OSF HealthCare Newsroom

Prepare for warm weather and migraines

Tue, 23 Jun 2026 08:00:00 -0500

For most adults, spring and summer thunderstorms bring the annoyance of driving in a downpour.

But others dread this time of year for migraines triggered by the environment.

What are migraines?

Aminat Ogun, MD, a family medicine physician at OSF HealthCare, describes migraines as episodic disorders that cause severe, throbbing headaches, usually on one side of the brain.

The list of triggers is, unfortunately, long.

“Emotional stress can trigger migraines. Moving, changing jobs, other stressful life situations,” Dr. Ogun says. “A change in sleeping habits can trigger a migraine. Skipping a meal. Your diet: wine, aged cheese, coffee withdrawal and foods high in nitrates.”

Other common triggers include hormones, bright lights, loud sounds and changes in altitude. A propensity for frequent headaches can also run in the family, Dr. Ogun says.

You can prepare

Dr. Ogun says not much is known about weather-induced migraines. But most medical professionals agree there is some evidence for migraines caused by changes in barometric pressure.

How can you prepare?

“Up and move,” Dr. Ogun says, tongue firmly planted in cheek.

More realistically, watch the weather forecast. If there’s a chance for a lot of dust or smoke in the air (think areas like California or Arizona), plan to limit time outside.

Stock up on medication after talking with your health care provider. Dr. Ogun says over-the-counter medicine like ibuprofen will help with pain and can even be taken ahead of when you know a migraine is coming.

“They could have a headache diary where they write down what causes their headaches, where the pain is located, how long does it last, symptoms and what treatment helps,” Dr. Ogun adds.

If your migraines are more frequent, feel different, or come with other symptoms like confusion, neck rigidity, weakness in the arms or legs, fever or chills, see a doctor right away. Some of those symptoms may be signs of a heart attack or stroke.

Any head trauma, like a sports injury or a car crash, should also be checked on by a doctor.

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Previous coverage

One big headache
June is national migraine and headache awareness month
A good calendar may be able to help you fight headaches
Three steps to help with severe or frequent headaches
When should you see a specialist for your headaches?
Weather changes can be a pain for migraine sufferers

Planes, trains, automobiles…and your health (part one)

Thu, 28 May 2026 08:00:00 -0500

Author's note: this is part one of a two part story on staying healthy during summer vacations. Click here for part two.

Summer means getaways to de-stress and make memories. But the last thing you want is to catch a cold or worse, especially if you’re halfway across the world where health care resources might be different or scarce.

It's not too late to make some quick preparations, says Jennifer Whitfill, APRN, a family nurse practitioner at OSF HealthCare.

Stop by the doctor’s office: Whitfill says if you haven’t seen your primary care provider for a physical exam in a while, make an appointment before vacation to address any lingering health issues. This could include getting vaccines depending on your health and where you’re going. Whitfill says typhoid fever (seen in southern Africa, Asia, Central America and South America), yellow fever (Africa), hepatitis A (remote or underdeveloped areas) and rabies are ailments to protect yourself against.
Stock up on over-the-counter medication.

“It’s important to be prepared,” for when these medications are needed, Whitfill says. “Consider packing Tylenol or ibuprofen, anti-allergy medicines like Claritin, Zyrtec and Benadryl. Dramamine is a good one for motion sickness or nausea. Some people reach out to their provider if they’re going on a cruise. There’s a prescription called a scopolamine patch that you can put behind your ear. It’s good for three days and helps offset motion sickness.

“Eyedrops are good if you have seasonal allergies. Over-the-counter saline or Pataday drops,” Whitfill adds. “Creams like hydrocortisone and triple antibiotic ointment are good to have.”

For outdoor trips like camping, essentials including a first aid kit, sunscreen and bug spray are must-haves, too. Know if you’re on a medication, such as certain acne creams and menstrual cycle medications, that makes you more prone to sunburn.

And regardless of what you pack, Whitfill says flyers should check the Transportation Security Administration guidelines about what can come on a plane. She says to leave medicines in their original packaging when preparing airport luggage.

Medicine, part two – before you go: You might hear travel bloggers say to boost your immune health before traveling to reduce your risk of catching something. Is the advice overblown?

Whitfill says no. She says elderberry, vitamin C and D and zinc are all good supplements to take before a trip. Start three to four weeks before departure, if you can. And if you have concerns about supplements interacting with prescription medication, talk to your provider.
Check the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website for travel advisories about disease outbreaks, civil unrest and more.

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Solving sore throats

Tue, 21 Oct 2025 08:00:00 -0500

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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COVID’s razor: What to know this fall

Wed, 09 Jul 2025 08:00:00 -0500

We’re approaching the late summer-early fall period when respiratory illnesses begin their annual upswing. The latest news from federal health officials concerns a new variant of COVID-19, NB.1.8.1. Some people impacted have reported severe sore throats, almost like there’s a razor blade in there.

Fred Burke, MD, an emergency medicine physician who sees patients at OSF HealthCare, says illnesses like COVID, RSV and the flu will always be around. It’s just a matter of taking precautions to avoid serious illness. So, what’s the level of concern with this new COVID variant as we begin to make fall plans?

The razor’s edge

Any sore throat is an annoyance. But Dr. Burke says you should monitor severe cases closely.

“You’re less likely to want to eat or drink, which can lead to further dehydration,” he says.

You can manage sore throats at home with Tylenol or ibuprofen, chloraseptic spray, warm tea and throat lozenges. Dr. Burke says if you have trouble keeping food or fluids down, feel lightheaded or dizzy or have trouble breathing, see a health care provider right away.

COVID precautions

Dr. Burke says this new COVID variant isn’t linked to as much severe illness as other variants. But, he says it’s more easily spread.

“The average healthy person might get through it with some [figurative] bumps and bruises and little to no symptoms. For people with comorbidities or who are immunocompromised, the virus might be a little bit more detrimental,” Dr. Burke says.

Getting vaccinated and practicing good hygiene are two big tools to avoid serious illness, he adds. Wash your hands and high touch surfaces, like doorknobs, often, don’t cough or sneeze into the open air and stay home and away from others when you don’t feel well. If you’re in a crowd, especially if you have a comorbidity like diabetes, Dr. Burke says you should consider wearing a mask.

“If you’re going to have a gathering, whether at home or somewhere else, you can also recommend people take a home test to make sure they don’t have COVID prior to going,” Dr. Burke suggests. Those at-home tests can usually be found over the counter at a pharmacy.

For vaccines, recent preliminary guidance from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration recommends the shot this fall for people 65 and up. For others, the shot is recommended for people who have a compromised immune system or a comorbid condition like obesity, heart disease, high blood pressure, lung disease or depression. The website for the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, meanwhile, has a broader recommendation. When in doubt, Dr. Burke says to talk to your primary care provider.

Learn more

Explore other resources to keep yourself safe from COVID on the OSF HealthCare website, blog and newsroom.

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Pain relief 101: Choosing between ibuprofen and acetaminophen

Thu, 27 Mar 2025 02:00:00 -0500

Whenever you feel a headache coming on or you tweak your back, it’s common to reach into the medicine cabinet for a couple of acetaminophens (Tylenol) or ibuprofen (Advil). But does it matter which one you take? And is there anything wrong with taking both to fight off what ails you?

Acetaminophen is an analgesic, which is a type of drug that reduces pain signals within your nervous system. It’s used to treat discomfort like headaches and joint pain, and to reduce fever.

Ibuprofen is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) that is typically used to tackle issues such as back pain, menstrual cramps and toothaches. It also works to decrease fever.

Sarah Sheley is a pharmacist with OSF HealthCare. She says it’s important to know that ibuprofen helps with inflammation and acetaminophen can’t do that.

“The difference between the two is the fact that the ibuprofen, that anti-inflammatory component, reduces pain by affecting the production of certain hormones in your body that cause inflammation,” she says.

But each pain reliever comes with its own risks.

Acetaminophen is typically safer to use for most people. Some side effects include nausea, vomiting and headache. But it’s a drug that's absorbed by your liver so it’s not the best option for people with liver problems.

The side effects of ibuprofen include heartburn, nausea and stomach pain (it’s important to take it with food). Taking ibuprofen for a long time or at high doses can increase the risk of blood clots, kidney damage and ulcers.

“With ibuprofen there is more concern with patients using it if they had renal insufficiency, heart failure, GI (gastrointestinal) issues like Crohn's or IBS; they could cause a lot of irritation in the GI tract or stomach,” Sheley says.

If you are taking a blood thinner ibuprofen can increase your risk of bleeding so opt for acetaminophen instead.

Sheley says that acetaminophen and ibuprofen are appropriate choices for children with fevers. However, stick with acetaminophen for infants 3 months or younger. The correct dose for your child is based on their weight, not their age. Do not guess their weight — acetaminophen and ibuprofen can be dangerous when given in the wrong dose. Check with your pediatrician before giving your child any pain relievers.

Since the two pain relievers work differently, Sheley says it’s fine for most adults to use them interchangeably.

“As long as you don't have any kidney or liver issues, you can alternate between the two. It is safe,” she says. “You want to keep the doses four to six hours apart to help maintain and it probably is a good thing to alternate those, if you want to hit the pain from two different mechanisms.”

Sheley says the most important tip is to know why you’re taking a particular pain reliever and don’t overdo it. The recommended maximum dosage for adults is 3,000 milligrams a day for acetaminophen and 2,400 milligrams a day if you’re taking ibuprofen.

Additionally, other factors such as your medical history and underlying cause of pain also help determine which pain reliever is best for you.

“Making sure that you know the source of your pain is important, and make sure that you are aware of a total daily dose that you should be taking of either medication prior to starting it,” Sheley says.

Be aware that ibuprofen and acetaminophen can have a negative interaction with some prescription and over-the-counter drugs. If you have any concerns or questions, consult with your primary care provider or your pharmacist.

For more information, visit the OSF HealthCare website.

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At-home migraine relief: Fact vs. fiction

Wed, 05 Mar 2025 07:55:57 -0600

Migraines are a part of life for many. From stress to dehydration to a woman’s menstrual cycle and even more serious issues such as a stroke, the headaches can pop up often. And they’re something you should know how to manage.

Amber Oberheim, APRN, a primary care provider at OSF HealthCare, says migraines can often be treated with ibuprofen (Advil is a common brand name) or naproxen (Aleve), plus lifestyle changes including better sleep. But, an online search will also yield plenty of non-medicinal, at-home remedies. Experts will remind you that these aren’t cure-alls. But it’s important to know what works and what doesn’t.

Myth vs. fact

A cold or warm cloth on the head and neck: Stick to cold, Oberheim says.

“One of the theories for why migraines happen is vasodilation, or increased blood flow to your brain,” Oberheim explains. “So we talk about using a cold compress over your eyes, on the back of your neck or at the top of your head. That cold sensation constricts blood vessels, thereby decreasing blood flow.”

Oberheim adds that there are even migraine caps that stay in the freezer until use. Those are available over the counter at retail outlets.
Rest and deep breathing: Oberheim says there’s no guarantee that your migraine will be gone when you wake up from a nap. But, she says rest and deep breathing can’t hurt. Take a break in a cool, dark room, and avoid screens and loud noises.
Caffeine: It’s good general advice to ingest caffeine in moderation for heart and mental health. But, Oberheim says a soda might help with that headache.

“We look at medications in Excedrin Migraine [pills]. Caffeine is one of them,” Oberheim says. “Caffeine has been proven to be effective sometimes in early management of migraine headaches.”
Supplements: There’s a lot to choose from in this aisle of the pharmacy. And experts warn that you should choose with provider guidance since supplements aren’t regulated like others under the eye of the United States Food and Drug Administration. However, Oberheim says some research has shown that taking vitamin B2 (also called riboflavin) and magnesium daily can help with the number of migraines.
Massaging your head: It’s a tactic some of us learned when we were kids. Massaging your temples (the area between your eyes and the top of your ears) could help with head pain.

“I don’t think there’s any data that would support that. I think it’s more of a comfort,” Oberheim says. “When you’re experiencing pain and you can have a sensation that’s not pain somewhere on your body, it might help lessen the pain.”

For example, Oberheim says when her patients are getting a blood draw through an IV in their elbow, a provider might scratch their upper arm (between the point of pain and the brain) to “confuse” the pain signal and lessen the discomfort. The same logic applies to rubbing your head during a migraine.
Taking a shower: It depends, Oberheim says.

“I could see if stress or muscle tension is creating a headache. Taking a warm shower or bath to relax might help,” Oberheim says. “However, if we’re thinking about a classic migraine with the theory of increased blood flow to the brain, taking a hot bath or shower might actually make it worse.

“It never hurts to try, but I think it’s going to be patient-specific,” she adds.

When in doubt

Oberheim says some people have a history of migraines and know how to manage them. But if the headaches suddenly increase in frequency or intensity, you should see a health care provider. Also, talk to a provider if you have questions about starting or changing at-home treatment. The provider can determine what works for you. You don’t want new medications to negatively interact with drugs you’re already on, for example.

“Often, a migraine can last for longer than a typical headache. It can be accompanied by symptoms like nausea, light sensitivity and noise sensitivity,” Oberheim says, warning of the dangers if migraines are not treated quickly. “There are certain types of migraines that can also affect your vision.”

Temporary decreased function of your limbs is another rare, but possible side effect, Oberheim says.

Learn more

Read more about how to spot and treat a migraine on the OSF HealthCare website.

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Pharmacy or provider? For seniors and medication, it matters

Wed, 19 Feb 2025 08:00:00 -0600

Here’s an eye-opening observation from John Rinker, MD: Some people think just because you can get a medication over the counter, you can play fast and loose with its use.

“Because it’s widely accessible and they can easily get it from their grocery store, they sometimes don’t even view it as actual medicine,” says Dr. Rinker, an internal medicine physician at OSF HealthCare. They view it more like a vitamin, he says.

Complicating matters: Due to issues like a lack of mobility, older adults might skip getting the right prescription from a health care provider in favor of a pharmacy shelf option. Dr. Rinker warns that route could lead to unintentional medication misuse and possibly deadly side effects. Luckily, there are tips to steer your loved one back onto the right path.

Common barriers and issues

A big issue for older adults is not being able to move like they used to. So, if someone is dealing with a health problem (back pain, for example), it’s tempting to skip the long drive to the doctor’s office and just go to the pharmacy a block away. Or, the person might have medication delivered and not leave home at all.

Seniors can also be more forgetful or have trouble reading medication labels, leading to instances where they take too much of a drug. And Dr. Rinker says as we age, our ability to break down medicine and clear it from our body diminishes. The liver and kidneys just don’t work as well as they used to.

“That’s why we often adjust doses of medicine for adults as they age. We deescalate the dose. Less is more in certain cases,” Dr. Rinker explains. “The dose can last longer. The byproducts of the drug are more likely to create another problem.”

Some common over the counter medicines that are unintentionally misused, according to Dr. Rinker:

A pain reliever like ibuprofen or Aleve (the technical term is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory)

“If it’s used temporarily, it’s probably not problematic. That’s how those drugs are meant to be used. But so many people have chronic conditions like arthritis. They’ll take these drugs for long lengths of time,” Dr. Rinker says. “That’s when we start to run into more of those long-term effects. You worry about gastric ulcers or bleeding in your gastrointestinal area. If you have underlying kidney issues, those drugs can make that more harmful.”
Acid reflux medication like Nexium or Prilosec (technical term: proton pump inhibitor). Again, Dr. Rinker says a person might keep taking these drugs past their intended use.

“This can create issues with how you absorb nutrients like calcium and vitamin D. It can lead to bone and kidney problems,” Dr. Rinker warns.
Sudafed (also called pseudoephedrine) or Afrin for nasal congestion.

“If you have an enlarged prostate, [overuse of Sudafed] can create more of an issue. You’ll have more problems urinating,” Dr. Rinker warns. Sudafed can also raise your blood pressure, he says.

Afrin, meanwhile, should only be used for a few days, Dr. Rinker says. If you use it longer then stop, he says you can actually get “rebound congestion” that’s worse than before.
Benadryl (also called diphenhydramine) for allergies or to aid sleep.

“It can impair cognition and increase the risk of a fall,” Dr. Rinker says. Falls can lead to serious injuries in seniors like hip fractures.

And for all medications, Dr. Rinker adds they can negatively interact with each other. For example, he says you shouldn’t take ibuprofen with a blood thinner because it could impact how the blood thinner works and make you more prone to internal bleeding.

Strategies to stay healthy

Things for seniors and their caregivers to consider:

Look into ways to remove the travel barrier to visit your health care provider. See if a friend, family member or social service agency can give you a ride. Or, see a provider virtually. Dr. Rinker says this could be as simple as calling or messaging your provider on your patient portal and asking, “Is it safe for me to take this drug?”.
Caregivers should closely watch their loved one’s medication use and their behavior afterward. For example, did one particular pill make grandma woozy? It’s worth looking into if the regimen should be changed. Don’t be afraid to ask tough questions like, “I saw you take that pink pill earlier today. Are you sure you need another?”.

“Just because they’ve taken it for a while doesn’t mean the drug is OK,” Dr. Rinker says.
When you do visit a health care provider, make sure they know your health history and which medications you’re taking.

“You can read medicine packaging, but sometimes it’s really difficult to understand the language. It’s not always clear cut for the average person,” Dr. Rinker points out. “So, your primary care provider is the best person to ask questions of. They’ll have your chart and other information. They can give you a response that’s tailored to your needs.

“Your provider might have a different prescription medication or a safer over the counter alternative that works well for you. Or maybe they can figure out a way for you to take your current drug in a healthier manner,” Dr. Rinker adds.

Learn more

Read more about staying healthy in your golden years on the OSF HealthCare website.

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When bug bites turn serious

Wed, 31 May 2023 10:30:00 -0500

Warmer temperatures bring the return of pesky insects, especially at dusk.

Experts say while most bug bites are not serious, there are times when you need to see a health care provider immediately.

Most bites can be treated quickly

Andrew Zasada, MD, an internal medicine physician at OSF HealthCare, says treatment of most minor bug bites (think mosquito or bee) is down to a science.

First, move away from the area so the bugs don’t bite you again. If the insect left a stinger behind, gently remove it with tweezers.

“Put some ice on the bite site. Wash it gently. Put a little calamine or hydrocortisone on it. Keep it elevated,” Dr. Zasada says.

Don’t scratch the bite site. Leave it alone and let it heal. For children who may find it difficult not to itch, put a Band-Aid over the bite. You can take an antihistamine like Benadryl, Allegra or Zyrtec for itching and ibuprofen or acetaminophen for pain.

If you notice a rapid worsening of symptoms in the 30 to 45 minutes following the bite, or if the wound is not healing over several days, it may be a sign of a more serious problem. See a health care provider.

Serious insect bites

Dr. Zasada says in the Midwest, two types of spiders come with dangerous fangs: black widow and brown recluse.

“These bites can cause tissue destruction at the bite site,” Dr. Zasada explains. “The venom is very potent. It can cause cell death. It’s very irritating.”

If the venom gets into your bloodstream, then chest pain, muscle cramps, sweating and nausea could follow. Dr. Zasada says black widow and brown recluse bites are “very rarely” fatal, but the illness they bring is quite unpleasant.

If you think you’ve been bitten by a black widow or a brown recluse, see a health care provider right away. Your local urgent care is equipped to treat insect bites, but if your symptoms have worsened, the Emergency Department at your local hospital may be the best destination.

Another serious condition to keep an eye on after a bug bite is an allergic reaction known as anaphylaxis.

Symptoms of anaphylaxis include shortness of breath, wheezing and a drop in blood pressure. Dr. Zasada says some people with known allergies may have an EpiPen handy and can inject themselves to alleviate symptoms. Regardless, immediate attention from a medical professional is still needed.

Leave the critters alone

It’s inevitable that a stroll through the neighborhood will bring an encounter with an insect like an ant or mosquito. But Dr. Zasada says spiders that pack a punch don’t want to mess with humans. They tend to come out at night and live in wooded areas or a dark space in the back of a garage.

In other words, don’t mess with them, and they won’t mess with you.

“When you take clothing out of storage, shake it to make sure there are no spiders,” Dr. Zasada suggests. “When you clean the garage, don’t sit on anything that’s been stored there for a while. Dust it off first.”

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Previous coverage

Summer wound care

'Tis the (tick) season