When I first started working in a gastroenterology clinic, I honestly didn’t realize how many folks struggled with GERD and bloating after dairy. It wasn’t just older patients, either — we’d see young adults, athletes, busy moms — you name it. Some would come in thinking they had lactose intolerance, but their symptoms were more…
If you’ve ever asked yourself, “Can asthma cause tingling in chest?”, you’re definitely not alone. It’s a question I’ve been asked plenty of times in the clinic. As a pulmonary nurse practitioner, I’ve sat across from patients who were experiencing this weird, almost buzzing sensation and didn’t know what to make of it. Let’s talk…
When I first started working as a Medical Assistant in a busy Gastroenterology clinic, I didn’t think I’d become the unofficial “meal ideas” guru for patients with chronic digestive issues. But here we are! One of the most common questions I hear from folks managing GERD (gastroesophageal reflux disease) is: “What can I even eat…
When patients ask me, “Can niacin cause BP spikes?”, it’s a question I get quite often in my internal medicine practice, especially with those managing hypertension. Niacin, also known as vitamin B3, is often praised for its benefits in improving cholesterol levels, but the relationship between niacin and blood pressure can sometimes be a bit…
If you’ve ever battled with heartburn after lunch, you’re not alone. As someone who’s worked for years as a Medical Assistant in a busy Gastroenterology clinic, I’ve seen countless patients struggle with food choices—especially when it comes to meals that are quick, satisfying, and gentle on the gut. That’s why I’m super excited to share…
Have you ever noticed your chest tightening or your breathing getting weirdly wheezy after munching on something cold—like ice cream or a chilled smoothie? You’re not alone. I’ve seen this in quite a few of my asthma patients over the years. They come in thinking it’s something random, only to find out there’s a real…
Ever had a patient—or maybe even yourself—ask, “Can asthma cause pain between shoulder blades?” At first glance, it might seem like a stretch, right? But as someone who’s been a pulmonary nurse practitioner for years, let me tell you, this is a surprisingly common complaint. I’ve had folks come into the clinic convinced they were…
Let’s talk about something that doesn’t get enough attention in the world of rheumatoid arthritis: RA and lower back stiffness. I can’t count how many patients have come into my office, eyes a bit weary, asking, “Could this tight, aching feeling in my lower back really be my RA acting up?” Spoiler alert: yes, it…
Managing asthma isn’t always straightforward, and if you’re like many of my patients (or me during my clinical rounds), remembering every symptom, trigger, and med dose can feel like a full-time job. That’s why finding the best apps to track asthma symptoms can be a game-changer. When I worked in a busy pulmonary clinic, we…