Doctor Column
“Pain-Speak” — One Crucial Way How the Body Communicates With Us
September 15, 2020
Joseph R. Anticaglia, MD
Pain affects more Americans than diabetes, heart disease and cancer combined. It’s the most common reason people make an appointment to see their doctor. More than 25 million Americans live with chronic pain and one in every four Americans have suffered from pain that lasts longer than 24 hours.
Could the Upcoming Flu Season be a “Double Whammy?” The “Twindemic” of COVID-19 and Influenza?
September 5, 2020
Joseph R. Anticaglia, MD
Although the Flu virus has played second fiddle to COVID-19 this year, it too is a lethal virus. We’ve become conditioned to accepting the “statistic” that every flu season, the virus kills many thousands of Americans. Health officials say it’s particularly important this year to get the Flu shot because of the potential “double whammy” of the Flu and COVID-19 joining forces to cause widespread sickness and loss of lives.
Electrical Cardioversion for Heart Rhythm Problems
August 25, 2020
Joseph R. Anticaglia, MD
John is a 67 year old retired postal worker. He complained of being tired, lightheaded, having palpitations and being short of breath, the latter, especially after walking two or three blocks. A thorough cardiac evaluation pinpointed the problem. Calcium deposits formed on the heart’s aortic valve causing a narrowing of its opening and thereby reducing the flow of blood from the heart to his brain and the rest of the body.
What’s Wrong with Dr. Anthony Fauci’s Voice?
August 15, 2020
Joseph R. Anticaglia, MD
What’s causing Dr. Antony Fauci’s voice problem? In early April of this year, the respected infectious disease expert and Director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Disease was queried by Savanah Guthrie during a TV “Today” interview. She asked, “Are you OK? Your voice doesn’t sound great.”
The COVID-19 Sweepstakes: The International Race for a Coronavirus Vaccine
August 5, 2020
Joseph R. Anticaglia, MD
The COVID-19 Sweepstakes has become the most famous international, scientific race in history. From China to the United States, from Canada to Australia, scientists are off and running to be the first to get a COVID-19 vaccine to the market. Forget the roses. The prize money in the COVID’s winner circle is worth billions of dollars to the pharmaceutical company that wins this race.
Pros and Cons of Blood Thinners: Anticoagulants and Antiplatelets
July 25, 2020
Joseph R. Anticaglia, MD
Blood thinners, (anticoagulant or antiplatelet medications), are designed to treat blood clots that have formed, prevent the formation of new blood clots and stop blood clots from getting bigger.
Continuous Glucose Monitoring (CGM): How It Can Prevent Low Blood Sugar Emergencies
July 15, 2020
Joseph R. Anticaglia, MD
Vanessa is an 11 year old with type 1 diabetes who presented to the emergency department for the third time within the past 12 months because of “problems with her sugar.” She was unconscious, in hypoglycemic shock (extremely low blood glucose level) and clinging to life.
Eight Steps to Mitigate a COVID-19 Medical Tsunami
July 5, 2020
Joseph R. Anticaglia, MD
According to a June 23, 2020 report by Johns Hopkins University, there were 34,700 new cases of the coronavirus in the U. S. Five days later, that number jumped to 45,000 new cases of the virus.
Dexamethasone Reduces COVD-19 Deaths Off-Label Use of Drugs
June 25, 2020
Joseph R. Anticaglia, MD
The current pandemic has energized scientists around the globe to come up with targeted treatments and effective vaccines for COVID-19. Investigators in the U. S. are searching for off-label uses of pharmaceutical drugs.
Parotid Gland Swelling Causes and Symptoms: What You Can Do About It?
June 15, 2020
Joseph R. Anticaglia, MD
Larry put his fork down, got up from the kitchen table and walked to the mirror in the bathroom with his wife close behind. Sure enough, the right side of the face was swollen, in front of the ear and at the angle of the jaw. It felt warm, soft, looked a little red and didn’t hurt.
