If you’ve ever experienced that nagging ache or sharp discomfort in your shoulder or back when your asthma flares up, you might be wondering: Can asthma cause shoulder and back pain? As a pulmonary nurse practitioner, I’ve seen plenty of patients ask this question. The truth is, asthma isn’t just about wheezing and shortness of…
As a Rheumatology nurse practitioner, I’ve seen firsthand how the colder months can stir up all sorts of discomfort for folks living with RA. If you’ve ever felt your joints get stiffer or more painful just as the temperatures drop, you’re not imagining things. The link between RA and winter joint pain is real—and for…
If you’ve been living with rheumatoid arthritis (RA), you probably know firsthand how frustrating it can be when something as simple as walking becomes a challenge. RA and walking limitations often go hand in hand, and understanding why this happens can make a big difference in managing daily life. From my years as a rheumatology…
If you’re like me, working in a Gastroenterology clinic, you start to notice patterns in patients that don’t always scream textbook—but they’re real. One of the most common complaints I hear is this: “Why do I keep getting a sore throat?” And almost every time, after a few follow-up questions and a bit of history-taking,…
Let’s be real—when you’re juggling flares, fatigue, and the never-ending list of meds, thinking about your daily water intake might feel like the last thing on your mind. But as a rheumatology nurse practitioner who’s worked with hundreds of patients living with RA, I’ve seen firsthand how something as simple as staying hydrated can make…
If you’re like many people managing hypertension or simply aiming for a heart-healthy lifestyle, you know that cutting down on salt is easier said than done. As an Internal Medicine Physician specializing in hypertension management, I’ve seen firsthand how challenging it can be for patients to keep their meals flavorful without relying on sodium-heavy seasonings….
High blood pressure with slow pulse is one of those puzzling situations that I’ve come across quite a few times in my years managing hypertension as an internal medicine physician. Usually, when we think of high blood pressure—also known as hypertension—we imagine a fast or pounding heartbeat, right? But sometimes, patients show up with elevated…
If you’ve ever wondered, can RA cause itchy skin?—you’re definitely not alone. Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is well-known for causing joint pain, swelling, and stiffness, but many people, including some of my patients, are surprised to learn that skin symptoms like itchiness can also show up. From my experience as a Rheumatology nurse practitioner, I’ve seen…
If you’ve ever experienced an aching jaw that just won’t quit and you’ve been diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis (RA), you might be surprised to learn that the two could be connected. RA and jaw pain explained—that’s exactly what we’re diving into today. As a rheumatology nurse practitioner, I’ve seen patients caught off guard by this…