Bioidentical Hormones and Cancer- Part 2
by Ricki Mitchell MD
The first question most patients as is: Do bioidentical hormones cause cancer? The answer is no. But many doctors and patients simply do not understand the difference between bioidentical and synthetic hormones. It is time they do.
It is now known that synthetic estrogens like Premarin and progestins like Provera, increase the risk of breast cancer. Multiple studies have shown that natural estrogens and natural progesterone are protective against breast cancer as well as some other types of cancer. But mention that to traditional physicians and they will undoubtedly say that’s not true. Tell them to read the literature and take their heads out of the sand!!! Read the rest of this entry »
Bee or Wasp stings: A NYC Allergist tells you when to seek help
The summer is the best time in New York to be outside playing sports: softball, tennis, biking or even going on walks in the park. It’s even great for outdoor picnics if you can find a shady spot without to many annoying insects. I do see more insect stings to bees, wasps and hornets during this time of year. Most of the stings are not dangerous- they just hurt! Read the rest of this entry »
Hives: The Allergist’s role in helping patients
This summer I have been seeing a number of cases of hives, or urticaria(medical term). In some cases it is just annoying, but at other times it can be incapacitating. Hives can appear anywhere on the body or face, and typically are very itchy. They look like small or giant mosquito bites and usually will come and go. My job as an allergist in NYC is to try and find the cause of the hives, so that hopefully by eliminating the trigger the problem will resolve. Dermatologists and Family Practitioners will normally recommend antihistamines to relieve the symptoms- this should give temporary relief, however, typically the hives will return despite medication. Read the rest of this entry »
Athletic Asthma: the role of the Allergist/Asthma Specialist
I just had a patient come in to my office who is an avid biker. She can ride 100 miles in a day- that’s about 90 more than I can do. She is in terrific shape, but she is keenly aware that into her bike rides she gets a “wheezy sound in her chest” and feels fatigued by the end of her ride- even for a few days. I’ve tested her to environmental allergies and she is allergic to pollens and molds- which are both more prevalent now in the late summer and the high humidity; however, I believe what she is experiencing is what’s called, ” Exercise-Induced Asthma”, or Athlete’s Asthma. Read the rest of this entry »
Bioidentical Hormones – An Alternative Choice – Part 1
The latest buzz word in the medical arena is bioidentical hormones. Patients are reading and learning about “natural” vs. synthetic hormone replacement therapy. Suzanne Somers, in her books, “Ageless”, “The Sexy Years”, and “Breakthrough” has raised public awareness to a new level. Whether for symptoms such as hot flashes, night sweats, insomnia, and decreased libido, women all over the country are bombarding their physicians with questions. Men too, are learning about testosterone and DHEA to retain or find their lost sex drive. How to separate hype from fact? How to know whether these therapies are for you? And does one attempt to put off aging, if that is indeed possible? Read the rest of this entry »
NYC Allergist’s Alternative to Allergy shots…Simple drops
As we head into August, the heat and humidity are slightly subsiding. However, the Ragweed pollen-better known as Hay Fever- starts pollinating by early next week. I strongly advise my patients that are aware that they are allergic to Ragweed to pre-empt the inevitable symptoms of sneezing, nasal congestion and watery eyes with specific medications before the season hits its peak- usually around Labor Day weekend. Read the rest of this entry »
The Allergist’s Role in Treating Chronic Cough – Part 3
The prior two segments I discussed the nasal and chest causes of chronic cough. As an allergist, I am always searching for underlying causes with an allergic basis- because there are so many triggers in the air that affect the respiratory system. But once I rule out that a chronic cough is not due to an allergy or infection, I start digging to see if the cause of the problem isn’t in the belly. Read the rest of this entry »
The Allergist’s Role in Treating Chronic Cough – Part 2
The previous post I spoke about the causes of a chronic cough due to nasal congestion and post-nasal drip. Today, I want to discuss when a chronic cough emanates from the chest. It seems obvious when a person is coughing that the problem is in their chest; however, a good allergist/physician should take a complete history and due a thorough physical exam which will point him in the right direction. Read the rest of this entry »
The Allergist’s Role in Treating Chronic Cough – Part 1
I’m always amazed that as diverse as an allergist’s private practice can be with a myriad of different problems- that the same complaints seem to come in clusters. This has definitely been the case the month of July. July in my office has been refuge for patient’s suffering with a chronic cough. Read the rest of this entry »
Cold-Weather Asthma and Sinus Help
March has come in like a lion…cold and snowy. Just when we thought spring was around the corner, we still need our winter coats. I thought this would be a good time to remind you that this type of weather requires special precautions for asthma and sinus patients.
Severe cold weather makes asthma attacks more common. The frigid air can trigger bronchospasm in the airways and this can cause sudden onset of wheezing, coughing or shortness of breath. The following are helpful hints for those of you with:
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