Nutrition. Vitamins. You.
Bromelain- The Power of Pineapple Dr. Claire Arcidiacono, ND Bromelain is an enzyme that has been written about many times in the past. In fact, there are even a few blogs on the Invite website itself! Yet, despite this, people still have a few unanswered …
Sinus Infections or Sinusitis Part 2 Dr. Claire Arcidiacono, ND In my last blog on sinusitis I started with a description of what the sinuses are, where they are and even what they do. I then talked about what the symptoms of sinusitis are. (1,2,3) …
Sinus Infections or Sinusitis Part 1
Dr. Claire Arcidiacono, ND
I wanted to talk about sinus infections for several reasons. Obviously, the location of the sinus cavities plays a role in the decision to talk about them during a review of dental health. In addition to location, the symptoms of a sinus infection can mimic other dental concerns. So, I thought a review on sinus infections was a great idea! Let us get into it, shall we?
What ARE sinuses? The paranasal sinuses are caves in the bones of our face that produce mucus. These caves are normally filled with air. Paranasal sinuses are arranged in pairs, 1 on the left and one on the right side of our face. I have attached a picture so you can see what this looks like. (1)
As I have said sinuses produce mucus. Now you might not expect me to say this, but mucus does a lot more than just making you blow your nose! Mucus can help fight infections. It also adds moisture and heat to the air you breathe. It is like a natural humidifier! In addition to making mucus the paranasal sinuses do quite a few other things! Since these cavities or caves are hollow, they also reduce the weight of your skull. The sinuses can also serve as “crash zones” that can absorb some of the force during head trauma which can help protect crucial structures such as the brain. Lastly the sinuses can influence how your voice sounds! (1)
Now that I have reviewed what and where the paranasal sinuses are let us get into the bulk of this blog. That is sinus infections. Now I have been using the term sinus infection but that is really a generic term that is applied to any form of sinusitis. Both acute and chronic sinusitis occur when there is inflammation or swelling in the tissues that line the sinuses. This inflammation can cause them to become blocked and filled with fluid. This is what causes the pressure and pain and other sinusitis symptoms. Please see the attached picture for what this looks like. (2)
As I alluded to there are 2 forms of sinusitis. These are acute sinusitis and chronic sinusitis. Simply put, acute sinusitis is typically caused by viruses and lasts less than 4 weeks. Chronic sinusitis is usually caused by bacteria and lasts more than 12 weeks. Sinusitis lasting between 4 to 12 weeks is usually called subacute sinusitis. If you have acute sinusitis symptoms that come back 4 or more times in 1 year and last less than 14 days (about 2 weeks) each time it is usually called recurrent acute sinusitis. (2)
Sinusitis is usually caused by viruses, bacteria, fungi, and allergens. Something interesting about sinusitis is that while it is not contagious the viruses, bacteria and fungi that lead to sinusitis are all contagious! What are some factors that increase the risk of sinusitis? Having allergies, asthma and nasal polyps all increase the risk of sinusitis. Having a deviated septum is also a risk factor. Smoking or having a weakened immune system can also increase the risk of sinusitis. (2)
What are the symptoms of sinusitis? First, you may feel pressure or pain in your teeth, ears, and face. You may have a stuffy nose, runny nose, and postnasal drip. You may have a cough, headache, fever and feel fatigued. Lastly you may notice bad breath. (2) Now sinusitis can mimic a number of dental issues. In my next blog I will be reviewing how sinusitis is diagnosed. I will also be reviewing how to tell you the difference between a concern with your dental health and with your sinus. Interestingly enough sinusitis can also mimic a cold so I’ll be including a brief description on how to distinguish between the 2 conditions. Lastly, I’ll be reviewing supplements such as Olive Leaf Extract, Green Tea, Black Seed and even my old favorite, NAC!
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Homemade Toothpaste from Invite Health Dr. Claire Arcidiacono, ND Toothpaste is an interesting topic because to be frank everyone has their favorite brand. Which brand do I think is best? The one you will use! If you like strong peppermint that is great. But if …
Hepatitis Part 2 Dr. Claire Arcidiacono, ND In our last blog on this topic, we began with some background information such as just what is hepatitis? What causes hepatitis? And what are the symptoms you might experience with hepatitis? If you haven’t read the first …
Hair and Skin Changes Due to Cancer Treatments
Dr. Claire Arcidiacono, ND
Cancer treatments can have different side effects when it comes to our hair and skin. Let’s start with our skin, shall we? Certain cancer therapies can cause skin to become dry. They can also cause a skin rash and spots that look like acne. You may notice that your skin is more sensitive. It may even feel itchy. Certain types of cancer treatment can make your skin very sensitive to sunlight. Other types of cancer treatments can change the skin of your hands and feet so they appear red and feel sore. Due to skin changes you may find that your veins become more visible. Additionally they may start to look broke. (1)
In addition to being dry your skin may become rough and flaky. This dry skin may be itchy which can cause you to feel anxious and even restless. As you scratch the skin it can become damaged leading to sores and even an increased risk of infection. In addition to making your skin red other color changes that can occur include yellow (due to changes in your liver), blue (due to breathing troubles), and bruised (due to blood disorders). Depending on the treatment you are receiving you may be bed bound or even bound to a wheelchair. This can increase the risk of bed sores. (2) Certain types of cancer can directly affect your skin. For example breast cancer can change the skin on the surface of the breast so that it starts to looks swollen and red/purple. The skin changes can also make the skin of the affected breast look similar to an orange peel. (3)
In addition to affecting to your skin cancer treatments can affect your nails. Cancer treatments can cause your nails to become loose or even fall out. There may be ridges or white/dark lines on the nails. These changes can occur on both the fingers and toes. (1)
Hair loss is a well-known side effect to different cancer treatments. This hair loss includes not just the hair on your head but also the hair on your body. Approximately 2-6 months after treatment is finished you will notice your hair begin to grow back. As the hair grows back you may notice it is slightly different. For example it may become more straight or curly. It may even be a different color. Depending on the type of treatment you may notice that the hair that grows back is thinner than before. In some cases hair on the body that received direct intense treatment may not grow back. (4)
What can you do if you experience these changes?
During treatment:
After treatment:
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