I have a cough, maybe even bronchitis, do I need an antibiotic?

If you have bronchitis, this article discusses why antibiotics are not the right medicine!

This is a modern day parable about antibiotic overuse.

The answer is, probably not. Sadly, the medical community has led most patients to believe that antibiotics will result in a quicker recovery. This is only true when the infection is caused by a bacteria. Most common colds are caused by viruses, and taking an antibiotic to “nip it in the bud” doesn’t usually change the course. As all too many of us have experienced, antibiotics can cause stomach upset, rashes and other allergic reactions and help bacteria that we may be exposed to in the future become resistant-which means that our antibiotics become less and less effective.

This article is an insightful parable about antibiotic overuse, one that really provokes thought.

Even if we call it sinusitis, you don’t always need an antibiotic. This article explains why.

Think you need an antibiotic because you’ve got green snot (gag!)? Not necessarily; here is a great explanation.

You can find some tips for relief here.

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Click here for a list of foods most likely to interfere with your warfarin. If you are eating some of these foods, it is important to eat them consistently so we can find a warfarin dose that works well with your diet. The problem arises when you eat these foods sporadically, as they can have an impact on your INR.

Click here for an easy to understand explanation of the risks and benefits of  PSA screening.

Click here to for a link to the Virginia High School League physical form.

Well checks are an opportunity to monitor developmental progress, identify potential health complications, and provide medical interventions and counseling that help prevent disease and injuries in the future. Also known as well-child exams, these are endorsed by the American Academy of Family Physicians and American Academy of Pediatrics as an opportunity not only to oversee a child’s health and development, but also for parents to discuss questions and concerns they may have about expectations for physical, emotional, academic and social development.

Wondering about developmental milestones? Click here for a straightforward overview of infant milestones. This is a helpful summary of typical language development.

 

The thyroid is like the body’s built-in thermostat, producing hormones that regulate its various systems and functions. The hormones released from the thyroid must be in careful balance to prevent symptoms that can affect quality of life. But sometimes this butterfly-shaped gland falls out of balance, either producing too much or too little thyroid hormone. This condition is known either as hypothyroidism (too little hormone is produced) or hyperthyroidism (too much thyroid hormone is produced. By visiting a Charlottesville thyroid doctor, patients suffering from hypothyroidism or hyperthyroidism can receive a definitive diagnosis and adopt a plan for managing excess thyroid hormones or deficiencies.

Did you know… that the symptoms of thyroid disease are often opposite each other, depending on whether a patient is suffering from an underactive or overactive thyroid? Hyperthyroidism, for example, often causes significant weight loss, shakiness, overactive digestion (diarrhea), sleeplessness, and elevated heart rate. On the other hand, hypothyroidism can cause sudden weight gain, lack of energy, underactive digestion (constipation), and fatigue. But when patients are diagnosed with either condition, they can often easily manage their symptoms and condition with prescription medications.

Frequently Asked Questions

I have some of the symptoms of an overactive or underactive thyroid. Should I see a Charlottesville doctor?

Yes. Leaving a thyroid disorder untreated can allow the disease to progress, resulting in more severe side effects. Some patients may even experience more serious complications, such as infertility or chronic depression.

What should I expect during my thyroid visit?

Your Charlottesville doctor will probably ask you about the types of symptoms you have been experiencing and may examine you for visual signs of thyroid disorder, such as dry skin. You may have lab work done to check the hormone levels of your thyroid before a diagnosis is made.

Will I need to follow any special instructions or behavioral modifications if I am diagnosed with a thyroid disorder?

You may be prescribed medications to help slow your overactive thyroid or supplement hormone deficiencies in your underactive thyroid. Your doctor will discuss your treatment plan at your visit and provide you an opportunity to ask questions about managing your disorder.

Click here for the schedule of recommended vaccines from birth to age 6.

Click here for the schedule of recommended vaccines between 7 and 18 years of age.

Click here for the schedule of recommended vaccines for adults.

Ivy Family Medicine fully supports the schedule and immunizations recommended by the CDC. It is our belief that unvaccinated, or undervaccinated babies, children and adults are a public health risk. For the safety of our patients as well as those not immunized, we do not provide medical care to adults or children that have chosen not to be vaccinated.

Click here for a good summary of recent thinking about using mammography to screen for breast cancer.