Tag medical conditions

What Is Laryngopharyngeal Reflux?

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Laryngopharyngeal reflux (LPR), also known as silent reflux, is a condition where stomach acid and digestive enzymes flow back into the larynx (voice box) and pharynx (throat), causing irritation and discomfort. Unlike gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), which primarily affects the esophagus, LPR often doesn’t present with classic heartburn symptoms. Instead, it can manifest with a range of symptoms affecting the throat and voice.

Symptoms

The symptoms of LPR can vary but often include:

  • Chronic cough: A persistent cough that doesn’t seem to go away.
  • Hoarseness or voice changes: Difficulty with voice, or a raspy voice.
  • Sore throat: A feeling of irritation or discomfort in the throat.
  • Lump in the throat: A sensation of something stuck in the throat, often described as “globus sensation.”
  • Post-nasal drip: Mucus dripping down the back of the throat, which can be a result of irritation.
  • Throat clearing: Frequent clearing of the throat to relieve irritation.

Less commonly, LPR can cause symptoms like sore ears, dental erosion, or a dry throat.

I am very familiar with LPR because I have been struggling with the condition since 2021. It is a persistent, annoying, and at times frightening condition which is quite resistant to treatment. I have a lump of mucus in the back of my throat the majority of the time, and this lump grows and starts to drain within a minute after eating most meals. I must frequently clear my throat to rid it of the mucus, and when the condition is particularly severe, my voice becomes raspy. The other thing I experience is very severe coughing which at times is so violent that I end up vomiting. It’s a horrible condition to have.

Diagnosis

Diagnosing LPR can be challenging because its symptoms often overlap with other conditions, such as allergies or infections. The diagnostic process typically involves:

  1. Medical History and Symptom Review: A healthcare provider will take a detailed history of symptoms and may inquire about diet, lifestyle, and other health conditions.
  2. Laryngoscopy: A procedure where a flexible tube with a camera (laryngoscope) is inserted through the nose or mouth to visualize the larynx and pharynx. This can help identify signs of acid damage or inflammation.
  3. 24-Hour pH Monitoring: This involves placing a small probe in the esophagus or throat to measure the amount of acid reflux over a 24-hour period. This can help confirm the diagnosis of LPR by documenting acid exposure.
  4. Esophageal Manometry: Sometimes used to assess how well the esophagus is functioning, though it’s less commonly needed for LPR diagnosis.
  5. Empirical Treatment Trial: In some cases, doctors might start treatment based on symptoms and response to medication as a way to confirm the diagnosis if other tests are inconclusive.

Treatment Options

Treatment for LPR often involves a combination of lifestyle changes, dietary adjustments, and medications:

  1. Lifestyle Modifications:
    • Elevate the Head of the Bed: Sleeping with the head of the bed raised can help reduce nighttime symptoms. *NOTE: I do not personally find this to be helpful at all.
    • Avoid Eating Late: Try not to eat within 2-3 hours of bedtime to reduce nighttime reflux.
    • Maintain a Healthy Weight: Excess weight can increase abdominal pressure and contribute to reflux.
    • Quit Smoking: Smoking can irritate the esophagus and throat, worsening symptoms.
  2. Dietary Changes:
    • Avoid Trigger Foods: Common triggers include acidic foods (like tomatoes and citrus), spicy foods, caffeine, chocolate, and fatty foods.
    • Eat Smaller Meals: Larger meals can increase pressure on the lower esophageal sphincter, leading to reflux.
  3. Medications:
    • Proton Pump Inhibitors (PPIs): These reduce stomach acid production and are often effective in treating LPR. *NOTE: Please be aware that I am not a fan of this treatment method.
    • H2-Receptor Antagonists: These medications also reduce acid production but are typically less potent than PPIs. *NOTE: Please be aware that I am not a fan of this treatment method.
    • Antacids: Can provide short-term relief by neutralizing stomach acid. *NOTE: Please be aware that I am not a fan of this treatment method.
    • Alginate-Based Medications: These form a protective barrier on top of the stomach contents to prevent reflux.
  4. Surgery: In severe cases where lifestyle and medication don’t help, surgical options like fundoplication (a procedure to wrap the top of the stomach around the lower esophagus) might be considered to prevent acid reflux.

Managing LPR often requires a comprehensive approach, including lifestyle and dietary changes combined with appropriate medical treatments. Regular follow-up with a healthcare provider is crucial to monitor the condition and adjust treatment as needed.

Understanding The Costs Of Diabetes Treatment And Planning For The Future

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Original post can be found at:
https://www.thesimpledollar.com/understanding-the-costs-of-diabetes-treatment-and-planning-for-the-future/


by DeVonne Goode
Updated on 06.05.18

Diabetes is a prevalent disease. However, it can still take many by surprise, and leave them struggling to pay medical bills.
With the complexities of the condition and the wide range of costs involved with treatment, having a financing plan is necessary. Health insurance is obviously one of the primary methods of assistance. But not everyone has the adequate coverage to cover
the costs – let alone the out-of-pocket cash to put on the counter every time out.

Opening a savings account, particularly one with high interest, could be a worthwhile investment toward consistently managing the disease today and into the future.

Diabetes at a glance
Type 1 Diabetes

A condition that keeps the body from producing enough insulin. Insulin shots are used to control blood glucose levels. Most diagnosis occur among children and young adults, which is why it is also referred to as juvenile diabetes.

Type 2 Diabetes

The most common form of the condition where the body doesn’t properly use insulin to convert sugar, starches and other food into energy.

Gestational Diabetes

Occurs when women experience high blood glucose levels during pregnancy. It’s usually easily managed and goes away after pregnancy.
Prediabetes

When blood glucose levels are higher than normal, but not high enough to be diagnosed as Type 2 diabetes. A large number of Americans are living with prediabetes (1 out of 3 adults). But taking early action to manage glucose levels can prevent diabetes from forming.

People who have diabetes are at higher risk of developing the following health conditions:
Blindness
Heart disease
Stroke
Kidney failure
Blindness
Loss of lower appendages (toes, feet, or legs)

Keep in mind – these conditions occur in the case of severe complications with the disease. With consistent attention to diet and other medical treatments (like most living with type 1 or type 2 diabetes undergo), these conditions are avoidable.
Diabetes by the numbers

According to a recent report from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), more than 100 million U.S. adults are now living with diabetes or prediabetes. Of that, only 12% were aware that they had it. And with approximately 1.5 million new cases being diagnosed every year, the need for education and financial support is clear.

Prevalence
Infogram
Rates of diagnosis for the following ethnic groups
7.4% of non-Hispanic whites
8.0% of Asian Americans
12.1% of Hispanics
12.7% of non-Hispanic blacks
15.1% of American Indians/Alaskan Natives
Breakdown among Asian Americans:
4.3% diagnosed were Chinese
8.9% diagnosed were Filipinos
11.2% diagnosed were Asian Indians
8.5% diagnosed were identified as other Asian Americans
Breakdown among Hispanic adults:
8.5% diagnosed were Central and South Americans
9.0% diagnosed were Cubans
13.8% diagnosed were Mexican Americans
12.0% diagnosed were Puerto Ricans

Underreported deaths due to diabetes

Diabetes is one of the leading causes of death in the United States (seventh as of 2015). However, studies have found that it is also among the most underreported. According to the American Diabetes Association®, only 35% of people who died with diabetes had the disease listed on their death certificate. And of that number, only 10% had diabetes identified as the cause of death.

Underreported Deaths
Infogram

There are a number of possible reasons for the underreported rate. But a lot points to the lack of ability to pay for adequate diagnosis and proper medical treatment.

What specific costs will someone with diabetes have to address?

If you or your child are diagnosed with diabetes, or you’re told that you have prediabetes, management and prevention take center stage. While a lot involves diet and exercise, medication will inevitably have an effect on your finances as well.

According to the American Diabetes Association® (ADA), medical costs for a person with diabetes averages out to $16,750 per year (a total of $327 billion nationwide in 2017). Of that amount, $9,601 is attributed to treatment specifically for diabetes. That’s more than twice the medical cost for people without diabetes.

Of the $327 billion nationally, $237 billion was attributed to direct diabetes medical costs and $90 billion was attributed to indirect costs – absenteeism and reduced productivity at work. Understanding the different forms of diabetes treatment, as well as the direct and indirect costs, is important for wrapping your head around plans for financing.


Type
Treatments

Type 1 Diabetes
Diet
Exercise
Insulin therapy
Regular blood glucose tests/monitoring

Type 2 Diabetes
Diet
Exercise
Insulin therapy
Other medication
Gestational Diabetes
Diet
Exercise
Monitoring sugar intake
Monitoring the baby
Direct Medical Costs ($9,601/year)
Indirect Medical Costs ($90 billion nationally)
Prescription medication (30% of total cost)
Loss of productivity due to mortality ($20 billion nationally)
Hospital care (30% of total cost)
Inability to work as a result of diabetes ($40 billion nationally)
Routine doctor’s office visits (15% of total cost)
Reduced productivity while at work ($30 billion)
Other medications and supplies (25% of total cost)
Reduced productivity due to increased absences and loss of employment from diabetes ($6 billion)

Insulin

Insulin injections are one of the primary forms of medical treatment used to manage diabetes. Especially for those living with type 1 diabetes, who can’t produce insulin of their own, these types of injections are vital for survival. However, the cost for insulin has skyrocketed in recent years, leaving many in the position of having to choose between going into debt or cutting back on medication.

Average cost for insulin as of 2015: $100-$200 per month
Average cost for insulin as of 2018: $400-$500 per month

WIDELY USED INSULIN BRANDS AND INSULIN INJECTION TOOLS
Insulin
Apidra, Humulin, Lantuo, Lente, Levemin, Novolog, Novolin, NPH Insulin, Regular Iletin, Regular Insulin, Velosulin
Insulin Syringes
BD Ultrafine, Levemir®, Monoject, NovoFine®, Ulticare, UniFine, UltiGaurd
Insulin Pumps
Animas, Deltec, Medtronic

Diabetes screenings and other medications

Along with your normal doctor’s visits, diabetes screenings are an important part of the process for identifying the disease. Specifically, if you have been diagnosed, testing your blood glucose levels will become a regular part of your life. Much of the costs for medications involved should be covered by your health insurance. And there are a number of home testing devices you can invest in to help make things more convenient and cost-effective.


WIDELY USED DIABETES TESTING BRANDS AND OTHER MEDICATIONS
Blood Glucose Test Meters and Test Strips
Abbott Freestyle®, Abbott Flash, Accu-Chek Compact®, Ascensia Elite, Ascencia Breeze, Ascensia Contour, Lifescan One-Touch©, Prestige
Injectable Medications
Byetta (Exenatide) injection and Symlin (Pramlintide Acetate) injection, Victoza (lLiraglutide- rDNA origin) injection
Oral Medications
Acarbose, Avandia, Chlorpropamide, Diabinese, Glipizide, Glucophage, Glucotrol, Gylset, Meglitol, Metformin, Prandin, Precose, Repaglinide, Rosiglitazone (These drugs act in different ways to lower blood glucose levels and may be prescribed in combination with other medication.)


Diabetes health expenditures according to group

Depending on whether you or your child has type 1 or type 2 diabetes, total expenditures can vary. Those who manage their condition at home, through diet, exercise, and home testing will have different averages than those needing regular appointments with specialists. According to the American Diabetes Association®, average total healthcare expenditures for diabetes treatment differ according to gender, race, and states with the highest populations of people diagnosed.

Gender
Men: $10,060
Women: $9,110

Race
Hispanics: $8,050
Non-hispanic Blacks: $10,470
Non-hispanic Whites: $9,800
States with highest population of people with diabetes
New York: $21 billion in healthcare expenditures
Florida: $24 billion in healthcare expenditures
Texas $25 billion in healthcare expenditures
California: $39 billion in healthcare expenditures

Options for diabetes treatment financing

In a recent online survey of 500 adults with diabetes, more than half of the participants acknowledged the medical costs involved has had a negative impact on their finances. Many also admitted to going to “extreme lengths” to cover the costs. These lengths include accruing credit card debt, borrowing money from family or friends, and tapping into a savings or retirement account. Many may feel the need to take some extra financial risks because they don’t feel as supported as they’d like. Understanding your options will help you make the most informed choices.

Insurance

Government insurance, such as Medicare and Medicaid provides most of the financial assistance for diabetes care. The military also takes care of a good amount of costs for veterans. The remainder of the cost is covered by private insurance or out-of-pocket cash. According to the National Conference of State Legislatures, 46 states mandate that diabetes be covered under state insurance.

Diabetes Health Insurance Coverage
Infogram

These states require coverage for diabetes treatment as well as equipment and supplies for home use (insulin, pumps, syringes, test meters). Four states do not have that same insurance mandate, however – Ohio, Alabama, North Dakota, and Idaho. Anyone with diabetes who live in any of those four states will most likely need to deal with a private insurer or explore other methods of financing.

Coverage from private insurers usually come through employer-sponsored group plans or individual health plans. Advisors would suggest going with employer-sponsored plans, because they offer higher protections due to being subsidized. On the other hand, if you are unemployed and venturing into the individual market, it may be difficult to find affordable coverage. The reason is that diabetes is considered a “high risk” disease. Insurance companies anticipate a high amount of claims, especially from those with pre-existing conditions. So it will be reflected in the pricing.

HSA

People who have diabetes but don’t have coverage that’s comprehensible enough for their needs may utilize a health savings account (HSA). An HSA is primarily useful for people with high deductibles (at least $1,350 individually, or $2,700 for family). Also, those who are a part of low-income families or don’t live in a “mandate state” may see this as a helpful tool. One big benefit of an HSA is that you take the money with you. There’s no “use it or lose it” policy like some other savings plans. Being able to set aside pre-taxed dollars to help pay for medical expenses can go along way when trying to manage diabetes.

FSA

Another way to set aside dollars for medical expenses is through a flexible spending account (FSA). An FSA is provided through your employer with a $2,650 limit. You can also use it to cover medical expenses for your spouse and dependents. One thing to keep in mind with FSA’s is that they do have an expiration period. You’re generally required to use the funds within your plan year. But your employer may offer extensions at their choosing. The benefit is, it can be used with any type of health plan. And diabetic supplies are eligible to be paid through FSA’s.

High interest savings account

If you’re not interested in dealing with your employer for coverage or a flexible spending account, a high interest savings account could be a good option to explore. It’s just like any other savings account, only with fewer restrictions. Not only are you saving for your medical needs, but your money is also making money. High interest savings accounts are opened through online banks – which means they don’t have to worry about maintaining branches all over the country. They can offer you higher interest rates, with the benefit of accessing your money whenever you want.

Unlike an HSA, a high interest savings account isn’t tied to a high deductible health plan with a dollar limit. And unlike an FSA, there’s no expiration date on when you can use your money. It removes any additional stress so you can concentrate on managing your condition properly. And as you earn interest, you can still take advantage of a number of outreach resources available for people with diabetes.

This condition can be a tough one to get a handle on, but it’s not insurmountable. Let your understanding of diabetes, your knowledge of its treatments, and your strategy for tackling costs work in your favor.

“Where’s The Restroom?” – Overactive Bladder

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I’m sure you know that feeling when a very full bladder prompts you to secure the nearest restroom facility so that you can relieve yourself from the pressure. Now imagine having that feeling throughout the day, every day. People with overactive bladder have to use the restroom constantly, and at times may have urine leakage. They deal with signals from the brain which erroneously tell the bladder to empty itself when the bladder isn’t even full. The result is that the bladder contracts, creating a strong urge to urinate.

People who suffer from overactive bladder urinate much more than normal (which is up to 8 times per day), and may urinate up to 30 or more times per day. Even when a sufferer urinates, he or she may feel as if the bladder still has urine in it. Restroom visits may be stacked together, sometimes within 10 to 15 minutes of each other.

Two-thirds of people who have overactive bladder experience the dry type, while the remaining third have the wet variety, which is characterized by leakage of urine. Advancing age is a primary risk factor for development of this condition, but the following also play a role:

Presence of urinary tract infection
Nerve damage from surgery
Trauma
Neurological diseases such as multiple sclerosis, Parkinson’s or stroke
History of bladder stones
History of bladder or prostate cancer
Post-menopausal
Consumption of spicy foods, caffeine and alcohol


If you have any of the following symptoms, you should seek medical evaluation and treatment:

Use the restroom more than eight times a day
Cannot sleep through the night without waking up at least 1 or 2 times to urinate
A sudden and intense urge to urinate
Urine leakage

Some lifestyle modifications can lessen the symptoms of overactive bladder. They include maintaining a normal weight, drinking less fluid in the evening, smoking cessation, and limiting the consumption of alcohol and caffeine. Pelvic floor exercises can be incorporated to strengthen the supporting muscles and provide some relief. As a last resort, a number of prescription medications exist to treat overactive bladder.