The Facts About Eosinophilic Esophagitis (EoE)

Eosinophilic Esophagitis (commonly referred to as EoE) often looks and feels like acid reflux disease, but it doesn't respond to the common treatments. Your doctor might not be able to tell the difference between the two conditions without running some telltale diagnostic tests.

EoE is a condition that's been increasing in recent years and is believed to be caused by an allergic reaction to common food proteins. Exposure to these allergens leads to an increase in white blood cells called eospinophils and this causes inflammation inside the esophagus (the tube that carries food from the throat to the stomach). The inflammation can lead to a host of symptoms, including difficulty swallowing, pain upon swallowing, heartburn, abdominal pain, chest pain, and vomiting.

Since many of these symptoms can also occur with gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), many doctors typically treat the reflux first and if this doesn't resolve the problem, the next step will be to perform testing to see if EoE exists. Such a formal diagnosis often requires a coordinated effort between an allergist and a gastroenterologist.

The types of diagnostic techniques medical practitioners might use include endoscopy (a medical device used to examine the esophagus) and a biopsy of the affected area. In addition, the doctors will need to know if you have a history of seasonal and/or food allergies, since this can put you at higher risk.

If you believe you have EoE, you should see your doctor to confirm the condition and find out what treatment approach will be the most effective for you. Also, work with an allergist to identify possible allergy culprits that might trigger a reaction. Once you can narrow it down to a few specific food proteins, remove them from your diet to see if that provides symptom relief.

To treat your symptoms, some doctors may prescribe oral steroids that you can take using an inhaler or nebulizer, since this approach has been used with great success in many patients. There are also some alternative forms of treatment worth considering, such as sprays to coat the back of the throat or a gel-form oral corticosteroid to coat the esophagus lining.

Sources:

"Adult Eosinophilic Esophagitis: More Common and Treatable with Corticosteroids." Mayo Clinic. Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research (MFMER), n.d. Web. 5 Nov. 2011.

"Eosinophilic Esophagitis (EoE)." American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology.  AAAAI, n.d. Web. 9 Nov. 2011.

"What is EoE?" American Partnership for Eosinophilic Disorders. APED, 19 April 2011. Web. 5 Nov. 2011.

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Early-Onset Alzheimer's Disease: Know the Facts

Alzheimer's disease is commonly thought of as an old-person's affliction. And it's true that the vast majority of cases occur in people age 65 and older. But did you know that up to five percent of people diagnosed with Alzheimer's are only in their forties and fifties when it strikes?

Known as early-onset Alzheimer's, this middle-aged disease affects about 200,000 people in the U.S. alone.

According to the Cleveland Clinic, there are a few specific differences between early-onset and late-onset Alzheimer's.

May have greater microscopic damage in the brain such as twisted nerve cell fibers and plaques.May decline more quickly than older Alzheimer's sufferers.May experience myoclonus, which is muscle twitches and spasms, more than older people.Often experience the disease because of a genetic chromosomal defect.

Although Alzheimer's disease is difficult no matter what the age of the person affected, it brings special obstacles to people who are in the prime of life.

Still have children at home who depend on them. Have thriving careers. Be enjoying a newly empty nest with their spouse as children grow and go off to college. Be looking ahead to retirement and planning a life of travel or volunteer work or simply relaxing. Be caring for elderly parents with Alzheimer's or other health conditions.

If you're worried because you constantly misplace your keys, ask yourself if this is a new issue or you've always been absent minded. Also, minor forgetfulness is unlikely to be an indicator of Alzheimer's.

Difficulty performing familiar tasks: While you may misplace your keys, forgetting how to use them should send up alarms.Memory loss: It's normal to be unable to remember the names of people you just met at a party. Forgetting the names of your close friend of two decades is much more worrisome.Confusion or poor judgment: Alzheimer's sufferers may leave the flame burning high on the stove when they're finished cooking or go outside in frigid weather wearing skimpy clothing.Personality changes: Formerly outgoing people may become withdrawn, apathetic, and difficult to handle.

Source:

Cleveland Clinic. "Living With Early-Onset Alzheimer's Disease."
http://my.clevelandclinic.org/disorders/Alzheimers_Disease/hic_Living_With_Early-Onset_Alzheimers_Disease.aspx

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Erectile Dysfunction: Myths vs. Facts

If you think erectile dysfunction (ED) strictly affects the aging population, think again. As it turns out, ED affects up to 30 million males of all ages in the United States each year, according to the National Institutes of Health (NIH).

Although it was once a taboo subject, men are more willing to discuss and seek treatment for the condition today. Of course, understanding the facts is a critical component of treating and preventing ED. Here, we debunk the most common myths about the condition.

Erectile dysfunction is strictly a physical problem.
Although the majority of diagnosed ED cases are a result of physical diseases that cause damage to nerves, fibrous tissues, and arteries (such as diabetes, MS, vascular disease, and neurological disease), experts theorize that up to 20 percent of ED cases are due to anxiety, stress, depression, and other psychological factors, according to the National Kidney and Urologic Disease Information Clearinghouse (NIDDK). One of the most common psychological causes of erectile dysfunction is performance anxiety that may result after several failed attempts at intercourse. The anxiety may increase, leading to more failed attempts, ultimately resulting in a cycle of anxiety and sexual failure. Erectile dysfunction should just be accepted as a natural part of the aging process.
The incidence of erectile dysfunction certainly increases with age, but it is in no way an inevitable part of the aging process. Changes in erections and in the amount of time it takes to achieve one are normal signs of aging and should not be confused with ED, which is the repeated inability to get or keep an erection firm enough for sexual intercourse. Lifestyle changes, such as quitting smoking, exercising regularly, avoiding excessive alcohol consumption, and carefully monitoring chronic illnesses, like kidney disease or diabetes, can help decrease your risk of developing ED. Erectile dysfunction will go away naturally.
ED is treatable at any age, and increasing numbers of men are becoming aware of this fact. Treatment options are available, regardless of whether the cause is found to be physical or psychological. In some cases, surgery may be an option. However, there are many non-surgical treatments available, most of which work by increasing blood flow to the penis. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved oral drugs, such as Cialis and Viagra, as one type of treatment. In addition, devices such as vacuums and implants are available. Some people have found success with sex therapy or herbal remedies. In other cases, properly managing the underlying disease or substituting certain prescription medications resolves the problem. Oftentimes, a man suffering from ED simply needs to eat better, exercise, and quit smoking in order to eliminate the condition. Alcohol makes you more relaxed and can increase your ability to maintain an erection.

While small amounts of alcohol can lower your inhibitions, heavy drinking can depress your central nervous system and lead to vascular problems, actually increasing your risk for erectile dysfunction.

Men under the age of 40 don't have to worry about erectile dysfunction.

Although ED is most common in men 65 and older, it can occur at any age. Statistics show that the majority of men experience erectile problems at some point in their lives, and 10 percent of the entire male population has persistent ED, according to the American Medical Association. Because diseases such as diabetes and heart disease interfere with blood flow and increase the incidence of developing ED, men who develop these conditions, no matter how young they may be, are more likely to experience erectile dysfunction.

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Early-Onset Alzheimer's Disease: Know the Facts

Alzheimer's disease is commonly thought of as an old-person's affliction. And it's true that the vast majority of cases occur in people age 65 and older. But did you know that up to five percent of people diagnosed with Alzheimer's are only in their forties and fifties when it strikes?

Known as early-onset Alzheimer's, this middle-aged disease affects about 200,000 people in the U.S. alone.

According to the Cleveland Clinic, there are a few specific differences between early-onset and late-onset Alzheimer's.

May have greater microscopic damage in the brain such as twisted nerve cell fibers and plaques.May decline more quickly than older Alzheimer's sufferers.May experience myoclonus, which is muscle twitches and spasms, more than older people.Often experience the disease because of a genetic chromosomal defect.

Although Alzheimer's disease is difficult no matter what the age of the person affected, it brings special obstacles to people who are in the prime of life.

Still have children at home who depend on them. Have thriving careers. Be enjoying a newly empty nest with their spouse as children grow and go off to college. Be looking ahead to retirement and planning a life of travel or volunteer work or simply relaxing. Be caring for elderly parents with Alzheimer's or other health conditions.

If you're worried because you constantly misplace your keys, ask yourself if this is a new issue or you've always been absent minded. Also, minor forgetfulness is unlikely to be an indicator of Alzheimer's.

Difficulty performing familiar tasks: While you may misplace your keys, forgetting how to use them should send up alarms.Memory loss: It's normal to be unable to remember the names of people you just met at a party. Forgetting the names of your close friend of two decades is much more worrisome.Confusion or poor judgment: Alzheimer's sufferers may leave the flame burning high on the stove when they're finished cooking or go outside in frigid weather wearing skimpy clothing.Personality changes: Formerly outgoing people may become withdrawn, apathetic, and difficult to handle.

Source:

Cleveland Clinic. "Living With Early-Onset Alzheimer's Disease."
http://my.clevelandclinic.org/disorders/Alzheimers_Disease/hic_Living_With_Early-Onset_Alzheimers_Disease.aspx

View the original article here