 80% of men and nearly 50% of women will experience significant hair loss in their lifetime. That is a majority of us, and yet so many people spend years cycling through drugstore products and hoping for the best. A personalized, clinically guided treatment plan changes everything. The right combination of therapies can slow shedding, stimulate regrowth, and restore what feels like a piece of yourself. The key is working with a qualified hair loss specialist in Scottsdale who takes the time to find the root cause first. The Most Effective Non-Surgical Hair Loss Treatments in Scottsdale PRP (Platelet-Rich Plasma) Therapy PRP, otherwise known as Platelet-Rich Plasma, is one of the most researched and widely recommended non-surgical hair restoration treatments available today. The process uses your own blood, drawing a small sample and spinning it in a centrifuge to isolate the platelet-rich plasma. That concentrated plasma, packed with growth factors, is then injected directly into the scalp to stimulate dormant hair follicles. Multiple peer-reviewed studies support PRP as an effective treatment for androgenetic alopecia (the most common form of hair loss in both men and women) as well as other forms of pattern hair loss. Patients typically see meaningful results after a series of three to four sessions, with ongoing maintenance treatments to sustain growth. Source link
What actually happens in the brain during a migraine attack?
A simple guide to the phases of a migraine attack and what researchers think is happening inside the brain. Many people mistakenly believe a migraine attack to be “just a bad headache”. But inside the brain, a migraine attack is far more complex. A migraine attack is a brain-wide event, meaning it involves changes in nerve activity, brain chemicals, blood vessels and sensory processing. These changes unfold over time and lead to four commonly defined phases of a migraine attack. Researchers often divide these phases into: Prodrome or Premonitory phase Aura phase (only in approximately 30% of cases, defined as migraine with aura) Headache phase Postdrome phase Let’s walk through what researchers currently think is happening inside of the brain as a migraine attack unfolds. The premonitory phase: the brain’s early warning system For many people, the first signs of a migraine attack, or premonitory symptoms, show up before the head pain even begins. These symptoms are indicators that the migraine attack, and its underlying changes in the brain, have already started. A timeline of the phases of a migraine attack and its associated symptoms. Created in BioRender. Rubio beltran, E. R. (2026) One of the brain regions that is believed to be important in generating premonitory symptoms is a small almond-sized region deep in the brain, called the hypothalamus. We know that the hypothalamus is activated in migraine, before the onset of head pain and its normal function is to keep the body in a stable, consistent state, adjusting to changes in the environment (a process known as homeostasis). In a way, it is like the master thermostat, monitoring internal and external conditions and regulating things like appetite, sleep, and hormones. Given this important function, changes in activity of the hypothalamus are thought to lead to some of the diverse non-pain symptoms that occur, including fatigue. It’s still unclear exactly what triggers the cascade of changes that happen during a migraine attack. But a better understanding of the biology underlying the earliest premonitory phase may give us clues that hint at how migraine attacks begin, offering new hope for treatment. Aura: a wave across the brain Up to one third of people living with migraine experience aura as part of a migraine attack. This phenomenon is called Cortical Spreading Depression (or CSD for short). This wave travels surprisingly slowly at only a few millimetres per minute. As it moves across different regions of the cortex, it interrupts normal brain activity, giving rise to the symptoms experienced, including visual symptoms when it crosses the visual cortex. The headache phase: pain-pathways are activated and become sensitised The phase that most people associate with migraine is the headache phase. During this time, there are several processes occurring simultaneously in the brain. A key player in the headache phase is the trigeminal nerve. This nerve is responsible for carrying sensory information from the face and head to the brain. During a migraine attack, the trigeminal nerve becomes activated and sends pain signals to different areas of the brain. The nerve endings also release chemical signals, like Calcitonin Gene-Related Peptide (CGRP), which helps drive inflammation and increases sensitivity of pain pathways in the brain. As these pathways become more active, the brain begins to amplify sensory signals. This is why some people with migraine often become sensitive to light, sound and even smells. Overall, the brain’s pain-processing network is being switched into overdrive making it highly sensitised and overactive. Currently several therapies target this phase including molecules that block the actions of CGRP. The Postdrome: the migraine “hangover” Even after the headache fades, the migraine attack isn’t over. People often describe the postdrome as feeling like a “migraine hangover.” At this point, the brain is gradually recovering from the migraine attack. Pain pathways sensitivity is reducing, but networks involved in things like attention, thinking, and energy regulation may still be temporarily affected. Research investigating this phase is currently limited. In the future, research into this phase will hopefully provide a better idea about the changes happening in the brain at the end of a migraine attack. Overview of the key players in the brain relating to migraine phases. Created in BioRender. Rubio beltran, E. R. (2026) The big picture A migraine attack is a cascade of events occurring outside and inside the brain, not just a single event. These events unfold in phases: Brain regulation changes begin in the premonitory phase A wave of altered electrical activity can spread across cortex during aura phase Pain pathway and sensory systems become active and sensitised during the headache phase The brain recovers during postdrome phase Understanding migraine in light of all the changes that occur over time helps explain why it’s considered a neurovascular disorder, not simply a severe headache. Researchers are still working to fully understand how and why these attacks occur, hopefully leading to more answers to the question marks that remain to be answered about migraine biology. Source link
How PTCOA Physical Therapy Helps Relieve Winter Stiffness
How PTCOA Physical Therapy Helps You Stay Warm and Relieve Winter Stiffness and Old Injuries As the air turns crisp and the daylight hours shorten, many people find their bodies reacting to the season. The cold can have a real physiological impact on your body, affecting circulation, flexibility, and even your motivation to stay active. Your joints feel tighter, muscles take longer to warm up, and those old injuries you thought were long gone begin to make themselves known again. While it’s easy to blame the weather and stay bundled up indoors, that approach often makes stiffness and discomfort worse. With physical therapy and the right guidance, you can manage to keep your body resilient through the coldest months. Understanding Why Cold Weather Affects Your Body When the temperature drops, your body automatically adjusts to protect your core organs and preserve heat. However, those same adjustments can make movement harder and more painful. Scar tissue, limited flexibility, or nerve sensitivity from past injuries may react more strongly to temperature and pressure changes, making even simple movements uncomfortable. Some of the physiological reactions include: Changes in Barometric Pressure A drop in barometric pressure before a cold front or storm can cause tissues to expand. This expansion creates pressure in already sensitive areas like arthritic joints or old injury sites, leading to increased soreness or stiffness. Reduced Blood Flow When your body gets cold, it prioritizes keeping your core warm by constricting blood vessels in your arms and legs. That reduced blood flow means your joints and muscles receive less oxygen and nutrients, causing tightness and discomfort. Thicker Synovial Fluid The natural lubricant inside your joints becomes thicker in cold weather, making movement feel sluggish and restricted. How Physical Therapy Offers a Proactive Solution A well-rounded physical therapy plan addresses stiffness, weakness, and poor movement patterns that can worsen in the cold. By combining manual techniques, exercises, and education, you can experience noticeable improvements in both comfort and mobility. Your therapist designs a plan based on your individual health, pain levels, and mobility goals, helping you stay active without risk of injury. Here’s how: Personalized Exercise Programs Building the muscles around your joints provides them with better support, reducing stress and pain. Exercises like wall sits, bridges, and resistance band training can be particularly beneficial. Gentle stretching can help to lengthen tight muscles and improve the mobility of your joints. This can be as simple as doing regular neck, shoulder, and hip stretches throughout the day. Activities like walking on a treadmill, using an elliptical machine, or swimming in a heated pool can improve circulation, keep your joints lubricated, and boost your mood. Your therapist will also guide you on warm-up and cool-down techniques to prepare your muscles for activity and reduce post-exercise soreness. Manual Therapy Techniques Hands-on techniques are a core part of physical therapy and can deliver immediate relief from stiffness and pain. Manual therapy works to restore joint movement, improve blood flow, and ease muscle tension. These therapies help your body move more naturally, allowing you to stay active and reduce your risk of injury during the winter months. Common manual therapy methods for you may include: Soft Tissue Mobilization: Gentle, targeted pressure on tight muscles and fascia helps relieve tension, break down adhesions, and improve flexibility. Joint Mobilization: Controlled movements of stiff joints can restore normal motion and reduce discomfort caused by inactivity or cold weather stiffness. Advanced Pain Management Techniques Winter stiffness often responds well to therapeutic warmth. Physical therapists use various pain relief modalities that go beyond at-home heating pads to provide deeper and longer-lasting comfort. These therapies complement your exercise plan, ensuring both immediate pain control and long-term functional improvement. Heat Therapy: Applying heat to a stiff joint or muscle can help to relax the tissues and improve blood flow, providing immediate relief. Ultrasound: This therapy uses sound waves to generate heat deep within the tissues, which can help to reduce pain and inflammation. Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation (TENS): A TENS unit sends a low-voltage electrical current to the nerves, which can help to block pain signals from reaching the brain. Balance and Stability Training Winter brings an increased risk of slips and falls, especially on icy or wet surfaces, making balance and stability training essential. A physical therapist can design targeted exercises to improve coordination, core strength, and body control. These may include standing on one leg to enhance joint stability and proprioception, heel-to-toe walking to refine coordination, and focused core and hip strengthening to stabilize your movements. By improving balance and body awareness, you can reduce the likelihood of falls and maintain your mobility and independence throughout the colder months. Correcting Posture and Movement Habits Cold weather naturally makes you hunch your shoulders and tighten your muscles to conserve heat, but that posture increases strain on your neck, back, and shoulders. Over time, this tension can lead to headaches, muscle spasms, or back pain. Your physical therapist can identify postural imbalances and teach you how to correct them through targeted exercises and ergonomic advice. You’ll learn how to maintain good alignment, even when layered in heavy winter clothing, and how to position yourself at work or home to minimize strain. These adjustments may seem small, but consistent posture correction reduces pain and improves energy throughout your day. Common Mistakes to Avoid This Winter Winter comfort often depends as much on your habits as on your therapy routine. Combining smart daily habits with physical therapy ensures your progress continues outside the clinic. Avoiding these common pitfalls can help you stay pain-free and mobile: Avoid the “Hibernation” Trap As tempting as it is to stay cozy indoors, inactivity is one of the worst things for stiff and painful joints. Make an effort to stay active, even if it’s just by doing some gentle stretches or walking around your house. Ignoring Pain Signals It is essential to distinguish between the discomfort of muscle fatigue and the sharp signal of pain. While it’s good to push
Treating Severe Asthma – HealthyWomen
May is Asthma Awareness Month. Coughing. Wheezing. Shortness of breath. All things on our not to-do list. But if you have asthma, you’re all too familiar with these symptoms and the many ways asthma can affect everyday life. Asthma causes inflammation in the airways, and the symptoms range from mild to severe. While most people with asthma can take medications to reduce inflammation, people with severe asthma have a harder time controlling symptoms, which can be life-threatening. Severe asthma can develop at any age, and women are more likely to have severe asthma than men. But you can breathe a little easier knowing a proper diagnosis and treatment plan can help improve overall health and quality of life. What is severe asthma? By definition, severe asthma is asthma that requires a combination of high-dose inhaled steroid medications (corticosteroids) and longer-acting medications to help treat symptoms. Asthma is also considered severe if symptoms go on even when taking the proper medications. People with severe asthma tend to have reduced lung function and more intense symptoms compared to people with mild or moderate asthma. People with severe asthma also experience more asthma attacks — when symptoms rapidly get worse or build up over a few hours and don’t respond to a fast-acting inhaler. Signs of an asthma exacerbation or attack can include: Severe chest tightness or pain Shortness of breath when talking Inability to speak in full sentences Needing quick-relief medications more frequently The types of severe asthma There are different types of severe asthma: Allergic asthma: Symptoms are triggered by allergens such as mold, pollen, dust mites and pet dander. Nonallergic asthma: Symptoms are caused by air pollution, tobacco smoke, viruses and exercise. Eosinophilic asthma: Involves high levels of a white blood cell called eosinophils and Type 2 inflammation, which is an overactive immune response that causes inflammation. Neutrophilic asthma: Involves inflammation not related to Type 2 inflammation and high levels of neutrophilic white blood cells. This type of asthma is resistant to corticosteroid treatment. Knowing what type of asthma you have is important to finding the right treatment plan for you. The difference between severe asthma and uncontrolled asthma Some people with asthma may think they have severe asthma but in reality, severe asthma is rare — only about 5%–10% of asthma cases are severe asthma. But 3 out of 5 people with asthma have uncontrolled asthma. On paper, severe asthma and uncontrolled asthma have similar symptoms, like persistent coughing and wheezing and symptoms that wake you up during the night. But the difference is that symptoms of uncontrolled asthma improve with medication and lifestyle changes to avoid triggers. Severe asthma symptoms remain uncontrolled or happen often, even when taking the maximum, high-dose medications. It’s important to tell your healthcare provider (HCP) if you’re not seeing improvement with your breathing after using a rescue inhaler, if your chest muscles feel tired and if you get shortness of breath when you’re talking because these are all signs of severe asthma. Read: Is Your Asthma Under Control? >> Tracking your symptoms is key to finding the best treatment for severe asthma Treatment for severe asthma depends on a number of different factors, so it’s a good idea to keep a journal of your symptoms and how those symptoms affect your everyday life. Start by tracking symptoms on a day-to-day basis and note any identifiable triggers. For example, if you’re experiencing shortness of breath when talking, write it down along with any triggers like stress. Also note the frequency: Does this happen often? Is it getting worse? Other notable factors that can affect the severity of asthma symptoms can include: Health conditions like COPD that can affect breathing Certain medications Improper use of an inhaler Irritants or allergens Keeping a journal can help you and your HCP get an accurate picture of the severity of the disease and identify treatment goals as part of the shared decision-making process. Pulmonologist vs. allergist for severe asthma People with severe asthma need to see a specialist — typically a pulmonologist or allergist — for personalized care. A pulmonologist specializes in the respiratory system and can diagnose, treat and manage severe asthma that is not controlled or has unknown triggers. Allergists also specialize in treating asthma and asthma that’s triggered by environmental factors. Treatments for severe asthma Severe asthma means dealing with a constant level of inflammation in the airways, and treatment usually requires a combination of different medications depending on the type of asthma and triggers for the disease. Treatments can be delivered through an inhaler or nebulizer, in a pill, or by injection or infusion. Treatments for severe asthma can include: Bronchodilators to relax muscles around the airways Long-acting beta2-agonists (LABAs) Long-acting muscarinic antagonists (LAMAs) Anti-inflammatory medications, including steroids, to help reduce inflammation Inhaled corticosteroids (ICS) are medications that can be used long-term to manage symptoms and prevent asthma attacks. Oral corticosteroids (OCS), also called oral steroids, are pills or medications in liquid form that reduce swelling and inflammation in the body to treat an asthma attack or to treat chronic, severe cases. These medications are only prescribed for short-term use because the side effects can be serious. Biologics, which are injectable medications that work by targeting cells or chemical messengers in the body that cause the inflammatory response in the lungs and airways Other medications that can be used as add-ons to the above treatments Macrolide antibiotics for non-Type 2 inflammation, which control the number of white blood cells in the airways to reduce symptoms Bronchial thermoplasty, a procedure that uses heat to reduce the amount of smooth muscle tissue for less airway constriction and may reduce attacks Leukotriene modifiers, prescription medications that reduce or block the production of inflammatory chemicals called leukotrienes that cause bronchial constriction Cromolyn sodium, a nasal medication that prevents swelling in the air passages of the nose usually caused by allergies Lifestyle factors also play a role in the treatment for non-Type 2 inflammation severe asthma. For people
Free 30 Day Pelvic Floor Challenge
Are you ready for the 30 Day Pelvic Floor Challenge? I’m so excited to share this. I get questions all the time about where to start and how to progress with Pelvic Floor Dysfunction (PFD). If you’ve been following the weekly Live Q&A sessions on YouTube, you may have noticed that a lot of the same questions get asked each week. When it comes to building strength in the pelvic floor, I like to use an eight phase approach. This challenge works on some of those phases to help you along on your empowerment journey. You can register to join the challenge on our new community where get access to bonus videos as well as a PDF with details on how to properly do a Kegel and how to check if your pelvic floor is ready for the challenge. Just click this link to jump to the sign-up page. Good Luck! If you are interested in more extensive training, you can now buy the book Empower Your Flower on Amazon which has a complete Eight-Phase training program. The Eight-Phase training is also available online which also gives you access to a premium area in our community and LIVE Q&A sessions on Zoom with Denise. Source link
Traveling With Migraine – How To Avoid Travel Attacks
This post may contain affiliate links. Migraine Strong, as an Amazon Affiliate, makes a small percentage from qualified sales made through affiliate links at no cost to you. Traveling with migraine can feel daunting, especially when trying to avoid the inevitable airplane headache. The excitement of a trip often comes with extensive planning and packing, ensuring all medications and supplements are accounted for, and arranging for head-friendly meals away from home. However, careful preparation can help reduce some of the typical triggers that arise during travel. Here’s how you can tackle these challenges and make your trips more enjoyable. ** While Migraine Strong writes about the latest in migraine treatments, this is not medical advice. We are patient educators and all information you read should be discussed with your doctor. Plan Ahead to Prevent Travel Migraine Attacks Creating a solid plan is essential when traveling with migraine, even though perfect plans don’t exist. Migraine often throws surprises at us, but planning ahead minimizes stress and reduces the likelihood of triggers. Start building your plan as soon as you book your trip, whether you’re flying or driving. Use Lists to Stay Organized: Consider travel length, your destination, and your companions when drafting your lists. Work Backwards from the Departure Date: Start with your departure day and plan backwards to determine when to start packing and order any necessary supplies. Getting your suitcase out a week early allows you to pack gradually and avoid last-minute stress. Don’t forget to include tasks like arranging pet care, turning off your home’s water, and setting the thermostat. Schedule Downtime After Arrival: If possible, build a recovery day into your itinerary. Many people, including myself, experience migraine attacks the day after traveling. Use this day to relax while others explore, or join in if you feel up to it. #AD Why Does Traveling Sometimes Reduce Migraine Attacks? Many people notice fewer migraine attacks while traveling, which often sparks discussion. Why does this happen? The reasons vary but often include reduced stress from daily responsibilities, reduced screen time and the therapeutic effects of time with loved ones. For example, when I travel, I don’t have to answer the dreaded, “What’s for dinner?” question—restaurants handle that for me! However, if you follow a migraine elimination diet, eating out may bring its own stressors. Later in this article, we’ll share strategies for dining out while managing your triggers. I recently took a trip to Yellowstone and the Grand Tetons with my husband. My migraine attacks definitely reduced during the week, even with all of the hiking and the change in time zones. A significant reduction in screen time probably also really helped. Tips to Limit Migraine Triggers During Travel Both flights and car rides pose challenges, but you can take steps to reduce the risk of migraine attacks. 1. Stay Hydrated Travel dehydrates us—plane cabins and car air conditioning or heat exacerbate this. Dehydration is a common migraine trigger, so keep a refillable water bottle with you at all times. Choose one with measurement markings to track your intake. While frequent bathroom stops or trips to the airplane bathroom may feel inconvenient, staying hydrated is worth the effort. 2. Choose Head-Friendly Foods If you’re following a migraine elimination diet, strive for “good enough” rather than perfection. Pack snacks that align with your diet for car rides, and research restaurant options ahead of time. When dining at unfamiliar places, make the best choices you can and move forward with a positive attitude. 3. Protect Yourself from the Sun Pack essentials like a wide-brimmed hat, sunscreen, and a sun shirt. Stay cool and drink plenty of water to replenish fluids. Sunglasses are also a must, especially when hiking, skiing or hanging at the beach. 4. Maintain a Sleep Routine Headache specialists recommend a consistent sleep schedule. While slight deviations for activities like late dinners or movies are okay, avoid drastic changes. Pack earplugs and a sleep mask, to block noise and light. 5. Carry Medications and Emergency Supplies Always keep a stocked emergency kit within reach. Include your preventive and acute medications, supplements, and any tools you use for managing attacks. Never pack essential medications in checked luggage—lost bags mean lost treatments. Unexpected delays can cause all kinds of havoc. Whether stuck in a plane or in traffic, always have supplies to avoid the ‘hangry’ attack. Drinks and some safe crackers or granola bars can head off the impending ‘I skipped a meal’ attack. Flight Tips: Prevent Airplane Headaches Airplane headaches often result from cabin pressure and altitude changes. Consider these strategies to reduce your risk: Dexamethasone – Is a steroid that has been shown to be effective in preventing high altitude headache (1) A low dose (4mg) the day before, day of and day after flying can offer protection against airplane headaches or migraine attacks. Diamox (acetazolamide) – This prescription preventive medication is used also to treat altitude sickness. Taking Diamox prior to and during your flight may help you avoid a migraine attack. (1) If you want to learn more about how Diamox can help with pressure and weather related attacks, read our article on a migraine forecast. Acute medication – Headache specialists suggest premedicating prior to your flight if you are susceptible to airplane headaches or migraine attack during flights. Keep in mind that this goes towards your total for the week/month so if your are towards the chronic end of the migraine spectrum, use this option with that in mind. Ginger is always a good option as well and our article on ginger for migraine can give you the needed information. A decongestant like pseudoephedrine can help prevent an attack and can be taken prior to your flight as well. Check with your doctor to see if they recommend any of these options. Essentials for the airplane headache emergency kit Emergency Kit – Always have your emergency kit packed and ready to go. All kits are a bit different but some helpful things to consider packing
AI-aided colonoscopy may help high-risk colorectal cancer group
Add topic to email alerts Receive an email when new articles are posted on Please provide your email address to receive an email when new articles are posted on . “ data-action=”subscribe”> Subscribe We were unable to process your request. Please try again later. If you continue to have this issue please contact customerservice@slackinc.com. Back to Healio Key takeaways: A computer-aided detection system improved adenoma detection rate and had higher adenomas per colonoscopy among FIT-positive patients. The improvement was mostly driven by diminutive adenoma detection. AI-assisted colonoscopy could detect diminutive adenomas at higher rates than standard colonoscopy, which could be beneficial to populations at high risk for colorectal cancer. A randomized trial of more than 1,300 individuals in Taiwan showed computer-aided detection (CAD) was noninferior to standard colonoscopy for adenoma detection in the general population, but had a 39% higher likelihood of detecting adenomas among patients with positive fecal immunochemical test (FIT) results. Data derived from Hsu WF, et al. JAMA Netw Open. 2026;doi:10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2026.4881. “CAD should be strategically deployed as a precision tool for high-risk cohorts and as a quality-standardization asset within organized screening programs,” Han-Mo Chiu, MD, PhD, attending physician at National Taiwan University Hospital, told Healio. “In FIT-positive patients, more is not just more. Finding more diminutive adenomas is clinically vital. Because these small lesions in high-risk patients have a higher propensity for advanced histology like [high-grade dysplasia (HGD)], using AI to maximize their detection directly addresses the risk of interval cancers that might otherwise be overlooked in a manual exam. Crucially, this enhanced detection is achieved without over-resection.” ‘A unique high-risk cohort’ Adenoma detection rate has a significant association with interval colorectal cancer, according to study background. Prior studies have shown every 1% increase in detection decreases risk for colorectal cancer 3%, but up to 26% of adenomas and 27% of serrated polyps are missed on standard colonoscopy, most of which are classified as diminutive ( 5 mm) or small (6-9 mm). CAD has been shown to increase detection of smaller adenomas. “A major critique is that CAD primarily increases the detection of adenomas less than 1 cm, which some argue may have limited clinical impact in the general population,” Chiu said. “However, we recognized that FIT-positive individuals represent a unique high-risk cohort. They tend to have a higher multiplicity of adenomas, and importantly, even adenomas smaller than 1 cm in this population carry a substantially higher likelihood of advanced histology, such as HGD. “Our previous study in Taiwan comparing adenomas detected in FIT-positive individuals with those identified in the general population undergoing direct colonoscopy demonstrated that the former have a significantly higher risk of HGD and invasive cancer, even within the same size category of less than 1 cm. This raises the question of whether the common criticism — that CAD mainly increases detection of small adenomas and therefore has limited impact on future colorectal cancer risk — is applicable in the FIT-screening setting.” Chiu and colleagues conducted a multicenter trial in Taiwan to investigate. They randomly assigned 1,356 adults aged 40 to 79 years (mean age, 60 years; standard deviation, 9.4; 50% women) undergoing colonoscopy for positive FIT results, gastrointestinal symptoms, screening or surveillance for a history of polyps, to receive either CAD-assisted (n = 675) or standard colonoscopy (n = 681). Adenoma detection rate served as the primary endpoint. Researchers defined detection rate as the proportion of patients who had at least one histologically confirmed adenoma. Adenomas per colonoscopy, postpolypectomy surveillance intervals, and sessile serrated lesion detection rate served as secondary endpoints. ‘Critical finding’ Overall, researchers observed noninferiority in adenoma detection rate between CAD (58.5%) and standard colonoscopy (53.1%; P = .01), but the difference did not reach statistical significance (P = .05). However, among patients with positive FIT results, the CAD cohort had a significantly higher adenoma detection rate (65.3% vs. 57.4%; adjusted OR = 1.39; 95% CI, 1.05-1.86). “This is a critical finding,” Chiu said. “The AI’s ability to detect more of these subcentimeter adenomas in this trial will hopefully translate into a highly meaningful clinical benefit for this specific group.” CAD helped identify significantly more adenomas per colonoscopy overall (mean, 1.41 vs. 1.2; P = .01) and in the FIT subgroup (mean, 1.64 vs. 1.39; P = .01), the difference stemming from detection of diminutive adenomas. The CAD group also had significantly more polyps per colonoscopy (mean, 1.97 vs. 1.71; P = .005). The CAD and standard colonoscopy groups had similar advanced adenomas per colonoscopy, nonneoplastic polypectomy rates, and sessile serrated lesion detection rates. However, withdrawal time was significantly longer with CAD than standard colonoscopy (mean, 9.14 minutes vs. 8.32 minutes; P < .001). Patients who underwent CAD-assisted colonoscopy had a significantly higher likelihood of being assigned to U.S. Multi-Society Task Force intensive surveillance of 3 to 5 years (10.4% vs. 7.2%; aOR = 1.5; 95% CI, 1.01-2.21). Patients in the FIT subgroup had even greater odds (13.2% vs. 7.3%; aOR = 1.94; 95% CI, 1.22-3.09). “What surprised us the most was how the AI acted as a great equalizer among physicians,” Chiu said. “The benefit of CAD was most pronounced among junior endoscopists, significantly improving their performance, while senior experts saw numerical, but nonsignificant, gains. Furthermore, we were pleased to see that CAD did not increase the nonneoplastic polypectomy rate. This means the AI did not cause our endoscopists to over-resect normal tissue, proving that clinical judgment remained intact alongside the AI assistance.” Researchers acknowledged study limitations, including use of a single CAD system and not being able to blind endoscopists in the study arm. “I would like to emphasize the rigorous, high-ceiling setting of our trial,” Chiu said. “We conducted this study across centers where the baseline adenoma detection rate was already exceptionally high — over 50% for all indications of colonoscopy. Demonstrating that AI can still provide measurable clinical benefits in such an optimized environment — specifically by catching high-risk subcentimeter lesions in FIT-positive patients
