A pulmonary function test is a noninvasive diagnostic test that can tell how well your lungs are functioning. This test measures lung capacity, volume, the rate of airflow and gas exchange. This information will help your doctor to diagnose lung disorders and determine the correct course of treatment. These fall into two types of disorders: Obstructive disorders are when air has trouble moving in and out of the lungs due to some resistance or obstruction causing a decrease in the flow of air. Restrictive disorders are when the lung’s tissues are unable to expand enough to allow needed airflow. Why...
Is Nuclear Medicine Safe?
Just the term nuclear medicine may concern you. But it’s not something sci-fi and scary. In fact, you may have had instances of nuclear medicine prescribed over the years and never even heard that phrase. So what, exactly, is nuclear medicine? And is it safe? What is Nuclear Medicine? Nuclear medicine is an imaging technique that is helpful when a doctor needs to understand the functioning of an organ in order to make a diagnosis. The term “nuclear” has nothing to do with what we commonly think of as nuclear in war or energy. It has to do with the...
How is a Sleep Disorder Diagnosed?
Each night, millions of people in the United States suffer from sleep disorders, many not even aware that it is happening. This sleep loss, which can affect daily functions and long-term health and longevity, is one of the most common yet treatable health problems known today. Whether it is disrupted sleep or an inability to reach a level of sleep needed to feel refreshed and renewed, sleep disorders fall into various categories. Sleep apnea — During an apnea episode, muscles obstruct the airway which results in an interruption of breathing. Insomnia — This is the inability to fall asleep or...
Ultrasound or Sonogram? What is the Difference?
We often hear the terms sonogram and ultrasound used interchangeably. But are they the same thing? What is the Difference Between the Two? There is a slight difference in the terms but, simply, one is the process and the other is the product. An ultrasound is a procedure that uses sound waves to create images of organs and soft tissues. The sonogram is the actual image that is created by the ultrasound. So the difference is a matter of semantics. How Does an Ultrasound Work? Ultrasounds use high-frequency sound waves in the analysis and diagnosis of medical conditions. These sound...
What You Should Know About an MRA Scan
An MRA, or magnetic resonance angiography, is a painless, noninvasive newer technology in magnetic resonance imaging. An MRA procedure utilizes a combination of radio waves and a magnetic field to produce three-dimensional images of blood vessels. There are no incisions or arterial catheters required in this procedure. Whereas an MRI is typically used to see soft tissues in the body, an MRA specifically targets veins and arteries. This enables your doctor to observe blood flow and detect possible diseased and inhibited vessels in the: Brain Neck Heart Chest Abdomen Pelvis Legs and feet Arms and hands An MRA may be...
What is the Purpose of a PET-CT Scan?
A positron emission tomography scan, otherwise known as a PET scan is used in many different types of disease diagnosis and treatment today. When used in tandem with a CT scan, it is called a PET-CT scan. Here is what you should know if your doctor has ordered a PET-CT scan for you. How is a Scan Used? Your doctor can use a PET-CT scan to locate a disease, determine its stage and decide what treatment should be followed. While a CT scan alone will show detailed images of organs and tissues inside the body, a PET scan will find...
What Can Your Cardiac Stress Test Tell Your Doctor About Your Heart Health?
Has your doctor recommended a cardiac stress test? The most common reason for that would be to evaluate some symptoms you may have complained about. Have you experienced shortness of breath? Chest pain? If so, a cardiac stress test performed on a treadmill will be a way to gather important information to determine your risk for heart disease or to make a diagnosis. When is a Stress Test Recommended? Your doctor may recommend a stress test: If you have experienced symptoms like chest pain or breathing difficulty To diagnose coronary artery disease that develops when arteries become damaged or diseased...
The Symptoms and Diagnosis of Endometriosis
Endometriosis is a common health problem for women. Researchers suggest that at least 11 percent of women, more than 6.5 million in the U.S., suffer from endometriosis. It can happen to any female of menstrual age, but is most common in women in their 30s and 40s. Endometriosis is a painful disorder where tissue similar to that found in the uterus grows outside the uterus. It thickens and breaks down, bleeding with each menstrual cycle. But because it has no way to exit the body, it becomes trapped and irritates surrounding tissues which then can develop scarring and adhesions. When...
Can Colon Cancer Be Prevented?
We don’t fully understand what causes colon cancer, otherwise known as colorectal cancer. As in most cancers, it begins when healthy cells mutate, grow and divide out of control, destroying normal healthy tissue. When they accumulate, they form a tumor or can travel to other parts of the body. According to Fight Colorectal Cancer, these statistics emerged: Colorectal cancer is the second leading cause of cancer deaths There will be an estimated 147.950 new cases of colorectal cancer in 2020 1 in 20 people will be diagnosed with colorectal cancer 60 percent of colorectal cancers can be prevented with screening...
Why Eating Less Meat Can Help Prevent Kidney Disease
Today we know that what we eat can have a great impact on our health. This is also true for kidney disease and its prevention. The National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases reports that a person suffering from chronic kidney disease can prevent or delay some of the health problems associated with the disease just by keeping mindful of their eating habits. Studies Show a Link to Red Meat Consumption Recent studies have shown that red meat consumption is associated with an increased loss of normal kidney function. These studies indicated that the higher the consumption of...