Vim & Vigor - Summer 2013 - Gwinnett Medical Center - (Page 27)

TREATMENT Surgery to remove appendix Antibiotics, short-term liquid diet, and, once recovered, a gradual increase in dietary fiber to prevent recurrence Medication to dissolve gallstones; possible gallbladder removal surgery When to See Your Doctor Medication to block stomach acid or antibiotics to treat bacteria that cause ulcers It can be tempting to ignore abdominal pain, especially when you’re not sure what’s causing it. “The best advice I can give is to err on the side of caution,” says Martin Austin, MD, medical director of the Inpatient Medical Group at Gwinnett Medical Center. “Always assume that this is something important and get it checked out as soon as you can. It’s much worse to assume that it’s nothing and find out that it’s a significant medical condition.” Seek prompt medical attention if you have: Pain medication and increased water intake until stone passes—with possible surgery if stone doesn’t pass on its own Hormone medications for symptom relief; endometrial ablation to destroy the uterine lining; embolization to inhibit uterine blood flow and shrink fibroids; surgery to remove fibroids or entire uterus • Sudden, severe pain uncontrolled by over-thecounter pain medication • Uncontrollable vomiting or diarrhea • Blood in stools or in vomit • Fever • A hard, tender abdomen Pain-relieving medication; hormone medication to prevent the disease from worsening; surgery to remove endometrial growths or the uterus and ovaries Small, frequent food and water intake; moderate dietary fat and fiber; medication to relieve inflammation and suppress autoimmune activity; possible surgery PHOTOGRAPH BY THINKSTOCK Avoiding symptom-triggering items, such as caffeine or dairy products and high-fat meals; symptom-specific medication; stress management stools • Unexplained weight loss • A mass in the belly • Abnormal vaginal bleeding or discharge • Symptoms that worsen or persist for more than two weeks Tool May resolve without treatment; birth control pills may prevent recurrence; in certain cases, surgery to remove (and possibly biopsy) the cyst or ovary • Inability to pass urine or Find Someone to See What May Be Ailing You If you don’t have a primary care physician, visit gwinnettmedicalcenter.org/physician to find an expert doctor in your area. SUMM ER 2013 27 http://www.gwinnettmedicalcenter.org/physician

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Vim & Vigor - Summer 2013 - Gwinnett Medical Center

Vim & Vigor - Summer 2013 - Gwinnett Medical Center
Contents
Phil’s Feature
ACL Double Take
Saving the Littlest Lives
The Ultimate Backto- School Checklist
Join the Movement
Stroke Stories
5 Steps to Better Bone Health
Gut Instinct
Morgan Freeman
Prostate Playbook
The Main Ingredient
Looking Ahead
Virtual Health
PrimeTime Health
Delivered from Devastation
A Big Reason to Smile
Out of the White Coat
Transforming Healthcare

Vim & Vigor - Summer 2013 - Gwinnett Medical Center