More than three million people in the U.S. have chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). This group of progressive lung diseases, which includes emphysema, refractory asthma and chronic bronchitis, causes breathlessness and other symptoms. While serious, COPD can often be managed with the right diagnosis and treatment. That’s where the pulmonologists at St. Thomas Medical Group in Nashville come in.

What Are the Symptoms of COPD?

COPD symptoms don’t typically occur until damage has already been done to the lungs. Classic signs and symptoms include:

• Wheezing
• Tightness in the chest
• Shortness of breath (especially when exercising)
• Fatigue/lack of energy
• Chronic cough
• Having the need to clear your throat upon waking in the morning

Some individuals may experience additional symptoms, such as swelling in the ankles, cyanosis (blue discoloration of the lips or fingernail beds) and unintended weight loss.

How Do I Know If I Have COPD?

If you have difficulty breathing or experience any of the above symptoms, see a doctor for an evaluation. Only a physician can diagnose COPD. This disease is frequently misdiagnosed, which is why it’s important to see a pulmonologist familiar with COPD and other respiratory disorders.

In diagnosing COPD, your pulmonologist may order one or more of these tests: chest x-ray, lung function test or CT scan. (This list is not comprehensive.)

COPD Treatments | Pulmonologists in Nashville

If you currently smoke, quitting will be one of the first recommendations your provider will make for treating COPD. Continuing to smoke will worsen your chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.

Other treatments include…

• Medication
• Lung Therapies
• Surgery

Medication for COPD

There is a wide range of medications available for COPD. Some medications, such as bronchodilators or steroids, may be inhaled. Others are taken orally; these include oral steroids, theophylline, and antibiotics (for use in treating respiratory infections).

Lung Therapies

If you have moderate or severe COPD, your pulmonologist may recommend oxygen therapy for raising the oxygen levels in your blood; many of these devices are lightweight and portable, while others are only used while sleeping.

Surgery for COPD

If more conservative therapies are not delivering the results needed, then your pulmonary specialist may recommend surgery as a last resort. Lung volume reduction surgery (just one example) can make more room in your chest cavity for healthy lung tissue to expand. Additional surgical therapies may be available, depending on the specifics of your COPD.

See a Pulmonologist In Nashville at St. Thomas Medical Group

Schedule an appointment with a pulmonologist at St. Thomas Medical Group, conveniently located at the intersection of Green Hills, Sylvan Park and Belle Meade. Call +1 (615) 964-5864.

Approximately 1.5 million people in the U.S. have rheumatoid arthritis (RA). For many, the chronic joint pain significantly inhibits daily quality of life. Unlike osteoarthritis, which typically affects some joints but not others, rheumatoid arthritis affects the entire body.

Individuals with RA may experience joints that are red, hot and swollen. Needless to say, this condition can be quite painful. Other common symptoms include fever, fatigue, and energy loss.

The fact that we don’t know what causes RA is one reason why this autoimmune disease is so complex. Furthermore, there isn’t a standard test for diagnosing RA. Specially trained physicians, known as rheumatologists, must evaluate patients and recommend appropriate tests in order to make a diagnosis.

Why See a Rheumatologist for RA?

RA can be a complex disease, and the symptoms of RA can oftentimes be mistaken for something else. For this reason, it’s recommended that patients who have been diagnosed with RA – or exhibit RA-like symptoms – see a rheumatologist for care.

A rheumatologist may be able to offer an accurate diagnosis while avoiding unnecessary tests and procedures, which may be costly or uncomfortable. Also, a board-certified rheumatologist can recommend appropriate therapies based on extensive knowledge of this autoimmune disease. Many rheumatology providers even specialize in ultrasound-guided injections and other therapies commonly used in treating RA.

Ultrasound-Guided Injections for RA

There are several medications that can be injected directly into joints damaged by RA. Corticosteroids are one commonly injected medication. These injections can be helpful for lubricating the joint and providing relief from inflammation.

The Good News About RA

While rheumatoid arthritis is a serious diagnosis, the good news is that the earlier it’s diagnosed, the sooner it can be treated. And earlier treatment may lead to better outcomes in many cases.

Ready to See a Rheumatologist In Nashville?

Are you ready to see a rheumatologist for the specialized care you deserve? Schedule an appointment with a rheumatologist in Nashville at St. Thomas Medical Group by calling +1 (615) 964-5823. Not quite ready to schedule? Have questions about insurance, billing, or other aspects of care? Please feel free to contact us!

Approximately 10 to 15% of people suffer from IBS (irritable bowel syndrome). That equates to about 70,000–100,000 people in the Nashville area alone. According to the International Foundation for Gastrointestinal Disorders, many patients with this disorder suffer for more than six years before their condition is diagnosed.

As anyone with IBS can attest, the abdominal pain and symptoms can be unpredictable and completely disruptive to daily life. If you suffer from IBS, please know that gastroenterology providers at St. Thomas Medical Group in Nashville are here to come alongside you and work with you to develop a comprehensive management plan that supports your overall health and wellbeing.

For those who are new to IBS and would like to know more about managing symptoms, view some of the following recommendations from our gastroenterologists at St. Thomas Medical Group…

5 Ways to Manage IBS Symptoms

While there is no cure or guaranteed “fix” for IBS, many patients find symptoms improve through the use of some of these strategies…

1. Identify and eliminate trigger foods. Many patients find that their IBS symptoms flare up when certain trigger foods are introduced into their diet. At St. Thomas Medical Group, your gastroenterologist will work with you to identify those trigger foods so that you can eliminate them from your diet. Common triggers include caffeine, alcohol, carbonated beverages, and raw fruit.
2. Exercise routinely. Exercise has a number of health benefits, including the ability to help regulate stress, promote contractions in the intestines, and improve overall mood.
3. Slowly increase fiber. Individuals with IBS who suffer from constipation may find their symptoms improve with a moderate increase of fiber. However, too much fiber can cause gas and cramping, so increase fiber intake slowly.
4. Eat regularly. Regular meals at routine intervals can help reduce IBS symptoms. If constipated, eating larger fiber-based meals may improve regularity. For those experiencing diarrhea, eating smaller meals more frequently may help manage IBS symptoms.
5. Develop good eating habits. It’s not just when and what you eat that matters. How you eat can also affect IBS. Drinking through a straw, for example, can cause you to swallow air, which may worsen IBS. Eating food on-the-go, overeating, chewing gum, and eating quickly can also worsen symptoms. Instead, eat slowly, regularly, and mindfully.

Gastroenterology in Nashville, TN | Schedule Now

Struggling with IBS or other issues of the digestive system? Find a gastroenterologist at St. Thomas Medical Group. Don’t delay in getting the care you need. Call +1 (615) 297-2700 or schedule your appointment online.

Let’s be honest… few people relish in taking a trip to the doctor. It’s okay, we don’t take it personally. But since you’re coming… why not make the most of it? Whether you’re coming in for your first wellness exam in a few years or returning for a follow-up appointment just a week since your last visit, these tips will help you make the most of your visit. After all, your time is valuable, and you deserve the best care you can get. Plus, who knows… your next visit to the doctor’s office might be just a little bit more enjoyable if you maximize your time by using these recommendations from St. Thomas Medical Group doctors!

• Prepare questions in advance. Do you ever sit in the waiting room with that burning question about your health… and then as soon as you get in the examination room it just slips your mind? Happens all the time! Make your appointment the most effective it can be by writing down your questions in advance. Use a sheet of paper, a notes app on your phone, or whatever it takes. Numerous studies have found that patients who prepare and take an active participation role in their healthcare are more satisfied, less anxious, and enjoy a higher quality of life.
• Bring something to write on. Of course, asking the question doesn’t guarantee you’ll remember the answer, so be sure to bring something to write on. Again, your phone or a pad of paper can work. The best tool is the one that’s easiest for you to use.
• Bring a friend or family member. Having a friend or family member with you is another great way to absorb the information your doctor shares during your appointment. Sometimes we hear information about our own health through our own subjective lens. A third-party might bring clearer perspective to the information received.
• Be open about symptoms. As doctors, we’ve heard it all. There’s never any reason to be embarrassed about symptoms. If it hurts, tell us. If it seems kind of weird, tell us. If you’re just not sure… tell us! By sharing the whole picture, you provide us with a better opportunity to more fully serve you.
• Have a list of medications. Speaking of total picture, we need to know what medications you’re currently using. Be sure to bring this full list with you to your next appointment at St. Thomas Medical Group!

Schedule With a Doctor in Nashville Today

Need a local doctor who will listen to you and advocate for your health and well-being? Find a Nashville doctor in one of the following specialties at St. Thomas Medical Group:

• Audiologists
• Aviation Medical Examiner
• Children and Adult
• ENT and Allergy
• Gastroenterology
• Internal Medicine
• Pulmonary
• Rheumatology

To schedule an appointment, call +1 (615) 297-2700 or schedule online.

Nelson Mandela once said, “A good head and a good heart are always a formidable combination.” Today, let’s test your head knowledge about your heart! Take the knowledge you learn in this post and apply it to better heart health for the rest of the year to come…

#1 – Fast Facts About Tennessee Heart Health

Heart disease is a national health problem, and Tennessee is no exception. According to the Tennessee Department of Health:

• “Heart disease is the leading cause of death in Tennessee, accounting for approximately 27% of deaths…”
• “Stroke is the third leading cause of death…”
• “Together, heart disease and stroke account for 1 out of 3 deaths in Tennessee each year.”

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention report that Tennessee had the sixth highest heart disease death rate among all states in 2017. The good news is, many cases of heart disease can be prevented. It starts by knowing your risk factors.

#2 – Heart Disease Risk Factors

While some risk factors may be hereditary, others are within your control. Let’s look at a few heart disease risk factors that your doctor at St. Thomas Medical Group may help you manage:

• Hypertension: High blood pressure can increase risk for heart disease and stroke by putting excessive pressure on the walls of the arteries. High blood pressure may be managed through diet and exercise. Medication may also be an option.
• Smoking: Once inhaled, the chemicals in cigarette smoke can cause clots to form in the blood, increasing the risk for heart attack and stroke.
• High LDL Cholesterol: High cholesterol can cause fatty deposits to build up in the arteries, blocking healthy blood flow. Reducing saturated fats, eliminating trans fats, and increasing fiber intake can help lower LDL cholesterol.
• Diabetes: Excess sugar in the bloodstream can damage blood vessels and nerves. By preventing or managing diabetes, you may be able to lower your risk for heart disease.

#3 – Action Items: Own Your Heart Health!

What can you do to improve your overall heart health?

• Stay active. Get at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity activity per week – that’s 30 minutes a day, five days a week.
• Quit smoking. If you smoke, talk to your Nashville doctor at St. Thomas Medical Group about quitting.
• Lose weight. One recent study found that overweight or obese adults between the ages of 40 and 59 were at a 21 to 85 percent higher risk for developing heart disease than adults of the same age in a normal weight range.
• Eat healthy. Sodium, trans fats, saturated fats, and sugar all increase risk for heart disease. Cut these unhealthy ingredients and replace them with whole foods, such as heart healthy fruits, vegetables, and grains.
• See your doctor. Your doctor can make specific recommendations based on your personal health history. Your doctor would be thrilled to hear you say, “I want to make changes to reduce my risk for heart disease. Where do I start?” In many cases, patients are reactive to new developments in their health. Be proactive and start making positive heart health changes today – before any warning signs appear.

Find a Doctor Near You In Nashville

Need a doctor who will partner with you in your health? Find a provider at St. Thomas Medical Group by calling +1 (615) 297-2700. Both new and returning patients can also schedule online.