REMONA PETERSON

Kidney infections are usually caused by bacteria such as E.coli. Such bacteria require antibiotics which can only be prescribed by a physician. It is very important to take the antibiotics to treat these type of infections because they may progress to a condition called sepsis which is a serious blood infection that may cause organ failure.

Most common colds are caused by viruses. Most viruses that invade the respiratory tract do not require any antibiotics but only symptomatic treatment. These viruses like to attack the upper respiratory tract causing cough, congestion, and runny nose. They like cool moist environments. So giving your child warm liquids helps kill viruses in the respiratory tract. Vicks Vapor Rub has been proven also to work better than any cough syrup. Other recommendations are age appropriate cough syrups by Zarbees to help with symptoms.

Diet and exercise is 1st line. However, if treating Type 2 diabetes in pregnancy, insulin is the gold standard and has proven to be one of the safest diabetes medication. Other oral medications that have proven to be safe to control diabetes in pregnancy are metformin and glyburide. All options must be discussed with your OB/GYN.

Hello,

Your age, gender, and cholesterol is a risk factor for coronary artery disease or in other words you are at risk of heart attack. Oftentimes, subtle pain in neck or arm may be an initial sign of heart disease. Recommend you see your doctor to evaluate your heart. Also, you play guitar. When you play, I am sure you place the guitar under your right or left arm. This position can aggravate several nerves in the arm pit which also may be associated with the numbness or tingling you are feeling. I recommend you follow-up with your primary care physician to rule out issues with your heart FIRST!

Anemia is when your body does not make enough red blood cells to carry oxygen to major organs or if there is active red blood cell loss caused by bleeding. Anemia can be mild to severe depending on the cause. Most 16-year-olds are menstruating which can contribute to a mild anemia. A lack of nutrients like iron can also contribute to mild anemia. Iron helps build red blood cells.

More severe cases of anemia are caused by destruction of bone marrow which in turn affects the production of red blood cells. This is usually caused by certain cancers that destroy bone marrow which is where most red blood cells are made.

Long-term yes but only if your diabetes remains uncontrolled. Uncontrolled diabetes can damage the arteries around the heart causing them to harden and stiffen, a term called atherosclerosis. Thus, blood flow becomes more forceful trying to flow through such damaged blood vessels. In turn, people can develop high blood pressure, stroke, heart attack, and possibly kidney failure.

You can eat whatever you like, but in moderation that is! Ideally, you should be eating 6-7 small frequent meals per day. You should eat every 3 hrs so that you keep your metabolism level throughout the day and glucose & insulin levels at steady state. Half of your plate should include vegetables. You can all the veggies you'd like. Watch your salt intake which is important since you do have high blood pressure. Recommended amount of salt per day is <2000mg. When you cook and season your food choose herbs and powders rather than salts. Also on your plate (1/4) you should have meat preferably baked meats. The serving size should be about the size of your fist. Other (1/4) of plate should include a starch, but must be careful to have starches in moderation. The serving size is limited to fist size as well. DON'T GO BACK FOR SECOND SERVINGS. For beverages, limit your amount of caffeine. Drinking sodas are just not good for you. Sodas are high in sodium and high in carbohydrates bad for diabetes and high blood pressure. Choose snacks low in carbohydrates: nuts, almonds, popcorn, etc.

There are no pain relievers specific to diabetes. As long as your son has good kidney and liver functions, which oftentimes can be a complication of uncontrolled diabetes, he can take over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen, alleve, or tylenol for pain.

I assume that you are 24 years old without any medical problems. If you have any underlying heart, liver or kidney disease creatine may not be safe to ingest. Generally, creatine is safe in small quantities and great if trying to build muscle mass. 2-3 g per day is recommended. Be careful not to combine with other drugs that are toxic to the kidneys such as alleve,
motrins, or ibuprofen. Also, do not take with excessive caffeine.