Argh…

….humph!!

“Uggh… why, Nashville?”

No, it’s not the traffic at this time of year that has Nashvillians grumbling. (Okay, who are we kidding? It’s always the traffic.) It’s that special time of the year when pollen is out in full force and allergies are taking over our sinuses. When allergies have got a hold of your eyes, nose, and throat, it’s hard to focus on anything else.

So What Are Allergies?

Those symptoms we call “allergies” are a reaction produced by the immune system’s hypersensitivity to substances like pollen, dust and pet dander (“allergens”). When exposed to those allergens, the body releases histamine in the blood and tissues, bringing on the all-too-familiar symptoms like sneezing, watery eyes, nasal congestion and drainage, headaches, and even gastrointestinal or skin reactions. This is known as an Ig-E Mediated Allergy.

There’s another type of allergy doctors assess: Non-Ig-E Mediated Allergy, which is triggered by things in the environment that do not depend on Ig-E – things like smoke, chemicals, and cold moist weather.

Ok, How Can I Stop My Allergies?

First, you have to know what’s causing the symptoms of your allergies. The Nashville allergy specialists at St. Thomas Medical Group may evaluate the cause(s) of symptoms by obtaining a medical history; performing an ear, nose and throat exam; ordering a sinus CT scan (in some cases); and ordering an allergy test. Allergy testing can be done directly through the skin or as a blood test.

Once the evaluation is complete, the allergy specialist may be able to provide a diagnosis, which informs treatment. Generally speaking, there are three ways to treat allergies:

1. Medication Therapy. Antihistamines and nasal sprays are some of the common drugs used to manage allergy symptoms. If you’ve bought over-the-counter versions before in the past with mediocre results, don’t assume that’s just “how it is.” Prescription versions of these medications have helped many patients. Furthermore, once you’ve been properly diagnosed, your allergy specialist may be able to prescribe you a different medication that’s more appropriate for your specific allergen triggers.
2. Avoidance Therapy. As a part of your care, your allergy specialist will help you develop strategies for limiting your exposure to the allergens that trigger your symptoms.
3. Desensitizing Immunotherapy (IT). Finally, some patients may qualify for immunotherapy (IT) – “allergy injections.” Immunotherapy may be administered in the form of weekly injections in your doctor’s office or orally (taken under the tongue) twice a week at home. There are different options, benefits and risks associated with both. However, IT has brought about relief for many patients suffering from Nashville allergies!

Sniffly, Runny or Stuffy? Visit the Nashville ENT & Allergy Clinic!

Advanced care for Nashville allergies is possible at Nashville ENT & Allergy Clinic. We are committed to professional specialty care using a collaborative team approach and state-of-the-art electronic information and medical technology – all conveniently housed under one roof. To schedule an appointment with one of our physicians (all certified by the American Board of Otolaryngology/Head and Neck Surgery), call +1 (615) 386-9089 or send us a message.

“Rheumatology? What’s that?”

Fair question. If you’re like the majority of people, you may never require care from a rheumatologist. When you have a good primary care doctor, your requirements for diagnosis and treatment with other specialists may be somewhat limited.

But for those patients who have autoimmune diseases like rheumatoid arthritis or lupus, a rheumatologist could be a life-saver. Rheumatologists specialize in the diagnosis and treatment of musculoskeletal disease and autoimmune conditions. These diseases, which include rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, scleroderma, fibromyalgia, osteoarthritis and polymyositis (among others), can cause pain and swelling in the joints, muscles and bones.

How Can a Rheumatologist Help Me?

If you experience muscle or joint pain that’s different from the common aches and pains you’ve known in the past, you may wish to see your primary care doctor for an evaluation. If your physician is concerned that your symptoms could be caused by a rheumatic condition, then he or she may refer you to a board-certified rheumatologist.

These diseases can be complex, but your rheumatologist will perform a full physical exam and evaluate your medical history in order to establish a plan of care. Diagnostic imaging test (such as x-ray, MRI, ultrasound and CT scan) may be ordered. Treatment may be administered via medication, injection, lifestyle modification, or other therapies.

Meet These Nashville Rheumatologists

St. Thomas Medical Group is home to two Nashville-area rheumatology specialists. Rheumatologists have received additional training beyond that of an internal medicine physician.

Leslie Cuevas, M.D.

Dr. Cuevas grew up in Germantown, TN. She attended Drake University on a softball scholarship and graduated in 1995 with a BA in Biology. She earned her medical degree at the University of Iowa College of Medicine in 1999. She then moved to Nashville where she completed her Internal Medicine residency at University of TN – Nashville in 2002 followed by a Rheumatology fellowship at Vanderbilt University in 2004. She joined Arthritis Specialists of Nashville after completing her training.

Dr. Cuevas moved with her family to Denver, CO, and spent time studying at Denver Seminary, but she has recently moved back home! She is excited to join St. Thomas Medical Group to provide rheumatologic care to the people of Nashville and the surrounding areas. She has a special interest in treating patients with fibromyalgia.

She spends her personal time with the ones she loves most: God, her family, and the Tennessee Titans! | Schedule With a Nashville Rheumatologist Online or call +1 (615) 964-5823.

Poonam Somai, M.D.

Dr. Somai has been with St. Thomas Medical Group since 2009. She earned her Medical Degree at the University of Bombay, India in 2001. She completed her residency training in Internal Medicine at Michigan State University in 2005 where she served as a Chief Resident. She then completed her fellowship in Rheumatology in 2007 at the University of Iowa.

She is Board certified in Rheumatology and treats diseases like rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, scleroderma, fibromyalgia, osteoarthritis and polymyositis. She specializes in ultrasound-guided injections of the joint, tendon and bursa.

She enjoys traveling and exploring different cultures / cuisines, reading, and spending time with her husband, daughter and twin boys.

She provides specialized care to the Gallatin community outside of her office hours at St. Thomas Medical Group. Dr. Somai is accepting new patients by referral. | Schedule With a Nashville Rheumatologist Online or call +1 (615) 964-5823.

Back pain? If you’re like most patients, you try to stick it out for a few days. If the pain gets worse, you go to your primary care provider (PCP) or a walk-in clinic. Undoubtedly, most patients think this course is the “right way” to deal with a common joint or muscle issue. And, while there’s certainly nothing wrong with seeing your primary care physician, you should know that patients in Tennessee have a unique option that might actually provide a better way of managing your own health care.

The answer? Direct access to physical therapy.

Why See a Physical Therapist First?

Physical therapy is commonly thought of as a type of health care you receive after initial evaluation and treatment from a physician. And, in many states, this is true. As of 2007, Tennessee residents have the unique privilege of being able to schedule an appointment with a physical therapist (PT) without physician referral.

For patients, this means it’s now potentially faster, easier, and more affordable to see a physical therapist.

• Faster: You don’t have to see your PCP first before going to a physical therapist.
• Easier: You may be able to get all the care you need for a particular injury during a visit with your physical therapist.
• More Affordable: Instead of paying two co-pays (PCP and physical therapist), you only pay one by going directly to the PT. Also, multiple studies have shown that patients who receive an MRI first have significantly higher health care costs than patients who get physical therapy first.

When Is It a Good Idea to Go Straight to the PT?

If you have experienced a soft-tissue injury, you may be a good candidate for receiving care directly from a physical therapist. A soft-tissue injury is an injury that does not affect the bone. These injuries affect muscle, tendons, ligaments and other soft tissues. Acute examples include:

• Sprain
• Strain
• Swelling
• Contusion / bruising

Soft-tissue injuries resulting from overuse may include:

• Tendinitis
• Bursitis

Back pain is another common reason for seeing a physical therapist. Seeing a PT first may lower a patient’s total cost of care, bypassing imaging scans, opioid prescriptions, and other therapies that could be unnecessary or even harmful.

Find a Physical Therapist or Primary Care Doctor in Nashville

To find a primary care provider near you in Nashville, call STMG and STMG Children and Adult at +1 (615) 297-2700 and +1 (615) 301-7040. You can also make an appointment online. St. Thomas Medical Group is proud to partner with Results Physiotherapy.

From choosing better foods to exercising more, many Nashvillians are joining a growing movement focused on improving overall health. Holistic doctors at Nashville’s St. Thomas Medical Group are here to support you in this journey.

While many modern health care providers rely heavily on prescription medications for treating disease and illness, holistic and integrative medicine providers tend to put a greater emphasis on lifestyle modification, herbal and nutritional therapies and cognitive therapies. Additionally, holistic doctors in our Nashville clinic take a proactive stance in promoting overall wellness. Providers don’t just respond to disease. They help patients achieve optimal health as a disease prevention strategy. As St. Thomas Medical Group provider Dr. Joseph Lamb says, “Health is so much more than the simple absence of disease.”

#1 Lifestyle Modification

Holistic medicine practitioners frequently encourage patients to make lifestyle changes in an effort to promote healing. Instead of prescribing a sleeping pill, for example, a holistic doctor may recommend specific dietary changes or exercise routines. Rather than prescribing phentermine for weight loss, a holistic physician may carefully evaluate your current diet and recommend manageable modifications that can lead to weight loss without prescription drugs (and their potentially dangerous side effects).

#2 Herbal & Nutritional Therapy

Many holistic physicians are knowledgeable about herbal and nutritional therapies that are less commonly used by internal medicine doctors. These methods, which draw on a rich history of traditional medicine, may be used in conjunction with modern medicinal practices to help patients achieve wellness.

#3 Cognitive Therapy

Thirdly, holistic providers in Nashville’s St. Thomas Medical Group may use cognitive-behavioral therapy to help patients deal with psychological issues, such as depression, eating disorders, drug addiction and substance abuse. Because holistic doctors view patients as “whole” (not people with isolated symptoms and illnesses within the body), these providers use evidence-based approaches to involve a patient’s way-of-thinking in caring for their joint mental and physical health needs.

Your Health Matters…

While holistic and integrative physicians use techniques that are not commonly seen in your “normal” doctor’s office, these physicians are still able to prescribe medications, refer patients for surgery, and provide all of the other health care services that patients may expect of a primary care physician. The benefit of seeing a holistic doctor is that patients have the ability to choose less invasive, more natural therapies first.

As Dr. Lamb says, “In our journey together, through illness and disease to optimal wellness, lifestyle modification can be a most potent opportunity for achieving the patient’s goals.” This prioritization of non-drug-based therapies doesn’t isolate individual illnesses and care plans, but instead incorporates the patient’s entire health into a single, unified plan of care. This approach can be useful for patients dealing with complex health issues like…

• Cardiometabolic disorders
• Diabetes
• Obesity
• Osteoporosis
• Autoimmune disorders
• Chronic fatigue
• Fibromyalgia
• …and more

Take Charge of Your Health With a Holistic Doctor in Nashville

St. Thomas Medical Group Holistic & Integrative Medicine is committed to helping you take charge of your health through lifestyle modification and other methods that take your overall health into account. For more information or to schedule an appointment, call +1 (615) 297-2700.