Tuberculosis Resurgence
PodcastDX
This week's episode we will discuss the resurgence of TB/ Tuberculosis. TB is a treatable and curable disease. Active, drug-susceptible TB disease is treated with a standard 6-month course of 4 antimicrobial drugs that are provided with information and support to the patient by a health worker or trained volunteer. Without such support, treatment adherence is more difficult. Since 2000, an estimated 66 million lives were saved through TB diagnosis and treatment. A total of 1.5 million people died from TB in 2020 (including 214 000 people with HIV). Worldwide, TB is the 13th leading...
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Virtual Sciatica Therapy
PodcastDX
Our guest today is a Physical Therapist that specializes in Sciatica. Dean Volk, MPT, and owner of Sciatica Relief Now, has spent over 33 years revolutionizing sciatica treatment. After owning three successful clinics and a cash concierge practice and working with professional athletes, Volk transitioned to a virtual model in 2018, turning this side hustle into a full-time operation in 2021. Now based in Santa Monica, CA, Dean and his team of coaches provide virtual consultations and coaching to clients worldwide, helping them live their lives to the fullest. The cornerstone of Sciatica...
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Myasthenia Gravis with Tasha White
PodcastDX
In this episode we will discuss Myasthenia Gravis, an Autoimmune Disease affecting the neuromuscular system of the body with Tasha White, Director of a new Non-profit organization called My Walk with MG located in St. Louis, MO. Myasthenia gravis is a chronic neuromuscular disease that causes weakness in the voluntary muscles. Voluntary muscles include muscles that connect to a person’s bones, muscles in the face, throat, and diaphragm. They contract to move the arms and legs and are essential for breathing, swallowing and facial movements. Myasthenia gravis is an autoimmune...
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Blood Clots
PodcastDX
This week we discuss blood clots A blood clot is a clump of blood that has changed from a liquid to a gel-like or semisolid state. Clotting is a necessary process that can excessive blood loss when you have a cut, for example. Thrombosis is when a blood clot and reduces blood flow. There are two types: Arterial thrombosis occurs when a blood clot forms in an artery. Venous thrombosis occurs when a blood clot forms in a vein. When a clot forms inside one of your veins, it may dissolve on its own. However, sometimes a clot doesn’t dissolve on its own, or part of it...
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Hearing Loss
PodcastDX
This week we discuss hearing loss. A person who is not able to hear as well as someone with normal hearing – hearing thresholds of 20 dB or better in both ears – is said to have hearing loss. Hearing loss may be mild, moderate, severe or profound. It can affect one ear or both ears and leads to difficulty in hearing conversational speech or loud sounds. Hard of hearing refers to people with hearing loss ranging from mild to severe. People who are hard of hearing usually communicate through spoken language and can benefit from hearing aids, cochlear implants, and other assistive devices as...
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Food Safety at the Holidays
PodcastDX
In this episode we will discuss food safety at the holidays. From prep to serving there are important tips to remember to ensure a toxin free meal for everyone! Parties, family dinners, and other gatherings where food is served are all part of the holiday cheer. But the joy can change to misery if food makes you or others ill. Typical symptoms of foodborne illness, also known as food poisoning, are vomiting, diarrhea, and flu-like symptoms, which can start anywhere from hours to days after contaminated food or drinks are consumed. The symptoms usually are not long-lasting in healthy...
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Abdominal Adhesions
PodcastDX
This week we discuss Abdominal adhesions. These are bands of scar tissue that form between abdominal tissues and organs. Like the name suggests, the tissue can cause your organs to “adhere,” or stick together. Adhesions commonly form after abdominal surgery. Typically, you don’t need treatment unless they cause a complication, like a small bowel obstruction. Abdominal adhesions are bands of scar tissue that form between the organs in your belly and pelvis. Mainly, they form between loops of your . They can also form between an organ and the wall of your abdominal cavity. Your...
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Vaccines/ Re-Run
PodcastDX
The first human vaccines against viruses were based using weaker or attenuated viruses to generate immunity. The smallpox vaccine used cowpox, a poxvirus that was similar enough to smallpox to protect against it but usually didn’t cause serious illness. Rabies was the first virus attenuated in a lab to create a vaccine for humans. Vaccines are made using several different processes. They may contain live viruses that have been attenuated (weakened or altered so as not to cause illness); inactivated or killed organisms or viruses; inactivated toxins (for bacterial diseases where toxins...
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Ablation or Meds for AFIB
PodcastDX
This week we will discuss possible treatment methods for AFIB. Atrial fibrillation (AFib) is a common type of irregular heart rhythm (arrhythmia) that occurs when the upper chambers of the heart (atria) beat chaotically and out of sync with the lower chambers (ventricles). This can lead to a variety of symptoms, including: Palpitations (a feeling of a racing or irregular heartbeat) Fatigue Shortness of breath Dizziness or lightheadedness Chest discomfort AFib can increase the risk of blood clots, stroke, heart failure, and other heart-related complications. ...
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Vagus Nerve Injury
PodcastDX
This week we are talking about the Vagus Nerve. The vagus nerve (10th cranial nerve) is a critical part of the autonomic nervous system, responsible for regulating vital functions such as heart rate, digestion, and respiration. It extends from the brainstem (medulla oblongata) through the neck and chest to the abdomen, with motor and sensory fibers allowing communication between the brain and organs. The vagus nerve has two branches—left and right—which overlap in regulating autonomic functions. Functions and Importance Cardiac and Pulmonary Regulation: The left vagus nerve...
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This week we will discuss possible treatment methods for AFIB.
Atrial fibrillation (AFib) is a common type of irregular heart rhythm (arrhythmia) that occurs when the upper chambers of the heart (atria) beat chaotically and out of sync with the lower chambers (ventricles). This can lead to a variety of symptoms, including:
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Palpitations (a feeling of a racing or irregular heartbeat)
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Fatigue
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Shortness of breath
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Dizziness or lightheadedness
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Chest discomfort
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AFib can increase the risk of blood clots, stroke, heart failure, and other heart-related complications.
Treatment Options for AFib
Management of AFib focuses on controlling the heart rate and rhythm, preventing blood clots, and addressing underlying conditions contributing to the arrhythmia. The choice of treatment depends on the individual's symptoms, overall health, and risk factors.
1. Medications
Medications are often the first line of treatment for AFib. These include:
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Rate-Control Medications
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Aim to slow the heart rate to a normal range.
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Common drugs: Beta-blockers (e.g., metoprolol), calcium channel blockers (e.g., diltiazem, verapamil), and digoxin.
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Rhythm-Control Medications
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Help restore and maintain a normal heart rhythm.
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Common drugs: Antiarrhythmics like amiodarone, flecainide, or sotalol.
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Anticoagulants (Blood Thinners)
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Reduce the risk of stroke by preventing blood clots.
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Examples: Warfarin, direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs) like apixaban (Eliquis) or rivaroxaban (Xarelto).
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2. Ablation Therapy
Ablation is a minimally invasive procedure aimed at correcting the electrical signals causing AFib. It is typically recommended for individuals who:
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Do not respond to or cannot tolerate medications.
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Have recurrent or persistent AFib that significantly impacts quality of life.
Types of ablation:
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Catheter Ablation
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Uses thin tubes (catheters) inserted into blood vessels to deliver energy (radiofrequency or cryotherapy) to destroy small areas of heart tissue causing abnormal electrical signals.
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Surgical Ablation (Maze Procedure)
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Often performed during open-heart surgery for other conditions, creating scar tissue to block abnormal signals.
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Both options have high success rates, but catheter ablation is more commonly performed due to its minimally invasive nature.
Choosing the Right Treatment
Deciding between medications or ablation depends on factors such as:
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The severity and frequency of symptoms.
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The presence of other medical conditions.
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Patient preference and lifestyle.
Consultation with a cardiologist or electrophysiologist is crucial to tailor treatment to the individual’s needs.