First let’s go over the definition of sinusitis.  Sinusitis simply means inflammation of the sinuses, not necessarily inflammation due to infection.  The sinuses can be inflamed for several reasons, including:  irritants, allergies, bacterial and viral infections.  Symptoms of sinusitis can include facial pain or pressure, nasal congestion with nasal discharge, tooth pain, ear pressure and fullness, headache, and bad breath.  Probably the most common symptoms are colored nasal drainage, nasal congestion, facial pain and pressure, and headache.  The exact cause of sinusitis can sometimes be difficult to determine.  Treatment of allergic irritant and viral sinusitis is directed towards symptom relief which could include decongestants or allergy medications.  The only time antibiotics should be employed is when bacterial sinusitis is suspected.  Bacterial sinusitis is more likely when the following symptoms have been present for at least 7 or more days:  colored nasal discharge, mouth or facial pain, sinus tenderness or progressive worsening of symptoms.

Dr. Sean Baker
Family Practitioner
St. Edward Mercy Clinic
Family Medicine
2800 Fayetteville Rd., Van Buren
479-314-4000

When traveling, it is important to bring with your any prescription medications that you or anyone in your family takes regularly.  It’s best to bring the original bottle, not just a pill box, if that is not possible then at least a list of the medications, dosage and instructions for each one.  A first aid kit is a good idea if you are traveling with children.  You can make up your own kit or there are kits available at the pharmacies.  The kit should include things like antiseptic wipes/spray, band aids and gauze pads.  It is a good idea when traveling to take medications like Tylenol, ibuprofen and Benedryl.  If anyone in your family uses medications periodically like a nebulizer or inhaler, it is also a good idea to bring these with.  Traveling can be stressful on everyone involved and it will make things a little less hectic if you are prepared for a situation that might otherwise send you to the walk-in clinic or emergency room. 

Donna Beallis, D.O
St. Edward Mercy Clinic
Family Medicine
7001 Rogers Avenue
479-314-4620

The symptoms that you are describing could be related to a condition known as Seasonal Affective Disorder.  People suffering from seasonal affective disorder tend to notice their symptoms developing in the fall of the year and lasting until the spring of the next year.  Symptoms include increased sleepiness, increased or decreased appetite, loss of interest in favorite activities, irritability, sadness, and occasionally suicidal thoughts.  This condition can be treated effectively with light therapy or antidepressant medications during the time in which symptoms are present.  If you have these symptoms every year you should probably talk to your primary care physician about treatment options.   

Dr. Sean Baker
Family Practitioner
St. Edward Mercy Clinic
Family Medicine
2800 Fayetteville Rd., Van Buren
479-314-4000

No.  Any woman who has bleeding after menopause should have a full evaluation by her PCP or obstetric doctor.  There are several causes of bleeding after menopause but the most concerning is cancer.  Once a period has stopped for over one year any further bleeding is considered abnormal.   

Dr. Sean Baker
Family Practitioner
St. Edward Mercy Clinic
Family Medicine
2800 Fayetteville Rd., Van Buren
479-314-4000

Thanksgiving is just around the corner and Christmas will be here before you know it.  Most holiday celebrations are filled with baked goods, candy and lots of carbohydrates.  The best thing to do is try to limit the breads, potatoes, sweet potatoes, casseroles and cranberry sauce. Try to eat more of the vegetables and salad, as well as the turkey, ham or whatever meat is being served.  A small piece of pie or cake may be ok, but be careful not to overindulge.  In the days between the actual holidays, try to limit the sweets and be careful about portion size at all of those holiday get-togethers.  For those of us who “stress eat,” finding another outlet for our stress is the best option.  It is not easy to do the things stated above, but by following these you can limit the amount of weight gained this holiday season.

Donna Beallis, D.O
St. Edward Mercy Clinic
Family Medicine
7001 Rogers Avenue
479-314-4620