Medgeeks with Andrew Reid

In the latest podcast episode, we tackle a common concern about an abdominal troublemaker known as appendicitis. Classic symptoms of appendicitis include nausea, vomiting, and pain that typically starts near the navel and then migrates to the lower right abdomen. To diagnose appendicitis, a thorough physical exam is essential. However, the most definitive diagnostic tool is a CT scan, which provid...

In this episode of all things nail, we dive deep into Paronychia. This often-overlooked condition affects the skin around your nails, causing inflammation, pain, and sometimes, infection. We will break down the causes, symptoms, and treatment options for this common nail problem. Learn how to distinguish Paronychia from other nail conditions, and discover practical tips for prevention. Whether you...

This episode dives into Onychomycosis, commonly known as nail fungus. We'll explore how these fungi affect your toenails, causing discoloration, thickening, and crumbling. Don't worry! We'll cover various treatment options, from topical solutions to oral medications, and even laser treatments. Plus, get tips on preventing nail fungus through good foot hygiene. Join Dr. Niket Sonpal, he'll help you...

Summer is finally here, bringing with it perfect weather to enjoy the outdoors. In this episode, we will discuss best practices to ensure the safety of yourself and your loved ones. Our topics include selecting the best sunscreen, understanding SPF ratings, and how often to apply sunscreen. We will also cover protection against mosquitoes and ticks, the importance of staying hydrated while enjoyin...

We will continue our discussion on ischemic episodes with a focus on ischemic colitis. We will examine what disrupts blood flow to the colon, leading to symptoms such as cramping abdominal pain, bloody diarrhea, and urgency to defecate. We will delve into risk factors, including underlying vascular disease, extreme exercise, and in some cases, colonoscopies. A thorough medical history and physical...

In this episode, we are going to dive into the medical condition known as Chronic Mesenteric Ischemia. This is a significant health issue characterized by a reduction in the blood flow to the intestines. As a result of this diminished blood supply, individuals suffering from this condition often experience a range of symptoms, most notably abdominal pain and a loss of weight. Throughout the course...

In this episode, we will explore the complex and often misunderstood condition known as Acute Mesenteric Ischemia. This condition, which involves an interruption of the blood flow to the intestines, can lead to severe abdominal pain and require emergency treatment. We'll discuss the various causes, signs and symptoms, and treatment options for Acute Mesenteric Ischemia. We'll also delve into the i...

In this episode, we'll delve into the puzzling condition known as Celiac artery compression syndrome, where the diaphragm compresses the celiac artery, limiting blood flow to crucial abdominal organs. We'll discuss potential symptoms your patient might exhibit, such as persistent abdominal pain often following meals, bloating, and unintentional weight loss. The diagnostic tests aren't as straightf...

In this week's podcast, we will discuss Superior Mesenteric Artery (SMA) syndrome, a condition where the duodenum, part of the small intestine, gets compressed between the aorta and the superior mesenteric artery. Patients with this syndrome typically present with upper abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, and unintentional weight loss. The diagnosis begins with an x-ray or CT scan. We will also disc...

In this episode, we will dive into the not-so-glamorous world of contagious hand ailments: Herpetic Whitlow, Herpes Gladiatorum and Hand, Foot and Mouth diseases. We'll break down the symptoms, causes and treatments for each hand-targeted terror. Join Dr. Niket Sonpal as he shares some pointers to keep your high fives squeaky clean. May 20, 2024 — Do you work in primary care medicine? Primary Care...

In this podcast series, we aim to shed light on stenosing tenosynovitis, also known as Trigger Finger. This happens when the tendon that controls the finger can't glide smoothly in the sheath that surrounds it. Join Dr. Niket Sonpal as he will guides us through various aspects of the condition, its causes, symptoms, and various treatments available. Through expert insights and practical advice, th...

Ever found yourself drifting through the endless sea of Tik Tok videos and bumped into a bit of medical advice? Did you find yourself pondering over the credibility of the information shared? Ever wondered if this advice, nestled between dance routines and comedy sketches, could actually have a pinch of scientific truth or real-life application? Join Dr. Niket Sonpal as he sifts through some medic...

Have you ever leaned on your elbow for a long period of time that your pinky finger feels numb or tingling? It could be cubital tunnel syndrome, where your ulnar nerve gets a little too cozy at the elbow. Constant bending can irritate the cubital tunnel, the narrow pathway where the ulnar nerve hangs out at your elbow.  We will go over the signs and symptoms of this tingling sensation. Now, the qu...

Feeling a little gloomy? It might be a lack of that sunshine vitamin, also known as vitamin D. In this last episode of our Nutrition Series: Fat Soluble Vitamin, we will crack open the science behind this essential nutrient. We will discuss the different ways we can boost the vitamin levels such diet, supplements or going outside a little bit more. Join Dr. Niket Sonpal as he sheds light on why yo...

In this podcast, we will switch from water soluble vitamins to fat soluble vitamins (A, D, E and K). Unlike water soluble vitamins that need constant intake, fat soluble vitamins can be stored by the body. We will discuss what happens when we are deficient with the fat soluble vitamins A, E and K.  Join Dr. Niket Sonpal as he dives deep into what makes these vitamins different from their water sol...

Next up in our Nutrition Series, we'll crack the code on what B12 and folic acid do to your body. Those sneaky deficiencies can lead to you feeling less than normal. We will discuss the signs and symptoms between the two and try to understand the various factors that contribute to these deficiencies. Join Dr. Niket Sonpal so we can all be well informed about B12 and folic acid. April 8, 2024 — Do...

In this episode, we will discuss part 2 of our micronutrient series: water-soluble vitamins. We will dive into the world of Vitamin C, and squeeze out the juicy details that boost our immune system. We will also take a tangy detour into the history of a happy hour drink, Gin and tonic. Join Dr. Niket Sonpal as he connects Vitamin C and happy hour. April 1, 2024 — Do you work in primary care medici...

This week, we'll start a new micronutrient series, water-soluble vitamins. We'll break down the basics of water-soluble vitamins, explaining their role in health and why we need them. Unlike fat-soluble vitamins, our bodies do not store them, and we need them regularly in our diet. Join Dr. Niket Sonpal as he sets the stage for this new micronutrient series. March 25, 2024 — Do you work in primary...

Do you ever feel like your hand is falling asleep all the time? Is it tingling or having a numb feeling? This common condition that is cramping your style is carpal tunnel syndrome. Carpal tunnel syndrome can be caused by repetitive hand motion, pregnancy and other medical conditions. The symptoms that your patient might experience is numbness, tingling or weakness in their hand. To make the diagn...

In our State of the Union (medical edition), we will go over a number of changes in the medical field. We'll crack open CDC guideline updates, explore a potential cancer link in acne medications, a melatonin gummy warning and debunking a TikTok trend. Join Dr. Niket Sonpal as he addresses the State of the Union (medical edition). March 11, 2024 — Do you work in primary care medicine? Primary Care...

Does your thumb hurt from doing repetitive movements such as texting or scrolling? In this episode, we will dive into a very common pain and swelling around the thumb tendons. In the past, we used to call it the Blackberry thumb, but now it's more like iPhone or Android thumb. This condition is known as de Quervain tenosynovitis. We'll discuss how your patient might present including tenderness, d...

In this episode, we will discuss portal hypertensive gastropathy (PHG). The most common cause for PHG is cirrhosis and can cause bleeding, ulcers and other complications. Join Dr. Niket Sonpal as he will go over the symptoms such as nausea, hematemesis and indigestion. Diagnosing PHG will include an upper endoscopy and possible biopsy if needed. The treatments will depend on severity. February 26,...

In this latest podcast episode, we will talk about radiation. No, not the radiation that gives you superpowers like in the movies. But, radiation proctitis, which is inflammation of the rectum caused by exposure to radiation therapy. Typically for pelvic cancers like prostate, cervical and rectal cancers. There are two types of radiation proctitis, acute and chronic. Acute develops up to 3 months...

In this week's episode of Bugs and Drugs, we will dive into two worlds of food borne bacteria. One can be found in reheated rice, known as Bacillus cereus. The other is found in raw or undercooked pork, known as Yersinia enterocolitica. B. cereus can present with vomiting syndrome or diarrheal syndrome. You won't need to do any testing unless there is an outbreak and antibiotics are not needed. Yo...

In the latest episode of Bugs and Drugs, let's dive into the microscopic world of Entamoeba histolytica. What is Entamoeba histolytica you ask? It is a parasitic infection that primarily affects the large intestine but can also travel to other organs like the liver. It can come from contaminated water and/or foods cooked with contaminated water. The signs and symptoms to look for range from mild d...