Hysterectomy Fears Sneezing Solutions Tips to Reduce Indoor Allergies:
Staying indoors may not keep you
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, approximately 600,000 It’s spring, and the beauty of spring also chased over-the-counter also prevent the allergy-free this spring. Dust mites, mold,
hysterectomies are performed annually in the United States and an estimated 20 million marks the beginning of sneezing, runny formation of these chemicals and decrease cockroaches, and pet dander are all sources
U.S. women have had a hysterectomy. noses and itchy eyes as allergies begin symptoms; however, they’re not as effective of indoor allergies and seasonal variations
attacking. If you’re one of the 36 million as they’re prescription counterparts. can amplify their severity. “Many people
If a hysterectomy is such a common procedure, why are many women wary of having the Americans who experiences notice a difference in the severity of their
surgery? Murray Fox, M.D., gynecologist on the Baylor Plano medical staff, addresses a few allergies, read these remedies Decongestants allergies after simply performing a
of the common fears of hysterectomies. for allergies from physicians “Many people notice a reduce the size thorough house cleaning,” says Dr. Gupta.
Down Time: “Many women fear they will be faced with a lengthy hospital stay and recovery on the Baylor Plano difference in the severity of of blood vessels,
medical staff. which limits the regularly to get rid of dust.
process,” says Dr. Fox, “but new technology is available that enables hysterectomies to be their allergies after simply fluid that seeps
performed less invasively, leading to shorter hospital stays. For hysterectomies that may be
difficult to perform as a vaginal procedure and would otherwise require an abdominal
Antihistamines: For performing a thorough out. ey can mind that carpeting and area rugs are
those who have itchy eyes, be purchased tougher to keep clean than wood, tile,
hysterectomy, the da Vinci® S Surgical System offers an alternative.” antihistamine eye drops house cleaning,” in liquid, tablet or vinyl floors.
Pain: “Some women fear that they will experience extreme pain for several days after the and pills block histamine, a form or as a nasal
surgery,” says Dr. Fox, “but the use of robotic technology allows doctors to work through substance that provokes itchy, watery eyes, spray–and are sold over-the-counter and to help minimize allergens in the air.
1 to 2 cm incisions, leading to less scarring and less pain.” according to Sandeep Gupta, M.D, allergist. by prescription. Limit the use of over the
However, some antihistamines may cause counter decongestant nasal spray to no more and 40 percent to help prevent mold
Sexual Function: “Another concern raised by some women is whether or not they will drowsiness without treating the root cause than three days in a row as your congestion and dust mite growth.
experience a decrease in sexual function once their uterus is removed,” says Dr. Fox. “But of the problem. may grow worse, causing an increased
research shows that women who had good sexual function before surgery, typically have dependency on the medication. down comforters.
good sexual function afterward. Sexual function after a hysterectomy depends more on “Sometimes patients choose antihistamines
sexual function history than on the procedure.” and nasal steroids because they fit better Vaccines: ose who have a seasonal
with their life situation,” says Dr. Gupta. allergy episode one year, have a one in four
outdoor allergens like pollen from
If over-the-counter medicines aren’t helpful, chance of developing chronic allergies the
For a referral to a physician trained in robotic surgery, call 1.800.4BAYLOR (422.9567) coming inside.
visit your physician to discuss other next year, explains Dr. Gupta. “Patients who
treatment options. begin experiencing symptoms of headaches,
sinus disease, asthma, coughs, vertigo or
Nasal steroids and decongestants: Allergy Drops: Conventionally, when
dizziness on a recurring basis may need to
Prescription corticosteroid nasal sprays allergy prescriptions fail to provide relief,
seek further treatment from their doctor.
HealthQuicks The Best Workout For You! decrease inflammation and swelling of the
airways to help reduce symptoms of a stuffy
Some patients benefit from monthly
vaccines, which help their bodies
the next suggested treatment option is often
traditional immunotherapy. But now there
is another option, allergy drops.
NEWS YOU CAN USE! nose. In addition, they help prevent the develop immunities to the allergens,”
Here are a few tips from Sita Boppana, M.D., discharge of inflammatory chemicals that says Dr. Gupta. ese drops contain the same FDA
Don’t skip breakfast. Researchers in the internal medicine physician on the Baylor cause a stuffy nose, explains Dr. Gupta.
approved antigens used in the shots but are
Netherlands learned that those who ate Plano medical staff, to incorporate into your Some nonsteroidal sprays that can be pur-
administered under the tongue; they adjust
a high-calorie breakfast, rich in complex next workout. the patient’s immune system making it less
carbohydrates, created 33 percent less likely to react to allergens. “Typically, the
ghrelin, a hunger causing hormone, during Cardio patient will place between one to three
the day and felt fuller longer. Perform at least 30 minutes of cardio exercise five allergy drops under the tongue, hold for two
times a week. minutes, then swallow,” says Kevin Lunde,
M.D., an ENT allergist. Patients can even
Exercise increases muscle and decreases fat. Try this: Increase leg strength with these exercises take the drops at home, and within a few
“Muscle weighs more than fat because it’s 70 that target thigh and calf muscles: cycling, running, months many patients no longer have to rely
percent water, while fat is 20 percent water, in-line skating, and stair climbing. on medicines. Allergy drops may also be less
so you may not drop pounds,” says Jill Bass, expensive for patients since they don’t require
director, Baylor Plano physical medicine. Sculpting frequent visits to the physicians’ office like the
Weight training two times a week contributes to shots do.
the preservation of muscle tissue, helps burn more
Research shows that after 6 months, weight calories while resting, and increases bone density. Minimally Invasive Sinus Surgery: People
loss slows. Performing the same exercises who suffer from chronic allergies may develop
regularly can make your body too efficient Try this: Stand with feet shoulder-width apart. recurrent or chronic sinus infections.
because it learns to execute while burning Extend arms parallel to ground and lean forward. “Minimally invasive surgery in which the
fewer calories. Change your cardio routine Lower yourself slowly until you reach a sinus openings are enlarged can provide relief
to start losing again. near-sitting position. en, to a count of two, slowly rise to a standing position. Keep your for many chronic sinus sufferers,” says Dr.
back straight. Repeat 10 times for one set. Rest for one minute. en complete a second set Lunde. e surgery improves the sinus’
of 10 repetitions. ability to drain and allows medication to get
up in the nose where many problems begin.
No facial scars are left with this procedure.

Baylor Calendar of Events
Plano April & May 2008 Events
All programs held at Baylor Regional Medical Center at Plano,
Has The in Plano Conference Room A/B, Garden Level, unless otherwise
noted. For more information or to register for a program, please
Answers call 1.800.4BAYLOR.
Is antibacterial soap more 6:30 p.m. – Weight Loss Surgery Informational
Seminar. Presented by Nick Nicholson, M.D., bariatric surgeon.
effective than regular soap? Baylor Plano’s surgical weight loss program offers three
options: Lap-Band®, gastric bypass and sleeve gastrectomy
to help you try to achieve a healthy weight.
Washing your hands is the best defense
against getting sick. But does the kind of
12 - 1 p.m. – Is Hormone erapy Right For You?
soap you use matter? risk because they may limit the efficiency Learn about the risks and benefits of HRT.
Researchers recently put antibacterial of common antibiotics. Presented by Dennis Eisenberg, M.D., gynecologist.
and regular soap to the test to find out “ e antibacterial soaps sold to consumers 5:30 - 7 p.m. – Diabetes Support Group.
whether or not the ingredient triclosan, typically only contain limited amounts of
found in most antibacterial soaps, made triclosan. e antibacterial soaps utilized Appointments begin at 8:30 a.m. – Saturday
them any more effective. in clinical areas are more powerful because Mammography Clinic. Baylor Women’s Imaging
“ ere really isn’t a lot of difference they contain greater concentrations of Center at Plano, Medical Pavilion I, Suite 450.
between antibacterial soap and regular triclosan,” says Dr. Long.
6 -7:30 p.m. – Living Well with Cancer information
soap,” says Tom Long, M.D., internal “Be aware of what is actually in a product Session, Dinner provided. For more information,
medicine physician on the Baylor Plano and consider the health benefits before please call 469.814.6753.
medical staff. you purchase it,” says Dr. Long. “ e
According to research, antibacterial soaps soaps containing triclosan used in many 6 - 8 p.m. – Look Good, Feel Better. Dinner provided.
do not prevent infections any better than community settings are usually no more
7 - 8 p.m. – Sleep Apnea Support Group.
regular soaps. e research also shows effective than plain soap at averting illness
that antibacterial soaps may pose a health or reducing germs on the hands.
9 a.m. -12 p.m. – Your Health is Month. Free sleep
disorders and menopause education and blood pressure
Boost Your Energy
screenings will be available. Glucose and cholesterol
screenings will be offered for $10.
9 a.m. - 12 p.m. – Your Health is Month. Free asthma,
Linda Halbrook, M.D., family medicine physician on the Baylor Plano medical staff, offers advice bone density and blood pressure screening will be offered.
on managing your energy level. Osteoporosis educational information will be available.
Glucose and cholesterol screenings will be offered for $10.
Eat Breakfast: A heart healthy, high protein breakfast may better your mood and minimize blood
sugar swings and food cravings.
12 -1 p.m. – Controlling Incontinence. Find out the causes,
Walk Daily: Gradually work up to 10,000 steps per day to improve stamina. signs, symptoms and treatment options for the involuntary
loss of bowel or urine. Presented by Murray Fox, M.D.,
Get Enough Rest: Most people require at least 7 to 8 hours of sleep every night to minimize fatigue. gynecologist.
Maintain A Healthy Weight: Do all you can to be kind to your heart’s work load.
7 - 8:30 p.m. – Young Women Matter. Cancer support group
Stay Hydrated: Dehydration can lead to thickening of the blood, forcing the heart to work for younger women with all types of cancer.
harder to deliver blood to cells and organs, causing fatigue.
Fill Up With Fiber: Fiber provides energy by slowly releasing carbs into the blood stream. 12 - 1 p.m. – Managing Spinal Stenosis. Learn about the
new minimally invasive X-Stop® procedure to treat spinal
Play Some Tunes: Music is one of the most successful treatment options for a bad mood, stenosis. Presented by Jeremy Denning, M.D., neurosurgeon.
tension, or lack of energy. Lunch provided.
Diabetes Self-Management Program assists all ages
in managing diabetes. Classes offered at various times.
Sign-up for our Electronic Newsletter For more information, please call 469.814.6896.
at BaylorHealth.com Click Plano, Click Women’s Health.
Physicians are members of the medical staff at one of Baylor Health Care System’s subsidiary, community or affiliated medical centers and are neither employees nor agents of those medical centers,
Baylor Regional Medical Center at Plano or Baylor Health Care System. Photography may include models or actors and may not represent actual patients. ©2008 Baylor Health Care System.
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