Living with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) can feel like a full-time job. Trust me—I’ve walked alongside so many patients in the trenches as a rheumatology nurse practitioner, and I get it. The pain, the fatigue, the emotional toll—it all adds up. But here’s the thing: lifestyle really does make a difference. That’s why I’ve put together…
Hypertension, or high blood pressure, is a condition that affects millions of people worldwide, yet many don’t realize they have it. As an Internal Medicine Physician with a focus on hypertension management, I’ve witnessed firsthand how this “silent killer” can go unnoticed until it leads to severe health complications. Understanding Hypertension is crucial not only…
When it comes to managing asthma, there’s no one-size-fits-all solution. Over the years, I’ve seen firsthand how different treatments can work for different patients, and that’s something I love about being a pulmonary nurse practitioner. Asthma is a chronic condition that affects millions worldwide, and its management requires a personalized approach. In this article, we’ll…
Ever since the early waves of the pandemic, I’ve seen a noticeable uptick in patients struggling with a strange new pattern: lingering respiratory issues weeks—sometimes months—after recovering from COVID-19. What’s been especially concerning is how many of these folks also have a history of asthma. As a pulmonary nurse practitioner, I’ve had dozens of these…
As a Medical Assistant working in a Gastroenterology Clinic, I’ve encountered a wide variety of digestive disorders that can cause discomfort. One condition I often discuss with patients is GERD (Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease), and something many don’t realize is how it can tie into hunger pain. GERD is known for causing heartburn and regurgitation, but…
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic inflammatory disorder that often affects the joints, leading to pain, swelling, and stiffness. It’s a condition that I, as a Rheumatology Nurse Practitioner, encounter regularly in my practice, and one of the most common questions patients ask is, “Does rheumatoid arthritis get worse with age?” While this question doesn’t…
As someone who’s worked closely with patients in a gastroenterology clinic, I’ve seen firsthand just how tricky GERD can be. Most people think of acid reflux as just heartburn after a spicy burrito—but the reality is a lot messier. One of the more surprising questions I hear is: can GERD cause headaches? And honestly, it’s…
Is it heartburn or a heart attack? That question haunted me more times than I’d like to admit. The first time I felt chest pain from what I later learned was GERD, I was convinced something was seriously wrong with my heart. Spoiler alert: it wasn’t. But the sensation was real, intense, and scary. If…
When you think about GERD (gastroesophageal reflux disease), you probably picture heartburn, indigestion, or that uncomfortable burning sensation in your chest. But did you know that GERD can also cause symptoms that affect other parts of the body, including your ears? It’s a bit surprising, but ear pressure is one of the less-discussed but very…