Asthma: What Parents Should Know

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If you’ve ever witnessed (or experienced for yourself) the wheezing and breathlessness typical of asthma, then you know all too well how scary this common health issue can be. At St. Thomas Medical Group, pulmonary specialists are helping children and adults in Nashville treat their asthma.

Today on the St. Thomas Medical Group blog, let’s take a closer look at this lung disease.

Fast Facts About Asthma

The Centers for Disease Control and Statistics reports…

  • 6.2 million children under the age of 18 in the United States have asthma.
  • 8.4% of children under the age of 18 in the United States have asthma. (For comparison, 7.6% of adults age 18 and older have asthma.)
  • 2 million ER visits are caused by asthma.

Unfortunately, “the number of people with asthma continues to grow,” reports the CDC. Not only is asthma on the rise, but experts believe that many asthma attacks could be prevented with better education. For example, the CDC tells us that, “In 2008 less than half of people with asthma reported being taught how to avoid triggers. Almost half (48%) of adults who were taught how to avoid triggers did not follow most of this advice.”

At St. Thomas Medical Group, we believe that better patient education can lead to better outcomes.

What are the symptoms of asthma?

In children, symptoms may include:

  • Frequent coughing
  • Whistling/wheezing sound with exhalation
  • Shortness of breath
  • Chest pain, congestion or tightness

In some cases, children with asthma may have trouble sleeping (due to shortness of breath or coughing). Difficulty catching breath may interfere with a child’s ability to play or exercise with peers. Respiratory infections may be more complex with longer illnesses and recovery periods among children with asthma.

How is asthma diagnosed?

Asthma can be difficult to diagnose. At St. Thomas Medical Group, a pulmonologist may inquire about your child’s health, symptoms, and family history. Asthma has a tendency to run in families, though not every family member will have it. Lung function tests, which measure exhalation rates and lung capacity, may also be used to aid in diagnosis. Other conditions may have to be ruled out first.

What treatments are available for asthma?

There is no “cure” for asthma. However, your child’s pulmonologist may be able to provide you with quick relief and long-term control medications that can help reduce the frequency and severity of asthma attacks.

  • Quick-relief medications – such as steroids and bronchodilators (“inhalers”) – can often provide symptomatic relief during an attack. In some cases, your child’s doctor may advise using a quick-relief medication prior to exercise or activity.
  • Long-term relief medications, such as corticosteroids or leukotriene modifiers, can also help reduce inflammation in the airways and prevent attacks from occurring. (Please note, these are only a few examples of medications used; only a physician can prescribe appropriate medication for asthma.)

See a Pulmonologist In Nashville, TN

To schedule an appointment with a board-certified pulmonologist in Nashville, contact St. Thomas Medical Group by calling +1 (615) 964-5864 or by making an appointment online.

3 Things to Know for Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month

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March is Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month!

We can use this month to make a difference by spreading awareness about colorectal cancer and encouraging people to take action.

Did you know that colorectal cancer is the third most commonly diagnosed cancer in the United States? It is also the second leading cause of death from cancer. Only lung cancer claims a higher mortality rate.

For 2018, the American Cancer Society predicts that there will be approximately 97,220 new cases of colon cancer and 43,030 new cases of rectal cancer. To put this into perspective, approximately 1 in 20 people will be affected by colon cancer in their lifetime. The good news is that it is preventable with screening.

Colorectal Cancer Risk Factors, Screening, and Treatment

While colorectal cancer affects the lives of over 140,000 Americans each year, the reality is that it is preventable. This month, help us raise awareness. Here’s what you need to know:

  1. Colorectal cancer is preventable, treatable, and beatable. The key preventive strategy is “screening, screening, screening.” One of the most acceptable choices is to get a colonoscopy every 10 years beginning at age 50 if you have average risk. Other screening choices include fecal DNA testing and stool hemoccult testing (FIT). Why get screened? These tests are designed to catch colorectal cancer early when it is easiest to fight the disease. Detection of polyps and subsequent polyp removal by colonoscopy is the best strategy to prevent colon cancer before it forms since all colon cancers start as polyps.
  2. There are some colorectal cancer risk factors you can change. The links between dietary habits, weight, and exercise and colorectal cancer risk are considered some of the strongest for any type of cancer. Lifestyle-related risk factors include being overweight or obese, physical inactivity, diets high in red meats, smoking, and heavy alcohol use.
  3. Some colorectal cancer risk factors you cannot change. While you can live a healthier lifestyle to decrease your risk, there are still some risk factors that are out of your hands. For example, the risk of colorectal cancer increases with age. While younger adults can get it, it’s much more common after 50. The average age of diagnosis is 68 for men and 72 for women. Family history also plays a role, as nearly 1 in 3 people diagnosed with colorectal cancer have family members who have had it. A personal history of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) or colorectal polyps also mean that you are at an increased risk of developing the cancer. Finally, inherited syndromes such as Lynch syndrome or familial adenomatous polyposis increase your risk as well.

To set up or discuss colonoscopy, call +1 (615) 383-0165 for Dr. Mertz and Dr. Pruitt at St. Thomas West, +1 (615) 329-2141 for Dr. Bailey and Dr. White at St. Thomas Midtown, or +1 (615) 250-4108 for Dr. Eskind and Dr. Granda at St. Thomas West.

To set up fecal DNA testing or hemoccult tests for detection of cancer, please discuss this with your primary doctor. You can also schedule an appointment online.

Nearly 1 In 4 Nashville Deaths Caused by Heart Disease

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The most recent data available from the American Heart Association reveals that heart disease is the #1 cause of death in Tennessee, accounting for approximately 23% of all deaths. Stroke isn’t too far behind, ranking as the #5 cause of death in Tennessee.

Join us as we resolve to help Nashvillians take control of manageable risk factors that increase risk for heart attack and stroke.

Understanding Heart Disease & Stroke Risk Factors

The risk factors for heart disease and stroke include:

  • Smoking: One in four Tennessee adults is currently a smoker. (Compare that to 19% of U.S. adults.) The good news is, this risk factor can be managed. Talk to your primary care doctor at St. Thomas Medical Group to learn about your smoking cessation options.
  • Insufficient Exercise: Only 37% of Tennessee adults get 150+ minutes of aerobic physical activity per week. This is the minimum exercise recommendation for reducing risk of heart disease. We completely understand that between the cold weeks we’ve experienced this winter, it can be a challenge to get exercise. As an alternative, check out these five winterproof exercise classes in Nashville!
  • Being overweight or obese: Did you know that you can experience clinically meaningful results in reducing your risk for cardiovascular disease by losing and maintaining just 3-5% of your body weight?

What Is Heart Disease?

If you’re like most people, you may have a general understanding of heart disease, but aren’t entirely sure what exactly it is. “Heart disease” is actually an umbrella term used to describe several different conditions that negatively affect heart health.

Some forms of heart disease are caused by defects present at birth (congenital heart defects). Others are related to problems with heart rhythms (known as “arrhythmias”). One of the most common forms of heart disease is coronary artery disease.

Coronary artery disease occurs when the arteries that supply the heart with blood become hardened and blocked with plaque buildup. This plaque can develop slowly over the course of many years. It’s often the case that patients don’t even know they have severe blockages in their arteries until they suddenly experience heart attack-like symptoms (such as chest pain) or go in for a routine screening.

What Can You Do?

From changing diet and exercise habits to reducing environmental factors like stress, there is a lot that patients can do to reduce risk of heart disease and stroke! At St. Thomas Medical Group, physicians partner with patients to help identify and encourage healthy lifestyle changes. We’re on your team.

Take Control of Your Heart Health – Primary Care In Nashville, TN

St. Thomas Medical Group offers comprehensive adult primary care services. See a primary care doctor to find out how you can reduce your risk for heart disease and stroke in Nashville.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimate that 80% of deaths from coronary artery disease can be attributed to preventable risk factors. At least 200,000 deaths from cardiovascular disease could be prevented each year.

Another study found that 4 out of 5 Americans had “at least one modifiable risk factor for cardiovascular disease,” and that many related deaths could have been prevented.

Together we can help Nashville reduce deaths and adverse events caused by heart disease. It starts with you! For more information or to schedule an appointment with a primary care physician at St. Thomas Medical Group, call +1 (615) 301-7040.

Does My Baby Have a Cold? 7 of the Most Common Signs

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First words. First steps. First cold.

Of all the exciting milestones for your baby, the first cold is probably furthest from your mind. Babies start building their immune systems the moment they are born, but it takes time to develop full protection. During this vulnerable time, they can have up to 10 colds each year, more if they attend daycare or other crowded, public environments. Compare this to an average of four annual colds for most adults!

During winter weather, more time is spent indoors where viruses can live on surfaces for hours. Children experience the world by touching things and inevitably those hands make it into their mouths.

With that in mind, the best thing to do when you think your baby is coming down with a cold is to follow the guidance of your baby’s pediatrician. Please contact St. Thomas Medical Group pediatricians at +1 (615) 301-7040.

Symptoms of Colds in Babies

Apart from the common cold symptoms like fever, runny nose, cough, and congestion, younger children and babies may display a variety of other signs. Here are 7 common signs your child may be coming down with an upper respiratory infection.

  1. Refusal to nurse or take a bottle. Infants and older children tend to have decreased appetite when they are coming down with a cold. If your child suddenly has less interest in breastfeeding or formula, he or she should be evaluated by a pediatrician to help determine if there is a cold developing.
  2. Listlessness. Babies are naturally active and curious. When your child becomes less interested in the environment or people around them, the sudden change in energy level may be indicative of an infection like a cold. It’s always important to seek pediatric care if you have any concerns.
  3. Irritability. Excessive fussiness, crying and tantrums may be a sign that your baby is not feeling well. Because babies can’t talk, crying is a baby’s primary way of communicating. Over time, parents learn to decipher the baby’s cries and what they mean, but if your baby is irritable and cries longer than usual, it might be a sign that your baby is ill or in pain.
  4. Fewer wet diapers. Colds and illness can cause dehydration through fever, sweating, vomiting, or diarrhea. Less frequent need for diaper changes could indicate developing dehydration. Babies can quickly become dangerously dehydrated, so this should be communicated to your child’s pediatrician immediately.
  5. Difficulty sleeping. We all know how hard it is to get good rest with a cold. A stuffy head, runny nose, and cough can keep you awake. It is no different for your baby. Changes in sleep routine can have many causes, but cold viruses top the list.
  6. Pale or rosy cheeks. This type of change to your baby’s complexion may be a sign that they are becoming ill. Aside from pale or rosy cheeks, keep an eye on your baby’s skin or lips. If they turn blue or purple, then call the pediatrician immediately.
  7. Swollen or sunken soft spot. Your baby’s soft spot, or fontanelle, can change depending on illness and hydration status. Both ends of the spectrum, excessive pressure or decreased fullness, can represent a medical emergency and should be evaluated by a pediatrician immediately. In Nashville, the doctors at St. Thomas Medical Group are the best pediatricians to help care for your baby.

Ambiguous Symptoms

Sometimes what may seem like a clear sign of a cold can be allergies, indigestion or another benign condition.

  1. Nasal irritation can come from an infection like a cold, but can also be triggered by allergies or dry winter air.
  2. Vomiting and diarrhea. While many infants have some gastrointestinal upset related to colds, these symptoms are more commonly associated with other conditions.
  3. Red eyes can accompany other cold symptoms but may also be from allergies or bacterial conjunctivitis (aka pink eye) and would be treated differently in this case.

Nothing to Sneeze At

It is important to keep in mind that most illnesses, including colds, can be higher risk for children compared to adults. In addition, many of the medications used to manage cold symptoms in adults are not safe for young children.

If you have any question about your baby’s health, please do not hesitate to contact the excellent pediatricians at St. Thomas Medical Group. You can schedule an appointment with our Nashville pediatricians by calling +1 (615) 301-7040.

Stay Healthy This Winter With 5 Fun Exercise Classes

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This January brought one of the coldest starts to a new year in recent memory. With lows dipping down into the single digits, many Nashvillians were loathe to venture outdoors for exercise. And who can blame them? Going for a bike ride on an icy road or setting out for a jog without the proper cold-weather exercise clothing can sometimes do more harm than good.

This winter, stay healthy with some fun (mainly indoors) exercise classes and fitness opportunities.

Climb Nashville

Indoor rock climbing has rapidly grown in popularity during recent years. The sport is likely to see even more growth when it’s officially added to the Olympic Games in 2020. Today, Nashvillians have more options than ever for indoor rock climbing.

Don’t miss Climb Nashville West’s staggering walls for some adrenaline-pumping top-rope action. Or, for a more low-key experience, head over to their East Location and try your forearms at some bouldering (low, rope-free climbing).

Nashvillians on the south side of the city should check out The Crag Nashville, which opened its doors in 2017.

HOTBOX Fitness Nashville

Rock climbing is a great way to build strength for the slow-and-steady types, but a kickboxing class will throw you straight into a full-sweat, calorie-burning experience. Located in the Gulch, HOTBOX is a kickboxing experience unlike any other. With a focus on fitness (as opposed to martial arts), these primarily female classes are a great way to get out of the cold and warm up!

East Nasty Running Club

If a little cold weather doesn’t bother you, then check out the East Nasty Running Club, which meets Wednesday evenings at 6:00 p.m. at the corner of 11th and Holly. Each week, the pack heads out for a three to six mile route that winds through East Nashville. You don’t have to be a “runner” to join. If you’re under an 11-minute mile, start with the “Lasty Nasty” group at 5:45!

Inner Light Yoga

Located in 12 South, Inner Light Yoga boasts a “West Coast vibe” and “Southern hospitality” that integrates music, rhythm and beats into flows. Not your typical yoga session, Inner Light Yoga puts music at the core of the practice. Plus, they’ve always got the studio heated to approximately 75 ºF, making it the perfect escape from whatever frigid temperatures Nashville might bring our way!

Verticity Indoor Cycling Studio

Verticity takes indoor cycling to the next level with high-energy group classes that will leave you completely wiped by the end! If you’re looking to get an excellent (indoor) cardio workout, pay a visit to the Five Points area studio that will make you completely rethink the phrase “stationary bike.”

Whatever You Choose, Get Your Exercise!

The Department of Health and Human Services recommends adults get at least 150 minutes of moderate aerobic activity or 75 minutes of vigorous aerobic activity each week. That’s just 30 minutes a day, five days a week. In addition to aerobic activity, look for ways to incorporate strength training and reduce time spent sitting.

See a Primary Care Doctor In Nashville, TN

Need help developing an exercise plan for 2018? Doctors at St. Thomas Medical Group have helped hundreds of patients take control of their own health and create positive change. To schedule an appointment with a board-certified doctor in Nashville, contact St. Thomas Medical Group by calling +1 (615) 297-2700. Our physicians have offered quality care at the intersection of Green Hills, Sylvan Park and Belle Meade for over 40 years.

How to Stay Healthy Through Nashville’s Flu Season

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As winter weather continues, so do the aches, coughs, and chills. You’ve probably read the headlines about this year’s specific strain of influenza being the most widespread since the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention began its current surveillance system 13 years ago. In fact, the flu hospitalization rate is at the highest number ever recorded at this point in the season.

Fortunately, despite the scary headlines, there are steps you can actively take to stay healthy this flu season. Even if you get sick with flu symptoms, our Nashville doctors are here to make sure you get the medical care you need to return to life as normal.

Flu Prevention Techniques You Can Practice Today

By following these tips, you can minimize your risk of getting the flu. Of course, there is no fool-proof way to completely slow or stop the spread of the flu, but we encourage you to take the following actions to protect yourself and others.

  1. Get vaccinated! You might be wondering, “Is it too late to get a flu shot this season?” While getting a vaccine is better earlier in the season, there are still a few weeks to go and vaccination could provide some benefit. Even if this year’s flu vaccine isn’t the best match, it can help reduce the severity of the flu and minimize downtime if you do get sick. 
  2. Practice healthy hygiene and good cleaning habits. One of the best ways to avoid the flu is to regularly wash your hands, especially before eating. Use soap and water for at least 20 seconds, rubbing in circles, cleaning between your fingers, and scrubbing under your nails. Also take the time to regularly clean and disinfect surfaces that may be contaminated. Focus on areas that are touched frequently such as countertops, door knobs, faucets, and even your cell phone!
  3. Avoid close contact with sick people. Families are especially at risk for spreading the flu between family members. While it is important to care for each other, it is equally important to limit contact as much as possible. It can be difficult to avoid someone with the flu if you’re the one taking care of them, but if possible, try to give them their own room for sleeping and recovery. 
  4. Exercise and sleep. Getting the recommended amount of sleep is one of the best things you can do for your immune system. When your body is well rested, it can help aid you in flu prevention. Regular exercise can also help boost your body’s defenses.
  5. See your primary care physician. With the exception of emergency warning signs or complications, most patients do not need to go to the Emergency Room to care for the flu. If you get sick with flu-like symptoms but have a non-emergency illness, see your primary care doctor instead. Going to the ER can expose you to others who have it, increasing the likelihood of infection.

When to Seek Medical Attention

The good news is that the majority of symptoms associated with the flu typically last about a week and will subside with home treatment. However, the flu can lead to serious complications that require medical attention. If you experience difficulty breathing, chest or stomach pain, dizziness or lightheadedness, or severe vomiting, you should call your doctor. These red flags are universal for both adults and children.

At St. Thomas Medical Group, we know how important flu prevention is for your quality of life. If you get flu-like symptoms, we’re also here to help you get healthy as quickly as possible. Whether you’re a new or returning patient, you can make an appointment online today or call us at +1 (615) 297-2700.

What Is Fibromyalgia? How a Rheumatologist Can Help

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Do you experience widespread musculoskeletal pain? Do you often experience extreme fatigue, problems sleeping, cognitive disturbances, or mood disorders?

If you answered “Yes” to these questions, you might have fibromyalgia.

Fibromyalgia is a common cause of widespread musculoskeletal pain, affecting connective tissues, including muscles, ligaments, and tendons. People with fibromyalgia often experience chronic and persistent pain that is usually described as a deep muscular ache with associated soreness, stiffness, burning, and throbbing sensations. The pain may be confined to specific areas, often the neck and shoulders, early in the course of the disease. Multiple muscle groups may eventually become involved as the disease progresses, leading to many painful areas caused by slight pressures called “tender points.” There are no specific laboratory tests or imaging studies used to diagnosis fibromyalgia, so doctors will generally make this diagnosis based upon a thorough medical history, a complete physical exam, and blood tests, which are generally used to exclude other conditions with similar symptoms.

Do I Have Fibromyalgia?

The cause of fibromyalgia is unknown, though it is thought to be caused by a combination of genetic, environmental, and emotional factors. It is estimated that approximately 2-4 percent of the general population has fibromyalgia, and the chance of developing this disease is increased eightfold in family members of a person with fibromyalgia compared to the general population. Similar genetic factors are noted in people with a history of irritable bowel syndrome, depression, and migraines.

Fibromyalgia is the most common cause of generalized, musculoskeletal pain in women between the ages of 20 and 55 years and is six times more prevalent in women. It is characterized by multiple symptoms, including:

  • Widespread musculoskeletal pain with extensive tenderness to touch and pressure affecting muscles, joints, ligaments and even the skin
  • Severe fatigue
  • Trouble sleeping or waking up with diffuse body stiffness and feeling unrefreshed
  • Poor memory, migraines/headaches, or poor attention
  • Pelvic pain
  • Overactive bladder
  • Temporomandibular disorder

Fortunately, while there is no known cure for fibromyalgia, there are multiple modalities that can be used in a stepwise approach to reduce the most prevalent symptoms. A combination of effective treatments consisting of both pharmacologic and non-pharmacologic therapies, including physical therapy, can help patients feel better and improve overall health. Our Nashville rheumatologists can help diagnose patients suffering from fibromyalgia.

How can a Rheumatologist help?

Rheumatologists are physicians specializing in musculoskeletal and immune diseases such as osteoarthritis, gout, rheumatoid arthritis, chronic back pain, tendonitis, and lupus. While everyone experiences occasional muscle and joint pains, long term muscle and joint pain that does not improve with rest may need further evaluation.

Because fibromyalgia is complex in nature and difficult to diagnose, a rheumatologist will perform a complete medical history and a full physical exam. A physical exam can help reveal signs of inflammation throughout the body’s joints and musculoskeletal system.

Treatment and management for fibromyalgia

The best overall treatment for fibromyalgia is a multidisciplinary, individualized approach directed at reducing the major symptoms of the disorder, including chronic widespread pain, fatigue, insomnia, and cognitive dysfunction. No single treatment modality works for all symptoms, so each treatment plan is individualized for each patient, consisting of both medication management and multiple self-care physical therapy measures.

  • Medications might include Duloxetine (Cymbalta), Milnacipran (Savella), or Pregabalin (Lyrica). Over-the-counter painkillers such as Tylenol or ibuprofen can help provide some comfort from the pain. However, narcotics and opioids are not advised, as patients can develop long-term dependence on the drugs and generally do not achieve the desired pain relief.
  • Physical therapy exercises and other nonpharmacologic interventions can form the general backbone of a pain reduction strategy. Strengthening exercises have been shown to help improve the overall musculoskeletal system while improving patient’s quality of life. Swimming and water-based exercises have been found to be particularly helpful because of minimal surface impact compared to land-based exercise.

Self-care has been found to be the most important aspect in keeping fibromyalgia controlled and consists of several main points:

-Regular exercise is important for reconditioning and improving your functional capacity, even though it might initially cause increases in general muscle pain. As your body strengthens and your exercise routine improves, positive results will quickly follow. Consulting a physical therapist can help expedite this process.

-Stress has been proven to be one of the leading causes of fibromyalgia and needs to be reduced as much as possible. In order to reduce stress, following stress management techniques such as meditation and deep breathing exercises are recommended. Even visiting a psychotherapist can provide added benefits.

-Sufficient sleep and rest is essential in keeping fibromyalgia from worsening. It is imperative to follow a well-planned sleep schedule consisting of appropriate sleep hygiene techniques and habits. Common sleep disorders such as obstructive sleep apnea and restless leg syndrome may also require intervention.

-Consuming healthy foods regularly can help with symptoms. A varied diet high in vegetables and low in saturated fats can help you feel better and prevent worsening exacerbations of fibromyalgia. Caffeine, as well as salt and sugar, should be consumed in moderation.

Our Nashville Rheumatologists

At St. Thomas Medical Group, our rheumatologists treat patients in Nashville, Gallatin, Brentwood, and the surrounding areas. Dr. Poonam Somai has been practicing at Saint Thomas Medical Group since 2009 and specializes in ultrasound guided injections of the joint, tendon, and bursa. Dr. Leslie Cuevas moved to Nashville in 2002 and has a special interest in treating patients with fibromyalgia.

Preparing for Your Appointment

Fibromyalgia can be difficult to diagnose. Your physician will want to rule out other causes such as arthritis and similar conditions, which is why an appointment with a rheumatologist may be advised. Prior to your appointment, keep a detailed list of your symptoms. Be descriptive about past medical problems as well as medical problems of parents or siblings. Please bring all medications and dietary supplements to your appointment.

It can also be helpful to keep a written list of questions you want to ask your doctor.

With the correct medical help and guidance, patients can lead much happier and healthier lives. St. Thomas Medical Group has excellent staff specializing in rheumatology in Nashville, TN. Take your first step and make an appointment by calling +1 (615) 964-5823.

What Causes Allergies in Nashville? ENT Doctors Weigh In…

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While Nashvillians tend to be a good-natured bunch, there are three things we like to complain about: traffic, shopping for a home (no complaints from the sellers!), and allergies.

If you recently moved to Nashville and find yourself wondering, “Were my allergies this bad before I came here?” you may be relieved to know you’re not mistaken. Wherever you came from, the allergies probably weren’t as bad they are here in Nashville! (Okay, maybe “relief” isn’t the right emotion – but, at least you’re right, right?)

Nashville Ranks in the Top 30 for Allergies

Every season, the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America (AAFA) releases a report on the Allergy Capitals of the U.S. In Spring 2016, Nashville ranked at #29, pushed further down the list from its previous ranking at #23. (If it makes you feel any better, Memphis ranked #2 and consistently appears at the top of allergy and asthma lists.)

In the Fall 2016 allergy season, Nashville ranked #27 (down from #20).

What Causes Allergies in Nashville?

Springtime brings a variety of blooming flowers and budding trees, which create the perfect storm for pollen-sensitive residents. With long growing seasons and a geography that causes air to “sit” over the Middle Tennessee region for extended periods, pollens and other irritants can accumulate in the area, irritating sinuses for weeks or months on end.

In the fall, ragweed (“hay fever”) can cause those infamous symptoms of sneezing, runny nose, congestion, headache, and irritation of the throat and eyes. Of course, our homes can also act as host to a variety of allergens, from dust, mold, and mites to pet dander.

Allergy Testing Methods

Nashville ENT specialists at St. Thomas Medical Group have several methods for screening allergies.

    • Skin Prick Testing: The most common form of testing, the skin prick method involves creating several pricks on the skin with droplets of various allergens. After 20 minutes, test results can be read. Results may prompt further testing. (See below.)
    • Intradermal Dilutional Testing (IDT): Using this method, the healthcare provider injects small amounts of allergens under the skin of the upper arm. The test can take three hours.
    • Modified RAST (mRAST): This blood test measures the amount of ImmunoglobinE (IgE) specific to each allergen. IgE is an antibody the immune system produces in reaction to an allergen. These antibodies are what cause the symptoms you have observed as an “allergic reaction.” It can take two to three weeks to receive results from the lab.

Treatments for Nashville Allergies

There are several methods that may be recommended to you for managing allergy symptoms. These may include:

    • Medication Therapy: Antihistamines, nasal sprays and other drugs can be helpful in many cases for reducing allergy symptoms. Many of these drugs are available over the counter without a prescription.
    • Desensitizing Immunotherapy (IT): Also known as “allergy injections,” immunotherapy is an option for some patients. Injections may be done weekly in a physician’s office; some immunotherapy drugs are taken orally under the tongue twice a week at home.
    • Avoidance Therapy: As you may guess, this therapy is based on strategically eliminating or reducing exposure to known allergens. Your ENT specialist may be able to recommend air filters, cleaning methods, household modifications, and lifestyle changes that can help you reduce exposure to known allergens.
Find a Ear, Nose & Throat Doctor In Nashville, TN

St. Thomas Medical Group is home to three ENT specialists. Meet:

Mitchell K Schwaber, M.D.
Steven Enrich, M.D.
Matthew Speyer, M.D.

For more information or to schedule an appointment with a Nashville ear, nose and throat specialist at St. Thomas Medical Group, call +1 (615) 297-2700.

Our Favorite Immune-Boosting Drinks in Nashville

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In January 2017, The Tennessean reported that Nashville has seen 490 new restaurant openings since 2010 – a 10 percent increase. From health-minded juice bars and trendy cocktail lounges to ethnic eateries and James Beard-award winning restaurants, Nashville’s food scene is finally approaching the ranks of larger foodie cities like New York, Chicago and Atlanta.

While Nashville’s burgeoning food scene has so much to offer, perhaps one of the most unique benefits for health-conscious Nashvillians is the surge in delicious, organic immune-boosting drinks. This month, as we find ourselves in the midst of a busy holiday season, take a moment to check the stress and to-do list at the door of one of these St. Thomas Medical Group favorites!

EiO & The Hive

Just a 9-minute drive north of St. Thomas Medical Group, EiO & The Hive is an all-organic restaurant serving creative dishes made from high quality, mostly local, and sustainable ingredients. (We also love that they compost 95% of waste, recycle 4%, and send less than 1% to the landfill!)

While you could spend several days sampling their breakfast, brunch, lunch and dinner, we’re big fans of their “elixirs” – small 2-ounce shots of pure immune-boosting liquid. These little glasses pack a punch!

Don’t Miss: We have to recommend EiO’s Help elixir, which contains turmeric, ginger, grapefruit and honey for “disease fighting, anti-inflammatory, allergy relief.” Turmeric is believed to help reduce inflammation – even helping with joint pain. It’s also believed to help protect the liver from harmful toxins, which can be beneficial for patients with diabetes or other chronic illnesses that require long-term use of certain medications.

Juice Nashville

Since 2012, Juice Nashville has handmade over 30,000 juice kits. Their juices have been featured on Food Network and USA Today. We love popping in their storefront in The Gulch to grab a quick cold-pressed juice to go.

Don’t Miss: While you really can’t go wrong with any of these immune-boosting drinks, we’re partial to oh yeah., a kale/collard/apple/lemon combo that delivers plenty of Vitamin K, A and C. A little tangy, a little sweet, oh yeah. is loaded with phytonutrients that may help reduce risk associated with heart disease, Alzheimer’s and asthma.

High Garden

A self-proclaimed “Woodland Tea House and Sipping Apothecary,” East Nashville’s High Garden delivers on a wild, organic, handmade vibe that invites customers to sit and stay a while. We especially love that they don’t have wifi and that they ask you to leave your laptop at home when you come to sip some tea. Refreshing and unique among Nashville’s coffee shop scene, High Garden is not to be skipped.

Don’t Miss: While High Garden is home to dozens of delicious teas, their most unique offering is a rotating selection of six to eight house-brewed kombuchas and other fermented offerings. Based on black tea, kombucha is rich in antioxidants, which can help reduce inflammation. Many people with joint pain or digestive problems have found kombucha to help improve their symptoms. Also, because kombucha is so rich in antioxidants, it’s a wonderful immune-boosting drink for combatting Nashville’s flu season!

Find a Holistic & Integrative Health Specialist In Nashville

St. Thomas Medical Group is home to two Holistic and Integrative Medicine specialists. If you’re looking for a Nashville provider who understands and promotes healthy aging, as well as a holistic approach to caring for chronic disorders, contact us by calling +1 (615) 297-2700. Internal Medicine and Holistic providers may utilize alternatives to traditional medicine, as well as lifestyle modification and herbal, nutritional and cognitive therapies.

Why Do Babies Get Baby Acne?

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Most of us can remember at least one semi-traumatizing experience from our teen years involving acne, right? With those days likely behind you now, acne may have fallen off your radar – aside from the occasional pimple or blemish.

And then one day you pick up your newborn to find… baby acne? Yes, baby acne is surprisingly common! Our Nashville pediatricians at St. Thomas Medical Group have put together this brief Q&A to address your questions and help you care for your infant.

Is baby acne normal?

First off, yes! Don’t worry. Baby acne is quite common among infants. (And it won’t cause them anywhere near the level of social embarrassment they’ll have the opportunity to experience fourteen years later!)

Newborns still have many maternal hormones circulating in their system in the first few weeks following birth. These hormones can cause pimples to develop on the face (chin, cheeks, forehead and eyelids, for example). It’s not uncommon to see baby acne on the chest, neck or back, too.

Before you blame yourself, Mom, it’s worth mentioning that baby acne isn’t only caused by maternal hormones. Because the pores in your newborn’s skin aren’t completely developed, your baby may be susceptible to developing acne caused by some other external irritant.

When does baby acne start?

Forty percent of all newborns develop baby acne at two to three weeks of age. (In some cases, baby acne may be present at birth.) This condition can last until six months of age. It’s important to note that baby acne does not cause scarring (like acne later in life), nor is it an indicator of future teen/adult acne issues.

What helps baby acne?

Baby acne typically resolves itself without any specific home-care or professional medical care. However, you can gently cleanse and pat-dry the area two or three times a day. Do not use acne medicine, soap, lotion or any other chemicals. Also, just as is the case with adult acne, no squeezing or picking!

Can I be sure it’s baby acne? Or is it something else?

Of course, not all raised or pimply-looking skin conditions are baby acne. Infants may develop similar signs of irritation as a result of milia, heat rash, diaper rash, infant eczema or cradle cap. If you’re concerned that skin irritation could be something more than baby acne, talk to your Nashville pediatrician at St. Thomas Medical Group.

What’s the difference between milia and baby acne?

Milia (small white bumps that sometimes develop on an infant’s face) are similar to baby acne, but completely unrelated. These bumps are typically present at birth, while baby acne typically develops several weeks later. These white bumps occur when small flakes of skin become trapped in pockets just beneath the surface of the skin. Nearly half of all babies have milia on the upper cheeks, chin or nose. These little bumps are neither painful nor contagious and will resolve on their own in just a couple of weeks. No special washing, scrubbing or treatment is necessary.

Baby acne (and milia) is usually more upsetting to new parents than to the baby. Both of these conditions just require a little time and patience! In a few weeks (or months at the latest) your baby will develop a smooth, clear complexion!

See a Pediatrician In Nashville, TN

Are you concerned about baby acne in your infant? To schedule an appointment with a board-certified pediatrician in Nashville, contact St. Thomas Children and Adults Medical Group by calling +1 (615) 297-2700. Our Nashville pediatricians have offered quality care at the intersection of Green Hills, Sylvan Park and Belle Meade for over 40 years.