Ankylosing Spondylitis:

Ankylosing Spondylitis (AS) is an inflammatory arthritis that causes some vertebrae in the spine to fuse together which makes the spine less flexible and can lead to severe, chronic pain and discomfort. The cause of AS is unknown but is thought to be the result of certain genetic and environmental factors. Currently, there is no cure for AS. However, there are treatment and medications available to relieve pain, reduce swelling in joints, slow down or stop joint damage and increase quality of life overall. Available medications are typically taken either by mouth or as an injection and improvement can be enhanced by exercise, maintenance of good posture, stress reduction and physical therapy.

Asthma:

Asthma is a chronic lung disease in which the airways are often inflamed or swollen which makes it harder for air to move into and out of the lungs. With asthma, the lungs are extremely sensitive, and inflammation can be triggered by things such as changes in weather, dust, smoke, chemicals or pet dander. There are a variety of medications available to help with long-term treatment, as well as quick relief of symptoms during an asthma attack. Along with medication, it is important to know what your specific triggers are and work to find ways to avoid them if possible. Your doctor will determine the best treatment based on your triggers, severity of symptoms and how often symptoms occur.

Atopic Dermatitis: Atopic Dermatitis (AD) is also more commonly known as eczema. It appears as a red, itchy rash normally on the cheeks, arms and legs. It is mostly seen in children as early as 2 to 3 months old; however, it can also be seen in adults. The exact cause of AD is unknown, but it is known that people who have asthma and/or severe seasonal allergies have a higher likelihood of developing the condition. Identifying triggers of symptoms is extremely important in the management of AD. These triggers can include: dry skin, stress, allergens, hormones, temperature changes and chemical irritants. AD is typically treated with topical and immunosuppressant drugs but should be accompanied by consistent skin care focused on bathing and moisturizing. It is also important to avoid scratching or rubbing affected areas as this can lead to infection.

Behavioral Health:

Many common mental disorders fall under the umbrella of behavioral health. Some examples are anxiety disorders, eating disorders, personality disorders, substance abuse disorders and psychotic disorders. Depression is the most common mental disorder affecting millions of Americans. The causes of these disorders are not always completely understood, but genetics is believed to play a role. Environmental factors or life experiences and drug use have also been linked to behavioral health disorders. Many medications are available for the treatment of these disorders, and it is common for a behavioral health patient to take more than one. These medications are always more effective when used in conjunction with cognitive behavioral therapy.

Crohn’s Disease:

Crohn’s disease is a chronic inflammatory bowel disease that is characterized by inflammation of the digestive tract. It can develop at any part of the digestive tract, but it most commonly occurs at the end of the small intestine. This inflammation can result in abdominal pain, cramps, diarrhea, fatigue, weight loss and malnutrition. The exact cause of Crohn’s disease is unknown but factors such as heredity, environment and immune system malfunction play a role in the development. It is common with this disease for patients to go through a period where they experience no symptoms at all. This can last for weeks to years; however, these symptoms can recur without warning. There is currently no cure for Crohn’s disease but there are medications that can used to reduce inflammation and treat symptoms.

Endometriosis:

Endometriosis is an often-painful disorder in which the cells that normally line the inside of the uterus grow outside of it. This disorder commonly involves the ovaries, fallopian tubes and tissue that lines the uterus. With endometriosis, the displaced tissue acts just as it normally would during each menstrual cycle, but it now has no way to exit the body and becomes trapped. This causes irritation and pain within surrounding tissues and could potentially cause issues with fertility or cancer. The exact cause of endometriosis is unknown, but hormones, surgeries, immune system disorders and retrograde menstruation are thought to be possible explanations.

Growth Hormone Disorder:

Growth hormone disorders are those that involve the pituitary gland. The pituitary gland is a gland located at the base of the brain and controls a variety of hormones in the body. One of these hormones is that growth hormone which is responsible for stimulation of growth, cell reproduction and cell regeneration. There are some people who have a disorder in which the pituitary gland will secrete growth hormone after the normal growth is complete. This can lead to enlargement of hands/feet as well as other parts of the body. The most common cause of this type of growth hormone disorder is a non-cancerous tumor in the pituitary gland which leads to excess secretion of growth hormone. On the other hand, a person can also have a deficiency of growth hormone. This is the result of the pituitary gland not secreting enough growth hormone which can lead to a decrease in overall growth and delayed puberty. This is typically seen more commonly in children. This deficiency can also be caused by a brain tumor at the site of the pituitary gland in addition to serious head injury, infection, radiation treatment or unknown causes. Treatment for these conditions involve hormone modulating agents.

Hepatitis C Virus:

Hepatitis C is a liver disease that is caused by the hepatitis C virus. Hepatitis C causes inflammation of the liver which can cause the liver to not work properly. It is spread through contact with the blood of the person affected. The disease progresses slowly and often shows no symptoms, so it is common for people to not even know they have it. Currently, is no vaccine to prevent hepatitis C and the medications used to treat it are ones that slow or stop liver damage. Treatment often involves taking combinations of different antiviral medications to help fight the hepatitis C virus.

Hidradenitis Suppurativa:

Hidradenitis Suppurativa (HS) is a skin condition that causes small and painful lumps to form under the skin most commonly seen on the underarms and groin. The bumps have potential to rupture, leaking a foul-smelling odor and can lead to infection. While the exact cause is unknown, HS is most common in overweight or obese people, smokers and women. Additionally, medical science has shown that HS is an immune disease in which your body produces too much of a protein called TNF-alpha, a protein known to induce inflammation.

HIV/AIDS:

Human immune deficiency virus (HIV) is a virus that attacks the body’s immune system. It is spread by certain body fluids and, over time, can destroy so many cells of the immune system, that the body can no longer fight off infections. If left untreated HIV can lead to acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS). This stage of HIV infection occurs when the immune system becomes so badly damaged that the person affected becomes extremely vulnerable to opportunistic infections. If left untreated, life expectancy is greatly diminished. The primary cause of HIV is the transmission of the virus through blood, needles, sexual contact and mother to fetus. The virus that causes HIV cannot survive outside of the human body for very long. There is no cure for HIV, so treatment is focused on controlling the virus and preventing progression to AIDS.

Hypercholesterolemia:

Cholesterol is an essential molecule that circulates in the bloodstream and makes up hormones and steroids. Most of the cholesterol found in the body is made by the liver, and the remainder is obtained from diet. A normal level of cholesterol is less than 200 mg of cholesterol per deciliter of blood. Hypercholesterolemia refers to levels exceeding this level of normal. The most common cause of hypercholesterolemia is eating foods rich in fats or that contain high levels of cholesterol. Additionally, it can be caused by underlying disease such as diabetes, liver disease, low thyroid levels or kidney disease as well as obesity or genetics. The main danger associated with hypercholesterolemia is that it increases risk for heart disease. Elevated levels of cholesterol can form plaques composed of fats that become large and decrease blood flow in blood vessels. There are no visible symptoms associated with hypercholesterolemia and can only be detected by blood tests. There are several medications used to decrease cholesterol levels, but all should be accompanied with dietary changes, increased exercise and attaining an ideal body weight.

Irritable Bowel Syndrome-DIARRHEA:

Diarrhea predominant irritable bowel syndrome is a type of intestinal disease that is characterized by unpredictable bowel movements with frequent episodes of diarrhea. Symptoms can include: stomach pain, cramps, diarrhea, gas, bloating, rectal bleeding and urgency. The exact cause of IBS-D is unknown, and people may have it for more than one reason all of which vary from person to person. The primary known causes are communication issues between the brain and the digestive system, immune system problems, genetics, anxiety/depression and imbalances in gut microbiota. There are medications used to treat the symptoms of IBS-D, but medication therapy should be accompanied by diet changes and stress relief.

Migraine:

Migraines are a recurrent throbbing headache accompanied by other symptoms ranging from moderate to severe. Typically, these headaches occur on one half of the head and can last anywhere from 2 to 72 hours. Some symptoms associated with migraine include: nausea, vomiting, sensitivity to light, sound and smell, difficulty speaking and visual disturbances. A diagnosis of migraine is a diagnosis of exclusion. In other words, to diagnose migraine, all other possible causes must be ruled out. There are many things that may trigger a migraine. These things include certain foods, caffeine, bright or flickering lights, dehydration, changes in weather and hormone level fluctuations. There are dozens of difference treatment options for migraine, but they should all be accompanied by lifestyle alterations such as getting enough sleep, reducing stress, drinking water, avoiding triggers and regularly exercising.

Multiple Sclerosis:

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a potentially disabling condition where the immune system attacks the protective covering of nerve fibers ultimately resulting in nerve damage and making it difficult for the brain and body to communicate.

Oncology (Cancer):

Cancer is a broad term referring to disease that involve abnormal cell growth. There are over 100 types of cancer that affect people. Symptoms can vary as widely. Cancer has many causes, but smoking is linked to more cancer deaths than any other cause. Other linked causes are poor diet, inactive lifestyle, obesity, excessive alcohol, radiation or sun exposure, certain viral infections and genetics. Prognosis varies greatly depending on the type of cancer. Most cancers are treated with surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, hormonal therapy, immunotherapy, palliative care or some combination of these. In some cases, supportive care may be the only option.

Ophthalmology/Uveitis:

Uveitis is inflammation of the middle layer of the eye called the uvea. This inflammation can also spread and effect surrounding areas such as the vitreous, retina and optic nerve. Symptoms of uveitis include: red eyes with or without pain, sensitivity to light, dark or floating spots, and blurry vision. It is not known exactly what causes uveitis; however, the likelihood of obtaining it is greater if there is a history of certain infections, inflammatory disease or injury to the eye. Treatment for uveitis is focused on reducing inflammation and relieving symptoms.

Osteoporosis:

Osteoporosis is a condition in which the bones gradually become thin and fragile. This can be the result of the body losing too much bone, making too little bone or both. People with osteoporosis are at a high risk of bone breaks while doing normal routine activities as simple as walking or standing. Symptoms are often not seen and people with osteoporosis typically do not know they have the condition until they have a fracture. The most common causes of osteoporosis are age, menopause, medications and other medical conditions such as high levels of thyroid hormone. There are many prescription medications available for the treatment of osteoporosis, and all should be accompanied by lifestyle changes including increasing calcium and vitamin D intake and getting an appropriate amount of exercise.

Psoriasis / Psoriatic Arthritis:

Psoriasis is a long-lasting inflammatory disease characterized by elevated, itchy, red plaques of skin usually found on the elbows, knees and scalp but can affect other areas of the body. There is no single cause of psoriasis, but it is known that the immune system and genetics play a big role in its development. Certain factors can trigger a flare of symptoms including smoking, weather and diet. There are many topical and systemic treatments for psoriasis, but there is no cure. Current treatments are primarily used to treat the symptoms and appearance of the disease. Psoriatic arthritis if a type of arthritis that people who have psoriasis are susceptible to. In fact, most people will develop psoriasis first and then are later diagnosed with psoriatic arthritis. The disease is characterized by the same features at psoriasis, including the red scaly patches of skin, but have additional symptoms of joint pain, stiffness and swelling on one or both sides of the body. These symptoms can worsen over time but there may be periods when symptoms improve or go into remission that alternate with periods of more severe symptoms. Psoriatic arthritis occurs when the body’s immune system begins to attack healthy cells and tissues which caused inflammation of joints and overproduction of skin cells. Just as with psoriasis, there is no cure, so treatment is focused on controlling symptoms and preventing joint damage.

Rheumatoid Arthritis:

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is an autoimmune disease in which the immune system mistakenly attacks bones and joints and their ability to work properly. This creates inflammation which ultimately results in pain, swelling, stiffness and loss of function in joints. Over time RA can damage the bone, cartilage, muscles and tendons surrounding the joints. The exact cause of RA is unknow, but it is thought to be a result of certain genetic and environmental factors. The medications used for RA are focused on stopping inflammation, relieving symptoms and preventing further damage to joints and organs.

Ulcerative Colitis:

Ulcerative colitis (UC) is an inflammatory bowel disease that can cause long-lasting inflammation in the digestive tract creating ulcers that produce pus and mucus. This disease is limited to just the large intestine and appears in a continuous pattern. The most common symptom of UC is diarrhea with blood or puss, but inflammation created by UC can cause abdominal pain, fever and fatigue. The exact cause of UC is unknown, but a combination of genetic and environmental factors, as well as an overactive immune system, are thought to be the cause. UC is chronic, meaning it is a life-long disease. There is currently no cure, so medications used in treatment are focused on reducing inflammation, suppressing an overactive immune system, preventing and treating infections.