This is part one of a two part story on hygiene myths. Click here for part two.

From health care providers to websites to advice passed down through generations, there are a lot of ways to get health care information, especially tips for minor ailments you can treat at home.

Awad Alyami, MD, a pediatrician at OSF HealthCare, breaks down some common myths.

• Myth: There’s a one-size-fits-all pill for common illnesses.

Fact: It depends on whether it’s a viral infection (like influenza, the common cold or coronavirus) or a bacterial infection (like pneumonia, strep throat or food-borne illnesses like salmonella).

“For the most part, with bacterial infections you need to see a health care provider. You’re probably going to need an antibiotic,” Dr. Alyami says. “Most viral infections just run their course, and you focus on the symptoms. If you have a fever, you take fever medication. If you have pain, you take pain medication. If kids are six years or older and have a cough, they can use over-the-counter cough medication.”

Dr. Alyami points out that you can take those medications to help with bacterial infection symptoms, too. But you need an antibiotic, too, to get better.

• Myth: Feed a cold and starve a fever.

Fact: You should modify your diet when sick to avoid trigger foods, like spicy or greasy foods. But reducing the amount you eat and drink won’t make you better sooner. In fact, Dr. Alyami says hydration is critical.

“When kids have infections and a fever, one of the most common reasons they end up in the hospital is dehydration,” Dr. Alyami says. “When kids are sick, they lose fluids from their body and need hydration.”

So, drink plenty of water and eat nutritious foods as your body can tolerate.

• Myth: I can go back to work or school as soon as I start to feel better.

Fact: Dr. Alyami says you should be fever-free (body temperature less than 100.4 degrees) for 24 hours with improving symptoms.

When you go back out, practice good habits like thorough handwashing and avoiding coughing or sneezing into the open air.

• Myth: If I don’t look or feel dirty, I don’t need to shower or bathe.

Fact: Dr. Alyami says there’s no “catch all” advice for how often to wash off. Some people will shower or bathe daily. Others will do so every other day or less frequently. Dr. Alyami advises you to shower or bathe when you feel you need to or after you’ve been in a dirty or sweaty environment, like after playing sports or a hike in the woods. People with skin conditions should also clean themselves with care.

“For people with eczema or atopic dermatitis, I recommend daily showers,” Dr. Alyami says. “But they need to be quick because the more exposure to water we have, the more we dehydrate the skin. So, showers should not exceed 15 minutes, and you should apply moisturizer right away afterward.”

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• YES: moles, blisters, bumps, acne, boils, peeling skin from a sunburn, rashes, poison ivy or similar skin reactions, warts, skin tags and bug bites
   
• YES, BUT: Dr. Kumar says freckles and birthmarks are lesions, but they are not harmful.

In other words: “A skin lesion is any type of abnormal growth. It can happen anywhere on the body. If it doesn’t look like normal skin, it’s considered a growth,” Dr. Kumar says.

Causes for each of these lesions vary. We know acne is due to bacteria, and warts are from a virus, for example. Medications, lifestyle choices (like eating certain food that doesn’t agree with you) and medical conditions (such as diabetes and liver failure) are other culprits. But when the cause is unexplained, health care providers might need to investigate.

“We look at the lesion. The majority of the time, we can tell if something is benign or malignant. If we have questions, we err on the side of caution and do a biopsy,” Dr. Kumar explains. That involves cutting out part of the lesion and sending it off to a lab for analysis. “Biopsies can be done in the office. If it’s a bigger procedure, we have to go to the operating room.”

If the biopsy confirms evidence of a problem, such as cancer, the doctor will remove the rest of the bad tissue. Or, Dr. Kumar says some people come to him with a cosmetic or practical reason. They have a large birthmark or cyst on their face, are self-conscious about their appearance and would like it removed, for example. Or, they wear a hard hat for work, and the hat rubs against a lesion on their forehead, causing discomfort.

Dr. Kumar outlines how he would remove a lesion: “Let’s say it’s on your arm. We clean up the arm. We inject some lidocaine, which is a numbing agent. Then with a knife or other instrument, I’m able to cut it all out. Depending on how deep it is and the size of the lesion, we can glue it back together or put stitches in.” Regardless of the method, Dr. Kumar says most of these procedures are routine for providers with minimal aftereffects for the patient. In complex cases, like if the lesion goes down into a muscle, a plastic surgeon might be consulted.

Prevention

We can’t control if we have things like freckles or moles. But there are plenty of things you can do to help prevent problematic lesions.

• Limit your exposure to ultraviolet rays from the sun or by tanning. In fact, Dr. Kumar would not recommend tanning at all. For outdoor activities, use waterproof sunscreen of 50 sun protection factor (SPF) or higher, and reapply every few hours. Wear long sleeves and a wide brimmed hat.
   
• Wear bug spray when doing outdoor activities, such as hiking, where insects are present.
   
• Wash your body regularly.
  
  “Don’t overclean,” Dr. Kumar warns. “If you scratch your skin, that allows bacteria and other things to get into your skin and cause infections.”
   
• Don’t smoke. Dr. Kumar says smoking changes your skin for the worse, such as developing wrinkles and lesions.
   
• Find the right skincare products. If you use a lotion and it causes a rash, for example, don’t use that product again. Dr. Kumar adds that Vaselines and petroleum jellies are good for moisturizing your skin. But they’re thick and can clog pores.
  
  “Keep it simple. The $100 face cream is going to work the same as the $10 one,” Dr. Kumar says.
   
• Know the ABCDEs of suspicious moles.

o    A is for asymmetry. One half of the spot is not like the other half.

o    B is for border. The mole has an irregular, scalloped or poorly defined border.

o    C is for color. The spot has varying colors, like tan, brown, black, white, red or blue.

o    D is for diameter. Dermatologists say melanoma skin cancers are usually greater than six millimeters, or about the width of a pencil eraser. But they can be smaller, so don’t consider diameter alone.

o    E is for evolving. The mole looks different from the rest or is changing in size, shape or color. Dr. Kumar says you can take pictures to show your provider how the mole has changed.

                           If your lesion has any of the ABCDE red flags or you just have a concern, see a provider.

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A study published in Nature found that “in the past two decades, the incidence of early-onset colorectal cancer, which affects individuals below 50 years of age, has doubled in many countries.”

Similarly, projections from Frontiers in Immunology warn that “with changes in western dietary habits worldwide, the incidence of CRC is expected to increase steadily, resulting in 2.2 million new cases by 2030.”

Emerging science suggests a key piece of the puzzle lies within our gut.

“We think of our microbiome as a separate, living organism within our body. It’s made of billions of bacteria, predominantly growing in our colon. There is a small number of bacteria that does exist in our small bowel, oral pharynx and nasal cavities. Just like we have bacteria on our skin everywhere,” says Daniel Martin, MD, a gastroenterologist with OSF HealthCare.

Colibactin and DNA Damage

Several harmful gut bacteria species, including strains of E. coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae and Citrobacter koseri, produce a toxin called colibactin. Research over the last two decades has linked this toxin to DNA damage that may lead to cancer.

“They have recognized that there’s a much greater incidence of exposure to this particular strain of E. Coli that makes the Colibactin toxin in patients under the age of 50 who are diagnosed with colorectal cancer,” Dr. Martin says. “There’s also a recognition that Colibactin itself has some DNA-damaging properties within the GI tract. This is likely a direct contributor to the development of early, pre-cancerous dysplastic (abnormal growth) changes that ultimately lead to colorectal cancer in those patients.”

Diet, Antibiotics and the Microbiome

Western diets and overuse of antibiotics also play a role, research suggests.

“Also thinking about the infections we can have, both as infants and in adulthood. Over the last handful of decades, there’s the exposure of antibiotics, -- the antimicrobial medications we’re using to try and treat specific, acute illnesses,” Dr. Martin says. “But those can have a meaningful impact on our gut flora and microbiome in general.”

Processed foods, especially ultra-processed products with preservatives and dyes, may be particularly harmful. Dr. Martin recommends eating real food like beans, nuts, legumes, plants and lean meats.

“If you’re purchasing it in the middle of the grocery store, and it’s vacuum-packaged and sealed, looking nothing like its based product, it’s probably an ultra-processed food in every circumstance,” Dr. Martin says.

“When we are consuming a food product of some kind, if it’s going to go bad quickly, it likely has prebiotics and probiotics in it, and those are good for us. If you leave a banana out on the counter for two weeks, no one wants to eat it because it goes bad. If you leave a Twinkie out on the counter for two years, it hasn’t changed,” Dr. Martin adds.

Dr. Martin also warns about hidden culprits like sugary drinks, sports beverages and food dyes.

“Products like sports drinks, juices and sodas can be laden with sugars, whether real or added (which Dr. Martin refers to as ‘fake sugar’). Many of these products also contain food dyes and preservatives which are bad for our gut health.”

The Search for Balance

While probiotic and prebiotic supplements can support gut health, they are not a perfect science.

“Currently, prebiotic and probiotic supplements are created using the ‘95% confidence interval,’” Dr. Martin says. “This means that out of a sample of people, it was determined that 95% of them would benefit from a certain culture, probiotic or prebiotic being included in the product. Because as mentioned earlier, the 100% perfect pie chart of what everyone’s gut microbiome looks like is not currently known.”

For now, the advice remains straightforward: eat whole foods, avoid ultra-processed options and care for the trillions of bacteria that work inside of us every day.

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Emily Isom has a resolution for kids and their parents: pledge to keep your hands clean and away from your face to prevent the spread of illness.

Isom, a certified medical assistant in pediatrics at OSF HealthCare, often sees young people biting dirty fingernails and not washing their hands properly. Here’s a primer:

Nail hygiene

Isom says people of all ages should trim their nails regularly. Once a week for fingernails and once or twice a month for toenails is a good rule of thumb. In between trimmings, watch for dirt and other filthy matter caught under the tip of the nail. Some nail clippers come with a scraper tool to remove that debris. But don’t use your mouth to clean your nails.

“Our nails carry so many germs and bacteria. That’s how people keep getting sick and spreading illness,” Isom warns, referring to putting fingernails in your mouth or on your face. You can also chip teeth and get facial warts and pimples from putting nails on your face, she says.

Some people have long nails, either real or artificial. In these cases, use a nail brush to regularly wipe the nails clean. If you’re at work or school and don’t have a brush, wash the nails thoroughly. Lather warm water and soap on the palms of your hands. Take your fingertips and scratch against the palm of the other hand to get the soap in the fingernail. Do that for 20 seconds. Then, pull down the fingertips to the palm of the same hand and massage the soap in further. Put your hands upside down under hot running water to rinse.

Hand washing

Isom says most people concentrate on their palms when hand washing.

“You need to get in between the fingers, underneath the nails, on the back of the hands, rub your knuckles together and scrub your wrists,” Isom says.

After wetting your hands, scrub all those areas in soap for 20 seconds. Find a song that has a 20-second chorus and hum it while you scrub. Then, rinse under warm water, and dry your hands with a clean, dry towel. Isom also suggests wrapping a paper towel around your hand when touching dirty surfaces on your way out of the bathroom. Use the towel to shut off the faucet and open the door, then throw the towel away after you exit.

If a hand dryer is what’s available, run your hands under the warm air until they are completely dry. Resist the urge to dry halfway and walk out. Isom says that may do more harm than good and attract bacteria faster.

“Bacteria want to live on wet surfaces. They’re attracted to moistness,” she points out.

If a soap and sink aren’t available, Isom says to use sanitizer or wipes that are at least 60% alcohol based. The same process applies – lather or wipe all parts of your hand and wrist thoroughly.

If you have a cut or wound on your hand, like a paper cut, wash with care.

“Get a washcloth wet with warm water. Put soap on it. Then, clean around the cut or wound,” Isom says. “Don’t put [soap] directly into the cut. That could really irritate it.”

Convincing kids

Isom is a pediatrics provider and a mother. So, she knows getting kids to wash their hands and mind their nails is easier said than done. Her advice: make it fun.

“When handwashing, sing the ABCs for 20 seconds. Or have them sing to you.” Isom suggests. “Make a chart. Every time they wash their hands, have them put a sticker on the chart. They are going to fall in love with it and want to wash their hands over and over again.”

And remember Simon Says? Isom says it works with her daughter.

“Simon says don’t touch your face,” Isom says with a smirk.

Learn more

Read more about how to keep your hands clean and prevent the spread of illnesses on the OSF HealthCare and the United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention websites.

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Pneumonia.

It’s a hard enough word to spell, let alone remember how to prevent and treat it. With respiratory illness season here, it’s time for a reminder about how to avoid this possibly deadly condition.

The basics

Fred Burke, MD, an emergency medicine physician who treats people at OSF HealthCare, says pneumonia is a lung infection caused by a virus or bacteria.

“The most common bacteria that causes it is strep pneumonia [in medical terms, streptococcus pneumoniae or pneumococcus]. The viruses that cause it are things like RSV [respiratory syncytial virus], flu [influenza] and COVID-19 [coronavirus],” Dr. Burke says.

In other words, you could get the flu, and it could progress to pneumonia. The phrase double pneumonia means it’s impacting both lungs. Dr. Burke says people with pneumonia could experience coughing, fever, chills and weakness.

“It can cause a consolidation in the lungs. That interferes with air movement,” Dr. Burke says. “You can also get fluid buildup and scarring in the lungs.” Consolidation refers to inflamed cells that form a mass.

Diagnosis and treatment

Dr. Burke says when someone comes to the emergency department with pneumonia symptoms, a health care provider could do a chest X-ray or CAT scan to confirm the diagnosis.

“If we find it’s from a viral infection, people have to ride it out. There’s no treatment for [the ailment itself]. But we can treat the symptoms. We can give Tylenol for fever or an inhaler for shortness of breath or wheezing,” Dr. Burke explains. “If it’s from a bacterial infection, we give antibiotic medication.”

The person could take antibiotics by mouth for one to two weeks. Or, if they are having trouble breathing, the medicine would be given through intravenous (IV) therapy. Either way, the goal is to stop the bacteria in the lungs from growing.

Another tactic is a bronchoscope, where a pulmonologist inserts a tube down your throat to break up mucus in your airways.

But Dr. Burke cautions: don’t let the guidance of some “ride it out” fool you. Pneumonia is a common cause of hospitalization and death worldwide.

“One complication is sepsis, when the infection spreads to the blood. That can cause organ failure,” Dr. Burke warns. “Pneumonia can also cause respiratory failure [when the lungs aren’t working properly]. Those people might require additional oxygen. Or if it serious enough, they might require intubation [a breathing tube down the throat] or be placed on life support.”



Is it contagious?

Yes, pneumonia can spread from person to person, Dr. Burke says. It’s often transmitted through respiratory droplets (coughing or sneezing on someone), but it can spread on surfaces as well. A child could touch a dirty doorknob then put their hands in their mouth, for example.

That’s why everyday hygiene is important. Wash your hands with soap and warm water thoroughly and often. Cough or sneeze into your elbow or a tissue. Stay home and away from others if you’re sick. These are especially important for people at higher risk for pneumonia: people with a history of strokes or seizures, people suffering from substance abuse, people with a compromised immune system (those with HIV or a transplanted organ, for example), smokers and people with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).

The United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention also outlines the guidelines for the pneumococcal vaccine. Talk to your primary care provider if you have questions about the shot.

“The vaccine comes from evidence-based medicine. Experts have done studies. It’s shown to be very effective in decreasing the severity of pneumonia,” Dr. Burke explains. “I would recommend people take the vaccine.”

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With temperatures cooling, Awad Alyami, MD, an OSF HealthCare pediatrician, says we’re approaching the peak season for sore throats. Many cases have time-tested treatments, but some can have serious complications.

Dr. Alyami says a sore throat is an infection that causes inflammation in your throat. They’re annoying and painful, bringing symptoms like difficulty swallowing or talking and swelling of glands and tonsils. Causes can include tonsil stones, heartburn and allergies. But most commonly, causes break down into two groups: viral and bacterial.

Viral infections

Dr. Alyami says many viruses can cause sore throats – the common cold, influenza, coronavirus and others. Dr. Alyami says if your sore throat comes with coughing or a runny nose, that’s a sign it’s a viral infection. You can start treatment at home with over-the-counter medicine like Tylenol and ibuprofen. You can also gargle salt water and, generally, stay hydrated. Water is good for all ages, and Pedialyte can help hydrate kids.

If your symptoms include fever and neck swelling, it’s a more serious situation. You should see a health care provider.

Bacterial infections

The main bacterial infection that causes sore throats is group A streptococcus (commonly known as strep or strep throat). Strep throat may bring the hallmark sore throat symptoms, but you should also watch for fever and white patches toward the back of your mouth.

“This is a bacterial infection that’s common in kids,” Dr. Alyami says of strep throat.  “About 30% of sore throats are strep, and about 70% are viral. It’s a big deal. We need to treat to prevent complications.”

The most common complication is dehydration, Dr. Alyami says.

“The sore throat is so bad, the child doesn’t want to eat or drink,” he explains.

Other times, untreated strep throat can lead to abscesses, or pus pockets.

“If that abscess gets big enough, it can go toward other structures in the body that are very important. That infection can spread and progress very quickly,” Dr. Alyami says. Life-threatening conditions like difficulty breathing can result.

Dr. Alyami says providers can diagnose strep throat with a throat swab. They treat strep throat with 10 days of antibiotic medication, either injected or taken orally. He says most kids will take the medicine orally unless that’s troublesome. For example, some kids have a tough time swallowing pills due to throat pain.

Prevention

It’s advice you’ve heard before, but it’s worth repeating. Dr. Alyami says good hand hygiene goes a long way to preventing sore throats. Wash your hands thoroughly, and keep them away from your face.

Early detection is also key.

“If the child is sick, especially with symptoms that could be strep, it’s better to get them to a health care professional early,” Dr. Alyami implores. “They can get checked and isolated for 12 to 24 hours before they start antibiotics.

“If you’re sure about what they have, it’s better to just bring them in and get them checked,” he adds. Or, a virtual visit is an option.

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Sore throats: they’re pesky. They’re not just a winter thing (hello, spring allergies). And they can turn serious, such as strep throat.

Do a web search for at-home remedies, and you’ll get a lot of results. Which ones work? Which ones might feel good in the moment but don’t get the job done? Isha McConkey, DO, a family medicine physician at OSF HealthCare, has your checklist:

• Ice cream: Dr. McConkey doesn’t recommend it.
  
  “I know it feels good. But it will increase mucus production in most people. That’s going to exacerbate the [throat] irritation,” she explains. “We also don’t want a lot of sugar,” which could lead to cavities.
  
  In fact, Dr. McConkey says this logic applies to dairy foods overall. Skip them come sore throat time.
   
• Popsicles: These are OK, Dr. McConkey says. Just go for a sugar free or fruit juice-infused option.
   
• Cough drops: Choose cough drops with xylitol, a sugar alternative, Dr. McConkey says.
   
• Honey: “It’s excellent,” Dr. McConkey says. You’re still getting sugar, though, so don’t guzzle it. Try making a drink with hot water, honey and lemon. Or incorporate honey into your tea.
  
  “You can even add a little cayenne pepper. In some types of sore throats, it may make it worse. But most people find it can be very soothing. It has some numbing properties,” Dr. McConkey adds. But don’t take that as a license to eat spicy food. The acidity in tacos, for example, might cause throat irritation.
   
• Soups: Pop that chicken noodle soup in the microwave, Dr. McConkey says. She says research has found that some soups have antibacterial properties that can help with any illness. Opt for a low sodium can.
   
• Salt water: You’ve probably seen online videos or heard the tactic passed down by family members. Yes, it can help, Dr. McConkey says. Gargling salt water can decrease swelling, she says. Try it before you drink your tea or before you go to bed to help get a restful night.

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Author's note: this is part two of a story on outdoor water safety. Click here for part one.


More sun and rising mercury mean people will head outdoors to lakes and forests. But something as simple as drinking river water can lead to an illness that derails your spring.

Bethany Huelskoetter, APRN, a family medicine provider at OSF HealthCare, hits the major safety points about leisure time on the water.

• Bug bites: Coat yourself with bug spray to start the day, and avoid hanging out in tall grass where pests can hide. If your bug bite comes with skin tissue damage, chest pain, muscle cramps, sweating or nausea, see a provider right away. Also, watch for a rash in the shape of a bullseye, which is common with tick bites. To remove a tick, use tweezers to get close to the skin, and gently pull the insect out. Avoid twisting and yanking.
   
• Life jackets: Illinois and Michigan outline their life jacket laws. And some additional suggestions from Huelskoetter: for young kids, use a life jacket that straps on like a diaper. Life jackets that go over the chest could come up over the child’s head, and they could slip out or have trouble breathing. And read the life jacket label to make sure it’s right for you based on your chest size and weight.
  
  Huelskoetter also says a life jacket or any wet object has a risk of mold. So, dry the life jackets by hanging them in the sun.
   
• Fire extinguishers: Like life jackets, Illinois and Michigan laws require a United States Coast Guard-approved fire extinguisher on board most watercraft. Boat fires do happen, Huelskoetter says, and a fire extinguisher can mean the difference between a small fire and an explosion.
   
• Dirty water: It’s tough for kids who want to explore, but Huelskoetter says you should keep lake water out of your eyes and mouth. For kids, that could mean wearing goggles.
  
  “There are bacteria, parasites and other microorganisms that can get in your eyes. Also, don’t open your mouth underwater. You don’t want to drink that water,” Huelskoetter says. “If you swim in a lake and your eyes get red or itchy, that’s a sign you might have an infection from an organism in the water. So we want to put you on the proper antibiotic or whatever medication we feel is best.
  
  If you drink the water, gastrointestinal upset can occur. If you have nausea, vomiting or diarrhea, you definitely want to be seen by a provider. We’ll do testing to determine what bacteria or parasite you came in contact with so we can treat appropriately,” Huelskoetter adds.
   
• Alcohol: Drinking responsibly can be a part of your day on the water. But Huelskoetter says the rules are just like on land: A blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of .08% is the legal limit, so be aware if you’re the boat captain.
   
• Fumes: My group is in the open air. How much should we worry about boat exhaust?
  
  Huelskoetter says you should be fine, but make sure your watercraft has good ventilation. You can also buy carbon monoxide detectors made to clip on boats or life jackets. This can be extra helpful if your boat has an enclosed cabin, Huelskoetter points out.
   
• Spoiled food: Of course, you’ll want to eat on your boating or fishing trip. That could include perishable items like a sandwich.
  
  Putting the food and drink in an ice-filled cooler isn’t enough, Huelskoetter says.
  
  “Keeping your cooler covered and out of the sun is going to do wonders. It’ll keep that ice nice and cool,” she says.
  
  “Never eat anything that’s been sitting out, and now it’s hot,” Huelskoetter adds. “Once food reaches room temperature, you want to be careful. You can go by smell, too. If it doesn’t smell right, don’t eat it.”

Getting help

Have a first aid kit for minor injuries. For major injuries like a head or limb wound, gently move the person to land and call 9-1-1. The word “gently” is important to avoid further injury like paralysis.

Experts also point out that cell phone service can be spotty in the wilderness. So you should also have a global positioning system (GPS) device.

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A Tuberculosis (TB) outbreak in Kansas City, Kansas, has people on edge, with not much public knowledge about the disease or how to prevent it.

The Kansas Department of Health & Environment reported as of January 31, 67 people were infected in the latest outbreak. Two people died and roughly half have finished treatment and are considered cured.

What is Tuberculosis?

“TB is referred to as ‘the great mimicker,’ says Sharjeel Ahmad, MD, a staff physician of infectious disease with OSF HealthCare, meaning the signs and symptoms are like many other viruses and bacterial infections people get.

“Tuberculosis is a very contagious bacterial infection,” Dr. Ahmad says. “It’s caused by a bacterium called Mycobacterium tuberculosis. It is spread when people cough, sneeze or spit. So, if you cough, spit or sneeze, you generate tiny particles. When someone else inhales that, you can get infected by TB.”

While active TB disease cases are rare, Dr. Ahmad says it's likely that one in four people worldwide have been exposed to this bacterium. In Peoria, Illinois, OSF HealthCare Saint Francis Medical Center treated six TB patients in 2024. The bacteria can be transmitted easily, with the infectious dose being a single live bacterium sufficient to infect people. The infection is transmitted airborne, through droplets and aerosol.

Tuberculosis signs and symptoms

“Warning signs include, but are not limited to, unexplained fever, night sweats and unintentional weight loss,” Dr. Ahmad says. “The infection is spread through inhaling, so the lungs are the primary site for infection”

Lung symptoms include a chronic cough that doesn’t go away, along with vague chest aches and pains. You may have phlegm, which could sometimes have blood in it.

“The Vampire Effect”

Dr Ahmad says, "Before the Industrial Revolution, folklore often associated tuberculosis with vampires. When one member of a family died from the disease, the other infected members would lose their health slowly. People believed this was caused by the original person with TB draining the life from the other family members".

"It can be deadly if it's left untreated. It was colloquially referred to as 'the consumption,' way back when because it consumes the body, and the body can get overwhelmed by it."

Why do most people not get the TB vaccine?

There is a vaccine for TB, and 2021 marked 100 years it has been around. It's made from a weakened strain of bacteria, Dr. Ahmad says. It's called Bacille Calmette-Guérin (BCG). The rates of protection against tuberculosis infection vary widely. 

"It offers protection from getting TB of the brain/meningitis, especially in kids. It also has some protection against TB outside the lungs," Dr. Ahmad says. "There are some factors like genetics and where the patient is, which means it is not 100% protective. Estimates of protective effect vary between 20-70% for protection against TB disease.”

The TB vaccine can also interfere with a particular skin screening test for TB if the vaccination was given recently.

“Since the disease is so rare” Dr. Ahmad adds. We've opted over the years to not mess up our ability to detect known cases," he says. 

Who is most at risk?

The youngest and oldest populations are both at high-risk for TB, along with those who have been around an infected person.

"This is a disease of overcrowding and poor hygiene," Dr. Ahmad says. "It's been around in humans forever. It's transmitted from person to person via the respiratory route." 

People with a weakened immune system are also at risk of developing the disease if they are exposed to it. This could include people with diabetes or HIV. Patients who take medications that suppress the immune system – including patients with autoimmune diseases, transplants, and cancer patients are also more at risk. Patients with prior history of lung disease/damage are also at risk.

Dr. Ahmad adds that homeless shelters, correctional facilities and those with substance use disorder are also at-risk for becoming infected with TB. 

How TB is treated in the hospital

Dr. Ahmad says care teams use "airborne precautions," including rooms with special ventilation systems in the hospital. TB patients are kept in these "negative pressure rooms" away from others to prevent the spread of infection. The entire care team wears personal protective equipment, including gowns, gloves and N95 masks, while in the room with the patient.

The medication regimen for TB patients is intense. Traditionally, four different antibiotics will be used for the first two months. "Once we have the antibiotic susceptibility results, and everything looks good, we can drop the patient down to just two antibiotics until we reach six months’ duration of treatment for lung TB," Dr. Ahmad says. If TB spreads outside the lungs, treatment can be even longer.

While therapy can be initiated at the hospital, the patient does not have to stay in the hospital for the whole duration of treatment. Once a care plan has been formulated, it is coordinated with the local health department to ensure there are no gaps in care during the transition, the patient continues to have access to the medication, and they do not pose a public health risk to others. The aim is to limit the patient's interaction with others inside and outside the hospital until they are deemed non-infectious, meaning they cannot transmit the infection. The hospital infection control/prevention team and county health department also remain vigilant, ensuring any potential exposures are traced and screened.

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Showers, toothbrushes, soap dispensers and any surface can be added to the germy list, according to Kaylin Heinz, an infection preventionist nurse at OSF HealthCare. 

Heinz offers some cleaning tips for the different areas of your bathroom. 

Moisture from your bath or shower leads to the buildup of bacteria and fungi, while also being a prime spot for viruses to live and grow. 

Linen items like towels and bathmats are known as some of the dirtiest items, since people step on them with dirty shoes, and they stay wet and damp the longest. 

Heinz says if you have a cut on your body, like on your feet, you can introduce bacteria or fungus to the area during a shower. This can lead to athlete's foot or a staph infection. 

She gives additional guidance on how to clean your shower.

“When you're cleaning, go from top to bottom. If you start cleaning your tub and then you clean your shower walls, you're going to have to re-clean the tub," Heinz says. "When you're getting out of the shower, think about the moisture that's there. That's where the bacteria and fungus are going to grow, so you're going to want to get rid of that moisture if you can.”

Heinz adds if there's any discoloration in the shower or tub, clean it immediately, as this is a sign of where bacteria is growing. 

Make sure to scrub the area, clean it and let it dry completely.

Health Highlights Video Version With Chyrons

Health Highlights Video Version Without Chyrons

Now health professionals are warning the public about a number of health concerns that can come with sitting on the toilet too long and scrolling on your cell phone. 

Many people have gotten into the habit of taking their phone into the bathroom with them and scrolling TikTok or Instagram while they do their business. 

Kaylin Heinz, an infection preventionist registered nurse at OSF HealthCare, recommends making the mental decision to not even take your phone with you. 

A simple flush doesn't get rid of the nastiness that is common in the restroom. Especially with bathrooms that have showers and bathtubs in them. 

The moisture in the room can lead to bacteria, fungi and virus growth, not just inside the toilet, but on all bathroom surfaces. 

Heinz calls these a “breeding ground” for germs. 

“With sitting and scrolling, you're sitting there for long periods. Your hands are probably dirty before you go to the bathroom, because you're typically not washing your hands before you go to the bathroom. Then when you're sitting on the toilet, you're probably setting your phone down on a surface area that has germs," Heinz says. "Then you'll wash your hands, which you'll typically think your hands are clean, but they're not. Then you wash your hands and pick up the phone that was on the surface with germs, and now your hands are dirty again. And you're picking up the germs, taking them elsewhere, and spreading them to other people.”

Does your toothbrush hang out on the bathroom counter? You might want to rethink that. 

Heinz says if it's not put away safely, it likely has fecal matter on it. 

Another tip, she says, is to close the lid before flushing. It helps keep the germs inside and not aerosolize across the room.

Health Highlights Video Version With Chyrons

Health Highlights Video Version Without Chyrons

Author's note: This is part four of a four part story on infant nutrition misconceptions. Read part one here, part two here and part three here.



Bringing a new baby home raises the focus on their and mom’s well-being. Toward the top of the list: what and how the child is being fed.

Whether you choose to breastfeed or use formula, misconceptions about infant nutrition are everywhere. Xandra Anderson, a certified lactation consultant at OSF HealthCare, cuts through the noise.

• Breastfeeding takes up more of my time than formula feeding.

Choosing formula over breastfeeding is accepted, Anderson says. But she hears some moms do it for the wrong reason: they think it’s quicker, and they can even hand off baby to be fed while they catch up on shut eye.

Anderson counters: Studies have shown that breastfeeding moms get more sleep than formula feeding moms.

“You’re getting up, making the bottle and cleaning the bottle. Instead of being out of bed for 15 to 20 minutes [to breastfeed], you’re out of bed for 45 to 50 minutes. You try to go back to sleep, and baby is up again,” Anderson says.

• Breast milk doesn’t keep a baby full.
  
  It’s “complete nutrition,” Anderson says. Breast milk may be easily digestible, but that’s a benefit, not a problem.
   
• Switching formulas is OK.
  
  Anderson recalls the 2022 formula shortage in the United States, leaving some parents scrambling to find more of the formula that works.
  
  “Switching formulas can actually upset the baby’s digestive system,” Anderson warns. “All formulas, while safe, are different. Some are lower lactose. Some are dairy free. If we’re switching because we’re trying to find formula, that can mess up their gut flora, potentially for life.”
  
  If you run out of formula, talk to a health care provider about what to do.
   
• Formula is safer than breastfeeding.
  
  Some formula is ready to drink out of the package. Others need some work. You should follow the formula’s sterilization instructions to ensure you’re killing any bacteria. The United States Centers for Disease Control And Prevention says cronobacter infection is one possibility. These are “rare but serious,” the CDC says, and could result in death. If your baby becomes sick, take them to a provider right away. Lethargy, fever, excessive crying and poor feeding are common symptoms to watch for.

“If you’re breastfeeding, there’s not a lot of chances for that cross-contamination,” Anderson says. “If you’re outside in the garden and messy and sweaty, you can still breastfeed.”

Learn more

Read more about how to have a successful pregnancy and following years on the OSF HealthCare website.

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According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), more than one hundred people got sick and nearly three dozen were hospitalized after eating Quarter Pounders in October. 

One person died and four others developed life-threatening kidney disease. 

In November, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and CDC announced a voluntary recall of multiple sizes and brands of organic carrots. 

In the same week, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) alerted the public of an E. coli outbreak linked to ground beef products made by a Detroit-based company. 

E. coli is a bacterium with multiple strains. Humans' microbiome can contain E. coli, specifically in our guts with stool. 

These are different than the strains that cause food-borne illness. 

Doug Kasper, MD, an infectious disease specialist with OSF HealthCare, offers some food safety guidance with the holidays here.

“For the person at home, as we head into holiday season, you want to remember safe food practices,” Dr. Kasper says. Whether it's with raw meat or raw eggs, you want to wash all those surfaces after you've cooked with them. Wash with soap and water and scrub the surfaces. You want to cook all necessary products to their recommended temperatures.”

There's no need to break out the disinfectants like bleach to clean surfaces. Cleaning and scrubbing the area with soap and water should suffice. 

Also make sure to wash any raw veggies or fruits with water before eating.

Video Version With Chyrons

Video Version Without Chyrons

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), at least 104 people got sick and 34 people were hospitalized after eating Quarter Pounders from the fast-food chain in October. One person died in Colorado, and four others developed life-threatening kidney disease.

In November, the U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA) and CDC announced Grimmway Farms started a voluntary recall of multiple sizes and brands of organic whole and baby carrots. In the same week, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) alerted the public of an E. coli outbreak linked to ground beef products made by Wolverine Packing Co., based in Detroit, Michigan. Around 167,000 pounds of ground beef products were recalled.

What is E. coli?

Escherichia coli, commonly known as E. coli, is a bacterium with multiple strains. Humans’ microbiome can contain E. coli, specifically in our guts with stool. These are different than the strains that cause food-borne illness.

Eating affected foods can lead to serious gastrointestinal illnesses, such as diarrhea, fever, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain and kidney disease if the case is severe. Symptoms can start anywhere from a few days to up to nine days later, according to the FDA. Doug Kasper, MD, an infectious disease specialist with OSF HealthCare, adds that a bout with E. coli is more than just a usual stomachache.

"Upset stomach, more than typical like you ate too much or have heartburn after a meal,” Dr. Kasper says. “The particular concern would be an acute onset of diarrhea, stool that has blood in it and crampy abdominal pain that persists for more than 24 hours." 

What causes an outbreak?

There’s not a simple answer to where an E. coli outbreak starts, Dr. Kasper says. It could be in the original production facility or in transit, as a lot of food is transported across the United States.

”When you have these outbreaks, it usually comes down to one variable that has change,” Dr. Kasper says. “Maybe it has to do with a weather outbreak or a change in (a weather) pattern in that area that led to something different in how it was harvested."

Food safety practices around the holidays

"For the person at home, as we head into holiday season, you want to remember safe food practices. Whether it's with raw meat or raw eggs, you want to wash all those surfaces after you've cooked with them. Wash with soap and water and scrub the surfaces. You want to cook all necessary products to their recommended temperatures,” Dr. Kasper says.

And there’s no need to break out the disinfectants like ultraviolet light or bleach to clean the surfaces. Cleaning and scrubbing the area with soap and water should suffice.

If you went to the grocery store and picked up raw vegetables or fruits, Dr. Kasper says to make sure you wash them in water before eating them as well. If you have a product at home that’s been a part of a recall, Dr. Kasper says to not “cook your way through a recall.” Just toss the product out. Sometimes the manufacturer or store will offer a refund for impacted items.

There’s some reassurance 

"I look at it more that you have a complex industry, bringing foods across the country that get sourced from different places. As long as there is a constant process to audit this and address issues as they occur, that is the most reassuring part of getting these things to cease as fast as possible," Dr. Kasper says. 

While it can be very concerning to consumers when seeing these recalls, Dr. Kasper says it’s reassuring that the USDA, FDA and CDC investigate when the contamination occurs, gets the products removed from the shelves and then notify and update the public throughout a recall.

If you’re experiencing symptoms like intense stomach pain or diarrhea, potentially with blood in the stool, Dr. Kasper recommends contacting your medical provider immediately. If your symptoms are somewhat mild, OSF PromptCare or OSF OnCall Urgent Care are also available. If symptoms are really severe, you may want to consider a trip to the emergency department.

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Story update, BrucePac recalls: 

Nearly 10 million pounds of ready-to-eat meat and poultry products made by BrucePac have been recalled, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture. 

The recall, with impacts nationwide, are due to concern the meat and poultry products are contaminated with listeria. 

"The ready-to-eat meat and poultry items were produced from June 19, 2024, to October 8, 2024. These products were shipped to other establishments and distributors nationwide then distributed to restaurants and institutions. Information regarding product labels and the list of products will be provided when available," the USDA wrote in a release. "The products subject to recall bear establishment numbers "51205 or P-51205" inside or under the USDA mark of inspection." 

Original story, Boar's Head recall:

Approximately 7 million pounds of deli meat sold by Boar’s Head Provisions Co., one of the most well-known deli meat brands in America, have been recalled due to a listeria outbreak.

The outbreak has reached 13 states, including Illinois, and has resulted in the hospitalization of over 30 people. Two people have died after being infected.

The recall of ready-to-eat liverwurst includes 71 products under the Boar’s Head and Old Country brand names, distributed across the United States and to Mexico, Panama, the Dominican Republican and the Cayman Islands, according to the United States Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (USDA-FSIS). 

Stay informed

Doug Kasper, MD, is an infectious disease specialist with OSF HealthCare. He says listeria outbreaks are nothing new, and recalls aren’t meant to scare people. He says you don’t have to completely change your diet or stop eating certain foods because of a recall, rather just stay informed with recalls from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) or USDA.

“These recalls help you audit what you’ve purchased, where you’ve eaten recently, and potentially adjust, for a short amount of time, before the quality has improved,” Dr. Kasper says.

Dr. Kasper says during a recall, the CDC and USDA perform tests on the food while notifying manufacturers and consumers.

What is listeria?

Listeria monocytogenes (L. monocytogenes) is a series of disease-causing bacteria. When eaten, people can develop a disease called listeriosis.

“It’s a bacterium that can normally be found in the environment. It can be found as part of agriculture where food is produced and then as it’s handled, it can become contaminated,” Dr. Kasper says. “Bacteria is present throughout our world, and we have measures in place to wash food, and ensure food is handled safely. The rates of listeria are consistently monitored, audited and then retroactively checked in fields where there were higher rates detected in the past.”

Who is most at risk?

The CDC says listeriosis can be dangerous for pregnant women and their unborn babies, alongside those 65 and older or people with a weakened immune system.

“Pregnant women are frequently advised to stay away from products that could potentially be infected with listeria. These could be deli meats, unpasteurized dairy and raw milk,” Dr. Kasper says. “The risk is relatively higher. Some other patients on chemotherapy or those with other significant conditions may choose to stay away from those products.”

What do symptoms look like?

The USDA says listeriosis symptoms are very similar to flu-like symptoms. It can cause fever, muscle aches, stiff neck, confusion, loss of balance or convulsions. It can also give a person gastrointestinal (GI) symptoms like upset stomach or diarrhea.

Unlike viruses, listeria cannot be passed from person to person. It can only infect a person when they consume a decent portion of the infected product.

“These are not transmissible by touch or sharing common dining utensils,” Dr. Kasper says. “It’s based off of the product you were exposed to.”

What to do if you’re feeling sick

If you’re feeling sick and it may have been from a food product you’ve eaten recently, Dr. Kasper recommends seeking medical attention immediately, whether it’s your primary care provider or an OSF OnCall Urgent Care or OSF PromptCare.

“If a person develops a fever or sustained illness that lasts more than a day, then it becomes in their best interest to notify their medical provider,” Dr. Kasper says. “For most people that are exposed, the risk is very minimal. It’s unlikely to have a severe outcome, unless the food is repetitively eaten or if the person has an underlying issue.”

In addition to avoiding recalled deli meats entirely and contacting your medical provider, the CDC says to clean your refrigerator and containers and surfaces that may have touched any recalled sliced deli meats. Businesses affected by the recall are advised to thoroughly clean and sanitize all non-food surfaces and throw away any open meats and cheeses in the deli. Taking this a step further, the USDA-FSIS recommends delis to not use any opened deli products because recalled products can cross-contaminate other deli products.

Video Interview Clips

This is part two of a two part story on hygiene myths. Click here for part one.

From health care providers to websites to advice passed down through generations, there are a lot of ways to get health care information, especially tips for minor ailments you can treat at home.

Awad Alyami, MD, a pediatrician at OSF HealthCare, breaks down some common myths.

• Myth: When I shower, bathe or wash my hands, really hot water is best to kill germs.

Fact: Really hot showers can feel good, but they may burn your skin. Dr. Alyami recommends setting your home’s water heater at 120 degrees or less. Then, when you use the shower or sink, warm, but not hot water is best.

Dr. Alyami adds that a cold shower after a sweaty summer activity is OK because it can reduce the chance of heat rash. But frequent cold showers can irritate your skin.

• Myth: Q-tips are meant for cleaning your ear.

Fact: “The ear is a self-cleaning oven. Most everything inside the ear will come out on its own,” Dr. Alyami says. “When we put anything inside the ear, we are pushing everything from the outside to the inside, especially earwax. It makes it harder for the ear to clean itself.”

Using Q-tips and similar devices can lead to injuries to the ear canal or eardrum, Dr. Alyami adds. Instead, during your shower or bath, gently clean and dry the outside of your ears. If your ears look or feel off (pain or itchiness, for example), see a provider.

“We can clean you safely in the office,” Dr. Alyami says.

• Myth: For cuts and scrapes, apply antibiotic ointment like Neosporin until it heals.

Fact: You can apply the ointment once after cleaning the wound and then again after the wound is healed. But doing so often can lead to contact dermatitis, a bad skin reaction.

• Myth: The “five second rule” is OK for eating food that’s fallen on the floor.

Fact: Dr. Alyami puts this one to rest once and for all: Don’t do it. Always eat off a sanitary surface.

He even says that research has shown that bacteria from the floor can attach to food in as little as less than one second. Eating dirty food can lead to vomiting and stomach illnesses.

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Summer may be winding down, but health care providers want you to know that heat rash can happen year-round. Luckily, most cases resolve on their own with simple steps.

Maddy Draper, APRN, a provider at OSF OnCall, says heat rash (also called sweat rash or prickly heat) usually occurs in a hot or humid setting. This could be the summer heat or a year-round activity like the sauna or gym. Or, Draper says, using certain things on your skin – like bandages, medicine patches or thick lotion – can contribute. Either way, the result is clogged ducts trapping sweat under the skin, leading to a rash.

“It’s either raised, red bumps or blisters filled with clear fluid or pus,” Draper explains.

Draper adds that heat rash is more common in infants and young kids, but it can affect all ages. She says providers typically see the rash on a person’s midsection – front and back. It can also crop up on your arms and legs, especially where patches of skin come together, like your armpit. Sometimes the rash will be itchy.

“There’s no cure for it. It’s just getting back into a normal, less hot environment. Wear less clothing. Get the sweat off your body,” Draper says.

Don’t pop the blisters, as that can lead to a bacterial infection. Don’t use rubbing alcohol or peroxide on the rash, and don’t scratch the itch.

In other words: “Just leave it alone,” Draper says, and most cases will resolve in a few hours.

When to see a health care provider? If you develop a fever, if the rash persists for a couple days or if it looks different (such as red streaks up your arm), visit your local urgent care. In rare cases, blocked ducts can cause sweat glands to stop working. That makes it harder for the body to cool itself, and you can be prone to overheating.

Heat rash prevention involves many of the “hot environment” safety tips you’ve heard before.

“Stay in cooler environments,” Draper advises. “Everyone likes to be outside in the warmth, but try not to prolong those exposures. If you feel symptoms [of heat illness], come inside and cool off.”

During those breaks, drink water or a sports drink, wipe off sweat and change out of damp clothes. Also, remove bandages or patches when doing something that makes you sweat.

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How much water is too much?

You should not feed a fever and starve a cold, hydration is key when you're sick. 

Do not go back to work or school until you're fever free for 24 hours, that's less than 100.4 degrees, and have improving symptoms. 

You do not need really hot water to wash hands, shower, or bathe. Warm water is fine. 

And for ears, ditch those Q-Tips.

“The ear is a self-cleaning oven. Most everything inside the ear will come out on its own," says Awad Alyami, MD, a pediatrician with OSF HealthCare. "When we put anything inside the ear, we are pushing everything from the outside to the inside, especially earwax. It makes it harder for the ear to clean itself.”

And the five second rule? It's fiction. 

Bacteria from the floor can get on food in a second. So don't try to sneak a bite.

Health Highlights Video Version With Chyrons

Health Highlights Video Version Without Chyrons

When it comes to oral health in kids, Emily Isom has seen it all.

Cavities, gum disease and infections, improper tooth alignment and tooth loss come to mind quickly. Not to mention all the missed school time dealing with these issues.

But she’s also seen plenty of young people who are the picture of good oral health. And she’s on a mission to make more of the latter.

“The mouth is the gateway to the body,” says Isom, a certified medical assistant in pediatrics at OSF HealthCare and a former dental assistant.

“A lot of people don’t think about what our oral health can do to us if it’s not being taken care of,” she adds. “It can cause heart disease, diabetes and respiratory infections.”

Everyday prevention

Isom says kids and their parents should commit to daily habits that will improve their oral health.

For infants without teeth, Isom says parents should use a soft, cool washcloth to wipe the child’s gums twice a day. This helps clear bits of food and milk that can lead to bad breath, irritation and cavities.

“Touching their gums will help when they are older. They’ll be okay with brushing their teeth. They won’t fight the parents about it,” Isom says. “So, it’s good to start [oral health care] early."

Older kids should brush their teeth for two minutes, twice a day. Floss once a day. When a child has two teeth that touch, it’s time to start flossing. That could happen from ages two to six.

Before you rinse out your mouth with water, don’t forget about the tongue, Isom says.

“If we do not brush our tongue, bacteria can sit on it. It can get what I call ‘tongue sick,’” Isom says. “Bad breath can also happen.”

Outside of the bathroom, Isom reminds us that sugary and starchy food and drinks are prime suspects in oral health issues like cavities. So, parents should offer those foods in moderation. Isom calls out sticky candy as an example. She says the sugar tends to sit on your teeth for a while. Isom also says starchy food like bread, potatoes, rice, pasta and cereal can sit between your teeth unless you floss right away.

Another must-know for parents with babies: don’t put your baby to bed with a bottle. Aside from a choking hazard, Isom says the constant stream of milk or formula can lead to cavities and corrosion. She also says this can cause infants to be fussy and demand a bottle more often.

It takes some convincing

A mother of a six-year-old, Isom knows that some kids won’t brush and floss willingly. They see it as a chore.

Her response: make oral health fun.

“Make a dental chart. Add stickers to it, morning and night,” Isom suggests. “Give them rewards like a little toy. After each cleaning, they can get a reward. Turn on music or a timer for two minutes [of brushing.] Get toothbrushes with their favorite characters on them.”

Dentist visits

Isom says children usually have regular visits with a dentist twice a year. Others with known mouth issues may go every three to four months. But see a dentist right away if you notice red flags: pain in the mouth, persistent bad breath, discolored gums or teeth, bleeding gums or trouble swallowing.

A regular dental visit usually includes a thorough cleaning of the teeth and gums followed by fluoride treatment.

“[Fluoride] protects the enamel of the teeth,” Isom explains. “It protects your teeth from cavities. It just makes your enamel really strong so you can eat the things you want.”

A dental professional may also perform X-rays on your teeth regularly.

Something else for parents to make sure the dentist has in mind: oral cancer screening.

“Those are huge,” for oral health, Isom says.

A dentist may use their hands to examine your mouth and neck. They could use a light or have you rinse your mouth with a blue dye. Each method looks for abnormal, possibly cancerous tissue.

At the end of a dental visit, you may be sent home with a prescription or just instructions to keep your mouth happy. For example, you may get a prescription mouthwash to help with gum disease.

Learn more

Read more about how to keep kids’ mouths in good health on the OSF HealthCare and U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention websites. If you don’t have a family dentist, talk to your primary care provider about finding one. OSF HealthCare Children’s Hospital of Illinois in Peoria offers dental care for children with special needs.

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Terminology

David Rzepczynski, MD, an OSF HealthCare gastroenterologist, says it’s important to first lay out some similar sounding terminology.

• Diverticulum (singular) or diverticula (plural): These are the bulges that form when an inner part of the colon sticks out through a weak spot in the colon wall.
   
• Diverticulosis: This is the name of the condition when the bulges occur.
   
• Diverticulitis: This describes when the bulges become inflamed.

Causes, symptoms and diagnosis

Dr. Rzepczynski says diverticulosis occurs when your colon is trying to push stool forward, and the organ is not as bulky as it should be. The diverticula bulges then form.

The condition has been more common in people over 60, but Dr. Rzepczynski says health care providers are seeing a rise in cases in people in their 40s and 50s.

Diverticulosis can run in families. It’s also tied to your lifestyle.

“A diet that has more red meat, less grain and less fiber might put you at a higher risk,” Dr. Rzepczynski says.

Smoking, excess alcohol and obesity are also risk factors.

Symptoms of diverticulosis include abdominal pain or constipation. But it often comes with no symptoms and is found during a colonoscopy.

Treatment

Dr. Rzepczynski says in mild cases, a provider may tell you to change your lifestyle, such as getting more fiber in your diet. This makes bowel movements smoother.

“Often, people will look to use fiber supplements,” Dr. Rzepczynski says. “The amount of fiber intake from supplements pales in comparison to what you can get from your diet.”

Also, eat a healthier diet overall. Dr. Rzepczynski says there used to be a myth that nuts, popcorn and seeds would get lodged in the colon bulges. He says studies have shown those foods are not a risk factor.

Other lifestyle tips: exercise and cut out tobacco and alcohol.

Dr. Rzepczynski says more serious cases of diverticulosis can come with two complications. One is bleeding.

“You could have a blood vessel on the outside of the diverticulum. If it ruptures into the diverticulum, it could cause sudden bleeding from the rectum,” Dr. Rzepczynski says.

Dr. Rzepczynski says bleeding from diverticulosis is not common. He ballparks it at around one in 2,000 cases. People on blood thinning medication who develop diverticulosis have a higher risk of bleeding.

While unpleasant, Dr. Rzepczynski says most bleeding cases resolve on their own.

The second, more serious complication is diverticulitis, or when the diverticula bulges become inflamed. This happens when there is a tear in the diverticulum, and bacteria from stool leaks. And it can lead to a host of other problems: pockets of pus known as abscesses, issues passing stool and a urinary tract infection.

Symptoms of diverticulitis include pain in the lower left abdominal area, abnormal bowel movements, nausea and vomiting. If you have these symptoms, it’s important to been seen by a health care provider quickly. A doctor may order a computed tomography scan (commonly called a CT scan) to diagnose diverticulitis.

Dr. Rzepczynski says it’s not common for diverticulosis to progress to diverticulitis, and most cases of diverticulitis can be treated at home with oral medication. But, he says 12 to 15% of diverticulitis patients spend time at the hospital. Treatments there include antibiotic medication through intravenous therapy (IV) and surgery. If surgery is necessary, a doctor will drain any abscesses then remove the inflamed area of the colon.

“They’ll try to reconnect the colon at that time,” Dr. Rzepczynski explains. “But if the surgery is done on an emergency basis, sometimes the person may have a colostomy where part of the colon is coming out through the skin. That’s a temporary measure.”

A colostomy comes with a bag on the outside of your body that collects the waste that would normally leave your body via a bowel movement.

Dr. Rzepczynski warns that surgery isn’t a permanent fix. He says around 15% of diverticulitis patients who have surgery end up with another bout. It reinforces the importance of lifestyle changes. You should also get on a colonoscopy schedule as advised by your health care provider.

Learn more

Read more about how to avoid diverticulosis on the OSF HealthCare website.

Interview clips

Feeling bloated today? You’re not alone.

It’s not uncommon to get the sensation caused by gas, air or fluid retention in the stomach or small intestine. But what’s important to know: bloating has many causes, says Aminat Ogun, MD, an OSF HealthCare family medicine physician. So don’t let it linger and hope it will go away. If symptoms persist, see a health care provider so they can rule out something more serious and give proper treatment.

“It might feel like your stomach is full, swollen or sometimes tender. It can cause some discomfort,” Dr. Ogun says.

Causes for bloating include:

• The body makes too much gas.
   
• An overgrowth of intestinal bacteria. H. pylori is a common type. Dr. Ogun says it causes chronic inflammation in the stomach lining, and it can lead to peptic ulcers or even stomach cancer if untreated.
   
• Diet issues, like intolerance of certain carbohydrates or a gluten intolerance.
   
• Hormone changes during a woman’s menstrual cycle.
   
• Abnormal gastrointestinal motility. Simply put, this is when your gut is not working properly. Dr. Ogun says one example is gastroparesis.

              “The body takes its time before its able to pass food from the stomach to the small intestine,” she explains.

• Stress, anxiety and depression.

Dr. Ogun points out that we can’t control some of those causes, but others we can. She says a typical first step for a person with bloating is to change their diet. She says doctors may recommend a diet with a long name: fermentable oligosaccharides, disaccharides, monosaccharides and polyols. But just remember the abbreviation: FODMAP. It describes carbohydrates that are difficult for the body to break down.

Foods to avoid on the FODMAP diet: pasta, cereal, bread, yogurt, ice cream, apples, cherries and peaches. Alternatives include quinoa, brown rice, eggs, cheese, grapes, strawberries, chamomile tea, peppermint tea and ginger tea.

“Have a food diary,” Dr. Ogun suggests. “See what triggers your bloating symptoms and see if you can eliminate those foods.”

People with bloating may also take medicine like Gas-X. If you have intestinal bacteria, you’ll be on antibiotic medication.

Dr. Ogun adds for people age 55 and up, bloating is less common, and other health issues are, simply due to older age. So, if you are of that age and have sudden bloating symptoms, see a provider to find out if your symptoms are bloating or something more serious. And for all ages, if you have severe diarrhea, nausea, vomiting or unintentional weight loss, stop by a doctor’s office.

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Kent Splaingard, DMD, recalls decades ago when he learned his mother had stage three gum disease. Her dental providers told her that dentures were likely in a few years.

But after thirty years of treating his mother, Dr. Splaingard says she lost just one tooth.

“I always point it out here,” Dr. Splaingard says, gesturing to where the tooth was. “I remember taking that tooth out thinking, ‘What a failure.’ But I really look back at it and say, ‘What a success.’ Mom had her teeth all her life.”

It’s a prime example of how therapeutic dental treatment can reverse the effects of gum disease. And it’s something he sees weekly with patients at OSF HealthCare in Alton, Illinois. Dr. Splaingard is a retired private practice dentist and an instructor at Lewis and Clark Community College in nearby Godfrey. He and his students regularly see OSF patients who need extra dental attention.

It’s important work, Dr. Splaingard says, because our body functions as a whole. Advanced gum disease will likely make other medical conditions worse.

“The mouth is like a picture window into the body’s health,” he says.

Gum disease basics

Dr. Splaingard says gum disease is a bacterial infection caused by poor oral hygiene. The bacteria embed into the gum tissue, and that typically results in a low-grade chronic infection (in other words, a problem over a longer period). Left untreated, your gums will constantly be red (not the normal pink), swollen and sore. Bleeding is possible, too.

“You see a lot of debris on the teeth. You may see a film of bacteria. You also see a white-ish coating on the soft tissue,” Dr. Splaingard adds.

“You also see the social and economic problems with the people who can’t chew properly. The poor nutrition they may be getting,” he adds.

Treatment for gum disease is a combination of thorough cleaning by a dental professional, treatments that stop bacteria from reproducing and antibiotic medication. In severe cases, a dental specialist may perform surgery. That could involve pulling some or all of a person’s teeth.

Prevention

Dr. Splaingard says gum disease can be passed down genetically, but general prevention goes back to what dentists have told you since you were a kid.

• Brush and floss regularly. The American Dental Association recommends brushing twice per day and flossing once per day. If you have questions about frequency, talk to your dentist.
• See a dentist regularly. Twice per year is a good starting point, but some people who need extra attention could go four times per year.
• In between those appointments, watch your teeth and gums and let your dentist know if something doesn’t seem right.

“It’s education, motivation and self-treatment,” Dr. Splaingard says.

Learn more

Read more about oral health on the OSF HealthCare website.

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