Symptoms of Depression The initial symptoms of depression are not always the commonly described symptoms of low mood, anhedonia, and other forms of sadness. Frequently, the first symptoms of depression include tiredness, headache, GI issues, and weight loss or gain. People with depression may also become irritable or easily distracted rather than overtly sad. Basically, depression can present in a variety of ways. If you have noticed unexplained mood changes or other changes concerning for depression, please contact your primary... read more

How Does Botox Work?1 Botox® works by paralyzing the muscles that is come into contact with. Botox® actually blocks the release of the neurotransmitter acetylcholine, which is essential for muscle contraction. Wrinkles are caused by multiple factors, including aging, sun damage, smoking, poor hydration, and facial muscle contraction! When a facial muscle contracts, the skin overlying that muscle is pulled along with that muscles. This movement can cause that overlying skin to form a crease. Over time, the skin crease... read more

GERD Symptoms Common GERD symptoms include the following: Heartburn Regurgitation Difficulty swallowing Less common GERD symptoms may include the following: Chest pain Sour taste in mouth Coughing, laryngitis Asthma Voice changes Aspiration Even pneumonia Diagnosis The diagnosis of GERD is usually made based on clinical signs and symptoms. Lab tests (measuring the acid levels in the esophagus or the strength of muscle contractions in the esophagus) are rarely used except in special circumstances. Esophagogastroduodenoscopy (looking inside the esophagus and stomach... read more

IBS Treatment and Prognosis Interestingly, the treatment of IBS primarily involves psychological support and dietary changes. Medications are available to help with symptoms but are generally secondary. Dietary Considerations: Fiber supplementation may help with symptoms of constipation and diarrhea; however, evidence on the effectiveness of fiber is inconclusive and patients may experience increased bloating and discomfort. High water intake is important, especially for patients with constipation. Patients should also avoid foods that generally increase anxiety or bloating. Examples include caffeine... read more

Botox Side Effects?1 The potential complications of Botox® range from very minor side effects to life-threatening conditions. Generally, however, Botox® is very safe for use on patients. Side effects are not common and are usually very minor. When making the decision whether or not to use Botox®, it is important to be aware that Botox® has been in use for over 20 years and has proven to be both safe and effective. Despite the relative safety of Botox®, the drug... read more

BOTOX Introduction1 Why is it that Botox® is so popular? Many people want to be treated with this drug for aesthetic purposes, often with excellent results, as it can be used to prevent development of wrinkles by paralyzing facial muscles. Yet, how many of them really even know what it is, what it does to the body, or what the potential side effects are? As with any medical treatment, an individual receiving Botox® injections should at least have a basic... read more

Inflammatory Bowel Disease Introduction Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is a hot topic in medicine. Unfortunately, it is exceptionally common. So, what is this disease that devastates so many, and what can you do to control it? IBD is inflammation of the mucosal lining of the intestinal tract. This inflammation leads to ulcers, bleeding, and fluid and electrolyte loss. There are basically two main types of IBD: Ulcerative Colitis (UC) and Crohn’s Disease (CD). These are distinct disease entities, however they... read more

What Are the Symptoms of Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD)? The World Gastroenterology Organization (WGO) indicates the following are general symptoms of IBD that may be associated with inflammatory bowel disease1,2: Fever Loss of appetite Weight loss Fatigue Night sweats Growth retardation Primary amenorrhea The World Gastroenterology Organization (WGO) also indicates the following symptoms may be associated with inflammatory damage in the digestive tract: 1. Diarrhea: mucus or blood may be present in the stool can occur at night incontinence may... read more

Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) Introduction1 Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a difficult disorder for physicians and for patients because symptoms occur in the absence of definite intestinal pathology. What this basically means is that patients have symptoms of GI upset, cramping, diarrhea, and/or constipation but physicians don’t have anything specifically to treat. Additionally, the cause remains unknown. Nonetheless, theories exist at least on the mechanisms behind IBS and treatments are available. Overview and Prevalence Symptoms of IBS come and go.... read more

Depression Introduction Depression is extremely common disease. Unfortunately, up to 2/3 of people with depression are not aware that they have the disease. Consequently, many people with depression do not seek professional help for this treatable illness.   What Is Depression? Depression is actually classified into several difference disorders, including major depressive disorder (MDD), melancholic or catatonic depression, atypical depression, psychotic features, bipolar depression, single or recurrent episode, dysthymia, and seasonal affective disorder (SAD). Each classification has its own criteria... read more