Disease Awareness

Endometriosis
​ March is Endometriosis Awareness Month
​

• Endometriosis occurs when tissue similar to the uterine lining is found in other places like ovaries, Fallopian tubes, bowels, pelvic walls, as well as others
• At least 200 million people worldwide suffer with endometriosis
• 1 out of 10 people suffer with endometriosis
• There are treatment options, but there is NO CURE for endometriosis
• A hysterectomy does NOT cure endometriosis
• Pregnancy does NOT cure endometriosis
• The only true way to diagnose endometriosis is through laparoscopic surgery
• ​Excision surgery has the highest success rate
• Endometriosis can occur during menopause
• Teenagers can suffer with endometriosis
• Other illnesses can accompany endometriosis​

Alpha-1 Antitrypsin Deficiency
November is Alpha-1 Antitrypsin Deficiency Month

• Alpha-1 Antitrypsin Deficiency occurs when the liver doesn't release enough alpha-1 antitrypsin protein to the blood, which helps the lungs function properly
• Alpha-1 is a genetic disorder
• Those who have alpha-1 may also have COPD, emphysema, asthma, or other lung illnesses
• Supplemental oxygen may be needed
• Those who have alpha-1 are more likely to show symptoms if they smoke
• The only treatment for alpha-1 is augmentation therapy that is given by infusion
• About 100,000 Americans have been diagnosed with alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency
• Alpha-1 causes a weaker immune system
• Alpha-1 testing can be free through your doctor office
• It is NOT your fault you have alpha-1

Sphincter of Oddi Dysfunction

• Sphincter of Oddi Dysfunction is said to be a rare illness that occurs when the sphincter that is/was connected to the gallbladder spams, dilates, and/or causes pain.
• Many people don't believe that upper right quadrant pain can still occur after someone has their gallbladder removed.
• When the gallbladder is removed, the surgeon only removes the gallbladder sac; they don't remove the sphincter/muscle that it was connected to.
• The cause of Sphincter of Oddi Dysfunction is unknown.
• It can cause elevated liver enzymes and lead to pancreatitis.
• Medications like Bentyl and Hyoscyamine can be prescribed to patients to try to help the pain flares.
• Endoscopic ultrasounds can be done to take a look around to see if there are any gallstones, etc.
• Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCPs) can be done to cut the sphincter so that it can't close all the way. This can cut down on spasms, bile getting stuck, and pain, but can be risky.
• This can be a debilitating condition causing pain, diarrhea, constipation, nausea, loss of appetite, elevated liver enzymes, pancreatitis, as well as other symptoms.